bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pengaruh Pembelajaran dengan Metode e-Learning Terhadap Pemahaman Materi Kuliah Keperawatan Medikal Bedah II pada Mahasiswa Keperawatan Semester IV STIKes Maranatha Kupang
Authors: Merlin Ni Made , Vanchapo Antonius Rino
Published: August 2021

Introduction: The development of technology has an impact on the realm of education, particularly in the form of an electronic-based learning method (e-learning). The application of the e-learning method for studying is considered as a way to enhance knowledge, specifically for nursing science to be more efficient during the COVID-19 pandemic. Purpose: This study aims to examine the effect of the e-learning method on the understanding of second-year nursing students toward surgical-medical nursing lecture material in STIKes Maranatha Kupang. Methods: The research design used in this study was a quasi-experimental design with one group pre-post test only. Respondents in this study were 39 people. Data collection was conducted by measuring students' comprehension of the topic of the course being taught. The study material was given through the online system for 150 minutes using the zoom application. Subsequently, respondents were remeasured with the same questions after the lecture session using the edLink application. The statistical test in this study used the Wilcoxon test. Results: The preliminary test obtained a mean of 32.69 with min-max 0-60 and post-test 71.79 with min-max of 55-90. The statistical test result of the p-value was 0,002. Conclusion: The increase of mean value after the post-test and also the statistical test results of p-value < 0.005 provide the evidence that the e-learning method affects the second-year nursing students’ comprehension concerning the material of medical-nursing courses in STIKes Maranatha Kupang.
Keywords: e-learning method; understanding; medical-surgical nursing; course material
Konseling Sebaya Bagi Ibu Untuk Meningkatkan Praktik Pemberian ASI Eksklusif
Authors: Sartika Dona , Setiawan Agus
Published: August 2021

Breastfeeding positively impacts both infants and mothers, but the rate of exclusive breastfeeding throughout the world is still low. One of these needs to be improved by implementing peer counseling for nursing mothers. This study aims to determine the benefits of peer counseling to mothers and exclusive breastfeeding. The method used was systematic literature study with descriptive analysis. Articles obtained from online databases namely Emarald insight, EBSCOhost, PubMed, sciencedirect, Wiley and Google scholar with a publication from 2016 to 2020. This study identified 43 articles and 12 met the inclusion criteria. The article consisted of quantitative research, (n = 8), qualitative research, (n = 3) and 1 article was a report article, 10 articles showed the positive impact of peer counseling on exclusive breastfeeding and maternal social support, 1 article was no impact on exclusive breastfeeding, 1 article needed further evaluation. Most research showed the positive impact of peer support on exclusive breastfeeding and maternal social support. This result was one of the important considerations in an effort to increase exclusive breastfeeding and social support for mothers.

Keywords: breastfeeding; exclusive breastfeeding; peer counselling; peer support

ABSTRAK

Menyusui memberikan dampak positif baik bagi bayi maupun ibu, namun angka pemberian ASI eksklusif di seluruh dunia masih rendah. Hal ini perlu ditingkatkan salah satunya dengan menerapkan konseling sebaya untuk ibu menyusui. Studi ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui manfaat konseling sebaya terhadap ibu dan ASI eksklusif. Metode yang digunakan yaitu studi literatur tersistematis dengan analisis deskriptif. Artikel diperoleh dari online database yaitu Emarald insight, EBSCOhost, PubMed, sciencedirect, Wiley dan Google scholar dengan tahun terbit dari 2016 hingga 2020. Studi ini mengidentifikasi 43 artikel dan 12 memenuhi kriteria inklusi. Artikel terdiri dari penelitian kuantitatif, (n=8), penelitian kualitatif, (n=3) dan 1 artikel merupakan report article, 10 artikel menunjukkan dampak positif konseling sebaya terhadap ASI eksklusif dan dukungan sosial ibu, 1 artikel tidak berdampak terhadap ASI eksklusif, 1 artikel perlu evaluasi lebih lanjut. Sebagian besar penelitian menunjukkan dampak positif dukungan sebaya terhadap ASI eksklusif dan dukungan sosial ibu. Hasil ini menjadi salah satu pertimbangan penting dalam upaya meningkatnya pemberian ASI eksklusif serta dukungan sosial bagi ibu.

Kata kunci: ASI eksklusif; dukungan sebaya; konseling sebaya; menyusui
Intervensi Dalam Pencegahan Cedera yang Tidak Disengaja pada Balita
Authors: Suryatmana Iin , Setiawan Agus
Published: August 2021

Unintentional injury in children is a global problem that often occurs in all countries in the world. Various prevention efforts need to be done by all relevant stakeholders to reduce the number of unintentional injuries in children. The purpose of this study was to identify the effect of interventions on the prevention of unintentional injuries on children under 5 years (toddlers). A literature study with descriptive analysis was used in this study. Articles were obtained through an online database search on the ScienceDirect, Wiley, Sage, ProQuest, Google scholar databases published from 2015 to 2020. This study identified 48 articles and 9 articles met the inclusion criteria. The results of the study identified that in general all articles (n = 7) showed a positive effect on injury prevention in children, 1 article did not clearly illustrate its effect on prevention of child injury, 1 article had no effect on prevention of child injury. Future studies need to consider various risk factors that influence the effectiveness of an intervention in order to get positive results.

Keywords: injury prevention; toddlers; unintentional child injury

ABSTRAK

Cedera yang tidak disengaja pada anak merupakan masalah global yang bayak terjadi di seluruh negara di dunia. Berbagai upaya pencegahan perlu dilakukan oleh semua stakeholder terkait untuk menekan angka kejadian cedera yang tidak disengaja pada anak. Tujuan studi ini adalah megidentifikasi pengaruh intervensi terhadap pencegahan cedera yang tidak disengaja pada anak di bawah 5 tahun (balita). Metode studi literatur dengan analisis deskriptif digunakan dalam studi ini. Artikel diperoleh melalui penelusuran online database ScienceDirect, Wiley, Sage, ProQuest, Google scholar yang terbit dari 2015 hingga 2020. Studi ini mengidentifikasi 48 artikel serta 9 artikel memenuhi kriteria inklusi. Hasil studi mengidentfikasi bahwa secara umum semua artikel (n=7) menunjukkan dampak positif terhadap pencegahan cedera pada anak, 1 artikel tidak tergambar jelas pengaruhnya terhadap pencegahan cedera anak, 1 artikel tidak berpengaruh terhadap pencegahan cedera anak. Penelitian selanjutnya perlu mempertimbangakan berbagai faktor risiko yang mempengaruhi efektifitas suatu intervensi agar mendapatkan hasil yang positif.

Kata kunci: balita; cedera yang tidak disengaja pada anak; pencegahan cedera
Dukungan Sosial Keluarga dan Tingkat Kecemasan Penderita TB Paru di Puskesmas Kambaniru Kabupaten Sumba Timur
Authors: Namuwali Domianus , Hara Maria Kareri , E.S Gunawan Yosephina
Published: August 2021

Background: Tuberculosis or TB was the main cause of death in infectious diseases. In 2017 there were 1.3 deaths due to TB. Globally, it was estimated that the incidence of TB disease was around 10.0 million and most prevalent in men around 5.8 million. Approximately 90% of TB patients were found in adults above 15 years old. In 2018, the number of TB sufferers in Kambaniru health center was 31 people. Objective: The purpose of this study was to identify the correlation of family social support towards the anxiety of TB patients in Kambaniru Health Center, East Sumba Regency. Methods: The research method used was a quantitative method with cross sectional design. The sampling was taken by using a total sampling technique with a sample size of 31 respondents. This research was conducted in Kambaniru Health Center from August to September 2019. Results: The results of this study found that the most respondents had moderate anxiety as many as 16 people (51.6%), the most family social support was good as many as 20 respondents (64.4%) and from the Spearman Correlation Test it was found that there was no significant correlation between family social support and the level of anxiety of TB patients in Kambaniru Health Center. Conclusion: There was no correlation between family social support and anxiety level of TB patients in Kambaniru Health Center.

Keywords: family social; support, anxiety level; TB patients

ABSTRAK

Latar belakang: PenyakitTB Paru merupakan penyebab utama kematian pada penyakit infeksi, Pada tahun 2017 terdapat 1,3 kematian akibat penyakit TB. Secara global diperkirakan insiden penyakit TB Paru sekitar 10,0 juta dan paling banyak ditemukan pada laki-laki sekitar 5,8 juta. sekitar 90% Penderita TB Paru ditemukan pada usia dewasa ≥ 15 tahun. Pada tahun 2018 jumlah penderita TB paru di Puskesmas Kambaniru sebanyak 31 orang. Tujuan: Tujuan dari penelitian untuk mengidentifikasi hubungan dukungan social keluarga terhadap kecemasan pada penderita TB paru di Puskesmas Kambaniru Kabupaten Sumba Timur. Metode: Metode penelitian yang digunakan kuantitatif dengan rancangan cross sectional. Pengambilan sampel dilakukan dengan teknik total sampling dengan ukuran sampel 31 responden. Penilitian ini dilaksanakan di Puskemas Kambaniru pada Bulan Agustus – September 2019. Hasil: Hasil dari penelitian ini didapatkan bahwa sebagian besar responden mengalami kecemasan sedang sebanyak 16 orang (51,6%), Dukungan sosial keluarga terbanyak adalah baik sebanyak 20 responden (64,4%) dan dari hasil Uji Korelasi Spearman didapatkan tidak ada hubungan yang signifikan dukungan social keluarga dengan tingkat kecemasan penderita TB Paru di Puskesmas Kambaniru. Kesimpulan: Tidak ada hubungan dukungan social keluarga dengan tingkat kecemasan penderita TB paru di Puskesmas Kambaniru.

Kata kunci: dukungan sosial keluarga; tingkat kecemasan; penderita TB
Manajemen Mitigasi Bencana Menggunakan Teknologi Balloon Tethered
Authors: Nirmalasari Nining , Sahar Junaiti
Published: August 2021

Introduction: The occurrence of natural disasters in Indonesia from year to year continues to occur, with the progress of communication technology that is increasingly expected to be able to facilitate communication when a disaster occurs. Such as the use of balloon tethered technology that can function for disaster mitigation, with the use of balloon tethered that is tethered in areas that are at risk of disaster prone. Methods: The method used by the author was literature review. The database used by the author were Google Scholar, IEEE Xplore, GEOECO, EBSCOhost, Researchgate and the keywords were disaster mitigation, Tethered Balloon technology, Aerial Platform. Results: This tethered balloon technology consists of a combination of flying balloons, tethered, and payload, for the use of disaster mitigation and supports faster broadband communication networks to users before or during and after a disaster. The rescue team can work more effectively and efficiently with the help of this tethered balloon technology. Conclusion: Cross-sectoral collaboration involving various disciplines is needed for disaster mitigation management. The role of the government is very large for the availability of communication technology such as tethered balloons.

Keywords: disaster mitigation; tethered balloon; platform

ABSTRAK

Pendahuluan: Kejadian bencana alam di Indonesia dari tahun ke tahun terus terjadi, dengan adanya kemajuan teknologi komunikasi yang semakin berkembang diharapkan dapat memudahkan komunikasi saat terjadi bencana. Seperti pada penggunaan teknologi balon tethered yang dapat berfungsi untuk mitigasi bencana, dengan penggunaan balon tethered yang ditambatkan di daerah yang beresiko rawan bencana. Metode: Metode yang digunakan penulis adalah literature review. Database yang digunakan penulis adalah Google Scholar, IEEE Xplore, GEOECO, EBSCOhost, Researchgate dengan mitigasi bencana, tehnologi Tethered Balloon, Aerial Platform. Hasil: Teknologi balon tethered terdiri atas gabungan balon terbang, tethered, dan payload, untuk penggunaan mitigasi bencana dan mendukung jaringan komunikasi broadband yang lebih cepat kepada pengguna sebelum atau selama dan sesudah bencana. Tim penyelamat dapat bekerja lebih efektif dan efisien dengan bantuan teknologi balon tethered ini. Kesimpulan: kerjasama lintas sektoral yang melibatkan berbagai disiplin ilmu dibutuhkan untuk manajemen mitigasi bencana. Peranan pemerintah sangat besar untuk ketersediaan teknologi komunikasi seperti balon tethered ini.

Kata kunci: mitigasi bencana; tethered balloon; platform
An Investigation of Differences in Lower Extremity Biomechanics During Single-Leg Landing From Height Using Bionic Shoes and Normal Shoes
Authors: Xu Datao , Zhou Huiyu , Baker Julien S. , István Bíró , Gu Yaodong
Published: August 2021

Bionic shoes utilizing an actual foot shape sole structure can alter lower limb’s biomechanics, which may help in the development of specific training or rehabilitation programs. The purpose of this study was to investigate the biomechanical differences in the lower limb during a single-leg landing task using bionic shoes (BS) and normal shoes (NS). Fifteen healthy male subjects participated in this study, sagittal, and frontal plane data were collected during the landing phase (drop landing from 35 cm platform). Our study showed that BS depicted a significantly greater minimum knee flexion angle at initial contact (p = 0.000), a significantly greater minimum (initial contact) hip flexion angle at initial contact (p = 0.009), a significantly smaller sagittal plane total energy dissipation (p = 0.028), a significantly smaller frontal plane total energy dissipation (p = 0.008), a significantly smaller lower limb total energy dissipation (p = 0.017) than NS during the landing phase. SPM analysis revealed that BS depicted a significantly smaller knee joint vertical reaction force during the 13.8–19.8% landing phase (p = 0.01), a significantly smaller anterior tibia shear force during the 14.2–17.5% landing phase (p = 0.024) than NS. BS appears to change lower limb kinematics at initial contact and then readjust the landing strategies for joint work and joint reaction force, thereby reducing the risk of lower limb skeletal muscle injury. BS have great potential for future development and application uses, which may help athletes to reduce lower limb injury risk.
Single-Cell Transcriptome Profiling Reveals the Suppressive Role of Retinal Neurons in Microglia Activation Under Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Xiao Yuhua , Hu Xing , Fan Shuxin , Zhong Jiawei , Mo Xinzhi , Liu Xialin , Hu Youjin
Published: August 2021

Diabetic retinopathy, as one of the common complications of diabetes mellitus, is the leading cause of blindness in the working-age population worldwide. The disease is characterized by damage to retinal vasculature, which is associated with the activation of retina microglial and induces chronic neurodegeneration. Previous studies have identified the effects of activated microglial on the retinal neurons, but the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying microglial activation is largely unknown. Here, we performed scRNA-seq on the retina of non-human primates with diabetes mellitus, and identified cell-type-specific molecular changes of the six major cell types. By identifying the ligand-receptor expression patterns among different cells, we established the interactome of the whole retina. The data showed that TNF-α signal mediated the activation of microglia through an autocrine manner. And we found TGFβ2, which was upregulated in cone dramatically by hyperglycemia, inhibited microglia activation at the early stage of diabetic retinopathy. In summary, our study is the first to profile cell-specific molecular changes and the cell-cell interactome of retina under diabetes mellitus, paving a way to dissect the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying early-stage diabetic retinopathy.
Dynamics of Green and Blue Water Supply Stress Index Across Major Global Cropland Basins
Authors: Khand Kul , Senay Gabriel B. , Kagone Stefanie , Parrish Gabriel Edwin Lee
Published: August 2021

Global food and water insecurity could be serious problems in the upcoming decades with growing demands from the increasing global population and more frequent effect of climatic extremes. As the available water resources are diminishing and facing continuous stress, it is crucial to monitor water demand and water availability to understand the associated water stresses. This study assessed the water stress by applying the water supply stress index (WaSSI) in relation to green (WaSSIG) and blue (WaSSIB) water resources across six major cropland basins including the Mississippi (North America), San Francisco (South America), Nile (Africa), Danube (Europe), Ganges-Brahmaputra (Asia), and Murray-Darling (Australia) for the past 17-years (2003–2019). The WaSSIG and WaSSIB results indicated that the Murray-Darling Basin experienced the most severe (maximum WaSSIG and WaSSIB anomalies) green and blue water stresses and the Mississippi Basin had the least. All basins had both green and blue water stresses for at least 35% (6 out of 17 years) of the study period. The interannual variations in green water stress were driven by both crop water demand and green water supply, whereas the blue water stress variations were primarily driven by blue water supply. The WaSSIG and WaSSIB provided a better understanding of water stress (blue or green) and their drivers (demand or supply driven) across cropland basins. This information can be useful for basin-specific resource mobilization and interventions to ensure food and water security.
Comparison of the Reductions in LDL-C and Non-HDL-C Induced by the Red Yeast Rice Extract Xuezhikang Between Fasting and Non-fasting States in Patients With Coronary Heart Disease
Authors: Zhu Li-Yuan , Wen Xing-Yu , Xiang Qun-Yan , Guo Li-Ling , Xu Jin , Zhao Shui-Ping , Liu Ling
Published: August 2021

Background: Xuezhikang, an extract of red yeast rice, effectively lowers fasting blood lipid levels. However, the influence of Xuezhikang on the non-fasting levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C) has not been explored in Chinese patients with coronary heart disease (CHD).

Methods: Fifty CHD patients were enrolled and randomly divided into two groups (n = 25 each) to receive 1,200 mg/d of Xuezhikang or a placebo for 6 weeks as routine therapy. Blood lipids were repeatedly measured before and after 6 weeks of treatment at 0, 2, 4, and 6 h after a standard breakfast containing 800 kcal and 50 g of fat.

Results: The serum LDL-C levels significantly decreased, from a fasting level of 3.88 mmol/L to non-fasting levels of 2.99, 2.83, and 3.23 mmol/L at 2, 4, and 6 h, respectively, after breakfast (P < 0.05). The serum non-HDL-C level mildly increased from a fasting level of 4.29 mmol/L to non-fasting levels of 4.32, 4.38, and 4.34 mmol/L at 2, 4, and 6 h post-prandially, respectively, and the difference reached statistical significance only at 4 and 6 h after breakfast (P < 0.05). After 6 weeks of Xuezhikang treatment, the patients had significantly lower fasting and non-fasting serum levels of LDL-C and non-HDL-C (P < 0.05) than at pretreatment. The LDL-C levels were reduced by 27.8, 28.1, 26.2, and 25.3% at 0, 2, 4, and 6 h, respectively, and the non-HDL-C levels were reduced by 27.6, 28.7, 29.0, and 28.0% at 0, 2, 4, and 6 h, respectively, after breakfast. No significant difference was found in the percent reductions in the LDL-C and non-HDL-C levels among the four different time-points.

Conclusions: Six weeks of Xuezhikang treatment significantly decreased LDL-C and non-HDL-C levels, with similar percent reductions in fasting and non-fasting states in CHD patients, indicating that the percent change in non-fasting LDL-C or non-HDL-C could replace that in the fasting state for evaluation the efficacy of cholesterol control in CHD patients who are unwilling or unable to fast.
Endocannabinoids Produced by White Adipose Tissue Modulate Lipolysis in Lean but Not in Obese Rodent and Human
Authors: Buch Chloé , Muller Tania , Leemput Julia , Passilly-Degrace Patricia , Ortega-Deballon Pablo , Pais de Barros Jean-Paul , Vergès Bruno , Jourdan Tony , Demizieux Laurent , Degrace Pascal
Published: August 2021

White adipose tissue (WAT) possesses the endocannabinoid system (ECS) machinery and produces the two major endocannabinoids (ECs), arachidonoylethanolamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG). Accumulating evidence indicates that WAT cannabinoid 1 receptors (CB1R) are involved in the regulation of fat storage, tissue remodeling and secretory functions but their role in controlling lipid mobilization is unclear. In the present study, we used different strategies to acutely increase ECS activity in WAT and tested the consequences on glycerol production as a marker of lipolysis. Treating lean mice or rat WAT explants with JLZ195, which inhibits ECs degrading enzymes, induced an increase in 2-AG tissue contents that was associated with a CB1R-dependent decrease in lipolysis. Direct treatment of rat WAT explants with AEA also inhibited glycerol production while mechanistic studies revealed it could result from the stimulation of Akt-signaling pathway. Interestingly, AEA treatment decreased lipolysis both in visceral and subcutaneous WAT collected on lean subjects suggesting that ECS also reduces fat store mobilization in Human. In obese mice, WAT content and secretion rate of ECs were higher than in control while glycerol production was reduced suggesting that over-produced ECs may inhibit lipolysis activating local CB1R. Strikingly, our data also reveal that acute CB1R blockade with Rimonabant did not modify lipolysis in vitro in obese mice and human explants nor in vivo in obese mice. Taken together, these data provide physiological evidence that activation of ECS in WAT, by limiting fat mobilization, may participate in the progressive tissue remodeling that could finally lead to organ dysfunction. The present findings also indicate that acute CB1R blockade is inefficient in regulating lipolysis in obese WAT and raise the possibility of an alteration of CB1R signaling in conditions of obesity.
Evaluating the Causal Association Between Educational Attainment and Asthma Using a Mendelian Randomization Design
Authors: Li Yunxia , Chen Wenhao , Tian Shiyao , Xia Shuyue , Yang Biao
Published: August 2021

Asthma is a common chronic respiratory disease. In the past 10 years, genome-wide association study (GWAS) has been widely used to identify the common asthma genetic variants. Importantly, these publicly available asthma GWAS datasets provide important data support to investigate the causal association of kinds of risk factors with asthma by a Mendelian randomization (MR) design. It is known that socioeconomic status is associated with asthma. However, it remains unclear about the causal association between socioeconomic status and asthma. Here, we selected 162 independent educational attainment genetic variants as the potential instruments to evaluate the causal association between educational attainment and asthma using large-scale GWAS datasets of educational attainment (n= 405,072) and asthma (n= 30,810). We conducted a pleiotropy analysis using the MR-Egger intercept test and the MR pleiotropy residual sum and outlier (MR-PRESSO) test. We performed an MR analysis using inverse-variance weighted, weighted median, MR-Egger, and MR-PRESSO. The main analysis method inverse-variance weighted indicated that each 1 standard deviation increase in educational attainment (3.6 years) could reduce 35% asthma risk [odds ratio (OR) = 0.65, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.51–0.85,P= 0.001]. Importantly, evidence from other MR methods further supported this finding, including weighted median (OR = 0.55, 95% CI 0.38–0.80,P= 0.001), MR-Egger (OR = 0.48, 95% CI 0.16–1.46,P= 0.198), and MR-PRESSO (OR = 0.65, 95% CI 0.51–0.85,P= 0.0015). Meanwhile, we provide evidence to support that educational attainment protects against asthma risk dependently on cognitive performance using multivariable MR analysis. In summary, we highlight the protective role of educational attainment against asthma. Our findings may have public health applications and deserve further investigation.
Association Between Sleep Apnea and Valvular Heart Diseases
Authors: Pelaia Corrado , Armentaro Giuseppe , Miceli Sofia , Perticone Maria , Toscani Alfredo Francesco , Condoleo Valentino , Spinali Martina , Cassano Velia , Maio Raffaele , Caroleo Benedetto , Lombardo Nicola , Arturi Franco , Perticone Francesco , Sciacqua Angela
Published: August 2021

Background: Although sleep respiratory disorders are known as a relevant source of cardiovascular risk, there is a substantial lack of trials aimed to evaluate the eventual occurrence of associations between sleep apnea (SA) and valvular heart diseases (VHD).

Methods: We recruited 411 patients referring to our sleep disorder unit, among which 371 had SA. Ninety-three subjects with SA also suffered from VHD. Physical examination, echocardiography, nocturnal cardio-respiratory monitoring, and laboratory tests were performed in each patient. Patient subgroups were comparatively evaluated through cross-sectional analysis.

Results: A statistically significant increase in the prevalence of VHD was detected in relation to high apnea hypopnea index (AHI) values (p = 0.011). Obstructive sleep apnea occurrence was higher in SA patients without VHD (p < 0.0001). Conversely, central and mixed sleep apneas were more frequent among SA patients with VHD (p = 0.0003 and p = 0.002, respectively). We observed a direct correlation between AHI and BMI values (p < 0.0001), as well as between AHI and serum uric acid levels (p < 0.0001), high sensitivity C-reactive protein (p < 0.0001), and indexed left ventricular end-diastolic volume (p < 0.015), respectively. BMI and VHD resulted to be the main predictors of AHI values (p < 0.0001).

Conclusions: Our study suggests that a significant association can occur between SA and VHD. It is clinically relevant that when compared to SA patients without VHD, higher frequencies of central and mixed apneas were found in subjects with SA and VHD. Moreover, after elevated BMI, VHD represented the second predictor of AHI values.
Novel Klebsiella pneumoniae K23-Specific Bacteriophages From Different Families: Similarity of Depolymerases and Their Therapeutic Potential
Authors: Gorodnichev Roman B. , Volozhantsev Nikolay V. , Krasilnikova Valentina M. , Bodoev Ivan N. , Kornienko Maria A. , Kuptsov Nikita S. , Popova Anastasia V. , Makarenko Galina I. , Manolov Alexander I. , Slukin Pavel V. , Bespiatykh Dmitry A. , Verevkin Vladimir V. , Denisenko Egor A. , Kulikov Eugene E. , Veselovsky Vladimir A. , Malakhova Maja V. , Dyatlov Ivan A. , Ilina Elena N. , Shitikov Egor A.
Published: August 2021

Antibiotic resistance is a major public health concern in many countries worldwide. The rapid spread of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria is the main driving force for the development of novel non-antibiotic antimicrobials as a therapeutic alternative. Here, we isolated and characterized three virulent bacteriophages that specifically infect and lyse MDR Klebsiella pneumoniae with K23 capsule type. The phages belonged to the Autographiviridae (vB_KpnP_Dlv622) and Myoviridae (vB_KpnM_Seu621, KpS8) families and contained highly similar receptor-binding proteins (RBPs) with polysaccharide depolymerase enzymatic activity. Based on phylogenetic analysis, a similar pattern was also noted for five other groups of depolymerases, specific against capsule types K1, K30/K69, K57, K63, and KN2. The resulting recombinant depolymerases Dep622 (phage vB_KpnP_Dlv622) and DepS8 (phage KpS8) demonstrated narrow specificity against K. pneumoniae with capsule type K23 and were able to protect Galleria mellonella larvae in a model infection with a K. pneumoniae multidrug-resistant strain. These findings expand our knowledge of the diversity of phage depolymerases and provide further evidence that bacteriophages and phage polysaccharide depolymerases represent a promising tool for antimicrobial therapy.
Secretory Expression of an Alkaline Alginate Lyase With Heat Recovery Property in Yarrowia lipolytica
Authors: Liu Lu , Wang Zhipeng , Zheng Zhihong , Li Ze , Ji Xiaofeng , Cong Haihua , Wang Haiying
Published: August 2021

Alginate lyase possesses wide application prospects for the degradation of brown algae and preparation of alginate oligosaccharides, and its degradation products display a variety of biological activities. Although many enzymes of this type have been reported, alginate lyases with unique properties are still relatively rare. In the present work, an alginate lyase abbreviated as Alyw203 has been cloned from Vibrio sp. W2 and expressed in food-grade Yarrowia lipolytica. The Alyw203 gene consists of an open reading frame (ORF) of 1,566 bp containing 521 amino acids, of which the first 17 amino acids are considered signal peptides, corresponding to secretory features. The peak activity of the current enzyme appears at 45°C with a molecular weight of approximately 57.0 kDa. Interestingly, Alyw203 exhibits unique heat recovery performance, returning above 90% of its initial activity in the subsequent incubation for 20 min at 10°C, which is conducive to the recovery of current enzymes at low-temperature conditions. Meanwhile, the highest activity is obtained under alkaline conditions of pH 10.0, showing outstanding pH stability. Additionally, as an alginate lyase independent of NaCl and resistant to metal ions, Alyw203 is highly active in various ionic environments. Moreover, the hydrolyzates of present enzymes are mainly concentrated in the oligosaccharides of DP1–DP2, displaying perfect product specificity. The alkali suitability, heat recovery performance, and high oligosaccharide yield of Alyw203 make it a potential candidate for industrial production of the monosaccharide and disaccharide.
Insights on the Formation of Nanoparticles Prepared by Magnetron Sputtering Onto Liquids: Gold Sputtered Onto Castor Oil as a Case Study
Authors: Sergievskaya Anastasiya , O’Reilly Amy , Alem Halima , De Winter Julien , Cornil David , Cornil Jérôme , Konstantinidis Stephanos
Published: August 2021

Magnetron sputter deposition of metal targets over liquids allows producing colloidal solutions of small metal nanoparticles (NPs) without any additional reducing or stabilizing reagents. Despite that this synthetic approach is known for almost 15 years, the detailed mechanism of NP formation is still unclear. Detailed investigations must be carried out to better understand the growth mechanism and, ultimately, control the properties of the NPs. Here, the combination of the gold (Au) target and castor oil, a highly available green solvent, was chosen as a model system to investigate how different experimental parameters affect the growth of NPs. The effect of deposition time, applied sputter power, working gas pressure, and type of sputter plasma (direct current magnetron sputtering (DC-MS) vs. high-power impulse magnetron sputtering (HiPIMS)) on properties of Au NPs has been studied by UV-vis spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and further supported by quantum-chemistry calculations and mass-spectrometry analysis. The mechanism of the Au NP formation includes the production of primary NPs and their subsequent aggregative growth limited by diffusion in the viscous castor oil medium. Final Au NPs have a narrow size distribution and a medium diameter of 2.4–3.2 nm when produced in DC-MS mode. The NP size can be increased up to 5.2 ± 0.8 nm by depositing in HiPIMS mode which, therefore, mimics energy and time-consuming post synthesis annealing.
Creating Better Collision-Free Trajectory for Robot Motion Planning by Linearly Constrained Quadratic Programming
Authors: Liu Yizhou , Zha Fusheng , Li Mantian , Guo Wei , Jia Yunxin , Wang Pengfei , Zang Yajing , Sun Lining
Published: August 2021

Many algorithms in probabilistic sampling-based motion planning have been proposed to create a path for a robot in an environment with obstacles. Due to the randomness of sampling, they can efficiently compute the collision-free paths made of segments lying in the configuration space with probabilistic completeness. However, this property also makes the trajectories have some unnecessary redundant or jerky motions, which need to be optimized. For most robotics applications, the trajectories should be short, smooth and keep away from obstacles. This paper proposes a new trajectory optimization technique which transforms a polygon collision-free path into a smooth path, and can deal with trajectories which contain various task constraints. The technique removes redundant motions by quadratic programming in the parameter space of trajectory, and converts collision avoidance conditions to linear constraints to ensure absolute safety of trajectories. Furthermore, the technique uses a projection operator to realize the optimization of trajectories which are subject to some hard kinematic constraints, like keeping a glass of water upright or coordinating operation with dual robots. The experimental results proved the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed method, when it is compared with other trajectory optimization methods.
Generalized Finite-Length Fibonacci Sequences in Healthy and Pathological Human Walking: Comprehensively Assessing Recursivity, Asymmetry, Consistency, Self-Similarity, and Variability of Gaits
Authors: Verrelli Cristiano Maria , Iosa Marco , Roselli Paolo , Pisani Antonio , Giannini Franco , Saggio Giovanni
Published: August 2021

Healthy and pathological human walking are here interpreted, from a temporal point of view, by means of dynamics-on-graph concepts and generalized finite-length Fibonacci sequences. Such sequences, in their most general definition, concern two sets of eight specific time intervals for the newly defined composite gait cycle, which involves two specific couples of overlapping (left and right) gait cycles. The role of the golden ratio, whose occurrence has been experimentally found in the recent literature, is accordingly characterized, without resorting to complex tools from linear algebra. Gait recursivity, self-similarity, and asymmetry (including double support sub-phase consistency) are comprehensively captured. A new gait index, named Φ-bonacci gait number, and a new related experimental conjecture—concerning the position of the foot relative to the tibia—are concurrently proposed. Experimental results on healthy or pathological gaits support the theoretical derivations.
Closed-Loop Fuzzy Energy Regulation in Patients With Hypercortisolism via Inhibitory and Excitatory Intermittent Actuation
Authors: Fekri Azgomi Hamid , Hahn Jin-Oh , Faghih Rose T.
Published: August 2021

Hypercortisolism or Cushing's disease, which corresponds to the excessive levels of cortisol hormone, is associated with tiredness and fatigue during the day and disturbed sleep at night. Our goal is to employ a wearable brain machine interface architecture to regulate one's energy levels in hypercortisolism. In the present simulation study, we generate multi-day cortisol profile data for ten subjects both in healthy and disease conditions. To relate an internal hidden cognitive energy state to one's cortisol secretion patterns, we employ a state-space model. Particularly, we consider circadian upper and lower bound envelopes on cortisol levels, and timings of hypothalamic pulsatile activity underlying cortisol secretions as continuous and binary observations, respectively. To estimate the hidden cognitive energy-related state, we use Bayesian filtering. In our proposed architecture, we infer one's cognitive energy-related state using wearable devices rather than monitoring the brain activity directly and close the loop utilizing fuzzy control. To model actuation in the real-time closed-loop architecture, we simulate two types of medications that result in increasing and decreasing the energy levels in the body. Finally, we close the loop using a knowledge-based control approach. The results on ten simulated profiles verify how the proposed architecture is able to track the energy state and regulate it using hypothetical medications. In a simulation study based on experimental data, we illustrate the feasibility of designing a wearable brain machine interface architecture for energy regulation in hypercortisolism. This simulation study is a first step toward the ultimate goal of managing hypercortisolism in real-world situations.
Imaging Features of Primary T Cell Lymphoma in Bone: A Case Report and Review of Literature
Authors: Yu Suli , Xu Jianqiang
Published: August 2021

Primary bone lymphoma (PBL) is a less frequent type of extranodal lymphoma, which is defined as a single skeletal tumor or multiple bone lesions without visceral or lymph node involvement. Most published cases have reported diffused large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) of PBL, and the prognosis is good after conventional treatment. Primary T-cell lymphoma is extremely rare in the literature. The clinical symptoms, imaging findings, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of primary T-cell lymphoma of bone are still unclear. The case details a young male patient who was treated for bone tuberculosis and was diagnosed with T-cell lymphoma during an open surgical biopsy. Further imaging evidence showed the lymphoma was localized within the femur. The patient responded poorly to combined chemo- and radiotherapy. He was confirmed with local lung metastases 11 months later and died at the 17th month of onset. I would like to provide PBL entities with some rare information about primary bone peripheral T-cell lymphoma and discuss the best strategy for the treatment of rare PBL subtypes.
Comparison of BRICS-TM Countries' Biosimilar Regulatory Frameworks With Australia, Canada and Switzerland: Benchmarking Best Practices
Authors: Rahalkar Hasumati , Sheppard Alan , Salek Sam
Published: August 2021

Objectives: The aim of this study was to identify, compare and evaluate regulatory requirements for the biosimilar development and review processes in BRICS-TM (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Turkey, Mexico) countries with mature regulatory systems of Australia, Canada, Singapore and Switzerland. It is hoped that this benchmark study provides an opportunity for BRICS-TM agencies to identify the key areas for improvement in their regulatory processes.

Materials and Methods: A semi-quantitative questionnaire was developed covering the different criteria used in biosimilar development and registration process. Eleven regulatory agencies from BRICS-TM and ACSS (Australia, Canada, Switzerland and Singapore) countries were invited to take part in this study. Data processing and analysis was carried out using descriptive statistics for quantitative data and content analysis to generate themes for qualitative data.

Results and Discussions: Nine of the 11 regulatory agencies recruited for the study completed the questionnaire. China and Singapore did not meet the deadline due to lack of resources. The organisational structure of BRICS-TM agencies revealed support from external assessors by most of these agencies in comparison with ACSS agencies. There was absence of reliance approach and participation in harmonisation activities across most BRICS-TM agencies. Despite alignment over biosimilarity, the mandate for in vivo non-clinical studies and additional local clinical studies in some of the BRICS-TM countries illustrates a lack of effective implementation of a step-wise approach. Adopting flexible regulatory standards in the sourcing of a RBP (Reference Biologic Product) by BRICS-TM similar to ACSS, will facilitate cost-effective development of biosimilar products.

Conclusions: Comparative assessment of the biosimilar regulatory framework of BRICS-TM with ACSS agencies reveals the scope for enhancing efficiency of the regulatory approval process. To achieve this, BRICS-TM agencies should consider relying on reference agencies for alternative review mechanisms such as abridged or verification models, streamlined processes for providing scientific advice to developers and for waiving local clinical studies in-lieu of advanced scientific data.
Troxerutin Stimulates Osteoblast Differentiation of Mesenchymal Stem Cell and Facilitates Bone Fracture Healing
Authors: Yang Xiao , Shao Jiang , Wu Xiao-Min , Pan Fei-Fei , Yang Shao-An , Pan Xiao-Hua , Jin An-Min
Published: August 2021

Troxerutin (TRX), a semi-synthetic derivative of the natural bioflavonoid rutin, is a bioactive flavonoid widely abundant in various fruits and vegetables. Known as vitamin P4, TRX has been demonstrated to have several activities including anti-inflammation, anti-oxidants, vasoprotection, and immune support in various studies. Although rutin, the precursor of troxerutin, was reported to have a protective role against bone loss, the function of TRX in skeletal system remains unknown. In the present study, we found that TRX promoted osteogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in a concentration-dependent manner by stimulating the alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, calcium nodule formation and osteogenic marker genes expression in vitro. The further investigation demonstrated that TRX stimulated the expression of the critical transcription factor β-catenin and several downstream target genes of Wnt signaling, thus activated Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Using a femur fracture rats model, TRX was found to stimulate new bone formation and accelerate the fracture healing in vivo. Collectively, our data demonstrated that TRX could promote osteogenesis in vitro and facilitate the fracture healing in vivo, indicating that TRX may be a promising therapeutic candidate for bone fracture repair.
Optical Parameters of Atomically Heterogeneous Systems Created by Plasma Based Low Energy Ion Beams: Wavelength Dependence and Effective Medium Model
Authors: Singh Krishn Pal , Bhattacharjee Sudeep
Published: August 2021

The article presents the irradiation effects of low energy (∼0.5 keV) inert gaseous Argon ion beams on optical constants [real (n) and imaginary (k) parts of the refractive index], dielectric constants, skin depth, and optical conductivity of copper (Cu), silver (Ag), and aluminum (Al) metallic thin films (MTF). The optical constants of pristine MTF are obtained by employing the universal Kramers-Kronig (KK) technique. The reflectivity of pristine MTF measured using UV-VIS-NIR spectrophotometry is used as an input parameter in the KK technique to determine the optical constants as a function of energy [or wavelength (λ)] of incident light ranging between ∼1–4.96 eV (or 250–1,200 nm). For the irradiated MTF, the optical constants including the skin depth (δ = λ/2πk), optical conductivity (σ = nkc/λ), and dielectric constants (ϵ1 = n2 − k2 and ϵ2 = 2nk) with varying ion fluence have been investigated by implementing the Maxwell-Garnett (MG) approximation, used to determine the effective dielectric constants of a random mixture of two different mediums. Additionally, n and k obtained from MG approximation have been compared with those obtained using the pseudo- Brewster angle technique for four different laser wavelengths (405, 532, 632.8 and 670 nm) and are found to be in good agreement with each other. It is observed that the optical constants and optical conductivity of the MTF decrease with increase in ion beam fluence, while the skin depth increases. Besides the optical constants, the behavior of skin depth, dielectric constants, and optical conductivity of the irradiated MTF with varying fluence are discussed in this article.
Oxidative Stress, Kinase Activation, and Inflammatory Pathways Involved in Effects on Smooth Muscle Cells During Pulmonary Artery Hypertension Under Hypobaric Hypoxia Exposure
Authors: Siques Patricia , Pena Eduardo , Brito Julio , El Alam Samia
Published: August 2021

High-altitude exposure results in hypobaric hypoxia, which affects organisms by activating several mechanisms at the physiological, cellular, and molecular levels and triggering the development of several pathologies. One such pathology is high-altitude pulmonary hypertension (HAPH), which is initiated through hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction to distribute blood to more adequately ventilated areas of the lungs. Importantly, all layers of the pulmonary artery (adventitia, smooth muscle, and endothelium) contribute to or are involved in the development of HAPH. However, the principal action sites of HAPH are pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs), which interact with several extracellular and intracellular molecules and participate in mechanisms leading to proliferation, apoptosis, and fibrosis. This review summarizes the alterations in molecular pathways related to oxidative stress, inflammation, kinase activation, and other processes that occur in PASMCs during pulmonary hypertension under hypobaric hypoxia and proposes updates to pharmacological treatments to mitigate the pathological changes in PASMCs under such conditions. In general, PASMCs exposed to hypobaric hypoxia undergo oxidative stress mediated by Nox4, inflammation mediated by increases in interleukin-6 levels and inflammatory cell infiltration, and activation of the protein kinase ERK1/2, which lead to the proliferation of PASMCs and contribute to the development of hypobaric hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension.
TRIM18-Regulated STAT3 Signaling Pathway via PTP1B Promotes Renal Epithelial–Mesenchymal Transition, Inflammation, and Fibrosis in Diabetic Kidney Disease
Authors: Chen Qi , Gao Chan , Wang Ming , Fei Xiao , Zhao Ning
Published: August 2021

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) has become a key cause of end-stage renal disease worldwide. Inflammation and fibrosis have been shown to play important roles in the pathogenesis of DKD. MID1, also known as TRIM18, is an E3 ubiquitin ligase of the tripartite motif (TRIM) subfamily of RING-containing proteins and increased in renal tubule in patients with DKD. However, the function and molecular mechanism of TRIM18 in DKD remain unexplored. Herein we report that TRIM18 expression levels were increased in patients with DKD. An animal study confirms that TRIM18 is involved in kidney injury and fibrosis in diabetic mice. TRIM18 knockdown inhibits high glucose (HG)-induced epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), inflammation, and fibrosis of HK-2 cells. This is accompanied by decreased levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin-6, hydroxyproline (Hyp), connective tissue growth factor, and α-smooth muscle actin. Additionally, TRIM18 knockdown inhibits HG-induced increase in the phosphorylated-/total signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT3). Treatment with niclosamide (STAT3 inhibitor) or protein tyrosine phosphatase-1B (PTP1B) overexpression blocked the TRIM18 induced EMT, inflammation and fibrosis. Co-immunoprecipitation and Western blot assays showed that TRIM18 promoted the ubiquitination of PTP1B. These findings highlight the importance of the TRIM18/PTP1B/STAT3 signaling pathway in DKD and can help in the development of new therapeutics for DKD treatment.