bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Semantics of images of funeral vessels from Rovantsi cemetery of the Final Bronze Age
Authors: Pavliv Dmytro
Published: September 2021

The study of the semantics of images on archaeological artifacts is a matter of great interest, because the content of ornamental compositions, ideograms, symbolic signs can be interpreted in the context of the sphere of contemporary religious doctrines. This also applies to the ornamentation of ceramic ware found in burials. During the research of bi-ritual cemetery of Ulvivets-Rovantsi cultural group in Rovantsi (Volhyn region), dated back to the second half of IX–VIII centuries B.C., cinerary vase-urn with the remains of cremation was found. The vessel is decorated by images of four «trees» that stand on a wavy line and have raised branches and round tops. One of them differs by presence of broken branches.
Comparative analysis of archaeological materials with using of ethnographic and folklore sources and examples from mythology allows us to explain the semantics of these symbolic signs, which form a holistic ideogram with figurative and symbolic meaning. It is confirmed that such an ideogram, which also occurs in the burial vessels of Corded Ware culture, Komarivska, Bilozerska, Pomeranian and especially Vysotska and Lusatian cultures, can be considered a universal sign system aimed at the figurative expression of one of the oldest religious doctrines.
Image of a tree on a funerary vessel can be associated with image of the «world tree (tree of life)», a universal mythological archetype, a symbolic embodiment of the idea of rebirth, although it can also be a «tree of death» or a «tree of the underworld». It is also noted that it is possible to anthropomorphically interpret the image of a tree as a symbol of souls of the dead who stand on the banks of the river – boundaries of the worlds or float by the «river of death» to the afterlife, as evidenced by the image of water (river) under the tree. It is claimed that the images on the cinerary urn from Rovantsi represent magical signs-symbols used by ancient people, applied to the burial vessels to ensure «transition» of the dead to the afterlife and subsequent revival, possibly an encoded story about dead whose remains were buried in this vessel. After all, at the base of such beliefs is the ancient cult of ancestors known in wide areas in many cultures, which belong to different historical periods and ethnic groups.
Key words: Late Bronze Age, Rovantsi cemetery, cremation, funerary vessels, semantics of images, magical signs-symbols, cult of ancestors, idea of revival.
Impactos da ventilação mecânica invasiva em pacientes de COVID-19: revisão integrativa
Authors: Cruz Daniel Alves , Sousa Ismaília de Lima , Santana Paloma Veluma Dias , Oliveira Luciana Karine de Abreu , Sousa Francisco Wagner dos Santos , Araújo Ágata Maria Xavier de , Silva Keila Maria Paiva da , Araújo Glória Stéphany Silva de , Costa Jayanne do Nascimento Santana , Nascimento Isabel Rodrigues do
Published: September 2021

A utilização da ventilação mecânica invasiva (VMI) tornou-se uma importante alternativa para os pacientes criticamente enfermos pela COVID-19, pois essa terapêutica disponibiliza aos assistidos em internações hospitalares o oxigênio necessário, diminuindo a mortalidade nas unidades assistenciais. Dessa forma, o presente estudo objetivou descrever os impactos da ventilação mecânica invasiva em pacientes vítimas de COVID-19. As pesquisas foram feitas nos periódicos eletrônicos Lilacs, PubMed, Scopus e MedLine. Utilizando a questão norteadora: Quais as repercussões da ventilação mecânica invasiva no tratamento de pacientes com COVID-19? Como resultados, indicou que há muitas vezes aumento nas chances de óbitos nos acometidos, bem como, o mau uso da VMI também pode complicar o tratamento terapêutico preconizado. Portanto, os impactos comuns em pacientes vítimas de COVID-19 em ventilação mecânica invasiva resultam em lesão pulmonar ou agravamento das condições clínicas do paciente, como aparecimento de barotrauma, atelectasia, causando pressão insuficiente durante o suporte ventilatório.
Comparação de linguiças defumadas elaboradas com aparas (corte em “V” do filé) de tilápia em relação as de carne de bovino, de suíno e de aves
Authors: Pereira Iracema Lima , Silva Douglas Dário Siqueira da , Rocha Letícia Matias Pinheiro , Oliveira Gislaine Gonçalves , Coradini Melina Franco , Nogueira Carla Cristina Alves , Matiucci Marcos Antonio , Feihrmann Andresa Carla , Goes Elenice Souza dos Reis , Souza Maria Luiza Rodrigues de
Published: September 2021

O presente trabalho teve como objetivo elaborar linguiças defumadas com utilização da matéria prima de diferentes espécies animais (Tilápia, bovino, suíno e aves) e analisar as características químicas, microbiológica e sensorial das mesmas. Foram elaborados quatro tipos de linguiças: sendo uma delas a partir de resíduos de filetagem (corte em “V” do filé) de tilápia, de peito de aves, pernil suína e de carne bovina. Os dados obtidos nas diferentes análises foram submetidos à análise de variância (ANOVA) e aplicado teste de Tukey a 5% de significância. Foi observada diferença significativa para todos os nutrientes analisados. A linguiça à base de aparas de peixe apresentou valor calórico (67,14 kcal/100g) e baixos teores de lipídios (4,21%), proteína (15,52%) e altos teores de umidade (66,84%) e minerais (3,80%), quando comparado com as demais linguiças, porém foi utilizada um resíduo de filetagem e não a parte nobre da carne de peixe (filé). Pela análise sensorial a linguiça à base de aparas de tilápia obteve boa avaliação nos atributos cor, aroma, sabor e textura, demonstrando boa aceitação por parte dos consumidores. Todas as linguiças estavam dentro dos padrões exigidos pela legislação, portanto aptas para serem consumidas.
Extra abdominal desmoid tumor (fibromatosis) of the breast
Authors: Ioannidis C
Published: September 2021

Desmoid tumors (or fibromatosis) of the breast are very rare findings. Their clinical and imaging features can easily mislead diagnosis, the lesions being diagnosed as breast cancer. The case of a 46-year old female patient, who presented a desmoid tumor in the area of a previously excised accessory breast, is reported. A review of the international literature revealed no other similar case. The differential diagnosis and current opinion on treatment of these tumors is discussed.
IMPLEMENTASI KEBIJAKAN PUBLIK DALAM PENGELOLAAN DANA DESA DI KECAMATAN MARTAPURA KABUPATEN OGAN KOMERING ULU TIMUR
Authors: Wijaya Raden , Aprilia Rezky
Published: September 2021

In implementing the village fund management public policy in Martapura Subdistrict, East Oku Regency, there are 3 villages namely Tanjung Kemala Barat, Kotabaru Barat, Keromongan which have experienced an increase in the number of poverty so that it is focused on managing village funds and factors that become obstacles in implementing public policies in management. village funds. And the research method used is qualitative by applying descriptive methods with an inductive approach. The implementation of the village fund public policy in its implementation there must be factors that become obstacles in managing village funds in Martapura District. This factor comes from within and outside the organization itself, such as the insufficient apparatus of the Martapura District in terms of quality and quantity. So that it will affect the results of village fund management in all villages in the Martapura District. The management of Village Funds in Martapura District has been implemented well and runs smoothly according to the provisions, although in improving the community's economy it has not been implemented optimally. Especially in 3 villages where there was an increase in poverty, this happened because the absorption of the village allocation funds was not right on target, village funds were mostly spent on physical development. The allocation of village funds for empowerment and development of human resources was the key to progress in increasing an independent economy.Keywords: village fund, implementation, policy
Accountability of the 2020 Village Fund Allocation Management (Alokasi Dana Kampung) in Arul Pertik Village, Central Aceh Regency, Indonesia
Authors: Basri Hasan , Efendi Muhsin
Published: September 2021

In Indonesia, the central government provides Village Fund Allocation (VFA) to improve welfares in villages. This process, with its regulation, is known as alokasi dana kampung in Aceh province. However, irrespective of this implementation, the community's welfare is still not met, leading to the inability to meet management accountability. This study was carried out in Arul Pertik Village, using the qualitative method with a descriptive approach. The result showed that the VFA management team is open to accepting suggestions and advice during the planning and implementation process. VFA management in Arul Pertik tends to respect community participation, as seen from the number of participants in the development and implementation of the physical realization process. This is also in addition to the accountability report (LPJ), irrespective of the technical obstacles in the report. In conclusion, although the Management of Village Fund Allocation is quite good, it needs more extra guidance and supervision from the local government and the community.

Keywords: Accountability; Village fund allocation; Village Fund Management, Arul Pertik Village.
An In-Silico Corrosion Model for Biomedical Applications for Coupling With In-Vitro Biocompatibility Tests for Estimation of Long-Term Effects
Authors: Šušteršič Tijana , Simsek Gorkem Muttalip , Yapici Guney Guven , Nikolić Milica , Vulović Radun , Filipovic Nenad , Vrana Nihal Engin
Published: September 2021

The release of metal particles and ions due to wear and corrosion is one of the main underlying reasons for the long-term complications of implantable metallic implants. The rather short-term focus of the established in-vitro biocompatibility tests cannot take into account such effects. Corrosion behavior of metallic implants mostly investigated in in-vitro body-like environments for long time periods and their coupling with long-term in-vitro experiments are not practical. Mathematical modeling and modeling the corrosion mechanisms of metals and alloys is receiving a considerable attention to make predictions in particular for long term applications by decreasing the required experimental duration. By using such in-silico approaches, the corrosion conditions for later stages can be mimicked immediately in in-vitro experiments. For this end, we have developed a mathematical model for multi-pit corrosion based on Cellular Automata (CA). The model consists of two sub-models, corrosion initialization and corrosion progression, each driven by a set of rules. The model takes into account several environmental factors (pH, temperature, potential difference, etc.), as well as stochastic component, present in phenomena such as corrosion. The selection of NiTi was based on the risk of Ni release from the implant surface as it leads to immune reactions. We have also performed experiments with Nickel Titanium (NiTi) shape memory alloys. The images both from simulation and experiments can be analyzed using a set of statistical methods, also investigated in this paper (mean corrosion, standard deviation, entropy etc.). For more widespread implementation, both simulation model, as well as analysis of output images are implemented as a web tool. Described methodology could be applied to any metal provided that the parameters for the model are available. Such tool can help biomedical researchers to test their new metallic implant systems at different time points with respect to ion release and corrosion and couple the obtained information directly with in-vitro tests.
Bacterial Translocation as Inflammatory Driver in Crohn’s Disease
Authors: Linares Raquel , Francés Rubén , Gutiérrez Ana , Juanola Oriol
Published: September 2021

Crohn’s disease (CD) is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the gastrointestinal tract responsible for intestinal lesions. The multifactorial etiology attributed to CD includes a combination of environmental and host susceptibility factors, which result in an impaired host–microbe gut interaction. Bacterial overgrowth and dysbiosis, increased intestinal barrier permeability, and altered inflammatory responses in patients with CD have been described in the past. Those events explain the pathogenesis of luminal translocation of bacteria or its products into the blood, a frequent event in CD, which, in turn, favors a sustained inflammatory response in these patients. In this review, we navigate through the interaction between bacterial antigen translocation, permeability of the intestinal barrier, immunologic response of the host, and genetic predisposition as a combined effect on the inflammatory response observed in CD. Several lines of evidence support that translocation of bacterial products leads to uncontrolled inflammation in CD patients, and as a matter of fact, the presence of gut bacterial genomic fragments at a systemic level constitutes a marker for increased risk of relapse among CD patients. Also, the significant percentage of CD patients who lose response to biologic therapies may be influenced by the translocation of bacterial products, which are well-known drivers of proinflammatory cytokine production by host immune cells. Further mechanistic studies evaluating cellular and humoral immune responses, gut microbiota alterations, and genetic predisposition will help clinicians to better control and personalize the management of CD patients in the future.
Protective Mechanism of Luteinizing Hormone and Follicle-Stimulating Hormone Against Nicotine-Induced Damage of Mouse Early Folliculogenesis
Authors: Liu Wen-Xiang , Zhang Yan-Jie , Wang Yu-Feng , Klinger Francesca Gioia , Tan Shao-Jing , Farini Donatella , De Felici Massimo , Shen Wei , Cheng Shun-Feng
Published: September 2021

Previous studies have shown that nicotine could impair the germ cell cyst breakdown and the primordial follicle assembly by autophagy. In this paper, we discovered that luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) could counteract the damage caused by nicotine of mouse germ cell cyst breakdown. The neonatal mice were separately intraperitoneally injected with nicotine, nicotine plus LH, nicotine plus FSH, and saline (control) for 4 days. Compared with the nicotine group, the quality of oocytes and the number of follicles were remarkably increased in the nicotine plus LH group or nicotine plus FSH group. LH and FSH could alleviate nicotine-induced oocyte autophagy by different pathways. LH reduced the nicotine-induced autophagy by restoring the phosphorylation level of adenosine 5′-monophosphate-activated protein kinase α-1, while FSH by downregulating the phosphorylation level of Forkhead box class O 1. In addition, in a subsequent study of 6-week mice in different treated groups, we found that LH and FSH supplementation significantly improved normal maturation rates, fertilization rates, and embryo’s developmental potential of oocytes in oocytes exposed to nicotine. Taken together, these results suggested that LH and FSH could counteract the damage caused by nicotine and finally ensure normal germ cell cyst breakdown and early embryo development.
Multiomics Analysis of Neuroblastoma Cells Reveals a Diversity of Malignant Transformations
Authors: Narmontė Milda , Gibas Povilas , Daniūnaitė Kristina , Gordevičius Juozas , Kriukienė Edita
Published: September 2021

Neuroblastoma (NB) is a pediatric cancer of the developing sympathetic nervous system that exhibits significant variation in the stage of differentiation and cell composition of tumors. Global loss of DNA methylation and genomic 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) is a hallmark of human cancers. Here, we used our recently developed single-base resolution approaches, hmTOP-seq and uTOP-seq, for construction of 5hmC maps and identification of large partially methylated domains (PMDs) in different NB cell subpopulations. The 5hmC profiles revealed distinct signatures characteristic to different cell lineages and stages of malignant transformation of NB cells in a conventional and oxygen-depleted environment, which often occurs in tumors. The analysis of the cell-type-specific PMD distribution highlighted differences in global genome organization among NB cells that were ascribed to the same lineage identity by transcriptomic networks. Collectively, we demonstrated a high informativeness of the integrative epigenomic and transcriptomic research and large-scale genome structure in investigating the mechanisms that regulate cell identities and developmental stages of NB cells. Such multiomics analysis, as compared with mutational studies, open new ways for identification of novel disease-associated features which bring prognostic and therapeutic value in treating this aggressive pediatric disease.
Efficacy and Safety of Very Short-Term Dual Antiplatelet Therapy After Drug-Eluting Stents Implantation for Acute Coronary Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials
Authors: Zhong Peng-Yu , Shang Yao-Sheng , Bai Nan , Ma Ying , Niu Ying , Wang Zhi-Lu
Published: September 2021

Background and Objective: Dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) is the basis for preventing ischemic events after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), and DAPT for 12 months has been the standard strategy recommended by the guidelines. However, patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) have a higher risk of thrombosis, and the application of very short-term DAPT (1–3 months) in patients with ACS is consistently controversial. The purpose of this study is to explore the efficacy and safety of DAPT for 1–3 months in patients with ACS who were implanted with drug-eluting stents (DES).

Methods: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials that compared the very short-term (3 months or less) with long-term (12 months or more) DAPT in patients with ACS after PCI. The randomized controlled trials were included by searching PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library database. The relative risk (RR) and 95% CIs for endpoint events were calculated by the fixed effects model, and trial sequential analysis was applied to calculate the anticipated sample size and assess the results.

Result: A total of eight randomized controlled trials with 16,492 patients who met the inclusion criteria were conducted. There were no significant statistic differences in myocardial infarction (RR 1.05, 0.82–1.35, P = 0.68), stents thrombosis (RR 1.32, 0.85–2.07, P = 0.22), all-cause death (RR 0.87, 0.66–1.13, P = 0.29), and target vessel revascularization (RR 0.93, 0.76–1.13, P = 0.47). However, there were significant differences in major bleeding (RR 0.60, 0.50–0.73, P < 0.00001) and the net adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (RR 0.84, 0.74–0.95, P = 0.007).

Conclusions: The strategy of DAPT for 1–3 months not only has a significant effect in patients with ACS who were implanted with DES but also reduces the risk of major bleeding. The scheme of short-term DAPT followed by P2Y12 receptor inhibitor monotherapy is especially beneficial for patients with ACS. The results of this systematic review and meta-analysis are based on the application of new generation DES and new oral antiplatelet drugs in patients with ACS, which are difficult to use in the general population (Registered by PROSPERO, CRD 42020210520).

Systematic Review Registration:https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier: CRD 42020210520.
Differential Effects of Estrogen Receptor Alpha and Beta on Endogenous Ligands of Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor Gamma in Papillary Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Yang Shucai , Gong Zhongqin , Liu Zhimin , Wei Minghui , Xue Lingbin , Vlantis Alexander C. , Zhang Yang , Chan Jason YK. , van Hasselt C Andrew , Zeng Xianhai , Qiu Shuqi , Tang Nelson , Du Jing , Wei Wei , Tong Michael CF , Chen George G.
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The inhibition of estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) or the activation of ERβ can inhibit papillary thyroid cancer (PTC), but the precise mechanism is not known. We aimed to explore the role of ERα and ERβ on the production of endogenous peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) ligands in PTC.

Methods

2 PTC cell lines, 32 pairs of PTC tissues and matched normal thyroid tissues were used in this study. The levels of endogenous PPARγ ligands 15(S)-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (15(S)-HETE), 13-S-hydroxyoctadecadienoic acid (13(S)-HODE), and15-deoxy-Δ12,14-prostaglandin J2 (PGJ2) were measured by ELISA.

Results

The levels of PGJ2 and 15(S)-HETE were significantly reduced in PTC, but 13(S)-HODE was not changed. Activation of ERα or inhibition of ERβ significantly downregulated the production of PGJ2, 15(S)-HETE and 13(S)-HODE, whereas inhibition of ERα or activation of ERβ markedly upregulated the production of these three ligands. Application of endogenous PPARγ ligands inhibited growth, induced apoptosis of cancer cells, and promoted the efficacy of chemotherapy.

Conclusion

The levels of endogenous PPARγ ligands PGJ2 and 15(S)-HETE are significantly decreased in PTC. The inhibition of ERα or activation of ERβ can inhibit PTC by stimulating the production of endogenous PPARγ ligands to induce apoptosis in cancer cells.
ctDNA-Profiling-Based UBL Biological Process Mutation Status as a Predictor of Atezolizumab Response Among TP53-Negative NSCLC Patients
Authors: Lu Jun , Zhang Yanwei , Lou Yuqing , Yan Bo , Zou Benkun , Hu Minjuan , Wang Yanan , Chen Ya , Yang Zhengyu , Wang Huimin , Zhang Wei , Han Baohui
Published: September 2021

Atezolizumab, an immune checkpoint inhibitor, has been approved for use in clinical practice in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients, but potential biomarkers for response stratification still need further screening. In the present study, a total of 399 patients with high-quality ctDNA profiling results were included. The mutation status of ubiquitin-like conjugation (UBL) biological process genes (including ABL1, APC, LRP6, FUBP1, KEAP1, and TOP2A) and clinical information were further integrated. The results suggested that the patients with the clinical characteristics of male or history of smoking had a higher frequency of UBL mutation positivity [UBL (+)]; the patients who were UBL (+) had shorter progression-free survival (PFS) (1.69 vs. 3.22 months, p = 0.0007) and overall survival (8.61 vs. 16.10 months, p < 0.0001) than those patients with UBL mutation negativity [UBL (–)]; and more promising predictive values were shown in the smoker subgroup and ≤ 3 metastasis subgroup. More interestingly, we found the predictor has more performance in TP53-negative cohorts [training in an independent POPLAR and OAK cohorts (n = 200), and validation in an independent MSKCC cohort (n = 127)]. Overall, this study provides a predictor, UBL biological process gene mutation status, not only for identifying NSCLC patients who may respond to atezolizumab therapy but also for screening out the potential NSCLC responders who received other immune checkpoint inhibitors.
Interferon-γ-Producing CD4+ T Cells Drive Monocyte Activation in the Bone Marrow During Experimental Leishmania donovani Infection
Authors: Romano Audrey , Brown Najmeeyah , Ashwin Helen , Doehl Johannes S. P. , Hamp Jonathan , Osman Mohamed , Dey Nidhi , Rani Gulab Fatima , Ferreira Tiago Rodrigues , Kaye Paul M.
Published: September 2021

Ly6Chiinflammatory monocytes develop in the bone marrow and migrate to the site of infection during inflammation. Upon recruitment, Ly6Chimonocytes can differentiate into dendritic cells or macrophages. According to the tissue environment they can also acquire different functions. Several studies have described pre-activation of Ly6Chimonocytes in the bone marrow during parasitic infection, but whether this process occurs during experimental visceral leishmaniasis and, if so, the mechanisms contributing to their activation are yet to be established. In wild type C57BL/6 (B6) mice infected withLeishmania donovani, the number of bone marrow Ly6Chimonocytes increased over time. Ly6Chimonocytes displayed a highly activated phenotype from 28 days to 5 months post infection (p.i), with >90% expressing MHCII and >20% expressing iNOS. In comparison, in B6.Rag2-/-mice <10% of bone marrow monocytes were MHCII+at day 28 p.i., an activation deficiency that was reversed by adoptive transfer of CD4+T cells. Depletion of CD4+T cells in B6 mice and the use of mixed bone marrow chimeras further indicated that monocyte activation was driven by IFNγ produced by CD4+T cells. In B6.Il10-/-mice,L. donovaniinfection induced a faster but transient activation of bone marrow monocytes, which correlated with the magnitude of CD4+T cell production of IFNγand resolution of the infection. Under all of the above conditions, monocyte activation was associated with greater control of parasite load in the bone marrow. Through reinfection studies in B6.Il10-/-mice and drug (AmBisome®) treatment of B6 mice, we also show the dependence of monocyte activation on parasite load. In summary, these data demonstrate that duringL. donovaniinfection, Ly6Chimonocytes are primed in the bone marrow in a process driven by CD4+T cells and whereby IFNγ promotes and IL-10 limits monocyte activation and that the presence of parasites/parasite antigen plays a crucial role in maintaining bone marrow monocyte activation.
NOX2-Deficient Neutrophils Facilitate Joint Inflammation Through Higher Pro-Inflammatory and Weakened Immune Checkpoint Activities
Authors: Liao Yi-Chu , Wu Szu-Yu , Huang Ya-Fang , Lo Pei-Chi , Chan Tzu-Yi , Chen Chih-An , Wu Chun-Hsin , Hsu Che-Chia , Yen Chia-Liang , Chen Peng-Chieh , Shieh Chi-Chang
Published: September 2021

Immune-mediated arthritis is an important chronic inflammatory disease of joints causing debilitating morbidity in affected patients. The mechanisms underlying immune-mediated arthritis have been intensively investigated, however the cellular and molecular factors contributing to the joint inflammation in different redox conditions have not been clearly elucidated. Previous research showed that phagocyte-produced reactive oxygen species (ROS) plays an anti-inflammatory role in K/BxN serum-transfer arthritis and NOX2-deficient mice tend to have more severe arthritis. Although many leukocytes play critical roles in the development of immune-mediated arthritis, the role of neutrophils, which are the main producers of ROS in inflammation, is still controversial. We hence assessed the immunomodulatory function of neutrophils from arthritic joints of NOX2-deficient and wild type mice in this study. We found more neutrophils accumulation in NOX2-deficient inflamed joints. RNA-sequencing and quantitative PCR revealed significantly increased expression of acute inflammation genes including IL1b, Cxcl2, Cxcl3, Cxcl10 and Mmp3 in activated neutrophils from the inflamed joints of NOX2-deficient mice. Moreover, gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) showed enriched gene signatures in type I and II IFN responses, IL-6-JAK-STAT3 signaling pathway and TNF-α signaling pathway via NF-κB in NOX2-deficient neutrophils. In addition, we found that NOX2-deficient neutrophils expressed lower levels of PD-L1 and were less suppressive than WT neutrophils. Moreover, treatment of PD-L1-Fc decreased cytokine expression and ameliorated the severity of inflammatory arthritis. Our results suggest that NOX2-derived ROS is critical for regulating the function and gene expression in arthritic neutrophils. Both the strong pro-inflammatory and weakened anti-inflammatory functions of neutrophils due to abnormal redox regulation may be targets of treatment for immune-mediated arthritis.
Temperature and Patterns of Occurrence and Abundance of Key Copepod Taxa in the Northeast Pacific
Authors: Ashlock Lauren , García-Reyes Marisol , Gentemann Chelle , Batten Sonia , Sydeman William
Published: September 2021

The Northeast Pacific is a highly heterogeneous and productive ecosystem, yet it is vulnerable to climate change and extreme events such as marine heat waves. Recent heat wave induced die-offs of fish, marine mammals, and seabirds in the Gulf of Alaska were associated with the loss of large, lipid-rich copepods, which are a vital food resource for forage fishes. The critical and temperature sensitive role of copepods in this ecosystem motivates our investigation into the impacts of temperature on copepod occurrence, abundance, and phenology. Here, we pair long term in situ copepod data from Continuous Plankton Recorder surveys with satellite temperature data to determine the influence of water temperature on three key copepod taxa: Neocalanus plumchrus, Calanus pacificus, and Oithona spp. Through the use of linear models and thermal threshold methods, we demonstrate that N. plumchrus is most vulnerable to warming and future marine heat waves in this region. Linear models demonstrate that N. plumchrus abundance is negatively related to temperature, and thermal threshold methods reveal that N. plumchrus has an upper thermal threshold of 11.5°C for occurrence, and 10.5°C for abundance. Additionally, examining N. plumchrus abundance before and during the 2014–2016 marine heat wave demonstrates reduced species abundance during past warming events. Oithona spp. and C. pacificus appear to be less vulnerable to warm temperatures. However, their presence will not be sufficient to supplement the loss of the larger-bodied and lipid-rich N. plumchrus. Our findings demonstrate the power of using long-term in situ data to determine thermal tolerances, and suggest the need to further examine the potential resilience of N. plumchrus to climate change.
The Blue Growth Challenge to Maritime Governance
Authors: Guerreiro José
Published: September 2021

In 2006 the European Union (EU) began a dramatic change in its conception and approach to maritime policy. By developing what was called Integrated Maritime Policy, there was an attempt to coordinate different sectorial policies and thus adding value, through synergies and economies of scale. At the same time, and as a result of scientific and technological advances, five strategic sectors with great growth potential were identified: aquaculture, renewable energies, blue biotechnology, deep sea mining, and nautical tourism. These were the pillars for the Blue Growth Strategy, leading to more jobs and global economic growth. This trend quickly spread to other continents, universalising the concept of blue growth. However, the growing competition for maritime space, due to new uses, led to the realisation that along with the need to ensure confidence and stability for investors, it would be imperative to develop new planning and management instruments for these spaces. During this process, governments quickly realised that this evolution, which had the potential for far reaching economic and social impacts, required a new institutional framework adapted to this new reality, which would end up having an impact on the governments structure itself. We have witnessed, particularly during the last decade, a profound conceptual change in the governance of maritime space. The design of new political, legal, institutional, and governmental frameworks, which are introducing a new model of maritime and marine governance at a global scale, are probably the most critical one since World War II. This article develops this analysis, based on several examples, both in the EU as well as in other countries outside the bloc, particularly those surrounding the Atlantic, in order to demonstrate that the drive towards a blue economy triggered a profound and deep change in marine policies and governance.
Effects of the Silicate Modulus of Water Glass on the Hydration and Mechanical Properties of Alkali-Activated Blast Furnace Ferronickel Slag
Authors: Liu Kuisheng , Liu Zhenguo , Sun Jianwei
Published: September 2021

Blast furnace ferronickel slag (BFNS), currently an underutilized metallurgical residue, was investigated for use as a precursor for alkaline activation. Water glass solutions with various moduli (0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0) were used at the same water glass concentration of 10% to investigate the influence of the modulus on hydration and mechanical properties. The results show that the modulus has a certain impact on the hydration and mechanical strength development of alkali-activated BFNS. Increasing the modulus of water glass does not change the type of hydration product and the activity of the Mg-containing phases, but it decreases the amount of C2AS, the Ca/Si and Al/Si ratios of the (N,C)-A(M)-S-H gel. In addition, a high silicate modulus deteriorates the pore structure, which has an adverse effect on the development of compressive strength and splitting tensile strength.
A Novel Method for Measuring the Pupil Diameter and Pupillary Light Reflex of Healthy Volunteers and Patients With Intracranial Lesions Using a Newly Developed Pupilometer
Authors: Kotani Joji , Nakao Hiroyuki , Yamada Isamu , Miyawaki Atsushi , Mambo Naomi , Ono Yuko
Published: September 2021

Background: Physicians currently measure the pupil diameter and the pupillary light reflex with visual observations using a ruler and a traditional penlight, leading to possibly inaccurate and subjective assessments. Although a mobile pupillometer has been developed and is available in clinical settings, this device can only assess one pupil at a time. Hence, an indirect pupillary light reflex, including those under irradiation to the opposite side of pupil, cannot be evaluated. Consequently, we have developed a new automatic mobile pupilometer, the Hitomiru®, with Hitomiru Co., Ltd. (Tokyo, Japan). This device is a two-glass type pupilometer with a video recording system. The pupil diameter and light reflex of both pupils can be measured simultaneously; therefore, both indirect and direct light reflexes can be assessed.

Purpose: To evaluate the clinical ability of the Hitomiru® pupilometer to assess the pupil diameter and the pupillary light reflex of healthy volunteers and patients with intracranial lesions in an intensive care unit (ICU).

Methods: Twenty-five healthy volunteers and five ICU patients with intracranial lesions on only the left side were assessed using the Hitomiru® pupilometer. The protocol was as follows: infrared light was applied to both pupils, followed by visible light to the right pupil, infrared light to both pupils, visible light to the left pupil, and then infrared light to both pupils. All the intervals were 2 s, and the dynamics of pupil diameters on both sides were continuously recorded.

Results: The healthy adults had approximately 0.5 mm anisocoria, miosis was harder, and mydriasis was less with increased age. There were several differences in miosis rates, miosis times, and mydriasis rates between the healthy adults and the patients with intracranial lesions with both direct irradiation and indirect irradiation.

Conclusions: The initial trial estimated and digitally recorded direct and indirect light reflexes, including rapidity of miosis after direct and indirect lights on, and mydriasis after direct and indirect lights off. The Hitomiru® pupilometer was a useful device to digitally record and investigate the relationship between pupil reflexes and intracranial diseases.
The Applicability of ADA, AFU, and LAC in the Early Diagnosis and Disease Risk Assessment of Hepatitis B-Associated Liver Cirrhosis and Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Zhang Wei , Chen Zhong , Xue Chengjun , Zhang Yao , Wu Lipei , Zhu Jichao , Xuan Shihai , Tian Jiale , Pang Zhi
Published: September 2021

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the applicability of adenosine deaminase (ADA), α-l-fucosidase (AFU), lactic acid (LAC), and their combined detection in the early diagnosis of chronic hepatitis B (CHB), liver cirrhosis (LC), and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods: A retrospective analysis of hepatitis B-positive liver disease patients admitted between 2015 and 2020 was conducted. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to determine the diagnostic value of each indicator in LC and HCC, and binary logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the factors and risks related to the occurrence of the two conditions.

Results: The levels of ADA, AFU, and LAC were significantly increased in patients with CHB, LC, and HCC (p < 0.05). The ROC curve showed that the sensitivity and specificity of ADA, AFU, LAC, and their combined detection in the CHB and LC groups as well as in the LC and HCC groups reflected different degrees of clinical value. In the CHB and LC groups, the adjusted odds ratio (OR) values of ADA, AFU, and LAC among patients in the high-level group were 3.218, 1.859, and 11.474, respectively, when the median was considered the cutoff point. When quartiles were considered the cutoff point, the OR risk values of the adjusted levels of ADA, AFU, and LAC were higher than those of the lowest-level group (Q1) (p < 0.05). In the LC and HCC groups, the adjusted OR values of ADA, AFU, and LAC among patients in the high-level group were 0.967, 2.365, and 38.368, respectively. When quartiles were considered the cutoff point, the OR risk values of AFU and LAC levels were higher than those of the lowest-level group (Q1) (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: ADA, AFU, and LAC demonstrated good value in the early diagnosis of LC and HCC. The combined detection of ADA+AFU+LAC is more effective than single detection for the early diagnosis of the two conditions. ADA, AFU, and LAC can serve as risk predictors of LC, while AFU and LAC can be considered early risk predictors of HCC.
Behavioral and Brain Structural Changes in Kindled Rats Induced by Coriaria Lactone/Pentylenetetrazol
Authors: He Shixu , Qiu Xiangmiao , Wang Jing , Yang Linghui , Peng Anjiao , Li Wanling , Dong Bosi , Tang Yusha , Lai Wanlin , Chen Lei
Published: September 2021

Epilepsy is a common chronic neurological disease that is characterized by spontaneous seizures. It is commonly comorbid with behavioral and mood disorders. No studies have yet examined the behavioral or structural brain changes associated with coriaria lactone (CL)-induced and pentylenetetrazol (PTZ)-induced kindlings. This study examined whether the increased seizure susceptibility induced by CL/PTZ is accompanied by behavioral impairments and aimed to identify associated structural brain changes. Kindling models were induced using CL and PTZ, with 10 rats in each group. After successful kindling, rats were subjected to brain structural imaging using T2-weighted imaging and underwent behavioral tests, namely, the open field test, water maze tasks, and contextual fear conditioning. Voxel-based morphometry was then used to identify possible brain structural changes associated with kindling and/or behaviors. Support-vector machine learning was also applied for the integrative analysis of behavioral changes and structural brain imaging. In the open field test, both the CL (P = 0.04) and PTZ groups (P = 0.002) spent more time in the central area than the control group. Only the PTZ group (50.29 ± 29.56 s) showed a freezing time that was significantly less than that of the control group (94.8 ± 41.04 s; P = 0.024, Tukey's HSD-corrected) in contextual fear conditioning, which is suggestive of impaired fear-associated learning ability. Furthermore, brain imaging analysis revealed that the gray matter volume (GMV) of the hippocampus changed in both the CL and PTZ groups when compared to control. The support-vector machine learning model indicated that the retrosplenial dysgranular and primary somatosensory cortices were associated with both of the mentioned kindling models. Furthermore, the support-vector regression model results indicated that kindling-associated GMV changes can be used to predict general exploratory activity in the open field test. In conclusion, this is the first study to report greater general exploratory activity in a CL-induced kindling model. Moreover, the general exploratory activity in the open field test can be predicted by the GMV of brain regions associated with kindling.
Decreased Autonomic Reactivity and Psychiatric Comorbidities in Neurological Patients With Medically Unexplained Sensory Symptoms: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Ruschil Victoria , Mazurak Nazar , Hofmann Martin , Loskutova Ekaterina , Enck Paul , Freilinger Tobias , Weimer Katja
Published: September 2021

Up to 48% of patients with medically unexplained symptoms seen in neurological practice suffer from sensory symptoms, which could be of functional nature or secondary to psychiatric disorders. These patients show high medical care utilization causing elevated healthcare costs. Despite the high prevalence, little is known about clinical characteristics and pathophysiological mechanisms. For functional disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome, a reduction of heart rate variability (HRV) has been shown, suggesting a dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system (ANS). The aim of this study was to investigate psychological data and functional changes of the ANS in patients with medically unexplained sensory symptoms (MUSS). In this exploratory pilot study, 16 patients (11 females, 31.6 ± 11.9 years) with MUSS, who were recruited at a single tertiary neurological center, underwent a structured clinical interview (SCID) to evaluate psychiatric comorbidities. Patients and age- and sex-matched healthy volunteers filled in questionnaires, and individual sensory thresholds (perception, pain) were detected by quantitative sensory testing (QST). HRV was assessed at baseline and under three different experimental conditions (tonic pain stimulus, placebo application, cold-face test). All tests were repeated after 6–8 weeks. SCID interviews revealed clinical or subclinical diagnoses of psychiatric comorbidities for 12 patients. Questionnaires assessing somatization, depression, anxiety, and perceived stress significantly discriminated between patients with MUSS and healthy controls. While there was no difference in QST, reduced ANS reactivity was found in patients during experimental conditions, particularly with regard to vagally mediated HRV. Our pilot study of neurological patients with MUSS reveals a high prevalence of psychiatric comorbidities and provides evidence for altered ANS function. Our data thus give insight in possible underlying mechanisms for these symptoms and may open the door for a better diagnostic and therapeutic approach for these patients in the future.
Healthcare for Trans*gender People in Germany: Gaps, Challenges, and Perspectives
Authors: Guethlein Nora , Grahlow Melina , Lewis Carolin A. , Bork Stephan , Habel Ute , Derntl Birgit
Published: September 2021

People whose gender does not correspond to the binary gender system, i.e., trans∗gender people, face two main problems when it comes to healthcare in Germany: (1) They often suffer from general psychiatric comorbidities as well as specific and significant mental distress due to gender dysphoria, and (2) the German healthcare system lacks sufficiently educated and clinically experienced medical personnel who are able to provide specialized healthcare. Aside from transition, it often is extremely difficult for trans∗gender people to get access to and be integrated into the medical system. Stigmatization and pathologization in treatment are widespread, as are long waiting times for specialized healthcare providers who are often only accessible to those trans∗gender people willing to travel long distances. Frequently, trans∗gender people face further difficulties and barriersaftertransition, as some healthcare professionals fail to provide suitable care (e.g., gynecological consultation for transmen). The ICD-11 German Modification (ICD-11-GM), which should be routinely used by 2022, implements a depathologization of trans∗gender people in the medical system. This paper compares the issues related to health and healthcare of trans∗gender people in Germany with those in other European countries. We review the care offered by specialized centers with regard to treatment of and support for trans∗gender people. We conclude with specific proposals that may contribute to establish an improved, up-to-date, gender-sensitive healthcare system.
Predicting Motor Outcome of Subthalamic Nucleus Deep Brain Stimulation for Parkinson’s Disease Using Quantitative Susceptibility Mapping and Radiomics: A Pilot Study
Authors: Liu Yu , Xiao Bin , Zhang Chencheng , Li Junchen , Lai Yijie , Shi Feng , Shen Dinggang , Wang Linbin , Sun Bomin , Li Yan , Jin Zhijia , Wei Hongjiang , Haacke Ewart Mark , Zhou Haiyan , Wang Qian , Li Dianyou , He Naying , Yan Fuhua
Published: September 2021

Background

Emerging evidence indicates that iron distribution is heterogeneous within the substantia nigra (SN) and it may reflect patient-specific trait of Parkinson’s Disease (PD). We assume it could account for variability in motor outcome of subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation (STN-DBS) in PD.

Objective

To investigate whether SN susceptibility features derived from radiomics with machine learning (RA-ML) can predict motor outcome of STN-DBS in PD.

Methods

Thirty-three PD patients underwent bilateral STN-DBS were recruited. The bilateral SN were segmented based on preoperative quantitative susceptibility mapping to extract susceptibility features using RA-ML. MDS-UPDRS III scores were recorded 1–3 days before and 6 months after STN-DBS surgery. Finally, we constructed three predictive models using logistic regression analyses: (1) the RA-ML model based on radiomics features, (2) the RA-ML+LCT (levodopa challenge test) response model which combined radiomics features with preoperative LCT response, (3) the LCT response model alone.

Results

For the predictive performances of global motor outcome, the RA-ML model had 82% accuracy (AUC = 0.85), while the RA-ML+LCT response model had 74% accuracy (AUC = 0.83), and the LCT response model alone had 58% accuracy (AUC = 0.55). For the predictive performance of rigidity outcome, the accuracy of the RA-ML model was 80% (AUC = 0.85), superior to those of the RA-ML+LCT response model (76% accuracy, AUC = 0.82), and the LCT response model alone (58% accuracy, AUC = 0.42).

Conclusion

Our findings demonstrated that SN susceptibility features from radiomics could predict global motor and rigidity outcomes of STN-DBS in PD. This RA-ML predictive model might provide a novel approach to counsel candidates for STN-DBS.
Expression and Tumor-Promoting Effect of Tyrosine Phosphatase Receptor Type N (PTPRN) in Human Glioma
Authors: Wang Dong , Tang Fan , Liu Xi , Fan Yueshan , Zheng Yu , Zhuang Hao , Chen Budong , Zhuo Jie , Wang Bo
Published: September 2021

Tyrosine phosphatase receptor type N (PTPRN) plays an important role in the regulation of the secretion pathways of various neuroendocrine cells. Moreover, PTPRN was demonstrated to play a crucial role in the initiation and progression of the signalling cascade regulating cell function. In this study, fifty-seven glioma patients were enrolled for clinical and prognostic analyses. The cell phenotype was determined by cell proliferation and migration assays. RNA-seq, co-IP and mass spectrometry were used to study the molecular mechanism of the effects of PTPRN on cell proliferation and metastasis. The result showed that High expression of PTPRN indicated a poor prognosis of high-grade glioma. PTPRN downregulation reduced the proliferation and migration of glioma cells, and PTPRN overexpression induced the proliferation and migration of glioma cells. PTPRN knockdown decreased tumor growth in a mouse xenograft model. Effect of PTPRN knockdown on the transcriptome was studied in U87 glioma cells. PTPRN activated the PI3K/AKT pathway by interacting with HSP90AA1. In conclusion, PTPRN is an important proliferation- and metastasis-promoting factor. Reducing the expression of PTPRN in glioma cells can be used as a potential therapeutic strategy.