bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analisis Nilai dan Keterbacaan Kisah Rasulullah sebagai Sumber Bacaan Mata Pelajaran Bahasa Indonesia
Authors: Ariffiando Nady Febri
Published: July 2021

The use of text with character content  in learning is one of the efforts to strengthen children's moral kognition which is one of the keys to ordering characters. This study aimed to analyze the character values contained in the story of Rasulullah and test the readability of the story. The results of the value analysis by were validated by value education experts, language education experts in elementary schools and hadis experts. Researchers conducted a readability test using Raygor and fry graph. The results show that there are five stories that contained the main values of social care and the accompaniment values of patience, empathy and generosity. The readability test results show that the five stories are suitable for reading by children aged 1o to 12 years. From these results, the story of the Prophet is right for use in literary learning with the aim of instilling character.
ON THE METHODOLOGICAL POTENTIAL OF THE THEORY OF SYSTEMIC ORGANIZATION OF INTERSECTORAL RELATIONS OF CIVIL LAW: TO THE ANNIVERSARY OF M.IU. CHELYSHEV
Authors: Barkov A.V. , Grishina Ya.S.
Published: July 2021

Introduction: the article dedicated to the 50th anniversary of the birth of the outstanding Russian scientist M.Iu. Chelyshev reveals the methodological significance of the theory of systemic organization of intersectoral relations of civil law developed by him. Goal: to form a holistic view of the methodological potential of the theory and the prospects for its implementation in multi-industry research. Research methods: empirical (observation, comparison, description); theoretical (formal and dialectical logic, forecasting). Results: it is proved that one of the most important elements of theory and tool for understanding the characteristics of intersectoral relations of civil law is an interdisciplinary method, which is the basis of the methodology of intersectoral legal studies with a universal interdisciplinary nature, which gives the provisions and findings developed by M.Iu. Chelyshev truly inexhaustible potential. Conclusions: attention is drawn to the fact that the methodological potential of the theory lies in the fact that today in multi-industry scientific research, the object of which is social relations that are affected by the legal norms of not one, but several industries, it is impossible to do without the use of an intersectoral method. The use of an intersectoral approach in multisectoral military legal research is the key to the solution of scientific problems in diversification enterprises, critical national importance.
PHILOSOPHICAL BATTLE AGAINST MORAL HAZARD: DO WE NEED LAW METHODOLOGY CHANGE FROM “ALL OR NOTHING PRINCIPLE” TO “PRINCIPLE OF PROPORTIONALITY”?
Authors: Luik Olavi-Jüri , Volberg Mats
Published: July 2021

Introduction: this article looks into the central problem in insurance law, where the principle of “all or nothing” applied by insurance providers and legislators to moral hazard (if the risks of people are covered with insurance contracts then the people often change their risk behavior to involve higher risks by presuming that the concluded insurance contract always covers the loss incurred) is being replaced by the principle of proportionality in the modern insurance law of Western countries. Purpose: to identify significant methodological changes in determining the scope of performance of an insurance provider’s obligation caused by the application of the principle of proportionality. Methods: the authors use the approach of the Baltic Sea States (e.g. Estonia, Lithuania, Russia and Finland) and PEICL (Principles of European Insurance Contract Law1) in a comparative approach, analyzing the respective paradigmatic methodological shift (which currently among the named countries is directly reflected only in the Finnish Insurance Contract Act2) in the context of practical philosophy. Results: the paper demonstrates the necessity to change the paradigmatic legal methodology, according to which the principle of “all or nothing” would be replaced by the principle of proportionality.
ADDITIONAL CONCLUSION ON A DISSERTATION
Authors: Gabov А.V.
Published: July 2021

Introduction: the article deals with the legal phenomenon of an additional conclusion on a dissertation that rarely comes into the focus of attention of domestic researchers, which is regulated in the Regulations on Awarding Academic Degrees and the Regulations on the Council for the Defense of Dissertations for the Degree of Candidate of Science, for the Degree of Doctor of Science. The relevance of the issue is explained by the ongoing processes of transformation of all the main elements of the state system of scientific certification. Purpose: to show the main elements of this institute, the problems of its regulation, including in connection with the changes made to the state system of scientific certification by Federal Law of 23 May 2016 No. 148-FZ “On Amendments to Article 4 of the Federal Law ‘On Science and State Scientific and Technical Policy’” (hereinafter – Law No. 148-FZ), as well as the directions for improving legal regulation of this institute. Methods: system analysis, historical method. Results: the goals of the institute of additional conclusions on the dissertation are revealed; marked defects in the regulation of additional conclusion on the dissertation; given the significant changes in the state system of scientific attestation in connection with the receipt of a number of organizations right of self-awarding degrees, as well as the accumulated practice of application of this institute, the directions of its improvement are formulated. Conclusions: according to the author of the article, the institute of additional conclusion should not be abandoned, it may well be in demand in the future and in the activities of organizations, those who have received the right to independently award academic degrees. The current regulation of the institute of additional conclusion requires complete renovation.
PERTURBATION OF SCIENTIFIC SPECIALTIES IN LAW AND THE PLACE OF BUSINESS LAW IN THE NEW SYSTEM
Authors: Ershova I.V.
Published: July 2021

Introduction: attention to the problems of scientific specialties is explained by a number of factors of a substantive and formal-institutional nature. The predicted change in the nomenclature of scientific specialties, including law, makes the research topical. Purpose: to identify the consequences and evaluate the results of future changes with extrapolation of conclusions to the science of business law. Methods: analysis, synthesis, comparison, historicism, description, interpretation, forecasting, as well as sociological and historical methods. Results: an excursion into the history of the issue is made: the pre-revolutionary, Soviet and post-Soviet periods are covered. Based on the actual data, it is shown that permanent changes in the system of scientific specialties in law are a tradition of Russian science. At the same time, the previously mentioned changes were of an evolutionary nature. The current situation with dissertation research within the current nomenclature is highlighted. Factors of popularity of the scientific specialty 12.00.03 are revealed, among which-stability, successful arrangement of branches, demand for scientists. The conclusion about the correctness of preserving business law within the same specialty with civil law is confirmed. Essential and bureaucratic problems of the scientific specialty 12.00.07 are shown. The article presents the data of a sociological study, the results of which indicate divergence and progressive autarky in the field of social Sciences. The characteristics of the main expected changes in the nomenclature of scientific specialties in law, including such as consolidation, rejection of the industry criterion in the formation are given. A forecast is made about the consequences of the introduction of these innovations. The author’s opinion is expressed regarding the place of business law in the new system of scientific specialties. Attention is drawn to possible problems and a way to overcome them is suggested. Conclusions: the new paradigm of scientific specialties in law should be evaluated positively. Its application allows us to approach the interdisciplinarity, complexity of scientific research, and the creation of dissertations as integral projects. In addition to the content side, the new nomenclature is designed to minimize problems in the formation of dissertation councils, selection of candidates for official opponents, and scientific organizations.
CHILD’S INTEREST, LEGITIMATE INTEREST OF THE CHILD AND THE CHILD’S LEGALLY PROTECTED INTEREST: THEORETICAL AND METHODOLOGICAL APPROACHES TO RESEARCH
Authors: Idrysheva S.K. , Komissarova E.G.
Published: July 2021

Introduction: populist rhetoric accompanying the concept of “child’s interest” gained its doctrinal tradition almost immediately with the adoption of the current Family Code of the Russian Federation. Regardless of the purpose of interpretation of this concept, its essence is usually reduced to the subjective aspirations of the child, which must be considered by all his social environment. As the textual analysis of the norms of the RF Family Code and the practice of law enforcement shows, the accumulation of experience of inconsistent and synonymous use of the concepts of “child’s interest” without a doctrinal analysis of the concepts related to it – legitimate interest, legally protected interest, and sometimes replaced by it, continues. Not without this, the question of how legal and non-legal relate in this concept remains open and not a little attracts the attention of the doctrine, although science still sends signals about the need for more “fine-tuning”. The purpose of the study is to theoretically recognize these signals using theoretical and methodological tools in order to conduct a theoretical categorization of the legal concepts “interests of the child”, “legitimate interests of the child”, “protected rights and interests of the child” that are actively used in the doctrine of family law and are very inconsistent in legislation. Methods: general scientific (dialectical); private scientific methods of cognition: formallegal, logical. Results: the structure of scientific knowledge about the interests of the child is not obvious today. In many ways, this state is generated by the facts of arbitrary use of interesting terminology. Family law science in this part does not so much create new scientific knowledge, but rather reflects the actual state of Affairs. While the real connection of the concept of child interest with legal matter implies not so much the frequency of its use in family legislation, but rather the connection with objective criteria. Based on the results of the study, the authors came to the following conclusions. One of the possible ways of further legally oriented research of the child’s interests may be to change the existing theoretical positions by attracting arguments based on the principles of regulatory and protective law. It appears to the authors, this approach will be able to distinguish between the interests of the child are significant for the implementation of its legal (legitimate interests) and interests, which in the case of a breach, to restore, to return the child the welfare state, which guaranteed to him by international and domestic law for the purposes of the full development of his personality (interests protected by law).
A Case of Merkel Cell Carcinoma of the External Auditory Canal Skin with Annulus and Tympanic Membrane
Authors: Cho Ara , Jang Mi , Moon In Seok , Shin Seung Ho
Published: July 2021

Merkel cell carcinoma is an extremely rare neuroendocrine neoplasm of the external auditory canal (EAC) skin, which requires wide excision and adjuvant radiation due to a high recurrence rate. In this report, we describe a case of Merkel cell carcinoma arising from the EAC which was successfully treated with endoscopic excision. A 32-years-old female patient with a history of papillary thyroid cancer was diagnosed with an EAC tumor incidentally. There was a erythematous papular lesion on the posterior EAC without any evidence of locoregional metastasis. The patient underwent endoscopic tumor resection under general anesthesia, and the final pathologic report confirmed the diagnosis of Merkel cell carcinoma. There was no clinical or radiographic evidence of recurrence or metastasis of Merkel cell tumor for 41 months after surgical resection alone.
A Case of Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Infection on Branchial Cleft Cyst
Authors: Go Yu Jin , Park Sohl , Kim Han Su , Jung Soo Yeon
Published: July 2021

Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) is commonly found in the surrounding environment and can cause opportunistic infection. Mainly, it causes lymph node infection in the cervical area, which is often known to occur in children. Recently, we have experienced a case of NTM infection on a branchial cleft cyst in a 36-year old male. NTM was diagnosed by fine needle aspiration and branchial cleft cyst was confirmed by postoperative pathologic findings. We report this case with a review of literature.
A Case of Intrathyroidal Parathyroid Carcinoma Accompanied by Contralateral Parathyroid Hyperplasia
Authors: Koo Beom Mo , Moon Seong Kyu , Lee Mi Ji , Kim Seung Woo
Published: July 2021

Parathyroid carcinoma accounts for about 0.5%-5% of all parathyroid neoplasms. Very rarely, but if the intrathyroidal parathyroid gland is present, the carcinoma can arise in that developmental anomaly. It is very difficult to distinguish a thyroid nodule from an intrathyroidal parathyroid neoplasm with preoperative radiologic and cytologic evaluations. A 59-year-old male was initially evaluated as presenting a follicular thyroid neoplasm accompanied by hyperparathyroidism. He received hemi-thyroidectomy with central neck dissection and subtotal parathyroidectomy. The final pathology evaluation revealed intrathyroidal parathyroid carcinoma and hyperplasia of contralateral parathyroid glands. We report this very rare and unique clinical situation with a literature review.
Exploring the Socio-cultural Impact of Scottish Island Airports
Authors: Baxter Graeme , Bloice Lyndsay , Gray David
Published: July 2021

This paper explores the social importance of small, local airports to Scottish island communities, and the roles that they might play in maintaining cultural identity and a sense of place. It draws upon studies conducted in three communities: Benbecula and Kirkwall, each of which has airports with long histories; and the Isle of Skye, where there have been no air passenger services for over 30 years, but where efforts to reintroduce such services are ongoing. It considers how small, remote airports contribute to social and cultural value in a number of ways, generating benefits beyond those typically reflected in conventional economic analyses. These include: providing ‘lifeline’ services, particularly in enabling patient access to specialist healthcare; maintaining links with family, friends and the wider diaspora; overcoming perceived remoteness and isolation; acting as socio-cultural arenas in their own right; and being regarded as important symbols of local history, culture and identity.
Committees and Witnesses in the Scottish Parliament: Beyond the ‘usual suspects’?
Authors: Bochel Hugh , Berthier Anouk
Published: July 2021

The committees of the Scottish Parliament play an important role in scrutinising the legislation and policies of the Scottish Government, and indeed the work of other organisations. A key element of that task is gathering evidence, including from those who appear as witnesses, yet relatively little has been written about that work. This article draws upon an analysis of committee witnesses and interviews with MSPs and officials to provide further understanding of how witnesses are selected, describe some of their characteristics, and consider how they contribute to committee inquiries. It suggests that while the Parliament has made progress in seeking evidence from beyond the ‘usual suspects’, there would be further benefits in diversifying further the voices from which committees hear.
Tratamiento de Periodontitis apical aguda usando pasta 3Mix modificada en paciente con infección congénita por citomegalovirus. Reporte de caso
Authors: Sucapuca Vilca Vilma Edith , Torres Ramos Gilmer , López Ramos Roxana Patricia , Cortez Marino María , Yachas Taype Rudy
Published: July 2021

El citomegalovirus congénita es un virus ADN de doble cadena que pertenece a la familia Herpesviridae y causa infección intrauterina, puede ser asintomático o sintomático desde el nacimiento. El objetivo del presente reporte de caso es mostrar la eficacia antimicrobiana de la pasta 3Mix modificada en el tratamiento de periodontitis apical aguda, en una paciente niña con infección congénita por citomegalovirus. Paciente de sexo femenino de 2 años y 3 meses, sintomática a la infección congénita por citomegalovirus. con secuelas permanentes. A nivel estomatológico presenta múltiples lesiones cariosas, pulpitis reversible, periodontitis apical aguda, se realizó tratamientos pulpares en las piezas 61,62,51,52,81,71,54,64 en una sola sesión, bajo anestesia general. En la pulpectomía de la pieza 61 se aplicó el material obturador intraconducto en el tercio apical con pasta 3Mix modificada con una composición (ciprofloxacino, metronidazol, cefalexina) y como vehículo el macrogol y el propilenglicol, y en el tercio medio y cervical con óxido de zinc y eugenol. Se determinó realizar su reconstrucción con poste de fibra de vidrio y restauraciones con resina a partir de matrices de silicona de adición. Conclusión: A los 30 días y 6 meses posterior al tratamiento, se observó ausencia de dolor, hinchazón/absceso o fistula, sin movilidad patológica del diente.
Natural Cybernetics of Time
Authors: Penchev Vasil
Published: July 2021

Norbert Wiener’s idea of “cybernetics” is linked to temporality as in a physical as in a philosophical sense. “Time orders” can be the slogan of that natural cybernetics of time: time orders by itself in its “screen” in virtue of being a well-ordering valid until the present moment and dividing any totality into two parts: the well-ordered of the past and the yet unordered of the future therefore sharing the common boundary of the present between them when the ordering is taking place by choices. Thus, the quantity of information defined by units of choices, whether bits or qubits, describes that process of ordering happening in the present moment. The totality turns out to be divided into two parts: the internality of the past and the externality of the future by the course of time, but identifiable to each other in virtue of scientific transcendentalism.
Rapid and Accurate Varieties Classification of Different Crop Seeds Under Sample-Limited Condition Based on Hyperspectral Imaging and Deep Transfer Learning
Authors: Wu Na , Liu Fei , Meng Fanjia , Li Mu , Zhang Chu , He Yong
Published: July 2021

Rapid varieties classification of crop seeds is significant for breeders to screen out seeds with specific traits and market regulators to detect seed purity. However, collecting high-quality, large-scale samples takes high costs in some cases, making it difficult to build an accurate classification model. This study aimed to explore a rapid and accurate method for varieties classification of different crop seeds under the sample-limited condition based on hyperspectral imaging (HSI) and deep transfer learning. Three deep neural networks with typical structures were designed based on a sample-rich Pea dataset. Obtained the highest accuracy of 99.57%, VGG-MODEL was transferred to classify four target datasets (rice, oat, wheat, and cotton) with limited samples. Accuracies of the deep transferred model achieved 95, 99, 80.8, and 83.86% on the four datasets, respectively. Using training sets with different sizes, the deep transferred model could always obtain higher performance than other traditional methods. The visualization of the deep features and classification results confirmed the portability of the shared features of seed spectra, providing an interpreted method for rapid and accurate varieties classification of crop seeds. The overall results showed great superiority of HSI combined with deep transfer learning for seed detection under sample-limited condition. This study provided a new idea for facilitating a crop germplasm screening process under the scenario of sample scarcity and the detection of other qualities of crop seeds under sample-limited condition based on HSI.
Mesenchymal Stromal Cell-Conditioned Medium for Skin Diseases: A Systematic Review
Authors: Montero-Vilchez Trinidad , Sierra-Sánchez Álvaro , Sanchez-Diaz Manuel , Quiñones-Vico Maria Isabel , Sanabria-de-la-Torre Raquel , Martinez-Lopez Antonio , Arias-Santiago Salvador
Published: July 2021

The skin is the largest organ of the human body, and its dysfunction is related to many diseases. There is a need to find new potential effective therapies for some skin conditions such as inflammatory diseases, wound healing, or hair restoration. Mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC)-conditioned medium (CM) provides a potential opportunity in the treatment of skin disease. Thus, the objective of this review is to evaluate the uses of MSC-CM for treating skin diseases in both animal and human models. A systematic review was conducted regarding the use of MSC-CM for treating skin conditions. One hundred one studies were analyzed. MSC-CM was evaluated in wound healing (55), hypertrophic scars (9), flap reperfusion (4), hair restoration (15), skin rejuvenation (15), and inflammatory skin diseases (3). MSC-CM was obtained from different MSC sources, mainly adipose tissue, bone marrow, and umbilical cord blood. MSC-CM was tested intravenously, intraperitoneally, subcutaneously, intradermally or intralesionally injected or topically applied. MSC-CM was used in both animals and humans. MSC-CM improved wound healing, hair restoration, skin rejuvenation, atopic dermatitis, and psoriasis in both animals and humans. MSC-CM also decreased hypertrophic scars and flap ischemia in animal models. In conclusion, MSC-CM is a promising therapy for skin conditions. Further studies are needed to corroborate safety and effectiveness and to standardize CM manufacturing.
Indispensable Role of HIF-1α Signaling in Post-implantation Survival and Angio-/Vasculogenic Properties of SHED
Authors: Han Yuanyuan , Chen Qixin , Zhang Lili , Dissanayaka Waruna Lakmal
Published: July 2021

Objectives

Post-implantation survival and timely vascularization of stem-cell based constructs are critical factors in achieving successful outcomes in tissue regeneration approaches. Hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) is known to mediate adaptive functions to ischemic stress in many different cell types. The current study aimed to explore the role of HIF-1α in post-implantation survival and angio-/vasculogenesis of stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED).

Methods

HIF-1α in SHED was suppressed using siRNA or chemical inhibitor (YC-1) and used in Matrigel plug assay conducted on severe combined immunodeficient mice. The plugs were retrieved on day 3 or 7 post-injection and analyzed for hypoxia status, ki67 expression, DNA fragmentation (TUNEL), cellularity, and vascularization by histology and immunohistochemistry for CD31, HIF-1α, pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase-1 (PDK1), hexokinase 2 (HK2), and glucose transporter 1 (Glut1). Cell viability of HIF-1α silenced SHED under different stress conditions (hypoxia, H2O2, and low glucose) in vitro was measured by CCK-8 assay. CM-H2DCFDA and MitoSOX Red were used to detect cellular and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, respectively. PDK1, HK2, and Glut1 expression were measured by western blotting and immunofluorescence. Secretory protein levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and the respective paracrine effects on endothelial cell proliferation and migration were detected by ELISA, CCK-8 assay, and trans-well assay, respectively.

Results

Histological analysis of Matrigel plugs showed significantly reduced cell survival in HIF-1α silenced or chemically inhibited SHED groups, which could be attributed to diminished metabolic adaptations as shown by decreased PDK1, HK2, and Glut1 expression. HIF-1α inhibition in SHED also resulted in significantly low blood vessel formation as observed by a low number of perfused and non-perfused vessels of human or mouse CD31 origin. The viability of HIF-1α silenced SHED was significantly affected under hypoxia, H2O2, and low-glucose conditions in vitro, which was reflected in increased cytoplasmic and mitochondrial ROS levels. Significantly reduced levels of VEGF in HIF-1α silenced SHED resulted in decreased paracrine angiogenic effects as shown by low proliferation and migration of endothelial cells.

Conclusion

HIF-1α plays an indispensable role in post-implantation survival and angio-/vasculogenic properties of SHED by maintaining ROS homeostasis, inducing metabolic adaptations, and VEGF secretion.
The sRNA Regulated Protein DdbA Is Involved in Development and Maintenance of the Chlamydia trachomatis EB Cell Form
Authors: Grieshaber Nicole A. , Runac Justin , Turner Sierra , Dean Marissa , Appa Cody , Omsland Anders , Grieshaber Scott S.
Published: July 2021

The chlamydial small non coding RNA, IhtA, regulates the expression of both HctA and DdbA, the uncharacterized product of the C. trachomatis L2 CTL0322 gene. HctA is a small, highly basic, DNA binding protein that is expressed late in development and mediates the condensation of the genome during RB to EB differentiation. DdbA is conserved throughout the chlamydial lineage, and is predicted to express a small, basic, cytoplasmic protein. As it is common for sRNAs to regulate multiple mRNAs within the same physiological pathway, we hypothesize that DdbA, like HctA, is involved in RB to EB differentiation. Here, we show that DdbA is a DNA binding protein, however unlike HctA, DdbA does not contribute to genome condensation but instead likely has nuclease activity. Using a DdbA temperature sensitive mutant, we show that DdbAts creates inclusions indistinguishable from WT L2 in size and that early RB replication is likewise similar at the nonpermissive temperature. However, the number of DdbAts infectious progeny is dramatically lower than WT L2 overall, although production of EBs is initiated at a similar time. The expression of a late gene reporter construct followed live at 40°C indicates that late gene expression is severely compromised in the DdbAts strain. Viability assays, both in host cells and in axenic media indicate that the DdbAts strain is defective in the maintenance of EB infectivity. Additionally, using Whole Genome Sequencing we demonstrate that chromosome condensation is temporally separated from DNA replication during the RB to EB transition. Although DdbA does not appear to be directly involved in this process, our data suggest it is a DNA binding protein that is important in the production and maintenance of infectivity of the EB, perhaps by contributing to the remodeling of the EB chromosome.
Miltefosine Against Scedosporium and Lomentospora Species: Antifungal Activity and Its Effects on Fungal Cells
Authors: Rollin-Pinheiro Rodrigo , Almeida Yuri de Castro , Rochetti Victor Pereira , Xisto Mariana Ingrid Dutra da Silva , Borba-Santos Luana Pereira , Rozental Sonia , Barreto-Bergter Eliana
Published: July 2021

Scedosporium and Lomentospora species are filamentous fungi responsible for a wide range of infections in humans and are frequently associated with cystic fibrosis and immunocompromising conditions. Because they are usually resistant to many antifungal drugs available in clinical settings, studies of alternative targets in fungal cells and therapeutic approaches are necessary. In the present work, we evaluated the in vitro antifungal activity of miltefosine against Scedosporium and Lomentospora species and how this phospholipid analogue affects the fungal cell. Miltefosine inhibited different Scedosporium and Lomentospora species at 2–4 µg/ml and reduced biofilm formation. The loss of membrane integrity in Scedosporium aurantiacum caused by miltefosine was demonstrated by leakage of intracellular components and lipid raft disorganisation. The exogenous addition of glucosylceramide decreased the inhibitory activity of miltefosine. Reactive oxygen species production and mitochondrial activity were also affected by miltefosine, as well as the susceptibility to fluconazole, caspofungin and myoricin. The data obtained in the present study contribute to clarify the dynamics of the interaction between miltefosine and Scedosporium and Lomentospora cells, highlighting its potential use as new antifungal drug in the future.
Pharmacological Targeting of BMP6-SMAD Mediated Hepcidin Expression Does Not Improve the Outcome of Systemic Infections With Intra-Or Extracellular Gram-Negative Bacteria in Mice
Authors: Hoffmann Alexander , de Souza Lara Valente , Seifert Markus , von Raffay Laura , Haschka David , Grubwieser Philipp , Grander Manuel , Mitterstiller Anna-Maria , Nairz Manfred , Poli Maura , Weiss Günter
Published: July 2021

Introduction

Hepcidin is the systemic master regulator of iron metabolism as it degrades the cellular iron exporter ferroportin. In bacterial infections, hepcidin is upregulated to limit circulating iron for pathogens, thereby increasing iron retention in macrophages. This mechanism withholds iron from extracellular bacteria but could be of disadvantage in infections with intracellular bacteria. We aimed to understand the role of hepcidin in infections with intra- or extracellular bacteria using different hepcidin inhibitors.

Methods

For the experiments LDN-193189 and oversulfated heparins were used, which interact with the BMP6-SMAD pathway thereby inhibiting hepcidin expression. We infected male C57BL/6N mice with either the intracellular bacteriumSalmonellaTyphimurium or the extracellular bacteriumEscherichia coliand treated these mice with the different hepcidin inhibitors.

Results

Both inhibitors effectively reduced hepcidin levelsin vitrounder steady state conditions and upon stimulation with the inflammatory signals interleukin-6 or lipopolysaccharide. The inhibitors also reduced hepcidin levels and increased circulating iron concentration in uninfected mice. However, both compounds failed to decrease liver- and circulating hepcidin levels in infected mice and did not affect ferroportin expression in the spleen or impact on serum iron levels. Accordingly, both BMP-SMAD signaling inhibitors did not influence bacterial numbers in different organs in the course ofE.colior S.Tm sepsis.

Conclusion

These data indicate that targeting the BMP receptor or the BMP-SMAD pathway is not sufficient to suppress hepcidin expression in the course of infection with both intra- or extracellular bacteria. This suggests that upon pharmacological inhibition of the central SMAD-BMP pathways during infection, other signaling cascades are compensatorily induced to ensure sufficient hepcidin formation and iron restriction to circulating microbes.
Thermokarst Lagoons: A Core-Based Assessment of Depositional Characteristics and an Estimate of Carbon Pools on the Bykovsky Peninsula
Authors: Jenrich Maren , Angelopoulos Michael , Grosse Guido , Overduin Pier Paul , Schirrmeister Lutz , Nitze Ingmar , Biskaborn Boris K. , Liebner Susanne , Grigoriev Mikhail , Murray Andrew , Jongejans Loeka L. , Strauss Jens
Published: July 2021

Permafrost region subsurface organic carbon (OC) pools are a major component of the terrestrial carbon cycle and vulnerable to a warming climate. Thermokarst lagoons are an important transition stage with complex depositional histories during which permafrost and lacustrine carbon pools are transformed along eroding Arctic coasts. The effects of temperature and salinity changes during thermokarst lake to lagoon transitions on thaw history and lagoon deposits are understudied. We analyzed two 30-m-long sediment cores from two thermokarst lagoons on the Bykovsky Peninsula, Northeast Siberia, using sedimentological, geochronological, hydrochemical, and biogeochemical techniques. Using remote sensing we distinguished between a semi-closed and a nearly closed lagoon. We (1) characterized the depositional history, (2) studied the impact of marine inundation on ice-bearing permafrost and taliks, and (3) quantified the OC pools for different stages of thermokarst lagoons. Fluvial and former Yedoma deposits were found at depth between 30 and 8.5 m, while lake and lagoon deposits formed the upper layers. The electrical conductivity of the pore water indicated hypersaline conditions for the semi-closed lagoon (max: 108 mS/cm), while fresh to brackish conditions were observed beneath a 5 m-thick surface saline layer at the nearly closed lagoon. The deposits had a mean OC content of 15 ± 2 kg/m3, with higher values in the semi-closed lagoon. Based on the cores we estimated a total OC pool of 5.7 Mt-C for the first 30 m of sediment below five mapped lagoons on the Bykovsky Peninsula. Our results suggest that paleo river branches shaped the middle Pleistocene landscape followed by late Pleistocene Yedoma permafrost accumulation and early Holocene lake development. Afterward, lake drainage, marine flooding, and bedfast ice formation caused the saline enrichment of pore water, which led to cryotic talik development. We find that the OC-pool of Arctic lagoons may comprise a substantial inventory of partially thawed and partially refrozen OC, which is available for microbial degradation processes at the Arctic terrestrial-marine interface. Climate change in the Arctic leading to sea level rise, permafrost thaw, coastal erosion, and sea ice loss may increase the rate of thermokarst lagoon formation and thus increase the importance of lagoons as biogeochemical processors of former permafrost OC.
Reconstruction of the Upper Slope Conditions of an Extraordinary Hydro-Meteorological Event Along the Jamapa Glacier Drainage System, Citlaltépetl (Pico de Orizaba) Volcano, Mexico
Authors: Sieron Katrin , Weissling Blake , Morales-Martínez Marco Aurelio , Teran Sergio
Published: July 2021

A singular precipitation event on the summit glacial slopes of Mexico’s highest volcanic peak, Citlatépetl (also known as Pico de Orizaba), associated with the passage of Hurricane Ernesto across the southern Mexico mainland in August 2012, resulted in a debris flow at altitudes above 4,400 m asl, culminating in a hyperconcentrated flow downstream that had major impacts to a river valley’s channel morphology as well as to communities along a 25 km runout. The lahar originated at the terminal moraine and proglacial ramp of the Little Ice Age (LIA) extent of Citlaltépetl’s Jamapa glacier. Precipitation amounts were estimated based on nearby CONAGUA stations, but also on TRMM satellite images leading to an estimated 106 mm for a 3 day total, with 85 mm (80% of the total) falling on August 9th, the date when the lahar event occurred. The initial debris flow removed a minimum estimated 60,000 m3 of material from the proglacial ramp. A possible causative scenario is that the precipitation event overpressured the groundwater hydrology of an already unstable glacial-melt-saturated moraine. We demonstrate a methodology for the recreation of a pre-event landscape and the environmental conditions at the onset of the lahar, utilizing satellite products, in-situ geomorphological and geological evidence, and UAS technology.
A General Block Stability Analysis Algorithm for Arbitrary Block Shapes
Authors: Cheng Xiao Long , Liu Lu Peng , Xiao Jun , Zhang Qi Hua , Xue Jian , Wang Ying
Published: July 2021

In rock engineering, block theory is a fundamental theory that aims to analyze the finiteness, removability, and mechanical stability of convex blocks under different engineering conditions. In practice, the possible combinations of the fractures and joint sets that may generate key blocks can be identified by stereographic projection graphs of block theory. However, classic key block theory does not provide solutions for nonconvex blocks, which are very common in civil projects, such as those with underground edges, corners, and portals. To enhance the availability of block theory, a general algorithm that can analyze the removability and stability of blocks of arbitrary shapes is proposed in this paper. In the proposed algorithm, the joint pyramid for blocks of arbitrary shapes can be computed, and the faces of the blocks are grouped according to their normal vectors such that parallel or nonadjacent sliding faces with the same normal vector can be immediately identified when the sliding mode is determined. With this algorithm, blocks of arbitrary shapes can be analyzed, and users do not need to have experience interpreting graphs of block theory to take advantage of its accuracy and effectiveness. The proposed algorithm was verified by several benchmarking examples, and it was further applied to investigate the stability of the left bank rock slope of a dam. The results showed that the proposed algorithm is correct, effective, and feasible for use in the design and support of excavation in complex rock masses.
The Abundance of Genes Encoding ESBL, pAmpC and Non-β-Lactam Resistance in Multidrug-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae Recovered From Wastewater Effluents
Authors: Fadare Folake Temitope , Okoh Anthony Ifeanyi
Published: July 2021

The aquatic environments play a critical function in the widespread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, ultimately impacting human health. We evaluated the abundance of Enterobacteriaceae and the various resistance gene determinants in final effluents of wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in the Eastern Cape Province, Republic of South Africa. A total of 44 presumptive Enterobacteriaceae was recovered following standard isolation methods. Upon molecular confirmation through Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time of flight (MALDI TOF), a high predominance of Klebsiella pneumoniae (24%) was noted. All the confirmed isolates (n = 29) subjected to a panel of eighteen antibiotics categorized into eleven different classes were multidrug-resistant (MDR). They displayed resistance against antibiotics in more than three different classes. Notably, one E. cloacae exhibited resistance against all the antibiotics assayed. The multiple antibiotic resistance indices (MARI) ranged from 0.22 to 1.0, indicating an environment with high pressure of antibiotics. Conventional Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) analysis showed that 72.4% of the isolates harboured at least one β-lactamase genetic determinant. The most predominant extended-spectrum β-lactamases were blaCTX-M-group (21.5%), blaTEM (20%), and blaSHV (16.9%) while the most predominant plasmid-mediated AmpC-type β-lactamases were blaCIT and blaACC (25.9%) and blaEBC (22.2%). A total of 86.2% of the Enterobacteriaceae harboured a minimum of one non-β-lactam resistance gene determinant with predominance observed in catII (25%), sulII (15.8%), and sulI (14.5%). These results demonstrate an abundance of multidrug-resistant (MDR) Enterobacteriaceae in WWTPs’ effluents. The study confirms the need to optimize current WWTPs’ processes to improve the quality of effluents and ultimately reduce the potential risks of using such water when discharged into the environment.
Does Environmental Policy Promote Energy Efficiency? Evidence From China in the Context of Developing Green Finance
Authors: Peng Jiaying , Zheng Yuhang
Published: July 2021

In response to the dilemma between economic development and environmental protection, green finance is an effective tool for environmental regulation. Based on the stochastic frontier analysis method to measure the energy efficiency of China’s provinces from 2001 to 2017, the promotion effect of green finance on energy efficiency and the intermediary effect of green technology innovation are tested and analyzed in our study. The results show that green finance can significantly improve energy efficiency. Specifically, green finance makes stronger effect on energy efficiency in provinces with rich resource endowments, high levels of economic development, and high degree of marketization. Green finance can improve energy efficiency through the development of new energy technologies and disruptive green innovation, which provides important supports for formulating policies to optimize energy structure and improve energy efficiency.
Paracrine Behaviors Arbitrate Parasite-Like Interactions Between Tumor Subclones
Authors: Noble Robert J. , Walther Viola , Roumestand Christian , Hochberg Michael E. , Hibner Urszula , Lassus Patrice
Published: July 2021

Explaining the emergence and maintenance of intratumor heterogeneity is an important question in cancer biology. Tumor cells can generate considerable subclonal diversity, which influences tumor growth rate, treatment resistance, and metastasis, yet we know remarkably little about how cells from different subclones interact. Here, we confronted two murine mammary cancer cell lines to determine both the nature and mechanisms of subclonal cellular interactions in vitro. Surprisingly, we found that, compared to monoculture, growth of the “winner” was enhanced by the presence of the “loser” cell line, whereas growth of the latter was reduced. Mathematical modeling and laboratory assays indicated that these interactions are mediated by the production of paracrine metabolites resulting in the winner subclone effectively “farming” the loser. Our findings add a new level of complexity to the mechanisms underlying subclonal growth dynamics.
Vertical Distribution of Arthropod Assemblages and the Effects of Weather Conditions on Arthropod Rain in a Temperate Conifer Forest
Authors: Yoshida Tomohiro , Kusunoki Yasunori , Fukano Yuya , Hijii Naoki
Published: July 2021

Vertical stratification of forests results in the occurrence of different arthropod assemblages between the vertical layers. Fallen arthropods from the canopy layers (i.e., “arthropod rain”) are additional food sources for predators thriving on the forest floor (FF). However, the abundances of arthropods are strongly affected by weather conditions and vertical stratification. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the vertical distribution of arthropod assemblages and effects of temperature and precipitation on the arthropod rain in a temperate conifer (Cryptomeria japonica) forest. Arthropods were collected by water-pan traps and trunk-sticky traps in the upper canopy (UC; 16 m), lower canopy (10 m), and FF (0.5 m). Among the fallen arthropods collected by water-pan traps, wandering detritivores, and herbivores were more abundant ranging from the FF to the UC, whereas the abundance of wandering predators (mainly spiders) was similar in the upper and lower canopies. However, detritivores, herbivores, and predators showed the highest abundance in the UC among the flying arthropods. Wandering arthropods moved upward from the FF toward the tree trunks more frequently than downward, indicating the importance of arthropod immigration from the ground to arboreal habitats. Temperature and precipitation had different effects on fallen and moving arthropods among different taxonomic groups. Flying arthropods were affected only by temperature, while wandering detritivores and herbivores were affected by precipitation and temperature. Thus, the abundance of wandering and flying arthropods differed among the vertical layers of a temperate conifer forest; additionally, arthropod rain was closely associated with weather conditions.
Investigation of Thermomorphogenesis-Related Genes for a Multi-Silique Trait in Brassica napus by Comparative Transcriptome Analysis
Authors: Chai Liang , Zhang Jinfang , Li Haojie , Cui Cheng , Jiang Jun , Zheng Benchuan , Wu Lintao , Jiang Liangcai
Published: July 2021

In higher plants, the structure of a flower is precisely controlled by a series of genes. An aberrance flower results in abnormal fruit morphology. Previously, we reported multi-silique rapeseed (Brassica napus) line zws-ms. We identified two associated regions and investigated differentially expressed genes (DEGs); thus, some candidate genes underlying the multi-silique phenotype in warm area Xindu were selected. However, this phenotype was switched off by lower temperature, and the responsive genes, known as thermomorphogenesis-related genes, remained elusive. So, based on that, in this study, we further investigated the transcriptome data from buds of zws-ms and its near-isogenic line zws-217 grown in colder area Ma’erkang, where both lines showed normal siliques only, and the DEGs between them analyzed. We compared the 129 DEGs from Xindu to the 117 ones from Ma’erkang and found that 33 of them represented the same or similar expression trends, whereas the other 96 DEGs showed different expression trends, which were defined as environment-specific. Furthermore, we combined this with the gene annotations and ortholog information and then selected BnaA09g45320D (chaperonin gene CPN10-homologous) and BnaC08g41780D [Seryl-tRNA synthetase gene OVULE ABORTION 7 (OVA7)-homologous] the possible thermomorphogenesis-related genes, which probably switched off the multi-silique under lower temperature. This study paves a way to a new perspective into flower/fruit development in Brassica plants.
Comparative Analysis of Promoters and Enhancers in the Pituitary Glands of the Bama Xiang and Large White Pigs
Authors: Zhou Zhimin , Zhu Yaling , Zhang Zhen , Jiang Tao , Ling Ziqi , Yang Bin , Li Wanbo
Published: July 2021

The epigenetic regulation of gene expression is implicated in complex diseases in humans and various phenotypes in other species. There has been little exploration of regulatory elements in the pig. Here, we performed chromatin immunoprecipitation coupled with high-throughput sequencing (ChIP-Seq) to profile histone H3 lysine 4 trimethylation (H3K4me3) and histone H3 lysine 27 acetylation (H3K27ac) in the pituitary gland of adult Bama Xiang and Large White pigs, which have divergent evolutionary histories and large phenotypic differences. We identified a total of 65,044 non-redundant regulatory regions, including 23,680 H3K4me3 peaks and 61,791 H3K27ac peaks (12,318 proximal and 49,473 distal), augmenting the catalog of pituitary regulatory elements in pigs. We found 793 H3K4me3 and 3,602 H3K27ac peaks that show differential activity between the two breeds, overlapping with genes involved in the Notch signaling pathway, response to growth hormone (GH), thyroid hormone signaling pathway, and immune system, and enriched for binding motifs of transcription factors (TFs), including JunB, ATF3, FRA1, and BATF. We further identified 2,025 non-redundant super enhancers from H3K27ac ChIP-seq data, among which 302 were shared in all samples of cover genes enriched for biological processes related to pituitary function. This study generated a valuable dataset of H3K4me3 and H3K27ac regions in porcine pituitary glands and revealed H3K4me3 and H3K27ac peaks with differential activity between Bama Xiang and Large White pigs.