bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impacto da produção de olerícolas em sistema de base agroecológica na qualidade química do solo
Authors: Carneiro Cleiton Jardel , Prochnow Darlan Ariel , Thesing Nelson José , Nogueira Tatiane Peno , Klockner Luiza Motta
Published: January 2022

O estudo buscou analisar de forma comparativa duas análises de solo, uma amostra de solo de uma gleba que encontra-se em sistema produtivo de hortaliças, com base agroecológica não certificada, em exploração há aproximadamente 4 anos, e a outra amostra de solo da mesma gleba porém na forma de testemunha contendo apenas uma correção de solo com calcário calcítico. Foram analisados os aspectos físicos e químicos através de análise de solo. Os dados foram catalogados, analisados e comparados. Baseou-se a evolução dos níveis químicos da análise de solo com a análise do composto orgânico utilizado na forma de adubação. Identificou-se que houve elevação em quase todos os macros e micronutrientes presentes na análise, com destaque para fósforo e potássio. Apenas um micronutriente manganês apresentou diminuição no índice disponível no solo.
Influence of international commitments against torture on prison indicators: measuring human rights
Authors: Nichele Cíntia da Silva Telles , Ferreira Aldo Pacheco
Published: January 2022

O Protocolo Facultativo à Convenção contra a Tortura e Outros Tratamentos ou Penas Cruéis, Desumanos ou Degradantes criou mecanismos de prevenção à tortura para ampliar a proteção dos direitos humanos das pessoas sob custódia. A intenção era garantir o tratamento adequado à população mais vulnerável a esse tipo de agressão. Mas será que o pacto de fato gera efeitos positivos aos países que o aderem? O objetivo do estudo é avaliar a influência do protocolo nos indicadores prisionais. Utilizou-se o método estatístico do teste t de duas amostras para comparar as médias dos indicadores dos países que ratificaram o protocolo e dos países que não o fizeram para verificar se a diferença entre os resultados era estatisticamente significativa. Para tanto, consideramos 5% de significância. Os resultados mostraram que a população adulta feminina dos países não ratificantes é maior do que a dos ratificantes. No entanto, em relação aos adultos do sexo masculino e à população jovem não houve diferença estatística. Sobre os presos sem sentença também não houve diferença nos percentuais médios entre os dois grupos de países. A mortalidade por causas externas e por suicídio atingiu taxas estatisticamente mais altas nos países que o ratificaram. Nas demais causas (causas naturais, homicídio, acidentais ou outras causas, e total de mortes) as diferenças entre as taxas encontradas não foram significativas.
Realidade prática vivenciada pelos enfermeiros na classificação de risco em serviços de urgência e emergência
Authors: Xavier Pedro Bezerra , Silva Ísis de Siqueira , Almeida Jank Landy Simôa , Alves Francisco Paulo de Andrade , Negreiros Rosângela Vidal de , Sousa Andréia Oliveira Barros , Braga Daniela Moura dos Reis , Araújo Ana Beatriz Gouveia de , Silva Tatiane Lima de Araújo , Crispiniano Elvis Costa , Morais Marcos Garcia Costa , Viana André Souza Oliveira Albuquerque
Published: January 2022

Objetivo: Identificar na literatura a realidade vivenciada pelos enfermeiros no contexto da classificação de risco nos serviços de urgência e emergência. Metodologia: Estudo teórico do tipo revisão integrativa da literatura (RIL), com a finalidade de reunir e sintetizar resultados de estudos já realizados. A pesquisa foi realizada por pares, entre os meses de Julho e Setembro de 2021, na Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde (BVS), com o uso dos descritores: Serviços de Urgência e Emergência e Classificação de Risco. A população da pesquisa incluiu 210 documentos; posteriormente foi realizada leitura crítica e reflexiva dos títulos e dos resumos, e correlação com a questão norteadora; assim, estabeleceu-se a amostra de 14 artigos. Resultados: Os enfermeiros são profissionais que adquirem em sua formação as as competências e habilidades  necessárias para a triagem e classificação de risco, por possuírem uma linguagem clínica orientada para os sinais e os sintomas apresentados pelo usuário, e não para os diagnósticos, necessariamente, conseguindo estabelecer uma relação de empatia, que é fundamental na minimização de sentimentos como ansiedade, agressividade ou impaciência, e explicando calmamente ao utente o objetivo do processo de triagem. Conclusão: O enfermeiro é tido como figura primordial nesse processo, de modo que é reiterada a necessidade de capacitações e treinamentos, a fim de uniformizar ao máximo possível a classificação de risco atribuída por eles. Evidenciou-se ainda que para garantia e continuidade do cuidado, faz-se imperativo a aplicação da Sistematização da Assistência em Enfermagem.
Pelaksanaan Kewenangan Gubernur dalam Konsep Otonomi Khusus Papua
Authors: Rakia A. Sakti R.S. , Muharuddin Muharuddin , Sahertian Marthin
Published: January 2022

Sebagai daerah yang diberikan kewenangan otonomi khusus, provinsi papua memiliki sejumlah kewenangan yang berbeda dari daerah-daerah otonomi pada umumnya di indonesia, berikut mengenai struktur pemerintahan daerahnya. Gubernur provinsi papua sebagai kepala daerah sekaligus kepala pemerintahan berkedudukan sebagai wakil pemerintah di papua, memiliki sejumlah kewenangan namun kewenangan tersebut tidak mencirikan sistem pemerintahan daerah sesuai dengan konsep otonomi khusus sebagai perwujudan desentralisasi asimteris (asymetrical decentralization) tetapi cenderung mewujudkan administrasi pemerintahan daerah dalam Undang-Undang pemerintahan Daerah. Tulisan ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui apa esensi konsep desentralisasi dalam pelaksanaan pemerintahan daerah berbasis otonomi khusus di papua, serta bagaimana kewenangan pemerintah provinsi papua dalam otonomi khusus papua. Penelitian ini menggunakan jenis penelitian yuridis-normatif, dengan pendekatan teori hukum dan perundang-undangan (statuta approach). Hasil penelitian ini menunjukan bahwa pelaksanaan kewenangan gubernur dalam kerangka otonomi khusus papua masih dilaksanakan berdasarkan Undang-Undang pemerintahan Daerah. Dampak dari pelaksanaan kewenangan tersebut menghasilkan posisi subordinatif atau ataupun kewenangan yang sumir antara pemerintah provinsi dan kabupaten/kota dalam pelaksanaan otonomi khusus papua.
Aspek Penegakan Hukum Terhadap Kejahatan Fintech Syariah Pada Masa Pandemi di Indonesia: Perspektif Hukum Jinayah
Authors: Ningsih Sri Wahyu , Fitri Winda
Published: January 2022

With the development of the times, fintech companies in Indonesia are increasingly popular and are also increasingly sought after by many people. One of the developments in fintech is the emergence of Sharia fintech. This study aims to analyze fintech crimes that occur from the perspective of jinayah law and to analyze relevant dispute resolution for fintech crimes from the perspective of jinayah law. In this study, the author uses a normative legal research method that uses qualitative analysis, namely by explaining the existing data with words or statements not with numbers. Sharia fintech has a difference with conventional fintech, namely sharia fintech is carried out in the contract process between business owners and investors. The emergence of sharia fintech provides convenience for the community to carry out a credit process using sharia principles and principles. But there is also a negative side, namely sharia fintech crimes such as fraud, fraud. Based on the results of the study, it shows that this sharia fintech crime when viewed from the perspective of jinayah law is included in the ta'zir crime, which if there is a violation the law enforcement is in accordance with the existing legislation in the fairest manner and carried out indiscriminately and discipline that actually carries out sanki ta'zir for sharia fintech crimes, which in essence contain benefits for human life both in the world and in the hereafter.
The Comparative Analysis Of Employee Performance Before And After The Provision Of Remuneration At The Ministry Of Religion In North Gorontalo District
Authors: Yakup Yakup , Setiawan Sasmita Rohizah , Biyangi Fatra
Published: January 2022

This study aims to examine and analyze differences in employees' performance at the Ministry of Religion, North Gorontalo District, before and after the provision of remuneration. Primary data sources from questionnaires filled out by respondents. The study population consisted of 82 employees determined using the census method. The method employed to answer research problems and test hypotheses are the Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) with the application of Statistical Product Service Solution (SPSS). The results showed that the F-count of the performance score before the provision of remuneration was 2.676 with a significance value of 0.006, while the F-count of the performance score after the provision of remuneration was 3.193 with a significance value of 0.001. These test results indicate a significant increase in performance after the provision of remuneration or performance allowances. Employee performance improvement includes the quality and quantity of work, reliability, accelerated working time, cost savings, quality of service, integrity, work commitment, discipline, and cooperation.
West Sumatra Education is the Leading Sector in Facing the Covid-19 Pandemic
Authors: Arrazy Masruqi
Published: January 2022

The economy of West Sumatra experienced an economic contraction in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. However, the education sector experienced better growth compared to national growth. Seeing this, the potential of this sector in West Sumatra needs to be analyzed so that it can be seen whether this sector can be chosen as a priority sector in spurring West Sumatra's economic growth to enter the new normal period. The analysis in this study uses secondary data with the classic Shift Share method. The data in this study are Indonesia's Gross Domestic Product according to Constant Prices and the Gross Regional Domestic Product of West Sumatra according to Constant Prices with the 2019 and 2020 data periods. From the analysis results, it is known that the education sector is growing progressively. This sector in West Sumatra is growing faster than the national one and its competitiveness is better than other sectors in West Sumatra. Another thing according to this research is that the education sector can affect several other sectors during the pandemic. So that this sector is very worthy of being the leading sector in dealing with the new normal situation.
The Influence Of Brand Ambasador And Instagram Advertising On Zoya Cosemtic Product Purchase Decisions (Case Study On Follower Instagram @Zoyacosmetics)
Authors: Dyatmika Sutama Wisnu , Viviani Mertha , Alam Wira Yudha
Published: January 2022

A brand is an inanimate object so that a living being is needed to represent it, on the basis of this, the brand is associated in the form of a brand ambassador (BA). BA is often massively published on the social media platform Instagram and the majority of brands use paid partnerships with Instagram. This pattern of influence will be interesting if it is associated with product purchase decisions with zoya cosmetic objects.This study aims to analyze the influence of Brand Ambassador and Instagram Ads on purchasing decisions for Zoya cosmetic products (Case study on @zoyacosmetics Instagram follower). This study uses quantitative methods, and uses a sample of 115 respondents. To test the results of the questionnaires, the researchers used a validity test with a significance result of 5% or 0.005 and a reliability test with a Cronbach alpha result of 0.968 for brand ambassadors, 0.964 for Instagram ads, and 0.895 for purchasing decisions. belong to this study there are results from hypothesis testing with a significance value of 0.000. From the results that have been obtained, it shows that BA and Instagram ads have a significant and positive effect simultaneously on purchasing decisions for Zoya cosmetic products.
Wife's Accountability in Islamic Household Accounting
Authors: Gustiningsih Diah Ayu , Mediaty Mediaty , Alimuddin Alimuddin , Kusumawati Andi
Published: January 2022

This study was conducted to find the form of a wife's responsibility in Islamic household accounting, with a transcendental phenomenological approach. Transcendental phenomenological analysis techniques include 5 stages, namely: noema, noesis, epoche, intentional analysis and eidetic reduction. The results of the study indicate that the responsibility carried out by the wife in an Islamic household carried out in her household is accountability with the aim of maintaining self-esteem and maintaining self-image of her husband, for the expenses made, where there are 6 responsibilities, namely: income, maintenance, ZIS , consumption, investment, and saving into 4 responsibility centers, namely: revenue center, cost center, investment center and wealth center.
Improving daily rainfall extremes simulation using the generalized Pareto distribution: a case study in Western Iran
Authors: Shahraki N , Marofi S , Ghazanfari S
Published: January 2022

Prediction of the occurrence or non-occurrence of daily rainfall plays a significant role in agricultural planning and water resource management projects. In this study, gamma distribution function (GDF), kernel, and exponential (EXP) distributions were coupled (piecewise) with a generalized Pareto distribution. Thus, the gamma-generalized Pareto (GGP), kernel-generalized Pareto (KGP), and exponential-generalized Pareto (EGP) models were used. The aim of the present study was to introduce new methods to modify the simulated generation of extreme rainfall amounts of rainy seasons based on the preserved spatial correlation. The best approach was identified using the normalized root mean square error (NRMSE) criterion. For this purpose, the 30-yr daily rainfall datasets of 21 synoptic weather stations located in different climates of West Iran were analyzed. The first, second, and third-order Markov chain (MC) models were used to describe rainfall time series frequencies. The best MC model order was detected using the Akaike information criterion and Bayesian information criterion. Based on the best identified MC model order, the best piecewise distribution models, and the Wilks approach, rainfall events were modeled with regard to the spatial correlation among the study stations. The performance of the Wilks approach was verified using the coefficient of determination. The daily rainfall simulation resulted in a good agreement between the observed and the generated rainfall data. Hence, the proposed approach is capable of helping water resource managers in different contexts of agricultural planning.
Tunable Blood Shunt for Neonates With Complex Congenital Heart Defects
Authors: Garven Ellen , Rodell Christopher B. , Shema Kristen , Govender Krianthan , Cassel Samantha E. , Ferrick Bryan , Kupsho Gabriella , Kung Ethan , Spiller Kara L. , Stevens Randy , Throckmorton Amy L.
Published: January 2022

Despite advancements in procedures and patient care, mortality rates for neonatal recipients of the Norwood procedure, a palliation for single ventricle congenital malformations, remain high due to the use of a fixed-diameter blood shunt. In this study, a new geometrically tunable blood shunt was investigated to address limitations of the current treatment paradigm (e.g., Modified Blalock-Taussig Shunt) by allowing for controlled modulation of blood flow through the shunt to accommodate physiological changes due to the patient’s growth. First, mathematical and computational cardiovascular models were established to investigate the hemodynamic requirements of growing neonatal patients with shunts and to inform design criteria for shunt diameter changes. Then, two stages of prototyping were performed to design, build and test responsive hydrogel systems that facilitate tuning of the shunt diameter by adjusting the hydrogel’s degree of crosslinking. We examined two mechanisms to drive crosslinking: infusion of chemical crosslinking agents and near-UV photoinitiation. The growth model showed that 15–18% increases in shunt diameter were required to accommodate growing patients’ increasing blood flow; similarly, the computational models demonstrated that blood flow magnitudes were in agreement with previous reports. These target levels of diameter increases were achieved experimentally with model hydrogel systems. We also verified that the photocrosslinkable hydrogel, composed of methacrylated dextran, was contact-nonhemolytic. These results demonstrate proof-of-concept feasibility and reflect the first steps in the development of this novel blood shunt. A tunable shunt design offers a new methodology to rebalance blood flow in this vulnerable patient population during growth and development.
Ubiquitin-Specific Protease 25 Aggravates Acute Pancreatitis and Acute Pancreatitis-Related Multiple Organ Injury by Destroying Tight Junctions Through Activation of The STAT3 Pathway
Authors: Liu Zhengru , Qi Mingming , Tian Shan , Yang Qian , Liu Jian , Wang Siwei , Ji Mengyao , Yu Rong , Zeng Suqi , Li Jinting , Wei Yuping , Dong Weiguo
Published: January 2022

Ubiquitin-specific protease 25 (USP25) plays an important role in inflammation and immunity. However, the role of USP25 in acute pancreatitis (AP) is still unclear. To evaluate the role of USP25 in AP, we conducted research on clinical AP patients, USP25wild-type(WT)/USP25 knockout (USP25−/−) mice, and pancreatic acinar cells. Our results showed that serum USP25 concentration was higher in AP patients than in healthy controls and was positively correlated with disease severity. AP patients’ serum USP25 levels after treatment were significantly lower than that at the onset of AP. Moreover, USP25 expression was upregulated in cerulein-induced AP in mice, while USP25 deficiency attenuates AP and AP-related multiple organ injury. In vivo and in vitro studies showed that USP25 exacerbates AP by promoting the release of pro-inflammatory factors and destroying tight junctions of the pancreas. We showed that USP25 aggravates AP and AP-related multiple organ injury by activating the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) pathway. Targeting the action of USP25 may present a potential therapeutic option for treating AP.
Porphyromonas gingivalis Administration Induces Gestational Obesity, Alters Gene Expression in the Liver and Brown Adipose Tissue in Pregnant Mice, and Causes Underweight in Fetuses
Authors: Yoshida Sumiko , Hatasa Masahiro , Ohsugi Yujin , Tsuchiya Yosuke , Liu Anhao , Niimi Hiromi , Morita Kazuki , Shimohira Tsuyoshi , Sasaki Naoki , Maekawa Shogo , Shiba Takahiko , Hirota Tomomitsu , Okano Tokuju , Hirose Asuka , Ibi Rinko , Noritake Kanako , Tomiga Yuki , Nitta Hiroshi , Suzuki Toshihiko , Takahashi Hirokazu , Miyasaka Naoyuki , Iwata Takanori , Katagiri Sayaka
Published: January 2022

Preventing adverse pregnancy outcomes is crucial for maternal and child health. Periodontal disease is a risk factor for many systemic diseases including adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as preterm birth and low birth weight. In addition, the administration of the periodontopathic bacterium Porphyromonas gingivalis exacerbates obesity, glucose tolerance, and hepatic steatosis and alters endocrine function in the brown adipose tissue (BAT). However, the effects of having periodontal disease during pregnancy remain unclear. Thus, this study investigates the effect of P. gingivalis administration on obesity, liver, and BAT during pregnancy. Sonicated P. gingivalis (Pg) or saline (Co) was injected intravenously and administered orally to pregnant C57BL/6J mice three times per week. Maternal body weight and fetal body weight on embryonic day (ED) 18 were evaluated. Microarray analysis and qPCR in the liver and BAT and hepatic and plasma triglyceride quantification were performed on dams at ED 18. The body weight of Pg dams was heavier than that of Co dams; however, the fetal body weight was decreased in the offspring of Pg dams. Microarray analysis revealed 254 and 53 differentially expressed genes in the liver and BAT, respectively. Gene set enrichment analysis exhibited the downregulation of fatty acid metabolism gene set in the liver and estrogen response early/late gene sets in the BAT, whereas inflammatory response and IL6/JAK/STAT3 signaling gene sets were upregulated both in the liver and BAT. The downregulation of expression levels of Lpin1, Lpin2, and Lxra in the liver, which are associated with triglyceride synthesis, and a decreasing trend in hepatic triglyceride of Pg dams were observed. P. gingivalis administration may alter lipid metabolism in the liver. Overall, the intravenous and oral administration of sonicated P. gingivalis-induced obesity and modified gene expression in the liver and BAT in pregnant mice and caused fetuses to be underweight.
Depletion of Intracellular Glutamine Pools Triggers Toxoplasma gondii Stage Conversion in Human Glutamatergic Neurons
Authors: Bando Hironori , Fukuda Yasuhiro , Watanabe Nina , Olawale Jeje Temitope , Kato Kentaro
Published: January 2022

Toxoplasma gondiichronically infects the brain as latent cysts containing bradyzoites and causes various effects in the host. Recently, the molecular mechanisms of cyst formation in the mouse brain have been elucidated, but those in the human brain remain largely unknown. Here, we show that abnormal glutamine metabolism caused by both interferon-γ (IFN-γ) stimulation andT. gondiiinfection induce cyst formation in human neuroblastoma cells regardless of the anti-T. gondiihost factor nitric oxide (NO) level or Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase-1 (IDO1) expression. IFN-γ stimulation promoted intracellular glutamine degradation in human neuronal cells. Additionally,T. gondiiinfection inhibited the mRNA expression of the host glutamine transporters SLC38A1 and SLC38A2. These dual effects led to glutamine starvation and triggeredT. gondiistage conversion in human neuronal cells. Furthermore, these mechanisms are conserved in human iPSC-derived glutamatergic neurons. Taken together, our data suggest that glutamine starvation in host cells is an important trigger ofT. gondiistage conversion in human neurons.
Gene Polymorphisms Among Plasmodium vivax Geographical Isolates and the Potential as New Biomarkers for Gametocyte Detection
Authors: Ford Anthony , Kepple Daniel , Williams Jonathan , Kolesar Gabrielle , Ford Colby T. , Abebe Abnet , Golassa Lemu , Janies Daniel A. , Yewhalaw Delenasaw , Lo Eugenia
Published: January 2022

The unique biological features of Plasmodium vivax not only make it difficult to control but also to eliminate. For the transmission of the malaria parasite from infected human to the vector, gametocytes play a major role. The transmission potential of a malarial infection is inferred based on microscopic detection of gametocytes and molecular screening of genes in the female gametocytes. Microscopy-based detection methods could grossly underestimate the reservoirs of infection as gametocytes may occur as submicroscopic or as micro- or macro-gametocytes. The identification of genes that are highly expressed and polymorphic in male and female gametocytes is critical for monitoring changes not only in their relative proportions but also the composition of gametocyte clones contributing to transmission over time. Recent transcriptomic study revealed two distinct clusters of highly correlated genes expressed in the P. vivax gametocytes, indicating that the male and female terminal gametocytogeneses are independently regulated. However, the detective power of these genes is unclear. In this study, we compared genetic variations of 15 and 11 genes expressed, respectively, in the female and male gametocytes among P. vivax isolates from Southeast Asia, Africa, and South America. Further, we constructed phylogenetic trees to determine the resolution power and clustering patterns of gametocyte clones. As expected, Pvs25 (PVP01_0616100) and Pvs16 (PVP01_0305600) expressed in the female gametocytes were highly conserved in all geographical isolates. In contrast, genes including 6-cysteine protein Pvs230 (PVP01_0415800) and upregulated in late gametocytes ULG8 (PVP01_1452800) expressed in the female gametocytes, as well as two CPW-WPC family proteins (PVP01_1215900 and PVP01_1320100) expressed in the male gametocytes indicated considerably high nucleotide and haplotype diversity among isolates. Parasite samples expressed in male and female gametocyte genes were observed in separate phylogenetic clusters and likely represented distinct gametocyte clones. Compared to Pvs25, Pvs230 (PVP01_0415800) and a CPW-WPC family protein (PVP01_0904300) showed higher expression in a subset of Ethiopian P. vivax samples. Thus, Pvs230, ULG8, and CPW-WPC family proteins including PVP01_0904300, PVP01_1215900, and PVP01_1320100 could potentially be used as novel biomarkers for detecting both sexes of P. vivax gametocytes in low-density infections and estimating transmission reservoirs.
Intestinal Immune System and Amplification of Mouse Mammary Tumor Virus
Authors: Chen Lankai , Zhang Xipeng , Liu Guisheng , Chen Shuo , Zheng Minying , Zhu Siwei , Zhang Shiwu
Published: January 2022

Mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV) is a virus that induces breast cancer in mice. During lactation, MMTV can transmit from mother to offspring through milk, and Peyer’s patches (PPs) in mouse intestine are the first and specific target organ. MMTV can be transported into PPs by microfold cells and then activate antigen-presenting cells (APCs) by directly binding with Toll-like receptors (TLRs) whereas infect them through mouse transferrin receptor 1 (mTfR1). After being endocytosed, MMTV is reversely transcribed and the cDNA inserts into the host genome. Superantigen (SAg) expressed by provirus is presented by APCs to cognate CD4+T cellsviaMHCII molecules to induce SAg response, which leads to substantial proliferation and recruitment of related immune cells. Both APCs and T cells can be infected by MMTV and these extensively proliferated lymphocytes and recruited dendritic cells act as hotbeds for viral replication and amplification. In this case, intestinal lymphatic tissues can actually become the source of infection for the transmission of MMTVin vivo, which results in mammary gland infection by MMTV and eventually lead to the occurrence of breast cancer.
Cardiac Imaging for the Assessment of Left Atrial Mechanics Across Heart Failure Stages
Authors: Bandera Francesco , Mollo Anita , Frigelli Matteo , Guglielmi Giulia , Ventrella Nicoletta , Pastore Maria Concetta , Cameli Matteo , Guazzi Marco
Published: January 2022

The left atrium (LA) is emerging as a key element in the pathophysiology of several cardiac diseases due to having an active role in contrasting heart failure (HF) progression. Its morphological and functional remodeling occurs progressively according to pressure or volume overload generated by the underlying disease, and its ability of adaptation contributes to avoid pulmonary circulation congestion and to postpone HF symptoms. Moreover, early signs of LA dysfunction can anticipate and predict the clinical course of HF diseases before the symptom onset which, particularly, also applies to patients with increased risk of HF with still normal cardiac structure (stage A HF). The study of LA mechanics (chamber morphology and function) is moving from a research interest to a clinical application thanks to a great clinical, prognostic, and pathophysiological significance. This process is promoted by the technological progress of cardiac imaging which increases the availability of easy-to-use tools for clinicians and HF specialists. Two-dimensional (2D) speckle tracking echocardiography and feature tracking cardiac magnetic resonance are becoming essential for daily practice. In this context, a deep understanding of LA mechanics, its prognostic significance, and the available approaches are essential to improve clinical practice. The present review will focus on LA mechanics, discussing atrial physiology and pathophysiology of main cardiac diseases across the HF stages with specific attention to the prognostic significance. Imaging techniques for LA mechanics assessment will be discussed with an overlook on the dynamic (under stress) evaluation of the chamber.
The Transaxillary Approach via Prosthetic Conduit for Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement With the New-Generation Balloon-Expandable Valves in Patients With Severe Peripheral Artery Disease
Authors: Lind Alexander , Zubarevich Alina , Ruhparwar Arjang , Totzeck Matthias , Jánosi Rolf Alexander , Rassaf Tienush , Al-Rashid Fadi
Published: January 2022

Background: The left subclavian artery (LSA) is an infrequently used alternative access route for patients with severe peripheral artery disease (PAD) in patients who underwent transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). We report a new endovascular approach for TAVR combining an axillary prosthetic conduit-based access technique with new-generation balloon-expandable TAVR prostheses.

Methods and Results: Between January 2020 and December 2020, 251 patients underwent TAVR at the West German Heart and Vascular Center. Of these, 10 patients (3.9%) were deemed to be treated optimally by direct surgical exposure of the left or right axillary artery via a surgically adapted prosthetic conduit. All procedures were performed under general anesthesia. One procedural stroke occurred due to severe calcification of the aortic arch. No specific complications of the subclavian access site (vessel rupture, vertebral, or internal mammary ischemia) were reported. Two minor bleedings from the access site could be treated conservatively. No surgical revision was necessary.

Conclusion: The axillary prosthetic conduit-based access technique using new-generation balloon-expandable valves allows safe and successful TAVR in a subgroup of patients with a high risk of procedural complications due to severe peripheral vascular disease. Considering the increasing number of patients referred for TAVR, this approach could represent an alternative for patients with limited access sites.
The Role of ICL1 and H8 in Class B1 GPCRs; Implications for Receptor Activation
Authors: Winfield Ian , Barkan Kerry , Routledge Sarah , Robertson Nathan J. , Harris Matthew , Jazayeri Ali , Simms John , Reynolds Christopher A. , Poyner David R. , Ladds Graham
Published: January 2022

The first intracellular loop (ICL1) of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) has received little attention, although there is evidence that, with the 8th helix (H8), it is involved in early conformational changes following receptor activation as well as contacting the G protein β subunit. In class B1 GPCRs, the distal part of ICL1 contains a conserved R12.48KLRCxR2.46b motif that extends into the base of the second transmembrane helix; this is weakly conserved as a [R/H]12.48KL[R/H] motif in class A GPCRs. In the current study, the role of ICL1 and H8 in signaling through cAMP, iCa2+ and ERK1/2 has been examined in two class B1 GPCRs, using mutagenesis and molecular dynamics. Mutations throughout ICL1 can either enhance or disrupt cAMP production by CGRP at the CGRP receptor. Alanine mutagenesis identified subtle differences with regard elevation of iCa2+, with the distal end of the loop being particularly sensitive. ERK1/2 activation displayed little sensitivity to ICL1 mutation. A broadly similar pattern was observed with the glucagon receptor, although there were differences in significance of individual residues. Extending the study revealed that at the CRF1 receptor, an insertion in ICL1 switched signaling bias between iCa2+ and cAMP. Molecular dynamics suggested that changes in ICL1 altered the conformation of ICL2 and the H8/TM7 junction (ICL4). For H8, alanine mutagenesis showed the importance of E3908.49b for all three signal transduction pathways, for the CGRP receptor, but mutations of other residues largely just altered ERK1/2 activation. Thus, ICL1 may modulate GPCR bias via interactions with ICL2, ICL4 and the Gβ subunit.
Virus Elimination by Direct-Acting Antiviral Agents Impacts Glucose Homeostasis in Chronic Hepatitis C Patients
Authors: Cheng Chun-Han , Chu Chia-Ying , Chen Huan-Lin , Lin I-Tsung , Wu Chia-Hsien , Lee Yuan-Kai , Bair Ming-Jong
Published: January 2022

Background and Aims

Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is associated with dysregulation of glucose homeostasis, including insulin resistance (IR) and type 2 diabetes. However, independent risk factors associated with IR in chronic HCV-infected patients have not been detailly elucidated. Previous data regarding the impact of HCV elimination by direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs) on glucose homeostasis is insufficient and controversial. This study aimed to analyze the independent factors associated with IR and to evaluate the changes in glucose homeostasis in chronic HCV-infected patients treated with DAAs therapies.

Methods

We screened 704 patients with chronic HCV infection who underwent treatment with interferon-free DAAs. Patients’ baseline characteristics, biochemical and virological data were collected. The outcome measurements were their IR and β-cell function assessed by the homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) method at baseline and 12-weeks post-treatment.

Results

High IR (HOMA-IR ≥ 2.5) was observed in 35.1% of the patients. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that body mass index (BMI) >25 kg/m2, treatment experience, elevated baseline levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and triglyceride, as well as Fibrosis-4 score >3.25 were independently associated with high IR. In patients who achieved sustained virological response (SVR), no significant change in mean HOMA-IR was observed from baseline to 12-weeks post-treatment (2.74 ± 2.78 to 2.54 ± 2.20, p = 0.128). We observed a significant improvement in β-cell secretion stress from 121.0 ± 110.1 to 107.6 ± 93.0 (p = 0.015). Subgroup analysis revealed that SVR was associated with a significant reduction in mean HOMA-IR in patients with baseline HOMA-IR ≥ 2.5 (5.31 ± 3.39 to 3.68 ± 2.57, p < 0.001), HCV genotype 1 (3.05 ± 3.11 to 2.62 ± 2.05, p = 0.027), and treatment experience (4.00 ± 3.37 to 3.01 ± 2.49, p = 0.039).

Conclusions

There were several independent factors associated with IR in patients with chronic HCV infection, including obesity, treatment experience, high serum ALT and triglyceride levels, as well as advanced hepatic fibrosis. After viral elimination by DAAs, we observed a significant reduction in mean HOMA-IR in patients with baseline high IR, HCV genotype 1, and treatment experience.
Exposure to Di-2-ethylhexyl Phthalate and Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, NHANES 2001-2008
Authors: Yang Luchen , Liu Zhenghuan , Peng Zhufeng , Song Pan , Zhou Jing , Wang Linchun , Chen Junhao , Dong Qiang
Published: January 2022

30% of men suffer from benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) worldwide. As one of the most important members of Phthalate esters, previous studies suggested ubiquitous Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) exposure is associated with such male disorders by interfering with endocrine system, however, little is known about the association between DEHP exposure and BPH. The objective of this study was to study the potential association by the 2001–2008 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data. The data was collected, and multiple logistic regression was adapted to measure the association. The concentrations of DEHP (∑DEHP) were calculated by each metabolite and split into quartiles for analysis. Results showed that the odds ratio (OR) decreased with increased ∑DEHP concentration. In the crude model, the OR for the second quartile (OR = 1.60, 95%CI [1.24, 2.07]) was obviously higher compared with the lowest quartile. However, the OR for the highest quartile (OR = 0.55, 95%CI [0.44,0.69]) was lower than that for the third quartile (OR = 0.77, 95%CI [0.61, 0.97]), and the OR for the third and the highest quartile were significantly lower than that of the lowest quartile, which suggested biphasic effects of DEHP based on concentration. The results showed the same trend after adjusting confounding factors. The study suggested that the DEHP exposure is associated with DEHP, and the results adds limited evidence to study this topic, however, further researches are needed to determine if the status of BPH can be changed by controlling DEHP exposure.
Techno-Economical Evaluation of Bio-Oil Production via Biomass Fast Pyrolysis Process: A Review
Authors: Inayat Abrar , Ahmed Ashfaq , Tariq Rumaisa , Waris Ammara , Jamil Farrukh , Ahmed Shams Forruque , Ghenai Chaouki , Park Young-Kwon
Published: January 2022

Biomass pyrolysis is one of the beneficial sources of the production of sustainable bio-oil. Currently, marketable bio-oil plants are scarce because of the complex operations and lower profits. Therefore, it is necessary to comprehend the relationship between technological parameters and economic practicality. This review outlines the technical and economical routine to produce bio-oils from various biomass by fast pyrolysis. Explicit pointers were compared, such as production cost, capacity, and biomass type for bio-oil production. The bio-oil production cost is crucial for evaluating the market compatibility with other biofuels available. Different pretreatments, upgrades and recycling processes influenced production costs. Using an energy integration strategy, it is possible to produce bio-oil from biomass pyrolysis. The findings of this study might lead to bio-oil industry-related research aimed at commercializing the product.
Determining the Adsorption Energetics of 2,3-Butanediol on RuO2(110): Coupling First-Principles Calculations With Global Optimizers
Authors: Moore Carrington , Zhang Difan , Rousseau Roger , Glezakou Vassiliki-Alexandra , McEwen Jean-Sabin
Published: January 2022

As climate change continues to pose a threat to the Earth due to the disrupted carbon cycles and fossil fuel resources remain finite, new sources of sustainable hydrocarbons must be explored. 2,3-butanediol is a potential source to produce butene because of its sustainability as a biomass-derived sugar. Butene is an attractive product because it can be used as a precursor to jet fuel, categorizing this work in the alcohol-to-jet pathway. While studies have explored the conversion of 2,3-butanediol to butene, little is understood about the fundamental reaction itself. We quantify the energetics for three pathways that were reported in the literature in the absence of a catalyst. One of these pathways forms a 1,3-butadiene intermediate, which is a highly exothermic process and thus is unlikely to occur since 2,3-butanediol likely gets thermodynamically trapped at this intermediate. We further determined the corresponding energetics of 2,3-butanediol adsorption on an ensemble of predetermined binding sites when it interacts with a defect-free stoichiometric RuO2(110) surface. Within this ensemble of adsorption sites, the most favorable site has 2,3-butanediol covering a Ru 5–coordinated cation. This approach is compared to that obtained using the global optimization algorithm as implemented in the Northwest Potential Energy Surface Search Engine. When using such a global optimization algorithm, we determined a more favorable ground-state structure that was missed during the manual adsorption site testing, with an adsorption energy of −2.61 eV as compared to −2.34 eV when using the ensemble-based approach. We hypothesize that the dehydration reaction requires a stronger chemical bond, which could necessitate the formation of oxygen vacancies. As such, this study has taken the first step toward the utilization of a global optimization algorithm for the rational design of Ru-based catalysts toward the formation of butene from sustainable resources.
RNA N6-Methyladenosine Regulators Contribute to Tumor Immune Microenvironment and Have Clinical Prognostic Impact in Breast Cancer
Authors: Mu Lan-Xin , Shao You-Cheng , Wei Lei , Chen Fang-Fang , Zhang Jing-Wei
Published: January 2022

Purpose: This study aims to reveal the relationship between RNA N6-methyladenosine (m6A) regulators and tumor immune microenvironment (TME) in breast cancer, and to establish a risk model for predicting the occurrence and development of tumors.

Patients and methods: In the present study, we respectively downloaded the transcriptome dataset of breast cancer from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database to analyze the mutation characteristics of m6A regulators and their expression profile in different clinicopathological groups. Then we used the weighted correlation network analysis (WGCNA), the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO), and cox regression to construct a risk prediction model based on m6A-associated hub genes. In addition, Immune infiltration analysis and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was used to evaluate the immune cell context and the enriched gene sets among the subgroups.

Results: Compared with adjacent normal tissue, differentially expressed 24 m6A regulators were identified in breast cancer. According to the expression features of m6A regulators above, we established two subgroups of breast cancer, which were also surprisingly distinguished by the feature of the immune microenvironment. The Model based on modification patterns of m6A regulators could predict the patient’s T stage and evaluate their prognosis. Besides, the low m6aRiskscore group presents an immune-activated phenotype as well as a lower tumor mutation load, and its 5-years survival rate was 90.5%, while that of the high m6ariskscore group was only 74.1%. Finally, the cohort confirmed that age (p < 0.001) and m6aRiskscore (p < 0.001) are both risk factors for breast cancer in the multivariate regression.

Conclusion: The m6A regulators play an important role in the regulation of breast tumor immune microenvironment and is helpful to provide guidance for clinical immunotherapy.
Whole Blood Transcriptome Analysis in Children with Sickle Cell Anemia
Authors: Gee Beatrice E. , Pearson Andrea , Buchanan-Perry Iris , Simon Roger P. , Archer David R. , Meller Robert
Published: January 2022

Whole transcriptome RNA-sequencing was performed to quantify RNA expression changes in whole blood samples collected from steady state sickle cell anemia (SCA) and control subjects. Pediatric SCA and control subjects were recruited from Atlanta (GA)—based hospital(s) systems and consented for RNA sequencing. RNA sequencing was performed on an Ion Torrent S5 sequencer, using the Ion Total RNA-seq v2 protocol. Data were aligned to the hg19 reference genome and analyzed in the Partek Genomics studio package (v7.0). 223 genes were differentially expressed between SCA and controls (± 1.5 fold change FDR p < 0.001) and 441 genes show differential transcript expression (± 1.5 fold FDR p < 0.001). Differentially expressed RNA are enriched for hemoglobin associated genes and ubiquitin-proteasome pathway genes. Further analysis shows higher gamma globin gene expression in SCA (33-fold HBG1 and 49-fold HBG2, both FDR p < 0.05), which did not correlate with hemoglobin F protein levels. eQTL analysis identified SNPs in novel non-coding RNA RYR2 gene as having a potential regulatory role in HBG1 and HBG2 expression levels. Gene expression correlation identified JHDM1D-AS1(KDM7A-DT), a non-coding RNA associated with angiogenesis, enhanced GATA1 and decreased JAK-STAT signaling to correlate with HBG1 and HBG2 mRNA levels. These data suggest novel regulatory mechanisms for fetal hemoglobin regulation, which may offer innovative therapeutic approaches for SCA.
Multi-Omics Analysis of Lipid Metabolism for a Marine Probiotic Meyerozyma guilliermondii GXDK6 Under High NaCl Stress
Authors: Sun Huijie , Cai Xinghua , Yan Bing , Bai Huashan , Meng Duotao , Mo Xueyan , He Sheng , Su Guijiao , Jiang Chengjian
Published: January 2022

Investigating microbial lipid regulation contributes to understanding the lipid-dependent signal transduction process of cells and helps to improve the sensitivity of microorganisms to environmental factors by interfering with lipid metabolism, thus beneficial for constructing advanced cell factories of novel molecular drugs. Integrated omics technology was used to systematically reveal the lipid metabolism mechanism of a marine Meyerozyma guilliermondii GXDK6 under high NaCl stress and test the sensitivity of GXDK6 to antibiotics when its lipid metabolism transformed. The omics data showed that when GXDK6 perceived 10% NaCl stress, the expression of AYR1 and NADPH-dependent 1-acyldihydroxyacetone phosphate reductase was inhibited, which weaken the budding and proliferation of cell membranes. This finding was further validated by decreased 64.39% of OD600 under 10% NaCl stress when compared with salt-free stress. In addition, salt stress promoted a large intracellular accumulation of glycerol, which was also verified by exogenous addition of glycerol. Moreover, NaCl stress remarkably inhibited the expression of drug target proteins (such as lanosterol 14-alpha demethylase), thereby increasing sensitivity to fluconazole. This study provided new insights into the molecular mechanism involved in the regulation of lipid metabolism in Meyerozyma guilliermondii strain and contributed to developing new methods to improve the effectiveness of killing fungi with lower antibiotics.
A Novel SPG7 Gene Pathogenic Variant in a Cypriot Family With Autosomal Recessive Spastic Ataxia
Authors: Votsi Christina , Ververis Antonis , Nicolaou Paschalis , Christou Yiolanda-Panayiota , Christodoulou Kyproula , Zamba-Papanicolaou Eleni
Published: January 2022

The SPG7 gene encodes the paraplegin protein, an inner mitochondrial membrane—localized protease. It was initially linked to pure and complicated hereditary spastic paraplegia with cerebellar atrophy, and now represents a frequent cause of undiagnosed cerebellar ataxia and spastic ataxia. We hereby report the molecular characterization and the clinical features of a large Cypriot family with five affected individuals presenting with spastic ataxia in an autosomal recessive transmission mode, due to a novel SPG7 homozygous missense variant. Detailed clinical histories of the patients were obtained, followed by neurological and neurophysiological examinations. Whole exome sequencing (WES) of the proband, in silico gene panel analysis, variant filtering and family segregation analysis of the candidate variants with Sanger sequencing were performed. RNA and protein expression as well as in vitro protein localization studies and mitochondria morphology evaluation were carried out towards functional characterization of the identified variant. The patients presented with typical spastic ataxia features while some intrafamilial phenotypic variation was noted. WES analysis revealed a novel homozygous missense variant in the SPG7 gene (c.1763C > T, p. Thr588Met), characterized as pathogenic by more than 20 in silico prediction tools. Functional studies showed that the variant does not affect neither the RNA or protein expression, nor the protein localization. However, aberrant mitochondrial morphology has been observed thus indicating mitochondrial dysfunction and further demonstrating the pathogenicity of the identified variant. Our study is the first report of an SPG7 pathogenic variant in the Cypriot population and broadens the spectrum of SPG7 pathogenic variants.