bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characteristics and Prognosis of COVID-19 Induced Olfactory and Gustatory Dysfunction in Daegu
Authors: Heo Sung Jae , Kim Tae Hoon , Shin Seung-Heon , Ye Mi-Kyung
Published: July 2021

Background and Objectives Olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions have been known as characteristic symptoms of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, the study of the clinical features of olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions in COVID-19 is still insufficient.Subjects and Method Mild COVID-19 patients who complained of olfactory or gustatory dysfunctions in the telephone monitoring from March 8 to April 8, 2020 were included in this study. Patient information was collected using a Google questionnaire. COVID-19 symptoms, severity and improvement of olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions of patients were investigated.Results A total of 228 patients participated in this study. The number of male and female were 76 and 152, and the average age was 32.1±11.5 years. There were 210 patients (92.1%) of olfactory dysfunction, 179 patients (78.5%) of gustatory dysfunction, and 165 patients (71.4%) who complained of both symptoms. The 18.4% of patients complained only olfactory or gustatory dysfunction without other symptoms of COVID-19, and 51.1% of patients presented olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions as the first symptoms. Most of the patients (95.6%) improved olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions within several months, but only 79.8% of patients were normalized.Conclusion Since olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions are the first symptoms in the numerous COVID-19 patients, and continued research on these patients play an important role in the screening and prevention of COVID-19. Long-term observation and further studies of treatment are needed for 20.2% of patients who have not fully recovered.
Shrinkage of the tarns in the High Tatras (Slovakia, Poland)
Authors: Kapista Juraj , Petrovič František , HREŠKO Juraj , RĄCZKOWSKA Zofia
Published: July 2021

This paper assesses the shrinkage of glacial lakes in the High Tatras by analysing the series of historical and actual orthophotomaps from 1949 to 2018. The shoreline dynamics during this period were established by detailed retrospective remote sensing, and the decrease in the former surface of the water was caused by intensive interaction between morphodynamic processes and the lake basins. Herein, we have identified 38 tarns with an assumed decline in the area. This assumption was based on a comparison of initial visual analysis of the historical aerial photographs and the current orthophotomaps which capture all High Tatras tarns. We selected ten tarns with the largest or most representative changes and performed detailed cartographic analysis on them. We also attempted this analysis over shorter periods whenever possible and herein we established from 2.5 to 32.2% decrease in lake water surface area during the monitored period. This decrease in shallow lake basins was accompanied by the presence of accumulated debris flows, fine fraction fluvial-proluvial deposits, and vegetation. The shallow glacial lake basins are sensitive indicators of irreversible changes in their catchment areas and this study, therefore, highlights the effectiveness of combining detailed orthophotomaps and historical aerial photos and GIS tools in researching glacial lakes shoreline dynamics in the alpine landscape. Retrospective shoreline analysis facilitates the assessment of the effects of morphodynamic processes on the development of tarns from the postglacial period until today.
Využitie UAV snímok na poloautomatickú detekciu výpadkov viniča vo vinohradoch Jelenca a Topoľčianok (Slovensko)
Authors: ŠUPČÍK Adam , MATEČNÝ Igor
Published: July 2021

The use of UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) in precision viticulture leads to a more flexible and efficient approach to vineyard management. Images from UAV help determine the condition of the vineyard. Identification of the missing roots of the vineyard in a row by semi-automatic image classification and its comparison with manual classification is a goal of the paper. This study presents a new methodology for the segmentation of vine and row gaps. RGB (Red-Green-Blue) images, multispectral images, Near-Infrared (NIR) images, and Normalized Differential Vegetation Index (NDVI) images were tested and compared with manual classification. The percentage of row gap and the accuracy of individual images were determined. Object-oriented classification of the vine and row gaps in the buffer zone of the vineyard is a core of our method. Using geostatistical methods, such as zonal and logistic regression statistics, the accuracy of individual data in buffer zones was evaluated. Areas of interest were parts of vineyards in Jelenec and Topoľčianky. Success of the method detectomg outage (compared to manual classification) was achieved by images in the RGB spectrum: 96.45% for the Jelenec vineyard and 82.61% for the Topoľčianky vineyard. By this method, we quickly determine row gaps/vine which can be used to optimize or reduce the application of fertilizers to be used only on the vine. The method can be also used by inspection authorities to reveal the actual condition of the vineyard.
A Case Report of a Giant Adrenal Angiomyolipoma at Computed Tomography
Authors: Messina Francesco , Turano Lorena , Arcadi Nicola
Published: July 2021

Angiomyolipoma of the adrenal gland is an extremely uncommon tumor detected incidentally in studies for other pathologies. We present the case of a 55-year-old female patient with a giant incidental right adrenal angiomyolipoma, detected by Computed Tomography (CT), performed for abdominal pain.
Erken Cumhuriyet Döneminde Toplumsal Muhalefet; Bursa Olayı
Authors: ÖZDEMİRCİ İlbey
Published: July 2021

Bu çalışma, Erken Cumhuriyet Dönemi’nde iktidar ilişkilerinin, toplumsal muhalefetin görünürlüğü problemi üzerinde durularak eleştirel bir yaklaşımla yeniden düşünülmesini önermektedir. Bu suretle 1933 yılında Bursa’da yaşanan Türkçe ezan karşıtı olaylar, Tek Parti iktidarının dinsel yaşama dönük politikalarının, halkın talep ve beklentileri ile ilişkili biçimde nasıl değişime uğradığı sorunsallaştırılarak incelenmektedir. Buna bağlı olarak direniş kavramı üzerinde durularak, taşrada vücut bulan muhalefet, bu kavram üzerinden tartışılmıştır. Bu doğrultuda ilk olarak tarih yazıcılığı bakımından toplumsal muhalefet meselesine dair eleştirel bir yaklaşım önerilmekte, iktidarın dini alana yönelik uygulamaları bu çerçevede incelenmektedir. Ardından bu dönemde yürütülen ibadet dilini Türkçeleştirme politikası analiz edilerek, Bursa Olayı etrafında şekillenen toplumsal muhalefetin köken ve kapsamı üzerinde durulmaktadır. Çalışmada bu örnek vakadan hareketle, taşrada yerel ölçekli dinamikler ile bağlantılı biçimde somutlaştığı savunulan iktidar ilişkileri içerisinde direniş pratiklerinin, sahip olduğu belirleyici etkiye dikkat çekilmek istenmiş ve tarih yazıcılığı açısından toplumsal muhalefetin ele alınma biçimlerine yönelik alternatif bir yaklaşım geliştirilmesi hedeflenmiştir
Developing a hybrid learning model based on Moodle e-learning in Linguistics course
Authors: Abdullah Abdullah , Talib Ahmad , Iskandar Iskandar
Published: July 2021

This study aims to create a hybrid learning model, and Linguistics course instructional materials to improve students' language knowledge, theories, and skills, particularly in the English department. A research design and development process were used to construct the learning model and instructional materials. This research entails a lengthy process of determining the needs of students and developing Linguistics products or course material to improve students' capacity or skills in learning language through hybrid learning using a Moodle platform (e-learning). The participants in this study are English department students from Faculty of Languages and Literature, Universitas Negeri Makassar. The students in the English Education and Literature department served as the study's sample. The study's findings revealed a hint of a hybrid learning model based on Moodle e-learning, syllabus, Linguistics course design instructional material, and student’s worksheet activities or exercises. The creation of a Moodle-based hybrid learning model in the Linguistics course, which includes learning procedures and steps, teaching materials, and assessment of learning outcomes, is intended to improve student learning abilities, particularly in the English Department, which includes aspects of knowledge, attitudes, and skills under today's curriculum demands. The Linguistics course's teaching materials were built on a Moodle-based hybrid learning paradigm that adheres to active, interactive, and communicative learning concepts. In this learning, active, creative, and communicative learning strategies and techniques and flexible learning strategies and methods are extremely conceivable.
Audit Penerangan Pada Gedung A, B, DAN C di Perguruan Tinggi
Authors: Muhammad Fahmi Hakim  , Herman Brenda Yuniel Vinza , Himawan Helmy Mukti
Published: July 2021

Dalam perkembangannya kebutuhan energi listrik menjadi suatu keharusan bagi masyarakat dan rasanya tanpa energi listrik masyarakat tidak dapat melakukan aktifitas sehari-hari termasuk dalam dunia pendidikan. Pada tiap gedung pendidikan pun dituntut untuk handal dan berkualitas, juga mencukupi kebutuhan energinya, selain itu hal yang tak kalah pentingnya adalah bagaimana intensitas konsumsi energi listrik tersebut efisien, terkendali, dan tentunya hemat energi. Audit energi yang dilakukan pada PSDKU Kediri Politeknik Negeri Malang ini difokuskan ke tingkat konsumsi energi dan sistem pencahayaan bangunan. Berdasarkan hasil analisis yang dilakukan terdapat beberapa kesimpulan yang diperoleh yaitu, penggunaan energi listrik di Gedung A lebih besar dibandingkan dengan penggunaan energi listrik pada gedung B dan C. Dikarenakan gedung A berfungsi sebagai pusat perkantoran yang jam kerjanya dan penggunaan ruangannya lebih banyak. Sistem pencahayaan bangunan tergolong kurang, karena terdapat beberapa ruangan yang masih belum memenuhi tingkat lux rata rata standart. Penentuan tingkat lux rata rata dilakukan dengan simulasi DIALux dan contoh ruangan yang digunakan adalah ruang direktur. Penghematan energi adalah dengan melakukan pergantian lampu menggunakan lampu berjenis LED sesuai kapasitas yang di butuhkan. Dengan menggunakan lampu led maka kebutuhan penggunaan energinya semakin rendah tetapi tetap memenuhi pada SNI.
Analisis Aliran Daya dan Kualitas Daya Voltage Uprating 70 kV ke 150 kV Menggunakan Performance Index
Authors: Muhammad Fahmi Hakim  , Muhammad Marozi Effendi  , Budi Eko Prasetyo
Published: July 2021

Kebutuhan energi listrik semakin meningkat seiring dengan perkembangan beban. Adanya perkembangan beban menyebabkan arus pada saluran transmisi semakin besar sehingga profil tegangan menurun dan losses semakin besar khususnya pada saluran transmisi 70 kV. Sehingga diperlukan cara untuk menanggulangi masalah tersebut yaitu dengan mempertinggi level tegangan atau voltage uprating dari 70 kV menjadi 150 kV. Penelitian ini dilakukan pada sistem 67 bus di regional Jawa Timur subsistem Paiton-Grati. Terdapat 20 saluran transmisi 70 kV yang akan di-uprating ke 150 kV. Pemodelan sistem dan simulasi aliran daya saat kondisi sebelum (Initial Condition) dan sesudah uprating (Uprating Condition) menggunakan software ETAP. Selanjutnya menganalisis aliran daya dan kualitas daya berdasarkan profil tegangan dan losses saluran transmisi dari masing-masing kondisi. Serta menggunakan performance index untuk membandingkan performa dari Initial dan Uprating Condition dimana terdiri dari Voltage Performance Index (PIV) dan Active Power Performance Index (PIMW). Rata-rata fluktuasi tegangan saat Initial Condition adalah sebesar -3.17%, dimana terjadi kenaikan profil tegangan saat Uprating Condition menjadi sebesar -2.24% dengan selisih sebesar 0.93%. Losses saluran transmisi saat Initial Condition sebesar 4.253%, dimana terjadi penurunan losses saat Uprating Condition menjadi sebesar 3.917%. Sehingga selisih losses saluran transmisi antara Initial dan Uprating Condition sebesar 0.336%. Performance Index saat Initial Condition sebesar 0.18535 sedangkan saat Uprating Condition sebesar 0.15658, sehingga Uprating Condition memiliki performa yang lebih baik.
Analisis Resetting Relay Dan Load Presentase Terhadap Pola Pelaksanaan Dan Pemeliharaan Pada Gardu Induk 150 Kv Saketi Banten
Authors: Kuncoro Rohmanu Dwi , Hermawan Ahmad , Agung Ananto Rhezal
Published: July 2021

Abstrac: The Saketi substation has three 150/70 kV power transformers with a capacity of 3x60 MVA with a frequency of 50 Hz where all three transformers have the capacity, transformer 1 60 MVA (PAUWELS TRAFO) has 3 feeders with an average load of 300 A, 10 MW, transformer 2 60 MVA (UNINDO) has 3 feeders with an average load of 200 A, 6.9 MW and transformer 3 60 MVA (UNINDO) has 4 feeders with an average load of 300 A, 10 MW. This calculation and simulation analysis is carried out aiming to find out the relay settings on each transformer under normal conditions and in a maintenance state on one of the transformers for a long period of time. From the results of the analysis and calculation, it was found that the OCR relay setting under normal conditions of the incoming 150 kV transformer transformers 1, 2, and 3 has a current setting value of 0.92 A and a time setting of 0.36 seconds. On the outgoing side the 20 kV transformers 1, 2, and 3 have a setting of 1,039 A and a time setting of 0.166 seconds.
Studi Kinerja Relay Proteksi pada Transformator II 150/20 KV 50 MVA dengan Penyulang Lakarsantri di GIS Karangpilang PT. PLN (Persero) UPT Malang ULTG
Authors: Sugiarto Riska Salsabila , Hanik Ummu , Prasetyo Budi Eko
Published: July 2021

Abstract: The substation is one of the components of the electric power system that is an important role in the distribution of electrical energy and load regulation. In the process of distributing electrical energy, continuity of good service is needed, but the interferences still often occur, both internal and external. On Sunday, July 21, 2019 there was an  interference, Lakarsantri feeder CB failed to trip so make the incoming 20kV CB trip. That interference was caused by the burning of the Switching Substation in the Citraland area. Therefore, a new relay setting is needed as a recommendation to use transformator 2 to avoid the recurrence of a similar fault.

The relay settings have shown good results where the working time of the relay on the outgoing feeder side is faster than the incoming feeder 20kV and the incoming transformator 150kV side,  when coordination simulated using the E-TAP 12.6.0 software by entering the current setting and the time setting, it shows good coordination because when there is an interference on the outgoing feeder, CB outgoing feeder works first, not the incoming feeder 20kV CB or the incoming transformator 150kV CB.

Preventive maintenance on other equipment such as CB and CT need to be be done to increase of equipment reliability to reduce the occurs of protection failure or damage to the equipment
Molecular Dynamics Simulations Reveal Interactions of an IgG1 Antibody With Selected Fc Receptors
Authors: Kralj Sebastjan , Hodošček Milan , Podobnik Barbara , Kunej Tanja , Bren Urban , Janežič Dušanka , Konc Janez
Published: July 2021

In a survey of novel interactions between an IgG1 antibody and different Fcγ receptors (FcγR), molecular dynamics simulations were performed of interactions of monoclonal antibody involved complexes with FcγRs. Free energy simulations were also performed of isolated wild-type and substituted Fc regions bound to FcγRs with the aim of assessing their relative binding affinities. Two different free energy calculation methods, Molecular Mechanical/Generalized Born Molecular Volume (MM/GBMV) and Bennett Acceptance Ratio (BAR), were used to evaluate the known effector substitution G236A that is known to selectively increase antibody dependent cellular phagocytosis. The obtained results for the MM/GBMV binding affinity between different FcγRs are in good agreement with previous experiments, and those obtained using the BAR method for the complete antibody and the Fc-FcγR simulations show increased affinity across all FcγRs when binding to the substituted antibody. The FcγRIIa, a key determinant of antibody agonistic efficacy, shows a 10-fold increase in binding affinity, which is also consistent with the published experimental results. Novel interactions between the Fab region of the antibody and the FcγRs were discovered with this in silico approach, and provide insights into the antibody-FcγR binding mechanism and show promise for future improvements of therapeutic antibodies for preclinical studies of biological drugs.
Clinical Spectrum, Molecular Characterization, Antifungal Susceptibility Testing of Exophiala spp. From India and Description of a Novel Exophiala Species, E. arunalokei sp. nov
Authors: Singh Shreya , Rudramurthy Shivaprakash M. , Padhye Arvind A. , Hemashetter Basavaraj M. , Iyer Ranganathan , Hallur Vinaykumar , Sharma Anuradha , Agnihotri Sourav , Gupta Sunita , Ghosh Anup , Kaur Harsimran
Published: July 2021

Introduction

Exophiala spp. are important opportunist pathogens causing subcutaneous or even fatal disseminated infections in otherwise both immunosuppressed and healthy individuals but there are no systematic studies on the isolates of Exophiala species from India.

Methods

Twenty-four isolates of Exophiala species were retrieved from the National Culture Collection of Pathogenic Fungi (NCCPF) and identified phenotypically and by molecular methods (ITS region sequencing) followed by antifungal susceptibility testing (AFST) as per CLSI-M38A3 guidelines. A review of the literature of cases from India was performed up to 1st January 2021 using the Medline and Cochrane database.

Results

E. dermatitidis (n = 8), E. jeanselmei (n = 6), E. spinifera (n = 6), E. mesophila (n = 1), E. oligosperma (n = 1), E. xenobiotica (n = 1) were identified and the sequencing of ITS, β-tubulin and β-actin revealed a novel species, E. arunalokei sp. nov. (n = 1). The ITS sequence phylogram of E. jeanselmei revealed that the majority (83%) formed a separate cluster close to type A while majority (75%) of E. dermatitidis were type B. The MIC50 (mg/L) of amphotericin, itraconazole, voriconazole, micafungin, caspofungin, anidulafungin, and posaconazole, was 1, 0.25, 0.125, 0.12, 0.125, 0.062, and 0.062, respectively. Sixteen more cases were identified on the literature review and a significant association of E. dermatitidis with history of surgical procedures (p = 0.013), invasive disease (p = 0.032) and of E. mesophila with tuberculosis (p = 0.026) was seen.

Conclusion

This, to the best of our knowledge is the first study from India elucidating the molecular and clinical characteristics of Exophiala species and the first Indian report of human infection due to E. xenobiotica and E. arunalokei.
Effect of Patient-Specific Coronary Flow Reserve Values on the Accuracy of MRI-Based Virtual Fractional Flow Reserve
Authors: Hair Jackson , Timmins Lucas , El Sayed Retta , Samady Habib , Oshinski John
Published: July 2021

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of varying coronary flow reserve (CFR) values on the calculation of computationally-derived fractional flow reserve (FFR). CFR reflects both vessel resistance due to an epicardial stenosis, and resistance in the distal microvascular tissue. Patients may have a wide range of CFR related to the tissue substrate that is independent of epicardial stenosis levels. Most computationally based virtual FFR values such as FFRCT do not measure patient specific CFR values but use a population-average value to create hyperemic flow conditions. In this study, a coronary arterial computational geometry was constructed using magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) data acquired in a patient with moderate CAD. Coronary flow waveforms under rest and stress conditions were acquired in 13 patients with phase-contrast magnetic resonance (PCMR) to calculate CFR, and these flow waveforms and CFR values were applied as inlet flow boundary conditions to determine FFR based on computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations. The stress flow waveform gave a measure of the functional significance of the vessel when evaluated with the physiologically-accurate behavior with the patient-specific CFR. The resting flow waveform was then scaled by a series of CFR values determined in the 13 patients to simulate how hyperemic flow and CFR affects FFR values. We found that FFR values calculated using non–patient-specific CFR values did not accurately predict those calculated with the true hyperemic flow waveform. This indicates that both patient-specific anatomic and flow information are required to accurately non-invasively assess the functional significance of coronary lesions.
Mitochondrial Arrest on the Microtubule Highway—A Feature of Heart Failure and Diabetic Cardiomyopathy?
Authors: Kassab Sarah , Albalawi Zainab , Daghistani Hussam , Kitmitto Ashraf
Published: July 2021

A pathophysiological consequence of both type 1 and 2 diabetes is remodelling of the myocardium leading to the loss of left ventricular pump function and ultimately heart failure (HF). Abnormal cardiac bioenergetics associated with mitochondrial dysfunction occurs in the early stages of HF. Key factors influencing mitochondrial function are the shape, size and organisation of mitochondria within cardiomyocytes, with reports identifying small, fragmented mitochondria in the myocardium of diabetic patients. Cardiac mitochondria are now known to be dynamic organelles (with various functions beyond energy production); however, the mechanisms that underpin their dynamism are complex and links to motility are yet to be fully understood, particularly within the context of HF. This review will consider how the outer mitochondrial membrane protein Miro1 (Rhot1) mediates mitochondrial movement along microtubules via crosstalk with kinesin motors and explore the evidence for molecular level changes in the setting of diabetic cardiomyopathy. As HF and diabetes are recognised inflammatory conditions, with reports of enhanced activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome, we will also consider evidence linking microtubule organisation, inflammation and the association to mitochondrial motility. Diabetes is a global pandemic but with limited treatment options for diabetic cardiomyopathy, therefore we also discuss potential therapeutic approaches to target the mitochondrial-microtubule-inflammatory axis.
Peri-interventional Triple Therapy With Dabigatran Improves Vasomotion and Promotes Endothelialization in Porcine Coronary Stenting Model
Authors: Hemetsberger Rayyan , Farhan Serdar , Lukovic Dominika , Zlabinger Katrin , Hajagos-Toth Judit , Bota Judit , Garcia-Garcia Hector M. , Ay Cihan , Samaha Eslam , Gaspar Robert , Garamvölgyi Rita , Huber Kurt , Gyöngyösi Mariann , Spannbauer Andreas
Published: July 2021

Objective: We evaluated the short and long-term effect of peri-interventional dabigatran therapy on vasomotion, endothelialization, and neointimal formation in a porcine coronary artery stenting model.

Background: Stenting of coronary arteries induces local inflammation, impairs vasomotion and delays endothelialization.

Methods: Twenty-eight animals underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with drug eluting stents. Sixteen pigs started dabigatran therapy 4 days prior to PCI and continued for 4 days post-stenting, while 12 animals served as controls. Post-stenting dual antiplatelet therapy (75 mg clopidogrel and 100 mg aspirin) was continued in both groups until termination. Immediately post-stenting and at day 3 optical coherence tomography (OCT) was performed in all animals, followed by euthanasia of 8 dabigatran and 4 control animals. The remaining pigs (8 of each group) were followed up for 1 month, with control angiography and OCT. Tissue burden (degree of peri-strut structure—thrombus and/or fibrin) was evaluated. After euthanasia coronary arteries were harvested for in-vitro myometry and histology.

Results: Thrombin generation was lower (p < 0.001) and tissue burden (0.83 ± 0.98 vs. 3.0 ± 2.45; p = 0.031) was significantly decreased in dabigatran treated animals. After 3 days post-PCI endothelium-dependent vasodilation was significantly improved (77 ± 40% vs. 41 ± 31%, p = 0.02) in dabigatran animals. Neither quantitative angiography nor histomorphometry showed differences between the groups. Endothelialization was faster in the dabigatran group as compared with controls (p = 0.045).

Conclusion: Short-term peri-interventional triple therapy with dabigatran, aspirin, and clopidogrel led to an enhanced endothelium dependent vasodilation and faster endothelialization. However, neointimal formation 1-month after stent implantation was comparable between groups.
The Association Between Plasma Osmolarity and In-hospital Mortality in Cardiac Intensive Care Unit Patients
Authors: Zhai Guangyao , Wang Jianlong , Liu Yuyang , Zhou Yujie
Published: July 2021

Objectives: Plasma osmolarity is a common marker used for evaluating the balance of fluid and electrolyte in clinical practice, and it has been proven to be related to prognosis of many diseases. The purpose of this study was to identify the association between plasma osmolarity and in-hospital mortality in cardiac intensive care unit (CICU) patients.

Method: All of the patients were divided into seven groups stratified by plasma osmolarity, and the group with 290–300 mmol/L osmolarity was used as a reference group. Primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. The local weighted regression (Lowess) smoothing curve was drawn to determine the “U”-shaped relationship between plasma osmolarity and in-hospital mortality. Binary logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the effect of plasma osmolarity on the risk of in-hospital mortality.

Result: Overall, 7,060 CICU patients were enrolled. A “U”-shaped relationship between plasma osmolarity and in-hospital mortality was observed using the Lowess smoothing curve. The lowest in-hospital mortality (7.2%) was observed in the reference group. whereas hyposmolarity (<280 mmol/L vs. 290–300 mmol/L: 13.0 vs. 7.2%) and hyperosmolarity (≥330 mmol/L vs. 290–300 mmol/L: 31.6 vs. 7.2%) had higher in-hospital mortality. After adjusting for possible confounding variables with binary logistic regression analysis, both hyposmolarity (<280 mmol/L vs. 290–300 mmol/L: OR, 95% CI: 1.76, 1.08–2.85, P = 0.023) and hyperosmolarity (≥330 mmol/L vs. 290–300 mmol/L: OR, 95% CI: 1.65, 1.08–2.52, P = 0.021) were independently associated with an increased risk of in-hospital mortality. Moreover, lengths of CICU and hospital stays were prolonged in patients with hyposmolarity or hyperosmolarity.

Conclusion: A “U”-shaped relationship between plasma osmolarity and in-hospital mortality was observed. Both hyposmolarity and hyperosmolarity were independently associated with the increased risk of in-hospital mortality.
Development of High-Resolution Regional Climatology in the East/Japan Sea With a Primary Focus on Meridional Temperature Gradient Correction
Authors: Lee Jae-Ho , Chang You-Soon
Published: July 2021

In this study, we developed a new high-resolution regional climatology (0.1° by 0.1° by 19 levels) in the East/Japan Sea. National Centers for Environmental Information and Korea Oceanic Data Center already released the regional climatology of East Asian seas including the East/Japan Sea with 0.1° by 0.1° resolution. It provides a reliable temperature and salinity structure compared to previous 1° or 0.25° climatologies. However, this study found an abnormal meridional temperature gradient problem when calculating geostrophic currents based on this new climatology. Geostrophic currents show a strong repetitive eastward flow along the 1° latitudinal band especially in the East/Japan Sea, which corresponds with abnormal meridional temperature gradients at the same areas. This problem could be related to the objective analysis procedure generating the high-resolution climatology. Here, we reproduced a high-resolution climatology without the abnormal meridional temperature gradient problem by using the optimal interpolation method. Results show that the meridional gradient problem can partly be attributed to both the use of the World Ocean Atlas background field on the 1° grid, and the spatial distribution of World Ocean database observation data; however, these are not the primary causes. We corrected the abnormal temperature gradient by increasing the meridional decorrelation length scale without losing the meso-scale feature in the East/Japan Sea, as shown by the wavelet analysis. Improvement of the new gridded field is also validated by using serial hydrographic data and the altimetry-derived surface current product.
Mouse Spexin: (II) Functional Role as a Satiety Factor inhibiting Food Intake by Regulatory Actions Within the Hypothalamus
Authors: Wong Matthew K. H. , Chen Yuan , He Mulan , Lin Chengyuan , Bian Zhaoxiang , Wong Anderson O. L.
Published: July 2021

Spexin (SPX) is a pleiotropic peptide with highly conserved protein sequence from fish to mammals and its biological actions are mediated by GalR2/GalR3 receptors expressed in target tissues. Recently, SPX has been confirmed to be a novel satiety factor in fish species but whether the peptide has a similar function in mammals is still unclear. Using the mouse as a model, the functional role of SPX in feeding control and the mechanisms involved were investigated. After food intake, serum SPX in mice could be up-regulated with elevations of transcript expression and tissue content of SPX in the glandular stomach but not in other tissues examined. As revealed by immunohistochemical staining, food intake also intensified SPX signals in the major cell types forming the gastric glands (including the foveolar cells, parietal cells, and chief cells) within the gastric mucosa of glandular stomach. Furthermore, IP injection of SPX was effective in reducing food intake with parallel attenuation in transcript expression of NPY, AgRP, NPY type 5 receptor (NPY5R), and ghrelin receptor (GHSR) in the hypothalamus, and these inhibitory effects could be blocked by GalR3 but not GalR2 antagonism. In agreement with the central actions of SPX, similar inhibition on feeding and hypothalamic expression of NPY, AgRP, NPY5R, and GHSR could also be noted with ICV injection of SPX. In the same study, in contrast to the drop in NPY5R and GHSR, SPX treatment could induce parallel rises of transcript expression of leptin receptor (LepR) and melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4R) in the hypothalamus. These findings, as a whole, suggest that the role of SPX as a satiety factor is well conserved in the mouse. Apparently, food intake can induce SPX production in glandular stomach and contribute to the postprandial rise of SPX in circulation. Through GalR3 activation, this SPX signal can act within the hypothalamus to trigger feedback inhibition on feeding by differential modulation of feeding regulators (NPY and AgRP) and their receptors (NPY5R, GHSR, LepR, and MC4R) involved in the feeding circuitry within the CNS.
Climate-Land-Energy-Water Nexus Models Across Scales: Progress, Gaps and Best Accessibility Practices
Authors: Vinca Adriano , Riahi Keywan , Rowe Andrew , Djilali Ned
Published: July 2021

Approaches that integrate feedback between climate, land, energy and water (CLEW) have progressed significantly in scope and complexity. The so-called nexus approaches have shown their usefulness in assessing strategies to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals in the contexts of increasing demands, resource scarcity, and climate change. However, most nexus analyses omit some important inter-linkages that could actually be addressed. The omissions often stem from technical and practical considerations, but also from limited dissemination of new open-source frameworks incorporating recent advances. We review and present a set of models that can meet the needs of decision makers for analysis tools capable of addressing a broad range of nexus questions. Particular attention is given to model accessibility, usability and community support. The other objective of this review is to discuss research gaps, and critical needs and opportunities for further model development from a scientific viewpoint. We explore at different scales where and why some nexus interactions are most relevant. We find that both very small scale and global models tend to neglect some CLEW interactions, but for different reasons. The former rarely include climate impacts, which are often marginal at the local level, while the latter mostly lack some aspects because of the complexity of large full CLEW systems at the global level.
Multi-Center in-Depth Screening of Neonatal Deafness Genes: Zhejiang, China
Authors: Cai Luhang , Liu Ya , Xu Yaping , Yang Hang , Lv Lihui , Li Yang , Chen Qiongqiong , Lin Xiaojiang , Yang Yihui , Hu Guangwei , Zheng Guofeng , Zhou Jing , Qian Qiyong , Xu Mei-ai , Fang Jin , Ding Jianjun , Chen Wei , Gao Jiong
Published: July 2021

Purpose

The conventional genetic screening for deafness involves 9–20 variants from four genes. This study expands screening to analyze the mutation types and frequency of hereditary deafness genes in Zhejiang, China, and explore the significance of in-depth deafness genetic screening in newborns.

Methods

This was a multi-centre study conducted in 5,120 newborns from 12 major hospitals in the East-West (including mountains and islands) of Zhejiang Province. Concurrent hearing and genetic screening was performed. For genetic testing, 159 variants of 22 genes were screened, including CDH23, COL11A1, DFNA5, DFNB59, DSPP, GJB2, GJB3, KCNJ10, MT-RNR1, MT-TL1, MT-TS1, MYO15A, MYO7A, OTOF, PCDH15, SLC26A4, SOX10, TCOF1, TMC1, USH1G, WFS1, and WHRN using next-generation sequencing. Newborns who failed to have genetic mutations or hearing screening were diagnosed audiologically at the age of 6 months.

Results

A total of 4,893 newborns (95.57%) have passed the initial hearing screening, and 7 (0.14%) have failed in repeated screening. Of these, 446 (8.71%) newborns carried at least one genetic deafness-associated variant. High-risk pathogenic variants were found in 11 newborns (0.21%) (nine homozygotes and two compound heterozygotes), and eight of these infants have passed the hearing screening. The frequency of mutations in GJB2, GJB3, SLC26A4, 12SrRNA, and TMC1 was 5.43%, 0.59%, 1.91%, 0.98%, and 0.02%, respectively. The positive rate of in-depth screening was significantly increased when compared with 20 variants in four genes of traditional testing, wherein GJB2 was increased by 97.2%, SLC26A4 by 21% and MT-RNR1 by 150%. The most common mutation variants were GJB2c.235delC and SLC26A4c.919-2A > G, followed by GJB2c.299_300delAT. Homoplasmic mutation in MT-RNR1 was the most common, including m.1555A > G, m.961T > C, m.1095T > C. All these infants have passed routine hearing screening. The positive rate of MT-RNR1 mutation was significantly higher in newborns with high-risk factors of maternal pregnancy.

Conclusion

The positive rate of deafness gene mutations in the Zhejiang region is higher than that of the database, mainly in GJB2c.235delC, SLC26A4 c.919-2A > G, and m.1555A > G variants. The expanded genetic screening in the detection rate of diseasecausing variants was significantly improved. It is helpful in identifying high-risk children for follow-up intervention.
Transcriptomics and Metabolomics Reveal Purine and Phenylpropanoid Metabolism Response to Drought Stress in Dendrobium sinense, an Endemic Orchid Species in Hainan Island
Authors: Zhang Cuili , Chen Jinhui , Huang Weixia , Song Xiqiang , Niu Jun
Published: July 2021

Drought stress is a bottleneck factor for plant growth and development, especially in epiphytic orchids that absorb moisture mainly from the air. Recent studies have suggested that there are complex transcriptional regulatory networks related to drought stress in Dendrobium sinense. In this study, the transcription and metabolite alterations involved in drought stress response in D. sinense were investigated through RNA-seq and metabolomics. A total of 856 metabolites were identified from stressed and control samples, with 391 metabolites showing significant differences. With PacBio and Illumina RNA sequencing, 72,969 genes were obtained with a mean length of 2,486 bp, and 622 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified. Correlation analysis showed 7 differential genes, and 39 differential metabolites were involved in interaction networks. The network analysis of differential genes and metabolites suggested that the pathways of purine metabolism and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis may play an important role in drought response in D. sinense. These results provide new insights and reference data for culturally important medicinal plants and the protection of endangered orchids.
Genome-Wide Identification of RNA Modifications for Spontaneous Coronary Aortic Dissection
Authors: Chai Tianci , Tian Mengyue , Yang Xiaojie , Qiu Zhihuang , Lin Xinjian , Chen Liangwan
Published: July 2021

RNA modification plays important roles in many biological processes such as gene expression control. Genetic variants that affect RNA modification may have functional roles in aortic dissection. The aim of this study was to identify RNA modifications related to spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD). We examined the association of RNA modification-associated single-nucleotide polymorphisms (RNAm-SNPs) with SCAD in summary data from a genome-wide association study (GWAS) of European descent (270 SCAD cases and 5,263 controls). Furthermore, we performed expression quantitative loci (eQTL) and protein quantitative loci (pQTL) analyses for the RNAm-SNPs using publicly available data. Functional enrichment and protein–protein interaction analyses were performed for the identified proteins. We found 11,464 unique RNAm-SNPs in the SCAD GWAS dataset, and 519 were nominally associated with SCAD. Nine RNAm-SNPs were associated with SCAD at p < 0.001, and among them, seven were N6-methyladenosine (m6A) methylation-related SNPs, one (rs113664950 in HLA-DQB1) was m7G-associated SNP, and one [rs580060 in the 3′-UTR of Mitochondrial Ribosomal Protein S21 (MRPS21)] was A-to-I modification SNP. The genome-wide significant SNP rs3818978 (SCAD association p = 5.74 × 10–10) in the 5′-UTR of MRPS21 was related to m6A modification. These nine SNPs all showed eQTL effects, and six of them were associated with circulating protein or metabolite levels. The related protein-coding genes were enriched in specific Gene Ontology (GO) terms such as extracellular space, extracellular region, defense response, lymphocyte migration, receptor binding and cytokine receptor binding, and so on. The present study found the associations between RNAm-SNPs and SCAD. The findings suggested that RNA modification may play functional roles in SCAD.
IOBR: Multi-Omics Immuno-Oncology Biological Research to Decode Tumor Microenvironment and Signatures
Authors: Zeng Dongqiang , Ye Zilan , Shen Rongfang , Yu Guangchuang , Wu Jiani , Xiong Yi , Zhou Rui , Qiu Wenjun , Huang Na , Sun Li , Li Xuejun , Bin Jianping , Liao Yulin , Shi Min , Liao Wangjun
Published: July 2021

Recent advances in next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies have triggered the rapid accumulation of publicly available multi-omics datasets. The application of integrated omics to explore robust signatures for clinical translation is increasingly emphasized, and this is attributed to the clinical success of immune checkpoint blockades in diverse malignancies. However, effective tools for comprehensively interpreting multi-omics data are still warranted to provide increased granularity into the intrinsic mechanism of oncogenesis and immunotherapeutic sensitivity. Therefore, we developed a computational tool for effective Immuno-Oncology Biological Research (IOBR), providing a comprehensive investigation of the estimation of reported or user-built signatures, TME deconvolution, and signature construction based on multi-omics data. Notably, IOBR offers batch analyses of these signatures and their correlations with clinical phenotypes, long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) profiling, genomic characteristics, and signatures generated from single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data in different cancer settings. Additionally, IOBR integrates multiple existing microenvironmental deconvolution methodologies and signature construction tools for convenient comparison and selection. Collectively, IOBR is a user-friendly tool for leveraging multi-omics data to facilitate immuno-oncology exploration and to unveil tumor-immune interactions and accelerating precision immunotherapy.
The Politics of Ocean Governance Transformations
Authors: Blythe Jessica L. , Armitage Derek , Bennett Nathan J. , Silver Jennifer J. , Song Andrew M.
Published: July 2021

Recently, oceans have become the focus of substantial global attention and diverse appeals for “transformation.” Calls to transform ocean governance are motivated by various objectives, including the need to secure the rights of marginalized coastal communities, to boost ocean-based economic development, and to reverse global biodiversity loss. This paper examines the politics of ocean governance transformations through an analysis of three ongoing cases: the FAO’s voluntary guidelines for small-scale fisheries; debt-for-“blue”-nature swaps in the Seychelles; and the United Nations’ negotiations for a high seas’ treaty. We find that transformations are not inevitable or apolitical. Rather, changes are driven by an array of actors with different objectives and varying degrees of power. Objectives are articulated and negotiated through interactions thatmayreassemble rights, access, and control; however, there is also the potential that existing conditions become further entrenched rather than transformed at all. In particular, our analysis suggests that: (1) efforts to transform are situated in contested, historical landscapes that bias the trajectory of transformation, (2) power dynamics shape whose agendas and narratives drive transformational change, and (3) transformations create uneven distributions of costs and benefits that can facilitate or stall progress toward intended goals. As competing interests over ocean spaces continue to grow in the coming decades, understanding the processes through which ocean governance transformations can occur—and making the politics of transformative change more explicit—will be critical for realizing equitable ocean governance.
Advances in Imaging Modalities, Artificial Intelligence, and Single Cell Biomarker Analysis, and Their Applications in Cytopathology
Authors: Lau Ryan P. , Kim Teresa H. , Rao Jianyu
Published: July 2021

Several advances in recent decades in digital imaging, artificial intelligence, and multiplex modalities have improved our ability to automatically analyze and interpret imaging data. Imaging technologies such as optical coherence tomography, optical projection tomography, and quantitative phase microscopy allow analysis of tissues and cells in 3-dimensions and with subcellular granularity. Improvements in computer vision and machine learning have made algorithms more successful in automatically identifying important features to diagnose disease. Many new automated multiplex modalities such as antibody barcoding with cleavable DNA (ABCD), single cell analysis for tumor phenotyping (SCANT), fast analytical screening technique fine needle aspiration (FAST-FNA), and portable fluorescence-based image cytometry analyzer (CytoPAN) are under investigation. These have shown great promise in their ability to automatically analyze several biomarkers concurrently with high sensitivity, even in paucicellular samples, lending themselves well as tools in FNA. Not yet widely adopted for clinical use, many have successfully been applied to human samples. Once clinically validated, some of these technologies are poised to change the routine practice of cytopathology.
Differential Packaging Into Outer Membrane Vesicles Upon Oxidative Stress Reveals a General Mechanism for Cargo Selectivity
Authors: Orench-Rivera Nichole , Kuehn Meta J.
Published: July 2021

Selective cargo packaging into bacterial extracellular vesicles has been reported and implicated in many biological processes, however, the mechanism behind the selectivity has remained largely unexplored. In this study, proteomic analysis of outer membrane (OM) and OM vesicle (OMV) fractions from enterotoxigenic E. coli revealed significant differences in protein abundance in the OMV and OM fractions for cultures shifted to oxidative stress conditions. Analysis of sequences of proteins preferentially packaged into OMVs showed that proteins with oxidizable residues were more packaged into OMVs in comparison with those retained in the membrane. In addition, the results indicated two distinct classes of OM-associated proteins were differentially packaged into OMVs as a function of peroxide treatment. Implementing a Bayesian hierarchical model, OM lipoproteins were determined to be preferentially exported during stress whereas integral OM proteins were preferentially retained in the cell. Selectivity was determined to be independent of transcriptional regulation of the proteins upon oxidative stress and was validated using randomly selected protein candidates from the different cargo classes. Based on these data, a hypothetical functional and mechanistic basis for cargo selectivity was tested using OmpA constructs. Our study reveals a basic mechanism for cargo selectivity into OMVs that may be useful for the engineering of OMVs for future biotechnological applications.
Mechanism of Growth Regulation of Yeast Involving Hydrogen Sulfide From S-Propargyl-Cysteine Catalyzed by Cystathionine-γ-Lyase
Authors: Gu Zhongkai , Sun Yufan , Wu Feizhen , Wu Xiaomo
Published: July 2021

Pathogenic fungi are recognized as a progressive threat to humans, particularly those with the immunocompromised condition. The growth of fungi is controlled by several factors, one of which is signaling molecules, such as hydrogen sulfide (H2S), which was traditionally regarded as a toxic gas without physiological function. However, recent studies have revealed that H2S is produced enzymatically and endogenously in several species, where it serves as a gaseous signaling molecule performing a variety of critical biological functions. However, the influence of this endogenous H2S on the biological activities occurring within the pathogenic fungi, such as transcriptomic and phenotypic alternations, has not been elucidated so far. Therefore, the present study was aimed to decipher this concern by utilizing S-propargyl-cysteine (SPRC) as a novel and stable donor of H2S and Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a fungal model. The results revealed that the yeast could produce H2S by catabolizing SPRC, which facilitated the growth of the yeast cells. This implies that the additional intracellularly generated H2S is generated primarily from the enhanced sulfur-amino-acid-biosynthesis pathways and serves to increase the growth rate of the yeast, and presumably the growth of the other fungi as well. In addition, by deciphering the implicated pathways and analyzing the in vitro enzymatic activities, cystathionine-γ-lyase (CYS3) was identified as the enzyme responsible for catabolizing SPRC into H2S in the yeast, which suggested that cystathionine-γ-lyase might play a significant role in the regulation of H2S-related transcriptomic and phenotypic alterations occurring in yeast. These findings provide important information regarding the mechanism underlying the influence of the gaseous signaling molecules such as H2S on fungal growth. In addition, the findings provide a better insight to the in vivo metabolism of H2S-related drugs, which would be useful for the future development of anti-fungal drugs.