bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hermeneutics as a methodology of sociohumanities
Authors:   Academy of the State penitentiary service, Chernihiv, Ukraine, N. Ye. Donii
Published: January 2021

The author of the article draws attention to the fact that the relevance of the research is due to the need to describe hermeneutics as a method of humanitarian knowledge and methodology that is most often used in the sociohumanities, as well as the fact about the borer of XX-XXI centuries which raised to a new level of humanitarian knowledge under the slogan of anthropological appeal. The purpose of the research is to identify the main specific features of hermeneutic methodology in the space of sociohumanities. The results of the study. The method of hermeneutics unfolds gradually and among the practical and theoretical needs that influenced its development are: the demands of ancient Greek society; transformation of Christianity into the dominant religion; separation in modern times, in independent scientific fields, politics, economics, psychology, etc.; demand for translations from classical dead languages into living languages of literary, philosophical and historical monuments; actualization of interest in history, linguistics in connection with the awareness of the importance of preserving the authority of humanitarian knowledge. It is also noted that the method of hermeneutics received a powerful impetus for the further “occupation” of new areas due to the transformation of social space into an information society, where communication and dialogue began to determine the success of the results of such interaction. Conclusion. At the time of its origin, hermeneutics was presented as the art of interpreting and understanding texts, and over time it became seen as a variant of the search for truth and a scientific method. Tracing the development of hermeneutics, it is indicated that hermeneutics has never been an abstract theory, but has always accompanied the social activities of people to find solutions to life’s issues. The special popularity of hermeneutics is that it is recognized as an effective universal sociohumanitarian methodology, which is associated with: 1) understanding as comprehension of the studied objects – processes, objects and actions and various texts; 2) interpretation, the task of which is to help understand the text and its value; 3) application as a condition that the distance between the situation of text creation and the time of its interpretation is overcome due to the efforts of the interpreter. Key words: understanding, hermeneutics, text, interpretation, sociohumanities, interpreter, application.
Features of informal education development in Ukraine
Authors:   Academy of the State penitentiary service, Chernihiv, Ukraine, O.B. Shenderuk
Published: January 2021

The problem of informal education is currently relevant, as the concept was officially introduced by the Law of Ukraine «On Education» of 05.09.2017 № 2145-VIII and in this regard, for some time informal education and informal learning were incorrectly interpreted and, accordingly, were not always applied in time and accurately. Such scientists as I. Zhukevych, V. Isaenko, L. Nikolenko, N. Pavlyk, R. Presner, O. Samoilenko, L. Sigaeva, S. Yablokova and others devoted their works to the issue of informal education. The term «informal education» comes from English and means such form of education that is purposeful and carefully planned, but not institutionalized. Informal education is the most innovative and everyday simultaneously. It covers home, leisure and self-education. Priority trends of informal education are self-development and self-realization of participants in this process, as well as unconscious acquisition of knowledge. The principles of informal education have been defined. Among them: the principle of voluntariness, personal orientation, systematization, social orientation, and initiative and amateurs activities. The main trends we have defined are disorganization, high motivation of students, spontaneity, lack of a clear plan, the pressure of learning and a certain time; the ability of everyone to be a teacher. Informal education is put into practice due to its own activity in cultural and educational environment. And a person transfers social educational potential into effectual factors of his development. Such education can implement through goal-seeking communication, reading, aching TV programs, attending cultural places of interest, travelling, etc. This type of education can be analyzed as one of its minisystem that is close to self education and is aimed at creating necessary resources for a candidate. The importance of this issue is insufficient development and inaccurate understanding of informal education. Key words: informal education, informal learning, self-development, innovative education.
Peculiarities of students’ assessment of psychological safety of educational space
Authors:   Academy of the State penitentiary service, Chernihiv, Ukraine, V.G. Shcherbata , Yu.V. Borets ,   Academy of the State penitentiary service, Chernihiv, Ukraine
Published: January 2021

The purpose of the article. The aim of this study is identification of differences in assessments of the psychological safety of the educational space of cadets studying in special conditions and students of civilian institutions of higher education. Methodology. The basis of this study is the theoretical and methodological provisions of I. Baeva on the psychological security of the educational space and its structure. Results. In the course of the study, the following features of the study of the structural components of the psychological security of the educational space were established: – for students, relationships with teachers are more important than with other students, while for cadets, relationships with other cadets are more important than relationships with teachers; – the opportunity to seek help is more important for students than cadets, while maintaining personal dignity and the opportunity to take the initiative are more important for cadets than for students; – there was a difference in the assessments of cadets and students of satisfaction with the most important characteristics of the educational environment: cadets are slightly less than students who are satisfied with relationships with other cadets (while this aspect is most important for them) and attention to their requests and proposals; – when assessing the respondents’ own security, it was found that students feel equally protected from all threats. Cadets feel more protected from ridicule, threats, contempt and hostility, public humiliation, disregard by teachers than by classmates; – the analysis of reference indicators for the respondents of their free economic zones allows us to state that for students their free economic resources are very significant, while the cadets are mostly neutral towards their free economic resources. Practical implications. The identified features of the cadets’ assessment of the psychological safety of the educational space can be the basis for the elimination of those factors that are perceived as psychologically dangerous, and thus the creation of optimal conditions for the implementation of the educational process. Value (originality). The peculiarities of cadets’ assessments of such parameters of psychological security of educational space as satisfaction, security and referentiality are revealed. Key words: educational space, psychological security, psychological security of educational space, cadet, departmental institutions of higher education.
An overview on teaching english as a second language to adults (based on eu experience of «IC-ENGLISH» platform)
Authors:   Academy of the State penitentiary service, Chernihiv, Ukraine, А.I. Nabok , І.V. Borysenko ,   Academy of the State penitentiary service, Chernihiv, Ukraine
Published: January 2021

Expansive development of the English language throughout the world has recently given it the status of the language of international communication, known as a global language or “lingua franca”. The established status of English is strengthened by its dominating in the sphere of politics, mass media, culture, trade and science. Globalization processes accompanied by the expansion of the English language influenced the demand on staff with certain amount of knowledge and skills in the sphere of international communication. Considering the rising need in English-speaking employees, there is a need in preparing teachers capable of teaching competitive specialists. Accordingly, it is important to find optimal methods to teach English to adult students. The article aims at presenting an outline of existing teaching methods to teach English as a second (foreign) language in the view of characterizing basic practices, their development and their influence on adult learners. At the same time the article describes key points of individually-oriented innovative EU educational platform. In order to achieve the intended objective of the research there was certain methodology applied. Descriptive method let us analyze relevant features of main English teaching methods; historical method helped uncover their developmental peculiarities; comparative method was used to single out their common and different traits in the methodology used in teaching and learning English as a foreign language. Regarding a method to be a set of procedures, which turn out to be a practical implementation of the chosen approach in a teaching process, the paper reveals different viewpoints on its nature, stresses on hierarchical relations between a method and an approach, and dwells on the major methods having made a considerable impact on the modern English Teaching Methods in EU. Resulting from main approaches and methods, a case study of «IC-ENGLISH» platform as an example of an individual approach to teaching adults is presented, whereas four sui generis styles of learning designed by its creators focus on every personality type satisfying their learning needs. The practical value of the paper lies in the ability to apply the results of the research I teaching English as a second (foreign) language on the basis of the suggested student personality types and according to the devised practical tasks. Key words: English Teaching Methods, foreign language, method, approach, IC English platform, adult learning types.
By the Metrics Surgical Oophorectomy Plus Tamoxifen is the First Adjuvant Treatment Option for Premenopausal Women with Hormone Receptor Positive Breast Cancer
Authors: Love Richard
Published: January 2021

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On the Issue of Performativity of Hymns
Authors: Proskurina Anna
Published: January 2021

The article indicates that the study of the semantic-communicative component of hymns makes it possible to identify performative frameworks - “pillows”, on which the foundation of speech activity rests. Thus, the obligatory semantic-communicative component of the hymns is informing the deity about his/her qualities, in other words, it is praising. The article reviewed three hymns written in Old English (“The Kentish Hymn”, “The Cædmon’s Hymn”) and Early Middle English (“The Godric’s Hymn”). The author focuses on paganism in Old English hymns. Thus, the work emphasizes that at the dawn of Christianity, for a smooth transition from paganism to Christianity, the image of Jesus Christ was presented as the image of a leader (Cyning - Leader), while believers were represented as His warriors. The cross as the main Christian symbol often appears made of wood and is identified with the cosmic world tree growing right into heaven.
Perubahan Muara Bodri Periode 1972-2017 Diinterpretasi pada Citra Landsat, dan Pengaruhnya Terhadap Pantai Kendal
Authors: Sidarto Sidarto , Sanjaya Indra , Jamal Jamal
Published: January 2021

Dataran Kendal mempunyai peran sangat penting dalam transportasi di pantai utara Jawa Tengah, sehingga infrastruktur dan populasi daerah ini berkembang dengan cepat. Lima sungai utama mengalir di Dataran Kendal, yaitu Sungai Bodri, Sungai Cangkring, Sungai Blukar, Sungai Damar, dan Sungai Koto. Sungai Bodri mempunyai daerah aliran sungai (DAS) paling luas, dengan perkembangan sangat dinamis. Data penginderan jauh sangat efektif digunakan untuk monitoring permukaan bumi, baik lokal maupun regional. Untuk mengetahui perubahan Delta Bodri digunakan Citra Landsat, yang meliputi citra landsat Multispectral Scanner (MSS) tahun 1972, citra landsat Thematic Mapper (TM) tahun 1992, citra Landsat Enhance Thematic Mapper+ (ETM+)  tahun 2001, dan citra Landsat Data Continuity Mission  (LDCM) tahun  2017. Citra MSS dan TM dilakukan koreksi geometri, sedangkan citra lainnya sudah mempunyai titik kontrol secara otomatis. Pantai dan sungai diinterpretasi pada setiap citra di layar komputer, hasilnya ditumpang-tindihkan dan perbedaannya dianalisis secara ilmiah. Pada citra Landsat MSS, tampak Muara Bodri bercabang dua, yaitu Sungai Badri dan Sungai Kenceng, yang masing-masing membentuk delta cuspate. Penampakan citra Landsat TM menunjukkan Sungai Bodri sudah bermeander, dan  muara sungai agak menjorok ke laut. Sementara itu, muara Sungai Bodri pada citra Landsat ETM+ menjorok ke baratlaut dan membentuk delta kerucut, sedangkan pada citra LDCM sungai ini berbelok ke utara, dan muara sungai menghadap relatif ke utara. Muara Sungai Badri warnanya makin pekat, yang ditunjukkan oleh warna putih pekat, mengidentifikasikan suplai material sungai bertambah. Sebaran pengendapan suspended material makin meluas, menunjukkan energi di laut makin besar. Perubahan Muara Bodri dipengaruhi oleh kondisi DAS Badri Hulu (batuannya mudah tererosi, dipicu oleh tutupan lahan terbuka dan curah hujan tinggi); dan energi laut berupa gelombang barat, yang dipengaruhi oleh  pemanasan global.Katakunci: Muara Bodri, citra landsat, periode 1972-2017,perkembangan Pantai Kendal.
Konflik Psikologis Tokoh Utama dalam Novel Arini Masih Ada Kereta yang Akan Lewat Karya Mira W
Authors: Nurhasanah Nurhasanah , Effendi Darwin , Utami Puspa Indah
Published: January 2021

The purpose of this study was to describe the psychological conflicts contained in the novel Arini Masih Ada Kereta yang Lewat by Mira W. The research method used is descriptive method. The data source in the study was the novel Arini Masih Ada Kereta yang Lewat by Mira W. consisting of 232 pages, a book thickness of 20 cm, published in 2018 by PT Gramedia Pustaka Utama. The collection technique uses literature study techniques, reading techniques, and note taking techniques. While the data analysis technique used content analysis techniques. Based on the research results, it shows that the psychological conflicts built in the novel Arini Masih Ada Kereta yang Lewat by Mira W are in the form of internal conflict and external conflict. Internal conflict, namely the main character Arini felt a raging feeling shortly after the feeling of happiness when she saw the baby she had given birth to. Then, the external conflict, namely the character Arini knows a reality that Helmi said, such as a slap for Arini, a child who he thought had died was still alive and Helmi who took care of him.
Aspek Gramatikal dan Leksikal pada Lirik Lagu Jangan Rubah Takdirku Karya Andmesh Kamelang
Authors: Goziyah Goziyah , Uyun Iin Inarotul , Fabiola Shella
Published: January 2021

The purpose of this research was to describe the grammatical and lexical aspects in the lyrics of the song Jangan Rubah Takdirku by Andmesh Kamelang. The research method uses microstructural methods. The collection technique uses documentation techniques by downloading the song Jangan Rubah Takdirku via Youtube. The main instrument in this research is the researcher who is assisted by a device. Data analysis techniques by means of data reduction, data tabulation, data display, interpretation, and conclusions. Test the validity of the data using membercheck and validation from literary experts. The results showed that the grammatical and lexical aspects in the lyrics of the song Jangan Rubah Takdirku, sung by Andmesh Kamelang, present a deep meaning about the life journey of a person who is full of hard work, loyalty, and hope of love for someone he loves. Grammatical aspects and lexical aspects build up each other so that the song Jangan Rubah Takdirku becomes a song that impresses the listeners. The grammatical aspect found in the song is referencing marked by the presence of the word dia and impingement by the presence of each word. Then, the lexical aspect that was found was repetition which was marked by the presence of the words I want, in each, and I did not, and synomini was marked by the presence of the words weak and shaky.
Kompetensi Guru Bahasa Indonesia di SMP Negeri Simpang Kosgoro Kabupaten Musi Rawas
Authors: Komiah Komiah , Suhartono Suhartono , Gumono Gumono
Published: January 2021

The purpose of this study was to describe the competence of Indonesian language teachers in Indonesian language learning at SMP Negeri Simpang Kosgoro, Muasi Rawas Regency. This research is a quantitative descriptive research. The collection technique uses observation and questionnaires. The data analysis technique was carried out by data reduction, data classification, data interpretation, and conclusions. Wetness test data using membercheck. The results showed that the performance competence of Indonesian civil servant teachers in the National Education Office of Musi Rawas Regency from pegagogical competence, personality competence, social competence, and professional competence, especially in SMP Negeri Simpang Kosgoro showed that it had reached a value range of 75-100 with value 4 in the very good category.
PENGARUH MODEL PEMBELAJARAN TEAM ASSISTED INDIVIDUALIZATION TERHADAP PEMAHAMAN KONSEP DAN KETERAMPILAN GENERIK SAINS SISWA
Authors: Rahmayanti Jeni , Connie Connie , Setiawan Iwan
Published: January 2021

ABSTRAK Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menjelaskan apakah terdapat pengaruh yang signifikan penerapan Team Assisted Individualization  terhadap  pemahaman konsep dan keterampilan generik sains siswa SMAN 3 Kota Bengkulu. Jenis penelitian ini adalah quasi-experimental research tipe nonequivalent control group design. Sampel penelitian diambil dengan teknik simple random sampling dengan kelas eksperimen menggunakan model Team Assisted Individualization  sedangkan kelas kontrol menggunakan model direct instruction. Instrumen penelitian menggunakan soal tes pemahaman konsep dan keterampilan generik sains. Berdasarkan hasil analisis data menunjukkan selisih peningkatan nilai rata-rata pemahaman konsep kelas eksperimen 52,69 dan kelas kontrol 22,75. Kemudian untuk Keterampilan generik sains pada kelas eksperimen diperoleh selisih, sebesar 48,29 dan kelas kontrol sebesar 13,67.  Uji hipotesis menggunakan uji Mann Whitney (U test) melalui program SPSS dimana nilai Sig. (2-tailed) sebesar 0,000 < 0,05, maka berdasarkan pada kriteria , maka Ho ditolak atau Ha diterima. Kata kunci : Team Assisted Individualization, Pemahaman Konsep, Keterampilan Generik Sains ABSTRACT This study aims to explain whether there was a significant effect of the application of Team Assisted Individualization model on the understanding of the concepts and science generic skills of students of SMAN 3 Kota Bengkulu. This type of research was a quasi-experimental research type nonequivalent control group design. The research sample was taken by simple random sampling technique with the experimental class using the Team Assisted Individualization model while the control class used the direct instruction model. The research instrument used test questions understanding of the concepts and science generic skills. Based on the result of data analysis, the difference in the increase in the average value of the understanding of the concepts of the experimental class was 52,69 and the control class was 22,75. Then for the difference in science generic skills, the experimental class was 48,29 and the control class was 13,67. Hypothesis testing used the Mann Whitney test (U test) through the SPSS program version 21 where the value of Sig. (2-tailed) of 0,000<0,05, then based on the criteria if or sig , then Ho is rejected or Ha is accepted. Keywords: Team Assisted Individualization, Concept Understanding, Science Generic Skill
PENERAPAN ASESMEN REPRESENTASI MELALUI PENDEKATAN STUDENT CENTERED LEARNING (SCL) UNTUK MENINGKATKAN PENGUASAAN KONSEP DAN KEMAMPUAN PSIKOMOTOR
Authors: Medriati Rosane , Risdianto Eko
Published: January 2021

Abstrak Penelitian ini adalah penelitian tindakan kelas (PTK). Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mendeskripsikan penguasaan konsep dan kemampuan psikomotor mahasiswa menerapkan asesmen representasi melalui pendekatan Student Centered Learning pada matakuliah Strategi Pembelajaran Fisika di Pendidikan Fisika semester III Universitas Bengkulu. Penelitian tindakan kelas ini dilakukan sebanyak tiga siklus dimana setiap siklus dibagi dalam empat tahap; perencanaan, tindakan, observasi dan refleksi. Subjek dalam penelitian ini adalah seluruh mahasiswa Pendidikan Fisika FKIP UNIB semester III tahun pelajaran 20 20/2021 berjumlah 27 orang. Instrumen yang digunakan untuk mengumpulkan data dalam penelitian ini melalui tes. Analisis penelitian dilakukan dengan menggunakan statistik deskriptif. Hasil analisis penguasaan konsep mahasiswa mengalami peningkatan dari siklus satu sampai tiga (2,62-3,77) dengan kategori sangat baik dan kemampuan psikomotor mahasiswa mengalami peningkatan dari siklus satu sampai tiga dengan kategori baik. Berdasarkan hasil penelitian dapat disimpulkan bahwa Penerapan asesmen representasi pada mata kuliah strategi pembelajaran Fisika melalui pendekatan Student Centered Learning (SCL) dapat meningkatkan penguasaan konsep dan kemampuan psikomotor mahasiswa Pendidikan Fisika. Kata kunci: asesmen representasi, student centered learning, penguasaan konsep, kemampuan psikomotor Abstract This research was a classroom action research (CAR) to describe the students' mastery of concepts and psychomotor by applying a representation assessment through the Student Centered Learning approach in the Physics Learning Strategy subject in the third semester of Physics Education, Bengkulu University. This classroom action research was conducted with a cycle model where each cycle was divided into four stages; planning, acting, observing and reflecting. The subjects in this study were all 27 students of Physics Education FKIP UNIB semester III 2020/2021 academic year. The instruments used to collect data in this study include: observation and tests. The research analysis was carried out using descriptive statistics. The results of the analysis of student concept mastery have increased from cycles one to three (2.62-3.77) with the very good category and the students' psychomotor abilities have increased from cycles one to three with good categories. Based on the results of the study, it can be concluded that the application of representation assessment in the physics learning strategy course through the Student Centered Learning (SCL) approach can improve the conceptual mastery and psychomotor abilities of Physics Education students. keywords: representation assessment , student centered learning, concept mastering, psychomotor skills
ANALISIS DESKRIPTIF BERBASIS MODEL MENTAL FISIKA TERHADAP PEMAHAMAN KOGNITIF MAHASISWA PADA KONSEP KINEMATIKA PARTIKEL DAN GERAK PARABOLA
Authors: Rohadi Nyoman , Setiawan Iwan
Published: January 2021

ABSTRAK Artikel ini menguraikan hasil analisis deskriptif berbasis model mental fisika terhadap pemahaman kognitif mahasiswa semester pertama tahun ajaran 2019/2020 prodi pendidikan fisika JPMIPA FKIP UNIB Universitas Bengkulu pada konsep kinematika partikel dan gerak parabola. Data yang dianalisis diperoleh dari hasil pretest, lembar kerja mahasiswa (LKM),  dan data hasil posttest dari mahasiswa yang berjumlah 28 orang mengikuti kuliah fisika dasar 1. Skor rata-rata data hasil Pretest adalah  44,64 pada rentang nilai yang cukup lebar yaitu 30-80. Skor rata-rata pada data hasil Posttest adalah 71,42 dengan rentang 50-100. Skor rata-rata pada posttest mengalami peningkatan  sebesar 26,78 atau 60% terhadap skor rerata Pretest. Hasil analisis deskriptif pada data hasil pretest dan LKM menunjukkan  rendahnya penguasaan mahasiswa dalam memahami soal-soal bentuk diagram gambar fisika dan grafik fisika. Tetapi mahasiswa tidak mengalami kesulitan dalam menerapkan rumus-rumus untuk  menjawab soal-soal konsep GLB. meskipun ada sejumlah mahasiswa salah menentukan besarnya percepatan pada soal GLBB. Dari analisis pada posttest menunjukkan adanya peningkatan kompetensi kognitif pada mahasiswa.  Mahasiswa telah mampu menerapkan model mental fisika dalam memahami dan memecahkan soal-soal berbentuk konseptual, diagram, grafik, dan penerapan rumus fisika  pada materi kinematika partikel, dan konsep gerak parabola.  Kata kunci: model mental, kompetensi kognitif, kinematika partikel dan gerak parabola ABSTRACT This article portrays a deskriptif analysis results based on physics mental model toward cognitif reasoning of the first semester in the year of study 2019/2020 students in physics education study program of  the JPMIPA FKIP Bengkulu University on the concepts of kinematics particle and parabolic motion. The analized data were a pretestt, students work sheets (SWS) and posttest data Of 28 students who participated in basics physics 1 class. The mean score of the pretestt data was 44,64 in a range score  of 30.00-80.00. The mean score of the posttest data was 71,42 in a range score of 50.00-100.00. The mean score of posttest increased about 60% compare with the mean score of pretestt.  The deskriptif analysis on the pretestt data and the SWS data indicated that a low kognitif competency among the students in understanding physics diagram and solving physics graphs related problems. But no student faund any dificulty in using physics equations on solving the uniform motion problems. Eventhough some students failed in solving the amount of  acceleration related problems. The analysed results of the posttest data indicated an improvement on students kognitif competency. Most of the students could apply the physics mental model on solving the conceptual, diagram, graph, and matematics related physics problems. Keywords: mental model, kognitif competency, arithmatics particle, and parabolics motion.
Quantitative PCR for detection and quantification of Veronaea botryosa in fish and environmental samples
Authors: Yazdi Z , Griffin MJ , Pierezan F , Eetemadi A , Shahin K , Soto E
Published: January 2021

Systemic phaeohyphomycosis, aka ‘fluid belly’, is one of the most important emergent diseases in sturgeon Acipenser spp. aquaculture. The etiologic agent is the saprobic, dematiaceous fungus Veronaea botryosa. Effective vaccines and chemotherapeutic treatments are currently unavailable. Additionally, the fungus is a slow-growing organism, taking from 10-15 d for colonies to be observed in agar media. To this end, a specific quantitative PCR (qPCR) targeting the V. botryosa β-tubulin gene was developed and validated. The specificity of the assay to V. botryosa was initially confirmed in silico and in vivo against common fungal fish pathogens, including closely related members of the order Chaetothyriales (Exophiala spp.) and other black pigmented fungi (Alternaria spp. and Cladosporium spp.), as well as tissues from uninfected sturgeon. The assay possessed high clinical specificity (100%) and clinical sensitivity (74%) in detecting V. botryosa DNA in splenic tissues from laboratory-infected sturgeon. Using V. botryosa genomic DNA as a template, the limit of detection was equivalent to 10 conidia, and the method was found suitable for the detection of fungal DNA in fresh and formalin-fixed tissues. In addition, the presence of non-target DNA from white sturgeon did not influence assay sensitivity. The developed qPCR assay is a sensitive, specific, and rapid diagnostic method for the detection and quantification of V. botryosa DNA from white sturgeon tissues.
Testosterone and the Brain: From Cognition to Autism
Authors: OSTATNÍKOVÁ D , LAKATOŠOVÁ S , BABKOVÁ J , HODOSY J , CELEC P
Published: January 2021

Sex and gender matter in all aspects of life. Humans exhibit sexual dimorphism in anatomy, physiology, but also pathology. Many of the differences are due to sex chromosomes and, thus, genetics, other due to endocrine factors such as sex hormones, some are of social origin. Over the past decades, huge number of scientific studies have revealed striking sex differences of the human brain with remarkable behavioral and cognitive consequences. Prenatal and postnatal testosterone influence brain structures and functions, respectively. Cognitive sex differences include especially certain spatial and language tasks, but they also affect many other aspects of the neurotypical brain. Sex differences of the brain are also relevant for the pathogenesis of neuropsychiatric disorders such as autism spectrum disorders, which are much more prevalent in the male population. Structural dimorphism in the human brain was well-described, but recent controversies now question its importance. On the other hand, solid evidence exists regarding gender differences in several brain functions. This review tries to summarize the current understanding of the complexity of the effects of testosterone on brain with special focus on their role in the known sex differences in healthy individuals and people in the autism spectrum.
Association of A1166C Polymorphism in AT1 Receptor Gene with Baroreflex Sensitivity
Authors: Jíra M , Závodná E , Honzíková N , Nováková Z , Vašků A , Izakovičová Hollá L , Fišer B
Published: January 2021

The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of A1166C
polymorphism in angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R) gene with
baroreflex sensitivity (BRS in ms/mm Hg; BRSf in mHz/mm Hg) in
man. BRS and BRSf were determined by a spectral method in 135
subjects (19-26 years) at a frequency of 0.1 Hz. Genotypes were
detected by means of polymerase chain reaction and restriction
analysis using enzyme DdeI. We compared BRS and BRSf among
genotypes of this polymorphism. The frequency of genotypes of
AT1R A1166C polymorphism was: 45.9 % (AA, n=62), 45.9 % (AC,
n=62), 8.2 % (CC, n=11). Differences in BRS (p<0.05) and BRSf
(p<0.01) among genotypes of this single nucleotide polymorphism
were found (Kruskal-Wallis: BRS - AA: 7.9±3.3, AC: 8.6±3.6, CC:
5.9±2.3 ms/mm Hg; BRSf - AA: 12.0±4.0, AC: 12.0±5.0, CC:
8.0±3.0 mHz/mm Hg). Compared to carriers of other genotypes
(AA+AC) the homozygotes with the less frequent allele (CC)
showed significantly lower BRSf (Mann-Whitney: BRSf - AA+AC:
12.0±4.0, CC: 8.0±3.0 mHz/mm Hg; p<0.01) and borderline lower
BRS (BRS - AA+AC: 8.2±3.5, CC: 5.9±2.5 ms/mm Hg; p=0.07).
We found a significant association of A1166C polymorphism in AT1
receptor gene with baroreflex sensitivity. Homozygosity for the less
frequent allele was associated with decreased baroreflex sensitivity.
The Interaction of Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase Polymorphism and Current Smoking in Terms of Increased Arterial Stiffness
Authors: Mayer O , Filipovský J , Pešta M , Cífková R , Dolejšová M , Šimon J
Published: January 2021

Nitric oxide belongs to the most important factors influencing
structural and functional properties of vessel wall. Both genetic
and environmental factors may influence its metabolism. The aim
of this study was to explore whether two common
polymorphisms of endothelial nitric synthase (eNOS) may, jointly
with smoking, influence the stiffness of large arteries, quantified
as pulse wave velocity (PWV). One hundred ninety four subjects
free of manifest atherosclerotic disease or chronic
pharmacotherapy were selected from population-based
postMONICA study. PWV´s were measured using Sphygmocor®
device between carotic and femoral arteries (aortic PWV) and
between femoral and tibialis-posterior arteries (peripheral PWV).
Two common polymorphisms, T786C and G894T, were assessed.
Among current smokers, homo- or heterozygous carriers of
T786C mutation showed significantly higher peripheral PWV than
normal genotype carriers (14.0 vs 10.7 m/s, p<0.002); the same
was true for the carriers of G894T mutation (13.9 vs 11.0 m/s,
p<0.015). No differences were found in non-smokers, and
neither of the eNOS polymorphisms influenced aortic PWV in our
setting. In conclusion, genetically determined disorder of nitric
oxide metabolism was associated with increased stiffness of
peripheral, muscular-type arteries in generally healthy, untreated
subjects, but only in the interaction with current smoking.
Various Aspects of Sex and Gender Bias in Biomedical Research
Authors: PLEVKOVA J , BROZMANOVA M , HARSANYIOVA J , STERUSKY M , HONETSCHLAGER J , BUDAY T
Published: January 2021

The main role of research in medicine is to provide relevant knowledge which, after successful translation to clinical practice, improves the quality of healthcare. The sex bias which is still present in the majority of research disciplines prefers male subjects despite legislation changes in the US grant agencies and European research programme Horizon 2020. Male subjects (cells, animals) still dominate in preclinical research and it has detrimental consequences for women’s health and the quality of science. Opposite bias exists for data obtained mainly in animal models utilizing female subjects (e.g. research in multiple sclerosis, osteoporosis) with skewed outcomes for men affected by these diseases. Either way, scientists are producing results which compromise half of the population. Assumptions that females as cohorts are more variable and another assumption that the oestrous cycle should be tracked in case the females are enrolled in preclinical studies were proven wrong. Variability of male versus female cohorts are comparable and do not only stem from hormonal levels. The widespread prevalence of sex differences in human diseases ultimately requires detailed experiments performed on both sexes, unless the studies are specifically addressing reproduction or sex-related behaviors.
State-of-the-Art of Eggshell Waste in Materials Science: Recent Advances in Catalysis, Pharmaceutical Applications, and Mechanochemistry
Authors: Baláž Matej , Boldyreva Elena V. , Rybin Dmitry , Pavlović Stefan , Rodríguez-Padrón Daily , Mudrinić Tihana , Luque Rafael
Published: January 2021

Eggshell waste is among the most abundant waste materials coming from food processing technologies. Despite the unique properties that both its components (eggshell, ES, and eggshell membrane, ESM) possess, it is very often discarded without further use. This review article aims to summarize the recent reports utilizing eggshell waste for very diverse purposes, stressing the need to use a mechanochemical approach to broaden its applications. The most studied field with regards to the potential use of eggshell waste is catalysis. Upon proper treatment, it can be used for turning waste oils into biodiesel and moreover, the catalytic effect of eggshell-based material in organic synthesis is also very beneficial. In inorganic chemistry, the eggshell membrane is very often used as a templating agent for nanoparticles production. Such composites are suitable for application in photocatalysis. These bionanocomposites are also capable of heavy metal ions reduction and can be also used for the ozonation process. The eggshell and its membrane are applicable in electrochemistry as well. Due to the high protein content and the presence of functional groups on the surface, ESM can be easily converted to a high-performance electrode material. Finally, both ES and ESM are suitable for medical applications, as the former can be used as an inexpensive Ca2+ source for the development of medications, particles for drug delivery, organic matrix/mineral nanocomposites as potential tissue scaffolds, food supplements and the latter for the treatment of joint diseases, in reparative medicine and vascular graft producing. For the majority of the above-mentioned applications, the pretreatment of the eggshell waste is necessary. Among other options, the mechanochemical pretreatment has found an inevitable place. Since the publication of the last review paper devoted to the mechanochemical treatment of eggshell waste, a few new works have appeared, which are reviewed here to underline the sustainable character of the proposed methodology. The mechanochemical treatment of eggshell is capable of producing the nanoscale material which can be further used for bioceramics synthesis, dehalogenation processes, wastewater treatment, preparation of hydrophobic filters, lithium-ion batteries, dental materials, and in the building industry as cement.
A SH3_5 Cell Anchoring Domain for Non-recombinant Surface Display on Lactic Acid Bacteria
Authors: Tay Pei Kun Richie , Lim Pei Yu , Ow Dave Siak-Wei
Published: January 2021

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are a group of gut commensals increasingly recognized for their potential to deliver bioactive molecules in vivo. The delivery of therapeutic proteins, in particular, can be achieved by anchoring them to the bacterial surface, and various anchoring domains have been described for this application. Here, we investigated a new cell anchoring domain (CAD4a) isolated from a Lactobacillus protein, containing repeats of a SH3_5 motif that binds non-covalently to peptidoglycan in the LAB cell wall. Using a fluorescent reporter, we showed that C-terminal CAD4a bound Lactobacillus fermentum selectively out of a panel of LAB strains, and cell anchoring was uniform across the cell surface. Conditions affecting CAD4a anchoring were studied, including temperature, pH, salt concentration, and bacterial growth phase. Quantitative analysis showed that CAD4a allowed display of 105 molecules of monomeric protein per cell. We demonstrated the surface display of a functional protein with superoxide dismutase (SOD), an antioxidant enzyme potentially useful for treating gut inflammation. SOD displayed on cells could be protected from gastric digestion using a polymer matrix. Taken together, our results show the feasibility of using CAD4a as a novel cell anchor for protein surface display on LAB.
Cardiac Regeneration: New Insights Into the Frontier of Ischemic Heart Failure Therapy
Authors: Riching Andrew S. , Song Kunhua
Published: January 2021

Ischemic heart disease is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the world. While pharmacological and surgical interventions developed in the late twentieth century drastically improved patient outcomes, mortality rates over the last two decades have begun to plateau. Following ischemic injury, pathological remodeling leads to cardiomyocyte loss and fibrosis leading to impaired heart function. Cardiomyocyte turnover rate in the adult heart is limited, and no clinical therapies currently exist to regenerate cardiomyocytes lost following ischemic injury. In this review, we summarize the progress of therapeutic strategies including revascularization and cell-based interventions to regenerate the heart: transiently inducing cardiomyocyte proliferation and direct reprogramming of fibroblasts into cardiomyocytes. Moreover, we highlight recent mechanistic insights governing these strategies to promote heart regeneration and identify current challenges in translating these approaches to human patients.
Rapid Degradation Pathways of Host Proteins During HCMV Infection Revealed by Quantitative Proteomics
Authors: Lin Kai-Min , Nightingale Katie , Soday Lior , Antrobus Robin , Weekes Michael P.
Published: January 2021

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is an important pathogen in immunocompromised individuals and neonates, and a paradigm for viral immune evasion. We previously developed a quantitative proteomic approach that identified 133 proteins degraded during the early phase of HCMV infection, including known and novel antiviral factors. The majority were rescued from degradation by MG132, which is known to inhibit lysosomal cathepsins in addition to the proteasome. Global definition of the precise mechanisms of host protein degradation is important both to improve our understanding of viral biology, and to inform novel antiviral therapeutic strategies. We therefore developed and optimized a multiplexed comparative proteomic analysis using the selective proteasome inhibitor bortezomib in addition to MG132, to provide a global mechanistic view of protein degradation. Of proteins rescued from degradation by MG132, 34–47 proteins were also rescued by bortezomib, suggesting both that the predominant mechanism of protein degradation employed by HCMV isviathe proteasome, and that alternative pathways for degradation are nevertheless important. Our approach and data will enable improved mechanistic understanding of HCMV and other viruses, and provide a shortlist of candidate restriction factors for further analysis.
Biliary Microbial Structure of Gallstone Patients With a History of Endoscopic Sphincterotomy Surgery
Authors: Shen Hongzhang , Zhu Juanjuan , Ye Fuqiang , Xu Dongchao , Fang Liangliang , Yang Jianfeng , Lv Huijie , Lou Qifeng , Jin Hangbin , Ni Ming , Zhang Xiaofeng
Published: January 2021

The biliary microbiota is related to the pathogenesis of human bile duct stones. However, the extent to which a history of invasive endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST) affects the biliary bacterial community remains largely unknown. We collected bile samples from the common bile duct of 100 choledocholithiasis patients. We performed 16S rRNA sequencing to investigate and compare the biliary microbial community. The patients without antibiotic treatment (AT) were grouped into three clusters based on their biliary microbial compositions. The patients with a history of EST were significantly enriched in one cluster mainly consisting of gastrointestinal bacteria compared with the other two clusters consisting of oral and environmental bacteria. The β-diversities of patients with and without EST were also significantly different, whereas the α-diversities were comparable. The only significantly enriched bacterial genus associated with a history of EST was Pyramidobacter, while eight other genera were significantly decreased. For patients with AT, seven of these genera maintained their association with EST, including Pyramidobacter. However, after AT, the difference in β-diversities was diminished. EST induced a marked shift in the biliary microbial composition. A cluster of biliary bacteria was associated with a history of EST, and Pyramidobacter was specific to EST.
The Role of TSC1 in the Macrophages Against Vibrio vulnificus Infection
Authors: Huang Xian-Hui , Ma Yao , Lou Han , Chen Na , Zhang Ting , Wu Liu-Ying , Chen Yi-Ju , Zheng Meng-Meng , Lou Yong-Liang , Xie Dan-Li
Published: January 2021

Vibrio vulnificus (V. vulnificus) is an estuarine bacterium that is capable of causing rapidly fatal infection in humans. Proper polarization and bactericidal activity of macrophages play essential roles in defending against invading pathogens. How macrophages limit V. vulnificus infection remains not well understood. Here we report that tuberous sclerosis complex 1 (TSC1) is crucial for the regulation of V. vulnificus-induced macrophage polarization, bacterial clearance, and cell death. Mice with myeloid-specific deletion of TSC1 exhibit a significant reduction of survival time after V. vulnificus infection. V. vulnificus infection induces both M1 and M2 polarization. However, TSC1 deficient macrophages show enhanced M1 response to V. vulnificus infection. Interestedly, the absence of TSC1 in myeloid cells results in impaired bacterial clearance both in vivo and in vitro after V. vulnificus infection. Inhibition of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) activity significantly reverses V. vulnificus-induced hypersensitive M1 response and resistant bactericidal activity both in wild-type and TSC1-deficient macrophages. Moreover, V. vulnificus infection causes cell death of macrophages, possibly contributes to defective of bacterial clearance, which also exhibits in a mTORC1-dependent manner. These findings highlight an essential role for the TSC1-mTOR signaling in the regulation of innate immunity against V. vulnificus infection.
Roles of Gut Microbiota in the Regulation of Hippocampal Plasticity, Inflammation, and Hippocampus-Dependent Behaviors
Authors: Tang Wen , Meng Zhaoyou , Li Ning , Liu Yiyan , Li Li , Chen Dongfeng , Yang Yang
Published: January 2021

The study of the gut microbiota-brain axis has become an intriguing field, attracting attention from both gastroenterologists and neurobiologists. The hippocampus is the center of learning and memory, and plays a pivotal role in neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Previous studies using diet administration, antibiotics, probiotics, prebiotics, germ-free mice, and fecal analysis of normal and specific pathogen-free animals have shown that the structure and function of the hippocampus are affected by the gut microbiota. Furthermore, hippocampal pathologies in AD are positively correlated with changes in specific microbiota. Genomic and neurochemical analyses revealed significant alterations in genes and amino acids in the hippocampus of AD subjects following a remarkable shift in the gut microbiota. In a recent study, when young animals were transplanted with fecal microbiota derived from AD patients, the recipients showed significant impairment of cognitive behaviors, AD pathologies, and changes in neuronal plasticity and cytokines. Other studies have demonstrated the side effects of antibiotic administration along with the beneficial effects of probiotics, prebiotics, and specific diets on the composition of the gut microbiota and hippocampal functions, but these have been mostly preliminary with unclear mechanisms. Since some specific gut bacteria are positively or negatively correlated to the structure and function of the hippocampus, it is expected that specific gut bacteria administration and other microbiota-based interventions could be potentially applied to prevent or treat hippocampus-based memory impairment and neuropsychiatric disorders such as AD.
Experimental Myocardial Infarction Elicits Time-Dependent Patterns of Vascular Hypoxia in Peripheral Organs and in the Brain
Authors: David Hélène , Ughetto Aurore , Gaudard Philippe , Plawecki Maëlle , Paiyabhroma Nitchawat , Zub Emma , Colson Pascal , Richard Sylvain , Marchi Nicola , Sicard Pierre
Published: January 2021

Aims: Microvascular alterations occurring after myocardial infarction (MI) may represent a risk factor for multi-organ failure. Here we used in vivo photoacoustic (PA) imaging to track and define the changes in vascular oxygen saturation (sO2) occurring over time after experimental MI in multiple peripheral organs and in the brain.

Methods and Results: Experimental MI was obtained in BALB/c mice by permanent ligation of the left anterior descending artery. PA imaging (Vevo LAZR-X) allowed tracking mouse-specific sO2 kinetics in the cardiac left ventricular (LV) anterior wall, brain, kidney, and liver at 4 h, 1 day, and 7 days post-MI. Here we reported a correlation between LV sO2 and longitudinal anterior myocardial strain after MI (r = −0.44, p < 0.0001, n = 96). Acute LV dysfunction was associated with global hypoxia, specifically a decrease in sO2 level in the brain (−5.9%), kidney (−6.4%), and liver (−7.3%) at 4 and 24 h post-MI. Concomitantly, a preliminary examination of capillary NG2DsRed pericytes indicated cell rarefication in the heart and kidney. While the cardiac tissue was persistently impacted, sO2 levels returned to pre-MI levels in the brain and in peripheral organs 7 days after MI.

Conclusions: Collectively, our data indicate that experimental MI elicits precise trajectories of vascular hypoxia in peripheral organs and in the brain. PA imaging enabled the synchronous tracking of oxygenation in multiple organs and occurring post-MI, potentially enabling a translational diagnostic modality for the identification of vascular modifications in this disease setting.