bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
GIVING LEMON AROMATHERAPY TO REDUCE NAUSEA FOR PREGNANT WOMEN IN THE FIRST TRIMESTER AT THE LIMBANGAN HEALTH CENTER
Authors: Prasetyorini Heny , Kusumawati Desti Arum
Published: August 2022

Pregnancy is the union of spermatozoa and ovum followed by the implantation of the products of conception into the endometrium. Pregnancy is a physiological part of a woman's life. This process will cause physical, psychological, and social changes that are influenced by various physical, psychological, environmental, socio-cultural, and economic factors. Pregnancy is usually accompanied by discomfort, and one of the events that is often experienced by pregnant women is nausea and vomiting, especially in the first trimester of pregnancy. The effects of nausea and vomiting if not treated properly, can cause severe (refractory) and persistent nausea and vomiting symptoms in early pregnancy leading to dehydration, electrolyte balance or nutritional deficiencies called hyperemesis gravidarum. One of the non-pharmacological treatments that can be given is lemon aromatherapy. The purpose of this study was to compile a resume of nursing care in presenting lemon aromatherapy to reduce nausea in first trimester pregnant women. This study uses a one-group pretest posttest design. The subjects of this study were 2 respondents with 1st trimester nausea in the Limbangan Health Center area, Kendal according to the criteria
THE EFFECT OF CLASSICAL MUSIC THERAPY ON ANXIETY LEVEL OF PRE OPERATION APENDICTOMY PATIENTS AT IBS ROOM DR ARIO WIRAWAN PULMONARY HOSPITAL, SALATIGA
Authors: Aini Dwi Nur , Mustopo Mustopo , Arifianto Arifianto
Published: August 2022

Background: Everyone has varying levels of anxiety. Patients who are going to perform appendictomy surgery tend to have a lot of anxiety. It cannot be ignored as it can increase the patient's blood pressure. Levels of anxiety must be lowered before performing an appendictomy surgery. Castor music Therapy is an alternative to lowering the level of anxiety of patients pre-operative appendictomy in the IBS Chamber of the IBS RS Paru dr Ario Wirawan Salatiga.

Method: This type of research uses quantitative research with the research design used is experimental design. Sampling with purposive sampling techniques. Data gathered through questionnaires, analyzed using Wilxocon stastistic test with a significant of 0.05.

The results of the research:the research showed Wilxocon test value with probability 0.000. The value is smaller 0.05 so that it means there is a significant influence of classical music therapy against the patient's anxiety Pre operative appendictomy in the IBS room of the RS Paru dr. Ario Wirawan Salatiga.

Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that there is a classical music therapy influence on the patient's anxiety Pre operative appendictomy in the IBS room of the RS Paru dr. Ario Wirawan Salatiga
Antioxidant Activity Test from Vegetable Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) and Cherry Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum var. Cerasiforme) in Hand and Body Cream
Authors: Nuraeni Farida , Heliawati Leny , Nurastuti Melani
Published: August 2022

Dry, scaly, rough skin conditions accompanied by wrinkles and black spots characterize the skin that experiences premature aging. One of the causes of premature aging is free radicals. These free radicals can be overcome with natural or artificial antioxidants. Natural antioxidants are found in fruits and vegetables, one of which is tomatoes. Tomatoes in direct use are less effective, so they are made in the form of hand and body cream. Production of vegetable tomato and cherry tomato extracts fruit extraction and maceration using 96% ethanol, then concentrated with a rotary evaporator until the extract is thick. The extracts of vegetable tomatoes and cherry tomatoes were then tested for phytochemical, antioxidant activity, and identification of compounds with LC-MS, then applied to hand and body cream with a concentration of 1% and 3% with codes F0, F1, F2, F3, and F4. Hand and body cream of tomato extract are tested by measuring pH, viscosity, specific gravity, total microbial Contamination, homogeneity and testing for antioxidant activity using the DPPH method. Phytochemical test results showed that flavonoid compounds were present in both extracts. The antioxidant activity of vegetable tomato ethanol extract was obtained with an IC50 value of 947.81ppm, and an IC50 value of 473.51 ppm was obtained for cherry tomato extract. From the LC-MS analysis, the compounds contained in cherry tomatoes, namely esculeoside A and B as cytotoxic activity, dehydrotomat as an antibacterial, kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside as an antioxidant, and tomatidine as an antibiotic. Antioxidant activity of hand and body cream, hand and body cream F4 (964.05 ppm), hand and body cream F3 (1001.97 ppm), hand and body cream F2 (1033.73 ppm), hand body cream F1 (1036.61 ppm), and hand and body cream F0 (1486.14 ppm). Hand and body cream cherry tomato extract 3%, formula 4 (F4), has the highest antioxidant activity. It can be concluded that the addition of extract concentration affects the antioxidant activity value of hand and body cream. Body cream F2 (1033.73 ppm), hand body cream F1 (1036.61 ppm), and hand and body cream F0 (1486.14 ppm). Hand and body cream cherry tomato extract 3%, formula 4 (F4), has the highest antioxidant activity. It can be concluded that the addition of extract concentration affects the antioxidant activity value of hand and body cream. Body cream F2 (1033.73 ppm), hand body cream F1 (1036.61 ppm), and hand and body cream F0 (1486.14 ppm). Hand and body cream cherry tomato extract 3%, formula 4 (F4), has the highest antioxidant activity. It can be concluded that the addition of extract concentration affects the antioxidant activity value of hand and body cream.
Hg (II) and Cd (II) Heavy Metal Ions Detection Based On Fluorescence Using Zn (II) Metal Ion Complex with Pyrazoline Derivatives Ligand
Authors: Syahputri Yulian , Sutanto Sutanto , Zamzani Riza Shabrina
Published: August 2022

Pyrazoline derivatives can be used as ligands because they have photophysical properties and can chelate metal ions which cause  very strong absorption, emission and have a fluorescence properties. Therefore, in recent years, pyrazoline ligands and their derivatives have been widely used for chemosensors. This research aims to detect fluorescence-based heavy metal ions Hg2+ and Cd2+ using a metal ion complex compound Zn2+ with pyrazoline derivative ligand. The research was started by synthesizing pyrazoline-derived ligands, then synthesizing complex compounds. Complex compounds were characterized using Fourier Transform Infra Red (FTIR), UV-Vis Spectrophotometer, and Spectrofluorometer. Then, a fluorescence study was carried out to determine the type of fluorosensor for complex compounds with the addition of heavy metal ions Cd2+ and Hg2+. The last stage is UV-Vis spectroscopy study on the addition of heavy metal ions Hg2+ and Cd2+.  Pyrazoline derivative ligand obtained as para-di-2-(1-phenyl-3-pyridyl-4,5-dihydro-1H-pyrazole-5-yl)benzene is a yellow solid. The metal ion complex compound Zn2+ with pyrazolin derivative ligand is a brown colored compound, has a yield of 45 % and a melting point is 245 oC. The FTIR spectrum showed the presence of functional groups such as amine, C-H aromatic, C=N, C=C aromatic, C-N, Zn-N and Zn-Cl. Analysis with UV-Vis spectrophotometer showed that there was a shift in the maximum wavelength from the ligand to the Zn(II)-ligand complex, namely 240 nm to 246 nm and 363 nm with molar absorptivity values (log ) of 4.56 and 4.28, respectively. For fluorescence analysis, two absorbance peaks were obtained, namely at a wavelength of 370 nm with an intensity of 3644 a.u and 478 m at 8216 a.u. The results of fluorescence chemosensor studies on the addition of heavy metal ions Hg2+ and Cd2+ showed that the metal ion complex compound Zn2+ with pyrazoline-derived ligands can detect heavy metal ions Hg2+ and Cd2+ with a turn-on type.
PENERAPAN MODEL PEMBELAJARAN KOOPERATIF TIPE NUMBERED HEADS TOGETHER (NHT) UNTUK MENINGKATKAN HASIL BELAJAR PESERTA DIDIK PADA MATA PELAJARAN MATEMATIKA DI SDN CIBULUH 6 KOTA BOGOR
Authors: Hasanah Raden Enah
Published: August 2022

APPLICATION OF THE NUMBERED HEADS TOGETHER (NHT) COOPERATIVE LEARNING MODEL TO IMPROVE STUDENTS' LEARNING OUTCOMES IN MATHEMATICS SUBJECTS IN ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS (SDN CIBULUH 6 KOTA BOGOR)This research departs from the phenomenon that occurs in the classroom that the students' understanding and learning outcomes are low in mathematics learning about comparing and sorting fractions. Therefore, a teacher needs to consider learning strategies so that they can improve student learning outcomes. This research was carried out in Class IV of Elementary School (SD Negeri Cibuluh 6) and aimed (1) To find out the application of the Numbered Heads Together (NHT) Cooperative learning model can improve student learning outcomes in mathematics subjects about comparing and sorting fractions in class IV A Elementary School (SD Negeri Cibuluh 6). (2) To define the process of improving student learning outcomes in mathematics subjects about comparing and sorting fractions after using the Numbered Heads Together learning model. (3) To measure the magnitude of the increase in student learning outcomes in mathematics subjects about comparing and sorting fractions after using the Numbered Heads Together Type of Cooperative learning model. The results of this study indicate that using the Numbered Heads Together Cooperative learning model can be a fun variation of learning for students so that it is proven to improve student learning outcomes. Before the Numbered Heads Together Type Cooperative learning model, student learning outcomes only reached an average value of 66.15 then there was an increase after using the Numbered Heads Together Cooperative learning model to 74.61 in cycle 1 and 81.79 in cycle 2. Research results concluded that the use of the Numbered Heads Together Cooperative learning model which is adapted to the learning material can create a pleasant learning situation so that there is an increase in student learning outcomes. Therefore, the researchers suggest that the use of the Numbered Heads Together Cooperative learning model is socialized and used as an alternative in learning mathematics in schools within the Bogor City Education Office.
Lyrik
Authors: Boye Karin
Published: August 2022

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Dynamic Culture of Mesenchymal Stromal/Stem Cell Spheroids and Secretion of Paracrine Factors
Authors: Fuentes Paloma , Torres María José , Arancibia Rodrigo , Aulestia Francisco , Vergara Mauricio , Carrión Flavio , Osses Nelson , Altamirano Claudia
Published: August 2022

In recent years, conditioned medium (CM) obtained from the culture of mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (MSCs) has been shown to effectively promote tissue repair and modulate the immune response in vitro and in different animal models, with potential for application in regenerative medicine. Using CM offers multiple advantages over the implantation of MSCs themselves: 1) simpler storage, transport, and preservation requirements, 2) avoidance of the inherent risks of cell transplantation, and 3) potential application as a ready-to-go biologic product. For these reasons, a large amount of MSCs research has focused on the characterization of the obtained CM, including soluble trophic factors and vesicles, preconditioning strategies for enhancing paracrine secretion, such as hypoxia, a three-dimensional (3D) environment, and biochemical stimuli, and potential clinical applications. In vitro preconditioning strategies can increase the viability, proliferation, and paracrine properties of MSCs and therefore improve the therapeutic potential of the cells and their derived products. Specifically, dynamic cultivation conditions, such as fluid flow and 3D aggregate culture, substantially impact cellular behaviour. Increased levels of growth factors and cytokines were observed in 3D cultures of MSC grown on orbital or rotatory shaking platforms, in stirred systems, such as spinner flasks or stirred tank reactors, and in microgravity bioreactors. However, only a few studies have established dynamic culture conditions and protocols for 3D aggregate cultivation of MSCs as a scalable and reproducible strategy for CM production. This review summarizes significant advances into the upstream processing, mainly the dynamic generation and cultivation of MSC aggregates, for de CM manufacture and focuses on the standardization of the soluble factor production.
Exosomes from Ureaplasma parvum-infected ectocervical epithelial cells promote feto-maternal interface inflammation but are insufficient to cause preterm delivery
Authors: Tantengco Ourlad Alzeus G. , Richardson Lauren S. , Radnaa Enkhtuya , Kammala Ananth Kumar , Kim Sungjin , Medina Paul Mark B. , Han Arum , Menon Ramkumar
Published: August 2022

This study determined if exosomes from ectocervical epithelial (ECTO) cells infected with Ureaplasma parvum (U. parvum) can carry bacterial antigens and cause inflammation at the feto-maternal interface using two organ-on-chip devices, one representing the vagina-cervix-decidua and another one mimicking the feto-maternal interface, and whether such inflammation can lead to preterm birth (PTB). Exosomes from U. parvum-infected ECTO cells were characterized using cryo-electron microscopy, nanoparticle tracking analysis, Western blot, and Exoview analysis. The antigenicity of the exosomes from U. parvum-infected ECTO cells was also tested using THP-1 cells and our newly developed vagina-cervix-decidua organ-on-a-chip (VCD-OOC) having six microchannel-interconnected cell culture chambers containing cells from the vagina, ectocervical, endocervical, transformation zone epithelia, cervical stroma, and decidua. The VCD-OOC was linked to the maternal side of our previously developed feto-maternal interface organ-on-a-chip (FMi-OOC). Cell culture media were collected after 48 h to determine the cytokine levels from each cell line via ELISA. For physiological validation of our in vitro data, high-dose exosomes from U. parvum-infected ECTO cells were delivered to the vagina of pregnant CD-1 mice on E15. Mice were monitored for preterm birth (PTB, < E18.5 days). Exosomes from ECTO cells infected with U. parvum (UP ECTO) showed significant downregulation of exosome markers CD9, CD63, and CD81, but contained multiple banded antigen (MBA), a U. parvum virulence factor. Monoculture experiments showed that exosomes from UP ECTO cells delivered MBA from the host cell to uninfected endocervical epithelial cells (ENDO). Moreover, exposure of THP-1 cells to exosomes from UP ECTO cells resulted in increased IL-8 and TNFα and reduced IL-10. The OOC experiments showed that low and high doses of exosomes from UP ECTO cells produced a cell type-specific inflammatory response in the VCD-OOC and FMi-OOC. Specifically, exosomes from UP ECTO cells increased pro-inflammatory cytokines such as GM-CSF, IL-6, and IL-8 in cervical, decidual, chorion trophoblast, and amnion mesenchymal cells. The results from our OOC models were validated in our in vivo mice model. The inflammatory response was insufficient to promote PTB. These results showed the potential use of the VCD-OOC and FMi-OOC in simulating the pathophysiological processes in vivo.
GPCRs in the regulation of the functional activity of multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells
Authors: Chechekhin Vadim I. , Kulebyakin Konstantin Yu. , Kokaev Romesh I. , Tyurin-Kuzmin Pyotr A.
Published: August 2022

Adipose tissue is one of the tissues in the human body that is renewed during the whole life. Dysregulation of this process leads to conditions such as obesity, metabolic syndrome, and type 2 diabetes. The key role in maintaining the healthy state of adipose tissue is played by a specific group of postnatal stem cells called multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs). They are both precursors for new adipocytes and key paracrine regulators of adipose tissue homeostasis. The activity of MSCs is tightly adjusted to the needs of the organism. To ensure such coordination, MSCs are put under strict regulation which is realized through a wide variety of signaling mechanisms. They control aspects of MSC activity such as proliferation, differentiation, and production of signal molecules via alteration of MSC sensitivity to hormonal stimuli. In this regard, MSCs use all the main mechanisms of hormonal sensitivity regulation observed in differentiated cells, but at the same time, several unique regulatory mechanisms have been found in MSCs. In the presented review, we will cover these unique mechanisms as well as specifics of common mechanisms of regulation of hormonal sensitivity in stem cells.
The role of C5a-C5aR1 axis in bone pathophysiology: A mini-review
Authors: Ruocco Anna , Sirico Anna , Novelli Rubina , Iannelli Silvia , Van Breda Shane Vontelin , Kyburz Diego , Hasler Paul , Aramini Andrea , Amendola Pier Giorgio
Published: August 2022

Bone remodeling is a physiological, dynamic process that mainly depends on the functions of 2 cell types: osteoblasts and osteoclasts. Emerging evidence suggests that complement system is crucially involved in the regulation of functions of these cells, especially during inflammatory states. In this context, complement component 5a (C5a), a powerful pro-inflammatory anaphylatoxin that binds the receptor C5aR1, is known to regulate osteoclast formation and osteoblast inflammatory responses, and has thus been proposed as potential therapeutic target for the treatment of inflammatory bone diseases. In this review, we will analyze the role of C5a-C5aR1 axis in bone physiology and pathophysiology, describing its involvement in the pathogenesis of some of the most frequent inflammatory bone diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, and also in osteoporosis and bone cancer and metastasis. Moreover, we will examine C5aR1-based pharmacological approaches that are available and have been tested so far for the treatment of these conditions. Given the growing interest of the scientific community on osteoimmunology, and the scarcity of data regarding the role of C5a-C5aR1 axis in bone pathophysiology, we will highlight the importance of this axis in mediating the interactions between skeletal and immune systems and its potential use as a therapeutic target.
Production of human entorhinal stellate cell-like cells by forward programming shows an important role of Foxp1 in reprogramming
Authors: Bergmann Tobias , Liu Yong , Skov Jonathan , Mogus Leo , Lee Julie , Pfisterer Ulrich , Handfield Louis-Francois , Asenjo-Martinez Andrea , Lisa-Vargas Irene , Seemann Stefan E. , Lee Jimmy Tsz Hang , Patikas Nikolaos , Kornum Birgitte Rahbek , Denham Mark , Hyttel Poul , Witter Menno P. , Gorodkin Jan , Pers Tune H. , Hemberg Martin , Khodosevich Konstantin , Hall Vanessa Jane
Published: August 2022

Stellate cells are principal neurons in the entorhinal cortex that contribute to spatial processing. They also play a role in the context of Alzheimer’s disease as they accumulate Amyloid beta early in the disease. Producing human stellate cells from pluripotent stem cells would allow researchers to study early mechanisms of Alzheimer’s disease, however, no protocols currently exist for producing such cells. In order to develop novel stem cell protocols, we characterize at high resolution the development of the porcine medial entorhinal cortex by tracing neuronal and glial subtypes from mid-gestation to the adult brain to identify the transcriptomic profile of progenitor and adult stellate cells. Importantly, we could confirm the robustness of our data by extracting developmental factors from the identified intermediate stellate cell cluster and implemented these factors to generate putative intermediate stellate cells from human induced pluripotent stem cells. Six transcription factors identified from the stellate cell cluster including RUNX1T1, SOX5, FOXP1, MEF2C, TCF4, EYA2 were overexpressed using a forward programming approach to produce neurons expressing a unique combination of RELN, SATB2, LEF1 and BCL11B observed in stellate cells. Further analyses of the individual transcription factors led to the discovery that FOXP1 is critical in the reprogramming process and omission of RUNX1T1 and EYA2 enhances neuron conversion. Our findings contribute not only to the profiling of cell types within the developing and adult brain’s medial entorhinal cortex but also provides proof-of-concept for using scRNAseq data to produce entorhinal intermediate stellate cells from human pluripotent stem cells in-vitro.
Enzyme-catalyzed allylic oxidation reactions: A mini-review
Authors: Wang Maoyao , Zhou Xiaojian , Wang Zhongqiang , Chen Yongzheng
Published: August 2022

Chiral allylic oxidized products play an increasingly important role in the pharmaceutical, agrochemical, and pharmaceutical industries. Biocatalytic C–H oxyfunctionalization to synthesize allylic oxidized products has attracted great attention in recent years, with the ability to simplify synthetic approaches toward complex compounds. As a result, scientists have found some new enzymes and mutants through techniques of gene mining and enzyme-directed evolution in recent years. This review summarizes the recent developments in biocatalytic selective oxidation of olefins by different kinds of biocatalysts.
Experimental malaria-associated acute kidney injury is independent of parasite sequestration and resolves upon antimalarial treatment
Authors: Possemiers Hendrik , Pollenus Emilie , Prenen Fran , Knoops Sofie , Koshy Priyanka , Van den Steen Philippe E.
Published: August 2022

Malaria remains a important global disease with more than 200 million cases and 600 000 deaths each year. Malaria-associated acute kidney injury (MAKI) may occur in up to 40% of patients with severe malaria and is associated with increased mortality. Histopathological characteristics of AKI in malaria are acute tubular injury, interstitial nephritis, focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, collapsing glomerulopathy and glomerulonephritis. We observed that C57BL/6 mice infected with Plasmodium berghei NK65 (PbNK65) develop MAKI in parallel with malaria-associated acute respiratory distress syndrome (MA-ARDS). MAKI pathology was associated with proteinuria, acute tubular injury and collapse of glomerular capillary tufts, which resolved rapidly after treatment with antimalarial drugs. Importantly, parasite sequestration was not detected in the kidneys in this model. Furthermore, with the use of skeleton binding protein-1 (SBP-1) KO PbNK65 parasites, we found that parasite sequestration in other organs and its subsequent high parasite load are not required for the development of experimental MAKI. Similar proteinuria, histopathological features, and increases in kidney expression of interferon-γ, TNF-α, kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) was observed in both infected groups despite a significant difference in parasite load. Taken together, we introduce a model of experimental AKI in malaria with important similarities to AKI in malaria patients. Therefore, this mouse model might be important to further study the pathogenesis of AKI in malaria.
Circulating MicroRNAs and myocardial involvement severity in chronic Chagas cardiomyopathy
Authors: Gómez-Ochoa Sergio Alejandro , Bautista-Niño Paula Katherine , Rojas Lyda Z. , Hunziker Lukas , Muka Taulant , Echeverría Luis E.
Published: August 2022

Background

Chronic Chagas Cardiomyopathy (CCM) is characterized by a unique pathophysiology in which inflammatory, microvascular and neuroendocrine processes coalesce in the development of one of the most severe cardiomyopathies affecting humans. Despite significant advances in understanding the molecular mechanisms involved in this disease, scarce information is available regarding microRNAs and clinical parameters of disease severity. We aimed to evaluate the association between circulating levels of six microRNAs with markers of myocardial injury and prognosis in this population.

Methods

Patients with CCM and reduced ejection fraction were included in a prospective exploratory cohort study. We assessed the association of natural log-transformed values of six circulating microRNAs (miR-34a-5p, miR-208a-5p, miR-185-5p, miR-223-5p, let-7d-5p, and miR-454-5p) with NT-proBNP levels and echocardiographic variables using linear regression models adjusted for potential confounders. By using Cox Proportional Hazard models, we examined whether levels of microRNAs could predict a composite outcome (CO), including all-cause mortality, cardiac transplantation, and implantation of a left ventricular assist device (LVAD). Finally, for mRNAs showing significant associations, we predicted the target genes and performed pathway analyses using Targetscan and Reactome Pathway Browser.

Results

Seventy-four patients were included (59% males, median age: 64 years). After adjustment for age, sex, body mass index, and heart failure medications, only increasing miR-223-5p relative expression levels were significantly associated with better myocardial function markers, including left atrium area (Coef. -10.2; 95% CI -16.35; -4.09), end-systolic (Coef. -45.3; 95% CI -74.06; -16.61) and end-diastolic volumes (Coef. -46.1; 95% CI -81.99; -10.26) of the left ventricle. Moreover, we observed that higher miR-223-5p levels were associated with better left-ventricle ejection fraction and lower NT-proBNP levels. No associations were observed between the six microRNAs and the composite outcome. A total of 123 target genes for miR-223-5p were obtained. From these, several target pathways mainly related to signaling by receptor tyrosine kinases were identified.

Conclusions

The present study found an association between miR-223-5p and clinical parameters of CCM, with signaling pathways related to receptor tyrosine kinases as a potential mechanism linking low levels of miR-223-5p with CCM worsening.
Gut immune cells—A novel therapeutical target for cardiovascular disease?
Authors: Ganesh Naresh , van der Vorst Emiel P. C. , Spiesshöfer Jens , He Shun , Burgmaier Mathias , Findeisen Hannes , Lehrke Michael , Swirski Filip K. , Marx Nikolaus , Kahles Florian
Published: August 2022

Despite scientific and clinical advances during the last 50 years cardiovascular disease continues to be the main cause of death worldwide. Especially patients with diabetes display a massive increased cardiovascular risk compared to patients without diabetes. Over the last two decades we have learned that cardiometabolic and cardiovascular diseases are driven by inflammation. Despite the fact that the gastrointestinal tract is one of the largest leukocyte reservoirs of our bodies, the relevance of gut immune cells for cardiovascular disease is largely unknown. First experimental evidence suggests an important relevance of immune cells in the intestinal tract for the development of metabolic and cardiovascular disease in mice. Mice specifically lacking gut immune cells are protected against obesity, diabetes, hypertension and atherosclerosis. Importantly antibody mediated inhibition of leukocyte homing into the gut showed similar protective metabolic and cardiovascular effects. Targeting gut immune cells might open novel therapeutic approaches for the treatment of cardiometabolic and cardiovascular diseases.
Relationship between vascular ageing and left ventricular geometry in patients with newly diagnosed primary aldosteronism
Authors: Huang Miao , Li Jiaying , Zhao Xiexiong , Chen Shunsong , Li Xiaogang , Jiang Weihong
Published: August 2022

Background

Changes in left ventricular (LV) geometry are early manifestations of cardiac damage. The relationship between vascular aging and LV geometry has been reported. However, in newly diagnosed primary aldosteronism (PA), with more severe target organ damage than essential hypertension, the relationship between vascular aging and LV geometry has never been described.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective study among newly diagnosed PA from 1 January 2017 to 30 September 2021 at the Third Xiangya Hospital. The data of vascular aging parameters were collected, including ankle–brachial index (ABI), brachial–ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV), and carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT). Echocardiography data were collected to assess LV geometry patterns.

Results

A total of 146 patients with newly diagnosed PA were included. The mean age was 44.77 ± 9.79 years, and 46.58% participants were women. Linear regression analysis adjusting all potential confounders showed that cIMT was significantly associated with LV mass index (LVMI) (β=0.164, P=0.028) and baPWV was significantly associated with relative wall thickness (RWT) (β= 0.00005, P=0.025). Multifactorial adjusted logistic regression analysis demonstrated that cIMT was significantly associated with LV hypertrophy (LVH) (OR=7.421, 95%CI: 1.717–815.688, P=0.021) and baPWV was significantly associated with LV concentric geometry (LVCG) (OR=1.003, 95%CI: 1.001–1.006, P=0.017).

Conclusion

baPWV was significantly associated with LVCG and cIMT was significantly associated with LVH in newly diagnosed PA. This study provides insights on the importance of baPWV measurement and cIMT measurement in early assessment of cardiac damage in newly diagnosed PA.
Prevalence of and risk factors for diabetic retinopathy in residents with different types of abnormal glucose metabolism with or without hypertension: A suburban community-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Ma Yuhang , Wang Hao , Jiang Junyi , Han Changjing , Lu Chunhua , Zeng Siliang , Wang Yufan , Zheng Zhi , Peng Yongde , Ding Xiaoying
Published: August 2022

Aims

The present study examined the prevalence and risk factors for diabetic retinopathy (DR) in residents with abnormal glucose metabolism in a community.

Methods

6029 subjects were included and underwent standardized interviews and comprehensive examinations. Residents with diabetes were divided into nondiabetic retinopathy (NDR) and DR groups and non-hypertension and hypertension groups. Unconditional multivariate logistic regression models were used to analyze the risk factors for DR in different groups.

Results

The prevalence of DR in diabetes was 9.9%, and the prevalence of retinopathy, which also has the typical signs of DRs, such as retinal microaneurysms, in prediabetes and normal glucose tolerance was 5.2% and 5.3%, respectively. An elevated waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) (female≥0.85, male≥0.9)[OR 1.683, 95% CI (1.016, 2.790)], systolic blood pressure (SBP)≥140 mmHg [OR 1.875, 95% CI (1.158, 3.034)], elevated HbA1c [OR 1.410, 95% CI (1.220, 1.629)], HbA1c ≥6.5% [OR 2.149, 95% CI (1.320, 3.498)], antidiabetic drug use [OR 3.798, 95% CI (2.209, 6.529)], elevated fasting blood glucose [OR 1.176, 95% CI (1.072, 1.289)], elevated postprandial blood glucose [OR 1.090, 95% CI (1.033, 1.150)] and nonspecific ST-T segment changes on electrocardiography [OR 2.555, 95% CI (1.556, 4.196)] were risk factors for DR. Duration of diabetes [OR 1.206, 95% CI (1.028, 1.415)], elevated WHR [OR 3.796, 95% CI (1.144, 12.603)], elevated waist circumference [OR 6.874, 95% CI (1.403, 33.665)], elevated HbA1c [OR 1.435, 95% CI (1.046, 1.970)], HbA1c ≥6.5% [OR 6.850, 95% CI (1.771, 26.501)], and concurrent metabolic syndrome [OR 3.975, 95% CI (1.144, 13.815)] were risk factors for DR in diabetes without hypertension, and elevated HbA1c [OR 1.395, 95% CI (1.183, 1.645)], HbA1c ≥6.5% [OR 1.745, 95% CI (1.027, 2.966)], use of antidiabetic drugs [OR 4.781, 95% CI (2.624, 8.711)], elevated fasting blood glucose [OR 1.146, 95% CI (1.034, 1.270)], elevated postprandial blood glucose [OR 1.083, 95% CI (1.020, 1.151)], and nonspecific ST-T segment changes on electrocardiography [OR 2.616, 95% CI (1.531, 4.469)] were risk factors for DR in diabetes with hypertension.

Conclusion

Retinopathy was found in subjects with normal glucose tolerance and prediabetes. There were differences in risk factors for DR in diabetic patients with and without hypertension.
Foreign direct investment entry mode and China’s carbon productivity based on spatial econometric model
Authors: Tang Decai , Yi Rui , Kong Haojia , Da Dan , Boamah Valentina
Published: August 2022

As the world’s largest developing country and the largest carbon emitter, China must consider economic growth and carbon emission reduction in development. Therefore, improving carbon productivity is an important goal of China at present. At the same time, China’s foreign capital inflow has always been at the forefront of the world, and foreign direct investment (FDI) has had various impacts on China’s carbon productivity. Based on the panel data of 25 provinces in China from 2007 to 2019, this paper uses a spatial econometric model to study the difference in the impact of FDI on China’s carbon productivity under different entry modes. The study found that: when FDI enters China in the mode of joint ventures, there is a positive spatial spillover effect, which is conducive to improving China’s carbon productivity; while when FDI enters China in the mode of wholly foreign-owned enterprises, there is a negative spatial spillover effect, which will inhibit the improvement of China’s carbon productivity. Therefore, when introducing foreign capital, the Chinese government should formulate differentiated foreign investment policies according to the different entry modes of FDI, and encourage more FDI to enter China in the mode of joint ventures.
Globalization, institutional quality, economic growth and CO2 emission in OECD countries: An analysis with GMM and quantile regression
Authors: Fatima Nudrat , Zheng Yanting , Guohua Ni
Published: August 2022

This research used the dynamic panel model and QR (Quantile Regression) to examine the effect of globalization (GB), Institutional Quality (IQ), Economic Growth (EG), Electricity Consumption (EC), and Renewable Energy (RE) consumption on Carbon dioxide (CO2) emission from 1991 to 2018 in thirty-six (OCED) countries. Panel unit root tests have been employed to examine the stationarity of the study variables; the results, which included the Harris and Tzavalis (Journal of econometrics, 1999, 91 (2), 201–226) and Levin et al. (Journal of Econometrics, 2002, 108 (1), 1–24) tests, indicate that all of the variables used are a combination of I (0) and I(I). Cointegration in the study variables has been examined using the cointegration tests devised by Westerlund, Kao, and Pedroni; the results suggest that cointegration exists in the research variables. Findings of the one-step difference GMM, One-step system GMM and two-step system GMM reveal that RE consumption, GB, and IQ negatively affect the CO2 emission in (selected OECD) countries that help to reduce CO2 excretion. In contrast, EC consumption and EG become responsible for the climatic and environmental loss. Further, this study checked the robustness by using SQR (Simultaneous quantile regression) and PQR (Panel Quantile Regression). The evaluated study findings of QR (Quantile Regression) reveal that RE consumption, GB, and IQ help to reduce the CO2 emission while EG and EC consumption becomes responsible for the climatic and environmental loss. Further recommendations are suggested based on the findings.
Can the green credit policy enhance firm export quality? Evidence from China based on the DID model
Authors: Yang Ge
Published: August 2022

The green credit policy is a crucial tool that the Chinese government adopted to tackle environmental problems by combining environmental regulation and credit policy. This study takes the Green Credit Guidelines (GCG) issued in 2012 as a quasi-natural experiment to examine its impact on the export quality of firms. Using data covering Chinese A-share listed firms and the difference-in-difference (DID) method, the empirical research shows that the GCG significantly enhanced the export quality of heavily polluting firms. The mediation analyses indicate that green innovation plays an intermediate role in enhancing the export quality of firms. The heterogeneity analysis of firm characteristics demonstrates that the improvement effect brought by the GCG is significantly reflected in state-owned firms and firms in financially underdeveloped areas. The research results provide implications for firms on how to deal with the green credit policy. In addition, it also serves as an essential reference for developing economies on the successful implementation of market-based environmental regulations.
Interactive and independent effects of light and noise pollution on sexual signaling in frogs
Authors: Smit Judith A. H. , Cronin Andrew D. , van der Wiel Isabelle , Oteman Bas , Ellers Jacintha , Halfwerk Wouter
Published: August 2022

Urbanization drastically changes environmental conditions, including the introduction of sensory pollutants, such as artificial light at night (ALAN) and anthropogenic noise. To settle in urban habitats, animals need to cope with this new sensory environment. On a short timescale, animals might cope with sensory pollutants via behavioral adjustments, such as changes in sexual signaling, which can have important fitness consequences. While ALAN and anthropogenic noise generally co-occur in urban habitats and are known to be able to interact to modify behavioral responses, few studies have addressed their combined impact. Our aim was, therefore, to assess the effects of ALAN, anthropogenic noise, and their interaction on sexual signaling in túngara frogs (Engystomops pustulosus). We observed the calling behavior of frogs in urban and forest areas, and subsequently recorded these frogs in a laboratory set-up while independently manipulating light and noise levels. Frogs in urban areas called with a higher call rate and complexity, which was correlated with local sensory conditions. Furthermore, our lab experiment revealed that ALAN can directly alter sexual signaling independently as well as in combination with anthropogenic noise. Exposure to ALAN alone increased call amplitude, whereas a combination of ALAN and anthropogenic noise interacted to lead to a higher call complexity and amplitude. Overall, the response patterns consistently showed that exposure to ALAN and anthropogenic noise led to more conspicuous sexual signals than expected based on the additive effects of single pollutants. Our results support the notion that urban and forest population differences in sexual signaling can be partially explained by exposure to ALAN and anthropogenic noise. Furthermore, by demonstrating interactive effects between light and noise pollution, our study highlights the importance of examining the effects of multisensory pollution, instead of single pollutants, when trying to understand phenotypic divergence in urbanized vs. natural areas.
Identifying key genes in CD4+ T cells of systemic lupus erythematosus by integrated bioinformatics analysis
Authors: Li Zutong , Wang Zhilong , Sun Tian , Liu Shanshan , Ding Shuai , Sun Lingyun
Published: August 2022

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by excessive activation of T and B lymphocytes and breakdown of immune tolerance to autoantigens. Despite several mechanisms including the genetic alterations and inflammatory responses have been reported, the overall signature genes in CD4+ T cells and how they affect the pathological process of SLE remain to be elucidated. This study aimed to identify the crucial genes, potential biological processes and pathways underlying SLE pathogenesis by integrated bioinformatics. The gene expression profiles of isolated peripheral CD4+ T cells from SLE patients with different disease activity and healthy controls (GSE97263) were analyzed, and 14 co-expression modules were identified using weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). Some of these modules showed significantly positive or negative correlations with SLE disease activity, and primarily enriched in the regulation of type I interferon and immune responses. Next, combining time course sequencing (TCseq) with differentially expressed gene (DEG) analysis, crucial genes in lupus CD4+ T cells were revealed, including some interferon signature genes (ISGs). Among these genes, we identified 4 upregulated genes (PLSCR1, IFI35, BATF2 and CLDN5) and 2 downregulated genes (GDF7 and DERL3) as newfound key genes. The elevated genes showed close relationship with the SLE disease activity. In general, our study identified 6 novel biomarkers in CD4+ T cells that might contribute to the diagnosis and treatment of SLE.
Integrated analysis of senescence-associated genes in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Zhu Zhi-gang , Chen Lei , Miao Dong-liu , Jin Yiqi , Wu Qiong
Published: August 2022

Background: Cellular senescence plays a critical role in the occurrence and development, and immune modulation of cancer. This research primarily investigated the role of senescence-associated genes (SAGs) in the survival and tumor microenvironment of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC).

Methods: From the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC) database, the gene expression profiles and clinical data of PDAC samples were downloaded. SAGs in the TCGA cohort were used to build a novel prognostic model and validated in the ICGC cohort. The relationship of signature with the immune landscape, tumor mutational burden (TMB), as well as the sensitivity of different therapies, was explored. Moreover, a nomogram was developed to predict the overall survival of PDAC patients.

Results: A prognostic signature was constructed on basis of three SAGs, and patients in the low-risk score group had a longer survival time. The accuracy of the signature to distinguish different score groups was confirmed through principal component analysis (PCA) and the Receiver operator curves curve. The mRNA expression of the three signature genes was also verified in normal pancreatic and PDAC cell lines by RT-qPCR. The signature could independently predict the prognosis of PDAC patients and had broad applicability. Meanwhile, the nomogram predicted that 1- and 3-years survival rates were in good agreement with the observed overall survival rates. Low-risk patients had lower tumor mutational burden, and low-TMB patients had a better prognosis. Low- and high-risk patients exhibit distinct immune cell infiltration and immune checkpoint changes. By further analyzing the risk score, patients in the low-risk group were more responsive to immunotherapy and a variety of commonly used chemotherapeutic drugs.

Conclusion: The prognostic signature can well predict the prognosis and assess the possibility of immunotherapy in personalized PDAC treatment.
Single-cell RNA sequencing analysis to explore immune cell heterogeneity and novel biomarkers for the prognosis of lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Xu Yong , Wang Yao , Liang Leilei , Song Nan
Published: August 2022

Background: Single-cell RNA sequencing is necessary to understand tumor heterogeneity, and the cell type heterogeneity of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) has not been fully studied.

Method: We first reduced the dimensionality of the GSE149655 single-cell data. Then, we statistically analysed the subpopulations obtained by cell annotation to find the subpopulations highly enriched in tumor tissues. Monocle was used to predict the development trajectory of five subpopulations; beam was used to find the regulatory genes of five branches; qval was used to screen the key genes; and cellchart was used to analyse cell communication. Next, we used the differentially expressed genes of TCGA-LUAD to screen for overlapping genes and established a prognostic risk model through univariate and multivariate analyses. To identify the independence of the model in clinical application, univariate and multivariate Cox regression were used to analyse the relevant HR, 95% CI of HR and p value. Finally, the novel biomarker genes were verified by qPCR and immunohistochemistry.

Results: The single-cell dataset GSE149655 was subjected to quality control, filtration and dimensionality reduction. Finally, 23 subpopulations were screened, and 11-cell subgroups were annotated in 23 subpopulations. Through the statistical analysis of 11 subgroups, five important subgroups were selected, including lung epithelial cells, macrophages, neuroendocrine cells, secret cells and T cells. From the analysis of cell trajectory and cell communication, it is found that the interaction of five subpopulations is very complex and that the communication between them is dense. We believe that these five subpopulations play a very important role in the occurrence and development of LUAD. Downloading the TCGA data, we screened the marker genes of these five subpopulations, which are also the differentially expressed genes in tumorigenesis, with a total of 462 genes, and constructed 10 gene prognostic risk models based on related genes. The 10-gene signature has strong robustness and can achieve stable prediction efficiency in datasets from different platforms. Two new molecular markers related to LUAD, HLA-DRB5 and CCDC50, were verified by qPCR and immunohistochemistry. The results showed that HLA-DRB5 expression was negatively correlated with the risk of LUAD, and CCDC50 expression was positively correlated with the risk of LUAD.

Conclusion: Therefore, we identified a prognostic risk model including CCL20, CP, HLA-DRB5, RHOV, CYP4B1, BASP1, ACSL4, GNG7, CCDC50 and SPATS2 as risk biomarkers and verified their predictive value for the prognosis of LUAD, which could serve as a new therapeutic target.
The Pioneer Transcription Factor Foxa2 Modulates T Helper Differentiation to Reduce Mouse Allergic Airway Disease
Authors: Yánez Diana C. , Lau Ching-In , Papaioannou Eleftheria , Chawda Mira M. , Rowell Jasmine , Ross Susan , Furmanski Anna , Crompton Tessa
Published: August 2022

Foxa2, a member of the Forkhead box (Fox) family of transcription factors, plays an important role in the regulation of lung function and lung tissue homeostasis. FOXA2 expression is reduced in the lung and airways epithelium of asthmatic patients and in mice absence of Foxa2 from the lung epithelium contributes to airway inflammation and goblet cell hyperplasia. Here we demonstrate a novel role for Foxa2 in the regulation of T helper differentiation and investigate its impact on lung inflammation. Conditional deletion of Foxa2 from T-cells led to increased Th2 cytokine secretion and differentiation, but decreased Th1 differentiation and IFN-γ expression in vitro. Induction of mouse allergic airway inflammation resulted in more severe disease in the conditional Foxa2 knockout than in control mice, with increased cellular infiltration to the lung, characterized by the recruitment of eosinophils and basophils, increased mucus production and increased production of Th2 cytokines and serum IgE. Thus, these experiments suggest that Foxa2 expression in T-cells is required to protect against the Th2 inflammatory response in allergic airway inflammation and that Foxa2 is important in T-cells to maintain the balance of effector cell differentiation and function in the lung.