bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Indonesia: ¿Una nueva meca del islamismo?
Authors: Goldin Julián , Sosa Joaquín
Published: February 2021

RESUMEN: Indonesia, uno de los países con mayor cantidad de población
musulmana en el mundo, inició durante los primeros años del siglo XXI
un proceso de democratización que se ha ido consolidando cada vez más
a partir de las sucesivas elecciones que han tenido lugar en el archipiélago.
Frente a las posturas que plantean que en el país está teniendo lugar una
radicalización y crecimiento de los partidos islámicos e islamistas los
cuales bogan por el establecimiento de la sharía como ordenamiento
jurídico del Estado, el siguiente articulo pretende a través del análisis de
las elecciones de 2004 y 2009 examinar cuál es el rol y la importancia de
estos grupos dentro de la democracia indonesia.
Palabras clave: Indonesia, Democracia, Islam, Sudeste Asiático,
Elecciones
ABSTRACT: Indonesia, one of the countries with the largest Muslim
population in the world, began during the first years of the 21st century a
process of democratization that has been increasingly consolidated by
means of the successive elections that have taken place in the
archipelago. In light of opinions that state that the radicalization and
growth of Islamic and Islamist parties is taking place in the country,
which advocate the establishment of Sharia as the legal order of the State.
The following article seeks through the analysis of the elections of 2004
and 2009 to examine what is the role and importance of these groups
within the Indonesian democracy.
The Nutritional Status of Athletes in the Athletics Branches of DKI Jakarta During the Covid-19 Period Based on Anthropometry
Authors: Aini Khurotul , Kemala Aisya
Published: February 2021

Changes in the habit of consuming food at regular training venues to the homes of individual athletes during a pandemic should still meet the nutritional needs of the athletes. The performance of athletes in athletic sports must be supported by good nutrition, even during the Covid-19 period. This research uses descriptive quantitative research techniques with survey methods using google form with data analysis using percentages. The purpose of this study was to determine the level of assessment of the nutritional status of athletes in athletic in DKI Jakarta. Based on the research conducted, it revealed that as many as 100% (n = 104) of the research subjects were athletic athletes under the auspices of the DKI-Jakarta Government, 44 were female and 66 were male. Anthropometry results for male athletes showed an average nutritional status at BMI of 32.89 with over nutritional status and for female athletes at BMI of 32.68 with over nutritional status. Hence, the average nutritional status of athletes in athletic sports in DKI Jakarta is in the category of excess nutrition in the Covid-19 condition. Based on the anthropometric assessment of athletes in athletic sports during the Covid-19 period, excess nutritional status was obtained.
The Identification of Sport Talents Using a Sport Search
Authors: Sinurat Ridwan , Tofikin Tofikin
Published: February 2021

This study aims to identify students who have talent based on the results of the talent analysis conducted at SMP 1 Rambah Rokan Hulu. This research method is a quantitative descriptive method. The data analysis technique used was sports test tracing. The sampling technique used was purposive sampling technique, meanwhile the samples determined by the researcher were students who like to exercise and are interested and willing to take part in this research. Based on these criteria, the sample size is 30 people. The results showed that 6.7% of children have shown their talent in long-distance running, 16.7% of children showed their talent in the sport of Judo, 6.7% of the children were gifted in the sport of rock climbing, 23.3% of the children showed their talent fast running, 23.3 % of children in street sports, 3.3% of children in Steeppleechase, 3.3% of children in hurdling, 3.3% of children in high jump and 13.3% of children in multi-jump sports respectively.
Human Papilloma Virus-Related Metachronous Tracheal Cancer in a Patient with Tonsillar Cancer
Authors: Lee Yun Ji , Lee Min Ki , Lee Seung Won , Park Ki Nam
Published: February 2021

Second primary malignancy (SPM) is a well-known cause of death in head and neck cancers. Recently, with reports of many incidences of human papilloma virus (HPV) associated SPM, the disease has been widely investigated. We report a HPV-positive tracheal cancer in a 49-yearold male who had been diagnosed with HPV-positive squamous cell carcinoma of the right tonsil within intervals of two years. In this case, the metachronous tracheal cancer lesion as well as the primary tonsillar cancer showed the same subtype HPV-16.
A Case Report of Blepharotosis as a Complication of Endoscopic Sinus Surgery
Authors: Jung Hwikyeong , Kim Geonwoo , Kim Jaesoon , Kim Kyubo
Published: February 2021

Endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) is a common procedure performed in patients with chronic sinusitis. Although most of them result in excellent outcomes, some complications due to injury of nearby structures, such as the orbit or brain, may have serious consequences. Ophthalmic complications, occurring in less than 1% of all ESS cases, include orbital hematoma, diplopia, injury to the nasolacrimal duct, and in severe cases, even blindness. Here, we present a rare case in which a 49-year old female developed unilateral blepharoptosis after undergoing revision ESS.
Bioactive content during the development of the acerola cv. BRS 238 (Frutacor)
Authors: Gomes Filho Antonio Aristides Pereira , Pereira João Alves Ferreira , Moura Carlos Farley Herbster , Miranda Maria Raquel Alcântara de
Published: February 2021

The objective of this work was to determine quality, bioactive content and metabolism of vitamin C and phenolic compounds during the development of acerola BRS 238 (Frutacor). Fruits were harvested at five different stages of maturation and evaluated for physical-chemical and chemical quality characteristics, as well as for the metabolism of vitamin C and polyphenols variables. During development, there was an increase in SS/AT ratio, a decrease in chlorophyll content, increase in carotenoids content, and a decline in vitamin C and polyphenols content, alhhtough of yellow flavonoids and anthocyanins content increased. The enzyme activity of vitamin C metabolism, ascorbate oxide (AO) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) decreased with ripening, while for phenolic metabolism, the activity of phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) increased and polyphenoloxidase (PPO) decreased. It can be concluded that the fruits of aceroleira BRS 238 had a high content of bioactive compounds. For industrial extraction of bioactive compounds, fruits must be harvested at the initial stages, while for fresh consumption, they must be harvested in the final stages of development.
Genetic Diversity of Hard Ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) in the South and East Regions of Kazakhstan and Northwestern China
Authors: Yang Yicheng , Tong Jin , Ruan Hongyin , Yang Meihua , Sang Chunli , Liu Gang , Hazihan Wurelihazi , Xu Bin , Hornok Sándor , Rizabek Kadyken , Gulzhan Kulmanova , Liu Zhiqiang , Wang Yuanzhi
Published: February 2021

To date, there is no report on the genetic diversity of ticks in these regions. A total of 370 representative ticks from the south and east regions of Kazakhstan (SERK) and Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region (XUAR) were selected for molecular comparison. A fragment of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (cox1) gene, ranging from 631 bp to 889 bp, was used to analyze genetic diversity among these ticks. Phylogenetic analyses indicated 7 tick species including Hyalomma asiaticum, Hyalomma detritum, Hyalomma anatolicum, Dermacentor marginatus, Rhipicephalus sanguineus, Rhipicephalus turanicus and Haemaphysalis erinacei from the SERK clustered together with conspecific ticks from the XUAR. The network diagram of haplotypes showed that i) Hy. asiaticum from Almaty and Kyzylorda Oblasts together with that from Yuli County of XUAR constituted haplogroup H-2, and the lineage from Chimkent City of South Kazakhstan was newly evolved; and ii) the R. turanicus ticks sampled in Israel, Almaty, South Kazakhstan, Usu City, Ulugqat and Baicheng Counties of XUAR were derivated from an old lineage in Alataw City of XUAR. These findings indicate that: i) Hy. asiaticum, R. turanicus and Ha. erinacei shared genetic similarities between the SERK and XUAR; and ii) Hy. marginatum and D. reticulatus show differences in their evolution.
Echinostoma miyagawai Ishii, 1932 (Echinostomatidae) from Ducks in Aceh Province, Indonesia with Special Reference to Its Synonymy with Echinostoma robustum Yamaguti, 1935
Authors: Chai Jong-Yil , Jung Bong-Kwang , Chang Taehee , Shin Hyejoo , Cho Jaeeun , Ryu Jin-Youp , Kim Hyun-Seung , Park Kwanghoon , Jeong Mun-Hyoo , Hoang Eui-Hyug , Abdullah Marzuki Bin Muhammad
Published: February 2021

Adult echinostomes having 37 collar spines collected from the intestine of Pitalah ducks in Aceh Province, Indonesia in 2018 were morphologically and molecularly determined to be Echinostoma miyagawai Ishii, 1932 (Digenea: Echinostomatidae). Among 20 ducks examined, 7 (35.0%) were found to be infected with this echinostome, and the number of flukes collected was 48 in total with average 6.9 (1-17) worms per duck. The adult flukes were 7.2 (6.1-8.5) mm in length and 1.2 (1.0-1.4) mm in width (pre-ovarian or testicular level) and characterized by having a head collar armed with 37 collar spines (dorsal spines arranged in 2 alternating rows), including 5 end group spines, and variable morphology of the testes, irregularly or deeply lobed (3-5 lobes) at times with horizontal extension. The eggs within the worm uterus were 93 (79-105) µm long and 62 (56-70) µm wide. These morphological features were consistent with both E. miyagawai and Echinostoma robustum, for which synonymy to each other has been raised. Sequencing of 2 mitochondrial genes, cox1 and nad1, revealed high homology with E. miyagawai (98.6-100% for cox1 and 99.0-99.8% for nad1) and also with E. robustum (99.3-99.8% for nad1) deposited in GenBank. We accepted the synonymy between the 2 species and diagnosed our flukes as E. miyagawai (syn. E. robustum) with redescription of its morphology. Further studies are required to determine the biological characteristics of E. miyagawai in Aceh Province, Indonesia, including the intermediate host and larval stage information.
Leptin and leptin soluble receptor changes after pulmonary endarterectomy: relations to cortisol and cytokine network
Authors: Maruna P , Lindner J , Kubzová KM
Published: February 2021

Leptin is a hormone that regulates food intake. During
inflammatory status, leptin may contribute to the anorexia and
cachexia of infection. Pulmonary endarterectomy was used as a
model of non-infectious cytokine network hyperstimulation.
Leptin and soluble leptin receptor (SLR) were compared with
evolution of cortisol and inflammatory cytokines in twenty-two
patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension
treated with pulmonary endarterectomy using cardiopulmonary
bypass (CBP) and deep hypothermic circulatory arrest (DHCA).
Leptin, SLR, cortisol, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and TNFα concentrations
in arterial blood were measured before/after sternotomy, last
DHCA, separation from bypass, 12, 18, 24, 36, and 48 h after
sternotomy. Mean duration of CPB was 338.2 min.; mean
circulatory arrest time 39.9 min. The initial decline of leptin, SLR,
TNFα, IL-6, and IL-8 was followed by an increase culminating 6-
24 h after sternotomy. Leptin peak levels were detected 24 h
after sternotomy (28.0 ng/ml, 21.9-37.6). IL-6 culminated after
separation from CPB, IL-8 was highest 12 h after sternotomy.
Leptin concentrations correlated with IL-6 (r=0.82), and TNFα
(r=0.73). Large cardiovascular surgery caused a significant
increase in serum leptin, indicating its acute regulation by stress
factors. This effect may be secondary to the inflammatory
response mediated via cytokine stimulation. Correlation between
leptin and IL-6 indicates the role of IL-6 in leptin induction.
Monitoring of early and advanced glycation in relation to the occurrence of microvascular complications in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Kostolanská J , Jakuš V , Barák Ľ
Published: February 2021

The authors aimed to evaluate if the monitoring of serum
advanced glycation end-products (s-AGEs) could help to predict a
development of diabetic complications. Clinical and biochemical
parameters including fructosamine (FAM), glycated hemoglobin
(HbA1c) and serum AGEs were investigated in children and
adolescents with 1 type diabetes with (+DC) and without (–DC)
complications. FAM levels (in mmol/l) were significantly elevated
in +DC diabetic group compared to –DC one (3.043±0.459 vs.
2.614±0.430; p<0.001) or to controls (3.043±0.459 vs.
1.620±0.340; p<0.001) as well as in –DC compared to controls
(2.614±0.430 vs. 1.620±0.340; p<0.001). HbA1c (in %) were
significantly elevated in +DC diabetic group compared to –DC
one (10.48±1.83 vs. 8.41±1.19; p<<0.001) or to controls
(10.48±1.83 vs. 5.0±0.38, p<<0.001) and also in –DC compared
to controls (8.41±1.19 vs. 5.0±0.38; p<0.001). Serum AGEs
levels (in A. U.) were significantly higher in +DC group than in –
DC (73.0±14.09 vs. 65.8±9.05; p<0.05) and in group +DC than
in controls (73.0±14.09 vs. 60.17±13.78; p<0.05), whereas
there was no difference between –DC and controls. FAM
correlated with HbA1c in both diabetic groups (+DC: r=0.374;
p<0.05; –DC: r=0.719; p<0.001), but not in controls. Serum
AGEs were correlated with HbA1c (r=0.478; p=0.003) in +DC,
but not in –DC or controls. Enhanced serum AGEs levels show
that they could be not only an attendant phenomenon of
microangiopathies, but also a predictor of their development.
Hayatta Kalma Güdüsü: Bir Mekânsal Algı Süreci
Authors: EDGÜ Erincik
Published: February 2021

Mimarlık, psikoloji ve sosyal bilimlerin ara kesitinde yer alan çevre-davranış kuramları, güncel alan çalışmaları üzerinden yeniden ele alınmış ve bu derleme yazısı, insan varoluşunun en temelinde yer alan hayatta kalma güdüsü bağlamında kurgulanmıştır. Mekânı ve sosyal ortamları kavrayıp değerlendirmede algı esastır. Algının hangi süreçlerde bilişselleştirildiği, güvenlik ve ait olma gereksinimlerinin yaşam çevresinde ne tür anlamlar kazandığı dikkate alınması gereken önemli ölçütlerdendir. Kişinin ait olduğu kültürün normları ile bireysellik ve sosyalleşme gereksinimleri arasındaki çatışmaların, kişinin mekânı nasıl kodladığı ve dolayısıyla mekânsal davranışını nasıl değiştirip dönüştürdüğü, bu yazıda örneklerle yeniden hatırlatılmıştır.
Kentsel Mekânda Kültürel Kimliğin Yeniden Üretimi: Ankara’daki Kültür Merkezleri Örneği
Authors: ÖZGEN Nurettin , SARI Volkan İdris
Published: February 2021

Çalışmanın amacı yerel yönetimlerin kentsel alandaki kültürel üretimlere ilişkin pratiklerini, kültür merkezlerinin isimlendirilmesi ve buralarda yürütülen faaliyetler üzerinden analiz etmektir. İktidarlar kurumsal ve ideolojik çerçeveleri kullanarak insanların düşüncelerini ve yaşam tarzlarını etkilerler. Bu etkileme ulusal düzeyde yürütüldüğü gibi yerel ölçekte farklı ideolojiye sahip belediyeler tarafından da hayata geçirilebilmektedir. Hemen tüm siyasi partilere mensup belediyeler kendi ideolojik yaklaşımlarını çeşitli araçlar ile topluma kabul ettirerek kentsel mekânda kimlik inşa sürecini yürütmektedir. Belediyelere bağlı olarak hizmet veren kültür merkezleri de kentsel kimlik inşa sürecinin önemli araçlarındandır. Araştırmada, kültür merkezi yöneticileri ve kursiyerleriyle yapılan görüşmelerle elde edilen nitel veriler içerik analizi tekniği kullanılarak derinlikli bir şekilde analiz edilmiştir. Araştırma sonucunda hem bu mekânlar için tercih eden isimler hem de burada yürütülen faaliyetlerin kentsel kimliğin üretimi ve yeniden üretiminde belediyeler tarafından etkin bir şekilde kullanıldığı anlaşılmıştır.
Public Reason, Adult Education and Social Imagination
Authors: Rasmussen Palle
Published: February 2021

Communities of publics where citizens together develop informed opinion as basis for political decisions is crucial to democracy; and adult education can contribute vitally to such communities. This was argued by two critical social scientists, Charles Wright Mills and Oskar Negt. Researching and writing in different situations and drawing on different traditions, they voiced many of the same concerns about the inequalities and contradictions of modern capitalist societies. Mills and Negt argued that citizens and publics need to grasp the interrelations between society at large and individual lives and troubles. It is also necessary to transgress the immediate reality and its options, to imagine how societies and lives could take different turns, both in negative and positive directions. This article makes a case that imaginative fiction literature can help critical social science and adult education in promoting such social imagination.
Small Molecule Treatments Improve Differentiation Potential of Human Amniotic Fluid Stem Cells
Authors: Zentelytė Aistė , Žukauskaitė Deimantė , Jacerytė Ieva , Borutinskaitė Veronika V. , Navakauskienė Rūta
Published: February 2021

Human amniotic fluid stem cells (AFSC) are an exciting and very promising source of stem cells for therapeutic applications. In this study we investigated the effects of short-term treatments of small molecules to improve stem cell properties and differentiation capability. For this purpose, we used epigenetically active compounds, such as histone deacetylase inhibitors Trichostatin A (TSA) and sodium butyrate (NaBut), as well as multifunctional molecules of natural origin, such as retinoic acid (RA) and vitamin C (vitC). We observed that combinations of these compounds triggered upregulation of genes involved in pluripotency (KLF4, OCT4, NOTCH1, SOX2, NANOG, LIN28a, CMYC), but expression changes of these proteins were mild with only significant downregulation of Notch1. Also, some alterations in cell surface marker expression was established by flow cytometry with the most explicit changes in the expression of CD105 and CD117. Analysis of cellular energetics performed using Seahorse analyzer and assessment of gene expression related to cell metabolism and respiration (NRF1, HIF1α, PPARGC1A, ERRα, PKM, PDK1, LDHA, NFKB1, NFKB2, RELA, RELB, REL) revealed that small molecule treatments stimulate AFSCs toward a more energetically active phenotype. To induce cells to differentiate toward neurogenic lineage several different protocols including commercial supplements N2 and B27 together with RA were used and compared to the same differentiation protocols with the addition of a pre-induction step consisting of a combination of small molecules (vitC, TSA and RA). During differentiation the expression of several neural marker genes was analyzed (Nestin, MAP2, TUBB3, ALDH1L1, GFAP, CACNA1D, KCNJ12, KCNJ2, KCNH2) and the beneficial effect of small molecule treatment on differentiation potential was observed with upregulated gene expression. Differentiation was also confirmed by staining TUBB3, NCAM1, and Vimentin and assessed by secretion of BDNF. The results of this study provide valuable insights for the potential use of short-term small molecule treatments to improve stem cell characteristics and boost differentiation potential of AFSCs.
A Critical Perspective on 3D Liver Models for Drug Metabolism and Toxicology Studies
Authors: Serras Ana S. , Rodrigues Joana S. , Cipriano Madalena , Rodrigues Armanda V. , Oliveira Nuno G. , Miranda Joana P.
Published: February 2021

The poor predictability of human liver toxicity is still causing high attrition rates of drug candidates in the pharmaceutical industry at the non-clinical, clinical, and post-marketing authorization stages. This is in part caused by animal models that fail to predict various human adverse drug reactions (ADRs), resulting in undetected hepatotoxicity at the non-clinical phase of drug development. In an effort to increase the prediction of human hepatotoxicity, different approaches to enhance the physiological relevance of hepaticin vitrosystems are being pursued. Three-dimensional (3D) or microfluidic technologies allow to better recapitulate hepatocyte organization and cell-matrix contacts, to include additional cell types, to incorporate fluid flow and to create gradients of oxygen and nutrients, which have led to improved differentiated cell phenotype and functionality. This comprehensive review addresses the drug-induced hepatotoxicity mechanisms and the currently available 3D liverin vitromodels, their characteristics, as well as their advantages and limitations for human hepatotoxicity assessment. In addition, since toxic responses are greatly dependent on the culture model, a comparative analysis of the toxicity studies performed using two-dimensional (2D) and 3Din vitrostrategies with recognized hepatotoxic compounds, such as paracetamol, diclofenac, and troglitazone is performed, further highlighting the need for harmonization of the respective characterization methods. Finally, taking a step forward, we propose a roadmap for the assessment of drugs hepatotoxicity based on fully characterized fit-for-purposein vitromodels, taking advantage of the best of each model, which will ultimately contribute to more informed decision-making in the drug development and risk assessment fields.
Deletion of Kcnj16 in Mice Does Not Alter Auditory Function
Authors: Lv Jun , Fu Xiaolong , Li Yige , Hong Guodong , Li Peipei , Lin Jing , Xun Youfang , Fang Lucheng , Weng Weibin , Yue Rongyu , Li Geng-Lin , Guan Bing , Li He , Huang Yideng , Chai Renjie
Published: February 2021

Endolymphatic potential (EP) is the main driving force behind the sensory transduction of hearing, and K+is the main charge carrier. Kir5.1 is a K+transporter that plays a significant role in maintaining EP homeostasis, but the expression pattern and role of Kir5.1 (which is encoded by theKcnj16gene) in the mouse auditory system has remained unclear. In this study, we found that Kir5.1 was expressed in the mouse cochlea. We checked the inner ear morphology and measured auditory function inKcnj16–/–mice and found that loss ofKcnj16did not appear to affect the development of hair cells. There was no significant difference in auditory function betweenKcnj16–/–mice and wild-type littermates, although the expression ofKcnma1,Kcnq4, andKcne1were significantly decreased in theKcnj16–/–mice. Additionally, no significant differences were found in the number or distribution of ribbon synapses between theKcnj16–/–and wild-type mice. In summary, our results suggest that theKcnj16gene is not essential for auditory function in mice.
Computational Model for Membrane Transporters. Potential Implications for Cancer
Authors: Carusela María Florencia , Miguel Rubi J.
Published: February 2021

To explain the increased transport of nutrients and metabolites and to control the movement of drug molecules through the transporters to the cancer cells, it is important to understand the exact mechanism of their structure and activity, as well as their biological and physical characteristics. We propose a computational model that reproduces the functionality of membrane transporters by quantifying the flow of substrates through the cell membrane. The model identifies the force induced by conformational changes of the transporter due to hydrolysis of ATP, in ABC transporters, or by an electrochemical gradient of ions, in secondary transporters. The transport rate is computed by averaging the velocity generated by the force along the paths followed by the substrates. The results obtained are in accordance with the experiments. The model provides an overall framework for analyzing the membrane transport proteins that regulate the flows of ions, nutrients and other molecules across the cell membranes, and their activities.
Periodic Polymerization and the Generation of Polymer Giant Vesicles Autonomously Driven by pH Oscillatory Chemistry
Authors: Guo Jinshan , Poros-Tarcali Eszter , Pérez-Mercader Juan
Published: February 2021

Using the radicals generated during pH oscillations, a semibatch pH oscillator is used as the chemical fuel and engine to drive polymerization induced self-assembly (PISA) for the one-pot autonomous synthesis of functional giant vesicles. Vesicles with diameters ranging from sub-micron to ∼5 µm are generated. Radical formation is found to be switched ON/OFF and be autonomously controlled by the pH oscillator itself, inducing a periodic polymerization process. The mechanism underlying these complex processes is studied and compared to conventional (non-oscillatory) initiation by the same redox pair. The pH oscillations along with the continuous increase in salt concentration in the semibatch reactor make the self-assembled objects undergo morphological evolution. This process provides a self-regulated means for the synthesis of soft giant polymersomes and opens the door for new applications of pH oscillators in a variety of contexts, from the exploration of new geochemical scenarios for the origin of life and the autonomous emergence of the necessary free-energy and proton gradients, to the creation of active functional microreactors and programmable release of cargo molecules for pH-responsive materials.
Na-Influenced Bulk and Surface Properties of the So-Called Iota(ι)-Alumina: Spectroscopy and Microscopy Studies
Authors: Bumajdad Ali , Nahar Shamsun , Zaki Mohamed I.
Published: February 2021

The test alumina (the so-called ι-Al2O3) was thermally recovered at 1,100°C from chitosan-AlOx hybrid films and found to contain Na and Ca impurity ions inherited from the parent chitosan. Two different modifications of pure alumina, namely, γ- and α-Al2O3, were adopted as control samples. The test and control aluminas were examined for 1) the bulk elemental constitution by atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS), 2) the surface chemical composition by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), 3) the bulk phase composition by X-ray powder diffractometry (XRD), ex-situ Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (IR), and Laser Raman (LRa) spectroscopy, 4) the surface area, topography, and morphology by N2 sorptiometry, and atomic force (AFM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), 5) the surface adsorptive interactions with pyridine and 2-propanol gas-phase molecules by in-situ IR spectroscopy of the adsorbed species, and 6) the surface catalytic interactions with 2-propanol gas-phase molecules by in-situ IR spectroscopy of the gas phase. Results obtained could clearly show that the test alumina (ι-Al2O3) is only hypothetically pure alumina since in reality its bulk structure is majored by mullite-type Na-aluminate (Na0.67Al6O9.33/NaAlO2) and minored by Na-β-alumina (Na1.71Al11O17) and β-alumina (NaAl11O17). Consistently, observed Na-influenced modifications of the surface chemistry, topology, and morphology, as well as adsorptive and catalytic interactions with pyridine and 2-propanol gas-phase molecules, showed significant deviations from those exhibited by the control pure aluminas (γ- and α-Al2O3).
Harmonization of Protocols for Multi-Species Organoid Platforms to Study the Intestinal Biology of Toxoplasma gondii and Other Protozoan Infections
Authors: Holthaus David , Delgado-Betancourt Estefanía , Aebischer Toni , Seeber Frank , Klotz Christian
Published: February 2021

The small intestinal epithelium is the primary route of infection for many protozoan parasites. Understanding the mechanisms of infection, however, has been hindered due to the lack of appropriate models that recapitulate the complexity of the intestinal epithelium. Here, we describe an in vitro platform using stem cell-derived intestinal organoids established for four species that are important hosts of Apicomplexa and other protozoa in a zoonotic context: human, mouse, pig and chicken. The focus was set to create organoid-derived monolayers (ODMs) using the transwell system amenable for infection studies, and we provide straightforward guidelines for their generation and differentiation from organ-derived intestinal crypts. To this end, we reduced medium variations to an absolute minimum, allowing generation and differentiation of three-dimensional organoids for all four species and the subsequent generation of ODMs. Quantitative RT-PCR, immunolabeling with antibodies against marker proteins as well as transepithelial-electrical resistance (TEER) measurements were used to characterize ODM’s integrity and functional state. These experiments show an overall uniform generation of monolayers suitable for Toxoplasma gondii infection, although robustness in terms of generation of stable TEER levels and cell differentiation status varies from species to species. Murine duodenal ODMs were then infected with T. gondii and/or Giardia duodenalis, two parasites that temporarily co-inhabit the intestinal niche but have not been studied previously in cellular co-infection models. T. gondii alone did not alter TEER values, integrity and transcriptional abundance of tight junction components. In contrast, in G. duodenalis-infected ODMs all these parameters were altered and T. gondii had no apparent influence on the G. duodenalis-triggered phenotype. In conclusion, we provide robust protocols for the generation, differentiation and characterization of intestinal organoids and ODMs from four species. We show their applications for comparative studies on parasite-host interactions during the early phase of a T. gondii infection but also its use for co-infections with other relevant intestinal protozoans.
Molecular Tracking of the Leishmania Parasite
Authors: Moulik Srija , Sengupta Shilpa , Chatterjee Mitali
Published: February 2021

With the Visceral Leishmaniasis/Kala-azar Elimination Program in South Asia in its consolidation phase, the focus is mainly on case detection, vector control, and identifying potential sources of infection. Accordingly, emphasis is presently on curbing transmission, which is potentially achievable by identification and elimination of potential reservoirs. The strongest contenders for being the disease reservoir are cases of Post Kala-azar Dermal Leishmaniasis (PKDL) which occurs in a minor proportion of individuals apparently cured of Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL). The demonstration of parasites in tissue aspirates despite being a risky and invasive process is the gold standard for diagnosis of VL, but is now being replaced by serological tests e.g., rK39 strip test and direct agglutination test. However, these antibody based tests are limited in their ability to diagnose relapses, detect cases of PKDL, and monitor effectiveness of treatment. Accordingly, detection of antigen or nucleic acids by polymerase chain reaction has been successfully applied for monitoring of parasite kinetics. This review article provides updated information on recent developments regarding the available antibody or antigen/nucleic acid based biomarkers for longitudinal monitoring of patients with VL or PKDL and emphasizes the need for availability of studies pertaining to quantification of treatment response or relapse.
Case Report: Takotsubo Syndrome Associated With Novel Coronavirus Disease 2019
Authors: Ortuno Sofia , Jozwiak Mathieu , Mira Jean-Paul , Nguyen Lee S.
Published: February 2021

Background: Takotsubo cardiomyopathy is triggered by emotional or physical stress. It is defined as a reversible myocardial dysfunction, usually with apical ballooning aspect due to apical akinesia associated with hyperkinetic basal left ventricular contraction. Described in cases of viral infections such as influenza, only few have been reported associated with novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the recent pandemic.

Case summary: A 79-years-old man, with cardiovascular risk factors (type 2 diabetes and hypertension) and chronic kidney disease, presented to the emergency room for severe dyspnea after 8 days of presenting respiratory symptoms and fever. Baseline electrocardiogram (ECG) was normal, but he presented marked inflammatory syndrome. He was transferred to an intensive care unit to receive mechanical ventilation within 6 h, due to acute respiratory distress syndrome. He presented circulatory failure 2 days after, requiring norepinephrine support (up to up to 1.04 μg/kg/min). Troponin T was elevated (637 ng/l). ECG showed diffuse T wave inversion. Echocardiography showed reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF 40%), with visual signs of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy. Cardiac failure resolved after 24 h with troponin T decrease (433 ng/l) and restoration of cardiac function (LVEF 60% with regression of Takotsubo features). Patient died after 15 days of ICU admission, due to septic shock from ventilator-acquired pneumonia. Cardiac function was then normal.

Conclusion: Mechanisms of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy in viral infections include catecholamine-induced myocardial toxicity and inflammation related to sepsis. Differential diagnoses include myocarditis and myocardial infarction. Evidence of the benefit of immunomodulatory drugs and dexamethasone are growing to support this hypothesis in COVID-19.
Myocardial Impact of NHE1 Regulation by Sildenafil
Authors: Escudero Daiana S. , Pérez Néstor G. , Díaz Romina G.
Published: February 2021

The cardiac Na+/H+ exchanger (NHE1) is a membrane glycoprotein fundamental for proper cell functioning due its multiple housekeeping tasks, including regulation of intracellular pH, Na+ concentration, and cell volume. In the heart, hyperactivation of NHE1 has been linked to the development of different pathologies. Several studies in animal models that reproduce the deleterious effects of ischemia/reperfusion injury or cardiac hypertrophy have conclusively demonstrated that NHE1 inhibition provides cardioprotection. Unfortunately, NHE1 inhibitors failed to reproduce these effects in the clinical arena. The reasons for those discrepancies are not apparent yet. However, a reasonable clue to consider would be that drugs that completely abolish the exchanger activity, including that its essential housekeeping function may not be the best therapeutic approach. Therefore, interventions tending to specifically reduce its hyperactive state without affecting its basal activity emerge as a novel potential gold standard. In this regard, a promising goal seems to be the modulation of the phosphorylation state of the cytosolic tail of the exchanger. Recent own experiments demonstrated that Sildenafil, a phosphodiesterase 5A inhibitor drug that has been widely used for the treatment of erectile dysfunction is able to decrease NHE1 phosphorylation, and hence reduce its hyperactivity. In connection, growing evidence demonstrates cardioprotective properties of Sildenafil against different cardiac pathologies, with the distinctive characteristic of directly affecting cardiac tissue without altering blood pressure. This mini-review was aimed to focus on the regulation of NHE1 activity by Sildenafil. For this purpose, experimental data reporting Sildenafil effects in different animal models of heart disease will be discussed.
Association of N-Terminal Pro-brain Natriuretic Peptide With Volume Status and Cardiac Function in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Wang Yaqiong , Cao Xuesen , Yu Jinbo , Zhang Yongmei , Li Xianzhe , Chen Xiaohong , Zou Jianzhou , Shen Bo , Ding Xiaoqiang
Published: February 2021

Introduction: N-terminal-pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-pro BNP) is secreted by cardiomyocytes in cases of cardiac structure disorder and volume overload. However, the relationship between NT-pro BNP level and body fluid status in dialysis patients with reduced cardiac ejection function (EF) is uncertain. Therefore, we aimed to investigate this relationship.

Methods: We enrolled patients who had been receiving hemodialysis for >3 months. Blood sample, transthoracic echocardiographic, and bioimpedance spectroscopy measurements were performed during a midweek non-dialysis day. The predictive value of NT-pro BNP in hemodialysis patients with volume overload was analyzed.

Results: A total of 129 hemodialysis patients (74 men and 55 women; mean age: 59.4 ± 13.0 years) were recruited. The average hemodialysis duration was 55.5 (23.9–93.4) months, the NT-pro BNP level was 4992 (2,033–15,807) pg/mL, and the value of overhydration was 2.68 ± 0.19 (−1.9 to 12.2) L. The NT-pro BNP level was independently correlated with overhydration in both the LVEF ≥ 60% (β = 0.236, P = 0.044) and LVEF <60% (β = 0.516, P = 0.032) groups, even after adjustments for potentially confounding variables. In receiver operating characteristic curves of NT-pro BNP for predicting volume overload, the area under the curve was 0.783 [95% CI (0.688–0.879), P < 0.001) and 0.788 [95% CI (0.586–0.989), P < 0.001] in the LVEF ≥ 60% and LVEF < 60% groups, respectively.

Conclusions: NT-pro BNP is a predictive factor for volume overload in hemodialysis patients with or without EF declines.
Expansive Learning in Inter-Institutional Communities of Practice for Teacher Educators and Policymakers
Authors: Guberman Ainat , Avidov-Ungar Orit , Dahan Orit , Serlin Ruth
Published: February 2021

The current study deals with participation in inter-institutional Communities of Practice (CoP) (Wenger, 1998) as a form of professional learning for experienced teacher educators who hold leadership positions in their institutions. In these CoPs, collaboration between teacher educators and policymakers resulted in expansive learning, which is the creation of new practical and theoretical knowledge, and a change of practice rather than adoption of knowledge constructed elsewhere. The current study describes three such communities, the expansive learning cycles that each of them triggered, and shared characteristics that may have contributed to these outcomes. The multiple case study methodology was employed. Data sources were interviews with thirteen participants (coordinators, Ministry of Education representatives and additional members from each CoP), and documents (such as meeting minutes and research papers) that were produced in each CoP. The findings show that expansive learning occurred due to a shared vision, reflective and critical dialogue, trusting relationship, and mutual support among participants. Furthermore, the inter-institutional composition of the CoPs, and the influential position of the participants within their respective organizations enabled them to introduce coordinated changes that transformed their practice at the individual, organizational and national levels.
Trends in Factors Affecting Pregnancy Outcomes Among Women With Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes of Childbearing Age (2004–2017)
Authors: Gaudio Mariangela , Dozio Nicoletta , Feher Michael , Scavini Marina , Caretto Amelia , Joy Mark , Van Vlymer Jeremy , Hinton William , de Lusignan Simon
Published: February 2021

Aim

To describe trends in modifiable and non-modifiable unfavorable factors affecting pregnancy outcomes, over time (years 2004–2017), in women with diabetes of childbearing age from an English primary care perspective.

Methods

We identified women with diabetes aged 16–45 years from the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) Research and Surveillance Centre (RSC) network, an English primary care sentinel database. Repeated annual cross-sectional analyses (2004–2017) assessed the prevalence of unfavorable factors for pregnancy, such as obesity, poor glycaemic control, microalbuminuria, hypertension, use of medications for treating diabetes, and associated comorbidities not recommended for pregnancy.

Results

We identified 3,218 women (61.5% with Type 2 diabetes) in 2004 and 6,657 (65.0% with Type 2 diabetes) in 2017. The proportion of women with ideal glycaemic control for conception (HbA1c<6.5%) increased over time, in patients with Type 1 diabetes from 9.0% (7.1%–11.0%) to 19.1% (17.2%–21.1%), and in those with Type 2 diabetes from 27.2% (24.6%–29.9%) to 35.4% (33.6%–37.1%). The proportion of women with Type 2 diabetes prescribed medications different from insulin and metformin rose from 22.3% (20.5%–24.2%) to 27.3% (26.0%–28.6%).

In 2017, 14.0% (12.6%–15.4%) of women with Type 1 and 30.7% (29.3%–32.0%) with Type 2 diabetes were prescribed angiotensin-modulating antihypertensives or statins. We captured at least one unfavorable factor for pregnancy in 50.9% (48.8%–52.9%) of women with Type 1 diabetes and 70.7% (69.3%–72.0%) of women with Type 2 diabetes. Only one third of women with Type 1 diabetes (32.2%, 30.3%–34.0%) and a quarter of those with Type 2 diabetes (23.1%, 21.9%–24.4%) were prescribed hormonal contraception. Contraception was prescribed more frequently to women with unfavorable factors for pregnancy compared to those without, however, the difference was significant only for women with Type 1 diabetes.

Conclusions

Despite significant improvements in general diabetes care, the majority of women with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes have unfavorable, although mostly modifiable, factors for the start of pregnancy. Good diabetes care for women of childbearing age should include taking into consideration a possible pregnancy.
Development and Validation of an m6A RNA Methylation Regulators-Based Signature for Predicting the Prognosis of Adrenocortical Carcinoma
Authors: Shen Chengquan , Liu Jing , Yang Xiaokun , Jiao Wei , Wang Yonghua
Published: February 2021

Background

Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is an aggressive and rare neoplasm that originates from the cortex of the adrenal gland. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA methylation, the most common form of mRNA modification, has been reported to be correlated with the occurrence and development of the malignant tumor. This study aims to identify the significance of m6A RNA methylation regulators in ACC and construct a m6A based signature to predict the prognosis of ACC patients.

Materials and methods

RNA-seq data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database was used to identify the expression level of m6A RNA methylation regulators in ACC. An m6A based signature was further constructed and its prognostic and predictive values were assessed by survival analysis and nomogram.

Results

11 m6A RNA regulators were differentially expressed in ACC and three m6A RNA regulators were finally selected in a signature to predict the prognosis of ACC patients. Survival analysis indicated that high risk scores were closely related to poor survival outcomes in ACC patients. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses demonstrated that the m6A based signature was an independent prognostic factor for ACC patients. A nomogram with clinical factors and the m6A based signature was also constructed to superiorly predict the prognosis of ACC patients. The expression levels of m6A RNA methylation regulators, which were contained in the signature, were also verified in human ACC tissues and normal tissues by using vitro experiments.

Conclusion

We identified and validated an m6A based signature, which can be used as an independent prognostic factor in evaluating the prognosis of ACC patients. Further clinical trials and experimental explorations are needed to confirm our observations and mechanisms underlying prognostic values of these m6A RNA methylation regulators in ACC.
Linking the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development to Research, Newspapers, and Governance: The Case of the Last Free-Flowing Alpine River
Authors: Scaini Anna , Scaini Chiara , Frentress Jay , Destouni Georgia , Manzoni Stefano
Published: February 2021

Are academic, newspaper and regulatory documents aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (SENDAI)? To answer this question, we develop a framework to compare the most commonly occurring keywords across these document types, as well as their use of Sustainable Development Goals and SENDAI keywords. The approach is tested in a case study on the Tagliamento River in the Italian Alps to explore the degree of communication among academia, newspapers and governance. Across the analyzed documents, we found disconnection between academic sources and regulatory documents. Occurrences of SDG-related keywords are positively correlated in regulatory documents and newspapers (r = 0.6), and in academic literature and newspapers (r = 0.38), indicating some degree of agreement. However, no correlation emerges between academic and regulatory documents, indicating a critical gap for communication and understanding between academic research and governance.
Effects and Molecular Mechanism of Single-Nucleotide Polymorphisms of MEG3 on Porcine Skeletal Muscle Development
Authors: Yang Rui , Liu Yinuo , Cheng Yunyun , Wang Chunli , Song Jie , Lu Guanhong , Feng Tianqi , Wang Siyao , Sun Xiaotong , Meng Jilun , Hao Linlin
Published: February 2021

Maternally expressed gene 3 (MEG3) is a long non-coding RNA that is a crucial regulator of skeletal muscle development. Some single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) mutants in MEG3 had strong associations with meat quality traits. Nevertheless, the function and mechanism of MEG3 mutants on porcine skeletal muscle development have not yet been well-demonstrated. In this study, eight SNPs were identified in MEG3 of fat- and lean-type pig breeds. Four of these SNPs (g.3087C > T, g.3108C > T, g.3398C > T, and g.3971A > C) were significantly associated with meat quality and consisted of the CCCA haplotype for fat-type pigs and the TTCC haplotype for lean-type pigs. Quantitative real-time PCR results showed that the expression of MEG3-TTCC was higher than that of MEG3-CCCA in transcription level (P < 0.01). The stability assay showed that the lncRNA stability of MEG3-TTCC was lower than that of MEG3-CCCA (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the results of qRT-PCR, Western blot, and Cell Counting Kit-8 assays demonstrated that the overexpression of MEG3-TTCC more significantly inhibited the proliferation of porcine skeletal muscle satellite cells (SCs) than that of MEG3-CCCA (P < 0.05). Moreover, the overexpression of MEG3-TTCC more significantly promoted the differentiation of SCs than that of MEG3-CCCA (P < 0.05). The Western blot assay suggested that the overexpression of MEG3-TTCC and MEG3-CCCA inhibited the proliferation of SCs by inhibiting PI3K/AKT and MAPK/ERK1/2 signaling pathways. The overexpression of the two haplotypes also promoted the differentiation of SCs by activating the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway in different degrees. These data are valuable for further studies on understanding the crucial role of lncRNAs in skeletal muscle development.