bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Тенденції розвитку світового ринку морських контейнерних перевезень
Authors: Савченко Марина , Панасюк Павло , Левченко Олександр
Published: May 2022

Мета статті полягає у вивченні та проведенні аналізу сучасного стану ринку морських контейнерних перевезень та визначенні основних тенденцій його розвитку протягом останніх десятиліть. Сучасний сектор морського транспорту розвивається швидкими темпами, значну частку у ньому займають контейнерні перевезення, які здобули свою популярність у всьому світі. Зокрема, варто виділити їх особливу популярність в країнах Азії, Європи, Північної та Південної Америки. Контейнерні перевезення є однією з найперспективніших галузей у сфері транспорту, адже саме вона допомагає забезпечувати процес якісного та безперебійного товаропостачання на світовому рівні. Саме дослідження таких перевезень є надзвичайно доцільним і важливим для майбутнього розвитку економіки всього світу.

У статті досліджено сучасний стан та основні тенденції розвитку морських контейнерних перевезень на світовому рівні, проведено оцінку основних показників контейнерного ринку в динаміці, а також розглянуто основні фактори впливу, що спричиняють структурні зрушення на досліджуваному ринку. Також на базі проведеного дослідження було сформовано основні тенденції, які склались на ринку контейнерних перевезень, що дозволяє нам краще зрозуміти сутність роботи даного ринку і сформувати перспективні шляхи для його розвитку.

Проведення аналізу за показниками, що комплексно описують ринок контейнерних перевезень, дозволило визначити та описати основні тенденції розвитку контейнерних перевезень протягом останніх десятирічь. Також був доданий авторитетний прогноз на найближчі кілька років розвитку даної галузі, що був побудований на основі останніх даних з урахуванням впливу пандемії 2019-2021 років.

Перспективами подальших досліджень у цьому напрямі є вивчення здатності компаній, що здійснюють контейнерні перевезення, до нарощування обсягів перевезень та до скорочення часу, що витрачається на доставку
Perancangan Sistem Informasi Inventaris Barang Berbasis Web Menggunakan Metode Rapid Application Development
Authors: Supriatna Asep Deddy , Rahayu Sri , Fakhrul Rozi Adam
Published: May 2022

Pengelolaan inventaris barang di Pondok Pesantren Hidayatusalam Garut saat ini masih menggunakan sistem yang manual dimana setiap data inventaris barang dicatat menggunakan buku. Hal ini tentu mengakibatkan data inventaris barang tersebut mudah rusak atau hilang serta data mengalami ketidaksesuaian. Maka dari permasalahan tersebut solusi alternatifnya adalah dirancangnya sebuah sistem informasi inventaris barang berbasis web yang bertujuan untuk meningkatkan akurasi dan efektivitas dari pengelolaan data inventaris barang di Pondok Pesantren Hidayatussalam Garut. Ada pun metodologi yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini ialah menggunakan metodologi Rapid Application Development (RAD) sebagai salah satu metodologi pengembangan yang interaktif dalam pengelolaan tersebut. Berdasarkan hasil yang diperoleh dari penelitian tersebut yaitu mampu mengatasi permasalahan data inventaris barang secara manual dapat diantisipasi dengan ada sistem informasi ini, serta seluruh informasi yang disajikan dalam sistem informasi ini dibuat sesuai dengan kebutuhan Pondok Pesantren Hidayatussalam sehingga pihak pengelola dapat dengan efisien dan akurat dalam melakukan pengelolaan inventaris barang.
Effect of moderate-to-severe hepatic steatosis on neutralising antibody response among BNT162b2 and CoronaVac recipients
Authors: Cheung Ka Shing , Lam Lok Ka , Hui Rex Wan Hin , Mao Xianhua , Zhang Ruiqi R , Chan Kwok Hung , Hung Ivan FN , Seto Wai Kay , Yuen Man-Fung
Published: May 2022

Background/Aims: Studies of hepatic steatosis (HS) effect on COVID-19 vaccine immunogenicity are lacking. We aimed to compare immunogenicity of BNT162b2 and CoronaVac among moderate/severe HS and control subjects.Methods: Two hundred ninety-five subjects who received BNT162b2 or CoronaVac vaccines from five vaccination centers were categorized into moderate/severe HS (controlled attenuation parameter ≥268 dB/m on transient elastography) (n=74) or control (n=221) groups. Primary outcomes were seroconversion rates of neutralising antibody by live virus Microneutralization (vMN) assay (titer ≥10) at day21 (BNT162b2) or day28 (CoronaVac) and day56 (both). Secondary outcome was highest-tier titer response (top 25% of vMN titer; cutoff: 160 [BNT162b2] and 20 [CoronaVac]) at day 56.Results: For BNT162b2 (n=228, 77.3%), there was no statistical differences in seroconversion rates (day21: 71.7% vs. 76.6%; day56: 100% vs. 100%) or vMN geometric mean titer (GMT) (day21: 13.2 vs. 13.3; day56: 91.9 vs. 101.4) among moderate/severe HS and control groups respectively. However, lower proportion of moderate/severe HS patients had highest-tier response (day56: 5.0% vs. 15.5%; P=0.037). For CoronaVac (n=67, 22.7%), there was no statistical differences in seroconversion rates (day21: 7.1% vs. 15.1%; day56: 64.3% vs. 83.0%) or vMN GMT (5.3 vs. 5.8,) at day28. However, moderate/severe HS patients had lower vMN GMT (9.1 vs. 14.8, P=0.021) at day 56 with lower proportion having highest-tier response (21.4% vs. 52.8%, P=0.036).Conclusions: While there was no difference in seroconversion rate between moderate/severe HS and control groups after two doses of vaccine, a lower proportion of moderate/severe HS patients achieved highest-tier response for either BNT162b2 or CoronaVac.
Efecto de la mineria en macroinvertebrados acuáticos de la ciénaga plaza seca, Atrato, Chocó
Authors: Aguilar-Baldosea Wiliam , López- Ramírez Isabel Cristina , Chávez- Mosquera Leydi Yhona , Rengifo Murillo Leyser , Halaby- Guerrero Julio Cesar
Published: May 2022

Los ecosistemas de humedales de la cuenca media del Atrato se han visto afectados por factores como la minería, que interrumpen la dinámica ecológica natural de estas comunidades acuáticas entre ellas el ensamblaje de macroinvertebrados acuáticos. Se determinó el efecto de la contaminación minera aurífera en la ciénaga Plaza Seca, cuenca Media del Atrato, Chocó, Colombia. Se analizó la estructura y dinámica. Los ejemplares de macroinvertebrados se colectaron en sustratos como las macrófitas, sedimento y vegetación de ribera, se fijaron con alcohol al 70%; se midieron parámetros fisicoquímicos e hidrológicos. Se colectaron un total de 175 organismos, distribuidos en 2 clases, 7 órdenes, 22 familias y 27 géneros. El orden Odonata fue el más representativo (34%), seguido de Coleóptera (28%). El índice de diversidad de Shannon-Wiener arrojó bajos valores (1,92 bits/ind). Las variables fisicoquímicas se vieron influenciadas por la actividad minera que se desarrolla en las áreas aledañas a la ciénaga. The wetland ecosystems of the middle Atrato basin have been affected by factors such as mining, which interrupt the natural ecological dynamics of these aquatic communities, including the assemblage of aquatic macroinvertebrates. The effect of gold mining contamination in the Pla-za Seca marsh, Middle Atrato basin, Chocó, Colombia, was determined. The structure and dynamics were analyzed. Macroinvertebrate specimens were collected from substrates such as macrophytes, sediment and riparian vegetation, fixed with 70% alcohol; physicochemical and hydrological parameters were measured. A total of 175 organisms were collected, distributed in 2 classes, 7 orders, 22 families and 27 genera. The order Odonata was the most representative (34%), followed by Coleoptera (28%). The Shannon-Wiener diversity index showed low values (1.92 bits/ind). The physicochemical variables were influenced by mining activity in the areas surrounding the marsh.
Amortiguadores de masa sintonizada: una revisión general
Authors: Martinez-Martinez Giovani De Jesus , Blandón-Valencia John Jairo , Lara-Valencia Luis Augusto
Published: May 2022

Las cargas que generan los eventos sísmicos y los fuertes vientos son fuerzas de la naturaleza que someten a las obras civiles a situaciones extremas, lo que provoca eventualmente la falla de las estructuras y en muchas ocasiones, la pérdida de vidas humanas. Para enfrentar estas fuerzas de carácter aleatorio y de difícil predicción, la ingeniería estructural plantea normativas de diseño y construcción de obligatorio cumplimiento en la mayoría de los países del mundo, que permiten que las estructuras puedan resistir de manera adecuada las fuerzas impuestas. Y como la historia lo ha demostrado, algunas veces un buen diseño no es suficiente, por lo que la ingeniería sismoresistente desarrolla nuevas metodologías y dispositivos que ayuden a proteger aún más a las estructuras cuando se ven sometidas a acciones como los sismos y los vientos. Para afrontar estos retos, aparecen mecanismos como los amortiguadores y controladores, agrupados como dispositivos pasivos, activos, semiactivos e híbridos, con diseños innovadores que contribuyen en gran medida a dar mayor seguridad y confianza a nuestras obras civiles. En este artículo se presenta una visión general de los amortiguadores de masa sintonizada, su desarrollo histórico, modelos mecánicos y analíticos, alcances, fortalezas y debilidades. The loads generated by seismic events and strong winds are forces of nature that subject civil works to extreme situations, generally causing the failure of structures and in many cases, the loss of human lives. In order to face these forces of random character and difficult to predict, structural engineering proposes design and construction regulations that are mandatory in most countries of the world, which allow the structures to adequately resist the imposed forces. And as history has shown, sometimes a good design is not enough, so seismic-resistant engineering develops new methodologies and devices that help to further protect structures when they are subjected to actions such as earthquakes and winds. In order to face these challenges, mechanisms such as shock absorbers and controllers appear, grouped as passive, active, semi-active and hybrid devices, with innovative designs that greatly contribute to give greater safety and confidence to our civil works. This article presents a general overview of seismic dampers and controllers, their historical development, mechanical and analytical models, scopes, strengths and weaknesses.
Aprovechamiento de residuos de Eichhornia Crassipes para la remoción de Cr (vi) en aguas residuales simuladas
Authors: Ardila-Arias Alba Nelly , Arriola-Villaseñor Erasmo , Álvarez-González William , Hernández-Maldonado José Alfredo , Barrera-Zapata Rolando
Published: May 2022

Eichhornia crassipes es una planta considerada una plaga para los diferentes ecosistemas acuáticos en el mundo. Además el Cr (VI) es un contaminante acuático altamente tóxico. Se estudió la capacidad de adsorción de la Eichhornia crassipes como bioadsorbente para la remoción de Cr (VI) presente en un agua residual simulada. La concentración del ion en solución, pH y temperatura fueron estudiadas como variables en un diseño experimental factorial simétrico, y mediante análisis ANOVA. La mayor capacidad de adsorción Cr (VI) (2.5 mgꞏg-1) se obtuvo a 75 ppm de Cr (VI), pH de 1.5 y 45 °C. Se observaron grupos funcionales superficiales que mediante atracción electrostática y formación de puentes de hidrógeno favorecieron la adsorción de Cr (VI). Esto permite concluir que el bioadsorbente es efectivo para la remoción de Cr (VI) en solución con un proceso simple y de bajo costo. Eichhornia crassipes commonly called water hyacinth, is a plant considered a pest for the different aquatic ecosystems in the world. Furthermore, Cr (VI) is a highly toxic aquatic pollutant. In order to contribute to the solution of these two environmental problems, the adsorption capacity of water hyacinth as a bioadsorbent was studied for the removal of Cr (VI) in a simulated wastewater. The ion concentration in solution, pH y temperature were studied using a symmetric factorial experimental design y applicating an ANOVA analysis. The highest Cr (VI) adsorption capacity (2.5 mgꞏg-1) was obtained at 75 ppm of Cr (VI), pH of 1.5 y 45 ° C. Surface functional groups were observed that, through electrostatic attraction y formation of hydrogen bonds, favored the adsorption of Cr (VI). This allows to conclude that this bioadsorbent is effective for the elimination of Cr (VI) in solution using a simple y low-cost process.
INTERDISCIPLINARY META-LEVEL UNIFICATION SCHEME-INTERPRETATIONISM AND SOME PROBLEMS OF SYSTEMS, MODELS AND INSTRUMENTAL HERMENEUTICS
Authors:   Prof. Emetr.  Kit/ karlsruhe, Germany, Hon. Pres. Of the Internat. Institute . Of philosophy., LENK HANS
Published: May 2022

Overall, the current reality and the scientifically represented world are much more than hitherto characterized by problems of cross-disciplinary or “inter-areal” connections of diverse topical research fields within complex and highly interconnected real, model, and quasi artificial systems. Here, we will address the respected problem of the humanities and social sciences somewhat by the rather old-fashioned contrast to the natural sciences. In the main part, I shall sketch my own approach that I call (scheme-) interpretations or methodological interpretative constructivism. This methodological concept seems to me to make possible a bridge between the disciplines – at least by going higher level in one’s methodology. The next part will turn to the historical and methodological questions of text-interpretations or methodological hermeneutics thus amounting to a prominent special case of the scheme-interpretations approach. Finally, the last part draws some methodological conclusions regarding abstract interpretations of “reunification” between the different scientific disciplines and everyday understanding.
Determinantes del Bienestar Subjetivo en Adultos Mexicanos durante el Primer periodo de Confinamiento por Covid-19
Authors: Díaz Loving Rolando , González Arratia López Fuentes Norma Ivonne , Torres Muñoz Martha Adelina , Villanueva Bustamante Marcoantonio
Published: May 2022

El confinamiento por Covid-19 tiene un impacto psicológico tanto negativo como positivo en las personas, por ello, se examinan las relaciones entre el estrés, apego, los valores culturales (individualismo-colectivismo) y la posible mediación de la resiliencia entre estas variables con el bienestar subjetivo durante la etapa inicial de pandemia en México, de marzo a mayo del 2020. Método: Con un diseño transversal de tipo correlacional participaron 287 adultos mexicanos hombres y mujeres con un rango de edad de 18 a 71 años (M= 35.16, DE= 14.14). Aplicándose en línea las escalas: estrés percibido, escala de apego, individualismo-colectivismo, resiliencia, y para bienestar subjetivo las escalas de satisfacción con la vida y de afecto positivo-negativo. Resultados: Los análisis mostraron impacto diferencial según sexo y rango de edad. Se aplicó un modelo de trayectorias el cual resultó con índices de ajuste aceptables lo que revela efectos conjuntos directos, indirectos y totales por lo que se comprueba el efecto mediador de la resiliencia. Conclusiones: es necesario dotar de habilidades para la vida para el manejo emocional que generen mayor bienestar en la población.
Effects of Dietary Glycerol Monobutyrate Supplementation on Egg Performance, Biochemical Indices, and Gut Microbiota of Aged Hens
Authors: Xiao Gengsheng , Zheng Liwei , Yan Xia , Yang Yang , Qi Qien , Gong Li , Zhang Huihua
Published: May 2022

This experiment aimed to determine the effect of dietary supplementation with glycerol monobutyrate (GMB) on egg-laying performance, biochemical indicators, and gut microflora at the late stage of laying hens. A total of 252 healthy Dawu Golden Phoenix laying hens with no difference in body weight were selected and randomly divided into two groups: (1) control group (CG), corn-soybean meal diet, (2) 500 mg glycerol monobutyrate/kg added to the basal diet. Six replicates were set up for each treatment group, with 21 birds per replicate. The trial started at week 55 and lasted for 8 weeks. Compared to the control group, the supplementation with GMB increased egg weight (P = 0.03), shell thickness (P = 0.03) and decreased egg breaking rate (P = 0.04). There was no significant difference in egg production rate, feed-to-egg ratio, egg shape index, eggshell strength, and Haugh unit between the two groups. In addition, dietary GMB decreased the levels of aspartate aminotransferase (P = 0.03) and total bilirubin (P = 0.02) in serum, and increased total antioxidant capacity (P = 0.03) and total superoxide dismutase (P = 0.02). However, alpha diversity indices (Ace, Chao1, Shannon, Simpson, goods_coverage, and PD_whole tree) were not different between the two groups. Notably, dietary GMB significantly decreased the abundances of Proteobacteria at the phylum level and the abundances of Enterobacter at the genus level (P < 0.01), but there was no significant difference in the composition of other cecal microbiota. In summary, the present study revealed that supplementation with 500 mg/kg glycerol monobutyrate improved egg weight, eggshell quality, and antioxidant capacity in serum, but its effect on cecal microbiota composition was limited.
An Overview of Extracellular Matrix-Based Bioinks for 3D Bioprinting
Authors: Wang Haonan , Yu Huaqing , Zhou Xia , Zhang Jilong , Zhou Hongrui , Hao Haitong , Ding Lina , Li Huiying , Gu Yanru , Ma Junchi , Qiu Jianfeng , Ma Depeng
Published: May 2022

As a microenvironment where cells reside, the extracellular matrix (ECM) has a complex network structure and appropriate mechanical properties to provide structural and biochemical support for the surrounding cells. In tissue engineering, the ECM and its derivatives can mitigate foreign body responses by presenting ECM molecules at the interface between materials and tissues. With the widespread application of three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting, the use of the ECM and its derivative bioinks for 3D bioprinting to replicate biomimetic and complex tissue structures has become an innovative and successful strategy in medical fields. In this review, we summarize the significance and recent progress of ECM-based biomaterials in 3D bioprinting. Then, we discuss the most relevant applications of ECM-based biomaterials in 3D bioprinting, such as tissue regeneration and cancer research. Furthermore, we present the status of ECM-based biomaterials in current research and discuss future development prospects.
Branching Off: New Insight Into Lysosomes as Tubular Organelles
Authors: Bohnert K. Adam , Johnson Alyssa E.
Published: May 2022

Lysosomes are acidic, membrane-bound organelles that play essential roles in cellular quality control, metabolism, and signaling. The lysosomes of a cell are commonly depicted as vesicular organelles. Yet, lysosomes in fact show a high degree of ultrastructural heterogeneity. In some biological contexts, lysosome membranes naturally transform into tubular, non-vesicular morphologies. Though the purpose and regulation of tubular lysosomes has been historically understudied, emerging evidence suggests that tubular lysosomes may carry out unique activities, both degradative and non-degradative, that are critical to cell behavior, function, and viability. Here, we discuss recent advances in understanding the biological significance of tubular lysosomes in cellular physiology, and we highlight a growing number of examples that indicate the centrality of this special class of lysosomes to health and disease.
Dynamic Transcriptome Profiling Reveals LncRNA-Centred Regulatory Networks in the Modulation of Pluripotency
Authors: Wang Shen , Zhang Jun , Ding Yu’an , Zhang Haotian , Wu Xiang , Huang Lingci , He Junjie , Zhou Jun , Liu Xiao-Min
Published: May 2022

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have emerged as vital regulators of gene expression during embryonic stem cell (ESC) self-renewal and differentiation. Here, we systemically analyzed the differentially regulated lncRNAs during ESC-derived cardiomyocyte (CM) differentiation. We established a perspicuous profile of lncRNA expression at four critical developmental stages and found that the differentially expressed lncRNAs were grouped into six distinct clusters. The cluster with specific expression in ESC enriches the largest number of lncRNAs. Investigation of lncRNA-protein interaction network revealed that they are not only controlled by classic key transcription factors, but also modulated by epigenetic and epitranscriptomic factors including N6-methyladenosine (m6A) effector machineries. A detailed inspection revealed that 28 out of 385 lncRNAs were modified by methylation as well as directly recruited by the nuclear m6A reader protein Ythdc1. Unlike other 27 non-coding transcripts, the ESC-specific lncRNA Gm2379, located in both nucleus and cytoplasm, becomes dramatically upregulated in response to the depletion of m6A or Ythdc1. Consistent with the role of m6A in cell fate regulation, depletion of Gm2379 results in dysregulated expressions of pluripotent genes and crucial genes required for the formation of three germ layers. Collectively, our study provides a foundation for understanding the dynamic regulation of lncRNA transcriptomes during ESC differentiation and identifies the interplay between epitranscriptomic modification and key lncRNAs in the regulation of cell fate decision.
Plasmalogens and Photooxidative Stress Signaling in Myxobacteria, and How it Unmasked CarF/TMEM189 as the Δ1′-Desaturase PEDS1 for Human Plasmalogen Biosynthesis
Authors: Padmanabhan S. , Monera-Girona Antonio J. , Pajares-Martínez Elena , Bastida-Martínez Eva , del Rey Navalón Irene , Pérez-Castaño Ricardo , Galbis-Martínez María Luisa , Fontes Marta , Elías-Arnanz Montserrat
Published: May 2022

Plasmalogens are glycerophospholipids with a hallmark sn-1 vinyl ether bond that endows them with unique physical-chemical properties. They have proposed biological roles in membrane organization, fluidity, signaling, and antioxidative functions, and abnormal plasmalogen levels correlate with various human pathologies, including cancer and Alzheimer’s disease. The presence of plasmalogens in animals and in anaerobic bacteria, but not in plants and fungi, is well-documented. However, their occurrence in the obligately aerobic myxobacteria, exceptional among aerobic bacteria, is often overlooked. Tellingly, discovery of the key desaturase indispensable for vinyl ether bond formation, and therefore fundamental in plasmalogen biogenesis, emerged from delving into how the soil myxobacterium Myxococcus xanthus responds to light. A recent pioneering study unmasked myxobacterial CarF and its human ortholog TMEM189 as the long-sought plasmanylethanolamine desaturase (PEDS1), thus opening a crucial door to study plasmalogen biogenesis, functions, and roles in disease. The findings demonstrated the broad evolutionary sweep of the enzyme and also firmly established a specific signaling role for plasmalogens in a photooxidative stress response. Here, we will recount our take on this fascinating story and its implications, and review the current state of knowledge on plasmalogens, their biosynthesis and functions in the aerobic myxobacteria.
Vangl as a Master Scaffold for Wnt/Planar Cell Polarity Signaling in Development and Disease
Authors: Dreyer Courtney A. , VanderVorst Kacey , Carraway Kermit L.
Published: May 2022

The establishment of polarity within tissues and dynamic cellular morphogenetic events are features common to both developing and adult tissues, and breakdown of these programs is associated with diverse human diseases. Wnt/Planar cell polarity (Wnt/PCP) signaling, a branch of non-canonical Wnt signaling, is critical to the establishment and maintenance of polarity in epithelial tissues as well as cell motility events critical to proper embryonic development. In epithelial tissues, Wnt/PCP-mediated planar polarity relies upon the asymmetric distribution of core proteins to establish polarity, but the requirement for this distribution in Wnt/PCP-mediated cell motility remains unclear. However, in both polarized tissues and migratory cells, the Wnt/PCP-specific transmembrane protein Vangl is required and appears to serve as a scaffold upon which the core pathway components as well as positive and negative regulators of Wnt/PCP signaling assemble. The current literature suggests that the multiple interaction domains of Vangl allow for the binding of diverse signaling partners for the establishment of context- and tissue-specific complexes. In this review we discuss the role of Vangl as a master scaffold for Wnt/PCP signaling in epithelial tissue polarity and cellular motility events in developing and adult tissues, and address how these programs are dysregulated in human disease.
Improved Performance for the Electrochemical Sensing of Acyclovir by Using the rGO–TiO2–Au Nanocomposite-Modified Electrode
Authors: Lu Xin-Yang , Li Jing , Kong Fen-Ying , Wei Mei-Jie , Zhang Pei , Li Ying , Fang Hai-Lin , Wang Wei
Published: May 2022

An electrochemical sensor for sensitive sensing of acyclovir (ACV) was designed by using the reduced graphene oxide–TiO2–Au nanocomposite-modified glassy carbon electrode (rGO–TiO2–Au/GCE). Transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffractometer, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy were used to confirm morphology, structure, and composition properties of the rGO–TiO2–Au nanocomposites. Cyclic voltammetry and linear sweep voltammetry were used to demonstrate the analytical performance of the rGO–TiO2–Au/GCE for ACV. As a result, rGO–TiO2–Au/GCE exerted the best response for the oxidation of ACV under the pH of 6.0 PB solution, accumulation time of 80 s at open-circuit, and modifier amount of 7 µl. The oxidation peak currents of ACV increased linearly with its concentration in the range of 1–100 µM, and the detection limit was calculated to be 0.3 µM (S/N = 3). The determination of ACV concentrations in tablet samples also demonstrated satisfactory results.
Clustering Analysis of the Multi-Microbial Consortium by Lactobacillus Species Against Vaginal Dysbiosis Among Ecuadorian Women
Authors: Pacha-Herrera David , Erazo-Garcia Maria P. , Cueva Darío F. , Orellana Miguel , Borja-Serrano Pamela , Arboleda Camila , Tejera Eduardo , Machado António
Published: May 2022

The vaginal microbiota plays vital protection in women. This probiotic activity is caused not only by individual Lactobacillus species but also by its multi-microbial interaction. However, the probiotic activity promoted by multi-microbial consortia is still unknown. The aim of this study was the individual and collective analysis on the prevalence of five vaginal lactobacilli (Lactobacillus iners, Lactobacillus crispatus, Lactobacillus gasseri, Lactobacillus jensenii, and Lactobacillus acidophilus) among healthy women and women with bacterial vaginosis (BV) or aerobic vaginitis (AV). PCR assays were realized on 436 vaginal samples from a previous study. Chi-square, univariable, and multivariable logistic regression analyses with the Benjamini–Hochberg adjustment evaluated associations between these lactobacilli and vaginal microbiota. Multi-microbial clustering model was also realized through Ward’s Minimum Variance Clustering Method with Euclidean squared distance for hierarchical clustering to determine the probiotic relationship between lactobacilli and vaginal dysbiosis. Concerning the individual effect, L. acidophilus, L. jensenii, and L. crispatus showed the highest normalized importance values against vaginal dysbiosis (100%, 79.3%, and 74.8%, respectively). However, only L. acidophilus and L. jensenii exhibited statistical values (p = 0.035 and p = 0.050, respectively). L. acidophilus showed a significant prevalence on healthy microbiota against both dysbioses (BV, p = 0.041; and AV, p = 0.045). L. jensenii only demonstrated significant protection against AV (p = 0.012). Finally, our results evidenced a strong multi-microbial consortium by L. iners, L. jensenii, L. gasseri, and L. acidophilus against AV (p = 0.020) and BV (p = 0.009), lacking protection in the absence of L. gasseri and L. acidophilus.
Uterine Fibroid Patients Reveal Alterations in the Gut Microbiome
Authors: Mao Xuetao , Peng Xuan , Pan Qiong , Zhao Xingping , Yu Zheng , Xu Dabao
Published: May 2022

The gut microbiota is associated with reproductive disorders in multiple ways. This research investigated possible differences in gut microbiome compositions between patients with uterine fibroids (UFs) and healthy control subjects in order to further provide new insight into its etiology. Stool samples were collected from 85 participants, including 42 UF patients (case group) and 43 control subjects (control group). The gut microbiota was examined with 16S rRNA quantitative arrays and bioinformatics analysis. The α-diversity in patients with UFs was significantly lower than that of healthy controls and negatively correlated with the number of tumorigeneses. The microbial composition of the UF patients deviated from the cluster of healthy controls. Stool samples from patients with UFs exhibited significant alterations in terms of multiple bacterial phyla, such as Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Verrucomicrobia. In differential abundance analysis, some bacteria species were shown to be downregulated (e.g., Bifidobacteria scardovii, Ligilactobacillus saerimneri, and Lactococcus raffinolactis) and upregulated (e.g., Pseudomonas stutzeri and Prevotella amnii). Furthermore, the microbial interactions and networks in UFs exhibited lower connectivity and complexity as well as higher clustering property compared to the controls. Taken together, it is possible that gut microbiota dysbiosis has the potential as a risk factor. This study found that UFs are associated with alterations of the gut microbiome diversity and community network connectivity. It provides a new direction to further explore the host–gut microbiota interplay and to develop management and prevention in UF pathogenesis.
Subgingival Microbiome in Pregnancy and a Potential Relationship to Early Term Birth
Authors: Yang Irene , Claussen Henry , Arthur Robert Adam , Hertzberg Vicki Stover , Geurs Nicolaas , Corwin Elizabeth J. , Dunlop Anne L.
Published: May 2022

Background

Periodontal disease in pregnancy is considered a risk factor for adverse birth outcomes. Periodontal disease has a microbial etiology, however, the current state of knowledge about the subgingival microbiome in pregnancy is not well understood.

Objective

To characterize the structure and diversity of the subgingival microbiome in early and late pregnancy and explore relationships between the subgingival microbiome and preterm birth among pregnant Black women.

Methods

This longitudinal descriptive study used 16S rRNA sequencing to profile the subgingival microbiome of 59 Black women and describe microbial ecology using alpha and beta diversity metrics. We also compared microbiome features across early (8-14 weeks) and late (24-30 weeks) gestation overall and according to gestational age at birth outcomes (spontaneous preterm, spontaneous early term, full term).

Results

In this sample of Black pregnant women, the top twenty bacterial taxa represented in the subgingival microbiome included a spectrum representative of various stages of biofilm progression leading to periodontal disease, including known periopathogensPorphyromonas gingivalisandTannerella forsythia.Other organisms associated with periodontal disease reflected in the subgingival microbiome included severalPrevotellaspp., andCampylobacterspp. Measures of alpha or beta diversity did not distinguish the subgingival microbiome of women according to early/late gestation or full term/spontaneous preterm birth; however, alpha diversity differences in late pregnancy between women who spontaneously delivered early term and women who delivered full term were identified. Several taxa were also identified as being differentially abundant according to early/late gestation, and full term/spontaneous early term births.

Conclusions

Although the composition of the subgingival microbiome is shifted toward complexes associated with periodontal disease, the diversity of the microbiome remains stable throughout pregnancy. Several taxa were identified as being associated with spontaneous early term birth. Two, in particular, are promising targets of further investigation. Depletion of the oral commensalLautropia mirabilisin early pregnancy and elevated levels ofPrevotella melaninogenicain late pregnancy were both associated with spontaneous early term birth.
Wildlife and Antibiotic Resistance
Authors: Laborda Pablo , Sanz-García Fernando , Ochoa-Sánchez Luz Edith , Gil-Gil Teresa , Hernando-Amado Sara , Martínez José Luis
Published: May 2022

Antibiotic resistance is a major human health problem. While health care facilities are main contributors to the emergence, evolution and spread of antibiotic resistance, other ecosystems are involved in such dissemination. Wastewater, farm animals and pets have been considered important contributors to the development of antibiotic resistance. Herein, we review the impact of wildlife in such problem. Current evidence supports that the presence of antibiotic resistance genes and/or antibiotic resistant bacteria in wild animals is a sign of anthropic pollution more than of selection of resistance. However, once antibiotic resistance is present in the wild, wildlife can contribute to its transmission across different ecosystems. Further, the finding that antibiotic resistance genes, currently causing problems at hospitals, might spread through horizontal gene transfer among the bacteria present in the microbiomes of ubiquitous animals as cockroaches, fleas or rats, supports the possibility that these organisms might be bioreactors for the horizontal transfer of antibiotic resistance genes among human pathogens. The contribution of wildlife in the spread of antibiotic resistance among different hosts and ecosystems occurs at two levels. Firstly, in the case of non-migrating animals, the transfer will take place locally; a One Health problem. Paradigmatic examples are the above mentioned animals that cohabit with humans and can be reservoirs and vehicles for antibiotic resistance dissemination. Secondly, migrating animals, such as gulls, fishes or turtles may participate in the dissemination of antibiotic resistance across different geographic areas, even between different continents, which constitutes a Global Health issue.
The Iron Response of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Its Implications for Tuberculosis Pathogenesis and Novel Therapeutics
Authors: Rodriguez G. Marcela , Sharma Nishant , Biswas Ashis , Sharma Nevadita
Published: May 2022

Most pathogenic bacteria require iron for growth. However, this metal is not freely available in the mammalian host. Due to its poor solubility and propensity to catalyze the generation of reactive oxygen species, host iron is kept in solution bound to specialized iron binding proteins. Access to iron is an important factor in the outcome of bacterial infections; iron limitation frequently induces virulence and drives pathogenic interactions with host cells. Here, we review the response ofMycobacterium tuberculosisto changes in iron availability, the relevance of this response to TB pathogenesis, and its potential for the design of new therapeutic interventions.
Klebsiella pneumoniae Biofilms and Their Role in Disease Pathogenesis
Authors: Guerra Maria Eduarda Souza , Destro Giulia , Vieira Brenda , Lima Alice S. , Ferraz Lucio Fabio Caldas , Hakansson Anders P. , Darrieux Michelle , Converso Thiago Rojas
Published: May 2022

The ability to form biofilms is a crucial virulence trait for several microorganisms, including Klebsiella pneumoniae – a Gram-negative encapsulated bacterium often associated with nosocomial infections. It is estimated that 65-80% of bacterial infections are biofilm related. Biofilms are complex bacterial communities composed of one or more species encased in an extracellular matrix made of proteins, carbohydrates and genetic material derived from the bacteria themselves as well as from the host. Bacteria in the biofilm are shielded from immune responses and antibiotics. The present review discusses the characteristics of K. pneumoniae biofilms, factors affecting biofilm development, and their contribution to infections. We also explore different model systems designed to study biofilm formation in this species. A great number of factors contribute to biofilm establishment and maintenance in K. pneumoniae, which highlights the importance of this mechanism for the bacterial fitness. Some of these molecules could be used in future vaccines against this bacterium. However, there is still a lack of in vivo models to evaluate the contribution of biofilm development to disease pathogenesis. With that in mind, the combination of different methodologies has great potential to provide a more detailed scenario that more accurately reflects the steps and progression of natural infection.
Optical Coherence Tomography: An Eye Into the Coronary Artery
Authors: Gupta Ankush , Shrivastava Abhinav , Vijayvergiya Rajesh , Chhikara Sanya , Datta Rajat , Aziz Atiya , Singh Meena Daulat , Nath Ranjit Kumar , Kumar J. Ratheesh
Published: May 2022

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is slowly but surely gaining a foothold in the hands of interventional cardiologists. Intraluminal and transmural contents of the coronary arteries are no longer elusive to the cardiologist's probing eye. Although the graduation of an interventionalist in imaging techniques right from naked eye angiographies to ultrasound-based coronary sonographies to the modern light-based OCT has been slow, with the increasing regularity of complex coronary cases in practice, such a transition is inevitable. Although intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) due to its robust clinical data has been the preferred imaging modality in recent years, OCT provides a distinct upgrade over it in many imaging and procedural aspects. Better image resolution, accurate estimation of the calcified lesion, and better evaluation of acute and chronic stent failure are the distinct advantages of OCT over IVUS. Despite the obvious imaging advantages of OCT, its clinical impact remains subdued. However, upcoming newer trials and data have been encouraging for expanding the use of OCT to wider indications in clinical utility. During percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), OCT provides the detailed information (dissection, tissue prolapse, thrombi, and incomplete stent apposition) required for optimal stent deployment, which is the key to successfully reducing the major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE) and stent-related morbidities. The increasing use of OCT in complex bifurcation stenting involving the left main (LM) is being studied. Also, the traditional pitfalls of OCT, such as additional contrast load for image acquisition and stenting involving the ostial and proximal LM, have also been overcome recently. In this review, we discuss the interpretation of OCT images and its clinical impact on the outcome of procedures along with current barriers to its use and newer paradigms in which OCT is starting to become a promising tool for the interventionalist and what can be expected for the immediate future in the imaging world.
Association Between Admission Pulse Pressure and Long-Term Mortality in Elderly Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Admitted for Acute Coronary Syndrome: An Observational Cohort Study
Authors: Wang Zijian , Li Xiaoran , Wang Yichun , Bao Boyi , Ding Xiaosong , Li Hongwei , Li Weiping
Published: May 2022

Objective

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of pulse pressure (PP) at admission on long-term cardiac and all-cause mortality among elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) admitted for acute coronary syndrome (ACS).

Methods

This is a retrospective observational study. The patients aged at least 65 years with T2DM and ACS from January 2013 to April 2018 were enrolled and divided into 4 groups according to admission PP: <50 mmHg; 50–59 mmHg; 60–69 mmHg, and ≥70 mmHg. Multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression analyses and restricted cubic spline were performed to determine the association between PP and outcomes (cardiac and all-cause death).

Results

A total of 2,587 consecutive patients were included in this cohort study. The mean follow-up time was 39.2 months. The incidences of cardiac death and all-cause death were 6.8% (n = 176) and 10.8% (n = 280), respectively. After multivariate adjustment in the whole cohort, cardiac and all-cause mortality were significantly higher in PP <50 mmHg group and PP ≥70 mmHg group, compared with PP 50–59 mmHg group. Further analysis in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) subgroup confirmed that PP <50 mmHg was associated with cardiac death [hazard ratios (HR) 2.92, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.45–5.76, P = 0.002] and all-cause death (HR 2.08, 95% CI 1.20–3.58, P = 0.009). Meanwhile, PP ≥70 mmHg was associated with all-cause death (HR 1.78, 95% CI 1.05–3.00, P = 0.031). However, admission PP did not appear to be a significant independent predictor in unstable angina pectoris (UAP) subgroup. There is a U-shaped correlation between PP and cardiac and all-cause mortality in the whole cohort and UAP subgroup and a J-shaped correlation in the AMI subgroup, both with a nadir at 50–59 mmHg.

Conclusion

In elderly patients with T2DM admitted for ACS, admission PP is an independent and strong predictor for long-term cardiac and all-cause mortality, especially in patients with AMI.
Sterile Pyuria in Kawasaki Disease: A Large Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Liu Xiaoliang , Wang Lin , Shao Shuran , Zhang Nanjun , Wu Mei , Liu Lei , Hua Yimin , Zhou Kaiyu , Yu Li , Wang Hua , Wang Chuan
Published: May 2022

Background

Kawasaki disease (KD) is an acute systemic vasculitis and is becoming the leading cause of acquired cardiac disease in Children. Sterile pyuria is a known complication of KD. However, its associations with the inflammatory reaction severity, IVIG resistance as well as coronary artery lesions (CALs) in KD remain elusive.

Aims

We aimed to analyze the clinical profiles of sterile pyuria in KD, to determine whether sterile pyuria is an indicator of the disease severity in patients with KD, and to assess the associations between sterile pyuria and IVIG resistance as well as CALs.

Methods

We prospectively collected data from 702 patients with KD between January 2015 and June 2020. Profiles of patients with sterile pyuria (group A, n = 63) were compared to those of patients without sterile pyuria (group B, n = 639). The associations between sterile pyuria and IVIG resistance as well as CALs in KD were further determined by univariate and/or multivariate logistic regression analysis.

Results

Sterile pyuria was observed in 9.0% of patients with KD, without predominance in age spectrum and gender. The levels of neutrophil percentages, alanine transaminase, total bilirubin, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, the incidence of initial IVIG resistance, and rate of moderate/giant coronary artery aneurysms (CAAs) were significantly higher in group A than that in group B. Sterile pyuria was identified as an independent risk factor for initial IVIG resistance, yielding high specificity (92.7%) and low sensitivity (18.5%). However, sterile pyuria was not associated with repeated IVIG resistance and persistence of CALs in KD.

Conclusion

The incidence of sterile pyuria is relatively low in KD patients. Patients with sterile pyuria in KD exhibited a more severe inflammatory burden and were more likely to develop the initial IVIG resistance and moderate/giant CAAs. The overall prognosis of KD patients with sterile pyuria was satisfactory.
Development and Validation of a Risk Score in Chinese Patients With Chronic Heart Failure
Authors: Lin Maoning , Zhan Jiachen , Luan Yi , Li Duanbin , Shan Yu , Xu Tian , Fu Guosheng , Zhang Wenbin , Wang Min
Published: May 2022

Background

Acute exacerbation of chronic heart failure contributes to substantial increases in major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). The study developed a risk score to evaluate the severity of heart failure which was related to the risk of MACE.

Methods

This single-center retrospective observational study included 5,777 patients with heart failure. A credible random split-sample method was used to divide data into training and validation dataset (split ratio = 0.7:0.3). Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (Lasso) logistic regression was applied to select predictors and develop the risk score to predict the severity category of heart failure. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, and calibration curves were used to assess the model’s discrimination and accuracy.

Results

Body-mass index (BMI), ejection fraction (EF), serum creatinine, hemoglobin, C-reactive protein (CRP), and neutrophil lymphocyte ratio (NLR) were identified as predictors and assembled into the risk score (P < 0.05), which showed good discrimination with AUC in the training dataset (0.770, 95% CI:0.746–0.794) and validation dataset (0.756, 95% CI:0.717–0.795) and was well calibrated in both datasets (all P > 0.05). As the severity of heart failure worsened according to risk score, the incidence of MACE, length of hospital stay, and treatment cost increased (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

A risk score incorporating BMI, EF, serum creatinine, hemoglobin, CRP, and NLR, was developed and validated. It effectively evaluated individuals’ severity classification of heart failure, closely related to MACE.
Effect of Preablation Glycemic Control on Outcomes of Atrial Fibrillation Patients With Diabetes Mellitus Following Valvular Surgery Combined With the Cox-Maze IV Procedure
Authors: Peng Zhan , Zhao Rui , Liu Yuhua , Yang Yunxiao , Yang Xiubin , Hua Kun
Published: May 2022

Background

This study was performed to assess the effect of preablation glycemic control on atrial fibrillation recurrence rates after heart valve surgery concomitant with Cox-Maze IV ablation.

Methods

Twelve-month preablation trends in glycemic control were studied. Recurrence and clinical outcome data were obtained during a mean follow-up period of 36.7 ± 23.3 months postablation.

Results

Higher glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) at the time of ablation was associated with higher postablation recurrence rates. The cumulative atrial fibrillation recurrence-free survival of patients with HbA1c ≥7.5% at the time of operation at 12, 24, 36 and 48 months was 97.1, 78.3, 54.2, and 36.3%, respectively (P < 0.001), and 100, 84.9, 37.2, and 16.2% for patients who preoperatively had an upward trend in HbA1c, respectively (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Maintaining a downward trend in HbA1c during the 12-month period before the operation and an HbA1c value < 7.5% at the time of the operation reduced the recurrence of AF among patients who underwent heart valve surgery concomitant with the Cox-Maze IV procedure.
Experimental Investigation of Snow Accumulations on Two-Span Single-Pitched Roofs Based on a New Similarity Criterion
Authors: Zhang Guolong , Zhang Qingwen , Mo Huamei , Li Rui , Liu Mengmeng , Fan Feng
Published: May 2022

Uneven snow distribution plays a main role in the collapse of two-span single-pitched roofs because of the intensified snow accumulation in the valleys and eaves. The roof pitches, wind velocities, and wind directions are the main reasons that cause unbalanced snowdrifts as they drastically affect the flow fields around the roofs. This research investigates the snow distribution characteristics on two-span single-pitched roofs based on the snow-wind combined experiment facility and new similarity criteria. Firstly, the setup of the experiment facility is introduced, and the wind fans matrix and snowfall simulator are calibrated, respectively. Then, a new Froude number similarity, based on the modification of friction velocity ratio, is proposed, and its reliability as a criterion is verified. Finally, experiments on two-span single-pitched roofs are conducted using the new similarity criteria to study the snowdrifts patterns under different conditions. The mechanism of snow accumulations on roofs is explained with the help of CFD calculation. The results show that the valley and eave on the second windward roof bear a larger snow load.