bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Numerical Evaluation of Bond Behavior of Ribbed Steel Bars or Seven-wire Strands Embedded in Lightweight Concrete
Authors: Abed Mohammed A. , Alkurdi Zaher , Kheshfeh Ahmad , Kovács Tamás , Nehme Salem
Published: November 2020

The bond-slip relationship between concrete and steel is significant in evaluating the nonlinear behavior of reinforced concrete structures. The force transmitted by the bond in reinforced concrete structures was studied numerically in high-strength, lightweight concrete with ribbed reinforcing steel bar or seven-wire strand, using ATENA 3D software. The first part of the study was a validation of the model based on the actual results of standardized pull-out tests using the software. Subsequently, the bond behavior was studied, where a four-point static bending test was modeled based on the real bond-slip relationship of the pull-out test. It was deduced that the ATENA 3D software can simulate the experimental tests and provide meaningful results. In addition, inferred from the numerical modeling, the maximum crack width and the mid-span deflection of the reinforced concrete beam increased when the bond stress between the concrete and the reinforcing steel bars was decreased. When a high amount of reinforcement (two strands) was used, concrete failure occurred before the strands yielded. However, further increase of the bond stress also decreased the maximum crack width and mid-span deflection. The failure occurred due to the increase in the strand yielding point by using one strand as a reinforcement of the beam.
Ekologiczna odpowiedzialność przedsiębiorstw w kontekście odpowiedzialności za przyszłe pokolenia
Authors: Świrk Justyna
Published: November 2020

Ochrona środowiska stała się w ostatnich latach bardzo ważnym tematem nie tylko w polityce ale także w gospodarce. Przedsiębiorstwa są jednostkami, które w bardzo istotny sposób wpływają na środowisko naturalne. Przedsiębiorcy mają tego świadomość i powstają nowe koncepcje, które wpływają na zmianę myślenia o biznesie. Nie ma wątpliwości, że aspekt ekologiczny musi być brany pod uwagę w zarządzaniu firmą przyszłości. Zwrócenie uwagi przedsiębiorstwa na ekologiczny wymiar prowadzonej przez siebie działalności znajduje swoje uzasadnienie nie tylko w etyce ale również w ekonomii. Przegląd literatury wskazuje na wiele korzyści dla przedsiębiorstw płynących z wprowadzania odpowiednich praktyk w zakresie ochrony środowiska. Artykuł omawia pojęcie i istotę ekologicznej odpowiedzialności przedsiębiorstw przez pryzmat odpowiedzialności za przyszłe pokolenia. Celem artykułu jest zbadanie spółek z indeksu WIG-ESG pod kątem deklaracji (na oficjalnych stronach internetowych) odpowiedzialności za środowisko naturalne przez pryzmat dbałości o przyszłe pokolenia. Wyniki badania pokazały, że 40% firm indeksu WIG-ESG deklaruje odpowiedzialność za środowisko w kontekście odpowiedzialności za przyszłe pokolenia.
Estudo do efeito do tratamento térmico nos compostos bioativos em PANC
Authors: Benevides Clícia Maria de Jesus , Costa Cirlene Cardoso Monteiro , Cardoso Yago Pinto , Lopes Mariangela Vieira , Montes Simone de Souza , Souza Antonio Carlos dos Santos
Published: November 2020

Este trabalho objetivou avaliar o efeito do tratamento térmico (TT) nos compostos bioativos e antinutricionais em diferentes PANC (Beldroega, Bredo, Chaya, Cana de macaco, Hortelã com borda, Língua de vaca, Serralha e a Urtiga mansa). As concentrações dos compostos bioativos -  fenólicos totais (FT) e flavonoides; dos antinutricionais (taninos e oxalatos) e a atividade antioxidante (AA) foram realizadas segundo as Normas Analíticas do Instituto Adolfo Lutz. Os teores (mg/100g) dos compostos nas PANC antes do TT variaram da seguinte forma: compostos bioativos - FT de 2,04±0,04 a 37,40±0,46, os flavonoides de 145,96±0,61 a 410,73±1,93; os compostos antinutricionais - taninos de 4,47±0,46 a 211,74±2,96, e oxalatos de 2,61±0,13 a 4,41±0,22; a AA (IC50) variou de 2,13±0,05 a 7,05±1,36. O TT aplicado nas amostras proporcionou aumento no percentual da concentração dos compostos na maioria das PANC que variou de: 38,13 a 99,84% (FT); 1,2 a 37% (flavonoides); 21,21 a 116,55% (taninos); 45,92 a 77,63 (oxalatos), assim como na AA, que variou de 14,5 a 67%. Por outro lado, houve uma variação no percentual da redução nas outras PANC de: 45 a 73% (FT); 8 a 29% (flavonoides); 15 a 74 % (taninos); 5,36 a 27,44% (oxalatos) e de 44,49 a 79,84% (AA). Conclui-se que, de maneira geral, o TT aplicado favoreceu o aumento da concentração dos compostos bioativos e da AA nas PANC, o mesmo não ocorrendo para os fatores antinutricionais.
Corpo do adolescente: subsídios para intervenção
Authors: Brêtas José Roberto da Silva , Moraes Silvia Piedade de , Freitas Maria José Dias de , Goellner Maila Beatriz , Godoi Ana Maria Limeira de
Published: November 2020

Objetivos: identificar as características físicas mais significativas na mudança corporal durante a adolescência e conhecer quais as qualificações atribuídas a essas mudanças. Método: Estudo descritivo realizado com 1600 adolescentes (882 do sexo feminino e 718 masculinos) com idade entre 12 e 18 anos. Resultados: Obteve-se um total de 2882 características (1179 características masculinas e 1703 femininas). Em relação às mudanças no corpo, as mais citadas foram aquelas que são construtos da caracterização sexual masculina e feminina, o que denotou significativa transformação no comportamento interpessoal, desveladas como sentimentos de satisfação. Dentre as mudanças, destacaram-se os seios (14,5%), cintura e quadris (8,0%), pelos em geral (7,9%) e desenvolvimento dos genitais (7,8%). As qualificações atribuídas às mudanças corporais foram classificadas em dois grupos norteados pela satisfação e insatisfação em relação a esses aspectos. Conclusão: Esses acontecimentos provocaram estranhamento quando citados enquanto insatisfação, exigindo tempo para adaptação. Problemas familiares resultantes de todas essas mudanças também foram evidenciados.
Utilização de Coaching por Enfermeiros na prática profissional: revisão integrativa
Authors: Menegaz Jouhanna do Carmo , Dias Geyse Aline Rodrigues , Rocha Amanda Gabrielly Miguel , Santos Ana Victória Antônio José dos , Menegon Fernando Henrique Antunes , Santos José Luis Guedes dos
Published: November 2020

Objetivo: Analisar a produção científica existente sobre a utilização do Coaching por enfermeiros na prática profissional de Enfermagem. Métodos: Revisão integrativa da literatura de textos online completos publicados de 2015 a 2019 realizada em julho de 2020 na Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (MEDLINE), Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde (LILACS), Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) e Education Resources Information Center (ERIC). Resultados: Analisa-se 33 artigos. A maioria é de natureza quantitativa, informam intervenção e está publicado em periódicos qualificados tendo o primeiro autor (a) vinculado a instituição dos Estados Unidos. Predomina a utilização de Coaching como processo por enfermeiros assistenciais na modalidade de Health Coaching. 63% dos artigos informam algum treinamento dos enfermeiros que aplicaram as intervenções. Conclusão: Maior descrição dos processos e técnicas é benéfica à compreensão da forma de utilização e potencial disseminação. Ressalta-se a necessidade de formação específica do enfermeiro ao utilizar Coaching.
Effects of extracts of two Ulva spp. seaweeds on tomato germination and seedling growth
Authors: Reis Renata Perpetuo , Andrade Antônio Carlos Silva de , Calheiros Ana Carolina , Oliveira Jéssica Carneiro , Castelar Beatriz
Published: November 2020

Brown seaweed extracts are commercially used as agricultural biostimulants, and the green macroalgae Ulva spp. has shown promise for that purpose. We evaluated the ideal dosage of U. lactuca ulvan and flour on seed germination invigoration and the effects of U. flexuosa and U. lactuca extracts on tomato seedling growth (Solanun lycopersicum). The germination recovery of aged seeds after the application of U. lactuca was evaluated by seed germination rates and seedling emergence. Greenhouse cultivated seedlings were irrigated with 0.2 and 0.4 g×L-1 of the flour, or an ulvan solution of Ulva spp. Seedling growth parameters (height, stem diameter, height/stem diameter ratio, biomass, and number of leaves) were compared with the control (seedlings irrigated with distilled water). All dosages of U. lactuca ulvan and flour were found to increase the germination rates of aged seeds as compared to controls. No significant difference in seedling emergence rates were seen. After treatment with Ulva spp. extracts no significant differences in seedling growth were detected. We concluded that low doses of the U. lactuca extract will increase the germination rates of S. lycopersicum seeds and, while different dosages of the extracts of two Ulva’s species did not stimulate tomato seedling growth, they were also not lethal.
Pesquisa básica e pesquisa aplicada: uma análise a partir da produção científica sobre COVID-19
Authors: Zucatto Luis Carlos , Freitas Rodrigo Uszacki Carvalho de , Marzzoni David Nogueira Silva
Published: November 2020

Este estudo teve como objetivo realizar um levantamento acerca de publicações acadêmicas que abordam o tema COVID-19, em vista de identificar a qual tipo de pesquisa – básica ou aplicada, estariam alinhadas essas publicações. Como base de dados, escolheu-se o Google Acadêmico e utilizou-se como descritor COVID-19, que deveria estar no título ou no abstract. A busca foi realizada em 03 de abril de 2020, identificando-se um total de 1.290.000 resultados, com o filtro Em Qualquer Idioma. Desse universo, delimitou-se a amostra com os parâmetros de 5% de margem  de erro e 90% de intervalo de confiança, o que resultou em 273 trabalhos, ranqueados por relevância. Para a classificação em pesquisa básica ou pesquisa aplicada utilizaram-se pressupostos teóricos de Bush (1945), da Orgazination for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD,1994), de  Stokes (2005)  e de Riazuddin (2007). Os resultados evidenciam a prevalência de produções acadêmicas classificadas como pesquisa básica (68,46%) e a China como o País do qual mais se publicaram estudos acerca dessa temática (41,96%).
Atividade assistida por animais: uma estratégia para pacientes com transtornos mentais
Authors: Sapin Carolina da Fonseca , Lima Camila Moura de , Costa Juliana Costa da , Costa Monike , Almeida Débora Matilde de , Mechereffe Beatriz Maksud , Nobre Márcia de Oliveira
Published: November 2020

As atividades assistidas por animais (AAA) consistem em atividades voltadas para recreação, entretenimento e distração através do contato com animais. Esse vínculo pode trazer diversos benefícios aos assistidos quanto aos aspectos emocionais e fisiológicos. O objetivo deste trabalho é avaliar a resposta dos pacientes com doenças mentais em relação às AAA. Foram realizadas duas sessões de AAA em uma instituição para doentes mentais na cidade de Pelotas, em uma sala de recreação. Previa e posteriormente ao contato com os cães eram aferidas a frequência cardíaca e as pressões arteriais dos assistidos. Ainda foi aplicada a escala de faces de Andrews em ambos os momentos. As sessões tiveram duração média de uma hora e participação de 11 pacientes.  Alguns pacientes tinham preferência em realizar atividades com contato direto com o cão, assim como outros preferiam atividades lúdicas com a temática dos cães. Os cães agiram com motivadores e proporcionaram que os assistidos permanecessem maior tempo nas atividades, dessa forma, promovendo descontração e relaxamento. As pressões arteriais e frequência cardíaca em grande parte dos assistidos se mantiveram ou reduziram. As atividades colaboraram para que os pacientes se tornassem mais comunicativos, demonstrassem afeto pelos cães e pela equipe envolvida. As escala de faces de Andrews indicaram que todos mantiveram a percepção inicial ou a melhoraram. Conclui-se que as AAA proporcionaram benefícios de bem-estar aos pacientes com doenças mentais quanto à manutenção da pressão arterial e frequência cardíaca, melhora na socialização, aspectos comportamentais e na autopercepção da felicidade.
Micronutrient deficiency affects the development of the seedlings of the cagaita, a Myrtaceae typical of the Brazilian Cerrado
Authors: Bessa Layara Alexandre , Vitorino Luciana Cristina , Silva Fabiano Guimarães
Published: November 2020

Cagaita (Eugenia dysenterica DC.) plants are highly dependent on the micronutrient iron during their early development stages. Given this, we tested the hypothesis that initial seedling development is affected by a lack of specific micronutrients. We planted seedlings of this species in standard hydroponic solution, and in individual treatments, in which B, Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn or Mo were omitted. The development of symptoms of micronutrient deficiency in response to the different treatment solutions was monitored visually for 120 days after transplantation, and growth parameters and the content of different nutrients in the plant tissue were determined. The deficiency of the micronutrient Mo was the treatment with the greatest effect on seedling growth. The most commonly observed symptoms of nutrient deficiency were chlorosis and necrosis (Cu and Zn deprivation) and impaired root hair development (Fe and Cu deprivation). Overall, Fe was the micronutrient that accumulated most in the stems and roots of the seedlings exposed to the standard nutrient solution, which confirms the importance of the availability of this nutrient in the initial stages of seedling development for the production of healthy cagaita plants, with greater viability.
Aspectos relacionados a esquizofrenia: um relato de experiência sobre a realidade do paciente e familiares
Authors: Melo Brenda Bianca Moreira De , Souza Gabrielly De Negreiros , Lopes Graciana de Sousa
Published: November 2020

Objetivo: relatar a experiência de duas acadêmicas de enfermagem frente a um caso de esquizofrenia em idosa. Método: Trata-se de um estudo descritivo, exploratório do tipo relato de experiência, que visa observar e acompanhar determinada situação e discutir a respeito dela. O estudo foi desenvolvido durante a disciplina teórico-prática de saúde mental no 2º semestre de 2018 do curso de enfermagem em uma residência localizada na zona norte da cidade de Manaus, onde ocorreram as visitas domiciliárias. Resultado: Como futuras enfermeiras, entendemos o quão complexo é nosso papel diante dessa doença, mas também entendemos que essas pessoas precisam de nós, não só o paciente como também sua família. Precisamos estar capacitados e sensibilizados com a história dessas pessoas. Conclusão: Os órgãos competentes precisam olhar para essa causa. Os investimentos em saúde mental não têm suprido a demanda. Precisamos não somente tratar o doente, mas sua família. Os familiares dos pacientes esquizofrênicos estão cansados, sobrecarregados e muitas vezes até mesmo ficando doentes. E não existe políticas públicas eficazes para essas pessoas. Não podemos de forma alguma jogar todo o peso nessas famílias.
Indicadores sociais e econômicos como instrumento no processo de tomada de decisão de um Instituto Federal
Authors: Nunes Valnei , Ribeiro Eduardo Augusto Werneck
Published: November 2020

Este artigo é resultado da pesquisa vinculada ao Programa de Pós-graduação em Educação Profissional e Tecnológica, Programa de Mestrado do Instituto Federal, polo campus de Blumenau.  Tem como temática os indicadores sociais e econômicos, como instrumento no processo (re) conhecimento do contexto de atuação de um campus do Instituto Federal. Com base nas reflexões realizadas nesta pesquisa em relação às proximidades e distanciamentos de um campus, no que se refere ao seu compromisso legal, busca-se responder em que medida os indicadores sociais e econômicos contribuem para a gestão na tomada de decisão. A partir das finalidades dos Institutos Federais, segundo a Lei 11.892/2008, compreende-se que um campus assume o compromisso de contribuir com sua área de abrangência. Questão esta que reclama, entre outros aspectos, no (re) conhecimento constante dos Arranjos Produtivos, Sociais Culturais Locais, sendo o mapeamento das potencialidades socioeconômicas e culturais da realidade, fator indispensável a ser observado, seja no percurso de implantação e implementação de um campus do Instituto Federal, quanto no processo de (re) avaliação contínua de suas ofertas. Quanto à abordagem, a pesquisa caracterizou-se por qualitativa e quantitativa; de natureza aplicada; quanto aos seus objetivos, exploratória e descritiva; bibliográfico/documental e pesquisa de campo em relação aos seus procedimentos. Sobre os resultados obtidos, destaca-se a lacuna existente na definição sobre a área de abrangência de um campus, a construção de um banco de dados com indicadores desagregados por municípios e sua série histórica.
Effect of farming practices on growth and mortality rates in triploid and diploid eastern oysters Crassostrea virginica
Authors: Bodenstein S , Walton WC , Steury TD
Published: November 2020

Commercial off-bottom aquaculture of the eastern oyster Crassostrea virginica is challenged by repeated summer mortality events that appear to affect triploid oysters disproportionally. Many farmers believe common farming practices, especially when performed during hot summer months, may increase triploid mortality. The goal of this study was to investigate how diploid and triploid oysters react to common stressors imposed by farmers: tumbling during size grading and desiccation to prevent biofouling. Triploid and diploid oysters were deployed in floating cages at 3 farm sites along the US Gulf of Mexico coast. In May and July, oysters in 7 cages were subjected to 1 of 6 stress treatments: 1 of 3 levels of desiccation (18, 24, or 48 h) mixed with 1 of 2 levels of tumbling (tumbled or not tumbled), along with a never handled, submersed control. The mortality and growth rate of oysters were assessed in June, August, and September. Growth rates of both ploidies were affected by compounding stressors; that is, treatments with both tumbling and the longest desiccation period exhibited slower growth. Triploid oysters exhibited a greater increase in mortality in response to farm stress than diploid oysters, and mortality increased in all oysters subjected to extreme stress treatments when compared to the control. Based on this study, farmers should limit the desiccation time of oysters (particularly triploids) in the summer months to avoid any mortality or reduced growth resulting from compounding stressor effects.
Disclosing the truth: Are models better than observations?
Authors: Skogen MD , Ji R , Akimova A , Daewel U , Hansen C , Hjøllo SS , van Leeuwen SM , Maar M , Macias D , Mousing EA , Almroth-Rosell E , Sailley SF , Spence MA , Troost TA , van de Wolfshaar K
Published: November 2020

The aphorism, ‘All models are wrong, but some models are useful’, originally referred to statistical models, but is now used for scientific models in general. When presenting results from a marine simulation model, this statement effectively stops discussions about the quality of the model, as there is always another observation to mismatch, and thereby another confirmation why the model cannot be trusted. It is common that observations are less challenged and are often viewed as a ‘gold standard’ for judging models, whereas proper interpretations and the true value of models are often overlooked. Models are not perfect, and there are many examples where models are used improperly to provide misleading answers with great confidence, but to what extent does an observation represent the truth? The precision of the observational gear may be high, but what about representativeness? The interpretation of observations is simply another model, but this time not coded in a computer language but rather formed by the individual observer. We submit that it would be more productive to initiate a process where the norm is that models and observations are joined to strengthen both. In the end, neither method is the goal, but both are useful tools for disclosing the truth. Biased views on either observational or modeling approaches would limit us from achieving this goal.
Nearshore ecosystems on seabird islands are potentially influenced by invasive predator eradications and environmental conditions: a case study at the Mercury Islands, New Zealand
Authors: Rankin LL , Jones HP
Published: November 2020

Seabirds maintain island ecosystem function by providing rich marine-derived nutrients to the islands where they nest. These nutrients are returned to the sea through runoff, fertilizing the nearshore environment. Invasive predators disrupt this bottom-up control by decimating seabird populations. While invasive predator eradications lead to terrestrial recovery on seabird islands, there is little information on the nearshore impact. We determined how nearshore macroalgae communities and seabird-derived nitrogen concentrations are influenced by predator eradications and environmental parameters (sampling depth, season, wave exposure, and runoff). This case study examined 4 islands in the Mercury Islands archipelago, representing 3 eradication histories: never invaded by mammalian predators, eradicated over 30 yr ago, and eradicated 2 yr ago. Macroalgal diversity was highest at never-invaded islands, followed by islands in order of eradication year (eradicated 30 and 2 yr ago). The amount of seabird-derived nitrogen (δ15N) in algae was higher during the rainy season and decreased with sampling depth and wave exposure. Sampling near high runoff points resulted in increased δ15N in red algae alone. Never-invaded islands had the highest δ15N in most species. With species found at both eradicated islands, the recently eradicated island had unexpectedly higher δ15N than the island eradicated over 30 yr ago. This discrepancy may be a result of the recently eradicated island’s large size and presence of streams, estuaries, and sheltered bays. Studying nearshore habitats is crucial in understanding the extent to which seabirds act as a conduit of the land-sea interface and the marine impacts of island management.
Implementation of Inclusive Child Friendly Primary Schools Policy in Nyandarua County, Kenya
Authors: Wahungu Daniel Kirogo , Oanda Ibrahim , Wawire Violet
Published: November 2020

The main problem addressed by this study was the implementation of inclusive child friendly primary schools policy in Nyandarua County. The Inclusive Child Friendly Schools (CFS) policy has become the vehicle through which the government is providing quality education for all children in school by creating a learning environment where all children can learn, all children want to learn, and all children feel included in the classrooms and schools. However, studies show that the conditions in schools are not adequately adapted to accommodate the diversity of learners and even many more children of school going age are left out of school. These challenges generated the objectives of the study which were to examine the practice in public primary schools in line with the inclusive CFS policy and suggestion of appropriate strategies for implementation of inclusive CFS in public primary schools. To achieve this, the study utilized a descriptive survey using both qualitative and quantitative methods. Data collection instruments entailed questionnaires, interview schedule, focus group discussions, observation schedule and document analysis which were first piloted to improve validity and reliability and the accruing data was then analyzed thematically as per the study objectives. The findings of the study indicated that there was a substantial gap between CFS policy expectations and its actual day to day practice in the schools. Schools had the CFS messages engraved but had not made a significant alteration in the line with the policy. From these study findings, the paper presented several policy recommendations including adopting CFS policy to internal contexts so that individual schools look for ways of developing and utilizing selfassessment indicators of CFS at the school levels. Though the area of CFS is relatively new, it was hoped the study could shed light on the way forward for inclusive child friendly school programme in Kenya.
Implantable and Injectable Biomaterial Scaffolds for Cancer Immunotherapy
Authors: Li Jie , Luo Yiqian , Li Baoqin , Xia Yuanliang , Wang Hengyi , Fu Changfeng
Published: November 2020

Cancer immunotherapy has become an emerging strategy recently producing durable immune responses in patients with varieties of malignant tumors. However, the main limitation for the broad application of immunotherapies still to reduce side effects by controlling and regulating the immune system. In order to improve both efficacy and safety, biomaterials have been applied to immunotherapies for the specific modulation of immune cells and the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Recently, researchers have constantly developed biomaterials with new structures, properties and functions. This review provides the most recent advances in the delivery strategies of immunotherapies based on localized biomaterials, focusing on the implantable and injectable biomaterial scaffolds. Finally, the challenges and prospects of applying implantable and injectable biomaterial scaffolds in the development of future cancer immunotherapies are discussed.
Brahma-Related Gene 1 Deficiency in Endothelial Cells Ameliorates Vascular Inflammatory Responses in Mice
Authors: Zhang Yuanyuan , Wang Huidi , Song Mingzi , Xu Tongchang , Chen Xuyang , Li Tianfa , Wu Teng
Published: November 2020

Endothelial dysfunction plays an important role in promoting the progression of disease genesis such as atherosclerosis and abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). The physiological unbalance of endothelial cells is a major pathological basis. In this present study, we investigated Brahma-related gene 1 (BRG1), a chromatin remodeling protein, was in mouse models of diabetic atherosclerosis and AAA, focusing on its role in endothelial dysfunction. We report that compared with their wild-type (WT, ApoE–/–; BRG1fl/fl) littermates, endothelium conditional BRG1 knockout mice (CKO, ApoE–/–; BRG1fl/fl; CDH5-cre) exhibited an alleviated phenotype of diabetic atherosclerosis. Immunohistochemically staining and real-time PCR analysis demonstrated fewer macrophages recruitment with a reduction of vascular inflammatory in CKO mice compared with WT mice. Further research in the Ang-II induced AAA model revealed that BRG1 deficiency had the protective effects on endothelium conditional BRG1 deletion, evidenced by the downregulation of pro-inflammatory mediators [interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6, not tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)] in the vessels of CKO mice compared with WT mice. In Ea.hy926 cell lines, anti-BRG1 small interfering RNA and PFI-3 treatment obviously alleviated tumor necrosis factor-α-induced IL-6 and CCL2 expression, and further research demonstrated that the BRG1 inhibition in endothelial cells not only decreased c-Fos expression but also blocked the c-Fos translocation into nuclei. In conclusion, our results suggest that endothelial BRG1 deficiency may protect the mice from diabetic atherosclerosis and AAA via inhibiting inflammatory response in vessels.
Proton Transfer and Nitro Rotation Tuned Photoisomerization of Artificial Base Pair-ZP
Authors: Cui Xixi , Zhao Yu , Li Zhibing , Meng Qingtian , Zhang Changzhe
Published: November 2020

Recently, the successful incorporation of artificial base pairs in genetics has made a significant progress in synthetic biology. The present work reports the proton transfer and photoisomerization of unnatural base pair ZP, which is synthesized from the pyrimidine analog 6-amino-5-nitro-3-(1-β-D-2′-deoxyribo-furanosyl)-2 (1H)-pyridone (Z) and paired with its Watson-Crick complement, the purine analog 2-amino-8-(1′-β-D-2′- deoxyribofuranosyl)-imidazo[1,2-a]-1,3,5-triazin-4(8H)-one (P). To explain the mechanism of proton transfer process, we constructed the relaxed potential energy surfaces (PESs) linking the different tautomers in both gas phase and solution. Our results show that the double proton transfer in the gas phase occurs in a concerted way both in S0 and S1 states, while the stepwise mechanism becomes more favorable in solution. The solvent effect can promote the single proton transfer, which undergoes a lower energy barrier in S1 state due to the strengthened hydrogen bond. In contrast to the excited state ultrafast deactivation process of the natural bases, there is no conical intersection between S0 and S1 states along the proton transfer coordinate to activate the decay mechanism in ZP. Of particular relevance to the photophysical properties, charge-transfer character is obviously related to the nitro rotation in S1 state. We characterized the molecular vibration effect on the electronic properties, which reveals the electronic excitation can be tuned by the rotation-induced structural distortion accompanied with the electron localization on nitro group.
Foundation and Clinical Evaluation of a New Method for Detecting SARS-CoV-2 Antigen by Fluorescent Microsphere Immunochromatography
Authors: Zhang Chunyan , Zhou Lei , Du Kang , Zhang Ying , Wang Jing , Chen Lijuan , Lyu Yanning , Li Jun , Liu Hao , Huo Junli , Li Fei , Wang Jiayi , Sang Peipei , Lin Si , Xiao Yi , Zhang Kan , He Kunlun
Published: November 2020

Purpose

To develop a rapid detection reagent for SARS-CoV-2 antigen for the auxiliary diagnosis of new coronary pneumonia (COVID-19), and perform the methodological evaluation and clinical evaluation of the reagent.

Method

SARS-CoV-2 N-protein test strip was created by combining fluorescent microsphere labeling technology and immunochromatographic technology, based on the principle of double antibody sandwich. Then we evaluated the analytical capability and clinical application of the strips.

Result

The limit of detection of the strips for recombinant N protein was 100 ng/ml and for activated SARS -CoV-2 virus was 1 × 103 TCID50/ml. The strips also have high analytical specificity and anti-interference capability. According to the predetermined cut-off value, the specificity of the test strip in healthy controls and patients with other respiratory disease was 100.00 and 97.29%, the sensitivity in COVID-19 cases at progress stage and cured stage was 67.15 and 7.02%. The positive percentage agreement and negative percentage agreement of antigen strip to RNA test were 83.16 and 94.45%.

Conclusion

SARS-CoV-2 fluorescence immunochromatographic test strip can achieve fast, sensitive and accurate detection, which can meet the clinical requirements for rapid detection of viruses on the spot.
Mini Review: Clinical Routine Microbiology in the Era of Automation and Digital Health
Authors: Leo Stefano , Cherkaoui Abdessalam , Renzi Gesuele , Schrenzel Jacques
Published: November 2020

Clinical microbiology laboratories are the first line to combat and handle infectious diseases and antibiotic resistance, including newly emerging ones. Although most clinical laboratories still rely on conventional methods, a cascade of technological changes, driven by digital imaging and high-throughput sequencing, will revolutionize the management of clinical diagnostics for direct detection of bacteria and swift antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Importantly, such technological advancements occur in the golden age of machine learning where computers are no longer acting passively in data mining, but once trained, can also help physicians in making decisions for diagnostics and optimal treatment administration. The further potential of physically integrating new technologies in an automation chain, combined to machine-learning-based software for data analyses, is seducing and would indeed lead to a faster management in infectious diseases. However, if, from one side, technological advancement would achieve a better performance than conventional methods, on the other side, this evolution challenges clinicians in terms of data interpretation and impacts the entire hospital personnel organization and management. In this mini review, we discuss such technological achievements offering practical examples of their operability but also their limitations and potential issues that their implementation could rise in clinical microbiology laboratories.
Quantitative and Qualitative Assessment of Adhesive Thrombo-Fibrotic Lead Encapsulations (TFLE) of Pacemaker and ICD Leads in Arrhythmia Patients—A Post Mortem Study
Authors: Keiler Jonas , Schulze Marko , Dreger Ronja , Springer Armin , Öner Alper , Wree Andreas
Published: November 2020

The demand for cardiac implantable electronic devices for arrhythmia therapy is still unabated and rising. Despite onward optimizations, lead-related problems such as infections or fractures often necessitate lead extraction. Due to adhesive thrombo-fibrotic lead encapsulations (TFLE) transvenous lead extraction is challenging and risky. However, knowledge on TFLEs and possible correlations with technical lead parameters and dwelling time (DT) were hitherto insufficiently studied. Therefore, we analyzed TFLEs of 62 lead from 35 body donor corpses to gain information for a potential lead design optimization. We examined both TFLE topography on the basis on anatomical landmarks and histo-morphological TFLE characteristics by means of histological paraffin sections and scanning electron microscopy of decellularized samples. The macroscopic analysis revealed that all leads were affected by TFLEs, mainly in the lead bearing veins. Half (47.2%) of the right-ventricular leads possessed adhesions to the tricuspid valve. On average, 49.9 ± 21.8% of the intravascular lead length was covered by TFLE of which 82.8 ± 16.2% were adhesive wall bindings (WB). The discrete TFLEs with at least one WB portion had a mean length of 95.0 ± 64.3 mm and a maximum of 200 mm. Neither sex, DT nor certain technical lead parameters showed distinct tendencies to promote or prevent TFLE. TFLE formation seems to start early in the first 1–2 weeks after implantation. The degree of fibrotization of the TFLE, starting with a thrombus, was reflected by the amount of compacted collagenous fibers and likewise largely independent from DT. TFLE thickness often reached several hundred micrometers. Calcifications were occasionally seen and appeared irregularly along the TFLE sheath. Leadless pacemaker systems have the advantage to overcome the problem with TFLEs but hold their own specific risks and limitations which are not fully known yet.
Preoperative Imaging Risk Findings for Postoperative New Stroke in Patients With Acute Type A Aortic Dissection
Authors: Zhao Hongliang , Guo Fan , Xu Jingji , Zhu Yuanqiang , Wen Didi , Duan Weixun , Zheng Minwen
Published: November 2020

Background: Stroke is a common postoperative complication in patients with acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD). We aimed to explore the preoperative imaging risk findings for postoperative new stroke in patients with ATAAD.

Methods: From January 2015 to December 2018, 174 patients with ATAAD who underwent preoperative aortic computed tomography angiography (CTA) and cerebral diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) as well as postoperative brain CT were included, and divided into DWI (+) and DWI (–) groups. Pre- and intraoperative variables were collected, and logistic regression analysis was used to determine the independent risk predictors of postoperative new stroke.

Results: The incidence of postoperative new stroke was 18.4% (32/174) in patients with ATAAD. Postoperative stroke was detected in 13 (31.0%) patients in the DWI (+) group and in 19 (14.4%) patients in the DWI (–) group with significant difference (P = 0.016). In the DWI (+) group, the lesions of the cerebral infarction located in the unilateral cerebral hemisphere and distributed more than three lobes (P = 0.007) were an independent risk factor for postoperative new stroke. Hypotension (P = 0.002), retrograde ascending aorta dissection with thrombosis of the false lumen (P = 0.010), aortic arch entry (P = 0.035), and coronary artery involvement (P = 0.001) were independent risk factors for postoperative stroke in the DWI (–) cohort.

Conclusions: Patients with ATAAD with cerebral infarction are more likely to develop postoperative new stroke; thus, a preoperative DWI examination may be necessary. DWI lesions distributed more than 3 lobes in the unilateral hemisphere suggest a high possibility of postoperative stroke. For patients with ATAAD with normal brain, particular attention should be given to the CTA findings of false lumen thrombosis, aortic arch entry, and coronary artery involvement to avoid postoperative stroke.
Potential Role and Prognostic Value of Erythropoietin Levels in Patients With Severe Aortic Stenosis Undergoing Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement
Authors: Mas-Peiro Silvia , Seppelt Philipp C. , De Rosa Roberta , Murray Marie-Isabel , Yogarajah Jörg , Berkowitsch Alexander , Fichtlscherer Stephan , Zeiher Andreas M. , Vasa-Nicotera Mariuca
Published: November 2020

Background: Both EPO levels and anemia have shown prognostic value in several cardiac disorders. An observational study with a prospective follow-up was performed to investigate their independent prognostic roles in severe aortic stenosis.

Methods: An up to 36-month follow-up of consecutive patients with severe aortic stenosis undergoing TAVR in a high-volume center was performed. Patients with eGRF <30 mL/min/1.73 m2 were excluded. EPO levels and/or anemia status and its association with mid-term mortality were assessed.

Results: Out of 407, 360 met eligibility criteria. Median age was 83 years, with 71.4% having a NYHA class III/IV. Anemia was present in 51.9%, and iron deficiency in 52.8%. Median (IQR) EPO levels were 14.4 (9.30–24.30) mIU/mL. Median follow-up was 566 days. Anemia was associated with overall mortality (HR 2.40, 95% CI 1.51–3.80, p < 0.001). Higher logEPO levels were associated with mid-term mortality (HR 4.05, 95% CI 2.29–7.16, p < 0.001), even after adjusting for clinically and/or statistically relevant factors (multivariate HR 2.25, 95 CI 1.09–4.66, p = 0.029). Kaplan-Meier analyses showed early diverging curves for anemia vs. non-anemia, whereas curves for patients in various EPO level quartiles started to diverge at about 100 days, with differences consistently increasing during the subsequent entire follow-up period.

Conclusions: Differently from anemia, which was a strong predictor for both early and late mortality in severe aortic stenosis after TAVR, independent prognostic value of EPO only emerged after post-TAVR recovery. EPO prognostic value was independent from anemia and mild-to-moderate renal dysfunction. High EPO levels could be useful to identify patients with severe aortic stenosis showing a compromised mid-term survival in spite of TAVR use and independently from early TAVR results.
Osteopontin and LDLR Are Upregulated in Hearts of Sudden Cardiac Death Victims With Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction and Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Patel Mausam , Rodriguez Daniela , Yousefi Keyvan , John-Williams Krista , Mendez Armando J. , Goldberg Ronald B. , Lymperopoulos Anastasios , Tamariz Leonardo J. , Goldberger Jeffrey J. , Myerburg Robert J. , Junttila Juhani , Shehadeh Lina A.
Published: November 2020

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is associated with increased risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD), particularly in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). However, there are no known biomarkers in the population with DM and HFpEF to predict SCD risk.

Objectives: This study was designed to test the hypothesis that osteopontin (OPN) and some proteins previously correlated with OPN, low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR), dynamin 2 (DNM2), fibronectin-1 (FN1), and 2-oxoglutarate dehydrogenase-like (OGDHL), are potential risk markers for SCD, and may reflect modifiable molecular pathways in patients with DM and HFpEF.

Methods: Heart tissues were obtained at autopsy from 9 SCD victims with DM and HFpEF and 10 age and gender-matched accidental death control subjects from a Finnish SCD registry and analyzed for the expression of OPN and correlated proteins, including LDLR, DNM2, FN1, and OGDHL by immunohistochemistry.

Results: We observed a significant upregulation in the expression of OPN, LDLR, and FN1, and a marked downregulation of DNM2 in heart tissues of SCD victims with DM and HFpEF as compared to control subjects (p < 0.01).

Conclusions: The dysregulated protein expression of OPN, LDLR, FN1, and DNM2 in patients with DM and HFpEF who experienced SCD provides novel potential modifiable molecular pathways that may be implicated in the pathogenesis of SCD in these patients. Since secreted OPN and soluble LDLR can be measured in plasma, these results support the value of further prospective studies to assess the predictive value of these plasma biomarkers and to determine whether tuning expression levels of OPN and LDLR alters SCD risk in patients with DM and HFpEF.
Deciphering Coral Disease Dynamics: Integrating Host, Microbiome, and the Changing Environment
Authors: Vega Thurber Rebecca , Mydlarz Laura D. , Brandt Marilyn , Harvell Drew , Weil Ernesto , Raymundo Laurie , Willis Bette L. , Langevin Stan , Tracy Allison M. , Littman Raechel , Kemp Keri M. , Dawkins Phoebe , Prager Katherine C. , Garren Melissa , Lamb Joleah
Published: November 2020

Diseases of tropical reef organisms is an intensive area of study, but despite significant advances in methodology and the global knowledge base, identifying the proximate causes of disease outbreaks remains difficult. The dynamics of infectious wildlife diseases are known to be influenced by shifting interactions among the host, pathogen, and other members of the microbiome, and a collective body of work clearly demonstrates that this is also the case for the main foundation species on reefs, corals. Yet, among wildlife, outbreaks of coral diseases stand out as being driven largely by a changing environment. These outbreaks contributed not only to significant losses of coral species but also to whole ecosystem regime shifts. Here we suggest that to better decipher the disease dynamics of corals, we must integrate more holistic and modern paradigms that consider multiple and variable interactions among the three major players in epizootics: the host, its associated microbiome, and the environment. In this perspective, we discuss how expanding the pathogen component of the classic host-pathogen-environment disease triad to incorporate shifts in the microbiome leading to dysbiosis provides a better model for understanding coral disease dynamics. We outline and discuss issues arising when evaluating each component of this trio and make suggestions for bridging gaps between them. We further suggest that to best tackle these challenges, researchers must adjust standard paradigms, like the classic one pathogen-one disease model, that, to date, have been ineffectual at uncovering many of the emergent properties of coral reef disease dynamics. Lastly, we make recommendations for ways forward in the fields of marine disease ecology and the future of coral reef conservation and restoration given these observations.
Phenotypic Heterogeneity in Tumor Progression, and Its Possible Role in the Onset of Cancer
Authors: Deshmukh Saniya , Saini Supreet
Published: November 2020

Heterogeneity among isogenic cells/individuals has been known for at least 150 years. Even Mendel, working on pea plants, realized that not all tall plants were identical. However, Mendel was more interested in the discontinuous variation between genetically distinct individuals. The concept of environment dictating distinct phenotypes among isogenic individuals has since been shown to impact the evolution of populations in numerous examples at different scales of life. In this review, we discuss how phenotypic heterogeneity and its evolutionary implications exist at all levels of life, from viruses to mammals. In particular, we discuss how a particular disease condition (cancer) is impacted by heterogeneity among isogenic cells, and propose a potential role that phenotypic heterogeneity might play toward the onset of the disease.
The cGAS-STING Pathway in Hematopoiesis and Its Physiopathological Significance
Authors: Liao Weinian , Du Changhong , Wang Junping
Published: November 2020

Cytosolic DNA sensing is a fundamental mechanism by which organisms handle various stresses, including infection and genotoxicity. The hematopoietic system is sensitive to stresses, and hematopoietic changes are often rapid and the first response to stresses. Based on the transcriptome database, cytosolic DNA sensing pathways are widely expressed in the hematopoietic system, and components of these pathways may be expressed at even higher levels in hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) than in their certain progeny immune cells. Recent studies have described a previously unrecognized role for cytosolic DNA sensing pathways in the regulation of hematopoiesis under both homeostatic and stress conditions. In particular, the recently discovered cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS)-stimulator of interferon genes (STING) pathway is a critical modulator of hematopoiesis. Perturbation of the cGAS-STING pathway in HSPCs may be involved in the pathogenesis of hematopoietic disorders, autoimmune diseases, and inflammation-related diseases and may be candidate therapeutic targets. In this review, we focus on the recent findings of the cGAS-STING pathway in the regulation of hematopoiesis, and its physiopathological significance including its implications in diseases and therapeutic potential.
Treatment Progress of Immune Checkpoint Blockade Therapy for Glioblastoma
Authors: Zhang Na , Wei Li , Ye Meng , Kang Chunsheng , You Hua
Published: November 2020

Glioblastoma (GBM) is a highly malignant and aggressive primary brain tumor mostly prevalent in adults and is associated with a very poor prognosis. Moreover, only a few effective treatment regimens are available due to their rapid invasion of the brain parenchyma and resistance to conventional therapy. However, the fast development of cancer immunotherapy and the remarkable survival benefit from immunotherapy in several extracranial tumor types have recently paved the way for numerous interventional studies involving GBM patients. The recent success of checkpoint blockade therapy, targeting immunoinhibitory proteins such as programmed cell death protein-1 and/or cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen-4, has initiated a paradigm shift in clinical and preclinical investigations, and the use of immunotherapy for solid tumors, which would be a potential breakthrough in the field of drug therapy for the GBM treatment. However clinical trial showed limited benefits for GBM patients. The main reason is drug resistance. This review summarizes the clinical research progress of immune checkpoint molecules and inhibitors, introduces the current research status of immune checkpoint inhibitors in the field of GBM, analyzes the molecular resistance mechanism of checkpoint blockade therapy, proposes corresponding re-sensitive strategies, and describes a reference for the design and development of subsequent clinical studies on immunotherapy for GBM.
ORMDL3 and Asthma: Linking Sphingolipid Regulation to Altered T Cell Function
Authors: Luthers Christopher R. , Dunn Teresa M. , Snow Andrew L.
Published: November 2020

Orosomucoid like 3 (ORMDL3) encodes an ER-resident transmembrane protein that regulates the activity of serine palmitoyltransferase (SPT), the first and rate-limiting enzyme for sphingolipid biosynthesis in cells. A decade ago, several genome wide association studies revealed single nucleotide polymorphisms associated with increased ORMDL3 protein expression and susceptibility to allergic asthma. Since that time, numerous studies have investigated how altered ORMDL3 expression might predispose to asthma and other autoimmune/inflammatory diseases. In this brief review, we focus on growing evidence suggesting that heightened ORMDL3 expression specifically in CD4+ T lymphocytes, the central orchestrators of adaptive immunity, constitutes a major underlying mechanism of asthma pathogenesis by skewing their differentiation and function. Furthermore, we explore how sphingolipid modulation in T cells might be responsible for these effects, and how further studies may interrogate this intriguing hypothesis.