bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mechanisms of Cold Signaling in Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
Authors: Liu Qiangbo , Zhang Xiang , Su Ying Hua , Zhang Xian Sheng
Published: April 2022

Cold stress is a major environmental factor affecting the growth, development, and productivity of various crop species. With the current trajectory of global climate change, low temperatures are becoming more frequent and can significantly decrease crop yield. Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is the first crop to be domesticated and is the most popular cereal crop in the world. Due to a lack of systematic research on cold response pathways and gene regulatory networks, the underlying molecular mechanisms of cold signal transduction in wheat are poorly understood. This study reviews recent progress in wheat, including the ICE-CBF-COR signaling pathway in cold stress and the effects of cold stress on hormonal pathways, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and epigenetic regulation. This review also highlights outstanding issues that are crucial for understanding the interactions between wheat and low-temperature conditions.
Анализ динамики эпидемического процесса COVID-19 в мире за неделю с 26.03.2022 г. по 01.04.2022 г.
Authors: Поспелов Михаил , Зимирова Анастасия , Иванова Александра , Чумачкова Елена , Дмитриева Людмила , Карнаухов Игорь , Щербакова Светлана , Кутырев Владимир
Published: April 2022

В обзоре представлен анализ эпидемиологической ситуации в странах мира по COVID-19, за неделю с 26.03.2022 г. по 01.04.2022 г.
Pedagogic Relations: A case study of English Language Learners in a Special Conversation Program
Authors: Sinaga Welen Friade , Ningsih Harni Kartika
Published: April 2022

Classroom interactions between a teacher and students are integral to the successful outcome of learning. However, research related to how knowledge is negotiated through teacher-student interaction is still rarely done, especially in Indonesia. This present article examines teacher-student interactions in a classroom setting during an English language learning organized by an informal institution in Laguboti, North Sumatera. Data were gathered through the observation of a recorded lesson demonstration under the Special Conversation program, involving a teacher and nine students. The video was transcribed and examined using the analytical framework of Pedagogic Registers (Rose, 2018), which focuses on pedagogic relations. The analysis revealed that the teacher conveyed authority throughout the learning process. Patterns of initial-response-feedback (I-R-F) were observed in the teaching, in which the teacher posed questions to engage passive students. In addition, students’ silence was identified as the most common challenge in such interactions. The study discovered that students’ silence urged the teacher to reflect on the challenges faced by the students during the learning process. Finally, it was found that the teacher evaluated learning outcomes by affirming and negating the students’ answers. A further study should be carried out to generate insights into more effective evaluation strategies for English language acquisition.
Enola Holmes Case: An Invasive Pastiche for Embodying a Holmes Sister as the Feministic Detective
Authors: Gooniyah Azani Fitri , Army Adeltirha Yasnu , Muwaffaq Thafhan
Published: April 2022

This paper discusses about how ‘Enola Holmes’ film is a diegetic extension that represents feministic ideas. Intend to explain the relation between the feministic ideas and the concept of postmodernism. It is argued that the narrative of Enola Holmes reuses and recycles narrative of Sherlock Holmes in form of pastiche so to extend the pre-existing grand narrative of Sherlock Holmes. The extension makes it possible to render a portrayal of independent and self-determined female detective.
Students’ Perception of Listening Material in Extensive Listening
Authors: Ni'amah Afi , Kristanti Ika Lusi
Published: April 2022

Extensive listening takes an essential role in improving students’ listening skill. Extensive listening provides or promote students’ comprehension and enjoyment in class activity or listening practices. The success of extensive listening is depended on having easy the access of right materials. The present study examines on students’ perception of listening material in extensive listening. The present study only focuses on the materials are designed for some meeting in extensive listening class. In this regard, the material is meant to provide students with L2 listening proficiency. Allowing the students exploring YouTube channel is destined to have proper and pleasure material. In order to know the suitability and inclination of the material, descriptive qualitative research is conducted. This study undertakes interview to students who have participated in extensive listening class. The research findings reveal that the students’ perception on listening material are: 1) listening material motivates and engage students in listening skill, 2) students are very enthusiasm in discussing material of their own choice, and 3) extensive listening material is appropriate for listening practices. Because the material in extensive listening can expand their knowledge about the topic that they have chosen, enhance their word recognition in speech, and explores students’ ability regarding normal speech rate.
LA EVOCACIÓN DE UNA DENOMINACIÓN DE ORIGEN A TRAVÉS DE SIGNOS GRÁFICOS.
Authors: Pomares Caballero Mario
Published: April 2022

La sentencia del TJUE de 2 de mayo de 2019, en el asunto C-614/17, supone un avance importantísimo en la interpretación del concepto de evocación de una  denominación de origen o indicación geográfica, proscrita por el artículo 13 del Reglamento 1151/2012 , sobre la protección de las indicaciones geográficas y de las denominaciones de origen de los productos agrícolas y alimenticios.
SOBRE LA CALIFICACIÓN DE LA VÁLIDA CONSTITUCIÓN DE LA JUNTA GENERAL EN EL ACTA NOTARIAL DEL ARTÍCULO 203 DEL TRLSC.
Authors: Gómez-Riesco Tabernero de Paz Juan
Published: April 2022

Dado el carácter fundamental de los requisitos formales y sustantivos de la celebración de la junta de socios para la validez de la misma y de sus acuerdos, una de las cuestiones prácticas que resulta preciso abordar en detalle es, ante sus posibles defectos, cuál es el alcance de la declaración de validez de la constitución de la junta general realizada por su presidente - mención que, necesariamente, debe formar parte del acta notarial de la junta del artículo 203 del texto refundido de la Ley de Sociedades de Capital, aprobado por Real Decreto Legislativo de 1/2010, de 2 de julio (en adelante “TRLSC”), según el artículo 102.1.2ª del  Reglamento del Registro Mercantil, aprobado por Real Decreto Real Decreto 1784/1996, de 19 de julio (en adelante “RRM”)-.
Análisis bibliométrico y temático de la producción científica sobre psicología social relacionada con los efectos de las drogas
Authors: Barceló-Sánchez Laura , Pons-Calatayud Nieves , Sanz-Valero Javier
Published: April 2022

Análisis bibliométrico y temático la producción sobre psicología social relacionada con los efectos de las drogas. Los datos se obtuvieron de la base de datos MEDLINE, empleando el MeSH, “Psychology, Social” como Major Topic, junto con el Subheadings “/drug effects”. Fecha de la búsqueda: diciembre 2014.
Se obtuvieron 579 referencias. El número de originales fue de 568 (98,10%), identificando 196 instituciones, con Índice de Cooperación de 3,63±0.09 autores/artículo. El idioma predominante fue el inglés con 564 (97,41%) artículos. La obsolescencia, según el Índice de Burton-Kebler fue de 13 años y el Índice de Price del 21,42%. El núcleo de Bradford lo constituyeron 4 revistas. La clasificación temática se determinó mediante 730 Descriptores.
Se concluye la existencia de alta obsolescencia y orientación anglófona. Relación institucional e índice de corporación bajos. El acceso a la fuente primaria mejora a lo largo del tiempo, en línea a la iniciativa de acceso abierto. La producción está recogida en unas pocas revistas de alto impacto. La clasificación temática cumple con la materia investigada, en especial en la época más actual.
The Phenomenon of Memory in the Era of the Crisis of Technogenic Civilization
Authors:   State Academic University of the Humanities, Sabancheev Rustam Yu.
Published: April 2022

The article analyzes the influence of the modern anthropological crisis on the sphere of memory. The author of the text examines the concept of “technogenic civilization” by Academician V. Stepin, proceeding from the existing trends in memorial discourse. Under “technogenic civilization” Stepin understands not only the search for production solutions but also social technologies, new for­mats of communication. In this regard, memory also becomes part of the general list of technologies, which means it is subjected to crisis processes. The article is based on the works of Z. Freud, V. Benjamin, G.G. Shpet, and others. The author, analyzing the collected material, concludes that, in contrast to traditional soci­eties, in modern technogenic civilization, the very way of memorizing and re­membering is changing; the approach to memory, its perception both in society and in science, is changing. In addition, it is emphasized that at the beginning of the 21st century, several threats arise in relation to memory as a cultural and his­torical phenomenon in connection with the development of new technologies and comprehensive digitalization inherent in societies moving to the post-indus­trial phase. For example, today, the most likely transformation of ideas about sources, a change in approaches to working with materials that form the basis for historical research. The fate of the modern communication format, which differs from the already traditional epistolary genre, remains not entirely clear. Com­pletely new formats of narrative, which are also influenced by current trends, also require a particular approach. The new reality requires an answer to a wide range of challenges, which are associated, among other things, with the model of a market economy and globalization processes.
Rural households Vulnerability to Covariate and Idiosyncratic Shocks using multilevel longitudinal Model: Evidence from Ethiopia
Authors: Tigabu Yalfal Temesgen , Aredo Mengistu Ketema , Ademe Alelign
Published: April 2022

The economic reports on income inequality, poverty, and other welfare indicators are relevant if it was supported by the evidence of income traps because rural households in developing countries were frequently hit by several shocks. This study intended to investigate the households’ vulnerability to covariate and idiosyncratic shocks in Ethiopia using three waves of the household panel survey for the period of 2011-2016. The study applied a three-level mixed effect model for analysis. The result of the three-level mixed effect model points out that both covariate and idiosyncratic shocks) were found to influence household consumption and covariate shocks are a relatively larger and more significant effect on households’ consumption than idiosyncratic shocks. Based on the finding of this study, it is suggested that the implementation of different policies that address factors contributing vulnerability to covariate and idiosyncratic shocks of rural households in Ethiopia.
Electromyographic analysis of selected muscles in healthy participants wearing knee braces during activities of daily living
Authors: Alrawashdeh Waleed , Siebers Hannah Lena , Rath Björn , Eschweiler Jörg
Published: April 2022

Objective:To investigate the effect of different adjustments of the unloader brace on muscle activity for the vastus medial, biceps femoris, gastrocnemius medialis, and anterior tibialis in the same leg during daily life activity.Methods: Twenty-five healthy participants wearing unloaded OA braces (valgus, varus) performed the activity of daily living (ADL) which include 10 meters walking test (10MWT) and stair climbing (STC). Electromyography and anatomic angle data were recorded by the Noraxon system. Seven trials were performed (1) without the brace, (2) with a valgus brace without adjustment (Lv0), (3) with a valgus brace with level 1 adjustment (Lv1), (4) with a valgus brace with level 2 adjustment (Lv2), and the same last 3 measurements for varus adjustments. Results:No significant differences were found between the different adjustments in both tests, except in the biceps femoris during the swing phase in the case of stair climbing. Conclusion:Knee braces are recommended use for patients who suffer from osteoarthritis (OA), to support their knees. The brace adjustments don’t have any effect on muscle activity or knee flexion in case the patient was asked to increase the level of the brace.
Anthocyanin-Rich Black Carrot (Daucus Carota Ssp. Sativus Var. Atrorubens Alef.) and Red Cabbage (Brassica Oleracea) Extracts Incorporated Biosensor for Colorimetric Detection of Helicobacter Pylori with Color Image Processing
Authors: Sezgin Gulten Can , Ocsoy Ismail
Published: April 2022

In this work, we have developed black carrot (Daucus Carota Ssp. Sativus Var. Atrorubens Alef.) and red cabbage (Brassica Oleracea) extracts containing major anthocyanins groups incorporated a novel colorimetric biosensor for rapid, sensitive and economic detection of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). We comparatively used two test solutions fixed to pH 2.5 including anthocyanins rich black carrot extract (Anth@BCE) and red cabbage extract (Anth@RCE) in H. pylori and investigated their colorimetric responses based on electronic structure and electron density of anthocyanins. As an additional study, colorimetric differences observed by naked eyes were supported by color image processing with RGB (Red Green Blue) and Delta-E analysis. The findings proposed that these tests can be effectively transferred from laboratories work to clinics.
Topic: Complications and side effects of dental whitening procedures
Authors: Robo Ilma , Heta Saimir , Spiro Kristi , Ostreni Vera
Published: April 2022

Dental whitening as an increasingly demanded treatment by patients, is already a dental procedure introduced into a routine process in dental clinics.Against the demand, there is the aesthetic expectation of the patients, both elements that make the dentist more responsible towards the application of whitening material with the right quality, stored and transported in the right thermal conditions, applied with the right stages according to the treatment protocol.The study aims to collect published information on dental whitening, information on treatment methods, indications, dental contraindications. Finding the right keywords for the online search of the published literature completes the first stage of the study, followed by finding the logical correlation of these same words to arrive at the most key articles published on the subject. The items included in the review are then divided depending on the whitening material used in patients, depending on treatment method, finally depending on the side effects to reach conclusions on the advantages and disadvantages of whitening dental technique, more sought after by patients, especially recently when aesthetics and dental beauty is part of aesthetics and bodily beauty, valued as a whole.
Optimisation of substrate to seed inoculum ratio for enhanced biogas production using vegetable wastes
Authors: C Prem Ananth Surendran , palani Shanmugam
Published: April 2022

The present study optimized the substrate to seed inoculum (S/I) ratio and evaluated its influence on biogas yield using mixed vegetable market complex waste (VMCW). The batch biochemical methane potential (BMP) experiment was conducted at mesophilic conditions using varying S/I ratio of 1:1, 2:1, 3:1, 4:1, 5:1 and the results were compared with the control reactor. An increasing trend in cumulative biogas yield was observed with increase in S/I ratio until 3:1 and a further increase of the same depicted a reduced cumulative biogas yield, which is attributed to Volatile Fatty Acid (VFA) accumulated toxicity beyond 3:1 (4:1 and 5:1) S/I ratio. The daily and cumulative biogas yield maxima were observed as 122 mL/day on 9th day and 1631 mL at 3:1 S/I ratio, whereas the minima were recorded as 22 mL/day on 33rd day and 316 mL in the control reactor respectively. The observed fivefold higher cumulative biogas yield at 3:1 S/I ratio than the control reactor was attributed to an optimum oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) of -390 mV to -103 mV. This was also confirmed from the observed high R2 between ORP and pH (0.9061), pH and VFA (0.6383), VFA and alkalinity (0.8024), alkalinity and ammonia (0.9189) and volatile solids removed (VSr) and specific methane yield/gm VSr (0.61) in the 3:1 S/I ratio than the other ratios experimented. Thus, this study concludes the pre-acclimatised anaerobic seed inoculum of 3:1 S/I ratio favoured an enhanced biogas yield for VMCW.
A Meteorological Drought Index-Based Approach: A Spatial and Temporal Investigation of Wet and Dry Period Trends in Bangladesh between 1980 and 2018.
Authors: Sarker Md. Aminur Rahman , Ansar Saifullah Bin , Esraz-Ul-Zannat Md. , Sarkar Showmitra Kumar
Published: April 2022

Drought is a stochastic climatic phenomenon that has detrimental and widespread effects that spread throughout the local community, the global economy, and ecological environments. Consideration of wet and dry periods' calculations through various drought indices has extensive consequences for better understanding and monitoring drought intensities over considering periods. As a high chance of implausibility could occur in predicting drought events, trend detection during wet and dry periods could play a vital role in assessing future events and providing a necessary equitable understanding of the events' variability. Although these event trend lines are statistically independent, they could be found to have a significant correlation in time lags. With the help of historical meteorological data (1980–2018) over Bangladesh, three drought monitoring indices were used to monitor wet and dry periods in this study, including SPI, PNPI, and ZSI. Besides, to detect the trend of wet and dry periods in time series, the Mann-Kendall nonparametric test has been used. The results reveal that, through the Mann-Kendall test, the trend of wet and dry periods was negative in the majority of total stations. A total of eight stations among thirty selected stations showing increasing and decreasing trends were significant at the 95% confidence level, respectively. Serial correlation was used for better understanding and detecting non-randomness in rainfall data and drought indices, and it was found that rainfall and drought indices were dependent on small serial correlation lags. Moreover, a significant correlation was found on lag-1 coefficient values, which justified the preceding claim. The Theil-Sen slope estimator remarkably captured the changes in trend lines.
Analytical Optimization of Extraction Parameters to Produce High-Yield Low Methoxy Pectin with Significant Bioactivity
Authors: Uslu Cemile , Yeniterzi Dilara , Narin Sümeyye , Gülseren Gülcihan
Published: April 2022

The pectin isolation technique from sugar beet pulp was optimized to acquire high-quality bioactive pectin with the highest yield and low esterification degree. The influence of each isolation parameter on the success of pectin production was investigated by analytical characterization methods. With this step-by-step analytic investigation, we could be able to achieve ~ 45% yield with a ~ 10% low esterification degree. In addition to compositional quality, bioactivity and anticancer profile of the obtained sugar beet pulp pectin (SBPP) was investigated on SaOS-2 osteosarcoma cell line. In comparison with citrus pectin (CP), which is frequently applied pectin derivative as an anticancer agent, SBPP revealed prolonged antiproliferative profile for cancer cells. In addition to proliferation, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) level and Bcl-2 anti-apoptotic gene expression were surveyed in vitro. Interestingly, the lower concentration of SBPP (0.25%) induced a significant rise in intracellular ROS level and anti-apoptotic gene Bcl-2 expression on the contrary to CP. All results demonstrated that different pectin types can lead different biological mechanism of action and the isolated SBPP by using optimized protocol exhibited great potential for biomedical applications without requirement of additional post-modification after isolation.
Single Center Experience of pulmonary thromboendarterectomy for Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension: result from the TUMS-CTEPH registry
Authors: Parvizi Rezayat , Rashidi Farid , Bilehjani Eisa , Mahmoudian Babak , Koohi Ata , Ansarin Khalil
Published: April 2022

Introduction: Pulmonary thromboendarterectomy remains the preferred and potentially curative option for patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH). The objective of this study was to report the result of pulmonary thromboendarterectomy (PEA) for chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) in a single tertiary center.Method: This study presents a analysis of CTEPH patients who underwent PEA enrolled in the Tabriz University of Medical sciences (TUMS-CTEPH) registry. This registry enrolled patients with CTEPH. The main outcome measures were Functional New York Heart Association [NYHA] class, 6‑Minute Walk Distance, hemodynamic measures in right heart catheterization, morbidity and mortality. Results: Here we reported 42 CTEPH patients who underwent PEA between January 2016 to October 2020. There were significant improvement in function class (2.6+-0.5 vs. 1.1+-0.34, p=0.00), mean PAP (47.1+-13 mmHg vs. post 27.9+-8 mmHg, p=0.000), cardiac output ( 4.3+-1.06 l/min vs. post 5.9+-1.2, p= 0.000 ), and pulmonary vascular resistance (709.4+-297.5 dynes • sec 1 • cm 5 vs. 214+-77 dynes • sec 1 • cm 5, p= 0.000 ). Fifteen patients (35%) developed complications. The most common complication was reperfusion injury in 10 (%23) patients. There was 4% post-surgical mortality during hospital admission and one year follow-up. Conclusion: In this first single center report of PEA from Iran, post PEA and one year survival is comparable to that in other contemporary CTEPH centers. PEA can be performed safe with low mortality. Greater awareness of PEA and patients access to experienced CTEPH centers are important aim.
Elevated Serum uric level is a risk factor for Acute Ischemic Stroke: A case control study from Northern India
Authors: Garg Abhishek , Bashar MD. Abu , Kapila Savita
Published: April 2022

Background Elevated Serum uric acid (SUA) is strongly associated with cardiovascular risk factors such as dyslipidemia. It, however, is debated whether it itself is a risk factor of stroke. We therefore investigated the relation between serum UA levels and acute ischemic stroke.Material and Methods A case-control study on patients with acute ischemic stroke presenting at MM Institute of Medical Sciences & Research, Mullana, Haryana, North India was carried out from July, 2019 to September, 2020. The controls consisted of normal individuals attending the OPD similar to the cases in terms of age and gender. Serum levels of uric acid, lipid profile and other biochemical investigations of the cases were carried in the first 24 hours of admission.Results Out of the total 50 cases and 50 controls, 27(54.0%) were males and rest 23(46.0%) were females. Mean ages of the cases and the controls were 60.46 ±12.30 and 60.21±12.12 years respectively. The mean serum uric acid level of the cases was 6.49±2.36 mg/dL whereas mean serum uric acid level of the controls was 5.59±0.98 mg/dL, the difference being statistically significant(p=0.01). Similarly, 22(44.0%) out of the 50 cases were hyperuricemic whereas only 8(16.0%) out of the 50 controls were hyperuricemic, the difference in prevalence being statistically significant too(p=0.002). Dyslipidaemia was found in 40 (80.0%) cases as compared to 10(20.0%) controls(p<0.0001)Conclusion Elevated SUA level is significantly associated with the occurrence of acute ischemic stroke and may be considered a risk factor for acute ischemic stroke.
Binary classification of non-specific low back pain condition based on the combination of B-mode ultrasound and shear wave elastography in multiple sites
Authors: Yu Xiaocheng , Chiang Mou-Hsun , Zhu Guowen , Xu Faying , Liu Zhenhua , Su Lin , Zheng Haiping , Zhou Chen , Chen Qiuming , Gao Fen , Lin Mengting , Xu Xiaohua , Zhou Yongjin
Published: April 2022

Low back pain (LBP) is a problem that raises medical, social and economic concerns. Accurate and timely assessment and diagnosis of LBP, especially non-specific LBP (NSLBP), can help clinicians develop effective interventions and treatments for LBP patients. In this study, we integrated the B-mode ultrasound image feature from multiple sites with the shear wave elastography (SWE) feature of NSLBP patients, and then employed a support vector machines (SVM) model to classify NSLBP patients with the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) as the ground truth. A total of 52 subjects were recruited from the University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, and an optimal feature set with the size of 48 was obtained after feature extraction and feature selection, among which the SWE elasticity feature had most contribution in the classification task. The five-fold cross-validation accuracy, precision and sensitivity were 0.85, 0.89 and 0.86, respectively, higher than the previously reported values of MRI. The experimental results preliminarily demonstrate that the proposed methods can be applied to the automatic classification of NSLBP and find out the important site and position of the muscle in the NSLBP classification task.
Statistical analysis of extreme temperatures in India in the period 1951–2020
Authors: Vieira Flavio Ferraz , Oliveira Manuela Melo , Sanfins Marcos , Garção Eugénio , Dasari Hariprasad , Dodla Venkata , Satyanarayana G.China , Costa Joaquim , Borges José
Published: April 2022

Extreme temperatures are directly related to the occurrence of atmospheric extreme events, such as draughts, wildfires, and pollution level increases in urban areas. Policy makers, as well as society, can address such phenomenon by developing and applying methods which estimate and anticipate maximum temperature occurrences. In this research we aim to develop a spatiotemporal model which analyzes maximum temperature trends values in the Indian 543 microregions between 1951 and 2020. In 27% of those, a maximum temperature above 45°C was observed, at least in a year, with the results of the analysis testifying that 80% of the microregions have an median yearly maximum temperature above 40°C. Additionally, the results unveiled that East, Southwest and Northwest microregions were the ones where the maximum temperatures had a higher increase with 2°C being the average. The model developed is based on a Generalized Extreme Value (GEV) methodology, to estimate the maximum temperature values from 20 to 50 years. The projection for 20 years showed that in 16% of those microregions at least one occurrence of a maximum temperature above 45°C would occur; while in the 50 years one it would happen in 22% of the microregions analyzed.
An electricity-generating bacteria separated from oil sludge microbial fuel cells and its environmental adaptability
Authors: Guo Haiying , Shuixiang Xie , Chunfeng Huang , Shanfa Tang , Xiaoheng Geng , Xinlei Jia
Published: April 2022

Electricity-generating bacteria as biocatalysts for microbial fuel cells (MFCs), and their species and power generation performance determine the performance of the MFC for pollution control and power generation. For that purpose, an electricity-generating bacteria isolated from the oily sludge MFCs, and adjusted the adaptability of nitrogen-to-phosphorus ratio (3.67:1, 4.67:1, 5.67:1, and 6.67:1), temperature (5 ℃, 10 ℃, 15 ℃, 20 ℃, 25 ℃, 30 ℃, 35 ℃) and pH (pH = 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8). The results of this study showed that electricity-generating bacteria was identified as Bacillus cereus, with a rod-shaped cell, about 0.5-1.0 µm in length. The optimal nitrogen-phosphorus ratio, temperature and pH of MFCs were 4.67:1, 25 ℃ and pH = 7, respectively, and its output voltage was up to 168.05 mV. The study of this functional bacteria will provide beneficial assistance for the improvement of oil removal and power generation performance of oily sludge MFCs.
SMC4 enhances the chemoresistance of hepatoma cells by promoting autophagy
Authors: Zhou Bo , Zhang Shi-Ran , Li Jie , Chen Jing-Xiang , Chen Geng , Chen Jun-Ying , Fu Hang-Wei
Published: April 2022

BackgroundDrug resistance is a major factor that contributes to the failure of chemotherapy treatment in primary liver cancer patients. However, the exact mechanism underlying the chemoresistance of primary liver cancer is still unknown. MethodsHepG2 cells were incubated with different concentrations of 5-FU, and the CCK-8 assay was used to test the cell survival rate. The expression level of SMC4 in drug-resistant cells were analyzed by real-time quantitative PCR and Western blotting . Immunofluorescence to detect the LC3B level in HepG2/5-FU cells to assess autophagy. To further study the upstream regulation of miR-219/SMC4, a gene chip assay was performed. A luciferase reporter assay was used to determine whether lncRNA-XIST may function as a competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) for miR-219. Cellular proliferation was evaluated by MTT assays and colony formation assays, wound healing and invasion assays were performed to study the invasion and migration ability of the cells, and flow cytometry assays were also performed to evaluated the apoptosis of the cells.ResultsIn the present study, we established a drug-resistant hepatoma cell line named HepG2/5-FU, and we confirmed that structural maintenance of chromosome 4 (SMC4) may play an important role in hepatoma cell autophagy and could promote autophagy to increase the drug resistance of hepatoma cells. We demonstrated that lncRNA-XIST may competitively bind to miR-219 by acting as a miRNA sponge, thereby preventing miR-219 from effectively reducing the expression of SMC4 and further affecting the autophagy and drug resistance of hepatoma cells.ConclusionOur study suggests that SMC4 may be a potential marker of a poor primary liver cancer response to chemotherapy and a novel therapeutic target for primary liver cancer chemotherapy.
A new polarization direction measurement via local Radon transform and error correction
Authors: Wang Wei , Gao Chao , Yan Xingwei , Shi Jianhua
Published: April 2022

Spatially polarizaion modulation based on the vectorial optical field was widely studied for polarization measurement due to its simple system structure. It was therefore necessary to estimate the polarization direction from the images once the polarization information encoded. The classical methods were with poor computational efficiency, and hence could not meet the increasing demand of practical applications. To address this issue, a new image processing method, combing the rapidity of local radon transform (LRT) and the precision of error correction (EC), was proposed. The polarization direction of the light was first coarsely estimated. Then, the LRT of input image was completed while the coarsely estimated direction was the center angle for LRT. Finally, the EC was conducted to get the accurate direction depending on the quantitative link between the error of the coarse estimation and the correlation between the LRTs. Experiments on synthetic and real data demonstrated that, compared to the other state-of-the-art methods, our proposed algorithm is more robust and less time consuming.
Natural Language Processing and Network Analysis in Patients Withdrawing From Life-Sustaining Treatments: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Tsai Wei-Chin , Tsai Yun-Cheng , Kuo Kuang-Cheng , Cheng Shao-Yi , Chiu Tai-Yuan , Huang Hsien-Liang
Published: April 2022

Background: Providing palliative care to patients withdrawing from life-sustaining treatments is crucial; however, delays or the absence of such services are common. This study aimed to use natural language processing and network analysis to identify the role of medications as early palliative care referral triggers.Methods: We conducted a retrospective observational study of 119 adult patients under specialized palliative care after withdrawal of the endotracheal tube in intensive care units of a Taiwan-based medical center between July 2016 and June 2018. Patients were categorized into the early integration and late referral groups based on the median survival time. Using natural language processing, we analyzed free texts from electronic health records. The Palliative Trigger Index was also calculated for comparison, and network analysis was performed to determine the co-occurrence of terms between the two groups.Results: The results indicated that broad-spectrum antibiotics, antifungal agents, diuretics, and opioids had a high palliative trigger index. The most common co-occurrences in the early integration group occurred with micafungin and voriconazole (co-correlation = 0.75). In the late referral group, piperacillin and penicillin (correlation coefficient = 0.843) were the most common co-occurrences.Conclusion: Treatments for severe infection, chronic illness, and analgesics are possible triggers for specialized palliative care consultation. The Palliative Trigger Index and network analysis both indicated the need for palliative care for patients withdrawing life-sustaining treatments. This study recommends establishing a therapeutic control system based on computerized order entry and integrating it into the shared-decision model.Trial registration: Not applicable
In Oleic Acid-Induced ARDS, Effects of Tocilizumab and Dexamethasone on the Downregulation of Proinflammatory Cytokines and Upregulation of Antioxidants in the lung.
Authors: Terzi Funda , Demirci Beste , Çınar İrfan , Alhilal Mohammad , Erol Hüseyin Serkan
Published: April 2022

Background Acute respiratory shortage syndrome (ARDS) is a life-threatening disease formed by the induction of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines in the lungs. There is a dearth of drug treatments that can be used to prevent cytokine storms in ARDS treatment. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of tocilizumab and dexamethasone on oxidative stress, antioxidant parameters, and cytokine storm in acute lung injury caused by oleic acid in rats. MethodsAdult male rats, CN (healthy, n=6), OA (oleic acid, n=6), OA+TCZ-2 (Oleic acid and Tocilizumab 2mg/kg, n=6), OA + TCZ- 4 (Oleic acid and Tocilizumab 4 mg/kg, n=6), and OA+DEX-10 (Oleic acid and Dexamethasone 10mg/kg, n=6) were divided into five groups. All animals were sacrificed for histopathological, immunohistochemical, biochemical, PCR analyses, and SEM imaging.ResultsThe expression of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-8 cytokines in rats with acute lung injury with oleic acid was downregulated in the TCZ and DEX groups compared to the OA group. (P<0.05). The MDA level in the lung tissue was statistically lower in the OA+TCZ-4 group compared to the OA group. It was determined that SOD, GSH, and CAT levels decreased in the OA group and increased in the TCZ and DEX groups (P<0.05). Histopathological findings such as thickening of the alveoli, hyperemia, and peribronchial cells were found to be similar to the control group in TCZ and DEX group rat lung tissue. With SEM imaging of the lung tissue, it was found that the alveolar lining layer became indistinct in the OA, OA+TCZ-2 and OA+TCZ-4 groups.ConclusionsIn the acute lung injury model caused by oleic acid, tocilizumab and dexamethasone are thought to be effective in preventing cytokine storm by downregulating the expression of proinflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-8. Against the downregulation of antioxidant parameters such as SOD and GSH in the lung tissue caused by oleic acid, tocilizumab and dexamethasone upregulated and showed a protective effect in cell damage.
Novel adaptive path-smoothening optimization method for mobile robots
Authors: Duan Shuyong , Zhang Linxin , Han Xu , Li Yule , Wang Fang , Liu G.R.
Published: April 2022

A safe and smooth operating path is a prerequisite for mobile robots to accomplish tasks. Although the existing path optimization methods improve the smoothness of the planned path by introducing Bézier curve to locally optimize the path with regard to turning points, most of these methods manually select the position of control points and subjectively analyze the feasibility of the optimized path. It is argued unfavourably that it exhibits strong subjectivity and cumbersome selection process. To this gap, an adaptive path-smoothening optimization method is proposed in this study, which combines neural network, genetic algorithm, and Bézier curve to effectively resolve the problems of strong subjectivity, cumbersome steps, and thus low efficiency in the selection process of control points. To start with, the data set corresponding to the position of the control point and the path offset are constructed. Based on the actual working conditions, the value space of control point position is derived. Latin hypercube sampling is used to sample the control point position of the second-order Bézier curve, which is input into the Bézier curve solution model to calculate the corresponding path offset. The data set corresponding to the position of control point and path offset are thus acquired. Based on the data set, the neural network algorithm is used to train it, and the prediction model of path offset is constructed. Subsequently, with reference to the prediction model of path offset, a performance evaluation function is formulated by comprehending multiple influential factors of mobile robot motion safety and path smoothness. The genetic algorithm is then introduced to detect the optimal control points in different environments. The proposed method is verified by experiments in different operating environments. The study results show that the currently proposed adaptive path-smoothening optimization method exhibits remarkably superior applicability and effectiveness compared to the currently prevailing methods. It demonstrates advantages of fast path planning, reduced path turning points, and desirable path smoothness. In addition, it can also ensure the safety of mobile robot along the planned path as availed by a pre-set criterion.
Metformin confers longitudinal cardiac protection by preserving mitochondrial homeostasis following myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury
Authors: Tian Jing , Zheng Yaqi , Mou Tiantian , Yun Mingkai , Tian Yi , Lu Yao , Bai Yujie , Zhou Yihan , Hacker Marcus , Zhang Xiaoli , Li Xiang
Published: April 2022

Purpose
Myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury is associated with systemic oxidative stress, cardiac mitochondrial homeostasis, and cardiomyocyte apoptosis. Metformin was recognized to attenuate cardiomyocyte apoptosis. However, the longitudinal effects and pathomechanism of metformin on the regulation of myocardial mitohormesis following I/R treatment remain unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the longitudinal effects and mechanism of metformin in regulating cardiac mitochondrial homeostasis by serial imaging with the 18-kDa translocator protein (TSPO)-targeted positron emission tomography (PET) tracer 18F-FDPA.
Methods
Myocardial I/R injury was established in Sprague-Dawley rats, which were treated with or without metformin (150 mg/kg per day). Serial gated 18F-FDG and 18F-FDPA PET imaging were performed at 1, 4, and 8 weeks after surgery, followed by analysis of ventricular remodelling and cardiac mitochondrial homeostasis. After PET imaging, the activity of antioxidant enzymes, immunostaining, and western blot analysis were performed to analyse the spatio-temporal effects and pathomechanism of metformin for cardiac protection after myocardial I/R injury.
Results
Oxidative stress and apoptosis increased one week after myocardial I/R injury (before significant progression of ventricular remodelling). TSPO co-localized with inflammatory CD68+ macrophages in the infarct area, and upregulation of AMPK-p/AMPK and down-regulation of Bcl-2/Bax were observed. However, these effects were reversed with metformin treatment. Eight weeks after myocardial I/R injury (representing the advanced stage of heart failure), 18F-FDPA uptake activity in myocardial cells in the distal non-infarct area increased without CD68+ expression, whereas the activity decreased with metformin treatment.
Conclusion
Taken together, these results show that prolonged metformin treatment has pleiotropic protective effects against myocardial I/R injury associated with a regional and temporal dynamic balance between mitochondrial homeostasis and cardiac outcome, which were assessed by TSPO-targeted imaging during cardiac remodelling.
Mutation identification and prediction for severe cardiomyopathy in Alström syndrome, and review of the literature for cardiomyopathy
Authors: Dedeoglu Savas , Dede Elif , Oztunc Funda , Gedikbasi Asuman , Yesil Gozde , Dedeoglu Reyhan
Published: April 2022

Objective: Alström syndrome (ALMS1)(OMIM# 203800) is a rare autosomal recessive genetic disorder. Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is one of the well-recognized feature of the syndrome ranging from sudden-onset infantile DCM, to adult onset cardiomyopathy, sometimes of the restrictive hypertrophic form with a poor prognosis. We aimed to evaluate severe cardiomyopathy in Alström syndrome in infancy and display susceptible specific mutations of the disease, which may be linked to severe DCM. Secondarily we reviewed published mutations of ALMS1 with cardiomyopathies in the literature. Method: In this patient cohort, we represent new mutagenic alleles related with severe cardiomyopathy and cardiac outcome. We evaluated echocardiographic studies of nine Turkish patients diagnosed with Alström syndrome (between 2014 and 2020, at age two weeks to twenty years). Thus, we made a detailed examination of the cardiac manifestations of a single-center prospective series of nine children with specific ALMS1 mutations and multisystem involvement. All patients underwent genetic testing, biochemical testing, electrocardiogram, and echocardiographic imaging with speckle tracking to evaluate systolic strain.Results: Four of the patients died with cardiomyopathy. Three patients (including three of the four fatalities) with the same novel mutation (c.7911dupC [p. Asn2638Glnfs*24]) had cardiomyopathy with intra-familial variability in severity of cardiomyopathy. Global longitudinal strain, a measure of systolic contractile function, was abnormal in all of patients that can be measured.Conclusion: Cardiac function in ALMS1 patients with infantile cardiomyopathy appears to have different clinical spectrums depending on the mutagenic allele. The c.7911dupC (p. Asn2638Glnfs*24) mutation can be related to severe cardiomyopathy. Parents can be informed and consulted about the progression of serious cardiomyopathy in child carrying this mutagenic allele.
Comprehensive analysis of m6A methylation modification in chronic spinal cord injury in mice
Authors: Li Chengjun , Zhao Jinyun , Qin Tian , Jin Yuxin , Duan Chunyue , Wu Tianding , Cao Yong , Lu Hongbin , Hu Jianzhong
Published: April 2022

Chronic spinal cord injury (CSCI) is a catastrophic disease of the central nervous system (CNS), resulting in partial or complete loss of neurological function. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most common form of reversible posttranslational modification at the RNA level. However, the role of m6A modification in CSCI remains unknown. In this study, we established a CSCI model using a water-absorbable polyurethane polymer, with behavioral assessment, electrophysiological analysis, and histochemical staining for validation. Methylated RNA immunoprecipitation sequencing (meRIP-seq) and mRNA sequencing (mRNA-seq) were jointly explored to compare the differences in CSCI spinal tissue and normal spinal tissue. Furthermore, qRT–PCR, western blotting, and immunofluorescence staining were used to analyze m6A modification-related proteins. We found that water-absorbable polyurethane polymer well simulated chronic spinal cord compression. BMS scores and electrophysiological analysis showed continuous neurological function decline after chronic compression of the spinal cord. meRIP-seq identified 642 differentially modified m6A genes, among which 263 genes were downregulated and 379 genes were upregulated. mRNA-seq showed that 1544 genes were upregulated and 290 genes were downregulated after CSCI. Gene Ontology (GO) terms and enriched Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways were also identified. qRT–PCR, western blotting, and immunofluorescence staining showed that Mettl14 was significantly upregulated after CSCI. Our study revealed a comprehensive profile of m6A modifications in CSCI and may provide a valuable tool for further research on CSCI.
Oct4 Cooperates with c-Myc to Improve Mesenchymal-to- Endothelial Transition and Myocardial Repair of Cardiac-Resident Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Zhao Lan , Deng Zhanyu , Wang Jianshuo , Cui Jin , Huang Weiguang , Zhang Shaoheng
Published: April 2022

BACKGROUND
Cardiac-resident mesenchymal stem cells (cMSCs) can exhibit fibrotic, proinflammatory, and proangiogenic phenotype in response to myocardial ischemia (Isch). How their phenotypic fate decisions are determined remains poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate that the cooperation of Oct4 and c-Myc in cMSCs creates a preferable mesenchymal-to- endothelial transition (MEndoT) to promote angiogenesis and consequent myocardial repair.
METHODS
We collected MSCs from cardiac and peripheral blood of rat with left ventricular Isch (LV Isch) 30 days after myocardial infarction (MI) or sham operation. After a comparison of characterization between cMSCs and peripheral blood MSCs (pbMSCs), we conducted transcriptome analysis and RNA sequencing of cMSCs. Using loss/gain-of-function approaches to understand the cooperation of c-Myc and Oct4 on MEndoT of cMSCs under hypoxic condition, we explored the mechanisms through transcriptome and functional experiment, and chromatin immunoprecipitation. Next, we transplanted male cMSCs with overexpression or inhibition of c-Myc/Oct4 into the infarcted myocardium of female rats and evaluated infarct size, cell retention, inflammation, remodeling, and function after 30 days.
RESULTS
LV Isch switched cMSCs toward both inflammatory and proangiogenic phenotypes, with increased secretion of inflammatory cytokines as well as pro-angiogenic factors. The effect of LV Isch on pbMSCs was less remarkable. Gene expression heatmap showed imbalance in expression of Oct4 and c-Myc regulating genes associated with remodeling of cMSCs. We provided evidence that cMSCs-sepcific c-Myc- versus Oct4-overexpression showed divergent genomic signatures, and their corresponding target genes play an important role in regulating cMSCs phenotypic changes. In particular, Oct4 accelerated angiogenesis induced by c-Myc overexpression in cMSCs, and inhibited their phenotypic transition into inflammatory cells and fibroblast. Mechanistically, exogenous Oct4 caused c-Myc to translocate from the nucleus to the cytoplasm and activated some of its target singalings including VEGF signaling. Although transplantation of cMSCs alone did not improve LV remodeling and function, cMSCs cotransfected with c-Myc and Oct4 promoted a more positive effect in their survival and reparative properties, improved animal survival, reduced infarct size, decreased scar thickness, and attenuated LV remodeling 30 days after MI. Significantly, Oct4 promoted MEndoT (“Rescue me” signal) of cMSCs after both c-Myc stimulation in vitro and transplantation into the infarcted heart.
CONCLUSIONS
Myocardial ischemia drives resident cMSCs toward multiple phenotypes. Oct4 interacts with c-Myc to promote MEndoT capacity of cMSCs and improved their survival and reparative effects through upregulation of angiogenesis-related signaling pathways. These findings may identify novel targets for stem cell therapy.