bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
História Hoje: duas décadas
Authors: De Oliveira Itamar Freitas , De Oliveira Margarida Maria Dias
Published: July 2021

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Efeectivenes Of PQ4R Metacognitive Strategy Based Reading Learning Models in Junior High School
Authors: Sarimanah Eri
Published: July 2021

The objective of research is to find out the efectivenes of metacognitive Preview, Question, Read, Reflect, Recite, Review (PQ4R) strategy based reading learning model to improve SMP studentsâ€™ reading ability. The method applied in this study is research and development by using both qualitative and quantitative approaches. The research result shows that the ideal learning model needed by the students is metacognitive PQ4R strategy based reading learning model. Structurally, this learning model is viable, relevant, and suitable with the principles of learning model development, both from substantial view and the structural model. Based on the trial result with experimental research design (experimental and control groups), metacognitive PQ4R strategy based reading learning model is effective to be used to improve SMP studentsâ€™ reading ability. Even the learning outcome is better than the reading class done by the teacher who does not use metacognitive PQ4R strategy. learning metacognitive reading strategies based PQ4R junior high school students are more effective than learning to read that teachers without the use of metacognitive strategies PQ4R with the calculation results of test of 5.975 t test is greater than t table 1.67. So it can be concluded that the learning model based reading metacognitive strategies PQ4R effective and fit for use in secondary schools.
Penerapan Literasi Sejarah Dalam Pembelajaran Sejarah Pada Masa Pembelajaran Jarak Jauh di SMA
Authors: Rahman Ayuningtias , Kurniawati  , Winarsih Murni
Published: July 2021

Abstract: This study aims to determine the application of historical literacy in learning the history of the online distance learning at SMA Negeri 30 Jakarta. In this study using a qualitative method with a case study approach The data collection techniques used were: (1) in-depth open-ended interviews; (2) observation and (3) document analysis, with the key informants of history teachers and class X IPS students. The results of the research conducted show that the application of historical literacy in SMA Negeri 30 Jakarta has been well implemented by teachers, especially during the online distance learning Even though the teacher's conceptual understanding of the concept of historical literacy is less detailed and the level of student literacy is still in the low category. From the observations, the teacher has been able to apply historical literacy according to the dimensions of historical literacy by Maposa and Wasserman (2009). The main challenge experienced by teachers in the application of historical literacy is that the level of student literacy is still low so that it affects the application of historical literacy in history learning.

Keywords : Historical Literacy, Distance Learning, History Learning

Abstract : Artikel ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui penerapan literasi sejarah dalam pembelajaran sejarah masa Pembelajaran Jarak Jauh (PJJ) dalam jaringan di SMA Negeri 30 Jakarta. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode kualitatif dengan pendekatan studi kasus. Teknik pengumpulan data yang digunakan yaitu: (1) in-depth open-ended interviews; (2) observasi dan (3) analisis dokumen, dengan informan kunci guru sejarah dan siswa Kelas X IPS. Hasil dari penulisan yang dilakukan menunjukan bahwa penerapan literasi sejarah di SMA Negeri 30 Jakarta telah diterapkan dengan baik oleh guru terlebih pada masa pembelajaran jarak jauh (PJJ). Walaupun pemahaman konseptual guru mengenai konsep literasi sejarah yang kurang mendetail serta tingkat literasi siswa yang masih dalam kategori rendah. Dari hasil pengamatan, guru telah mampu menerapkan literasi sejarah sesuai dimensi literasi sejarah Maposa dan Wasserman (2009). Tantangan utama yang dialami guru dalam penerapan literasi sejarah adalah tingkat literasi siswa masih rendah sehingga berpengaruh pada penerapan literasi sejarah dalam pembelajaran sejarah.

Kata kunci : Literasi Sejarah, Pembelajaran Jarak Jauh (PJJ), Pembelajaran Sejarah
Effects of Consumer Purchasing Power on Buying Preferences in Shopping Malls in Kenya: A Case Study of Nakuru County
Authors: Mugambi Monicah , Obuba Robert
Published: July 2021

Many internal and external factors influence consumer decision-making when it comes to the purchase and use of various products and services. The attributes of the product itself, the brand, and the container in which it is encased is the most important and critical external variables. The study adopted a cross-sectional survey involving hotels, beauty parlours, electronics dealers, boutiques as well as entertainment outlets. The researcher targeted 305 business premises operating in 30 shopping malls from which a sample of 62 premises and 310 customers were sampled using stratification, Simple Random Sampling (SRS) and convenient sampling. The data was collected through the use of questionnaires. Descriptive statistics was employed and results were presented in tables and charts with the help of Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS) for analysis purposes. The influence of consumer purchasing power on the preference of shopping malls was tested using regression, correlation and Chi-square methods at 5% levels of effect. From the study findings, the researcher establish that purchasing power, personal preference has been found to play an important role in influencing consumer’s preferences and bias towards shopping malls. An overwhelming number of the consumers recognized the importance of group influence on their choice of the shopping mall. This helped the researcher draw a conclusion and formulate recommendations informing policies and marketing strategies that are essential to marketers in the shopping malls and other related business facilities in line with consumer purchasing power.
Osmanlı Devleti’nde Siyasal Bir Ritüel: Kılıç Kuşanma Merasimi (XVIII. Yüzyıl)
Authors: KURTARAN Ugur , KARACA Zeynep
Published: July 2021

Osmanlı Devleti’nde kuruluş yıllarından itibaren padişahların tahta çıkışlarında gerçekleştirilen kılıç kuşanma seremonileri, zamanla saltanatın meşruîyeti için gerekli bir siyasal ritüel haline gelmiştir. Osmanlı devlet geleneğinde saray dışında düzenlenen merasimler arasında yerini alan ve resmi belgelerde “taklid-i seyf, takallüd-i şemşîr” şeklinde geçen bu törenler,17. yüzyıldan itibaren resmiyet kazanmıştır. Çalışmada Osmanlı devlet teşrifatında önemli bir yeri olan kılıç kuşanma merasimlerinin nasıl icra edildiği ile ilgili bilgiler yer almaktadır. Araştırma Osmanlı Devleti’nde uygulanan kılıç kuşanma merasimlerinin 18. yüzyılda nasıl gerçekleştiğini incelemeye yöneliktir. Bu noktada çalışmada genelden özele bir indirgeme yapılmak suretiyle, Osmanlı Devleti’ndeki genel kılıç kuşanma merasimlerinin, 18.yüzyıl padişahları tarafından nasıl uygulandığına dair değerlendirmeleri bulmak mümkündür. Bunun için yüzyılın ilk padişahı Sultan III. Ahmed’ten başlanarak, son padişahı III. Selim’e kadarki diğer padişahların kılıç kuşanma merasimlerinin ayrıntıları yer almaktadır. Çalışmaya öncül oluşturan kaynakların incelenmesinin ardından öncelikle geniş bir perspektiften yaklaşılarak konunun kavramsal çerçevesi oluşturulduktan sonra, temel sorunsalı ortaya çıkartacak somut veriler elde edilmiştir. Makale sonucunda ise 18. yüzyılda Osmanlı devlet ve toplum yapısındaki köklü değişimlerin, kılıç kuşanma merasimlerine tesir etmediği gözlemlenmiştir. Son tahlilde ilgili yüzyılda dönemin kendi şartları gereğince yaşanan küçük değişiklikler dışında kılıç kuşanma merasimlerinin bir önceki yüzyıllardaki gibi icra edildiğini, anlam ve önemini ise bir sonraki yüzyıla taşıdığını söylemek mümkündür.
Kontribusi Dan Lokalitas Tafsir Faiḍ Al-Raḥmān
Authors: Syahid Ahmad
Published: July 2021

Nusantara's tafsir is understood as an interpretation product written by Nusantara scholars. There are things that are unique when we read the interpretations of Indonesian Ulama products. Among them, namely, the use of local languages, cultural elements and contexts that are specific to the Indonesian context. In general, after they perform the pilgrimage, they lived in Mecca-Arab for a long time to study religion over there, but their cultural identity and nationalism never disappeared. For example, Kiai Ṣaleh Darat who has a masterpiece in the form of interpretation, that is Faiḍ al-Raḥmān which will be explained in this article. The method used in this paper is descriptive analysis with a historical approach. The type of this research includes library research. The data sources are several libraries from books and journals describing Kiai Ṣaleh Darat. The result of this paper is a description of Kiai Ṣaleh Darat's intellectual history, the process of transmitting-transforming knowledge, its contribution to the thinking of the Nusantara’s Tafsir, and the locality of the interpretation of faidhur rahman.
ACE2-like carboxypeptidase B38-CAP protects from SARS-CoV-2-induced lung injury
Authors: Yamaguchi Tomokazu , Hoshizaki Midori , Minato Takafumi , Nirasawa Satoru , Asaka Masamitsu N , Niiyama Mayumi , Imai Masaki , Uda Akihiko , Chan Jasper Fuk-Woo , Takahashi Saori , An Jianbo , Saku Akari , Nukiwa Ryota , Utsumi Daichi , Kiso Maki , Yasuhara Atsuhiro , Poon Vincent Kwok-Man , Chan Chris Chung-Sing , Fujino Yuji , Motoyama Satoru , Nagata Satoshi , Penninger Josef M. , Kamada Haruhiko , Yuen Kwok-Yung , Kamitani Wataru , Maeda Ken , Kawaoka Yoshihiro , Yasutomi Yasuhiro , Imai Yumiko , Kuba Keiji
Published: July 2021

Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is a receptor for cell entry of SARS-CoV-2, and recombinant soluble ACE2 protein inhibits SARS-CoV-2 infection as a decoy. ACE2 is a carboxypeptidase that degrades angiotensin II (Ang II) to angiotensin 1-7 (Ang 1-7) and thereby improves the pathologies of cardiovascular disease or acute lung injury. To address whether the carboxypeptidase activity of ACE2 is protective in COVID-19, we investigated the effects of B38-CAP, an ACE2-like enzyme, on SARS-CoV-2-induced lung injury. Expression of endogenous ACE2 protein was significantly downregulated in the lungs of SARS-CoV-2-infected hamsters or SARS-CoV-2 challenged human ACE2 transgenic mice, leading to elevation of Ang II levels. In vivo administration of recombinant SARS-CoV-2 Spike also downregulated ACE2 expression, elevated Ang II levels and considerably worsened the symptoms of acute lung injury in hamsters exposed to acid aspiration. Despite its ACE2-like catalytic core, B38-CAP neither bound to Spike nor neutralized cell entry of SARS-CoV-2. However, treatment with B38-CAP improved the pathologies of Spike-augmented acid-induced lung injury. In SARS-CoV-2-infected hamsters, B38-CAP significantly improved lung edema and pathologies of lung injury and downregulated IL-6 levels without affecting viral RNA loads. Moreover, in human ACE2 transgenic mice, B38-CAP also attenuated SARS-CoV-2-induced lung edema and pathologies and improved lung functions. These results provide the first experimental in vivo evidence that increasing ACE2-like enzymatic activity is a potential therapeutic strategy to alleviate lung pathologies in COVID-19.
Designing Narcissistic Self-Sorting Terpyridine Moieties with High Coordination Selectivity for Complex Metallo-Supramolecules
Authors: Ma Jianjun , Lu Tong , Duan Xiaozheng , Xu Yaping , Li Zhikai , Li Kehuan , Shi Junjuan , Bai Qixia , zhang zhe , Hao Xin-Qi , Chen Zhi , Wang Pingshan , Wang Ming
Published: July 2021

Coordination-driven self-assembly serves as a powerful approach for the construction of metallo-supramolecules, however, it still remains its infancy in design of coordination moieties with high selectivity and specificity. Herein, two unique ortho-modified terpyridine ligands (MA and MB) were designed and synthesized to form head-to-tail coordination complexes with Zn(II) respectively. Both of them showed excellent narcissistic self-sorting process due to the exquisite design. Further, two multitopic ligands (LA and LB) with narcissistic self-sorting moieties were obtained and used to construct more complex metallo-supramolecules hexagons. More interestingly, because of the non-coaxial structural restrictions in the rotation of terpyridine moieties, the obtained hexagonal macrocycles were able to hierarchically self-assemble into giant cyclic nanostructures via side-to-side stacking rather than face-to-face stacking. Our design of dissymmetrical coordination moieties could pave a new avenue for the development of congested coordination pairs with high selectivity and specificity.
WITHDRAWN: Assessment of the Fire Effect on Water Balance Components Under Different Land Uses, Central Zagros, Iran Case Study
Authors: Abdollahi Khodayar , Naghipour AliAsghar , Bayati Samira , Eslami Zahra , Black Forrest W
Published: July 2021

Background: Fire occurrence may lead to a significant impactin many terrestrial ecosystems. This study attempted to evaluate the effects of fire on the water balance components in the Central Zagros, Iran. The study used two modeling frameworks, including WetSpass-M and Bayesian Belief Networks to investigate the effect of fire on the amount of runoff, groundwater recharge and evapotranspiration. The first part of the study was a water balance simulation at a monthly scale. In addition, a Bayesian belief networks was applied to explore and understand key issues affect in the water balance after fire. Calibration and validation of the WetSpass-M model was performed without considering the effect of fire (2000-2014) and then the model was run again to with the fire scenario by reducing manning roughness coefficient and increasing the θ coefficient. Results: Calibration and validation were performed before finalizing the simulation. A Nash-Sutcliff coefficient of 0.61 and 0.58 was obtained during the calibration and validation respectively. The analysis of the water balance components results depicted that fire has increased the amount of runoff and it has reduced the amount of groundwater recharge and actual evaporation especially in the sparse forest and poor, medium and good rangelands. Conclusions: Water balance components of each class, i.e. sparse forest, poor, medium and good rangelands were different under fire/non-fire scenarios. The percentage of change in the water balance components were used for comparison. The results of Bayesian model for post-fire scenario showed a significant increase in runoff due to reduced vegetation in the area. Both simulated groundwater recharge and surface flow have showed a reduction rate in the fire occurrence scenario. A similar conclusion was obtained from probabilistic Bayesian model due to reducing vegetation cover and surface changes. Actual evapotranspiration component for the poor rangeland has dropped off significantly. Therefore, there is a need for monitoring hydrologic dynamics of the lands with a high risk of burning.
Filling the gap: a new ant-butterfly symbiosis in the forest canopy
Authors: Pérez-Lachaud Gabriela , Rocha Franklin H. , Pozo Carmen , Kaminski Lucas A. , Seraphim Noemy , Lachaud Jean-Paul
Published: July 2021

Myrmecophilous butterflies can establish complex symbiotic relationships with ants. An elusive symbiotic caterpillar wandering among the brood of the aggressive ponerine ant, Neoponera villosa, was found inside the core of a nest built in the myrmecophytic bromeliad Aechmea bracteata. This is the first caterpillar found in symbiosis with a species of the subfamily Ponerinae. Tissue sample was barcoded, and an integrative approach was used to identify it as Pseudonymphidia agave, a poorly known Pachythonina member in the riodinid myrmecophilous tribe Nymphidiini. The caterpillar has a general tank-like body morphology, without projections or tubercles, and is covered dorsally by specialized flat setae that form an armor of small plates. Ant-organs potentially related to the caterpillar-ant signaling, such as perforated cupola organs and tentacle nectary organs, are present. These functional traits, together with the stable social integration, suggest that P. agave is a specialized social parasite of N. villosa. However, several knowledge gaps remain, notably the oviposition site, dependence on bromeliad association, steps to colony integration, and the larval diet through ontogeny. Carnivory has been reported in all known members of the Pachythonina subtribe (caterpillars prey on honeydew-producing hemipterans), and a shift to myrmecophagy inside the ant nests is a possible evolutionary step.
Intravenous Oxygen Insufflation (IOI) changes the IL-1-Ra:IL-1β ratio in Autologous Conditioned Serum
Authors: König Brigitte , Wiechert Dirk
Published: July 2021

BackgroundInterleukin-1 (IL-1) is still regarded as the main offender that promotes the pro-inflammatory cascade in muscle injuries, tendopathies and especially in osteoarthritis. Thus, if present in high enough concentrations, IL-1receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) has the potential to inhibit Interleukin-1. In this regard, autologous conditioned serum with an IL-1Ra/IL-1 ratio of at least >10 might fulfill optimal therapeutic effects. The purpose of this study was to analyze the combination of Regelsberger’s intravenous oxygen insufflation (IOI) with autologous conditioned serum (ACS) on IL-1Ra and IL-1 formation.MethodsVenous blood from 15 patients which underwent intravenous oxygen insufflation (IOI) for routinely preventive purposes was taken before the first, the 6th, and the 9th session of intravenous oxygen insufflation. IL-1β and IL-1-RA levels were quantified from serum and from autologous conditioned serum (ACS). ResultsPrevious intravenous oxygen insufflation treatments significantly reduced IL-1β levels in autologous conditioned serum from mean 67.85pg/ml (before the first treatment) down to mean 4.08pg/ml (before the 9th treatment). Post conditioning levels of IL-1Ra were not changed to any significant degree (before 1st/before6th/ before 9th treatment: 1038.37±140.51 / 900.30±79.24 / 902.84±95.68). Thus, the IL-1Ra:IL-1β ratio was altered on a molecule to molecule basis from a mean of 37.03:1 up to a mean 223.54:1 through the pretreatment. ConclusionIOI alters the IL-1Ra:IL-1ß ratio of autologous conditioned serum to a more favorable ratio which might mitigate the inflammatory cascade more efficaciously. Therefore, we suggest to perform intravenous oxygen insufflation on patients before they give blood for preparing ACS.
Arbitrary Coupled Trapezoidal Fully Fuzzy Sylvester Matrix Equation
Authors: Elsayed Ahmed , Ahmad Nazihah , Malkawi Ghassan
Published: July 2021

There are many applications where couple of Sylvester matrix equations (CSME) are required to be solved simultaneously, especially in analyzing the stability of control systems. However, there are some situations in which the crisp CSME are not well equipped to deal with the uncertainty problem during the process of stability analysis in control system engineering. Thus, in this paper a new method for solving a coupled trapezoidal fully fuzzy Sylvester matrix equation (CTrFFSME) with arbitrary coefficients is proposed. The arithmetic fuzzy multiplication operation is applied to convert the CTrFFSME into a system of non-linear equations. Then the obtained non-linear system is reduced and converted to a system of absolute equations where the fuzzy solution is obtained by solving that system. The proposed method can solve many unrestricted fuzzy systems such as Sylvester and Lyapunov fully fuzzy matrix equations with triangular and trapezoidal fuzzy numbers. We illustrate the proposed methods by solving numerical example.
Effects of Passive Haptic Learning in Music-Supported Therapy on Sensorimotor Performance in Older Adult Hands: A Randomized Crossover Trial
Authors: Hsu Hsiu-Yun , Lin Che-Wei , Lin Yu-Ching , Wu Po-Ting , Kato Hirokazu , Su Fong-Chin , Kuo Li-Chieh
Published: July 2021

Background: Music-supported therapy (MST), a type of biofeedback therapy with multi-sensory information input, has been proposed as an effective approach to improving motor control in people with sensorimotor deficits. However, currently, MST training is restricted to being extensively applied for patients with various levels of defects in fine motor skills and cognitive functions. Therefore, the integration of passive haptic learning (PHL) with MST has been adopted as a motor training strategy intended to enhance “motor memory” learning through the use of vibration stimuli. The current study was designed to investigate differences in the sensorimotor performance of older adults’ hands under baseline, a single session of standard MST, and PHL-based MST conditions. Methods: Thirty healthy older adults were recruited and randomized to receive either the single session of 30-minutes of PHL-based MST or 30-minutes of standard MST at the beginning of the experiment. After a one-week washout period, they switched their treatment programs and then were assessed to study the training effects of both approaches through measuring precision pinch performance, hand function, and sensory status. Results: The results of the Pinch-Holding-Up Activity test revealed a statistically significant difference in the FRpeak parameter (F = 14.37, p < 0.001, η² = 0.507) under the PHL-based MST condition compared to the baseline and standard MST conditions. In addition, significant beneficial effects were found on the results of the barognosis (F = 19.126, p < 0.001, η² = 0. 577) and roughness differentiation subtests (F = 15.036, p < 0.001, η² = 0.518) in the Manual Tactile Test for the participants in the PHL-based MST group. In addition, the participants under both the standard MST and PHL-based MST conditions exhibited better performance in the three subtests of the Purdue Pegboard Test as compared to under the baseline condition (p < 0.016). Conclusions: The findings indicated that PHL-based MST potentially improves the precision pinch performance of hands in healthy older adults. In addition, the add-on effect of vibrotactile stimulation to the MST condition provides beneficial effects on the sensory functions of the upper extremities. Clinical Trial Registration: NCT04802564
P-selectin Targeting Stimulates Caveolin-1-Mediated Endothelial Transcytosis in Medulloblastoma
Authors: Tylawsky Daniel , Kiguchi Hiro , Vaynshteyn Jake , Gerwin Jeffrey , Shah Janki , Islam Taseen , Snuderl Matija , Greenblatt Matthew , Boué Daniel , Shamay Yosi , Raju Praveen , Heller Daniel
Published: July 2021

Medulloblastoma (MB) is the most common malignant pediatric brain tumor with ~30% mediated by Sonic hedgehog (SHH) signaling. While SHH effector Smoothened inhibition is promising, therapeutic index is reduced by high systemic doses required for sufficient intracranial drug concentrations. Treatment-related toxicities associated with radiation therapy result in lifelong morbidity, and SHH pathway inhibition in children notably results in permanent bone defects. Here, we found that nanoparticle-mediated P-selectin targeting on tumor vasculature induces caveolin-1-dependent transcellular passage across the blood-brain barrier. A vismodegib nanocarrier that targets P-selectin exhibited striking efficacy and markedly reduced both bone-related toxicities and drug exposure to healthy brain. These findings demonstrate a potent strategy and novel mechanism for targeted intracranial pharmacodelivery that overcomes the restrictive endothelial barrier to achieve enhanced tumor-selective penetration and has therapeutic implications for other diseases within the central nervous system.
Climate Change Beliefs And Vulnerability Among Farmers In The Upper Corn Belt
Authors: Davenport Mae A , Kreiter Amelia , Brauman Kate A. , Keeler Bonnie , Arbuckle J. , Sharma Vasudha , Noe Ryan
Published: July 2021

Anticipatory water management must reflect not only future climatic conditions, but also the social and psychological dimensions of vulnerability that drive adaptation. Compared to the western U.S., farmers in the upper Corn Belt have had less exposure to extreme drought and have lower rates of irrigation adoption. If climate change threatens to increase drought frequency or severity in the Corn Belt, transitioning from rain-fed agriculture to irrigated agriculture would require systemic changes and significant financial investments. Knowing what drives perceptions and feelings of drought vulnerability will improve understanding and anticipation of farmer adaptation behaviors such as irrigation. We surveyed central Minnesota agricultural producers about their perceptions of water scarcity in two groundwater management areas where climate models show heightened variability in water supply during the growing season. We examined the influence of farmer beliefs about climate change, drought risk, farm sensitivity to drought, and adaptation capacity. We presented farmers with scenarios of drought severity derived from downscaled climate projections and asked farmers about their likelihood of adopting irrigation technologies or expanding irrigation extent. Findings indicate that many farmers feel vulnerable to climate and drought-related impacts, in part because they believe water scarcity is an imminent problem. Farmers believe humans are at least partially responsible for climate change, near-term droughts are likely, and their farms are particularly sensitive to drought stress.
Dynamic Structural Changes in Nickel Single-Atom Catalysts During Electrochemical Reduction of CO2 to CO
Authors: Mei Bingbao , Ai Changzhi , Ma Lushan , Liu Cong , Yang Shuai , Hu Jinping , Wang Qing , Yang Yuqi , Zhang Hao , Sun Fanfei , Lin Shiwei , Song Fei , Xu Weilin , Du Xian-Long , Jiang Zheng
Published: July 2021

Electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction (ECO2RR) is an important route for global carbon abatement. However, a comprehensive picture of the structure evolution of metal active sites is currently lacked in ECO2RR. Here, we present the first full view of Ni single-atom catalyst for ECO2RR over a broad potential range. Comprehensive X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) analyses confirmed the Ni coordinated with pyrrole nitrogen in the form of Ni-N4 attached with an axial O2 ligand. Operando XAS revealed the precise structure of the Ni single-atom catalyst that dynamically changes with the shift of applied potentials. Such changes ultimately contributed to the CO selectivity variation ranging from 20%-99%. Interestingly, the Ni center was found to move toward the N4 plane during the ECO2RR, which played a crucial role of reaching near-unity CO selectivity. Together with theoretical calculations, a clear quantitative correlation between the dynamic configuration and the catalytic properties was established.
Necroptosis-inducible Nanoliposomes for Enhanced Cancer Sonoimmunotherapy in Vitro
Authors: Li Meng-meng , Zhu Ya , Yang Mi , Zheng Min , Ran Haitao , Zhang Wei
Published: July 2021

Background: Necroptosis has emerged as a therapeutic target for stimulating antitumor immune responses in dying tumor cells. However, its suppressed expression of receptor-interacting protein kinase 3 (RIPK3), a key enzyme in necrosis in most cancer cells, limits the clinical translation to exploiting necroptosis.Design: We fabricated a multifunctional phase-transition nanoparticles platform by constructing Lip-ICG-PFP-cRGD, utilizing liposome and indocyanine green (ICG) as the shell and perfluoropentane (PFP) as the core. The platform system represented the combination of sonodynamic therapy (SDT) and immunotherapy for cancer treatment by inducing necroptosis and disrupting the cell membrane through the acoustic cavitation effect mediated by ultrasound. In addition to their inherent contrasting ability under photoacoustic imaging, our liposomes may also be used as an ultrasound imaging probe after being irradiated with low-intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU).Results: We demonstrate that nanoparticles can trigger necroptosis in ovarian cancer cells, which ruptures cell membrane by acoustic cavitation effect. When exposed to LIFU, the nanoparticles effectively facilitate the release of damage-associated molecular patterns by inducing burst-mediated cell-membrane decomposition. Moreover, the PFP phase change caused RIPK3/MLKL-independent necroptosis by acoustic cavitation effect, resulting in the release of biologically active DAMPs (CRT and HMGB1) to facilitate antitumor immunity. Therefore, necroptosis-inducible nanoparticles remarkably enhance antitumor immunity by activating CD8+ cytotoxic T cells and maturing dendritic cells in vitro. Conclusion: We have successfully synthesized Lip-ICG-PFP-cRGD nanoparticles, which can achieve SDT and provoke necroptosis by bubble-mediated cell membrane rupture. The innovative nanoparticle causes immunogenic cell death in cancer cells via RIPK3-independent necroptosis, which is a promising enhancer for cancer immunotherapy.
Characteristics and Surgical Outcomes of the Patients With Atraumatic Splenic Rupture
Authors: Colak Elif , Ciftci Ahmet Burak
Published: July 2021

Background: Although splenic emergencies are rare in the case of the absence of trauma, late-diagnosed atraumatic splenic ruptures (ASR) may result in mortality. Methods: All consecutive adult patients who underwent emergency splenectomy due to ASR between January 01, 2015, and January 01, 2021, were reviewed.Results: 203 patients underwent splenectomy, 83 electively, 120 emergency splenectomy, and amongst them 15 for atraumatic reasons.The median age of patients with ASR was 55 years (34- 90), and 10 patients (66. 6%) were male. The most pre-existing medical diseases are heart valve replacement (n=5, 33. 3%) and diabetes mellitus (n=6, 40 %). Eight (46. 6%) patients had more than one comorbid disease. Ten patients (66. 6 %) had splenic rupture due to splenic infarction and abscess. Two patients were diagnosed with diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) postoperative by histological assessment. Two patients were diagnosed with lung cancer with spleen metastasis. One patient had aortic and mitral valve replacement and was receiving an oral anticoagulant drug. The median length of hospital stay was 6 (2- 24) days and the intensive care unit stay was 2 (0- 20) days. Three patients (20%) died in hospital.Conclusion: Male sex, previous splenic infarctions, hematological malignancies, lung cancer spleen metastases, underlying cardiac diseases (valve replacement, endocarditis, atrial fibrillation) may increase the risk for ASR.
Reversibly growing crosslinked polymers with programmable sizes and properties
Authors: Aizenberg Joanna , Cui Jiaxi , Zhou Xiaozhuang , Zheng Yijun , Zhang Haohui , Yang Li , Cui Yubo , Krishnan Baiju , Dong Shihua , Aizenberg Michael , Zeng An , Hu Yuhang
Published: July 2021

Planaria can integrate external nutrients to grow or consume their bodies to degrow for adapting to environmental changes. In contrast, synthetic organic materials, especially those with crosslinked structures, are normally static and cannot post-vary their sizes and properties without compromising material mechanical performances for sustainable use. Inspired by Planaria, we here report a growing-degrowing strategy of enabling thermosetting materials to either absorb or release components for continuously changing their sizes, shapes, compositions, and a set of properties simultaneously. The strategy is based on the monomer-polymer equilibrium of networks in which supplying or removing small polymerizable components would drive the networks toward expansion or contraction. Using acid-catalyzed equilibration of siloxane as an example, we demonstrate that the size and mechanical properties of the resulting silicone materials can be significantly or finely tuned in both directions of growth and decomposition. The equilibration can be turned off to yield stable products or reactivated again. During the degrowing-growing circle, material structures are selectively varied either uniformly or heterogeneously, by the availability of fillers. Our strategy endows the materials with many appealing capabilities including environment adaptivity, self-healing, and switchability of surface morphologies, shapes, and optical properties. Since monomer-polymer equilibration exists in many polymers, we envision the expansion of the presented strategy to various systems for many applications.
Fuzzy Dynamic Parameter Adaptation in the Bird Swarm Algorithm for Neural Network Optimization
Authors: Melin Patricia , Miramontes Ivette , Carvajal Oscar , Prado-Arechiga German
Published: July 2021

Fuzzy dynamic parameter adaptation has proven to be of great help when it is implemented in bio-inspired algorithms for optimization in different application areas, such as control, mathematical functions, classification, among others. One of the main contributions of this work is the proposed improvement of the Bird Swarm algorithm using a Fuzzy System approach, and we called this improvement the Fuzzy Bird Swarm Algorithm. Furthermore, we use a set of complex Benchmark Functions of the Congress on Evolutionary Computation Competition 2017 to compare the results between the original algorithm and the proposed improvement of the algorithm. The fuzzy system is utilized for the dynamic parameter adaptation of C1 and C2 parameters of the Bird Swarm Algorithm. As a result, the Fuzzy Bird Swarm Algorithm has enhanced exploration and exploitation abilities that help in achieving better results than the Bird Swarm Algorithm. We additionally test the algorithm's performance in a real problem in the medical area, using the optimization of a neural network to obtain the risk of developing hypertension. This neural network uses patient information, such as age, gender, body mass index, systolic pressure, diastolic pressure, if the patient smokes and if the patient has parents with hypertension. Hypertension is one of the leading causes of heart problems, which in turn are also the top causes of death. Moreover, these days it causes more complications and deaths in people infected with COVID-19, the virus of the ongoing pandemic. Based on the results obtained through the 30 experiments carried out in three different study cases, and the results obtained from the statistical tests, it can be concluded that the proposed method provides better performance when compared with the original method.
B7-H4 Expression is Upregulated by PKCδ Activation and Contributes to PKCδ-Induced Cell Mobility in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Zhou Bin , Lu Youwei , Zhao Zhiming , Shi Tongguo , Wu Hongya , Chen Weichang , Zhang Liang , Zhang Xueguang
Published: July 2021

Background B7-H4 is overexpressed in colorectal cancer (CRC) and plays important roles in tumour growth and immunosuppression. However, the exact mechanism that regulates B7-H4 expression remains largely unknown. Protein kinase δ (PKCδ) plays a significant role in a range of cancers, including CRC. Here, we investigated whether PKCδ regulates the expression of B7-H4 in CRC.Methods By using immunohistochemical and immunofluorescence (IF) staining, we analysed the expression of B7-H4 and phospho-PKCδ (p-PKCδ) in 225 colorectal tumour samples, and the clinical significance of these expression patterns was determined. In vitro experiments were performed with the CRC cell lines HCT116 and SW620 to detect the effect of PKCδ activation on B7-H4 expression.Results B7-H4 expression was significantly correlated with p-PKCδ expression (r=0.378, P<0.001) in tumour tissues. The co-expression of p-PKCδ and B7-H4 was significantly associ­ated with moderate/poor differentiation (P=0.024), lymph node metastasis (P=0.001) and an advanced Dukes’ stage (P=0.002). Western blot analysis showed that TPA increased B7-H4 levels in a concentration-dependent manner and rottlerin also abrogated TPA-induced B7-H4 enhancement. The expression of B7-H4 and p-STAT3 were significantly reduced by PKCδ-specific siRNA. Moreover, STAT3 inhibitor cryptotanshinone significantly decreased B7-H4 protein levels in HCT116 cells. Knockdown of B7-H4 or PKCδ expression suppressed cell migration and mobility.Conclusion B7-H4 expression was significantly correlated with p-PKCδ expression in CRC samples. B7-H4 expression was upregulated by STAT3 activation via PKCδ and played roles in PKCδ-induced cancer cell mobility and metastasis.
“Cut-Off Value of Sige To D. Pteronyssinus in Double Negative Patients Der P 1 and Der P2 and Its Clinical Repercussion”.
Authors: Letrán Antonio , García Ignacio , Espinazo-Romeu Marisa , Moreno-Aguilar Carmen , Moreno Francisco
Published: July 2021

Background Accessibility to more precise diagnostic techniques such as component resolved diagnostics (CRD), provides us with an important advance in diagnostic aspects as well as treatment. Objective The subject of this study aims to better understand the profiles of sensitization to Der p 1, Der p 2 and Der p 23 and to know to what extent their use could help us in optimizing the decision-making for their treatment with Specific Immunotherapy. Method Cross-sectional study of subjects older than 5 years, diagnosed with allergy to HDM using skin prick test and sIgE, with symptoms of rhinitis and/or asthma. Total and specific IgE was determined to D. pteronyssinus, nDer p 1, rDer p 2 and rDer p 23 using ImmunoCAP. Results 240 patients were recruited (97.1% rhinitis and 46.25% rhinitis and asthma). Four different phenotypes were observed: positive or negative for sIgE nDer p 1 and/or IgE rDer p 2. 17% of these patients sIgE were double negative for Der p 1 and Der p 2 (increasing with age and with significantly lower sIgE levels than the rest of the groups). Using ROC curves, value less than 2.18 KU A /L for D. pteronyssinus sIgE gave us a sensitivity and specificity of 0.882 and 0.985, respectively, to double negative IgE nDer p 1 and IgE rDer p 2 group. Conclusions Despite positive SPT and sIgE to D. pteronyssinus, 17% of the studied population is IgE nDer p 1 and IgE rDer p 2 double negative, with a cut-off value of 2.18 KU/ L, which is very relevant for taking of decisions in prescription of AIT. The double positive population sIgE nDer p 1 and IgE rDer p 2 is associated with asthma compared to the other groups and this does not seem to be influenced by IgE rDer p 23.
Surface Charge governs the adsorption behaviour of glyphosate in Australian Oxisol Soil System
Authors: Sharma Aman D.
Published: July 2021

Glyphosate adsorption pattern is important for determining its environmental fate. Oxisol soil systems adsorb maximum glyphosate in the presence of biochar, however, the mechanism was not known. This article provides information concerning the role of surface charge in the case of Oxisol soil systems. Batch sorption experiments were conducted at the University of Sydney, Australia. Potentiometric titrations were done to calculate the surface charge in the case of Oxisol soil systems. Maximum adsorption of glyphosate in the Oxisol soil systems in the presence of char was due to an increase in net positive surface charge. This finding is of great importance to understanding the mechanism of herbicide soil interactions.
Effect of Estrogen Receptor Expression Level and Hormonal Therapy on Prognosis of Early Breast Cancer
Authors: Yoon Kyung-Hwak , Park Yeshong , Kang Eunyoung , Kim Eun-Kyu , Kim Jee Hyun , Kim Se Hyun , Suh Koung Jin , Kim Sun Mi , Jang Mijung , Yun Bo La , Park So Yeon , Shin Hee-Chul
Published: July 2021

PurposeEstrogen receptor (ER) expression in breast cancer plays an essential role in carcinogenesis and disease progression. Recently, tumors with low level (1-10%) of ER expression have been separately defined as ER Low Positive (ERlow). It is suggested that ERlow tumors might be morphologically and behaviorally different from tumors with high ER expression (ERhigh).MethodsRetrospective analysis of a prospective cohort database was performed. Patients who underwent curative surgery for early breast cancer and had available medical records were included for analysis. Difference in clinicopathological characteristics, endocrine responsiveness and five-year recurrence-free survival was evaluated between different ER subgroups (ERhigh, ERlow, and ER-negative (ER-)).ResultsA total of 2162 breast cancer patients were included in the analysis, Tis and T1 stage. Among them, 1654 (76.5%) were ERhigh, 54 (2.5%) were ERlow, and 454 (21.0%) were ER- patients. ERlow cases were associated with smaller size, higher histologic grade, positive human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), negative progesterone receptor, and higher Ki-67 expression. Recurrence rate was highest in ER- tumors and was inversely proportional to ER expression. Recurrence-free survival was not affected by hormonal therapy in the ERlow group (P = 0.418).ConclusionERlow breast cancer showed distinct clinicopathological features. ERlow tumors seemed to have higher recurrence rates compared to ERhigh tumors, and they showed no significant benefit from hormonal therapy. Future large scale prospective studies are necessary to validate the treatment options for ERlow breast cancer.
TGFβ1 Improves the Proliferation of Decellularized and Aligned Skeletal Muscle in Extracellular Matrix Hydrogels by m6A Modification-Mediated Integrin Through Inducing ERK Phosphorylation
Authors: Zhu Menghai , Qin Bengang , Yi Yang , Yang Jiantao , Gu Liqiang
Published: July 2021

Background: The purpose of this study was to illustrate the characteristics of skeletal muscle ECM hydrogels and assess the function and underlying mechanisms of hydrogels combined with TGFβ1 for the myogenesis of skeletal muscle stem cells (SkMSCs). Methods: Six methods were used to obtain extracellular matrix (ECM) from rat skeletal muscle. Hydrogel components and cytocompatibility were assessed by Masson’s trichrome staining, scanning electron microscopy, the sulfated glycosaminoglycan (s-GAG) and bFGF contents and a cell viability assay. Satellite cells were sorted, identified and seeded into skeletal muscle ECM hydrogels with TGFβ1. To determine the function of decellularized aligned skeletal muscle ECM hydrogels with TGFβ1 for the proliferation and differentiation of SkMSCs, a 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine (EdU) analysis and immunofluorescence staining were conducted. RNA stability assay and Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) were used to further investigated the mechanism underlying the function. Results: Our study established a highly efficient method for the decellularization of skeletal muscle and fabricated an ECM hydrogel without cell components that preserves the rich ECM composition. This hydrogel formed a three-dimensional microstructure and showed good biocompatibility. We found that the decellularized aligned ECM scaffold with TGFβ1 promoted SkMSC proliferation and suppressed SkMSC differentiation through extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling. Our study suggested that TGFβ1 increases the m6A methylation of the integrin mRNA 3’UTR, thereby inducing the phosphorylation of ERK and promoting SkMSCs proliferation and differentiation.Conclusions: Our study explored a highly efficient method for the decellularization of skeletal muscle and fabricated an ECM hydrogel with a three-dimensional microstructure and good biocompatibility. Furthermore, we demonstrated that decellularized aligned ECM scaffolds with TGFβ1 promoted SkMSC proliferation and differentiation through enhancing the m6A methylation of the integrin mRNA 3’UTR, which may serve as a potential therapeutic strategy for the acute and chronic muscle injuries
Perceived Health Effects of Chinese Wetland Parks in the Context of COVID-19
Authors: Zhai Xuezhu , Lange Eckart
Published: July 2021

Wetland parks are designed to support urban ecological protection, flood control and human well-being. Existing research mainly focuses on their influence on ecology and economy. However, their influence on human well-being and health is rarely studied. During the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic (Peak), people were very concerned about health, while simultaneously wetland parks which are generally considered beneficial to health were shut down. Thus, this study explores the publics’ perception of the health effects of visiting wetland parks and the impact of the pandemic on the perception. From March 5th to 8th, 2020, before the Peak in China was over, 1,400 respondents were surveyed online nationwide. It was found that generally, the public perceived physical and mental health benefits by visiting WPs, and perceived higher benefits in mental health than in physical health. The expected (i.e. imagined) perceived health benefits after the Peak were slightly higher than before the pandemic. The results highlight that wildlife habitat services were considered to be the most important ecosystem services that promote the perceived health benefits. Interestingly, health experts perceived health benefits to be lower from WPs than other groups, indicating that the health benefits of visiting WPs may be overestimated by lay-people or underestimated by health experts. The results provide empirical evidence for managing ecosystem services as delivered by these urban wetlands, in the context of COVID-19 or potential future pandemics, for promoting public health.
Serum HBV RNA Predicts HBeAg Clearance and Seroconversion in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis B Treated with Nucleos(t)Ide Analogues
Authors: Wang Yang , Liao Hao , Deng Zhongping , liu Yanna , bian Dandan , Ren Yan , Yu Guangxin , Jiang yingying , Bai Li , Liu Shuang , Liu Mei , Zhou Li , Chen Yu , Duan Zhongping , Zheng Sujun , Lu fengmin
Published: July 2021

Background: To evaluate the predictive value of serum HBV DNA, HBV RNA, HBcrAg, HBsAg, intrahepatic HBV DNA, and cccDNA for HBeAg clearance and seroconversion during long-term treatment of nucleos(t)ide analogues (NAs) in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB).Method: A single center, prospective cohort of CHB patients enrolled between June 2007 and July 2008 was used for this study. Serum HBV RNA levels were retrospectively measured at baseline, 6, 12, 24, 36, 48, 60, 72, and 84 months post-NAs treatment. Serum HBsAg and HBcrAg levels were quantified at baseline, month 6, 60, and 72. Histological sample from liver biopsy at baseline and month 60 were analyzed for intrahepatic HBV DNA and cccDNA.Results: Eighty-three HBeAg patients were enrolled with an median follow-up time of 108 months (range 18-138 months). Of them, 53 (63.86%) patients achieved HBeAg clearance, and 37 (44.58%) achieved HBeAg seroconversion. Only baseline HBV RNA was independently associated with HBeAg clearance (OR=0.50, 95%CI 0.309-0.809, P=0.005) and seroconversion (OR=0.689, 95% CI 0.513-0.925, P=0.013). The independent negative association with HBeAg clearance and seroconversion remained for HBV RNA levels at month 6 (OR=0.42, 95%CI 0.248-0.714, P=0.001; OR=0.44, 95%CI 0.260-0.744, P=0.002) and month 12 (OR=0.39, 95%CI 0.253-0.592, P<0.001; OR=0.58, 95%CI 0.427-0.798, P=0.001). The AUC of baseline HBV RNA for predicting the HBeAg clearance and seroconversion were 0.81 (95%CI: 0.70-0.89) and 0.68 (95%CI: 0.56-0.78), respectively, higher than that of HBV DNA, HBsAg and HBcrAg.Conclusion: Lower serum HBV RNA at baseline, month 6 and 12 post NAs treatment could predict HBeAg clearance and seroconversion during long-term NAs treatment.