bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Publications on Post-Covid Mucormycosis: A Bibliometric Study of WHO Database.
Authors: Sharma Paras , Dubey Gargee
Published: September 2021

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has triggered a large number of publications to inform, understand, conduct more research and control the situation. Although the researchers are analyzing the bibliometrics on this condition, no bibliometric studies are available on the publications related to post-covid mucormycosis. This study is aimed at bibliometric assessment of the publications related to post-covid mucormycosis.
Methods: In the presented study, authors have performed the bibliometric analysis of the World health organization (WHO) database named ‘Global literature on coronavirus disease.’ WHO is maintaining this database since the pandemic, and it contains thousands of reports. Two simple search terms, ‘Covid’ and ‘mucormycosis’ used to search the entire database in ‘title, abstract, subject’ mode with the search string was tw:(mucormycosis covid). The search was not restricted to any date range.
Results: Only 51 reports (40 articles and 01 clinical trials) were obtained with the above search terms. The study found that there is considerable growth in such publication in the last 6 months. Interestingly only three such reports were published in the year 2020. Database wise 38 of these 51 reports were available in Medline. Most of such reports were published by Indian authors. Indian Journal of Ophthalmology emerged as the most productive journal contributing the highest number (10) of these reports.
Conclusions: The highly acclaimed publications were the reviews. This study suggests that India is the most productive country for publications related to post-covid mucormycosis. This resembles the fact that the country, faced the excessive emergence of post-covid-19 mucormycosis cases reported the secondhighest number of Covid 19 cases in the substantial worldwide outbreak in the second wave, which is followed by post covid mucormycosis.
Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.20(5) 2021 p.144-147
Principales competencias de los emprendedores, caso Ecuador
Authors: Valencia-Gonzalez Edwin , Becerra-Sarmiento María , Revelo-Oña Renato
Published: September 2021

El propósito de este documento es investigar las competencias que deben desarrollar aquellas personas que deseen emprender un negocio en cualquier sector de la economía; ya que no basta con tener buenas ideas, en Ecuador un gran porcentaje de los emprendimientos tienden a desaparecer en el primer año de vida por lo cual es importante desarrollar las competencias necesarias para poder mantener a flote el negocio. Objetivo. Encontrar las competencias más relevantes para garantizar el éxito en la implementación y en el funcionamiento de un emprendimiento. Método. Se realiza una investigación bibliográfica sistemática de corte trasversal con la revisión de artículos de scopus de los últimos 5 años.  Resultados. El índice de desempleo en Ecuador ha motivado al crecimiento de emprendimientos; los emprendedores no tienen las competencias que les permita llevar a delante su propósito; los emprendedores tienen que desarrollar competencias para que sus negocios sean exitosos. Discusión y conclusiones. En este estudio se muestra que la mayoría de los emprendedores en el Ecuador tienen un nivel de escolaridad que en el mejor de los casos han culminado el bachillerato lo cual afecta la permanencia y provoca un quiebre temprano que se evitaría al desarrollar las competencias mencionadas.
Changes in Eyelid Parameters after Orbital Decompression according to the Surgical Approach in Thyroid Eye Disease
Authors: Kim Seong Ho , Kang Sung Mo
Published: September 2021

Purpose: To evaluate the changes in eyelid parameters after the endonasal approach compared with transcaruncular medial wall decompression combined with the transconjunctival inferior wall decompression approach with inferomedial strut preservation.Methods: In total, 71 patients with thyroid eye disease who underwent orbital decompression were retrospectively evaluated. The data collected included Hertel exophthalmometry, marginal reflex distance 1, marginal reflex distance 2, interpalpebral fissure, levator function test measures, and complications related to surgery.Results: Proptosis reduction produced a statistically significant improvement across all decompression groups. Lower eyelid retraction produced a statistically significant improvement in the two-wall decompression groups but not in the one-wall decompression groups. No statistical difference was observed in the upper eyelid retraction and levator function after surgery across all decompression groups. In the post-hoc analysis, statistical improvement was not observed in the lower eyelid retraction between the endonasal and transcaruncular approach in the one-wall and two-wall decompression groups, although statistically significant exophthalmos reduction and improvement in the lower eyelid retraction was noted in the two-wall decompression subgroups compared with one-wall decompression subgroups.Conclusions: Our study showed no differences in eyelid parameters between the endonasal and transcaruncular decompression approaches in one-wall and two-wall decompression. In the two-wall decompression group, proptosis reduction was greater with the endonasal approach than with the transcaruncular approach when the strut was preserved; however, it does not lead to a significant difference in the improvement of lower eyelid retraction.
Thermal Profile of Pulse Precision Capsulotomy: In vivo and In vitro Infrared Thermography Study
Authors: An Jae-Hong , Jun Jong-Hwa
Published: September 2021

Purpose: This study aimed to elucidate the thermal safety of precision pulse capsulotomy (PPC) via in vivo and in vitro evaluation of the thermal profile using infrared thermography.Methods: This prospective observational study enrolled 15 eyes from 15 participants who underwent cataract surgery using the Zepto PPC. All patients underwent temperature measurements of the incision site and the entire cornea using an infrared thermographer during the capsulotomy procedure. To accurately analyze the temperature change of the Zepto PPC, infrared thermography was performed with the Zepto handpiece while exposed to air and then in porcine eyes. Moreover, in each case, the difference in temperature change according to the use of an ophthalmic viscosurgical device (OVD) was also checked to determine the temperature buffering effect.Results: In the clinical evaluations, the mean temperature elevation around the corneal incision and time duration from baseline to peak temperature during the Zepto capsulotomy were 4.0°C ± 1.9°C and 4.43 ± 1.26 seconds, respectively, with a mean peak temperature of 32.6°C ± 2.0°C. The mean peak temperature and rise time of the naïve Zepto nitinol ring, as measured from the bottom side, were 109.0°C ± 22.9°C and 43.40 ± 11.06 seconds in the experimental procedures, respectively. In the porcine eyes, the mean elevation of temperature and rise time of the Zepto nitinol ring were 6.2°C ± 1.6°C and 11.67 ± 2.08 seconds with the use of OVDs, and 10.5°C ± 3.3°C and 14.00 ± 3.61 seconds without OVDs, respectively.Conclusions: Zepto PPC has the potential to generate extremely high thermal energy, according to an in vitro study. However, the temperature rise of the Zepto capsulotomy can be minimized by using OVDs.
Impacts of genetic selection on Sequoia sempervirens mini-cutting rooting and initial growth in the field
Authors: Lovatel Queli Cristina , Rosa Gabriel Teixeira da , Sá Alexandra Cristina Schatz , Lopes Betel Cavalcante , Tonett Erasmo Luis , Dias Romell Alves Ribeiro , Pereira Mariane de Oliveira , Navroski Marcio Carlos
Published: September 2021

Background: Vegetative propagation from superior individuals allows multiple copies of plants that are genetically identical to the parent plant to be obtained. However, vegetative propagation success varies among individual genotypes, with some clones having more difficulty forming roots than others. The aim of this study was to evaluate the genetic gain in Sequoia sempervirens (D.Don) Endl. clones using parameters describing vegetative propagation success and initial growth in field. Methods: Vegetative propagation success was quantified for 16 clones in a completely randomised design consisting of 10 replications, each containing 10 mini-cuttings. At 90 days, rooting (RT), survival (SV) and the number of new shoots (NS) were evaluated. Performance after planting in the field was assessed using 13 clones from the previous experiment, arranged in linear parcels of 10 plants with 8 replicates. After 18 months, survival (SV), stem diameter (SD), height (H) and dominance breakdown (DB) were assessed. Estimates of variance components, heritability and genetic correlations were obtained using the Selegen-REML/BLUP software. Results: The mini cuttings of the 16 clones had a coefficient of genetic variation (CVgi%) of 32.32% for RT, 5.44% for SV and 5.35% for NS. The heritability of the total genetic effects (H2 g) for RT was 0.68. The clones with the best predicted genotypic classifications for the characteristics evaluated in the field were A116, A140 and A138 for SV, A126, A140 and A138 for SD, A138, A140 and A117 for H and A138, A228 and A116 for DB. Conclusions: In general, it was possible to obtain high genetic gain for rooting and medium gain for dendrometric variables in the field.
Al-Kitāb wa Al-Qur’ān: Qirā’ah Mu’aṣirah
Authors: Mustautina Inayatul
Published: September 2021

In KBBI, clothing means what items are worn (clothes, pants and so on). As is well known that when talking about clothing it will also be discussed about genitals and headscarves or hijab. Muhammad Syahrur argues that the word al-hijab in the Qur'an is mentioned eight times, which is interpreted as shar'i clothing and none of them refer to libas. The concept or rules of men's clothing and women's clothing must be different, because the limits of male and female genitalia are also different. This is stated in the Al-Quran, one of which is in the verse an-Nur verse 31. In this paper, the author will discuss how M. Syahrur interpreted the verse in accordance with the theory of boundaries and views associated with other Qur'anic verses.
Indonesia Guidelight Project dan Tafsir Audiovisual: Tinjauan atas Metodologi Tafsir dan Kontribusinya di Masa Pandemi
Authors: Nafisah Mamluatun , Trijayanti Nur Azizah
Published: September 2021

This paper departs from the many platforms on social media that offer virtual Al-Qur’an learning facilities, especially during the pandemic. One of the platforms on social media that facilitates virtual Al-Qur’an learning is the Indonesia Guidelight Project. To find out how the methodology for audiovisual interpretation of the Indonesia Guidelight Project is and how the contribution and reception of participants to the study is, the author uses the phenomenological approach initiated by Edmund Husserl and the interpretation approach. The results of this study conclude that the Guidelight audiovisual interpretation provides a positive contribution to the wider community so as to increase their understanding of the content of the Quran and become a better person. In addition, if you look at the methodological aspect, the audiovisual interpretation of Guidelight is substantially informative by presenting resource persons who have appropriate competence as exegetes. It's just that for the good of the future the form of interpretation is enriched with contextual approaches.
Kewaspadaan terhadap Keluarga dan Harta dalam QS. Al-Taghabun [54]: 14-15
Authors: Aziz M. Marovida
Published: September 2021

This article examines and analyzes the attitude that must be taken when family and property become enemies, obstacles and trials. To understand it, that family and property are inseparable, humans are born to have a family, while to meet the daily needs of a family requires property as a basic need such as clothing and food. This paper will explain that in having a family and managing wealth there are more or less trials and tests in it, so in the sura QS. al-Taghabun [64]: 14-15 explains vigilance towards family and property. By using the Ma'nā-cum-Maghzā approach formulated by Sahiron Syamsuddin, the author wants to see the meaning of the main message behind being vigilance of our family and property, by analyzing the language of the verse and looking at the historical context of the verse. With this step, it leads to a concrete conclusion that when dealing with wives and children who hinder us, we should not use violence, and when we get sustenance in the form of wealth we must be able to manage it well and in the right way.
Transformasi Ekonomi Zakat: Penerima Menjadi Wajib Zakat
Authors: Hamzah  Hamzah  , St. Umrah  St. Umrah
Published: September 2021

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengelaborasi pendayagunaan zakat dan pengembangan amil pada konsep kepemimpinan transformatif. Jenis penelitian yang digunakan adalah penelitian kepustakaan (library research). Sumber data penelitian ini terdiri dari 8 buku, 4 jurnal dan 8 situs internet yang terkait dengan informasi trasformasi ekonomi zakat. Data dianalisis menggunakan teknik analisis isi (content analysis). Hasil kajian menunjukkan bahwa amil memiliki peran startegis dalam trasfer of knowledge kepada penerima zakat dalam kaitanya melakukan pendayagunaan zakat sebagai penguatan masyarakat. Pandangan Schermerhor digunakan dalam pengembangan amil dalam mewujudkan kepemimpinan transformatif. Dampak dari model kepemimpinan trasformatif amil adalah dapat membalikkan penerima zakat menjadi pemberi zakat.
Penghimpunan Dana Zakat Dan Faktor Penghambatnya
Authors: Mulvi  Aulia
Published: September 2021

Zakat merupakan bentuk ibadah umat Islam, zakat juga merupakan sumber pemasukan Negara dalam perespektif ekonomi Islam. Di Indonesia lembaga amil zakat resmi sudah berjalan kurang lebih selama dua dekade. Pengumpulan dana zakat dimulai dari gerakan kotak amal hingga menggunakan teknologi digital. Dalam berjibaku di dunia amil zakat, lembaga-lembaga ini sudah menunjukkan perbaikan disetiap tahunnya. Rata-rata pertumbuhan zakat yang dikumpulkan melalui badan amil zakat resmi selama 3 tahun terakhir adalah 23,3%. Adapun Kenaikan Gross Nasional Produk Indonesia konsisten tumbuh kurang lebih diangka 5%. Hal ini menunjukkan bahwa tingkat kesadaran orang yang terkena wajib zakat (Muzakki) dalam menyalurkan zaktnya kepada lembaga amil zakat resmi sudah semakin baik. Manajemen Pengelolaan zakat pun demikian, pengumpulan dana zakat sudah sangat beragam sarananya. Namun menurut beberapa pakar penghimpunan dana zakat masih jauh dari potensinya, itupun sudah dikurangi melaui asumsi sejumlah sumber non halal dan jumah muzakki yang ada di Indonesia.
Mustahik Zakat Dalam Islam
Authors: Muzayyanah  MUzayyanah  , Heni  Yulianti
Published: September 2021

Penelitian ini mengkaji status anak yatim dalam menerima zakat Sepanjang penelitian penulis dari buku-buku dan referensi-referensi keislaman bahwa anak yatim tidak menjadi mustahik zakat. Mustahik zakat orang yang berhak menerima harta zakat. Seseorang tidak berhak menerima zakat (tidak dianggap sebagai mustahik), kecuali seorang muslim yang merdeka (bukan budak), bukan seorang anggota suku Bani Hasyim atau Bani Muththalib, dan harus memiliki salah satu sifat di antara sifat-sifat kedelapan asnaf (kelompok) yang tersebut dalam Al-Qur’ân. Dengan kata lain, zakat tidak boleh disalurkan  kepada  orang  kafir, orang  yang  masih  status budak, atau seorang anggota suku Bani Hasyim dan Bani Muththalib. Sebagaimana disebutkan dalam al-Qur’an Surat at-Taubah [9]: 60, orang-orang yang berhak menerima zakat (Mustahik zakat). Inilah ayat yang dijadikan dalil, bahwa para penerima zakat itu adalah 8 golongan. Dan tidak memasukan bahwa anak yatim itu sebagai mustahik zakat.
Filantropi Zakat: Solusi Stabilitas Ekonomi Syariah di Tengah Pandemi covid 19
Authors: Umi Khusnul Khotimah
Published: September 2021

Tujuan pensyaria’atan zakat dalam Islam adalah kemaslahatan pemilik harta, penerima zakat, dan masyarakat luas. Tujuan tersebut sebagai berikut: pertama, mengurangi kesenjangan sosial di masyarakat. Kedua, membantu orang-orang fakir-miskin yang membutuhkan bantuan secara finansial. Ketiga, pengentasan kemiskinan. Keempat, meningkatkan taraf hidup mustahik. Kelima: membersihkan muzakki dari karakter-karakter  negatif yang disematkan Al-Qur’an kepada manusia, seperti kikir dan rakus. Keenam: mengobati hati dari cinta dunia. Ketujuh, melatih diri untuk meneladari satu dari sifat Allah, yaitu pemurah. Kedelapan: menjaga harta agar tidak menjadi incaran orang yang hatinya berpenyakit, seperti iri dan dengki. Kesembilan, sebagai wujud rasa syukur kepada Allah swt atas anugerah nikmat berupa harta. Syariat zakat mempunyai dua dimensi, yaitu ketaatan dan kepedulian sosial. Di tengah wabah corona yang melanda umat manusia, zakat dapat menjadi solusi sebagai stabilisasi ekonomi. Karena dengan distribusi zakat sesuai sasaran tanpa tebang pilih, maka masyarakat miskin tetap mampu membeli kebutuhan sehari-hari. Sehingga putaran ekonomi tidak akan terhenti. Agar dayaguna zakat meningkat, harus diperhatikan kebutuhan mendasar mustahik zakat. Sebagai solusi zakat bisa diberikan dalam bentuk tunai supaya kesulitan ekonomi mereka dapat teratasi. Implentasinya akan lebih mudah jika pembayaran zakat dilaksanakan dengan harga
Implementasi Pembelajaran Inklusif di SD Pelita Bangsa Global Islamic School (GIS) Tangerang Selatan
Authors: Itsam Samrotul Fuadah  , Esi Hairani
Published: September 2021

In this study the researchers attempted to investigate, find, describe, and explain how SD Pelita Bangsa Global Islamic School (GIS) implements inclusive education learning properly so that the school's existence is still good until now, even more than 2 prospective students with special needs per year who list and want to go to school at the school and the majority of all students with special needs are complete until grade 6. The research uses descriptive research with the data analysis technique model of Miles and Huberman, namely the analysis consists of three flow activities that occur simultaneously, namely: data reduction, data presentation, withdrawal . The results of this study indicate that SD Pelita Bangsa GIS has attempted to plan lessons, especially in Arabic language subjects that are appropriate for students with special needs as described in the General Guidelines for the Implementation of Inclusive Education by the Directorate of PPK-LK Basic Education, Ministry of Education and Culture in 2014 Then, the implementation of inclusive learning, especially in Arabic subjects at SD Pelita Bangsa GIS, has been done well. And lastly, SD Pelita Bangsa GIS has carried out relevant assessments and reports of what schools implementing inclusive programs should do.
Nephrology nurses’ views in giving a dietary recommendation for dialysis patients: An interview study
Authors: Hj Emran Siti Norhayati , Zolkefli Yusrita
Published: September 2021

Background: Nutrition in dialysis patients plays an essential role in their life. Diet in dialysis patients are catered individually and applied according to the situation of the patients. A dietary recommendation is vital to dialysis patients, and nephrology nurses help patients understand the reasoning behind the dietary restrictions enforced.
Objective: This paper aimed to explore nephrology nurses’ views in giving dietary recommendations for dialysis patients.
Methods:  In this descriptive qualitative study, one focus group discussion (n = eight nurses) and four individual interviews in one Renal Centre in Brunei Darussalam was conducted through purposive sampling. This interview took place between October 2020 and December 2020.
Results: Three major themes were identified: (1) Approaches in giving dietary information, (2) Getting patients to follow a diet plan, and (3) Negotiating with patients.
Conclusion: The importance of nephrology nurses in improving patient care, particularly in providing dietary recommendations to dialysis patients, cannot be overstated. They adopted different approaches, including negotiating with patients and using available resources to ensure that patients followed the dietary recommendations. However, they believe their current method and strategy for offering dietary recommendations to dialysis patients could be improved.
ANALYSIS OF THE HATI SUHITA NOVEL BY KHILMA ANIS: RELIGIOUS ASPECTS OF HUMAN RELATIONS WITH SELF
Authors: Ilmu Hamimah
Published: September 2021

Becoming a perfect human is something that cannot happen in the world. However, being a human being who strives and is determined to be perfect is something that can be achieved with all the conviction of the heart and requests for straightness on the path of Alah SWT. accompanied by self-effort towards true goodness. This can be referred to as the religious dimension of one's self to oneself. Instilling a strong religious character and heart readiness to go to the right path. The power of religious character over oneself can be applied in a variety of circumstances. Like being happy, sad, disappointed, impressed or so on. This situation really proves how much a person uses a religious attitude towards oneself. The following article contains several pieces of religious attitudes towards oneself that can add to our insight into this dimension of attitude.
Osteogenic Response to Polysaccharide Nanogel Sheets of Human Fibroblasts After Conversion Into Functional Osteoblasts by Direct Phenotypic Cell Reprogramming
Authors: Nakai Kei , Yamamoto Kenta , Kishida Tsunao , Kotani Shin-ichiro , Sato Yoshiki , Horiguchi Satoshi , Yamanobe Hironaka , Adachi Tetsuya , Boschetto Francesco , Marin Elia , Zhu Wenliang , Akiyoshi Kazunari , Yamamoto Toshiro , Kanamura Narisato , Pezzotti Giuseppe , Mazda Osam
Published: September 2021

Human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) were converted into osteoblasts using a ALK inhibitor II (inhibitor of transforming growth factor-β signal) on freeze-dried nanogel-cross-linked porous (FD-NanoClip) polysaccharide sheets or fibers. Then, the ability of these directly converted osteoblasts (dOBs) to produce calcified substrates and the expression of osteoblast genes were analyzed in comparison with osteoblasts converted by exactly the same procedure but seeded onto a conventional atelocollagen scaffold. dOBs exposed to FD-NanoClip in both sheet and fiber morphologies produced a significantly higher concentration of calcium deposits as compared to a control cell sample (i.e., unconverted fibroblasts), while there was no statistically significant difference in calcification level between dOBs exposed to atelocollagen sheets and the control group. The observed differences in osteogenic behaviors were interpreted according to Raman spectroscopic analyses comparing different polysaccharide scaffolds and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analyses of dOB cultures. This study substantiates a possible new path to repair large bone defects through a simplified transplantation procedure using FD-NanoClip sheets with better osteogenic outputs as compared to the existing atelocollagen scaffolding material.
Rapid Enabling of Gluconobacter oxydans Resistance to High D-Sorbitol Concentration and High Temperature by Microdroplet-Aided Adaptive Evolution
Authors: Liu Li , Zeng Weizhu , Yu Shiqin , Li Jianghua , Zhou Jingwen
Published: September 2021

Gluconobacter oxydans is important in the conversion of D-sorbitol into l-sorbose, which is an essential intermediate for industrial-scale production of vitamin C. In a previous study, the strain G. oxydans WSH-004 could directly produce 2-keto-l-gulonic acid (2-KLG). However, its D-sorbitol tolerance was poor compared with that of other common industrial G. oxydans strains, which grew well in the presence of more than 200 g/L of D-sorbitol. This study aimed to use the microbial microdroplet culture (MMC) system for the adaptive evolution of G. oxydans WSH-004 so as to improve its tolerance to high substrate concentration and high temperature. A series of adaptively evolved strains, G. oxydans MMC1-MMC10, were obtained within 90 days. The results showed that the best strain MMC10 grew in a 300 g/L of D-sorbitol medium at 40°C. The comparative genomic analysis revealed that genetic changes related to increased tolerance were mainly in protein translation genes. Compared with the traditional adaptive evolution method, the application of microdroplet-aided adaptive evolution could improve the efficiency in terms of reducing time and simplifying the procedure for strain evolution. This research indicated that the microdroplet-aided adaptive evolution was an effective tool for improving the phenotypes with undemonstrated genotypes in a short time.
CircGLIS3 Promotes High-Grade Glioma Invasion via Modulating Ezrin Phosphorylation
Authors: Li Yan , Chen Jiansheng , Chen Zetao , Xu Xiangdong , Weng Jun , Zhang Yuxuan , Mo Yunzhao , Liu Yang , Wang Jihui , Ke Yiquan
Published: September 2021

High-grade glioma is highly invasive and malignant, resistant to combined therapies, and easy to relapse. A better understanding of circular RNA (circRNA) biological function in high-grade glioma might contribute to the therapeutic efficacy. Here, a circRNA merely upregulated in high-grade glioma, circGLIS3 (hsa_circ_0002874, originating from exon 2 of GLIS3), was validated by microarray and Real-time quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR). The role of circGLIS3 in glioma was assessed by functional experiments both in vitro and in vivo. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), RNA pull-down, RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP), and immunohistochemical staining were performed for mechanistic study. Cocultured brain endothelial cells with glioma explored the role of exosome-derived circGLIS3 in the glioma microenvironment. We found that upregulation of circGLIS3 promoted glioma cell migration and invasion and showed aggressive characteristics in tumor-bearing mice. Mechanistically, we found that circGLIS3 could promote the Ezrin T567 phosphorylation level. Moreover, circGLIS3 could be excreted by glioma through exosomes and induced endothelial cell angiogenesis. Our findings indicate that circGLIS3 is upregulated in high-grade glioma and contributes to the invasion and angiogenesis of glioma via modulating Ezrin T567 phosphorylation.
Canine IVM With SOF Medium, Insulin-Transferrin-Selenium, and Low O2 Tension Improves Oocyte Meiotic Competence and Decreases Reactive Oxygen Species Levels
Authors: Duque Rodriguez Matteo , Cittadini Camila O. , Teplitz Gabriela M. , De Stefano Adrian , Lombardo Daniel M. , Salamone Daniel F.
Published: September 2021

Assisted reproductive technologies in canine species are limited due to the low efficiency of in vitro maturation (IVM). Unlike other mammals, bitches ovulate oocytes in the germinal vesicle stage and complete metaphase II (MII) after 48–72 h in the oviductal environment and become fertilizable. For this reason, we compared two different IVM media, synthetic oviductal fluid (SOF) supplemented with 8% bovine serum albumin (BSA) or a mixture of 8% BSA–2.5% fetal bovine serum (FBS) and TCM-199 with 10% FBS. Additionally, we evaluated the effect of supplementation with insulin-transferrin-selenium (ITS) and low O2 tension in oocyte maturation, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, membrane integrity, and embryo development following parthenogenetic activation (PA). After 72 h of culture, SOF + BSA, SOF + BSA + FBS, and TCM-199 + FBS show 5, 7, and 4% of MII, respectively, without a statistical difference. However, SOF + BSA produced significantly higher degeneration rates compared to SOF + BSA + FBS (44 and 23%, respectively). Remarkably, supplementation with 1 μl/ml of ITS under high O2 tension demonstrated a beneficial effect by improving maturation rates up to 20% compared to the other groups. Low O2 tension increased maturation rates to 36.5%, although there were no statistical differences compared to high O2 tension in the presence of ITS. Lower ROS levels and higher integrity of the cytoplasmic membrane were found in the presence of ITS despite no differences in maturation rates under low O2 tension groups. Additionally, after PA, 1% development until the eight-cell stage was obtained after activation of in vitro-matured oocytes in the presence of ITS. Taken together, these results indicate that SOF supplemented with 8% BSA and 2.5% FBS is suitable for IVM of canine oocytes and ITS supplementation was beneficial for both high and low O2 tension. Furthermore, the addition of ITS in the cultured system lowers ROS levels and increases membrane integrity in domestic dog oocytes after IVM.
Lysine Methyltransferase Inhibitors Impair H4K20me2 and 53BP1 Foci in Response to DNA Damage in Sarcomas, a Synthetic Lethality Strategy
Authors: Campillo-Marcos Ignacio , Monte-Serrano Eva , Navarro-Carrasco Elena , García-González Raúl , Lazo Pedro A.
Published: September 2021

Background

Chromatin is dynamically remodeled to adapt to all DNA-related processes, including DNA damage responses (DDR). This adaptation requires DNA and histone epigenetic modifications, which are mediated by several types of enzymes; among them are lysine methyltransferases (KMTs).

Methods

KMT inhibitors, chaetocin and tazemetostat (TZM), were used to study their role in the DDR induced by ionizing radiation or doxorubicin in two human sarcoma cells lines. The effect of these KMT inhibitors was tested by the analysis of chromatin epigenetic modifications, H4K16ac and H4K20me2. DDR was monitored by the formation of γH2AX, MDC1, NBS1 and 53BP1 foci, and the induction of apoptosis.

Results

Chaetocin and tazemetostat treatments caused a significant increase of H4K16 acetylation, associated with chromatin relaxation, and increased DNA damage, detected by the labeling of free DNA-ends. These inhibitors significantly reduced H4K20 dimethylation levels in response to DNA damage and impaired the recruitment of 53BP1, but not of MDC1 and NBS1, at DNA damaged sites. This modification of epigenetic marks prevents DNA repair by the NHEJ pathway and leads to cell death.

Conclusion

KMT inhibitors could function as sensitizers to DNA damage-based therapies and be used in novel synthetic lethality strategies for sarcoma treatment.
Next Generation Microbiome Research: Identification of Keystone Species in the Metabolic Regulation of Host-Gut Microbiota Interplay
Authors: Tudela Héloïse , Claus Sandrine P. , Saleh Maya
Published: September 2021

The community of the diverse microorganisms residing in the gastrointestinal tract, known as the gut microbiota, is exceedingly being studied for its impact on health and disease. This community plays a major role in nutrient metabolism, maintenance of the intestinal epithelial barrier but also in local and systemic immunomodulation. A dysbiosis of the gut microbiota, characterized by an unbalanced microbial ecology, often leads to a loss of essential functions that may be associated with proinflammatory conditions. Specifically, some key microbes that are depleted in dysbiotic ecosystems, called keystone species, carry unique functions that are essential for the balance of the microbiota. In this review, we discuss current understanding of reported keystone species and their proposed functions in health. We also elaborate on current and future bioinformatics tools needed to identify missing functions in the gut carried by keystone species. We propose that the identification of such keystone species functions is a major step for the understanding of microbiome dynamics in disease and toward the development of microbiome-based therapeutics.
A Reinterpretation of Evidence for the Endothelial Glycocalyx Filtration Structure
Authors: Arkill Kenton P.
Published: September 2021

The endothelial glycocalyx (eGlx) is thought to be the primary macromolecular filter for fluid flux out of the vasculature. This filter maintains the higher protein concentration within the vessel lumen relative to the tissue. Whilst the arguments for the eGlx being the size filter are convincing the structural evidence has been limited to specialized stains of perfusion fixed tissue, which are further processed for resin embedding for transmission electron microscopy. The staining and processing of the delicate pore structure has left many researchers struggling to interpret the observed surface coat. Previous work has alluded to a 19.5 nm spacing between fibers; however, whilst repeatable it does not give an eGlx pore size consistent with known glycosaminoglycan (GAG) molecular structure due to the required fiber thickness of >10 nm. Here a new interpretation is proposed based on the likelihood that the electron micrographs of are often of collapsed eGlx. The 19.5 nm spacing measured may therefore be the core protein of the proteoglycans (PGs) with the GAGs wrapped up around them rather than in an expanded in vivo state. The concept is explored to determine that this is indeed consistent with experimental measurements of permeability if the syndecans are predominately dimerized. Further an alteration of core protein lattice from hexagonal packing to square packing dramatically changes the permeability which could be facilitated via known mechanisms such as transient actin binding.
Transport Pathways That Contribute to the Cellular Distribution of Phosphatidylserine
Authors: Lenoir Guillaume , D’Ambrosio Juan Martín , Dieudonné Thibaud , Čopič Alenka
Published: September 2021

Phosphatidylserine (PS) is a negatively charged phospholipid that displays a highly uneven distribution within cellular membranes, essential for establishment of cell polarity and other processes. In this review, we discuss how combined action of PS biosynthesis enzymes in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), lipid transfer proteins (LTPs) acting within membrane contact sites (MCS) between the ER and other compartments, and lipid flippases and scramblases that mediate PS flip-flop between membrane leaflets controls the cellular distribution of PS. Enrichment of PS in specific compartments, in particular in the cytosolic leaflet of the plasma membrane (PM), requires input of energy, which can be supplied in the form of ATP or by phosphoinositides. Conversely, coupling between PS synthesis or degradation, PS flip-flop and PS transfer may enable PS transfer by passive flow. Such scenario is best documented by recent work on the formation of autophagosomes. The existence of lateral PS nanodomains, which is well-documented in the case of the PM and postulated for other compartments, can change the steepness or direction of PS gradients between compartments. Improvements in cellular imaging of lipids and membranes, lipidomic analysis of complex cellular samples, reconstitution of cellular lipid transport reactions and high-resolution structural data have greatly increased our understanding of cellular PS homeostasis. Our review also highlights how budding yeast has been instrumental for our understanding of the organization and transport of PS in cells.
Autophagy and Mitochondrial Homeostasis During Infection: A Double-Edged Sword
Authors: Wang Sutian , Zhang Kunli , Yao Yuchang , Li Jianhao
Published: September 2021

Autophagy, an essential biological process that affects immunity, is a powerful tool that host cells can use to defend against infections caused by pathogenic microorganisms. Autophagy can not only initiate innate immune responses but also degrade the cellular components that provide the conditions for removing the invaders. However, hyperactivated or inhibited autophagy leads to mitochondrial dysfunction, which is harmful to the host itself and is involved in many types of diseases. Mitochondria perform the functions of biological oxidation and energy exchange. In addition, mitochondrial functions are closely related to cell death, oxygen radical formation, and disease. Accumulation of mitochondrial metabolites affects survival of intracellular pathogens. In this mini-review, we focus on the crosstalk between autophagy and mitochondrial homeostasis during infection.
Carbon Dot–Doped Titanium Dioxide Sheets for the Efficient Photocatalytic Performance of Refractory Pollutants
Authors: Shen Shen , Li Rong , Wang Hongbo , Fu Jiajia
Published: September 2021

Broad solar light harvesting and fast photoinduced electron–hole migration are two critical factors for the catalytic capacity of photocatalytic system. In this study, novel visible light–driven carbon dot–TiO2 nanosheet (CD-TN) photocatalysts are successfully prepared by loading CDs on the surface of TNs through the hydrothermal method. The microstructure, chemical components, and optical properties of the prepared samples are characterized via X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, UV-visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis. Congo red (CR), rhodamine B (RhB), and tetracycline (TC) are selected as pollutants to assess the catalytic performance of CD-TNs. As expected, the removal efficiencies of CD-TNs for CR, RhB, and TC are 94.6% (120 min), 97.2% (150 min), and 96.1% (60 min), respectively, obviously higher than that of pure TNs. The enhanced degradation efficiency of CD-TNs is predominantly ascribed to the merits of CDs (excellent up-conversion property and electron transfer property). Moreover, according to the several degradation cycles, CD-TNs possess the excellent stability, having removed 93.3% of CR after 120 min irradiation.
Preparation of Furfural From Xylose Catalyzed by Diimidazole Hexafluorophosphate in Microwave
Authors: Huang Ting , Yuan Kun , Nie Xu-Liang , Chen Jing , Zhang Huang-Xian , Chen Jin-Zhu , Xiong Wan-Ming
Published: September 2021

In this work, functionalized alkyl imidazolium hexafluorophosphate ILs were synthesized and characterized; then, they were applied in the conversion of xylose to furfural under the microwave method. The results showed that when CnMF was used as a catalyst, an acidic environment was provided to promote the formation of furfural. In addition, the heating method, the solvent, and the different structures of cations in the ionic liquid influenced their catalytic activity. In an aqueous solution, the yield of furfural obtained using the microwave method was better than that of the conventional heating method, and the catalytic activity of diimidazole hexafluorophosphate was better than that of monoimidazole. Meanwhile, for the diimidazole hexafluorophosphate, the change of the carbon chain length between the imidazole rings also slightly influenced the yield. Finally, the optimal yield of 49.76% was obtained at 205°C for 8 min using 3,3′-methylenebis(1-methyl-1H-imidazol-3-ium), C1MF, as a catalyst. Mechanistic studies suggested that the catalytic activity of C1MF was mainly due to the combined effect of POFn (OH)3-n and imidazole ring. Without a doubt, the catalytic activity of C1MF was still available after five cycles, which not only showed its excellent catalytic activity in catalyzing the xylose to prepare the biomass platform compound furfural but also could promote the application of functionalized ionic liquids.
An Active Catalyst System Based on Pd (0) and a Phosphine-Based Bulky Ligand for the Synthesis of Thiophene-Containing Conjugated Polymers
Authors: Liu Meifang , Liu Li , Zhang Zhihui , Wan Meixiu , Guo Huanmei , Li Dan
Published: September 2021

To address the limitations of conventional Pd catalysts in the polymerization of thiophene-containing conjugated polymers, an active catalyst system based on Pd (0) and a phosphine-based bulky ligand, L1, is explored systematically in Suzuki–Miyaura polymerizations using thiophene boronic acid pinacol ester as one of the monomers. This active catalyst is found very efficient in synthesizing a series of thiophene-containing linear and hyperbranched conjugated polymers. First, as a model example, coupling reactions between electron-rich/moderately hindered aryl or thienyl halides and thiophene boronic acid pinacol ester give excellent yields with lower catalyst loading and can be completed in a shorter reaction time relative to Pd(PPh3)4. Notably, high molecular weight thiophene-containing polymers are successfully synthesized by Suzuki–Miyaura polycondensation of 2,5-thiophene bis(boronic acid) derivatives with different dibromo- and triple bromo-substituted aromatics in 5–15 min.
Conservation and Identity Selection of Cationic Residues Flanking the Hydrophobic Regions in Intermediate Filament Superfamily
Authors: Zhang Wenbo , Liu Mingwei , Dupont Robert L. , Huang Kai , Yu Lanlan , Liu Shuli , Wang Xiaoguang , Wang Chenxuan
Published: September 2021

The interplay between the hydrophobic interactions generated by the nonpolar region and the proximal functional groups within nanometers of the nonpolar region offers a promising strategy to manipulate the intermolecular hydrophobic attractions in an artificial molecule system, but the outcomes of such modulations in the building of a native protein architecture remain unclear. Here we focus on the intermediate filament (IF) coiled-coil superfamily to assess the conservation of positively charged residue identity via a biostatistical approach. By screening the disease-correlated mutations throughout the IF superfamily, 10 distinct hotspots where a cation-to-cation substitution is associated with a pathogenic syndrome have been identified. The analysis of the local chemical context surrounding the hotspots revealed that the cationic diversity depends on their separation distance to the hydrophobic domain. The nearby cationic residues flanking the hydrophobic domain of a helix (separation <1 nm) are relatively conserved in evolution. In contrast, the cationic residues that are not adjacent to the hydrophobic domain (separation >1 nm) tolerate higher levels of variation and replaceability. We attribute this bias in the conservation degree of the cationic residue identity to reflect the interplay between the proximal cations and the hydrophobic interactions.
Gut Lactobacillus Level Is a Predictive Marker for Coronary Atherosclerotic Lesions Progress and Prognosis in Patients With Acute Coronary Syndrome
Authors: Gao Jing , Wang Jie , Zhao Li-Li , Yao Ting-Ting , Chen Yang , Ma Jing , Zhang Xu , Wang Jing-Xian , Wang Yuan , Cui Zhuang , Liu Yin
Published: September 2021

Background

Gut microbiota dysbiosis can contribute to the progression of atherosclerosis. We investigated the association of the gut microbiota and the severity of coronary artery lesions and prognosis of patients with ACS.

Methods

In this case-control study, 402 ACS patients and 100 controls were enrolled from June 2017 to December 2018. The number of bacterial species was determined by real-time PCR. A SYNTAX score was calculated for all ACS patients based on their coronary angiography results.

Results

Compared with the healthy controls, the gut microbial levels in Escherichia coli, Streptococcus, and Enterobacteriaceae were significantly increased in ACS patients, while the Lactobacillus level was significantly decreased. Lactobacillus level was as an independent predictor of disease severity on the coronary angiography [high vs. low SYNTAX score: adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 0.024, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.004–0.155] and myocardial necrosis [high vs. low cardiac troponin T (cTNT): aOR = 0.317, 95% CI: 0.099–0.914]. Subsequently, a higher Lactobacillus level was associated with a lower risk of an all-cause death [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) = 0.239; 95% CI: 0.093–0.617] and major adverse cardiac events (MACE) in ACS patients (aHR = 0.208; 95% CI: 0.081–0.531). After stratifying by the type of ACS, a higher Lactobacillus level was significantly associated with the decreased risks of high SYNTAX score, all-cause death, and MACE in the STEMI subgroup but not in the NSTEMI and UAP subgroups.

Conclusions

Lower Lactobacillus levels may indicate a higher risk of a more severe coronary atherosclerotic lesions and myocardial necrosis and worse prognosis for patients with ACS, particularly in the STEMI subgroup.
Bacillus subtilis Colonization of Arabidopsis thaliana Roots Induces Multiple Biosynthetic Clusters for Antibiotic Production
Authors: Maan Harsh , Gilhar Omri , Porat Ziv , Kolodkin-Gal Ilana
Published: September 2021

Beneficial and probiotic bacteria play an important role in conferring immunity of their hosts to a wide range of bacterial, viral, and fungal diseases. Bacillus subtilis is a Gram-positive bacterium that protects the plant from various pathogens due to its capacity to produce an extensive repertoire of antibiotics. At the same time, the plant microbiome is a highly competitive niche, with multiple microbial species competing for space and resources, a competition that can be determined by the antagonistic potential of each microbiome member. Therefore, regulating antibiotic production in the rhizosphere is of great importance for the elimination of pathogens and establishing beneficial host-associated communities. In this work, we used B. subtilis as a model to investigate the role of plant colonization in antibiotic production. Flow cytometry and imaging flow cytometry (IFC) analysis supported the notion that Arabidopsis thaliana specifically induced the transcription of the biosynthetic clusters for the non-ribosomal peptides surfactin, bacilysin, plipastatin, and the polyketide bacillaene. IFC was more robust in quantifying the inducing effects of A. thaliana, considering the overall heterogeneity of the population. Our results highlight IFC as a useful tool to study the effect of association with a plant host on bacterial gene expression. Furthermore, the common regulation of multiple biosynthetic clusters for antibiotic production by the plant can be translated to improve the performance and competitiveness of beneficial members of the plant microbiome.
Understanding the Experiences of Remote Workers: Opportunities for Ambient Workspaces at Home
Authors: Margariti Eleni Kallopi , Ali Ridita , Benthem de Grave Remco , Verweij David , Smeddinck Jan , Kirk David
Published: September 2021

As the COVID-19 pandemic has forced many to work remotely from home, collaborating solely through digital technologies, a growing population of remote home workers are faced with profound wellbeing challenges. Passive sensing devices and ambient feedback have great potential to support the wellbeing of the remote workers, but there is a lack of background and understanding of the domestic workplace in terms of physical and affective dimensions and challenges to wellbeing. There are profound research gaps on wellbeing in the domestic workplace, with the current push for remote home and hybrid working making this topic timely. To address these gaps and shape a starting point for an “ambient workspaces” agenda, we conducted an exploratory study to map physical and affective aspects of working from home. The study involved both qualitative and quantitative measures of occupant experience, including sensor wristbands, and a custom web application for self-reporting mood and aspects of the environment. It included 13 participants for a period of 4 weeks, during a period of exclusive home working. Based on quantitative and qualitative analysis, our study addresses wellbeing challenges of the domestic workplace, establishes correlations between mood and physical aspects, and discusses the impact of feedback mechanisms in the domestic workplace on the behavior of remote workers. Insights from these observations are then used to inform a future design agenda for ambient technologies that supports the wellbeing of remote workers; addressing the design opportunities for ambient interventions in domestic workspaces. This work offers three contributions: 1) qualitatively and quantitatively informed understandings of the experiences of home-workers; 2) a future design agenda for “ambient home workspaces”; and 3) we propose three design concepts for ambient feedback and human–AI interactions in the built environment, to illustrate the utility of the design agenda.