bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Home Office: Aliado ou vilão dos trabalhadores brasileiros no contexto pandêmico
Authors: Medeiros Cleidyane de Araujo , Nascimento Carlos Francisco do
Published: July 2022

O COVID-19 provocou uma pandemia mundial e afligiu a vida de muitos indivíduos, viveu-se um período em que o contato físico representava um grande risco para vida humana, sendo assim, foram tomadas medidas para evitar a proliferação do vírus e proteger as pessoas. Em decorrência disso, as relações trabalhistas sofreram grande impacto e teve que adaptar-se rapidamente com o novo cenário sendo necessário a adoção do trabalho em home office. Por isso, se tornou fundamental uma investigação acerca do home office na pandemia e dos impactos que os trabalhadores brasileiros sofreram através da adoção dessa modalidade de relação de trabalho para entender se a mesma é um aliado ou um vilão para os trabalhadores. Para obtenção das conclusões expostas utilizou-se de revisão bibliográfica baseada em obras, artigos científicos e legislação brasileira pertinente ao tema proposto. Desse modo, conclui-se que apesar de ter sido uma medida alternativa para evitar uma crise e diminuir o risco de contágio da doença, o home office pode se tornar um grande aliado do mercado de trabalho, entretanto, alguns pontos deverão ser analisados e aperfeiçoados como a necessidade de uma legislação mais especifica acerca da regulação dessa modalidade de relação de trabalho, como também, o preparo tecnológico e estrutural para o desempenho das atividades laborais.
DECISION SUPPORT SYSTEM TO DETERMINE THE BEST ONLINE SHOP COLLEGE STUDENTS USING THE TOPSIS METHOD
Authors: Marlina Marlina , Sari Retno
Published: July 2022

Internet users in Indonesia aged 16 to 64 years who access the internet on mobile phones as many as 195.3 million. In 2015 the number of online shops was 7.4 million people. Convenience and customer service today are key in improving an online shop.  The number of online shop applications available for MSME has difficulty in determining the online shop to determine the right online shop in marketing products among students. The TOPSIS method is used as a method for decision-making because it has a simple and easy-to-understand the concept. This study has five criteria, namely product completeness, interface design, service response, delivery services, and transaction processes. And has 5 alternatives namely shopee, tokopedia, bukalapak, lazada and blibli. In this study obtained from the 5 alternatives, the online shop that is most in demand by students is shopee, this can be seen from the pretension value of 0.89.
Trophic importance of small pelagic fish to marine predators of the Mediterranean Sea
Authors: Ouled-Cheikh J , Giménez J , Albo-Puigserver M , Navarro J , Fernández-Corredor E , Bellido JM , Pennino MG , Coll M
Published: July 2022

Small pelagic fish (SPF) species such as European sardine Sardina pilchardus, European anchovy Engraulis encrasicolus, round sardinella Sardinella aurita and European sprat Sprattus sprattus play important ecological roles in the Mediterranean Sea marine ecosystem. However, changes in SPF abundance and biomass have recently been observed in the basin. Therefore, uncovering the trophic importance of SPF to their predators is key to unravelling potential ecological causes and consequences of SPF population changes related to predator dynamics. Here, we reviewed 101 published studies reporting the presence of the SPF species named above in the diet of marine predators inhabiting the Mediterranean Sea. We found that the number of species preying on SPF was highest for teleost fish species, followed by elasmobranchs, seabirds, marine mammals, cephalopods and sea turtles. These predators were both commercial and non-commercial taxa, and vulnerability ranged from medium to very high. From a conservation point of view, most predator species were considered Least Concern by the IUCN, with few exceptions such as the Balearic shearwater Puffinus mauretanicus, a Critically Endangered species. Geographic information showed that the European sardine was more important in the diet of predators from the western Mediterranean basin, while European anchovy consumption was higher on the eastern side. Round sardinella was consumed in high amounts in the Tyrrhenian Sea, and European sprat was anecdotally consumed. The importance of SPF in the diet of Mediterranean predators may indicate bottom-up control of the marine ecosystem; however, limited temporal information precluded the evaluation of temporal changes, highlighting the need to develop new studies in this area.
Interpreting Mythorealism: Disenchanted Shijing and Spiritual Crisis in Yan Lianke’s Ballad, Hymn, Ode
Authors: XIE Haiyan
Published: July 2022

“Mythorealism” is a formal literary experiment developed by Yan Lianke, whose 2008 novel Ballad, Hymn, Ode ( Feng ya song) produces a cumulative effect of absurdity that has provoked controversy over the extent to which it offers an effective social critique. In response to the scholarship based on realist readings of the novel, this article analyzes it from a “mythorealistic” perspective. It argues that the mythorealist narrative does not necessarily cancel out Yan’s social commentary but instead transfers his critical impulse to a psychological exploration of marginal intellectuals in a desymbolized society. In particular, this article is concerned with thematic interpretation and the relation between literary form and meaning in Yan’s parody of the Shijing in Ballad, Hymn, Ode. By focusing on Yan’s symbolic representation of sex and disgust, this article investigates how such imagery and motifs speak from their own space to reveal Chinese intellectuals’ spiritual crisis in an academic world pervaded with an instrumentalist ethos.
Pelatihan Kader Posyandu Remaja di Pesantren Mahasiswa Liwa’ul Haq Kelurahan Tondo Kecamatan Mantikurole
Authors: Pont Anna Veronica , Longulo Olkamien Jesdika , Mangun Mardiani
Published: July 2022

Youth health services at posyandu can facilitate adolescents in understanding and preventing adolescent health problems. The village of Tondo does not yet have a youth posyandu. The number of adolescents in the district of Tondo: 1267 young women and 1170 boys. Community service aims to determine the knowledge and skills of adolescents in providing youth posyandu services at the Liwa'ul Haq pasantren, Tondo sub-district. The community service method is providing training for youth posyandu cadres at the Liwa'ul Haq Islamic boarding school, Tondo sub-district, training participants for 15 youths. Cadre training is divided into three stages, namely: the first is education (theory), the second is practice/role play in the classroom and the third is the practice of serving 5-table youth posyandu (stages) to adolescents. The training was carried out for 3 days by the Poltekkes Service Team of the Ministry of Health Palu in partnership with the Talise and Ponpes Liwa'ul Haq Health Center, with 15 participants. Prior to training, a pretest was conducted. After the training Posttest results the knowledge and skills of adolescents increased. It is hoped that the Head of the Talise Health Center, the Coordinator of the Youth Posyandu service will continue to fall down for the preparation of Posrem services at the Liwa'ul Haq Islamic Boarding School.
 
ABSTRAK
 Layanan kesehatan remaja di posyandu dapat memfasilitasi remaja dalam memahami dan mencegah permasalahan kesehatan remaja. Kelurahan Tondo belum memiliki posyandu remaja. Jumlah remaja di keluruhan Tondo: remaja putri 1267 dan remaja putra 1170. Pengabdian masyarakt bertujuan diketahuinya pengetahuan dan ketrampailan remaja dalam memberikan pelayanan posyandu remaja di pasantren Liwa’ul Haq kelurahan Tondo. Metode pengabdian masyarakat adalah memberikan pelatihan kader posyandu remaja di Pasantren Liwa’ul Haq kelurahan Tondo, peserta pelatihan 15 orang remaja. Pelatihan kader dibagi menjadi tiga tahapan, yaitu: pertama adalah edukasi (teori), kedua adalah praktik/ role play di kelas dan ke tiga praktik pelayanan posyandu remaja 5 meja (tahap) kepada remaja. Pelatihan dilaksanakan selama 3 hari oleh Tim Pengabdian Poltekkes Kemenkes Palu bermitra dengan Puskesmas Talisedan Ponpes Liwa’ul Haq, peserta berjumlah 15 orang. Sebelum pelatihan dilakukan pretes.  Setelah pelatihan Hasil Posttest pengetahuan dan ketrampilan remaja meningkat. Diharapakan Kepala Puskesmas Talise, Koordinator pelayanan Posyandu remaja  tetap fallow up untuk persiapan pelayanan  Posrem di Ponpes Liwa’ul Haq.
Mengubah Kebiasaan Cuci Tangan Pakai Sabun pada Masa Pandemi di Pedesaan Manggarai dan Sumbawa
Authors: Helmi Alfian , Agestika Lina
Published: July 2022

Handwashing with Soap Practice (HWWS) to prevent the infection of Covid-19 is very low in eastern Indonesia. Triggering community behavior change of HWWS is necessary, especially to make them consistent and sustainable. This community service activity uses Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA), which combines 14 methods. This study recruited 74 respondents in rural areas of Manggarai (NTT) and Sumbawa (NTB). To evaluate their HWWS behavioral change, we conducted a pre-and post-test on their knowledge, attitude, and practice. Results showed that there was a significant change in their HWWS practice in critical times, such as; before eating, after handling animals, and after defecating. The triggering method such as arousing shame, disgust, and fear of getting infected with diseases are the most effective. Further implementation of these methods to trigger the community's HWWS behavior change in other villages with a similar scheme will be potential.
ABSTRAK
Praktik Cuci Tangan Pakai Sabun (CTPS) untuk mencegah penularan penyakit infeksi Covid-19 masih sangat rendah di Indonesia Timur. Pemicuan untuk perubahan perilaku CTPS pada masyarakat sangat diperlukan agar perilaku CTPS dapat menetap dan berkelanjutan. Kegiatan pengabdian kepada masyarakat ini menggunakan Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) yang mengombinasikan 14 metode pemicuan. Kegiatan ini melibatkan 74 responden yang bertempat tinggal di pedesaan Manggarai (NTT) dan Sumbawa (NTB). Keberhasilan kegiatan pengabdian masyarakat ini dilakukan dengan mengukur kebiasaan CTPS sebelum dan sesudah dilakukan pemicuan. Hasil menunjukkan bahwa setelah pemicuan terjadi perubahan signifikan pada praktik CTPS sebelum makan, setelah memegang hewan, dan setelah BAB. Metode pemicuan yang menggugah rasa malu, rasa jijik dan rasa takut sakit merupakan kombinasi metode pemicuan yang paling efektif dalam mengubah perilaku CTPS di lokasi kegiatan. Pemicuan di seluruh pedesaan dengan skema serupa berpotensi dalam mencegah penyebaran virus Covid-19 di NTT dan NTB.
The Integration of Optical Stimulation in a Mechanically Dynamic Cell Culture Substrate
Authors: Imboden Matthias , Chen Sophia , Gudozhnik Olexandr , Pollock Corey , Javor Josh , Bishop David , Shea Herbert , Rosset Samuel
Published: July 2022

A cell culture well with integrated mechanical and optical stimulation is presented. This is achieved by combining dielectric elastomer soft actuators, also known as artificial muscles, and a varifocal micro-electromechanical mirror that couples light from an optical fiber and focuses it onto the transparent cell substrate. The device enables unprecedented control ofin vitrocell cultures by allowing the experimenter to tune and synchronize mechanical and optical stimuli, thereby enabling new experimental assays in optogenetics, fluorescent microscopy, or laser stimulation that include dynamic mechanical strain as a controlled input parameter.
A Review on Enhancing Cupriavidus necator Fermentation for Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) Production From Low-Cost Carbon Sources
Authors: Zhang Le , Jiang Zicheng , Tsui To-Hung , Loh Kai-Chee , Dai Yanjun , Tong Yen Wah
Published: July 2022

In the context of a circular economy, bioplastic production using biodegradable materials such as poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) has been proposed as a promising solution to fundamentally solve the disposal issue of plastic waste. PHB production techniques through fermentation of PHB-accumulating microbes such as Cupriavidus necator have been revolutionized over the past several years with the development of new strategies such as metabolic engineering. This review comprehensively summarizes the latest PHB production technologies via Cupriavidus necator fermentation. The mechanism of the biosynthesis pathway for PHB production was first assessed. PHB production efficiencies of common carbon sources, including food waste, lignocellulosic materials, glycerol, and carbon dioxide, were then summarized and critically analyzed. The key findings in enhancing strategies for PHB production in recent years, including pre-treatment methods, nutrient limitations, feeding optimization strategies, and metabolism engineering strategies, were summarized. Furthermore, technical challenges and future prospects of strategies for enhanced production efficiencies of PHB were also highlighted. Based on the overview of the current enhancing technologies, more pilot-scale and larger-scale tests are essential for future implementation of enhancing strategies in full-scale biogas plants. Critical analyses of various enhancing strategies would facilitate the establishment of more sustainable microbial fermentation systems for better waste management and greater efficiency of PHB production.
Tumor Suppressor DAPK1 Catalyzes Adhesion Assembly on Rigid but Anoikis on Soft Matrices
Authors: Qin Ruifang , Melamed Shay , Yang Bo , Saxena Mayur , Sheetz Michael P. , Wolfenson Haguy
Published: July 2022

Cancer cells normally grow on soft surfaces due to impaired mechanosensing of the extracellular matrix rigidity. Upon restoration of proper mechanosensing, cancer cells undergo apoptosis on soft surfaces (anoikis) like most normal cells. However, the link between mechanosensing and activation of anoikis is not clear. Here we show that death associated protein kinase 1 (DAPK1), a tumor suppressor that activates cell death, is directly linked to anoikis activation through rigidity sensing. We find that when rigidity sensing is decreased through inhibition of DAPK1 activity, cells are transformed for growth on soft matrices. Further, DAPK1 catalyzes matrix adhesion assembly and is part of adhesions on rigid surfaces. This pathway involves DAPK1 phosphorylation of tropomyosin1.1, the talin1 head domain, and tyrosine phosphorylation of DAPK1 by Src. On soft surfaces, DAPK1 rapidly dissociates from the adhesion complexes and activates apoptosis as catalyzed by PTPN12 activity and talin1 head. Thus, DAPK1 is important for adhesion assembly on rigid surfaces and the activation of anoikis on soft surfaces through its binding to rigidity-sensing modules.
Nonlinear Reactor Design Optimization With Embedded Microkinetic Model Information
Authors: Ghosh Kanishka , Vernuccio Sergio , Dowling Alexander W.
Published: July 2022

Despite the success of multiscale modeling in science and engineering, embedding molecular-level information into nonlinear reactor design and control optimization problems remains challenging. In this work, we propose a computationally tractable scale-bridging approach that incorporates information from multi-product microkinetic (MK) models with thousands of rates and chemical species into nonlinear reactor design optimization problems. We demonstrate reduced-order kinetic (ROK) modeling approaches for catalytic oligomerization in shale gas processing. We assemble a library of six candidate ROK models based on literature and MK model structure. We find that three metrics—quality of fit (e.g., mean squared logarithmic error), thermodynamic consistency (e.g., low conversion of exothermic reactions at high temperatures), and model identifiability—are all necessary to train and select ROK models. The ROK models that closely mimic the structure of the MK model offer the best compromise to emulate the product distribution. Using the four best ROK models, we optimize the temperature profiles in staged reactors to maximize conversions to heavier oligomerization products. The optimal temperature starts at 630–900K and monotonically decreases to approximately 560 K in the final stage, depending on the choice of ROK model. For all models, staging increases heavier olefin production by 2.5% and there is minimal benefit to more than four stages. The choice of ROK model, i.e., model-form uncertainty, results in a 22% difference in the objective function, which is twice the impact of parametric uncertainty; we demonstrate sequential eigendecomposition of the Fisher information matrix to identify and fix sloppy model parameters, which allows for more reliable estimation of the covariance of the identifiable calibrated model parameters. First-order uncertainty propagation determines this parametric uncertainty induces less than a 10% variability in the reactor optimization objective function. This result highlights the importance of quantifying model-form uncertainty, in addition to parametric uncertainty, in multi-scale reactor and process design and optimization. Moreover, the fast dynamic optimization solution times suggest the ROK strategy is suitable for incorporating molecular information in sequential modular or equation-oriented process simulation and optimization frameworks.
A Socio-Ecological Approach to Addressing Digital Redlining in the United States: A Call to Action for Health Equity
Authors: McCall Terika , Asuzu Kammarauche , Oladele Carol R. , Leung Tiffany I. , Wang Karen H.
Published: July 2022

Physical distancing requirements due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has increased the need for broadband internet access. The World Health Organization defines social determinants of health as non-medical factors that impact health outcomes by affecting the conditions in which people are born, grow, work, live, and age. By this definition broadband internet access is a social determinant of health. Digital redlining—the systematic process by which specific groups are deprived of equal access to digital tools such as the internet—creates inequities in access to educational and employment opportunities, as well as healthcare and health information. Although it is known that internet service providers systematically exclude low-income communities from broadband service, little has been done to stop this discriminatory practice. In this paper, we seek to amplify the call to action against the practice of digital redlining in the United States, describe how it contributes to health disparities broadly and within the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, and use a socio-ecological framework to propose short- and long-term actions to address this inequity.
Using a conversational agent for thought recording as a cognitive therapy task: Feasibility, content, and feedback
Authors: Burger Franziska , Neerincx Mark A. , Brinkman Willem-Paul
Published: July 2022

E-mental health for depression is increasingly used in clinical practice, but patient adherence suffers as therapist involvement decreases. One reason may be the low responsiveness of existing programs: especially autonomous systems are lacking in their input interpretation and feedback-giving capabilities. Here, we explore (a) to what extent a more socially intelligent and, therefore, technologically advanced solution, namely a conversational agent, is a feasible means of collecting thought record data in dialog, (b) what people write about in their thought records, (c) whether providing content-based feedback increases motivation for thought recording, a core technique of cognitive therapy that helps patients gain an understanding of how their thoughts cause their feelings. Using the crowd-sourcing platform Prolific, 308 participants with subclinical depression symptoms were recruited and split into three conditions of varying feedback richness using the minimization method of randomization. They completed two thought recording sessions with the conversational agent: one practice session with scenarios and one open session using situations from their own lives. All participants were able to complete thought records with the agent such that the thoughts could be interpreted by the machine learning algorithm, rendering the completion of thought records with the agent feasible. Participants chose interpersonal situations nearly three times as often as achievement-related situations in the open chat session. The three most common underlying schemas were the Attachment, Competence, and Global Self-evaluation schemas. No support was found for a motivational effect of providing richer feedback. In addition to our findings, we publish the dataset of thought records for interested researchers and developers.
Inductive and Capacitive Hysteresis of Halide Perovskite Solar Cells and Memristors Under Illumination
Authors: Munoz-Diaz Laura , Rosa Alvaro J. , Bou Agustín , Sánchez Rafael S. , Romero Beatriz , John Rohit Abraham , Kovalenko Maksym V. , Guerrero Antonio , Bisquert Juan
Published: July 2022

The current–voltage curves of memristors exhibit significant hysteresis effects of use for information storage and computing. Here, we provide a comparison of different devices based on MAPbI3 perovskite with different contact configurations, from a 15% efficient solar cell to a pure memristor that lacks directional photocurrent. Current–voltage curves and impedance spectroscopy give insights into the different types of hysteresis, photocapacitance, and inductance present in halide perovskites. It is shown that both halide perovskite memristors and solar cells show a large inverted hysteresis effect at the forward bias that is related to the presence of a chemical inductor component in the equivalent circuit. Based on the results, we classify the observed response according to recombination current in devices with selective contacts, to voltage-activated single-carrier device conduction in devices with symmetric contacts. These findings serve to gain an understanding of the mechanism of memristor currents in mixed ionic-electronic conductors such as halide perovskites. We establish the link in the electrical response between solar cells and memristors.
A Pilot Assessment of New Energy Usage Behaviors: The Impacts of Environmental Accident, Cognitions, and New Energy Policies
Authors: Zhang Jing , Huang Weilun
Published: July 2022

Literature reviews and interviews with experts showed that new energy would be the future way of life instead of traditional energy. In this study, a questionnaire survey and SPSS model are used to examine the impacts on people’s new energy usage behavior (NEUB) by its cognitions of energy-related environmental accidents (CEREA) and new energy policies (CNEP), as well as other important factors affecting this behavior. The new energy usage behavior examines people’s new energy usage behavior of product usage (NEUBPU) and forecasted payment (NEUBFP). Among the influencing factors, people’s cognitions of energy-related environmental accidents (CEREA), people’s cognitions of new energy policies (CNEP), new energy characteristics (CNEC), new energy advantages (CNEA), and new energy disadvantages (CNED) are examined, and the influence of personal factors on NEUB is also examined. People’s new energy usage behavior of new energy stove (NEUBNES), new energy car (NEUBNEC), and NEUBFP are significantly positively correlated with CNEP; NEUBNEC is significantly positively correlated with CNEA, and NEUBFP is significantly positively correlated with CNEP and CNED. CNEC and CNEP significantly influence people’s new energy usage behavior of household photovoltaic system (NEUBHPS); CNEP significantly influences NEUBNES; age, monthly income, CNEA, and CNEP significantly influence NEUBNEC; age, monthly income, and CNEP significantly influence NEUBFP.
ML323 suppresses the progression of ovarian cancer via regulating USP1-mediated cell cycle
Authors: Song Baozhi , Jiang Yatao , Jiang Yu , Lin Ying , Liu Jiahua
Published: July 2022

Background: Ubiquitin specific protease 1 (USP1) tightly correlates with poor prognosis of multiple cancers. However, whether USP1 underlies ovarian cancer (OV) progression remains unclarified.

Methods: First, GSEA strategy and WGCNA analysis were used to screen for anti-ovarian cancer drugs and furthern optimal module, respectively. In addition, functional enrichments of module genes were realized by Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis. Kaplan-Meier was then employed to analyze the prognostic impact of USP1 expression on OV patients. Cell proliferation and cell cycle assays were used to confirm biological functions of USP1 in the final.

Results: Through the forementioned methods, we obtained five candidate drugs against OV from 353 anticancer drugs, and proposed ML323 as a novel anti-OV drug. As our hypothesized, ML323 significantly inhibited the proliferation of OV cells. Combined with WGCNA and KEGG analysis, the turquoise module was related to ML323, together with cell cycle. USP1 was subsequently identified as a target of ML323 and according to the TCGA database, USP1 negatively correlated with prognosis in OV, and its reduction and ML323-treatment both inhibited the proliferation of OV cells, blocking the S phase of cell cycle in vitro.

Conclusion: Taken together, ML323 exerts its inhibitory effect on the proliferation of OV cells by targeting USP1-regulated cell cycle, providing a therapeutical strategy and potential target against OV.
Recognition of Glycometabolism-Associated lncRNAs as Prognosis Markers for Bladder Cancer by an Innovative Prediction Model
Authors: Tang Dongdong , Li Yangyang , Tang Ying , Zheng Haoxiang , Luo Weihan , Li Yuqing , Li Yingrui , Wang Zhiping , Wu Song
Published: July 2022

The alteration of glycometabolism is a characteristic of cancer cells. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been documented to occupy a considerable position in glycometabolism regulation. This research aims to construct an effective prediction model for the prognosis of bladder cancer (BC) based on glycometabolism-associated lncRNAs (glyco-lncRNAs). Pearson correlation analysis was applied to get glyco-lncRNAs, and then, univariate cox regression analysis was employed to further filtrate survival time-associated glyco-lncRNAs. Multivariate cox regression analysis was utilized to construct the prediction model to divide bladder cancer (BC) patients into high- and low-risk groups. The overall survival (OS) rates of these two groups were analyzed using the Kaplan–Meier method. Next, gene set enrichment analysis and Cibersortx were used to explore the enrichment and the difference in immune cell infiltration, respectively. pRRophetic algorithm was applied to explore the relation between chemotherapy sensitivity and the prediction model. Furthermore, reverse transcriptase quantitative polymerase chain reaction was adopted to detect the lncRNAs constituting the prediction signature in tissues and urine exosomal samples of BC patients. A powerful model including 6 glyco-lncRNAs was proposed, capable of suggesting a risk score for each BC patient to predict prognosis. Patients with high-risk scores demonstrated a shorter survival time both in the training cohort and testing cohort, and the risk score could predict the prognosis without depending on the traditional clinical traits. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of the risk score was higher than that of other clinical traits (0.755 > 0.640, 0.485, 0.644, or 0.568). The high- and low-risk groups demonstrated very distinct immune cells infiltration conditions and gene set enriched terms. Besides, the high-risk group was more sensitive to cisplatin, docetaxel, and sunitinib. The expression of lncRNA AL354919.2 featured with an increase in low-grade patients and a decrease in T3-4 and Stage III–IV patients. Based on the experiment results, lncRNA AL355353.1, AC011468.1, and AL354919.2 were significantly upregulated in tumor tissues. This research furnishes a novel reference for predicting the prognosis of BC patients, assisting clinicians with help in the choice of treatment.
Association Between Polymorphisms in Estrogen Receptor Genes and Depression in Women: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Li Cuifen , Xie Manli , Wang Weiwei , Liu Yanyan , Liao Dan , Yin Jingwen , Huang Hao
Published: July 2022

Objective: It is suggested that estrogen receptors (ERs) might be associated with the disproportionate vulnerability of women to depressive episodes. Several variants in ER-alpha (ERα) and ER-beta (ERβ) have been linked to depression, but the results were not consistent. Hence, we conducted a meta-analysis to evaluate the association between ERα/ERβ and depression in a cohort of women.

Methods: A comprehensive literature search was performed in public databases. The genetic association between polymorphisms in Erα/ERβ and depression risk in a cohort of women was evaluated by odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Cochran’s Q test and the I2 index were used to evaluate heterogeneity.

Results: In total, 10 studies and 4 SNPs (rs2234693, rs9340799, rs4986938, rs1256049) were included in our meta-analysis. rs2234693 genotype was significantly associated with the risk of depression in women by dominant model (CC + CT vs TT, OR = 1.30, 95% CI: 1.09–1.55, p = 0.0031), recessive model (CC vs CT + TT, OR = 1.64, 95% CI: 1.00–2.67, p = 0.0478), additive model (CC vs TT, OR = 1.93, 95% CI: 1.12–3.35, p = 0.0189) and allelic model (C vs T, OR = 1.24, 95% CI: 1.10–1.39, p = 0.0003). For rs9340799, the frequencies of risk genotypes according to the dominant (GG + GA vs AA, OR = 1.47, 95% CI = 1.10–1.98, p = 0.0096, I2 = 0%, p = 0.43) and allelic (G vs A, OR = 1.33, 95% CI: 1.04–1.69, p = 0.0236, I2 = 0%, p = 0.39) models were significantly lower in women with depression than in controls within the Asian subgroup. For rs1256049, risk genotypes were significantly more frequent in depressed subjects than in controls under the dominant model (AA+ GA vs GG, OR = 1.62, 95% CI: 1.19–2.21, p = 0.0024) and the allelic model (A vs G, OR = 1.35, 95% CI: 1.07–1.72, p = 0.012) after sensitivity analysis by omitting one study which induce the heterogeneity.

Conclusions: The current meta-analysis is the first and most comprehensive investigation of the association between ERs and depression in women, and the findings support the concept that ERs participate in the etiology of sex heterogeneity in depression.
Innate immune activation as cofactor in pemphigus disease manifestation
Authors: Eichkorn Ramona A. , Schmidt Morna F. , Walter Elias , Hertl Michael , Baron Jens Malte , Waschke Jens , Yazdi Amir S.
Published: July 2022

Molecular mechanisms underlying auto-antibody-induced acantholysis in pemphigus vulgaris are subject of current research to date. To decipher the discrepancy between ubiquitous antibody binding to the epidermal desmosomes, but discontinuous disease manifestation, we were able to identify Ultraviolet A (UVA) as a cofactor for acantholysis. UVA induces interleukin (IL)-1 secretion in keratinocytes, mirroring innate immune system activation. In an in vitro keratinocyte dissociation assay increased fragmentation was observed when UVA was added to anti-Desmoglein 3 Immunoglobulins (anti-Dsg3 IgG). These results were confirmed in skin explants where UVA enhanced anti-Dsg3-mediated loss of epidermal adhesion. The UVA-mediated effect was blocked in vitro by the pan-caspase-inhibitor zVAD-fmk. Thus, we introduce UVA as a caspase-dependent exogenous cofactor for acantholysis which suggests that local innate immune responses largely contribute to overt clinical blister formation upon autoantibody binding to epidermal cells in pemphigus vulgaris.
Oral Supplementation of Houttuynia cordata Extract Reduces Viremia in PRRSV-1 Modified-Live Virus-Vaccinated Pigs in Response to the HP-PRRSV-2 Challenge
Authors: Ruansit Wilawan , Charerntantanakul Wasin
Published: July 2022

This study evaluated the in vitro antiviral activities and the ex vivo immunomodulatory effects of Houttuynia cordata Thunb. (HC) ethanolic extracts in response to porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV). In addition, this study evaluated the in vivo effects of oral supplementation of HC extract on immune responses to and cross-protective efficacy of PRRSV-1 modified-live virus (MLV) vaccine against the highly pathogenic (HP)-PRRSV-2 challenge. In vitro experiments demonstrated that HC extracted in either 50%, 70%, or 95% ethanol (referred to as HC50, HC70, and HC95, respectively) significantly interfered with PRRSV replication in MARC-145 cells. Ex vivo experiments revealed that all HC extracts significantly enhanced mRNA expressions of type I interferon-regulated genes, type I and II interferon (IFN), and pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines in HP-PRRSV-2-inoculated monocyte-derived macrophages. An in vivo experiment included four groups of six pigs (4 weeks old; n = 24). Group 1 and group 2 were vaccinated with the PRRSV-1 MLV vaccine at 0 dpv (day post vaccination). Group 2 also received oral administration of HC50 extract at 0–49 dpv. Group 3 received the PRRSV-1 MLV vaccine solvent at 0 dpv, while group 4 served as strict control. Groups 1–3 were challenged intranasally with HP-PRRSV-2 at 28 dpv and immune-related and clinical parameters were monitored weekly until 49 dpv. Compared to group 1, group 2 demonstrated significantly increased IFN regulatory factor 3 mRNA expression of PRRSV-recalled peripheral blood mononuclear cells, and significantly reduced HP-PRRSV-2 viremia. No difference in PRRSV-specific antibody responses, rectal temperature, clinical scores, and average daily weight gain was detected. Our study reports the immunomodulatory and anti-PRRSV potentials of HC extract in PRRSV-1 MLV-vaccinated/HP-PRRSV-2 challenged pigs.
The Application of an Artificial Neural Network to Quantify Anthropogenic and Climatic Drivers in Coastal Phytoplankton Shift
Authors: Yuan Zineng , Keesing John K. , Liu Dongyan
Published: July 2022

The overlapping effect of anthropogenic activities and climate change are major drivers for a shift in coastal marine phytoplankton biomass. Linear regression analyses are not sufficient to detect the nonlinear relationship between complex environmental factors and phytoplankton shift. Here, an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) model is applied to quantify the relative contribution of pearl oyster farming, temperature and rainfall on phytoplankton increases in Cygnet Bay, Australia. The result shows that increased oyster farming ranks among the most important factors for phytoplankton increases, with a relative importance of 54% for diatoms and 74% for dinoflagellates; temperature plays a second important role with a positive impact on diatoms (relative importance of 25%) but a negative impact on dinoflagellates (relative importance of 19%); rainfall is the least important which enhances diatom biomass only (relative importance of 21%). Our ANN analysis provides a useful approach for quantifying the complex interrelationships affecting phytoplankton shift.
A Novel Method to Quantify Self-Healing Capabilities of Fiber-Reinforced Polymers
Authors: Scazzoli Cecilia , Trigueira Robin , Cohades Amaël , Michaud Véronique
Published: July 2022

The present work investigates a novel and practical method to evaluate the healing efficiency of carbon-reinforced polymer composites. The method should be representative of damage occurring during the lifetime of a composite part, should tend to damage the healable matrix mostly and yet be simple and cost-effective to set up. Thus, the capacity to recover low-velocity impact damage has been evaluated via three-point bending flexural tests. Carbon-reinforced composite laminates were produced using HealTech™ T300-TW200-42RW-1250, a commercial healable resin pre-impregnated Torayca T300 3K twill 2 × 2 fabric with an aerial weight of 200 g/m2. Fibers were oriented at ± 45° or at 0°–90°, and the laminates were impacted at different energy levels. Flexural properties of undamaged, damaged, and healed samples were compared, and the healing efficiency was calculated as the ratio of healed and undamaged ultimate flexural strength or modulus. Since matrix healing efficiency is the value to characterize, it was shown that ±45° laminates could be tested without major fiber damage and, thus, provide the best matrix healing efficiency results. Such a method proved to be 1) representative of early-stage damage of composite FRPs often occurring in the form of delamination or matrix microcracking, and 2) a fast and reliable characterization technique requiring the use of a limited amount of material.
The Interplay Between Use of Biological Therapies, Psychological State, and the Microbiome in IBD
Authors: Tavakoli Paris , Vollmer-Conna Ute , Hadzi-Pavlovic Dusan , Vázquez-Campos Xabier , Grimm Michael Carl
Published: July 2022

Background

This study examines longitudinal bio-psychological dynamics and their interplay in IBD patients undergoing conventional and biological therapies.

Methods

Fifty IBD participants (24 UC, 26 CD) in clinical remission were followed for 12 months. Complete longitudinal datasets, biological samples, validated scores of psychological status were collected monthly for analysis of association. Microbiome analysis was performed to identify microbial dynamics and signatures. Patients were grouped on disease phenotype (CD, UC) and mode of treatment (biological therapies, non-biological treatment). General linear models, mixed models, cluster analysis, and analyses of variance were used to examine the longitudinal trends of the variables and their associations over time. Results were corrected for multiple testing.

Results

Results substantiated different interactions between biological therapy and longitudinal trends of inflammatory biomarkers in remission CD and UC patients as well as significant differences between CD and UC patients in their psychological measures during clinical remission, with UC patients having inferior condition compared to CD. A significant reduction in microbial diversity in CD patients compared to UC was identified. Results characterized considerable differences in longitudinal microbial profile between those taking and not taking biological treatment in UC patients, but not in CD patients.

Conclusion

A different trajectory of interdependence was identified between psychological state, sleep, and microbial dynamics with mode of treatment when compared between CD and UC patients. Further studies should investigate the causal relationships between bio-psychological factors for improved treatment purposes.
Antibody dynamics in children with first or repeat Plasmodium falciparum infections
Authors: Rogier Eric , Nace Doug , Dimbu Pedro R. , Wakeman Brian , Beeson James G. , Drakeley Chris , Tetteh Kevin , Plucinski Mateusz
Published: July 2022

Immunoglobulin (Ig) production during and after infection with Plasmodium parasites is one of the greatest adaptive immune defenses the human host has against this parasite. Infection with P. falciparum has been shown to induce different B cell maturation responses dependent upon the age of the patient, number of previous exposures, and severity of the disease. Described here are dynamics of Ig responses to a panel of 32 P. falciparum antigens by patients followed for 42 days and classified individuals as showing characteristics of an apparent first P. falciparum infection (naïve) or a repeat exposure (non-naïve). Six parameters were modeled to characterize the dynamics of IgM, IgG1, IgG3, and IgA for these two exposure groups with differences assessed among Ig isotypes/subclasses and unique antigens. Naïve patients had significantly longer periods of time to reach peak Ig titer (range 4–7 days longer) and lower maximum Ig titers when compared with non-naïve patients. Modeled time to seronegativity was significantly higher in non-naïve patients for IgM and IgA, but not for the two IgG subclasses. IgG1 responses to Rh2030, HSP40, and PfAMA1 were at the highest levels for non-naïve participants and may be used to predict previous or nascent exposure by themselves. The analyses presented here demonstrate the differences in the development of the Ig response to P. falciparum if the infection represents a boosting response or a primary exposure. Consistency in Ig isotype/subclasses estimates and specific data for P. falciparum antigens can better guide interpretation of seroepidemiological data among symptomatic persons.
Higher Adherence to the Mediterranean Dietary Pattern Is Inversely Associated With Severity of COVID-19 and Related Symptoms: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Zargarzadeh Nikan , Tadbir Vajargah Kiana , Ebrahimzadeh Armin , Mousavi Seyed Mohammad , Khodaveisi Hamidreza , Akhgarjand Camellia , Toyos Fernando M. P. , Cerqueira Henrique S. , Santos Heitor O. , Taghizadeh Mohsen , Milajerdi Alireza
Published: July 2022

Background and Aims

Adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD) has been associated with a decreased risk of developing a variety of chronic diseases that are comorbidities in COVID-19 patients. However, its association to the severity and symptoms of COVID-19 are still unknown. This study aimed to examine the association between adherence to the MD pattern and COVID-19 severity and symptoms in Iranian hospitalized patients.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, 250 COVID-19 patients aged 18 to 65 were examined. We employed a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) to obtain data on dietary intake of participants in the year prior to their COVID-19 diagnosis. COVID-19 severity was determined using the National Institutes of Health's Coronavirus Disease 2019 report. Additionally, symptoms associated with COVID-19, inflammatory markers, and other variables were evaluated. The scoring method proposed by Trichopoulou et al. was used to assess adherence to the MD.

Results

The participants' mean age was 44.1 ± 12.1 years, and 46% of them had severe COVID-19. Patients who adhered more closely to the MD had lower serum C-reactive protein levels (7.80 vs. 37.36 mg/l) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (14.08 vs. 42.65 mm/h). Those with the highest MD score were 77% less likely to have severe COVID-19 after controlling for confounding variables. The MD score was also found to be inversely associated with COVID-19 symptoms, including dyspnea, cough, fever, chills, weakness, myalgia, nausea and vomiting, and sore throat.

Conclusion

Higher adherence to the MD was associated with a decreased likelihood of COVID-19 severity and symptoms, as well as a shorter duration of hospitalization and convalescence, and inflammatory biomarkers.
A rare case of arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy associated with LAMA2 mutation: A case report and literature review
Authors: Wang Yue , Fang Yibing , Zhang Dan , Li Yifei , Luo Shuhua
Published: July 2022

Background

Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) is a heritable heart muscle disorder that predominantly affects the right ventricle. Mutations in genes that encode components of desmosomes, the adhesive junctions that connect cardiomyocytes, are the predominant cause of ARVC. A case with novel heterozygous mutation in the LAMA2 gene is reported here. The protein encoded by LAMA2 gene is the α2 chain of laminin-211 protein, which establishes a stable relationship between the muscle fiber membrane and the extracellular matrix. We explored the potential mechanism and the relationship between the mutation and ARVC.

Case Presentation

At the age of 8, the patient developed syncope and palpitation after exercise. Dynamic electrocardiogram recorded continuous premature ventricular beats, and MRI showed the right ventricle was significantly enlarged and there were many localized distensions at the edge of the right ventricular wall. The patient was diagnosed with ARVC and received heart transplantation at the age of 14 due to severe heart dysfunction. The myocardial histological pathological staining revealed a large amount of fibrosis and adipose migration. Whole exome sequencing (WES) identified the heterozygous mutation in the LAMA2 gene [NM_000426.3: c.8842G > A (p.G2948S)]. This is the first report of these variants. Analysis was performed on genetic disorders to reveal splice site changes and damage to protein structure. LAMA2 p.G2948S predicted unstable protein structure and impaired function. Induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (iPSC-CMs) were established. RNA-seq and the western blot were performed on IPSC-CMs to explore the ARVC-related signaling pathway.

Conclusion

This is the first case report to describe an ARVC phenotype in patients possessing a novel LAMA2 c.8842G > A (p.G2948S) mutation. Our results aid in understanding of the pathogenesis of ARVC. The molecular mechanism of LAMA2 leading to ARVC disease still needs further study.
Anaerobic Fungi Isolated From Bactrian Camel Rumen Contents Have Strong Lignocellulosic Bioconversion Potential
Authors: Xue Yihan , Shen Rui , Li Yuqi , Sun Zhanying , Sun Xiaoni , Li Fengming , Li Xiaobin , Cheng Yanfen , Zhu Weiyun
Published: July 2022

This study aims to obtain anaerobic fungi from the rumen and fecal samples and investigates their potential for lignocellulosic bioconversion. Multiple anaerobic strains were isolated from rumen contents (CR1–CR21) and fecal samples (CF1–CF10) of Bactrian camel using the Hungate roll tube technique. After screening for fiber degradability, strains from rumen contents (Oontomycessp. CR2) and feces (Piromycessp. CF9) were compared withPecoramycessp. F1 (earlier isolated from goat rumen, having high CAZymes of GHs) for various fermentation and digestion parameters. The cultures were fermented with different substrates (reed, alfalfa stalk,Broussonetia papyriferaleaves, andMelilotus officinalis) at 39°C for 96 h. TheOontomycessp. CR2 had the highest total gas and hydrogen production from most substrates in thein vitrorumen fermentation system and also had the highest digestion of dry matter, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, and cellulose present in most substrates used. The isolated strains provided higher amounts of metabolites such as lactate, formate, acetate, and ethanol in thein vitrorumen fermentation system for use in various industrial applications. The results illustrated that anaerobic fungi isolated from Bactrian camel rumen contents (Oontomycessp. CR2) have the highest lignocellulosic bioconversion potential, suggesting that the Bactrian camel rumen could be a good source for the isolation of anaerobic fungi for industrial applications.
Pseudomonas spp. Enriched in Endophytic Community of Healthy Cotton Plants Inhibit Cotton Verticillium Wilt
Authors: Zeng Qingchao , Man Xiaowu , Dai Yucheng , Liu Haiyang
Published: July 2022

The plant microbiome plays a fundamental role in plant growth and health. However, detailed information regarding the plant endophytic microbiome during the infection period of a pathogen is largely unknown. Here, we investigated the microbial community of healthy and diseased cotton plants and the root exudate profiles of susceptible and resistant cultivars utilizing high-throughput sequencing and metabolomics. The results showed that the pathogen infection reduced bacterial diversity and significantly affected the bacterial community composition. The microbiome assembly is shaped predominantly by cultivars. The endophytic microbiome of the infected plants showed greater complexity than the healthy plants in network analysis. The results displayed that a total of 76 compounds were significantly different in the two groups, with 18 compounds showing a higher relative abundance in the resistant cultivars and 58 compounds in the susceptible cultivars. Pathway enrichment analysis showed that pathways related to plant hormone signal transduction, biosynthesis of various secondary metabolites, and biosynthesis and metabolism of amino acids were prominently altered. We also demonstrate that plants inoculated with Pseudomonas sp. strains showed increased resistance to the cotton Verticillium wilt compared with the control plants in pot experiments. Overall, it showed that the pathogen infection affected the community composition, and healthy plants displayed an enriched beneficial microbiome to combat the plant disease. These findings significantly advance our understanding of the endophytic microbiome assembly under the pathogen infection and develop microbiome-based solutions for sustainable crop production systems.