bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
More Than 100 Persistent Symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 (Long COVID): A Scoping Review
Authors: Hayes Lawrence D. , Ingram Joanne , Sculthorpe Nicholas F.
Published: November 2021

Background: Persistent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) symptoms are increasingly well-reported in cohort studies and case series. Given the spread of the pandemic, number of individuals suffering from persistent symptoms, termed ‘long COVID', are significant. However, type and prevalence of symptoms are not well reported using systematic literature reviews.

Objectives: In this scoping review of the literature, we aggregated type and prevalence of symptoms in people with long COVID.

Eligibility Criteria: Original investigations concerning the name and prevalence of symptoms were considered in participants ≥4-weeks post-infection.

Sources of Evidence: Four electronic databases [Medline, Web of Science, Scopus, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL)] were searched.

Methods: A scoping review was conducted using the Arksey and O'Malley framework. Review selection and characterisation was performed by three independent reviewers using pretested forms.

Results: Authors reviewed 2,711 titles and abstracts for inclusion with 152 selected for full-text review. 102 articles were subsequently removed as this did not meet inclusion criteria. Thus, fifty studies were analysed, 34 of which were described as cohort studies or prospective cohort studies, 14 were described as cross-sectional studies, one was described as a case control study, and one was described as a retrospective observational study. In total, >100 symptoms were identified and there was considerable heterogeneity in symptom prevalence and setting of study. Ten studies reported cardiovascular symptoms, four examined pulmonary symptoms, 25 reported respiratory symptoms, 24 reported pain-related symptoms, 21 reported fatigue, 16 reported general infection symptoms, 10 reported symptoms of psychological disorders, nine reported cognitive impairment, 31 reported a sensory impairment, seven reported a dermatological complaint, 11 reported a functional impairment, and 18 reported a symptom which did not fit into any of the above categories.

Conclusion: Most studies report symptoms analogous to those apparent in acute COVID-19 infection (i.e., sensory impairment and respiratory symptoms). Yet, our data suggest a larger spectrum of symptoms, evidenced by >100 reported symptoms. Symptom prevalence varied significantly and was not explained by data collection approaches, study design or other methodological approaches, and may be related to unknown cohort-specific factors.
Identification and Analysis of Potential Autophagy-Related Biomarkers in Endometriosis by WGCNA
Authors: Wang Jing , Cong Shanshan , Wu Han , He Yanan , Liu Xiaoli , Sun Liyuan , Zhao Xibo , Zhang Guangmei
Published: November 2021

Background: Endometriosis is a serious gynecological disorder characterized by debilitating pain, infertility and the establishment of innervated endometriosis lesions outside the uterus. Early detection and accurate diagnosis are pivotal in endometriosis. The work screened autophagy-related genes (ATGs) as potential biomarkers to reveal new molecular subgroups for the early diagnosis of endometriosis.

Materials and Methods: The gene lists of ATGs from five databases were integrated. Then, weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was used to map the genes to the gene profile of endometriosis samples in GSE51981 to obtain functional modules. GO and KEGG analyses were performed on the ATGs from the key modules. Differentially expressed ATGs were identified by the limma R package and further validated in the external datasets of GSE7305 and GSE135485. The DESeq2 R package was utilized to establish multifactorial network. Subsequently, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed to identify new molecular subgroups. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and Western blotting were used to confirm the differential expression of hub ATGs, and the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis and Spearman correlation analysis were applied to assess the diagnostic value of hub ATGs in 40 clinical samples and human primary endometrial stromal cells (ESCs).

Results: We screened 4 key modules and 12 hub ATGs and found the key genes to be strongly correlated with endometriosis. The pathways of ATGs were mainly enriched in autophagy, apoptosis, ubiquitin-protein ligase binding, and MAPK signaling pathway. The expression levels of EZH2 (Enhancer of Zeste homolog 2) and RND3 (also known as RhoE) had statistically significant changes with higher values in the endometriosis group compared with the controls, both in the tissue samples and primary ESCs. Besides, they also showed higher specificity and sensitivity by the receiver operating characteristic analysis and Spearman correlation analysis for the diagnosis of endometriosis. The TF-mRNA-miRNA-lncRNA multifactorial network was successfully constructed. Four new molecular subgroups were identified, and we preliminarily showed the ability of IQCG to independently differentiate subgroups.

Conclusion: EZH2 and RND3 could be candidate biomarkers for endometriosis, which would contribute to the early diagnosis and intervention in endometriosis.
Surface-Catalyzed Secondary Nucleation Dominates the Generation of Toxic IAPP Aggregates
Authors: Rodriguez Camargo Diana C. , Chia Sean , Menzies Joseph , Mannini Benedetta , Meisl Georg , Lundqvist Martin , Pohl Christin , Bernfur Katja , Lattanzi Veronica , Habchi Johnny , Cohen Samuel IA , Knowles Tuomas P. J , Vendruscolo Michele , Linse Sara
Published: November 2021

The aggregation of the human islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP) is associated with diabetes type II. A quantitative understanding of this connection at the molecular level requires that the aggregation mechanism of IAPP is resolved in terms of the underlying microscopic steps. Here we have systematically studied recombinant IAPP, with amidated C-terminus in oxidised form with a disulphide bond between residues 3 and 7, using thioflavin T fluorescence to monitor the formation of amyloid fibrils as a function of time and IAPP concentration. We used global kinetic analyses to connect the macroscopic measurements of aggregation to the microscopic mechanisms, and show that the generation of new aggregates is dominated by the secondary nucleation of monomers on the fibril surface. We then exposed insulinoma cells to aliquots extracted from different time points of the aggregation process, finding the highest toxicity at the midpoint of the reaction, when the secondary nucleation rate reaches its maximum. These results identify IAPP oligomers as the most cytotoxic species generated during IAPP aggregation, and suggest that compounds that target secondary nucleation of IAPP could be most effective as therapeutic candidates for diabetes type II.
The Molecular Mechanism of Antioxidation of Huolisu Oral Liquid Based on Serum Analysis and Network Analysis
Authors: Yin Yihui , Zhang Kai , Wei Longyin , Chen Dongling , Chen Qian , Jiao Mingjie , Li Xinxin , Huang Jiaqi , Gong Zhexi , Kang Nianxin , Li Fei
Published: November 2021

Huolisu Oral Liquid (HLS), a well-known traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) prescription, is an over-the-counter drug that is registered and approved by the State Food and Drug Administration (Approval No. Z51020381). HLS has been widely applied in the clinical treatment of cognitive disorders and has effects on delaying aging. The antioxidant effects of HLS are closely related to its antiaging activities, but the underlying mechanisms are unclear. In this study, the potential antioxidant ingredients of HLS were screened based on serum pharmacochemistry and network pharmacology, and the potential mechanisms involved in HLS antioxidant effects were preliminarily explored. Further, the antioxidant effects of HLS were verified by in vivo and in vitro experiments. The results showed that potential antioxidant ingredients could affect the toxic advanced glycation end products-receptor for advanced glycation end products (TAGE-RAGE) signaling, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling, interleukin (IL)-17 signaling, tumor necrosis factor (TNF) signaling, toll-like receptors (TLRs), cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) signaling, hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1 signaling, and other related pathways by regulating GAPDH, AKT1, TP53, MAPK1, JUN, and other associated targets. Thus, HLS may reduce inflammation, control the release of inflammatory cytokines, and regulate mitochondrial autophagy and metabolic abnormalities to ultimately play an antioxidant role. This is the first study attempting to construct a multilevel network of “HLS-antioxidant targets” based on serum pharmacochemistry and network pharmacology to explore the relationship between HLS and antioxidation and the molecular mechanisms of antioxidation combined with bioinformatics functional analysis and lays a foundation for further elucidating the antioxidant mechanisms of HLS.
Therapeutic Suppression of FAK-AKT Signaling Overcomes Resistance to SHP2 Inhibition in Colorectal Carcinoma
Authors: Li Ye , Yuan Yuncang , Zhang Fan , Guo Aizhen , Cao Fuao , Song Mengmeng , Fu Yating , Xu Xiaowen , Shen Hao , Zheng Shangyong , Pan Yamin , Chang Wenjun
Published: November 2021

SHP2 mediates signaling from multiple receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) to extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and Ser and Thr kinase AKT, and its inhibitors offer an unprecedented opportunity for cancer treatment. Although the ERK signaling variation after SHP2 inhibition has been well investigated, the AKT signaling variation in colorectal carcinoma (CRC) is still unknown. Therefore, we performed immunohistochemistry and bioinformatics analyses to explore the significance of p-SHP2 in CRC. A panel of CRC cell lines with the SHP2 inhibitor, SHP099, was used to assess the effects on viability and signaling. The inhibitors of AKT and focal adhesion kinase (FAK) signaling were examined in combination with SHP099 as potential strategies to enhance the efficacy and overcome resistance. Frequent resistance to the SHP2 inhibitor was observed in CRC cells, even in those without RAS mutations. We observed rapid adaptive reactivation of the AKT pathway in response to SHP2 inhibition, possibly driven by the reactivation of RTKs or released p-FAK. High baseline p-FAK may also be associated with CRC cell resistance to SHP2 inhibition. Co-inhibition of FAK abrogated the feedback reactivation of AKT in response to SHP2 inhibition. Moreover, the combined inhibition of SHP2 with AKT or FAK resulted in sustained AKT pathway suppression and improved antitumor efficacy in vitro and in vivo. Our study found that reactivation of the AKT pathway is a key mechanism of adaptive resistance to SHP2 inhibition, highlighting the potential significance of AKT and FAK inhibition strategies to enhance the efficacy of SHP2 inhibitors in CRC treatment.
High Leaf Respiration Rates May Limit the Success of White Spruce Saplings Growing in the Kampfzone at the Arctic Treeline
Authors: Griffin Kevin L. , Schmiege Stephanie C. , Bruner Sarah G. , Boelman Natalie T. , Vierling Lee A. , Eitel Jan U. H.
Published: November 2021

Arctic Treeline is the transition from the boreal forest to the treeless tundra and may be determined by growing season temperatures. The physiological mechanisms involved in determining the relationship between the physical and biological environment and the location of treeline are not fully understood. In Northern Alaska, we studied the relationship between temperature and leaf respiration in 36 white spruce (Picea glauca) trees, sampling both the upper and lower canopy, to test two research hypotheses. The first hypothesis is that upper canopy leaves, which are more directly coupled to the atmosphere, will experience more challenging environmental conditions and thus have higher respiration rates to facilitate metabolic function. The second hypothesis is that saplings [stems that are 5–10cm DBH (diameter at breast height)] will have higher respiration rates than trees (stems ≥10cm DBH) since saplings represent the transition from seedlings growing in the more favorable aerodynamic boundary layer, to trees which are fully coupled to the atmosphere but of sufficient size to persist. Respiration did not change with canopy position, however respiration at 25°C was 42% higher in saplings compared to trees (3.43±0.19 vs. 2.41±0.14μmolm−2 s−1). Furthermore, there were significant differences in the temperature response of respiration, and seedlings reached their maximum respiration rates at 59°C, more than two degrees higher than trees. Our results demonstrate that the respiratory characteristics of white spruce saplings at treeline impose a significant carbon cost that may contribute to their lack of perseverance beyond treeline. In the absence of thermal acclimation, the rate of leaf respiration could increase by 57% by the end of the century, posing further challenges to the ecology of this massive ecotone.
“Like a Freshman Who Didn’t Get a Freshman Orientation”: How Transfer Student Capital, Social Support, and Self-Efficacy Intertwine in the Transfer Student Experience
Authors: Cepeda Rebecca , Buelow Melissa T. , Jaggars Shanna S. , Rivera Marcos D.
Published: November 2021

Community colleges and other open-access two-year campuses provide an important pathway to higher education; however, a surprisingly small proportion of these students successfully transfer to and graduate from a bachelor’s degree-granting institution. The present study examined barriers and challenges students faced as they built their sense of self-efficacy as transfer students. We conducted interviews with 65 prospective or recent transfer students, including “internal” transfers (moving from an open-access predominantly two-year campus to their university’s flagship campus) and “external” transfers (moving from a community college to the university’s most selective campus). Our results indicate that both internal and external transfer students experienced challenges in terms of obtaining accurate information about transfer (transfer student capital, or “TSC”), but these challenges were easier to overcome for internal transfers, in part due to their social support networks. While both sets of transfer students utilized social support networks as an informal source of TSC, internal transfer students reported a more extensive social support network. Gaining accurate information about transfer and being supported by members of their social networks seemed to boost self-efficacy for transfer as well as adjustment during the post-transfer experience period. Recommendations for sending and receiving institutions are provided.
High-Dose Betahistine Improves Cognitive Function in Patients With Schizophrenia: A Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Trial
Authors: Wang Yongqian , Huang Xufeng , Fan Hongzhen , An Huimei , Ma Ting , Zhang Qi , Zhao Wenxuan , Yun Yajun , Yang Wenshuang , Zhang Xiaolu , Wang Zhiren , Yang Fude
Published: November 2021

Background: There is currently no effective treatment for cognitive impairment associated with schizophrenia (CIAS). Recent studies have shown that increased histamine levels in the brain may help to improve CIAS symptoms. Betahistine is an H1-receptor agonist and H3-receptor antagonist. This study evaluated the effect of high-dose betahistine on cognitive function as well as its safety in Chinese Han patients with schizophrenia.

Methods: This randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled trial enrolled 89 patients with schizophrenia who were randomly administered betahistine (72 mg/d) or placebo for 12 weeks. At baseline and at 4, 8, and 12 weeks after commencing the intervention, we measured changes in cognitive function and clinical symptoms using the MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery (MCCB) and Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), respectively. Furthermore, we used the Treatment Emergent Symptom Scale (TESS) to assess the adverse effects of the patients' medications.

Results: Compared to the placebo group, the betahistine group showed significant improvements in the MCCB composite score after 12 weeks of treatment (p = 0.003) as well as improvements in MCCB verbal learning (p = 0.02) and visual learning (p = 0.001) domain scores. However, there were no significant improvements in the PANSS total scores or subscores (p > 0.05). Generally, high-dose betahistine treatment was considered safe in patients with schizophrenia.

Conclusions: Additional use of high-dose betahistine can effectively improve cognitive function but not psychiatric symptoms in patients with schizophrenia. Betahistine (72 mg/d) is well tolerated by Chinese Han patients with schizophrenia.

Trial Registration:chictr.org.cn, identifier: ChiCTR1900021078. http://www.chictr.org.cn/edit.aspx?pid=35484&htm=4
Determinants of Recent HIV Self-Testing Uptake Among Men Who Have Sex With Men in Jiangsu Province, China: An Online Cross-Sectional Survey
Authors: Li Jianjun , Marley Gifty , Zhang Ye , Chen Yunting , Tang Weiming , Rongbin Yu , Fu Gengfeng
Published: November 2021

Background: To help inform regarding HIV self-testing (HIVST) upscale, we assessed the determinants of recent HIVST uptake among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Jiangsu province, China.

Methods: We conducted a convenience online survey from March to April, 2020 among men aged ≥16 years, who had ever had sex with other men. Statistical analysis included Pearson's chi-square test, bivariate correlation, and multivariable logistic regression. p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: Of the total 692 participants, 69.5% (481) were aged between 18 and 40 years, and 65.9% (456) had reportedly ever self-tested. Using HIVST for first HIV test (aOR = 1.98, 95% CI: 1.21–3.26), perceiving HIVST as more private (aOR = 1.41, 95% CI: 0.85–2.35), and users not needing to go to a health facility (aOR = 1.68, 95% CI: 1.20–2.34) were associated with recent HIVST as facilitating factors.

Conclusion: HIVST uptake rate has increased among Jiangsu MSM and can be further promoted by healthcare workers routinely recommending HIVST to their clients.
Approaching Trust: Case Studies for Developing Global Research Infrastructures
Authors: Flanagan Heather , Haak Laurel L. , Paglione Laura Dorival
Published: November 2021

Trust is a core component of collaboration. Trust is a local phenomenon, and scientific research is a global collaborative, its impact multiplied through open exchange, communication and mobility of people and information. Given the diversity of participants, local policies and cultures, how can trust be established in and between research communities? You need transparent governance processes, thoughtful engagement of stakeholder groups, and open and durable information sharing to build the “stickiness” needed. In this paper we illustrate these concepts through three trust building use cases: ORCID, Global Alliance for Genomics and Health, and SeamlessAccess, platforms sharing an identity and access technical service core, painstaking community building, and transparent governance frameworks.
Staying “One Step Ahead of a Racist”: Expanding Understandings of the Experiences of the Covid-19 Pandemic Among People From Minoritized Ethnic Groups Living in Britain
Authors: Karlsen Saffron , Nelson Rosie
Published: November 2021

Covid-19 has had a disproportionate impact on those in minoritized ethnic groups. Considerable attention has been given to evidence of ethnic inequalities in rates of infection, hospitalisation, and death. But other ways in which the pandemic experience has been affected by ethnicity have received less consideration. This paper explores the lived experiences of people in different minoritized ethnic groups living in South West England, during the United Kingdom’s first pandemic lockdown, using qualitative data collected from interviews and comments provided on a survey. Perceived positive opportunities for growth were offset by anxiety and stress, which were themselves compounded by an awareness of the additional risks they experienced as members of racialised groups, and a sense that this was being ignored—or intentionally exacerbated—by the British authorities. Frustration with an incompetent and corrupt national Government was intensified by concerns regarding their racist motives. Racism in wider society undermined confidence in key public institutions, such as the NHS and the police, while also producing barriers to informal local-community pandemic responses. Only through recognition of the particular ways in which the pandemic affected those in minoritized ethnic groups, including the multiple and compounding effects of current and historical racism, will it be possible to identify avenues for transformative systemic policy change and opportunities to rebuild trust and a better post-pandemic society for all.
Clinical Features and Efficacy Analysis of Redundant Nerve Roots
Authors: Xu Jianzhong , Hu Yong
Published: November 2021

Introduction: Redundant nerve roots (RNRs) are common finding in lumbar spinal stenosis patients. Up to now, many relevant studies were carried out on the mechanism, pathogenic factors, and clinical features of redundant nerve roots. However, there are few studies on the surgical methods. In this study, posterior lumbar interbody fusion and internal fixations were used in 30 patients with RNRs in our hospital. Moreover, we also proposed new ideas about different types and subtypes of RNRs using patterns and their corresponding MRI images.

Methods: Thirty patients with lumbar spinal stenosis and RNRs were enrolled in this study and underwent surgery between January 2009 and December 2014. Redundant nerve roots are identified as elongated, tortuous, or serpiginous nerve roots present in the subarachnoid space on sagittal T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies. Patients were treated with posterior decompression, intervertebral disc resection, and instrumented interbody fusion. The age, sex, disease course, operative time, intraoperative blood loss, operative segments were recorded. Outcome measures recorded to identify symptom improvement included pre-operative and post-operative visual analog scale (VAS), pre-operative and post-operative Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and pre-operative and post-operative Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) scores.

Results: VAS back pain, VAS leg pain VAS, ODI, and JOA with standard deviations were 6.4 ± 0.9, 7.1 ± 0.8, 43.0 ± 2.2, and 10.3 ± 2.6, respectively. At 3 months post-operatively, VAS back pain, VAS leg pain VAS, ODI, and JOA with standard deviations were 1.4 ± 0.5, 1.6 ± 0.6, 13.0 ± 1.6, and 25.0 ± 1.8, respectively. Nerve redundancy resolved in all cases on post-operative MRI.

Conclusion: Posterior lumbar laminectomy and instrumented interbody fusion relieves low back and leg pain in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis and RNRs and can alleviate the tortuous appearance of the cauda equina in the decompressed segment.
Design of Orbit Controls for a Multiple CubeSat Mission Using Drift Rate Modulation
Authors: Song Youngbum , Park Sang-Young , Kim Geuk-Nam , Kim Dong-Gu
Published: November 2021

For the low-cost improvement of laser communication, which is critical for various applications such as surveillance systems, a study was conducted on relative distance control based on orbital drift rate modulations for multiple CubeSats during formation flying. The VISION mission covered in this paper comprises two CubeSats to demonstrate laser communication technology in space. During the mission, the deputy CubeSat changes the relative distance to execute mission objectives within various scenarios. Impulsive controls decrease, maintain, and increase the relative distance between the CubeSats by changing the orbital drift rates. The simulation results indicated that the desired orbital operation can be conducted within a given ΔV budget. In addition, the errors in the orbit determination, thrust maneuvers, and time synchronization were analyzed to satisfy the mission requirements. The mass-to-area ratio should be matched to adjust the relative distance between satellites with different properties by drift rate modulation. The proposed orbit control method appropriately operated the VISION mission by adjusting the drift rate modulation. The results of this study serve as a basis for the development of complex orbit control simulations and detailed designs that reflect the characteristics of the thrust module and operational aspects.
Common Policy but Different Outcomes: Structural Change in Family Farms of Central and East European Countries after Their Accession to the EU
Authors: Kostov Philip , Davidova Sophia
Published: November 2021

This paper investigates structural change in family farming in ten EU New Member States from Central and Eastern Europe which can be treated as a borderline between transition and developed economies. The paper proposes that farms using at least one Annual Work Unit (AWU) family labour are classified as family since it is considered that engaging less than one full-time family member may not show commitment to the family operation. The Oaxaca-Blinder decomposition is employed to analyse the drivers of structural change at a farm level, i.e., the extent to which it is technology or endowment driven. To compare the developments in different countries, the changes are presented in relative terms in order to reveal the relative distance travelled by the structural change in individual New Member States alongside the relative importance of technology and endowments changes. The estimation of a translog production function by country is used to derive the corresponding decompositions. Empirical analysis is based on data from the EU Farm Accountancy Data Network (FADN) for two time points—2007, when the last of the ten CEECs joined the EU—Bulgaria and Romania, and 2015 to investigate structural change during the first decade of EU membership. The results show that the differences in the initial conditions and the adjustments to the CAP have brought about quite a diverse picture concerning the changes in output in the family and non-family farms in the NMS. The a priori expected dynamics of positive output growth in family farms and negative in the non-family has only materialised in Latvia, Romania and Slovakia. The decomposition of output changes suggests a positive effect of technical change in family farms only in the early years of EU accession. Concerning endowments, their effect on structural change is mostly positive with the only exception of Slovenia. This suggests that the family farming sector grows by accumulating productive resources. However, this growth has not always materialised in increase of family farms output.
Prediction of Shield Machine Attitude Based on Various Artificial Intelligence Technologies
Authors: Xiao Haohan , Xing Bo , Wang Yujie , Yu Peng , Liu Lipeng , Cao Ruilang
Published: November 2021

The shield machine attitude (SMA) is the most important parameter in the process of tunnel construction. To prevent the shield machine from deviating from the design axis (DTA) of the tunnel, it is of great significance to accurately predict the dynamic characteristics of SMA. We establish eight SMA prediction models based on the data of five earth pressure balance (EPB) shield machines. The algorithms adopted in the models are four machine learning (ML) algorithms (KNN, SVR, RF, AdaBoost) and four deep learning (DL) algorithms (BPNN, CNN, LSTM, GRU). This paper obtains the hyperparameters of the models by utilizing grid search and K-fold cross-validation techniques and uses EVS and RMSE to verify and evaluate the prediction performances of the models. The prediction results reveal that the two best algorithms are the LSTM and GRU with EVS > 0.98 and RMSE < 1.5. Then, integrating ML algorithms and DL algorithms, we design a warning predictor for SMA. Through the historical 5-cycle data, the predictor can give a warning in advance if the SMA deviates significantly from DTA. This study indicates that AI technologies have considerable promise in the field of SMA dynamic prediction.
How Has COVID-19 Affected the Public Auction Market?
Authors: Bourron Christine
Published: November 2021

The day of the last live auction at Sotheby’s in the spring of 2020 was on 19 March 2020 as multiple coronavirus lockdowns forced auction rooms to close worldwide. In the following months, hundreds of live auctions were cancelled or postponed, and combined revenue at Christie’s, Sotheby’s, and Phillips for the second Quarter 2020 plummeted 79% year on year from USD 4.4 bn in Q2 2019 to USD 0.9 bn in Q2 2020. This article focuses on public auctions at Christie’s, Sotheby’s, and Phillips and uses primary research to demonstrate how leading auction houses responded to the unprecedented challenges posed by the COVID-19 crisis. Leveraging Pi-eX’s public auction results database and its 12-month-rolling methodology, our analysis shows (1) the surge of online only auctions while the number of live auctions plummeted; (2) the limitations of online only auctions and the rise of new opportunities; and (3) a comparison of the COVID-19 crisis with previous art market crisis in the past 15 years.
Effect on Osteogenic Differentiation of Genetically Modified IL4 or PDGF-BB Over-Expressing and IL4-PDGF-BB Co-Over-Expressing Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cells In Vitro
Authors: Tsubosaka Masanori , Maruyama Masahiro , Huang Elijah Ejun , Zhang Ning , Utsunomiya Takeshi , Gao Qi , Shen Huaishuang , Li Xueping , Kushioka Junichi , Hirata Hirohito , Yao Zhenyu , Yang Yunzhi Peter , Goodman Stuart B.
Published: November 2021

The use of genetically modified (GM) mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) and preconditioned MSCs (pMSCs) may provide further opportunities to improve the outcome of core decompression (CD) for the treatment of early-stage osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH). GM interleukin-4 (IL4) over-expressing MSCs (IL4-MSCs), platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-BB over-expressing MSCs (PDGF-BB-MSCs), and IL4-PDGF-BB co-over-expressing MSCs (IL4-PDGF-BB-MSCs) and their respective pMSCs were used in this in vitro study and compared with respect to cell proliferation and osteogenic differentiation. IL4-MSCs, PDGF-BB-MSCs, IL4-PDGF-BB-MSCs, and each pMSC treatment significantly increased cell proliferation compared to the MSC group alone. The percentage of Alizarin red-stained area in the IL4-MSC and IL4-pMSC groups was significantly lower than in the MSC group. However, the percentage of Alizarin red-stained area in the PDGF-BB-MSC group was significantly higher than in the MSC and PDGF-BB-pMSC groups. The percentage of Alizarin red-stained area in the IL4-PDGF-BB-pMSC was significantly higher than in the IL4-PDGF-BB-MSC group. There were no significant differences in the percentage of Alizarin red-stained area between the MSC and IL4-PDGF-BB-pMSC groups. The use of PDGF-BB-MSCs or IL4-PDGF-BB-pMSCs increased cell proliferation. Furthermore, PDGF-BB-MSCs promoted osteogenic differentiation. The addition of GM MSCs may provide a useful supplementary cell-based therapy to CD for treatment of ONFH.
Optimizing the Schedule of PARP Inhibitors in Combination with 177Lu-DOTATATE: A Dosimetry Rationale
Authors: Hallqvist Andreas , Svensson Johanna , Hagmarker Linn , Marin Ida , Rydén Tobias , Beauregard Jean-Mathieu , Bernhardt Peter
Published: November 2021

177Lu-DOTATATE for neuroendocrine tumours is considered a low-toxicity treatment and may therefore be combined with other pharmaceuticals to potentiate its efficacy. One approach is to add a poly-[ADP-ribose]-polymerase (PARP) inhibitor to decrease the ability of tumour cells to repair 177Lu-induced DNA damage. To decrease the risk of side effects, the sequencing should be optimized according to the tumour-to-normal tissue enhanced dose ratio (TNED). The aim of this study was to investigate how to enhance 177Lu-DOTATATE by optimal timing of the addition of a PARP inhibitor. Biokinetic modelling was performed based on the absorbed dose to the bone marrow, kidneys and tumour; determined from SPECT/CT and planar images from 17 patients treated with 177Lu-DOTATATE. To investigate the theoretical enhanced biological effect of a PARP inhibitor during 177Lu-DOTATATE treatment, the concept of relative biological effectiveness (RBE) was used, and PARP inhibitor administration was simulated over different time intervals. The absorbed dose rate for the tumour tissue demonstrated an initial increase phase until 12 h after infusion followed by a slow decrease. In contrast, the bone marrow showed a rapid initial dose rate decrease. Twenty-eight days after infusion of 177Lu-DOTATATE, the full absorbed dose to the bone marrow and kidney was reached. Using an RBE value of 2 for both the tumour and normal tissues, the TNED was increased compared to 177Lu-DOTATATE alone. According to the modelling, the PARP inhibitor should be introduced approximately 24 h after the start of 177Lu-DOTATATE treatment and be continued for up to four weeks to optimize the TNED. Based on these results, a phase I trial assessing the combination of olaparib and 177Lu-DOTATATE in somatostatin receptor-positive tumours was launched in 2020 (NCT04375267).
Chick Embryo Experimental Platform for Micrometastases Research in a 3D Tissue Engineering Model: Cancer Biology, Drug Development, and Nanotechnology Applications
Authors: Guller Anna , Kuschnerus Inga , Rozova Vlada , Nadort Annemarie , Yao Yin , Khabir Zahra , Garcia-Bennett Alfonso , Liang Liuen (Olivia) , Polikarpova Aleksandra , Qian Yi , Goldys Ewa M. , Zvyagin Andrei V.
Published: November 2021

Colonization of distant organs by tumor cells is a critical step of cancer progression. The initial avascular stage of this process (micrometastasis) remains almost inaccessible to study due to the lack of relevant experimental approaches. Herein, we introduce an in vitro/in vivo model of organ-specific micrometastases of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) that is fully implemented in a cost-efficient chick embryo (CE) experimental platform. The model was built as three-dimensional (3D) tissue engineering constructs (TECs) combining human MDA-MB-231 cells and decellularized CE organ-specific scaffolds. TNBC cells colonized CE organ-specific scaffolds in 2–3 weeks, forming tissue-like structures. The feasibility of this methodology for basic cancer research, drug development, and nanomedicine was demonstrated on a model of hepatic micrometastasis of TNBC. We revealed that MDA-MB-231 differentially colonize parenchymal and stromal compartments of the liver-specific extracellular matrix (LS-ECM) and become more resistant to the treatment with molecular doxorubicin (Dox) and Dox-loaded mesoporous silica nanoparticles than in monolayer cultures. When grafted on CE chorioallantoic membrane, LS-ECM-based TECs induced angiogenic switch. These findings may have important implications for the diagnosis and treatment of TNBC. The methodology established here is scalable and adaptable for pharmacological testing and cancer biology research of various metastatic and primary tumors.
Lipoproteins and Cardiovascular Disease: An Update on the Clinical Significance of Atherogenic Small, Dense LDL and New Therapeutical Options
Authors: Rizvi Ali A. , Stoian Anca Pantea , Janez Andrej , Rizzo Manfredi
Published: November 2021

Dyslipidemia is a potent risk factor for the genesis and progression of cardiovascular disease (CVD), and both the concentration and type of low-density lipoproteins (LDL) augment this association. The small, dense LDL (sdLDL) subfraction is the subtype which is most strongly predictive of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular events. In addition to the traditionally available lipid-lowering treatment options, certain novel therapies have been shown to favorably impact sdLDL, among them the antidiabetic class of agents known as glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP1-RAs). These drugs seem to alter the pathophysiologic mechanisms responsible for the formation and accumulation of atherogenic lipoprotein particles, thus potentially reducing cardiovascular outcomes. They represent a uniquely targeted therapeutic approach to reduce cardiometabolic risk and warrant further study for their beneficial nonglycemic actions.
Macrophages and Iron: A Special Relationship
Authors: Recalcati Stefania , Cairo Gaetano
Published: November 2021

Macrophages perform a variety of different biological functions and are known for their essential role in the immune response. In this context, a principal function is phagocytic clearance of pathogens, apoptotic and senescent cells. However, the major targets of homeostatic phagocytosis by macrophages are old/damaged red blood cells. As such, macrophages play a crucial role in iron trafficking, as they recycle the large quantity of iron obtained by hemoglobin degradation. They also seem particularly adapted to handle and store amounts of iron that would be toxic to other cell types. Here, we examine the specific and peculiar iron metabolism of macrophages.
Subchondral Bone Microarchitectural and Mineral Properties and Expression of Key Degradative Proteinases by Chondrocytes in Human Hip Osteoarthritis
Authors: Li Yunfei , Liem Yulia , Zamli Zaitunnatakhin , Sullivan Niall , Dall’Ara Enrico , Ahmed Haroon , Sellers Grace Matilda , Blom Ashley , Sharif Mohammed
Published: November 2021

Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between the expression of key degradative enzymes by chondrocytes and the microarchitectural and mineral properties of subchondral bone across different stages of cartilage degradation in human hip osteoarthritis (OA). Methods: Osteochondral samples at different stages of cartilage degradation were collected from 16 femoral heads with OA. Osteochondral samples with normal cartilage were collected from seven femoral heads with osteoporosis. Microcomputed tomography was used for the investigation of subchondral bone microarchitecture and mineral densities. Immunohistochemistry was used to study the expression and distribution of MMP13 and ADAMTS4 in cartilage. Results: The microarchitecture and mineral properties of the subchondral plate and trabecular bone in OA varied with the severity of the degradation of the overlying cartilage. Chondrocytes expressing MMP13 and ADAMTS4 are mainly located in the upper zone(s) of cartilage regardless of the histopathological grades. The zonal expression of these enzymes in OA (i.e., the percentage of positive cells in the superficial, middle, and deep zones), rather than their overall expression (the percentage of positive cells in the full thickness of the cartilage), exhibited significant variation in relation to the severity of cartilage degradation. The associations between the subchondral bone properties and zonal and overall expression of these enzymes in the cartilage were generally weak or nonsignificant. Conclusions: Phenotypic changes in chondrocytes and remodelling of subchondral bone proceed at different rates throughout the process of cartilage degradation. Biological influences are more important for cartilage degradation at early stages, while biomechanical damage to the compromised tissue may outrun the phenotypic change of chondrocytes and is critical in the advanced stages.
Rancang Bangun Sistem Pencatatan dan Alokasi Penggunaan Daya Listrik dan Debit Air Untuk Rumah Kos
Authors: Maulana Adidin Aidin
Published: November 2021

Abstrak - Implementasi listrik Kilo Watt hours (KWh) meter diterapkan di rumah kos listrik hanya disambungkan kesetiap kamar dan dipakai keseluruhan. Secara umum rumah kos perkamar beda pengguna, sehingga pemakaian listrik dan air dengan satu KWh meter dan satu meteran air penggunaannya digunakan oleh banyak kamar, sehingga dibutuhkan sistem untuk pencatatan nilai pemakaian listrik dan air setiap kamar. Alat ini dirancang agar dapat memberikan informasi pemakaian listrik dan air dari kamar kos secara terus menerus kepada pengelola kos (admin) serta pengaman antisipasi terjadinya beban lebih. Sistem yang dibuat menggunakan sensor arus SCT 013, sensor tegangan AC ZMPT101B. Lalu dibantu dengan merancang sensor faktor daya semua sensor sistem di kamar kos dirancang dalam modul mikrokontroler Arduino Nano, serta modul HC-12 untuk komunikasi data dari sistem kamar ke sistem admin yang dirancang menggunakan Modul Esp 8286. Setelah itu sistem admin terkoneksi oleh internet dengan platform IoT Fire Base dan terhubung dengan smart phone. Adapun untuk memonitoring keseluruhan sistem dengan menggunakan aplikasi di smart phone. Pada fitur smartphone terdapat akun per kamar untuk melihat pemakaian listrik dan air, serta akun user admin untuk memonitoring dan mengontrol pemakaian listrik, dengan sistem pembayaran prabayar dan pascabayar. Hasilnya sistem dapat berfungsi melakukan pencatatan disetiap kamar menggunakan smart phone, serta semua sensor bekerja dengan baik. Memiliki presentase error sedikit dibawah 5%. Admin dapat memberikan alokasi KWh pada pengguna kamar serta bisa menerapkan sistem pembayaran pascabayar dan prabayar pada pengguna kamar kosan.
Analisis Perbandingan Algoritma Breadth First Search (BFS) dan Algoritma A*
Authors: Aditiya Valdyna , Herdiana Budi
Published: November 2021

Pada path planning terdapat beberapa metode yang dapat digunakan. Metode yang dapat digunakan untuk path planning yaitu algoritma Breadth First Search (BFS) dan algoritma A*. Metode yang digunakan tergantung dari keadaan lingkungan. Melakukan path planning pada tiap lingkungan dengan metode berbeda sehingga dapat mengetahui bagaimana peformansinya tiap metode tersebut. Sehingga tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk membandingkan antara algoritma BFS dengan algoritma A* dalam melakukan path planning. Proses perbandingan dilakukan pada lima lingkungan pengujian. Lingkungan pengujian yang digunakan yaitu tanpa obstacle, obstacle trap, obstacle sederhana, obstacle maze dan obstacle narrow. Perbandingan algoritma BFS dan algoritma A* berdasarkan waktu eksekusi dan jumlah node yang dibutuhkan untuk melakukan path planning. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa pencarian jalur dari titik start ke titik goal dapat diselesaikan dengan algoritma BFS dan A*. Pada algoritma BFS maupun A* menghasilkan biaya jalur yang sama. Perbedaan terjadi pada node-node yang dibutuhkan algoritma BFS dan A* untuk menghasilkan jalur dari titik start hingga titik goal. Algoritma BFS membutuhkan node lebih banyak dibandingkan dengan A* untuk mencapai titik goal. Perbedaan jumlah node tersebut membuat waktu eksekusi menjadi berbeda. Waktu eksekusi pada algoritma BFS membutuhkan waktu lebih banyak dibandingkan dengan A*. Berdasarkan pengujian yang telah dilakukan maka algoritma A* lebih cepat dalam melakukan path planning. Tetapi pada lingkungan pengujian maze terjadi perbedaan waktu yang sedikit. Pada BFS memerlukan waktu tercepat 4,09 detik serta pada A* memerlukan waktu tercepat 3,88 detik. Serta pada lingkungan maze memiliki perbedaan jumlah node cukup sedikit yaitu 26 node. Hal tersebut membuktikan bahwa A* tidak selalu unggul jauh dengan BFS.
Condutores de visitantes de Jamaraquá – FLONA do Tapajós, Belterra (PA): características socioeconômicas, acadêmicas e profissionais
Authors: Cruz Simone Lobato Ferreira da
Published: November 2021

A condução de visitantes em Unidades de Conservação é de suma importância para o desenvolvimento do turismo sustentável nessas áreas protegidas. Este estudo é uma pesquisa de natureza exploratória com abordagem qualitativa – quantitativa e demonstra as características socioeconômicas, acadêmicas e profissionais dos condutores de visitantes da comunidade de Jamaraquá, localizada na Floresta Nacional do Tapajós, município de Belterra (PA). Como instrumento de coleta de dados foi utilizada a entrevista presencial utilizando 17 questionários com modelo baseado em Cotes et al. (2018b), contendo 20 perguntas abertas e fechadas divididas em dois grupos: I- Características sociodemográficas com 06 questões, e II- Características acadêmicas e profissionais dos condutores, contendo 14. Os resultados incluem a maioria dos condutores de visitantes como sendo do sexo masculino, casados ou em união estável, possuindo o ensino fundamental, com menos de dez anos de experiência na atividade, e ganhando até um salário mínimo, indicando que seu trabalho serve para o divertimento e a educação dos turistas.
Políticas de inclusión educativa de adolescentes, jóvenes y adultos en la provincia de Buenos Aires: tensiones en torno a la segmentación socio educativa y el acceso al conocimiento
Authors: Sassera Jorgelina Silvia , Herger Natalia
Published: November 2021

Las desigualdades en la atención del derecho a la educación se asientan en las desigualdades estructurales que tienen incidencia en la configuración y dinámica de los sistemas educativos. La expansión de un nivel educativo a nuevos sectores sociales se produce a la par de una segmentación que incidiría en el acceso igualitario al conocimiento. En el marco de la obligatoriedad de la educación secundaria y del esfuerzo ampliar la escolarización, se formularon iniciativas y experiencias que se proponen incluir y acompañar a los jóvenes y adultos que se encontraban por fuera del sistema. Este artículo explora las condiciones de acceso al conocimiento en el Plan de Finalización de Estudios Primarios y Secundarios (FinES) en la provincia de Buenos Aires desde su creación y los cambios ocurridos a partir de 2016 mediante el análisis de la organización del plan de estudios, las formas de dictado de las clases, las condiciones de cursada y la forma de incorporación de los docentes. Un interrogante es si estas políticas contribuirían a formar circuitos de baja intensidad institucional, y los desafíos para garantizar la apropiación de saberes socialmente relevantes o valorados con niveles de calidad equivalentes a los del resto del sistema.
Dispositivos de formación docente: el caso de la tutoría entre pares
Authors: Clerici Carolina , Lucca Liliana Silvina , Naef Rocío Eliana
Published: November 2021

Este artículo expone avances de una investigación en curso que buscó evaluar la Tutoría Entre Pares (TEP) como dispositivo y estrategia de formación docente utilizados en la unidad curricular Práctica Docente del Profesorado de Inglés de un Instituto de Formación Docente terciario no universitario de Gualeguaychú, Argentina. Se desarrolló un estudio exploratorio-descriptivo desde una lógica inductiva de generación conceptual, mediante el diseño de teoría fundamentada. Se realizaron entrevistas a los estudiantes de primer año participantes de la TEP. En este artículo se incluyen categorías como: animarse a preguntar, equilibrio entre lo personal y lo académico, comparación entre tutores y experiencia del propio tutor como factor facilitador u obstaculizador de la acción tutorial. La participación en la TEP, como oportunidad de trabajo entre pares, implica un rol activo para el tutor y el tutorado en cuanto al proceso de aprendizaje, en aspectos académicos y, además, en cuestiones vinculares, de relación con otros y con la institución en la que estudian. El análisis de la información empírica da cuenta del valor de la TEP como dispositivo y estrategia de formación docente. Resta un camino por recorrer para conocer la voz de tutores, coordinadores y docentes de asignaturas de primer año.