bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An experimental investigation of the impact of using big data analytics on customers’ performance measurement
Authors: Elkmash Marwa Rabe Mohamed , Abdel-Kader Magdy Gamal , Badr El Din Bassant
Published: February 2021

Purpose

This study aims to investigate and explore the impact of big data analytics (BDA) as a mechanism that could develop the ability to measure customers’ performance. To accomplish the research aim, the theoretical discussion was developed through the combination of the diffusion of innovation theory with the technology acceptance model (TAM) that is less developed for the research field of this study.

Design/methodology/approach

Empirical data was obtained using Web-based quasi-experiments with 104 Egyptian accounting professionals. Further, the Wilcoxon signed-rank test and the chi-square goodness-of-fit test were used to analyze data.

Findings

The empirical results indicate that measuring customers’ performance based on BDA increase the organizations’ ability to analyze the customers’ unstructured data, decrease the cost of customers’ unstructured data analysis, increase the ability to handle the customers’ problems quickly, minimize the time spent to analyze the customers’ data and obtaining the customers’ performance reports and control managers’ bias when they measure customer satisfaction. The study findings supported the accounting professionals’ acceptance of BDA through the TAM elements: the intention to use (R), perceived usefulness (U) and the perceived ease of use (E).

Research limitations/implications

This study has several limitations that could be addressed in future research. First, this study focuses on customers’ performance measurement (CPM) only and ignores other performance measurements such as employees’ performance measurement and financial performance measurement. Future research can examine these areas. Second, this study conducts a Web-based experiment with Master of Business Administration students as a study’s participants, researchers could conduct a laboratory experiment and report if there are differences. Third, owing to the novelty of the topic, there was a lack of theoretical evidence in developing the study’s hypotheses.

Practical implications

This study succeeds to provide the much-needed empirical evidence for BDA positive impact in improving CPM efficiency through the proposed framework (i.e. CPM and BDA framework). Furthermore, this study contributes to the improvement of the performance measurement process, thus, the decision-making process with meaningful and proper insights through the capability of collecting and analyzing the customers’ unstructured data. On a practical level, the company could eventually use this study’s results and the new insights to make better decisions and develop its policies.

Originality/value

This study holds significance as it provides the much-needed empirical evidence for BDA positive impact in improving CPM efficiency. The study findings will contribute to the enhancement of the performance measurement process through the ability of gathering and analyzing the customers’ unstructured data.
Empirical investigation of the applicability of constructability methods to prevent design errors
Authors: Raviv Gabriel , Shapira Aviad , Sacks Rafael
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The paper aims to identify the effective constructability methods and tools that should be applied during the early project design stages to prevent specific constructability failures regarding project context.

Design/methodology/approach

Seventeen basic constructability problems were defined, 12 constructability implementation methods for investigation were selected, and a general tool representing potential causal connections between the problems and the methods that could prevent them was developed. A comparative case study was conducted through a rigorous investigation of the construction documentation of four major building construction projects. Nearly four hundred constructability problems were identified. The tool developed was used to draw conclusions about the preferred constructability methods, in general, and with respect to specific project contexts.

Findings

The managerial approach offers the best methods for preventing constructability problems. The major methods that emerged were (1) assigning a constructability champion, (2) facilitating the involvement of the general contractor early in the design process, and (3) augmenting design quality control. At the other end of the scale, methods such as company procedures and owner involvement were found to be the least effective.

Originality/value

The paper offers the ability to relate constructability problems to preventive mechanisms and to identify the appropriate steps to be taken to resolve these problems. The mechanism described here can be used by construction companies that keep failure data within accounting files to check projects in retrospect and draw lessons from them to be implemented in future projects.
Stability at 22 ºC of type bologna mortadella elaborated in industrial unit
Authors: Brustolin Adriane Pegoraro , Verlindo Roberto , dos Santos Patrícia , Roman Silvane Souza , Zeni Jamile , Cansian Rogério Luis , Valduga Eunice , Backes Geciane Toniazzo
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The objective of this study was to elaborate and characterize formulations of type mortadella bologna in an industrial unit.

Design/methodology/approach

Two formulations (Formulation 1 – F1 and Formulation 2 – F2) were characterized at a storage stability of 22 ºC for physicochemical (pH, aw, moisture, protein, fat and lipid oxidation: TBARs and peroxide index, nitrite/nitrate, texture and thermal analysis: TG), sensory (acceptability), microbiological (Clostridium reducing sulfite, Streptococcus, Salmonella sp., mesophilic and coliform thermosensitive) and histological (organization and tissue distribution) characteristics.

Findings

In relation to the water activity (aw), the formulation F2 presented a value of 0.925 as well as the lower TBARs (0.19 mg MDA/kg) and greater hardness (3945.47 gf), 85% acceptance index and greater mass loss by thermal analysis after 60 days of storage. The multivariate analysis showed that the hardness presents negative correlation in relation cohesiveness, resilience and aw. There is also a strong positive correlation of the cohesiveness in relation to the resilience and aw. In addition, moisture has a high positive correlation with TBARs, peroxide index, aw, L* and texture parameters (adhesiveness, cohesiveness and resilience).

Originality/value

Therefore, the importance of the elaboration process of emulsified meat products was emphasized, aiming to add value and guarantee food safety, taking into account the current legal aspects.
Development of a rotatable similar simulation experimental system for steep coal seam mining
Authors: Hongsheng Tu , Changwen Huang , Chenye Guo
Published: February 2021

Purpose

Currently, the existing similar simulation is still limited in the following aspects: un-rotatable laboratory devices, the difficulty in the pavement on steep seams and great error of the experimental data.

Design/methodology/approach

To address above-mentioned problems, this study combined theoretical analysis and numerical simulation and developed a rotatable experimental system for similar simulation on steep coal seam mining on the premise of ensuring experimental safety.

Findings

The present experimental system mainly consists of the model support, the rotation system and the bearing system. By taking into account the experimental requirements and actual laboratory space, the sizes of the model support and the bearing system were determined. Considering the requirements in space limit and rotation stability, the rotation mode of vertical sliding on the left side and the horizontal sliding on the lower side was designed.

Originality/value

Using programmable logic controller automatic angle control technology, the rotation angle, velocity and displacement of the model can be automatically adjusted and controlled so as to achieve safe rotation and precise control. Finally, the calculation method of the mass of the required similar materials for paving the coal strata at different inclination angles and in different horizons was analyzed, and the related mass proportion calculation software was developed.
Acute traumatic coagulopathy and the relationship to prehospital care and on‐scene red blood cell transfusion
Authors: Harris Daniel , Martin Daniel , Bednarz Jana , Ellis Daniel Y
Published: February 2021

Objective

To identify the incidence of acute traumatic coagulopathy (ATC) in trauma patients presenting to the Royal Adelaide Hospital, analyse prehospital contributors, including red blood cell transfusion and assess the clinical significance of ATC.

Methods

A retrospective database review was undertaken using conventional coagulation assays and viscoelastic testing (ROTEM) for diagnosis of ATC.

Results

Baseline ATC incidence is 10% in trauma patients, increasing to over 80% among those where the prehospital team has attended and given a transfusion of red cells. ATC was significantly associated with higher severity of trauma (odds ratio [OR] 1.11, P < 0.0001), prehospital (OR 11.8, P < 0.0001) and in‐hospital blood transfusions (OR 17.9, P < 0.0001), and massive transfusions (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Prehospital blood transfusions are given to the most severely injured trauma patients and the incidence of ATC in this group is more than 80%. There is an association with prehospital blood transfusion and increased ATC in part related to patient selection and severity of trauma, with the contribution of red cell transfusions to ATC unclear. This association should allow earlier identification of patients at increased risk of ATC to ensure rapid correction of coagulopathy to decrease the morbidity and mortality of trauma.
Rescue effect drives local persistence of fish species in the Upper Paraná River floodplain
Authors: Granzotti Rafaela V. , Cassemiro Fernanda A. S. , Agostinho Angelo A. , Bini Luis M.
Published: February 2021

The interspecific variation in spatial distribution has been frequently studied in macroecology, but cross‐species differences in temporal occupancy (the number of times a species has been recorded in a site, i.e. local persistence) are seldom investigated. Here we aim to determine the relative importance of different predictors of species temporal occupancy, including local abundance, body size, range size, biological traits, environmental niche metrics, and proportion of the sites occupied (mean landscape occurrence).

Using 17 years of data on 93 Neotropical fish species collected at the Upper Paraná River floodplain, we modelled temporal occupancy in six floodplain lakes, controlling for phylogenetic dependence, and investigated whether the relative importance of predictors was maintained across sites.

Mean landscape occurrence and mean local abundance were the main predictors of temporal occupancy in all six lakes. Body size was also important in most lakes. The concordance in the ranks of predictors was high, indicating consistency in the mechanisms behind temporal occupancy across sites.

Our results indicate the importance of metapopulation processes, especially the rescue effect, in determining long‐term persistence of fish local populations in floodplains.

The influence of spatial occupancy on local persistence implies that protecting a large number of habitats in the landscape might reduce the risk of local extinction of species, thus maintaining biodiversity levels in the system.
Emicizumab improves thrombus formation of type 2A von willebrand disease under high shear condition
Authors: Yaoi Hiroaki , Shida Yasuaki , Kitazawa Takehisa , Shima Midori , Nogami Keiji
Published: February 2021

Introduction

Type 2A von Willebrand disease (VWD) is common in type‐2 group caused by qualitative deficiency of von Willebrand factor (VWF). Emicizumab is a bispecific antibody that mimics activated factor VIII (FVIIIa) cofactor function, and emicizumab prophylaxis substantially reduces bleeding in patients with haemophilia A. It is unknown whether emicizumab affects thrombus formation in type 2A VWD characterized by not only low FVIII levels but also the impaired platelet adhesion and aggregation.

Aim

To examine the coagulant potential of emicizumab in type 2A VWD.

Patients/Methods

Perfusion chamber experiments combined with immunostaining were performed using whole blood from 5 patients with type 2A VWD under high shear condition (2500 s−1).

Results

The addition of FVIII to type 2A VWD whole blood did not augment thrombus formation, whilst supplementation with VWF or FVIII/VWF enhanced. FVIII appeared to contribute to thrombus height rather than surface coverage. The addition of emicizumab enhanced thrombus formation in type 2A VWD compared with FVIII, but this potency was less than the presence of VWF. The effect on thrombus formation mediated by emicizumab appeared to be more rapid than that by FVIII for non‐requirement of activation step of FVIII, whilst that by FVIII showed more impact on thrombus formation at the late phase.

Conclusion

Emicizumab‐induced enhancing effects of thrombus formation, independent on VWF, may be useful as an alternative therapy for type 2A VWD patients. These results supported a critical role for the FVIII‐VWF complex facilitating thrombus formation under high shear.
The relationship between serum erythropoietin, hepcidin, and haptoglobin levels with disease severity and other biochemical values in patients with COVID‐19
Authors: Yağcı Sema , Serin Erdinç , Acicbe Özlem , Zeren Mustafa İsmet , Odabaşı Merve Sena
Published: February 2021

Introduction

Studies have shown that iron metabolism is affected by coronavirus disease 19 (COVID‐19), which has spread worldwide and has become a global health problem. Our study aimed to evaluate the relationship between COVID‐19 and serum erythropoietin (EPO), hepcidin, and haptoglobin (Hpt) levels with disease severity, and other biochemical values.

Methods

Fifty nine COVID‐19 patients hospitalized in the intensive care unit (ICU) and wards in our hospital between March and June 2020 and 19 healthy volunteers were included in the study. Participants were divided into mild, severe, and critical disease severity groups. Group mean values were analyzed with SPSS according to disease severity, mortality, and intubation status.

Results

Hemoglobin (Hb) levels were significantly lower in the critical patient group (P < .0001) and deceased group (P < .0001). The red blood cell distribution width‐coefficient of variation (RDW‐CV) and ferritin values were significantly higher in the intubated (P = .001, P = .005) and deceased (P = .014, P = .003) groups. Ferritin values were positively correlated with disease severity (P < .0001). Serum iron levels were lower in the patient group compared with the reference range. (P < .0001). It was found that the transferrin saturation (TfSat) was lower in the patient group compared with the control group (P < .0001). It was found that the mean EPO of the deceased was lower than the control group and the survived patient group (P = .035). Hepcidin levels were found to be significantly lower in the patient group (P < .0001). Hpt values were found to be significantly lower in the intubated group (P = .004) and the deceased group (P = .042).

Conclusion

In our study, while serum iron and hepcidin levels decreased in patients diagnosed with COVID‐19, we found that EPO and Hpt levels were significantly lower in critical and deceased patient groups. Our study is the first study examining EPO and Hpt levels in patients diagnosed with COVID‐19.
Perceptual sensitivity to vowel quality and vowel length in the first year of life
Authors: Paillereau Nikola , Podlipský Václav Jonáš , Šimáčková Šárka , Smolík Filip , Oceláková Zuzana , Chládková Kateřina
Published: February 2021

The perceptual attunement to native vowel categories has been reported to occur at 6 months of age. However, some languages contrast vowels both in quality and in length, and whether and how the acquisition of spectral and duration-cued contrasts differs is uncertain. This study traced the development of infants' sensitivity to native (Czech) vowel-length and vowel-quality contrasts. The results suggest that in a vowel-length language, infants learn to categorize vowels in terms of length earlier and/or more robustly than in terms of quality, the representation of which may still be relatively underdeveloped at 10 months of age.
Theoretical and experimental analyses of acoustic characteristics of fine-grain powder considering longitudinal vibration and boundary layer viscosity
Authors: Sakamoto Shuichi , Takakura Rikuya , Suzuki Ryusuke , Katayama Ibuki , Saito Ren , Suzuki Kyosuke
Published: February 2021

There was a previous study to derive the sound absorption coefficient of the powder layers comprising powder particles with a diameter of a few tens of μm. According to this previous method, the impact of air viscosity at the boundary layer generated in the pores between the powder particles is neglected. Therefore, precision is not guaranteed when the particle diameter is relatively large or when the density is relatively high. In the present study, to obtain the sound absorption coefficient of the powder layer more accurately, in addition to the above-described longitudinal vibration mode, the energy damping property of the boundary layer viscosity was calculated using the transfer-matrix method. As a result, when the longitudinal vibration mode and boundary layer viscosity were considered, the theoretical value tended to be closer to the experimental value than when only the longitudinal vibration was considered.
Sprint Tactics in the Tour de France: A Case Study of a World-Class Sprinter (Part II)
Authors: van Erp Teun , Kittel Marcel , Lamberts Robert P.
Published: February 2021

Purpose: To describe the performance and tactical sprint characteristics of a world-class sprinter competing in the Tour de France. In addition, differences in the sprint tactics of 2 teams and won versus lost sprints are highlighted. Method: Power output (PO) and video footage of 21 sprints were analyzed. Position in the peloton and number of teammates supporting the sprinter at different times before the finish line together with PO for different time intervals were determined. Sprints were classified as team Shimano (2013–2014) and team Quick-step (2016–2017), as well as won or lost. Results: The sprinter was highly successful, winning 14 out of the 21 sprints. At time intervals 10 to 5, 3 to 2, and 1.5 to 1 minute, POs were significantly lower in team Quick-step compared with team Shimano, but the sprinter was positioned further away from the front at 10, 2, 1.5, 1, and 0.5 minutes at team Quick-step compared with team Shimano. The PO was higher at time interval 0.5 to 0.25 minutes before the finish line with team Quick-step when compared with team Shimano. The position of the sprinter in the peloton in lost sprints was further away from the front at 0.5 minutes before the finish compared with won sprints, while no differences were noted for PO and the number of teammates between won and lost sprints. Conclusions: Differences in sprint tactics (Shimano vs Quick-step) influence the PO and position in the peloton during the sprint preparation. In addition, the position at 0.5 minutes before the finish line influences the outcome (won or lost) of the sprint.
Using a Personal-Disclosure Mutual-Sharing Approach to Deliver a Team-Based Mindfulness Meditation Program to Enhance Cohesion
Authors: Piasecki Piotr A. , Loughead Todd M. , Paradis Kyle F. , Munroe-Chandler Krista J.
Published: February 2021

In an effort to increase perceptions of cohesion among intercollegiate soccer players, a team-based mindfulness meditation program was undertaken. This team-building program was delivered by using a personal-disclosure mutual-sharing approach. A total of 31 female intercollegiate soccer players from two teams participated. Assigned to the intervention condition was a Canadian intercollegiate team (U Sports), while the control condition was an American intercollegiate team (NCAA, Division II). The participants completed a measure of cohesion (Group Environment Questionnaire) pre- and postintervention. Controlling for the preintervention scores, the 8-week team-based mindfulness meditation program resulted in significantly higher perceptions of social cohesion for the intervention group compared with the control group at postintervention. However, there were no significant differences in task cohesion between the intervention and control groups at postintervention. Using personal disclosure, mutual sharing seems a viable approach by which to deliver a team-based mindfulness meditation program to enhance a team’s social cohesion.
A lymph node–targeted Amphiphile vaccine induces potent cellular and humoral immunity to SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Steinbuck Martin P. , Seenappa Lochana M. , Jakubowski Aniela , McNeil Lisa K. , Haqq Christopher M. , DeMuth Peter C.
Published: February 2021

Lymph node–targeting adjuvant AMP-CpG enhances SARS-CoV-2 RBD vaccine-induced cellular and humoral immune responses.
The Coxiella burnetii QpH1 Plasmid Is a Virulence Factor for Colonizing Bone Marrow-Derived Murine Macrophages
Authors: Luo Shengdong , Lu Shanshan , Fan Huahao , Chen Zeliang , Sun Zhihui , Hu Yan , Li Ruisheng , An Xiaoping , Uversky Vladimir N. , Tong Yigang , Song Lihua
Published: February 2021

All
C. burnetii
isolates carry one of four large, conserved, autonomously replicating plasmids or a plasmid-like chromosomally integrated sequence. The plasmid is a candidate virulence factor of unknown function.
Supplemental Material: An intracontinental orogen exhumed by basement-slice imbrication in the Longmenshan Thrust Belt of the Eastern Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Xue Zhenhua , Lin Wei , al. et
Published: February 2021

Three figures (Figs. S1–S3) and two tables (Tables S1–S2). Figure S1: Images and related Energy Dispersive X-ray spectra to show that quartz melts infilled in feldspar crack; Figure S2: Features of samples selected for 40Ar-39Ar dating; Figure S3: Inverse isochron lines that yield false initial 40Ar/39Ar ratio; Table S1: Detailed SIMS U-Pb zircon results of sample CX48; Table S2: Detailed 40Ar/39Ar VG3600 Furnace Step-Heating Analytical Results.
Smoking cessation interventions in South Asian countries: protocol for scoping review
Authors: Iqbal Sajid , Barolia Rubina , Ladak Laila , Petrucka Pammla
Published: February 2021

Introduction

Unfortunately, like many other health risks, smoking rate has been on the rise in developing countries. Half of current smokers in the world reside in only three countries of Asia that include India. Many smoking cessation interventions that were developed and successfully implemented in the context of developed countries have not been equally successful in South Asia. Hence, there is a dire need of culturally relevant smoking cessation interventions. We propose a scoping review with objectives to explore the extent and nature of interventions for smoking cessation and its associated factors in South Asian Region by systematically reviewing the available published and unpublished literature.

Methods and analysis

The review has been registered in Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) systematic reviews register and details are given in the Methodology section. The updated framework of JBI for scoping review methodology will be used as guide for conduct of this scoping review. Electronic databases (PubMed, CINAHL plus, Proquest Theses and Dissertations, EBSCO Dentistry and Oral Sciences, and Wiley Cochrane Library), reference lists of selected studies and grey literature will be considered for inclusion in this review. The literature search is anticipated to be carried out in December–January 2020. Initially, two reviewers in consultation with a librarian will develop search syntax followed by search from the selected sources. Consequently, the reviewers will screen all the titles, abstracts and full articles to establish relevance of each study for inclusion. Factors associated with smoking cessation will be coded and categorised applying qualitative content analysis, while interventions extracted from the literature will be described with the stated level of effectiveness.
Deimplementation strategy to reduce overtreatment of asymptomatic bacteriuria: a study protocol for a stepped-wedge cluster randomised trial
Authors: van Horrik Tessa MZXK , Geerlings Suzanne E , Stalenhoef Janneke E , van Nieuwkoop Cees , Saanen Joppe B , Schneeberger Caroline , Laan Bart J
Published: February 2021

Introduction

Antimicrobial treatment of asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB) is one of the most common unnecessary uses of antimicrobials. Earlier studies have shown that the prevalence of this inappropriate treatment ranges from 45% to 83%. Multifaceted interventions based on international guidelines and antimicrobial stewardship can decrease overtreatment of ASB. We have designed a study protocol with the main objective of reducing overtreatment of ASB by 50% through use of a deimplementation strategy.

Methods and analysis

We will use a stepped-wedge cluster randomised design, comparing outcomes before and after introduction of our intervention in the emergency department (ED) of five hospitals (clusters) in the Netherlands. All patients (≥18 years old) who have a urine test performed in the ED will be screened for eligibility. The deimplementation strategy consists of a combination of interventions, including education, audit and feedback. The primary endpoint is overtreatment of ASB in patients without risk factors (eg, pregnancy, planned invasive urological procedures and neutropenia). Secondary endpoints are the duration of antimicrobial treatment for ASB, the number of urine cultures and urinalysis per 1000 patients, and overtreatment of positive urinalysis in asymptomatic patients.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval was obtained from the medical ethics research committee of the Academic Medical Centre (Amsterdam, the Netherlands) with a waiver for informed consent. Local feasibility was obtained by the local institutional review boards of all participating hospitals. Our study aims to reduce inappropriate screening and treatment of ASB in EDs, improve healthcare quality, lower the increase in antimicrobial resistance and save costs. If proven (cost)-effective, this study provides a well-suited strategy for a nationwide approach to reduce overtreatment of ASB. Relevant results of our study will be disseminated through publications in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at relevant (scientific) conferences.

Trial registration number

NL8242; Pre-results.
Cetrimonium bromide promotes the clearance of lipids by activating the TFEB-mediated autophagosome–lysosome pathway in hepatic cells
Authors: Liu Zhenxing , Wang Xu , Shi Zhichen , Xu Junting , Lin Jieru , Li Dianlong , Zhang Xinpeng , Li Yuyin , Zhao Qing , Tao Li , Diao Aipo
Published: February 2021

Autophagy plays a key role in the metabolism of macromolecules via the degradative abilities of the lysosome. Transcription factor EB (TFEB) regulates autophagosome biogenesis and lysosome function, and promoting TFEB activity has emerged as a potential strategy for the treatment of metabolic disorders. Herein, we report that cetrimonium bromide (CTAB; a quaternary ammonium compound) promotes autophagy and lysosomal biogenesis by inducing the nuclear translocation of TFEB in hepatic cells. Knockdown of TFEB mediated by short hairpin RNA inhibits CTAB-induced autophagy and lysosomal biogenesis. Mechanistically, CTAB treatment inhibits the Akt–mTORC1 signaling pathway. Moreover, CTAB treatment significantly increases lipid metabolism in both palmitate- and oleate-treated HepG2 cells, and this increase was attenuated by knockdown of TFEB. Collectively, our results indicate that CTAB activates the autophagosome–lysosome pathway via inducing the nuclear translocation of TFEB by inhibiting the mTORC1 signaling pathway. These results add to the collective understanding of TFEB function and provide new insights into CTAB-mediated lipid metabolism.
Immunosensation: Neuroimmune Cross Talk in the Skin
Authors: Tamari Masato , Ver Heul Aaron M. , Kim Brian S.
Published: February 2021

Classically, skin was considered a mere structural barrier protecting organisms from a diversity of environmental insults. In recent decades, the cutaneous immune system has become recognized as a complex immunologic barrier involved in both antimicrobial immunity and homeostatic processes like wound healing. To sense a variety of chemical, mechanical, and thermal stimuli, the skin harbors one of the most sophisticated sensory networks in the body. However, recent studies suggest that the cutaneous nervous system is highly integrated with the immune system to encode specific sensations into evolutionarily conserved protective behaviors. In addition to directly sensing pathogens, neurons employ novel neuroimmune mechanisms to provide host immunity. Therefore, given that sensation underlies various physiologies through increasingly complex reflex arcs, a much more dynamic picture is emerging of the skin as a truly systemic organ with highly coordinated physical, immunologic, and neural functions in barrier immunology.
Research Progress on the Relationship between Obesity‐Inflammation‐Aromatase Axis and Male Infertility
Authors: Yuxin Liu , Chen Lin , Xiaoxia Luo , Yue Luo , Junjie Lai , Youzhu Li , Huiliang Zhou , Qicai Liu
Published: February 2021

Aromatase is a key enzyme in the transformation of androgen into estrogen. Its high expression will destroy the hormonal balance in the male body, and the excessive transformation of androgen into estrogen in the body will further damage the spermatogenic function of the testis, affect the normal development of the sperm, and cause spermatogenic disturbance. Adipose tissue has a high expression of aromatase and shows high enzymatic activity and ability to convert estrogen. Adipose tissue is the most estrogen‐producing nongonadal tissue in the body because of its large size, accounting for about 20% of the body mass in healthy adults. PPARγ is recognized as the key adipose differentiation in the transcriptional regulation of the transcription factor. In the process of adipocyte differentiation, PPARγ regulate the expression of aromatase. The increase of aromatase is associated with the inflammatory response in adipose tissue caused by obesity. After obesity, the increase of proinflammatory factors in adipocytes will lead to enhanced transcription of the CYP19 gene encoding aromatase in adipocytes, which in turn will lead to increased expression of aromatase in adipocytes. This article reviews the regulation of male sterility from the angle of the “obesity‐inflammation‐aromatase” axis.
Suppressing Effect of Free Triiodothyronine on the Negative Association between Body Mass Index and Serum Osteocalcin Levels in Euthyroid Population
Authors: Nie Xiaomin , Xu Yiting , Shen Yun , Wang Yufei , Ma Xiaojing , Bao Yuqian
Published: February 2021

Previous studies found that thyroid hormones stimulate osteoblast-like cells to secrete osteocalcin. We aimed to investigate the association between serum thyroid hormone and serum osteocalcin in euthyroid population. The study recruited 1152 community-based euthyroid subjects (average age 59 ± 8 years), among whom 677 were women. Serum free triiodothyronine (FT3), free thyroxine (FT4), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), and osteocalcin were measured by electrochemiluminescence immunoassays. After adjusting for age and gender, partial correlation analysis showed that FT3 and FT3/FT4 were both positively correlated with body mass index (BMI) and serum osteocalcin levels (all

P
<
0.05

) and BMI was negatively correlated with serum osteocalcin levels

P
<
0.01

, while FT4 and TSH were not correlated with serum osteocalcin levels (all

P
>
0.05

). Age, gender, blood pressure, thyroid hormones, and multiple metabolic risk factors were included in the ridge regression model. FT3 and FT3/FT4 were independently and positively associated with serum osteocalcin levels (all

P
<
0.05

), while BMI was independently and negatively associated with serum osteocalcin levels

P
<
0.01

. The mediating effect model showed that FT3 and FT3/FT4 suppressed the negative association between BMI and serum osteocalcin levels, with suppressing effects of 6.41% and 10.39%, respectively. In euthyroid subjects, both FT3 and FT3/FT4 were positively associated with serum osteocalcin levels, and they further suppressed the negative association between BMI and serum osteocalcin levels.
Network Teaching Technology Based on Big Data Mining and Information Fusion
Authors: Du Yishan , Zhao Tianzhong
Published: February 2021

With the continuous development of modern multimedia technology, the integration of computer technology into the teaching of various subjects has become a trend of the times. The application of computer media and network technology in mathematics teaching improves the integration of mathematics teaching and the integration of resources. A mathematics teaching network media fusion technology is proposed based on big data mining and information fusion, which combines the characteristics of multimedia and network technology in opening, creativity, subjectivity, and so on, and the database model of mathematics teaching is constructed. The multithread integrated scheduling method is used to design the mathematics teaching database model, the fuzzy control method is used to control the multimedia in mathematics teaching, and the big data association rule mining method is used to realize the information fusion of mathematics teaching resources. The optimization and integration of mathematics teaching resources and adaptive scheduling are realized under the technology of computer media and network, and the level of mathematics teaching is improved. The test results show that using this method to design the computer network media of mathematics teaching has a better ability of integrating and dispatching mathematics teaching resources, and the integration of mathematics teaching resources is stronger, which promotes the improvement of mathematics teaching level.
Inhibition of the Keap1/Nrf2 Signaling Pathway Significantly Promotes the Progression of Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Lou Yanmei , Kong Muyan , Li Leyan , Hu Yu , Zhai Wenjun , Qi Xiaoxiao , Liu Zhongqiu , Wu Jinjun
Published: February 2021

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is an autoimmune disease characterized by insulin deficiency due to pancreatic β‐cell damage and leads to hyperglycemia. The precise molecular mechanisms of the etiology of T1DM are not completely understood. Oxidative stress and the antioxidant status of pancreatic β‐cells play a vital role in the pathogenesis and progression of T1DM. The Keap1/Nrf2 signaling pathway plays a critical role in cellular resistance to oxidative stress. This study is aimed at investigating the role of the Keap1/Nrf2 signaling pathway in the progression of T1DM. An alloxan‐ (ALX‐) stimulated T1DM animal model in wild‐type (WT) and Nrf2 knockout (Nrf2-/-) C57BL/6J mice and a mouse pancreatic β‐cell line (MIN6) were established. Compared with the tolerant (ALX exposure, nondiabetic) WT mice, the sensitive (ALX exposure, diabetic) WT mice exhibited higher blood glucose levels and lower plasma insulin levels. The Keap1/Nrf2 signaling pathway was significantly inhibited in the sensitive WT mice, which was reflected by overexpression of Keap1 and low expression of Nrf2, accompanied by a marked decrease in the expression of the antioxidative enzymes. Compared with WT mice, the Nrf2-/- mice had an increased incidence of T1DM and exhibited more severe pancreatic β‐cell damage. The results of in vitro experiments showed that ALX significantly inhibited the viability and proliferation and promoted the apoptosis of MIN6 cells. ALX also markedly increased intracellular ROS production and caused DNA damage in MIN6 cells. In addition, the Keap1/Nrf2 signaling pathway was significantly inhibited in the damaged MIN6 cells. Moreover, Nrf2 silencing by transfection with Nrf2 siRNA markedly exacerbated ALX‐induced MIN6 cell injury. Conclusively, this study demonstrates that inhibition of the Keap1/Nrf2 signaling pathway could significantly promote the incidence of T1DM. This study indicates that activation of Keap1/Nrf2 signaling in pancreatic β‐cells may be a useful pharmacological strategy for the clinical prevention and treatment of T1DM.
Band Gap and Vibration Reduction Properties of Damped Rail with Two‐Dimensional Honeycomb Phononic Crystals
Authors: Cui Rixin , Zhou Jinsong , Gong Dao
Published: February 2021

The prevention of environmental vibration pollution induced by train operation is one of the inevitable problems in the construction of urban rail transit. With the advantage of flexible adjustment, phononic crystals (PCs) have a broad application prospect in suppressing elastic wave propagation of rail transit. In this paper, a damped rail with two‐dimensional honeycomb PCs was proposed, and its band structure was analysed with FEM. Then, a parametric study was used to investigate the influences of design parameters of the honeycomb PCs on its band gap property. Furthermore, with a 3D half‐track model, the vibration reduction property of the damped rail with honeycomb PCs was discussed. The results show that the damped rail with honeycomb PCs has an absolute band gap in the frequency range of 877.3–1501.7 Hz, which includes the pinned‐pinned resonance frequency of the rail internally. Reducing the filling fraction and elastic modulus of the matrix can obtain an absolute band gap in a lower frequency range but also bring a narrower bandwidth. The decrease of scatterer density leads to higher boundary frequencies of the absolute band gap and descends the bandwidth. In order to obtain an absolute band gap which can suppress the pinned‐pinned resonance of the rail and keep a wider bandwidth, the filling fraction is suitable to be about 0.5, and the elastic modulus of the matrix is proposed to be not more than 0.6 MPa. Metals with heavy density can be used as the scatterer to obtain a better vibration reduction effect. It is hoped that the research results can provide a reference for the application of PCs in track vibration reduction.
Applications of CRISPR Genome Editing to Advance the Next Generation of Adoptive Cell Therapies for Cancer
Authors: Fix Samantha M. , Jazaeri Amir A. , Hwu Patrick
Published: February 2021

Adoptive cell therapy (ACT) for cancer shows tremendous potential; however, several challenges preclude its widespread use. These include poor T-cell function in hostile tumor microenvironments, a lack of tumor-specific target antigens, and the high cost and poor scalability of cell therapy manufacturing. Creative genome-editing strategies are beginning to emerge to address each of these limitations, which has initiated the next generation of cell therapy products now entering clinical trials. CRISPR is at the forefront of this revolution, offering a simple and versatile platform for genetic engineering. This review provides a comprehensive overview of CRISPR applications that have advanced ACT.

Significance:

The clinical impact of ACT for cancer can be expanded by implementing specific genetic modifications that enhance the potency, safety, and scalability of cellular products. Here we provide a detailed description of such genetic modifications, highlighting avenues to enhance the therapeutic efficacy and accessibility of ACT for cancer. Furthermore, we review high-throughput CRISPR genetic screens that have unveiled novel targets for cell therapy enhancement.
Treatment of Metastatic Carcinoma of an Unknown Primary to the Heart with Checkpoint Inhibitor Therapy
Authors: Singh Annapoorna , Singh Daulath , Boyes Shaun , Henry Elizabeth
Published: February 2021

Introduction: Secondary cardiac malignancies are much more common than primary cancers. Metastatic cancers to the heart from other solid organs are well known and carry a poor prognosis. Case Presentation: An 83-year-old Hispanic veteran presented with breathlessness, cough, and weight loss. Imaging studies showed extensive pericardial effusion and multiple pericardial/epicardial masses. Biopsy showed poorly differentiated metastatic carcinoma with no definitive origin, based on lab, imaging, and extensive immunohistochemistry (IHC) studies. Gene panel testing showed microsatellite stable status. Programmed cell death 1 ligand (PD-L1) IHC was 100% in the tumor cells. He was started on pembrolizumab and had a complete resolution of symptoms. Subsequent imaging studies showed improvement in the multiple pericardial/epicardial masses. Discussion: Immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy has changed the treatment landscape of many malignancies since the approval of the first ICI, ipilimumab, for melanoma in 2011. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of successful treatment by ICI therapy in undifferentiated metastatic carcinoma of an unknown primary source to the heart.
Aneurysmal Fibrous Histiocytoma: A Large Soft Tissue Tumor with Metastases Treated with Palliative Radiation Therapy and Targeted Therapy
Authors: Chamberlin Michael , Khan Sophia , Hernandez Cristal , Miettinen Markku , Wei Jun S. , Khan Javed , Glod John , Rowe Lindsay , Kaushal Aradhana
Published: February 2021

Aneurysmal fibrous histiocytoma (AFH) is a rare variant of cutaneous fibrous histiocytoma, with low malignant potential and infrequent metastatic progression. We present the case of a 19-year-old female with a large AFH of the neck metastatic to soft tissue and treated with radiation therapy and molecularly targeted therapy. To our knowledge, this is the first report describing either radiation therapy and palliation or the use of targeted therapy in this uncommon malignancy and can provide insight into future therapeutic strategies.
Verlauf der interstitiellen Lungenerkrankung bei systemischer Sklerose
Authors: Aringer Martin
Published: February 2021

Objectives: To identify overall disease course, progression patterns and risk factors predictive for progressive interstitial lung disease (ILD) in patients with systemic sclerosis-associated ILD (SSc-ILD), using data from the European Scleroderma Trials And Research (EUSTAR) database over long-term follow-up. Methods: Eligible patients with SSc-ILD were registered in the EUSTAR database and had measurements of forced vital capacity (FVC) at baseline and after 12 ± 3 months. Long-term progressive ILD and progression patterns were assessed in patients with multiple FVC measurements. Potential predictors of ILD progression were analysed using multivariable mixed-effect models. Results: 826 patients with SSc-ILD were included. Over 12 ± 3 months, 219 (27%) showed progressive ILD: either moderate (FVC decline 5% to 10%) or significant (FVC decline >10%). A total of 535 (65%) patients had multiple FVC measurements available over mean 5-year follow-up. In each 12-month period, 23% to 27% of SSc-ILD patients showed progressive ILD, but only a minority of patients showed progression in consecutive periods. Most patients with progressive ILD (58%) had a pattern of slow lung function decline, with more periods of stability/improvement than decline, whereas only 8% showed rapid, continuously declining FVC; 178 (33%) experienced no episode of FVC decline. The strongest predictive factors for FVC decline over 5 years were male sex, higher modified Rodnan skin score and reflux/dysphagia symptoms. Conclusion: SSc-ILD shows a heterogeneous and variable disease course, and thus monitoring all patients closely is important. Novel treatment concepts, with treatment initiation before FVC decline occurs, should aim for prevention of progression to avoid irreversible organ damage.
Mechanisms of Congenital Heart Disease Caused by NAA15 Haploinsufficiency
Authors: Ward Tarsha , Tai Warren , Morton Sarah , Impens Francis , Van Damme Petra , Van Haver Delphi , Timmerman Evy , Venturini Gabriela , Zhang Kehan , Jang Min Young , Willcox Jon A.L. , Haghighi Alireza , Gelb Bruce D. , Chung Wendy K. , Goldmuntz Elizabeth , Porter George A. , Lifton Richard P. , Brueckner Martina , Yost H. Joseph , Bruneau Benoit G. , Gorham Joshua , Kim Yuri , Pereira Alexandre , Homsy Jason , Benson Craig C. , DePalma Steven R. , Varland Sylvia , Chen Christopher S. , Arnesen Thomas , Gevaert Kris , Seidman Christine , Seidman J.G.
Published: February 2021

Rationale:

NAA15 (N-alpha-acetyltransferase 15) is a component of the NatA (N-terminal acetyltransferase complex). The mechanism by which NAA15 haploinsufficiency causes congenital heart disease remains unknown. To better understand molecular processes by which NAA15 haploinsufficiency perturbs cardiac development, we introduced
NAA15
variants into human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and assessed the consequences of these mutations on RNA and protein expression.

Objective:

We aim to understand the role of NAA15 haploinsufficiency in cardiac development by investigating proteomic effects on NatA complex activity and identifying proteins dependent upon a full amount of NAA15.

Methods and Results:

We introduced heterozygous loss of function, compound heterozygous, and missense residues (R276W) in iPSCs using CRISPR/Cas9. Haploinsufficient
NAA15
iPSCs differentiate into cardiomyocytes, unlike
NAA15
-null iPSCs, presumably due to altered composition of NatA. Mass spectrometry analyses reveal ≈80% of identified iPSC NatA targeted proteins displayed partial or complete N-terminal acetylation. Between null and haploinsufficient
NAA15
cells, N-terminal acetylation levels of 32 and 9 NatA-specific targeted proteins were reduced, respectively. Similar acetylation loss in few proteins occurred in
NAA15
R276W induced pluripotent stem cells. In addition, steady-state protein levels of 562 proteins were altered in both null and haploinsufficient
NAA15
cells; 18 were ribosomal-associated proteins. At least 4 proteins were encoded by genes known to cause autosomal dominant congenital heart disease.

Conclusions:

These studies define a set of human proteins that requires a full NAA15 complement for normal synthesis and development. A 50% reduction in the amount of NAA15 alters levels of at least 562 proteins and N-terminal acetylation of only 9 proteins. One or more modulated proteins are likely responsible for NAA15-haploinsufficiency mediated congenital heart disease. Additionally, genetically engineered induced pluripotent stem cells provide a platform for evaluating the consequences of amino acid sequence variants of unknown significance on NAA15 function.