bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Theoretical and methodological aspects of the evaluation and implementation of the investment project
Authors:   Market Economy Institute of RAS, Zoidov Kobilzhon Kh. , Urunov Asror A. ,   State University of Management, Yusupova Gulnora A. ,   Tajik Technical University named after Academician M.S.Osimi
Published: May 2022

The monograph presents theoretical and methodological aspects of investment activity assessment and project implementation. The economic essence and types of investments, investment projects are disclosed. The mechanism and conditions of financial feasibility of investment projects are presented. The essence and technology of calculating the economic efficiency of investments and investment performance indicators are also reflected on the basis of the UNIDO methodology; examples of calculation for each indicator are given, an analysis of the calculated indicators and an explanation of how to operate with them is given. Theoretical and methodological issues of business valuation are presented separately. The strategy of development of industrial production of the Republic of Tajikistan and its investment activity is investigated. The research also uses methods of evolutionary and institutional theory, the theory of industrial and technological balance, modeling of non-equilibrium processes, world system analysis and historical approach. The institutions of the Islamic economic system that influence and have the opportunity to influence the development of the transit economy in any state and region are identified, analyzed and systematized. It was noted that the creation and operation of development institutions, Islamic industrial and construction banks investing in the implementation of innovative infrastructure projects is a key element of the development of transport and transit systems. The features of accounting for inflation and risk in the evaluation of investments are interpreted and the possibility of using an alternative methodology for evaluating an investment project under Islamic law, successfully used in Malaysia, the UAE and Qatar, is considered. It is noted that the increase in investment activity has now become a key problem of the economic policy of any state. Without investment, the necessary structural restructuring of Russian industry, overcoming the recession and softening the consequences of the COVID19 pandemic is unthinkable. The monograph is intended for managers and specialists of public administration and corporate management, researchers, politicians, graduate students and students.
Сучасний стан, завдання та перспективи розвитку Повітряних Сил Збройних Сил України
Authors: Олещук М. М. , Шамко В. Є. , Жарик О. М.
Published: May 2022

У статті проведений аналіз сучасного стану, розглянута існуючу структуру та наведені завдання, що виконуються Повітряними Силами Збройних Сил України. Проаналізовані особливості охорони повітряного простору та протиповітряного прикриття важливих державних і військових об’єктів як завдання стратегічного рівня. Наведені основні напрями та окреслені першочергові заходи підвищення спроможностей військових частин Повітряних Сил на подальшу перспективу. Визначені шляхи розвитку родів військ та спеціальних військ Повітряних Сил Збройних Сил України.
A Method for Evaluating Cultural Perception Performance in the Re-Use of Monumental Buildings
Authors: Yaldız Esra , Karadayı Yenice Tülay
Published: May 2022

Re-use is one of the conservation methods used to meet the changing and evolving needs for historical cultural heritage that cannot be used for social, cultural, or socio-economic reasons with its original function. One of the most important issues in re-use is the right balance between conservation and functional change, ensuring the continuity of the cultural value and originality of the building. In line with this perspective, this paper aims to determine the cultural perception performance in a re-functioned historical building to determine how the user perceives the authenticity and historical values. Within the scope of the research, the criteria for measuring cultural perception via users are tested on the example of Hışvahan, which is a monumental building in the historic urban site of Gaziantep and is re-used as a hotel and restaurant. The study is descriptive in terms of research design. The methodology of the research consists of two stages: Creating criteria for analysing cultural perception performance and testing these criteria via users. A questionnaire and interview technique was used to test the criteria. The re-use of a building is evaluated within its cultural heritage and how the user perceives its authenticity, symbolic, historical and cultural value. The research offers a new perspective on restoration and re-functioning within the framework of conservation and cultural sustainability.
Egyházi könyvtárosok a világjárvány második évében
Authors: Ildikó Kövécs
Published: May 2022

A beszámolóban azt vizsgáltuk, hogy az egyházi könyvtárosok 2021. év végén a Covid-19 világjárvány közepette milyen feltételek között végezték munkájukat, hogyan álltak helyt, és milyen forrásokból merítettek erőt a munkavégzéshez, a mindennapokhoz.
Estrategias financieras aplicadas por el comercio autónomo Alajuela frente al impacto económico por covid-19, Portoviejo
Authors: Galarza-Santana Luz , Mendoza-Vinces Marcelo
Published: May 2022

El estudio tuvo como objetivo determinar las estrategias financieras aplicadas por el comercio autónomo establecido en la calle Alajuela de la ciudad de Portoviejo frente al impacto económico ocasionado por la pandemia del covid-19. Como metodología de investigación se utilizó un enfoque mixto, basado tanto en la información estadística proporcionada por el Gobierno autónomo descentralizado municipal del cantón Portoviejo, así como por la revisión bibliográfica para fundamentar teóricamente el objeto de estudio. Se aplicó el muestreo no probabilístico por conveniencia, a criterio de la investigadora, en razón de poder trabajar con la muestra seleccionada. Como resultados se pudo obtener que el comercio autónomo de la calle Alajuela de la ciudad de Portoviejo abarca mayormente a los comerciantes informales de varios sectores económico – productivos, tales como confecciones, venta de ropa, zapatos y lencería, alimentos y comida preparada, útiles de oficina y escolares, copiadoras, servicios de mantenimiento, tecnología varia; reparación de bicicletas, venta de productos naturales, entre otros; y cuya regulación la realiza el gobierno autónomo descentralizado municipal del cantón Portoviejo, pues los comerciantes no están obligados a ser parte de organizaciones gremiales, a llevar contabilidad y otros. Al respecto se pudo concluir que una de las estrategias financieras más aplicadas por el comercio autónomo de la calle Alajuela fue la utilización de las redes sociales para ofrecer y consecuentemente entregar el producto o servicio a domicilio, considerando la reinversión de la ganancia obtenida como capital de operación.
Efectos en América Latina de la política monetaria del Banco de la Reserva Federal de EEUU a raíz del Covid-19
Authors: Urdaneta-Montiel Armando , Borgucci-Garcia Emmanuel , Mejía-Flores Omar
Published: May 2022

El objetivo de esta investigación es explicar los posibles efectos en América Latina de la política monetaria de la Reserva Federal (FED) debido al Covid-19, mediante el empleo argumentativo de los marcos analíticos austriaco y de Mundell-Fleming , teniendo como referentes teóricos (Levy, 2017), (McGuinness, Hogan, & Powell, 2018) y (Lee & Bowdler, 2020) entre otros; estudio es de carácter explicativo porque va más allá de la mera descripción de los hechos, establece relaciones entre conceptos o fenómenos naturales o sociales (Hernández, Fernández, & Baptista, 2014). Entre los principales hallazgos del estudio se encuentran que: América Latina es la región con mayores tasas de inflación, con un crecimiento del PIB per cápita inferior a otras regiones del mundo, déficit permanente de la balanza comercial; el comportamiento cíclico que tiene servicio de la deuda (% del PIB) el cual es contra cíclico respecto a la tasa de crecimiento del PIB y procíclico respecto a la inversión extranjera directa. Se concluye que las medidas de política monetaria asumidas especialmente por la FED genera salida y fuga de capitales, producto del aumento del costo de capital y devaluaciones que erosionarán el crecimiento económico per cápita en América Latina, cuando los capitales migran desde la economía emergentes hacía las economía desarrolladas con los principales  centros financieros del mundo, producto del cambio en la política monetaria de la FED, la cual pasa de expansiva a restrictiva para preservar la función del dólar como moneda de reserva global.
La tendencia global de la banca digital como agente de ruptura del mundo monetario
Authors: Bernal-Luna Claudia , Viteri-Rade Layla , Maldonado-de la Cruz Walter
Published: May 2022

En esta investigación se pretende analizar como la tendencia global de la banca digital se ha convertido en un agente de ruptura del mundo monetario tradicional, dejando a un lado el uso de los diversos instrumentos otorgados por las entidades bancarias tradicionales dando paso a los servicios financieros innovadores. La evolución tecnológica que se fue dando paulatinamente a nivel mundial ha generado cambios en todos los aspectos de la sociedad, tanto a nivel político, social, económico, y por supuesto en el sistema bancario que ha permitido la implementación de nuevos procesos para realizar las transacciones bancarias sin necesidad de tener que salir de la comodidad del hogar, sin tener que usar dinero en efectivo y poder comprar y pagar los bienes, servicios y productos para satisfacer las necesidades de las personas, con tasas de interés más atractivas que las ofrecidas por las entidades financieras o bancarias tradicionales. De la misma manera, por estar en la era de la revolución tecnológica, un gran porcentaje de la población de Ecuador que corresponde a los Millennials, demuestran un gran interés el uso de la tecnología,  utilizan sus dispositivos móviles para realizar cualquier operación bancaria con tan solo un clic, sin tener que molestarse en acudir a una oficina bancaria, ya que no tienen interés por usar efectivo ni perder tiempo en acudir a las sucursales bancarias en búsqueda de información que pueden encontrar en la web.
İRAN'IN GÜNEYDOĞUSUNDA BELUÇİSTAN BÖLGESİNDE, DÜNYANIN CANLI MÜZESİ, KALPOURGAN KÖYÜNÜN SERAMİKLERİ
Authors: AFSHARI Leila , AFSHARİ Soraya
Published: May 2022

İran'ın Beluçistan kentinde, Sistan ve Beluçistan eyaletinin büyük bir bölümünde çömlekçilik zengin bir tarihe sahiptir. Bugün bu değerli ve yerli sanat, bu toprakların birkaç köyünde ve çanak çömlek merkezlerinde geleneksel bir şekilde uygulanmaktadır. Saravan ilçesine bağlı Kalpurgan köyü çanak çömleği İran'ın Belucistan topraklarında eski ve değerli çanak çömlek sanatının mirasçısı olarak kabul edilir. Geçmişten bugüne değin bu çanak çömlekler Sistan ve Beluçistan'ın güneyinde sadece bu yörenin Beluç kadın sanatçıları tarafından yapılmış olup ve bu bölgenin tarihinde uzun bir geçmişe sahiptir. Bu tür el sanatlarının hammaddeleri bu köyün çevresindeki doğadan elde edilmekte olup, yapım ve süsleme sürecinde hiçbir endüstriyel makine kullanılmamakta ve sadece bu köyün kadın sanatçılarının elleriyle yapılmaktadır. Bu çalışmada, bu tür çanak çömlek yapımının bölge halkının ekonomisinde etkisi ve bu sanatın yerel halk tarafından devam ettirilmesi hakkında bilgi vermeye çalışılmıştır.
ANTAKYA’YA GÖÇ EDEN SURİYE TÜRKLERİNİN PERSPEKTİFİNDEN GÖÇ VE GÖÇMENLİK ÜZERİNE NİTEL BİR ARAŞTIRMA
Authors: DELİOĞLU Mehmet , KALAYCI İsa
Published: May 2022

Bu çalışmada, 2011 yılında başlayan ve peyderpey şiddetlenerek devam eden Suriye’deki iç savaş ortamından göç eden Suriye Türkleri ile yapılan mülakatlar ve bu görüşmelerde elde edilen bulgulara dayanılarak yapılan veri analizi sunulmuştur. Türkiye’ye ilticaları sonrası Antakya’ya yerleşmiş olan sığınmacı statüsündeki 46 kişilik bir gruba -yarı yapılandırılmış görüşme tekniği kullanılarak- yönetilen sorulardan hareketle Suriye Türklerinin savaş öncesi yaşamları ve göç süreçleri üzerinde durulmuştur. Akabinde göçmen statüsünde yer aldıkları sosyal ve ekonomik hayatta istihdam alanları, çalışma ve barınma koşulları, uyum süreçleri ile günlük hayatın akışı içerisinde karşılaştıkları problemler derinlemesine incelenmiştir.

Suriye İç Savaşı’nın yol açtığı küresel ölçekli göç ve mülteci problemini Antakya’daki Suriye Türkleri örneklemiyle mercek altına alan bu çalışma, halihazırda devam eden uluslararası göçmen krizini, krizin yol açtığı toplumsal problemleri ve buna bağlı olarak çözüm olabileceği düşünülen bazı öneriler sunmayı amaçlamıştır. Ayrıca araştırmada göçmenlerin perspektifinden, ülkelerine dönme ümidi ve geleceğe bakış açıları irdelenerek Türkiye’nin göçmen politikalarına veri sağlanması hedeflenmiştir.
MEVLÂNÂ'NIN ADALET ANLAYIŞI
Authors: ERTEN Murat
Published: May 2022

Bu çalışma, Mevlânâ’nın adalet anlayışını anlamaya çalışmaktadır. Klasik kaynaklarda adalet, devletin sahip olduğu mal ve şereflerin yurttaşlar arasında eşit miktarda dağıtılması olarak tanımlanır ve denkleştirici, dağıtıcı ve oranlayıcı adalet olarak üç başlık altında ele alınır. Her yurttaştan eşit miktarda vergi alınması denkleştirici adalet örneğidir. Kazanç miktarlarına göre vergi miktarının oranlanması dağıtıcı adalete örnektir. Yurttaşların kendilerine özgü ekonomik koşullarının dikkate alınarak daha detaylı bir düzenleme yapılması ise oranlayıcı veya analojik adaletin bir örneğidir. Mevlânâ, bu üç tür adalet arasından daha çok analojik veya oranlayıcı adalet türüne yakın durmaktadır. Analojik adalet, hakkaniyet ilkesi olarak da adlandırılır ve hakkın, hak sahibine verilmesini ifade eden hak kavramıyla yakından ilgilidir. Eşitlik ve eşitleyici olmak anlamlarını içeren adalet ise, Mevlânâ’ya göre her insanda ortak olarak bulunan bir duygudur. Bu duygu, Allâh’ın insanı yaratması sürecinde kendisinden bir parça olarak insan ruhuna üflenmiştir. Böylece insan adaletli olanı adaletsiz olandan veya haklıyı haksızdan bir anda, içsel olarak ve aracısız bir biçimde ayırma niteliğine sahiptir. İnsanın doğuştan sahip olduğu bu içsel kaynak, aynı zamanda denetlemeye açıktır.
The Pluscarden Rising
Authors: Watson Graham
Published: May 2022

This article concludes that the Pluscarden rising is more than the localised protest that previous historians have accepted, and that it was a planned Royalist rising. The story of the rising is outlined before a detailed approach is taken to the people involved. The international context of Royalist planning is examined. A new analysis of the reasons for the rising is then put forward.
Multicentric and Observational Study of Omalizumab for Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria in Real-Life in Colombia
Authors: García-Gómez Elizabeth , Chapman Edgardo , García-Paba María Beatriz , Ocampo-Gómez Jaime , Egea-Bermejo Eduardo , Garavito-De Egea Gloria , Fang Luis , Sarrazola Mauricio , Sánchez-Caraballo Jorge Mario , Serrano-Reyes Carlos , Silva-Espinosa Diana Lucia , Rojas-Mejía Dolly Vanessa , Moreno Sergio M.
Published: May 2022

Background

Although chronic urticaria (CU) is a common, cause of medical consulting both in general practitioners and allergist specialists worldwide, there is little information about its behavior and management in Latin America. Currently, national and international guidelines recommend using Omalizumab for cases refractory to management with antihistamines. Despite advances in the knowledge of Omalizumab for the management of CU, although there are few studies in underdeveloped countries, there are many studies evaluating the impact of Omalizumab treatment. There is not clinical information related with CSU-Omalizumab in patient settled in the Caribbean area. This research aims to evaluate the management of CU with Omalizumab in a real-life scenario in Colombia.

Methodology

We conducted an observational, descriptive, and retrospective study with patient recruitment between 2014 and 2017 of individuals diagnosed with Chronic Urticaria (CU) treating allergology specialists in five Colombian cities. We included patients with CU who failed to achieve disease control after treatment for 4 weeks with fourfold doses of second-generation H1-antihistamines, as recommended by the EAACI/GA2LEN/EDF/WAO guidelines and who received treatment with Omalizumab.

Results

We included 123 patients, 73.1% (n = 90) were women. The mean age was 47.1 years (Standard Deviation, SD: 16.2). The median of the total months of disease evolution was 30 (IQR = 13–58). 81.3 % (n = 100) of patients were diagnosed with chronic spontaneous urticarial (CSU). 4.8% (n = 6) had inducible CU (CIndU), and 13.8% (n = 17) reported mixed urticaria (spontaneous CU with at least one inducible component). Regarding emotional factors, 34.9% (n = 43) of subjects indicated anxiety symptoms, 34.1% (n = 42) had exacerbations associated with stress, and 14.6% (n = 18) manifested episodes of sadness. The percentage of patients with CSU controlled according to medical criteria at 3 months with Omalizumab were 80% (n = 80/100) and at 6 months 87% (n = 87/100). The frequency of adverse events was 29.2% (n = 36), with headache being the most frequent adverse event.

Conclusions

This real-life study with Omalizumab at CU describes percentages of effectiveness and safety similar to those observed in pivotal and real-life studies conducted in other regions around the world.
High Fluoride Ingestion Impairs Bone Fracture Healing by Attenuating M2 Macrophage Differentiation
Authors: Du Chengcheng , Xiao Pengcheng , Gao Shengqiang , Chen Shengwen , Chen Bowen , Huang Wei , Zhao Chen
Published: May 2022

Fluorosis is still endemic in at least 25 countries around the world. In this study, we investigated the effect of high fluoride intake on fracture healing. Our in vitro experiments found that fluoride inhibited the osteogenic and angiogenic differentiation of MSCs in a dose-dependent manner. By constructing a bone fracture model, we found that high fluoride intake influences bone fracture by attenuating endochondral ossification and angiogenesis. In the mechanism, we clarified that high fluoride inhibits M2 differentiation rather than M1 differentiation in the fracture area, which may contribute to the delayed healing of the fracture. These findings provide an essential reference for the clinical treatment of bone fracture patients with a history of high fluoride intake or skeletal fluorosis patients.
Genipin-Crosslinking Effects on Biomatrix Development for Cutaneous Wound Healing: A Concise Review
Authors: Utami Nike Dewi , Md Fadilah Nur Izzah , Sallehuddin Nusaibah , Nor Azlan Ahmad Yasser Hamdi , Imran Farrah Hani , Maarof Manira , Fauzi Mh Busra
Published: May 2022

Split skin graft (SSG), a standard gold treatment for wound healing, has numerous limitations such as lack of fresh skin to be applied, tedious process, severe scarring, and keloid formation followed by higher risks of infection. Thus, there is a gap in producing polymeric scaffolds as an alternative for wound care management. Bioscaffold is the main component in tissue engineering technology that provides porous three-dimensional (3D) microarchitecture for cells to survive. Upon skin tissue reconstruction, the 3D-porous structure ensures sufficient nutrients and gaseous diffusion and cell penetration that improves cell proliferation and vascularization for tissue regeneration. Hence, it is highly considered a promising candidate for various skin wound healing applications. To date, natural-based crosslinking agents have been extensively used to tailor the physicochemical and mechanical properties of the skin biomatrix. Genipin (GNP) is preferable to other plant-based crosslinkers due to its biological activities, such as antiinflammatory and antioxidant, which are key players to boost skin wound healing. In addition, it has shown a noncytotoxic effect and is biocompatible with human skin cells. This review validated the effects of GNP in biomatrix fabrication for skin wound healing from the last 7 years of established research articles and stipulated the biomaterial development-scale point of view. Lastly, the possible role of GNP in the skin wound healing cascade is also discussed. Through the literature output, it can be concluded that GNP has the capability to increase the stability of biomatrix and maintain the skin cells viability, which will contribute in accelerating wound healing.
Scalable Process for High-Yield Production of PfCyRPA Using Insect Cells for Inclusion in a Malaria Virosome-Based Vaccine Candidate
Authors: Fernandes Bárbara , Sousa Marcos , Castro Rute , Schäfer Anja , Hauser Julia , Schulze Kai , Amacker Mario , Tamborrini Marco , Pluschke Gerd , Alves Paula M , Fleury Sylvain , Roldão António
Published: May 2022

Plasmodium falciparum cysteine-rich protective antigen (PfCyRPA) has been identified as a promising blood-stage candidate antigen to include in a broadly cross-reactive malaria vaccine. In the last couple of decades, substantial effort has been committed to the development of scalable cost-effective, robust, and high-yield PfCyRPA production processes. Despite insect cells being a suitable expression system due to their track record for protein production (including vaccine antigens), these are yet to be explored to produce this antigen. In this study, different insect cell lines, culture conditions (baculovirus infection strategy, supplementation schemes, culture temperature modulation), and purification strategies (affinity tags) were explored aiming to develop a scalable, high-yield, and high-quality PfCyRPA for inclusion in a virosome-based malaria vaccine candidate. Supplements with antioxidants improved PfCyRPA volumetric titers by 50% when added at the time of infection. In addition, from three different affinity tags (6x-His, 4x-His, and C-tag) evaluated, the 4x-His affinity tag was the one leading to the highest PfCyRPA purification recovery yields (61%) and production yield (26 mg/L vs. 21 mg/L and 13 mg/L for 6x-His and C-tag, respectively). Noteworthy, PfCyRPA expressed using High Five cells did not show differences in protein quality or stability when compared to its human HEK293 cell counterpart. When formulated in a lipid-based virosome nanoparticle, immunized rabbits developed functional anti-PfCyRPA antibodies that impeded the multiplication of P. falciparum in vitro. This work demonstrates the potential of using IC-BEVS as a qualified platform to produce functional recombinant PfCyRPA protein with the added benefit of being a non-human expression system with short bioprocessing times and high expression levels.
Differential Degradation of TRA2A and PYCR2 Mediated by Ubiquitin E3 Ligase E4B
Authors: Lu Yao , Jiang Bo , Peng Kangli , Li Shasha , Liu Xiangnan , Wang Bufan , Chen Yuntian , Wang Tiepeng , Zhao Bo
Published: May 2022

E4B belongs to the U-box E3 ligase family and functions as either an E3 or an E4 enzyme in protein ubiquitination. Transformer2A (TRA2A) and Pyrroline-5-carboxylate reductase 2 (PYCR2) are related to cancer development and are overexpressed in many cancer cells. The degradation of TRA2A and PYCR2 mediated by the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) has not been reported. This study validated that E4B could ubiquitinate TRA2A and PYCR2 as an E3 ligase both in vitro and in the HEK293 cells. E4B mediated the degradation by forming K11- and K48- linked polyubiquitin chains on TRA2A and PYCR2, respectively. E4B regulated the alternative splicing function of TRA2A and affected RSRC2 transcription in the HEK293 cells. Although E4B is highly expressed, it hardly degrades TRA2A and PYCR2 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells, suggesting other mechanisms exist for degradation of TRA2A and PYCR2 in the HCC cells. We finally reported that E4B interacted with substrates via its variable region.
Integrated Analyses Reveal Potential Functional N6-Methyladenosine-Related Long Noncoding RNAs in Adrenocortical Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Ding Yafei , Wang Tao , Feng Yuankang , Ding Xiaohui , Li Xiang , Huang Zhenlin , Jia Zhankui , Wang Jun , Yang Jinjian
Published: May 2022

Background: Adrenocortical adenocarcinoma (ACC) is known to be a relatively uncommon malignant tumor of the adrenal gland with patients having a poor prognosis. At present, few reports are available concerning the m6A modifications of lncRNAs as well as their clinical and immunological significance in the occurrence and progression of ACC.

Materials and Methods: In the present research, 21 m6A-related genes were analyzed. Both multivariate and univariate Cox regression analyses were conducted to examine the prognostic m6A-related lncRNAs. A sum of 165 m6A-related lncRNAs was obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset. Based on the expressions of m6A-related lncRNAs, all ACC patients were classified into distinct subgroups using the consistent clustering method. Finally, m6A-related lncRNAs that were shown to have prognostic value were utilized to develop an m6A-related lncRNA risk model, which may be employed in the prediction of prognosis and survival.

Results: Using TCGA data set, 26 m6A-associated lncRNAs having putative prognostic values were identified according to their expression levels, TCGA-AAC patients were classified into two clusters with the aid of consistent clustering analysis. The correlation between the two clusters was low, in which cluster1 consisted of 42% of all ACC patients. The survival analysis showed that cluster1 was associated with an unfavorable prognosis relative to cluster2. A risk model was constructed incorporating 26 m6A-associated lncRNAs that were correlated with patient prognosis. The model was subsequently validated by univariate and multivariate Cox, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, and survival analyses. We also observed that the m6A-related risk model performed well in anticipating prognoses and survival status of patients with AAC. The overall survival (OS) of the high-risk cohort, as predicted by the model, was lower as opposed to that of the low-risk cohort.

Conclusion: In the present research, we developed a risk model consisting of 4 m6A-related long-noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), which can exert independent predictive values in patients with ACC. Our findings demonstrated that these 4 m6A-related lncRNAs perform integral functions in the tumor immune microenvironment, and also revealed the possibility of using these lncRNAs to guide the development of prognostic classifications and therapy approaches for ACC patients.
New Progress in Basic Research of Macrophages in the Pathogenesis and Treatment of Low Back Pain
Authors: Yan Miaoheng , Song Zongmian , Kou Hongwei , Shang Guowei , Shang Chunfeng , Chen Xiangrong , Ji Yanhui , Bao Deming , Cheng Tian , Li Jinfeng , Lv Xiao , Liu Hongjian , Chen Songfeng
Published: May 2022

Low back pain (LBP) is quite common in clinical practice, which can lead to long-term bed rest or even disability. It is a worldwide health problem remains to be solved. LBP can be induced or exacerbated by abnormal structure and function of spinal tissue such as intervertebral disc (IVD), dorsal root ganglion (DRG) and muscle; IVD degeneration (IVDD) is considered as the most important among all the pathogenic factors. Inflammation, immune response, mechanical load, and hypoxia etc., can induce LBP by affecting the spinal tissue, among which inflammation and immune response are the key link. Inflammation and immune response play a double-edged sword role in LBP. As the main phagocytic cells in the body, macrophages are closely related to body homeostasis and various diseases. Recent studies have shown that macrophages are the only inflammatory cells that can penetrate the closed nucleus pulposus, expressed in various structures of the IVD, and the number is positively correlated with the degree of IVDD. Moreover, macrophages play a phagocytosis role or regulate the metabolism of DRG and muscle tissues through neuro-immune mechanism, while the imbalance of macrophages polarization will lead to more inflammatory factors to chemotaxis and aggregation, forming an “inflammatory waterfall” effect similar to “positive feedback,” which greatly aggravates LBP. Regulation of macrophages migration and polarization, inhibition of inflammation and continuous activation of immune response by molecular biological technology can markedly improve the inflammatory microenvironment, and thus effectively prevent and treat LBP. Studies on macrophages and LBP were mainly focused in the last 3–5 years, attracting more and more scholars’ attention. This paper summarizes the new research progress of macrophages in the pathogenesis and treatment of LBP, aiming to provide an important clinical prevention and treatment strategy for LBP.
2D Materials for Efficient Photodetection: Overview, Mechanisms, Performance and UV-IR Range Applications
Authors: Malik Maria , Iqbal Muhammad Aamir , Choi Jeong Ryeol , Pham Phuong V.
Published: May 2022

Two-dimensional (2D) materials have been widely used in photodetectors owing to their diverse advantages in device fabrication and manipulation, such as integration flexibility, availability of optical operation through an ultrabroad wavelength band, fulfilling of photonic demands at low cost, and applicability in photodetection with high-performance. Recently, transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs), black phosphorus (BP), III-V materials, heterostructure materials, and graphene have emerged at the forefront as intriguing basics for optoelectronic applications in the field of photodetection. The versatility of photonic systems composed of these materials enables their wide range of applications, including facilitation of chemical reactions, speeding-up of responses, and ultrasensitive light detection in the ultraviolet (UV), visible, mid-infrared (MIR), and far-infrared (FIR) ranges. This review provides an overview, evaluation, recent advancements as well as a description of the innovations of the past few years for state-of-the-art photodetectors based on two-dimensional materials in the wavelength range from UV to IR, and on the combinations of different two-dimensional crystals with other nanomaterials that are appealing for a variety of photonic applications. The device setup, materials synthesis, operating methods, and performance metrics for currently utilized photodetectors, along with device performance enhancement factors, are summarized.
Recent Advances in Solid-Electrolyte Interphase for Li Metal Anode
Authors: He Dafang , Lu Junhong , He Guangyu , Chen Haiqun
Published: May 2022

Lithium metal batteries (LMBs) are considered to be a substitute for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) and the next-generation battery with high energy density. However, the commercialization of LMBs is seriously impeded by the uncontrollable growth of dangerous lithium dendrites during long-term cycling. The generation and growth of lithium dendrites are mainly derived from the unstable solid–electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer on the metallic lithium anode. The SEI layer is a key by-product formed on the surface of the lithium metal anode during the electrochemical reactions and has been the barrier to development in this area. An ideal SEI layer should possess electrical insulating, superior mechanical modulus, high electrochemical stability, and excellent Li-ion conductivity, which could improve the structural stability of the electrode upon a long cycling time. This mini-review carefully summarizes the recent developments in the SEI layer for LMBs, and the relationship between SEI layer optimization and electrochemical property is discussed. In addition, further development direction of a stable SEI layer is proposed.
Metal-Free Aminohalogenation of Quinones With Alkylamines and NXS at Room Temperature
Authors: Li Jia , Li Yu-An , Wu Ge , Zhang Xu
Published: May 2022

A simple and practical strategy for intermolecular aminohalogenation of quinone with alkyl amines and NXS was developed, in which haloamines generated in situ were employed as bifunctional reagents. The reaction system is reliable, efficient and wide in substrate range, which is suitable for the two-fold aminochlorination of 1, 4-benzoquinones, large-scale reaction and late-stage modification of pharmaceuticals.
Diamond Supercapacitors: Towards Durable, Safe, and Biocompatible Aqueous-Based Energy Storage
Authors: Chambers Andre , Prawer Steven , Ahnood Arman , Zhan Hualin
Published: May 2022

Durable and safe energy storage is required for the next generation of miniature bioelectronic devices, in which aqueous electrolytes are preferred due to the advantages in safety, low cost, and high conductivity. While rechargeable aqueous batteries are among the primary choices with relatively low power requirements, their lifetime is generally limited to a few thousand charging/discharging cycles as the electrode material can degrade due to electrochemical reactions. Electrical double layer capacitors (EDLCs) possess increased cycling stability and power density, although with as-yet lower energy density, due to quick electrical adsorption and desorption of ions without involving chemical reactions. However, in aqueous solution, chemical reactions which cause electrode degradation and produce hazardous species can occur when the voltage is increased beyond its operation window to improve the energy density. Diamond is a durable and biocompatible electrode material for supercapacitors, while at the same time provides a larger voltage window in biological environments. For applications requiring higher energy density, diamond-based pseudocapacitors (PCs) have also been developed, which combine EDLCs with fast electrochemical reactions. Here we inspect the properties of diamond-related materials and discuss their advantages and disadvantages when used as EDLC and PC materials. We argue that further optimization of the diamond surface chemistry and morphology, guided by computational modelling of the interface, can lead to supercapacitors with enhanced performance. We envisage that such diamond-based supercapacitors could be used in a wide range of applications and in particular those requiring high performance in biomedical applications.
Recent Advances in Host-Directed Therapies for Tuberculosis and Malaria
Authors: Matteucci Kely C. , Correa André A. S. , Costa Diego L.
Published: May 2022

Tuberculosis (TB), caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and malaria, caused by parasites from the Plasmodium genus, are two of the major causes of death due to infectious diseases in the world. Both diseases are treatable with drugs that have microbicidal properties against each of the etiologic agents. However, problems related to treatment compliance by patients and emergence of drug resistant microorganisms have been a major problem for combating TB and malaria. This factor is further complicated by the absence of highly effective vaccines that can prevent the infection with either M. tuberculosis or Plasmodium. However, certain host biological processes have been found to play a role in the promotion of infection or in the pathogenesis of each disease. These processes can be targeted by host-directed therapies (HDTs), which can be administered in conjunction with the standard drug treatments for each pathogen, aiming to accelerate their elimination or to minimize detrimental side effects resulting from exacerbated inflammation. In this review we discuss potential new targets for the development of HDTs revealed by recent advances in the knowledge of host-pathogen interaction biology, and present an overview of strategies that have been tested in vivo, either in experimental models or in patients.
Long-Term Exposures to Air Pollutants and Risk of Peripheral Arterial Occlusive Disease: A Nationwide Cohort Study in Taiwan
Authors: Liao Shu-Hui , Chiu Chien-Shan , Jang Li-Ho , Hu Sung-Yuan , How Chorng-Kuang , Hsieh Vivian Chia-Rong , Hsieh Ming-Shun
Published: May 2022

Air pollution is one of the most alarming environmental issues which causes multiple health hazards. An association between air pollution and cardiovascular diseases has been established through many prior studies. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the risk of long-term exposure to air pollution (PM2.5, CO, and NO2) and its association with the risk of developing peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD). PAOD is a condition involving impairment of perfusion of blood in the distal parts of the aorta due to narrowing of the arteries (arterial stenosis) and has been reported as a risk factor for developing cardiovascular diseases. Furthermore, the risk of PAOD increases with age, and hence is a serious public health issue and a cause for concern, especially for an aging society such as Taiwan. Two national-scale databases from Taiwan, the national health insurance database (NHIRD) and the Taiwan air quality-monitoring database (TAQMD), were linked to conduct this cohort study between 2003 and 2013. Cox proportional hazards regression with time-dependent modeling was used to evaluate the hazard ratio (HR) for PAOD with respect to daily exposure to air pollutants. The concentrations of each of the pollutants of interest (PM2.5, NO2, and CO) were categorized into four categories according to the daily average concentration of air pollutants for every quarter of the year, Q1 to Q4 (Q4 = highest). The cumulative incidence of PAOD was examined by Kaplan–Meier analysis with two-tailed log-rank test. A total of 1,598 PAOD cases were identified during the 10-year follow-up period, along with 98,540 non-PAOD controls. In the multivariate analysis, after adjusting for age, gender, urbanization level, residential area, baseline comorbidities, and medications, the adjusted HRs were PM2.5 = 1.14 (95% CI 1.13–1.16), NO2 = 1.03 (95% CI 1.02–1.04), and CO = 2.35 (95% CI 1.95–2.84). Kaplan–Meier analysis showed that CO (P < 0.0001) and PM2.5 (P < 0.0001) concentrations were strongly and positively associated with the cumulative incidence of PAOD during the follow-up period. Findings from this study established that prolonged exposure to air pollutants CO and PM2.5 are significant factors that, among other well-known causes, may also play a potential role in PAOD pathogenesis.
Lipoprotein(a) and Cardiovascular Outcomes in Patients With Coronary Artery Disease and Different Metabolic Phenotypes
Authors: Jin Jing-Lu , Zhang Hui-Wen , Liu Hui-Hui , Zhu Cheng-Gang , Guo Yuan-Lin , Wu Na-Qiong , Xu Rui-Xia , Dong Qian , Li Jian-Jun
Published: May 2022

Background

The positive relationship between metabolic healthy obesity (MHO) and cardiovascular risk has been under debate in recent years. Previously, strong evidence supported the causal role of increased plasma lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] levels in cardiovascular disease (CVD). The current study aimed to investigate the different associations of Lp(a) and cardiovascular events (CVEs) in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) and different metabolic phenotypes.

Methods

A total of 5,089 patients who were angiography-proven CAD were consecutively included and followed up for CVEs. Obesity was defined as a body mass index (BMI) ≥25 kg/m2 according to Asia-specific BMI criteria. Patients were divided into four groups according to metabolic phenotypes, namely metabolically healthy/unhealthy non-obese and metabolically healthy/unhealthy obese [metabolically healthy non-obese (MHN), MHO, metabolically unhealthy non-obese (MUN), and metabolically unhealthy obesity (MUO)]. Comparisons of CAD severity and outcomes were performed among four groups. Cox regression analyses and cubic spline models were used to examine the relationship between Lp(a) and CVEs in patients with different metabolic phenotypes.

Results

During a median of 7.5 years’ follow-up, 540 (10.6%) CVEs occurred. MUN and MUO populations had more severe coronary stenosis than MHN ones, while no significant difference in the Gensini score (GS) was observed between MHN and MHO. Patients with MUN and MUO presented a higher risk of CVEs than patients with MHN (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.414, 95% CI: 1.024–1.953–1.556 and HR: 1.747, 95% CI: 1.295–1.363, p < 0.05). In subgroup analysis, restricted cubic spline models showed that there was no association between Lp(a) and CVEs in patients in MHN and MHO, while the MUN and MUO groups presented increasing associations between Lp(a) and CVEs and such association was stronger in the MUO group. In Cox regression analysis, Lp(a) >50 mg/dl was associated with a 2.032- and 2.206-fold higher risk of subsequent CVEs in the MUO and MUN subgroups, respectively.

Conclusion

Among patients with angiography-proven stable CAD, Lp(a) had a more significant prognostic value in both MUO and MUN individuals regardless of obesity, suggesting the importance of screening for cardiovascular risk with Lp(a) in metabolically unhealthy patients.
Plasma Kallikrein Cleaved H-kininogen: An End-Point Marker for Contact Activation in vitro and ex vivo
Authors: Palarasah Yaseelan , Pham Stephanie Thuy Duong , Gram Jørgen Brodersen , Graversen Jonas Heilskov , Pilely Katrine , Sidelmann Johannes Jakobsen
Published: May 2022

Objectives

The contact system consists of coagulation factor XII (FXII), prekallikrein, and H-kininogen (HK) and plays important roles in many diseases. Plasma kallikrein (PKa) cleaved HK (cHK) is a marker of contact activation. Presently, we developed a specific and precise enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for determination of cHK in vitro and ex vivo.

Methods

Cleaved HK specific mouse monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) were generated using a peptide corresponding to the PKa cleavage site on HK as immunogen. ELISA, surface plasmon resonance analysis, and immunoprecipitation established the specificity of the antibody, which subsequently was used in a sandwich ELISA. The analytical imprecision and the concentration of cHK in a reference population and in women receiving oral contraceptives (OC) were determined. cHK was assessed in vitro in plasma exposed to polytetrafluoroethylene, silicone, and glass tubes.

Results

The selected mAb showed excellent specificity towards cHK. The intra-assay and inter-assay CV of the ELISA were 3.6 and 6.0%, respectively. The reference population (60 women, 60 men) displayed a median cHK plasma concentration of 1.38 μg/mL and a reference interval of 0.82 – 2.56 μg/mL. Women receiving OC had significantly higher concentrations, p < 0.001. cHK was significantly elevated in plasma exposed to polytetrafluoroethylene, p = 0.001, and glass, p < 0.0001.

Conclusion

The ELISA showed excellent precision and specificity. cHK assessment ex vivo demonstrated ongoing contact activation in healthy individuals, augmented by OC. The cHK antibody and the ELISA could be promising tools in contact activation related diseases and in vitro investigations of the plasma compatibility of blood contacting biomaterials.
The Predictive Role of Intraoperative Blood Transfusion Components in the Prognosis of Heart Transplantation
Authors: Zheng Yidan , Xu Li , Cai Ziwen , Tu Jingrong , Liu Yuqi , Wang Yixuan , Chen Si , Dong Nianguo , Li Fei
Published: May 2022

Purpose

To evaluate the influence of transfusion amount of blood components on the prognosis of patients after heart transplantation (HTx).

Methods

From 1 January 2015 to 31 December 2020, 568 patients underwent HTx in our institute. A total of 416 recipients with complete datasets were enrolled in the study for final statistical analysis according to the inclusion criteria. The optimal cut-off values for intraoperative transfusion of red blood cell (RBC), platelet, and plasma were determined with receiver operating curve analysis. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were applied to compare baseline data of patients divided by the transfusion amounts of RBC, platelet, and plasma. Propensity score matching was used to enable the direct comparison of outcomes.

Results

The Kaplan–Meier analysis revealed that transfusion amounts of RBC and plasma were independently associated with overall mortality, increased intensive care unit stay time, and major adverse events after transplantation. The multivariate Cox regression analysis suggested that neurological complications (p = 0.001), liver damage (p = 0.011), and respiratory complications (p = 0.044) were independent risk factors for overall mortality after HTx. Combining indicators presented a good predicting effect of peritransplant period mortality (AUC = 0.718).

Conclusion

The mortality of HTx was significantly related to the high-amount transfusion of RBC and plasma. Comprehensively considering the components of blood transfusion obtained better predictive results of peritransplant period survival than solely considering a single component.
The Impact of Maternal Obesity on Offspring Cardiovascular Health: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Kankowski Lois , Ardissino Maddalena , McCracken Celeste , Lewandowski Adam J. , Leeson Paul , Neubauer Stefan , Harvey Nicholas C. , Petersen Steffen E. , Raisi-Estabragh Zahra
Published: May 2022

Objective

Obesity and cardiovascular disease are major global public health problems. Maternal obesity has been linked to multiple adverse health consequences for both mother and baby. Obesity during pregnancy may adversely alter the intrauterine environment, which has been hypothesised to predispose the offspring to poorer cardiovascular health throughout life. In this paper, we systematically review current literature examining the links between maternal obesity and offspring cardiovascular health.

Methods

This study is registered with PROSPERO (CRD42021278567) and was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. A comprehensive systematic literature search was conducted, including two electronic databases (Ovid Medline, Embase), cross-referencing, author searching, and grey literature searches. We selected studies exploring the relationship between maternal obesity and offspring cardiovascular health, using pre-defined eligibility criteria. Studies were critically appraised using the ROBINS-I tool.

Results

From 1,214 results, 27 articles met the eligibility criteria. Multiple cardiovascular outcomes were considered, including congenital heart disease, cardiometabolic parameters, and cardiovascular diseases in neonates, children, and adults. In these studies, maternal obesity was consistently associated with congenital heart disease, several adverse cardiometabolic parameters throughout life including higher body mass index and insulin levels, and greater risk of cardiovascular disease in adulthood. Hypothesized underlying mechanisms are complex and multifactorial comprising genetic, environmental, and socioeconomic components, which can be difficult to quantify. Heterogeneity in study designs, highly selected study samples, and high risk of bias in some studies limit conclusions regarding causality.

Conclusions

We identified consistent evidence of links between maternal obesity and poorer offspring cardiovascular health throughout the lifecourse, extending from the neonatal period into adulthood. Although underlying mechanisms are unclear, our findings support consideration of targeted maternal obesity prevention for promotion of offspring cardiovascular health. This all-encompassing systematic review provides critical appraisal of the latest evidence, defines gaps and biases of existing literature, and may inform potential new public health strategies for cardiovascular disease prevention.

Systematic Review Registration

[https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero], identifier PROSPERO (CRD42021278567).