bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Immunoxpression of MMPs -9, -13 and TIMP-3 after Using Etch-and-rinse Adhesive
Authors: Costa Laís Maciel , Rizuto Ariela Vilela , Mendonça Luciana Sarmento de , Carvalho Marianne de Vasconcelos , Silveira Márcia Maria Fonseca da , Sobral Ana Paula Veras
Published: July 2021

The aim of the present study was to determine the expression of MMP-9, MMP-13 and TIMP-3 after using the XP Bond ™ (Dentsply) dentin-bonding agent on 21 human teeth. Class I deep cavities were prepared and restored. After 01, 07, 14, 21, 30, 90 and 120 days, the teeth were extracted and processed for an immunohistochemical assessment (n=3). Immunohistochemical staining was performed using the monoclonal antibody anti-MMP-9, and polyclonal antibodies anti-MMP-13 and anti-TIMP-3. The immunoreactivity of metalloproteinases 9 and 13 was considered intense and moderate in the first storage intervals, before decreasing over time. In contrast, the immunoreactivity of TIMP-3 was considered absent in dentin and weak in pulp in the first time intervals, and completely absent in the subsequent intervals. MMP-9 expression in dentin and in pulp was prevalent in the dentinal tubules and odontoblastic layer, respectively. MMP-13 expression in dentin and in pulp was predominant in the pre-dentine region and odontoblastic layer, respectively. TIMP-3 expression was absent in dentin and predominantly located in the odontoblastic layer for pulp. In conclusion, the expression patterns of MMP-9, MMP-13 and TIMP-3 altered in the different time intervals studied. The increased expression of TIMP-3 in the first time intervals could suggest a synchronous response to the increased expression of MMPs in the same periods. The results confirmed the low performance of TIMP-3 in the physiological processes of the pulp-dentin complex for the conditions and materials tested herein.
Análise de velocidade de vento usando cadeia de Markov
Authors: Nunes José Edvaldo de Oliveira , Souza Neto João Valério de , Silva Maria Marciele de Lima , Cordeiro Natália Moraes , Pessoa Ruben  Vivaldi Silva , Barreto Ikaro Daniel de Carvalho , Bejan Lucian Bogdan , Stosic Tatijana
Published: July 2021

A busca por energias renováveis vem aumentando nas últimas décadas devido, principalmente, às preocupações ambientais como também à crescente demanda energética. A energia eólica é uma das fontes de energia renovável amplamente adotada pelo mundo, sendo a região nordeste do Brasil destacada pela sua grande capacidade de produção. A implementação de parques eólicos carece de estudos preliminares sobre modelagem estatística de velocidade do vento e, entre os métodos propostos, a Cadeia de Markov se mostrou eficiente. Este trabalho apresenta uma análise estatística da velocidade do vento na cidade de Petrolina – PE, com objetivo de aplicar cadeias de Markov de primeira ordem como método probabilístico na modelagem da velocidade do vento a cada hora. Os dados foram obtidos no site do Instituto Nacional de Meteorologia (INMET), correspondendo ao período de 2010 a 2020. Foram utilizadas cadeias de Markov de primeira ordem com dois estados para encontrar as probabilidades de transição, e a variação anual dessas probabilidades e a Entropia normalizada foram analisadas. Os principais resultados mostraram que o modelo proposto se ajusta bem às variações da velocidade do vento em meses específicos do ano e que modelos com mais estados podem ser propostos com o objetivo de diminuir a perda de informação calculada pelo valor da entropia.
Prevalência de anomalias de forma e número em pacientes ortodônticos: Estudo observacional
Authors: Silva Bianca Xavier da , Rossi Sabrina Buchmann , Ribeiro Rodrigo Alves , Sendyk Wilson Roberto , Roman-Torres Caio Vinicius Gonçalves , Quintela Marcelo de Melo
Published: July 2021

Anomalias dentárias são resultado de distúrbios que ocorrem no processo de odontogênese – responsável pelo desenvolvimento do órgão dental. Essas alterações geralmente acontecem na fase de formação e diferenciação celular. Sendo assim, o objetivo da presente pesquisa foi avaliar a prevalência de anomalias de forma e número em pacientes ortodônticos da Clínica de Especialização da Universidade Metropolitana de Santos. Foram analisadas 262 radiografias panorâmicas, de indivíduos do gênero masculino e feminino, com idade de 06 a 50 anos, que realizaram ou estão realizando tratamento ortodôntico, acrescentando à análise da radiografia panorâmica e de modelos, a consulta dos prontuários clínicos. Para coleta de dados das anomalias dentárias, foi elaborada uma planilha de dados no programa Microsoft Excel. O teste estatístico não paramétrico utilizado foi Mann-Whitney (p<0.05).  Foi observado um total de 114 anomalias dentárias, sendo a agenesia a anomalia mais frequente, se apresentando em 27,86% dos pacientes, sendo 30% apresentada apenas por terceiros molares. A taurodontia é a segunda anomalia mais frequente apresentada por 7,25% dos casos, sendo 47,37% do gênero masculino e 52,63% do gênero feminino. Seguiu-se com os supranumerários acometendo 4,20%, apresentando-se mais em homens (81,8%) do que em mulheres (18,2%). As anomalias de número foram muito mais prevalentes do que as anomalias de forma, sendo agenesia e taurodontia as mais prevalentes entre pacientes ortodônticos.
Multiparentalidade e os efeitos jurídicos do seu reconhecimento
Authors: Silva Daniele Melo da Costa , Brito Maria Fernanda Gonçalves de , Morais Ivonalda Brito de Almeida , Carvalho Genyvana Criscya Garcia
Published: July 2021

O presente estudo versa sobre a Multiparentalidade e os efeitos jurídicos do seu reconhecimento e apresenta como questão norteadora: “Quais os efeitos jurídicos advindos do reconhecimento da multiparentalidade?”. A pesquisa tem o escopo de compreender as repercussões jurídicas oriundas do referido instituto e tem como objetivos específicos: discutir a filiação no direito brasileiro, apontar os princípios que regem o direito de família, analisar as disposições gerais que versam sobre a multiparentalidade, bem como investigar suas repercussões jurídicas. Utilizou-se a pesquisa bibliográfica, com pesquisa em livros e legislação vigente, além de artigos buscados nas principais bases de dados, como Google Acadêmico e Scielo, tendo como descritores as palavras: multiparentalidade, paternidade e efeitos jurídicos. Os principais autores utilizados foram Cristiano Chaves de Farias e Nelson Rosenvald, Maria Berenice Dias, Conrado Paulino da Rosa e Flávio Tartuce. Utilizou-se ainda a pesquisa documental, com a análise de julgados que possibilitou uma compreensão pormenorizada do instituto em comento, haja vista que a Tese de Repercussão Geral nº 622, firmada pelo Supremo Tribunal Federal, deixou claro que não há hierarquia entre as paternidades biológica e socioafetiva e que ambas podem existir, simultaneamente, gerando efeitos jurídicos próprios, restando claro que a referida tese gera diversas repercussões jurídicas, dentre as quais podem ser citadas o direito ao nome, alimentos, guarda/visita e direitos sucessórios. Enfim, são diversas as consequências oriundas do entendimento dos tribunais pátrios, importando mencionar que a doutrina tem desempenhado papel de destaque na interpretação de tais efeitos jurídicos, vez que se trata de um tema recente e que não há regramento próprio para regulamentar especificamente cada caso.
Hiperplasia fibrosa inflamatória por uso de prótese desadaptada: Considerações terapêuticas e relato de caso
Authors: Martorelli Sérgio Bartolomeu de Farias , Martorelli Fernando de Oliveira , Ribeiro Gustavo Duarte , Leite Diego Sampaio Garcia , Ferraz Rodrigo Timóteo de Melo , Gheno Caciana Farias da Silva , Barbosa Marina Rosa
Published: July 2021

A Hiperplasia Fibrosa inflamatória (HFI) conhecida como Epúlide Fissurada é considerada uma lesão proliferativa frequente na cavidade bucal, é geralmente assintomática, resultante de uma reação hiperplásica do tecido conjuntivo. Tem como tratamento de eleição a exérese cirúrgica que pode ser empreendida por bisturi frio (convencional), cirurgia a laser, eletrocirurgia e crioterapia. A metodologia utilizada foi uma busca ativa em base de dados eletrônicos no Pubmed/ Medline, Scielo, Portal Periódicos CAPES e LILACS em artigos científicos publicados nos últimos 10 anos na língua inglesa e língua portuguesa, utilizando os descritores: Hyperplasia, Denture, Complete, Pathology, Oral, Surgery, Oral. Após os critérios de elegibilidade foram selecionados os artigos e relatado o caso clínico para discussão das condutas de diagnóstico e tratamento. O objetivo deste trabalho busca relatar um caso clínico de HFI como também realizar uma breve comparação dos métodos de tratamento que podem ser empreendidos no tratamento das HFI. Relato de Caso: Paciente do gênero feminino, 73 anos de idade, com queixa principal de crescimento tecidual em região gengival e incômodo ao uso de prótese total, foi tratada por eletrocirurgia de forma satisfatória. Conclusão: A eletrocirurgia é o método mais acessível e eficaz no tratamento cirúrgico da Epúlide Fissurada.
Vantagens e entraves do uso da telemedicina no acompanhamento de pacientes com insuficiência cardíaca
Authors: Cruz Maysa Gabriela Costa , Cavalcanti Lívia Ayres de Miranda , D'Albuquerque Andressa Carneiro , Vasconcelos Marilia Mendes , Reis Renandro de Carvalho
Published: July 2021

A telemedicina é a prestação de serviços remotos de saúde em situações na qual a distância é um fator crítico. Em meio ao cenário da COVID 19 a telemedicina sofreu muitos avanços, porém, ainda se observa entraves em sua aplicabilidade. Nesse contexto, o presente estudo teve por objetivo realizar uma revisão sistemática focando nas vantagens e entraves do uso da telemedicina no acompanhamento de pacientes com insuficiência cardíaca (IC). Para isso foi realizado um levantamento bibliográfico por meio da biblioteca eletrônica PubMed, tendo como critérios de inclusão artigos cujo tema central era o uso da telemedicina no acompanhamento de pacientes com IC publicados no período de 2017 a 2021. Foram identificados, no total, 95 artigos, dos quais apenas 13 tiveram contribuições relevantes para o presente estudo. Analisando-os foi identificado que o uso de serviços remotos em saúde proporciona aumento na adesão do paciente ao tratamento, reduzindo, assim, a taxa de hospitalização e morte, além de ter ótimo custo-benefício. No entanto, a impossibilidade de realização do exame físico e a falta de acesso a dispositivos eletrônicos e internet por parte da população são empecilhos que dificultam sua aplicabilidade. Portanto, apesar dos muitos benefícios proporcionados pela telemedicina para os pacientes com IC, é necessária uma logística bem estabelecida para que entraves sejam superados.
Sociedade limitada unipessoal - SLU: O melhor para uma startup?
Authors: Lima Ricardo Ovídio de Oliveira , Beserra Thalita Kelle Pires , Formiga Nilton Soares , Oliveira Pedro Victor Miranda de , Nascimento Evandro Olivier da Silva
Published: July 2021

Este artigo tem por finalidade abordar perspectivas relacionadas ao empreendedorismo e inovação e quais os tipos de empresas e suas diferenciações, bem como as dificuldades encontradas pelas mesmas para existiram e tratar mais afundo as dificuldades de uma STARTUP, ponto este que culminará na demonstração das vantagens da Sociedade Limitada Unipessoal, e porque esta se mostra a mais adequada na escolha do regime societário dessa empresa que tem por ideia ser inovadora. Norteando o objetivo deste trabalho, o presente estudo utilizou-se de literaturas, doutrinas e de leis que tratam da temática levantada, onde autores evidenciam definições e procedimentos que devem ser adotados no tipo societário, aclarando assim o entendimento que se tem nessa esfera empresarial. Com fundamento no estudo desenvolvido, observou-se que a Sociedade Limitada Unipessoal - SLU por dispor de especificidades e regramento diferenciado, torna-se menos burocrática e, por conseguinte, menos oneroso, oportunizando consequentemente uma melhor evolução e crescimento do empreendedor no mercado de trabalho.
Crioterapia como una alternativa no farmacológica para el manejo del dolor endodóntico postoperatorio: Una revisión integrativa de la literatura
Authors: Leguisamo Diaz Jazmín Abigail , Vidal Alvarez Sebastián René , Espinosa Vásquez Ximena Elizabeth
Published: July 2021

Introducción: El manejo del dolor es uno de los objetivos principales dentro de la práctica odontológica y es una de las razones más comunes para que los pacientes busquen atención dental, generalmente se encuentra asociado a traumas e infecciones que requieren la realización de un tratamiento endodóntico, cuya finalidad es conservar la pieza dental afectada, eliminar la inflamación y prevenir la infección; sin embargo, también implica la aparición de dolor postoperatorio que podría variar del 1,5% al 53%. Materiales y Métodos: El presente estudio es una revisión integrativa de la literatura en el que se analizó la evidencia científica existente acerca de la crioterapia como una alternativa no farmacológica para el manejo del dolor postendodóntico. Para ello se realizó una búsqueda exhaustiva de la información pertinente en las bases de datos Science Direct, Medline, Cochrane, PubMed además de búsqueda manual, de artículos desde el año 2014. Resultados: La búsqueda realizada dio como resultado 112 artículos, de los cuales se seleccionaron 22, que se ajustaron con los objetivos y criterios de inclusión de la investigación. Se excluyeron aquellos que no contenían las palabras claves en el título y/o resumen. Conclusiones: La evidencia científica actual respalda el uso de la crioterapia como una alternativa no farmacológica económica y eficaz para el control de la inflamación y dolor postendodóntico, por lo que podría considerarse una opción válida para su aplicación clínica habitual.
Avaliação do conhecimento de estudantes da área da saúde sobre a Escala de Coma de Glasgow em uma Universidade de Minas Gerais
Authors: Souza-Couto Dyecika , Silva Nathália Bernades da , Cardoso Edvaldo José Rodrigues
Published: July 2021

Introdução: os estudantes da área da saúde precisam ter pleno conhecimento dos métodos de avaliação de consciência para excelência do exercício profissional e atendimento ao paciente, no entanto a literatura relata deficiências dos profissionais de saúde na utilização da Escala de Coma de Glasgow (ECG). Objetivo: o objetivo do presente estudo foi analisar e avaliar o conhecimento de estudantes da área da saúde sobre a função e aplicabilidade da Escala de Coma de Glasgow (ECG). Métodos: os dados foram gerados pela aplicação de questionário aos acadêmicos do último ano dos cursos de Medicina, Enfermagem, Odontologia e Farmácia da Universidade Federal de Alfenas. Resultados e Discussão: os resultados revelam que os futuros médicos e enfermeiros apresentam maior conhecimento dos parâmetros e aplicação da ECG quando comparado aos demais estudantes avaliados, isso é um empecilho para excelência do cuidado em saúde, visto que as equipes multiprofissionais são de extrema importância para o cuidado, e seus membros necessitam de um conhecimento ampliado sobre ECG para fornecer ao paciente um monitoramento seriado e evitar problemas de comunicação entre a equipe. Conclusão: ocorre um déficit de aprendizado sobre a ECG entre os estudantes da área da saúde e para supri-lo as universidades devem se comprometer com a oferta de cursos teóricos e práticos sobre o uso da ECG.
Redes de energia elétrica inteligentes (Smart Grids)
Authors: Gallotti Verônica Dias Moreira
Published: July 2021

No país e no mundo, as Rede Elétricas Inteligentes situam-se no momento atual em uma etapa de crescimento embrionário, parecido ao da internet no início dos anos 1980, tendo ainda muitas viabilidades para os consumidores, empresas, concessionárias de energia, governos, fornecedores de tecnologia e desenvolvimento de novas capacitações na chamada “economia sustentável”. Há ainda algumas dúvidas e incertezas sobre a regulação para o estabelecimento de legislação adequada à comercialização no varejo de energia elétrica para permitir o uso adequado de precificação dinâmica e da energia da microgeração. O propósito deste artigo é discutir e expor sobre Redes Elétricas Inteligentes ou Smart Grid, no inglês, seu conceito, propósito, componentes. Também sobre a regulamentação, o que deve ser mudado para se adaptar a essas tecnologias novas e suas medições modernas. O método de pesquisa utilizado foi o descritivo, onde foram usadas as técnicas de coleta de dados através de buscas em bibliografias reconhecidas e artigos, para assim, elucidar e exemplificar melhor sobre as Rede Elétricas Inteligentes. Por fim, conclui-se como deve ser feita a massificação dessa tecnologia no Brasil para ser ágil e eficiente.
Провадження у справах про банкрутство як особливий вид провадження у господарському судочинстві
Authors: БУТИРСЬКА ІРИНА
Published: July 2021

Справи про банкрутство посідають особливе місце у господарському судочинстві, що зумовлено низкою чинників, а саме: широким колом учасників справи, особливим процесуальним порядком розгляду таких справ тощо. До того моменту, поки боржник або кредитор не звернуться до господарського суду із заявою про відкриття провадження у справі про банкрутство, відносини “боржник – кредитори” мають переважно приватний характер, оскільки кредитори на власний розсуд обирають як, коли і в який спосіб заявляти свої вимоги до боржника. Коли ж щодо такого боржника відкривається провадження у справі про банкрутство, то відносини “боржник – кредитори” переходять на новий рівень: по-перше, кредитори “переслідують” боржника вже не кожен окремо, а всі разом, а по-друге, активну роль у цьому процесі вже відіграють господарський суд та арбітражний керуючий.
21 жовтня 2019 р. набув чинності Кодекс України з процедур банкрутства (КУзПБ), який став прогресивним кроком законодавця у правовому регулюванні відносин неплатоспроможності (банкрутства). Однак водночас він поставив перед наукою і практикою нові виклики та запитання, зокрема й щодо місця провадження у справах про банкрутство в системі господарського судочинства.
Метою статті є теоретичне осмислення місця провадження у справах про банкрутст во в господарському судочинстві та виявлення ознак, притаманних провадженню у справах про банкрутство.
Відносини неплатоспроможності (банкрутства), які за своєю природою мають комплексний характер (матеріально-правовий і процесуально-правовий), у будьякому разі повинні існувати у межах господарсько-процесуальної форми, адже, за загальним правилом, поки немає відкритого провадження у справі про банкрутство, говорити про відносини неплатоспроможності (банкрутства) не можна (не беручи до уваги санацію боржника до відкриття провадження).
У статті наголошено, що провадження у справах про банкрутство є самостійним видом провадження у господарському судочинстві, який має свої особливості. За результатами дослідження авторка доходить висновку, що серед характерних ознак провадження у справах про банкрутство можна виокремити: 1) дуалістичний характер правового регулювання – нормами Господарського процесуального кодексу України та КУзПБ; 2) активна роль господарського суду у справі про банкрутство; 3) особливий суб’єктний склад; 4) концентрація у межах справи про банкрутство всіх спорів, стороною в яких є боржник; 5) застосування під час розгляду справи про банкрутство особливих матеріальних і процесуальних норм.
Analysis of Nitrogenase Fe Protein Activity in Transplastomic Tobacco
Authors: Aznar-Moreno Jose A. , Jiang Xi , Burén Stefan , Rubio Luis M.
Published: July 2021

Integration of prokaryotic nitrogen fixation (nif) genes into the plastid genome for expression of functional nitrogenase components could render plants capable of assimilating atmospheric N2 making their crops less dependent of nitrogen fertilizers. The nitrogenase Fe protein component (NifH) has been used as proxy for expression and targeting of Nif proteins within plant and yeast cells. Here we use tobacco plants with the Azotobacter vinelandii nifH and nifM genes integrated into the plastid genome. NifH and its maturase NifM were constitutively produced in leaves, but not roots, during light and dark periods. Nif protein expression in transplastomic plants was stable throughout development. Chloroplast NifH was soluble, but it only showed in vitro activity when isolated from leaves collected at the end of the dark period. Exposing the plant extracts to elevated temperatures precipitated NifM and apo-NifH protein devoid of [Fe4S4] clusters, dramatically increasing the specific activity of remaining NifH protein. Our data indicate that the chloroplast endogenous [Fe-S] cluster biosynthesis was insufficient for complete NifH maturation, albeit a negative effect on NifH maturation due to excess NifM in the chloroplast cannot be excluded. NifH and NifM constitutive expression in transplastomic plants did not affect any of the following traits: seed size, germination time, germination ratio, seedling growth, emergence of the cotyledon and first leaves, chlorophyll content and plant height throughout development.
Ensemble Transform Kalman Incremental Smoother and Its Application to Data Assimilation and Prediction
Authors: Lin Zhe-Hui , Yang Shu-Chih , Kalnay Eugenia
Published: July 2021

The analysis correction made by data assimilation (DA) can introduce model shock or artificial signal, leading to degradation in forecast. In this study, we propose an Ensemble Transform Kalman Incremental Smoother (ETKIS) as an incremental update solution for ETKF-based algorithms. ETKIS not only has the advantages as other incremental update schemes to improve the balance in the analysis but also provides effective incremental correction, even under strong nonlinear dynamics. Results with the shallow-water model show that ETKIS can smooth out the imbalance associated with the use of covariance localization. More importantly, ETKIS preserves the moving signal better than the overly smoothed corrections derived by other incremental update schemes. Results from the Lorenz 3-variable model show that ETKIS and ETKF achieve similar accuracy at the end of the assimilation window, while the time-varying increment of ETKIS allows the ensemble to avoid strong corrections during strong nonlinearity. ETKIS shows benefits over 4DIAU by better capturing the evolving error and constraining the over-dispersive spread under conditions of long assimilation windows or a high perturbation growth rate.
Comparative Economic Analysis Between Endogenous and Recombinant Production of Hyaluronic Acid
Authors: Torres-Acosta Mario A. , Castaneda-Aponte Héctor M. , Mora-Galvez Liliana M. , Gil-Garzon Monica R. , Banda-Magaña Martin P. , Marcellin Esteban , Mayolo-Deloisa Karla , Licona-Cassani Cuauhtemoc
Published: July 2021

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a biopolymer with a wide range of applications, mainly in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical sectors. Typical industrial-scale production utilizes organisms that generate HA during their developmental cycle, such as Streptococcus equi sub. zooepidemicus. However, a significant disadvantage of using Streptococcus equi sub. zooepidemicus is that it is a zoonotic pathogen, which use at industrial scale can create several risks. This creates opportunities for heterologous, or recombinant, production of HA. At an industrial scale, the recovery and purification of HA follow a series of precipitation and filtration steps. Current recombinant approaches are developing promising alternatives, although their industrial implementation has yet to be adequately assessed. The present study aims to create a theoretical framework to forecast the advantages and disadvantages of endogenous and recombinant strains in production with the same downstream strategy. The analyses included a selection of the best cost-related recombinant and endogenous production strategies, followed by a sensitivity analysis of different production variables in order to identify the three most critical parameters. Then, all variables were analyzed by varying them simultaneously and employing multiple linear regression. Results indicate that, regardless of HA source, production titer, recovery yield and bioreactor scale are the parameters that affect production costs the most. Current results indicate that recombinant production needs to improve current titer at least 2-fold in order to compete with costs of endogenous production. This study serves as a platform to inform decision-making for future developments and improvements in the recombinant production of HA.
The Fate of Two Unstoppable Trains After Arriving Destination: Replisome Disassembly During DNA Replication Termination
Authors: Xia Yisui
Published: July 2021

In eukaryotes, the perfect duplication of the chromosomes is executed by a dynamic molecular machine called the replisome. As a key step to finishing DNA replication, replisome disassembly is triggered by ubiquitylation of the MCM7 subunit of the helicase complex CMG. Afterwards, the CDC48/p97 “unfoldase” is recruited to the ubiquitylated helicase to unfold MCM7 and disassemble the replisome. Here we summarise recently discovered mechanisms of replisome disassembly that are likely to be broadly conserved in eukaryotes. We also discuss two crucial questions that remain to be explored further in the future. Firstly, how is CMG ubiquitylation repressed by the replication fork throughout elongation? Secondly, what is the biological significance of replisome disassembly and what are the consequences of failing to ubiquitylate and disassemble the CMG helicase?
A Novel Assisted Oocyte Activation Method Improves Fertilization in Patients With Recurrent Fertilization Failure
Authors: Wang Meng , Zhu Lixia , Liu Chang , He Hui , Wang Cheng , Xing Chenxi , Liu Jinming , Yang Liu , Xi Qingsong , Li Zhou , Jin Lei
Published: July 2021

Total fertilization failure (TFF) occurs in 1–3% of total intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles and can reoccur in subsequent cycles. Despite the high success rate with the application of assisted oocyte activation (AOA), there is still a small number of couples who cannot obtain fertilized eggs after conventional calcium (Ca2+) ionophores-based ICSI-AOA. Six couples experiencing repeated TFF or low fertilization (<10%) after ICSI and conventional ICSI-AOA were enrolled in this study. Compared with the regular ICSI group and the conventional ICSI-AOA group, the new AOA method, a combination of cycloheximide (CHX) and ionomycin, can significantly increase the fertilization rate from less than 10 up to approximately 50% in most cases. The normal distribution of sperm-related oocyte activation factor phospholipase C zeta (PLCζ1) in the sperms of the cases indicated the absence of an aberrant Ca2+signaling activation. The results of the whole-embryo aneuploidies analysis indicated that oocytes receiving the novel AOA treatment had the potential to develop into blastocysts with normal karyotypes. Our data demonstrated that CHX combined with ionomycin was able to effectively improve the fertilization rate in the majority of patients suffering from TFF. This novel AOA method had a potential therapeutic effect on those couples experiencing TFF, even after conventional AOA, which may surmount the severe fertilization deficiencies in patients with a repeated low fertilization or TFF.
Paeonol for the Treatment of Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease: A Pharmacological and Mechanistic Overview
Authors: Wu Min , Yu Zongliang , Li Xiaoya , Zhang Xiaonan , Wang Songzi , Yang Shengjie , Hu Lanqing , Liu Longtao
Published: July 2021

With improvement in living standards and average life expectancy, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease incidences and mortality have been increasing annually. Paeonia suffruticosa, a natural herb, has been used for the treatment of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease for thousands of years in Eastern countries. Paeonol is an active ingredient extracted from Paeonia suffruticosa. Previous studies have extensively explored the clinical benefits of paeonol. However, comprehensive reviews on the cardiovascular protective effects of paeonol have not been conducted. The current review summarizes studies reporting on the protective effects of paeonol on the cardiovascular system. This study includes studies published in the last 10 years. The biological characteristics of Paeonia suffruticosa, pharmacological mechanisms of paeonol, and its toxicological and pharmacokinetic characteristics were explored. The findings of this study show that paeonol confers protection against atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease through various mechanisms, including inflammation, platelet aggregation, lipid metabolism, mitochondria damage, endoplasmic reticulum stress, autophagy, and non-coding RNA. Further studies should be conducted to elucidate the cardiovascular benefits of paeonol.
Nonsequential Response in Mountainous Areas of Southwest China
Authors: Liu Lin , Ye Sheng , Chen Cangyi , Pan Hailong , Ran Qihua
Published: July 2021

Nonsequential response is the phenomenon where the change of soil water content at the lower layer is larger than that of the upper layer within a set time interval. It is often ignored because of the lack of spatially distributed measurements at the watershed scale, especially in mountainous areas where extensive monitoring network is expensive and difficult to deploy. In this study, the subsurface nonsequential response in a mountainous watershed in Southwest China was investigated by combining field monitoring and numerical simulation. A physics-based numerical model (InHM) was employed to simulate the soil water movement to explore the occurrence of the subsurface nonsequential response. The topographic wetness index [TWI = ln (a/tan b)] was used to distinguish the topographic zone corresponding to the nonsequential response at different depths. The nonsequential response mainly came from the subsurface lateral flow initiated at the soil–bedrock interface or at a relatively impermeable layer. The results showed that the occurrence depth of the nonsequential response increased with precipitation intensity when the time since last event was more than 24 h and the total amount of this event exceeded 37 mm. During a rainfall event, the nonsequential response occurred at the middle layer in the hillslope zone and the deep soil layer beneath the channel. In case of a rainfall event with two peaks, the region observed with nonsequential response expanded. The soil layer at the interface of the bedrock could be saturated quickly, and became saturated upward. This kind of nonsequential response can be observed on the hillslope at the beginning of rainfall events, and then found beneath stream channels afterward. Furthermore, nonsequential response could also happen after rainfall events. The results improved our understanding of nonsequential response and provided a scientific basis for flash flood research in mountainous areas.
Numerical Investigation of a Flash Flood Process that Occurred in Zhongdu River, Sichuan, China
Authors: Yang Qingyuan , Liu Tonghuan , Zhai Jingjing , Wang Xiekang
Published: July 2021

In 2018, a flash flood occurred in the Zhongdu river, which lies in Yibin, Sichuan province of China. The flood caused many casualties and significant damage to people living nearby. Due to the difficulty in predicting where and when flash floods will happen, it is nearly impossible to set up monitors in advance to detect the floods in detail. Field investigations are usually carried out to study the flood propagation and disaster-causing mechanism after the flood’s happening. The field studies take the relic left by the flash flood to deduce the peak level, peak discharge, bed erosion, etc. and further revel the mechanism between water and sediment transport during the flash flood This kind of relic-based study will generate bigger errors in regions with great bed deformation. In this study, we come up with numerical simulations to investigate the flash flood that happened in the Zhongdu river. The simulations are based on two-dimensional shallow water models coupled with sediment transport and bed deformation models. Based on the real water level and discharge profile measured by a hydrometric station nearby, the numerical simulation reproduced the flash flood in the valley. The results show the flood coverage, water level variation, and velocity distribution during the flood. The simulation offers great help in studying the damage-causing process. Furthermore, simulations without considering sediment transport are also carried out to study the impact of bed erosion and sedimentation. The study proved that, without considering bed deformation, the flood may be greatly underestimated, and the sediment lying in the valley has great impact on flood power.
An Evaluation of Strong-Motion Parameters at the S-net Ocean-Bottom Seismograph Sites Near the Kanto Basin for Earthquake Early Warning
Authors: Dhakal Yadab P. , Kunugi Takashi
Published: July 2021

We analyzed strong-motion records at the ground and borehole in and around the Kanto Basin and the seafloor in the Japan Trench area from three nearby offshore earthquakes of similar magnitudes (Mw 5.8–5.9). The seafloor strong-motion records were obtained from S-net, which was established to enhance tsunami and earthquake early warnings after the 2011 great Tohoku-oki earthquake disaster. The borehole records were obtained from MeSO-net, a dense network of seismometers installed at a depth of 20 m in the Tokyo metropolitan area. The ground records were obtained from the K-NET and KiK-net networks, established after the 1995 great Hanshin-Awaji earthquake disaster. The MeSO-net and S-net stations record the shakings continuously, while the K-NET and KiK-net records are based on triggering thresholds. It is crucial to evaluate the properties of strong motions recorded by the S-net for earthquake early warning (EEW). This paper compared the peak ground accelerations (PGAs) and peak ground velocities (PGVs) between the S-net and K-NET/KiK-net stations. Because the MeSO-net records were from the borehole, we compared the PGAs and significant durations of the low-frequency motions (0.1–0.5 Hz) between the S-net and MeSO-net stations from identical record lengths. We found that the horizontal PGAs and PGVs at the S-net sites were similar to or larger than the K-NET/KiK-net sites for the S wave. In contrast, the vertical PGAs and PGVs at the S-net sites were similar to or smaller than those at the K-NET/KiK-net sites for the S wave. Particularly, the PGAs and PGVs for the P-wave parts on the vertical-component records of S-net were, on average, much smaller than those of K-NET/KiK-net records. The difference was more evident in the PGAs. The average ratios of S-wave horizontal to vertical PGAs were about 2.5 and 5 for the land and S-net sites, respectively. The low-frequency PGAs at the S-net sites were similar to or larger than those of the MeSO-net borehole records. The significant durations between the two-networks low-frequency records were generally comparable. Quantification of the results from a larger dataset may contribute to ground-motion prediction for EEW and the design of the offshore facilities.
The Role of Soluble Organic Matter in Shale Oil “Sweet Spots” Prediction: An Investigation of Shale With Different Lithofacies in the Dongying Sag
Authors: He Jinyi , Cai Jingong , Zhu Xiaojun , Song Mingshui , Liu Huimin , Wang Xuejun , Zeng Xiang
Published: July 2021

Lithofacies are the fundamental geological units for shale oil and gas exploration and development, and soluble organic matter (SOM) is most similar to crude oil in composition. Both aspects attract our attention in the interpretation of SOM in different lithofacies, which can provide direct evidence to predict shale oil “sweet spots”. Here, twenty-five shale samples were collected from the Eocene Shahejie Formation in the Dongying Sag and were subjected to X-ray diffraction, Rock-Eval pyrolysis, and SOM characterization. Comparison of the SOM contents in shales with different lithofacies revealed remarkable differences: 1) The contents of SOM, saturates and total hydrocarbons (THC) showed the order of detrital massive mudstone < homogenous massive mudstone < wide laminated shale < discontinuous laminated shale < fine laminated shale < gypsum-bearing mudstone, and the SOM content was controlled by lithofacies through differences in both OM and minerals. 2) The SOM in detrital and homogenous massive mudstones was mainly composed of saturates and resins. Saturates were the main component in wide and fine laminated shales. The SOM in discontinuous laminated shale was mainly composed of saturates and aromatics. The SOM in gypsum-bearing mudstone was mainly composed of saturates, and the percentage of asphaltenes was quite high. Based on the evaluation parameters of high-quality lithofacies in terms of abundance (i.e., SOM, THC or saturate contents) and quality (i.e., quality index and asphaltene percentage), the fine, wide and discontinuous laminated shales were regarded as relatively favorable lithofacies. Based on the lithofacies combination, the fine, wide and discontinuous laminated shales in Es3x and Es4ss (upper section of Es4s) in the Dongying Sag were interpreted as “sweet spots” for shale oil exploration and development. Thus, it is of great significance to study the characteristics of SOM in shale with different lithofacies for shale oil exploration and development.
Interplay Between mTOR and Hippo Signaling in the Ovary: Clinical Choice Guidance Between Different Gonadotropin Preparations for Better IVF
Authors: Papageorgiou Kyriaki , Mastora Eirini , Zikopoulos Athanasios , Grigoriou Maria E. , Georgiou Ioannis , Michaelidis Theologos M.
Published: July 2021

One of the most widely used types of assisted reproduction technology is the in vitro fertilization (IVF), in which women undergo controlled ovarian stimulation through the administration of the appropriate hormones to produce as many mature follicles, as possible. The most common hormone combination is the co-administration of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) analogues with recombinant or urinary-derived follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). In the last few years, scientists have begun to explore the effect that different gonadotropin preparations have on granulosa cells’ maturation and apoptosis, aiming to identify new predictive markers of oocyte quality and successful fertilization. Two major pathways that control the ovarian development, as well as the oocyte–granulosa cell communication and the follicular growth, are the PI3K/Akt/mTOR and the Hippo signaling. The purpose of this article is to briefly review the current knowledge about the effects that the different gonadotropins, used for ovulation induction, may exert in the biology of granulosa cells, focusing on the importance of these two pathways, which are crucial for follicular maturation. We believe that a better understanding of the influence that the various ovarian stimulation protocols have on these critical molecular cascades will be invaluable in choosing the best approach for a given patient, thereby avoiding cancelled cycles, reducing frustration and potential treatment-related complications, and increasing the pregnancy rate. Moreover, individualizing the treatment plan will help clinicians to better coordinate assisted reproductive technology (ART) programs, discuss the specific options with the couples undergoing IVF, and alleviate stress, thus making the IVF experience easier.
SYTL3–SLC22A3 Single-Nucleotide Polymorphisms and Gene–Gene/Environment Interactions on the Risk of Hyperlipidemia
Authors: Zheng Peng-Fei , Yin Rui-Xing , Cao Xiao-Li , Guan Yao-Zong , Deng Guo-Xiong , Wei Bi-Liu , Liu Chun-Xiao
Published: July 2021

The current study aims to further delineate the associations between the synaptotagmin-like 3 (SYTL3) and solute carrier family 22 member 3 (SLC22A3) single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and their haplotypes and gene–gene (G × G)/environment (G × E) interactions on the risk of hyperlipidemia (HLP) in the Maonan and Han ethnic groups. Genotype distribution among the SYTL3–SLC22A3 SNPs in 2,829 individual patients bearing no relationship to each other (Han, 1,436; Maonan, 1,393) was analyzed utilizing next-generation sequencing techniques. The genotype frequencies of the rs6455600, rs2129209, and rs446809 SNPs were varied between the two ethnic groups (P < 0.05–0.001). Various SNPs were correlated with serum levels of triglyceride (TG; rs446809), total cholesterol (TC; rs6455600, rs2129209, and rs539298), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C; rs446809) among the Han population, whereas various SNPs were also correlated with TC (rs6455600 and rs539298), TG (rs446809), and LDL-C (rs446809) levels in the Maonan ethnic group (P < 0.008–0.001). One part of haplotypes resulted in worsened HLP-related morbidity in the Han (SYTL3 A-C-A-A; SLC22A3 A-A and A-G; and SYTL3–SLC22A3 A-C-A-A-A-A and A-C-A-A-A-G) and Maonan (SYTL3 A-C-A-A; SLC22A3 A-A and A-G; and SYTL3–SLC22A3 A-C-A-A-A-A, G-T-C-A-A-A, and G-T-C-A-C-A) ethnic groups, whereas another part of haplotypes lowered HLP-related health risks in the Han (SLC22A3 C-A and C-G and SYTL3–SLC22A3 A-C-A-A-C-A, A-C-A-A-C-G, and G-T-C-A-C-A) and Maonan (SLC22A3 C-G and SYTL3–SLC22A3 A-C-A-A-C-G) ethnic groups. We discovered that the SYTL3–SLC22A3 SNPs and their haplotypes were associated with serum lipid levels and the risk of HLP in our studied populations.
Framing Contraceptive Use Motivations Among Adolescents and Young Adults Living in Informal Settlements in Kira Municipality, Wakiso District, Uganda
Authors: Mulubwa Chama , Munakampe Margarate Nzala , Namakula Hilda , Hernandez Alison , Ssekamatte Tonny , Atuyambe Lynn M. , Birabwa Catherine , Chemonges Denis , Namatovu Fredinah , Makumbi Fredrick , Tetui Moses
Published: July 2021

Introduction: The use of contraceptives among adolescents and young adults is one of the most cost-effective strategies to address many sexual and reproductive health (SRH) challenges, including unintended pregnancies, early marriages, and sexually transmitted infections. Despite a high burden of SRH challenges, uptake and unmet needs of modern contraceptives remain low in Uganda, especially among adolescents and young adults in informal settlement settings. This study aimed to explore the motivations of adolescents and young people to use modern contraceptives (or not).

Methods: We analysed qualitative data from eight focus group discussions with 88 adolescents and young people aged 18–24 years residing in informal settlements of urban communities in Kira Municipality of Wakiso district, Uganda.

Results: Motivations for use (or not) of modern contraceptives were framed by two interrelated constructs, sources of information on contraception and the unacceptable use of contraceptives among adolescents widespread in the community. These two, in turn, formed the scope of knowledge upon which adolescents and young people based their decision on whether or not to access and use modern contraceptives.

Conclusion: To be more effective, sexual and reproductive health programs and interventions that aim to motivate the use of modern contraceptives among adolescents and young people in informal settings should be more comprehensive and focused on alleviating individual, health systems, social, religious factors that reinforce negative health-seeking behaviours towards contraceptive use. In addition, there is a need to support adolescents and young people with socio-economic empowering strategies that equip them with sufficient resources to choose contraceptives of their choice.
Comprehensive Transcriptomic Analysis Identifies Novel Antiviral Factors Against Influenza A Virus Infection
Authors: Zhou Ao , Dong Xia , Liu Mengyun , Tang Bin
Published: July 2021

Influenza A virus (IAV) has a higher genetic variation, leading to the poor efficiency of traditional vaccine and antiviral strategies targeting viral proteins. Therefore, developing broad-spectrum antiviral treatments is particularly important. Host responses to IAV infection provide a promising approach to identify antiviral factors involved in virus infection as potential molecular drug targets. In this study, in order to better illustrate the molecular mechanism of host responses to IAV and develop broad-spectrum antiviral drugs, we systematically analyzed mRNA expression profiles of host genes in a variety of human cells, including transformed and primary epithelial cells infected with different subtypes of IAV by mining 35 microarray datasets from the GEO database. The transcriptomic results showed that IAV infection resulted in the difference in expression of amounts of host genes in all cell types, especially those genes participating in immune defense and antiviral response. In addition, following the criteria of P<0.05 and |logFC|≥1.5, we found that some difference expression genes were overlapped in different cell types under IAV infection via integrative gene network analysis. IFI6, IFIT2, ISG15, HERC5, RSAD2, GBP1, IFIT3, IFITM1, LAMP3, USP18, and CXCL10 might act as key antiviral factors in alveolar basal epithelial cells against IAV infection, while BATF2, CXCL10, IFI44L, IL6, and OAS2 played important roles in airway epithelial cells in response to different subtypes of IAV infection. Additionally, we also revealed that some overlaps (BATF2, IFI44L, IFI44, HERC5, CXCL10, OAS2, IFIT3, USP18, OAS1, IFIT2) were commonly upregulated in human primary epithelial cells infected with high or low pathogenicity IAV. Moreover, there were similar defense responses activated by IAV infection, including the interferon-regulated signaling pathway in different phagocyte types, although the differentially expressed genes in different phagocyte types showed a great difference. Taken together, our findings will help better understand the fundamental patterns of molecular responses induced by highly or lowly pathogenic IAV, and the overlapped genes upregulated by IAV in different cell types may act as early detection markers or broad-spectrum antiviral targets.
Impacts of Immunometabolism on Male Reproduction
Authors: Ye Lijun , Huang Wensi , Liu Su , Cai Songchen , Hong Ling , Xiao Weiqiang , Thiele Kristin , Zeng Yong , Song Mingzhe , Diao Lianghui
Published: July 2021

The physiological process of male reproduction relies on the orchestration of neuroendocrine, immune, and energy metabolism. Spermatogenesis is controlled by the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular (HPT) axis, which modulates the production of gonadal steroid hormones in the testes. The immune cells and cytokines in testes provide a protective microenvironment for the development and maturation of germ cells. The metabolic cellular responses and processes in testes provide energy production and biosynthetic precursors to regulate germ cell development and control testicular immunity and inflammation. The metabolism of immune cells is crucial for both inflammatory and anti-inflammatory responses, which supposes to affect the spermatogenesis in testes. In this review, the role of immunometabolism in male reproduction will be highlighted. Obesity, metabolic dysfunction, such as type 2 diabetes mellitus, are well documented to impact male fertility; thus, their impacts on the immune cells distributed in testes will also be discussed. Finally, the potential significance of the medicine targeting the specific metabolic intermediates or immune metabolism checkpoints to improve male reproduction will also be reassessed.