bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PELATIHAN PEMBUATAN SEDIAAN INSTAN BAWANG DAYAK PADA IBU PKK KELURAHAN AIR PUTIH SAMARINDA
Authors: Lestari Dwi , Wirnawati Wirnawati , Fitriyanti Fitriyanti , Putri Maulina Rahmawati
Published: October 2021

Dayak Onion has been used for generations by the Dayak community as a medicinal plant which is a medicine for various types of diseases such as breast cancer, high blood-lowering drugs (hypertension), diabetes (diabetes mellitus), cholesterol-lowering, boils, bowel cancer, preventing stroke. The aim of community service is to provide continuous training in making instant powder of Dayak onions with the specified standards so as to produce quality and worthy instant powder. The method of implementation includes licensing and introductions with the PKK of Air Putih village, the provisioning of Dayak onion planting and post-harvest technology, material on the technique of sorting the instant formula of dayak onions, making instant onions, the material and practice of packaging instant preparations. licensing and sales of Dayak onions, which are packed with counseling materials and brochures. For the manufacture of Onion Dayak Instant preparations in the UMKT Natural Materials Chemistry laboratory. Instant Onion Dayak preparations have the right formula so that it is suitable for use in household scale production processes. The ingredients are Dayak onions, granulated sugar, palm sugar, cinnamon and orange leaves. Cinnamon and orange leaves are used as a scent on preparations. Evaluation and monitoring also need to be done from the Kelurahan and facilitators from Muhammadiyah University of East Kalimantan to see the empowerment of PKK Air Putih Village mothers in economic independence related to the production of instant dayak onions. The next plan is to collaborate with the Samarinda City Industrial Office related to production and packaging guidance and licensing
BIJAK MENGGUNAKAN ANTIBIOTIK DI DESA TUNGKARAN PANGERAN KABUPATEN TANAH BUMBU
Authors: Mahdi Nur , Setiawan Deni
Published: October 2021

The current problem that occurs is the increased use of antibiotics freely and mistakenly causing antibiotics to become resistant to bacteria as well as inappropriate storage which causes the antibiotic to be damaged so that their effectiveness is lost. A Survey that started in the village of Tungkaran Pangeran, Tanah Bumbu district identified that there is a lack of public knowledge about the use of antibiotics. It also found mistakes in storing drugs, especially antibiotics. The output target of community service activities is to increase community knowledge about antibiotics from the understanding, classification, storage, and resistance of antibiotics. Besides, the public also understands the regulation of getting the right antibiotic in Indonesian. As a result of community service activities in Tungkaran Pangeran Village, Tanah Bumbu District, there has been a significant increase in community knowledge on the proper and correct use and storage of antibiotics
SOSIALISASI PEMILIHAN DAN PENGGUNAAN KOSMETIK CREAM PEMUTIH WAJAH YANG AMAN PADA SANTRIWATI PESANTREN MODERN FAJRUL IMAN PATUMBAK DELI SERDANG SUMATERA UTARA
Authors: Faisal Ahmad Purnawarman , Wakidi Riza Fahlevi , Masrah Masrah
Published: October 2021

In this technological era, it is easy to get information about the facial whitening cream products, various information media such as television, newspapers, magazines and social media which are booming among women, especially school-age teenagers. With the ease of this information, buyers often ignore the quality and safety of the cosmetics themselves, many cosmetics contain harmful bleaching agents such as mercury and hydroquinone. The purpose of this Community Service is to find out the description of knowledge and socialize the Safe Selection and Use of Face Whitening Cream for students at the Fajrul Iman Patumbak Islamic Boarding School. The method used in this community service is lectures and questions and answers about the Selection and Use of Safe Face Whitening Cream Cosmetics. From the results of community service before the counseling was held on the Selection and Use of Safe Face Whitening Cream Cosmetics at Fajrul Iman Modern Islamic Boarding School students, it was found that the knowledge category was quite good (23.3%) in the good category (76.7%), and after the counseling was carried out the category was obtained. good knowledge becomes (100%), there is an increase in knowledge of good category as much as 23.3%. So that the Fajrul Iman Islamic boarding school students as respondents already understand the Selection and Use of Safe Face Whitening Creams
PELATIHAN PEMBUATAN HAND SANITIZER BAGI MASYARAKAT KELURAHAN TELUK LERONG ULU DAN BUGIS, SAMARINDA
Authors: Sundu Reksi , Nurhasnawati Henny , Syamsul Eka Siswanto , Saputra Rio Adi
Published: October 2021

Health is an important aspect of life. According to the World HealthOrganization (WHO), hand hygiene is one of the most important steps to prevent and control the spread of disease (maintaining health). At the time of activity, hands are often contaminated with microorganisms because the hands are an intermediary for the entry of microbes into the digestive tract. The purpose of this activity is to provide education to the community, especially those in TelukLerong Ulu and Bugis Villages about how to make hand sanitizer. The method of this activity is lecture, discussion and training. Community service activities in TelukLerong Ulu and Bugis Villages on June 24, 2020 went smoothly and received a good response. Each participant brought home their own homemade product.
PELATIHAN PEMANFAATAN LIMBAH RUMAH TANGGA DI KELURAHAN SIDODAMAI KOTA SAMARINDA MENJADI PUPUK KOMPOS
Authors: Warnida Husnul , Sukawaty Yullia , Helmidanora Rusdiati
Published: October 2021

Waste is a material that is no longer used so that it is then thrown away. All community activities generate waste, so the volume of waste continues to increase. The community is responsible for processing waste so that it does not have a negative impact on the environment. Waste is one of the factors that play a role in flooding in Samarinda.

Household waste in the form of vegetable and fruit peels can be processed into compost. Compost improves soil structure by increasing the organic matter content of the soil and will increase the soil's ability to retain soil water content. The process of making compost is quite easy and can be done independently on a household scale.

The training on the use of household waste into compost was addressed to residents of RT.6 RW.2 Jalan Jelawat, Sidodamai, Samarinda Ilir District. This activity aims to provide training on household organic waste management to the people, so that it is not wasted and keeps the environment clean. The expected long-term impacts are the reduction in the volume of municipal waste, reducing the frequency of floods, and improving the community's economy, through the production of compost and agricultural products. The training was held on May 29, 2021 by STIKSAM lecturers and students, and was attended by members of PKK RT.06. The training was conducted using lecture and demonstrated methods. The trainees are interested in making compost and will use compost for ornamental plants and vegetables planted in their yards.
Influência das técnicas de cultivo na atividade antioxidante de romã
Authors: Carmo Mônica Cristina Lopes do , Alcântara Berenice Kussumoto de , Alencar Severino Matias de , Bezerra Rosângela Maria Neves
Published: October 2021

Apesar de a romã já ser reconhecida na literatura como tendo elevado potencial antioxidante e ajudar na prevenção de patologias relacionadas ao desequilíbrio oxidativo, ainda pouco se conhece sobre as variações na composição química que os diferentes tipos de cultivo podem propiciar. A procura pelo alimento orgânico têm aumentado, porém são escassas as pesquisas científicas com vista à caracterização do alimento produzido no sistema orgânico, em relação aos obtidos no sistema convencional. Considerando este cenário, o objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar e comparar por diferentes metodologias a capacidade de romãs (Punica granatum) oriundas de cultivos orgânico e convencional. O extrato etanólico da polpa de romã foi obtido por método sequencial. Os fenólicos totais foram determinados pelo método de Folin Ciocateau e a atividade antioxidante in vitro foi determinada através de dois métodos: espectrofotometria, através da descoloração do radical ABTS+ (2,2-azinobis- [3-etil-benzotiazolin-6-ácido sulfônico]) com persulfato de potássio, e oxigen radical absorbance capacity. No cultivo das frutas do tipo convencional foram utilizados adubos, fertilizantes, pesticidas e aceleradores de amadurecimento, já as frutas orgânicas foram cultivadas sem o uso de herbicidas e inseticidas e aditivos minerais de indução de crescimento. A romã teve sua capacidade antioxidante determinada e os tipos de cultivo foram comparados entre si. Constatou-se que as frutas do cultivo orgânico apresentaram os mais altos teores de compostos redutores e atividade antioxidante equivalente ao Trolox quando comparadas à frutas de cultivo convencional. O sistema de cultivo orgânico contribuiu para uma mais efetiva atividade antioxidante da romã. O tipo de técnica agrícola foi capaz de interferir no conteúdo de compostos antioxidantes da fruta.
ATIVIDADE MICROBIANA DO SOLO SOB PLANTIO DIRETO E INCORPORADO COM DIFERENTES PALHADAS E ÉPOCAS DE APLICAÇÃO DE NITROGÊNIO
Authors: Pacheco Lara , Costa Rommel , Cunha Patrícia , Wisintainer Carolina
Published: October 2021

Além da dinâmica do N, o SPD também interfere na atividade dos microrganismos do solo, pois os resíduos orgânicos ou palhada são fontes de energia (carbono) e nutrientes para a maioria das populações microbianas do solo, aumentando a atividade biológica e melhorando as relações ecológicas. Este trabalho avaliou a atividade microbiana do solo com diferentes palhadas e épocas de aplicação de nitrogênio. Os tratamentos consistiram em dois tipos de palhadas, Urochloa ruziziensis e Pueraria phaseoloides L. (kudzu), Plantio direto ou incorporado, diferentes épocas de aplicação do adubo nitrogenado, 35% aplicados em pré-semeadura da cultura (crambe) ou 35% aplicado em cobertura e a testemunha sem utilização da palhada, totalizando dez tratamentos. Aos 35 dias após emergência das plantas coletou-se uma amostra de solo de cada vaso, na profundidade de 0-10 cm, para avaliação do Carbono da Biomassa Microbiana do Solo (C-BM), da Respiração Basal do Solo (RBS) e do Quociente metabólico (qCO2). A incorporação de Pueraria phaseoloides e a adubação nitrogenada em cobertura favorecem a atividade microbiana no solo.
V WORKSHOP DO PROGRAMA DE PÓS-GRADUAÇÃO EM TECNOLOGIA DE ALIMENTOS E I CICLO INTERNACIONAL DE PALESTRAS
Authors: Da Silva Marco Antônio Pereira , Viana Letícia Fleury
Published: October 2021

O V Workshop do Programa de Pós-Graduação em Tecnologia de Alimentos e I Ciclo Internacional de Palestras do Campus Rio Verde do IF Goiano, ocorreu no período de 7 a 11 de dezembro de 2020, nesta quinta edição o Workshop veio com a proposta de internacionalização do programa, e desta forma, diferente das edições anteriores, o evento foi totalmente on line, proporcionando, portanto, a participação de congressistas de diferentes regiões do Brasil, além de países como Peru, Chile, México, Estados Unidos, Portugal, Espanha e Alemanha.
Assessing and Modelling Tail Dependencies Between Service Times in Discrete Event Simulation With Minimum Information Copulas for a Better Understanding of Maximum Time in System Risk
Authors: Werner Christoph
Published: October 2021

In Discrete Event Simulation (DES) we can often assume that the distributions of service times are independent of each other. However, in some simulation problems this might lead to underestimating the potential risk of certain simulation results, such as the maximum time in system, exceeding some critical threshold, especially when tail dependencies are present. Given that the impact of potential tail dependencies on simulation results has only sparsely been addressed in the simulation literature, in this paper we present a novel framework to model tail dependencies between service time distributions in DES through copulas. A main modelling challenge for this is the lack of relevant historical data on tail dependencies. Therefore, we present a linear programming-based method to assess minimum information copulas through expert judgements which minimise unspecified parametric assumptions. It offers a structured way to include tail dependencies in DES via copula theory despite lacking historical data. Additionally, we provide a classification of the possible sources of tail dependencies in DES problems to better understand their impact on commonly used results in simulation studies, such as the maximum time in system. Lastly, we apply the assessment method and model tail dependencies in a simulation of an emergency ambulance service as here the maximum time in system is often critical.
Polysaccharide-Based Hydrogels for Microencapsulation of Stem Cells in Regenerative Medicine
Authors: Lee Si-Yuen , Ma Jingyi , Khoo Tze Sean , Abdullah Norfadhilatuladha , Nik Md Noordin Kahar Nik Nur Farisha , Abdul Hamid Zuratul Ain , Mustapha Muzaimi
Published: October 2021

Stem cell-based therapy appears as a promising strategy to induce regeneration of damaged and diseased tissues. However, low survival, poor engraftment and a lack of site-specificity are major drawbacks. Polysaccharide hydrogels can address these issues and offer several advantages as cell delivery vehicles. They have become very popular due to their unique properties such as high-water content, biocompatibility, biodegradability and flexibility. Polysaccharide polymers can be physically or chemically crosslinked to construct biomimetic hydrogels. Their resemblance to living tissues mimics the native three-dimensional extracellular matrix and supports stem cell survival, proliferation and differentiation. Given the intricate nature of communication between hydrogels and stem cells, understanding their interaction is crucial. Cells are incorporated with polysaccharide hydrogels using various microencapsulation techniques, allowing generation of more relevant models and further enhancement of stem cell therapies. This paper provides a comprehensive review of human stem cells and polysaccharide hydrogels most used in regenerative medicine. The recent and advanced stem cell microencapsulation techniques, which include extrusion, emulsion, lithography, microfluidics, superhydrophobic surfaces and bioprinting, are described. This review also discusses current progress in clinical translation of stem-cell encapsulated polysaccharide hydrogels for cell delivery and disease modeling (drug testing and discovery) with focuses on musculoskeletal, nervous, cardiac and cancerous tissues.
Sex Differences in Mesenchymal Stem Cell Therapy With Gelatin-Based Microribbon Hydrogels in a Murine Long Bone Critical-Size Defect Model
Authors: Ueno Masaya , Zhang Ning , Hirata Hirohito , Barati Danial , Utsunomiya Takeshi , Shen Huaishuang , Lin Tzuhua , Maruyama Masahiro , Huang Ejun , Yao Zhenyu , Wu Joy Y. , Zwingenberger Stefan , Yang Fan , Goodman Stuart B.
Published: October 2021

Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-based therapy and novel biomaterials are promising strategies for healing of long bone critical size defects. Interleukin-4 (IL-4) over-expressing MSCs within a gelatin microribbon (µRB) scaffold was previously shown to enhance the bridging of bone within a critical size femoral bone defect in male Balb/c mice. Whether sex differences affect the healing of this bone defect in conjunction with different treatments is unknown. In this study, we generated 2-mm critical-sized femoral diaphyseal bone defects in 10–12-week-old female and male Balb/c mice. Scaffolds without cells and with unmodified MSCs were implanted immediately after the primary surgery that created the bone defect; scaffolds with IL-4 over-expressing MSCs were implanted 3 days after the primary surgery, to avoid the adverse effects of IL-4 on the initial inflammatory phase of fracture healing. Mice were euthanized 6 weeks after the primary surgery and femurs were collected. MicroCT (µCT), histochemical and immunohistochemical analyses were subsequently performed of the defect site. µRB scaffolds with IL-4 over-expressing MSCs enhanced bone healing in both female and male mice. Male mice showed higher measures of bone bridging and increased alkaline phosphatase (ALP) positive areas, total macrophages and M2 macrophages compared with female mice after receiving scaffolds with IL-4 over-expressing MSCs. Female mice showed higher Tartrate-Resistant Acid Phosphatase (TRAP) positive osteoclast numbers compared with male mice. These results demonstrated that sex differences should be considered during the application of MSC-based studies of bone healing.
Assisted Hatching Treatment of Piezo-Mediated Small Hole on Zona Pellucida in Morula Stage Embryos Improves Embryo Implantation and Litter Size in Mice
Authors: Hao Xin , Zhao Yi-Tong , Ding Kang , Xue Fang-Rui , Wang Xin-Yu , Yang Qi , Han Zhe , Liang Cheng-Guang
Published: October 2021

For in vitro produced embryos generated from in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) procedure, the intra- and extra-environmental factors during in vitro culture have significant impact on latter embryo development and fetus growth. Assisted hatching (AH), an effective approach to facilitate hatchability for in vitro generated embryos, is an essential step for successful embryo implantation in the uterus. However, regarding the different AH methods reported in clinical practice, it is still unknown whether zona pellucida (ZP) broken is based on AH applied in diverse stages of embryos affect implantation and fetal development. Here, piezo-mediated AH treatments were classified into four categories: (1) drilling one small hole (SH) with a diameter of 10 μm on ZP (SH); (2) drilling one large hole (LH) with a diameter of 40 μm on ZP (LH); (3) made a small area with diameter of 40-μm thinner on ZP [small area thinner (ST)]; (4) made a large area with a diameter of 80-μm thinner [large area thinner (LT)]. These four AH treatments were applied in different stage embryos including two-cell, four-cell, and morula. The most efficient AH approach was chosen according to the final hatch rate at 120 h after fertilization. We found that the approach of SH applied in morula-stage embryos obtained the highest hatch rate. To further investigate if this treatment has any side effect on later development after embryo transfer, we evaluated embryo implantation, gestational period, litter size, and growth. Our results showed that SH applied in morula-stage embryos could facilitate the implantation process and increase litter size. Meanwhile, this approach had no side effect on birth weight, growth, or gender ratio in the offspring. We conclude that drilling a SH on ZP in morula-stage embryos is an effective and reliable AH approach for in vitro cultured embryos in rodent. And this approach is worth further investigating in human-assisted reproductive technology.
New Insights Into Human Hyaluronidase 4/Chondroitin Sulphate Hydrolase
Authors: Maciej-Hulme Marissa L.
Published: October 2021

In this review, the current experimental evidence, literature and hypotheses surrounding hyaluronidase 4 [HYAL4, also known as chondroitin sulphate hydrolase (CHSE)] and chondroitin sulphate (CS) are explored. Originally named for its sequence similarity to other members of the hyaluronidase family, HYAL4 is actually a relatively distinct member of the family, particularly for its unique degradation of CS-D (2-O-, 6-O-sulphated CS) motifs and specific expression. Human HYAL4 protein expression and structural features are discussed in relation to different isoforms, activities, potential localisations and protein-protein interaction partners. CS proteoglycan targets of HYAL4 activity include: serglycin, aggrecan, CD44 and sulfatase 2, with other potential proteoglycans yet to be identified. Importantly, changes in HYAL4 expression changes in human disease have been described for testicular, bladder and kidney cancers, with gene mutations reported for several others including: leukaemia, endometrial, ovarian, colorectal, head and neck, stomach, lung and breast cancers. The HYAL4 gene also plays a role in P53 negative human cancer cell proliferation and is linked to stem cell naivety. However, its role in cancer remains relatively unexplored. Finally, current tools and techniques for the detection of specific HYAL4 activity in biological samples are critically assessed. Understanding the role of HYAL4 in human diseases will fortify our understanding of developmental processes and disease manifestation, ultimately providing novel diagnostic opportunities and therapeutic targets for drug discovery.
Novel Thermophilic Bacterial Laccase for the Degradation of Aromatic Organic Pollutants
Authors: Sharma Nabangshu , Leung Ivanhoe K.H.
Published: October 2021

We identified a putative laccase from the thermophilic bacteriumGeobacillus yumthangensis. The putative laccase was produced recombinantly and its ability to catalyse the degradation of aromatic organic pollutants was investigated. The putative laccase exhibits broad pH and temperature stability, and, notably, it could catalyse the degradation of organic dyes as well as toxic pollutants including bisphenol A, guaiacol and phenol with a redox mediator. Our work further demonstrates the potential of using oxidative enzymes to break down toxic chemicals that possess major threats to human health and the environment.
Hydrogen-Bonded Structure of Water in the Loop of Anchored Polyrotaxane Chain Controlled by Anchoring Density
Authors: Akada Keishi , Yamazoe Kosuke , Miyawaki Jun , Maeda Rina , Ito Kohzo , Harada Yoshihisa
Published: October 2021

Hydrogen-bonded network of water surrounding polymers is expected to be one of the most relevant factors affecting biocompatibility, while the specific hydrogen-bonded structure of water responsible for biocompatibility is still under debate. Here we study the hydrogen-bonded structure of water in a loop-shaped poly(ethylene glycol) chain in a polyrotaxane using synchrotron soft X-ray emission spectroscopy. By changing the density of anchoring molecules, hydrogen-bonded structure of water confined in the poly(ethylene glycol) loop was identified. The XES profile of the confined water indicates the absence of the low energy lone-pair peak, probably because the limited space of the polymer loop entropically inhibits the formation of tetrahedrally coordinated water. The volume of the confined water can be changed by the anchoring density, which implies the ability to control the biocompatibility of loop-shaped polymers.
2-Hydroxybenzophenone Derivatives: ESIPT Fluorophores Based on Switchable Intramolecular Hydrogen Bonds and Excitation Energy–Dependent Emission
Authors: Wang Hailan , Xiao Yuxin , Xie Zongliang , Sun Haodong , Zhang Xiayu , Wang Juan , Huang Rongjuan
Published: October 2021

In this work, a new series of 2-hydroxybenzophenone (BPOH) derivatives, BPOH-TPA, BPOH-PhCz, and BPOH-SF substituting with different electron-donating groups are designed and synthesized. Dual-emission spectra are observed in solutions indicating their excited-state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) character. In solid states, all compounds exhibit a broad emission spectrum when excited at low excitation energy, deriving from the enol-type form stabilized by intramolecular hydrogen bonds. Compound BPOH-TPA shows a clear excitation wavelength dependence. However, such behavior is absent in BPOH-PhCz and BPOH-SF, as the rigid and weaker donor moieties may restrict this process. Furthermore, by increasing the excitation energy, dual emission with a high-energy band ranging from 550 to 582 nm and a low-energy band ranging from 625 to 638 nm is obtained in all three molecules. The photophysical studies and single-crystal analyses are performed to further illustrate the excitation-dependent emission. Higher excitation energies can promote more excitons to keto forms via ESIPT, giving a stronger redshifted emission. BPOH-TPA with a stronger donor strength exhibits an obvious color change gradually from yellow to orange-red with the increasing excitation power from 1 to 15 mW/cm2. This study provides a novel example of ESIPT materials with tunable emission colors.
Physician Perceptions on the Use of Antibiotics and Probiotics in Adults: An International Survey in the Asia-Pacific Area
Authors: Ghoshal Uday C. , Gwee Kok-Ann , Holtmann Gerald , Li Yanmei , Park Soo Jung , Simadibrata Marcellus , Sugano Kentaro , Cohen Henry , Quigley Eamonn M. M.
Published: October 2021

Background and Aims

The over-prescription of antibiotics is thought to represent a major threat to public health worldwide and is more frequently observed in some low- and middle-income countries. In the Asia-Pacific region, economic development, health care organization and population demographics are very heterogenous. The objective of this survey was to investigate antibiotic use and probiotic co-prescription among adult patients in this area.

Methods

An online survey of physicians from seven countries of the Asia-Pacific region (Australia, Japan, Indonesia, India, China, Singapore and South Korea) was performed in 2018. The questionnaire explored current practices of physicians concerning antibiotics and probiotics and factors related to prescribing decisions.

Results

A total of 387 general practitioners and 350 gastroenterologists completed the questionnaire. Physicians in Australia, Japan and South-Korea were low prescribers of antibiotics (11% to 19% of visits resulted in an antibiotic prescription), while physicians in Indonesia, India, China and Singapore were high prescribers (41% to 61%). A large majority (85%) of physicians agreed that antibiotics disrupted intestinal microbiota. The rates of co-prescription of probiotics varied from 16% in Japan to 39% in Singapore (overall, 27%). Conditions considered by physicians to be prevented by probiotics were mostly antibiotic-associated diarrhea (62%) and Clostridium difficile colitis (43%).

Conclusions

Rates of probiotic co-prescription remain low in many countries although the negative effects of antibiotics on the gut microbiota and the benefits of co-prescribing probiotics are generally known.
Glaciers Control the Hydrogeochemistry of Proglacial Streams During Late Summer in the Wind River Range, Wyoming, United States
Authors: Barkdull Natalie S. , Carling Gregory T. , Fernandez Diego P. , Nelson Stephen T. , Bickmore Barry R. , Tingey David G. , Checketts Hannah N. , Packer Brian N. , Hale Colin A.
Published: October 2021

Glaciers alter the geochemistry of sensitive alpine streams by exposing freshly weathered bedrock and releasing atmospherically deposited trace metals from melting ice. Changes in the timing and quantity of glacial melt also affect discharge and temperature of alpine streams. To investigate the effects of glacier meltwater on the geochemistry and hydrology of proglacial streams in the western US, we sampled supraglacial meltwaters and proglacial streams in the Dinwoody Creek watershed in the Wind River Range, Wyoming during a one-week period in 2015. The upper watershed contains Gannett Glacier ( ∼ 5 km2) and Dinwoody Glacier ( ∼ 4 km2) at elevations between 3,300–4,000 m asl. Samples were collected during late summer (27 August–4 September) when the contributions of glacier meltwater were highest. Supraglacial meltwater was enriched in a suite of trace metals (Cd, Co, Cu, Hg, Mn, Pb, Zn) relative to proglacial streams, suggesting an atmospheric source of metals to the glaciers. Concentrations of major ions and the remaining 30+ analyzed trace elements were enriched in proglacial streams relative to supraglacial meltwater, reflecting weathering of granite and gneiss bedrock. To evaluate the diurnal effects of glacier meltwater inputs, we deployed loggers to monitor water levels, temperature, and specific conductance at 15 min intervals over a one-week period and collected hourly water samples from Dinwoody Creek for a 24 h period. The influx of glacial meltwater during the daytime diluted major ion and rare earth element concentrations and caused increased concentrations for a subset of trace metals. Stable water isotopes (δD and δ18O) in Dinwoody Creek were more depleted during peak flow relative to baseflow due to contributions from isotopically depleted meltwater. The combination of multiple hydrologic tracers (solute concentrations, high frequency logger data, water isotopes) shows strong potential to improve estimates of glacier meltwater contributions to proglacial streams. Changes in water chemistry and discharge need to be monitored as glaciers recede across the Wind River Range and other midlatitude mountain ranges for mitigating negative impacts on alpine ecosystems and downstream water resources.
Optimization of the Heterologous Expression of the Cannabinoid Type-1 (CB1) Receptor
Authors: Horváth Viktória B. , Soltész-Katona Eszter , Wisniewski Éva , Rajki Anikó , Halász Eszter , Enyedi Balázs , Hunyady László , Tóth András Dávid , Szanda Gergő
Published: October 2021

The G protein-coupled type 1 cannabinoid receptor (CB1R) mediates virtually all classic cannabinoid effects, and both its agonists and antagonists hold major therapeutic potential. Heterologous expression of receptors is vital for pharmacological research, however, overexpression of these proteins may fundamentally alter their localization pattern, change the signalling partner preference and may also spark artificial clustering. Additionally, recombinant CB1Rs are prone to intense proteasomal degradation, which may necessitate substantial modifications, such as N-terminal truncation or signal sequence insertion, for acceptable cell surface expression. We report here that tuning down the expression intensity of the full-length CB1R reduces proteasomal degradation and offers receptor levels that are comparable to those of endogenous CB1 receptors. As opposed to high-efficiency expression with conventional promoters, weak promoter-driven CB1R expression provides ERK 1/2 and p38 MAPK signalling that closely resemble the activity of endogenous CB1Rs. Moreover, weakly expressed CB1R variants exhibit plasma membrane localization, preserve canonical Gi-signalling but prevent CB1R-Gs coupling observed with high-expression variants. Based on these findings, we propose that lowering the expression level of G protein-coupled receptors should always be considered in heterologous expression systems in order to reduce the pressure on the proteasomal machinery and to avoid potential signalling artefacts.
Metabolic Features of Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Latin America: A Systematic Review
Authors: Marchesan Lucas Bandeira , Ramos Ramon Bossardi , Spritzer Poli Mara
Published: October 2021

Background

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine disorder that commonly affects women of childbearing age and has been associated with metabolic and reproductive abnormalities. Only a few studies have investigated metabolic traits in women with PCOS in Latin America. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review to provide an overview of the available evidence on the metabolic profile of Latin American women with PCOS.

Methods

We searched PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Embase databases for cross-sectional, case-control, or cohort studies focusing on populations of countries in South and Central America and Mexico, published until October 31, 2019. We selected studies that reported the diagnostic criteria for PCOS. In the absence of a control group, we included studies if they reported relevant metabolic data.

Results

The initial search yielded 4878 records, of which 41 studies were included in the systematic review. Sample sizes ranged from 10 to 288 in PCOS groups and from 10 to 1500 in control groups. The prevalence of phenotypes A and B (classic PCOS) ranged from 65.8% to 87.5% as reported in studies from Argentina, Brazil, and Chile. Metabolic syndrome ranged from 33.3% to 44.0% for phenotype A, from 15.0% to 58.0% for phenotype B, from 11.9% to 36.0% for phenotype C, and from 14.2% to 66.0% for phenotype D. Women with PCOS had higher body mass index, waist circumference, blood pressure, glucose, and homeostasis model assessment index as well as a more adverse lipid profile than those without PCOS.

Conclusions

Evidence from the present systematic review suggests that anthropometric and metabolic profiles are worse in women with PCOS who live in different Latin American countries than in women without PCOS living in the same region. Additional studies assessing metabolic comorbidities, such as diabetes, and distinct PCOS phenotypes in different Latin American countries are warranted and may produce invaluable information for primary and secondary prevention of PCOS in the region. This systematic review was registered with PROSPERO under number CRD42016038537.

Systematic Review Registration

PROSPERO, identifier CRD42016038537.
Reactive Structures of Ammonia MILD Combustion in Diffusion Ignition Processes
Authors: Sorrentino G. , Sabia P. , Ariemma G. B. , Ragucci R. , de Joannon M.
Published: October 2021

Reactive structures have been analyzed, when ammonia is used as a fuel, in a steady 1D counterflow diffusion flame layer, mimicking diffusion ignition processes. The characterization has been carried out in a wide range of feeding parameters under Moderate or Intense Low-oxygen Dilution (MILD) combustion conditions. Both the Hot-Fuel-Diluted-Fuel (HFDF) and Hot-Oxidant-Diluted-Fuel (HODF) configurations were studied to analyze the main effects of the inlet feeding conditions on the oxidative structures. The reaction zone has been analyzed in terms of temperature and heat release profiles in the mixture fraction space for various ranges of inlet parameters, using a standard code and a validated chemical kinetic scheme. Several features of the reaction zone have been recognized as reported also in previous works for hydrocarbon flames. They were used as discriminative for the achievement of various combustion regimes. In particular, the flame thickening process and the absence of correlation between the maximum heat release and the stoichiometric mixture fraction were analyzed to build maps of behaviors. The latter were reported on an inlet preheating level-temperature increase plane for fixed values of the bulk strain rate and system pressures. Another relevant feature previously reported with hydrocarbons in the literature, in Hot Diluted Diffusion Ignition (HDDI) processes under MILD conditions, was the pyrolysis depression. The latter characteristic has been not observed when ammonia is used as a fuel, for the operative conditions here investigated. Indeed, the heat release profiles do not show the presence of negative heat release regions. The results obtained for the HFDF configuration are strongly dependent on the system pressure level. Finally, the HODF condition has been also analyzed for ammonia at the atmospheric pressure. Boundaries of the combustion regimes and reactive structure features showed several differences between HFDF and HODF cases with respect to the inlet parameters.
An Outlier-Robust Point and Interval Forecasting System for Daily PM2.5 Concentration
Authors: Yin Ziqi , Fang Xin
Published: October 2021

Air pollution forecasting, particularly of PM2.5 levels, can be used not only to deliver effective warning information to the public but also to provide support for decisions regarding the control and treatment of air pollution problems. However, there are still some challenging issues in air pollution forecasting that urgently need to be solved, such as how to handle and model outliers, improve forecasting stability, and correct forecasting results. In this context, this study proposes an outlier-robust forecasting system to attempt to tackle the abovementioned issues and bridge the gap in the current research. Specifically, the system developed consists of two parts that deal with point and interval forecasting, respectively. For point forecasting, a data preprocessing module is proposed based on outlier handling and data decomposition to mitigate the negative influences of outliers and noise, which can also help the model capture the main characteristics of the original time series. Meanwhile, an outlier-robust forecasting module is designed for better modeling of the preprocessed data. For the model to further improve its accuracy, a nonlinear correction module based on an error ensemble strategy is developed that can provide more accurate forecasting results. Finally, the interval forecasting part of the system is based on a newly proposed artificial intelligence–based distribution evaluation and the results of the point forecasting part to present the range of future changes. Experimental results and analysis utilizing daily PM2.5 concentration from two provincial capital cities in China are discussed to verify the superiority and effectiveness of the system developed, which can be considered an effective technique for point and interval forecasting of daily PM2.5 concentration.
Systematic Review of Genomic Associations with Blood Pressure and Hypertension in Populations with African-Ancestry
Authors: Singh S. , Brandenburg J-T. , Choudhury A. , Gómez-Olivé F.X. , Ramsay M.
Published: October 2021

Background: Despite hypertension being highly prevalent in individuals with African-ancestry, they are under-represented in large genome-wide association studies. Inclusion of African participants is essential to better understand genetic associations with blood pressure-related traits in Africans. This systematic review critically evaluates existing studies with African-ancestry participants and identifies knowledge gaps.

Methods: We followed the PRISMA protocol, HuGE Review handbook to identify literature on original research, in English, on genetic association studies for blood pressure-related traits (systolic and diastolic blood pressure, pulse and mean-arterial pressure, and hypertension) in populations with African-ancestry (January 2007 to April 2020). A narrative synthesis of the evidence was conducted.

Results: Twelve studies with African-ancestry participants met the eligibility criteria, within which 10 studies met the additional genetic association data criteria (i.e., reporting only on African-ancestry participants). Across the five blood pressure-related traits, 26 genome-wide significantly associated SNPs were identified, with six SNPs linked to more than one trait, illustrating pleiotropic effects. Among the SNP associations, 12 had not previously been described in non-African studies.

Discussion: The limited number of relevant studies highlights the dearth of genomic association studies on participants with African-ancestry, especially those located within Africa. Variations in study methodology, participant inclusion, adjustment for covariates (e.g., antihypertensive medication) and relatively small sample sizes make comparisons challenging, and have resulted in fewer significant associations, compared to large European studies. Regional variation in the prevalence and associated risk factors of hypertension across Africa makes a compelling argument to develop African cohorts to facilitate large genomic studies, using African-centric arrays. Data harmonisation and comparable study designs, such as described in the H3Africa CHAIR initiative, provide a good example toward achieving this goal.

Other relevant information: SS and J-TB were funded by the South African National Research Foundation. MR is a South African Research Chair in Genomics and Bioinformatics of African populations hosted by the University of the Witwatersrand, funded by the Department of Science and Innovation, and administered by the NRF. This review was registered at PROSPERO (registration number: CRD42020179221) and OSF (registration DOI: 10.17605/OSF.IO/QT2HA).
Interaction-Based Feature Selection Algorithm Outperforms Polygenic Risk Score in Predicting Parkinson’s Disease Status
Authors: Cope Justin L. , Baukmann Hannes A. , Klinger Jörn E. , Ravarani Charles N. J. , Böttinger Erwin P. , Konigorski Stefan , Schmidt Marco F.
Published: October 2021

Polygenic risk scores (PRS) aggregating results from genome-wide association studies are the state of the art in the prediction of susceptibility to complex traits or diseases, yet their predictive performance is limited for various reasons, not least of which is their failure to incorporate the effects of gene-gene interactions. Novel machine learning algorithms that use large amounts of data promise to find gene-gene interactions in order to build models with better predictive performance than PRS. Here, we present a data preprocessing step by using data-mining of contextual information to reduce the number of features, enabling machine learning algorithms to identify gene-gene interactions. We applied our approach to the Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI) dataset, an observational clinical study of 471 genotyped subjects (368 cases and 152 controls). With an AUC of 0.85 (95% CI = [0.72; 0.96]), the interaction-based prediction model outperforms the PRS (AUC of 0.58 (95% CI = [0.42; 0.81])). Furthermore, feature importance analysis of the model provided insights into the mechanism of Parkinson’s disease. For instance, the model revealed an interaction of previously described drug target candidate genesTMEM175andGAPDHP25. These results demonstrate that interaction-based machine learning models can improve genetic prediction models and might provide an answer to the missing heritability problem.
Analysis of Genome-Wide Alternative Splicing Profiling and Development of Potential Drugs in Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Song Jing , Liu Jia , Lv Dekang , Meng Xuan , Li Xiaodong
Published: October 2021

Alternative splicing (AS) is significantly related to tumor development as well as a patient’s clinical characteristics. This study was designed to systematically analyze the survival-associated AS signatures in Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). Among 30,735 AS events in 9,635 genes, we found that there were 1,429 AS in 1,125 genes which were conspicuously related to the overall survival of LUAD patients. Then, according to the seven types of AS events, we established AS signatures and constructed a new combined prognostic model. The Kaplan-Meier curve results showed that seven types of AS signatures and the combined prognostic model could divide patients into distinct prognoses. The ROC curve shows that all eight AS signatures had powerful predictive properties with different AUCs ranging from 0.708 to 0.849. Additionally, the elevated risk scores were positively related to higher TNM stage and metastasis. Interestingly, AS events and splicing factors (SFs) network shed light on a meaningful connection between prognostic AS genes and corresponding SFs. Moreover, we found that the combined prognostic model signature has a higher predictive ability than the mRNA signature. Furthermore, tumors at high risk might evade immune recognition by decreasing the expression of antigen presentation genes. Finally, we predicted the three most significant small molecule drugs to inhibit LUAD. Among them, NVP-AUY922 had the lowest IC50 value and might become a potential drug to prolong a patient’s survival. In conclusion, our study established a potential prognostic signature for LUAD patients, revealed a splicing network between AS and SFs and possible immune escape mechanism, and provided several small-molecule drugs to inhibit tumorigenesis.
Generation and Effect Testing of a SARS-CoV-2 RBD-Targeted Polyclonal Therapeutic Antibody Based on a 2-D Airway Organoid Screening System
Authors: He Yunjiao , Qu Jing , Wei Lan , Liao Shumin , Zheng Nianzhen , Liu Yingzi , Wang Xingyun , Jing Yue , Shen Clifton Kwang-Fu , Ji Chong , Luo Guxun , Zhang Yiyun , Xiang Qi , Fu Yang , Li Shuo , Fan Yunping , Fang Shisong , Wang Peng , Li Liang
Published: October 2021

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an acute respiratory infectious disease caused by infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The US FDA has approved several therapeutics and vaccines worldwide through the emergency use authorization in response to the rapid spread of COVID-19. Nevertheless, the efficacies of these treatments are being challenged by viral escape mutations. There is an urgent need to develop effective treatments protecting against SARS-CoV-2 infection and to establish a stable effect-screening model to test potential drugs. Polyclonal antibodies (pAbs) have an intrinsic advantage in such developments because they can target rapidly mutating viral strains as a result of the complexity of their binding epitopes. In this study, we generated anti–receptor-binding domain (anti-RBD) pAbs from rabbit serum and tested their safety and efficacy in response to SARS-CoV-2 infection both in vivo and ex vivo. Primary human bronchial epithelial two-dimensional (2-D) organoids were cultured and differentiated to a mature morphology and subsequently employed for SARS-CoV-2 infection and drug screening. The pAbs protected the airway organoids from viral infection and tissue damage. Potential side effects were tested in mouse models for both inhalation and vein injection. The pAbs displayed effective viral neutralization effects without significant side effects. Thus, the use of animal immune serum–derived pAbs might be a potential therapy for protection against SARS-CoV-2 infection, with the strategy developed to produce these pAbs providing new insight into the treatment of respiratory tract infections, especially for infections with viruses undergoing rapid mutation.
Tumor-Infiltrating Immune-Related Long Non-Coding RNAs Indicate Prognoses and Response to PD-1 Blockade in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Ma Ben , Jiang Hongyi , Luo Yi , Liao Tian , Xu Weibo , Wang Xiao , Dong Chuanpeng , Ji Qinghai , Wang Yu
Published: October 2021

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in immune cells play critical roles in tumor cell–immune cell interactions. This study aimed to characterize the landscape of tumor-infiltrating immune-related lncRNAs (Ti-lncRNAs) and reveal their correlations with prognoses and immunotherapy response in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). We developed a computational model to identify Ti-lncRNAs in HNSCC and analyzed their associations with clinicopathological features, molecular alterations, and immunotherapy response. A signature of nine Ti-lncRNAs demonstrated an independent prognostic factor for both overall survival and disease-free survival among the cohorts from Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, The Cancer Genome Atlas, GSE41613, and GSE42743. The Ti-lncRNA signature scores in immune cells showed significant associations with TP53 mutation, CDKN2A mutation, and hypoxia. Inferior signature scores were enriched in patients with high levels of PDCD1 and CTLA4 and high expanded immune gene signature (IGS) scores, who displayed good response to PD-1 blockade in HNSCC. Consistently, superior clinical response emerged in melanoma patients with low signature scores undergoing anti-PD-1 therapy. Moreover, the Ti-lncRNA signature was a prognostic factor independent of PDCD1, CTLA4, and the expanded IGS score. In conclusion, tumor-infiltrating immune profiling identified a prognostic Ti-lncRNA signature indicative of clinical response to PD-1 blockade in HNSCC.