bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bioactive Properties Of Commercial Reishi Mushroom Products In Powder Form
Authors: DEMİRCİ Ahmet Şükrü , SÖZERİ ATİK Didem , PALABIYIK İbrahim , GÜLCÜ Mehmet
Published: April 2021

Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi mushroom) has well known history of use with regards to ensuring health effects and longevity in Asian countries. Besides, it has an antioxidative protection system to protect the living organism from the action of free radicals. This study examines the bioactive properties of powder form of G. lucidum as a natural functional agent and the antimicrobial effects of the 5 different commercially sold powder of the G. lucidum mushrooms were investigated against various pathogenic bacteria and molds. For this purpose, the phenolic content, antioxidant capacity of G. lucidum samples were determined. The antimicrobial effects of the 5 different G. lucidum mushrooms against various food-related pathogenic bacteria (Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Listeria monocytogenes ATCC 7644, Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Enteritidis ATCC 13076, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 2592, Vibrio parahaemolyticus ATCC 17802) and molds (Aspergillus parasiticus NRRL 2999 and Aspergillus parasiticus NRRL 465) were expressed as a diameter (mm) of the inhibition zone. The values of total phenolic content of different G. lucidum samples ranged from 2.35 to 10.46 mg GAE g-1. The scavenging activity of DPPH radicals of G. lucidum samples did not show any significant difference for samples 2, 4, and 5. The same trend was observed between for ABTS+ results of these samples. The highest total phenolic content and antioxidative activity were observed in the sample 1. The extracts of different G. lucidum samples demonstrated statistically significant antibacterial activity against E. coli ATCC 25922. Regarding the antifungal activity of G. lucidum samples, there were not found any significant differences when compared different samples. The results demonstrated that G. lucidum can be used as a functional food ingredient to improve the bioactive properties of foods.
STRATEGI PENINGKATAN OCCUPANCY RATE DAN AVERAGE ROOM RATE PADA MASA PANDEMI COVID-19 DI HOTEL NOORMANS SEMARANG
Authors: Asshofi Izza Ulumuddin Ahmad , Pranata Prima Setia Judha
Published: April 2021

The Covid-19 pandemic has caused unrest for all citizens of the world in the health, trade, economy, security, politics, transportation, human mobility and tourism sectors. As the second largest contributor to foreign exchange in Indonesia in 2019, tourism, especially hospitality, has experienced a significant decline in business. Starting from canceling room reservations to canceling various activities at the hotel. As a consequence, the hotel occupancy rate and average room rate dropped dramatically to 10% - 25%. This was also experienced by Hotel Noormans Semarang, which only had an occupancy rate of 15% in April 2020 with an average room rate below the price of IDR 300,000.00. The aim of this paper is to observe the strategy to increase the occupancy rate and average room rate during the Covid-19 pandemic at the Hotel Noormans Semarang. This research was designed with a descriptive qualitative paradigm. This research shows that the strategy of increasing the occupancy rate and average room rate during the pandemic at Noormans hotels in 2020 does not show positive results. However, what happened was the opposite, a decline from 2019 to 2020. The occupancy rate decreased from 70% to 36% and the average room rate decreased from IDR 332,094.00 to IDR 258,250.00. Keywords: occupancy rate, average room rate, hotel, Covid-19
The Reformation in Moray: Precursors and Initiation
Authors: Bardgett Frank D.
Published: April 2021

Evidence from Moray, an area outside the heartland of radical ‘fervencie’, argues that the reach of the reform movement in Scotland was indeed broad, and assists with an answer to the question as to ‘how this Protestant minority was able to impose such profound religous change so rapidly through the country.’ This article explores what is known of precursors to the reformation in the province, seeking to show that, while ambiguity must be acknowledged, the changes after 1560 were not entirely unheralded. It has long been recognised that ‘the determining factor in any area in promoting the reformed faith was the attitude of the local lairds’, so the connections – by kindred, bonding and marriage – between Moray's intricate networks of landowning families and the national brokers of power are explored. This article is concerned primarily with the lairds, the burgesses and the clergy of Moray rather than with the people of the rural parishes. Moray's history during the reformation period also illustrates the negotiation, both of contingencies and between factions, that the process of change involved.
Algılanan Yönetici Desteğinin Çalışanların Duygusal Emekleri Üzerindeki Etkisinin Belirlenmesi: Bir Alan Araştırması
Authors: BAŞLAR Yasin , AYDIN GÖKTEPE Esra
Published: April 2021

Çalışanların işlerini yerine getirdiği esnada onlardan beklenen ve tarifi olmayan, mimik, beden duruşu, ses tonu gibi duygusal gösterimler duygusal emek olarak tanımlanmaktadır. Algılanan yönetici desteği ise, çalışanın gözünde örgütün temsilcisi olan yöneticilerinin gerek iş konusunda gerekse duygusal anlamda kendilerinin yanında olduğunu hissetmesidir. Yöneticisinden destek gören çalışanların motivasyonlarında, performanslarında, örgüte bağlılık düzeyinde, örgütsel vatandaşlık davranışında, duygusal emek sergileme düzeylerinde olumlu değişimler yaşanmaktadır. Sağlık, hizmet ve eğitim gibi sektörlerde çalışanların duygusal emek gösterim düzeyleri yüksektir. Diğer sektöre göre görece daha az incelenmiş olması nedeniyle bu çalışmada eğitim sektörü çalışanlarının duygusal emek gösterimleri ve algılanan yönetici desteği ilişkisi ele alınmıştır. Bu nedenle, araştırmanın örneklemi İstanbul’daki vakıf üniversitelerinin çalışanları olarak belirlenmiştir. Araştırmada nicel yöntemler kullanılmış olup, araştırmaya 241 kişi katılım sağlamıştır. Gerçekleştirilen analiz sonucunda algılanan yönetici desteği ile duygusal emek ve duygusal emeğin boyutlarından olan derinlemesine eylem arasında pozitif yönde bir ilişki olduğu tespit edilmiştir. Ayrıca yapılan regresyon analizi ile de algılanan yönetici desteğinin duygusal emeği pozitif yönde etkilediği sonucuna ulaşılmıştır.
Biosphere ideas of V.I. Vernadskyi as theoretical fundament of agricultural ecology
Authors: Yehorova T.
Published: April 2021

The article presents the main features of the scientific heritage of Academician V.I. Vernadsky and his scientific and organizational role in the formation of agricultural science in Ukraine is given. It is noted that the history of agricultural science pays the greatest attention to the participation of the scientist in the development of soil science and research affair in Ukraine. The future academician took an active part in the study of the soils of Poltava region in the expeditions of 1882–1890 under the leadership of V.V. Dokuchaev, who was his lecturer at St. Petersburg University. In 1918, with his efforts, the Agricultural Scientist (later Scientific) Committee of Ukraine was created, which became the forerunner of the modern National Academy of Agrarian Sciences of Ukraine. World science recognizes in his works a fundamental understanding of the biosphere and noosphere, as well as the formation of modern scientific fields in geology, geochemistry, hydrogeochemistry, radiogeology, philosophy, organization of sciences. The scientist had a rare gift to synthesize various facts, getting a completely new idea, a new law of nature, a new direction in science. We are considering the methodological parallels in doctrines of agrosphere by O.O. Sozinov and of noosphere by V.I. Vernadsky. The significance of separate laws of the biosphere V.I. Vernadskyis investigated in the functioning of the agrosphere. The significant agroecological significance of the laws of causation in the biosphere and noosphere, the unity of all parts of the biosphere, the mechanism of biogeochemical cycles of chemical elements as a basis for the organization and dynamic equilibrium of natural systems are revealed. We summarized the directions of domestic agroecology, which are based on the fundamental biosphere laws of biogeochemical functions and zoning of the biosphere, biogenic migration of chemical elements, radioactivity of the territories, revealed by V.I. Vernadsky are generalized. Applied aspects of gas, oxygen, reduction, concentration and respiratory biogeochemical functions of the biosphere are actively studied in modern crop and animal husbandry. It is noted that promising areas of agricultural ecology can be scientific ideas V.I. Vernadsky on philosophy and scientific methodology, biomass and chemical composition of living matter, endemic morbidity of living organisms, hydrogeochemical zonation of waters, natural radioactivity, modeling of biosphere processes.
The Effect of Shari’ah Compliance Announcements on Stock Returns in Malaysia
Authors: Nor Suhaira Jamil  , Hamizah Hassan  , Imbarine Bujang
Published: April 2021

There are increasing demands and interests in Shari’ah compliant stocks in Malaysia. The identification of Shari’ah compliant stocks is known as Shari’ah screening, which is announced to the public twice a year. Hence, the objective of this study is to investigate whether the announcements provide valuable information and the impact of such announcements on stock returns. This study applies market model to estimate the stock returns. Alternative hypotheses that are being tested are the inclusion (removal) of stocks in (from) the Shari’ah Compliant List give a significant effect on the stock Cumulative Average Abnormal Return (CAAR). Employing the event study methodology in years 2007 –2015, this study provides unambiguous evidence that the inclusion of a stock in the Shari’ah Compliant List has increased the price that lead positive stocks returns 1 day within the announcement date. Meanwhile, the removal from the list results a negative stock returns due to the declined of the stock price. As such, the announcements of Shari’ah Compliant List do carry informational value and have significant effect on the stock returns in Malaysian capital market. Shari’ah compliance announcement is significant especially to the Muslim investors to assist them avoiding prohibited investment activities. The present study has significantly contributed to the Malaysian Efficient Market Hypothesis as well as to the practical implication for the companies in avoiding with haram activities.
The Influence of Hotel Attributes on Brand Attachment and Post-Consumption Outcomes: The Mediating Effects of Brand Credibility
Authors: Nadzirah Rosli  , Norbani Che-Ha  , Ezlika Mohd Ghazali
Published: April 2021

This research examine the mediating role of brand credibility between the relationship of hotel attributes and brand attachment that will to lead to post-consumption outcomes. We also examine how hotel attributes contributes to the brand attachment and post-consumption outcomes.Based on the mean-end chain theory, it explores the relationship among six constructs; hotel attributes, brand credibility, brand attachment and post-consumption outcomes (i.e., satisfaction, revisit intention and word-of-mouth). Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) approach was deployed to validate the research model. The result indicatesbrand credibility fully mediates the relationship between hotel attributes and brand attachment. Subsequently, brand credibility and brand attachment are found to be significantly linked with post-consumption outcomes. The result offers implications for hotelier and direction for future research.
Exploring Intrinsic Motivation and Knowledge Sharing from the Perspective of Islamic Teaching
Authors: Zuraina Dato’ Mansor  , Nor Siah Jaharuddin
Published: April 2021

Every individual hastheoption whether to share,or not to share their knowledge. Literature suggeststhatthemotivation to share can be influenced by intrinsic or extrinsic factors. Intrinsic factors are normally initiated and are relative totheindividual’sinterest,or intention. Extrinsic motivation is subject to the work environment, the support system, andthe individual’s organisation. Thus, the intention to share can be relative to the environment surrounding the individual. This paper aims to explain the intrinsic motivation factors for Knowledge Sharing (KS)among academics from a public higher education institutionin Malaysia. In addition, it was proposedto study intention,and examine whether this was relevant to the concept based on Islamic teaching. Usingthe explorative study, the paper discussed the results based on a qualitative approachwhereeighteen academics were interviewedto collect data.Social Determination Theory (SDT) was usedand, based on Islamic teaching, the paper studypaid particularattention tothe concept ofbrotherhood and ‘ikhlas’(sincerity).Thefindings of the study were thatacademicsactingassubject matter experts, understood their roleto share knowledge and intrinsic motivation was a significant influence in their willingness to share. Further, based on Islamic teaching, it was found thatthe concept of ‘ikhlas’,or sincerity,and the concept of ‘happy to help’, or‘happy to see people happy’,matched and coincidedwhen they sharedtheirknowledge.
The Politics of Knowledge Economy and Sustainability of Tribal Knowledge and Health in India
Authors: Kausiki Mukhopadhyay  , Pallab Paul  , Indeesh Mukhopadhyay
Published: April 2021

With globalization, developing countries have been adopting the model of knowledge economy with its flagship features standardized patents and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). This model is supposed to deliver growth and equity through standardized patents and through market corrections of asymmetrical power between the corporations and general public via CSR. However, under this model, distributional equity has been declining. Instead of knowledge increasing and creating more equity, the traditional health-knowledge of tribal people (mostly poor) in India is being denuded along with innovation. This has been due to bio-piracy by multinational corporations. In addition, insensitive state policies that focus on growth policies at the expense of equity have exacerbated the situation. Under such circumstances, the health situation of tribal people is becoming dire. The authors argue that land redistribution and customized Intellectual Property rights (IPR) for communities as a whole may be the way forward provided there is political will.
Financial Assessment of Smallholder Oil Palm Production in Unsuitable Areas of Surat Thani Province, Thailand
Authors: Suthijit Choengthong  , Suchart Choengthong  , Nongnuch Aungyureekul  , Saitip Soraj
Published: April 2021

This study was conducted to provide information on profitability, social status, occupations, sustainability, self-reliance, and risks in small-scale oil palm production in unsuitable areas of Surat Thani, by planted oil palm area Thailand’s largest province. The data were collected from 25 farmers who have newly grown to 25 years old oil palm trees cultivated in unsuitable areas. The data were subjected to financial investment analysis, switching value test, sustainability, and self-sufficiency analysis. The investments in oil palm cultivation were assessed by net present value (NPV), internal rate of return (IRR), and benefit to cost ratio (BCR). The results show that most growers were senior citizens with primary school education, and the average number of family members was 4.1. They had self-invested and used family members as labor (on average 1.6 men/family). The average oil palm yield in unsuitable areas was 3.60 tons/rai/year. Based on 7% discount rate the NPV was equal to 71,215.17 Thai baht, IRR was 38.72%, and BCR was 2.25. These financial indicators show that the overall performance of oil palm cultivation in unsuitable areas is a worthwhile investment, although with high risks on the revenue side. The oil palm growers had moderate levels of sustainability and self-reliance.
Evaluation of effect of auditory - aid in improving oral hygiene among visually impaired individuals - Original Study
Authors: Tadiboina Nagarjuna , Marella Yamuna , Kiranmayi Pasupuleti R.N.L. , Vasudevan Deepika , Kameswari Gudipati
Published: April 2021

Background:

Oral health is an integral part of systemic health, which affects the quality of life of an individual. Physically disadvantaged individuals also start their life as normal children but, due to lack of awareness, poor motor skills, negligence of parents and care givers put them at high risk for oral diseases. So, the aim of the present study is toevaluate the effect of auditory aid in improving the oral hygiene among visually impaired children.

Materials and Methods:

Fifty one (51) Visually impaired individuals of age 8-25 years were included from Kala Bharathi residential school for the blind, Guntur. Oral hygiene index-simplified (OHI-S), gingival index (GI)were recorded at baselineand oral hygiene instructions were given by using Auditory-aid for 3 months. The OHI-S and GI were recorded again after 3 months to evaluate the effect of Auditory –aid.

Results:

At baseline, oral hygiene of the individuals was moderate to poor and mean OHI-S, GIat baseline were 2.45 and 1.75 respectively. There was improvement in the OHI-S and GI which were found to be 1.17 and 0.95 respectively after 3 months of intervention.

Conclusion:

Visual impairment is the most challenging situation to the individuals as the prevalence of systemic and oral diseases are more in these individuals when compared to normal individuals. However, if educated and motivated properly with the help of auditory aid these can be made to maintain good oral hygiene.

Key Words: Auditory aid, Visual impairment, Oral hygiene
PERAN DINAS TENAGA KERJA DALAM PERLINDUNGAN KESEHATAN DAN KESELAMATAN KERJA (K3) BURUH DI KOTA BATAM
Authors: Svinarky Irene , Zulkifli Zulkifli
Published: April 2021

Dinas Tenaga Kerja Kota Batam yang merupakan salah satu Dinas Tenaga Kerja ada di Indonesia harus selalu memberikan perlindungan kepada pekerja dan pengusaha di Kota Batam. Hal ini disebabkan karena pekerja merupakan aset pembangunan nasional yang secara normatif di jamin oleh Undang-Undang dan hal tersebut adalah suatu hak yang yang harus diterima oleh pengusaha. Maka dalam hal ini Dinas Tenaga Kerja Kota Batam harus mengadakan perlindungan keselamatan dan kesehatan kerja bagi pekerja untuk menghindari kecelakaan kerja dan penyakit yang timbul akibat hubungan kerja terhadap para pekerja dan pengusaha. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian normatif (Normative Approach) yaitu Undang-undang di samping bertumpu pada penelitian normatif, juga ditambah dengan pendekatan teoritis. Selanjutnya dalam menganalisis data digunakan pendekatan kualitatif dan juga didasarkan studi berbasis perpustakaan, yang berarti bahwa bahan yang diperlukan untuk penelitian harus tersedia di perpustakaan, arsip, dan database, undang-undang dan dokumen lainnya (Ibrahim, 2005).
Transplanted Erythropoietin-Expressing Mesenchymal Stem Cells Promote Pro-survival Gene Expression and Protect Photoreceptors From Sodium Iodate-Induced Cytotoxicity in a Retinal Degeneration Model
Authors: Koh Avin Ee-Hwan , Alsaeedi Hiba Amer , Rashid Munirah Binti Abd , Lam Chenshen , Harun Mohd Hairul Nizam , Ng Min Hwei , Mohd Isa Hazlita , Then Kong Yong , Bastion Mae-Lynn Catherine , Farhana Aisha , Khursheed Alam Mohammad , Subbiah Suresh Kumar , Mok Pooi Ling
Published: April 2021

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) are highly regarded as a potential treatment for retinal degenerative disorders like retinitis pigmentosa and age-related macular degeneration. However, donor cell heterogeneity and inconsistent protocols for transplantation have led to varied outcomes in clinical trials. We previously showed that genetically-modifying MSCs to express erythropoietin (MSCEPO) improved its regenerative capabilities in vitro. Hence, in this study, we sought to prove its potential in vivo by transplanting MSCsEPO in a rat retinal degeneration model and analyzing its retinal transcriptome using RNA-Seq. Firstly, MSCsEPO were cultured and expanded before being intravitreally transplanted into the sodium iodate-induced model. After the procedure, electroretinography (ERG) was performed bi-weekly for 30 days. Histological analyses were performed after the ERG assessment. The retina was then harvested for RNA extraction. After mRNA-enrichment and library preparation, paired-end RNA-Seq was performed. Salmon and DESeq2 were used to process the output files. The generated dataset was then analyzed using over-representation (ORA), functional enrichment (GSEA), and pathway topology analysis tools (SPIA) to identify enrichment of key pathways in the experimental groups. The results showed that the MSCEPO-treated group had detectable ERG waves (P <0.05), which were indicative of successful phototransduction. The stem cells were also successfully detected by immunohistochemistry 30 days after intravitreal transplantation. An initial over-representation analysis revealed a snapshot of immune-related pathways in all the groups but was mainly overexpressed in the MSC group. A subsequent GSEA and SPIA analysis later revealed enrichment in a large number of biological processes including phototransduction, regeneration, and cell death (Padj <0.05). Based on these pathways, a set of pro-survival gene expressions were extracted and tabulated. This study provided an in-depth transcriptomic analysis on the MSCEPO-treated retinal degeneration model as well as a profile of pro-survival genes that can be used as candidates for further genetic enhancement studies on stem cells.
The Absence of PTEN in Breast Cancer Is a Driver of MLN4924 Resistance
Authors: Du Meng-ge , Peng Zhi-qiang , Gai Wen-bin , Liu Fan , Liu Wei , Chen Yu-jiao , Li Hong-chang , Zhang Xin , Liu Cui Hua , Zhang Ling-qiang , Jiang Hong , Xie Ping
Published: April 2021

Background: Numerous studies have indicated that the neddylation pathway is closely associated with tumor development. MLN4924 (Pevonedistat), an inhibitor of the NEDD8-activating E1 enzyme, is considered a promising chemotherapeutic agent. Recently, we demonstrated that neddylation of the tumor suppressor PTEN occurs under high glucose conditions and promotes breast cancer development. It has been shown, however, that PTEN protein levels are reduced by 30–40% in breast cancer. Whether this PTEN deficiency affects the anti-tumor function of MLN4924 is unknown.

Methods: In the present study, cell counting kit-8 and colony formation assays were used to detect cell proliferation, and a transwell system was used to quantify cell migration. A tumor growth assay was performed in BALB/c nude mice. The subcellular location of PTEN was detected by fluorescence microscopy. The CpG island of the UBA3 gene was predicted by the Database of CpG Islands and UCSC database. Western blotting and qRT-PCR were used to measure the expression of indicated proteins. The Human Protein Atlas database, the Cancer Genome Atlas and Gene Expression Omnibus datasets were used to validate the expression levels of UBA3 in breast cancer.

Results: Our data show that the anti-tumor efficacy of MLN4924 in breast cancer cells was markedly reduced with the deletion of PTEN. PI3K/Akt signaling pathway activity correlated positively with UBA3 expression. Pathway activity correlated negatively with NEDP1 expression in PTEN-positive breast cancer patients, but not in PTEN-negative patients. We also demonstrate that high glucose conditions upregulate UBA3 mRNA by inhibiting UBA3 promoter methylation, and this upregulation results in the overactivation of PTEN neddylation in breast cancer cells.

Conclusion: These data suggest a mechanism by which high glucose activates neddylation. PTEN is critical, if not indispensable, for MLN4924 suppression of tumor growth; PTEN status thus may help to identify MLN4924-responsive breast cancer patients.
Ferrite Nanoparticles-Based Reactive Oxygen Species-Mediated Cancer Therapy
Authors: Yu Shancheng , Zhang Huan , Zhang Shiya , Zhong Mingli , Fan Haiming
Published: April 2021

Ferrite nanoparticles have been widely used in the biomedical field (such as magnetic targeting, magnetic resonance imaging, magnetic hyperthermia, etc.) due to their appealing magnetic properties. In tumor acidic microenvironment, ferrite nanoparticles show intrinsic peroxidase-like activities, which can catalyze the Fenton reaction of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) to produce highly toxic hydroxyl free radicals (•OH), causing the death of tumor cell. Recent progresses in this field have shown that the enzymatic activity of ferrite can be improved via converting external field energy such as alternating magnetic field and near-infrared laser into nanoscale heat to produce more •OH, enhancing the killing effect on tumor cells. On the other hand, combined with other nanomaterials or drugs for cascade reactions, the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) can also be increased to obtain more efficient cancer therapy. In this review, we will discuss the current status and progress of the application of ferrite nanoparticles in ROS-mediated cancer therapy and try to provide new ideas for this area.
Psychometric Properties of a Chatbot Version of the PHQ-9 With Adults and Older Adults
Authors: Dosovitsky Gilly , Kim Erick , Bunge Eduardo L.
Published: April 2021

Background: The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) is a brief depression measure that has been validated. A chatbot version of the PHQ-9 would allow the assessment of depressive symptoms remotely, at a large scale and low cost.

Objective: The current study aims to: Assess the feasibility of administering the PHQ-9 in a sample of adults and older adults via chatbot, report the psychometric properties of and identify the relationship between demographic variables and PHQ-9 total scores.

Methods: A sample of 3,902 adults and older adults in the US and Canada were recruited through Facebook from August 2019 to February 2020 to complete the PHQ-9 using a chatbot.

Results: A total of 3,895 (99.82%) completed the PHQ-9 successfully. The internal consistency of the PHQ-9 was 0.896 (p < 0.05). A one factor structure was found to have good model fit [X2 (27, N = 1,948) = 365.396, p < 0.001; RMSEA = 0.080 (90% CI: 0.073, 0.088); CFI and TLI were 0.925 and 0.900, respectively, and SRMR was 0.039]. All of the demographic characteristics in this study were found to significantly predict PHQ-9 total score, however; their effect was negligible to weak.

Conclusions: There was a large sample of adults and older adults were open to completing assessments via chatbot including those over 75. The psychometric properties of the chatbot version of the PHQ-9 provide initial support to the utilization of this assessment method.
Risk Stratification in Patients With Follicular Neoplasm on Cytology: Use of Quantitative Characteristics and Sonographic Patterns
Authors: Wu Ming-Hsun , Chen Kuen-Yuan , Hsieh Min-Shu , Chen Argon , Chen Chiung-Nien
Published: April 2021

Objectives

Differentiating thyroid nodules with a cytological diagnosis of follicular neoplasm remains an issue. The goal of this study was to determine whether ultrasonographic (US) findings obtained preoperatively from the computer-aided detection (CAD) system are sufficient to further stratify the risk of malignancy for this diagnostic cytological category.

Methods

From September 2016 to September 2018 in our hospital, patients diagnosed with Bethesda category IV (follicular neoplasm or suspicion of follicular neoplasm) thyroid nodules and underwent surgical excisions were include in the study. Quantification and analysis of tumor features were performed using CAD software. The US findings of the region of interest, including index of composition, margin, echogenicity, texture, echogenic dots indicative of calcifications, tall and wide orientation, and margin were calculated into computerized values. The nodules were further classified into American Thyroid Association (ATA) and American College of Radiology Thyroid Imaging Reporting & Data System (TI-RADS) categories.

Results

92 (10.1%) of 913 patients were diagnosed with Bethesda category IV thyroid nodules. In 65 patients, the histological type of the nodule was identified. The quantitative features between patients with benign and malignant conditions differed significantly. The presence of heterogeneous echotexture, blurred margins, or irregular margins was shown to have the highest diagnostic value. The risks of malignancy for nodules classified as having very low to intermediate suspicion ATA, non-ATA, and high suspicion ATA patterns were 9%, 35.7%, and 51.7%, respectively. Meanwhile, the risks of malignancy were 12.5%, 26.1%, and 53.8% for nodules classified as TIRADS 3, 4, and 5, respectively. When compared to human observers, among whom poor agreement was noticeable, the CAD software has shown a higher average accuracy.

Conclusions

For patients with nodules diagnosed as Bethesda category IV, the software-based characterizations of US features, along with the associated ATA patterns and TIRADS system, were shown helpful in the risk stratification of malignancy.
Complications of Pregnancy and the Risk of Developing Endometrial or Ovarian Cancer: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Liu Yang , Chen Xingyu , Sheng Jiayi , Sun Xinyi , Chen George Qiaoqi , Zhao Min , Chen Qi
Published: April 2021

Background

The association of complications of pregnancy and the risk of developing gynecological cancer is controversial with the limited study. In this study, we investigated the association of preeclampsia, or gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), or large for gestational age (LGA), or intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and the risk of endometrial or ovarian cancer.

Methods

In this case-control study, 189 women with endometrial cancer and 119 women with ovarian cancer were included. 342 women without gynecological cancers were randomly selected as a control group. Data on the history of pregnancy and age at diagnosis of gynecological cancer as well as the use of intrauterine devices (IUDs) were collected.

Results

Women with a history of preeclampsia or IUGR did not have an increased risk of developing endometrial or ovarian cancer. While women with a history of GDM or with the delivery of LGA infant increased the risk of developing endometrial cancer but not ovarian cancer. The odds of women with a history of GDM or with the delivery of LGA infant developing endometrial cancer was 2.691 (95% CI: 1.548, 4.3635, p=0.0003), or 6.383 (95% CI: 2.812, 13.68, p<0.0001) respectively, compared to the controls. The odds ratio of women who did not use IUDs developing ovarian cancer was 1.606 (95% CI: 1.057, 2.434), compared to the controls. There was no association of age at first birth and developing endometrial or ovarian cancer.

Conclusion

Our observational data suggested that GDM and delivery of an LGA infant are associated with an increased risk of endometrial cancer.
An Experimental Test of Defenses Against Avian Brood Parasitism in a Recent Host
Authors: Abernathy Virginia E. , Johnson Laura E. , Langmore Naomi E.
Published: April 2021

Theoretical studies predict that hosts of avian brood parasites should evolve defenses against parasitism in a matter of decades. However, opportunities to test these predictions are limited because brood parasites rarely switch to naïve hosts. Here, we capitalize on a recent host switch by the brood-parasitic Pacific Koel (Eudynamys orientalis) in eastern Australia, to investigate how quickly the Red Wattlebird (Anthochaera carunculata), a recent host that has been annexed by the koel within the last 90 years, can learn to recognize and mob adult cuckoos and evolve the ability to eject parasite eggs. Pacific Koel nestlings kill all host young, so there should be strong selection for hosts to evolve defenses. However, low parasitism rates and high egg recognition costs might slow the spread of egg ejection in our study populations, while adult parasite recognition should be able to spread more rapidly, as this defense has been shown to be a learned trait rather than a genetically inherited defense. We tested Red Wattlebirds at two sites where parasitism rate differed. As predicted, we found that the Red Wattlebird showed little or no ability to eject foreign model eggs at either site, whereas two historical hosts showed high levels of egg ejection at both sites. However, Red Wattlebirds responded significantly more aggressively to a koel mount than to mounts of a harmless control and nest predator at the site with the higher parasitism rate and gave significantly more alarm calls overall toward the koel mount. Our results support previous evidence that recognition and mobbing of a brood parasite are learned traits and may be especially beneficial to naïve hosts that have not had enough time or a high enough selection pressure to evolve egg rejection.
Tolerance to Abiotic Factors of Microsclerotia and Mycelial Pellets From Metarhizium robertsii, and Molecular and Ultrastructural Changes During Microsclerotial Differentiation
Authors: Paixão Flávia R. S. , Huarte-Bonnet Carla , Ribeiro-Silva Cárita de S. , Mascarin Gabriel M. , Fernandes Éverton K. K. , Pedrini Nicolás
Published: April 2021

Metarhizium species fungi are able to produce resistant structures termed microsclerotia, formed by compact and melanized threads of hyphae. These propagules are tolerant to desiccation and produce infective conidia; thus, they are promising candidates to use in biological control programs. In this study, we investigated the tolerance to both ultraviolet B (UV-B) radiation and heat of microsclerotia of Metarhizium robertsii strain ARSEF 2575. We also adapted the liquid medium and culture conditions to obtain mycelial pellets from the same isolate in order to compare these characteristics between both types of propagules. We followed the peroxisome biogenesis and studied the oxidative stress during differentiation from conidia to microsclerotia by transmission electron microscopy after staining with a peroxidase activity marker and by the expression pattern of genes potentially involved in these processes. We found that despite their twice smaller size, microsclerotia exhibited higher dry biomass, yield, and conidial productivity than mycelial pellets, both with and without UV-B and heat stresses. From the 16 genes measured, we found an induction after 96-h differentiation in the oxidative stress marker genes MrcatA, MrcatP, and Mrgpx; the peroxisome biogenesis factors Mrpex5 and Mrpex14/17; and the photoprotection genes Mrlac1 and Mrlac2; and Mrlac3. We concluded that an oxidative stress scenario is induced during microsclerotia differentiation in M. robertsii and confirmed that because of its tolerance to desiccation, heat, and UV-B, this fungal structure could be an excellent candidate for use in biological control of pests under tropical and subtropical climates where heat and UV radiation are detrimental to entomopathogenic fungi survival and persistence.
Detection of circRNA Biomarker for Acute Myocardial Infarction Based on System Biological Analysis of RNA Expression
Authors: Yang Wen , Sun Li , Cao Xun , Li Luyifei , Zhang Xin , Li Jianqian , Zhao Hongyan , Zhan Chengchuang , Zang Yanxiang , Li Tiankai , Zhang Li , Liu Guangzhong , Li Weimin
Published: April 2021

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is myocardial necrosis caused by the persistent interruption of myocardial blood supply, which has high incidence rate and high mortality in middle-aged and elderly people in the worldwide. Biomarkers play an important role in the early diagnosis and treatment of AMI. Recently, more and more researches confirmed that circRNA may be a potential diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic target for cardiovascular diseases. In this paper, a series of biological analyses were performed to find new effective circRNA biomarkers for AMI. Firstly, the expression levels of circRNAs in blood samples of patients with AMI and those with mild coronary stenosis were compared to reveal circRNAs which were involved in AMI. Then, circRNAs which were significant expressed abnormally in the blood samples of patients with AMI were selected from those circRNAs. Next, a ceRNA network was constructed based on interactions of circRNA, miRNA and mRNA through biological analyses to detect crucial circRNA associated with AMI. Finally, one circRNA was selected as candidate biomarker for AMI. To validate effectivity and efficiency of the candidate biomarker, fluorescence in situ hybridization, hypoxia model of human cardiomyocytes, and knockdown and overexpression analyses were performed on candidate circRNA biomarker. In conclusion, experimental results demonstrated that the candidate circRNA was an effective biomarker for diagnosis and therapy of AMI.
Dendritic Cells Are the Intriguing Players in the Puzzle of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Pathogenesis
Authors: Bocchino Marialuisa , Zanotta Serena , Capitelli Ludovica , Galati Domenico
Published: April 2021

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is the most devastating progressive interstitial lung disease that remains refractory to treatment. Pathogenesis of IPF relies on the aberrant cross-talk between injured alveolar cells and myofibroblasts, which ultimately leads to an aberrant fibrous reaction. The contribution of the immune system to IPF remains not fully explored. Recent evidence suggests that both innate and adaptive immune responses may participate in the fibrotic process. Dendritic cells (DCs) are the most potent professional antigen-presenting cells that bridge innate and adaptive immunity. Also, they exert a crucial role in the immune surveillance of the lung, where they are strategically placed in the airway epithelium and interstitium. Immature DCs accumulate in the IPF lung close to areas of epithelial hyperplasia and fibrosis. Conversely, mature DCs are concentrated in well-organized lymphoid follicles along with T and B cells and bronchoalveolar lavage of IPF patients. We have recently shown that all sub-types of peripheral blood DCs (including conventional and plasmacytoid DCs) are severely depleted in therapy naïve IPF patients. Also, the low frequency of conventional CD1c+DCs is predictive of a worse prognosis. The purpose of this mini-review is to focus on the main evidence on DC involvement in IPF pathogenesis. Unanswered questions and opportunities for future research ranging from a better understanding of their contribution to diagnosis and prognosis to personalized DC-based therapies will be explored.
Appraising the Status of Fish Community Structure in the Yellow Sea Based on an Indicator-Testing Framework
Authors: Li Yuru , Ma Shuyang , Fu Caihong , Tian Yongjun , Li Jianchao , Sun Peng , Ye Zhenjiang , Liu Yang
Published: April 2021

Fish community structure (FCS) of the Yellow Sea (YS) is affected by multiple pressures. Quantifying the responses of indicators of FCS (IFCSs) to pressures is a key aspect of ecosystem-based fisheries management. Quantitative methodology has hitherto been rarely applied to evaluate the performance of ecological indicators in response to physical and anthropogenic pressures and management actions. In this study, we adopted a quantitative and flexible framework to quantify the performance of IFCSs in the YS as well as to identify a suite of operational IFCSs to evaluate the status of the FCS via two state-space approaches. A total of 22 IFCSs were tested for their responses to three types of pressures including anthropogenic activities (fishing), large-scale climate change, and regional environmental variables. Our results indicate that the majority of IFCSs have good performance in terms of sensitivity in their responses to pressures, but weak performance in terms of robustness. The IFCSs tend to respond stronger to fishing than to large-scale climatic indices and regional environmental indices both in terms of sensitivity and robustness. A final indicator suite of five best-performing IFCSs was identified. The five IFCSs include total catch (ToC), mean trophic level (MTL), the ratio of catch of large predatory groups to total catch (LPC/ToC), mean temperature of catch (MTC) [or alternatively catch of small pelagic groups (SPC)], and functional evenness based on thermal groups (T-J′FD), all of which show regime shift patterns consistent with climate change. Compared to a reference period (1960–1964), the status of the current FCS has been obviously changed, and the long-term trajectories of the final indicator suite is consistent with that of fishing pressure. This study demonstrates the applicability of the indicator-testing framework in appraising the status of FCS, and facilitates moving towards ecosystem-based fisheries management in the YS.
Forensics Meets Ecology – Environmental DNA Offers New Capabilities for Marine Ecosystem and Fisheries Research
Authors: Schadewell Yvonne , Adams Clare I. M.
Published: April 2021

Climatic changes and anthropogenic pressures affect biodiversity and community composition. These biodiversity shifts are recognized in marine ecosystems, but the underlying processes are barely understood so far. Importantly, human well-being highly relies on oceanic services, which are affected by anthropogenic pressures. Here, we review how interdisciplinary research approaches, with the incorporation of eDNA (environmental DNA) analyses, can help increase the understanding of complex ecosystem processes and dynamics, and how they affect ecosystem services. We discuss marine conservation issues in the light of life cycle aspects and conclude that eDNA can improve our ecological knowledge in some instances, for example, in tracking migration patterns. We also illustrate and discuss the application of eDNA analysis within the context of population genetics, epigenetics, geochemistry and oceanography. Embedded into an interdisciplinary context, eDNA can be exploited by a huge variety of methodological techniques, and can resolve spatio-temporal patterns of diversity, species, or even populations within ecological, evolutionary, and management frameworks.
Robust Silica–Polyimide Aerogel Blanket for Water-Proof and Flame-Retardant Self-Floating Artificial Island
Authors: Liu Riyong , Wang Jin , Liao Jianhe , Zhang Xuetong
Published: April 2021

A robust silica–polyimide (PI) aerogel blanket is designed and synthesized using the PI foam as the matrix and silica aerogel as the filler through an in situ method, where sol–gel transition of silica precursor occurs in pores of the PI foam, followed by the hydrophobization and ambient pressure drying. The density of the aerogel blanket ranges from 0.036 to 0.196 g/cm3, and the low density is directly controlled by tailoring the silica concentration. The specific surface area of the aerogel blanket reaches 728 m2/g. These features of the blanket result in a low thermal conductivity of 0.018 W/mK, which shows a remarkable reduction of 59% compared to that of the PI foam (0.044 W/mK). As a result, a remarkable decrease of 138°C is achieved using the silica blanket as the thermal insulator on a hot plate of approximately 250°C. In addition, the temperature degradation of the blanket is around 500°C, and up to 86% of mass remaining at 900°C is obtained. The blanket is resistant at extremely harsh conditions, e.g., 600°C for 30 min and 1,300°C for 1 min, and no open flame is observed, suggesting a significant flame-retardant of the blanket. Owing to the three-dimensional (3D) porous framework of the PI foam, the silica aerogel is encapsulated in the PI foam and the blanket exhibits strong mechanical property. The silica–PI aerogel can be reversibly compressed for 50 cycles without reduction of strain. The contact angle of the blanket is 153°, which shows a superior waterproof property. Combining with the low density, low thermal conductivity, flame-retardant, and strong mechanical strength, the aerogel blanket has the potential as an artificial island, which is safe (waterproof and flame-retardant), lightweight, comfortable, and easy to be moved.
Diagnostic Delay of Pulmonary Embolism in COVID-19 Patients
Authors: Melazzini Federica , Reduzzi Margherita , Quaglini Silvana , Fumoso Federica , Lenti Marco Vincenzo , Di Sabatino Antonio
Published: April 2021

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a frequent, life-threatening COVID-19 complication, whose diagnosis can be challenging because of its non-specific symptoms. There are no studies assessing the impact of diagnostic delay on COVID-19 related PE. The aim of our exploratory study was to assess the diagnostic delay of PE in COVID-19 patients, and to identify potential associations between patient- or physician-related variables and the delay. This is a single-center observational retrospective study that included 29 consecutive COVID-19 patients admitted to the San Matteo Hospital Foundation between February and May 2020, with a diagnosis of PE, and a control population of 23 non-COVID-19 patients admitted at our hospital during the same time lapse in 2019. We calculated the patient-related delay (i.e., the time between the onset of the symptoms and the first medical examination), and the physician-related delay (i.e., the time between the first medical examination and the diagnosis of PE). The overall diagnostic delay significantly correlated with the physician-related delay (p < 0.0001), with the tendency to a worse outcome in long physician-related diagnostic delay (p = 0.04). The delay was related to the presence of fever, respiratory symptoms and high levels of lactate dehydrogenase. It is important to rule out PE as soon as possible, in order to start the right therapy, to improve patient's outcome and to shorten the hospitalization.
Performance of Different Diagnostic PD-L1 Clones in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Ribbat-Idel Julika , Dressler Franz F. , Krupar Rosemarie , Watermann Christian , Paulsen Finn-Ole , Kuppler Patrick , Klapper Luise , Offermann Anne , Wollenberg Barbara , Rades Dirk , Laban Simon , Reischl Markus , Bruchhage Karl-Ludwig , Idel Christian , Perner Sven
Published: April 2021

Background: The approval of immune checkpoint inhibitors in combination with specific diagnostic biomarkers presents new challenges to pathologists as tumor tissue needs to be tested for expression of programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) for a variety of indications. As there is currently no requirement to use companion diagnostic assays for PD-L1 testing in Germany different clones are used in daily routine. While the correlation of staining results has been tested in various entities, there is no data for head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) so far.

Methods: We tested five different PD-L1 clones (SP263, SP142, E1L3N, 22-8, 22C3) on primary HNSCC tumor tissue of 75 patients in the form of tissue microarrays. Stainings of both immune and tumor cells were then assessed and quantified by pathologists to simulate real-world routine diagnostics. The results were analyzed descriptively and the resulting staining pattern across patients was further investigated by principal component analysis and non-negative matrix factorization clustering.

Results: Percentages of positive immune and tumor cells varied greatly. Both the resulting combined positive score as well as the eligibility for certain checkpoint inhibitor regimens was therefore strongly dependent on the choice of the antibody. No relevant co-clustering and low similarity of relative staining patterns across patients was found for the different antibodies.

Conclusions: Performance of different diagnostic anti PD-L1 antibody clones in HNSCC is less robust and interchangeable compared to reported data from other tumor entities. Determination of PD-L1 expression is critical for therapeutic decision making and may be aided by back-to-back testing of different PD-L1 clones.