bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
THE PRIMARY SCHOOL STUDENTS’ ATTITUDE AND ANXIETY TOWARDS SCIENCE
Authors: Uluçınar Sağır Şafak
Published: March 2022

In this study, the relationships between the attitudes and anxieties of 6th, 7th and 8th grade students about science have been examined. The data have been gathered from a personal data form, anxiety towards science and attitude towards science questionnaires. The effects of such factors, as obtaining assistance with science and technology from outside the classroom, age, gender, class level, school-type variables have been investigated according to their impact on the attitudes and perceptions of the students towards science, and on their anxiety towards science. It has been found that when the students received science-related assistance, it caused significant differences in their attitudes toward science and related anxieties, yet there was no significant difference in terms of gender. Moreover, school-type and class level affect students' attitudes and anxieties towards science. It is believed that increasing the positive science attitudes of the students and decreasing their anxiety will improve success.
Key words: anxiety towards science, attitude towards science, primary school, science education.
THE IMPACT OF PRESENTATION GRAPHICS ON PRESERVICE SCIENCE TEACHERS’ ATTITUDES TOWARDS PHYSICS
Authors: Erdemir Naki , Topcu Mustafa Sami
Published: March 2022

In this study, the effects of presentation graphics on Preservice Science Teachers’ (PST) attitudes towards physics were investigated. The research was performed on two groups. While one group was an experimental group, another was a control group. The research was conducted in the context of an undergraduate-level physics course, and this course was taught to two groups. While the experimental group consisted of forty PST and was taught with presentation graphics as well as traditional lecturing method, the control group consisted of forty PST and was only taught with traditional lecturing method. The data were collected by means of a scale of attitudes towards physics. In light of the findings of the present research, it was concluded that the attitudes of the experimental group towards physics were much more improved positively than the control groups’ attitude toward physics after the treatment involving presentation graphics.
Key words: attitudes towards physics, presentation graphics, preservice science teachers.
EFFECT OF STUDENT TEAMS-ACHIEVEMENT DIVISIONS TECHNIQUE USED IN SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION ON SELF-EFFICACY, TEST ANXIETY AND ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT
Authors: Gencosman Tuna , Doğru Mustafa
Published: March 2022

The main purpose of this study was to determine the effect of teaching the "Force and Motion" unit of the Science and Technology class using the Student Teams-Achievement Divisions (STAD) technique on self efficacies, test anxiety and academic achievements of seventh grade students. The STAD technique was applied to the experiment group; the existing program based on constructivism to control-1 group, and traditional teaching methods to control-2 group. The analysis of the obtained data was achieved by using the one-way variance analysis (ANOVA). In conclusion, it was determined that the experiment group was more effective than the control groups in respect to self-efficacy and academic achievement. Moreover, significant improvements were obtained in the exam anxiety of the students in the experiment and control-1 groups compared to the group where traditional teaching methods were used.
Key words: academic achievement, self-efficacy, student teams, academic divisions techniques, test anxiety.
Las TIC en el desarrollo de las funciones básicas durante el proceso de enseñanza y aprendizaje de Ciencias Naturales en los estudiantes de básica superior
Authors: Freire Pazmiño Julio César
Published: March 2022

Introducción. Considerando que los avances de la tecnología mejora del nivel de vida de las personas, al impulsar el desarrollo económico, ya que el acceso a la información y la capacidad de transferir información permiten a los individuos mejorar sus competencias personales y profesionales; Objetivo. Determinar cómo incide el uso de tecnologías de la información y comunicación en el desarrollo de las funciones básicas (atención, concentración, memoria y lenguaje) durante el proceso de enseñanza y aprendizaje de ciencias naturales en los estudiantes de básica superior (subnivel 4) en la Unidad Educativa Intercultural Bilingüe Tamboloma. Metodología. se efectuó una adaptación al modelo de evaluación propuesto por Mejía, Toala y Valverde, toma como referente criterios e indicadores que estimulan la motivación y autorreflexión, basado en el en el proceso de enseñanza aprendizaje, es trascendental mencionar que fue aplicado el software Microsoft Excel, para tabular y organizar la información numérica, además, se realizó el análisis de fiabilidad mediante el programa estadístico IBM SPSS 2.0, en el nivel de confianza se aplica el alfa de Cronbach, trabajando, con el 95% de confianza, 5% de error relativo calculado y 0,05% de significación, el Chi Cuadrado que permitió rechazar la hipótesis nula y aceptar la hipótesis alternativa. Resultados. Las competencias cognitivas incluyen el razonamiento desde el pensamiento analítico que beneficia en la comprensión de las diversas situaciones que enfrenta el educando dentro y fuera del ambiente educativo además contiene las habilidades para resolver problemas a través de la reflexión el pensamiento lógico y sistemático. Conclusión.  En el área de ciencias naturales y tecnología integra los saberes, y conocimientos, activa el refuerzo de las capacidades, las competencias y destrezas habilidades necesarias que exige el mundo contemporáneo para vivir en sociedad.
A formação do estigma das travestis no Brasil: mercado informal, precariedade e trabalho sexual
Authors: Ferraz Firmo Rodrigues Maria Eduarda
Published: March 2022

Esse artigo busca compreender a ocupação das Travestis no mercado de trabalho no Brasil por meio de uma análise crítica da historicidade do Direito do Trabalho, cuja estrutura jurídica patriarcal, racista e heterocisnormativa relegam os ‘corpos estranhos’ dissidentes a espaços específicos, no caso de travestis, principalmente ao trabalho sexual e, quando muito, ao setor de telemarketing ou salões de beleza. Para tanto, procedeu-se a uma consulta bibliográfica, priorizando pesquisadoras mulheres trans* e travestis, para analisar a construção e percepção do gênero no Brasil e as suas vivências no plano laboral marcadas pela marginalização, informalidade e precarização. A partir dessa pesquisa, conclui-se pela necessidade de uma refundação do Direito do Trabalho sob a luz da Teoria Queer a qual se propõe a romper com o essencialismo do Direito do Trabalho como forma de contemplar os corpos plurais sobre os quais as leis trabalhistas não se apresentam como instrumento de tutela.
“A gente vai mudando, se reinventando, se adaptando”: As transformações no ofício das baianas de acarajé de Salvador e a informalidade. Patrimônio cultural e trabalho
Authors: Barros Coelho Ilana
Published: March 2022

O presente artigo apresenta o resultado de sete entrevistas realizadas com baianas vendedoras de acarajé do bairro de Brotas, na cidade de Salvador, Bahia, a respeito de suas experiências como trabalho informal de rua e suas percepções sobre a regulação do trabalho. As perguntas realizadas tiveram como ponto central a regulamentação do Trabalho e os impactos da Pandemia. Ademais, reúnem-se também pesquisas anteriores e entrevistas comparativas, buscando traçar um panorama acerca das transformações do ofício de acarajé, com análise das legislações vigentes na cidade no que se refere à ordem pública e ao patrimônio cultural e imaterial. Objetivou-se também, a propósito do momento histórico em que a pesquisa foi realizada, compreender os efeitos da Pandemia da COVID-19 nas baianas de acarajé por meio da categoria do Trabalho Informal.
Conceptual Knowledge, Experiences, and Sources of Information Secondary School Students Have About Owls
Authors:   Department of Medical Services and Techniques, Arac Rafet Vergili Vocational School of Higher Education, Kastamonu University, Kastamonu, Turkey, Doğru M. Said
Published: March 2022

This study examined the level of knowledge the students had about owls by means of drawings and written answers. In the interviews, the students in the lower grades were found to have more limited information and less biological literacy than the ones in the upper grades. The aim was to determine students’ knowledge, experience, and sources of information about owls, and then to determine how useful they were by comparing information obtained from drawings and written answers to previous research conducted with students. A total of 878 students in the sixth and seventh grades in Turkey participated in the research. The students were familiar with certain characteristics of owls. The drawings provided clearer information about body parts and proportions, while the specific habitats, behaviors, and feeding of owls were expressed in more detail in the written responses. The students without any experience with owls were inadequate in reporting information about owls. When the frequencies of responses in the general concept categories about owls were compared, it was found that the use of drawings and written answers was equally beneficial for upper and lower grade students. It would be better to determine the views and sources of information of secondary school students through drawings and written answers to assess whether they have understood the concepts related to science subjects.
GPU Accelerated Parallel Processing for Large-Scale Monte Carlo Analysis: COVID-19 Parameter Estimation and New Case Forecasting
Authors: Suchoski Brad , Stage Steve , Gurung Heidi , Baccam Prasith
Published: March 2022

Markov Chain Monte Carlo methods have emerged as one of the premier approaches to estimating posterior distributions for use in Bayesian computations. Unfortunately, these methods often suffer from slow run times when the data become large or when the parameter values come from complex distributions. This speed issue has prevented MCMC analysis from being used to solve some of the most interesting problems for which its technique is a good fit. We used the Multiple-Try Metropolis variant of the basic Metropolis Hastings algorithm, which trades off running more parallel likelihood calculations in favor of a higher acceptance rate and faster convergence compared to traditional MCMC. We optimized our algorithm to parallelize it and to take advantage of GPU processing. We applied our approach to parameter estimation for a Susceptible-Exposed-Infectious-Removed (SEIR) model and forecasting new cases of COVID-19. In comparison to a fully parallelized CPU implementation, using a single GPU to execute the simulations resulted in more than a 13x speedup in wall clock time, running on multiple GPUs resulted in a 36.3x speedup in wall clock time, and using a cloud-based server consisting of 8 GPUs resulted in a 56.5x speedup in wall clock time. Our approach shows that MCMC methods can be utilized to tackle problems that were previously thought to be too computationally intensive and slow.
Evaluation of the Reproducibility and Robustness of Extrusion-Based Bioprinting Processes Applying a Flow Sensor
Authors: Strauß Svenja , Schroth Bianca , Hubbuch Jürgen
Published: March 2022

Bioprinting is increasingly regarded as a suitable additive manufacturing method in biopharmaceutical process development and formulation. In order to manage the leap from research to industrial application, higher levels of reproducibility and a standardized bioprinting process are prerequisites. This said, the concept of process analytical technologies, standard in the biopharmaceutical industry, is still at its very early steps. To date most extrusion-based printing processes are controlled over penumatic pressure and thus not adaptive to environmental or system related changes over several experimental runs. A constant set pressure applied over a number of runs, might lead to variations in flow rate and thus to unreliable printed constructs. With this in mind, the simple question arises whether a printing process based on a set flow rate could improve reproduciblity and transfer to different printing systems. The control and monitoring of flow rate aim to introduce the concept of PAT in the field of bioprinting. This study investigates the effect of different processing modes (set pressure vs. set flow rate) on printing reproducibility occurring during an extrusion-based printing process consisting of 6 experimental runs consisting of 3 printed samples each. Additionally, the influence of different filling levels of the ink containing cartridge during a printing process was determined. Different solutions based on a varying amount of alginate polymer and Kolliphor hydrogels in varying concentrations showed the need for individual setting of printing parameter. To investigate parameter transferability among different devices two different printers were used and the flow was monitored using a flow sensor attached to the printing unit. It could be demonstrated that a set flow rate controlled printing process improved accuracy and the filling level also affects the accuracy of printing, the magnitude of this effects varies as the cartridge level declined. The transferability between printed devices was eased by setting the printing parameters according to a set flow rate of each bioink disregarding the value of the set pressure. Finally, by a bioprinting porcess control based on a set flow rate, the coefficient of variance for printed objects could be reduced from 0.2 to 0.02 for 10% (w/v) alginate polymer solutions.
Prognostic Value of Genomic Instability of m6A-Related lncRNAs in Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Li Rui , Li Jian-Ping , Liu Ting-Ting , Huo Chen , Yao Jie , Ji Xiu-Li , Qu Yi-Qing
Published: March 2022

Background: Genomic instability of N6-methyladenosine (m6A)–related long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) plays a pivotal role in the tumorigenesis of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). Our study identified a signature of genomic instability of m6A-associated lncRNA signature and revealed its prognostic role in LUAD.

Methods: We downloaded RNA-sequencing data and somatic mutation data for LUAD from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and the GSE102287 dataset from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. The “Limma” R package was used to identify a network of regulatory m6A-related lncRNAs. We used the Wilcoxon test method to identify genomic-instability–derived m6A-related lncRNAs. A competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network was constructed to identify the mechanism of the genomic instability of m6A-related lncRNAs. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed to construct a prognostic model for internal testing and validation of the prognostic m6A-related lncRNAs using the GEO dataset. Performance analysis was conducted to compare our prognostic model with the previously published lncRNA models. The CIBERSORT algorithm was used to explore the relationship of m6A-related lncRNAs and the immune microenvironment. Prognostic m6A-related lncRNAs in prognosis, the tumor microenvironment, stemness scores, and anticancer drug sensitivity were analyzed to explore the role of prognostic m6A-related lncRNAs in LUAD.

Results: A total of 42 genomic instability–derived m6A-related lncRNAs were differentially expressed between the GS (genomic stable) and GU (genomic unstable) groups of LUAD patients. Four differentially expressed lncRNAs, 17 differentially expressed microRNAs, and 75 differentially expressed mRNAs were involved in the genomic-instability–derived m6A-related lncRNA-mediated ceRNA network. A prediction model based on 17 prognostic m6A-associated lncRNAs was constructed based on three TCGA datasets (all, training, and testing) and validated in the GSE102287 dataset. Performance comparison analysis showed that our prediction model (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.746) could better predict the survival of LUAD patients than the previously published lncRNA models (AUC = 0.577, AUC = 0.681). Prognostic m6A-related-lncRNAs have pivotal roles in the tumor microenvironment, stemness scores, and anticancer drug sensitivity of LUAD.

Conclusion: A signature of genomic instability of m6A-associated lncRNAs to predict the survival of LUAD patients was validated. The prognostic, immune microenvironment and anticancer drug sensitivity analysis shed new light on the potential novel therapeutic targets in LUAD.
Alteration of Gut Microbiota: New Strategy for Treating Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Liu Jiayin , Gao Zhanyuan , Liu Chuanqi , Liu Tianyao , Gao Junwei , Cai Yun , Fan Xiaotang
Published: March 2022

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is defined as a complex heterogeneous disorder and characterized by stereotyped behavior and deficits in communication and social interactions. The emerging microbial knowledge has pointed to a potential link between gut microbiota dysbiosis and ASD. Evidence from animal and human studies showed that shifts in composition and activity of the gut microbiota may causally contribute to the etiopathogenesis of core symptoms in the ASD individuals with gastrointestinal tract disturbances and act on microbiota-gut-brain. In this review, we summarized the characterized gut bacterial composition of ASD and the involvement of gut microbiota and their metabolites in the onset and progression of ASD; the possible underlying mechanisms are also highlighted. Given this correlation, we also provide an overview of the microbial-based therapeutic interventions such as probiotics, antibiotics, fecal microbiota transplantation therapy, and dietary interventions and address their potential benefits on behavioral symptoms of ASD. The precise contribution of altering gut microbiome to treating core symptoms in the ASD needs to be further clarified. It seemed to open up promising avenues to develop microbial-based therapies in ASD.
Ferroptosis Related Genes in Ischemic and Idiopathic Cardiomyopathy: Screening for Potential Pharmacological Targets
Authors: Jiang Yufeng , Chen Ling , Chao Zhujun , Chen Tan , Zhou Yafeng
Published: March 2022

Background: Ferroptosis is a new form of cell death recently discovered that is distinct from apoptosis, necrosis and autophagy. This article is expected to provide a new direction for the treatment of cardiomyopathy in the future by screening potential drug targets associated with ferroptosis.

Methods: Differential expression analysis of GSE5406 from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database was performed using the GEO2R tool. Functional annotation of ferroptosis related genes was also performed. Then we constructed protein-protein interaction networks and identified hub genes using Cytoscape. The candidates for pharmacological compounds targeting the hub genes were screened by cMap.

Results: Totally 15 ferroptosis related genes (4 upregulated and 11 downregulated) for ischemic cardiomyopathy and 17 ferroptosis related genes (13 upregulated and 4 downregulated) for idiopathic cardiomyopathy were found. The biological processes involved in these genes mainly include negative regulation of apoptotic process, flavonoid metabolic process, response to drug for ischemic cardiomyopathy and cellular response to fibroblast growth factor stimulus, negative regulation of apoptotic process, and response to drug for idiopathic cardiomyopathy. KEGG results showed that these genes were mainly involved in MAPK signaling pathway for ischemic cardiomyopathy and PI3K-Akt signaling pathway for idiopathic cardiomyopathy. We generated a co-expression network for hub genes and obtained top 10 medications suggested respectively for ischemic/idiopathic cardiomyopathy.

Conclusion: Our study reveals the potential role of ferroptosis related genes in ischemic and idiopathic cardiomyopathy through bioinformatics analysis. The hub genes and potential drugs may become novel biomarkers for prognosis and precision treatment in the future.
Construction and Validation of a Ferroptosis-Related Prognostic Signature for Melanoma Based on Single-Cell RNA Sequencing
Authors: Liu Yating , Shou Yanhong , Zhu Ronghui , Qiu Zhuoqiong , Zhang Qi , Xu Jinhua
Published: March 2022

Melanoma, the deadliest type of skin cancer, is on the rise globally. The generally poor prognosis makes melanoma still an enormous public health problem. Ferroptosis is a newly emerging form of iron-dependent regulated cell death, which has been implicated in the development and treatment of several tumors. However, whether there is a connection between ferroptosis-related genes and the prognosis of melanoma patients remains an enigma. In the present study, we identified a ferroptosis-related genes signature to predict the prognosis of melanoma patients by analyzing single-cell RNA-sequencing data from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). Single-cell trajectory analysis was performed to explore malignant differentiation. CellChat was used to investigate intercellular communications in melanoma. Collectively, a novel four-gene signature (CP, MAP1LC3A, transferrin, and TP53) was constructed for prognosis prediction. COX proportional hazards regression analysis showed that the established ferroptosis-associated risk model was an independent prognostic predictor for melanoma patients (HR = 2.3293; 95%CI 1.1528–4.706) (p < 0.018). Patients with low-risk scores had significantly better overall survival (OS) than those with high-risk scores in The Cancer Genome Atlas, GSE59455, and GSE22153 dataset (p = 0.0015, p = 0.031, p = 0.077). Furthermore, the gene expression level of the four genes were verified in multistrain melanoma cell lines and normal human epidermal melanocytes (NHEM). The protein expression level of the four genes in clinical samples were further verified in the Human Protein Atlas (HPA) databases. Taken together, our study identified the prognostic significance of the ferroptosis-related genes in melanoma and developed a novel four-gene prognostic signature, which may shed light on the prognostic assessment and clinical decision making for melanoma patients.
MicroRNAs as Biomarkers for Ionizing Radiation Injury
Authors: Jia Meng , Wang Zhidong
Published: March 2022

Accidental radiation exposures such as industrial accidents and nuclear catastrophes pose a threat to human health, and the potential or substantial injury caused by ionizing radiation (IR) from medical treatment that cannot be ignored. Although the mechanisms of IR-induced damage to various organs have been gradually investigated, medical treatment of irradiated individuals is still based on clinical symptoms. Hence, minimally invasive biomarkers that can predict radiation damage are urgently needed for appropriate medical management after radiation exposure. In the field of radiation biomarker, finding molecular biomarkers to assess different levels of radiation damage is an important direction. In recent years, microRNAs have been widely reported as several diseases’ biomarkers, such as cancer and cardiovascular diseases, and microRNAs are also of interest to the ionizing radiation field as radiation response molecules, thus researchers are turning attention to the potential of microRNAs as biomarkers in tumor radiation response and the radiation toxicity prediction of normal tissues. In this review, we summarize the distribution of microRNAs, the progress on research of microRNAs as markers of IR, and make a hypothesis about the origin and destination of microRNAs in vivo after IR.
Modified Lipoproteins Induce Arterial Wall Inflammation During Atherogenesis
Authors: Lorey Martina B. , Öörni Katariina , Kovanen Petri T.
Published: March 2022

Circulating apolipoprotein B-containing lipoproteins, notably the low-density lipoproteins, enter the inner layer of the arterial wall, the intima, where a fraction of them is retained and modified by proteases, lipases, and oxidizing agents and enzymes. The modified lipoproteins and various modification products, such as fatty acids, ceramides, lysophospholipids, and oxidized lipids induce inflammatory reactions in the macrophages and the covering endothelial cells, initiating an increased leukocyte diapedesis. Lipolysis of the lipoproteins also induces the formation of cholesterol crystals with strong proinflammatory properties. Modified and aggregated lipoproteins, cholesterol crystals, and lipoproteins isolated from human atherosclerotic lesions, all can activate macrophages and thereby induce the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines, chemokines, and enzymes. The extent of lipoprotein retention, modification, and aggregation have been shown to depend largely on differences in the composition of the circulating lipoprotein particles. These properties can be modified by pharmacological means, and thereby provide opportunities for clinical interventions regarding the prevention and treatment of atherosclerotic vascular diseases.
Fat Stores and Antioxidant Capacity Affect Stopover Decisions in Three of Four Species of Migratory Passerines With Different Migration Strategies: An Experimental Approach
Authors: Cooper-Mullin Clara , McWilliams Scott R.
Published: March 2022

During migratory stopovers, birds must make decisions about when and where to travel and these decisions are likely contingent on their fuel stores, food availability, and antioxidant capacity as well as seasonal changes in key environmental factors. We conducted a field experiment on an offshore stopover site (Block Island, Rhode Island, United States: 41°130N, 71°330W) during autumn migration to test the hypothesis that birds with greater fuel stores and non-enzymatic antioxidant capacity have shorter stopovers than lean birds with low antioxidant capacity, and to determine the extent to which this depends on migration strategy. We used a 2 × 2 factorial field experiment (two levels each of available food and dietary polyphenols) with four species of songbirds kept in captivity for 3–5 days to produce experimental groups with different fuel stores and antioxidant capacity. We attached digital VHF transmitters to assess stopover duration and departure direction using automated telemetry. Non-enzymatic antioxidant capacity increased during refueling for Red-eyed Vireos (Vireo olivaceus) and Blackpoll Warblers (Setophaga striata) fedad libdiets, and forad libfed Hermit Thrushes (Catharus guttatus) supplemented with polyphenols, but not for Yellow-rumped Warblers (Setophaga coronata coronata). Glutathione peroxidase (GPx) decreased during captivity and was influenced by dietary treatment only in Red-eyed Vireos. Oxidative damage decreased during captivity for all species except Yellow-rumped Warblers. Stopover duration was shorter for Vireos and Blackpolls fedad libas compared to those fed maintenance.Ad libfed Hermit Thrushes supplemented with polyphenols had shorter stopovers than those fedad lib, as did thrushes fed at maintenance and supplemented with polyphenols compared with those fed at maintenance alone. There was no influence of condition on stopover duration for Yellow-rumped Warblers. Departure direction was not strongly related to condition, and birds primarily reoriented north when departing Block Island. Thus, fat stores and oxidative status interacted to influence the time passerines spent on stopover, and condition-dependent departure decisions were related to a bird’s migration strategy. Therefore, seasonal variation in macro- and micro-nutrient resources available for refueling at stopover sites can affect body condition and antioxidant capacity and in turn influence the timing and success of migration.
Oldowan Technology Amid Shifting Environments ∼2.03–1.83 Million Years Ago
Authors: Cueva-Temprana Arturo , Lombao Diego , Soto María , Itambu Makarius , Bushozi Pastory , Boivin Nicole , Petraglia Michael , Mercader Julio
Published: March 2022

The Oldowan represents the earliest recurrent evidence of human material culture and one of the longest-lasting forms of technology. Its appearance across the African continent amid the Plio-Pleistocene profound ecological transformations, and posterior dispersal throughout the Old World is at the foundation of hominin technological dependence. However, uncertainties exist concerning the degree to which the Oldowan constitutes an environment-driven behavioral adaptation. Moreover, it is necessary to understand how Oldowan technology varied through time in response to hominin ecological demands. In this study, we present the stone tool assemblage from Ewass Oldupa, a recently discovered archeological site that signals the earliest hominin occupation of Oldupai Gorge (formerly Olduvai) ∼2.03 Ma. At Ewass Oldupa, hominins underwent marked environmental shifts over the course of a ∼200 kyr period. In this article, we deployed an analysis that combines technological and typological descriptions with an innovative quantitative approach, the Volumetric Reconstruction Method. Our results indicate that hominins overcame major ecological challenges while relying on technological strategies that remained essentially unchanged. This highlights the Oldowan efficiency, as its basic set of technological traits was able to sustain hominins throughout multiple environments.
Exosome-Derived LncRNA TCONS_00072128 Mediated Osteogenic Differentiation and Inflammation by Caspase 8 Regulation
Authors: Yang Yongchang , Miao Li , Chang Shuai , Zhang Qiuli , Yu Lijuan , He Ping , Zhang Yue , Fan Weixiao , Liu Jie , Hao Xiaoke
Published: March 2022

Postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMOP) is a systemic metabolic bone disease in postmenopausal women. It has been known that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play a regulatory role in the progression of osteoporosis. However, the mechanism underlying the effects of exosome-derived lncRNA on regulating the occurrence and development of PMOP remains unclear. Exosomes in the serum of patients PMOP were collected and identified. RNA sequencing was performed to obtain the expression profile of exosome-derived lncRNAs in the serum of PMOP patients. RNA sequencing identified 26 differentially expressed lncRNAs from the exosomes between healthy people and PMOP patients. Among them, the expression of TCONS_00072128 was dramatically down-regulated. A co-location method was employed and searched its potential target gene caspase 8. TCONS_00072128 knockdown notably decreased the expression of caspase 8, while the osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs was also reduced. Reversely, TCONS_00072128 overexpression enhanced caspase 8 expression and osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs. Moreover, the continuous expression of caspase 8 regulated by TCONS_00072128 significantly activated inflammation pathways including NLRP3 signaling and NF-κB signaling. Simultaneously, RIPK1 which has emerged as a promising therapeutic target for the treatment of a wide range of human neurodegenerative, autoimmune, and inflammatory diseases, was also phosphorylated. The results of the present study suggested that exosome-derived lncRNA TCONS_00072128 could promote the progression of PMOP by regulating caspase 8. In addition, caspase 8 expression in BMSCs was possible to be a key regulator that balanced cell differentiation and inflammation activation.
DNA Damage Repair-Related Genes Signature for Immune Infiltration and Outcome in Cervical Cancer
Authors: Wang Xinghao , Xu Chen , Sun Hongzan
Published: March 2022

Background: The mechanism of DNA damage repair plays an important role in many solid tumors represented by cervical cancer.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore the effect of DNA damage repair-related genes on immune function of patients with cervical cancer, and to establish and evaluate a prognosis model based on DNA damage repair-related genes.

Methods: In the study, we analyzed the genes related to DNA damage and repair, and obtained two subtypes (F1 and F2). We selected two groups of samples for different selection, and studied which pathways were enriched expression. For different subtypes, the immune score was explored to explain immune infiltration. We got the key genes through screening, and established the prognosis model through the key genes. These 11 key genes were correlated with the expression of common Clusters of Differentiation (CD) genes in order to explore the effects of these genes on immunity.

Results: Through the Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) method, we screened 11 genes from 232 candidate genes as the key genes for the prognosis score. Through the Kaplan-Meier method, four genes (HAP1, MCM5, RNASEH2A, CETN2) with significant prognostic significance were screened into the final model, forming a Nomogram with C-index of 0.716 (0.649–1.0).

Conclusion: In cervical cancer, DNA damage repair related genes and immune cell infection characteristics have certain association, and DNA damage repair related genes and immune cell infection characteristics can effectively predict the prognosis.
Developmental Validation of a Rapidly Mutating Y-STR Panel Labeled by Six Fluoresceins for Forensic Research
Authors: Jin Xiaoye , Zhang Hongling , Ren Zheng , Wang Qiyan , Liu Yubo , Ji Jingyan , Zhang Han , Yang Meiqing , Zhou Yongsong , Huang Jiang
Published: March 2022

The male-specific region of the human Y chromosome is a useful genetic marker for genealogical searching, male inheritance testing, and male DNA mixture deconvolution in forensic studies. However, the Y chromosomal short tandem repeats (Y-STRs) are difficult to distinguish among related males due to their low/medium mutation rate. In contrast, rapidly mutating (RM) Y-STRs exhibit unusually high mutation rates and possess great potential for differentiating male lineages. In this study, we developed a novel Y-STRs multiplex amplification assay of 32 RM Y-STRs by fragment analysis using six dye-labeled technologies (FAM, HEX, TAMRA, ROX, VIG, and SIZ). The development and the validation of the kit were carried out in accordance with the Scientific Working Group guidelines on DNA Analysis Methods. Identical allelic profiles of the 32 RM Y-STRs using a DNA 9948 sample as the positive control could be observed at different concentrations of PCR reagents. Further, the RM Y-STRs did not show cross-reactions with other common animal species, and the developed assay could tolerate interferences from common PCR inhibitors and mixed DNA samples. More importantly, the kit showed relatively high sensitivity and could detect trace DNA samples. Genetic distributions of 32 RM Y-STRs in the Guizhou Han population revealed that these RM Y-STRs showed relatively high genetic diversities. In conclusion, the RM Y-STR assay developed here showed good species specificity, high sensitivity, tolerance to inhibitors, and sample compatibility, which can be viewed as a highly efficient tool with high discrimination capacity for forensic male differentiation.
Cerebrospinal Fluid Total Tau Protein Correlates With Longitudinal, Progressing Cognitive Dysfunction in Anti-Neural Autoantibody-Associated Dementia and Alzheimer’s Dementia: A Case–Control Study
Authors: Hansen Niels , Juhl Aaron Levin , Grenzer Insa Maria , Hirschel Sina , Teegen Bianca , Fitzner Dirk , Bartels Claudia , Timäus Charles , Wiltfang Jens , Malchow Berend
Published: March 2022

Background

Neural autoantibody-associated dementia (NABD) is an increasing phenomenon in memory clinics with a high impact on later therapy. Biomarkers are lacking that differentiate this type of dementia from neurodegenerative dementia such as Alzheimer’s dementia (AD). Our aim is to analyze neurodegeneration markers and their relationship to progressing cognitive dysfunction in NABD and AD to test for tools differentiating these two forms of dementia prior to neural autoantibody testing.

Methods

In our retrospective, observational study, we investigated 14 patients with dementia and serum and/or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) neural autoantibodies as well as 14 patients with AD by relying on recent CSF and clinical criteria for AD. Patient files were checked for psychopathology, neuropsychological test performance, autoimmune indicators, CSF, and MRI results.

Results

Our patient groups did not differ in their psychopathology, autoimmune indicators, or MRI profile. The progression of cognitive dysfunction [as measured by the difference in Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores since disease onset, and the yearly progression rate (MMSE loss/per year)] did not vary significantly between groups. Total tau protein was significantly higher in AD patients than NABD patients revealing no signs of Alzheimer’s disease pathology in their CSF (p < 0.05). Total tau protein levels in CSF correlated with cognitive decline since disease onset (r = 0.38, p < 0.05) and yearly progression rates (r = 0.56, p < 0.005) in all patients.

Discussion

Our results suggest that the progression of cognitive dysfunction as defined by MMSE does not seem to be an appropriate biomarker for distinguishing NABD from AD. However, the total tau protein level in CSF might be a relevant molecular biomarker that can indicate disease pathology and/or progression in both known AD and NABD, which is often accompanied by axonal degeneration. Total tau protein may be an additional diagnostic tool with which to differentiate anti-neural-associated dementia from AD if further research confirms these proof-of-concept findings in larger patient cohorts.
RETRACTED: Dysregulation of Survivin-Targeting microRNAs in Autoimmune Diseases: New Perspectives for Novel Therapies
Authors: Shomali Navid , Suliman Maashi Marwah , Baradaran Behzad , Daei Sorkhabi Amin , Sarkesh Aila , Mohammadi Hamed , Hemmatzadeh Maryam , Marofi Faroogh , Sandoghchian Shotorbani Siamak , Jarahian Mostafa
Published: March 2022

It has been well established that the etiopathogenesis of diverse autoimmune diseases is rooted in the autoreactive immune cells’ excessively proliferative state and impaired apoptotic machinery. Survivin is an anti-apoptotic and mitotic factor that has sparked a considerable research interest in this field. Survivin overexpression has been shown to contribute significantly to the development of autoimmune diseases via autoreactive immune cell overproliferation and apoptotic dysregulation. Several microRNAs (miRNAs/miRs) have been discovered to be involved in survivin regulation, rendering the survivin-miRNA axis a perspective target for autoimmune disease therapy. In this review, we discuss the role of survivin as an immune regulator and a highly implicated protein in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases, the significance of survivin-targeting miRNAs in autoimmunity, and the feasibility of targeting the survivin-miRNA axis as a promising therapeutic option for autoimmune diseases.
Association of the Microbiota and Pancreatic Cancer: Opportunities and Limitations
Authors: Chen Zhou , Zhang Shaofeng , Dong Shi , Xu Hao , Zhou Wence
Published: March 2022

The human body is thoroughly colonized by a wide variety of microorganisms, termed microbiota. Pancreatic cancer, one of the most aggressive forms of cancer, is no exception. The microbiota of pancreatic cancer largely influences and even dominates the occurrence, development and outcome of pancreatic cancer in many ways. Studies have shown that microbiota could change the malignant phenotype and prognosis of pancreatic cancer by stimulating persistent inflammation, regulating the antitumor immune system, changing the tumor microenvironment and affecting cellular metabolism. This is why the association of the microbiota with pancreatic cancer is an emerging area of research that warrants further exploration. Herein, we investigated the potential microbial markers of pancreatic cancer, related research models, the mechanism of action of microbiota in pancreatic cancer, and pancreatic cancer-microbiota-related treatment.
A Critical Overview of Interleukin 32 in Leishmaniases
Authors: Ribeiro-Dias Fátima , Oliveira Iara Barreto Neves
Published: March 2022

Interleukin-32 (IL-32) has several immune regulatory properties, which have driven its investigation in the context of various diseases. IL-32 expression is reported to be induced in the lesions of patients with American tegumentary leishmaniasis (ATL) by the New World Leishmania spp. that are responsible for causing ATL and visceral leishmaniasis (VL). IL-32 expression may elevate the inflammatory process through the induction of pro-inflammatory cytokines and also via mechanisms directed to kill the parasites. The genetic variants of IL-32 might be associated with the resistance or susceptibility to ATL, while different isoforms of IL-32 could be associated with distinct T helper lymphocyte profiles. IL-32 also determines the transcriptional profile in the bone marrow progenitor cells to mediate the trained immunity induced by β-glucan and BCG, thereby contributing to the resistance against Leishmania. IL-32γ is essential for the vitamin D-dependent microbicidal pathway for parasite control. In this context, the present review report briefly discusses the data retrieved from the studies conducted on IL-32 in leishmaniasis in humans and mice to highlight the current challenges to understanding the role of IL-32 in leishmaniasis.
Ready-to-Eat Food as Sources of Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamase-Producing Salmonella and E. coli in Tamale, Ghana
Authors: Karikari Akosua Bonsu , Kpordze Stephen Wilson , Yamik David Yembilla , Saba Courage Kosi Setsoafia
Published: March 2022

The existence of antimicrobial-resistant pathogens in ready-to-eat food is an emerging public health concern. We evaluated the presence of extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli and Salmonella species in street food in Tamale, as well as their antibiotic resistance profiles. Samples (42 salad samples and 71 fufu samples) purchased from 113 food vendors in the metropolis were analyzed by selective enrichment and plated onto chromogenic media. The Kirby–Bauer disk diffusion method was used to determine the susceptibility to antibiotics and phenotypic ESBL production. Positive phenotypic analysis for ESBL production was shown in 55.4% (41/74) of E. coli and 44.6% (33/74) of Salmonella species. Antibiotic resistance characterization showed that ESBL strains from salad were completely sensitive to imipenem and chloramphenicol but mostly resistant to cefotaxime (70.0%), ceftriaxone (85.0%), and ceftazidime (70.0%). Nonetheless, 24.1% of ESBL strains from fufu were resistant to imipenem and least resistant to gentamicin (3.7%). In-vitro, E. coli were highly susceptible to ciprofloxacin, gentamicin, and erythromycin, as Salmonella species were more sensitive to imipenem and chloramphenicol; but in both species, resistance to β-lactam drugs was most prevalent. Multiple drug resistance was found in the entire ESBL strains of E. coli and Salmonella species (100%) with respective multiple antibiotic resistance (MAR) indices of 0.56 and 0.48 presented by E. coli and Salmonella species. Our study demonstrated the occurrence of ESBL-producing pathogens in vegetable salads and fufu. The existence of pathogenic bacteria in food is a public health threat and becomes more alarming when the pathogens are endowed with resistant features; thus, policies to combat antimicrobial resistance should be implemented and food safety prioritized.
Exploration of Chemical Biology Approaches to Facilitate the Discovery and Development of Novel Antibiotics
Authors: Miranda Renata Rezende , Parthasarathy Anutthaman , Hudson André O.
Published: March 2022

Approximately 2.8 million people worldwide are infected with bacteria that are deemed resistant to clinically relevant antibiotics. This accounts for 700,000 deaths every year and represents a major public health threat that has been on the rise for the past two decades. In contrast, the pace of antibiotic discovery to treat these resistant pathogens has significantly decreased. Most antibiotics are complex natural products that were isolated from soil microorganisms during the golden era of antibiotic discovery (1940s to 1960s) employing the “Waksman platform”. After the collapse of this discovery platform, other strategies and approaches emerged, including phenotype- or target-based screenings of large synthetic compound libraries. However, these methods have not resulted in the discovery and/or development of new drugs for clinical use in over 30 years. A better understanding of the structure and function of the molecular components that constitute the bacterial system is of paramount importance to design new strategies to tackle drug-resistant pathogens. Herein, we review the traditional approaches as well as novel strategies to facilitate antibiotic discovery that are chemical biology-focused. These include the design and application of chemical probes that can undergo bioorthogonal reactions, such as copper (I)-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloadditions (CuAAC). By specifically interacting with bacterial proteins or being incorporated in the microorganism’s metabolism, chemical probes are powerful tools in drug discovery that can help uncover new drug targets and investigate the mechanisms of action and resistance of new antibacterial leads.
Ecoregionalisation of the Southern Ocean Using Radiolarians
Authors: Lowe Vikki , Cortese Giuseppe , Lawler Kelly-Anne , Civel-Mazens Matthieu , Bostock Helen C.
Published: March 2022

The Southern Ocean is an important region for identifying ecoregions, both to assist in conservation efforts as well as for paleoecological studies. In this paper we use the Southern Ocean Radiolarian Dataset (SORAD), a compilation of surface sediment radiolarian census data, to determine radiolarian ecoregions throughout the Southern Ocean within the Atlantic, Indian and Southwest Pacific Sectors. The distribution of radiolarian species is explored using the unconstrained non-Metric Multidimensional Scaling to identify gradients in species assemblage variability, as well as distinct and sharp changes in assemblage composition. Ecoregions are assigned to groups of sites using Multivariate Regression Tree analysis, and environmental variables are assessed for their explanatory power. Radiolarian distribution was found to be heterogeneous throughout the Southern Ocean, with each Sector hosting a unique group of radiolarian ecoregions. A total of 6 ecoregions were identified for the Atlantic Sector, 8 for the Indian Sector and 6 for the Southwest Pacific Sector. Ecoregions were generally latitudinally distributed, but also appear to be influenced by significant oceanographic features, such as plateaux and islands, large eddy fields, hydrological fronts and sea ice. This study highlights the need for further exploration of radiolarian ecology, and for caution when using radiolarian assemblage variability in paleo-environmental studies.