bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluating image quality and optimal parameters for non-linear blending dual-energy computed tomography images of hepatic portal veins by blending-property-map
Authors: Lin Liying , Han Li , Jia Shaowei , Zhang Tianyou , Liu Zefeng , Fan Jie
Published: May 2022

BACKGROUND:

Blending technology is usually used to improve quality of dual-energy computed (DECT) images.

OBJECTIVES:

To evaluate the blended DECT image qualities by employing the Blending-Property-Map (BP-Map) and elucidating the optimal parameters with the highest signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR).

METHODS:

Sixty pairs of 80 kV and 140 kV CT images are blended non-linearly by four methods. Protocol A uses the fixed values of blending width (BW) and blending center (BC); Protocol B uses the values of BW =  (CThepatic portal vein – CThepatic parenchymal) / 2 and BC =  (CThepatic portal vein + CThepatic parenchymal) / 2; Protocol C uses a BW ranging from 10 to 100 HU at an interval of 10 HU and BC = (CThepatic portal vein + CThepatic parenchymal) / 2; Protocol D uses the BP-Map that covers all possible values of BW and BC.

RESULTS:

When using CT value of adipose tissue as noise, the calculated SNR and CNR of optimal blending width and blending center were 123.22±41.73 and 9.00±3.52, respectively, by the BP-Map in the protocol D. By employing the CT value of back muscle as noise, the SNR and CNR of the best-blended images were 75.90±14.52 and 6.39±2.37, respectively. The subjective score of protocol D was 4.88±0.12.

CONCLUSIONS:

Compared to traditional blending methods, the BP-Map technique can determine the optimal blending parameter and provide the best-blended images with the highest SNR and CNR.
Editorial: Der nonkonformistische Intellektuelle: Gesellschaftstheorie und sozialistische Strategie
Authors: PROKLA Redaktion
Published: May 2022

In Zeiten sich häufender und zuspitzender Krisen tun kritische Analysen Not, die über gesellschaftliche und geopolitische Kräfteverhältnisse informieren und ein im progressiven Sinne eingreifendes Handeln bewirken können. Die PROKLA würdigt mit dieser Ausgabe ein ehemaliges Redaktions- und heutiges Beiratsmitglied, das sich seit Jahrzehnten um eine solche Praxis verdient macht: Alex Demirovic der am 17. Mai 2022 seinen 70. Geburtstag feiert. Die in einem starken Sinn demokratische und damit vernünftige Einrichtung von Gesellschaft ließe sich als sein politisches Leitmotiv bezeichnen. Die Redaktion hat deshalb Freund*innen und Weggefährt*innen gebeten, Alex zu seinem 70. Geburtstag mit Beiträgen zu würdigen, die zentrale von ihm bearbeitete Themen aufgreifen, sich dabei auf seine Arbeiten beziehen, eine kritische Zeitdiagnose beinhalten und strategische Fragen der gesellschaftlichen und politischen Linken diskutieren.
Wahrheitskämpfe?
Authors: Demirović Alex
Published: May 2022

Der zweite Teil des Artikels (der erste erschien in PROKLA 206) betrachtet die Organisation des Wissens durch den bürgerlichen Staat in der Coronapandemie. Die These ist, dass der Staat sowohl Wissen benötigt, um gesellschaftliche Prozesse zu verwalten, als auch die Dynamik dieses Wissens begrenzen muss, weil ansonsten in die politischen Entscheidungen Gesichtspunkte eingehen könnten, die Kapitalverwertung und Ordnung selbst zu gefährden drohen. Die Behauptung, dass Demokratie und Wissenschaft in ein gegensätzliches Verhältnis treten und letztere die Demokratie gefährdet, wird bestritten.
Improvement in Cervical Spinal Misalignment After the Application of the Neuromuscular Atlasprofilax Method in one Single Session. A Case Report.
Authors: Manent Lluis , León Higuera José Gabriel , Angulo Orlando , Garcia-Morcote Cristian Andres , Zableh Solano María Emma
Published: May 2022

A 7-year-old girl with diagnosed lateral mandibular deviation and other related temporomandibular joint disorders was referred for an anteroposterior x-ray examination to study a possible cervical spinal misalignment prior to the application of the Atlasprofilax method. The purpose of this radiographic examination was to assess probable improvement in her cervical spinal alignment after the application of the Atlasprofilax Method that already showed benefits in temporomandibular joint disorders and fibromyalgia in previous studies. Determination and probable improvement of Atlas and Axis tilt, lateral atlantodental asymmetry and cervical spinous processes misalignment were taken as endpoints. An x-ray examination was performed before the application of this method confirming Atlas and Axis tilt, lateral atlantodental asymmetry and cervical spinous processes misalignment from C2 to T1. The result in a posterior x-ray examination following the same radiological guidelines for anteroposterior open mouth examination determined a clear improvement in the Atlas and Axis tilt as well in the lateral atlantoodontoid interval alongside with correction of the previously misaligned vertebrae of the cervical spine. Such radiological improvements on the described structures poses the question on the benefits and clinical relevance of using specific targeted vibropressure used by the Atlasprofilax method on some key spots related to fascia and skeletal muscles. Thus, through a complex combination of mechanisms that involve mechanotransduction and cell metabolism, this clinical and non-invasive intervention could ameliorate preliminarily several ailments related to fascia and muscle skeletal disorders associated commonly with pain such temporomandibular disorders among others. Finally, it is relevant to the authors to raise awareness that it may be a gap between defining hard structures such as spine and joints asymmetries that cause pathological conditions and that can be observed by means of imaging such CT, MRI or x-ray examinations and the probable etiological underlying relationship coming from the understudied principles of fascial tensegrity. This etiology may include clinical or subclinical metabolic abnormalities in muscles, specially in the neck muscles but more specifically in the suboccipital muscles and its surrounding or inner soft tissues such as the myodural bridge.
ADAPTOR PROTEIN Ruk/CIN85REGULATES REDOX BALANCE IN 4T1MOUSE BREAST CANCER CELLS EXPOSED TO PLASMIN(OGEN)
Authors: Horak I.R. , Latyshko N.V. , Hudkova O.O. , Tokarchuk K.O. , Kishko T.O. , Yusova O.I. , Drobot L.B. , Tykhomyrov A.A.
Published: May 2022

Background: Cell surface plasmin is involved in tumor growth and metastatic dissemination by regulating cancer cells adhesion, migration and invasion. Plasmin-induced cell detachment is accompanied by an increased rate of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and cell death. However, cancer cells acquire the ability to develop adaptive mechanisms to resist ROS-mediated apoptosis. Aim: To establish the role of adaptor protein Ruk/CIN85 in the control of viability and redox balance in breast adenocarcinoma cells exposed to plasmin(ogen). Materials and Methods: Mouse 4T1 cells with the stable overexpression of adaptor protein Ruk/CIN85 (RukUp subline) and corresponding control (Mock subline) were treated with Glu-plasminogen (1–100 nM). Plasminogen to plasmin conversion was monitored spectrophotometrically by cleavage of the specific chromogenic substrate S2251. Specific uPA inhibitor BC11 was used to verify the uPA-mediated mechanism of plasminogen pericellular activation by 4T1 cells. Cell survival rate was assessed by MTT-test and cell proliferation was estimated by colony formation assay. Enzymatic activities of catalase, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, as well as hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) levels were measured by spectrophotomertric and fluorometric assays. The intracellular ROS generation was monitored by flow cytometry using H2DCF-DA fluorescent probe. Results: Plasminogen was shown to be converted into an active proteinase plasmin on the surface of carcinoma cells in uPA-dependent manner. Plasmin(ogen) suppressed proliferation and affected survival of both studied 4T1 sublines. However, RukUp cells displayed higher resistance to plasmin(ogen)-induced cytotoxicity than Mock cells. Plasmin(ogen) promoted significant elevation in ROS generation rate in cells with the basal level of Ruk/CIN85 expression. In contrast, RukUp cells appear to be more effective in counteracting prooxidant changes due to the activation of some enzymes of the glutathione system, in particular glutathione peroxidase, and a concomitant decrease of H2O2 accumulation. Conclusion: Adaptor protein Ruk/CIN85 is involved in the regulation of redox homeostasis in cancer cells to maintain levels of ROS, thus promoting redox adaptation in cancer cells exposed to plasmin(ogen). Thus, Ruk/CIN85 may represent one of the relevant targets in order to diminish the resistance of cancer cells to ROS-mediated apoptosis.
A LONG-TERM 10G-HYPERGRAVITY EXPOSURE PROMOTES CELL-CELL CONTACTS AND REDUCES ADHESIVENESS TO A SUBSTRATE, MIGRATION, AND INVASIVENESS OF MCF-7HUMAN BREAST CANCER CELLS
Authors: Kannan S. , Shailesh H. , Mohamed H. , Souchelnytskyi N. , Souchelnytskyi S.
Published: May 2022

Background: G-force is a fundamental force controlling human cells. Cancer is one of the 4 major health challenges in the Space missions. Cancer in Space project evaluates the reaction of human cancer cells to the conditions of the space flights, including an exposure to high g-forces. Aim: Explore an impact of 10 g force on the oncogenic properties of human breast adenocarcinoma cells MCF-7. Materials and Methods: Cells were exposed to 10 g force for 10 days, as part of a 6-week simulation of conditions of a space flight. Then the cells were cultured for one week under normal culture conditions, before performing tests. Cell proliferation, cell viability, cell-cell contact inhibition, migration, and invasiveness were measured. Immunoblotting was used to evaluate expression of proteins. Results: Proliferation, cell-cell interaction and formation of 3D structures, migration, and invasiveness of cells exposed to 10 g were compared to parental cells cultured at 1 g condition. 10 g exposed cells showed a higher propensity for cell-cell contact inhibitions and lower for 3-dimensional growth in dense culture. This correlated with the decrease of proliferation in a dense culture as compared to the parental cells. The decrease of migration, adherence to a surface, and invasiveness was observed for cells subjected to the hypergravity, as compared to the parental MCF-7 cells. Enhanced expression of E-cadherin and phosphorylated pY576-FAK were observed in 10 g exposed cells but no impact on the expression of Erk, pErk, FAK and p53 was detected. Conclusion: The prolonged exposure of MCF-7 cells to 10 g force targets cell-cell and cell-substrate interactions.
NOD2c.3019-3020insC AND c.2104C>T GENE VARIANTS AMONG PATIENTS FROM WESTERN UKRAINE WITH CROHN’S DISEASE AND COLORECTAL CANCER
Authors: Lozynska L. , Pinyazhko R. , Lozynska M. , Plawski A. , Makukh H. , Lukavetskyy O. , Grzegotsky M. , Pinyazhko O.
Published: May 2022

Aim: To determine the frequency of NOD2 gene c.3019-3020insC (rs5743293) and c.2104C>T (rs2066844) allelic variants in the patients with Crohn’s disease (CD), colorectal cancer (CRC) and in the control groups and to study the association of these mutations with the onset time of the diseases, gender and surgical interventions. Materials and Methods: The diagnoses of CD and CRC were established based on standard clinical examination and laboratory tests. Molecular genetic study of a frameshift 3020insC mutations of NOD2 gene were performed in 54 patients with CD; missense R702W mutations of the NOD2 gene — in 41 CD patients and 38 healthy controls. In CRC group, 3020insC mutation was tested in 48 patients, R702W mutation — in 40 patients and 40 healthy controls. PCR-RFLP technique was used to identify the mutations. Results: The frequency of the minor allele (M) of 3020insC mutation of NOD2 gene in the patients with CD was significantly higher than in the control group (р = 0.01). The age at CD onset in females carrying 3020insC mutation was significantly lower (22.5 ± 1.6 years) when compared with females without the mutation (32.7 ± 2.5 years) (p = 0.002). There was no significant difference in the allele frequencies and genotype distributions of R702W mutation in the patients with CD in comparison with the controls. The mean age at CD onset in the patients carrying R702W mutation was significantly lower (28.4 ± 1.4 years) compared with the patients without the mutation (39.4 ± 2.8 years) (p < 0.01). Surgical interventions for CD was required in 40.0% of 3020insC mutation carriers. Among patients with CRC, only 4.2% carried 3020insC mutation and 20.0% R702W mutation. Our study suggests that R702W and 3020insC mutations are not associated with the risk of CRC in Ukrainian patients. There was no statistically significant difference in mean age at CRC onset in patients with/without R702W mutation. Only one patient with CRC had two mutations. Conclusion: The earlier age at CD onset was associated with 3020insC mutation, but only in female patients. The association between R702W mutation and the earlier age of CD onset was found. Patients with 3020insC mutation showed a trend to a higher frequency of surgical interventions for CD.
KONSENTRASI ASAP CAIR KAYU KESAMBI (SCLEICHERA OLEOSA) DAN PENGARUHNYA TERHADAP FISIKO KIMIAWI DAGING SAPI
Authors: Meha Nikodemus Luta Ana , Ina Yessy Tamu , Kaka Alexander
Published: May 2022

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh konsentrasi asap  cair kayu kesambi (Schleichera oleosa) yang berbeda  terhadap  kadar air, pH, total fenol dan organoleptik dendeng sapi meliputi (Warna, rasa, tekstur dan kesukaan). Penelitian telah dilaksanakan di laboratorium terpadu Universitas Kristen Wira Wacana Sumba. Materi penelitian yang digunakan adalah daging sapi segar yang diperoleh dari Rumah Potong Hewan (RPH) Waingapu, Kabupaten Sumba Timur. Daging diambil pada bagian paha belakang sebanyak 5kg. Penelitian ini menggunakan Rancangan Acak Lengkap (RAL) yang terdiri dari 4 perlakuan dan 5 ulangan  yaitu : P1= Konsentrasi pengasapan 10%; P2= Konsentrasi pengasapan 15%; P3=Konsentrasi pengasapan 30%; P4=Konsentrasi pengasapan 45%, sehingga terdapat 20 unit sampel.  Variabel pengamatan adalah kadar air, pH, total fenol dan organoleptik (Warna, rasa, tekstur dan kesukaan). Data yang diperoleh kemudian analisis raganm dengan taraf kepercayaan 5%, hasil berpengaruh nyata dilanjutkan dengan uji  Beda Nyata Terkecil (BNT), Data Organoleptik diolah statistik dengan metode Non Parametrik Kruskall Wallis. Hasil analisis ragam menunjukkan,  bahwa pemanfaatan asap cair kayu kesambi dengan level konsentrasi yang tertinggi berpengaruh dalam menurunkan   kadar air dan pH tetapi dapat meningkatkan penerimaan panelis terhadap organoleptik (warna, rasa, tekstur dan kesukaan) pada dendeng sapi.  Konsentrasi asap cair dengan level yang tertinggi dapat meningkatkan aktivitas total fenol.
Nostalgia de la conversación
Authors:   Departamento de Letras. Universidad de Guadalajara, Vevia Romero Fernando Carlos
Published: May 2022

Toda la vida sólo escuchando. ¿A quién? A la autoridad en todas sus formas; las más burdas y las más sutiles. Luego, más tarde, sólo oír. Oír, no escuchar. Con órdenes estrictas a las neuronas para no almacenar la información oída. Con los músculos faciales entrenados para poner cara interesante, mientras la conciencia dormita. Luego resultó que es mucho peor hablar. Decir, decir, decir. Mover la lengua, los pulmones, las cuerdas vocales... Sentir la señal roja que se prende en el cerebro y advierte:" ¡Atención! ¡Exceso de estupideces!". Hablar de la realidad del mundo que desconozco; de la realidad de los libros que desconozco, de la realidad de los seres humanos que desconozco. Refugio en el silencio para disminuir el número de sandeces dichas por minuto.
El porqué debemos utilizar el término inmigrante ilegalizado
Authors: Bauder Harald
Published: May 2022

Introducción
La Associated Press (AP) anunció recientemente un cambio importante en su Manual de Estilo: no aprueba ya el término ‘inmigrante ilegal’ (Colford, 2013; Morison, 2013). La AP sugirió expresiones alternativas tales como “persona que entra ilegalmente en un país” o “sin autorización legal” (Morison,
2013). Aunque estas expresiones podrían ser exactas, son verbosas, dando lugar a que la vice presidenta primera y jefa de redacción, Kathleen Carroll de la AP considerara que una terminología conveniente vendría a desarrollarse “un poco más tarde” (Colford, 2013). En esta Reseña de Investigación, yo sostengo la adopción de inmigrante ilegalizado para compensar por esta falta en la
terminología.
El porqué debemos utilizar el término inmigrante ilegalizado
Authors: Unknown Author
Published: May 2022

Introducción
La Associated Press (AP) anunció recientemente un cambio importante en su Manual de Estilo: no aprueba ya el término ‘inmigrante ilegal’ (Colford, 2013; Morison, 2013). La AP sugirió expresiones alternativas tales como “persona que entra ilegalmente en un país” o “sin autorización legal” (Morison,
2013). Aunque estas expresiones podrían ser exactas, son verbosas, dando lugar a que la vice presidenta primera y jefa de redacción, Kathleen Carroll de la AP considerara que una terminología conveniente vendría a desarrollarse “un poco más tarde” (Colford, 2013). En esta Reseña de Investigación, yo sostengo la adopción de inmigrante ilegalizado para compensar por esta falta en la
terminología.
Synthesis and Biological Activity of the Daunorubicin Derivatives Bearing a Benzo[D][1,3]dioxol-5-yl Moiety
Authors:   Nesmeyanov Institute of Organoelement Compounds, Russian Academy of Sciences, ul. Vavilova 28, Moscow, 119991 Russia, Moiseeva A. A.
Published: May 2022

The N-Functionalization of the daunorubicin amino group allows for introducing different functional and pharmacophore groups into the anthracycline core. Herein, the possibility of introduction of a benzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-yl moiety and its derivatives into the structure of the initial moiety is demonstrated by the examples of four new anthracyclines. The biological activity of the resulting compounds is explored.
High Surface Area Silica Particles Using Anionic Surfactant Template Prepared by One-step Spray Drying System for Dye Removal Application
Authors: Ajiz Hendrix Abdul , Albar Abdurrahman Anis , Widiyastuti W , Nurtono Tantular , Setyawan Heru , Joni I Made
Published: May 2022

This study reported the effect of sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) as a template on silica morphology and its properties. The precursor was prepared by producing silica nanofluid by the sol-gel method and mixed with various SLS concentrations. After that, the precursor was spray-dried to generate silica powder. An increase in SLS concentration up to 2 critical micelle concentration (CMC) indicates an increase in the silica particle size from 2.12 μm in untemplated silica particles to 2.58 μm. On the other hand, when the SLS concentration increases to 3 CMC, the particle size decreases to 2.19 μm. A significant increase in total pore volume and surface area is obtained for silica particles synthesized at least at the SLS concentration of 2 CMC, around eight higher volumes than without SLS addition. In addition, they have a macropore compared to silica particles synthesized without SLS addition that only exhibits mesopore. The surface area was 1,011 m2/g for the SLS concentration at 3 CMC, whereas the silica without SLS has only a surface area of 131 m2/g. The SLS concentration at 2 CMC or higher leads to a significant increase in its physical properties because the micelle formation is enough for sacrificed template formation. Methylene blue solution was used as an adsorbate for evaluating the dye adsorption capacity that followed the Langmuir isothermal adsorption model. The highest theoretical maximum monolayer adsorption capacity was 142.9 mg/g, obtained by silica adsorbent with the SLS concentration at 3 CMC.
Book Review essay of Zach Schonfeld's Ghetto: Misfortune's Wealth and Jarett Kobek's Do Every Thing Wrong! XXXTentacion Against the World
Authors: Guerrero Jose
Published: May 2022

This book review essay examines two recent works on hip hop culture and the music industry in the United States of America with attention to how their discussions of sampling, copyright, racism, and socioeconomic class relate to library and information studies.
Influencia del liderazgo en el desempeño laboral: caso práctico de la empresa Mcduck
Authors: Prospel-Santacruz Estefania , Romero-Morocho Leonardo
Published: May 2022

En la presente investigación se determina la influencia que existe entre el liderazgo y el bajo desempeño laboral en la empresa McDuck. Mediante una metodología cuantitativa, con un diseño de investigación no experimental transversal, que se midió en su contexto real y en consiguiente se permitió indagar la forma como incide el liderazgo en la empresa, para estudiar las causas que han ocasionado el bajo desempeño laboral de los colaboradores, y así establecer con exactitud soluciones. Mediante la utilización de encuestas realizadas al grupo de trabajo de 55 personas, se encontró que en la empresa McDuck existe una baja productividad por la falta de compromiso de sus colaboradores; esto como resultado del manejo inapropiado de los gerentes y la carencia de un estilo de liderazgo adecuado. Provocando un mal clima laboral que desmotiva a sus subordinados a cumplir las metas y objetivos planteados. Por ende el gerente de la empresa McDuck debe de poner en práctica un estilo de liderazgo de participación o también conocido compromiso en toda regla, puesto que, es el estilo que aumentarían más el nivel de desempeño laboral y tendría un equilibrio entre la adecuada dirección y aceptación, por los trabajadores de la empresa manteniendo un nivel elevado de preocupación por las personas y por los resultados.
Yesevi Hikmetlerinde Sosyal Sorunlara Eleştirel Bakış
Authors: Hasan Nadirhan
Published: May 2022

11-12 yy.larda Türkistan’da yaşayan Hoca Ahmed Yesevi hazretleri Türklerin arasında İslamiyetin geniş yayılmasına öncülük eden bir Türk-İslam mürşidi kâmilidir. O bir yandan talebe yetiştirerek, öğrencilerini dört bir kıtaya göndermiş, tebliğ faaliyetiyle meşgul olmuş, diğer taraftan da sade Türkçeyle dörtlük şeklinde hikmetler söyleyerek dini ve irfanî fikir-düşüncelerini nazımda ifade etmiştir. Hikmetlerinde hem ferdi olsun hem toplumsal olsun bireyleri, dolayısıyla cemiyeti rahatsız eden sorunları, insanlığın kemaline engel olan her türlü olumsuz illetleri eleştirmiş, onları bertaraf etme yollarını göstermiştir.
Värderingar, Liberalism och Islam
Authors: Sandewall Erik
Published: May 2022

This book describes an interpretation of political liberalism that is called paraliberalism and that emphasizes the importance of values, both for the individual and for society. Values are seen as a central part of the individual’s autonomy, that is. her ability to think and act independently using knowledge and reason, and guided by responsible values and attitudes. Autonomy means freedom under one’s own responsibility, therefore. The concept of values also includes people’s attitudes in situations that they encounter, in the sense of their patterns of behavior. Every person has her own values, but society expects her to develop them through participation in a value culture where values are discussed, applied and tested, and where participants may revise their values. Values can thus vary and evolve according to the circumstances, but paraliberalism states two cardinal values that have overall significance, namely care about the individual’s autonomy, and also humanity’s responsibility for the planet Earth. The latter cardinal value requires that all states cooperate. From our philosophical point of view this means that the concepts of nation and nationalism must be reconsidered. Therefore, the concept of autonomy is extended from individuals to states; they are supposed to be governed by values in the same way as individuals are. Furthermore, it is assumed that states promote their society-founding values, and a nation is defined as the consisting of those citizens in a state that embrace these values – normally a strong majority of them. In the last one of the five parts of the book, paraliberalism is used as a starting point for reviews of the interpretations of Islam that a number of prominent Islamic scholars have expressed in their books and articles. Since paraliberalism is described in terms of clear definitions, it is well suited as a basis for exchange of opinions with ideologies that are clearly different from liberalism.
Scalable Biofabrication: A Perspective on the Current State and Future Potentials of Process Automation in 3D-Bioprinting Applications
Authors: Lindner Nils , Blaeser Andreas
Published: May 2022

Biofabrication, specifically 3D-Bioprinting, has the potential to disruptively impact a wide range of future technological developments to improve human well-being. Organs-on-Chips could enable animal-free and individualized drug development, printed organs may help to overcome non-treatable diseases as well as deficiencies in donor organs and cultured meat may solve a worldwide environmental threat in factory farming. A high degree of manual labor in the laboratory in combination with little trained personnel leads to high costs and is along with strict regulations currently often a hindrance to the commercialization of technologies that have already been well researched. This paper therefore illustrates current developments in process automation in 3D-Bioprinting and provides a perspective on how the use of proven and new automation solutions can help to overcome regulatory and technological hurdles to achieve an economically scalable production.
Zfp281 Inhibits the Pluripotent-to-Totipotent State Transition in Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells
Authors: Wen Xinpeng , Lin Zesong , Wu Hao , Cao Lanrui , Fu Xudong
Published: May 2022

The cell-fate transition between pluripotent and totipotent states determines embryonic development and the first cell-lineage segregation. However, limited by the scarcity of totipotent embryos, regulators on this transition remain largely elusive. A novel model to study the transition has been recently established, named the 2-cell-like (2C-like) model. The 2C-like cells are rare totipotent-like cells in the mouse embryonic stem cell (mESC) culture. Pluripotent mESCs can spontaneously transit into and out of the 2C-like state. We previously dissected the transcriptional roadmap of the transition. In this study, we revealed that Zfp281 is a novel regulator for the pluripotent-to-totipotent transition in mESCs. Zfp281 is a transcriptional factor involved in the cell-fate transition. Our study shows that Zfp281 represses transcripts upregulated during the 2C-like transition via Tet1 and consequentially inhibits mESCs from transiting into the 2C-like state. Interestingly, we found that the inhibitory effect of Zfp281 on the 2C-like transition leads to an impaired 2C-like-transition ability in primed-state mESCs. Altogether, our study reveals a novel mediator for the pluripotent-to-totipotent state transition in mESCs and provides insights into the dynamic transcriptional control of the transition.
Estradiol Inhibits ER Stress-Induced Apoptosis in Chondrocytes and Contributes to a Reduced Osteoarthritic Cartilage Degeneration in Female Mice
Authors: Dreier Rita , Ising Thomas , Ramroth Markus , Rellmann Yvonne
Published: May 2022

Gender differences are a common finding in osteoarthritis (OA). This may result from a differential response of males and females to endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in articular chondrocytes. We have previously described that ER stress in cartilage-specific ERp57 KO mice (ERp57 cKO) favors the development of knee OA, since this stress condition cannot be adequately compensated in articular chondrocytes with increasing age leading to the induction of apoptotic cell death and subsequent cartilage degeneration. The aim of this study was to enlighten gender-specific differences in ER stress, apoptosis, and OA development in ERp57 cKO mice. The analyses were extended by in vitro studies on the influence of estradiol in CRISPR/Cas9-generated C28/I2 ERp57 knock out (KO) and WT cells. ER stress was evaluated by immunofluorescence analysis of the ER stress markers calnexin (Cnx) and binding-immunoglobulin protein (BiP), also referred to as glucose-regulating protein 78 (GRP78) in vivo and in vitro. Apoptotic cell death was investigated by a commercially available cell death detection ELISA and TUNEL assay. OA development in mice was analyzed by toluidine blue staining of paraffin-embedded knee cartilage sections and quantified by OARSI-Scoring. Cell culture studies exhibited a reduction of ER stress and ER stress-induced apoptosis in C28/I2 cells in presence of physiological estradiol concentrations. This is consistent with a slower increase in age-related ER stress and a reduced number of apoptotic chondrocytes in female mice compared to male littermates contributing to a reduced osteoarthritic cartilage degeneration in female mice. Taken together, this study demonstrates that the female sex hormone estradiol can reduce ER stress and ER stress-induced apoptosis in articular chondrocytes, thus minimizing critical events favoring osteoarthritic cartilage degeneration. Therefore, the inhibition of ER stress through a modulation of effects induced by female sex hormones appears to be attractive for OA therapy.
Epigenetic Control of Muscle Stem Cells: Focus on Histone Lysine Demethylases
Authors: Cicciarello Delia , Schaeffer Laurent , Scionti Isabella
Published: May 2022

Adult skeletal muscle is mainly composed of post-mitotic, multinucleated muscle fibers. Upon injury, it has the unique ability to regenerate thanks to the activation of a subset of quiescent muscle stem cells (MuSCs). Activated MuSCs either differentiate to repair muscle, or self-renew to maintain the pool of MuSC. MuSC fate determination is regulated by an intricate network of intrinsic and extrinsic factors that control the expression of specific subsets of genes. Among these, the myogenic regulatory factors (MRFs) are key for muscle development, cell identity and regeneration. More globally, cell fate determination involves important changes in the epigenetic landscape of the genome. Such epigenetic changes, which include DNA methylation and post-translational modifications of histone proteins, are able to alter chromatin organization by controlling the accessibility of specific gene loci for the transcriptional machinery. Among the numerous epigenetic modifications of chromatin, extensive studies have pointed out the key role of histone methylation in cell fate control. Particularly, since the discovery of the first histone demethylase in 2004, the role of histone demethylation in the regulation of skeletal muscle differentiation and muscle stem cell fate has emerged to be essential. In this review, we highlight the current knowledge regarding the role of histone demethylases in the regulation of muscle stem cell fate choice.
A Semantic Analysis of the Concept of Beauty (Güzellik) in Turkish Language: Mapping the Semantic Domains
Authors: Démuth Andrej , Démuthová Slávka , Keçeli Yasin
Published: May 2022

In this study, we shall attempt to clarify the semantic levels used in ordinary Turkish language when using the concept of beauty. We assume that the concept of beauty represents a multidimensional semantic complex saturated by numerous—often very diverse—dimensions of our perception and judgment. Mapping these fundamental semantic dimensions should thus enable us to then map the semantic space in which the language user operates when they use the notion of beauty. In this work, we shall focus on the internal structure, the diversification of the most important semantic domains of the notion of beauty, and the revelation of some of the connections between the particular domains and we shall use the bottom-up approach.
Transcatheter Closure of a Paravalvular Leak Guided by Transesophageal Echocardiography and Three-Dimensional Printing
Authors: Xu Chennian , Liu Yang , Zhai Mengen , Jin Ping , Li Lanlan , Ma Yanyan , Yang Jian
Published: May 2022

Background

Closure of a percutaneous paravalvular leak (PVL) is a technically challenging procedure because of the specific anatomy postoperatively and the complex catheter techniques required. Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) and three-dimensional (3D) printing might be helpful in identifying complex anatomical structures and the procedural design.

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to review our experiences with transcatheter closure of PVL guided by TEE and 3D (TEE&3D) printing.

Methods

A total of 166 patients with PVL after surgical valve replacement underwent transcatheter closure, from January 2015 through December 2020. Among these patients, 68 had preoperative guidance from TEE&3D printing. We reviewed the catheter techniques, perioperative characteristics, and prognosis. The median follow-up period was 36 (3–70) months.

Results

Acute procedural success was achieved in 154/166 (92.8%) patients; of these, 64/68 (94.1%) had TEE&3D guidance and 90/98 (91.8%) had transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) guidance. No hospital deaths occurred. All patients having percutaneous procedures were given local anesthesia, while 13 patients having transapical procedures were given general anesthesia. Multiple approaches were used, including transfemoral, transapical, and transseptal via the arteriovenous loop. We also deployed multiple devices, including the Amplatzer Vascular Plug II (AVP II), the Amplatzer duct occluder II, the patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) occluder, and the Amplatzer muscular ventricular septal defect occluder. Those cases guided by TEE&3D printing had shorter procedural times compared with those guided by TTE [(61.2 ± 23.4) vs. (105.7 ± 53.9) min, p < 0.05]. The fluoroscopic time was also shorter for operations guided by TEE&3D printing compared with those guided by TTE alone [(18.5 ± 11.4) vs. (27.3 ± 5.6) min, p < 0.05]. The complications included recurrent hemolysis, residual regurgitation, acute renal insufficiency, and anemia. There was no significant difference in the incidence of complications between the 2 groups.

Conclusion

Transesophageal echocardiography and 3D printing show advantages compared with standalone TTE in guiding the transcatheter closure of PVL with shorter procedural and fluoroscopic times. This minimally invasive treatment could provide reliable outcomes in selected patients.

Clinical Trial Registration

[www.ClinicalTrials.gov], identifier [NCT02917980].
Pinocembrin Decreases Atrial Fibrillation Susceptibility in a Rodent Model of Depression
Authors: Ran Qian , Chen Xiaoli , Zhang Cui , Wan Weiguo , Ye Tianxin , Sun Yazhou , Zhao Xin , Shi Shaobo , Yang Bo , Zhao Qingyan
Published: May 2022

Background

Depression is often comorbid with cardiovascular diseases and contributes to the development and maintenance of atrial fibrillation (AF). Ample research demonstrated that pinocembrin had protective effects on the neuropsychiatric and cardiovascular systems via its pharmacological properties. However, whether pinocembrin protects from AF in depression models is not known. The present research investigated antiarrhythmic effects of pinocembrin and the underlying mechanisms in depressed rats.

Methods

One hundred and ten male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into six groups: the CTL group (the normal rats administered saline), the CTP group (the normal rats administered pinocembrin), the MDD group (the depressed rats administered saline), the MDP group (the depressed rats administered pinocembrin), the MDA group (the depressed rats administered apocynin), and the MPA group (the depressed rats administered both pinocembrin and apocynin). Chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) was performed for 28 days to establish the depression model. Pinocembrin was administered via gavage from Day 8 to Day 28, and apocynin was administered via intraperitoneal injection from Day 1 to Day 28. The effects were evaluated using behavioral measurements, in vitro electrophysiological studies, whole-cell patch-clamp recordings, biochemical detection, Western blot, and histological studies.

Results

Pinocembrin treatment significantly attenuated the abnormality of heart rate variability (HRV), the prolongation of action potential duration (APD), the shortening of the effective refractory period (ERP), the reduction of transient outward potassium current (Ito), and the increase in L-type calcium current (ICa–L), which increase susceptibility to AF in a rat model of depression. Compared to the depressed rats, pinocembrin also increased the content of Kv4.2, Kv4.3, and atrial gap junction channel Cx40 and decreased the expression level of Cav1.2, which ameliorated oxidative stress and inhibited the ROS/p-p38MAPK pro-apoptotic pathway and the ROS/TGF-β1 pro-fibrotic pathway.

Conclusion

Pinocembrin is a therapeutic strategy with great promise for the treatment of AF in depressed patients by reducing oxidative stress.
The Role of Iron in Atherosclerosis in Apolipoprotein E Deficient Mice
Authors: Ma Juan , Ma Hui-Min , Shen Meng-Qi , Wang Yuan Yuan , Bao Yu-Xin , Liu Yong , Ke Ya , Qian Zhong-Ming
Published: May 2022

The role of iron in atherosclerosis is still a controversial and unsolved issue. Here, we investigated serum iron, expression of iron regulatory, transport and storage proteins, pro-inflammatory chemokines and cytokines in ApoE–/– mice. We demonstrated that ApoE–/– induced atherosclerosis and an increase in iron contents, expression of transferrin receptor 1 (TfR1), iron regulatory proteins (IRPs), heme oxygenase 1 (HO1), cellular adhesion molecules and pro-inflammatory cytokines, production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and a reduction in expression of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase enzyme in aortic tissues. All of these changes induced by ApoE deficiency could be significantly abolished by deferoxamine. The data showed that the increased iron in aortic tissues was mainly due to the increased iron uptake via IRP/TfR1 upregulation. These findings plus a brief analysis of the controversial results reported previously showed that ApoE deficiency-induced atherosclerosis is partly mediated by the increased iron in aortic tissues.
Pig Management Strategies in the East Liao River Basin From the Bronze Age (c. 2000–256 BC) to the Liaojin Dynasties (907–1234 AD): Stable Isotope Analysis of Animals at the Changshan Site, Jilin Province, China
Authors: Lv Xiaohong , Ban Lin , Liu Yiwen , Guan Ying , Liu Hailin , Wang Chunxue , Hou Liangliang
Published: May 2022

Pig domestication and management strategy has been increasingly discussed in recent years, focusing on the temporal-spatial differences of pig management strategies. The East Liao River Basin with diverse ecosystems, cultural exchanges, and collisions plays an important role in the cultural development, exchange, and integration processes between Northeast China and the Central Plains. Multiple studies have revealed that various forms of subsistence economy, such as nomadism, fishing and hunting, and farming, existed in this region. However, no report or discussion has been presented concerning the status of domestic animal management strategies over a long-term in the East Liao River Basin. Carbon and nitrogen stable isotopes analysis were performed on the fauna bones at the Changshan site in Siping, Jilin, China, from the Bronze Age (c. 2000–256 BC) to the Liaojin Dynasties (907–1234 AD), to reconstruct their dietary pattern and reveal the status of domestic animal management strategies, especially the diachronic changes in pig feeding strategies. The results showed that pigs (–19.3 ± 1.6%, 5.3 ± 0.9%, n = 27), horses (–18.4 ± 1.7%, 4.8 ± 1.4%, n = 7), and sheep (–19.8 ± 1.5%, 5.7 ± 0.5%, n = 6) primarily received their subsistence through C3-based food. Nevertheless, cattle (–16.4 ± 3.5%, 6.0 ± 2.1%, n = 2) and the past human (–13.9%, 10.3%, n = 1) lived on mixed C3/C4-based food. Notably, the stable isotope data for pigs from the Bronze Age (–19.1 ± 2.0%, 5.4 ± 1.0%, n = 9) to the Liaojin Dynasties (–19.8 ± 0.6%, 5.1 ± 0.7%, n = 15) were similar, indicating that the management and/or feeding strategy of domestic pigs were relatively stable with a free range in a wild ecosystem over a long period. Related studies have shown that pigs in captivity were mainly fed by millet-based food in the West Liao River Basin and the middle reaches of the Yellow River valley, where millet agriculture were adequately developed. Abundant natural resources, including plants, wild animals, and fishes, could provide sufficient food to the past population in the East Liao River Basin. Thus, the millet-based agriculture was just an auxiliary subsistence strategy in the Changshan site, leading to a gap in the driving force for long-term intensive management of pig.
Skills That Matter: Qualitative Study Focusing on the Transfer of Training Through the Experience of Thai Vocational Students
Authors: Thianthai Chulanee , Sutamchai Kunkanit
Published: May 2022

Ensuring the transfer of training and preparing students to gain skills required for their specific professions are at the heart of vocational education and training (VET). Accordingly, school-work alignment is a key determinant in the transfer of training. Today, vocational graduates with mechatronics-based skillsets are highly sought-after. It is thereby crucial for VET to develop relevant pedagogies that can equip students with the skills they need to ensure the transfer of training. Literature has suggested that soft skills are increasingly important, yet rarely has there been research focusing on the lived experiences of vocational students in this field. This study aims to understand the important skills—both hard and soft skills—for vocational mechatronics and robotics students in Thailand through their own experiences, by exploring what skills they acquired from school that are significant to them, and what skills they need when they practise their jobs. The study employed qualitative methods, drawing from 40 semi-structured interviews with vocational mechatronics and robotics students, who are in their last year in dual vocational training programmes from two prominent technical schools in Thailand. Findings reveal that the most significant skills that students acquired from mechatronics and robotics programme were technical knowledge and skills, creative and innovative thinking, teamwork, and perseverance. The most important skills for their future work, interestingly, were all soft skills considered to be necessary when it comes to practical work, namely, language and communication, adaptability and interpersonal skills, willingness to learn, and innovative thinking. Our data also yielded an understanding of some relations across skillsets and the culturally specific meanings ascribed to certain skills and skillsets. This research not only identifies important skills for vocational mechatronics students, but also why those skills are perceived as important and how they are applied in practice. Vocational mechatronics and robotics curriculum should pay more attention to soft skills development to ensure adequate skills of students for their work settings. We recommended that VET across different cultural contexts should explore the meaning and values of skills requirements according to their respective cultural group to make suitable curriculums for their specific contexts.
Pituitary Stalk Thickening: Causes and Consequences. The Children’s Memorial Health Institute Experience and Literature Review
Authors: Moszczyńska Elżbieta , Kunecka Karolina , Baszyńska-Wilk Marta , Perek-Polnik Marta , Majak Dorota , Grajkowska `Wiesława
Published: May 2022

Background

Pituitary stalk thickening (PST) is a rare abnormality in the pediatric population. Its etiology is heterogeneous. The aim of the study was to identify important clinical, radiological and endocrinological manifestations of patients with PST and follow the course of the disease.

Materials and Methods

It is a study conducted in 23 patients (13 boys) with PST with/without central diabetes insipidus (CDI) diagnosed between 1990 and 2020 at Children’s Memorial Health Institute (CMHI) in Warsaw, Poland. We analyzed demographic data, clinical signs and symptoms, radiological findings, tumor markers, hormonal results, treatment protocols and outcomes.

Results

The median age at the diagnosis of PST was 9.68 years (IQR: 7.21-12.33). The median time from the onset of the symptoms to the diagnosis was 2.17 years (IQR: 1.12-3.54). The most common initially reported manifestations were polydipsia, polyuria and nocturia (82.6%); most of the patients (56.5%) also presented decreased growth velocity. Hormonal evaluation at the onset of PST revealed: CDI (91.3%), growth hormone deficiency (GHD) (56.5%), hyperprolactinemia (39%), central hypothyroidism (34.8%), adrenal insufficiency (9%), precocious puberty (8.7%). The majority of the patients were diagnosed with germinoma (seventeen patients – 73.9%, one of them with teratoma and germinoma). Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) was identified in three patients (multisystem LCH in two patients, and unifocal LCH in one patient). A single case of atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumor, suspected low-grade glioma (LGG) and lymphocytic infundibuloneurohypophysitis (LINH). The overall survival rate during the observational period was 87.0%.

Conclusions

The pituitary infundibulum presents a diagnostic imaging challenge because of its small size and protean spectrum of disease processes. Germinoma should be suspected in all children with PST, especially with CDI, even when neurological and ophthalmological symptoms are absent.
An Improved Solution to Generation Scheduling Problem Using Slime Mold Algorithm
Authors: Zhu Zixuan
Published: May 2022

The slime mold algorithm (SMA) is a novel meta-heuristic search that replicates the characteristics of slime mold during oscillation. This is presented in a novel mathematical formulation that employs changeable weights to modify the sequence of both negative and positive propagation waves in order to build a mechanism for linking food availability with intensive exploration capacity and exploitation affinity. The study demonstrates how to solve a non-convex and cost-effective load dispatch issue (ELD) in an electric power system using the SM method. The efficacy of SMA is explored for a single-area economic load dispatch on small-scale power systems, using 3-, 5-, and 6-unit test systems, and the results are validated by comparing the results to those of other well-known meta-heuristic algorithms.
Research on the Development of Electricity Market Based on Performance Guarantee
Authors: Jin Luosong , Liu Qiang , Yu Jing , Wang Miao , Wu Weihong
Published: May 2022

China’s electricity market is currently in the development stage, and the related system is not comprehensive enough. Therefore, it is a key issue to standardize the trading behavior of the market entities and improve the operation efficiency of the electricity market. To solve this problem, this paper takes advantage of Cournot duopoly model to find Nash equilibrium on the electricity supply side and constructs a bank performance guarantee model based on the profit function on the electricity sales side. This study also sorts out the function of performance guarantee, its mechanism for risk prevention, and the feasibility of promoting the performance guarantee mechanism and other supporting systems. Finally, the conclusion is drawn that the performance guarantee mechanism can effectively prevent the risks in the electricity market, and it can be promoted with other supporting systems.