bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PT INKA's Export Marketing Strategy Towards Competitive Advantage
Authors: Noviati Putri , Nuraina Elva , Sulistyowati Nur Wahyuning
Published: January 2022

This study aims to analyze PT INKA's export marketing strategy towards competitive advantage until 2018. Researchers use primary and secondary data sources with interview and documentation data collection techniques. The results of the study revealed that PT. INKA has: (1) Strength, very competitive pricing power and strong human resources, especially the marketing team, in addition to the influence of marketing assistance from the ambassador (RI for overseas); (2) Weaknesses in the export marketing strategy lie in production, one of which is engines and wheels which are still imported by China, which does not yet have the International Railway Industry Standard Certification (IRIS); (3) Opportunities, can make efforts to further strengthen the penetration of Indonesian companies in the African region; (4) Threats, to providers of facilities and infrastructure needs that must be obtained from imports from other countries, besides that competitors are afraid to dare to reduce interest costs or extend the tenor for the purchase of goods. The high taxes that must be issued for the delivery of goods are the biggest threat, this is confirmed by the informants.
Cultura, história e discurso:
Authors: Soares de Oliveira Cristiana , Gomes da Silva Cristiano Cezar
Published: January 2022

Recebido: 19/05/2021

Aprovado: 18/11/2021

Este artigo busca interpretar de modo qualitativo três discursos turísticos do/sobre o Nordeste, que circulam nas redes sociais e mostram/constroem/propagam imagens sobre essa região. Buscamos compreender como o Nordeste é construído nesses discursos, objetivando entender se os mesmos fazem parte da mesma formação discursiva (FD) que retrata/constrói o Nordeste enquanto espaço da seca, da improdutividade, (re)afirmando/atualizando essas estereotipias, ou rompem com o discurso da seca, fazendo parte de outra FD. Como suporte teórico seguimos os postulados da análise do discurso de linha Francesa, AD, entendida enquanto uma área de pesquisa de caráter interdisciplinar, que surgiu na França, nos anos 1960, fundada pelo filósofo francês Michel Pêcheux, que tem como objeto o discurso enquanto materialidade discursiva, que é construído a partir de memórias discursivas em contextos específicos e está embebido de ideologias. Trata-se de discursos materializados na linguagem não verbal (imagens). Pensando a língua enquanto heterogênea e opaca, nos propomos a refletir sobre quais as concepções de Nordeste estão presentes nessa materialidade discursiva. Nosso intuito é construir um olhar crítico/reflexivo a respeito do discurso que restringe a região Nordeste à seca. Diante do que analisamos inferimos que “outros Nordeste” são mostrados/construídos por meio da materialidade discursiva em questão, pois há marcas/traços que evidenciam o Nordeste enquanto lugar belo, produtivo e atraente.

 Palavras-chave: Nordeste; Discurso turístico; Formação Discursiva; “Outros Nordestes”.
O tempo das greves em Santa Catarina (1985-1995)
Authors: Rocha Junior Geovanni
Published: January 2022

Recebido: 17/01/2021

Aprovado: 29/11/2021

O presente artigo tem como objetivo identificar as representações sociais formuladas em torno das relações de trabalho em Santa Catarina, entre 1985 e 1995, a partir do jornal Diário Catarinense. As narrativas que circularam no periódico tiveram relevância no sentido de acomodar conflitos e de reafirmar as projeções feitas por entidades empresariais e integrantes do governo catarinense, sobretudo para delimitar as relações de trabalho aos padrões do chamado novo capitalismo. A linha editorial do Diário Catarinense manifestou uma plataforma discursiva que almejava flexibilizar as leis trabalhistas, apostando na crítica à CLT. Na tentativa de sustentar o argumento apresentado, será destacado a cobertura do veículo de comunicação no ciclo de greves que ganhou consistência na segunda metade da década de 1980, quando as demandas das classes trabalhadoras organizadas em sindicatos estiveram na ordem do dia.

Palavras-chave: Greves; Imprensa; Democracia; História do Tempo Presente.
Plano Municipal de Educação:
Authors: Amaral da Silva Luciene , Dos Santos Inalda Maria
Published: January 2022

Recebido: 22/04/2021

Aprovado: 30/11/2021

O artigo faz parte de uma pesquisa que buscou analisar o distanciamento das vozes dos sujeitos entre a elaboração e a execução de políticas educacionais no Brasil a partir da atuação dos membros do fórum municipal de educação. A pesquisa foi realizada em um município do sertão alagoano e utilizou de entrevistas e observação participante para coleta de dados. A pesquisa buscou verificar como a sociedade participou da elaboração do planejamento educacional decenal materializado no Plano Municipal de Educação, e como se deu a efetivação da participação nesse processo. O resultado apontou que a atuação dos sujeitos restringiu-se apenas à presença no espaço de debates com o mínimo de intervenção, sendo assim, não houve registro significativo das falas nos documentos finais.

Palavras-chave: Fórum Municipal. Plano Municipal de Educação. Política Educacional.
O Bacilo Imortal
Authors: Schargel Sergio
Published: January 2022

Recebida: 22/08/2020

Aprovada: 13/11/2020
Virtual Reality Reduces Pediatric Anxiety During Food Allergy Clinical Trials: A Pilot Randomized, Pragmatic Study
Authors: Alonzi Sarah , Caruso Thomas J. , Sindher Sayantani B. , Cao Shu , Varadharajulu Sara , Collins William J. , Chinthrajah R. Sharon
Published: January 2022

Phlebotomy procedures required in food allergy (FA) diagnosis and clinical trials often induce fear and anxiety for pediatric patients. The primary aim of this study was to determine whether virtual reality (VR) applications were effective in reducing anxiety for pediatric FA patients undergoing phlebotomy during FA clinical trials. Secondary aims assessed fear, pain, procedural compliance, and adverse events. Participants undergoing phlebotomy were enrolled and randomized to a VR group or standard of care (SOC) group for this prospective pilot randomized, pragmatic study. Participants in the VR group played interactive applications on a customized Samsung Gear VR headset and those in the SOC group received the standard of care. Participants' anxiety, fear, and pain were assessed with the Children's Anxiety Meter, Children's Fear Scale, and FACES pain scale pre, during, and post phlebotomy procedure. Compliance was assessed using the modified Induction Compliance Checklist during the procedure and compared between two groups. Forty-nine participants were randomized to VR (n = 26) and SOC (n = 23) groups. Although both the VR and SOC groups experienced a decrease in anxiety and fear from pre- to post-procedure, those in the VR group experienced less anxiety and fear during the procedure than SOC participants. Similarly, both groups experienced an increase in pain from pre- to post-procedure; however, the VR group reported less pain during the procedure than SOC. Fewer symptoms of procedural non-compliance were reported in the VR group. Interactive VR applications may be an effective tool for reducing fear, anxiety, and pain during phlebotomy for FA clinical trials.
Gender and Ethnic Disparities of Acute Kidney Injury in COVID-19 Infected Patients: A Literature Review
Authors: He Weihang , Liu Xiaoqiang , Hu Bing , Li Dongshui , Chen Luyao , Li Yu , Zhu Ke , Tu Yechao , Xiong Situ , Wang Gongxian , Fu Bin
Published: January 2022

Coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19) has become a public health emergency of concern worldwide. COVID-19 is a new infectious disease arising from Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). It has a strong transmission capacity and can cause severe and even fatal respiratory diseases. It can also affect other organs such as the heart, kidneys and digestive tract. Clinical evidence indicates that kidney injury is a common complication of COVID-19, and acute kidney injury (AKI) may even occur in severely ill patients. Data from China and the United States showed that male sex, Black race, the elderly, chronic kidney disease, diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and higher body mass index are associated with COVID-19‐induced AKI. In this review, we found gender and ethnic differences in the occurrence and development of AKI in patients with COVID-19 through literature search and analysis. By summarizing the mechanism of gender and ethnic differences in AKI among patients with COVID-19, we found that male and Black race have more progress to COVID-19-induced AKI than their counterparts.
Sialidase Activity in the Cervicovaginal Fluid Is Associated With Changes in Bacterial Components of Lactobacillus-Deprived Microbiota
Authors: Ferreira Carolina Sanitá Tafner , Marconi Camila , Parada Cristina M. G. L. , Ravel Jacques , Silva Marcia Guimaraes da
Published: January 2022

Introduction

Sialidase activity in the cervicovaginal fluid (CVF) is associated with microscopic findings of bacterial vaginosis (BV). Sequencing of bacterial 16S rRNA gene in vaginal samples has revealed that the majority of microscopic BV cases fit into vaginal community-state type IV (CST IV), which was recently named “molecular-BV.” Bacterial vaginosis-associated bacterial species, such as Gardnerella spp., may act as sources of CVF sialidases. These hydrolases lead to impairment of local immunity and enable bacterial adhesion to epithelial and biofilm formation. However, the impact of CVL sialidase on microbiota components and diversity remains unknown.

Objective

To assess if CVF sialidase activity is associated with changes in bacterial components of CST IV.

Methods

One hundred forty women were cross-sectionally enrolled. The presence of molecular-BV (CST IV) was assessed by V3–V4 16S rRNA sequencing (Illumina). Fluorometric assays were performed using 2-(4-methylumbelliferyl)-α-D-N-acetylneuraminic acid (MUAN) for measuring sialidase activity in CVF samples. Linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEfSe) was performed to identify the differently enriched bacterial taxa in molecular-BV according to the status of CVF sialidase activity.

Results

Forty-four participants (31.4%) had molecular-BV, of which 30 (68.2%) had sialidase activity at detectable levels. A total of 24 bacterial taxa were enriched in the presence of sialidase activity, while just two taxa were enriched in sialidase-negative samples.

Conclusion

Sialidase activity in molecular-BV is associated with changes in bacterial components of the local microbiome. This association should be further investigated, since it may result in diminished local defenses against pathogens.
E/E′ Is a New Independent Predictor of Recovered Ejection Fraction in Patients With Systolic Heart Failure Undergoing Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Yang Minghui , Zhang Rongfeng , Tang Huamin , Li Guocao , Guan Xumin , Yang Yiheng , Sun Yuanjun , Xiao Xianjie , Yu Xiaohong , Yin Xiaomeng , Dong Yingxue , Gao Lianjun , Xia Yunlong , Yang Yanzong
Published: January 2022

Aims: Catheter ablation should be considered in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and with heart failure (HF) with reduced ejection fraction (EF; HFrEF) to improve survival and reduce heart failure hospitalization. Careful patient selection for AF ablation is key to achieving similar outcome benefits. However, limited data exist regarding predictors of recovered ejection fraction. We aimed to evaluate the predictors of recovered ejection fraction in consecutive patients with HF undergoing AF ablation.

Methods and Results: A total of 156 patients [67.3% men, median age 63 (11)] with AF and HF underwent initial catheter ablation between September 2017 and October 2019 in the First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University. Overall, the percentage of recovered ejection fractions was 72.3%. Recovered EFs were associated with a 39% reduction in all-cause hospitalization compared to non-recovered EFs at the 1-year follow-up [23.8 vs. 62.8 (odds ratio) OR 2.09 (1.40–3.12), P < 0.001]. Univariate analysis for recovered EFs showed that diabetes (P = 0.083), prevalent HF (P = 0.014), prevalent AF (P = 0.051), LVEF (P = 0.022), and E/E′ (P = 0.001) were associated with EF improvement. Multivariate analysis showed that the only independent predictor of EF recovery was E/E′ [OR 1.13 (1.03–1.24); P = 0.011]. A receiver operating characteristic analysis determined that the suitable cut-off value for E/E′ was 15 (sensitivity 38.7%, specificity 89.2%, the area under curve 0.704).

Conclusions: Ejection fraction (EF) recovery occurred in 72.3% of patients, associated with a 39% reduction in all-cause hospitalization compared to the non-recovered EFs in our cohort. The only independent predictor of recovered EF was E/E′ < 15 in our series.
Regulation of Mitochondrial Dynamics by Aerobic Exercise in Cardiovascular Diseases
Authors: Gu Changping , Yan Jie , Zhao Liang , Wu Guanghan , Wang Yue-lan
Published: January 2022

Mitochondrial dynamics, including continuous biogenesis, fusion, fission, and autophagy, are crucial to maintain mitochondrial integrity, distribution, size, and function, and play an important role in cardiovascular homeostasis. Cardiovascular health improves with aerobic exercise, a well-recognized non-pharmaceutical intervention for both healthy and ill individuals that reduces overall cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality. Increasing evidence shows that aerobic exercise can effectively regulate the coordinated circulation of mitochondrial dynamics, thus inhibiting CVD development. This review aims to illustrate the benefits of aerobic exercise in prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease by modulating mitochondrial function.
Redefining and Validating Digital Biomarkers as Fluid, Dynamic Multi-Dimensional Digital Signal Patterns
Authors: Au Rhoda , Kolachalama Vijaya B. , Paschalidis Ioannis C.
Published: January 2022

“Digital biomarker” is a term broadly and indiscriminately applied and often limited in its conceptualization to mimic well-established biomarkers as defined and approved by regulatory agencies such as the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). There is a practical urgency to revisit the definition of a digital biomarker and expand it beyond current methods of identification and validation. Restricting the promise of digital technologies within the realm of currently defined biomarkers creates a missed opportunity. A whole new field of prognostic and early diagnostic digital biomarkers driven by data science and artificial intelligence can break the current cycle of high healthcare costs and low health quality that is being driven by today's chronic disease detection and treatment approaches. This new class of digital biomarkers will be dynamic and require developing new FDA approval pathways and next-generation gold standards.
Spatial Equilibrium Evaluation of Regional Water Resources Carrying Capacity Based on Dynamic Weight Method and Dagum Gini Coefficient
Authors: Zhou Rongxing , Jin Juliang , Cui Yi , Ning Shaowei , Zhou Liangguang , Zhang Libing , Wu Chengguo , Zhou Yuliang
Published: January 2022

With the rapid economic development and the acceleration of urbanization, the pressure on the water resources system is becoming intense. As an important indicator of water resources security and sustainable development, the water resources carrying capacity has become a hot issue. To overcome the limitation of commonly used methods for weight determination and to evaluate the regional water resources carrying capacity reasonably, the index weight determined by the Analytic Hierarchy Process method was revised by the subtraction set pair potential to calculate the dynamic index weight. Then, the dynamic weight was combined with the set pair analysis method to evaluate the regional water resources carrying capacity dynamically. In addition, the Dagum Gini coefficient and its decomposition method were used to analyze the overall difference of water resources carrying capacity in the whole region and the differences within and between subregions considering the lack of quantitative research in spatial equilibrium. Finally, a case study was carried out in Anhui Province, China. The results showed that from 2011 to 2018, most of the water resources carrying capacity for 16 cities in Anhui Province were in a critical state, with the strongest in the south of Anhui Province and the weakest in the north. The overall spatial difference of carrying capacity in Anhui Province showed an increasing trend from 2011 to 2018. Furthermore, the slightest difference within the subregion was in the north of Anhui Province, while the largest was in the south. The most significant difference between the subregions was between the south and the north of Anhui Province. The primary source of carrying capacity spatial difference in Anhui Province was from the difference between subregions. The results of the case study suggested that the method proposed in this paper are conducive to the early find of possible disadvantages of spatial equilibrium and can effectively identify the main source of regional spatial difference in water resources carrying capacity, which means that the method can be widely applied to similar issues.
The Role of Recombinant AAV in Precise Genome Editing
Authors: Bijlani Swati , Pang Ka Ming , Sivanandam Venkatesh , Singh Amanpreet , Chatterjee Saswati
Published: January 2022

The replication-defective, non-pathogenic, nearly ubiquitous single-stranded adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) have gained importance since their discovery about 50 years ago. Their unique life cycle and virus-cell interactions have led to the development of recombinant AAVs as ideal genetic medicine tools that have evolved into effective commercialized gene therapies. A distinctive property of AAVs is their ability to edit the genome precisely. In contrast to all current genome editing platforms, AAV exclusively utilizes the high-fidelity homologous recombination (HR) pathway and does not require exogenous nucleases for prior cleavage of genomic DNA. Together, this leads to a highly precise editing outcome that preserves genomic integrity without incorporation of indel mutations or viral sequences at the target site while also obviating the possibility of off-target genotoxicity. The stem cell-derived AAV (AAVHSCs) were found to mediate precise and efficient HR with high on-target accuracy and at high efficiencies. AAVHSC editing occurs efficiently in post-mitotic cells and tissues in vivo. Additionally, AAV also has the advantage of an intrinsic delivery mechanism. Thus, this distinctive genome editing platform holds tremendous promise for the correction of disease-associated mutations without adding to the mutational burden. This review will focus on the unique properties of direct AAV-mediated genome editing and their potential mechanisms of action.
Effects of Heat Stress on the Ruminal Epithelial Barrier of Dairy Cows Revealed by Micromorphological Observation and Transcriptomic Analysis
Authors: Guo Zitai , Gao Shengtao , Ding Jun , He Junhao , Ma Lu , Bu Dengpan
Published: January 2022

Heat stress (HS) alters the rumen fermentation of dairy cows thereby affecting the metabolism of rumen papillae and thus the epithelial barrier function. The aim of the present study was to investigate if HS damages the barrier function of ruminal epithelia. Eight multiparous Holstein dairy cows with rumen cannula were randomly equally allocated to two replicates (n = 4), with each replicate being subjected to heat stress or thermal neutrality and pair-feeding in four environmental chambers. Micromorphological observation showed HS aggravated the shedding of the corneum and destroyed the physical barrier of the ruminal epithelium to a certain extent. Transcriptomics analysis of the rumen papillae revealed pathways associated with DNA replication and repair and amino acid metabolism were perturbated, the biological processes including sister chromatid segregation, etc. were up-regulated by HS, while the MAPK and NF-kB cell signaling pathways were downregulated. However, no heat stress-specific change in the expression of tight junction protein or TLR4 signaling was found, suggesting that HS negatively affected the physical barrier of the ruminal epithelium to some extent but did not break the ruminal epithelium. Heat stress invoked mechanisms to maintain the integrity of the rumen epithelial barrier by upregulating the expression of heat shock protein and repairments in rumen papillae. The increase in amino acid metabolism in rumen papillae might affect the nutrient utilization of the whole body. The findings of this study may inform future research to better understand how heat stress affects the physiology and productivity of lactating cows and the development of mitigation strategies.
HPV-16 E7-Specific Cellular Immune Response in Women With Cervical Intraepithelial Lesion Contributes to Viral Clearance: A Cross-Sectional and Longitudinal Clinical Study
Authors: Zhang Lina , Shi Xinyi , Zhang Qing , Mao Zhilei , Shi Xiaoyu , Zhou Jun , Jian Aili , Zhu Renying , Jiang Shisong , Lu Wenshu
Published: January 2022

High-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is the cause of almost all cervical cancers. HPV16 is one of the main risk subtypes. Although screening programs have greatly reduced the prevalence of cervical cancer in developed countries, current diagnostic tests cannot predict if mild lesions may progress into invasive lesions or not. In the current cross-sectional and longitudinal clinical study, we found that the HPV16 E7-specific T cell response in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of HPV16-infected patients is related to HPV16 clearance. It contributes to protecting the squamous interaepithelial lesion (SIL) from further malignant development. Of the HPV16 infected women enrolled (n = 131), 42 had neither intraepithelial lesion nor malignancy (NILM), 33 had low-grade SIL, 39 had high-grade SIL, and 17 had cervical cancer. Only one of 17 (5.9%) cancer patients had a positive HPV16 E7-specific T cell response, dramatically lower than the groups of precancer patients. After one year of follow-up, most women (28/33, 84.8%) with persistent HPV infection did not exhibit a HPV16 E7-specific T cell response. Furthermore, 3 malignantly progressed women, one progressed to high-grade SIL and two progressed to low-grade SIL, were negative to the HPV16 E7-specific T cell response. None of the patients with a positive HPV16 E7-specific T cell response progressed to further deterioration. Our observation suggests that HPV16 E7-specific T cell immunity is significant in viral clearance and contributes in protection against progression to malignancy.
Case Report: Variety of Target Antigens During 1 Year Follow-Up of a Patient Initially Diagnosed With Bullous Pemphigoid
Authors: Qian Hua , Zhou Zhijun , Shi Luhuai , Li Huicheng , Liu Weijun , Ai Yong , Gao Yangmin , Feng Suying , Hashimoto Takashi , Li Xiaoguang
Published: January 2022

Autoimmune bullous diseases (AIBDs), presenting cutaneous and/or mucosal bullous lesions, are classified into pemphigus and pemphigoid diseases. A longtime observation for complicated AIBD cases is rarely reported. In this study, serum samples of one AIBD patient were collected at seven different time points during the disease course including a relapse, which were examined by our conventional and newly developed methods for the detection of autoantibodies. Interestingly, we found changes of both the presence and the titers of various autoantibodies in accordance with the changes of clinical features during the whole disease course, which indicated that the patient started as bullous pemphigoid and relapsed as concurrence of bullous pemphigoid and mucosal-dominant-type pemphigus vulgaris.
Comparative Metabolomics and Proteomics Reveal Vibrio parahaemolyticus Targets Hypoxia-Related Signaling Pathways of Takifugu obscurus
Authors: Xu Jiachang , Yu Xue , Ye Hangyu , Gao Songze , Deng Niuniu , Lu Yuyou , Lin Haoran , Zhang Yong , Lu Danqi
Published: January 2022

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) raises the issue of how hypoxia destroys normal physiological function and host immunity against pathogens. However, there are few or no comprehensive omics studies on this effect. From an evolutionary perspective, animals living in complex and changeable marine environments might develop signaling pathways to address bacterial threats under hypoxia. In this study, the ancient genomic model animal Takifugu obscurus and widespread Vibrio parahaemolyticus were utilized to study the effect. T. obscurus was challenged by V. parahaemolyticus or (and) exposed to hypoxia. The effects of hypoxia and infection were identified, and a theoretical model of the host critical signaling pathway in response to hypoxia and infection was defined by methods of comparative metabolomics and proteomics on the entire liver. The changing trends of some differential metabolites and proteins under hypoxia, infection or double stressors were consistent. The model includes transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), and epidermal growth factor (EGF) signaling pathways, and the consistent changing trends indicated that the host liver tended toward cell proliferation. Hypoxia and infection caused tissue damage and fibrosis in the portal area of the liver, which may be related to TGF-β1 signal transduction. We propose that LRG (leucine-rich alpha-2-glycoprotein) is widely involved in the transition of the TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway in response to hypoxia and pathogenic infection in vertebrates as a conserved molecule.
Natural Variability in Caribbean Coral Physiology and Implications for Coral Bleaching Resilience
Authors: Chapron Leila , Schoepf Verena , Levas Stephen J. , Aschaffenburg Matthew D. , Warner Mark E. , Grottoli Andréa G.
Published: January 2022

Coral reefs are among the most diverse and complex ecosystems in the world that provide important ecological and economical services. Increases in sea surface temperature linked to global climate change threatens these ecosystems by inducing coral bleaching. However, it is not fully known if natural intra- or inter-annual physiological variability is linked to bleaching resilience or recovery capacity of corals. Here, we monitored the coral physiology of three common Caribbean species (Porites divaricata, Porites astreoides, Orbicella faveolata) at six time points over 2 years by measuring the following traits: calcification, biomass, lipids, proteins, carbohydrates, chlorophyll a, algal endosymbiont density, stable carbon isotopes of the host and endosymbiotic algae, and the stable carbon and oxygen isotopes of the skeleton. The overall physiological profile of all three species varied over time and that of P. divaricata was consistently different from the two other coral species. Porites divaricata had higher energy reserves coupled with higher contributions of heterotrophically derived carbon to host tissues than both P. astreoides and O. faveolata. Consistently higher overall energy reserves and heterotrophic contributions to tissues appear to buffer against environmental stress, including bleaching events. Thus, natural physiological variability among coral species appears to be a stronger predictor of coral bleaching resilience than intra- or inter-annual physiological variability within a coral species.
Pulmonary Sequelae in Patients After Recovery From Coronavirus Disease 2019: A Follow-Up Study With Chest CT
Authors: Liao Xuejiao , Li Dapeng , Liu Zhi , Ma Zhenghua , Zhang Lina , Dong Jingke , Shi Yirong , Gu Xiaowen , Zheng Guangping , Huang Ling , Yuan Lijun , Cao Jing , Shu Dan , Yang Xiangyi , He Qing , Li Guobao , Zhang Zheng , Liu Lei
Published: January 2022

Objective: The pulmonary sequelae of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have not been comprehensively evaluated. We performed a follow-up study analyzing chest computed tomography (CT) findings of COVID-19 patients at 3 and 6 months after hospital discharge.

Methods: Between February 2020 and May 2020, a total of 273 patients with COVID-19 at the Shenzhen Third People's Hospital were recruited and followed for 6 months after discharge. Chest CT scanning was performed with the patient in the supine position at end-inspiration. A total of 957 chest CT scans was obtained at different timepoints. A semi-quantitative score was used to assess the degree of lung involvement.

Results: Most chest CT scans showed bilateral lung involvement with peripheral location at 3 and 6 months follow-up. The most common CT findings were ground-glass opacity and parenchymal band, which were found in 136 (55.3%) and 94 (38.2%) of the 246 patients at 3 months follow-up, and 82 (48.2%) and 76 (44.7%) of 170 patients at 6 months follow-up, respectively. The number of lobes involved and the total CT severity score declined over time. The total CT score gradually increased with the increasement of disease severity at both 3 months follow-up (trend test P < 0.001) and 6 months follow-up (trend test P < 0.001). Patients with different disease severity represented diverse CT patterns over time.

Conclusions: The most common CT findings were ground-glass opacity and parenchymal bands at the 3 and 6 months follow-up. Patients with different disease severity represent diverse CT manifestations, indicating the necessary for long-term follow-up monitoring of patients with severe and critical conditions.
Allelic Variants Within the ABO Blood Group Phenotype Confer Protection Against Critical COVID-19 Hospital Presentation
Authors: Jelinek Herbert F. , Mousa Mira , Alkaabi Nawal , Alefishat Eman , Daw Elbait Gihan , Kannout Hussein , AlHumaidan Hiba , Selvaraj Francis Amirtharaj , Imambaccus Hala , Weber Stefan , Uddin Maimunah , Abdulkarim Fatema , Mahboub Bassam , Tay Guan , Alsafar Habiba
Published: January 2022

Introduction: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) disease severity differs widely due to numerous factors including ABO gene-derived susceptibility or resistance. The objective of this study was to investigate the association of the ABO blood group and genetic variations of the ABO gene with COVID-19 severity in a heterogeneous hospital population sample from the United Arab Emirates, with the use of an epidemiological and candidate gene approach from a genome-wide association study (GWAS).

Methods: In this cross-sectional study, a total of 646 participants who tested positive for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) were recruited from multiple hospitals and population-based (quarantine camps) recruitment sites from March 2020 to February 2021. The participants were divided into two groups based on the severity of COVID-19: noncritical (n = 453) and critical [intensive care unit (ICU) patients] (n = 193), as per the COVID-19 Reporting and Data System (CO-RADS) classification. The multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated the association of ABO blood type as well as circulating anti-A antibodies and anti-B antibodies as well as A and B antigens, in association with critical COVID-19 hospital presentation. A candidate gene analysis approach was conducted from a GWAS where we examined 240 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (position in chr9: 136125788-136150617) in the ABO gene, in association with critical COVID-19 hospital presentation.

Results: Patients with blood group O [odds ratio (OR): 0.51 (0.33, 0.79); p = 0.003] were less likely to develop critical COVID-19 symptoms. Eight alleles have been identified to be associated with a protective effect of blood group O in ABO 3'untranslated region (UTR): rs199969472 (p = 0.0052), rs34266669 (p = 0.0052), rs76700116 (p = 0.0052), rs7849280 (p = 0.0052), rs34039247 (p = 0.0104), rs10901251 (p = 0.0165), rs9411475 (p = 0.0377), and rs13291798 (p = 0.0377).

Conclusion: Our findings suggest that there are novel allelic variants that link genetic variants of the ABO gene and ABO blood groups contributing to the reduced risk of critical COVID-19 disease. This study is the first study to combine genetic and serological evidence of the involvement of the ABO blood groups and the ABO gene allelic associations with COVID-19 severity within the Middle Eastern population.
Lung Ultrasound as a First-Line Test in the Evaluation of Post-COVID-19 Pulmonary Sequelae
Authors: Clofent David , Polverino Eva , Felipe Almudena , Granados Galo , Arjona-Peris Marta , Andreu Jordi , Sánchez-Martínez Ana L. , Varona Diego , Cabanzo Laura , Escudero Jose M. , Álvarez Antonio , Loor Karina , Muñoz Xavier , Culebras Mario
Published: January 2022

Background: Interstitial lung sequelae are increasingly being reported in survivors of COVID-19 pneumonia. An early detection of these lesions may help prevent the development of irreversible lung fibrosis. Lung ultrasound (LUS) has shown high diagnostic accuracy in interstitial lung disease (ILD) and could likely be used as a first-line test for post-COVID-19 lung sequelae.

Methods: Single-center observational prospective study. Follow-up assessments of consecutive patients hospitalized for COVID-19 pneumonia were conducted 2–5 months after the hospitalization. All patients underwent pulmonary function tests (PFTs), high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT), and LUS. Radiological alterations in HRCT were quantified using the Warrick score. The LUS score was obtained by evaluating the presence of pathological B-lines in 12 thoracic areas (range, 0–12). The correlation between the LUS and Warrick scores was analyzed.

Results: Three hundred and fifty-two patients who recovered from COVID-19 pneumonia were recruited between July and September 2020. At follow-up, dyspnea was the most frequent symptom (69.3%). FVC and DLCO alterations were present in 79 (22.4%) and 234 (66.5%) patients, respectively. HRCT showed relevant interstitial lung sequelae (RILS) in 154 (43.8%) patients (Warrick score ≥ 7). The LUS score was strongly correlated with the HRCT Warrick score (r = 0.77) and showed a moderate inverse correlation with DLCO (r = −0.55). The ROC curve analysis revealed that a LUS score ≥ 3 indicated an excellent ability to discriminate patients with RILS (sensitivity, 94.2%; specificity, 81.8%; negative predictive value, 94.7%).

Conclusions: LUS could be implemented as a first-line procedure in the evaluation of Post-COVID-19 interstitial lung sequelae. A normal LUS examination rules out the presence of these sequelae in COVID-19 survivors, avoiding the need for additional diagnostic tests such as HRCT.
MacAB-TolC Contributes to the Development of Acinetobacter baumannii Biofilm at the Solid–Liquid Interface
Authors: Robin Brandon , Nicol Marion , Le Hung , Tahrioui Ali , Schaumann Annick , Vuillemenot Jean-Baptiste , Vergoz Delphine , Lesouhaitier Olivier , Jouenne Thierry , Hardouin Julie , Potron Anaïs , Perrot Valérie , Dé Emmanuelle
Published: January 2022

Acinetobacter baumannii has emerged as one of the most problematic bacterial pathogens responsible for hospital-acquired and community infections worldwide. Besides its high capacity to acquire antibiotic resistance mechanisms, it also presents high adhesion abilities on inert and living surfaces leading to biofilm development. This lifestyle confers additional protection against various treatments and allows it to persist for long periods in various hospital niches. Due to their remarkable antimicrobial tolerance, A. baumannii biofilms are difficult to control and ultimately eradicate. Further insights into the mechanism of biofilm development will help to overcome this challenge and to develop novel antibiofilm strategies. To unravel critical determinants of this sessile lifestyle, the proteomic profiles of two A. baumannii strains (ATTC17978 and SDF) grown in planktonic stationary phase or in mature solid–liquid (S-L) biofilm were compared using a semiquantitative proteomic study. Of interest, among the 69 common proteins determinants accumulated in the two strains at the S-L interface, we sorted out the MacAB-TolC system. This tripartite efflux pump played a role in A. baumannii biofilm formation as demonstrated by using ΔmacAB-tolC deletion mutant. Complementary approaches allowed us to get an overview of the impact of macAB-tolC deletion in A. baumannii physiology. Indeed, this efflux pump appeared to be involved in the envelope stress response occurring in mature biofilm. It contributes to maintain wild type (WT) membrane rigidity and provides tolerance to high osmolarity conditions. In addition, this system is probably involved in the maintenance of iron and sulfur homeostasis. MacAB-TolC might help this pathogen face and adapt to deleterious conditions occurring in mature biofilms. Increasing our knowledge of A. baumannii biofilm formation will undoubtedly help us develop new therapeutic strategies to tackle this emerging threat to human health.
Mesenchymal Stem-Cell Derived Exosome Therapy as a Potential Future Approach for Treatment of Male Infertility Caused by Chlamydia Infection
Authors: Izadi Mahin , Dehghan Marvast Laleh , Rezvani Mohammad Ebrahim , Zohrabi Marzieh , Aliabadi Ali , Mousavi Seyed Alireza , Aflatoonian Behrouz
Published: January 2022

Some microbial sexually transmitted infections (STIs) have adverse effects on the reproductive tract, sperm function, and male fertility. Given that STIs are often asymptomatic and cause major complications such as urogenital inflammation, fibrosis, and scarring, optimal treatments should be performed to prevent the noxious effect of STIs on male fertility. Among STIs,Chlamydia trachomatisis the most common asymptomatic preventable bacterial STI.C. trachomatiscan affect both sperm and the male reproductive tract. Recently, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) derived exosomes have been considered as a new therapeutic medicine due to their immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and regenerative effects without consequences through the stem cell transplantation based therapies. Inflammation of the genital tract and sperm dysfunction are the consequences of the microbial infections, especiallyChlamydia trachomatis. Exosome therapy as a noninvasive approach has shown promising results on the ability to regenerate the damaged sperm and treating asthenozoospermia. Recent experimental methods may be helpful in the novel treatments of male infertility. Thus, it is demonstrated that exosomes play an important role in preventing the consequences of infection, and thereby preventing inflammation, reducing cell damage, inhibiting fibrogenesis, and reducing scar formation. This review aimed to overview the studies about the potential therapeutic roles of MSCs-derived exosomes on sperm abnormalities and male infertility caused by STIs.
Current Status, Recent Advances, and Main Challenges on Table Olive Fermentation: The Present Meets the Future
Authors: Anagnostopoulos Dimitrios A. , Tsaltas Dimitrios
Published: January 2022

Table olives are among the most well-known fermented foods, being a vital part of the Mediterranean pyramid diet. They constitute a noteworthy economic factor for the producing countries since both their production and consumption are exponentially increasing year by year, worldwide. Despite its significance, olive’s processing is still craft based, not changed since antiquity, leading to the production of an unstable final product with potential risk concerns, especially related to deterioration. However, based on industrial needs and market demands for reproducible, safe, and healthy products, the modernization of olive fermentation processing is the most important challenge of the current decade. In this sense, the reduction of sodium content and more importantly the use of suitable starter cultures, exhibiting both technological and potential probiotic features, to drive the process may extremely contribute to this need. Prior, to achieve in this effort, the full understanding of table olive microbial ecology during fermentation, including an in-depth determination of microbiota presence and/or dominance and its functionality (genes responsible for metabolite production) that shape the sensorial characteristics of the final product, is a pre-requisite. The advent of meta-omics technology could provide a thorough study of this complex ecosystem, opening in parallel new insights in the field, such as the concept of microbial terroir. Herein, we provide an updated overview in the field of olive fermentation, pointing out some important challenges/perspectives that could be the key to the olive sector’s advancement and modernization.
Inhibition of AI-2 Quorum Sensing and Biofilm Formation in Campylobacter jejuni by Decanoic and Lauric Acids
Authors: Li Shenmiao , Chan Kelvin Ka-wan , Hua Marti Z. , Gölz Greta , Lu Xiaonan
Published: January 2022

Campylobacter jejuni is a major bacterial cause of human diarrheal diseases worldwide. Despite its sensitivity to environmental stresses, C. jejuni ubiquitously distributes throughout poultry production chains. Biofilm formation mediated by quorum sensing is suggested to be critical to the survival of C. jejuni in agroecosystem. C. jejuni possesses LuxS, the enzyme involved in the production of autoinducer-2 (AI-2) signaling molecules. In this study, two fatty acids, namely decanoic acid and lauric acid, were identified to be effective in inhibiting AI-2 activity of C. jejuni. Both decanoic acid and lauric acid at 100 ppm inhibited ∼90% AI-2 activity (P < 0.05) of C. jejuni without bacterial inactivation. The biofilm biomass of two C. jejuni strains was reduced by 10–50% (P < 0.05) after treatment by both fatty acids, while increased biofilm formation was observed for one C. jejuni strain. In addition, both fatty acids effectively reduced the motility of all tested C. jejuni strains. These findings can aid in developing alternative C. jejuni control strategies in agri-food and clinical settings.
Self-Control and Emotion Regulation Mediate the Impact of Karate Training on Satisfaction With Life
Authors: Potoczny Wiktor , Herzog-Krzywoszanska Radoslawa , Krzywoszanski Lukasz
Published: January 2022

Physical activity is an important determinant of a healthy lifestyle. Regular participation in sports-related activities contributes to the maintenance of good psychophysiological and social health. Long-term physical activity has a positive impact on subjective well-being and can reduce stress. Karate is a specific physical activity which focuses on self-regulation and self-development; therefore, it may reduce impulsivity and improve self-control. Good self-control is also related to satisfaction with life and well-being. The presented study aimed to examine the possible intermediate impact of self-control and emotion regulation on the relationship between karate training and satisfaction with life. Fifty-eight karate practitioners and fifty-nine control subjects participated in the research. The Satisfaction With Life Scale and the Brief Self-Control Scale were applied in order to assess life satisfaction and the general level of self-control. The Emotion Regulation Questionnaire was used to assess suppression and reappraisal, both of which are distinct aspects of emotion regulation. The direct and indirect relationships between karate training and satisfaction with life were investigated using a linear regression model that included self-control, suppression and reappraisal as mediating variables. No direct effects of karate training on satisfaction with life were found, whereas karate training was indirectly associated with satisfaction with life via the indirect path that leads through self-control and reappraisal. This indicates that self-control and reappraisal fully mediate the impact of karate training on subjective well-being. Karate training can therefore play an important role in shaping volitional and personality characteristics, both of which contribute to increasing the well-being of trainees.
Neuroprogenitor Cells From Patients With TBCK Encephalopathy Suggest Deregulation of Early Secretory Vesicle Transport
Authors: Moreira Danielle de Paula , Suzuki Angela May , Silva André Luiz Teles e , Varella-Branco Elisa , Meneghetti Maria Cecília Zorél , Kobayashi Gerson Shigeru , Fogo Mariana , Ferrari Merari de Fátima Ramires , Cardoso Rafaela Regina , Lourenço Naila Cristina Vilaça , Griesi-Oliveira Karina , Zachi Elaine Cristina , Bertola Débora Romeo , Weinmann Karina de Souza , Lima Marcelo Andrade de , Nader Helena Bonciani , Sertié Andrea Laurato , Passos-Bueno Maria Rita
Published: January 2022

Biallelic pathogenic variants in TBCK cause encephaloneuropathy, infantile hypotonia with psychomotor retardation, and characteristic facies 3 (IHPRF3). The molecular mechanisms underlying its neuronal phenotype are largely unexplored. In this study, we reported two sisters, who harbored biallelic variants in TBCK and met diagnostic criteria for IHPRF3. We provided evidence that TBCK may play an important role in the early secretory pathway in neuroprogenitor cells (iNPC) differentiated from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC). Lack of functional TBCK protein in iNPC is associated with impaired endoplasmic reticulum-to-Golgi vesicle transport and autophagosome biogenesis, as well as altered cell cycle progression and severe impairment in the capacity of migration. Alteration in these processes, which are crucial for neurogenesis, neuronal migration, and cytoarchitecture organization, may represent an important causative mechanism of both neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative phenotypes observed in IHPRF3. Whether reduced mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling is secondary to impaired TBCK function over other secretory transport regulators still needs further investigation.
Physiological Perspectives on Molecular Mechanisms and Regulation of Vesicular Glutamate Transport: Lessons From Calyx of Held Synapses
Authors: Hori Tetsuya , Takamori Shigeo
Published: January 2022

Accumulation of glutamate, the primary excitatory neurotransmitter in the mammalian central nervous system, into presynaptic synaptic vesicles (SVs) depends upon three vesicular glutamate transporters (VGLUTs). Since VGLUTs are driven by a proton electrochemical gradient across the SV membrane generated by vacuolar-type H+-ATPases (V-ATPases), the rate of glutamate transport into SVs, as well as the amount of glutamate in SVs at equilibrium, are influenced by activities of both VGLUTs and V-ATPase. Despite emerging evidence that suggests various factors influencing glutamate transport by VGLUTs in vitro, little has been reported in physiological or pathological contexts to date. Historically, this was partially due to a lack of appropriate methods to monitor glutamate loading into SVs in living synapses. Furthermore, whether or not glutamate refilling of SVs can be rate-limiting for synaptic transmission is not well understood, primarily due to a lack of knowledge concerning the time required for vesicle reuse and refilling during repetitive stimulation. In this review, we first introduce a unique electrophysiological method to monitor glutamate refilling by VGLUTs in a giant model synapse from the calyx of Held in rodent brainstem slices, and we discuss the advantages and limitations of the method. We then introduce the current understanding of factors that potentially alter the amount and rate of glutamate refilling of SVs in this synapse, and discuss open questions from physiological viewpoints.