bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Öz Düzenleme Stratejisi Gelişimi Öğretiminin Ortaokul Öğrencilerinin Üstbilişsel Yazma Farkındalıklarına Etkisi
Authors: TÜRKBEN Tuncay
Published: April 2022

Günümüz bilgi çağında, yaşam boyu öğrenme kavramının ön plana çıkmasıyla birlikte bireyler okul içinde ve dışında kendi öğrenmelerini sağlama ve düzenleme gerekliliğini hissetmektedirler. Bireylerin kendi öğrenmelerini sağlama ve düzenleme gereksinimi ise öz düzenlemeye dayalı öğrenme kavramını ortaya çıkarmıştır. Bu çalışma, ortaokul 6.sınıf öğrencilerinin yazma becerilerinin geliştirilmesinde Öz Düzenleme Stratejisi Gelişimi Modeli’ne dayalı eğitimin etkisini araştırmak amacıyla gerçekleştirilmiştir. ÖDSG öğretimi altı basamaktan oluşur ve yazma stratejilerinin öğretiminde etkin bir şekilde kullanılabilir. Ön bilgileri harekete geçirme, stratejiyi tartışma, model olma, stratejiyi ezberleme, stratejiyi destekleme ve bağımsız yazma basamaklarının takip edilmesiyle yapılan çalışma, öğrencilerin bağımsız bir şekilde strateji kullanabilmelerini sağlar. Bu araştırmada öntest-sontest, kontrol gruplu yarı deneysel yöntem kullanılmıştır. Araştırmanın çalışma grubunu, iki devlet ortaokulunda öğrenim görmekte olan 60 öğrenci oluşturmaktadır. Katılımcıların yer aldığı 2 şubenin deney ve kontrol grubu olarak belirlenmesi seçkisiz bir şekilde gerçekleştirilmiştir. Araştırma verilerinin toplanmasında ve değerlendirilmesinde Üstbilişsel Yazma Stratejileri Farkındalık Ölçeği kullanılmıştır. Verilerin analizinde SPSS 24 paket programından yararlanılmıştır. Araştırma sonucunda, öz düzenlemeye dayalı yazma eğitiminin öğrencilerin üstbilişsel yazma farkındalık düzeylerini olumlu etkilediği görülmektedir.
Okul Öncesi Eğitimi Öğretmenliği Lisans Öğrencilerinin “Kültürel Miras” Kavramına İlişkin Algılarına Yönelik Metafor Analizi
Authors: GÜNGÖR Hande , MUTLU ÖZTÜRK Hande , GÜLAY OGELMAN Hülya
Published: April 2022

Okul öncesi eğitimin çocukların gelişimindeki etkileri görüldüğü için, okul öncesi eğitime bütün dünyada gün geçtikçe daha fazla önem verilmektedir. Metafor kavramı duygu ve düşünceleri anlatmanın en etkili yollarından birisidir. Metaforlar kullanılarak anlatım zenginleştirilir, doğadan veya başka yerlerden esinlenerek, benzeşimler ve atıflar kullanılarak anlaşılması zor ve soyut kavramların, bildiğimiz, gördüğümüz ve dokunduğumuz somut kavramlar ile ifade edilerek anlaşılması kolaylaştırılır. Kültür toplumun bir arada yaşamasını kolaylaştıran etkenlerden biri olarak görülmektedir. Kültürün ve kültürel mirasların korunması ve nesiller arası aktarımı büyük önem taşımaktadır. Kültürel miras değerlerinin anlaşılması, somut ve soyut kültürel miras kavramlarının korunması açısından okul öncesi eğitimde bu konuların ele alınması önemlidir. Bu çalışmada, okul öncesi eğitimi öğretmenliği lisans öğrencilerinin kültürel miras kavramına bakış açıları ve yaklaşımlarına ilişkin algılarının belirlenmesi için metafor analizi yöntemi kullanılmıştır. Çalışmada, kültürel miras kavramı konusunda hangi tür metaforların kullanıldığını/kullanılabileceğinin görülmesi amaçlanmıştır.
Evidence of protective effects of recombinant ADAMTS13 in a humanized model of sickle cell disease
Authors: Rossato Paolo , Federti Enrica , Matte Alessandro , Glantschnig Helmut , Canneva Fabio , Schuster Maria , Coulibaly Sogue , Schrenk Gerald , Voelkel Dirk , Dockal Michael , Plaimauer Barbara , Andolfo Immacolata , Iolascon Achille , Rottensteiner Hanspeter , Gritsch Herbert , Scheiflinger Friedrich , Hoellriegl Werner , Franceschi Lucia De
Published: April 2022

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an inherited red blood cell disorder that occurs worldwide. Acute vaso-occlusive crisis is the main cause of hospitalization in patients with SCD. There is growing evidence that inflammatory vasculopathy plays a key role in both acute and chronic SCD-related clinical manifestations. In a humanized mouse model of SCD, we found an increase of von Willebrand factor activity and a reduction in the ratio of a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin type 1 motif, number 13 (ADAMTS13) to von Willebrand factor activity similar to that observed in the human counterpart. Recombinant ADAMTS13 was administered to humanized SCD mice before they were subjected to hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) stress as a model of vaso-occlusive crisis. In SCD mice, recombinant ADAMTS13 reduced H/R-induced hemolysis and systemic and local inflammation in lungs and kidneys. It also diminished H/R-induced worsening of inflammatory vasculopathy, reducing local nitric oxidase synthase expression. Collectively, our data provide for the firsttime evidence that pharmacological treatment with recombinant ADAMTS13 (TAK-755) diminished H/R-induced sickle cell-related organ damage. Thus, recombinant ADAMTS13 might be considered as a potential effective disease-modifying treatment option for sickle cell-related acute events.
Persistent DNA damage and oncogenic stress-induced Trem1 promotes leukemia in mice
Authors: Li Xue , Chatla Srinivas , Wilson Andrew F. , Wu Limei , Atale Neha , Du Wei
Published: April 2022

The immune receptor TREM1 (Triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 1) is a master regulator of inflammatory response. Compelling evidence suggests important pathological roles for TREM1 in various types of solid tumors. However, the role of TREM1 in hematologic malignancies is not known. Our previous study demonstrated that TREM1 cooperates with diminished DNA damage response to induce expansion of pre-leukemic hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) in mice deficient for the Fanconi anemia gene Fanca. Here we investigated TREM1 in leukemogenesis using mouse models of the DNA repair-deficient Fanca-/- and the oncogenic MLL-AF9 or KrasG12D. We found that Trem1 was highly expressed in preleukemic HSC and leukemia stem cells (LSC). By selective deletion of the Trem1 gene in the hematopoietic compartment, we showed that ablation of Trem1 reduced leukemogenic activity of the pre-leukemic HSC and LSC in mice. Trem1 was required for the proliferation of the pre-leukemic HSC and LSC. Further analysis revealed that Trem1 expression in preleukemic HSC and LSC was associated with persistent DNA damage, prolonged oncogenic stress, and a strong inflammatory signature. Targeting several top Trem1 inflammatory signatures inhibited the proliferation of pre-leukemic HSC and LSC. Collectively, our observations uncover previously unknown expression and function of TREM1 in malignant stem cells, and identify TREM1 as a driver of leukemogenesis.
Factores asociados al tiempo de adopción de perros procedentes de refugios en Ecuador. Un estudio observacional longitudinal
Authors: Vinueza Veloz Pamela , Fernando Vinueza Andrés , Aldaz Pachacama Nelson Renato , Álvarez Almeida Kenny Michelle
Published: April 2022

Introducción. El abandono de perros tiene implicaciones para el bienestar animal y es un problema de salud pública. Los refugios caninos han surgido en respuesta a dicho problema y tienen el objetivo de acoger a perros callejeros para luego darlos en adopción. Desafortunadamente, la falta de políticas públicas para minimizar el abandono y reducir la sobrepoblación canina ha ocasionado, que los refugios se conviertan en sitios de estancia permanente. Objetivo. El objetivo del presente estudio fue identificar factores que moderan el tiempo de adopción de perros callejeros en la región Sierra y Oriente de Ecuador. Metodología. Para ello, se recolectó información de cuatro refugios caninos de Ecuador, de manera retrospectiva. Se estudio la relación entre las variables explicativas (sexo, edad, color de pelaje y raza) y la variable respuesta (tiempo de adopción) aplicando modelos de supervivencia de Kaplan-Meier.  Resultados. La población evaluada (n=207 perros) estuvo compuesta en su mayoría por adultos (n= 62, 52.1%), hembras (n=115, 56%), mestizos (n=185, 89%) y, por perros de pelaje amarillo (n=59, 29%). El tiempo promedio de adopción fue de 188 días (DE=18,0). El principal factor que se asoció al tiempo de adopción fue la edad, siendo los cachorros y juveniles los que fueron adoptados en menor tiempo. Adicionalmente, factores como el sexo, raza o color de pelaje no se asociaron de manera estadísticamente significativa con el tiempo de adopción. Conclusión.
Fractal Basis of Multiplicative Processes in the Investment Sphere
Authors: Eremin Vladimir V.
Published: April 2022

The purpose of the article is to develop a model describing the spread of the multiplicative process in the sphere of investment from the standpoint of its fractality. The relevance of the purpose is determined by the need for investment in the Russian economy to ensure its growth. Modeling the multiplicative process will allow to take into account its consequences as part of the results of large investment projects, as well as to actively manage multiplicative processes, enhancing or decreasing the rates of economic growth with their help. The objective of the article is to form a model that describes the internal components of the multiplicative process interaction with the investment accelerator. The article forms the hypothesis that the main stages of this process are self-similar, therefore, the process is fractal. This model has the following scientific novelty. (1) With the help of schemes of income's multiplicative transfer chains, the fractality of both these chains themselves and the process of their amplification by the investment multiplier is substantiated. (2) The proposed model is based on the description of the internal components of the multiplicative process's spread in the sphere of investment, which distinguishes it from regression or matrix models for determining the value of the investment multiplier. (3) As a result of modeling the stages of the multiplicative process in the sphere of investment, a formula for the investment multiplier was derived, taking into account the action of the investment accelerator. (4) The carried out practical calculations made it possible to determine the difference in the values of the investment multiplier for different regions of Russia. This, in turn, made it possible to theoretically substantiate the use of the difference in the values of regional multipliers, based on the difference in the structures of regional economies, as a basis for a tool for managing the Russian economy by identifying existing potential growth points and creating new ones. The proposed modeling, by taking into account the consequences of the multiplicative process spread when calculating the effectiveness of large investment projects, will increase the implementation of these projects predictability and reduce the risk of negative consequences.
Pension Reforms and the Informal Sector: Modeling of Income Groups Behavior
Authors: Danielyan Vladimir A. , Polterovich Victor V.
Published: April 2022

A 2018 article by the authors described a dynamic behavior model of the agents’ population belonging to different income groups in the transition from a pay-as-you-go to a mixed pension system. The model is based on the assumption that wealthier participants are characterized by a lower rate of income discounting, which effectively means an orientation toward a longer planning horizon. In this paper we propose and explore an advanced model. It significantly improves the approximation of trajectories observed in Argentina after the pension reform of 1993, which is largely similar to the failed Russian reform of 2002. The model shows that as income increases, the share of the corresponding income group who prefers keeping in the shadows should fall. This pattern is consistent with observations. The model helps to explain why pension reforms in many countries have resulted in an expansion of the shadow sector. The impact of the minimum pension, the rate of return on pension savings and the retirement age on the levels of participation of different income groups in the pension system is studied. Based on the results, we formulate recommendations for continuing the pension reform in Russia.
Nеw Estimates of Demographic Damage from Road Accidents and Opportunities for Loss Management
Authors: Lebedev Kirill K.
Published: April 2022

High mortality in road accidents is an urgent problem for Russia, which at the same time is underestimated. The calculation of the dynamics of the potentially unborn people due to the death of women in reproductive age in the road accidents showed that even in conditions of low birth rates, Russia annually loses thousands of people in the form of unrealized fertility potential. Moreover, the demographic damage that actually occurred in the past leads to the economic losses in future. The proposed model of demographic potentials allows us to calculate undervalued losses, both in demography and in the economy. It became obvious that economic losses due to the inertia of demographic processes are of a delayed nature. This means that it is impossible to avoid these losses, but they can be managed. The article offers one of the tools for such management. Since the demographic potential model allows us to obtain data on economic damage in the past, all the market participants can receive data in advance about the damage that has developed for the number of workers in a branch in the medium term. And thanks to the data on employment industry structure, we will be able to answer in advance where exactly the personnel shortage would develop. In the conditions of planned industrial foresights, as well as limited access to effective foreign technologies, it is really difficult to overestimate the importance of such knowledge.
Guideline proposal for pharma companies to manage pharmacovigilance activities in digital media
Authors: Bernardini Daniela , Bocchi Ilenia , Bonato Stefano , Bottalico Davide , Calderazzo Valentina , Casino Carmela , Castiglione Gian Nicola , Cottone Carla , Dellon Stefania , Grisoni Ilaria , Mattavelli Amanda , Pirisino Giacomo , Romano Silvia , Sirizzotti Grazia , Stagi Lisa , SIMeF Working Group On behalf of the
Published: April 2022

Internet has become a central part of our everyday lives. Digital media are integrated in our daily routines and play a critical role in the dissemination of public health information and disease prevention guidelines. For this reason, digital activities are becoming more and more impacting in pharma company activities and this is an increasing trend after the pandemic period. Managing digital activities from pharmacovigilance (PV) perspective may have challenges linked to correct assessment of the activities and application of PV rules: this was underlined in recent publications, where the need to have more specific guidelines linked to digital activities management was evidenced.
Considering this scenario and the continuous evolution of the digital activities, the SIMEF PV working group decided to work on a proposal guideline to provide support to PV departments in pharma companies, suggesting a framework to manage sponsored digital activities (i.e., website, web apps, social media webpage, chatbots) impacting potential collection of adverse events (AEs). The purpose of this guideline is to provide useful instructions on how to manage PV requirements for digital activities, suggesting potential solutions for assessing initiatives, creating governance framework, conducting a correct vendor management, and suggesting practical approaches for AEs reporting and follow-up. The aim of this document is also to trigger a broader discussion among relevant stakeholders on which PV guidelines may be useful and appropriate considering this continuous evolving scenario.
ACADEMIC READING DIFFICULTIES IN HIGHER EDUCATION
Authors: Anwar Indry Widyasti , Sailuddin Sartika Putri
Published: April 2022

Academic reading is one of the challenges commonly faced by university students especially EFL learners. This study aims to identify academic reading difficulties in higher education focusing on Indonesian university students. It used mixed-method by collecting quantitative data from close-ended questionnaires and qualitative data from one open-ended question. In this study, 60 students were asked to rate the reading aspects listed in the questionnaires based on its level of difficulty and provide commentaries as well as possible additional aspect. The statistic results showed that overall students considered academic reading easy (M=2.445, SD=0.568). Reading carefully to understand the text was found as the aspect with the least difficulty (M=2.16, SD= 0.963) and working out the meaning of difficult words was identified as the most difficult one (M=2.75, SD=1.235). These statistics are supported by the qualitative finding whereas 43% students having problems translating and understanding difficult and formal words.
Performance of banks in India during the pandemic
Authors: Choudhary Naveen
Published: April 2022

India was facing an economic slowdown, when the pandemic broke out. It dealt a cruel blow to all sectors of the economy. How was the banking sector affected? This research paper analyses the impact in all dimensions, including the financial health of banks. It also critically evaluates the measures taken by the Government of India and RBI to assist the banks tide over this crisis. The study relies largely on secondary sources for data – reports of RIB, annual reports of banks, impact studies by rating agencies and newspaper reports. The findings reveal that banks have shown resilience. Deposits with banks grew at a higher pace than usual, partly reflecting perception of their safe haven status. Banks’ credit growth declined during the pandemic. The outstanding credit deposit ratio in Indian banks has also declined during this period.
Multiscale Contrasts Between the Right and Left Ventricle Biomechanics in Healthy Adult Sheep and Translational Implications
Authors: Liu Wenqiang , Nguyen-Truong Michael , LeBar Kristen , Labus Kevin M. , Gray Elisabeth , Ahern Matt , Neelakantan Sunder , Avazmohammadi Reza , McGilvray Kirk C. , Puttlitz Christian M. , Wang Zhijie
Published: April 2022

Cardiac biomechanics play a significant role in the progression of structural heart diseases (SHDs). SHDs alter baseline myocardial biomechanics leading to single or bi-ventricular dysfunction. But therapies for left ventricle (LV) failure patients do not always work well for right ventricle (RV) failure patients. This is partly because the basic knowledge of baseline contrasts between the RV and LV biomechanics remains elusive with limited discrepant findings. The aim of the study was to investigate the multiscale contrasts between LV and RV biomechanics in large animal species. We hypothesize that the adult healthy LV and RV have distinct passive anisotropic biomechanical properties. Ex vivo biaxial tests were performed in fresh sheep hearts. Histology and immunohistochemistry were performed to measure tissue collagen. The experimental data were then fitted to a Fung type model and a structurally informed model, separately. We found that the LV was stiffer in the longitudinal (outflow tract) than circumferential direction, whereas the RV showed the opposite anisotropic behavior. The anisotropic parameter K from the Fung type model accurately captured contrasting anisotropic behaviors in the LV and RV. When comparing the elasticity in the same direction, the LV was stiffer than the RV longitudinally and the RV was stiffer than the LV circumferentially, suggesting different filling patterns of these ventricles during diastole. Results from the structurally informed model suggest potentially stiffer collagen fibers in the LV than RV, demanding further investigation. Finally, type III collagen content was correlated with the low-strain elastic moduli in both ventricles. In summary, our findings provide fundamental biomechanical differences between the chambers. These results provide valuable insights for guiding cardiac tissue engineering and regenerative studies to implement chamber-specific matrix mechanics, which is particularly critical for identifying biomechanical mechanisms of diseases or mechanical regulation of therapeutic responses. In addition, our results serve as a benchmark for image-based inverse modeling technologies to non-invasively estimate myocardial properties in the RV and LV.
Identification of a New Mutation p.P88L in Connexin 50 Associated with Dominant Congenital Cataract
Authors: Jin Aixia , Zhao Qingqing , Liu Shuting , Jin Zi-bing , Li Shuyan , Xiang Mengqing , Zeng Mingbing , Jin Kangxin
Published: April 2022

Congenital hereditary cataract is genetically heterogeneous and the leading cause of visual impairment in children. Identification of hereditary causes is critical to genetic counselling and family planning. Here, we examined a four-generation Chinese pedigree with congenital dominant cataract and identified a new mutation inGJA8via targeted exome sequencing. A heterozygous missense mutation c.263C > T, leading to a proline-to-Leucine conversion at the conserved residue 88 in the second transmembrane domain of human connexin 50 (Cx50), was identified in all patients but not in unaffected family members. Functional analyses of the mutation revealed that it disrupted the stability of Cx50 and had a deleterious effect on protein function. Indeed, the mutation compromised normal membrane permeability and gating of ions, and impeded cell migration when overexpressed. Together, our results expand the pathogenic mutation spectrum of Cx50 underlying congenital cataract and lend more support to clinical diagnosis and genetic counseling.
Identification and Characterization of a Novel Long Noncoding RNA that Regulates Osteogenesis in Diet-Induced Obesity Mice
Authors: Hu Zhekai , Qiu Wei , Yu Yuedi , Wu Xingwen , Fang Fuchun , Zhu Xiaofang , Xu Xiaoyang , Tu Qisheng , Van Dyke Thomas E. , Morgan Elise F. , Chen Jake
Published: April 2022

As a precursor to type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D), obesity adversely alters bone cell functions, causing decreased bone quality. Currently, the mechanisms leading to alterations in bone quality in obesity and subsequently T2D are largely unclear. Emerging evidence suggests that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) participate in a vast repertoire of biological processes and play essential roles in gene expression and posttranscriptional processes. Mechanistically, the expression of lncRNAs is implicated in pathogenesis surrounding the aggregation or alleviation of human diseases. To investigate the functional link between specific lncRNA and obesity-associated poor bone quality and elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying the interaction between the two, we first assessed the structure of the bones in a diet-induced obese (DIO) mouse model. We found that bone microarchitecture markedly deteriorated in the DIO mice, mainly because of aberrant remodeling in the bone structure. The results of in vitro mechanistic experiments supported these observations. We then screened mRNAs and lncRNAs from DIO bones and functionally identified a specific lncRNA, Gm15222. Further analyses demonstrated that Gm15222 promotes osteogenesis and inhibits the expression of adipogenesis-related genes in DIO via recruitment of lysine demethylases KDM6B and KDM4B, respectively. Through this epigenetic pathway, Gm15222 modulates histone methylation of osteogenic genes. In addition, Gm15222 showed a positive correlation with the expression of a neighboring gene, BMP4. Together, the results of this study identified and provided initial characterization of Gm15222 as a critical epigenetic modifier that regulates osteogenesis and has potential roles in targeting the pathophysiology of bone disease in obesity and potential T2D.
Novel Inhibitors and Activity-Based Probes Targeting Trypsin-Like Serine Proteases
Authors: Ferguson Timothy E. G. , Reihill James A. , Martin S. Lorraine , Walker Brian
Published: April 2022

The trypsin-like proteases (TLPs) play widespread and diverse roles, in a host of physiological and pathological processes including clot dissolution, extracellular matrix remodelling, infection, angiogenesis, wound healing and tumour invasion/metastasis. Moreover, these enzymes are involved in the disruption of normal lung function in a range of respiratory diseases including allergic asthma where several allergenic proteases have been identified. Here, we report the synthesis of a series of peptide derivatives containing anN-alkyl glycine analogue of arginine, bearing differing electrophilic leaving groups (carbamate and triazole urea), and demonstrate their function as potent, irreversible inhibitors of trypsin and TLPs, to include activities from cockroach extract. As such, these inhibitors are suitable for use as activity probes (APs) in activity-based profiling (ABP) applications.
Choice of 16S Ribosomal RNA Primers Impacts Male Urinary Microbiota Profiling
Authors: Heidrich Vitor , Inoue Lilian T. , Asprino Paula F. , Bettoni Fabiana , Mariotti Antonio C. H. , Bastos Diogo A. , Jardim Denis L. F. , Arap Marco A. , Camargo Anamaria A.
Published: April 2022

Accessibility to next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies has enabled the profiling of microbial communities living in distinct habitats. 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene sequencing is widely used for microbiota profiling with NGS technologies. Since most used NGS platforms generate short reads, sequencing the full-length 16S rRNA gene is impractical. Therefore, choosing which 16S rRNA hypervariable region to sequence is critical in microbiota profiling studies. All nine 16S rRNA hypervariable regions are taxonomically informative, but due to variability in profiling performance for specific clades, choosing the ideal 16S rRNA hypervariable region will depend on the bacterial composition of the habitat under study. Recently, NGS allowed the identification of microbes in the urinary tract, and urinary microbiota has become an active research area. However, there is no current study evaluating the performance of different 16S rRNA hypervariable regions for male urinary microbiota profiling. We collected urine samples from male volunteers and profiled their urinary microbiota by sequencing a panel of six amplicons encompassing all nine 16S rRNA hypervariable regions. Systematic comparisons of their performance indicate V1V2 hypervariable regions better assess the taxa commonly present in male urine samples, suggesting V1V2 amplicon sequencing is more suitable for male urinary microbiota profiling. We believe our results will be helpful to guide this crucial methodological choice in future male urinary microbiota studies.
Establishment and Clinical Application of a RPA-LFS Assay for Detection of Capsulated and Non-Capsulated Haemophilus influenzae
Authors: Wang Yan , Liu Aibo , Fu Mei , Guo Jingjing , Wang Lei , Zuo Xiaohua , Ma Fenfen
Published: April 2022

A recombinase polymerase amplification-lateral flow strip assay was established for detection of the outer membrane protein P6 (omp6) and the capsule encoding gene bexA of Haemophilus influenzae and the detection limit, sensitivity, and specificity were determined. Specific primers and probes were designed based on the published nucleotide sequences of omp6 and bexA. The minimum detection limit was determined with standard strains and the practical applicability of the RPA-LFS assay was assessed by detection of 209 clinical samples. The results confirmed that the RPA-LFS assay was both specific and sensitive for the detection of capsulated and non-capsulated H. influenzae with a detection limit of 1 CFU/µL. The detection rate of the 209 clinical samples was 97.1%, while the detection rate of capsulated H. influenzae was 63.2%. The detection results were consistent with the traditional culture method and dual polymerase chain reaction (PCR), confirming the applicability of the RPA-LFS assay.
System Performance and User Feedback Regarding Wearable Bioimpedance System for Multi-Site Knee Tissue Monitoring: Free-Living Pilot Study With Healthy Adults
Authors: Critcher Shelby , Freeborn Todd J.
Published: April 2022

Knee-focused wearable devices have the potential to support personalized rehabilitation therapies by monitoring localized tissue alterations related to activities that reduce functional symptoms and pain. However, supporting these applications requires reported data to be reliable and accurate which can be challenging in the unsupervised free-living conditions that wearable devices are deployed. This pilot study has assessed a knee-focused wearable sensor system to quantify 1) system performance (operation, rates of data artifacts, environment impacts) to estimate realistic targets for reliable data with this system and 2) user experiences (comfort, fit, usability) to help inform future designs to increase usability and adoption of knee-focused wearables. Study data was collected from five healthy adult participants over 2 days, with 84.5 and 35.9% of artifact free data for longitudinal and transverse electrode configurations. Small to moderate positive correlations were also identified between changes in resistance, temperature, and humidity with respect to acceleration to highlight how this system can be used to explore relationships between knee tissues and environmental/activity context.
rs3806265 and rs4612666 of the NLRP3 Gene Are Associated With the Titer of Glutamic Acid Decarboxylase Antibody in Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Sun Xiaoxiao , Xu Linling , Xia Ying , Luo Shuoming , Lin Jian , Xiao Yang , Huang Gan , Li Xia , Xie Zhiguo , Zhou Zhiguang
Published: April 2022

Background and Aims

The NLRP3 gene is reportedly associated with several autoimmune diseases. However, in the Chinese Han population, whether NLRP3 polymorphisms are associated with type 1 diabetes (T1D) is unclear. Therefore, this study examined the associations of rs3806265 and rs4612666 of the NLRP3 gene with T1D susceptibility and the clinical characteristics of Chinese Han T1D patients.

Methods

In total, 510 classic T1D patients and 531 healthy controls from the Chinese Han population were recruited for a case-control study. rs3806265 and rs4612666 of the NLRP3 gene were genotyped by MassARRAY. Logistic regression analysis and the chi-square test were used to compare the distributions of the alleles and genotypes of rs3806265 and rs4612666. The relationships between rs3806265 and rs4612666 and the clinical characteristics of T1D patients were analyzed by Kruskal-Wallis one-way ANOVA. Student’s t test was used to analyze normally distributed data. Bonferroni correction was used for multiple comparisons.

Results

1) rs3806265 was associated with glutamic acid decarboxylase antibody (GADA) titers (P = 0.02), and patients with the CC genotype had higher GADA titers than patients with the TT genotype. 2) rs4612666 was also associated with GADA titers (P=0.041). Compared with patients with the CC genotype, patients with the TT genotype had higher GADA titers. 3) rs3806265 and rs4612666 of the NLRP3 gene were not significantly associated with T1D susceptibility under different genetic models.

Conclusion

rs3806265 and rs4612666 of the NLRP3 gene were significantly associated with GADA titers in Chinese Han T1D patients.
Abnormal BMI in Male and/or Female Partners Are Deleterious for Embryonic Development and Pregnancy Outcome During ART Process: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Qi Lin , Liu Ya-ping , Wang Shi-ming , Shi Hao , Chen Xiao-li , Wang Ning-ning , Su Ying-chun
Published: April 2022

Objective

To investigate the effect of BMI in male and/or female partners on embryo development and clinical pregnancy outcome during ART.

Methods

Data of 11,130 cycles between January 2018 and December 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. They were divided into Group A, B, C, and D based on couples’ BMI values, also were divided into Group I, II, III and IV in IVF cycles and Group i, ii, iii, and iv in ICSI cycles. After grouping, inter-group indicators comparisons and logistic regression analysis were performed.

Results

In IVF cycles, CPR in Group I and Group III were higher than Group IV. In Group III, it was higher than Group II. The AR in Group IV was higher, but the LBR was lower than Group I, Group II, and Group III. Logistic regression analysis results suggested that AR in Group IV was higher than that in Group I in IVF cycles, whereas LBR was lower.

In ICSI cycles, high-quality embryo rate in Group i and Group ii were both higher than that in Group iii and Group iv. The CPR in Group i was higher than Group ii and Group iv, and in Group iii was higher than Group ii and Group iv. The AR in Group i was lower than Group iii and Group iv, and AR in Group ii was lower than Group iv. LBR, in Group I it was higher than Group ii, Group iii, and Group iv. Logistic regression analysis results suggested CPR in Group ii was significantly lower than that in Group i. AR in Group iii was considerably higher than that in Group i. LBR in Group ii and Group iv were significantly lower than that in Group i.

Conclusion

Female higher BMI was not conducive to the formation of high-quality embryos in ICSI cycle. Female and/or male BMI affected AR and LBR more than CPR not only in IVF cycles, but also in ICSI cycles.
Impact of RSUME Actions on Biomolecular Modifications in Physio-Pathological Processes
Authors: Fuertes Mariana , Elguero Belén , Gonilski-Pacin David , Herbstein Florencia , Rosmino Josefina , Ciancio del Giudice Nicolas , Fiz Manuel , Falcucci Lara , Arzt Eduardo
Published: April 2022

The small RWD domain-containing protein called RSUME or RWDD3 was cloned from pituitary tumor cells with increasing tumorigenic and angiogenic proficiency. RSUME expression is induced under hypoxia or heat shock and is upregulated, at several pathophysiological stages, in tissues like pituitary, kidney, heart, pancreas, or adrenal gland. To date, several factors with essential roles in endocrine-related cancer appear to be modulated by RWDD3. RSUME regulates, through its post-translational (PTM) modification, pituitary tumor transforming gene (PTTG) protein stability in pituitary tumors. Interestingly, in these tumors, another PTM, the regulation of EGFR levels by USP8, plays a pathogenic role. Furthermore, RSUME suppresses ubiquitin conjugation to hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) by blocking VHL E3-ubiquitin ligase activity, contributing to the development of von Hippel-Lindau disease. RSUME enhances protein SUMOylation of specific targets involved in inflammation such as IkB and the glucocorticoid receptor. For many of its actions, RSUME associates with regulatory proteins of ubiquitin and SUMO cascades, such as the E2-SUMO conjugase Ubc9 or the E3 ubiquitin ligase VHL. New evidence about RSUME involvement in inflammatory and hypoxic conditions, such as cardiac tissue response to ischemia and neuropathic pain, and its role in several developmental processes, is discussed as well. Given the modulation of PTMs by RSUME in neuroendocrine tumors, we focus on its interactors and its mode of action. Insights into functional implications and molecular mechanisms of RSUME action on biomolecular modifications of key factors of pituitary adenomas and renal cell carcinoma provide renewed information about new targets to treat these pathologies.
Variability of Nitrogen and Phosphorus Content and Their Forms in Waters of a River-Lake System
Authors: Janicka Ewelina , Kanclerz Jolanta , Wiatrowska Katarzyna , Budka Anna
Published: April 2022

River-lake systems in Central Europe represent the majority of surface water system forms. In these systems lakes play an important role in river water quality. Published reports on the quality of surface waters in Europe indicate progressive deterioration of their quality, resulting mainly from increasing eutrophication. This study analyzed the content of two biogenic elements—nitrogen and phosphorus—and their mineral forms in the Głuszynka river, representative for the river-lake systems of Central Europe. The research was conducted in the hydrological years 2016–2018. The ecological status of the Głuszynka river, due to the “poor” status of both biological elements and physicochemical elements (content of phosphorus and nitrogen compounds), was classified as “poor.” In the period analyzed an increase in the content of nitrogen compounds was recorded in the hydrological year 2018. However, during the growing period a significant decrease in the content of total and nitrate nitrogen was observed, which was related to the activity of primary producers. For phosphorus compounds a slight increase of their content was observed during this period. This was associated with high tourist and recreational pressure on the analyzed system. Analyzing the spatial variability of biogenic compounds it was observed that along the course of the river the content of nitrite and nitrate nitrogen as well as total nitrogen increased at successive sampling points. An opposite trend of change along the river course was observed for phosphorus compounds (content of P-PO4 and total phosphate decreased by 14 and 15.9%, respectively). Statistical analyses carried out highlighted the relationship between water quality and land use in the direct catchments of lakes included in the river-lake network. Arable land was associated with higher the content of orthophosphorus phosphate, grassland total nitrogen, nitrite and nitrate nitrogen, while urbanization was strongly associated with ammonium nitrogen.
Selection Signature Analyses Revealed Genes Associated With Adaptation, Production, and Reproduction in Selected Goat Breeds in Kenya
Authors: Waineina Ruth W. , Okeno Tobias O. , Ilatsia Evans D. , Ngeno Kiplangat
Published: April 2022

Artificial and natural selection in livestock is expected to leave unique footprints on their genomes. Goat breeds in Kenya have evolved for survival, breeding, and production in various harsh ecological areas, and their genomes are likely to have acquired unique alleles for adaptation to such diverse production environments and other traits of economic importance. To investigate signals of selection for some selected goat breeds in Kenya, Alpine (n = 29), Galla (n = 12), Saanen (n = 24), and Toggenburg (n = 31) were considered. A total of 53,347 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) generated using the Illumina GoatSNP50 BeadChip were analyzed. After quality control, 47,663 autosomal single-nucleotide polymorphisms remained for downstream analyses. Several complementary approaches were applied for the following analyses: integrated Haplotype Score (iHS), cross-population-extended haplotype homozygosity (XP-EHH), hapFLK, and FLK. A total of 404 top genomic regions were identified across all the four breeds, based on the four complementary analyses. Out of the 16 identified putative selection signature regions by the intersection of multiple-selective signal analyses, most of the putative regions were found to overlap significantly with the iHS and XP-EHH analyses on chromosomes 3, 4, 10, 15, 22, and 26. These regions were enriched with some genes involved in pathways associated directly or indirectly with environmental adaptation regulating immune responses (e.g., HYAL1 and HYAL3), milk production (e.g., LEPR and PDE4B), and adaptability (e.g., MST1 and PCK). The results revealed few intersect between breeds in genomic selection signature regions. In general, this did not present the typical classic selection signatures as predicted due to the complex nature of the traits. The results support that some various selection pressures (e.g., environmental challenges, artificial selection, and genome admixture challenges) have molded the genome of goat breeds in Kenya. Therefore, the research provides new knowledge on the conservation and utilization of these goat genetic resources in Kenya. In-depth research is needed to detect precise genes connected with adaptation and production in goat breeds in Kenya.
Coronavirus Infection and Cholesterol Metabolism
Authors: Dai Jun , Wang Huan , Liao Ying , Tan Lei , Sun Yingjie , Song Cuiping , Liu Weiwei , Qiu Xusheng , Ding Chan
Published: April 2022

Host cholesterol metabolism remodeling is significantly associated with the spread of human pathogenic coronaviruses, suggesting virus-host relationships could be affected by cholesterol-modifying drugs. Cholesterol has an important role in coronavirus entry, membrane fusion, and pathological syncytia formation, therefore cholesterol metabolic mechanisms may be promising drug targets for coronavirus infections. Moreover, cholesterol and its metabolizing enzymes or corresponding natural products exert antiviral effects which are closely associated with individual viral steps during coronavirus replication. Furthermore, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infections are associated with clinically significant low cholesterol levels, suggesting cholesterol could function as a potential marker for monitoring viral infection status. Therefore, weaponizing cholesterol dysregulation against viral infection could be an effective antiviral strategy. In this review, we comprehensively review the literature to clarify how coronaviruses exploit host cholesterol metabolism to accommodate viral replication requirements and interfere with host immune responses. We also focus on targeting cholesterol homeostasis to interfere with critical steps during coronavirus infection.
Transplant Tolerance, Not Only Clonal Deletion
Authors: Hall Bruce M. , Verma Nirupama D. , Tran Giang T. , Hodgkinson Suzanne J.
Published: April 2022

The quest to understand how allogeneic transplanted tissue is not rejected and how tolerance is induced led to fundamental concepts in immunology. First, we review the research that led to the Clonal Deletion theory in the late 1950s that has since dominated the field of immunology and transplantation. At that time many basic mechanisms of immune response were unknown, including the role of lymphocytes and T cells in rejection. These original observations are reassessed by considering T regulatory cells that are produced by thymus of neonates to prevent autoimmunity. Second, we review “operational tolerance” induced in adult rodents and larger animals such as pigs. This can occur spontaneously especially with liver allografts, but also can develop after short courses of a variety of rejection inhibiting therapies. Over time these animals develop alloantigen specific tolerance to the graft but retain the capacity to reject third-party grafts. These animals have a “split tolerance” as peripheral lymphocytes from these animals respond to donor alloantigen in graft versus host assays and in mixed lymphocyte cultures, indicating there is no clonal deletion. Investigation of this phenomenon excludes many mechanisms, including anti-donor antibody blocking rejection as well as anti-idiotypic responses mediated by antibody or T cells. This split tolerance is transferred to a second immune-depleted host by T cells that retain the capacity to effect rejection of third-party grafts by the same host. Third, we review research on alloantigen specific inhibitory T cells that led to the first identification of the CD4+CD25+T regulatory cell. The key role of T cell derived cytokines, other than IL-2, in promoting survival and expansion of antigen specific T regulatory cells that mediate transplant tolerance is reviewed. The precise methods for inducing and diagnosing operational tolerance remain to be defined, but antigen specific T regulatory cells are key mediators.
Active Vibration Control of Functionally Graded Carbon Nanotube Reinforced Composite Plate with Coupled Electromechanical Actuation
Authors: Yu X. L. , Zhang X. H. , Wang J. F.
Published: April 2022

Piezoelectric materials possess excellent electromechanical coupling characteristics, which are functional and suitable in structural vibration control. This study investigates the active control of free and forced vibration for piezoelectric-integrated functionally graded carbon nanotube reinforced composite (FG-CNTRC) plate using the finite element method (FEM). Based on the first-order shear deformation theory (FSDT), the governing equations of the motion of a piezoelectric-integrated FG-CNTRC plate are derived by Hamilton’s principle. The convergence and accuracy of the numerical method is verified through the results of natural frequencies. The influences of CNT volume fraction, CNT distribution type, piezoelectric layer thickness-to-plate thickness ratio, and boundary condition on the natural frequencies are investigated. A constant gain velocity feedback algorithm is used to achieve the dynamic response control of the piezoelectric-integrated FG-CNTRC plate. In addition, the effects of dynamic load, feedback control gain, and boundary condition on the dynamic response of the plate are studied. Numerical results indicate that active control is promising for practical applications in civil and mechanical engineering.
Case Report: Acute Pancreatitis Associated With Tacrolimus in Kidney Transplantation and a Review of the Literature
Authors: Ding Yixuan , Qu Chang , He Huan , Cao Feng , Ou Tongwen , Li Fei
Published: April 2022

Background

Drug-induced pancreatitis is a rare cause of acute pancreatitis. Tacrolimus has been used as an immunosuppressant agent in patients after organ transplantation. However, only a few case reports of tacrolimus-induced acute pancreatitis in kidney transplantation have been reported. The purpose of this case report is to alert clinicians that tacrolimus-induced acute pancreatitis may occur during tacrolimus therapy in kidney transplant patients.

Case Presentation

We present the case of a 38-year-old woman who underwent kidney transplantation and received immunosuppressive therapy with tacrolimus; on day 20 post-transplantation, she presented with acute abdominal pain in the middle and left areas of the abdomen accompanied by diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. We excluded gallstone disease, alcohol, hypertriglyceridemia, and other possible causes, and speculated that tacrolimus was the probable cause of pancreatitis because of the extremely high blood concentration of tacrolimus. After tacrolimus was changed to cyclosporine, her symptoms were gradually improved, and she was discharged home without relapse.

Conclusion

Tacrolimus is a rare cause of pancreatitis after kidney transplantation. It is important to note that tacrolimus-induced acute pancreatitis may occur during tacrolimus therapy in kidney transplantation patients.
Mycoplasma pneumonia Infection Is Associated With an Increased Risk of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Nationwide, Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Chu Kuo-An , Ou Ting-Yun , Hung Wei-Hsin , Sung Jie , Chen Weishan , Lin Cheng-Li , Hung Yao-Min , Wei James Cheng-Chung
Published: April 2022

Background

Infections may play a role in the development of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Objective

To assess the link between Mycoplasma pneumonia (M. pneumonia) infection and the incidence of SLE.

Method

We conducted a retrospective cohort study, which identified 116,043 hospitalized patients with M. pneumoniae between 2000 and 2012 from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database and compared them with 447,839 matched inpatients who had never been diagnosed with M. pneumonia infection (at a 1:4 ratio, matched by age, gender, and index year). Their comparative risk of developing SLE was evaluated. The follow-up period was defined as the time from the initial diagnosis of M. pneumonia infection to the date of SLE diagnosis, or December 31, 2013. The incidence rates of SLE were assessed in people with and without M. pneumoniae infection. Cox proportional hazard models were used to estimate the hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs), with the uninfected group used as the reference.

Results

The adjusted HR of SLE for the M. pneumoniae group was 2.97 with 95% CI = 2.18–4.05 compared with the uninfected group. The risk was most significantly higher within 0.5 years after the M. pneumoniae infection with an adjusted HR of 6.18 (95% CI = 3.82–9.97, p < 0.01). The adjusted HR for SLE from 0.5 to 2 years and from 2 to 5 years after M. pneumoniae infection was 1.59 (95% CI = 0.70–3.59, p = 0.27) and 2.42 (95% CI = 1.22–4.81, p = 0.01), respectively.

Conclusion

The incidence of SLE was significantly higher in subjects infected with M. pneumoniae.