bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ПОЛІТИКА НАТО ЩОДО ІНТЕГРАЦІЇ ГЕНДЕРНОЇ РІВНОСТІ
Authors: Аніщенко Юлія , Мараєва Віолета
Published: February 2022

Сьогодні беззаперечними є значення і роль, які відіграє у забезпеченні ген-дерної рівності Організація Північноатлантичного договору. Місія НАТО полягає у сприянні стабільному і міцному миру, у рамках якого гендерна рі-вність та розширення прав і можливостей обох статей є ключовим чинником. Північноатлантичний альянс прагне включити гендерний аспект на всіх ета-пах операційного процесу – при розробці, плануванні, впровадженні, моні-торингу та оцінці політики та програм. Політика НАТО щодо гендерної рів-ності має тривалу історію і є добре структурованою. Метою статті є визна-чення основних засад і шляхів формування гендерної політики Північноат-лантичного альянсу, розкриття напрямів і форм впровадження гендерної рі-вності в країнах-членах НАТО. Акцентовано увагу на програмних докумен-тах, які сприяли розумінню складної і комплексної природи гендерного інте-грування.
ANALYSIS OF THE COMPONENTS OF INTERNATIONAL RANKINGS RESEARCH-EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS OF UKRAINE
Authors:   V.M. Glushkov Institute of Cybernetics of the NAS of Ukraine, Gorbachuk Vasyl , Gavrilenko Serhii ,   V.M. Glushkov Institute of Cybernetics of the NAS of Ukraine, Golotsukov Hennadii ,   V.M. Glushkov Institute of Cybernetics of the NAS of Ukraine
Published: February 2022

The practical application of the indicators used in the international expertise system is provided by the Law of Ukraine “On Scientific and Scientific-Technological Activity” of November 26, 2015. Since 2010, the government-approved Concepts for the Development of e-Government in Ukraine have had a significant impact on the digitalization of society, in particular on the digitalization of education and research programs and related institutions. Digitalization of program-target planning and management in efficient corporate information systems is becoming an important means of global competition, particularly competition in high technology industries. As of 2021, only a few percent of educational and research institutions (ERIs) in Ukraine are covered by well-known, verified global rankings, which reflects the current situation of the Ukrainian high technology industry. Working diligently with international science and engineering performance, based on modern information and communications technology (ICT), is an integral part of organizational efforts in a globally competitive environment. The use of modern ICTs, in particular, domestic distributed information technologies in scientific and organizational activity can be useful for improving the scientific and technical performance of domestic ERIs. The use of distributed information technologies in scientific and organizational activities should play the role of a decision support system to maximize the world rankings of ERIs of Ukraine under given resource constraints, as well as to plan an effective trajectory for improving these ratings in the dynamics. If such an application is successful, the positive effect will exceed the projected costs by orders of magnitude. The development of science and engineering indicators is similar to the development of financial and economic ratings, and therefore affects the global markets of educational and research services, as well as investments in high technology industries. Given the imperfections of domestic financial markets, these indicators play an important role for domestic ERIs.
BASIC PRINCIPLES OF FORMATION OF A TECHNICAL AND ECONOMIC FORECAST MODEL OF ENERGY SUPPLY IN THE REGION USING RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES
Authors:   GK «GALAEKSPERT», Kuznyetsova Galyna
Published: February 2022

The article analyzes the basic principles of forming a technical and economic forecast model of energy supply in the region using renewable energy sources. It is noted that the urgency of creating autonomous energy sources based on renewable energy sources is due to the need to optimize the costs of energy supply of facilities located outside the central energy supply systems, the requirements of legislation in terms of energy saving and improving the efficiency of using natural resources and possible tax restrictions on CO2 emissions, as well as the requirements for import substitution of products of foreign manufacturers with modern power plants of Ukrainian production. It is indicated that taking into account the fact that the production of electricity by this type of installation cannot do without additional backup sources, for power systems based on renewable energy, the concept is suitable – an energy complex that includes power plants located in close proximity to each other, designed to generate one or more types of energy, equipped with automated operation systems, which allows you to keep records and control over the rational use of energy resources. It is stated that energy complexes based on renewable energy resources can perform a number of important tasks in the organization of the production process. For the economic assessment of the feasibility of using renewable energy sources and determining the potential for implementing such technologies at industrial facilities, a forecast model of economic efficiency was developed, taking into account possible technological and institutional changes. When creating a forecast model of economic efficiency that takes into account possible technological and institutional changes, first, factors, criteria and their parameters were identified and described with the distribution of the significance (weight) of each of the values, relationship and dependence. It is determined that the first stage of the proposed model concerns finding out the possibility of applying energy supply technologies based on renewable energy sources in certain geographical conditions; at the second stage (regional), after selecting a promising area, mesoscale numerical modeling of wind flow at an arbitrary height above ground level is carried out; at the third stage, the economic efficiency of the project is reassessed, taking into account changes in forecast factors, and the results are compared, as a result of which the final option is selected and a decision is made on the feasibility of using renewable energy supply systems. It is stated that the model for choosing the optimal energy supply system for current and prospective projects using renewable energy sources should take into account possible technological and institutional changes.
On the Free Vibration and the Buckling Analysis of Laminated Composite Beams Subjected to Axial Force and End Moment: A Dynamic Finite Element Analysis
Authors: Hashemi Seyed Mohammad , Kashani Mir Tahmaseb
Published: February 2022

This work presents the bending–torsion coupled free vibration analysis of prestressed,
layered composite beams subjected to axial force and end moment using the traditional finite element
method (FEM) and dynamic finite element (DFE) techniques. Current trends in the literature, in terms
of different types of modeling techniques and constraints, were briefly examined. The Galerkin-type
weighted residual method was applied to convert the coupled differential equations of motion into
a discrete problem using a polynomial interpolation function in the finite element method. In the
dynamic finite element method, trigonometric shape functions were implemented to describe the
equations in terms of nodal displacements. The eigenvalue problem resulting from the discretization
along the length of the beam was solved in order to determine the system’s natural frequencies and
modes. The results, showing the effects of axial load, end moment, and combined loading on natural
frequencies, are discussed and are followed by some concluding remarks.
Disztópikus ifjúsági regények és olvasóik
Authors: Flóra Szelestei
Published: February 2022

Tanulmányomban egy olyan kérdésre kerestem a választ két – nem reprezentatív – kutatáson keresztül, ami, mint aktívan olvasó embert mindig is érdekelt: vajon, ha egy könyvből készítettek filmes adaptációt, akkor a film nézői visszatérnek-e az eredeti műhöz, magához a könyvhöz? Vagy éppen fordítva a jellemzőbb: mindenképpen a könyv az első és csak utána jöhet a filmélmény? A filmes adaptációk hatása a könyvpiacra könyvtári (és egyben könyvtáros) szempontból is érdekelt: a kölcsönzési szokásokra vajon hatással van-e egy-egy könyv megfilmesítése? Dolgozatomban a vizsgált könyvek műfaját mutatom be röviden, majd kutatásaim módszerét és eredményeit ismertetem.
Képregények a könyvtárban
Authors: Dávid Polyák
Published: February 2022

Könyvtárosként gondoltunk-e már arra, hogy a képregényeknek lehet-e kiemelt helye és szerepe a közgyűjtemények polcain? Lehetséges-e alternatív megoldásokhoz folyamodni, hogy e gazdag médiumot ne csak a gyermekirodalom egy szűkebb részegységeként szolgáltassák a könyvtárak? Egyáltalán felmerült-e már a gondolat, hogy a képregények önálló gyűjteményt, vagy akár egy napon önálló szakkönyvtárat képezzenek?

Mint pályakezdő könyvtáros, úgy éreztem, érdemes szakmai szempontból komolyabban foglalkozni a képregényekkel, hiszen napjainkra több korosztályban is jelentősen megnőtt irántuk az érdeklődés, amely meglátásom szerint egy újabb potenciális összekötő szálat jelenthet a társadalom és a könyvtárak folyamatosan épülő kapcsolatában.
Análisis de las principales implicaciones ambientales por la explotación minera en los sectores del suroriente de Bogotá por mal manejo de los cierres y abandonos al término de la explotación ejecutada
Authors: Pardo Pérez Jenny Judith , Mendoza Márquez José Andrés , Cantor Nelson Antonio , Castro Brayan , Cuevas Daniel
Published: February 2022

Desde finales de la década de 1990 e inicios de los 2000, Bogotá ha crecido de manera poco planificada en cuanto a infraestructura y construcción. La sabana donde se encuentra ubicada la ciudad es de litología sedimentaria, en pocas palabras, es de gran riqueza en materiales necesarios para el desarrollo de obras civiles y el sector de la construcción. El factor litológico auspicio el inicio de explotaciones mineras en el sur de la ciudad, ubicándose en la cuenca del río Tunjuelo, siendo las de esta zona las de mayor importancia. El desorden y lento desarrollo de la legislación minera y ambiental, la falta de seguimiento a la actividad minera en la ciudad y su territorio, no definir una buena planeación que incluya los usos de los suelos de la ciudad, el auge minero y la ilegalidad, generaron una situación de desarrollo minero en donde alrededor del 90 % de las canteras en explotación en el territorio urbano y rural de la ciudad están en términos de la ilegalidad (El Tiempo, 2016), que afecta visiblemente y de manera directa a la población aledaña, los recursos hídricos y ambientales aledaños a las explotaciones mineras. Debido a esta problemática, en la administración distrital de Gustavo Petro, se decidió prohibir la actividad minera en la ciudad (Secretaría de Ambiente, 2012), que si bien fue un hecho determinante, en sí no fue totalmente la solución, dado que por un mandato del Consejo de Estado, y petición de la Alcaldía Mayor de Bogotá, el Ministerio de Ambiente debe definir la ubicación y gran parte de la situación de esas zonas para hacer frente a las canteras ilegales y las problemáticas socio-ambientales que ha generado la actividad minera. El impacto ambiental causado por la explotación en las canteras ha llevado a la necesidad de analizar esta problemática causada en Bogotá, he aquí porque los estudiantes de Ingeniería de Minas quieren estudiar una alternativa para poder remediar el impacto ambiental producido por el abandono mal realizado al fin de la explotación.
Critical Discourse Analysis Online News of Covid-19 Has Changed The World Of Education (Teun Model A. Van Dijk)
Authors: Mukramah  , Nurhasanah Purba
Published: February 2022

This aims of the article is to Analysis Critical Discourse Online News of Covid-19 Has Changed the World of Education.  This research is a qualitative research using the method of documentation and content analysis of media texts. The result of shows that Critical discourse analysis using the Teun A. Van Dijk method of news taken from online media, namely kompas.com, regarding the Covid-19 statement has changed the world of education. The analysis is carried out on the elements of the text which are divided into macro and micro structures. Based on the analysis that has been done, it is found that discourse fulfills most of the macro and micro elements. All elements are found in this analysis.
La educación y los entornos virtuales de aprendizaje
Authors: Carvajal Morales Jessica Mariela , Carvajal Morales Daira Marizol , Guaña Moya Javier , Mendoza Zambrano Kelvin Antonio
Published: February 2022

Introducción: La incidencia de las Tecnologías de la Información y la Comunicación (TIC) sobre la sociedad del conocimiento ha originado importantes cambios, especialmente en la forma de transmitirlo y el diseño del contenido, con un gran efecto masivo y multiplicador, de tal manera que el sentido del conocimiento se ha profundizado en todos los niveles sociales, resaltando que el mayor impacto registrado ha recaído sobre los procesos educativos, siendo en las instituciones escolares donde la tecnología ha ejercido la mayor influencia, así como también en la labor del docente, llegando a formar parte de los procesos de enseñanza tradicionales. Objetivo: Analizar el impacto de la incorporación de los entornos virtuales de aprendizaje (EVA) a la educación. Metodología: Por medio de una metodología cualitativa basada en una extensa revisión bibliográfica se analiza el impacto de los EVA sobre la educación, los tipos de herramientas tecnológicas disponibles actualmente, las diversas maneras de aplicación y los aportes que han realizado las TIC sobre los procesos educativos. Resultados: La revisión de literatura permite deducir que la incorporación de las TIC a la educación por medio de los entornos virtuales de aprendizaje (EVA) se ha convertido en un proceso fundamental que en su concepción va más allá de la simple aplicación de herramientas tecnológicas que forman parte del sistema educativo, se refiere a una construcción didáctica y la forma cómo se construye y consolida un aprendizaje significativo basado en la tecnología, por lo que en un sentido estrictamente pedagógico se habla del uso tecnológico a la educación. Conclusiones:  Las herramientas tecnológicas como los EVA han incrementado el nivel de significancia y concepción educativa al establecer modelos novedosos de comunicación y generando espacios de formación, información, debate y reflexión, traspasando las barreras de los procesos educativos tradicionales, convirtiéndose en valiosos recursos para el aprendizaje y formación de estudiantes con elevados niveles de competencias personales y profesionales.
AS ÂNCORAS DE CARREIRA DA GERAÇÃO Z
Authors: Chaicoski Monique , Forlin Josiéli Varela , Baade Joel Haroldo
Published: February 2022

Contextualizar as âncoras de carreiras de jovens da geração Z em formação profissional. O desenvolvimento de carreira é fundamental para qualquer profissional com muitas variáveis, que comandam o comportamento para que se tenha uma compreensão de quais os valores que movem o mundo profissional. Essas âncoras são pilares que orientam as decisões de carreira de cada indivíduo. O teste âncoras de carreira vem com o objetivo fazer com que cada jovem profissional descubra quais delas têm maior peso em sua experiência para o trabalho. O presente estudo vem com a intenção de analisar e comparar as percepções destes 100 jovens respondentes da geração Z sobre carreira e vida profissional. O método de pesquisa utilizado foi o de levantamento de campo. Através de uma pesquisa descritiva quantitativa dos dados. Utilizar-se-á como base de análise o instrumento (inventário de âncoras de carreira) proposto por Schein (1996). Com base nos resultados dos 100 jovens respondentes, as principais âncoras de carreira são: Análise da dimensão competência técnica-funciona (média 3,49); Análise da dimensão segurança e estabilidade (média 3,58); Análise da dimensão senso de dever e dedicação a uma causa (média 3,57); Análise da dimensão desafio puro (média 3,46).
Palavras-Chave: Ancora de carreira. Geração Z. Teste. Formação.
 
Abstract: Contextualize the anchors of the careers of young generation Z in professional training. Career development is fundamental for any professional with many variables, who command the behavior so that one has an understanding of what values move the professional world. These anchors are the pillars that guide each individual's career decisions. The career anchors test comes with the objective of making each young professional discover which ones have greater weight in their work experience. This study comes with the intention of analyzing and comparing the perceptions of these 100 young generation Z respondents about their career and professional life. The research method used was the field survey. Through a descriptive quantitative research of the data. The instrument (inventory of career anchors) proposed by Schein (1996) will be used as the basis for analysis. Based on the results of the 100 young respondents, the main career anchors are: Analysis of the technical competence-function dimension (average 3.49); Analysis of the security and stability dimension (average 3.58); Analysis of the dimension sense of duty and dedication to a cause (average 3.57); Analysis of the pure challenge dimension (mean 3.46).
Keywords: Career anchor. Generation Z. Test. Training.
EI PROFESSOR: você está pronto para a inovação na educação?
Authors: Capistrano Cunha Soares Isabella
Published: February 2022

Há muito já se fala sobre a tecnologia na educação como uma ferramenta aliada ao trabalho do professor, importante destacar justamente o “aliada”, pois muitos professores ainda acreditam que a tecnologia está invadindo o ambiente escolar para substituí-los...
Pengaruh Kosentrasi Pupuk Organik Cair Lemna (Lemna minor) yang Berbeda Terhadap Pertumbuhan Mikroalga Chlorella vulgaris
Authors: Indriana Nova , Iba Wa , Idris Muhammad , Ruslaini Ruslaini , Abidin La Ode Baytul , Aslan La Ode Muhammad
Published: February 2022

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui konsentrasi pupuk organik cair lemna (POC L) yang terbaik sebagai pengganti pupuk komersial media f/2 dalam budidaya mikroalga C. vulgaris. Penelitian ini menggunakan rancangan acak lengkap dengan 5 perlakuan yaitu konsentrasi 5, 10, 15 dan 20 % POC L dan media f/2 sebagai kontrol dengan masing-masing 3 ulangan. Sebanyak 5 x 104 sel/ml C. vulgaris dalam masing-masing 150 ml volume media kultur diamati pertumbuhannya setiap dua hari sekali. Kultur C. vulgaris dipanen setelah mencapai fase stationer pada hari ke-8.  Hasil analisis repeated measure ANOVA menunjukkan bahwa perlakuan mempengaruhi pertumbuhan sel (p=0,001). Pertumbuhan sel C. vulgaris yang tertinggi ditemukan pada media f/2 pada hari ke-6 dengan nilai 10,533 x 104 sel/ml. Yield atau kepadatan sel pada fase logarithmik dan fase stationer berbeda untuk semua perlakuan pada hari ke-6 dan ke-8 (p=0,001) dengan kepadatan sel tertinggi ditemukan pada media f/2 dengan nilai berturut-turut adalah 15,6 x 104 dan 15,8 x 104 sel/ml.   Kosentrasi POC L 5 % memberikan hasil berat kering dan produktivitas yang sedikit lebih tinggi dengan nilai berturut-turut adalah 3,33 g/l dan 0,580  g/l  walaupun secara statistik tidak beberda nyata dengan kosentrasi yang lain. Oleh karena itu hasil penelitian ini menyarankan untuk menggunakan kosentrasi 5 % POC L untuk kultur batch C. vulgaris. Kata kunci: C.vulgaris, POC lemna, pertumbuhan sel dan yield mikroalga
Subtitusi Minyak Ikan Dengan Minyak Jagung Dalam Pakan Terhadap Efisiensi Pakan Dan Pertumbuhan Juvenil Rajungan (Portunus pelagicus) Yang Dipelihara Dalam Sistem Resirkulasi
Authors: Noya Friska Pattricya , Idris Muhammad , Astuti Oce , Kurnia Agus
Published: February 2022

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh subtitusi minyak ikan (MI) dengan minyak jagung (MJ) terhadap pertumbuhan dan kelangsungan hidup benih rajungan (P. pelagicus). Tiga jenis pakan dibuat berdasarkan subtitusi MI dengan MJ yang terdiri atas : Pakan A (6% MI + 0%MJ), Pakan B (3% MI + 3% MJ), dan Pakan C (2% MI + 4% MJ). Sebanyak 36 ekor benih rajungan (bobot awal rata-rata : 39,31±2.20 g) dimasukkan ke dalam 12 akuarium (3 ekor/ akuarium) yang berukuran 60×50×40 cm. Rajungan diberi pakan  2 kali sehari (17.00 dan 22.00 WITA)  dengan dosis 10%  dari bobot tubuh  selama 60 hari pemeliharaan. Hasil Penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa substitusi MI dengan MJ dalam pakan buatan memberikan pengaruh yang berbeda nyata terhadap konsumsi pakan, rasio konversi pakan, efisiensi pakan, retensi protein, dan retensi lemak.namun tidak memberikan pengaruh yang berbeda nyata terhadap pertumbuhan mutlak rata-rata, laju pertumbuhan spesifik, dan tingkat kelangsungan hidup rajungan. Pertumbuhan mutlak rata-rata yang diperoleh pada penelitian ini berkisar 1,25-2,46 g, laju pertumbuhan spesifik berkisar antara 0,0005-0,00101 %, konsumsi pakan tertinggi diperoleh sebesar 625,68 g, rasio konversi pakan sebesar 187,41, efisiensi pakan 0,85 %, dan tingkat kelangsungan hidup sebesar 75,00-91,67 %. Penelitian ini menyimpulkan bahwa pemberian 3% minyak ikan dan 3% minyak jagung dalam pakan buatan menghasilkan pertumbuhan, efisiensi pakan dan kelangsungan hiduptertinggi juvenil rajungan (P. pelagicus) pada pemeliharaan system resirkulasi Kata Kunci: Juvenil, Rajungan P. pelagicus, Minyak Ikan, Minyak Jagung
Penyusutan Kalium Iodat dalam Garam Beryodium Selama Penyimpanan Suhu Rendah
Authors: Bahja Bahja , Aslinda Wery , Yesria Abnon
Published: February 2022

The contribution of iodine from food is thought to depend largely on the consumption of iodized salt. Potassium iodate (KIO3) is often used as a source of iodine in iodized salt, but experimental data on the stability of potassium iodate at low temperature storage are still very limited. This study aims to determine the effect of KIO3 conditions of iodized salt stored at low temperatures (0oC, 5oC, 13oC, 15oC, and a temperature range of 29-33oC). This research is a descriptive type, which aims to determine the KIO3 content of iodized salt at low temperature storage using salt samples purchased from modern markets. The results obtained indicate that the storage at low temperatures of iodized salt resulted in a decrease in KIO3 levels. The loss of KIO3 in iodized salt tends to increase the lower the temperature. Depreciation of KIO3 content in iodized salt at low temperature storage, namely: 0oC (17.4%), 5oC (7.3%), 13oC (6.8%), 15oC (2.4%) and a temperature range of 29-33oC ( 2.3%). Based on the results of the study, it can be concluded that the KIO3 content in iodized salt can experience shrinkage at low temperature storage.
Effects of Smoking on Diabetic Nephropathy
Authors: Gündoğdu Yasemin , Anaforoğlu İnan
Published: February 2022

Diabetes is a systemic metabolic disease with serious complications that cause significant stress on the healthcare system. Diabetic kidney disease is the primary cause of end stage renal disease globally and its progression is accelerated by various factors. Another major healthcare hazard is tobacco consumption and smoking has deleterious effects on renal physiology. Prominent factors are defined as sympathetic activity, atherosclerosis, oxidative stress and dyslipidemia. This review aims to enlighten the mechanism underlying the cumulative negative effect of simultaneous exposure to hyperglycemia and nicotine.
Influence of Meteorological Conditions on Artificial Ice Reservoir (Icestupa) Evolution
Authors: Balasubramanian Suryanarayanan , Hoelzle Martin , Lehning Michael , Bolibar Jordi , Wangchuk Sonam , Oerlemans Johannes , Keller Felix
Published: February 2022

Since 2014, mountain communities in Ladakh, India have been constructing dozens of Artificial Ice Reservoirs (AIRs) by spraying water through fountain systems every winter. The meltwater from these structures is crucial to meet irrigation water demands during spring. However, there is a large variability associated with this water supply due to the local weather influences at the chosen location. This study compared the ice volume evolution of an AIR built in Ladakh, India with two others built in Guttannen, Switzerland using a surface energy balance model. Model input consisted of meteorological data in conjunction with fountain discharge rate (mass input of an AIR). Model calibration and validation were completed using ice volume and surface area measurements taken from several drone surveys. The model was successful in estimating the observed ice volume evolution with a root mean square error within 18% of the maximum ice volume for all the AIRs. The location in Ladakh had a maximum ice volume four times larger compared to the Guttannen site. However, the corresponding water losses for all the AIRs were more than three-quarters of the total fountain discharge due to high fountain wastewater. Drier and colder locations in relatively cloud-free regions are expected to produce long-lasting AIRs with higher maximum ice volumes. This is a promising result for dry mountain regions, where AIR technology could provide a relatively affordable and sustainable strategy to mitigate climate change induced water stress.
Research on Safety Early Warning Standard of Large-Scale Underground Utility Tunnel in Ground Fissure Active Period
Authors: Wang X. Y. , Ma Z. , Zhang Y. T.
Published: February 2022

Safety control of large-scale underground utility tunnels is vital for engineering management units. The establishment of early warning indicator systems and standards is critical for safety control. However, there is limited related research for engineering construction, operation, and maintenance management. Numerical analysis results of the mechanical response of the underground utility tunnel of the Xi’an Xingfu LinDai project (the largest underground urban complex in Asia) at different intersection angles and ground fissure displacements were obtained. The vertical surface settlement, structural stress, fissure displacement, and contact pressure are proposed as early warning indicators of the structure of the underground utility tunnel during the active period of a ground fissure. The safety control values and early warning standards are given based on the analysis of the results. The safety warning indicator system and standards proposed in this article are concise, practical, and easy to implement. The data sample required by this warning indicator system is small and can be obtained using conventional monitoring sensors, which can be referenced for similar projects.
Steroidomics of Pregnant Women at Advanced Age
Authors: Yu Bin , Guo Fang , Yang Yuqi , Long Wei , Zhou Jun
Published: February 2022

Objectives

To discover the profiles of different steroid hormones at the maternal-fetal interface and reveal the change characteristics in pregnant women at advanced maternal age (AMA).

Methods

Forty pregnant women were recruited in the study, including 20 AMA women (age ≥ 35) and 20 normal controls (age < 35 and without pregnancy complications). Among AMA women, 6 (AMA2) had pregnancy complications, and 14 (AMA1) had no complications. Their maternal blood (MB), placental tissue (P), and fetal cord blood (CB) were collected, and 18 different steroid hormone metabolites were analyzed by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS).

Results

The estradiol (E2) levels in MB were higher than those in P and CB. In contrast, the estrone (E1) and estriol (E3) levels were higher in P and CB. Compared with the progesterone levels (P4) in MB, those in P and CB were higher; however, cortisol (F) levels were deficient. In contrast, F in MB was maintained at an elevated level. Further, cortisone (E) levels in CB were higher than those in MB and P. Except for the decline of testosterone (T), androstenedione (A2) and Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), there were no significant differences in the other 15 steroid hormones in MB between the AMA1 and the control group (p>0.05). Compared with the AMA1 group, androgen levels were significantly higher in AMA2, especially in T (1.55 vs. 0.68 ng/ml, p=0.023), A2 (2.27 vs. 0.92 ng/ml, p=0.011) and Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) (2.39 vs. 1.50 ng/ml, p=0.028). However, there were no significant changes in P and CB between two groups.

Conclusion

There are distribution rules and cascade changes of steroid profiles in maternal-fetal compartments. Significantly high androgen levels in AMA women have a positive relationship with adverse pregnancy complications.
Utility of Blood Markers for Predicting Outcomes of Fertility Preservation in Patients With Breast Cancer
Authors: Hong Yeon Hee , Kim Seul Ki , Lee Jung Ryeol , Suh Chang Suk
Published: February 2022

This study aimed to investigate the usability of blood markers for predicting controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) outcomes in patients with breast cancer undergoing fertility preservation (FP). In total, 91 patients with breast cancer who had undergone COS using a letrozole-combined gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist protocol before chemotherapy were enrolled retrospectively in a single tertiary hospital. FP outcomes were compared in terms of the mean platelet volume (MPV), MPV/platelet count (PC), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR). The cutoff values for obtaining 10 or more mature oocytes as favorable prognoses were obtained for each parameter, and the COS outcomes were compared based on the cutoff values. The optimal cutoff levels for MPV and MPV/PC were 10.15 [sensitivity: 90.0%; specificity: 45.1%; AUC: 0.687; 95% CI (0.563, 0.810)] and 0.41 [sensitivity: 65.0%; specificity: 67.6%; AUC: 0.682; 95% CI (0.568, 0.796)], respectively. The oocyte numbers did not significantly differ with respect to the cutoff values of NLR, PLR, and LMR (p > 0.05). However, the total number of acquired and mature oocytes were significantly lower in the group with MPV<10.15 than in that with MPV≥10.15 (8.0 ± 5.1 vs. 12.6 ± 9.1, p=0.003; 4.0 ± 3.7 vs. 7.3 ± 6.3, p=0.002, respectively). Similarly, considering the cutoff of MPV/PC as 0.41, the low-MPV/PC group showed a significantly lower total oocyte yield than the high-MPV/PC group (9.5 ± 7.1 vs. 13.1 ± 9.1, p=0.048), whereas the number of mature oocytes showed similar patterns with no statistical significance (5.3 ± 5.4 vs. 7.3 ± 6.1, p=0.092). From logistic regression analysis, age, anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) level, MPV, and MPV/PC≥0.41 were found to be significant factors for the acquisition of 10 or more MII oocytes (p=0.049, OR: 0.850; p<0.001, OR: 1.622; p=0.018, OR: 3.184; p=0.013, OR: 9.251, respectively). MPV or MPV/PC can be a reliable marker for predicting FP outcome in patients with breast cancer. Protocols to acquire more mature oocytes, such as the dual-trigger approach, could be recommended for patients with breast cancer with MPV<10.15. Furthermore, a higher dose of gonadotropins was considered to obtain more oocytes in patients with MPV/PC<0.41.
Adiponectin and Disease Severity in Sickle Cell Anemia Patients Attending a Tertiary Health Institution in Nnewi, Southeast Nigeria
Authors: Okocha Chide Emmanuel , Manafa Patrick O. , Igwe Chioma Nkechinyere , Okite Uchechukwu Prince , Onah Christian Ejike , Efobi Chilota
Published: February 2022

Background: Hemoglobin polymerization in sickle cell anemia (SCA) leads to abnormally rigid and adhesive erythrocytes that obstruct blood vessels, leading to poor tissue perfusion, hence provoking inflammation and damage of surrounding tissues. Adiponectin, a protein hormone, presumptively has anti-inflammatory characteristics, hence may be an important therapeutic target in SCA.

Aim: The aim of the study was to evaluate the status of adiponectin and its correlation with disease severity in SCA.

Patients and Methods: A total of 84 subjects were recruited for the study comprising 34 homozygous sickle cell (HbSS) subjects (25 in the steady state and nine in the resolving crisis state) and 50 controls (25 heterozygous sickle cell [HbAS] and 25 hemoglobin phenotype AA subjects). The hemoglobin phenotype, adiponectin levels, and full blood counts were evaluated. Anthropometric measurements were also conducted.

Results: A significant difference was observed in the mean body mass index between the different hemoglobin phenotype groups and also between the SCA in crisis resolution patients and the control group (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the median serum levels of adiponectin in the different hemoglobin phenotype groups and between SCA patients in the steady state compared with those in the crisis resolution state. Also, there was no correlation between disease severity and adiponectin in SCA patients in the steady state (p = 0.87).

Conclusion: Our study seems to suggest that in our data set of sickle cell anemia patients in the steady state, adiponectin does not constitute part of the endocrinopathy that affects these patients.
MiR-208b Regulates the Conversion of Skeletal Muscle Fiber Types by Inhibiting Mettl8 Expression
Authors: Li Xiang , Bi Hanfang , Xie Shanshan , Cui Wentao
Published: February 2022

Skeletal muscle, the main source of animal meat products, contains muscle fiber as a key unit. It is well known that transformation takes place between different types of muscle fibers, however, the conversion mechanism is not clear. In a previous study, our lab has demonstrated that there is a decrease in type I muscle fibers and an increase in type IIB muscle fibers in skeletal muscle of myostatin gene-edited Meishan pigs. Very interestingly, we observed the down regulation of miR-208b expression and an increase in expression the predicted target gene Mettl8 (Methyltransferase like 8) in skeletal muscle of MSTN gene-edited Meishan pigs. These results reveal that there is a potential connection between the conversion of skeletal muscle fiber types and miR-208b and Mettl8 expression. In this study, we first explored the expression patterns of miR-208b and Mettl8 in skeletal muscle in Meishan pigs; and then C2C12 cells were used to simulate the development and maturation of muscle fibers. Our results indicated that Myh4 expression level decreased and Myh7 expression level increased following overexpression of miR-208b in C2C12 cells. We therefore speculate that miR-208b can promote the conversion of fast-twitch fibers to slow-twitch fibers. The targeting relationship between Mettl8 and miR-208b was confirmed by results obtained using dual luciferase assay, RT-qPCR, and WB analysis. Following the transfection of Mettl8 siRNA into C2C12 cells, we observed that Mettl8 expression decreased significantly while Myh7 expression increased and Myh4 expression decreased, indicating that Mettl8 promotes the conversion of slow muscle fibers to fast muscle fibers. Additionally, changes in skeletal muscle fiber types are observed in those mice where miR-208b and Mettl8 genes are knocked out. The miR-208b knockout inhibits the formation of slow muscle fibers, and the Mettl8 knockout inhibits the formation of fast muscle fibers. In conclusion, our research results show that miR-208b regulates the conversion of different muscle fiber types by inhibiting Mettl8 expression.
Identification of Candidate Genes for Salinity and Anaerobic Tolerance at the Germination Stage in Rice by Genome-Wide Association Analyses
Authors: Islam Mohammad Rafiqul , Naveed Shahzad Amir , Zhang Yue , Li Zhikang , Zhao Xiuqin , Fiaz Sajid , Zhang Fan , Wu Zhichao , Hu Zhiqing , Fu Binying , Shi Yingyao , Shah Shahid Masood , Xu Jianlong , Wang Wensheng
Published: February 2022

Multiple stress tolerance at the seed germination stage is crucial for better crop establishment in the direct-seeded rice ecosystem. Therefore, identifying rice genes/quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with salinity and anaerobic tolerance at the germination stage is a prerequisite for adaptive breeding. Here, we studied 498 highly diverse rice accessions Xian (Indica) and Geng (Japonica), and six traits that are highly associated with salinity and anaerobic tolerance at germination stage were measured. A high-density 2.8M Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNP) genotype map generated from the 3,000 Rice Genomes Project (3KRGP) was used for mapping through a genome-wide association study. In total, 99 loci harboring 117 QTLs were detected in different populations, 54, 21, and 42 of which were associated with anaerobic, salinity, and combined (anaerobic and salinity) stress tolerance. Nineteen QTLs were close to the reported loci for abiotic stress tolerance, whereas two regions on chromosome 4 (qSGr4a/qCL4c/qRI4d and qAGr4/qSGr4b) and one region on chromosome 10 (qRI10/qCL10/ qSGr10b/qBM10) were associated with anaerobic and salinity related traits. Further haplotype analysis detected 25 promising candidates genes significantly associated with the target traits. Two known genes (OsMT2B and OsTPP7) significantly associated with grain yield and its related traits under saline and anaerobic stress conditions were identified. In this study, we identified the genes involved in auxin efflux (Os09g0491740) and transportation (Os01g0976100), whereas we identified multistress responses gene OsMT2B (Os01g0974200) and a major gene OsTPP7 (Os09g0369400) involved in anaerobic germination and coleoptile elongation on chromosome 9. These promising candidates provide valuable resources for validating potential salt and anaerobic tolerance genes and will facilitate direct-seeded rice breeding for salt and anaerobic tolerance through marker-assisted selection or gene editing.
Role of Nuclear Non-Canonical Nucleic Acid Structures in Organismal Development and Adaptation to Stress Conditions
Authors: Alecki Célia , Vera Maria
Published: February 2022

Over the last decades, numerous examples have involved nuclear non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) in the regulation of gene expression. ncRNAs can interact with the genome by forming non-canonical nucleic acid structures such as R-loops or DNA:RNA triplexes. They bind chromatin and DNA modifiers and transcription factors and favor or prevent their targeting to specific DNA sequences and regulate gene expression of diverse genes. We review the function of these non-canonical nucleic acid structures in regulating gene expression of multicellular organisms during development and in response to different stress conditions and DNA damage using examples described in several organisms, from plants to humans. We also overview recent techniques developed to study where R-loops or DNA:RNA triplexes are formed in the genome and their interaction with proteins.
STAT6 Blockade Abrogates Aspergillus-Induced Eosinophilic Chronic Rhinosinusitis and Asthma, A Model of Unified Airway Disease
Authors: Sun Hua , Damania Ashish , Mair Megan L. , Otukoya Eniola , Li Yi-Dong , Polsky Katherine , Zeng Yuying , Alt Jeremiah A. , Citardi Martin J. , Corry David B. , Luong Amber U. , Knight John Morgan
Published: February 2022

Unified airway disease, including concurrent asthma and chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), is a common, but poorly understood disorder with no curative treatment options. To establish a murine model of chronic unified eosinophilic airway inflammation, mice were challenged with Aspergillus niger, and sinonasal mucosa and lung tissue were evaluated by immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry, and gene expression. Inhalation of A niger conidia resulted in a Th2-biased lung and sinus inflammation that typifies allergic asthma and CRS. Gene network and pathway analysis correlated with human disease with upregulation of not only the JAK-STAT and helper T-cell pathways, but also less expected pathways governing the spliceosome, osteoclast differentiation, and coagulation pathways. Utilizing a specific inhibitor and gene-deficient mice, we demonstrate that STAT6 is required for mycosis-induced sinus inflammation. These findings confirm the relevance of this new model and portend future studies that further extend our understanding of the immunopathologic basis of airway mycosis and unified airway disease.
A Novel TRIM9 Protein Promotes NF-κB Activation Through Interacting With LvIMD in Shrimp During WSSV Infection
Authors: Sun Mingzhe , Li Shihao , Jin Songjun , Li Xuechun , Xiang Jianhai , Li Fuhua
Published: February 2022

The TRIpartite Motif (TRIM) proteins play key roles in cell differentiation, apoptosis, development, autophagy, and innate immunity in vertebrates. In the present study, a novel TRIM9 homolog (designated as LvTRIM9-1) specifically expressed in the lymphoid organ of shrimp was identified from the Pacific whiteleg shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei. Its deduced amino acid sequence possesses the typical features of TRIM proteins, including a RING domain, two B-boxes, a coiled-coil domain, a FN3 domain, and a SPRY domain. The transcripts of LvTRIM9-1 were mainly located in the lymphoid tubules of the lymphoid organ. Knockdown of LvTRIM9-1 could apparently inhibit the transcriptions of some genes from white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) and reduce the viral propagation in the lymphoid organ. Overexpression of LvTRIM9-1 in mammalian cells could activate the promoter activity of NF-κB, and an in vivo experiment in shrimp showed that knockdown of LvTRIM9-1 reduced the expression of LvRelish in the lymphoid organ. Yeast two-hybridization and co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) assays confirmed that LvTRIM9-1 could directly interact with LvIMD, a key component of the IMD pathway, through its SPRY domain. These data suggest that LvTRIM9-1 could activate the IMD pathway in shrimp via interaction with LvIMD. This is the first evidence to show the regulation of a TRIM9 protein on the IMD pathway through its direct interaction with IMD, which will enrich our knowledge on the role of TRIM proteins in innate immunity of invertebrates.
An Immunoregulatory Role of Interleukin-3 in Allergic Asthma
Authors: Krammer Susanne , Yang Zuqin , Zimmermann Theodor , Xepapadaki Paraskevi , Geppert Carol I. , Papadopoulos Nikolaos G. , Finotto Susetta
Published: February 2022

Background

Allergic asthma is a chronic airway inflammatory disease associated with airway mucus hyper-production. ILC2 cells, which express the Th2 transcription factor GATA3, have been associated with allergic asthma. The cytokine IL-3 is known to support eosinophil, basophil and mucosal mast cell differentiation and survival; however, its role on T regulatory cells as well as on lung ILC2 and in pediatric asthma needs further investigation.

Objectives

To investigate the role of IL-3 in preschool children and to explore its therapeutic role in experimental asthma.

Methods

In a cohort of preschool children with and without asthma, we analyzed the secretion of IL-3 in nasopharyngeal fluid (NPF) and IL-3 receptor (R) alpha chain mRNA expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). In a murine model of allergic asthma, we analyzed the phenotype of wild-type untreated and rIL-3 intranasally treated asthmatic mice.

Results

IL-3 was found downregulated in the nasopharyngeal fluid of children with partially controlled asthma, as compared to control children. Moreover, IL-3 was found induced in phytohemagglutinin (PHA)-stimulated PBMCs from children with asthma and treated with steroids. Finally, IL-3 in NPF directly correlated with the anti-inflammatory molecule sST2 in steroid-treated asthmatic children. Intranasal rIL-3 delivery in vivo during the challenge phase decreased airway mucus production and inflammatory eosinophils. Moreover, rIL-3 given during the challenge phase, reduced lung ST2intGATA3+ILC2, accompanied by an induction of T regulatory cells in the airways.

Conclusions

IL-3 was found associated with steroid-resolved asthma. Moreover, treatment with rIL-3 resulted in amelioration of airway eosinophilia and mucus production, two main pathophysiological conditions associated with asthma in a murine model of allergic asthma. Thus, rIL-3 opens new strategies for immunotherapy of this disease.
Radiation Recall Pneumonitis Induced by Sintilimab: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Wang Min , Xu Shuhui , Zhu Hui
Published: February 2022

Radiation recall pneumonitis (RRP) is described as an unpredictable acute inflammatory reaction within the previously irradiated lung site during the administration of systematic therapy after radiotherapy. Here, we reported a case of a 54-year-old woman with non-small lung cancer (NSCLC), who had pneumonitis at 3 and 10 months after radiotherapy regarded as radiation pneumonitis (RP) and RRP induced by anti-PD-1 sintilimab, respectively. This unique patient with double pneumonitis (RP and RRP) has drawn attention to the identification of immune or radiation pneumonitis, its potential mechanism, and further treatment strategy after the emergence of RRP.
Case Report: Pneumonia in a Patient With Combined Variable Immunodeficiency: COVID-19 or Pneumocystis Pneumonia?
Authors: Tehrani Shabnam , Ziaie Shadi , Kashefizadeh Alireza , Fadaei Mahta , Najafiarab Hanieh , Keyvanfar Amirreza
Published: February 2022

Combined variable immunodeficiency (CVID) is a primary immunodeficiency, characterized by impairment in immune system function. These patients are susceptible to opportunistic infections, which may mimic COVID-19 manifestations. Also, misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis of opportunistic infections can lead to perilous consequences. We report a 28-year-old woman with a history of combined variable immunodeficiency disorder (CVID) and ulcerative colitis (UC) complained of fever, cough, and dyspnea. According to the clinical and radiological manifestations and the COVID-19 epidemic, she was admitted with a primary diagnosis of COVID-19 pneumonia. After a week, the patient did not respond to treatment, so she underwent bronchoscopy. Using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methodology, we detected DNA of Pneumocystis jirovecii, the causative agent of a life-threatening pneumonia (PCP), in respiratory specimens. The patient was hypersensitive to common PCP treatments, so she was treated with high-dose clindamycin. However, the patient's clinical condition aggravated. Besides, we found evidence of pneumothorax, pneumomediastinum, and pneumopericardium in chest CT scan. We inserted a catheter for the patient to evacuate the air inside the mediastinum. Also, we added caspofungin to the treatment. The patient eventually recovered and was discharged from the hospital about a week later. Thus, during the COVID-19 epidemic, in febrile patients with respiratory symptoms, physicians should not think only of COVID-19. They must consider opportunistic infections such as PCP, especially in immunocompromised patients.
Thinned-Young Apple Polyphenols Inhibit Halitosis-Related Bacteria Through Damage to the Cell Membrane
Authors: Liu Ting , Shen Hailiang , Wang Furong , Zhou Xueru , Zhao Pengtao , Yang Yali , Guo Yurong
Published: February 2022

The thinned young apple is a by-product and is generally discarded in the orchard during fruit thinning. The polyphenol content of thinned young apples is about 10 times more than that of ripe apples. In our study, the antibacterial effect of thinned young apple polyphenols (YAP) on the halitosis-related bacteria including Porphyromonas gingivalis, Prevotella intermedius, and Fusobacterium nucleatum was investigated. The minimum inhibitory concentrations of YAP against P. gingivalis, P. intermedia, and F. nucleatum were 8.0, 8.0, and 12.0 mg/ml, while the minimum bactericidal concentrations were 10.0, 10.0, and 14.0 mg/ml, respectively. The scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy analyses showed that after YAP treatment, the membrane surface of halitosis-related bacterial cells was coarse and the cell wall and membrane were separated and eventually ruptured. The integrity of the cell membrane was determined by flow cytometry, indicating that the cells with the integrity membrane significantly reduced as the YAP concentration treatment increased. The release of proteins and nucleic acids into the cell suspension significantly increased, and the membrane potential reduced after the YAP treatment. This research illustrated the antibacterial mechanism of YAP against halitosis-related bacteria and provided a scientific basis of utilizing the polyphenols from the discarded thinned young apples.