bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Adding Vinasse for Biochar Production from Bagasse by Pyrolysis Method
Authors: Naryono Eko , Susanto Susanto , Iswara Mochammad Agung Indra , Lusiani Cucuk Evi
Published: May 2023

The increasing industrial waste was caused problems for the environment. Bagasse is a solid waste produced from the sugar industry. Vinasse is bioethanol industry liquid waste from molasses which contains much nutrients. The vinasse and bagasse in this study was developed into biochar. This study aimed to determine the effect of vinasse addition on biochar characteristics. The yield and characteristics of the biochar were then compared. Based on gravimetric, pH, and SEM-EDX analysis, the result indicated that adding vinasse to the biochar was increasing yield, water content and ash content, lowering pH, and tend to increase nutrient levels (carbon, nitrogen, and potassium). The biochar produced from bagasse and vinasse by pyrolysis had a yield of 6.682-9.406%; water content of 7.0-8.2%; ash content of 4.8-13.6%; at pH 8.4-88; carbon content (C) of 65.07-80.88%; nitrogen (N) content of 2.06-8.66%; and potassium (K) levels of 0.00-2.15%, while phosphorus (P) levels were not detected in SEM-EDX analysis. Based on the consideration of the highest levels of nitrogen and potassium elements needed by plants, the optimum biochar was obtained from bagasse with a vinasse of 7.5%.
Effect of Immersion Concentration in Salt Solution, Drying Time and Air Velocity on Drying Wet Noodles Using a Tray Dryer and Solar Assistance
Authors: Muharja Maktum , Fadilah Siska Nuri , Khamil Achri Isnan , Darmayanti Rizki Fitria , Putri Ditta Kharisma Yolanda , Rizkiana Meta Fitri , Aswie Viqhi , Azhar Badril
Published: May 2023

The noodles in the market are dry noodles with 8-10% water content. Dried noodles have a longer shelf life because they are less prone to mold growth. Drying noodles with the help of the sun and tray dryers are currently an option because they are efficient and do not require a lot of energy. Reduction of water content is also optimized by soaking wet noodles in salt water. This study aims to determine the effect of soaking noodles in salt water and the flow rate to decrease the water content of noodles. The study began with soaking wet noodles in a salt solution with a variation of 50-150 g/L, then dried for 1 hour using a hybrid method and tray dryer with a flow rate variation of 1.2-3.3 m/s. Observations were made at intervals of 0-1 hour. The results showed that the time and speed of the flow rate can reduce the humidity in the drying chamber of the tray dryer. The lowest water content reduction of up to 11% was obtained when soaking wet noodles in 150 g/L salt solution and at the highest flow rate of 3.3 m/s. The ANOVA results show that the drying method with tray dryer is more optimal than hybrid drying. Thus, this method can be a solution to optimize the noodle drying process quickly and efficiently.
RACIOCÍNIO MATEMÁTICO POR MEIO DA RESOLUÇÃO DE PROBLEMAS: PROCESSOS EVIDENCIADOS POR ALUNOS DO 7.º ANO DO ENSINO FUNDAMENTAL
Authors: Julio Nilva Marcia Dallago , Araman Eliane Maria de Oliveira
Published: May 2023

O presente artigo tem como objetivo investigar processos de raciocínio matemático desenvolvidos por um trio de alunos do 7.º ano do Ensino Fundamental de uma escola privada da cidade de Maringá, no estado do Paraná, ao resolverem problemas, apoiado na Metodologia de Ensino-Aprendizagem-Avaliação de Matemática através da Resolução de Problemas. A partir do referencial teórico adotado, busca-se definir o que é Raciocínio Matemático, bem como os aspectos principais que o envolvem, por meio de um entendimento organizado por Jeannotte e Kieran (2017). O estudo está inserido em um projeto mais amplo e segue uma perspectiva interpretativa e qualitativa, baseada no método de Investigação Baseada em Design - (IBD). Os dados foram coletados, usando gravação de áudios dos diálogos entre os alunos e o professor, assim como registros escritos feitos pelos alunos ao resolverem os problemas propostos. Os áudios foram transcritos e analisados à luz da fundamentação teórica. Os resultados indicaram que, ao oportunizar situações que envolvem problemas pouco usuais no ensino da matemática, se contribui para mobilizar processos de raciocínio matemático, tais como conjecturar, exemplificar, justificar e validar.
A REFORMULAÇÃO DE PROBLEMAS NA PERSPECTIVA DA PROPOSIÇÃO DE PROBLEMAS NAS AULAS DE MATEMÁTICA
Authors: Teixeira Cristina de Jesus , Moreira Geraldo Eustáquio
Published: May 2023

Este estudo objetivou defender o uso da estratégia reformulação de problemas em tarefas de transição para um ambiente de formulação de problemas e descrever tarefas de matemática constituídas a partir da estratégia reformulação de problemas. A metodologia utilizada, de abordagem qualitativa e natureza teórica, foi caracterizada como exploratória. A construção teórica amparou-se na proposta de metodologia de ensino-aprendizagem da matemática, por meio da proposição de problemas de Teixeira e Moreira, em elementos da teoria da aprendizagem significativa de Ausubel, da teoria dos campos conceituais de Vergnaud e da taxonomia revisada de Bloom de Anderson et al. Depreendeu-se de que a dimensão do processo cognitivo envolvido na reformulação de problemas implica menor complexidade quando comparada à estratégia formulação de problemas; que o manuseio do problema, durante o processo de reformulação, pode propiciar a elaboração e a construção de conhecimentos, favorecendo tanto a formulação quanto a resolução de problemas. Considera-se a necessidade de ampliação e aprimoramento dos tipos de tarefas ofertados, prioritariamente, iniciando-se pela reformulação, visando ultrapassar o uso de problemas restrito à resolução, incidindo na atividade do estudante como reformulador e formulador, para além de apenas resolvedor de problemas.
AS CONTRIBUIÇÕES DO ARCO DE MAGUEREZ NO TRABALHO COM A RESOLUÇÃO DE PROBLEMAS ENVOLVENDO MATEMÁTICA FINANCEIRA
Authors: Miranda Mota Felipe , Lozada Cláudia de Oliveira
Published: May 2023

Com o intuito de responder ao questionamento “Quais as possíveis contribuições do Arco de Maguerez em tarefas de Resolução de Problemas envolvendo o Arco de Maguerez?” o presente estudo objetivou investigar, a partir da proposição de uma tarefa utilizando a Resolução de Problemas envolvendo Matemática Financeira, as contribuições do Arco de Maguerez. Para tal, buscamos apoio em estudos que tratam da Resolução de Problemas e da problematização com base no Arco de Maguerez que tem como ponto de partida, a realidade. Optamos por uma metodologia de pesquisa qualitativa por meio de um estudo de caso em escola da rede pública de ensino do Estado de Pernambuco, localizada na cidade de Jurema no Agreste Meridional. Os sujeitos de pesquisa foram estudantes de uma turma da 3ª série do Ensino Médio. Diante da aplicação de dois problemas advindos de uma situação norteadora que considerou fatos da realidade, notamos a contribuição das etapas do Arco de Maguerez na resolução de problemas, bem como na exposição das ideias dos estudantes. Além disso, partindo da situação norteadora, os processos de leitura, análise, colaboração, partilha de ideias, tratamento de dados, produção, resultado e reflexão permitiram um olhar dos estudantes para o que estava sendo tratado além de uma solução numérica, mas que foi possível reflexões críticas com a utilização desta solução, possibilitando o desenvolvimento do pensamento analítico e da argumentação, instaurando um ambiente de aprendizagem dialógico que promove a discussão de situações reais e conectando os conhecimentos matemáticos com suas aplicações no cotidiano.
CONHECIMENTOS DE ALUNOS DO ENSINO MÉDIO NA PROPOSIÇÃO E RESOLUÇÃO DE PROBLEMAS
Authors: Tortola Emerson , Pessoa da Silva Karina Alessandra , Pessoa Tatiane Cristine , Cunha Ferreira Gaioto Marina
Published: May 2023

Este artigo tem como objetivo evidenciar conhecimentos dos alunos na relação entre a ação e a produção de signos na proposição e resolução de problemas matemáticos, pautados em temáticas de suas realidades e de seus interesses. Considerando os procedimentos relativos à Proposição de Problemas e à Resolução de Problemas presentes na literatura e os elementos pertencentes à semiótica de Peirce focados na semiose, nos debruçamos na proposição e resolução de um problema por alunos de uma turma da 2ª série do Ensino Médio de um colégio público do interior de São Paulo. As gravações em áudio dos grupos na proposição e resolução do problema e na plenária, bem como registros escritos e fotografias compuseram os dados que analisamos. Por meio da análise qualitativa da ação e produção de signos dos alunos em dois episódios - proposição de problemas e resolução de problemas - estruturada via Árvores de Associação de Ideais, evidenciamos que a semiose não é limitada e está atrelada ao avanço dos alunos tanto na proposição, quanto na resolução e possível reformulação do problema, de modo que conhecimentos sobre a situação presente no problema, sobre a dinâmica de sua resolução e a Matemática necessária para uma solução se articulam às experiências dos alunos.
RESOLUÇÃO DE PROBLEMAS A PARTIR DE HISTÓRIAS INFANTIS: DESENVOLVIMENTO DE NOÇÕES MATEMÁTICAS
Authors: Zager Mandel Gracielle , Clotilde da Silva Viviane , Poffo Possamai Janaína
Published: May 2023

As histórias infantis fazem parte da formação, do imaginário e da vivência das crianças, porém ainda são pouco exploradas para desenvolver noções matemáticas. Nesse contexto, este artigo tem como objetivo analisar potencialidades das histórias infantis para o desenvolvimento de noções matemáticas através da resolução de problemas. Para tanto uma prática educativa foi planejada a partir de duas histórias infantis e utilizada com uma criança de cinco anos de idade. No decurso e após a leitura, a criança resolveu problemas matemáticos explorando noções e processos mentais relacionados com comparação, seriação, medidas, quantidades e contagem, adição e subtração e reconhecimento espacial. Os resultados indicam que as histórias infantis estimularam a criança a resolver os problemas propostos, explorando as noções matemáticas pretendidas e desenvolvendo aspectos formativos relacionados com criatividade, criticidade e autonomia, além de produzir uma relação autoral da criança com a matemática explorada, que também criou seus próprios problemas.
Pyroptosis, apoptosis, and autophagy are involved in infection induced by two clinical Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates with different virulence
Authors: Wang Xueting , Bi Chunxia , Xin Xiaoni , Zhang Mengmeng , Fu Hengxia , Lan Lei , Wang Mengyuan , Yan Zhiyong
Published: May 2023

Klebsiella pneumoniae can cause widespread infections and is an important factor of hospital- and community-acquired pneumonia. The emergence of hypervirulent K. pneumoniae poses a serious clinical therapeutic challenge and is associated with a high mortality. The goal of this work was to investigate the influence of K. pneumoniae infection on host cells, particularly pyroptosis, apoptosis, and autophagy in the context of host–pathogen interactions to better understand the pathogenic mechanism of K. pneumoniae. Two clinical K. pneumoniae isolates, one classical K. pneumoniae isolate and one hypervirulent K. pneumoniae isolate, were used to infect RAW264.7 cells to establish an in vitro infection model. We first examined the phagocytosis of macrophages infected with K. pneumoniae. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release test, and calcein-AM/PI double staining was conducted to determine the viability of macrophages. The inflammatory response was evaluated by measuring the pro-inflammatory cytokines and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. The occurrence of pyroptosis, apoptosis, and autophagy was assessed by detecting the mRNA and protein levels of the corresponding biochemical markers. In addition, mouse pneumonia models were constructed by intratracheal instillation of K. pneumoniae for in vivo validation experiments. As for results, hypervirulent K. pneumoniae was much more resistant to macrophage-mediated phagocytosis but caused more severe cellular damage and lung tissues damage compared with classical K. pneumoniae. Moreover, we found increased expression of NLRP3, ASC, caspase-1, and GSDMD associated with pyroptosis in macrophages and lung tissues, and the levels were much higher following hypervirulent K. pneumoniae challenge. Both strains induced apoptosis in vitro and in vivo; the higher apoptosis proportion was observed in infection caused by hypervirulent K. pneumoniae. Furthermore, classical K. pneumoniae strongly triggered autophagy, while hypervirulent K. pneumoniae weakly activated this process. These findings provide novel insights into the pathogenesis of K. pneumoniae and may form the foundation for the future design of treatments for K. pneumoniae infection.
Zinc finger and SCAN domain-containing protein 18 is a potential DNA methylation-modified tumor suppressor and biomarker in breast cancer
Authors: Wang Yu , Luo Yuhao , Fu Shaozhi , He Lijia , Pan Guangrui , Fan Dongmei , Wen Qinglian , Fan Yu
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Zinc finger and SCAN domain-containing protein 18 (ZSCAN18) has been investigated as a putative biomarker of multiple human cancers. However, the expression profile, epigenetic modification, prognostic value, transcription regulation, and molecular mechanism of ZSCAN18 in breast cancer (BC) remain unknown.

Methods

In the study, we present an integrated analysis of ZSCAN18 in BC based on public omics datasets with the use of multiple bioinformatics tools. Genes potentially regulated through restoration of ZSCAN18 expression in MDA-MB-231 cells were investigated to identify pathways associated with BC.

Results

We observed that ZSCAN18 was downregulated in BC and mRNA expression was significantly correlated with clinicopathological parameters. Low expression of ZSCAN18 was found in the HER2-positive and TNBC subtypes. High expression of ZSCAN18 was associated with good prognosis. As compared to normal tissues, the extent of ZSCAN18 DNA methylation was greater with fewer genetic alterations in BC tissues. ZSCAN18 was identified as a transcription factor that might be involved in intracellular molecular and metabolic processes. Low ZSCAN18 expression was associated with the cell cycle and glycolysis signaling pathway. Overexpression of ZSCAN18 inhibited mRNA expression of genes associated with the Wnt/β-catenin and glycolysis signaling pathways, including CTNNB1, BCL9, TSC1, and PFKP. ZSCAN18 expression was negatively correlated with infiltrating B cells and dendritic cells (DCs), as determined by the TIMER web server and reference to the TISIDB. ZSCAN18 DNA methylation was positively correlated with activated B cells, activated CD8+ and CD4+ T cells, macrophages, neutrophils, and activated DCs. Moreover, five ZSCAN18-related hub genes (KDM6B, KAT6A, KMT2D, KDM1A, and HSPBP1) were identified. ZSCAN18, ZNF396, and PGBD1 were identified as components of a physical complex.

Conclusion

ZSCAN18 is a potential tumor suppressor in BC, as expression is modified by DNA methylation and associated with patient survival. In addition, ZSCAN18 plays important roles in transcription regulation, the glycolysis signaling pathway, and the tumor immune microenvironment.
Impact of thyroid autoimmunity and vitamin D on in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection outcomes among women with normal thyroid function
Authors: Liu Yalong , He Zining , Huang Ning , Zeng Lin , Wang Yang , Li Rong , Chi Hongbin
Published: May 2023

This prospective cohort study aimed to determine the impact of thyroid autoimmunity and total 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration on early pregnancy outcomes in women undergoing in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection who had intact thyroid function. The study included 1,297 women who underwent in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection cycles, although only 588 patients received fresh embryo transfer. The study endpoints were clinical pregnancy, ongoing pregnancy, ectopic pregnancy, and early miscarriage rates. Our study found that the total 25-hydroxyvitamin D serum concentrations (P<0.001) and anti-Mullerian hormone levels (P=0.019) were lower among patients in the TAI group (n=518) than among those in the non-TAI group (n=779). Additionally, the study population in each group was divided into three subgroups according to the total vitamin D status based on clinical practice guidelines (deficient, <20 ng/mL; insufficient, 21–29 ng/mL; and sufficient, ≥30 ng/mL), TAI group: sufficient, n=144; insufficient, n=187; and deficient, n=187; non-TAI group: sufficient, n=329; insufficient, n=318, and deficient, n=133. In the TAI group, the number of good-quality embryos decreased in patients with vitamin D deficiency (P=0.007). Logistic regression analysis indicated that aging prevented women from achieving clinical (P=0.024) and ongoing pregnancy (P=0.026). The current findings suggest that patients with TAI had reduced serum vitamin D concentration. Furthermore, in the TAI group, the number of good-quality embryos decreased in patients with vitamin D deficiency. Finally, aging adversely impacted achieving clinical and ongoing pregnancy.
The feasibility of discriminating BRONJ lesion bone with Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Xia Chengwan , Pu Yumei , Zhang Qian , Hu Qingang , Wang Yuxin
Published: May 2023

Background

With the frequent use of Bisphosphonates (BPs), the morbidity of BP-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ) is also increasing. However, the prevention and treatment of BRONJ is faced with enormous challenges. This study aimed to illuminate the influence of BP administration in the rat mandible and explore the feasibility of discriminating BRONJ lesion bone with Raman spectroscopy.

Materials and methods

First, we explored the time- and mode-dependent effects of BP administration on the rat mandible with Raman spectroscopy. Second, the BRONJ rat model was constructed, and the lesion and healthy bone components were analyzed using Raman spectroscopy.

Results

When only BPs were administered, no rats showed BRONJ symptoms, and no difference could be found in the Raman spectra. However, when combined with local surgery, six (6/8) rats showed BRONJ symptoms. The Raman spectra also showed a significant difference between the lesion and healthy bone.

Conclusion

In the progression of BRONJ, BPs and local stimulation play an essential role. Both BPs administration and local stimulation need to be controlled to prevent BRONJ. Moreover, BRONJ lesion bone in rats could be discriminated with Raman spectroscopy. This novel method would become a complement in the treatment of BRONJ in the future.
A framework for testing pathways from prenatal stress-responsive hormones to cardiovascular disease risk
Authors: Deer LillyBelle K. , Su Chen , Thwaites Natalie A. , Davis Elysia Poggi , Doom Jenalee R.
Published: May 2023

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of death globally, with the prevalence projected to keep rising. Risk factors for adult CVD emerge at least as early as the prenatal period. Alterations in stress-responsive hormones in the prenatal period are hypothesized to contribute to CVD in adulthood, but little is known about relations between prenatal stress-responsive hormones and early precursors of CVD, such as cardiometabolic risk and health behaviors. The current review presents a theoretical model of the relation between prenatal stress-responsive hormones and adult CVD through cardiometabolic risk markers (e.g., rapid catch-up growth, high BMI/adiposity, high blood pressure, and altered blood glucose, lipids, and metabolic hormones) and health behaviors (e.g., substance use, poor sleep, poor diet and eating behaviors, and low physical activity levels). Emerging evidence in human and non-human animal literatures suggest that altered stress-responsive hormones during gestation predict higher cardiometabolic risk and poorer health behaviors in offspring. This review additionally highlights limitations of the current literature (e.g., lack of racial/ethnic diversity, lack of examination of sex differences), and discusses future directions for this promising area of research.
The genetics of autism and steroid-related traits in prenatal and postnatal life
Authors: Tsompanidis Alex , Warrier Varun , Baron-Cohen Simon
Published: May 2023

Background

Autism likelihood is a largely heritable trait. Autism prevalence has a skewed sex ratio, with males being diagnosed more often than females. Steroid hormones play a mediating role in this, as indicated by studies of both prenatal biology and postnatal medical conditions in autistic men and women. It is currently unclear if the genetics of steroid regulation or production interact with the genetic liability for autism.

Methods

To address this, two studies were conducted using publicly available datasets, which focused respectively on rare genetic variants linked to autism and neurodevelopmental conditions (study 1) and common genetic variants (study 2) for autism. In Study 1 an enrichment analysis was conducted, between autism-related genes (SFARI database) and genes that are differentially expressed (FDR<0.1) between male and female placentas, in 1st trimester chorionic villi samples of viable pregnancies (n=39). In Study 2 summary statistics of genome wide association studies (GWAS) were used to investigate the genetic correlation between autism and bioactive testosterone, estradiol and postnatal PlGF levels, as well as steroid-related conditions such as polycystic ovaries syndrome (PCOS), age of menarche, and androgenic alopecia. Genetic correlation was calculated based on LD Score regression and results were corrected for multiple testing with FDR.

Results

In Study 1, there was significant enrichment of X-linked autism genes in male-biased placental genes, independently of gene length (n=5 genes, p<0.001). In Study 2, common genetic variance associated with autism did not correlate to the genetics for the postnatal levels of testosterone, estradiol or PlGF, but was associated with the genotypes associated with early age of menarche in females (b=-0.109, FDR-q=0.004) and protection from androgenic alopecia for males (b=-0.135, FDR-q=0.007).

Conclusion

The rare genetic variants associated with autism appear to interact with placental sex differences, while the common genetic variants associated with autism appear to be involved in the regulation of steroid-related traits. These lines of evidence indicate that the likelihood for autism is partly linked to factors mediating physiological sex differences throughout development.
Increased meso-striatal connectivity mediates trait impulsivity in FTO variant carriers
Authors: Edwin Thanarajah Sharmili , Hanssen Ruth , Melzer Corina , Tittgemeyer Marc
Published: May 2023

Objective

While variations in the first intron of the fat mass and obesity-associated gene (FTO, rs9939609 T/A variant) have long been identified as a major contributor to polygenic obesity, the mechanisms underlying weight gain in risk allele carriers still remain elusive. On a behavioral level, FTO variants have been robustly linked to trait impulsivity. The regulation of dopaminergic signaling in the meso-striatal neurocircuitry by these FTO variants might represent one mechanism for this behavioral alteration. Notably, recent evidence indicates that variants of FTO also modulate several genes involved in cell proliferation and neuronal development. Hence, FTO polymorphisms might establish a predisposition to heightened trait impulsivity during neurodevelopment by altering structural meso-striatal connectivity. We here explored whether the greater impulsivity of FTO variant carriers was mediated by structural differences in the connectivity between the dopaminergic midbrain and the ventral striatum.

Methods

Eighty-seven healthy normal-weight volunteers participated in the study; 42 FTO risk allele carriers (rs9939609 T/A variant, FTO+ group: AT, AA) and 39 non-carriers (FTO− group: TT) were matched for age, sex and body mass index (BMI). Trait impulsivity was assessed via the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS-11) and structural connectivity between the ventral tegmental area/substantia nigra (VTA/SN) and the nucleus accumbens (NAc) was measured via diffusion weighted MRI and probabilistic tractography.

Results

We found that FTO risk allele carriers compared to non-carriers, demonstrated greater motor impulsivity (p = 0.04) and increased structural connectivity between VTA/SN and the NAc (p< 0.05). Increased connectivity partially mediated the effect of FTO genetic status on motor impulsivity.

Conclusion

We report altered structural connectivity as one mechanism by which FTO variants contribute to increased impulsivity, indicating that FTO variants may exert their effect on obesity-promoting behavioral traits at least partially through neuroplastic alterations in humans.
Early changes to retinal structure in patients with diabetic retinopathy as determined by ultrawide swept-source optical coherence tomography-angiography
Authors: Zeng Yong , Liu Miao , Li Mengyu , Wei Dinyang , Mao Mingzhu , Liu Xinyue , Chen Sizhu , Liu Yang , Chen Bo , Yang Lei , Liu Sanmei , Qiao Lifeng , Zhang Ruifan , Li Jie , Dong Wentao , Zhong Jie
Published: May 2023

Purpose

To investigate retinal vascular changes in patients with diabetic retinopathy (DR) using the newly developed ultrawide rapid scanning swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography (SS-OCTA) device.

Methods

This cross-sectional, observational study enrolled 24 patients (47 eyes) with DR, 45 patients (87 eyes) with diabetes mellitus (DM) without DR, and 36 control subjects (71 eyes). All subjects underwent 24 × 20 mm SS-OCTA examination. Vascular density (VD) and the thickness of the central macula (CM; 1 mm diameter) and temporal fan-shaped areas of 1–3 mm (T3), 3–6 mm (T6), 6–11 mm (T11), 11–16 mm (T16), and 16–21 mm (T21) were compared among groups. The VD and the thicknesses of the superficial vascular complex (SVC) and deep vascular complex (DVC) were analyzed separately. The predictive values of VD and thickness changes in DM and DR patients were evaluated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis.

Results

The average VDs of the SVC in the CM and the T3, T6, T11, T16, and T21 areas were significantly lower in the DR than in the control group, whereas only the average VD of the SVC in the T21 area was significantly lower in the DM group. The average VD of the DVC in the CM was significantly increased in the DR group, whereas the average VDs of the DVC in the CM and T21 area were significantly decreased in the DM group. Evaluation of the DR group showed significant increases in the thicknesses of SVC-nourishing segments in the CM and T3, T6, and T11 areas and significant increases in the thicknesses of DVC-nourishing segments in the CM and T3 and T6 areas. In contrast, none of these parameters showed significant changes in the DM group. ROC curve analysis showed that the average VD of the SVC in the CM, T3, and T21 had better ability to predict DR, with areas under the ROC curves (AUCs) of 0.8608, 0.8505, and 0.8353, respectively. The average VD of the DVC in the CM was also predictive of DR, with an AUC of 0.8407.

Conclusions

The newly developed ultrawide SS-OCTA device was better able to reveal early peripheral retinal vascular changes than traditional devices.
Systematical assessment of digit ratio in a female masculinization disease: polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Yan Xueqi , Zhu Aiqing , Li Yexing , Yang Ziyi , Wang Yuteng , Liu Li , Liu Wei , Liu Dan , Li Fenghua , Du Juan , Cheng Fang , Gao Xueying , Zhao Junli
Published: May 2023

Background

In recent years, the right ratio of 2nd and 4th digit length (2D:4D) is regarded as an anatomical marker of prenatal testosterone exposure. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a female masculinized disease and is determined by prenatal testosterone exposure. Whether the ratio in the right hand of PCOS women is reduced or not compared with non-PCOS women is under debate. To further investigate the relationship between PCOS and digit ratio, we systematically measured all the digit ratios.

Methods

We recruited 34 non-PCOS women, 116 PCOS women, and 40 men and systematically measured all the ratios of digit length (2D:3D, 2D:4D, 2D:5D, 3D:4D, 3D:5D, and 4D:5D) of right hands and left hands.

Results

Left 2D:3D, 2D:4D, and 2D:5D in men were significantly lower than those in non-PCOS women. Significantly lower digit ratios of left 2D:3D and 2D:4D were observed in PCOS compared with non-PCOS women. In the subgroup analysis, the left ratio of digit length in 2D:3D and 2D:5D of the hyperandrogenism subgroup was lower than that of the non-hyperandrogenism subgroup without statistical significance. The logistic regression model of PCOS revealed that 2D:3D, 2D:4D, 2D:5D, and 3D:4D of left hands were statistically related to the diagnosis of PCOS among all the digit ratios.

Conclusion

Not only 2D:4D but also other digit ratios, such as 2D:3D and 2D:5D, are a marker of prenatal testosterone exposure and may be an anatomical marker of PCOS. The majority of these significant differences included left 2D, with the following order: non-PCOS women > PCOS women > men.
Central precocious puberty in Prader-Willi syndrome: a narrative review
Authors: Nicoară Delia-Maria , Scutca Alexandra-Cristina , Mang Niculina , Juganaru Iulius , Munteanu Andrei-Ioan , Vitan Luiza , Mărginean Otilia
Published: May 2023

Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS, OMIM176270) is a rare genetic disorder with recognizable dysmorphic features and multisystemic consequences such as endocrine, neurocognitive and metabolic ones. Although most patients with Prader-Willi syndrome exhibit hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, there is variability regarding sexual maturation, with precocious puberty occurring in rare cases. Our aim is to elaborate a thorough review of Prader-Willi patients with central precocious puberty, in order to raise awareness of such cases and to enhance our knowledge regarding the diagnosis and prompt treatment of this particular PWS patients.
Sporadic parathyroid adenoma: an updated review of molecular genetics
Authors: Chorti Angeliki , Cheva Angeliki , Chatzikyriakidou Anthoula , Achilla Charoula , Boulogeorgou Kassiani , Despoina Krokou , Milias Stefanos , Zarampoukas Thomas , Papavramidis Theodossis
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Primary HPT (PHPT) is a common disorder, affecting approximately 1% of the general population. Parathyroid adenomas emerge as non-familial sporadic in 90% of cases. The aim of this review is to give a detailed update of molecular genetics of sporadic parathyroid adenoma reported in international literature.

Methods

A bibliographic research was conducted in PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus.

Results

Seventy-eight articles were included in our review. CaSR, MEN1, CCND1/PRAD, CDKI, angiogenic factors like VEGF, FGF, TGFβ, and IGF1, and apoptotic factors are important genes in parathyroid adenomas pathogenesis that have been established by several studies. A huge list of proteins is differently expressed in parathyroid adenomas measured by Western Blotting, MALDI/TOF, MS spectrometry, and immunohistochemistry. These proteins take part in several cell processes such as cell metabolism, cytoskeleton structural stability, cell oxidative stress regulation, cell death, transcription, translation, cell connection, and cell signaling transmission, while they can be found over- or underexpressed in abnormal tissues.

Conclusion

This review gives a detailed analysis of all reported data on genomics and proteomics of parathyroid adenoma. Further studies should be applied on understanding parathyroid adenoma pathogenesis and introducing new biomarkers for early detection of primary hyperparathyroidism.
Axl promotes intracranial aneurysm rupture by regulating macrophage polarization toward M1 via STAT1/HIF-1α
Authors: Han Yongquan , Li Gaozhi , Zhang Zeyu , Zhang Xiaohua , Zhao Bing , Yang Hua
Published: May 2023

Background

Macrophage infiltration and polarization are crucial for the pathogenesis of intracranial aneurysm (IA) rupture. Axl, a receptor tyrosine kinase, is involved in inflammation and efferocytosis in multiple organs. Upregulated soluble Axl in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and plasma is correlated with intracranial aneurysm rupture. This study aimed to investigate the role of Axl in IA rupture and macrophage polarization.

Methods

Male C57BL/6J mice were used to induce IA. The level of Axl from control vessels and unruptured and ruptured IA samples was detected. In addition, the relationship between Axl and macrophages was confirmed. The pathway of Axl-mediated macrophage polarization was explored after IA induction in vivo and in bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) stimulated by LPS/IFN-γ in vitro. The animals were randomized into three groups and treated intraperitoneally with the vehicle, selective AXL antagonist R428, and recombinant mouse growth arrest-specific 6 (rmGas6) for 21 consecutive days. Then, we evaluated the influence of Axl on IA rupture by administrating R428 to inhibit or rmGas6 to activate the Axl receptor in vivo.

Results

Compared with that in normal vessels, Axl expression was significantly upregulated in unruptured IA samples. The ruptured IA tissue exhibited significantly higher expression of Axl than the unruptured IA tissue. Axl and F4/80 were coexpressed in IA tissue and LPS/IFN-γ-stimulated BMDMs. R428 treatment significantly reduced the rate of M1-like macrophage infiltration and IA rupture. In contrast, rmGas6 treatment promoted M1 macrophage infiltration and IA rupture. Mechanistically, R428 inhibited the phosphorylation of Axl and STAT1 and the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) and decreased the levels of IL-1β, NOS2, and MMP9 in LPS/IFN-γ-stimulated BMDMs. rmGas6 promoted the phosphorylation of Axl and STAT1 and the expression of HIF-1α. In addition, STAT1 knockdown abolished Axl-mediated M1 macrophage polarization.

Conclusion

The inhibition of Axl reduced macrophage polarization toward the M1 phenotype via the STAT1/HIF-1α signaling pathway and prevented IA rupture in mice. This finding suggests that pharmacological inhibition of Axl might be used to prevent the progression and rupture of IA.
Evaluating the comorbidities of age and cigarette smoking on stroke outcomes in the context of anti-complement mitigation strategies
Authors: Couch Christine , Alawieh Ali M. , Toutonji Amer , Atkinson Carl , Tomlinson Stephen
Published: May 2023

Multiple neuroprotective agents have shown beneficial effects in rodent models of stroke, but they have failed to translate in the clinic. In this perspective, we consider that a likely explanation for this failure, at least in part, is that there has been inadequate assessment of functional outcomes in preclinical stroke models, as well the use of young healthy animals that are not representative of clinical cohorts. Although the impact of older age and cigarette smoking comorbidities on stroke outcomes is well documented clinically, the impact of these (and other) stroke comorbidities on the neuroinflammatory response after stroke, as well as the response to neuroprotective agents, remains largely unexplored. We have shown that a complement inhibitor (B4Crry), that targets specifically to the ischemic penumbra and inhibits complement activation, reduces neuroinflammation and improves outcomes following murine ischemic stroke. For this perspective, we discuss the impact of age and smoking comorbidities on outcomes after stroke, and we experimentally assess whether increased complement activation contributes to worsened acute outcomes with these comorbidities. We found that the pro-inflammatory effects of aging and smoking contribute to worse stroke outcomes, and these effects are mitigated by complement inhibition.
Case Report: Ofatumumab treatment in a patient with rituximab-intolerant refractory autoimmune GFAP astrocytopathy
Authors: Cao Shugang , Du Jing , Pan Sidi , Zhang Juanjuan , Xu Si , Wei Ling , Tian Yanghua
Published: May 2023

Background

Ofatumumab, a fully humanized anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody, has shown promising efficacy in limited cases of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder, but there is a lack of studies on its use in autoimmune glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) astrocytopathy. We present a case of refractory GFAP astrocytopathy with poor response to conventional immunosuppressants and rituximab who responded well to subcutaneous ofatumumab.

Case report

The patient is a 36-year-old woman with a diagnosis of GFAP astrocytopathy and high disease activity. She experienced five relapses over three years despite immunosuppressive treatment with oral prednisone, azathioprine, mycophenolate mofetil, and intravenous rituximab. Additionally, her circulating B cells were not completely depleted during the second administration of rituximab and an allergic reaction occurred. Based on insufficient B cell depletion and allergic reaction to rituximab, subcutaneous ofatumumab was introduced. After twelve injections of ofatumumab without injection-related reactions, she had no further relapses and was sufficiently depleted of the circulating B cells.

Discussion

This case illustrates the effective use and good tolerance of ofatumumab in GFAP astrocytopathy. Further studies are needed to investigate the efficacy and safety of ofatumumab in refractory GFAP astrocytopathy or those intolerant to rituximab.
An essential role of adenosine deaminase acting on RNA 1 in coeliac disease mucosa
Authors: Di Fusco Davide , Segreto Maria Teresa , Iannucci Andrea , Maresca Claudia , Franzè Eleonora , Di Maggio Giulia , Di Grazia Antonio , Boccanera Siro , Laudisi Federica , Marafini Irene , Paoluzi Omero Alessandro , Michienzi Alessandro , Monteleone Giovanni , Monteleone Ivan
Published: May 2023

Background and aim

Type I interferons (IFNs) are highly expressed in the gut mucosa of celiac disease (CD) gut mucosa and stimulates immune response prompted by gluten ingestion, but the processes that maintain the production of these inflammatory molecules are not well understood. Adenosine deaminase acting on RNA 1 (ADAR1), an RNA-editing enzyme, plays a crucial role in inhibiting self or viral RNAs from activating auto-immune mediated responses, most notably within the type-I IFN production pathway. The aim of this study was to assess whether ADAR1 could contribute to the induction and/or progression of gut inflammation in patients with celiac disease.

Material and methods

ADAR1 expression was assessed by Real time PCR and Western blotting in duodenal biopsy taken from inactive and active celiac disease (CD) patients and normal controls (CTR). To analyze the role of ADAR1 in inflamed CD mucosa, lamina propria mononuclear cells (LPMC) were isolated from inactive CD and ADAR1 was silenced in with a specific antisense oligonucleotide (AS) and then incubated with a synthetic analogue of viral dsRNA (poly I:C). IFN-inducing pathways (IRF3, IRF7) in these cells were evaluated with Western blotting and inflammatory cytokines were evaluated with flow cytometry. Lastly, the role of ADAR1 was investigated in a mouse model of poly I:C-driven small intestine atrophy.

Results

Reduced ADAR1 expression was seen in duodenal biopsies compared to inactive CD and normal controls. Ex vivo organ cultures of duodenal mucosal biopsies, taken from inactive CD patients, stimulated with a peptic-tryptic digest of gliadin displayed a decreased expression of ADAR1. ADAR1 silencing in LPMC stimulated with a synthetic analogue of viral dsRNA strongly boosted the activation of IRF3 and IRF7 and the production of type-I IFN, TNF-α and IFN-γ. Administration of ADAR1 antisense but not sense oligonucleotide to mice with poly I:C-induced intestinal atrophy, significantly increased gut damage and inflammatory cytokines production.

Conclusions

These data show that ADAR1 is an important regulator of intestinal immune homeostasis and demonstrate that defective ADAR1 expression could provide to amplifying pathogenic responses in CD intestinal mucosa.
Seascape characterization of a Mediterranean vermetid reef: a structural complexity assessment
Authors: Picone Flavio , Chemello Renato
Published: May 2023

In the Mediterranean Sea, vermetid reefs can modify coastal seascapes forming platforms in the intertidal zone of rocky coasts. With their three-dimensional and seaward-expanding structure, these bioconstructions support high biodiversity levels and provide important ecological functions and ecosystem services. In this study, we perform a first structural characterization of a vermetid reef seascape (hereafter, vermetid reefscape) and quantitatively assess the degree of their contribution to the structural complexity of the coastal seascape. Aerial images of a vermetid reef coast were acquired in the Marine Protected Area of Capo Gallo-Isola delle Femmine (Southern Tyrrhenian Sea) by means of unmanned aerial vehicle technology. In the seascape, the outer reef, platform, and coast classes were identified and digitized in GIS environment. The resulting vermetid reefscape was analysed by means of FRAGSTATS software using metrics belonging to the “area-edge”, “shape”, and “aggregation” categories. To quantitatively assess the structural complexity, the edge density, area-weighted perimeter area ratio, and landscape shape index metrics were applied to the seascapes with and without the vermetid reefs to simulate a sea level rise scenario. In addition, the effect of their presence in terms of coast length (i.e., total edge) was statistically tested using the Wilcoxon signed rank test. The outer reef had the highest total edge value (5,785.6 m) and, at the same time, the lowest class area (1,040 m2). It was also the patchiest, and the most fragmented and geometrically complex class in the seascape. Overall, the bioconstruction positively contributed to the structural complexity of the seascape with higher values of coastal area (12%), edge density (139%), area-weighted perimeter-area ratio (90%), and landscape shape index (66%). The Wilcoxon test revealed a statistically significant effect of the vermetid reefs presence on the coastal total edge (z = 3.9, p < 0.005), with a large effect size (r = 0.74). The results showed an overall higher structural complexity of the vermetid reefscape, indicating that its loss would lead to a significantly less complex seascape, entailing detrimental effects on the supported biodiversity levels and the valuable ecosystem services provided.
Reconstructing three-dimensional salinity field of the South China Sea from satellite observations
Authors: Xie Huarong , Xu Qing , Cheng Yongcun , Yin Xiaobin , Fan Kaiguo
Published: May 2023

High-resolution salinity information is of great significance for understanding the marine environment. We here propose a deep learning model denoted the “Attention U-net network” to reconstruct the daily salinity fields on a 1/4° grid in the interior of the South China Sea (SCS) from satellite observations of surface variables including sea surface salinity, sea surface temperature, sea level anomaly, and sea surface wind field. The vertical salinity profiles from the GLORYS2V4 reanalysis product provided by Copernicus Marine Environment Monitoring Service were used for training and evaluating the network. Results suggest that the Attention U-net model performs quite well in reconstructing the three-dimensional (3D) salinity field in the upper 1000 m of the SCS, with an average root mean square error (RMSE) of 0.051 psu and an overall correlation coefficient of 0.998. The topography mask of the SCS in the loss function can significantly improve the performance of the model. Compared with the results derived from the model using Huber loss function, there is a significant reduction of RMSE in all vertical layers. Using sea surface salinity as model inputs also helps to yield more accurate subsurface salinity, with an average RMSE near the sea surface being reduced by 16.4%. The good performance of the Attention U-net model is also validated byin situmooring measurements, and case studies show that the reconstructed high-resolution 3D salinity field can effectively capture the evolution of underwater signals of mesoscale eddies in the SCS. The resolution and accuracy of sea surface variables observed by satellites will continue to improve in the future, and with these improvements, more precise 3D salinity field reconstructions will be possible, which will bring new insights about the multi-scale dynamics research in the SCS.
Bioremediation of propylbenzenes by a novel marine microalga Rhinomonas reticulata S6A isolated from Daya Bay: acute toxicity, growth kinetics and biodegradation performance
Authors: Du Shuhao , Cui Jiali , Meng Fanping , Li Haiping , Cui Hongwu , Xia Yufan
Published: May 2023

This study investigated the degradation characteristics of propylbenzenes (PBZs, including isopropylbenzene and n-propylbenzene), with high leakage risks and ecological hazards, by a newly isolated marine microalga named Rhinomonas reticulata S6A which is a promising candidate for eco-friendly bioremediation from marine. About 72% and 56% of n-PBZ and i-PBZ can be degraded after 7 days in culture. The acute toxicity of n-PBZ (96h - EC50 = 2.38 mg/L) was higher than that of i-PBZ (96h - EC50 = 3.65 mg/L). The growth inhibition kinetics of this strain were consistent with the Edwards model (R2 = 0.998) and Aiba model (R2 = 0.999). The optimal concentrations for the degradation of n-PBZ and i-PBZ were calculated to be 2.42 mg/L and 2.78 mg/L, respectively. The degradation trends of PBZs conformed to the zero-order kinetic model, and k increased with initial concentrations. The moderate increase in inoculation density could accelerate the degradation of PBZs, with the maximum specific growth rates (r) of 1.116/d (n-PBZ) and 1.230/d (i-PBZ) at the initial inoculation density of 104 cells/mL, while over-inoculation (initial microalgae density more than 105 cells/mL) was not conducive to the degradation of the pollutants. There is not much data on the biodegradation of PBZs in the aquatic environment, so it would be worthwhile to try to apply the new microalgae to explore the fate of PBZs.
Pseudo-Meigs’ syndrome secondary to breast cancer with ovarian metastasis: a case report and literature review
Authors: Lin Xiang-Ying , Zhou Xiao-Jun , Yang Shi-Ping , Zheng Jia-Xuan , Li Zhao-Jun
Published: May 2023

Ovarian metastasis of breast cancer with pseudo-Meigs’ syndrome (PMS) is extremely rare. Only four cases of PMS secondary to breast cancer with ovarian metastasis have been reported to date. In this report, we present the fifth case of PMS caused by ovarian metastasis of breast cancer. On the 2nd of July 2019, a 53-year-old woman presented to our hospital with complaints of abdominal distension, irregular vaginal bleeding, and chest distress. Color Doppler ultrasound examination revealed a mass approximately 109×89 mm in size in the right adnexal area, accompanied by multiple uterine fibroids and a large amount of pelvic and peritoneal effusions. The patient had no common symptoms and showed no signs of breast cancer. The main manifestations were a right ovarian mass, massive hydrothorax, and ascites. Lab workup and imaging revealed raised CA125 (cancer antigen 125) levels and multiple bone metastases. At first the patient was misdiagnosed with ovarian carcinoma. After the rapid disappearance of oophorectomy hydrothorax and ascites, and decreased CA125 levels, from 1,831.8u/ml to normal range. According to the pathology report, breast cancer was finally diagnosed. The patient underwent endocrine therapy (Fulvestrant) and azole treatment after oophorectomy. At the 40-month follow-up, the patient was still alive and doing well.