bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PERBANDINGAN DAYA TARIK PEMBACA TERHADAP KONTEN INFOGRAFIS BATAM POS VERSI CETAK DAN ONLINE
Authors: Aditya Dhimas , Antoni Condra
Published: March 2021

AbstrakPerkembangan teknologi informasi memberikan kontribusi nyata terhadap perkembangan media dalam bentuk maupun sajian informasinya yang sekaligus juga memberikan dampak pada khalayak dalam mengaksesnya. Berdasarkan hasil wawancara penulis dengan beberapa konsumen berita tersebut didapatkan dari 20 orang yang diwawancarai ternyata hanya 5 diantaranya yang mengonsumsi berita melalui media cetak (koran). Dimana ini membuktikan bahwa media cetak mengalami penurunan ketertarikan pembaca. Namun pada akhir-akhir ini banyak media koran yang menggunakan infografis sebagai media visual sebagai penampung dari berita-berita, maka dari itu penulis melakukan perbandingan bagaimana pengaruh infografis yang ada pada media cetak dan media online di Batam Pos akan mempengaruhi ketertarikan pembaca. Pada penelitian ini menggunakan metode kuantitatif komparatif dengan melakukan beberapa analisis pendukung. Hasil dari perhitungan data yang ada menunjukkan bahwa infografis pada media cetak lebih memiliki peran terhadap pengaruh ketertarikan pembaca dibanding media online. Kata Kunci: Batam Pos, infografis, ketertarikan pembaca, media AbstractTechnological developments make a real contribution to the development of media in the form of any information presentations that also have an impact on the audience in accessing it. Based on result interviews with several consumers obtained from 20 people interviewed, only five were approved who consumed the news through print media (newspapers). This proves that print media cancel the decline in reader interest. However, in recent years many media newspapers have used graphics as visual media as news collectors. Therefore the writer wants to compare how the influence of installing infographics in printing and online media in Batam Pos will be interested in attracting readers. This study using a comparative quantitative method by conducting several supporting analyzes. The result of the existing data indicates that infographic in printing media has an important role in influencing readers interest compared to online media. Keywords: Batam Pos, media, infographic, reader's interest
PENGARUH DESAIN POST INSTAGRAM TERHADAP MINAT PEMBELIAN PRODUK UMKM KEDAI KOPI DI KABUPATEN SLEMAN
Authors: Prajarini Dian , Sayogo Dwisanto
Published: March 2021

Abstrak Media sosial yang bisa digunakan untuk pemasaran produk adalah Instagram. Dua jenis konten Instagram yaitu foto dan video menarik orang untuk melakukan tindakan like, comment dan share. Perkembangan UMKM Kopi dengan banyaknya usaha yang sama, memerlukan promosi yang baik untuk menarik minat konsumen. Melalui Instagram, UMKM Kopi bisa memasarkan produk mereka. Desain post Instagram memberi pengaruh tersendiri terhadap pelanggan maupun follower mereka salah satunya minat pembelian. Penggunaan foto, ilustrasi, gambar, teks iklan, bahkan video dalam konten Instagram digunakan untuk menarik konsumen. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui dan menganalisis pengaruh desain post Instagram terhadap minat pembelian produk UMKM Kopi di Kabupaten Sleman. Metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah metode penelitian kuantitatif dengan analisis data menggunakan regresi linier sederhana. Hasil dari penelitian menyatakan bahwa terdapat pengaruh desain feed instagram terhadap minat pembelian produk UMKM Kopi di Kabupaten Sleman. Gambar, warna, copy writing dan call to action merupakan komponen desain post Instagram yang memberikan kontribusi terhadap minat pembelian adalah sebesar 29,4% dan sisanya 70,6% minat pembelian dipengaruhi oleh faktor lain yang tidak diteliti dalam penelitian ini.   Kata Kunci: desain, post, Instagram, UMKM, kopi, Sleman  AbstractInstagram is the Social media that can be used for product marketing. Two types of Instagram content that attracted people to like, comment, and share were photos and videos. The development of coffee MSMEs with the same number of businesses requires good promotion to attract consumer interest. Through Instagram, coffee MSMEs can market their products. Instagram feed design has a distinct influence on their customers and followers, one of them is purchase interest. This study aims to determine and analyze the effect of Instagram feed design on the purchase interest of MSMEs Coffee products in the Sleman. The research method used is quantitative methods with data analysis using simple linear regression. The results indicate that there is an effect of Instagram feed design on the interest in purchasing coffee MSME products in Sleman. Image, color, copywriting, and call to action are feed-design components that contribute 29.4% of purchase interest, and the remaining 70.6% of purchase interest influenced by other factors not examined in this study. Keywords: design, post, Instagram, MSMEs, coffee, Sleman
The Impact of Polyploidization on the Evolution of Weed Species: Historical Understanding and Current Limitations
Authors: Rutland Claudia Ann , Hall Nathan D. , McElroy Joseph Scott
Published: March 2021

Whole genome duplication via polyploidization is a major driver of diversification within angiosperms and it appears to confer the most benefit during times of rapid environmental change. Polyploidization offers expanded access to novel phenotypes that facilitate invasion of new environments and increased resistance to stress. These new phenotypes can arise almost immediately through the novel interactions among or between transcription factors of the duplicated genomes leading to transgressive traits, and general heterosis, or they can occur more slowly through processes like neofunctionalization, and subfunctionalization. These processes are characterized by the changes within homologs of the duplicated genomes, homoeologs. It has been proposed that redundant homoeologs are released from selective constraints and serve as an additional source of adaptive genetic variation, particularly in neo and meso-polyploids. Current practices in weed management create rapid environmental change through the use of chemicals, practices that are meant to cause the extirpation of the designated weed, and represent a strong recurrent selective event—a scenario that should favor polyploidy species. Here we ask the question, “Do polyploids make better weeds?” It is our conclusion that such a question is impossible to answer at this time due to the lack of resources and understanding in weed genomics. The growing contingent of research in weed genomics, however, driven by herbicide resistance evolution is rapidly improving our understanding of weed molecular biology and will aid in improving understanding of the impacts of ploidy levels on weed evolution and adaptation in the future.
Identification of New miRNA-mRNA Networks in the Development of Non-syndromic Cleft Lip With or Without Cleft Palate
Authors: Fu Chengyi , Lou Shu , Zhu Guirong , Fan Liwen , Yu Xin , Zhu Weihao , Ma Lan , Wang Lin , Pan Yongchu
Published: March 2021

Objective: To identify new microRNA (miRNA)-mRNA networks in non-syndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate (NSCL/P).

Materials and Methods: Overlapping differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) were selected from cleft palate patients (GSE47939) and murine embryonic orofacial tissues (GSE20880). Next, the target genes of DEMs were predicted by Targetscan, miRDB, and FUNRICH, and further filtered through differentially expressed genes (DEGs) from NSCL/P patients and controls (GSE42589), MGI, MalaCards, and DECIPHER databases. The results were then confirmed by in vitro experiments. NSCL/P lip tissues were obtained to explore the expression of miRNAs and their target genes.

Results: Let-7c-5p and miR-193a-3p were identified as DEMs, and their overexpression inhibited cell proliferation and promoted cell apoptosis. PIGA and TGFB2 were confirmed as targets of let-7c-5p and miR-193a-3p, respectively, and were involved in craniofacial development in mice. Negative correlation between miRNA and mRNA expression was detected in the NSCL/P lip tissues. They were also associated with the occurrence of NSCL/P based on the MGI, MalaCards, and DECIPHER databases.

Conclusions: Let-7c-5p-PIGA and miR-193a-3p-TGFB2 networks may be involved in the development of NSCL/P.
Excess Glucose Impedes the Proliferation of Skeletal Muscle Satellite Cells Under Adherent Culture Conditions
Authors: Furuichi Yasuro , Kawabata Yuki , Aoki Miho , Mita Yoshitaka , Fujii Nobuharu L. , Manabe Yasuko
Published: March 2021

Glucose is a major energy source consumed by proliferating mammalian cells. Therefore, in general, proliferating cells have the preference of high glucose contents in extracellular environment. Here, we showed that high glucose concentrations impede the proliferation of satellite cells, which are muscle-specific stem cells, under adherent culture conditions. We found that the proliferation activity of satellite cells was higher in glucose-free DMEM growth medium (low-glucose medium with a glucose concentration of 2 mM) than in standard glucose DMEM (high-glucose medium with a glucose concentration of 19 mM). Satellite cells cultured in the high-glucose medium showed a decreased population of reserve cells, identified by staining for Pax7 expression, suggesting that glucose concentration affects cell fate determination. In conclusion, glucose is a factor that decides the cell fate of skeletal muscle-specific stem cells. Due to this unique feature of satellite cells, hyperglycemia may negatively affect the regenerative capability of skeletal muscle myofibers and thus facilitate sarcopenia.
Identification of m6A-Associated RNA Binding Proteins Using an Integrative Computational Framework
Authors: Zhang Yiqian , Hamada Michiaki
Published: March 2021

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is an abundant modification on mRNA that plays an important role in regulating essential RNA activities. Several wet lab studies have identified some RNA binding proteins (RBPs) that are related to m6A's regulation. The objective of this study was to identify potential m6A-associated RBPs using an integrative computational framework. The framework was composed of an enrichment analysis and a classification model. Utilizing RBPs' binding data, we analyzed reproducible m6A regions from independent studies using this framework. The enrichment analysis identified known m6A-associated RBPs including YTH domain-containing proteins; it also identified RBM3 as a potential m6A-associated RBP for mouse. Furthermore, a significant correlation for the identified m6A-associated RBPs is observed at the protein expression level rather than the gene expression level. On the other hand, a Random Forest classification model was built for the reproducible m6A regions using RBPs' binding data. The RBP-based predictor demonstrated not only competitive performance when compared with sequence-based predictions but also reflected m6A's action of repelling against RBPs, which suggested that our framework can infer interaction between m6A and m6A-associated RBPs beyond sequence level when utilizing RBPs' binding data. In conclusion, we designed an integrative computational framework for the identification of known and potential m6A-associated RBPs. We hope the analysis will provide more insights on the studies of m6A and RNA modifications.
The Immunomodulatory Effect and Clinical Efficacy of Daratumumab in a Patient With Cold Agglutinin Disease
Authors: Zaninoni Anna , Giannotta Juri A. , Gallì Anna , Artuso Rosangela , Bianchi Paola , Malcovati Luca , Barcellini Wilma , Fattizzo Bruno
Published: March 2021

Daratumumab is a monoclonal antibody directed against the transmembrane glycoprotein CD38 expressed on plasma cells and lymphoplasmocytes, with a proven efficacy in multiple myeloma. Here we show its clinical efficacy in a patient with cold agglutinin disease (CAD) relapsed after multiple lines of therapy. CAD is caused by cold reactive autoantibodies that induce complement mediated hemolysis and peripheral circulatory symptoms. The disease is also characterized by the presence of monoclonal IgM gammopathy and of a lymphoid bone marrow infiltration that benefits from B-cell targeting therapies (i.e., rituximab) but also from plasma cell directed therapies, such as proteasome inhibitors. In the patient described, we also show that daratumumab therapy influenced the dynamics of several immunoregulatory cytokine levels (IL-6, IL-10, IL-17, IFN-γ, TNF-α, TGF-β) indicating an immunomodulatory effect of the drug beyond plasma cell depletion. In addition, we provide a literature review on the use of daratumumab in autoimmune conditions, including multi-treated and refractory patients with autoimmune hemolytic anemia (both CAD and warm forms), Evans syndrome (association of autoimmune hemolytic anemia and immune thrombocytopenia) and non-hematologic autoimmune diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis.
Geometric and Electronic Properties of Monolayer HfX2 (X = S, Se, or Te): A First-Principles Calculation
Authors: Huynh Thi My Duyen , Nguyen Duy Khanh , Nguyen Thi Dieu Hien , Dien Vo Khuong , Pham Hai Duong , Lin Ming-Fa
Published: March 2021

The essential properties of monolayer HfX2 (X = S, Se, or Te) are fully explored by first-principles calculations. The optimal lattice symmetries, sublattice buckling, electronic energy spectra, and density of states are systematically investigated. Monolayer HfS2, HfSe2, and HfTe2, respectively, belong to middle-gap semiconductor, narrow-gap one and semimetal, with various energy dispersions. Moreover, the van Hove singularities (vHs) mainly arise from the band-edge states, and their special structures in the density of states strongly depend on their two or three-dimensional structures and the critical points in the energy-wave-vector space. The above-mentioned theoretical predictions are attributed to the multi-orbital hybridizations of [dx2−y2, dxy, dyz, dzx, dz2]–[s, px, py, pz] in the Hf-X chemical bonds. The diversified physical phenomena clearly indicate a high potential for applications, as observed in MoS2-related emergent materials ions.
Kinetics of Immunoglobulins in Septic Shock Patients Treated With an IgM- and IgA-Enriched Intravenous Preparation: An Observational Study
Authors: Berlot Giorgio , Scamperle Alice , Istrati Tatiana , Dattola Roberto , Longo Irene , Chillemi Antonino , Baronio Silvia , Quarantotto Giada , Zanchi Silvia , Roman-Pognuz Erik , Bixio Mattia , Tomasini Ariella
Published: March 2021

Objective: To assess the variations of the blood levels of immunoglobulins (Ig) in septic shock patients treated with an Ig preparation enriched in IgM and IgA (eIg).

Design: The blood levels of Ig in survivors (S) and non-survivors (NS) of a group of septic shock patients were measured before the initial administration (D0) and 1 (D1), 4 (D4), and 7 (D7) days thereafter. The SAPS II score, the capillary permeability, the primary site of infection, the antibiotic appropriateness, and the outcome at 28 days were also assessed.

Results: In the interval D0–D7, the IgM increased significantly only in the S while remained stable in NS; the IgA significantly increased in both groups; the IgG did not vary significantly in both groups. At D4, the capillary permeability significantly decreased in S but not in NS.

Conclusions: The kinetics of the different classes of Ig after eIg were different between S and NS. This could be related either to (a) different capillary permeability in the two groups or to (b) higher Ig consumption in NS. Further studies to confirm the benefits of eIg in the treatment of sepsis syndrome and to define the specific target population and the correct eIg dose are warranted.
Ultrastructural Study of Cryptococcus neoformans Surface During Budding Events
Authors: Araújo Glauber R. de S. , Alcantara Carolina de L. , Rodrigues Noêmia , de Souza Wanderley , Pontes Bruno , Frases Susana
Published: March 2021

Cryptococcus neoformansis a fungal pathogen that causes life-threatening infections in immunocompromised individuals. It is surrounded by three concentric structures that separate the cell from the extracellular space: the plasma membrane, the cell wall and the polysaccharide (PS) capsule. Although several studies have revealed the chemical composition of these structures, little is known about their ultrastructural organization and remodeling duringC. neoformansbudding events. Here, by combining the latest and most accurate light and electron microscopy techniques, we describe the morphological remodeling that occurs among the capsule, cell wall and plasma membrane during budding inC. neoformans. Our results show that the cell wall deforms to generate a specialized region at one of the cell’s poles. This region subsequently begins to break into layers that are slightly separated from each other and with thick tips. We also observe a reorganization of the capsular PS around the specialized regions. While daughter cells present their PS fibers aligned in the direction of budding, mother cells show a similar pattern but in the opposite direction. Also, daughter cells form multilamellar membrane structures covering the continuous opening between both cells. Together, our findings provide compelling ultrastructural evidence forC. neoformanssurface remodeling during budding, which may have important implications for future studies exploring these remodeled specialized regions as drug-targets against cryptococcosis.
Mobile Robot Path Planning Based on Time Taboo Ant Colony Optimization in Dynamic Environment
Authors: Xiong Ni , Zhou Xinzhi , Yang Xiuqing , Xiang Yong , Ma Junyong
Published: March 2021

This article aims to improve the problem of slow convergence speed, poor global search ability, and unknown time-varying dynamic obstacles in the path planning of ant colony optimization in dynamic environment. An improved ant colony optimization algorithm using time taboo strategy is proposed, namely, time taboo ant colony optimization (TTACO), which uses adaptive initial pheromone distribution, rollback strategy, and pheromone preferential limited update to improve the algorithm's convergence speed and global search ability. For the poor global search ability of the algorithm and the unknown time-varying problem of dynamic obstacles in a dynamic environment, a time taboo strategy is first proposed, based on which a three-step arbitration method is put forward to improve its weakness in global search. For the unknown time-varying dynamic obstacles, an occupancy grid prediction model is proposed based on the time taboo strategy to solve the problem of dynamic obstacle avoidance. In order to improve the algorithm's calculation speed when avoiding obstacles, an ant colony information inheritance mechanism is established. Finally, the algorithm is used to conduct dynamic simulation experiments in a simulated factory environment and is compared with other similar algorithms. The experimental results show that the TTACO can obtain a better path and accelerate the convergence speed of the algorithm in a static environment and can successfully avoid dynamic obstacles in a dynamic environment.
Silver Jubilee of Stroke Thrombolysis With Alteplase: Evolution of the Therapeutic Window
Authors: Pan Yuanmei , Shi Guowen
Published: March 2021

In 1995, the results of a landmark clinical trial by National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) made a paradigm shift in managing acute cerebral ischemic stroke (AIS) patients at critical care centers. The study demonstrated the efficacy of tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA), alteplase in improving neurological and functional outcome in AIS patients when administered within 3 h of stroke onset. After about 12 years of efforts and the results of the ECASS-III trial, it was possible to expand the therapeutic window to 4.5 h, which still represents a major logistic issue, depriving many AIS patients from the benefits of tPA therapy. Constant efforts in this regards are directed toward either speeding up the patient recruitment for tPA therapy or expanding the current tPA window. Efficient protocols to reduce the door-to-needle time and advanced technologies like telestroke services and mobile stroke units are being deployed for early management of AIS patients. Studies have demonstrated benefit of thrombolysis guided by perfusion imaging in AIS patients at up to 9 h of stroke onset, signifying “tissue window.” Several promising pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches are being explored to mitigate the adverse effects of delayed tPA therapy, thus hoping to further expand the current tPA therapeutic window without compromising safety. With accumulation of scientific data, stroke organizations across the world are amending/updating the clinical recommendations of tPA, the only US-FDA approved drug for managing AIS patients. Alteplase has been a part of our neurocritical care and we intend to celebrate its silver jubilee by dedicating this review article discussing its journey so far and possible future evolution.
Consistency and Stability of Motor Subtype Classifications in Patients With de novo Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Ren Jingru , Pan Chenxi , Li Yuqian , Li Lanting , Hua Ping , Xu Ligang , Zhang Li , Zhang Wenbin , Xu Pingyi , Liu Weiguo
Published: March 2021

Objective

Patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) are commonly classified into subtypes based on motor symptoms. The aims of the present study were to determine the consistency between PD motor subtypes, to assess the stability of PD motor subtypes over time, and to explore the variables influencing PD motor subtype stability.

Methods

This study was part of a longitudinal study of de novo PD patients at a single center. Based on three different motor subtype classification systems proposed by Jankovic, Schiess, and Kang, patients were respectively categorized as tremor-dominant/indeterminate/postural instability and gait difficulty (TD/indeterminate/PIGD), TDS/mixedS/akinetic-rigidS (ARS), or TDK/mixedK/ARK at baseline evaluation and then re-assessed 1 month later. Demographic and clinical characteristics were recorded at each evaluation. The consistency between subtypes at baseline evaluation was assessed using Cohen’s kappa coefficient (κ). Additional variables were compared between PD subtype groups using the two-sample t-test, Mann–Whitney U-test or Chi-squared test.

Results

Of 283 newly diagnosed, untreated PD patients, 79 were followed up at 1 month. There was fair agreement between the Jankovic, Schiess, and Kang classification systems (κS = 0.383 ± 0.044, κK = 0.360 ± 0.042, κSK = 0.368 ± 0.038). Among the three classification systems, the Schiess classification was the most stable and the Jankovic classification was the most unstable. The non-motor symptoms questionnaire (NMSQuest) scores differed significantly between PD patients with stable and unstable subtypes based on the Jankovic classification (p = 0.008), and patients with a consistent subtype had more severe NMSQuest scores than patients with an inconsistent subtype.

Conclusion

Fair consistency was observed between the Jankovic, Schiess, and Kang classification systems. For the first time, non-motor symptoms (NMSs) scores were found to influence the stability of the TD/indeterminate/PIGD classification. Our findings support combining NMSs with motor symptoms to increase the effectiveness of PD subtypes.
A Journey From SARS-CoV-2 to COVID-19 and Beyond: A Comprehensive Insight of Epidemiology, Diagnosis, Pathogenesis, and Overview of the Progress into Its Therapeutic Management
Authors: Shoaib Muhammad Harris , Ahmed Farrukh Rafiq , Sikandar Muhammad , Yousuf Rabia Ismail , Saleem Muhammad Talha
Published: March 2021

The 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV), commonly known as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) or coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), was first revealed in late 2019 in Wuhan city, Hubei province, China. It was subsequently spread globally and thereby declared as a pandemic by WHO in March 2020. The disease causes severe acute respiratory illness and is highly contagious due to the fast-onward transmission. As of the mid of November 2020, the disease has affected 220 countries with more than 16 million active cases and 1.3 million deaths worldwide. Males, pregnant women, the elderly, immunosuppressed patients, and those with underlying medical conditions are more vulnerable to the disease than the general healthy population. Unfortunately, no definite treatment is available. Although remdesivir as an antiviral had been approved for use in those above 12 years of age and 40 kg weight group, it has been observed to be ineffective in large-scale SOLIDARITY trials by WHO. Moreover, dexamethasone has been found to increase the recovery rate of ventilated patients; oxygen and inhaled nitric oxide as a vasodilator have been given emergency expanded access. In addition, more than 57 clinical trials are being conducted for the development of the vaccines on various platforms. Two vaccines were found to be significantly promising in phase III results. It is concluded that till the approval of a specific treatment or development of a vaccine against this deadly disease, the preventive measures should be followed strictly to reduce the spread of the disease.
Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Adding Daratumumab to Bortezomib, Melphalan, and Prednisone for Untreated Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Cao Yaohua , Zhao Lina , Zhang Tiantian , Cao Weiling
Published: March 2021

Background: To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of adding daratumumab to bortezomib, melphalan, and prednisone for transplant-ineligible newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients.

Methods: A three-state Markov model was developed from the perspective of US payers to simulate the disease development of patient’s life time for daratumumab plus bortezomib, melphalan, and prednisone (D-VMP) and bortezomib, melphalan, and prednisone (VMP) regimens. The primary outputs were total costs, expected life-years (LYs), quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs).

Results: The base case results showed that adding daratumumab to VMP provided an additional 3.00 Lys or 2.03 QALYs, at a cost of $262,526 per LY or $388,364 per QALY. Sensitivity analysis indicated that the results were most sensitive to utility of progression disease of D-VMP regimens, but no matter how these parameters changed, ICERs remained higher than $150,000 per QALY.

Conclusion: In the case that the upper limit of willingness to pay threshold was $150,000 per QALY from the perspective of US payers, D-VMP was not a cost-effective regimen compared to VMP.
Is Upregulation of Sarcolipin Beneficial or Detrimental to Muscle Function?
Authors: Bal Naresh C. , Gupta Subash C. , Pant Meghna , Sopariwala Danesh H. , Gonzalez-Escobedo Geoffrey , Turner Joanne , Gunn John S. , Pierson Christopher R. , Harper Scott Q. , Rafael-Fortney Jill A. , Periasamy Muthu
Published: March 2021

Sarcolipin (SLN) is a regulator of sarco/endo plasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase (SERCA) pump and has been shown to be involved in muscle nonshivering thermogenesis (NST) and energy metabolism. Interestingly, SLN expression is significantly upregulated both during muscle development and in several disease states. However, the significance of altered SLN expression in muscle patho-physiology is not completely understood. We have previously shown that transgenic over-expression of SLN in skeletal muscle is not detrimental, and can promote oxidative metabolism and exercise capacity. In contrast, some studies have suggested that SLN upregulation in disease states is deleterious for muscle function and ablation of SLN can be beneficial. In this perspective article, we critically examine both published and some new data to determine the relevance of SLN expression to disease pathology. The new data presented in this paper show that SLN levels are induced in muscle during systemic bacterial (Salmonella) infection or lipopolysaccharides (LPS) treatment. We also present data showing that SLN expression is significantly upregulated in different types of muscular dystrophies including myotubular myopathy. These data taken together reveal that upregulation of SLN expression in muscle disease is progressive and increases with severity. Therefore, we suggest that increased SLN expression should not be viewed as the cause of the disease; rather, it is a compensatory response to meet the higher energy demand of the muscle. We interpret that higher SLN/SERCA ratio positively modulate cytosolic Ca2+ signaling pathways to promote mitochondrial biogenesis and oxidative metabolism to meet higher energy demand in muscle.
A Persistent Homology Approach to Heart Rate Variability Analysis With an Application to Sleep-Wake Classification
Authors: Chung Yu-Min , Hu Chuan-Shen , Lo Yu-Lun , Wu Hau-Tieng
Published: March 2021

Persistent homology is a recently developed theory in the field of algebraic topology to study shapes of datasets. It is an effective data analysis tool that is robust to noise and has been widely applied. We demonstrate a general pipeline to apply persistent homology to study time series, particularly the instantaneous heart rate time series for the heart rate variability (HRV) analysis. The first step is capturing the shapes of time series from two different aspects—the persistent homologies and hence persistence diagrams of its sub-level set and Taken's lag map. Second, we propose a systematic and computationally efficient approach to summarize persistence diagrams, which we coined persistence statistics. To demonstrate our proposed method, we apply these tools to the HRV analysis and the sleep-wake, REM-NREM (rapid eyeball movement and non rapid eyeball movement) and sleep-REM-NREM classification problems. The proposed algorithm is evaluated on three different datasets via the cross-database validation scheme. The performance of our approach is better than the state-of-the-art algorithms, and the result is consistent throughout different datasets.
The Efficacy of Psychological Intervention on Body Image in Breast Cancer Patients and Survivors: A Systematic-Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Sebri Valeria , Durosini Ilaria , Triberti Stefano , Pravettoni Gabriella
Published: March 2021

The experience of breast cancer and related treatments has notable effects on women's mental health. Among them, the subjective perception of the body or body image (BI) is altered. Such alterations deserve to be properly treated because they augment the risk for depression and mood disorders, and impair intimate relationships. A number of studies revealed that focused psychological interventions are effective in reducing BI issues related to breast cancer. However, findings are inconsistent regarding the dimension of such effects. This meta-analysis synthesizes and quantifies the efficacy of psychological interventions for BI in breast cancer patients and survivors. Additionally, since sexual functioning emerged as a relevant aspect in the BI distortions, we explored the efficacy of psychological interventions on sexual functioning related to BI in breast cancer patients and survivors. The literature search for relevant contributions was carried out in March 2020 through the following electronic databases: Scopus, PsycINFO, and ProQUEST. Only articles available in English and that featured psychological interventions for body image in breast cancer patients or survivors with controls were included. Seven articles with 17 dependent effect sizes were selected for this meta-analysis. Variables were grouped into: Body Image (six studies, nine dependent effect sizes) and Sexual Functioning Related to the Body Image in breast cancer patients and survivors (four studies, eight dependent effect sizes). The three-level meta-analysis showed a statistically significant effect for Body Image [g = 0.50; 95% CI (0.08; 0.93); p < 0.05] but no significant results for Sexual Functioning Related to Body Image [g = 0.33; 95% CI (−0.20; 0.85); p = 0.19]. These results suggest that psychological interventions are effective in reducing body image issues but not in reducing sexual functioning issues related to body image in breast cancer patients and survivors. Future review efforts may include gray literature and qualitative studies to better understand body image and sexual functioning issues in breast cancer patients. Also, high-quality studies are needed to inform future meta-analyses.
Disability as an Interpersonal Experience: A Systematic Review on Dyadic Challenges and Dyadic Coping When One Partner Has a Chronic Physical or Sensory Impairment
Authors: Bertschi Isabella C. , Meier Fabienne , Bodenmann Guy
Published: March 2021

Chronically disabling health impairments affect an increasing number of people worldwide. In close relationships, disability is an interpersonal experience. Psychological distress is thus common in patients as well as their spouses. Dyadic coping can alleviate stress and promote adjustment in couples who face disabling health impairments. Much research has focused on dyadic coping with cancer. However, other health problems such as physical and sensory impairments are also common and may strongly impact couple relationships. In order to promote couples' optimal adjustment to impaired health, the identification of disability-related relationship challenges is required. Furthermore, ways in which dyadic coping with these challenges may benefit couples could inform researchers and practitioners how to support couples in coping with health impairments. Accordingly, the aims of this study were to systematically review dyadic challenges and dyadic coping when one partner has a chronically disabling physical or sensory impairment. Out of 873 articles identified through database searches, 36 studies met inclusion criteria. The disability-related dyadic challenges identified in the review were changed roles and responsibilities within the couple, altered communication, compromised sexual intimacy, and reduced social participation. These challenges were reported to burden both partners and the couple relationship. Dyadic adjustment benefitted from a we-perspective, i.e., when couples viewed the disability as a shared challenge and engaged in conjoint dyadic coping. The results suggest that patient/care recipient and partner/caregiver roles should be de-emphasized and that disability should be recognized as an interpersonal experience.
An Assessment of Impact of Leadership Training on Health System Performance in Selected Counties in Kenya
Authors: Chelagat Tecla , Rice James , Onyango Joseph , Kokwaro Gilbert
Published: March 2021

Introduction: The provision of health care services in Kenya was devolved from the national government to the counties in 2013. Evidence suggests that health system performance in Kenya remains poor. The main issue is poor leadership resulting in poor health system performance. However, most training in Kenya focuses on “leaders” (individual) development as opposed to “leadership” training (development of groups from an organization). The purpose of that study was to explore the impact of leadership training on health system performance in selected counties in Kenya.

Methods: A quasi-experimental time-series design was employed. Pretest, posttest control-group design was utilized to find out whether the leadership development program positively contributed to the improvement of health system performance indicators compared with the non-trained managers. Questionnaires were administered to 31 trained health managers from the public, private for-profit, and private not-for-profit health institutions within the same counties.

Results: The pretest and posttest means for all the six health system (HS) pillar indicators of the treatment group were higher than those of the control group. The regression method to estimate the DID structural model used to calculate the “fact” and “counterfactual” revealed that training had a positive impact on the intended outcome on the service delivery, information, leadership and governance, human resources, finance, and medical products with impact value ≥1 (57.2).

Conclusion: The study findings support both hypotheses that trained health care management teams had a significant difference in the implementation status of priority projects and, hence, had a significant impact on health system performance indicators compared with non-trained managers.
Vibration Control of a High-Rise Slender Structure with a Spring Pendulum Pounding Tuned Mass Damper
Authors: Wang Qi , Li Hong-Nan , Zhang Peng
Published: March 2021

High-rise structures are normally tall and slender with a large height-width ratio. Under the strong seismic action, such a structure may experience violent vibrations and large deformation. In this paper, a spring pendulum pounding tuned mass damper (SPPTMD) system is developed to reduce the seismic response of high-rise structures. This SPPTMD system consists of a barrel limiter with the built-in viscoelastic material and a spring pendulum (SP). This novel type of tuned mass damper (TMD) relies on the internal resonance feature of the spring pendulum and the collision between the added mass and barrel limiter to consume the energy of the main structure. Based on the Hertz-damper model, the motion equation of the structure-SPPTMD system is derived. Furthermore, a power transmission tower is selected to evaluate the vibration reduction performance of the SPPTMD system. Numerical results revealed that the SPPTMD system can effectively reduce structural vibrations; the reduction ratio is greater than that of the spring pendulum. Finally, the influence of the key parameters on the vibration control performance is conducted for future applications.
Deciphering Substrate-Specific Methane Yields of Perennial Herbaceous Wild Plant Species
Authors: von Cossel Moritz , Pereira Lorena Agra , Lewandowski Iris
Published: March 2021

The global demand for plant biomass to provide bioenergy and heat is continuously increasing because of a growing interest among many industrialized and developing countries towards climate sound and renewable energy supply. The exacerbation of land-use conflicts proliferates social-ecological demands on future bioenergy cropping systems. Perennial herbaceous wild plant mixtures (WPMs) represent an approach to providing social-ecologically more sustainably produced biogas substrate that has gained increasing public and political interest only in recent years. The focus of this study lies on three perennial wild plant species (WPS) that usually dominate the biomass yield performance of WPM cultivation. These WPS were compared with established biogas crops in terms of their substrate-specific methane yield (SMY) and lignocellulosic composition. The plant samples were investigated in a small-scale mesophilic discontinuous biogas batch test for determining the SMY. All WPS were found to have significantly lower SMY (241.5–248.5 lN kgVS−1) than maize (337.5 lN kgVS−1). This was attributed to higher contents of lignin (9.7–12.8% of dry matter) as well as lower contents of hemicellulose (9.9–11.5% of dry matter) in the WPS. Only minor, non-significant differences to cup plant and Virginia mallow were observed. Thus, when planning WPS as a diversification measure in biogas cropping systems, their lower SMY should be considered.
Do Crop Rotations in Rice Reduce Weed and Echinochloa spp. Infestations? Recommendations for Integrated Weed Control
Authors: Pardo Gabriel , Marí Ana Isabel , Aibar Joaquín , Cirujeda Alicia
Published: March 2021

The species belonging to the genus Echinochloa represent the main weeds in rice fields worldwide. Heavy soils are especially appropriate for this crop that is often grown in monoculture. A drought period in 2012 impeded farmers from sowing rice in some parts of the region of Aragon (northeastern Spain) and, unusually, they seeded alternative crops such as winter cereal, fescue (Festuca arundinacea), ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum) and lucerne (Medicago sativa). A total of 20 fields were selected, in which rice had been grown in monocrop until 2011 and several crop sequences were established afterwards; weed vegetation was recorded in spring, summer and autumn 2014-16 to find out if the crop rotations reduced weed infestations. Winter cereal and fescue were the crops with the highest soil cover; ryegrass and lucerne had difficulties in installation probably due to the heavy soil textures. Echinochloa spp. plants were found in the winter cereal stubble after having grown fescue for the previous two years and rice before that; in the forage fields, small plants of earing Echinochloa spp. adapted to mowing were detected. Recommendations for Integrated Weed Management that arise from the observations are ploughing the winter cereal stubble before seed shed of the emerged Echinochloa plants, assuring a high density of the forage crops, and efficient herbicide control in rice fields.
Towards Zero Zinc Oxide: Feeding Strategies to Manage Post-Weaning Diarrhea in Piglets
Authors: Bonetti Andrea , Tugnoli Benedetta , Piva Andrea , Grilli Ester
Published: March 2021

Zinc oxide (ZnO) at pharmacological doses is extensively employed in the pig industry as an effective tool to manage post-weaning diarrhea (PWD), a condition that causes huge economic losses because of its impact on the most pivotal phase of a piglet’s production cycle. In a multifactorial way, ZnO exerts a variety of positive effects along the entire gastrointestinal tract by targeting intestinal architecture, digestive secretions, antioxidant systems, and immune cells. ZnO also has a moderate antibacterial effect against Escherichia coli F4 (K88), the main causative agent of PWD. However, the environmental impact of ZnO and new emerging threats are posing serious questions to the sustainability of its extensive utilization. To work towards a future free from pharmacological ZnO, novel nutritional approaches are necessary, and many strategies have been investigated. This review article provides a comprehensive framework for ZnO utilization and its broad mode of action. Moreover, all the risks related to pharmacological ZnO levels are presented; we focus on European institutions’ decisions subsequently. The identification of a novel, complete solution against PWD should be accompanied by the adoption of holistic strategies, thereby combining good management practices to feeding approaches capable of mitigating Escherichia coli F4 (K88) infections and/or lowering ZnO utilization. Promising results can be obtained by adjusting diet composition or employing organic acids, natural identical compounds, polyphenol-rich extracts, prebiotics, and probiotics.
Copper Oxide Nanoparticles Alter Serum Biochemical Indices, Induce Histopathological Alterations, and Modulate Transcription of Cytokines, HSP70, and Oxidative Stress Genes in Oreochromis niloticus
Authors: Abdel-Latif Hany M. R. , Dawood Mahmoud A. O. , Mahmoud Samy F. , Shukry Mustafa , Noreldin Ahmed E. , Ghetas Hanan A. , Khallaf Mohamed A.
Published: March 2021

In the present study, fish were exposed to sub-lethal doses of CuONPs (68.92 ± 3.49 nm) (10 mg/L, 20 mg/L, and 50 mg/L) for a long exposure period (25 days). Compared to the control group (0.0 mg/L CuONPs), a significant dose-dependent elevation in blood urea and creatinine values, serum alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, and alkaline phosphatase enzyme activities were evident in CuONPs-exposed groups (p < 0.05). Fish exposure to 50 mg/L CuONPs significantly upregulated the transcription of pro-inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-1beta, interleukin 12, and interleukin 8), heat shock protein 70, apoptosis-related gene (caspase 3), and oxidative stress-related (superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase) genes in liver and gills of the exposed fish in comparison with those in the control group (p < 0.05). Moreover, varying histopathological injuries were noticed in the hepatopancreatic tissues, posterior kidneys, and gills of fish groups correlated to the tested exposure dose of CuONPs. In summary, our results provide new insights and helpful information for better understanding the mechanisms of CuONPs toxicity in Nile tilapia at hematological, molecular levels, and tissue levels.
Prevalence of the Genes Associated with Biofilm and Toxins Synthesis amongst the Pseudomonas aeruginosa Clinical Strains
Authors: Bogiel Tomasz , Depka Dagmara , Rzepka Mateusz , Kwiecińska-Piróg Joanna , Gospodarek-Komkowska Eugenia
Published: March 2021

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is one of the most commonly isolated bacteria from clinical specimens, with an increasing isolation frequency in nosocomial outbreaks. The hypothesis tested was whether carbapenem-resistant P. aeruginosa strains display an altered carriage of the virulence factor genes, depending on the type of carbapenem resistance. The aim of the study was to investigate, by PCR, the frequency of 10 chosen virulence factors genes (phzM, phzS, exoT, exoY, exoU, toxA, exoS, algD, pilA and pilB) and the genotype distribution in 107 non-duplicated carbapenem-resistant P. aeruginosa isolates. P. aeruginosa genes involved in phenazine dyes and exoenzyme T synthesis were noted with the highest frequency (100%). Fimbriae-encoding genes were detected with the lowest incidence: 15.9% and 4.7% for pilin A and B, respectively. The differences observed between the exoS gene prevalence amongst the carbapenemase-positive and the carbapenemase-negative strains and the pilA gene prevalence amongst the strains of different origins were statistically significant. Virulence genes’ prevalence and the genotype distribution vary amongst P. aeruginosa strains resistant to carbapenems, especially in terms of their carbapenemase synthesis ability and the strain origin.
A Workflow towards the Reproducible Identification and Quantitation of Protein Carbonylation Sites in Human Plasma
Authors: Rojas Echeverri Juan Camilo , Milkovska-Stamenova Sanja , Hoffmann Ralf
Published: March 2021

Protein carbonylation, a marker of excessive oxidative stress, has been studied in the context of multiple human diseases related to oxidative stress. The variety of post-translational carbonyl modifications (carbonyl PTMs) and their low concentrations in plasma challenge their reproducible identification and quantitation. However, carbonyl-specific biotinylated derivatization tags (e.g., aldehyde reactive probe, ARP) allow for targeting carbonyl PTMs by enriching proteins and peptides carrying these modifications. In this study, an oxidized human serum albumin protein model (OxHSA) and plasma from a healthy donor were derivatized with ARP, digested with trypsin, and enriched using biotin-avidin affinity chromatography prior to nano reversed-phase chromatography coupled online to electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry with travelling wave ion mobility spectrometry (nRPC-ESI-MS/MS-TWIMS). The presented workflow addresses several analytical challenges by using ARP-specific fragment ions to reliably identify ARP peptides. Furthermore, the reproducible recovery and relative quantitation of ARP peptides were validated. Human serum albumin (HSA) in plasma was heavily modified by a variety of direct amino acid oxidation products and adducts from reactive carbonyl species (RCS), with most RCS modifications being detected in six hotspots, i.e., Lys10, Lys190, Lys199, Lys281, Lys432, and Lys525 of mature HSA.