bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Принципи розроблення соціально-психологічних технологій підтримки стигматизовуваних меншин у сфері медіакомунікації
Authors: Husiev Ihor
Published: August 2021

Метою статті було виокремлення психологічних принципів у процесі розробкисоціально-психологічних технологій підтримки стигматизовуваних меншин у сферімедіакомунікації. Для уточнення особливостей сприймання стигматизації і відображенняцього явища в процесі медіакомунікації було проведено два окремих опитування, одне – середзагального населення, а друге – про особливості переживання стигматизовуванимименшинами власної стигматизації – під час опитування ЛГБТ- і ВІЛ-активістів. Так,респонденти із числа загального населення здебільшого вважають, що люди з ВІЛзаслуговують на рівність у правах та ставленні, але частка тих, хто ставиться до ВІЛ-інфікованих більш упереджено, вища серед респондентів, що займають низькі професійніпосади. Що ж до ЛГБТ-спільноти, то респонденти демонструють протилежні оцінки. Прицьому високо оцінюються твердження про те, що ЛГБТ-особи мають приховувати своюорієнтацію і нікому про це не розказувати; значну підтримку має твердження про ізоляціюЛГБТ-спільноти. Серед представників стигматизовуваних меншин 71% опитаних булижертвами кібербулінгу (від поодиноких випадків до постійного переживання цькування).Найчастіше жертвами кібербулінгу визнавали себе чоловіки, а серед активістів – ВІЛ-активісти. Здебільшого активісти стикаються з такими проявами кібербулінгу, як образи вкоментарях до новин і у Twitter, погрози у Facebook, залякування на форумах. Принципипобудови технологій соціально-психологічної підтримки стигматизовуваних меншинвиокремлювалися на якісному етапі дослідження. Було, зокрема, проведено по два фокус-групових заняття з кожною групою респондентів: ЛГБТ-військовими, ВІЛ-активістами,респондентами без ознак стигматизації. Відтак визначено соціально-психологічні принципипобудови комплексної технології формування толерантного і безпечного медіапростору (зурахуванням потреб і психологічних особливостей учасників медіакомунікації). Виокремленопсихологічні принципи для розробки технологій, що будуть спрямовані безпосередньо напідтримку представників стигматизовуваних меншин, формування у них ефективнихповедінкових моделей протистояння стигматизації.
Досвід профільної орієнтації на основі спеціалізованих онлайн-ресурсів
Authors: Shuliuk Nadiya
Published: August 2021

Мета цієї публікації – аналіз досвіду зарубіжної та вітчизняної профільної орієнтації таподальшої профорієнтаційної роботи за допомогою онлайн-сервісів, що допоможе системіосвіти в подальшому забезпечити застосування моделей профільного навчання та сприятирозв’язанню проблем учнів, батьків і суспільства. На основі порівняльного аналізу інформаціїз різних джерел показано специфіку профільної та профорієнтаційної роботи зістаршокласниками у Франції, США, Україні, Росії. Зроблено спробу узагальнити принципиорганізації психолого-педагогічної допомоги у профільному навчанні та впровадженніпрофесійних моделей самовизначення старшокласників на основі онлайн-засобів. Зокрема,виявлено кілька сучасних тенденцій. Так, у США та Франції ознайомлення дітей зі світомпрофесій починається вже у молодшій школі, а далі, щодо старшої ланки школи, діє системапрофільного орієнтування, яка передбачає можливість зміни напряму освіти за обраним про-філем з різних підстав. Для всіх зарубіжних схем профорієнтаційної роботи типовою єорганізація безперервного профільного орієнтування, що триває протягом усього періодушкільного навчання: спостереження за досягненнями, схильностями і захопленнями дітей,складання їхнього портфоліо та облік усіх цих відомостей у процесі подальшогопрофконсультування і відбору абітурієнтів. У профільному та професійному орієнтуванніакцент робиться на відборі здатних освоювати складні наукомісткі технології учнів, що маютьявний потенціал професійного зростання та особистісного розвитку. Сучасні ІТ-технології таспеціалізовані онлайн-платформи розглянуто як ефективні інструменти надання такихпсихологічних послуг учням та їхнім батькам, а також методичної підтримки педагогам.Завданням подальших досліджень може стати пошук шляхів розв’язання проблемивикористання онлайн-ресурсів у школах на основі розробок Міністерства освіти і наукиУкраїни, створення нових онлайн-платформ для українських шкіл.
STUDENTS’ MENTAL MODELS ABOUT THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN FORCE AND VELOCITY CONCEPTS
Authors: Özcan Özgür , Bezen Sevim
Published: August 2021

Mental models help us understand the formation of objects, the development of the process and to state an opinion about it. Therefore, in this study, we understand a mental model as ‘an internal representation, which acts out as a structural analogue of situations or processes. Although mental models are the representations of knowledge created during a cognitive activity, they are also reflective of personal beliefs. This study intends to exhibit prospective teachers’ mental models for the arguments they use in describing the relations between the concepts of force and velocity. In line with this intention, the study employs phenomenographic study method. This study has found that prospective teachers have three different mental models for relating the concepts of force and velocity. One of them is a scientific model called “Newtonian Model”. The other two models were determined to be unscientific models and called “Aristotelian Model” and “Impulsive Model” respectively. By bringing these models into light, we were informed of the scientific and unscientific arguments the prospective teachers used in interpreting the relationships between force and velocity. In other words, this study exhibited how prospective teachers organized and structured their knowledge about these concepts. Key words: force and velocity concept, knowledge structure, mental models, prospective teacher.
STRENGTHENING STRATEGIC APPLICATIONS OF PROBLEM-SOLVING SKILLS FOR TAIWAN STUDENTS’ CHEMISTRY UNDERSTANDING
Authors: Su King-Dow
Published: August 2021

This study better research aimed at strategic applications for exploring students’ learning performances with conceptual understanding and algorithmic proficiency by problem-solving maps and six major learning activities. A quasi-experimental method was employed to detect the outcomes of students’ compared intervention, together with two learning groups, the experimental group and control group. All results demonstrated that the experimental group students who used the strategic applications showed better learning performances than those of the control group students. The experimental group students with more cognitive competency presented significant achievements and larger effect sizes after their two module executions of gas chemistry program. Moreover, these demonstrations were predominated with students’ conceptual and algorithmic learning developments in chemistry. The experimental group students witnessed a new advancement of self-performed modules to promote their feedback and intelligent analyses. Key words: algorithmic proficiency, conceptual understanding, gas chemistry, problem-solving.
DEVELOPING EDUCATIONAL VIDEO TO IMPROVE THE USE OF SCIENTIFIC APPROACH IN COOPERATIVE LEARNING
Authors: Susantini Endang , Faizah Ulfi , Prastiwi Muji Sri , Suryanti Suryanti
Published: August 2021

This research developed educational video that showed a modeling of using scientific approach in cooperative learning. The purpose of this research was (1) to describe how pre-service teachers implement scientific approach in cooperative learning after carrying out a modeling session through this educational video, and (2) to describe the views of those pre-service teachers in response to the learning process. The study involved 11 pre-service teachers in Biology Education program, The State University of Surabaya, Indonesia. The pre-service teachers were then asked to conduct teaching simulations according to the video they had observed with different topics. The results showed that the educational video was effective in training pre-service teachers to implement scientific approach in cooperative learning. They also showed positive views towards the video. This research implies that modeling through educational video is able to promote scientific approach teaching to the pre-service teachers.
Key words: educational video, cooperative learning, scientific approach, teaching skills.
A Síndrome de Burnout em professores do Ensino Médio da Cidade de Exu - PE
Authors: Santos Leonardo Eric  Silva , Correia Dennis Bezerra , Verçosa Cícero Jorge , Silva Jailson Renato  de Lima , Santos Rafael Henrique Luciano dos , Figueroa Maria Eliana Vieira , Cabral Clêidio da Paz , Figueirêdo Francileide Vieira , Oliveira João Paulo Camilo de , Pereira Ginna Gonçalves , Florêncio Maria Magnolia Batista , Santos Allyson Francisco dos , Anunciação Jose Aglailson Oliveira da , Sampaio Nayane Kely Silva , Cruz Gabriel Venancio , Pereira Francisco Diego , Silva Josefa Edilene da , Bessa Filipe Gutierre Carvalho de Lima , Araújo Elane Soares , Torres Cicero Magerbio Gomes , Freire Norma Suely Ramos
Published: August 2021

A Síndrome de Burnout é uma patologia que afeta profissionais de muitas áreas, em especial professores. A exaustão e despersonalização são um dos sintomas que geralmente irão estar presentes na pessoa acometida. Esta pesquisa objetivou analisar sinais e sintomas da síndrome de Burnout em professores de ensino médio, que atuam no programa de tempo integral. Trata-se de um estudo descritivo com abordagem quantitativa que é definido como o levantamento sistemático dos problemas, características ou fenômenos observados na população. O estudo foi desenvolvido em uma escola de ensino médio da cidade de Exu que funciona na modalidade de ensino de tempo semi-integral. A fim de preservar a identidade da escola o seu nome não foi indicado no estudo. A amostra da pesquisa constitui de 9 professores. A pesquisa utilizou-se da aplicação em forma presencial de questionários estruturados contendo quatro blocos de perguntas. Diante do exposto, é imprescindível que essa pesquisa seja ampliada a partir de novas contribuições e faz-se necessário uma reflexão acerca das suas falhas ou limitações, a fim de se definir melhorias para que possibilite o alcance de resultados ainda mais significativos no campo das aprendizagens e do desenvolvimento pessoal. O conhecimento acerca dos fatores preditores da síndrome de Burnout facilita a elaboração de medidas e programas de prevenção. Ressalta-se que este estudo apresenta limitações no que se refere ao número de participantes, uma vez que a amostra não foi atingida em razão da não participação de muitos professores na coleta dos dados.
Omega-3 fatty acids as component of nutritional and metabolic treatment of patients with COVID-19 and other viral diseases (literature review)
Authors: Dmitriev A. V. , Machulina I. A. , Shestopalov A. E.
Published: August 2021

Nutritional deficit in patients with viral diseases, including COVID-19, can reduce the efficacy of specific treatment, decrease the survival rate, and increase medical expenses. According to international guidelines, timely correction of nutritional status with supplemental enteral and parenteral nutrition containing omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid from fish oil (omega-3 PUFAs: ЕРА and DHA) is able to improve clinical outcomes of specific antiviral treatment. The authors conducted an analytical review to assess the results from the study of clinical use of omega-3 PUFAs for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19 and other viral infections. Supplementation of clinical (enteral and parenteral) nutrition with omega-3 PUFAs allows for symptom reduction, shorter stay in hospital, and quicker recovery of patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 and other viruses. When used in combination with adequate macronutrient support, it can reverse nutritional deficit and improve clinical outcomes.
Clinical cases of pembrolisumab immunotherapy treatment in patients with non-small lung cancer with high level of PD-L1 expression in fist line therapy
Authors: Kuznetsova O. A. , Krasavina M. A. , Artemieva E. V. , Abduloeva N. H. , Zhabina A. S. , Volkov N. M. , Moiseyenko F. V.
Published: August 2021

In Russian Federation, lung cancer is the most frequently diagnosed malignant tumor among men and the fourth in the structure of morbidity among women, also occupying a leading position in the structure of mortality [1]. Non-small cell cancer (NSCLC) accounts for about 80 % of all lung tumors. In turn, in the structure of NSCLC, the most common types are adenocarcinoma (50 %) and squamous cell lung cancer (30 %). The appearance of drugs based on blocking immune checkpoints, in particular PD-1 and PD-L1, has changed the approach to the treatment of NSCLC. Currently, the determination of the optimal tactics for treatment tumors without activated mutations is based on predicting the sensitivity of the tumor to immunotherapy. Evaluation of PD-L1 expression makes it possible to divide patients with NSCLC into several groups of the level of sensitivity to modern immune checkpoint inhibitors. Thus, three groups are distinguished: with negative (≤ 1 %), intermediate (1–49 %) and high (≥ 50 %) expression of PD-L1. The latter includes 23–28 % of patients with advanced NSCLC, regardless of the histological form of the tumor [3]. There are also reasons to believe that in the near future a subgroup of patients with ultra-high expression (> 75 %) PD-L1 will be identifid, in which it is expected to achieve the maximum advantage from treatment with monoimmunotherapy. Pembrolizumab was approved for the treatment of advanced NSCLC with high level of PD-L1 expression (≥ 50 %) with the absence of EGFR / ALK mutations in the fist line of therapy following the publication of the results of the randomized phase III clinical trial KEYNOTE-024. In this study, the median overall survival in the pembrolizumab monotherapy arm was 30.0 months compared with 14.2 months with standard platinum-containing therapy [5]. These data formed the basis for the registration of the fist cytostatic-free regimen in patients with NSCLC without activating mutations. The subsequent study KEYNOTE-042 was an attempt to assess the effect of pembrolizumab in a wider group of patients – with a positive level of PD-L1 expression (PD-L1 ≥ 1 %; ≥ 20 %; ≥ 50 %). In general, the results of the study were positive, but many authors drew attention to the fact that the greatest effect of monoimmunotherapy with pembrolizumab is obtained by patients with a high level of PD-L1 expression. Median overall survival in this study was 20.0 months in the pembrolizumab group and 12.2 months in the chemotherapy group for all patients regardless of PD-L1 status. In this article two clinical cases of the use of the PD-L1 inhibitor pembrolizumab in patients with non-small cell lung cancer and high levels of PD-L1 expression are presented.
Urboekological Situation and Regional Analysis of Population Health In Uzbekistan
Authors: Komilova Nilufar K. , Ermatova Nilufar N. , Rakhimova Tura , Karshibaeva Lolakhon K. , Hamroyev Mukhtor O.
Published: August 2021

With the intensification of the urbanization process, the nosogeographic situation in different regions, population morbidity, types of diseases occurring among them, especially the nervous system and mental disorders, malignant tumors, allergic diseases are more characteristic of highly urbanized areas. This article covers issues related to the development of cities and the consequences of population growth, factors affecting the urban environment, problems related to public health. The amount of toxic gases emitted into the atmosphere in Uzbekistan was also analyzed. The health of mothers is extremely important in the health of the next generation, that is why the authors have developed a system of factors that affect maternal and child health. Analysis and study of regional aspects of these problems is one of the main tasks of medical geography. In medical geographical research, the analysis of regions in terms of nosogeographic situation is of great importance. Analyzes show that the deterioration of the environment, man's unlimited domination of nature, the deterioration of the ecological situation, as well as the spread of related diseases on earth pose new challenges to medical geography, which studies the causes and patterns. The rapid development of science and technology, the steady increase in human impact on nature and consequently, a number of negative changes in the natural environment have a significant impact on human health. The acceleration of the process of urbanization which in turn causes problems such: as air, water and soil pollution.
Polycistronic Expression System for Pichia pastoris Composed of Chitino- and Chitosanolytic Enzymes
Authors: Kaczmarek Michal B. , Struszczyk-Swita Katarzyna , Xiao Meng , Szczęsna-Antczak Mirosława , Antczak Tadeusz , Gierszewska Magdalena , Steinbüchel Alexander , Daroch Maurycy
Published: August 2021

Chitin is one of the most abundant biopolymers. Due to its recalcitrant nature and insolubility in accessible solvents, it is often considered waste and not a bioresource. The products of chitin modification such as chitosan and chitooligosaccharides are highly sought, but their preparation is a challenging process, typically performed with thermochemical methods that lack specificities and generate hazardous waste. Enzymatic treatment is a promising alternative to these methods, but the preparation of multiple biocatalysts is costly. In this manuscript, we biochemically characterised chitin deacetylases of Mucor circinelloides IBT-83 and utilised one of them for the construction of the first eukaryotic, polycistronic expression system employing self-processing 2A sequences. The three chitin-processing enzymes; chitin deacetylase of M. circinelloides IBT-83, chitinase from Thermomyces lanuginosus, and chitosanase from Aspergillus fumigatus were expressed under the control of the same promoter in methylotrophic yeast Pichia pastoris and characterised for their synergistic action towards their respective substrates.
Hypermethylation and Downregulation of UTP6 Are Associated With Stemness Properties, Chemoradiotherapy Resistance, and Prognosis in Rectal Cancer: A Co-expression Network Analysis
Authors: Zhang Yiyi , Gao Qiao , Wu Yong , Peng Yong , Zhuang Jinfu , Yang Yuanfeng , Jiang Weizhong , Liu Xing , Guan Guoxian
Published: August 2021

Background

To identify the hub genes associated with chemoradiotherapy resistance in rectal cancer and explore the potential mechanism.

Methods

Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was performed to identify the gene modules correlated with the chemoradiotherapy resistance of rectal cancer.

Results

The mRNA expression of 31 rectal cancer patients receiving preoperative chemoradiotherapy was described in our previous study. Through WGCNA, we demonstrated that the chemoradiotherapy resistance modules were enriched for translation, DNA replication, and the androgen receptor signaling pathway. Additionally, we identified and validated UTP6 as a new effective predictor for chemoradiotherapy sensitivity and a prognostic factor for the survival of colorectal cancer patients using our data and the GSE35452 dataset. Low UTP6 expression was correlated with significantly worse disease-free survival (DFS), overall survival (OS), and event- and relapse-free survival both in our data and the R2 Platform. Moreover, we verified the UTP6 expression in 125 locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) patients samples by immunohistochemical analysis. The results demonstrated that low UTP6 expression was associated with worse DFS and OS by Kaplan-Meier and COX regression model analyses. Gene set enrichment and co-expression analyses showed that the mechanism of the UTP6-mediated chemoradiotherapy resistance may involve the regulation of FOXK2 expression by transcription factor pathways.

Conclusion

Low expression of the UTP6 was found to be associated with chemoradiotherapy resistance and the prognosis of colorectal cancer possibly via regulating FOXK2 expression by transcription factor pathways.
Tissue Tregs and Maintenance of Tissue Homeostasis
Authors: Shao Qing , Gu Jian , Zhou Jinren , Wang Qi , Li Xiangyu , Deng Zhenhua , Lu Ling
Published: August 2021

Regulatory T cells (Tregs) specifically expressing Forkhead box P3 (Foxp3) play roles in suppressing the immune response and maintaining immune homeostasis. After maturation in the thymus, Tregs leave the thymus and migrate to lymphoid tissues or non-lymphoid tissues. Increasing evidence indicates that Tregs with unique characteristics also have significant effects on non-lymphoid peripheral tissues. Tissue-resident Tregs, also called tissue Tregs, do not recirculate in the blood or lymphatics and attain a unique phenotype distinct from common Tregs in circulation. This review first summarizes the phenotype, function, and cytokine expression of these Tregs in visceral adipose tissue, skin, muscle, and other tissues. Then, how Tregs are generated, home, and are attracted to and remain resident in the tissue are discussed. Finally, how an increased understanding of these tissue Tregs might guide clinical treatment is discussed.
Restoration of Visual Function and Cortical Connectivity After Ischemic Injury Through NeuroD1-Mediated Gene Therapy
Authors: Tang Yu , Wu Qiuyu , Gao Mang , Ryu Esther , Pei Zifei , Kissinger Samuel T. , Chen Yuchen , Rao Abhinav K. , Xiang Zongqin , Wang Tao , Li Wen , Chen Gong , Chubykin Alexander A.
Published: August 2021

Neural circuits underlying brain functions are vulnerable to damage, including ischemic injury, leading to neuronal loss and gliosis. Recent technology of direct conversion of endogenous astrocytes into neurons in situ can simultaneously replenish the neuronal population and reverse the glial scar. However, whether these newly reprogrammed neurons undergo normal development, integrate into the existing neuronal circuit, and acquire functional properties specific for this circuit is not known. We investigated the effect of NeuroD1-mediated in vivo direct reprogramming on visual cortical circuit integration and functional recovery in a mouse model of ischemic injury. After performing electrophysiological extracellular recordings and two-photon calcium imaging of reprogrammed cells in vivo and mapping the synaptic connections formed onto these cells ex vivo, we discovered that NeuroD1 reprogrammed neurons were integrated into the cortical microcircuit and acquired direct visual responses. Furthermore, following visual experience, the reprogrammed neurons demonstrated maturation of orientation selectivity and functional connectivity. Our results show that NeuroD1-reprogrammed neurons can successfully develop and integrate into the visual cortical circuit leading to vision recovery after ischemic injury.
Feasibility and Safety of Permanent Left Bundle Branch Pacing in Patients With Conduction Disorders Following Prosthetic Cardiac Valves
Authors: Wei Hui-Qiang , Li Hui , Liao Hongtao , Liang Yuanhong , Zhan Xianzhang , Zhang Qianhuan , Deng Hai , Wei Wei , Liao Zili , Liu Yang , Liu Fangzhou , Lin Weidong , Xue Yumei , Wu Shulin , Fang Xianhong
Published: August 2021

Background: The feasibility and safety of left bundle branch pacing (LBBP) in patients with conduction diseases following prosthetic valves (PVs) have not been well described.

Methods: Permanent LBBP was attempted in patients with PVs. Procedural success and intracardiac electrical measurements were recorded at implant. Pacing threshold, complications, and echocardiographic data were assessed at implant and follow-up visit.

Results: Twenty-two consecutive patients with atrioventricular (AV) conduction disturbances (10 with AV nodal block and 12 with infranodal block) underwent LBBP. The PVs included aortic valve replacement (AVR) in six patients, mitral valve repair or replacement (MVR) with tricuspid valve ring (TVR) in four patients, AVR with TVR in one patient, AVR with MVR plus TVR in three patients, transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) in five patients, and MVR alone in three patients. LBBP succeeded in 20 of 22 (90.9%) patients. LBB potential was observed in 15 of 22 (68.2%) patients, including 10 of 15 (66.7%) patients with AVR/TAVR and five of seven (71.4%) patients without AVR/TAVR. AVR and TVR served as good anatomic landmarks for facilitating the LBBP. The final sites of LBBP were 17.9 ± 1.4 mm inferior to the AVR and 23.0 ± 3.2 mm distal and septal to the TVR. The paced QRS duration was 124.5 ± 13.8 ms, while the baseline QRS duration was 120.0 ± 32.5 ms (P = 0.346). Pacing threshold and R-wave amplitude at implant were 0.60 ± 0.16 V at 0.5 ms and 11.9 ± 5.5 mV and remained stable at the mean follow-up of 16.1 ± 10.8 months. No significant exacerbation of tricuspid valve regurgitation was observed compared to baseline.

Conclusion: Permanent LBBP could be feasibly and safely obtained in the majority of patients with PVs. The location of the PV might serve as a landmark for guiding the final site of the LBBP. Stable pacing parameters were observed during the follow-up.
Branched-Chain Amino Acid Catabolism and Cardiopulmonary Function Following Acute Maximal Exercise Testing in Adolescents
Authors: Gumus Balikcioglu Pinar , Ramaker Megan E. , Mason Kelly A. , Huffman Kim M. , Johnson Johanna L. , Ilkayeva Olga , Muehlbauer Michael J. , Freemark Michael , Kraus William E.
Published: August 2021

Background: To provide energy for cardiopulmonary function and maintenance of blood glucose, acute aerobic exercise induces lipolysis, fatty acid oxidation (FAO), glycolysis, and glycogenolysis/gluconeogenesis. These adaptations are mediated by increases in cortisol, growth hormone (GH), and catecholamines and facilitated by a decline in insulin. Branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) also undergo catabolism during intense exercise. Here, we investigated the relationship between BCAA catabolism and metrics of cardiopulmonary function in healthy, well-developed, mature adolescent athletes undergoing an acute bout of maximal aerobic exercise.

Hypothesis: We hypothesized: (a) acute maximal exercise in adolescents induces lipolysis, FAO, and BCAA catabolism associated with increases in GH and cortisol and a reduction in insulin; (b) increases in GH are associated with increases in ghrelin; and (c) metrics of cardiopulmonary function (aVO2, rVO2, aVO2/HRmax) following maximal exercise correlate with increases in GH secretion, FAO, and BCAA catabolism.

Methods: Blood samples before and after maximal cardiopulmonary exercise in 11 adolescent athletes were analyzed by tandem-mass spectrometry. Paired, two-tailed student's t-tests identified significant changes following exercise. Linear regression determined if pre-exercise metabolite levels, or changes in metabolite levels, were associated with aVO2, rVO2, and aVO2/HRmax. Sex and school of origin were included as covariates in all regression analyses.

Results: Following exercise there were increases in GH and cortisol, and decreases in ghrelin, but no changes in glucose or insulin concentrations. Suggesting increased lipolysis and FAO, the levels of glycerol, ketones, β-hydroxybutyrate, and acetylcarnitine concentrations increased. Pyruvate, lactate, alanine, and glutamate concentrations also increased. Plasma concentrations of valine (a BCAA) declined (p = 0.002) while valine degradation byproducts increased in association with decreases in urea cycle amino acids arginine and ornithine. Metrics of cardiopulmonary function were associated with increases in propionylcarnitine (C3, p = 0.013) and Ci4-DC/C4-DC (p < 0.01), byproducts of BCAA catabolism.

Conclusions: Induction of lipolysis, FAO, gluconeogenesis, and glycogenolysis provides critical substrates for cardiopulmonary function during exercise. However, none of those pathways were significantly associated with metrics of cardiopulmonary function. The associations between rVO2, and aVO2/HRmax and C3 and Ci4-DC/C4-DC suggest that the cardiopulmonary response to maximal exercise in adolescents is linked to BCAA utilization and catabolism.
Update on Neonatal Isolated Hyperthyrotropinemia: A Systematic Review
Authors: Chiesa Ana E. , Tellechea Mariana L.
Published: August 2021

The purpose of this paper was to systematically summarize the published literature on neonatal isolated hyperthyrotropinemia (HTT), with a focus on prevalence, L-T4 management, re-evaluation of thyroid function during infancy or childhood, etiology including genetic variation, thyroid imaging tests, and developmental outcome. Electronic and manual searches were conducted for relevant publications, and a total of 46 articles were included in this systematic review. The overall prevalence of neonatal HTT was estimated at 0.06%. The occurrence of abnormal imaging tests was found to be higher in the persistent than in the transient condition. A continuous spectrum of thyroid impairment severity can occur because of genetic factors, environmental factors, or a combination of the two. Excessive or insufficient iodine levels were found in 46% and 16% of infants, respectively. Thirty-five different genetic variants have been found in three genes in 37 patients with neonatal HTT of different ethnic backgrounds extracted from studies with variable design. In general, genetic variants reported in the TSHR gene, the most auspicious candidate gene for HTT, may explain the phenotype of the patients. Many practitioners elect to treat infants with HTT to prevent any possible adverse developmental effects. Most patients with thyroid abnormalities and/or carrying monoallelic or biallelic genetic variants have received L-T4 treatment. For all those neonates on treatment with L-T4, it is essential to ensure follow-up until 2 or 3 years of age and to conduct medically supervised trial-off therapy when warranted. TSH levels were found to be elevated following cessation of therapy in 44% of children. Withdrawal of treatment was judged as unsuccessful, and medication was restarted, in 78% of cases. Finally, data extracted from nine studies showed that none of the 94 included patients proved to have a poor developmental outcome (0/94). Among subjects presenting with normal cognitive performance, 82% of cases have received L-T4 therapy. Until now, the precise neurodevelopmental risks posed by mild disease remain uncertain.
Determining Building Natural Ventilation Potential via IoT-Based Air Quality Sensors
Authors: Luo Maohui , Hong Yumeng , Pantelic Jovan
Published: August 2021

Natural ventilation (NV) represents the most energy-efficient way to operate buildings and, in an attempt to reduce the built environment's global carbon footprint, represents a resource, the usage of which has to be maximized. This study demonstrated how a combination of an IoT environmental sensing network implemented locally outdoors and indoors can help to determine the NV potential and actual utilization throughout the year with the consideration of outdoor climate variance, air pollution levels, and window open/closed status. An NV potential index was developed by analyzing indoor and outdoor PM2.5, and outdoor air temperature and air speed throughout the year at different spatial (from room scale to building level and local weather stations) and temporal (instantaneous, season, and annual) scales. The index was applied on a case building located in Berkeley, California, during the period of August 2018 to the end of 2019. Compared to the potential NV availability, the actual window opening time in typical rooms was less than 35%. These results point out that the actual window usage behavior was the key limiting factor in NV potential utilization. Even during periods when climate- and pollution-wise outdoor conditions allowed use of the NV, many occupants kept their windows closed. Keeping windows open or closed was significantly affected by outdoor climate condition and air pollution levels, especially during the wild-fire period.
Fluoride Exposure and Probabilistic Health Risk Assessment Through Different Agricultural Food Crops From Fluoride Endemic Bankura and Purulia Districts of West Bengal, India
Authors: De Ayan , Mridha Deepanjan , Ray Iravati , Joardar Madhurima , Das Antara , Chowdhury Nilanjana Roy , Roychowdhury Tarit
Published: August 2021

The present study investigates the magnitude of fluoride (F−) contamination in agricultural land soil and food crops from F− endemic regions of Bankura and Purulia districts in West Bengal. Mean fluoride level in agricultural soil was 114 ± 59 mg/kg (n = 41) and 126 ± 65 mg/kg (n = 47) in Bankura and Purulia districts, respectively. Considering the food crops cultivated in Bankura (n = 79) and Purulia (n = 108), the mean fluoride concentration in nonleafy vegetables (18.1 ± 6.51 mg/kg and 15.6 ± 5.93 mg/kg) and leafy vegetables (12.8 ± 2.8 mg/kg and 18.4 ± 6.33 mg/kg) from the two studied districts was comparatively higher than that in the cereal (2 ± 1.05 mg/kg and 2.01 ± 1.01 mg/kg) and pulses (3.35 ± 1.42 mg/kg and 4.82 ± 1.19 mg/kg). The BCF values of fluoride in food crops (n = 27) from Bankura (range: 0.007–0.377) and Purulia (range: 0.005–0.319) were much lower than the optimum value of 1. Estimated daily intake (EDI) of fluoride was the highest for children in both Bankura (EDIcumulative = 0.0291 mg/kg bw/day) and Purulia (EDIcumulative = 0.0326 mg/kg bw/day) among all the studied age groups. The nonleafy vegetables contributed the highest exposure of fluoride (approximately 55.5%) to EDIcumulative among all the food crops. The uncertainty analysis for assessment of probabilistic health risk was carried out for all the studied age groups through hazard index (HI), total hazard index (THI), and lifetime noncarcinogenic risk (HILTNR). However, HI value was found to be <1 for all the age groups resulting in no such kind of potential health risk of fluorosis through consumption of individual food crops, and the trend of THI from all the food crops was found in the order of children > adults > adolescents > teenagers from both districts. The lifetime noncarcinogenic risk (HILTNR) of fluoride with percentile doses from P5 to P95 (exploring the model of Monte Carlo simulation) in all the studied age groups (4–70 years) was found to be >1 indicating that the inhabitants were more vulnerable for their total lifetime period of fluoride exposure through consumption of food crops.
A Bibliometric Analysis of Pyroptosis From 2001 to 2021
Authors: Ma Dan , Yang Bin , Guan Baoyi , Song Luxia , Liu Qiyu , Fan Yixuan , Zhao Lin , Wang Tongxin , Zhang Zihao , Gao Zhuye , Li Siming , Xu Hao
Published: August 2021

Background

Pyroptosis is a new programmed cell death discovered in recent years. Pyroptosis plays an important role in various diseases. Nevertheless, there are few bibliometric analysis systematically studies this field. We aimed to visualize the research hotspots and trends of pyroptosis using a bibliometric analysis to help understand the future development of basic and clinical research.

Methods

The articles and reviews regarding pyroptosis were culled from Web of Science Core Collection. Countries, institutions, authors, references and keywords in this field were visually analyzed by using CtieSpace and VOSviewer software.

Results

A total of 2845 articles and reviews were included. The number of articles regarding pyroptosis significantly increased yearly. These publications mainly come from 70 countries led by China and the USA and 418 institutions. We identified 605 authors, among which Thirumaladevi Kanneganti had the most significant number of articles, and Shi JJ was co-cited most often. Frontiers in immunology was the journal with the most studies, and Nature was the most commonly cited journal. After analysis, the most common keywords are nod like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 inflammasome, apoptosis, cell death, gasdermin D, mechanism, caspase-1, and others are current and developing areas of study.

Conclusion

Research on the pyroptosis is flourishing. Cooperation and exchanges between countries and institutions must be strengthened in the future. The related pathway mechanism of pyroptosis, the relationship between pyroptosis and other types of programmed cell deaths as well as the role of pyroptosis in various diseases have been the focus of current research and developmental trends in the future research.
Unveiling the Relationship Between Sea Surface Hydrographic Patterns and Tuna Larval Distribution in the Central Mediterranean Sea
Authors: Russo Stefania , Torri Marco , Patti Bernardo , Reglero Patricia , Álvarez-Berastegui Diego , Cuttitta Angela , Sarà Gianluca
Published: August 2021

Thunnus thynnus (Atlantic bluefin tuna, ABT) and other tuna species reproduce in the Mediterranean Sea during the summer period. Despite the Central Mediterranean Sea, the Strait of Sicily in particular, being a key spawning site for many tuna species, little is known on the effects of oceanographic variability on their larval distribution in this area. The abundance and presence-absence of larval specimens for three tuna species (ABT, bullet tuna and albacore) were modeled in order to examine their relationships with environmental factors, by analysing historical in situ information collected during seven annual surveys (2010–2016). The results revealed that most tuna larvae for the three species were found in the easternmost part of the study area, south of Capo Passero. This area is characterized by a stable saline front and warmer nutrient-poor water, and it has different environmental conditions, compared with the surrounding areas. The models used to investigate the presence-absence and abundance of the three species showed that ABT was the most abundant, followed by bullet tuna and albacore. The presence and abundance data collected are comparable with those of other spawning areas in the Mediterranean. Regarding biological and physical parameters, the results suggest that temperature, salinity, and day of the year are the key factors for understanding the ecological mechanisms and geographical distribution of these species in this area. Temperature affects the presence of ABT larvae and salinity, which, with a physical barrier effect, is a key factor for the presence-absence of bullet and albacore and for albacore abundance.
The Corrosion Resistance of Graphene-Modified Oily Epoxy Coating on AZ31 Magnesium Alloys
Authors: Gao Zhengyuan , Sun Chengjin , Du Lianteng , Yang Dong , Zhang Xiang , An Zhiguo
Published: August 2021

In order to enhance the corrosion resistance of AZ31 magnesium alloy, graphene-modified oily epoxy resin coating (G/OEP) were prepared on the surface of magnesium alloy. SEM observations show that graphene has fewer surface defects, and can significantly improve the surface quality of the coating and reduce defects. FI-TR testing shows that coating are mainly composed of epoxy resin (polyurethane) and its corresponding curing agent. Electrochemical testing shows that the coating can provide good corrosion protection for magnesium alloy. Compared with the corrosion current density of magnesium alloy of 6.20 × 10−7 A/cm2, the G/OEP can significantly reduce the corrosion current density to 6.96 × 10−12 A/cm2. Analysis of the morphology of the coating after electrochemical corrosion found that graphene can improve the shielding ability of the coating to corrosive media, and reduce the damage of corrosion to the coating structure, and enhance the corrosion resistance of the coating. The content of graphene for excellent corrosion resistance of coating during this experiment is 0.6 wt%. The graphene can fill the defects generally in the coating during the curing process to prevent substrate from penetration of corrosive media caused by the density and hydrophobicity of coating are increased.
Recent Progress in Lyme Disease and Remaining Challenges
Authors: Bobe Jason R. , Jutras Brandon L. , Horn Elizabeth J. , Embers Monica E. , Bailey Allison , Moritz Robert L. , Zhang Ying , Soloski Mark J. , Ostfeld Richard S. , Marconi Richard T. , Aucott John , Ma'ayan Avi , Keesing Felicia , Lewis Kim , Ben Mamoun Choukri , Rebman Alison W. , McClune Mecaila E. , Breitschwerdt Edward B. , Reddy Panga Jaipal , Maggi Ricardo , Yang Frank , Nemser Bennett , Ozcan Aydogan , Garner Omai , Di Carlo Dino , Ballard Zachary , Joung Hyou-Arm , Garcia-Romeu Albert , Griffiths Roland R. , Baumgarth Nicole , Fallon Brian A.
Published: August 2021

Lyme disease (also known as Lyme borreliosis) is the most common vector-borne disease in the United States with an estimated 476,000 cases per year. While historically, the long-term impact of Lyme disease on patients has been controversial, mounting evidence supports the idea that a substantial number of patients experience persistent symptoms following treatment. The research community has largely lacked the necessary funding to properly advance the scientific and clinical understanding of the disease, or to develop and evaluate innovative approaches for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Given the many outstanding questions raised into the diagnosis, clinical presentation and treatment of Lyme disease, and the underlying molecular mechanisms that trigger persistent disease, there is an urgent need for more support. This review article summarizes progress over the past 5 years in our understanding of Lyme and tick-borne diseases in the United States and highlights remaining challenges.
Radiolabeling of Human Serum Albumin With Terbium-161 Using Mild Conditions and Evaluation of in vivo Stability
Authors: Cassells Irwin , Ahenkorah Stephen , Burgoyne Andrew R. , Van de Voorde Michiel , Deroose Christophe M. , Cardinaels Thomas , Bormans Guy , Ooms Maarten , Cleeren Frederik
Published: August 2021

Targeted radionuclide therapy (TRNT) is a promising approach for cancer therapy. Terbium has four medically interesting isotopes (149Tb, 152Tb, 155Tb and 161Tb) which span the entire radiopharmaceutical space (TRNT, PET and SPECT imaging). Since the same element is used, accessing the various diagnostic or therapeutic properties without changing radiochemical procedures and pharmacokinetic properties is advantageous. The use of (heat-sensitive) biomolecules as vector molecule with high affinity and selectivity for a certain molecular target is promising. However, mild radiolabeling conditions are required to prevent thermal degradation of the biomolecule. Herein, we report the evaluation of potential bifunctional chelators for Tb-labeling of heat-sensitive biomolecules using human serum albumin (HSA) to assess the in vivo stability of the constructs. p-SCN-Bn-CHX-A”-DTPA, p-SCN-Bn-DOTA, p-NCS-Bz-DOTA-GA and p-SCN-3p-C-NETA were conjugated to HSA via a lysine coupling method. All HSA-constructs were labeled with [161Tb]TbCl3 at 40°C with radiochemical yields higher than 98%. The radiolabeled constructs were stable in human serum up to 24 h at 37°C. 161Tb-HSA-constructs were injected in mice to evaluate their in vivo stability. Increasing bone accumulation as a function of time was observed for [161Tb]TbCl3 and [161Tb]Tb-DTPA-CHX-A”-Bn-HSA, while negligible bone uptake was observed with the DOTA, DOTA-GA and NETA variants over a 7-day period. The results indicate that the p-SCN-Bn-DOTA, p-NCS-Bz-DOTA-GA and p-SCN-3p-C-NETA are suitable bifunctional ligands for Tb-based radiopharmaceuticals, allowing for high yield radiolabeling in mild conditions.
Concise Review: Considering Optimal Temperature for Short-Term Storage of Epithelial Cells
Authors: Khan Ayyad Zartasht , Utheim Tor Paaske , Jackson Catherine Joan , Tønseth Kim Alexander , Eidet Jon Roger
Published: August 2021

Transplantation of novel tissue-engineered products using cultured epithelial cells is gaining significant interest. While such treatments can readily be provided at centralized medical centers, delivery to patients at geographically remote locations requires the establishment of suitable storage protocols. One important aspect of storage technology is temperature. This paper reviews storage temperature for above-freezing point storage of human epithelial cells for regenerative medicine purposes. The literature search uncovered publications on epidermal cells, retinal pigment epithelial cells, conjunctival epithelial cells, corneal/limbal epithelial cells, oral keratinocytes, and seminiferous epithelial cells. The following general patterns were noted: (1) Several studies across different cell types inclined toward 4 and 16°C being suitable short-term storage temperatures. Correspondingly, almost all studies investigating 37°C concluded that this storage temperature was suboptimal. (2) Cell death typically escalates rapidly following 7–10 days of storage. (3) The importance of the type of storage medium and its composition was highlighted by some of the studies; however, the relative importance of storage medium vs. storage temperature has not been investigated systematically. Although a direct comparison between the included investigations is not reasonable due to differences in cell types, storage media, and storage duration, this review provides an overview, summarizing the work carried out on each cell type during the past two decades.
The Effect of Connected “Smart” Inhalers on Medication Adherence
Authors: Zabczyk Caroline , Blakey John D.
Published: August 2021

Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are highly prevalent worldwide, and major sources of morbidity. Key barriers to reduce the harm from these conditions are the widespread and related issues of low use of prescribed inhaled therapy, use of medicines differently from that prescribed, suboptimal inhaler technique, and lack of adherence are the action plans. Connected smart inhalers show great potential to improve these issues, and thus outcomes from airways disease. In this mini-review, we considered the published evidence that the use of smart inhalers leads to more doses of preventative treatment being taken on time and with appropriate techniques. We found multiple trials across a variety of settings and age groups where smart inhalers were used with audio-visual reminders and healthcare professional feedback, which substantially improved the number of doses of preventative treatment taken. Trial evidence also supports the use of feedback from smart inhalers in improving true concordance (doses taken correctly and on time), though only for a single type of smart device. The relative lack of study is in contrast with the potential impact of smart inhalers. Major research questions remain unresolved, as who might fund future large-scale studies, how guideline committees may consider them, and how to implement effective solutions.