bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
СОЦІАЛЬНО-ПЕДАГОГІЧНА СКЛАДОВА СИСТЕМИ СОЦІАЛЬНОГО ЗАХИСТУ НАСЕЛЕННЯ
Authors: ДУБІНІНА Яна
Published: May 2022

У статті розглянуто соціально-педагогічну складову соціальної роботи як пріоритетний вектор соціальної політики суспільства, як методологічну основу міжорганізаційної координації узгодженої діяльності всіх суб’єктів соціальної роботи з надання допомоги індивіду (групі) у соціальному просторі. Метою статті є аналіз розвитку сучасної соціальної роботи через її соціально-педагогічну складову, з’ясування сутності соціально-педагогічного підходу до системи соціального захисту населення. Розкрита соціально-педагогічна (функціональна) спрямованість соціальної роботи, яка дозволяє працювати з представниками соціально стабільних і проблемних соціальних груп, та реалізовувати освітньо-виховну й соціальну політику держави. Особлива увага звернена на те, що соціально-педагогічна модель соціальної роботи координується на наданні допомоги через інтегрований виховний вплив на процес соціалізації особистості або соціальної групи та реалізується соціальними ресурсами. Її можна визначити як модель практики соціальної роботи, яка орієнтована на допомогу індивіду або соціальній групі, що потрапили у складну життєву ситуацію, через систему соціальних інститутів. У публікації висвітлена спрямованість соціально-педагогічної складової сучасної соціальної роботи на підвищення якості життя населення та створення умов для повноцінного соціального функціонування та розвитку членів суспільства. Автор акцентує, що використання соціально-педагогічних технологій сприяє, з одного боку, професійному розвитку надавачів послуг – фахових соціальних працівників, з іншого – озброює їх новими інструментами впливу на клієнтів. Обґрунтована актуальна потреба в оновленні та осучасненні соціально-педагогічної роботи відповідно до трансформаційних процесів в українському соціумі, на засадах клієнтоцентризму, природовідповідності та духовності. Доведена перспективність вирішення актуальних соціальних проблем суспільства засобами соціально-педагогічної діяльності.
ОСОБЛИВОСТІ СОЦІАЛІЗАЦІЇ ДІТЕЙ-СИРІТ ТА ДІТЕЙ, ЯКІ ЗАЛИШИЛИСЯ БЕЗ ПІКЛУВАННЯ БАТЬКІВ В ЗАКЛАДАХ ІНТЕРНАТНОГО ТИПУ
Authors: КАРПИЧ Ірина
Published: May 2022

У статті розглянуто питання соціалізації дітей-сиріт та дітей, які залишилися без піклування батьків в закладах інтернатного типу. Метою статті є визначення особливостей соціалізації дітей-сиріт та дітей, які залишилися без піклування батьків в закладах інтернаиного типу. Методами дослідження є аналіз, систематизація, узагальнення, синтез. Науковою новизною є те, що в статті висвітлено особливості діяльності закладів інтернатного типу як інституту соціалізації дітей: чітка регламентація життєдіяльності; відсутність свободи вибору; наявність вузького кола спілкування; включення дітей до системи ігрової та навчальної діяльності; включення дітей до колективних форм трудової діяльності; створення виховного середовища, яке передбачає взаємну відповідальність всіх учасників виховного процесу тощо. Охарактеризовано сутність процесу соціалізації у науковій літературі. Соціалізація – це процес, який передбачає засвоєння індивідом соціального досвіду та відтворення системи соціальних зв’язків за рахунок його активної діяльності, активного включення у соціальне середовища. Результати дослідження дали можливість встановити, що для успішної соціалізації дітей-сиріт та дітей, які залишилися без піклування батьків в закладах інтернаиного типу необхідно: створення середовища комфорту та затишку, максимально наближеного до сімейного; організація відкритого освітнього простору (навчального, дозвілля, виробничого); забезпечення практико-орієнтованої спрямованості формування у вихованців образу майбутньої професійної діяльності; розроблення та впровадження комплексу заходів, спрямованих на зміцнення родинних відносин, повернення дитини до сім’ї; професійна спеціальна підготовка працівників закладу, яка спрямована на формування їхньої компетентності з питань соціалізації дітей, які виховуються в закладах інтернатного типу; створення виховного середовища всередині закладу, що сприяє успішному процесу соціалізації дитини.
ІНКЛЮЗИВНИЙ ТУРИЗМ В УМОВАХ ЗАКЛАДУ ОСВІТИ: ПРИНЦИПИ, ФУНКЦІЇ, НАПРЯМИ ТА ВИДИ
Authors: КРАВЧЕНКО Оксана
Published: May 2022

У статті на основі вивчення наукових джерел розкрито зміст і спрямованість інклюзивного туризму як технології соціальної реабілітації в умовах закладу освіти. Основними функціями інклюзивного туризму є: соціальна відновлювана, психологічна, комунікативна, освітньо-пізнавальна, особистісно-орієнтована, компенсаторна, гедоністична, реабілітаційна, адаптаційна, соціалізаційна. Інклюзивний ефект від туристичних маршрутів буде суттєвим, якщо діяльність ґрунтуватиметься на таких принципах: незалежності, залучення, інформативності, комплексності, індивідуального підходу, можливості для реалізації внутрішнього потенціалу, стимулювання саморозвитку, необхідної підтримки, гідності, рівності, суб’єктності, принцип особливого підходу. Саме інклюзивний туризм дозволяє створити для людини з інвалідністю такі умови, які максимально компенсують її обмеження і дозволять стати активним учасником соціуму. На основі відомих розвідок з проблеми дослідження розроблено таку класифікацію видів інклюзивного туризму: за ціллю; за основним видом заняття; за способом пересування; за сезонністю; за складом туристів; за ступенем навантажень. Напрямами інклюзивного туризму виступають: природотерапія; релігійні маршрути; етнографічний туризм; культурно-пізнавальний туризм; віртуальний туризм. Інклюзивний туризм можна реалізувати через різні форми: безпосередньо відвідуючи туристичні об’єкти та дистанційно. Яскравим прикладом використання для інклюзивного туризму сучасних інформаційно-комунікаційних технологій в освітньому процесі є реалізація проекту факультету соціальної та психологічної освіти Уманського державного педагогічного університету імені Павла Тичини «Культурно-рекреаційно-туристична Черкащина: інклюзивно-соціальна 3D-карта» за підтримки Українського культурного фонду.
Magwitch in Charles Dickens’ Great Expectations: A Man-Made Monster and His Way of Salvation
Authors: Zannat Most. Mushfeka
Published: May 2022

This paper intends to investigate the reality of the 19th-century Victorian society regarding crime, punishment as well as how society can make a person a monster. Investigating the reasons for being a monster is a major concern of this research. Moreover, this paper seeks to identify the way of achieving salvation and the causes for choosing a particular path of salvation. Since this research is theoretical in nature, relevant data has been collected from already published works. In Great Expectations, Abel Magwitch is a key character who can be considered a man-made monster because society and its people never treat him as a human being. Rather, he has always been treated as an outcast due to his low birth and criminal past. Besides, he has never got a proper education. As a result, no one has offered him a white-collar job. So, merely for survival, he has indulged in crimes, and he had to commit crimes repeatedly because society already tagged him as a monster who bears no goodness. At the same time, people in society consider him as an outcast, but it is the society and its legal system that made him a monster by doing several injustices against him because of the prejudices toward the lower-class that view them as inherently evil. Besides, Compayson, his partner in crime, scapegoats him for all crimes. Finally, this research focuses on how he finds a way of salvation, a metaphorical one, to save his guilt-stricken soul. He wants to be a creator of a gentleman. So, he chooses Pip to make him a gentleman, and this is to be his way of salvation. Due to the influence of classism and false consciousness, he decides to make Pip a gentleman, only to be accepted by society not as a monster but as a human being. By the end of the novel, he definitely gets salvation and is transformed into a human being from a man-made monster.
Desarrollo de una aplicación para espacios vectoriales en álgebra lineal
Authors: Chávez Molina Claudia Cecilia , Caldera Franco Marisela Ivette , Valenzuela González Verónica
Published: May 2022

Las tecnologías de la información y la comunicación (TIC) en la educación han tenido un amplio desarrollo, ya que logran en el estudiante la adquisición de competencias tecnológicas que lo llevarán a mejorar sus desempeños laborales. En la actualidad, en el área académica, es requerida la incorporación de TIC, y aun cuando existe gran cantidad de software comercial, no siempre son los más adecuados, ya sea por sus altos costos, requerimientos de conexión a internet, instalación en una computadora o porque no se cubren los temas requeridos en la asignatura. Este desarrollo tecnológico consiste en realizar una aplicación móvil, que ayude en la enseñanza del álgebra lineal, en específico, espacios vectoriales, para las carreras de ingeniería. Dicha aplicación resuelve problemas de independencia lineal, combinación lineal y conjunto generador en vectores en R2 y R3, para su uso en dispositivos móviles con sistema operativo Android; es gratuita, no requiere estar conectado a internet y estará a disposición en PlayStore. Las herramientas de programación utilizadas fueron Java y Android Studio.
Alfabetización digital en México: una revisión histórico-comparativa de políticas y programas
Authors: Manzanilla-Granados. Héctor Manuel , Navarrete-Cazales Zaira , Ocaña-Perez Lorena
Published: May 2022

Al final de la década de los 90 del siglo pasado el boom de la tecnología requería de la integración de programas y políticas educativas enfocadas a la alfabetización digital. A partir de 1997, el Gobierno Federal, por medio de la Secretaría de Educación Pública, implementó el primero de seis programas que ha puesto en marcha de 1997 al 2016. Este artículo tiene por objetivo presentar una revisión histórica-comparativa, bajo un sustento documental, de dichos programas de alfabetización digital, a partir de las siguientes categorías de análisis: a) alcance, b) cobertura, c) acceso a las TIC, d) infraestructura y e) conectividad. Así, este trabajo busca dar testimonio de los alcances y limitaciones que tuvo cada programa implementado en su periodo histórico de vigencia. Entre los resultados obtenidos se encontró que solo dos de los seis programas estaban dirigidos a todos los grados de educación primaria, mientras que cuatro de ellos se enfocaron únicamente a 5° y 6° grados, solo uno de ellos contó con conectividad a una red y tan solo en tres de los programas se contó con una cobertura a nivel nacional. Considerando la importancia que ha cobrado la educación a distancia ante la actual pandemia por COVID-19, y las dificultades enfrentadas por los diferentes niveles de educación en nuestro país, estimamos pertinente la realización de este trabajo, con el fin de dar cuenta de los avances en materia de educación en el uso de las TIC en los niveles de educación básica en México.
Reseña: NARRATIVAS SOBRE EVALUACIÓN
Authors: Perales Mejia Felipe de Jesus
Published: May 2022

El libro Narrativas sobre evaluación. Voces implicadas para re-visar, re-conocer y re-crear otros caminos, es producto de un trabajo colaborativo, dialógico y horizontal, editado por Analía Elizabeth Leite Méndez, prologado por Miguel Ángel Santos Guerra con la participación de treinta y dos alumnas (os) de la asignatura de Políticas y Prácticas de Evaluación Educativa del máster de Políticas y Prácticas de la Innovación de la Universidad de Málaga. En el contenido se presentan, por una parte, las treinta y dos narrativas de los y las participantes sobre sus experiencias en la evaluación en diversos contextos educativos, relacionadas con los sentimientos, aprendizajes, frustraciones, que vivieron en distintos momentos de sus historias de vida y, por otra, fundamenta teóricamente la importancia de trabajar con narrativas en los procesos de enseñanza universitaria como herramienta disruptiva y trasformadora.
Análisis morfométrico y de relieve de la red de drenaje asociada a la subcuenca del río frío en la ciudad de Bucaramanga: caso de estudio.
Authors: Solano Nicolás M. , Martínez Silvia F.
Published: May 2022

La hidrología es una ciencia con alto grado de incertidumbre por la falta de fuentes de información confiable, aleatoriedad de los datos, entre otros. Por tanto, las aproximaciones desde la modelación espacial y temporal que se hagan son, en gran medida, las herramientas determinantes para la toma de decisiones en relación con el recurso hídrico. El presente trabajo resuelve desde un enfoque espacial, la distribución hidrológica de un área hidrográfica localizada en Floridablanca, Santander, considerando los elementos de análisis morfométrico para caracterización de cuencas. A partir de información de cartografía base a escala 1:25000, se determinó con herramientas SIG, indicadores de relieve y de corrientes, resaltando que, por su extensión superficial, se ordenaría como microcuenca, teniendo un área total de 74 Km2. La microcuenca que entra en fase de madurez por su longevidad según el análisis hipsométrico cuenta con seis zonas de aportación que generan corrientes sobre los ríos Tona y Lato, con una longitud total de 30,1Km sobre el cauce principal hasta su desembocadura sobre el caso urbano del municipio de Floridablanca.
Representing Evolutionary Theory in Nonfiction Picturebooks
Authors: Tandoi Eve , Spring Erin
Published: May 2022

This article asks how the theory of evolution is represented within nonfiction picturebooks. Twenty-eight picturebooks were originally identified through a series of online searches and crowdsourcing exercises. In this article we look closely at a handful of examples that lend themselves to discussing how nonfiction picturebooks manage readers’ expectations, translate science through their use of metaphors, and encourage readers to engage with alternative perspectives.
Articulate Silence: Books and Readers in Jason Chin’s Coral Reefs and Redwoods
Authors: Yang Lichung
Published: May 2022

This essay explores Jason Chin’s construction of books and readers in two of his informational books, Redwoods and Coral Reefs. An intermodal analysis of the two books reveals that the ‘silent’ pictures speak as loudly as the images with text, articulating an alternate story that features the child reader’s engagement with nonfiction books. In view of Louise Rosenblatt’s transactional theory, the two titles foreground the often silenced but dynamic experience the child reader achieves with nonfiction to broaden the conventional remits of informational picturebooks.
MODELS AND ALGORITHMS FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF FIRE AND RESCUE UNITS IN EXTINGUISHING FIRES AT METALLURGICAL ENTERPRISES WHEN UNLOADING RAW MATERIALS FROM ROLLING STOCK
Authors: DENISOV ALEXEI , DANILOV MIKHAIL , TSOKUROVA IRINA , ANIKIN SERGEI
Published: May 2022

The approbation of the application of models and algorithms for supporting the control of forces and means of a fire and rescue garrison based on optimal decision-making models (stochastic or probabilistic) within the framework of the existing conditions for achieving the main task of fire departments, based on the theory of finite Markov chains, has been carried out. Study of the consequences of fires at metallurgical enterprises, namely, fires that occur on conveyor belts, including when unloading raw materials from a transport rolling stock, as well as the process of optimizing the management of fire departments when extinguishing these fires. Researchers have considered a model for managing fire and rescue units using a method that includes a process of discrete sequential conditions for making managerial decisions (Markov chains). To achieve the set goals, a practical experiment was carried out on burning samples of conveyor belts in a muffle furnace and a calorimetric installation, the results obtained were assessed, and a model for managing fire and rescue units was described. The subject of the research is support for the management of fire and rescue units in extinguishing a fire at metallurgical enterprises when unloading raw materials from rolling stock onto conveyor belts of the enterprise. Results. The destructiveness and scale of the possible consequences of a fire at metalworking enterprises have been experimentally confirmed, and the need to apply preventive measures and extinguish fires at facilities of this type has been determined. The results obtained can be used to control fire and rescue units when extinguishing fires at metallurgical enterprises when unloading raw materials from rolling trains onto conveyor belts of the enterprise. This work is intended for persons who make managerial decisions and who manage forces and means when extinguishing fires at metallurgical enterprises.
Effect of Aerobic Exercise and Dietary Intervention on Visceral and Subcutaneous Adipose tissue in Sedentary Overweight Adults: a Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study
Authors: Lin Jui-Hsing , Liang Michael T.C. , Fang Chin-Lung , Teng Wen-Pao
Published: May 2022

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of aerobic exercise and anti-atherosclerotic diet intervention on visceral adipose tissue (VAT), subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT), lipid profiles and insulin (IN) concentration in overweight adults.

Method: Thirty-six sedentary overweight adults, age 20 to 25 yr, volunteered as study subjects. Subjects were randomly assigned to: 1) exercise training with American Heart Association anti-atherosclerotic Step 1 (AHA-S1) diet (E+D, n=12), 2) exercise training alone (without the AHA-S1 diet) (EX, n=12), and 3) no-treatment control (CON, n=12). The E+D trained 45 min a day at 70% of VO2peak, 3 days/week and consumed the AHA-S1 diet for 12 weeks, while the EX trained at the identical exercise intensity, duration and frequency without the AHA-S1 diet for 12 weeks. The CON did not engage in exercise training and consumed preferred habitual diet for the same study duration. Study outcome measurements include a magnetic resonance imaging scan for visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT), body weight (BW), VO2peak, insulin concentration (IN), and fasting lipids.

Results: The E+D showed significant (p<0.05) reduction in VAT, SAT, WT and IN as well as increase in VO2peak and HDL-cholesterol. The EX showed significant (p<0.05) reduction in IN and increase in VO2peak and HDL-Cholesterol.

Conclusion: E+D was effective in lowering SAT, VAT, WT and IN as well as enhancing VO2peak and HDL-cholesterol, while EX was effective in lowering IN and enhancing VO2peak and HDL-cholesterol in sedentary overweight adults.

Keywords: Aerobic exercise, American Heart Association Step-One diet, MRI, Abdominal and visceral fat, VO2peak, LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol,
Does Balance Fluctuates Depending on Leg Dominance? A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Bowman Carley , Rosario Martín G.
Published: May 2022

Falls due to altered balance are a worldwide health issue. Various components are involved in maintaining postural stability, such as the base of support, integration of sensory information, and the ability of the body to adapt to perturbations. Understanding balance strategies and components is imperative for rehabilitation when stability is affected.

Purpose: This study aimed to characterize the balance distinction between left and right leg dominance and identify postural adaptations during left and right rotations in young healthy adults.

Method: This study assessed single-leg stance on a firm surface, clockwise (right), and counterclockwise (left) rotation on a balance board with a fixed middle fulcrum on 70 health young adults participants, 7 males and 63 females aged 25 ± 4.66 SD (37 left leg dominant and 32 right leg dominant). Accelerometer and gyroscope sensors were used to capture the total sway area, medial-lateral (ML) and anterior-posterior (AP) directions, velocities, and distances.

Results: The MANOVA revealed similarities in the left and right single stance balance. The comparison of clockwise rotations versus counterclockwise rotations showed a significant increase in sway and distance in the anteroposterior (AP) direction while rotating towards the left or CCW (P<0.05). The comparison of right-leg dominant versus left-leg dominant during CW rotation revealed a significantly increased sway and distance of sway in the ML direction (P<0.05) for individuals with right-leg dominance when compared to their left-leg dominant counterparts during CW rotations.

Conclusion: The current study found distinctions in balance adaptation or changes within the central nervous system to compensate for an increase in sway during counterclockwise rotation. Furthermore, individuals with right leg dominance had increased difficulty in maintaining stable sway during clockwise rotational movements. Clinicians should consider examining rotational adaptations or one’s ability to make alterations within the central nervous system during rotational movements to maintain the center of mass within the base of support in balance activities which compromise postural control.
Candida albicans SR-Like Protein Kinases Regulate Different Cellular Processes: Sky1 Is Involved in Control of Ion Homeostasis, While Sky2 Is Important for Dipeptide Utilization
Authors: Brandt Philipp , Gerwien Franziska , Wagner Lysett , Krüger Thomas , Ramírez-Zavala Bernardo , Mirhakkak Mohammad H. , Schäuble Sascha , Kniemeyer Olaf , Panagiotou Gianni , Brakhage Axel A. , Morschhäuser Joachim , Vylkova Slavena
Published: May 2022

Protein kinases play a crucial role in regulating cellular processes such as growth, proliferation, environmental adaptation and stress responses. Serine-arginine (SR) protein kinases are highly conserved in eukaryotes and regulate fundamental processes such as constitutive and alternative splicing, mRNA processing and ion homeostasis. The Candida albicans genome encodes two (Sky1, Sky2) and the Candida glabrata genome has one homolog (Sky1) of the human SR protein kinase 1, but their functions have not yet been investigated. We used deletion strains of the corresponding genes in both fungi to study their cellular functions. C. glabrata and C. albicans strains lacking SKY1 exhibited higher resistance to osmotic stress and toxic polyamine concentrations, similar to Saccharomyces cerevisiae sky1Δ mutants. Deletion of SKY2 in C. albicans resulted in impaired utilization of various dipeptides as the sole nitrogen source. Subsequent phosphoproteomic analysis identified the di- and tripeptide transporter Ptr22 as a potential Sky2 substrate. Sky2 seems to be involved in Ptr22 regulation since overexpression of PTR22 in the sky2Δ mutant restored the ability to grow on dipeptides and made the cells more susceptible to the dipeptide antifungals Polyoxin D and Nikkomycin Z. Altogether, our results demonstrate that C. albicans and C. glabrata Sky1 protein kinases are functionally similar to Sky1 in S. cerevisiae, whereas C. albicans Sky2, a unique kinase of the CTG clade, likely regulates dipeptide uptake via Ptr22.
How Much Difference Does Household Energy Source Selection Make in Winter CO2 Emissions?
Authors: Matsumoto Shigeru
Published: May 2022

Households use various energy sources for many purposes. Past studies have not investigated how much CO2 emissions change when households with similar socioeconomic characteristics choose different energy source combinations. In this study, we estimate the difference household energy source selection makes in winter CO2 emissions through a microdata analysis of 29,887 households randomly selected from whole Japan. Since socioeconomic characteristics of households affect both energy source selection and energy consumption, the impact of energy source selection on CO2 emissions cannot be assessed by simply comparing CO2 emissions among households using different energy sources. Therefore, we employ a selection bias correction model characterized by two stages, energy source selection and energy consumption. Our empirical results reveal that households using various energy source combinations increase CO2 emissions at different speeds with decreases in temperature. Households primarily using electricity and kerosene increase CO2 emissions faster than households simultaneously using gases. This result casts doubt on the promotion of fully electrified houses and at the same time encourages gas use in winter.
The Road Toward Reproducibility of Parametric Mapping of the Heart: A Technical Review
Authors: Ogier Augustin C. , Bustin Aurelien , Cochet Hubert , Schwitter Juerg , van Heeswijk Ruud B.
Published: May 2022

Parametric mapping of the heart has become an essential part of many cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging exams, and is used for tissue characterization and diagnosis in a broad range of cardiovascular diseases. These pulse sequences are used to quantify the myocardial T1, T2, T2*, and T1ρ relaxation times, which are unique surrogate indices of fibrosis, edema and iron deposition that can be used to monitor a disease over time or to compare patients to one another. Parametric mapping is now well-accepted in the clinical setting, but its wider dissemination is hindered by limited inter-center reproducibility and relatively long acquisition times. Recently, several new parametric mapping techniques have appeared that address both of these problems, but substantial hurdles remain for widespread clinical adoption. This review serves both as a primer for newcomers to the field of parametric mapping and as a technical update for those already well at home in it. It aims to establish what is currently needed to improve the reproducibility of parametric mapping of the heart. To this end, we first give an overview of the metrics by which a mapping technique can be assessed, such as bias and variability, as well as the basic physics behind the relaxation times themselves and what their relevance is in the prospect of myocardial tissue characterization. This is followed by a summary of routine mapping techniques and their variations. The problems in reproducibility and the sources of bias and variability of these techniques are reviewed. Subsequently, novel fast, whole-heart, and multi-parametric techniques and their merits are treated in the light of their reproducibility. This includes state of the art segmentation techniques applied to parametric maps, and how artificial intelligence is being harnessed to solve this long-standing conundrum. We finish up by sketching an outlook on the road toward inter-center reproducibility, and what to expect in the future.
Targeting Lipid—Ion Channel Interactions in Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Hudgins Emma C. , Bonar Adam M. , Nguyen Thanh , Fancher Ibra S.
Published: May 2022

General lipid-lowering strategies exhibit clinical benefit, however, adverse effects and low adherence of relevant pharmacotherapies warrants the investigation into distinct avenues for preventing dyslipidemia-induced cardiovascular disease. Ion channels play an important role in the maintenance of vascular tone, the impairment of which is a critical precursor to disease progression. Recent evidence suggests that the dysregulation of ion channel function in dyslipidemia is one of many contributors to the advancement of cardiovascular disease thus bringing to light a novel yet putative therapeutic avenue for preventing the progression of disease mechanisms. Increasing evidence suggests that lipid regulation of ion channels often occurs through direct binding of the lipid with the ion channel thereby creating a potential therapeutic target wherein preventing specific lipid-ion channel interactions, perhaps in combination with established lipid lowering therapies, may restore ion channel function and the proper control of vascular tone. Here we first detail specific examples of lipid-ion channel interactions that promote vascular dysfunction and highlight the benefits of preventing such interactions. We next discuss the putative therapeutic avenues, such as peptides, monoclonal antibodies, and aspects of nanomedicine that may be utilized to prevent pathological lipid-ion channel interactions. Finally, we discuss the experimental challenges with identifying lipid-ion channel interactions as well as the likely pitfalls with developing the aforementioned putative strategies.
High-Sensitive CRP Correlates With the Severity of Liver Steatosis and Fibrosis in Obese Patients With Metabolic Dysfunction Associated Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Zhu Cuiling , Huang Dongdong , Ma Huihui , Qian Chunhua , You Hui , Bu Le , Qu Shen
Published: May 2022

Background

Metabolic dysfunction associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is the most common hepatopathy worldwide due to the obesity epidemic and is associated with chronic low-grade inflammation. High-sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP) as an inflammatory marker has been used in diagnosing MAFLD. However, the association between hsCRP and the severity of liver steatosis and fibrosis among obese patients with MAFLD remains to be elucidated.

Objective

To explore the correlation of hsCRP with the severity of liver steatosis and fibrosis among Chinese obese patients with MAFLD.

Methods

A total of 393 obese patients with mean BMI 34.8 ± 6.6 kg/m2 were selected and categorized as MAFLD and non-MAFLD groups. Anthropometric data, biochemical indices, and hsCRP were measured. The severity of hepatic steatosis and fibrosis was assessed using FibroScan. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the relationship between hsCRP and the risk of MAFLD and its disease severity.

Results

Patients with MAFLD showed significantly elevated hsCRP levels and were more likely to have severe steatosis and fibrosis compared to those without MAFLD. The proportions of MAFLD, severe steatosis, and severe fibrosis were significantly increased across the hsCRP quartiles (P-trend = 0.004, 0.021, and 0.006, respectively). After multivariable adjustments, the adjusted ORs (AORs) and 95%CI for MAFLD were 1.00 (reference), 1.298 (0.587-2.872), 2.407 (1.002-5.781), and 2.637(1.073-6.482) (Q1-Q4, P-trend = 0.014). Likewise, the AORs (95%CI) for severe steatosis and severe fibrosis were remarkably increased with the increment of serum hsCRP quartiles (P-trend < 0.001, P-trend = 0.021, respectively).

Conclusions

Elevated serum hsCRP levels were associated with increased risk of MAFLD among Chinese obese patients and correlated positively with the severity of liver steatosis and fibrosis, suggesting that hsCRP can be used as a potential biomarker to monitor and predict disease severity among Chinese obese population with MAFLD.
Spatiotemporal Dynamics of Ecosystem Services and the Driving Factors in Urban Agglomerations: Evidence From 12 National Urban Agglomerations in China
Authors: Shao Ming , Wu Longfeng , Li Fangzheng , Lin Chensong
Published: May 2022

The natural environment provides multiple ecosystem services for urban development and human quality of life. Given that current cities interact with each other and form urban agglomerations, understanding the spatiotemporal changes in ecosystem services and the driving forces is crucial for sustainable urban development. Using 12 national-level urban agglomerations as a case study, this paper quantifies the spatial patterns of multiple ecosystem service values from 2000 to 2015 and assesses how natural and socioeconomic factors contribute to such changes by using ordinary least squares (OLS) and geographically weighted regression (GWR). The results show the following: (1) spatial discrepancies of ecosystem services exist both in and between urban agglomerations, and ecosystem service values are reduced in more than 70% of urban agglomerations at a rate ranging from 0.02 to 4.27%; (2) elevation, precipitation, and fraction of woodland have positive impacts on ecosystem service values in urban agglomerations; while gross domestic product (GDP), population, and proportion of built-up area have negative effects; (3) both natural and social driving factors impact the ecosystem services of different urban agglomeration in different ways, according to the differences in their driving degrees. We categorized 12 urban agglomerations in China into six typical types: natural-factor dominated, socioeconomic-factor dominated, policy dominated, balanced, natural-factor inclined, and socioeconomic-factor inclined. Our results can be used to inform decision makers and urban planners to propose explicit location strategies to balance natural protection and socioeconomic development and ultimately promote sustainable urbanization across the nation.
Assessing and Predicting the Distribution of Riparian Invasive Plants in Continental Portugal
Authors: Pabst Rebecca , Dias Filipe S. , Borda-de-Água Luís , Rodríguez-González Patricia María , Capinha César
Published: May 2022

The number of alien plant species is growing steadily across all world regions. These numbers tend to be exceptionally high in riparian ecosystems, often with substantial negative consequences for native species communities and ecosystem services provision. Here, we map the richness of invasive alien plant species in riparian ecosystems of continental Portugal, assess the relative importance of human and natural factors in shaping the uncovered patterns, and predict richness values along watercourses and at the municipal level for the whole study area. We found a higher richness of invasive alien plants in low altitudes and in downstream areas where human concentration is high. As time progresses, ongoing and increasing levels of socio-economic activity and globalization of plant trade will conceivably lead to a higher number of alien species becoming established. National and sub-national measures aiming to prevent and manage biological invasions in riparian ecosystems require coordinated efforts involving both local entities and those with responsibilities in the management of upstream catchment areas. These efforts must also be targeted to achieve future biodiversity protection goals as part of the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030.
Mind the Gap: Understanding Differences Between Sexual and Reproductive Health-Related Legal Frameworks on Paper and in Practice
Authors: Ferguson Laura , Jardell William , Lambert-Peck Miles , Guo Lillie , Lopez Sophia , Canaves Violeta , Filmer-Wilson Emilie
Published: May 2022

Introduction

UNFPA recently developed a composite indicator to assess sexual and reproductive health (SRH)-related laws as part of the Sustainable Development Goals monitoring framework (Indicator 5.6.2). However, there is still little understanding of how best to ensure a supportive SRH-related legal framework can improve SRH outcomes. This research draws on country case studies (Colombia, Malawi, Uruguay, Zambia) to provide more generalizable lessons on the processes by which these laws are translated into practice and their impact on lived realities.

Methods

Peer-reviewed and gray literature on laws and policies related to maternity care, contraception, sexuality education, HIV and HPV was reviewed. Key informant interviews were carried out with 8–16 people in each country, including representatives of government, civil society and academia to understand factors affecting implementation of relevant laws and policies. Findings were thematically analyzed by country and contextualized within each country's score on Indicator 5.6.2 and relevant SRH outcome data.

Findings

Across these countries, some common organizational steps help move from laws on paper to impacting people's lives including budget allocation, development of technical guidance, health worker training, population awareness creation and demand generation. It is also important to address sociocultural challenges such as entrenched inequalities, conservative cultural and religious beliefs and the potential existence of customary law. Challenges can be encountered across all these steps and can vary based on the area of SRH: implementation of laws to reduce maternal mortality is generally less controversial than laws around abortion, often making the latter harder to implement. Local specificities in structures, systems and cultures bring opportunities and challenges, highlighting the need for tailored actions.

Discussion

A legal framework supportive to SRH is critical, particularly in the face of backlash against sexual and reproductive rights, but alone it is insufficient. Understanding that a generic pathway exists for moving laws into practice is a critical starting point for exploring the specificities of each national context as a way of identifying entry points for action. These findings can be used to inform advocacy and monitoring to help ensure that the potential benefits of supportive SRH-related laws can be realized in these four countries and around the world.
An Immune-Related Gene Signature for Predicting Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy Efficacy in Rectal Carcinoma
Authors: Qian Liwen , Lai Xiaojing , Gu Benxing , Sun Xiaonan
Published: May 2022

Background

Locally advanced rectal cancers (LARC) show a highly variable response to neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT), and the impact of the tumor immune response in this process is poorly understood. This study aimed to characterize the immune-related gene expression profiles (GEP), pathways, and cell types associated with response or resistance to neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy.

Methods

The transcriptomic and clinical data of Rectal carcinoma from the Gene Expression Omnibus database and Immune-related genes (IRGs) from ImmPort were downloaded to identify the differentially expressed immune-related genes (DEIRGs) between responder and non-responder to neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy. Gene set enrichment analyses were performed to uncover significantly enriched GO terms and KEGG pathways. Immune cell infiltration was estimated from RNA-sequencing data using ImmuCellAI. Afterward, we constructed an immune-related gene-based predictive model (IRGPM) by Support Vector Machine and validated it in an external cohort.

Result

A 15-gene signature (HLA-DPB1, HLA-DQA1, CXCL9, CXCL10, TAP2, INHBB, BMP2, CD74, IL33, CCL11, CXCL11, DEFB1, HLA-DPA1, CCN3, STAT1) was identified as DEIRGs and found to be significantly associated with nCRT outcomes. Gene set enrichment analyses indicated that the 15 genes play active roles in inflammation-related biological processes. In addition, ImmuCellAI revealed that CD4 naive T cells, Tex, Th1 were significantly up-regulated (p=0.035, p=0.02, p=0.0086, respectively), while Tfh were significantly down-regulated (p=0.015) in responder subgroup. Finally, a novel predictive model was developed by SVM based on DEIRGs with an AUC of 80% (internal validation) and 73.5% (external validation).

Conclusion

Our team conducted a genomic study of the relationship between gene expression profile and response to nCRT in LARC. Our data suggested that the DEIRGs signature could help predict the efficacy of nCRT. And a DEIRGs‐based SVM model was developed to monitor the outcomes of nCRT in LARC.
Neutrophil Extracellular Traps Regulate HMGB1 Translocation and Kupffer Cell M1 Polarization During Acute Liver Transplantation Rejection
Authors: Liu Yanyao , Pu Xingyu , Qin Xiaoyan , Gong Junhua , Huang Zuotian , Luo Yunhai , Mou Tong , Zhou Baoyong , Shen Ai , Wu Zhongjun
Published: May 2022

Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) play important roles in hepatic ischemic reperfusion injury (IRI) and acute rejection (AR)-induced immune responses to inflammation. After liver transplantation, HMGB1, an inflammatory mediator, contributes to the development of AR. Even though studies have found that HMGB1 can promote NET formation, the correlation between NETs and HMGB1 in the development of AR following liver transplantation has not been elucidated. In this study, levels of serum NETs were significantly elevated in patients after liver transplantation. Moreover, we found that circulating levels of NETs were negatively correlated with liver function. In addition, liver transplantation and elevated extracellular HMGB1 promoted NET formation. The HMGB1/TLR-4/MAPK signaling pathway, which is initiated by HMGB1, participates in NET processes. Moreover, in the liver, Kupffer cells were found to be the main cells secreting HMGB1. NETs induced Kupffer cell M1 polarization and decreased the intracellular translocation of HMGB1 by inhibiting DNase-1. Additionally, co-treatment with TAK-242 (a TLR-4 inhibitor) and rapamycin more effectively alleviated the damaging effects of AR following liver transplantation than either drug alone.
Discovery and Use of Long dsRNA Mediated RNA Interference to Stimulate Antiviral Protection in Interferon Competent Mammalian Cells
Authors: Semple Shawna L. , Au Sarah K. W. , Jacob Rajesh A. , Mossman Karen L. , DeWitte-Orr Stephanie J.
Published: May 2022

In invertebrate cells, RNA interference (RNAi) acts as a powerful immune defense that stimulates viral gene knockdown thereby preventing infection. With this pathway, virally produced long dsRNA (dsRNA) is cleaved into short interfering RNA (siRNA) by Dicer and loaded into the RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC) which can then destroy/disrupt complementary viral mRNA sequences. Comparatively, in mammalian cells it is believed that the type I interferon (IFN) pathway is the cornerstone of the innate antiviral response. In these cells, dsRNA acts as a potent inducer of the IFN system, which is dependent on dsRNA length, but not sequence, to stimulate an antiviral state. Although the cellular machinery for RNAi is intact and functioning in mammalian cells, its role to trigger an antiviral response using long dsRNA (dsRNAi) remains controversial. Here we show that dsRNAi is not only functional but has a significant antiviral effect in IFN competent mammalian cells. We found that pre-soaking mammalian cells with concentrations of sequence specific dsRNA too low to induce IFN production could significantly inhibit vesicular stomatitis virus expressing green fluorescent protein (VSV-GFP), and the human coronaviruses (CoV) HCoV-229E and SARS-CoV-2 replication. This phenomenon was shown to be dependent on dsRNA length, was comparable in effect to transfected siRNAs, and could knockdown multiple sequences at once. Additionally, knockout cell lines revealed that functional Dicer was required for viral inhibition, revealing that the RNAi pathway was indeed responsible. These results provide the first evidence that soaking with gene-specific long dsRNA can generate viral knockdown in mammalian cells. We believe that this novel discovery provides an explanation as to why the mammalian lineage retained its RNAi machinery and why vertebrate viruses have evolved methods to suppress RNAi. Furthermore, demonstrating RNAi below the threshold of IFN induction has uses as a novel therapeutic platform, both antiviral and gene targeting in nature.
Patients With Myeloproliferative Neoplasms Harbor High Frequencies of CD8 T Cell-Platelet Aggregates Associated With T Cell Suppression
Authors: Carnaz Simões Ana Micaela , Holmström Morten Orebo , Aehnlich Pia , Rahbech Anne , Peeters Marlies J. W. , Radziwon-Balicka Aneta , Zamora Carlos , Wirenfeldt Klausen Tobias , Skov Vibe , Kjær Lasse , Ellervik Christina , Fassi Daniel El , Vidal Silvia , Hasselbalch Hans Carl , Andersen Mads Hald , thor Straten Per
Published: May 2022

Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) are chronic cancers of the hematopoietic stem cells in the bone marrow, and patients often harbor elevated numbers of circulating platelets (PLT). We investigated the frequencies of circulating PLT-lymphocyte aggregates in MPN patients and the effect of PLT-binding on CD8 T cell function. The phenotype of these aggregates was evaluated in 50 MPN patients and 24 controls, using flow cytometry. In vitro studies compared the proliferation, cytokine release, and cytoxicity of PLT-bound and PLT-free CD8 T cells. Frequencies of PLT-CD8 T cell aggregates, were significantly elevated in MPN patients. Advanced disease stage and CALR mutation associated with the highest aggregate frequencies with a predominance of PLT-binding to antigen-experienced CD8 T cells. PLT-bound CD8 T cells showed reduction in proliferation and cytotoxic capacity. Our data suggest that CD8 T cell responses are jeopardized in MPN patients. JAK2 and CALR exon 9 mutations – the two predominant driver mutations in MPN – are targets for natural T cell responses in MPN patients. Moreover, MPN patients have more infections compared to background. Thus, PLT binding to antigen experienced CD8 T cells could play a role in the inadequacy of the immune system to control MPN disease progression and prevent recurrent infections.
Evaluation of Cell Models to Study Monocyte Functions in PMM2 Congenital Disorders of Glycosylation
Authors: de Haas Paola , de Jonge Marien I. , Koenen Hans J. P. M. , Joosten Ben , Janssen Mirian C. H. , de Boer Lonneke , Hendriks Wiljan J. A. J. , Lefeber Dirk J. , Cambi Alessandra
Published: May 2022

Congenital disorders of glycosylation (CDG) are inherited metabolic diseases characterized by mutations in enzymes involved in different steps of protein glycosylation, leading to aberrant synthesis, attachment or processing of glycans. Recently, immunological dysfunctions in several CDG types have been increasingly documented. Despite these observations, detailed studies on immune cell dysfunction in PMM2-CDG and other CDG types are still scarce. Studying PMM2-CDG patient immune cells is challenging due to limited availability of patient material, which is a result of the low incidence of the disease and the often young age of the subjects. Dedicated immune cell models, mimicking PMM2-CDG, could circumvent many of these problems and facilitate research into the mechanisms of immune dysfunction. Here we provide initial observations about the immunophenotype and the phagocytic function of primary PMM2-CDG monocytes. Furthermore, we assessed the suitability of two different glycosylation-impaired human monocyte models: tunicamycin-treated THP-1 monocytes and PMM2 knockdown THP-1 monocytes induced by shRNAs. We found no significant differences in primary monocyte subpopulations of PMM2-CDG patients as compared to healthy individuals but we did observe anomalous surface glycosylation patterns in PMM2-CDG patient monocytes as determined using fluorescent lectin binding. We also looked at the capacity of monocytes to bind and internalize fungal particles and found a slightly increased uptake of C. albicans by PMM2-CDG monocytes as compared to healthy monocytes. Tunicamycin-treated THP-1 monocytes showed a highly decreased uptake of fungal particles, accompanied by a strong decrease in glycosylation levels and a high induction of ER stress. In contrast and despite a drastic reduction of the PMM2 enzyme activity, PMM2 knockdown THP-1 monocytes showed no changes in global surface glycosylation levels, levels of fungal particle uptake similar to control monocytes, and no ER stress induction. Collectively, these initial observations suggest that the absence of ER stress in PMM2 knockdown THP-1 cells make this model superior over tunicamycin-treated THP-1 cells and more comparable to primary PMM2-CDG monocytes. Further development and exploitation of CDG monocyte models will be essential for future in-depth studies to ultimately unravel the mechanisms of immune dysfunction in CDG.