bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Matriz de colágeno xenógena para tratamento de recessões gengivas: revisão de literatura
Authors: Fernandes Nicolly Cardoso , Massambani Natan Santos , Maia Luciana Prado , Ito Fernanda Akemi Nakanishi , Pedriali Maria Beatriz Bergonse Pereira , Costa Priscila Paganini
Published: February 2021

A utilização da matriz de colágeno xenógena (MCX) tem sido investigada como uma alternativa para o recobrimento radicular no tratamento da recessão gengival, principalmente em áreas que necessitam de aumento de tecido queratinizado e a fim de diminuir a morbidade do paciente e o tempo cirúrgico. O objetivo desta revisão de literatura é analisar a utilização da matriz de colágeno xenógena como uma forma de tratamento para recobrimento das recessões gengivais. Foi realizada uma busca bibliográfica dos ensaios clínicos controlados e aleatórios, publicados entre 2010 a 2020, que avaliaram o tratamento de recessão gengival unitária ou múltipla utilizando a matriz de colágeno xenógena, sendo selecionados 14 ensaios clínicos de acordo com os critérios de inclusão. Os resultados apontaram que a combinação da MCX associada ao reposicionamento coronário (RC) é uma alternativa viável no tratamento da recessão gengival, apresentando resultados semelhantes quando comparado ao enxerto de tecido conjuntivo subepitelial (ETCS+RC). A utilização da MCX associada ao RC tem se mostrado eficiente quanto ao ganho de tecido queratinizado e aumento de espessura gengival no tratamento de recessões gengivais Tipo I (RT1), e pode ser uma alternativa ao ETCS em pacientes com limitada área doadora palatal e também reduzir a morbidade do paciente e o tempo operatório.
FILSAFAT PENDIDIKAN ISLAM DALAM KONSEP PEMBELAJARAN HOLISTIK PENDIDIKAN AGAMA ISLAM
Authors: Sudrajat Adi , Sufiyana Atika Zuhrotus
Published: February 2021

It cannot be denied that looking at the learning process and also every scenario that occurs in this country is something that must be closely related to what and how one should know from the perspective of Islamic philosophy. Therefore, the essence of education which is based on Islam itself has a very significant contribution to human life. Discussing Islamic Philosophy of Education will focus on what philosophy is as the core of every theoretical and practical element of all aspects and knowledge. In this regard, this paper also looks at the relevance of the branches of philosophy (such as metaphysics and axiology) and philosophical schools of thought (such as pragmatism) in the discussion of Islamic Education Philosophy. Ultimately, this was seen as essential to achieving holistic learning. So this understanding of Islamic Philosophy proves to be important in understanding any current scenario in our context or society in this country, among other things about the importance of implementing aspects of Islamic Education Philosophy in looking at social problems; the application of aspects of Islamic Philosophy Education in Viewing Environmental Problems; and Educational Aspects of Islamic Philosophy in Viewing Emotional and Spiritual Intelligence in today's society. Kata Kunci: Islamic philosophy, learning, holistic Abstrak Tidak dapat dipungkiri bahwa melihat proses pembelajaran dan juga setiap skenario yang terjadi di negeri ini merupakan sesuatu yang harus berkaitan erat dengan apa dan bagaimana seharusnya seseorang mengetahui dari perspektif filsafat Islam. Oleh karena itu hakikat pendidikan yang berlandaskan Islam itu sendiri memiliki kontribusi yang sangat berarti bagi kehidupan manusia. Pembahasan Filsafat Islam Pendidikan akan menitikberatkan pada apa itu Filsafat sebagai inti dari setiap unsur teoritis dan praktis dari segala aspek dan ilmu. Berkaitan dengan hal tersebut, makalah ini juga melihat relevansi cabang-cabang filsafat (seperti metafisika dan aksiologi) dan aliran pemikiran filsafat (seperti pragmatisme) dalam pembahasan Filsafat Pendidikan Islam. Pada akhirnya, ini dipandang penting untuk mencapai pembelajaran holistik. Maka pemahaman Filsafat Islam ini terbukti menjadi penting dalam memahami setiap skenario terkini dalam konteks kita atau masyarakat di negeri ini, antara lain tentang pentingnya penerapan aspek Filsafat Pendidikan Islam dalam memandang masalah sosial; penerapan aspek Pendidikan Filsafat Islam dalam Melihat Masalah Lingkungan; dan Aspek Pendidikan Filsafat Islam dalam Memandang Kecerdasan Emosional dan Spiritual dalam masyarakat saat ini.Kata Kunci: filsafat islam, pembelajaran, holistik
Manualinės terapijos ir pratimų poveikis nugaros skausmui bei funkcinei būklei
Authors: Zabiela Šarūnas , Kesminas Rolandas , Sipavičius Viljamas
Published: February 2021

Tyrimo pagrindimas. Apie 85% populiacijos skundžiasi nespecifiniu nugaros apatinės dalies skausmu. Nustatyta, kad stuburo stabilizavimo pratimai pagerina juosmens giliųjų raumenų funkciją ir sumažina nugaros skausmą, o stuburo mobilizacija sumažina neįgalumą ir skausmą gydant lėtinį nugaros skausmą. Visgi nėra pakankamai tyrimų, kuriuose būtų įrodytas didesnis ar mažesnis skirtingų manualinės terapijos metodų poveikis gydant nugaros apatinės dalies skausmą.

Tyrimo tikslas – nustatyti skirtingų manualinės terapijos metodų ir stuburo stabilizavimo pratimų poveikį asmenų, jaučiančių nugaros apatinės dalies skausmą, skausmui ir funkcinei būklei.

Metodai. Buvo tiriama 18 asmenų, jaučiančių lėtinį nespecifinį nugaros apatinės dalies skausmą. Atsitiktine tvarka tiriamieji suskirstyti į dvi grupes. Vienai grupei buvo taikoma stuburo slankstelių mobilizacija atliekant judesį ir stuburo stabilizavimo pratimai, kitai – nespecifinė stuburo juosmens ir kryžmens manipuliacija bei stuburo stabilizavimo pratimai. Prieš intervenciją ir po jos buvo vertinamas nugaros skausmas, funkcinė būklė ir negalia, pilvo raumenų statinė ištvermė, nugaros raumenų statinė ištvermė, šoninių juosmens raumenų statinė ištvermė, stuburo paslankumas.

Rezultatai. Tiriamųjų jaučiamas skausmas po taikytų intervencijų sumažėjo (p < 0,05), negalia ir funkcinė būklė pagėrėjo (p < 0,05), stuburo paslankumas ir liemens raumenų statinė ištvermė pagerėjo (p < 0,05). Tarp abiejų taikytų metodikų veiksmingumo statistiškai reikšmingo skirtumo nenustatyta.

Išvados. Tiek taikant stuburo slankstelių mobilizaciją atliekant judesį ir stuburo stabilizavimo pratimus, tiek taikant nespecifinę juosmens ir kryžmens manipuliaciją bei stuburo stabilizavimo pratimus, sumažėjo tiriamųjų nugaros skausmas ir pagerėjo funkcinė būklė, poveikis tarp skirtingų manualinės terapijos metodų nesiskyrė.

Raktažodžiai: nugaros apatinės dalies skausmas, stuburo stabilizavimo pratimai, manualinė terapija.
Jėgos ir tempimo pratimų poveikis vyresniojo amžiaus asmenų, sergančių lėtiniu reumatoidiniu artritu, plaštakos funkcijai
Authors: Želvytė Radvilė , Čekanauskaitė Agnė
Published: February 2021

Tyrimo pagrindimas. Reumatoidinis artritas (RA) dažniausiai pažeidžia plaštakos griebimo funkciją. Iš tyrimų yra žinoma, kad rankų jėgos pratimai pagerina vidutinio amžiaus asmenų plaštakos griebimo jėgą ir bendrą rankos funkciją, tačiau neaišku, kaip jėgos ir tempimo pratimų derinimas veikia vyresniojojo amžiaus asmenis, sergančius lėtiniu (iki 10 metų) RA.

Tyrimo tikslas – įvertinti jėgos ir tempimo pratimų poveikį vyresniojo amžiaus asmenų, sergančių lėtiniu reumatoidiniu artritu, plaštakos funkcijai.

Metodai. Buvo tiriama 20 asmenų, kurių amžius nuo 60 iki 80 metų. Jie suskirstyti į dvi grupes: kontrolinę (n = 10), kuriai buvo skirta 20 min įprastinė kineziterapija be papildomų pratimų, ir tiriamąją (n = 10), kuriai skirta 20 min įprastinė kineziterapija ir 30 min  trukmės rankų jėgos ir tempimo pratimai. Tyrimas truko 5 savaites, kineziterapija abiem grupėm taikyta 2 kartus per savaitę. Tyrimo pradžioje ir pabaigoje buvo vertinama visų tiriamųjų rankų funkcija, skausmas, riešo ir delninių pirštų sąnarių apimtys.

Rezultatai. Abiejose gupėse statistiškai reikšmingai pagerėjo tiriamųjų rankų funkcinė būklė ir plaštakos tiesimo, lenkimo amplitudės (p < 0,05). Tiriamojoje grupėje po papildomų jėgos ir tempimo pratimų  pagerėjo (p < 0,05) visi vertinti rodikliai. Lyginant abi grupes tarpusavyje po intervencijos, statistiškai reikšmingas plaštakos funkcinių rodiklių pagerėjimas nustatytas tiriamojoje grupėje po papildomų rankų jėgos ir tempimo pratimų  (p < 0,05).

Išvados. Jėgos ir tempimo pratimai gali pagerinti rankos funkcinius rodiklius, sumažinti skausmą veiksmingiau, nei taikant vyresniojo amžiaus asmenims, sergantiems lėtiniu reumaoidiniu artritu, tik įprastinę kineziterapiją.

Raktažodžiai: reabilitacija, plaštakos griebimo jėga, lėtinė uždegiminė sąnarių liga.
Searching for alternative worldviews – how need thwarting, group characteristics and the social environment determine ideological extremism
Authors: Mueller Veronika
Published: February 2021

Using data from the Profiles of Individual Radicalization in the United States (PIRUS) database (N = 884), this study shows that lack of identification with the American belief and social value system, and group grievance, are both significant predictors in explaining why individuals reach out to ideological, extremist groups, prior of showing violent behavior. This means that low levels of identification with socially shared norms, values, narratives and beliefs and the attachment to a group that is believed to be under threat, increase the chance that individuals question the established systems in the United States and search for alternative, even extremist, worldviews.
The Determinant of The Slaughterhouse Workers’ Work Fatigue at The laughterhouse in Situbondo and Jember
Authors: Nurbaya Rayi Siti , Prayitno Hadi , Ma’rufi Isa
Published: February 2021

The factor causing work accident at the slaughterhouse is one of them, work fatigue. Work fatigue is influenced by internal and external factors, such as age, job tenure, sleep quality, and workload. This research aimed to analyze the determinant factor affecting work fatigue suffered by the workers of the slaughterhouse in Situbondo and Jember, such as age, job tenure, sleep quality, and workload. Also, an analysis was carried out to determine the main dominant factor affecting work fatigue of the slaughterhouse workers. The design of the research used analytic observational and cross-sectional research. The population consisted of 51 workers determined by using census sampling technique, in which all the population was used as the samples. The analysis techniques used were logistic regression. The result of the research revealed that there was an effect of age, job tenure, and workload on work fatigue. Meanwhile, no significant effect found in the sleep quality toward work fatigue. Age was the main dominant factor affecting work fatigue.

Keywords: age; job tenure; sleep quality; workload; work fatigue
Phytochemical Screening and In Vitro Antibacterial Activity of Green Tea (Camellia Sinensis L) Extract Against Staphylococcus Epidermidis
Authors: Bimanto Hardian , Wahyuni Yuyun Dwi , Mutiarawati Diah Titik , Endarini Lully Hanni
Published: February 2021

This study aimed to determine phytochemical screening and ethanol extract activity of the green leaves against Staphylococcus epidermidis. The microbial activity of the ethanol extract was carried out using the diffusion and dilution method with concentrations used of 1.5%, 2.5%, 3.5%, 4.5%, and 5.5% accompanied by three repetitions. The results showed that the ethanol extract of green tea leaves contained alkaloids, saponins, steroids or triterpenoids, flavonoids, polyphenols, and tannins and had the largest inhibition zone diameter of 30mm at a concentration of 4.5%. KHM (Minimum Inhibitory Content) at a level of 4.5% and KBM (Minimum Kill Rate) at a concentration of 5.5%. Analysis of the data with the normality test then proceed with the Kruskal Wallis test obtained a value of P = 0.008. With the value P
The Effect of Dandang Gendis Extract (Clinacanthus nutans) on Kidney Histopathological Features of Diabetic Rats Model
Authors: Mas'ulun Miranda Jemyma , Mustika Arifa , Qurnianingsih Ema
Published: February 2021

Changes in kidney homeostasis due to diabetes can cause oxidative stress which then caused tissue damage that leads to diabetic nephropathy. Clinacanthus nutans extract is known to contain antioxidants that are reported to play an important role in the body’s defense system against oxidative stress to minimize tissue damage. This study aims to know the effect of Clinacanthus nutans leaf extract administration on kidney histopathological features of the diabetic rats model. A total of 35 rats were induced by streptozotocin which then divided into 5 groups and given Clinacanthus nutans extract with a dose of 75 mg/kgBW, 150 mg/kgBW and 300 mg/kgBW then compare with CMC-Na as control and metformin as standard drug for 14 days. The kidney histopathology was evaluated under a light microscope against the damage criteria that occurred in the proximal tubules of the kidney. As the result the least amout of kidney damage was on treatment group at dose 300 mg/kgBW, followed by extract with dose 75 mg/kgBW, 150 mg/kgBW, and metformin. In conclusion Clinacanthus nutans extract with a dose of 75 mg/kgBW, 150 mg/kgBW, and 300 mg/kgBW can improve the kidney histopathological feature of the diabetic rats model.

Keywords: diabetes mellitus; histopathology; diabetic nephropathy; Clinacanthus nutans
The Effectiveness of Health Education on the Motivation to Quit Smoking in the Islamic Boarding School Students in Aceh
Authors: Ismail Ismail , Siddiq Rapitos , Bustami Bustami
Published: February 2021

Introduction: The phenomenon of smoking in the pesantren shows that almost all students studying at the pesantren smoke. There is no regulation that states that smoking is prohibited and that makes them free to smoke. Sufficient knowledge about the dangers of smoking to health can motivate people to quit smoking. Motivation can be done in various ways, one of which is by using audiovisual media. Objective: To determine the effectiveness of audio-visual health education about the dangers of smoking on the motivation to quit smoking in the Islamic boarding school students in Aceh. Methods: The research design was a quasy experimental pretest-posttest with control group design, involving 38 participants for the intervention group and 38 participants for the control group. Data analyzed by paired sample t-test and independent sample t-test. Results: There was no difference in the average motivation to quit smoking before the intervention group was given to the intervention group and the control group (p = 0,664). The intervention group was more effective at increasing the students' motivation to quit smoking compared to the control group (p = 0.027). Conclusion: Health education using audiovisuals was more effective in increasing the motivation of the students to quit smoking, so that audiovisuals can be used during health education.

Keywords: health education; audiovisual; motivation to quit smoking
Publication Opportunities of Non-research Articles in Health
Authors: ACOB Joel Rey Ugsang , Nugroho Heru Santoso Wahito
Published: February 2021

The pandemic may isolate researchers, but is not ceasing the desire to generate newer concepts as effective material to publish. This manuscript epitomizes non-research articles in health which are promising to sustain the generation of ideas and knowledge in the absence of the conventional research process through outdoor surveys.

Keywords: publication; health; non research article
All-Polymer Printed Low-Cost Regenerative Nerve Cuff Electrodes
Authors: Ferrari Laura M. , Rodríguez-Meana Bruno , Bonisoli Alberto , Cutrone Annarita , Micera Silvestro , Navarro Xavier , Greco Francesco , del Valle Jaume
Published: February 2021

Neural regeneration after lesions is still limited by several factors and new technologies are developed to address this issue. Here, we present and test in animal models a new regenerative nerve cuff electrode (RnCE). It is based on a novel low-cost fabrication strategy, called “Print and Shrink”, which combines the inkjet printing of a conducting polymer with a heat-shrinkable polymer substrate for the development of a bioelectronic interface. This method allows to produce miniaturized regenerative cuff electrodes without the use of cleanroom facilities and vacuum based deposition methods, thus highly reducing the production costs. To fully proof the electrodes performance in vivo we assessed functional recovery and adequacy to support axonal regeneration after section of rat sciatic nerves and repair with RnCE. We investigated the possibility to stimulate the nerve to activate different muscles, both in acute and chronic scenarios. Three months after implantation, RnCEs were able to stimulate regenerated motor axons and induce a muscular response. The capability to produce fully-transparent nerve interfaces provided with polymeric microelectrodes through a cost-effective manufacturing process is an unexplored approach in neuroprosthesis field. Our findings pave the way to the development of new and more usable technologies for nerve regeneration and neuromodulation.
Porous Optically Transparent Cellulose Acetate Scaffolds for Biomimetic Blood-Brain Barrierin vitro Models
Authors: Marino Attilio , Baronio Micol , Buratti Umberto , Mele Elisa , Ciofani Gianni
Published: February 2021

In vitro blood-brain barrier (BBB) models represent an efficient platform to conduct high-throughput quantitative investigations on BBB crossing ability of different drugs. Such models provide a closed system where different fundamental variables can be efficaciously tuned and monitored, and issues related to scarce accessibility of animal brains and ethics can be addressed. In this work, we propose the fabrication of cellulose acetate (CA) porous bio-scaffolds by exploiting both vapor-induced phase separation (VIPS) and electrospinning methods. Parameters of fabrication have been tuned in order to obtain porous and transparent scaffolds suitable for optical/confocal microscopy, where endothelial cell monolayers are allowed to growth thus obtaining biomimetic BBB in vitro models. Concerning VIPS-based approach, CA membranes fabricated using 25% H2O + 75% EtOH as non-solvent showed submicrometer-scale porosity and an optical transmittance comparable to that one of commercially available poly(ethylene terephthalate) membranes. CA membranes fabricated via VIPS have been exploited for obtaining multicellular BBB models through the double seeding of endothelial cells and astrocytes on the two surfaces of the membrane. Electrospun CA substrates, instead, were characterized by micrometer-sized pores, and were unsuitable for double seeding approach and long term studies. However, the potential exploitation of the electrospun CA substrates for modeling blood-brain-tumor barrier and studying cell invasiveness has been speculated. The features of the obtained models have been critically compared and discussed for future applications.
Recent Advanced Technologies for the Characterization of Xenobiotic-Degrading Microorganisms and Microbial Communities
Authors: Mishra Sandhya , Lin Ziqiu , Pang Shimei , Zhang Wenping , Bhatt Pankaj , Chen Shaohua
Published: February 2021

Global environmental contamination with a complex mixture of xenobiotics has become a major environmental issue worldwide. Many xenobiotic compounds severely impact the environment due to their high toxicity, prolonged persistence, and limited biodegradability. Microbial-assisted degradation of xenobiotic compounds is considered to be the most effective and beneficial approach. Microorganisms have remarkable catabolic potential, with genes, enzymes, and degradation pathways implicated in the process of biodegradation. A number of microbes, including Alcaligenes, Cellulosimicrobium, Microbacterium, Micrococcus, Methanospirillum, Aeromonas, Sphingobium, Flavobacterium, Rhodococcus, Aspergillus, Penecillium, Trichoderma, Streptomyces, Rhodotorula, Candida, and Aureobasidium, have been isolated and characterized, and have shown exceptional biodegradation potential for a variety of xenobiotic contaminants from soil/water environments. Microorganisms potentially utilize xenobiotic contaminants as carbon or nitrogen sources to sustain their growth and metabolic activities. Diverse microbial populations survive in harsh contaminated environments, exhibiting a significant biodegradation potential to degrade and transform pollutants. However, the study of such microbial populations requires a more advanced and multifaceted approach. Currently, multiple advanced approaches, including metagenomics, proteomics, transcriptomics, and metabolomics, are successfully employed for the characterization of pollutant-degrading microorganisms, their metabolic machinery, novel proteins, and catabolic genes involved in the degradation process. These technologies are highly sophisticated, and efficient for obtaining information about the genetic diversity and community structures of microorganisms. Advanced molecular technologies used for the characterization of complex microbial communities give an in-depth understanding of their structural and functional aspects, and help to resolve issues related to the biodegradation potential of microorganisms. This review article discusses the biodegradation potential of microorganisms and provides insights into recent advances and omics approaches employed for the specific characterization of xenobiotic-degrading microorganisms from contaminated environments.
Using Cellulose Nanocrystal as Adjuvant to Improve the Dispersion Ability of Multilayer Graphene in Aqueous Suspension
Authors: Zhang Haiqiao , Wu Yan , Yang Feng , Dong Huiling , Bian Yuqing , Jia Huanliang , Xie Xuqin , Zhang Jilei
Published: February 2021

Cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) has been applied in various fields due to its nano-structure, high aspect ratio, specific surface area and modulus, and abundance of hydroxy groups. In this work, CNC suspensions with different concentrations (0.4, 0.6, and 0.8%) were used as the adjuvant to improve the dispersion ability of multilayer graphene (MLG) in aqueous suspension, which is easy to be aggregated by van der Waals force between layers. In addition, N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, ethanol, and ultrapure water were used as control groups. Zeta potential analysis and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy showed that the stability of MLG/CNC has met the requirement, and the combination of CNC and MLG was stable in aqueous suspension. Results from transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and absorbance showed that MLG had a better dispersion performance in CNC suspensions, compared to the other solutions. Raman spectrum analysis showed that the mixtures of 1.0 wt% MLG with 0.4% CNC had the least defects and fewer layers of MLG. In addition, it is found that CNC suspension with 0.8% concentration showed the highest ability to disperse 1.0 wt% MLG with the most stable performance in suspension. Overall, this work proved the potential application of CNC as adjuvant in the field of graphene nanomaterials.
Transcatheter and Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement in Patients With Previous Cardiac Surgery: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Li Yi-ming , Tsauo Jia-yu , Jia Kai-yu , Liao Yan-biao , Xia Fan , Zhao Zheng-gang , Chen Mao , Peng Yong
Published: February 2021

Background: Many patients who have aortic stenosis and are transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) candidates have underwent prior cardiac surgery (PCS). The aim of this study was to provide a robust summary comparison between patients with PCS who underwent TAVR vs. surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR).

Methods: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of all published articles on PubMed/Medline, Ovid, EMBASE, and Scopus from 2002 to 2019.

Results: A total of 13 studies were finally included, yielding a total of 23,148 participants. There was no statistical difference with 30-day [OR: 1.02 (0.86–1.21)] or 1-year mortality [OR: 1.18 (0.86–1.61)] between the two groups. Subgroup analysis revealed that high-risk patients who underwent TAVR with the transapical approach were associated with increased risk of mortality [OR: 1.45 (1.00–2.11)]. However, those who underwent TAVR with endovascular approach had a comparable outcome with SAVR.

Conclusions: Primary outcomes after endovascular TAVR were similar to those with SAVR and superior to transapical TAVR treatment group in patients with PCS.
A Decade of Global Navigation Satellite System/Acoustic Measurements of Back-Arc Spreading in the Southwestern Okinawa Trough
Authors: Chen Horng-Yue , Ikuta Ryoya , Hsu Ya-Ju , Tsujii Toshiaki , Ando Masataka , Tu Yoko , Kohmi Takeru , Takemoto Kiyomichi , Mizuno Koto , Tung Hsin , Ku Chin-Shang , Lin Cheng-Horng
Published: February 2021

Long-term seafloor geodetic measurements are important for constraining submarine crustal deformation near plate boundaries. Here we present an integrated analysis of a decade of GNSS/acoustic data collected at a site 60 km to the east of northeast Taiwan near the axis of the Okinawa Trough back-arc basin. We obtained a time-series of horizontal and vertical positions based on 18 measurements from 2009 to 2019. These data reveal a southeastward movement at a rate of 43 ± 5 mm/yr since 2012 with respect to the Yangtze Plate. The horizontal motion can be explained by the clockwise rotation of the Yonaguni Block and northern Central Range. In addition, the vertical displacement of the transponder array shows rapid subsidence of 22 ± 9 mm/yr from 2012 to 2019. The fast subsidence rate and negative free-air gravity anomaly in this region indicate that crustal thinning is compensated mainly by surface deformation rather than upward migration of the Moho. Taking into account the offset in 2012 owing to the replacement of the transponder array, the horizontal position time series of our site are best explained by two linear lines with a slope change in July 2013. The timing of the velocity change coincides broadly with a change in the nearby seismicity rate and dike intrusion 150 km away from the site. Our results highlight the potential of seafloor geodesy in assessing temporal changes in deformation near the spreading center of the Okinawa Trough, which cannot be one using data from onland GNSS stations.
Multiple Functional Solutions During Flightless to Flight-Capable Transitions
Authors: Heers Ashley M. , Varghese Stephanie L. , Hatier Leila K. , Cabrera Jeremiah J.
Published: February 2021

The evolution of avian flight is one of the great transformations in vertebrate history, marked by striking anatomical changes that presumably help meet the demands of aerial locomotion. These changes did not occur simultaneously, and are challenging to decipher. Although extinct theropods are most often compared to adult birds, studies show that developing birds can uniquely address certain challenges and provide powerful insights into the evolution of avian flight: unlike adults, immature birds have rudimentary, somewhat “dinosaur-like” flight apparatuses and can reveal relationships between form, function, performance, and behavior during flightless to flight-capable transitions. Here, we focus on the musculoskeletal apparatus and use CT scans coupled with a three-dimensional musculoskeletal modeling approach to analyze how ontogenetic changes in skeletal anatomy influence muscle size, leverage, orientation, and corresponding function during the development of flight in a precocial ground bird (Alectoris chukar). Our results demonstrate that immature and adult birds use different functional solutions to execute similar locomotor behaviors: in spite of dramatic changes in skeletal morphology, muscle paths and subsequent functions are largely maintained through ontogeny, because shifts in one bone are offset by changes in others. These findings help provide a viable mechanism for how extinct winged theropods with rudimentary pectoral skeletons might have achieved bird-like behaviors before acquiring fully bird-like anatomies. These findings also emphasize the importance of a holistic, whole-body perspective, and the need for extant validation of extinct behaviors and performance. As empirical studies on locomotor ontogeny accumulate, it is becoming apparent that traditional, isolated interpretations of skeletal anatomy mask the reality that integrated whole systems function in frequently unexpected yet effective ways. Collaborative and integrative efforts that address this challenge will surely strengthen our exploration of life and its evolutionary history.
The Dynamics of Metabolic Characterization in iPSC-Derived Kidney Organoid Differentiation via a Comparative Omics Approach
Authors: Wang Qizheng , Xiong Yucui , Zhang Sheng , Sui Yufei , Yu Cunlai , Liu Peng , Li Heying , Guo Wenjing , Gao Yubo , Przepiorski Aneta , Davidson Alan J. , Guo Meijin , Zhang Xiao
Published: February 2021

The use of differentiating human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) in mini-tissue organoids provides an invaluable resource for regenerative medicine applications, particularly in the field of disease modeling. However, most studies using a kidney organoid model, focused solely on the transcriptomics and did not explore mechanisms of regulating kidney organoids related to metabolic effects and maturational phenotype. Here, we applied metabolomics coupled with transcriptomics to investigate the metabolic dynamics and function during kidney organoid differentiation. Not only did we validate the dominant metabolic alteration from glycolysis to oxidative phosphorylation in the iPSC differentiation process but we also showed that glycine, serine, and threonine metabolism had a regulatory role during kidney organoid formation and lineage maturation. Notably, serine had a role in regulating S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) to facilitate kidney organoid formation by altering DNA methylation. Our data revealed that analysis of metabolic characterization broadens our ability to understand phenotype regulation. The utilization of this comparative omics approach, in studying kidney organoid formation, can aid in deciphering unique knowledge about the biological and physiological processes involved in organoid-based disease modeling or drug screening.
Genomic Selection for Any Dairy Breeding Program via Optimized Investment in Phenotyping and Genotyping
Authors: Obšteter Jana , Jenko Janez , Gorjanc Gregor
Published: February 2021

This paper evaluates the potential of maximizing genetic gain in dairy cattle breeding by optimizing investment into phenotyping and genotyping. Conventional breeding focuses on phenotyping selection candidates or their close relatives to maximize selection accuracy for breeders and quality assurance for producers. Genomic selection decoupled phenotyping and selection and through this increased genetic gain per year compared to the conventional selection. Although genomic selection is established in well-resourced breeding programs, small populations and developing countries still struggle with the implementation. The main issues include the lack of training animals and lack of financial resources. To address this, we simulated a case-study of a small dairy population with a number of scenarios with equal available resources yet varied use of resources for phenotyping and genotyping. The conventional progeny testing scenario collected 11 phenotypic records per lactation. In genomic selection scenarios, we reduced phenotyping to between 10 and 1 phenotypic records per lactation and invested the saved resources into genotyping. We tested these scenarios at different relative prices of phenotyping to genotyping and with or without an initial training population for genomic selection. Reallocating a part of phenotyping resources for repeated milk records to genotyping increased genetic gain compared to the conventional selection scenario regardless of the amount and relative cost of phenotyping, and the availability of an initial training population. Genetic gain increased by increasing genotyping, despite reduced phenotyping. High-genotyping scenarios even saved resources. Genomic selection scenarios expectedly increased accuracy for young non-phenotyped candidate males and females, but also proven females. This study shows that breeding programs should optimize investment into phenotyping and genotyping to maximize return on investment. Our results suggest that any dairy breeding program using conventional progeny testing with repeated milk records can implement genomic selection without increasing the level of investment.
Cu2+ Inhibits the Peroxidase and Antibacterial Activity of Homodimer Hemoglobin From Blood Clam Tegillarca granosa by Destroying Its Heme Pocket Structure
Authors: Wang Sufang , Yu Xiaopei , Zhang Shunqin , Jin Hongyu , Chen Zhongfa , Lin Zhihua , Bao Yongbo
Published: February 2021

Beyond its role as an oxygen transport protein, the homodimer hemoglobin of blood clam Tegillarca granosa (Tg-HbI) has been found to possess antibacterial activity. However, the mechanism of antibacterial activity of Tg-HbI remain to be investigated. In this study, we investigated the effects of Cu2+ on the structure, peroxidase activity, and antibacterial ability of Tg-HbI. Tg-HbI was significantly inactivated by Cu2+ in a non-competitive inhibition manner, following first-order reaction kinetics. The Spectroscopy results showed that Cu2+ changed the iron porphyrin ring and the coordination of heme with proximal histidine of Tg-HbI, and increased the hydrophobicity of heme pocket. We found that proline could stabilize the heme pocket structure of Tg-HbI, hence, protect peroxidase activity and antimicrobial activity of Tg-HbI against damage by Cu2+. Our results suggest that Cu2+ inhibits the peroxidase and antibacterial activity of Tg-HbI by destroying its heme pocket structure and Tg-HbI probably plays an antibacterial role through its peroxidase activity. This result could provide insights into the antibacterial mechanism of Tg-HbI.
Effect of Postoperative Adverse Events on Hospitalization Expenditures and Length of Stay Among Surgery Patients in Taiwan: A Nationwide Population-Based Case-Control Study
Authors: Yang Chih-Chieh , Chuang Yi-Fei , Chen Pei-En , Tao Ping , Tung Tao-Hsin , Chien Ching-Wen
Published: February 2021

Background: The current study sought to determine the incidence of postoperative adverse events (AEs) based on data from the 2006 Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD).

Methods: This retrospective case-control study included patients who experienced postoperative AEs in 387 hospitals throughout Taiwan in 2006. The independent variable was the presence or absence of 10 possible postoperative AEs, as identified by patient safety indicators (PSIs).

Results: A total of 17,517 postoperative AEs were identified during the study year. PSI incidence ranged from 0.1/1,000 admissions (obstetric trauma-cesarean section) to 132.6/1,000 admissions (obstetric trauma with instrument). Length of stay (LOS) associated with postoperative AEs ranged from 0.10 days (obstetric trauma with instrument) to 14.06 days (postoperative respiratory failure). Total hospitalization expenditures (THEs) ranged from 363.7 New Taiwan Dollars (obstetric trauma without instrument) to 263,732 NTD (postoperative respiratory failure). Compared to patients without AEs, we determined that the THEs were 2.13 times in cases of postoperative AE and LOS was 1.72 times higher.

Conclusions: AEs that occur during hospitalization have a major impact on THEs and LOS.
Furin Expression in Patients With Psoriasis—A Patient Cohort Endangered to SARS-COV2?
Authors: Graier Thomas , Golob-Schwarzl Nicole , Weger Wolfgang , Benezeder Theresa , Painsi Clemens , Salmhofer Wolfgang , Wolf Peter
Published: February 2021

Background: SARS-Cov2 has raised concerns among dermatologists regarding psoriasis and its respective treatments. Comorbidities, which induce the expression of the proprotease furin have been associated with severe course of COVID-19. Furin and angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) play a major role in viral host cell entry of SARS-Cov2.

Objective: To evaluate mRNA expression of Furin and ACE2 from blood cells in psoriasis patients, and whether systemic or topical treatment reduces expression levels.

Methods: This observational translational study analyzed blood samples from patients from a clinical trial and samples retrieved from the biobank of the Psoriasis Registry Austria (PsoRA). Furin and ACE2 expression levels were analyzed prior to as well as 3 and 12–24 months after start of biologic treatment with either ustekinumab or secukinumab. Additionally, the study analyzed expression levels prior to, 6 days after start of dithranol treatment and 4–6 weeks after end of dithranol treatment.

Results: Furin mRNA expression was significantly increased at baseline in the biologic (4.9 ± 2.6 fold, p < 0.0001) and in the dithranol group (2.7 ± 1.4 fold, p < 0.001) compared to controls. There was a trend for arthritis patients to express more furin than patients with psoriatic skin involvement only (5.26 ± 2.30 vs. 3.48 ± 2.27, p = 0.078). Analyzing furin mRNA expression after treatment initiation with secukinumab or ustekinumab revealed a normalization of levels after 3 and 12 to 24 months. Similar findings were obtained for patients treated with dithranol, with significantly decreased expression levels 6 days after start of dithranol treatment and also at follow-up, (4–6 weeks after dithranol treatment had been terminated). ACE2 expression levels did not differ from controls at any timepoint, regardless of biologic or topical treatment.

Conclusion: Significantly overexpressed levels of furin were observed in untreated patients, and, thus, these patients may be at risk for infection and a severe course of COVID-19. However, the data indicate that successful therapeutic intervention in psoriasis, by systemic biologic or topical treatment, can efficiently reduce furin levels in blood cells, possibly limiting the risk of psoriasis patients for a severe COVID-19 course.

Clinical Trial Registration:ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT02752672.
Mechanisms of Manganese(II) Oxidation by Filamentous Ascomycete Fungi Vary With Species and Time as a Function of Secretome Composition
Authors: Zeiner Carolyn A. , Purvine Samuel O. , Zink Erika , Wu Si , Paša-Tolić Ljiljana , Chaput Dominique L. , Santelli Cara M. , Hansel Colleen M.
Published: February 2021

Manganese (Mn) oxides are among the strongest oxidants and sorbents in the environment, and Mn(II) oxidation to Mn(III/IV) (hydr)oxides includes both abiotic and microbially-mediated processes. While white-rot Basidiomycete fungi oxidize Mn(II) using laccases and manganese peroxidases in association with lignocellulose degradation, the mechanisms by which filamentous Ascomycete fungi oxidize Mn(II) and a physiological role for Mn(II) oxidation in these organisms remain poorly understood. Here we use a combination of chemical and in-gel assays and bulk mass spectrometry to demonstrate secretome-based Mn(II) oxidation in three phylogenetically diverse Ascomycetes that is mechanistically distinct from hyphal-associated Mn(II) oxidation on solid substrates. We show that Mn(II) oxidative capacity of these fungi is dictated by species-specific secreted enzymes and varies with secretome age, and we reveal the presence of both Cu-based and FAD-based Mn(II) oxidation mechanisms in all 3 species, demonstrating mechanistic redundancy. Specifically, we identify candidate Mn(II)-oxidizing enzymes as tyrosinase and glyoxal oxidase in Stagonospora sp. SRC1lsM3a, bilirubin oxidase in Stagonospora sp. and Paraconiothyrium sporulosum AP3s5-JAC2a, and GMC oxidoreductase in all 3 species, including Pyrenochaeta sp. DS3sAY3a. The diversity of the candidate Mn(II)-oxidizing enzymes identified in this study suggests that the ability of fungal secretomes to oxidize Mn(II) may be more widespread than previously thought.
The Mitogenomes of Ophiostoma minus and Ophiostoma piliferum and Comparisons With Other Members of the Ophiostomatales
Authors: Zubaer Abdullah , Wai Alvan , Patel Nikita , Perillo Jordan , Hausner Georg
Published: February 2021

Fungi assigned to the Ophiostomatales are of economic concern as many are blue-stain fungi and some are plant pathogens. The mitogenomes of two blue-stain fungi, Ophiostoma minus and Ophiostoma piliferum, were sequenced and compared with currently available mitogenomes for other members of the Ophiostomatales. Species representing various genera within the Ophiostomatales have been examined for gene content, gene order, phylogenetic relationships, and the distribution of mobile elements. Gene synteny is conserved among the Ophiostomatales but some members were missing the atp9 gene. A genome wide intron landscape has been prepared to demonstrate the distribution of the mobile genetic elements (group I and II introns and homing endonucleases) and to provide insight into the evolutionary dynamics of introns among members of this group of fungi. Examples of complex introns or nested introns composed of two or three intron modules have been observed in some species. The size variation among the mitogenomes (from 23.7 kb to about 150 kb) is mostly due to the presence and absence of introns. Members of the genus Sporothrix sensu stricto appear to have the smallest mitogenomes due to loss of introns. The taxonomy of the Ophiostomatales has recently undergone considerable revisions; however, some lineages remain unresolved. The data showed that genera such as Raffaelea appear to be polyphyletic and the separation of Sporothrix sensu stricto from Ophiostoma is justified.
Role for IL-1 Family Cytokines in Fungal Infections
Authors: Griffiths James S. , Camilli Giorgio , Kotowicz Natalia K. , Ho Jemima , Richardson Jonathan P. , Naglik Julian R.
Published: February 2021

Fungal pathogens kill approximately 1.5 million individuals per year and represent a severe disease burden worldwide. It is estimated over 150 million people have serious fungal disease such as recurrent mucosal infections or life-threatening systemic infections. Disease can ensue from commensal fungi or new infection and involves different fungal morphologies and the expression of virulence factors. Therefore, anti-fungal immunity is complex and requires coordination between multiple facets of the immune system. IL-1 family cytokines are associated with acute and chronic inflammation and are essential for the innate response to infection. Recent research indicates IL-1 cytokines play a key role mediating immunity against different fungal infections. During mucosal disease, IL-1R and IL-36R are required for neutrophil recruitment and protective Th17 responses, but function through different mechanisms. During systemic disease, IL-18 drives protective Th1 responses, while IL-33 promotes Th2 and suppresses Th1 immunity. The IL-1 family represents an attractive anti-fungal immunotherapy target. There is a need for novel anti-fungal therapeutics, as current therapies are ineffective, toxic and encounter resistance, and no anti-fungal vaccine exists. Furthering our understanding of the IL-1 family cytokines and their complex role during fungal infection may aid the development of novel therapies. As such, this review will discuss the role for IL-1 family cytokines in fungal infections.
Altered Dynamic Amplitude of Low-Frequency Fluctuations in Patients With Migraine Without Aura
Authors: Chen Hong , Qi Guiqiang , Zhang Yingxia , Huang Ying , Zhang Shaojin , Yang Dongjun , He Junwei , Mu Lan , Zhou Lin , Zeng Min
Published: February 2021

Migraine is a chronic and idiopathic disorder leading to cognitive and affective problems. However, the neural basis of migraine without aura is still unclear. In this study, dynamic amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (dALFF) analyses were performed in 21 patients with migraine without aura and 21 gender- and age-matched healthy controls to identify the voxel-level abnormal functional dynamics. Significantly decreased dALFF in the bilateral anterior insula, bilateral lateral orbitofrontal cortex, bilateral medial prefrontal cortex, bilateral anterior cingulate cortex, and left middle frontal cortex were found in patients with migraine without aura. The dALFF values in the anterior cingulate cortex were negatively correlated with pain intensity, i.e., visual analog scale. Finally, support vector machine was used to classify patients with migraine without aura from healthy controls and achieved an accuracy of 83.33%, sensitivity of 90.48%, and specificity of 76.19%. Our findings provide the evidence that migraine influences the brain functional activity dynamics and reveal the neural basis for migraine, which could facilitate understanding the neuropathology of migraine and future treatment.
Tau Deletion Prevents Cognitive Impairment and Mitochondrial Dysfunction Age Associated by a Mechanism Dependent on Cyclophilin-D
Authors: Jara Claudia , Cerpa Waldo , Tapia-Rojas Cheril , Quintanilla Rodrigo A.
Published: February 2021

Aging is an irreversible process and the primary risk factor for the development of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Mitochondrial impairment is a process that generates oxidative damage and ATP deficit; both factors are important in the memory decline showed during normal aging and AD. Tau is a microtubule-associated protein, with a strong influence on both the morphology and physiology of neurons. In AD, tau protein undergoes post-translational modifications, which could play a relevant role in the onset and progression of this disease. Also, these abnormal forms of tau could be present during the physiological aging that could be related to memory impairment present during this stage. We previously showed that tau ablation improves mitochondrial function and cognitive abilities in young wild-type mice. However, the possible contribution of tau during aging that could predispose to the development of AD is unclear. Here, we show that tau deletion prevents cognitive impairment and improves mitochondrial function during normal aging as indicated by a reduction in oxidative damage and increased ATP production. Notably, we observed a decrease in cyclophilin-D (CypD) levels in aged tau−/− mice, resulting in increased calcium buffering and reduced mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) opening. The mPTP is a mitochondrial structure, whose opening is dependent on CypD expression, and new evidence suggests that this could play an essential role in the neurodegenerative process showed during AD. In contrast, hippocampal CypD overexpression in aged tau−/− mice impairs mitochondrial function evidenced by an ATP deficit, increased mPTP opening, and memory loss; all effects were observed in the AD pathology. Our results indicate that the absence of tau prevents age-associated cognitive impairment by maintaining mitochondrial function and reducing mPTP opening through a CypD-dependent mechanism. These findings are novel and represent an important advance in the study of how tau contributes to the cognitive and mitochondrial failure present during aging and AD in the brain.
Predicting Individual Pain Thresholds From Morphological Connectivity Using Structural MRI: A Multivariate Analysis Study
Authors: Zou Rushi , Li Linling , Zhang Li , Huang Gan , Liang Zhen , Zhang Zhiguo
Published: February 2021

Pain sensitivity is highly variable among individuals, and it is clinically important to predict an individual’s pain sensitivity for individualized diagnosis and management of pain. Literature has shown that pain sensitivity is associated with regional structural features of the brain, but it remains unclear whether pain sensitivity is also related to structural brain connectivity. In the present study, we investigated the relationship between pain thresholds and morphological connectivity (MC) inferred from structural MRI based on data of 221 healthy participants. We found that MC was highly predictive of an individual’s pain thresholds and, importantly, it had a better prediction performance than regional structural features. We also identified a number of most predictive MC features and confirmed the crucial role of the prefrontal cortex in the determination of pain sensitivity. These results suggest the potential of using structural MRI-based MC to predict an individual’s pain sensitivity in clinical settings, and hence this study has important implications for diagnosis and treatment of pain.