bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Studi Fenomenologi Perilaku Mahasiswa Pengguna Krs Online
Authors:   Universitas PGRI Madiun Indonesia, Purwati Ria Ayu , Nuraina Elva ,   Universitas PGRI Madiun Indonesia, Yusdita Elana Era ,   Universitas PGRI Madiun Indonesia
Published: January 2021

Based on the phenomenon of lack of confidence when programming KRS online, the research was conducted to describe the perceptions of students of class 2016 using KRS Online on the Management Information System of Universitas PGRI Madiun related to payment bill information and to show how confident they are to use so that it affects their behavior. The study was conducted on students from 2016 with 7 informants from 3 faculties, namely FKIP, FEB and FT. The method used is qualitative with a phenomenological approach and data collection by means of interviews and participant observation. The results show that student behavior as seen from the perceived usefulness has a relaxed attitude and is not complicated, responsive and fast, willing to use it alone without having to be represented shows that students feel comfortable. Behavior that can be seen from the perception of ease of being confident, more relaxed, cautious, not confused because of clear steps. The perceived convenience and usefulness could be factors that affect the smoothness of UNIPMA’s revenue.
Ca(2+) Oscillations and Its Transporters in Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Ye B
Published: January 2021

Intracellular free Ca(2+) is one of important biological signals
regulating a number of cell functions. It has been discussed
widely and extensively in several cell types during the past two
decades. Attention has been paid to the Ca2+ transportation in
mesenchymal stem cells in recent years as mesenchymal stem
cells have gained considerable interest due to their potential for
cell replacement therapy and tissue engineering. In this paper,
roles of intracellular Ca(2+) oscillations and its transporters in
mesenchymal stem cells have been reviewed.
Hemodynamic Response to Thoracoscopy and Thoracotomy
Authors: Trča S , Krška Z , Kittnar O , Mlček M , Demeš R , Danzig V , Šimek S , Bruthans J , Fraško R
Published: January 2021

Operations in the pleural cavity are connected with circulatory
changes in pulmonary circulation and general changes of
hemodynamics. These changes are influenced by the position of
patient’s body on the operation table and by the introduction of
artificial pneumothorax. Thoracoscopy is an advanced surgical
approach in thoracic surgery, but its hemodynamic effect is still
not known. The aim of the present study was to compare the
hemodynamic response to surgeries carried out by open
(thoracotomy – TT) and closed (thoracoscopy – TS) surgical
approach. Thirty-eight patients have been monitored throughout
the operation – from the introduction of anesthesia to completing
the surgery. Monitored parameters were systolic blood pressure
(BPs), diastolic blood pressure (BPd), O2 saturation (SaO2),
systolic blood pressure in pulmonary artery (BPPAs), diastolic
blood pressure in pulmonary artery (BPPAd), wedge pressure
(PW), central venous pressure in right atrium (CVP), cardiac
output (CO) and total peripheral resistance (TPR). No significant
difference has been found in hemodynamic response between TT
and TS groups. Significant changes of hemodynamic parameters
occurring during the whole surgical procedure were detected in
both technical approaches. The most prominent changes were
found after the position of patients was changed to the hip
position (significantly decreased BPs, BPd, MAP, SaO2 and BPPAs)
and 5 min after the pneumothorax was established (restoration
of the cardiac output to the initial value and significant decrease
of the TPR). It can be concluded that the thoracoscopy causes
almost identical hemodynamic changes like the thoracotomy.
Hepcidin Expression in Adipose Tissue Increases during Cardiac
Surgery
Authors: Vokurka M , Lacinová Z , Křemen J , Kopecký P , Bláha J , Pelinková K , Haluzík M , Nečas E
Published: January 2021

Hepcidin, a key regulator of iron metabolism, plays a crucial role
in the pathogenesis of anemia of chronic disease. Although it is
produced mainly in the liver, its recently described expression in
adipose tissue has been shown to be enhanced in massive
obesity due to chronic low-grade inflammation. Our objective was
to study the changes in hepcidin expression in adipose tissue
during acute-phase reaction. We measured hepcidin mRNA
expression from isolated subcutaneous and epicardial adipose
tissue at the beginning and at the end of the surgery. The
expression of mRNAs for hepcidin and other iron-related genes
(transferrin receptor 1, divalent metal transporter 1, ferritin,
ferroportin) were measured by real-time RT-PCR. Hepcidin
expression significantly increased at the end of the surgery in
subcutaneous but not in epicardial adipose tissue. Apart from the
increased levels of cytokines, the parameters of iron metabolism
showed typical inflammation-induced changes. We suggest that
acute inflammatory changes could affect the regulation of
hepcidin expression in subcutaneous adipose tissue and thus
possibly contribute to inflammation-induced systemic changes of
iron metabolism.
May Alcohol-Induced Increase of HDL Be Considered as
Atheroprotective?
Authors: Králová Lesná I , Suchánek P , Stávek P , Poledne R
Published: January 2021

It is well known that the consumption of moderate doses of
alcohol leads to the increase of HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C).
Atheroprotectivity of HDL particles is based primarily on their role
in reverse cholesterol transport (RCT). In the study with a crossover design 13 male volunteers were studied in two different
regimens: i) drinking of 36 g alcohol daily and ii) drinking only
non-alcoholic beverages, to test whether alcohol-induced
increase of HDL cholesterol can affect cholesterol efflux (CHE)
from cell culture of labeled human macrophages. Alcohol
consumption induced significant (p<0.05) increases of HDL
cholesterol from 1.25±0.32 to 1.34±0.38 mmol/l and Apo A1
from 1.34±0.16 to 1.44±0.19 g/l. These changes were combined
with a slight increase of cholesterol efflux from 13.8±2.15 to
14.9±1.85 % (p=0.059). There were significant correlations
between individual changes of HDL-C and Apo A1 concentrations
and individual changes of CHE (0.51 and 0.60, respectively). In
conclusion, moderate alcohol consumption changes the capacity
of plasma to induce CHE only at a border line significance.
Plasma Concentrations of Fibroblast Growth Factors 21 and 19
in Patients with Cushing's Syndrome
Authors: Ďurovcová V , Marek J , Hána V , Matoulek M , Zikán V , Haluzíková D , Kaválková P , Lacinová Z , Kršek M , Haluzík M
Published: January 2021

The objective of this study was to measure plasma fibroblast
growth factor 21 and 19 (FGF21 and FGF19) levels in patients
with Cushing's syndrome (CS) and to compare it with those of
lean control subjects (C) and patients with obesity (OB).
Fourteen untreated patients with CS, 19 patients with OB and 36
controls were included in the study. Plasma FGF21 and FGF19
levels were measured by ELISA kits, other hormonal and
biochemical parameters were measured by standard laboratory
methods. Plasma FGF19 did not significantly differ among the
studied groups. Plasma FGF21 levels were significantly higher in
both CS and OB groups relative to C group but they did not differ
between CS and OB groups. In a combined population of all
three groups FGF21 levels positively correlated with BMI, waist
circumference and percentage of total and truncal fat mass. Less
prominent inverse relationship with these parameters was found
for FGF19. Neither FGF21 nor FGF19 were significantly related to
cortisol concentrations. Increased FGF21 concentrations in both
patients with CS and OB relative to lean subjects suggest that
excessive body fat and/or related metabolic abnormalities rather
than direct effects of cortisol are responsible. In contrast neither
obesity nor hypercortisolism significantly affected FGF19
concentrations.
SARS-Cov-2 Lockdown Mediates Increased Use of Technology for Leisure: Implication for Development of Digital Hygiene
Authors:   SHUT clinic (Service for Healthy Use of Technology), Department of Clinical Psychology, National Institute of Mental Health & Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS), Bangalore, Karnataka, India, Sharma Manoj Kumar , Anand Nitin ,   SHUT clinic (Service for Healthy Use of Technology), Department of Clinical Psychology, National Institute of Mental Health & Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS), Bangalore, Karnataka, India, Thirumoorthy A ,   Department of Psychiatric Social Work, National Institute of Mental Health & Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS), Bangalore, Karnataka, India, Thakur Pranjali Chakraborty ,   SHUT clinic (Service for Healthy Use of Technology), Department of Clinical Psychology, National Institute of Mental Health & Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS), Bangalore, Karnataka, India, Singh Priya ,   SHUT clinic (Service for Healthy Use of Technology), Department of Clinical Psychology, National Institute of Mental Health & Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS), Bangalore, Karnataka, India, SJ Ajith ,   SHUT clinic (Service for Healthy Use of Technology), Department of Clinical Psychology, National Institute of Mental Health & Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS), Bangalore, Karnataka, India, Kande Jayesh Suresh ,   SHUT clinic (Service for Healthy Use of Technology), Department of Clinical Psychology, National Institute of Mental Health & Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS), Bangalore, Karnataka, India, Murthy Keshava D ,   Department of Psychiatric Social Work, National Institute of Mental Health & Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS), Bangalore, Karnataka, India., Manalan S Thamarai ,   Department of Psychiatric Social Work, National Institute of Mental Health & Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS), Bangalore, Karnataka, India, MS Neeraj ,   Department of Psychiatric Social Work, National Institute of Mental Health & Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS), Bangalore, Karnataka, India, Singh Ripudamn ,   Department of Psychiatric Social Work, National Institute of Mental Health & Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS), Bangalore, Karnataka, India
Published: January 2021

Digital activities has become the preferred modality to structure leisure time during SARS-Cov-2. It has led to increased use of digital technologies. Mr. A, 23 years old, unmarried male pursuing post-graduation belonging to a nuclear family contacted for management of excessive use of online technologies during the SARS-CoV-2 related lock down period. The clinical interview technique was used for assessing the pattern and dysfunctions related to use of technologies. The case demonstrates the role of online activities like social media, online entertainment, and online gaming to cope with absence of access to offline leisure time activities during the SARS-CoV-2 lockdown. However, there is a need to create awareness that engagement in online leisure time activities can lead to excessive use of online activities in the absence of avenues for engagement in offline activities.
The COVID-19 Pandemic Affects Anxiety and Depression among Moroccan Healthcare Worker’s
Authors:   Hassan First University of Settat, Institut Supérieur des Sciences de la Santé, Laboratoire des Sciences et Technologies de la Santé, 26000 Settat, Maroc, Benfatah Mohamed , Changuit Omaima ,   Hassan First University of Settat, Institut Supérieur des Sciences de la Santé, Laboratoire des Sciences et Technologies de la Santé, 26000 Settat, Maroc, Marfak Abdelghafour ,   Hassan First University of Settat, Institut Supérieur des Sciences de la Santé, Laboratoire des Sciences et Technologies de la Santé, 26000 Settat, Maroc, Saad Elmadani ,   Hassan First University of Settat, Institut Supérieur des Sciences de la Santé, Laboratoire des Sciences et Technologies de la Santé, 26000 Settat, Maroc, Hilal Abderraouf ,   Hassan First University of Settat, Institut Supérieur des Sciences de la Santé, Laboratoire des Sciences et Technologies de la Santé, 26000 Settat, Maroc, Marfak Ibtissam Youlyouz ,   Hassan First University of Settat, Institut Supérieur des Sciences de la Santé, Laboratoire des Sciences et Technologies de la Santé, 26000 Settat, Maroc
Published: January 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has become a global crisis; it has prompted each country to take the necessary measures, starting with the health sector with its different material and human resources. This study evaluates the anxiety and depression of a group of 403 healthcare workers across Morocco using a Hospital Anxiety and Depression (HAD) assessment scale during this crisis. The results show severe anxiety among the healthcare workers in the COVID-19 services compared to staff who do not work in the COVID-19 department with a very significant p-value <0.0001. Insurmountable psychological pressure on nurses leads to various problems such as anxiety, fear, frustration, depression and insomnia that affect quality of life and require psychological support.
Comparison of fastrach LMA and ILMA methods for airway management
Authors:   Ankara Atatürk Chest Diseases and Chest Surgery Research and Training Hospital, Ankara, Turkey, Cırık Mustafa Ozgur , Baldemir Ramazan ,   Ankara Atatürk Chest Diseases and Chest Surgery Research and Training Hospital, Ankara, Turkey, Avcı Sema ,   Amasya University Sabuncuoglu Serefeddin Research and Training Hospital, Amasya, Turkey, Tezel Hayal ,   Istanbul Kartal Research and Training Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey., Tayfun Aldemir Mustafa ,   Istanbul Kanuni Sultan Suleyman Research and Training Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey.
Published: January 2021

The aim of this study is to compare the hemodynamic responses, durations of intubation, intubation success rates and postoperative upper airway complications between the intubation performed with direct laryngoscopy and blind intubation performed with LMA-Fastrach application in normotensive patients. This present study was performed with the approval of ethical committee and in the surgery rooms between the date March 2010-August 2010. The study was performed on 80 patients aged between 18 and 60 and had American Anesthetists Assosiation (ASA) classification I-II. Endotracheal intubation was essential in their elective abdomen surgeries. The patients were divided into 2 groups as ILMA-Fastrach Group (Group I, n=40) and laryngoscopy group (Group L, n=40). 80 patients aged between 18 and 60. Of those, 54 (67.5%) were female and 26 (32.5%) were male. The age average of the patients was 46.3 ± 10.7. There was not a statistically significant difference between the demographic parameters of the patients. When compared to the onset value of SAP in Group I and Group L, a statistically significant difference was not detected in the groups in terms of SAP 1st minute and 5th minute values. When compared to the SAP onset value of the cases, the decrease in the 1st minute was statistically significant and when compared to the 1st minute value, the decrease in the 5th minute was not statistically significant. In the groups, a statistically significant difference was not observed in terms of DAP outset 1st and 5th minute values. When compared to the DAP onset value of the patients in Group L, the increase in the 1st minute was statistically significant. When compared to the 1st minute value, the decrease in the 5th minute was statistically significant. When compared to the onset value of MAP in Group L, the increase in the 1st minute was statistically significant. In terms of HR onset 1st and 5th minute values a statistically significant value was not detected. In conclusion, patients performed endotracheal intubation with LMA-Fastrach was more stabile than the ones intubated with direct laryngoscopy in terms of hemodynamics. Fewer complications were observed in LMA-Fastrach group and there was not any difference in terms of success rates.
ELECTROCATALYSIS OF THE OXYGEN REACTION ON THE MULTICOMPONENT OXIDES OF TRANSITION METALS
Authors: Maltseva Tetyana , Kublanovsky Valeriy
Published: January 2021

The review presents the current state of research on oxides of transition metals as electrocatalysts for the both reactions of oxygen reduction and evolution, which are of key importance ones for electrochemical devices of alternative energy: metal-air rechargeable batteries and fuel cells with an oxygen electrode. The review includes the consideration of the thermodynamic, electronic and adsorption conditions for activation of the molecular oxygen by oxide surface, as well as the advantages of the oxide surfaces as catalysts in the alkaline electrolytes. The influence of the chemical composition and structural features of oxides of transition elements on the adsorption and chemisorption of water and oxygen, the formation of ionic forms at adsorption and the main factors, which influence on transfer of electrons, protons and oxygen, are considered. Synthesis of double and other multicomponent oxides and the usage of cationic doping expands the possibilities of forming the necessary properties of the electrocatalysts: porosity, thickness of hydrated layers, electronic and ionic conductivity, proton and electron-donor (acceptor) properties in a optimal combination. The oxide should have a metal with variable valence, and even better if there are two ones. Such oxides can be various structures based on Co2O3, MnO2, Ni2O3, Mn3O4, Fe2O3, and others. A qualitative leap in improving the performance of catalysts for electrode reactions with oxygen was made possible by the synthesis of nanoparticles, as well as nanocomposites with metallic and carbon materials. The some characteristics of the electroca­talytic activity of promising oxide electrocata­lysts, mainly, multicomponent ones, as well as the results of studies of oxide composites with carbon nanomaterials, are presented. Several of the most well-known oxide structures (spinel, perovskite, pyrochlor) are currently being studied as the most promising matrices for the efficient transfer of charge, oxygen, and metal ions. All of them are multicomponent. The most active non-platinum bifunctional catalysts for oxygen reactions concluded to be cobaltites with spinel structure. Nanocomposites based on cobalt and cobalt-manganese spinel are the most promising materials for use in alkaline rechargeable batteries, both in terms of cost and in terms of electrocatalytic activity as well as in terms of corrosion resistance.
MEMBRANE MATERIALS BASED ON POROUS ANODIC ALUMINIUM OXIDE
Authors: Rozhdestvenska Liudmyla , Kudelko Kateryna , Ogenko Volodymyr , Chang Menglei
Published: January 2021

Anodized aluminum oxide (AOA) is applied in many technological areas such as formation of decorative or anticorrosive coating, hydrophobic and hydrophilic surfaces, development of functional micro- and nanomaterials. Due to unique properties of porous structure (most direct, regular and through pores with size in a narrow range) AOA films can be used for membrane separation. The morphological features of such films mainly depend on synthesis conditions. This review consists of the models of pore formation on the aluminum surface and the correlation parameters of films with anodizing conditions. Particular attention is paid to the influence of synthesis factors (electrolyte composition, voltage, temperature conditions, etc) on the porous structure of AOA and the film thickness that determines the mechanical strength of membranes. The optimal voltage values for the porous structure arraingment of anodized aluminum oxide were indicated for each electrolyte. It is noted formation of cylindrical shaped pores with controllable pore diameters, periodicity and density distribution can be produced during two-stage anodizing. The pre-treatment of the metal surface and stage of separation of the formed film from its surface are also considered. Modern research are mainly aimed to synthesis of porous AOA membranes in new anodizing electrolytes and determining pore formation factors on the aluminum surface.  The new anodizing conditions in most popular electrolytes (oxalic, sulfuric, phosphoric acids) for obtaining of porous AOA with the required morphological features is also under investigation. Such conditions include, for example, a lower voltage or higher temperature in case for a particular electrolyte. To avoid of local heating the electrolytes with additional components, for example, organic additives is also studied. Some practical aspects of AOA membrane utilization obtained under certain conditions are considered.
Effect of Lead and Antimony on Sulfuric Acid Leaching of Copper in Speiss from Top Submerged Lance Furnaces
Authors: Chae Sujin , Yoo Kyoungkeun , Alorro Richard Diaz , Jha Manis Kumar
Published: January 2021

Cu-Pb and Cu-Sb alloys were prepared at various ratios, from 10:90 to 90:10, and leaching tests with sulfuric acid were conducted to investigate the effect of Pb and Sb on the leaching of Cu from speiss, which is obtained from the top submerged lance furnace process. The Cu leaching efficiency increased as the amount of Cu increased in both alloys, but the leaching efficiencies were lower in the Cu-Sb alloy than in the Cu-Pb alloy. For example, in alloys with 70% Pb and Sb ratio, the leaching efficiency of Cu from the Cu-Pb alloy increased to 95%. The leaching efficiency of the Cu-Sb alloy was 67% in 2 mol/L sulfuric acid solution with 1% pulp density and 1000 cc/min O2 at 90 °C, 400 rpm, and 6 hours. When the leaching residues were examined with SEM (scanning electron microscopy)-EDS (Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy), it was found that in all Cu-Pb alloys, Cu and Pb exist as independent metal phases, while, in Cu-Sb alloys, Cu formed intermetallic compounds with Sb such as Cu2Sb, because the Cu-Sb alloy has a lower melting point than the Cu-Pb alloy. These results suggest that Sb may retard the leaching rate of Cu from the alloy. When the leaching residue of speiss obtained from a top submerged lance furnace, intermetallic alloys of Cu-Sb were also observed, having a net structure. The net structure contains Cu metal in the center of the speiss particle, while the intermetallic alloys of Cu-Sb were present in the outer layer of the particle, in good agreement with the results using the alloys in this study. This suggests the intermetallic alloys of Cu-Sb can prevent copper from leaching.
Impact of Fermi Surface Shape Engineering on Calculated Electronic Transport Properties of Bi-Sb-Te
Authors: Kim Sang-il , Lim Jong-Chan , Yang Heesun , Kim Hyun-Sik
Published: January 2021

Using thermoelectric refrigerators can address climate change because they do not utilize harmful greenhouse gases as refrigerants. To compete with current vapor compression cycle refrigerators, the thermoelectric performance of materials needs to be improved. However, improving thermoelectric performance is challenging because of the trade-off relationship between the Seebeck coefficient and electrical conductivity. Here, we demonstrate that decreasing conductivity effective mass by engineering the shape of the Fermi surface pocket (non-parabolicity factor) can decouple electrical conductivity from the Seebeck coefficient. The effect of engineering the non-parabolicity factor was shown by calculating the electronic transport properties of a state-of-the-art Bi-Sb-Te ingot via two-band model with varying non-parabolicity. The power factor (the product of the Seebeck coefficient squared and electrical conductivity) was calculated to be improved because of enhanced electrical conductivity, with an approximately constant Seebeck coefficient, using a non-parabolicity factor other than unity. Engineering the non-parabolicity factor to achieve lighter conductivity effective mass can improve the electronic transport properties of thermoelectric materials because it only improves electrical conductivity without decreasing the Seebeck coefficient (which is directly proportional to the band mass of a single Fermi surface pocket and not to the conductivity effective mass). Theoretically, it is demonstrated that a thermoelectric figure-of-merit zT higher than 1.3 can be achieved with a Bi-Sb-Te ingot if the non-parabolicity factor is engineered to be 0.2. Engineering the non-parabolicity factor is another effective band engineering approach, similar to band convergence, to achieve an effective improvement in power factor.
A New Fracture Analysis Technique for Charpy Impact Test Using Image Processing
Authors: Park Tae Chang , Kim Beom Suk , Son Ji Hee , Yeo Yeong Koo
Published: January 2021

The Charpy impact test is used to identify the transition between ductility and brittleness. The percentages of ductile and brittle fractures in steel can be evaluated based on each fracture area, which is presently determined by an analyzer with the naked eye. This method may lead to subjective judgement, and difficulty accurately quantifying the percentage. To resolve this problem, a new analysis method based on image processing is proposed in this study. A program that can automatically calculate the percentage of the ductile and brittle fractures has been developed. The analysis is performed after converting an RGB fracture image into a binary image using image processing techniques. The final binary image consists of 0 and 1 pixels. The parts with the pixel values of 1 correspond to the brittle fracture areas, and the pixel values of 0 represent the ductile fracture areas. As a result, by counting the number of 0 pixels in the entire area, it is possible to automatically calculate the percentage of ductile fracture. Using the proposed automatic fracture analysis program, it is possible to selectively distinguish only the brittle fracture from the entire fracture area, and to accurately and quantitatively calculate the percentages of ductile and brittle fractures.
Properties of Urea Added Perovskite Solar Cells according to ZrO2 Electronic Transport Layer Thicknesses
Authors: Kim Kwangbae , Song Ohsung
Published: January 2021

The properties of 6 mM urea added perovskite solar cells (PSCs) according to ZrO2 electron transport layer (ETL) thicknesses of 204, 221, 254, and 281 nm were examined. A solar simulator was used to characterize the photovoltaic properties of the cell. Optical microscopy and field emission scanning electron microscope were used for the microstructure analysis, and a 3D profiler was used to analyze surface roughness. UV-VIS-NIR was used to analyze transmittance. From the photovoltaic analysis result, an energy conversion efficiency (ECE) of 14.93% was exhibited by the cell with a 221 nm-ZrO2 layer and added urea. From the analysis result of microstructure and surface roughness, 384 nm grain size was obtained through appropriate surface roughness of base layer for perovskite growth and the grain size coarsening by the urea under the 221 nm-ZrO2 condition. For this reason, ECE increased as the resistance of the grain boundary decreased. When the thickness of the ETL was increased above 250 nm-ZrO2, the ECE decreased due to the reduction in light transmittance, and light reaching the perovskite layer. Therefore, the ECE of PCS could be enhanced by selecting a ZrO2 layer with the appropriate thickness and the addition of urea.
Globally ncRNAs Expression Profiling of TNBC and Screening of Functional lncRNA
Authors: Kaushik Aman Chandra , Mehmood Aamir , Wang Xiangeng , Wei Dong-Qing , Dai Xiaofeng
Published: January 2021

One of the most well-known cancer subtypes worldwide is triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) which has reduced prediction due to its antagonistic biotic actions and target’s deficiency for the treatment. The current work aims to discover the countenance outlines and possible roles of lncRNAs in the TNBC via computational approaches. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) exert profound biological functions and are widely applied as prognostic features in cancer. We aim to identify a prognostic lncRNA signature for the TNBC. First, samples were filtered out with inadequate tumor purity and retrieved the lncRNA expression data stored in the TANRIC catalog. TNBC sufferers were divided into two prognostic classes which were dependent on their survival time (shorter or longer than 3 years). Random forest was utilized to select lncRNA features based on the lncRNAs differential expression between shorter and longer groups. The Stochastic gradient boosting method was used to construct the predictive model. As a whole, 353 lncRNAs were differentially transcribed amongst the shorter and longer groups. Using the recursive feature elimination, two lncRNAs were further selected. Trained by stochastic gradient boosting, we reached the highest accuracy of 69.69% and area under the curve of 0.6475. Our findings showed that the two-lncRNA signs can be proved as potential biomarkers for the prognostic grouping of TNBC’s sufferers. Many lncRNAs remained dysregulated in TNBC, while most of them are likely play a role in cancer biology. Some of these lncRNAs were linked to TNBC’s prediction, which makes them likely to be promising biomarkers.
Scalable Production of Equine Platelet Lysate for Multipotent Mesenchymal Stromal Cell Culture
Authors: Hagen A. , Lehmann H. , Aurich S. , Bauer N. , Melzer M. , Moellerberndt J. , Patané V. , Schnabel C. L. , Burk J.
Published: January 2021

Translation of multipotent mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC)-based therapies is advancing in human and veterinary medicine. One critical issue is the in vitro culture of MSC before clinical use. Using fetal bovine serum (FBS) as supplement to the basal medium is still the gold standard for cultivation of many cell types including equine MSC. Alternatives are being explored, with substantial success using platelet lysate-supplemented media for human MSC. However, progress lags behind in the veterinary field. The aim of this study was to establish a scalable protocol for equine platelet lysate (ePL) production and to test the ePL in equine MSC culture. Whole blood was harvested into blood collection bags from 20 healthy horses. After checking sample materials for pathogen contamination, samples from 19 animals were included. Platelet concentrates were prepared using a buffy coat method. Platelets, platelet-derived growth factor BB, and transforming growth factor β1 concentrations were increased in the concentrates compared with whole blood or serum (p < 0.05), while white blood cells were reduced (p < 0.05). The concentrates were lysed using freeze/thaw cycles, which eliminated the cells while growth factor concentrations were maintained. Donor age negatively correlated with platelet and growth factor concentrations after processing (p < 0.05). Finally, all lysates were pooled and the ePL was evaluated as culture medium supplement in comparison with FBS, using adipose-derived MSC from four unrelated donor horses. MSC proliferated well in 10% FBS as well as in 10% ePL. However, using 5 or 2.5% ePL entailed highly inconsistent proliferation or loss of proliferation, with significant differences in generation times and confluencies (p < 0.05). MSC expressed the surface antigens CD90, CD44, and CD29, but CD73 and CD105 detection was low in all culture media. Adipogenic and osteogenic differentiation led to similar results in MSC from different culture media. The buffy coat method is useful to produce equine platelet concentrate with increased platelet and reduced white blood cell content in large scales. The ePL obtained supports MSC expansion similar as FBS when used at the same concentration (10%). Further investigations into equine MSC functionality in culture with ePL should follow.
Coarse Grained Molecular Dynamic Simulations for the Study of TNF Receptor Family Members' Transmembrane Organization
Authors: Sica Mauricio P. , Smulski Cristian R.
Published: January 2021

The Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) and the TNF receptor (TNFR) superfamilies are composed of 19 ligands and 30 receptors, respectively. The oligomeric properties of ligands, both membrane bound and soluble, has been studied most. However, less is known about the oligomeric properties of TNFRs. Earlier reports identified the extracellular, membrane-distal, cysteine-rich domain as a pre-ligand assembly domain which stabilizes receptor dimers and/or trimers in the absence of ligand. Nevertheless, recent reports based on structural nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) highlight the intrinsic role of the transmembrane domains to form dimers (p75NTR), trimers (Fas), or dimers of trimers (DR5). Thus, understanding the structural basis of transmembrane oligomerization may shed light on the mechanism for signal transduction and the impact of disease-associated mutations in this region. To this end, here we used an in silico coarse grained molecular dynamics approach with Martini force field to study TNFR transmembrane homotypic interactions. We have first validated this approach studying the three TNFR described by NMR (p75NTR, Fas, and DR5). We have simulated membrane patches composed of 36 helices of the same receptor equidistantly distributed in order to get unbiassed information on spontaneous proteins assemblies. Good agreement was found in the specific residues involved in homotypic interactions and we were able to observe dimers, trimers, and higher-order oligomers corresponding to those reported in NMR experiments. We have, applied this approach to study the assembly of disease-related mutations being able to assess their impact on oligomerization stability. In conclusion, our results showed the usefulness of coarse grained simulations with Martini force field to study in an unbiased manner higher order transmembrane oligomerization.
Subchondral Bone Remodeling: A Therapeutic Target for Osteoarthritis
Authors: Zhu Xiaobo , Chan Yau Tsz , Yung Patrick S. H. , Tuan Rocky S. , Jiang Yangzi
Published: January 2021

There is emerging awareness that subchondral bone remodeling plays an important role in the development of osteoarthritis (OA). This review presents recent investigations on the cellular and molecular mechanism of subchondral bone remodeling, and summarizes the current interventions and potential therapeutic targets related to OA subchondral bone remodeling. The first part of this review covers key cells and molecular mediators involved in subchondral bone remodeling (osteoclasts, osteoblasts, osteocytes, bone extracellular matrix, vascularization, nerve innervation, and related signaling pathways). The second part of this review describes candidate treatments for OA subchondral bone remodeling, including the use of bone-acting reagents and the application of regenerative therapies. Currently available clinical OA therapies and known responses in subchondral bone remodeling are summarized as a basis for the investigation of potential therapeutic mediators.
A Semi-automated Organoid Screening Method Demonstrates Epigenetic Control of Intestinal Epithelial Differentiation
Authors: Ostrop Jenny , Zwiggelaar Rosalie T. , Terndrup Pedersen Marianne , Gerbe François , Bösl Korbinian , Lindholm Håvard T. , Díez-Sánchez Alberto , Parmar Naveen , Radetzki Silke , von Kries Jens Peter , Jay Philippe , Jensen Kim B. , Arrowsmith Cheryl , Oudhoff Menno J.
Published: January 2021

Intestinal organoids are an excellent model to study epithelial biology. Yet, the selection of analytical tools to accurately quantify heterogeneous organoid cultures remains limited. Here, we developed a semi-automated organoid screening method, which we applied to a library of highly specific chemical probes to identify epigenetic regulators of intestinal epithelial biology. The role of epigenetic modifiers in adult stem cell systems, such as the intestinal epithelium, is still undefined. Based on this resource dataset, we identified several targets that affected epithelial cell differentiation, including HDACs, EP300/CREBBP, LSD1, and type I PRMTs, which were verified by complementary methods. For example, we show that inhibiting type I PRMTs, which leads enhanced epithelial differentiation, blocks the growth of adenoma but not normal organoid cultures. Thus, epigenetic probes are powerful tools to study intestinal epithelial biology and may have therapeutic potential.
PLK-1 Regulation of Asymmetric Cell Division in the Early C. elegans Embryo
Authors: Kim Amelia J. , Griffin Erik E.
Published: January 2021

PLK1 is a conserved mitotic kinase that is essential for the entry into and progression through mitosis. In addition to its canonical mitotic functions, recent studies have characterized a critical role for PLK-1 in regulating the polarization and asymmetric division of the one-cellC. elegansembryo. Prior to cell division, PLK-1 regulates both the polarization of the PAR proteins at the cell cortex and the segregation of cell fate determinants in the cytoplasm. Following cell division, PLK-1 is preferentially inherited to one daughter cell where it acts to regulate the timing of centrosome separation and cell division. PLK1 also regulates cell polarity in asymmetrically dividingDrosophilaneuroblasts and during mammalian planar cell polarity, suggesting it may act broadly to connect cell polarity and cell cycle mechanisms.
Leukocyte Trafficking and Hemostasis in the Mouse Fetus in vivo: A Practical Guide
Authors: Margraf Andreas , Sperandio Markus
Published: January 2021

In vivo observations of blood cells and organ compartments within the fetal mammalian organism are difficult to obtain. This practical guide describes a mouse model for in vivo observation of the fetal yolk-sac and corporal microvasculature throughout murine gestation, including imaging of various organ compartments, microvascular injection procedures, different methods for staining of blood plasma, vessel wall and circulating cell subsets. Following anesthesia of pregnant mice, the maternal abdominal cavity is opened, the uterus horn exteriorized, and the fetus prepared for imaging while still connected to the placenta. Microinjection methods allow delivery of substances directly into the fetal circulation, while substances crossing the placenta can be easily administered via the maternal circulation. Small volume blood sample collection allows for further in vitro workup of obtained results. The model permits observation of leukocyte-endothelial interactions, hematopoietic niche localization, platelet function, endothelial permeability studies, and hemodynamic changes in the mouse fetus, using appropriate strains of fluorescent protein expressing reporter mice and various sophisticated intravital microscopy techniques. Our practical guide is of interest to basic physiologists, developmental biologists, cardiologists, and translational neonatologists and reaches out to scientists focusing on the origin and regulation of hematopoietic niches, thrombopoiesis and macrophage heterogeneity.
Metformin Resensitizes Sorafenib-Resistant HCC Cells Through AMPK-Dependent Autophagy Activation
Authors: Lai Hong-Yue , Tsai Hsin-Hwa , Yen Chia-Jui , Hung Liang-Yi , Yang Ching-Chieh , Ho Chung-Han , Liang Hsin-Yin , Chen Feng-Wei , Li Chien-Feng , Wang Ju-Ming
Published: January 2021

Despite the activation of autophagy may enable residual cancer cells to survive and allow tumor relapse, excessive activation of autophagy may eventually lead to cell death. However, the details of the association of autophagy with primary resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain less clear. In this study, cohort analysis revealed that HCC patients receiving sorafenib with HBV had higher mortality risk. We found that high epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) expression and activity may be linked to HBV-induced sorafenib resistance. We further found that the resistance of EGFR-overexpressed liver cancer cells to sorafenib is associated with low activity of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and CCAAT/enhancer binding protein delta (CEBPD) as well as insufficient autophagic activation. In response to metformin, the AMPK/cAMP-response element binding protein (CREB) pathway contributes to CEBPD activation, which promotes autophagic cell death. Moreover, treatment with metformin can increase sorafenib sensitivity through AMPK activation in EGFR-overexpressed liver cancer cells. This study suggests that AMPK/CEBPD-activated autophagy could be a potent strategy for improving the efficacy of sorafenib in HCC patients.
Positive Inotropic Effects of ATP Released via the Maxi-Anion Channel in Langendorff-Perfused Mouse Hearts Subjected to Ischemia-Reperfusion
Authors: Matsuura Hiroshi , Kojima Akiko , Fukushima Yutaka , Xie Yu , Mi Xinya , Sabirov Ravshan Z. , Okada Yasunobu
Published: January 2021

The organic anion transporter SLCO2A1 constitutes an essential core component of the ATP-conductive large-conductance anion (Maxi-Cl) channel. Our previous experiments using Langendorff-perfused mouse hearts showed that the Maxi-Cl channel contributes largely to the release of ATP into the coronary effluent observed during 10-min reperfusion following a short period (6 min) of oxygen-glucose deprivation. The present study examined the effect of endogenous ATP released via Maxi-Cl channels on the left ventricular contractile function of Langendorff-perfused mouse hearts, using a fluid-filled balloon connected to a pressure transducer. After the initial 30-min stabilization period, the heart was then perfused with oxygen-glucose-deprived Tyrode solution for 6 min, which was followed by a 10-min perfusion with oxygenated normal Tyrode solution in the absence and presence of an ATP-hydrolyzing enzyme, apyrase, and/or an adenosine A1 receptor antagonist, 8-cyclopentyl-1,3-dipropylxanthine (DPCPX). In the absence of apyrase and DPCPX, the left ventricular developed pressure (LVDP) decreased from a baseline value of 72.3 ± 7.1 to 57.5 ± 5.5 mmHg (n = 4) at the end of 6-min perfusion with oxygen-glucose-deprived Tyrode solution, which was followed by a transient increase to 108.5 ± 16.5 mmHg during subsequent perfusion with oxygenated normal Tyrode solution. However, in the presence of apyrase and DPCPX, the LVDP decreased to the same degree during 6-min perfusion with oxygen-glucose-deprived Tyrode solution, but failed to exhibit a transient increase during a subsequent perfusion with oxygenated normal Tyrode solution. These results strongly suggest that endogenous ATP released through Maxi-Cl channels contributes to the development of transient positive inotropy observed during reperfusion after short-period hypoxia/ischemia in the heart.
Multiparametric Programming in Process Systems Engineering: Recent Developments and Path Forward
Authors: Pappas Iosif , Kenefake Dustin , Burnak Baris , Avraamidou Styliani , Ganesh Hari S. , Katz Justin , Diangelakis Nikolaos A. , Pistikopoulos Efstratios N.
Published: January 2021

The inevitable presence of uncertain parameters in critical applications of process optimization can lead to undesirable or infeasible solutions. For this reason, optimization under parametric uncertainty was, and continues to be a core area of research within Process Systems Engineering. Multiparametric programming is a strategy that offers a holistic perspective for the solution of this class of mathematical programming problems. Specifically, multiparametric programming theory enables the derivation of the optimal solution as a function of the uncertain parameters, explicitly revealing the impact of uncertainty in optimal decision-making. By taking advantage of such a relationship, new breakthroughs in the solution of challenging formulations with uncertainty have been created. Apart from that, researchers have utilized multiparametric programming techniques to solve deterministic classes of problems, by treating specific elements of the optimization program as uncertain parameters. In the past years, there has been a significant number of publications in the literature involving multiparametric programming. The present review article covers recent theoretical, algorithmic, and application developments in multiparametric programming. Additionally, several areas for potential contributions in this field are discussed, highlighting the benefits of multiparametric programming in future research efforts.
QseC Inhibition as a Novel Antivirulence Strategy for the Prevention of Acute Hepatopancreatic Necrosis Disease (AHPND)-Causing Vibrio parahaemolyticus
Authors: Yang Qian , Zou Peizhuo , Cao Zhi , Wang Qingyao , Fu Songzhe , Xie Guosi , Huang Jie
Published: January 2021

Acute hepatopancreatic necrosis disease (AHPND) caused by Vibrio parahaemolyticus resulted in great economic losses in global shrimp aquaculture. There is an urgent need for development of novel strategies to combat AHPND-causing V. parahaemolyticus (VpAHPND), given that one of the greatest challenges currently is the widespread use of antibiotics and subsequent emergence of multidrug-resistant bacteria. Here, we proposed a broad-spectrum antivirulence approach targeting a conserved histidine kinase, QseC, which has been demonstrated to activate virulence expression in several Gram-negative pathogens. Our results showed that QseC mediated the catecholamine stimulated effects on growth and flagellar motility of VpAHPND. Transcriptome analysis revealed that QseC was involved in the global regulation of the virulence of VpAHPND as the ΔqseC mutant exhibited a decreased expression of genes related to type IV pilin, flagellar motility, and biofilm formation, while an overexpression of type VI secretion system and cell wall biosynthesis. Subsequently, the bacterial catecholamine receptor antagonist LED209 not only neutralized the stimulatory effects of host catecholamines on the growth and motility of VpAHPNDin vitro, but also attenuated the virulence of VpAHPND towards brine shrimp larvae and white shrimp in vivo. Additionally, LED209 presented no interference with pathogen growth, nor the toxicity to the experimental animals. These results suggest that QseC can be an attractive antivirulence therapy target, and LED209 is a promising candidate for development of broad-spectrum antivirulence agents. This is the first study that demonstrated the role of QseC in the global regulation of VpAHPND infection and demonstrated the antivirulence potential of LED209, which provides insight into the use of an antivirulence approach for targeting not only VpAHPND, but also a much larger collection of pathogenic bacteria.
Crowdsourced Water Level Monitoring in Kenya’s Sondu-Miriu Basin—Who Is “The Crowd”?
Authors: Weeser Björn , Gräf Jan , Njue Naomi K. , Cerutti Paolo , Rufino Mariana C. , Breuer Lutz , Jacobs Suzanne R.
Published: January 2021

Citizen science is gaining popularity as a way to engage people to participate in environmental projects. In addition to potential challenges regarding data quality and the choice of variables, a key factor in the success of participatory monitoring projects is the active participation of volunteers, the “citizen scientists.” To learn more about the motivation of citizen scientists to participate and their socio-economic background, a telephone survey was implemented with participants of a citizen science water level monitoring program in the Sondu-Miriu basin, western Kenya. We analyzed the data using descriptive statistics and random forest models to elucidate the characteristics of the participant population, underlying motivations, and the challenges and opportunities to develop recommendations for sustainable community-based water monitoring programs. As citizen scientists who engaged long-term were 30–49 years old, had primary or secondary school education and passed by the monitoring station frequently, targeting sensitization activities at people with such background could increase participation in community-based water monitoring. Sensitization meetings were key in engaging long-term volunteers, but participants indicated that continued feedback through education and communication of the project findings is required to keep volunteers motivated. The use of cellphone credit to submit data was identified as challenge for participation, highlighting the need for data submission methods that do not incur costs for the participants. Greater volunteer support could also be achieved by active involvement of the members of Water Resource Users Associations, since membership increased the likelihood of continuous engagement in water monitoring under the participants. Furthermore, many participants indicated that their motivation was to help water management and conservation, as most people rely directly on rivers for their water supply. Providing a platform to contribute to better water resources management could therefore result in direct benefits (e.g., improved water supply) for the participants, and thus an incentive to participate actively.