bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adherence to Positive Airway Pressure therapy as Severity of Adult Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Authors: Park Seongbin , Seo Min Young , Lee Min Kyu , Han Mun Soo , Yoo Jun , Hwang Sun Jin , Lee Seung Hoon
Published: February 2022

Background and Objectives The aim of this study was to compare adherence to positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) of different severity.Subjects and Method We conducted a retrospective study including 270 adult OSA patients who used a PAP device for at least 3 months. We assessed the percentage of days on which the device was used, the percentage of days on which the device was used for ≥4 h, and the average duration of PAP device usage at 12 weeks of PAP therapy. We also evaluated adequate adherence to PAP therapy using a PAP device for ≥4 h/day and during ≥70% of nights.Results The percentage of days on which a PAP device used did not differ significantly according to OSA severity (median [Q1-Q3]; mild: 91.40% [81.25%-97.65%], moderate: 94.50% [86.90%-100%], severe: 95.90% [88.10%-100%], p=0.268). We also found that the percentage of days on which a PAP device was used during sleep for ≥4 h was not significantly different in patients with different OSA severity (median [Q1-Q3], mild: 76.20% [69.70%-89.90%], moderate: 89.30% [67.65%-95.70%], severe: 85.70% [75.85%-95.45%], p=0.097). The percentage of patients with adequate PAP adherence did not differ significantly according to OSA severity (mild: 74.2%, moderate: 72.1%, severe: 83.0%, p=0.084). Moreover, the mean duration (minutes) of PAP device usage during sleep did not differ significantly according to OSA severity in the mild, moderate, and severe OSA groups (mean±standard deviation, mild: 348.03± 47.78 min, moderate: 358.58±85.22 min, severe: 363.79±57.21 min, p=0.440).Conclusion Adherence to PAP therapy did not differ significantly according to OSA severity. Therefore, it is necessary to continuously expand and maintain the insurance for health promotion in OSA patient in South Korea.
A Case of IgG4-Related Disease With Sino-Nasal Involvement
Authors: Han Young Seok , Cha Jun Sang , Jung Min Jung , Kim Joo Yeon
Published: February 2022

IgG4-related diseases are immune-mediated diseases associated with fibroinflammatory lesions and are known to invade almost all organs of the human body. In the head and neck area, it rarely occurs in the nasal cavity and sinuses. Diagnosis is made by combining clinical features, serological, imaging, and histopathological findings, and glucocorticoids are known as the main treatment. In general, surgical resection is not regarded as a curative treatment option. Here we report a case with literature review of IgG4-related diseases with sino-nasal involvement experiencing prominent nasal symptom relief and remission with surgical treatment, which did not respond well to oral steroid in a 70-year-old male patient.
English Teaching and Learning in a Korean University Perceptions of International Professors
Authors:   Logos College, Gyeongju University, S. Korea, Republic of Korea, Han Sang-Ho
Published: February 2022

The purpose of this study is to investigate the perceptions of international faculty towards English teaching at a local university in South Korea. For data collection, a comprehensive survey questionnaire was administered to 71 international faculty teaching English at the same university. The survey consisted of items of questions concerning faculty’s second language learning experience, teaching/learning philosophy, and teaching techniques and skills. Description of the responses revealed the following results: 1) Second language learning experience of faculty helps improving quality of instruction through understanding students’ learning difficulties; 2) Faculty’s view of language was mostly holistic while that of language learning was inclusive of different perspectives; 3) The role teachers was mainly that of a facilitator in a student-focused class; 4) For those applying CLT, it was used to engage students within a student-centered classroom; 5) A general maxim of teaching was the golden rule: “Do unto others, as you would have done unto you.”; 6) Views on teaching explicit knowledge varied widely among faculty; 7) The majority of faculty chose to correct both global and local errors; 8) A number of strategies were utilized in order to help students overcome reluctance to speak such as letting students decide on what they want to learn and helping them realize it is okay to make mistakes; 9) In order to enhance students’ communicative abilities, an innovation for general English education programs was suggested.
The Preference for English in Digital Media among Indonesian Millennials
Authors:   Widya Mandala Surabaya Catholic University Indonesia, Harjanto Ignatius
Published: February 2022

The use of English among Indonesian millennials has been more widespread especially because of exposure to English has been so massive to secondary school in urban areas. There has been a concern that the increasing use of English might diminish their Indonesian language use and cultural identity. This study aims to investigate the roles of English on satellite TV programs and social media posts for Indonesian millennials, their language preference, and the consequences of language preference on their national identity. A concurrent embedded mixed methods design collecting quantitative and qualitative data was carried out through short essays and closed-questionnaires. Both questions of essay writing and closed-questionnaires were sent to students of private high schools in two big cities (Jakarta and Surabaya), aged 18 to 20 years old online. The questionnaire items were in multiple-choice and the short paragraph essay explained the importance of TV programs and social media posts for learning English. After being scrutinized, 989 respondents’ essay responses were analysed. The findings showed that TV programs and social media posts were claimed to have important roles of English learning resources. Although they practiced English through social media, they felt that they still kept themselves as Indonesians when using English on social media
Teaching English Vocabulary to Young Learners via Augmented Reality Learning Media
Authors:   Politeknik Elektronika Negeri Surabaya Indonesia, Agata Dias , Yuniarti Heny ,   Politeknik Elektronika Negeri Surabaya Indonesia, Adison Ahmelia Ayu Pratiwi ,   Politeknik Elektronika Negeri Surabaya Indonesia
Published: February 2022

This research aims to investigate the effect of teaching English vocabulary to young learners via Augmented Reality learning media. The subject of this research was 12 students of grade 1 elementary school. Due to strict health protocols during COVID-19 outbreak, the testing phase was done in students' respective homes accompanied by their parents using cell phones. Vocabulary illustrated in 30 three-dimensional objects and their written form were generated through cell phone’s scanning. A quiz consisted of 54 multiple choice questions was provided after the interactive learning experience. Both the vocabulary and quiz were refer to Thematic English Exploration for Grade 1 book. The results showed that learning vocabulary using AR application was able to increase the mean evaluation score by 0.77%. This application is effective in helping students improve their English language skills as approved by 76% of parents. The AR application was also approved by 59% of parents that it was easy to use. The AR application is proven to be convenience for students to learn English vocabulary interactively and feasible to be used as learning media.
Screencast-O-Matic to Support EFL Teaching and Learning Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors:   Universitas Kristen Satya Wacana Indonesia, Mali Yustinus Calvin Gai , Santosa Made Hery ,   Universitas Pendidikan Ganesha Indonesia
Published: February 2022

The COVID-19 situation causes a sudden and unexpected shift of face-to-face pedagogy to emergency remote teaching mode. In that transition, teachers often do not have enough space and time to explore various technology to support their teaching and learning practices that should be done flexibly in multiple places and times. In response, the primary purposes of this article are to introduce a technology tool called Screencast-O-Matic (SOM), its potentials, and possible practices of using SOM that EFL lecturers might adopt for their teaching and learning purposes, specifically in the current pandemic era. Some of the practices discussed in this paper are the use of SOM to: record a video lecturer on how to write a paper following an APA format, give video-based feedback to students’ work, make a digital video presentation, and be a digital mirror that helps students review their speaking performance before they do an actual video presentation. The discussions of the paper are supported by some of the authors’ actual experiences in using SOM in their classrooms, related research findings, and literature. Ideas for future research are presented.
Bio Farming for Agricultural Sustainability under Climate Change
Authors: ZF Fawzy
Published: February 2022

The world is witnessing a remarkable increase towards bio farming technology, as the total global cultivated areas reached about 70 million hectares of farmland, and the world has turned to this technology driven by the following reasons:
Assessing the Risks of Spatial Spread of the New Coronavirus COVID-19 by Models
Authors: Zhao Bin
Published: February 2022

With the spread of the new coronavirus around the world, governments of various countries have begun to use the mathematical modeling method to construct some virus transmission models assessing the risks of spatial spread of the new coronavirus COVID-19, while carrying out epidemic prevention work, and then calculate the inflection point for better prevention and control of epidemic transmission. This work analyzes the spread of the new coronavirus in China, Italy, Germany, Spain, and France, and explores the quantitative relationship between the growth rate of the number of new coronavirus infections and time.
Soil Salinity Research and Mapping using Remote Sensing GIS
Authors: Shukurov Sahib
Published: February 2022

The research study evaluated the soil salinity by using special scientific tools like Remote Sensing and GIS technology, so that proper measurements could be taken for the sustainable agriculture and water management. A study to evaluate an irrigation system in the dry and semi-dry zone of straight Salyan, The study is made on the basis of salinity to evaluate the system. The primary data use for the study was the satellite images. This study employed an index-based approach of using Geographic Information System with field data. The satellite images of four different years was used to examine the effective area. Several combinations of the ratio of signals received in different spectral bands were used for development of this index. Near Infrared and Thermal IR spectral bands proved to be most effective as this combination helped easy detection of salt affected area. The results were confirmed by field research and laboratory analysis. The research will not only RS base for this field measurement also required for verification and correction. Several combinations of the ratio of signals received in different spectral bands were used for development of this index.
Effect of Consorted PGPMs and Mineral Fertilizer on Grain Yield of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and Malt Barely (Hordium vulgar L) in the Central Highlands of Ethiopia
Authors: Mnalku Abere
Published: February 2022

A field experiment was conducted at Welmera, Ada’a Berga and Kersa Malema districts of Ethiopia during 2016 and 2017 cropping seasons to evaluate the effect of PGPMs consortium (Panoramix product) on yield of wheat and malt barely. The treatments were untreated control, Recommended NPS, Panoramix coated seed, Imidalm/Apron Star and Panoramix coated seed, Panoramix + Recommended NPS, and Imindalem/ Apron Star + Panoramix + Recommended NPS and laid out in randomized complete block design with four replications. Statistically significant differences (P≤0.05) were observed among treatments for grain yield of wheat and malt barely in all locations and seasons. The highest wheat grain yields at Welmera and Kersa Malema, and Ada’a Berga were 4617, 3080 and 4360 kg ha-1, respectively and obtained from Panoramix + 182 kg NPSB and 55.4 kg urea ha-1. In malt barely, the average grain yield (3554 and 2563.6 kg ha-1) at Welmera and Kersa Malema, respectively were obtained from Apron Star + panoramix + 121.08 kg NPSB and 39.16 kg urea ha-1 despite at par with the sole recommended NPS, which had the peakiest average grain yield (2749.6 kg ha-1) at Ada’a Berga. The result generally confirmed, PGPMs consortium (panoramix product) co-application with mineral fertilizer on wheat and malt barely did not show agronomic and economic superiority over sole recommended mineral fertilizer. But, at Welmera, paronamix + Apron star + Recommended NPS treatment was feasible though not showed significant grain yield change.
Process Models of Development of a Triad of Subsystems of Medical and Preventive Institutions: Management, Resources, Potential. Resources.
Authors: Niyazov B. , Niyazova S.
Published: February 2022

In modern conditions, an integrated approach is needed to the priority development of the material and technical base, namely in the aspect of the acquisition and supply of medical equipment. Being a part of organizational technology, the efficient operation of the medical equipment fleet contributes greatly to improving the quality of medical care.
Rehabilitation of Orthopedic Patients by Sanatorium Organizations in Kyrgyzstan
Authors: Koichubekov A. , Sagymbaev E. , Dzhenbaev E.
Published: February 2022

The article presents data concerning the main directions of development of Kyrgyzstan traumatology and orthopedics in the period from 1984 to the present. The contribution of orthopedic traumatologists such as B. L. Goldman, S. A. Dzhumabekov, Zh. D. Sulaimanov, M. A. Sagymbaev is presented.
Implementing Lean Principles to Health and Pharmaceuticals
Authors: Goncharova Yu.
Published: February 2022

The need for effective functioning in the conditions of global competition forces humanity to master new technologies, methods and approaches. The changing economic environment requires manufacturers to more actively adapt to the requirements of consumers. Experts note the relevance of working with the entire value chain. Therefore, it is preferable to rely on international experience in the implementation of integrated traditional and modern production systems. The article presents an analysis of previous literature reviews on the implementation of lean thinking in the healthcare and pharmaceutical industries.
On the Issues of Using Kaizen Technology in Improving the Mechanism of Personnel Management at Light Industry Enterprises
Authors: Usmanova Z.
Published: February 2022

This article discusses the use of kaizen technology in order to improve the mechanism of personnel management at light industry enterprises. As part of the study, questions on the effective use of kaizen technology were studied. The author studied the implementation of kaizen technology, taking into account the specifics of the industry under study. In the course of the study, an analysis was carried out and recommendations were given for effective personnel management in terms of taking into account foreign experience.
On the Development of Tourism in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region
Authors: Uson uulu M. , Aitikeev T. , Abdyldaeva G. , Bakirov M. , Abdullaeva Zh.
Published: February 2022

Research relevance: Xinjiang has abundant resources for tourism development and can be expected to become an important tourist destination in China in the 21st century. Research objectives: to reveal natural attractions for the development of tourism, including the relief and high mountain ranges and deep depressions in the Xinjiang region. Research methods and materials: article is based on description of natural and cultural sightseeing places for tourists to visit. Research results: tourism development stimulates growth of circulation of monetary and material resources, an increase in employment of the population, influences the development of infrastructure and telecommunications. Conclusions: Tourism is becoming a new point of growth and an important pillar of Xinjiang’s economy.
Criminal Legal Issues of Responsibility of Traditional Healers in Kyrgyzstan
Authors: Iriskulbekov E.
Published: February 2022

The article deals with topical issues of bringing representatives of traditional medicine (healers) to criminal responsibility, since the activities of traditional healers are practically not regulated by the legislation of Kyrgyzstan, in particular, there is no mechanism for licensing their activities; and also, in the light of the adoption of the new Criminal Code of the Kyrgyz Republic in 2021.
Guarantees Provided to Foreign Investors
Authors: Sukharukov A.
Published: February 2022

The article analyzes the guarantees provided to foreign investors in the Russian Federation, and it also talks about the specifics of the activities of foreign investors in the Russian Federation, as well as the process of removing a restrictive nature from the legal regime of foreign investors in the Russian Federation, it talks about factors that affect the investment climate related to legal guarantees provided to investors aimed at ensuring the stability and immutability of business rules, as well as benefits and preferences.
State Censorship of the Internet in the Assessments of Russian Youth: Results of a Sociological Research
Authors: Rudenkin D.
Published: February 2022

The central issue of the paper is the peculiarities of the attitude of Russian youth to the tough policy of the state aimed at limiting the dissemination of information on the Internet. The author notes the contradiction between the progressive tightening of the policy of the Russian state in the field of moderation of the Internet and the lack of a clear understanding of the specifics of the reaction that such a tightening causes in society. An analysis of the current scientific literature leads the author to the conclusion that the attitude of young people to the practices of introducing state censorship will largely affect the effectiveness of the functioning of such censorship. The negative attitude of young people towards state censorship of the Internet will hinder its functioning, while agreement with the need for its introduction, on the contrary, may become a favorable prerequisite for its development. Using the data of his own sociological research conducted among the youth of Ekaterinburg (N=504), the author analyses the actual moods that arise among the youth in connection with the prospect of introducing state censorship of the Internet. The key conclusion of the paper is that the Russian youth has a relatively positive attitude towards the introduction of state censorship of the Internet, which in many respects favors the real introduction of such censorship into the life of society. Although young people disagree and argue about the specific types of information that should be prohibited by the state censorship, the initial need for such a prohibition is more likely to be supported.
The Family Education Style Effect on the Emotional-Volitional Qualities of Children in Their Formation as a Personality
Authors: Konurbaev T. , Sagynbaev E.
Published: February 2022

The relevance of this research question lies in the fact that the main institution of education in modern society is the family. For a small child, the family is the whole world in which he develops, it is in the family that the foundation of the child’s personality is laid, in the family he receives his first life experience, his first discovery. In recent years, much attention has been paid to the will, in connection with the general revival of interest in the specific human and humanitarian problems of psychology. Therefore, the task usually arises of studying the formation of children’s volitional characteristics and the development of the child’s individual behavior. This paper investigates the formation of volitional qualities in children. The purpose of the study is to theoretically demonstrate the pedagogical forms and methods for the formation of volitional qualities in a child in the process of family education. The subject of the study was pedagogical forms, the influence of family values and methods for the formation of children’s emotional and volitional qualities. Consideration of family relations as an element of a child’s emotional well-being is determined by modern conditions of family education. The most important feature of family education is its style. Family parenting style is appropriate attitudes and parental behavior that is not specifically related to a given child, but usually emphasizes the behavior of adults towards children in general. The purpose of this work is to find out how the styles of family education affect the emotional and volitional sphere of children. In conclusion, the study concludes that the style of family education is one of the key factors in the development of the emotional and volitional spheres of children and their development as a person. The results obtained in the study can be used in the work of educational psychologists, in psychological practice with individual counseling of parents.
Desórdenes temporomandibulares durante la pandemia por el COVID-19
Authors: Meneses-Rivadeneira Leopoldo
Published: February 2022

Después de 2 años de haberse identificado en Wuhan - China la infección respiratoria causada por el SARS-CoV-2, que ha provocado la última pandemia global, seguimos viviendo la incertidumbre de lo que se sabe, de lo que aún no se sabe y observando lo que nos va dejando la pandemia. Dentro de los múltiples problemas de la salud que se han ocasionado por la pandemia, los problemas estomatológicos no solo se han incrementado por la falta de atención, si no que han cambiado algunos datos epidemiológicos que los caracterizaba. Es así que los desórdenes temporomandibulares (DTM) casi se han duplicado en número en adolescentes y adultos jóvenes, lo cual se asocia a las múltiples reacciones psicológicas adversas que han generado miedo excesivo, ansiedad y depresión por la pandemia del COVID-19. Es propósito de esta publicación presentar una revisión del contexto actual de los desórdenes temporomandibulares.
Development and Application of Automatized Routines for Optical Analysis of Synaptic Activity Evoked by Chemical and Electrical Stimulation
Authors: Guhathakurta Debarpan , Akdaş Enes Yağız , Fejtová Anna , Weiss Eva-Maria
Published: February 2022

The recent development of cellular imaging techniques and the application of genetically encoded sensors of neuronal activity led to significant methodological progress in neurobiological studies. These methods often result in complex and large data sets consisting of image stacks or sets of multichannel fluorescent images. The detection of synapses, visualized by fluorescence labeling, is one major challenge in the analysis of these datasets, due to variations in synapse shape, size, and fluorescence intensity across the images. For their detection, most labs use manual or semi-manual techniques that are time-consuming and error-prone. We developed SynEdgeWs, a MATLAB-based segmentation algorithm that combines the application of an edge filter, morphological operators, and marker-controlled watershed segmentation. SynEdgeWs does not need training data and works with low user intervention. It was superior to methods based on cutoff thresholds and local maximum guided approaches in a realistic set of data. We implemented SynEdgeWs in two automatized routines that allow accurate, direct, and unbiased identification of fluorescently labeled synaptic puncta and their consecutive analysis. SynEval routine enables the analysis of three-channel images, and ImgSegRout routine processes image stacks. We tested the feasibility of ImgSegRout on a realistic live-cell imaging data set from experiments designed to monitor neurotransmitter release using synaptic phluorins. Finally, we applied SynEval to compare synaptic vesicle recycling evoked by electrical field stimulation and chemical depolarization in dissociated cortical cultures. Our data indicate that while the proportion of active synapses does not differ between stimulation modes, significantly more vesicles are mobilized upon chemical depolarization.
The Apoptosis of Liver Cancer Cells Promoted by Curcumin/TPP-CZL Nanomicelles With Mitochondrial Targeting Function
Authors: Li Wanyu , Chen Yanan , He Kun , Cao Tianshou , Song Daibo , Yang Huiling , Li Li , Lin Jiantao
Published: February 2022

The mitochondrion is one of the most important cellular organelles, and many drugs work by acting on mitochondria. Curcumin (Cur)-induced apoptosis of HepG2 in liver cancer cells is closely related to the function of inhibiting mitochondria. However, the mitochondrion-targeting curcumin delivery system was rarely been reported. It is important to develop a high-efficiency mitochondrion-targeting curcumin vector that can deliver curcumin into mitochondria directly. Here, a special mitochondrion-targeting delivery system based on triphenylphosphine bromide (TPP)-chitosan-g-poly-(N-3-carbobenzyloxy-l-lysine) (CZL) with TPP functional on the surface is designed to perform highly efficient mitochondria-targeting delivery for effective liver cancer cell killing in vitro. The TEM images showed that the nanomicelles were spherical; the results of fluorescence test showed that TPP-CZL nanomicelles could promote the cellular uptake of drugs and finally targeted to the mitochondria. The results of cell survival rate and Hoechst staining showed that curcumin/TPP-CZL nanomicelles could promote the apoptosis of liver cancer cells. Curcumin/TPP-CZL nanomicelles could significantly reduce the mitochondrial membrane potential, increase the expression of pro apoptotic protein Bcl-2, and reduce the expression of antiapoptotic Bax protein, and these results were significantly better than curcumin/CZL nanomicelles and curcumin. It is a potential drug delivery system with high efficiency to target mitochondria of liver cancer cells.
Engineered Human Meniscus in Modeling Sex Differences of Knee Osteoarthritis in Vitro
Authors: Ma Zhiyao , Li David Xinzheyang , Kunze Melanie , Mulet-Sierra Aillette , Westover Lindsey , Adesida Adetola B.
Published: February 2022

Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) primarily affects mechanical load-bearing joints. The knee joint is the most impacted by OA. Knee OA (KOA) occurs in almost all demographic groups, but the prevalence and severity are disproportionately higher in females. The molecular mechanism underlying the pathogenesis and progression of KOA is unknown. The molecular basis of biological sex matters of KOA is not fully understood. Mechanical stimulation plays a vital role in modulating OA-related responses of load-bearing tissues. Mechanical unloading by simulated microgravity (SMG) induced OA-like gene expression in engineered cartilage, while mechanical loading by cyclic hydrostatic pressure (CHP), on the other hand, exerted a pro-chondrogenic effect. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of mechanical loading and unloading via CHP and SMG, respectively, on the OA-related profile changes of engineered meniscus tissues and explore biological sex-related differences.

Methods: Tissue-engineered menisci were made from female and male meniscus fibrochondrocytes (MFCs) under static conditions of normal gravity in chondrogenic media and subjected to SMG and CHP culture. Constructs were assayed via histology, immunofluorescence, GAG/DNA assays, RNA sequencing, and testing of mechanical properties.

Results: The mRNA expression of ACAN and COL2A1, was upregulated by CHP but downregulated by SMG. COL10A1, a marker for chondrocyte hypertrophy, was downregulated by CHP compared to SMG. Furthermore, CHP increased GAG/DNA levels and wet weight in both female and male donors, but only significantly in females. From the transcriptomics, CHP and SMG significantly modulated genes related to the ossification, regulation of ossification, extracellular matrix, and angiogenesis Gene Ontology (GO) terms. A clear difference in fold-change magnitude and direction was seen between the two treatments for many of the genes. Furthermore, differences in fold-change magnitudes were seen between male and female donors within each treatment. SMG and CHP also significantly modulated genes in OA-related KEGG pathways, such as mineral absorption, Wnt signalling pathway, and HIF-1 signalling pathway.

Conclusion: Engineered menisci responded to CHP and SMG in a sex-dependent manner. SMG may induce an OA-like profile, while CHP promotes chondrogenesis. The combination of SMG and CHP could serve as a model to study the early molecular events of KOA and potential drug-targetable pathways.
In Vitro Cellular Strain Models of Tendon Biology and Tenogenic Differentiation
Authors: Wu Shannon Y. , Kim Won , Kremen Thomas J.
Published: February 2022

Research has shown that the surrounding biomechanical environment plays a significant role in the development, differentiation, repair, and degradation of tendon, but the interactions between tendon cells and the forces they experience are complex. In vitro mechanical stimulation models attempt to understand the effects of mechanical load on tendon and connective tissue progenitor cells. This article reviews multiple mechanical stimulation models used to study tendon mechanobiology and provides an overview of the current progress in modelling the complex native biomechanical environment of tendon. Though great strides have been made in advancing the understanding of the role of mechanical stimulation in tendon development, damage, and repair, there exists no ideal in vitro model. Further comparative studies and careful consideration of loading parameters, cell populations, and biochemical additives may further offer new insight into an ideal model for the support of tendon regeneration studies.
Protective Effect of Grape Seed Proanthocyanidins on Oxidative Damage of Chicken Follicular Granulosa Cells by Inhibiting FoxO1-Mediated Autophagy
Authors: Zhou Shuo , Zhao An , Wu Yangyang , Mi Yuling , Zhang Caiqiao
Published: February 2022

A significant decrease in poultry egg production occurs due to ovarian aging and autophagy is one of the important factors of ovarian aging that is induced predominantly by oxidative stress. Increasing evidence showed potential roles of plant-derived grape seed proanthocyanidin (GSPs) in protecting ovarian granulosa cells (GCs) from oxidative damage, although the underlying mechanism is still unclear. Here we investigated the possible functions of autophagy involved in the preventive effect of GSPs on oxidative stress in the GCs of ovarian hierarchical follicles of laying chickens. The results showed that increased autophagy was observed in the aging hens (580-day-old, D580) compared with the peak-lay hens (D280). Treatment of GSPs significantly restored the elevated autophagy and decreased viability of cultured D280 chicken GCs that were elicited by hydrogen peroxide. GSPs also suppressed the increased autophagy in the natural aging hens. Similar to the effect of GSPs on GC viability, inhibition of autophagy also showed a protective effect on the decreased viability of GCs under oxidative damage. However, GSPs were not able to provide further protection in GCs that were pretreated with 3-methyladenine (an autophagy inhibitor). In addition to its promoting action on antioxidant capacity, treatment with GSPs increased survival of GCs from autophagy that was caused by oxidative stress through the FoxO1-related pathway. Inhibition of FoxO1 or activation of PI3K-Akt pathway by GSPs increased the confrontation of GCs to oxidative damage and decreased autophagy in GCs. In addition, activation of the SIRT1 signal inhibited the GCs autophagy that was caused by oxidative stress via GSPs-induced deacetylation of FoxO1. These results revealed a new mechanism of GSPs against oxidative stress of GCs via inhibiting FoxO1, which was probably a possible target for alleviating ovarian aging in laying poultry.
Identification of Rat Testicular Leydig Precursor Cells by Single-Cell-RNA-Sequence Analysis
Authors: Guan Xiaoju , Chen Panpan , Ji Minpeng , Wen Xin , Chen Dan , Zhao Xingyi , Huang Fu , Wang Jiexia , Shao Jingjing , Xie Jiajia , Zhao Xingxing , Chen Fenfen , Tian Jing , Lin Han , Zirkin Barry R. , Duan Ping , Su Zhijian , Chen Haolin
Published: February 2022

Stem Leydig cells (SLCs) play a critical role in the development and maintenance of the adult Leydig cell (ALC) population. SLCs also are present in the adult testis. Their identification, characteristics, and regulation in the adult testis remain uncertain. Using single-cell RNA-seq, we found that the mesenchymal stromal population may be involved in ALC regeneration. Upon ALC elimination, a fraction of stromal cells begins to proliferate while a different fraction begins to differentiate to ALCs. Transcriptomic analysis identified five stromal clusters that can be classified into two major groups representing proliferation and differentiation populations. The proliferating group represents stem cells expressing high levels of CD90, Nes, Lum, Fn and Gap43. The differentiating group represents a progenitor stage that is ready to form ALCs, and specifically expresses Vtn, Rasl11a, Id1 and Egr2. The observation that the actively dividing cells after ALC loss were not those that formed ALCs suggests that stem cell proliferation and differentiation are regulated separately, and that the maintenance of the stromal stem cell pool occurs at the population level. The study also identified specific markers for the major interstitial cell groups and potential paracrine factors involved in the regulation of SLCs. Our data suggest a new theory about SLC identity, proliferation, differentiation, and regulation.
Click Chemistry and Multicomponent Reaction for Linker Diversification of Zinc Dipicolylamine-Based Drug Conjugates
Authors: Tsai Ching-Hua , Chiu Tai-Yu , Chen Chiung-Tong , Hsu Chia-Yu , Tsai Ya-Ru , Yeh Teng-Kuang , Huang Kuan-Hsun , Tsou Lun Kelvin
Published: February 2022

An efficient Ugi multicomponent reaction with strain promoted azide-alkyne cycloaddition protocol has been utilized in concert or independently to prepare a small family of bioactive zinc(II) dipicolylamine (ZnDPA)-based SN-38 conjugates. With sequential click chemistry coupling between the cytotoxic payload and phosphatidylserine-targeting ZnDPA ligand derived from structurally diverse carboxylic acids, aldehyde or ketones, and isocyanides, we demonstrated that this convergent synthetic strategy could furnish conjugates harnessing diversified linkers that exhibited different pharmacokinetic profiles in systemic circulation in vivo. Among the eight new conjugates, comparative studies on in vitro cytotoxicities, plasma stabilities, in vivo pharmacokinetic properties, and maximum tolerated doses were then carried out to identify a potent ZnDPA-based SN-38 conjugate that resulted in pancreatic cancer growth regression with an 80% reduction of cytotoxic payload used when compared to that of the marketed irinotecan. Our work provided the roadmap to construct a variety of theranostic agents in a similar manner for cancer treatment.
Metabolites With Cytotoxic Activities From the Mangrove Endophytic Fungus Fusarium sp. 2ST2
Authors: Chen Yan , Wang Guisheng , Yuan Yilin , Zou Ge , Yang Wencong , Tan Qi , Kang Wenyi , She Zhigang
Published: February 2022

Two new 3-decalinoyltetramic acid derivatives with peroxide bridge fusarisetins E (1) and F (2), one new chromone fusarimone A (5), two new benzofurans fusarifurans A (9) and B (10), three new isocoumarins fusarimarins A–C (11–13), as well as five known analogues 3, 4, 6–8 and 14 were isolated from mangrove endophytic fungus Fusarium sp. 2ST2. Their structures and absolute configurations were established by spectroscopic analysis, density functional theory-gauge invariant atomic orbital NMR calculation with DP4+ statistical analysis, and electronic circular dichroism calculation. Compounds 1 and 2 showed significant cytotoxicity against human A549 cell lines with IC50 values of 8.7 and 4.3 μM, respectively.
Molecular Structural, Hydrogen Bonding Interactions, and Chemical Reactivity Studies of Ezetimibe-L-Proline Cocrystal Using Spectroscopic and Quantum Chemical Approach
Authors: Prajapati Preeti , Pandey Jaya , Tandon Poonam , Sinha Kirti , Shimpi Manishkumar R.
Published: February 2022

Ezetimibe (EZT) being an anticholesterol drug is frequently used for the reduction of elevated blood cholesterol levels. With the purpose of improving the physicochemical properties of EZT, in the present study, cocrystals of ezetimibe with L-proline have been studied. Theoretical geometry optimization of EZT-L-proline cocrystal, energies, and structure–activity relationship was carried out at the DFT level of theory using B3LYP functional complemented by 6-311++G(d,p) basis set. To better understand the role of hydrogen bonding, two different models (EZT + L-proline and EZT + 2L-proline) of EZT-L-proline cocrystal were studied. Spectral techniques (FTIR and FT-Raman) combined with quantum chemical methodologies were successfully implemented for the detailed vibrational assignment of fundamental modes. It is a zwitterionic cocrystal hydrogen bonded with the OH group of EZT and the COO−group of L-proline. The existence and strength of hydrogen bonds were examined by a natural bond orbital analysis (NBO) supported by the quantum theory of atoms in molecule (QTAIM). Chemical reactivity was reflected by the HOMO–LUMO analysis. A smaller energy gap in the cocrystal in comparison to API shows that a cocrystal is softer and chemically more reactive. MEPS and Fukui functions revealed the reactive sites of cocrystals. The calculated binding energy of the cocrystal from counterpoise method was −11.44 kcal/mol (EZT + L-proline) and −26.19 kcal/mol (EZT + 2L-proline). The comparative study between EZT-L-proline and EZT suggest that cocrystals can be better used as an alternative to comprehend the effect of hydrogen bonding in biomolecules and enhance the pharmacological properties of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs).
μMatch: 3D Shape Correspondence for Biological Image Data
Authors: Klatzow James , Dalmasso Giovanni , Martínez-Abadías Neus , Sharpe James , Uhlmann Virginie
Published: February 2022

Modern microscopy technologies allow imaging biological objects in 3D over a wide range of spatial and temporal scales, opening the way for a quantitative assessment of morphology. However, establishing a correspondence between objects to be compared, a first necessary step of most shape analysis workflows, remains challenging for soft-tissue objects without striking features allowing them to be landmarked. To address this issue, we introduce the μMatch 3D shape correspondence pipeline. μMatch implements a state-of-the-art correspondence algorithm initially developed for computer graphics and packages it in a streamlined pipeline including tools to carry out all steps from input data pre-processing to classical shape analysis routines. Importantly, μMatch does not require any landmarks on the object surface and establishes correspondence in a fully automated manner. Our open-source method is implemented in Python and can be used to process collections of objects described as triangular meshes. We quantitatively assess the validity of μMatch relying on a well-known benchmark dataset and further demonstrate its reliability by reproducing published results previously obtained through manual landmarking.
Role and Mechanism of PKC-δ for Cardiovascular Disease: Current Status and Perspective
Authors: Miao Li-na , Pan Deng , Shi Junhe , Du Jian-peng , Chen Peng-fei , Gao Jie , Yu Yanqiao , Shi Da-Zhuo , Guo Ming
Published: February 2022

Protein kinase C (PKC) is a protein kinase with important cellular functions. PKC-δ, a member of the novel PKC subfamily, has been well-documented over the years. Activation of PKC-δ plays an important regulatory role in myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (IRI) injury and myocardial fibrosis, and its activity and expression levels can regulate pathological cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis, hypertension, cardiac hypertrophy, and heart failure. This article aims to review the structure and function of PKC-δ, summarize the current research regarding its activation mechanism and its role in cardiovascular disease, and provide novel insight into further research on the role of PKC-δ in cardiovascular diseases.
Co-Seismic Surface Ruptures of the CE 1738 M 7.6 Dangjiang Earthquake Along the NW Continuation of the Xianshuihe Fault Zone and Tectonic Implications for the Central Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Yu Zhongyuan , Yin Na , Xiao Peng , Chen Baixu
Published: February 2022

The role of large-scale strike-slip faults in high-elevation areas in absorbing the strain resulting from plate convergence has yet to be scientifically understood. The Dang Jiang Fault (DJF), as the NW continuation of the Xianshuihe Fault Zone (XFZ) in the central Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, may provide an excellent testing ground for this question, given its high slip rate, sparse vegetative cover, minimal modification, and possible relationship with the CE 1738 Dangjiang destructive earthquake. However, co-seismic surface ruptures and seismotectonics remain in dispute because of inconvenient transportation and lack of oxygen at high altitudes. Thus, field investigations are conducted here to determine co-seismic surface ruptures. The newly synthesized data from geologic observations, historical record reviews, geomorphic mapping, trench logging, and sample dating indicate that the CE 1738 Dangjiang earthquake produced an ∼100 km-long surface rupture that includes offsets of gullies, linear scarps and troughs, sag ponds,en echelonfractures, and pressure ridges. The magnitude is re-estimated asM7.6, with average and maximum strike-slip displacements of ∼2.1 ± 0.1 m and ∼3.5 ± 0.1 m, respectively. The DJF has undergone multiple seismic faulting events, and the linear fitting surface displacement rate in the Holocene is ∼6.3 ± 1.9 mm/yr with a 95% confidence interval. This study implies that the seismic hazard of the DJF cannot be underestimated given that its elapsed time is close to or beyond the recurrence interval of major earthquakes and that the oblique convergence of the Qiangtang Block might be accommodated by the clockwise rotation of the block through repeated left-lateral strike-slip movements along the southern boundary of the Bayan Har Block.
Fine Logging Evaluation of Fractures in Continental Tight Oil Sandstone Reservoirs of Yanchang Formation in the Ordos Basin
Authors: Chen Zhanjun , Ji Anzhao , Yuan Yidong
Published: February 2022

Fractures are the main seepage channels in tight reservoirs, and they affect the distribution of high-quality reservoirs and the enrichment of hydrocarbons. Fine logging identification of fractures in the strongly heterogeneous continental tight oil reservoirs of the Upper Triassic Yanchang Formation in the Ordos Basin is a hot and difficult point in the field of petroleum geology. In this paper, taking the Yanchang Formation as an example, a fractal model was constructed to identify fractures in tight oil reservoirs using a large number of cores, conventional and micro-resistivity imaging logging data. The results show that high-angle, vertical and bedding fractures are mainly developed in the Yanchang Formation tight sandstones. There is a negative correlation between sand body thickness and fracture development degree. The fracture sensitivity parameters were used to construct a coupled fractal fracture index. The fractal model incorporates logging information from natural gamma, acoustic wave time difference, rock density, and shallow lateral resistivity. In addition, the constructed fracture fractal index realizes the functions of multi-conventional logging information fusion, which can effectively identify fracture development segments in sandstone. According to the statistics, the fracture identification rate is 83.3%. The study also found that with the increase of sandstone brittleness index, the fracture index has a “S” shape increasing trend. Therefore, the content of brittle mineral components in sandstone is an important factor affecting the development degree of natural fractures, and fractures are more likely to occur in high brittle, thin sand bodies. The highly brittle framework minerals have strong stress-supporting capacity, which can keep fractures open by resisting high overlying loads.
Differential Efficacy of Digital Scaffolding of Numeracy Skills in Kindergartners With Mild Perinatal Aversities
Authors: Merkelbach Inge , Plak Rachel D. , Jong Maria T. Sikkema-de , Rippe Ralph C.A.
Published: February 2022

Introduction:Children who experienced mild perinatal adversity (i.e., born late preterm or small for gestational age) are at increased risk for delays in early numeracy and literacy, which increases inequality in educational opportunities. However, this group showed increased susceptibility to the characteristics of their educational environment for literacy, especially for those born late preterm. Intervening in this group may thus be particularly beneficial, provided that their educational environment is highly structured. Delays in numeracy and mathematics are most firmly acknowledged in these children. It remains unclear if these children are also more susceptible to their educational numeracy environment. We test the hypothesis of increased susceptibility to characteristics of their educational environment in the field of numeracy.

Methods:We tested the efficacy of a digital intervention of two to 3 months, which focused on visual spatial skills in a large randomized controlled trial in a sample of five-to-six-year-old kindergarten pupils from 140 elementary schools. About 45% of all participants showed delays in numeracy, of whom n = 67 (11%) were born late preterm, n = 157 (26%) were born small for gestational age, and n = 389 (63%) had no mild perinatal adversities. Pupils were assigned to a guiding and structured intervention focused on visual spatial skills (n = 294) or a control program (n = 319), targeting literacy skills.Results:The intervention did not show a main effect. The program was not effective in children small for gestational age, but it was for children born late preterm (Cohen’sd= .71, CI = .07–1.36), showing stronger numeracy skills compared to term-born peers in the intervention condition. Early numeracy skills in children born late preterm fell behind compared to term-born peers in the control condition.

Conclusion:A highly structured educational numeracy environment, using repetition and adaptive feedback benefited early numeracy skills of late preterm children. These children outperformed their peers in early numeracy skills, while those in the control condition fell behind. Findings align with earlier findings on promoting early literacy in this group through an equivalent literacy intervention. A relatively simple and cost-effective intervention thus may help reduce the risk of educational inequality for children born late pre-term.