bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Photoblastism on Rice Morphogenesis and Seedling Development
Authors: Hoque MN , Islam MA , Islam MZ , Rahman M , Biswas B
Published: July 2022

The effect of continuous light and complete dark period on seed germination to first leaf emergence was examined in BRRIdhan71 and BRRIdhan81 in controlled environment at 22 ± 2 ᵒC and 82± 2 % of relative humidity, with or without supplemental LED white light. In the dark, BRRIdhan71 had a germination rate of 97 percent and BRRIdhan81 had a germination rate of 57 percent. Germination was 92 percent in BRRIdhan81 and 77 percent in BRRIdhan71 under photoblastic conditions (Light). The dark and light treatments had a noticeable impact on the percentage of seeds that germinated. Coleoptile was longer in dark than light in BRRIdhan71. In both rice varieties, the light and dark treatments had little effect on the first leaf length, although the first leaf breadth increased noticeably in BRRIdhan81. The growth condition had an impact on root length, seedling fresh weight, and dry weight. Germination percent, coleoptile length, prophyll length, first leaf length, and root length all decreased in BRRIdhan71, whereas germination percent, first leaf length, first leaf breadth, seedling freash, and dry weight all increased significantly in BRRIdhan81.The findings imply that BRRIdhan71 and BRRIdhan81, in particular, responded to photoblastic treatment and predominantly possess photoblastic biocomponents in seed, which affect germination and subsequent growth phases. Rice seed during germinate in the field will light stress if photoblastism is not considered during the development and release of rice varieties for different seasons, such as Aman and Boro, because light affects seeding photomorphogenesis differently in different growth environments.

Environ. Sci. & Natural Resources, 13(1&2): 43-49, 2020
Assessment of Air Quality Parameters at Different Locations of Tangail Sadar Upazila, Tangail
Authors: Rehnuma M , Riad AA , Shakur RI
Published: July 2022

The study was conducted to investigate the concentration of PM2.5, PM10, CH4, CO2, CO, SO2 in the air of Tangail Sadar Upazila, Tangail. In the study area air quality data has been collected from eight sampling stations namely MBSTU campus, Baby stand, Nirala more, New bus stand, Rabna bypass, College gate, Old bus stand, Nogor jalfoi during dry season. The air quality data collected by using Aeroqual S 500 series. The concentrations of PM2.5, PM10, CH4, CO2, CO, SO2 found in air were ranged from 0.03-0.06, 0.04-0.10, 12.3-36, 919-1238.2, 0.00- 2.61, 0.00-0.48 mg/m3, respectively. The concentration of PM2.5, PM10, CO, SO2 that have been found were higher than Bangladesh standard and WHO guideline. Their sources could be the motor vehicles, road dust, coal burning, road construction, open dumping of solid waste in Tangail Sadar Upazila. Appropriate engine design control strategies and maintenance services should be introduced for reducing emission. Efficient solid waste management system should be introduced to control emission from construction sources.

Environ. Sci. & Natural Resources, 13(1&2): 118-122, 2020
The Legality of the Russian Military Operations Against Ukraine from the Perspective of International Law
Authors: Khater Maya
Published: July 2022

The current study seeks to discuss the grounds used by the Russian authorities to legalise their war against Ukraine, indicating the falseness of these grounds and considering the efforts of the United Nations and the International Community that aim to cease Russian aggression against Ukraine. It aims to demonstrate the falseness of Russian legality in its war against Ukraine by identifying the violations and crimes related to the Russian attack under international laws and norms, including the Charter of the United Nations, rules of international humanitarian law, and international human rights law, emphasising on the potential accountability mechanism for perpetrators of international crimes during the Russian war against Ukraine.
Russia has used military force against Ukraine several times since 2014 and seized several Ukrainian critical and strategic locations, including them in the Russian territory, coinciding with escalating protests by Pro-Russian separatist groups, especially in Donetsk and Luhansk, where these groups declared their independence in February 2022. Furthermore, Russia has declared it started a special military operation aiming at peacekeeping in those two regions, in addition to claiming that its intent was to stop genocide crimes undertaken by Ukraine in the eastern region of Donbas. This research concentrated on the legality of the latest Russian military operations that started on 24 February 2022 from the perspective of contemporary international law.
The research uses the descriptive analysis method, which is based on the precise description and in-depth analysis of the topic through gathering detailed data related to the research problem, analysing and interpreting legal texts and relevant information, and proposing appropriate solutions and recommendations that expose the Russian violations of international law, attempt to stop these violations, and preserve the state unity and territorial integrity of Ukraine.
The research concludes that the Russian military operations against Ukraine represent a blatant violation of international law and an undermining of universal security. As a consequence, this negatively affects the friendly relationships among the members of the international community, in accordance with the provisions and principles of contemporary international law and the resolutions of international legitimacy.
The Effect Of Managerial Coaching, Person-Job Fit, And Motivation Toward Employee Performance: The Mediating Role Of Satisfaction And Engagement
Authors: Nugraha Krisna Wahyu , Wardhani Eka Nurlita Kurnia
Published: July 2022

This study examines the effect of managerial coaching, person-job fit, and motivation toward employee performance with the mediating role of employee satisfaction and engagement based on a study on a manufacturing enterprise in Indonesia listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX). This research uses a quantitative approach with 116 respondents from manufacturing companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) in Indonesia. The results of this study are (1) there is a positive and significant relationship between managerial coaching and performance, (2) there is no relationship between person-job fit and performance, (3) there is no influence on motivation to performance, (4) there is no effect of managerial coaching on satisfaction, (5) there is a positive and significant relationship between person-job fit and satisfaction, (6) there is a positive and significant relationship between motivation and satisfaction, (7) there is a positive and significant relationship between managerial coaching and engagement, (8) there is no relationship between person-job fit and engagement, (9) there is a positive and significant relationship between motivation and engagement, (10) there is no relationship between satisfaction and performance, and (11) there is a positive and significant relationship between engagement and performance.
Pengaruh Tingkat Kepatuhan, Pemeriksaan Pajak, Penerbitan Surat Ketetapan Pajak, Dan Sanksi Perpajakan Terhadap Peningkatan Penerimaan Pajak Penghasilan Wajib Pajak Orang Pribadi Di KPP PRATAMA MEDAN BARAT
Authors: Sembiring Jessi Charina , Br Ginting Seli Pebiola , Ivandy Willy , Herman Herman , Zebua Meri Arthanty
Published: July 2022

These indicators include compliance levels, tax audits, assessment letters taxes, and fines. Individual Taxpayers at KPP Pratama Medan Barat are asked to: participate in this research. Individual taxpayer income tax collection growing due to greater compliance, compliance and compliance with regulations taxation. Tax audit has a significant positive impact on tax revenue personal income, Sourced from Tax Foundation research. Tax assessments can increase taxpayer compliance and income when the Directorate General of Taxes send it together with the collection of income tax. Taxpayers who receiving tax sanctions does not violate the law. The sample includes 428,276 taxpayers and taken at random. Test results have a good impact on taxpayer acceptance personal income, either concurrently or partially. Research result shows that taxpayer compliance, tax assessment letters, sanctions taxation, and increasing income tax revenue for individual taxpayers positive and substantial impact on income tax receipts of individual taxpayers personally at KPP Pratama Medan Barat.
Kinerja Keuangan Perusahaan Farmasi BUMN dan Non-BUMN Sebelum dan Selama Pandemi
Authors: Atmaja Michelia Yemima Hardwi , Davianti Arthik
Published: July 2022

Since the emergence of COVID-19 in Indonesia, several corporate sectors in Indonesia have had their operational activities disrupted, which has caused a decline in revenue. However, there are industrial sectors that have benefited from the COVID-19 pandemic. One of them is the pharmaceutical industry. This study aims to determine the financial performance of public and private pharmaceutical companies before and during the pandemic. This research is descriptive quantitative research with the data source being secondary data. The data analysis technique uses net profit margin and returns on equity as profitability ratio, current ratio and quick ratio as liquidity ratio, total asset turnover and inventory turnover as activity ratio, debt to equity ratio, and debt to asset ratio as solvency ratios. The results show that private companies have better financial performance than public companies. Sido Muncul company has the best liquidity and solvency performance among other companies. Merck Indonesia has the best profitability performance, while Pyridam Farma has the best activity performance. In contrast, Indofarma has the worst performance among others even though in terms of activity performance, Indofarma is the most efficient company in selling products.

 

Sejak kemunculan COVID-19 di Indonesia, beberapa sektor perusahaan di Indonesia terganggu aktivitas operasionalnya yang menyebabkan penurunan pendapatan. Namun, terdapat sektor industri yang diuntungan dari adanya pandemi COVID-19. Salah satunya industri farmasi. Penelitian bertujuan untuk mengetahui kinerja keuangan perusahaan farmasi BUMN dan Non-BUMN sebelum dan selama pandemi. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian kuantitatif deskriptif dengan sumber data yang digunakan berupa data sekunder. Teknik analisis data menggunakan analisis rasio profitabilitas yaitu net profit margin dan return on equity, rasio likuiditas yaitu current ratio dan quick ratio, rasio aktivitas yaitu total asset turnover dan inventory turnover, dan rasio solvabilitas yaitu debt to equity ratio dan debt to asset ratio. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa perusahaan Non-BUMN memiliki kinerja keuangan perusahaan yang lebih baik dari perusahaan BUMN. Hal ini dapat dilihat bahwa perusahaan Sido Muncul memiliki kinerja likuiditas dan solvabilitas paling baik diantara perusahaan lainnya. Kinerja profitabilitas paling baik dimiliki oleh perusahaan Merck Indonesia sedangkan Pyridam Farma memiliki kinerja aktivitas terbaik diantara lainnya. Sementara Indofarma memiliki kinerja paling buruk diantara lainnya meskipun pada kinerja aktivitas, Indofarma merupakan perusahaan yang paling efisien dalam menjual produknya.
Analisis Modal Kerja pada Industri Telekomunikasi di Indonesia
Authors: Annisa Mutiara Lusiana , Hamzah Ruth Samantha , Pratiwi Yobi Nagoya
Published: July 2022

Working capital is an important aspect of company expenditure. Incapability to maintain a satisfactory level of working capital leads to higher possibility of default. The analysis of sources and uses of working capital is substantial for managers in predicting the usage and spending of efficient working capital. This study purposes to examine the reports on sources and use of working capital of telecommunication companies listed on the Indonesian stock exchange circa 2019 and 2020. Further, we collected six companies as samples, therefore there were 12 sample observations. Quantitative descriptive is used as the method and the secondary data was obtained from the financial reports. The results show that 33.3% of telecommunications companies use working capital optimally, meanwhile the remaining 66.7% have not been efficient in managing their working capital. Companies that are efficient in the use of working capital are PT Jasnita Telekomindo Tbk (JAST) and PT Telkom Indonesia Tbk (TLKM).
Peningkatan Pengendalian Internal Pada Pembelian Bahan Baku Di Masa Pandemi (PT. Gajah Mas Tulungagung)
Authors: Wati Dwi Enggar , Estiningrum Sri Dwi
Published: July 2022

Internal control has an important role for the company to minimize and expedite the company's operational activities. As the goal of a business organization is to generate the highest profit and guarantee the wealth of investors and creditors. The purpose of this study was to determine the improvement of internal control on the purchase of raw materials at PT. Gajah Mas Tulungagung during the pandemic. The results of this study indicate that the internal control in the process of purchasing raw materials in the pre-pandemic period by PT. Gajah Mas Tulungagung is by reconciling the inventory book with the stock of goods in the warehouse, internal control in the process of purchasing raw materials during the pandemic by PT. Gajah Mas Tulungagung, namely by separator of functional responsibilities and system of recording procedures, Constraints in implementing internal control in the process of purchasing raw materials during the pandemic by PT Gajah Mas Tulungagung is the Delay in Arrival of Ordered Goods due to long distances from suppliers, The company's efforts in internal control during the process of purchasing raw materials in During the pandemic period, companies are carried out by buying raw materials at low prices with the aim of minimizing expenses in the production process, and getting as much profit as possible from production.
INFLUENCE OF THE SOLVENT AND THE RATIO OF STARTING REAGENTS ON THE PROPERTIES OF ORGANIC-INORGANIC PEROVSKITE MAPbI3
Authors: Torchyniuk Pavlo , V'yunov Oleg , Vlasyuk Viktor , Kostylyov Vitaliy , Belous Anatolii
Published: July 2022

The peculiarities of formation and properties of organiс-inorganic MAPbI3 perovskite films, obtained from solutions with different ratios of starting reagents (PbI2:MAI = 1:1,1:2, and 1:3), in the DMF and DMSO solvents, studied. As the PbI2:MAI ratio increases, the temperature of the formation of a single-phase MAPbI3 perovskite film also increases. The slight changes in the structural and electrophysical characteristics for perovskite films obtained at the  different ratios of PbI2:MAI in DMF and DMSO were found. These changes are related to the solvent that is included in the crystalline structure of perovskite. In the same ratios of starting reagents, DMF is included in the structure of perovskite in a greater amount than DMSO.
Egytablettás fix kombinációk napi kétszeri alkalmazása a hypertonia kezelésében
Authors: Légrády Péter
Published: July 2022

A vérnyomáscsökkentő terápia optimalizálása legtöbbször nem a terápia egyszerűsítését jelenti. A legtöbb, napjainkban alkalmazott vérnyomáscsökkentő az alkalmazási előirat szerint 24 órás hatású, sok beteg esetében mégsem képesek megfelelő vérnyomáscsökkenést biztosítani. A kezelt hypertoniás betegek között azoknál fordul elő nagyobb arányban a nondipper jelenség, akik minden vérnyomáscsökkentőjüket egyszerre, reggel veszik be. A legújabb bizonyítékok arra utalnak, hogy jobb vérnyomáscsökkentő eredmények érhetők el akkor, ha az ACEi-ket, illetve az ARB-ket este adagolják és nem reggel. Arról nagyon kevés adat áll rendelkezésre – evidencia meg gyakorlatilag nem –, hogy egytablettás fix kombinációs készítményeket adagolnának naponta kétszer, akár ugyanabban a formában azonos vagy különböző adagban, akár két különböző kombinált készítményt.
Creación y difusión de contenidos audiovisuales y multimedia: la transformación educativa y científica en marcha
Authors: Rajas Fernández Mario , Alves Pedro , Muñiz Carlos
Published: July 2022

En la sociedad de la información, no podemos dejar de aprender no podemos dejar de estar conectados al conocimiento. A través de la red y los medios de comunicación, los ciudadanos nos hemos convertido en alumnos permanentes que consumimos vídeos, podcasts u otro tipo de contenidos audiovisuales y multimedia de carácter educativo y científico. De la misma forma, las universidades se están adaptando a este nuevo ecosistema mediático-formativo que está transformando las estructuras, agentes y procesos de la enseñanza superior en cualquier país del mundo. Desentrañar qué ventajas ofrecen estos nuevos modelos y formatos de aprendizaje para alumnos, profesores y las propias instituciones o sintetizar las formas de diseñar, producir y difundir contenidos de calidad son los principales objetivos de esta investigación. YouTube es un aula virtual, las redes sociales son laboratorios científicos y los contenidos audiovisuales y multimedia son las pizarras del presente. Descubramos qué entraña esta revolución integral para nuestras facultades.
Experiencia del uso de las TIC con nativos digitales
Authors: López Matías , Santos Fernández Diana , Carreño Villada Jose Luis
Published: July 2022

En la actual sociedad de la inmediatez y la multipantalla los alumnos reciben tal cantidad de estímulos que resulta complicado atraer su atención. La llegada de los nativos digitales precisa de la integración de plataformas de educación digitales como herramientas formativas del alumnado. En el estudio se ha elaborado una propuesta comparativa entre un grupo de control que utiliza el método de enseñanza tradicional y un grupo experimental que incorpora el uso de TICs tanto dentro como fuera del aula. Se ha elaborado un blog en paralelo al libro de la materia de Ciencias Sociales. También se ha llevado a cabo mediante la aplicación del M-learning gracias a un Kahoot, A mayor cantidad de información que puede ser utilizada como soporte de apoyo a la estimulación. La visión general cualifica positivamente el empleo de la gamificación en educación, debido a que los educandos aprenden y son evaluados de manera casi imperceptible para ellos, sin que aparezca la preocupación por las valoraciones finales.
On the 85th Anniversary of the Department of Ophthalmology at Izhevsk State Medical Academy
Authors: Editorial Article
Published: July 2022

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Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Antimicrobial Peptides as Potential Anti-Neoplastic Agents: New Insight into Anticancer Mechanisms of Stem Cells and Exosomes
Authors: Moeinabadi-Bidgoli Kasra , Rezaee Malihe , Rismanchi Hamidreza , Mohammadi Mohaddese Malek , Babajani Amirhesam
Published: July 2022

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), as adult multipotent cells, possess considerable regenerative and anti-neoplastic effects, from inducing apoptosis in the cancer cells to reducing multidrug resistance that bring them up as an appropriate alternative for cancer treatment. These cells can alter the behavior of cancer cells, the condition of the tumor microenvironment, and the activity of immune cells that result in tumor regression. It has been observed that during inflammatory conditions, a well-known feature of the tumor microenvironment, the MSCs produce and release some molecules called “antimicrobial peptides (AMPs)” with demonstrated anti-neoplastic effects. These peptides have remarkable targeted anticancer effects by attaching to the negatively charged membrane of neoplastic cells, disrupting the membrane, and interfering with intracellular pathways. Therefore, AMPs could be considered as a part of the wide-ranging anti-neoplastic effects of MSCs. This review focuses on the possible anti-neoplastic effects of MSCs-derived AMPs and their mechanisms. It also discusses preconditioning approaches and using exosomes to enhance AMP production and delivery from MSCs to cancer cells. Besides, the clinical administration of MSCs-derived AMPs, along with their challenges in clinical practice, were debated.
Targeting Macroautophagy as a Therapeutic Opportunity to Treat Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Sanchez-Mirasierra Irene , Ghimire Saurav , Hernandez-Diaz Sergio , Soukup Sandra-Fausia
Published: July 2022

Macroautophagy, an evolutionary conserved catabolic process in the eukaryotic cell, regulates cellular homeostasis and plays a decisive role in self-engulfing proteins, protein aggregates, dysfunctional or damaged organelles, and invading pathogens. Growing evidence from in vivo and in vitro models shows that autophagy dysfunction plays decisive role in the pathogenesis of various neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson’s disease (PD). PD is an incurable and second most common neurodegenerative disease characterised by neurological and motor dysfunction accompanied of non-motor symptoms that can also reduce the life quality of patients. Despite the investment in research, the aetiology of the disease is still unknown and the therapies available are aimed mostly at ameliorating motor symptoms. Hence, therapeutics regulating the autophagy pathway might play an important role controlling the disease progression, reducing neuronal loss and even ameliorating non-motor symptoms. In this review, we highlight potential therapeutic opportunities involved in different targeting options like an initiation of autophagy, Leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) inhibition, mitophagy, lysosomes, lipid metabolism, immune system, gene expression, biomarkers, and also non-pharmacological interventions. Thus, strategies to identify therapeutics targeting the pathways modulating autophagy might hold a future for therapy development against PD.
Pitx2 Differentially Regulates the Distinct Phases of Myogenic Program and Delineates Satellite Cell Lineages During Muscle Development
Authors: Ramírez de Acuña Felícitas , Hernandez-Torres Francisco , Rodriguez-Outeiriño Lara , Dominguez Jorge N. , Matias-Valiente Lidia , Sanchez-Fernandez Cristina , Franco Diego , Aranega Amelia E.
Published: July 2022

The knowledge of the molecular mechanisms that regulate embryonic myogenesis from early myogenic progenitors to myoblasts, as well as the emergence of adult satellite stem cells (SCs) during development, are key concepts to understanding the genesis and regenerative abilities of the skeletal muscle. Several previous pieces of evidence have revealed that the transcription factor Pitx2 might be a player within the molecular pathways controlling somite-derived muscle progenitors’ fate and SC behavior. However, the role exerted by Pitx2 in the progression from myogenic progenitors to myoblasts including SC precursors remains unsolved. Here, we show that Pitx2 inactivation in uncommitted early myogenic precursors diminished cell proliferation and migration leading to muscle hypotrophy and a low number of SCs with decreased myogenic differentiation potential. However, the loss of Pitx2 in committed myogenic precursors gave rise to normal muscles with standard amounts of SCs exhibiting high levels of Pax7 expression. This SC population includes few MYF5+ SC-primed but increased amount of less proliferative miR-106b+cells, and display myogenic differentiation defects failing to undergo proper muscle regeneration. Overall our results demonstrate that Pitx2 is required in uncommitted myogenic progenitors but it is dispensable in committed precursors for proper myogenesis and reveal a role for this transcription factor in the generation of diverse SC subpopulations.
Infection With Escherichia Coli Pathotypes Is Associated With Biomarkers of Gut Enteropathy and Nutritional Status Among Malnourished Children in Bangladesh
Authors: Gazi Md. Amran , Alam Md. Ashraful , Fahim Shah Mohammad , Wahid Barbie Zaman , Khan Shaila Sharmeen , Islam Md. Ohedul , Hasan Md. Mehedi , Hasan S. M. Tafsir , Das Subhasish , Mahfuz Mustafa , Haque Rashidul , Ahmed Tahmeed
Published: July 2022

Escherichia coli (E. coli) pathotypes are the most common cause of diarrhea, especially in developing countries. Environmental Enteric Dysfunction (EED) is presumed to be the result of infection with one or more pathotypes and can affect intestinal health and childhood growth. We sought to investigate the association of E. coli pathotypes infection with biomarkers of EED and nutritional status among slum-dwelling malnourished children in Bangladesh. This study comprised a total of 1050 stunted and at risk of stunting children. TaqMan Array Card assays were used to determine the presence of E. coli pathotypes in feces. Prevalence of infection with EAEC was highest (68.8%) in this cohort of children, followed by EPEC (55.9%), ETEC (44%), Shigella/EIEC (19.4%) and STEC (3.2%). The levels of myeloperoxidase and calprotectin were significantly higher in EAEC (P=0.02 and P=0.04), EPEC (P=0.02 and P=0.03) and Shigella/EIEC (P=0.05 and P=0.02) positive participants while, only calprotectin was significantly higher in ETEC (P=0.01) positive participants. Reg1B was significantly higher in participants with EAEC (P=0.004) while, neopterin levels were significantly lower in ETEC (P=0.003) and Shigella/EIEC (P=0.003) positive cases. A significant positive relationship was observed between EAEC and fecal levels of Reg1B (β = 0.28; 95% CI = 0.12, 0.43; p-value<0.001). Besides, ETEC was found to be positively and significantly associated with the levels of calprotectin (β = 0.14; 95 percent CI = 0.01, 0.26; p-value=0.037) and negatively with neopterin (β = -0.16; 95% CI = -0.30, -0.02; p-value=0.021). On the other hand, infection with EPEC was found to be negatively associated with length-for-age (β = -0.12; 95% CI = -0.22, -0.03; p-value=0.011) and weight-for-age (β = -0.11; 95% CI = -0.22, -0.01; p-value=0.037). The study findings suggest that infection with certain E. coli pathotypes (EAEC and ETEC) influences gut health and EPEC is associated with linear growth and underweight in Bangladeshi children.
A Novel Prognostic Score Including the CD4/CD8 for AIDS-Related Lymphoma
Authors: Chen Juanjuan , Liu Xuewu , Qin Shanfang , Ruan Guangjing , Lu Aili , Zhang Jinxin , Wu Yihua , Xie Zhiman , Peng Jie
Published: July 2022

Background

A simple and clinically applicable prognostic scoring system for AIDS-related lymphoma (ARL) in the era of combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) is needed to better stratify patients’ risks and to assist in the decision-making of therapeutic strategies.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective multicenter cohort study in 138 primary ARL patients over an 8-year period from 2013 to 2020. Survival curves were estimated using the Kaplan–Meier method. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazard models were performed to identify the association between patient-, lymphoma-, and HIV-specific variables with progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). The incremental prognostic value of novel inflammatory biomarkers in the International Prognostic Index (IPI) was evaluated by comparing the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, the concordance index (C-index), and the integrated Brier score (IBS).

Results

The median age was 49.14 ± 14.20 (range 18–79) years, 81.9% were men, and the median follow-up was 44.94 (95% CI = 37.05–52.84) months. The 3-year OS and PFS were 39.4% (95% CI = 16.3–21.2) and 38.7% (95% CI = 14.5–19.7), respectively. We found that age, extranodal sites, bulky mass, CD4 T-cell counts, CD4/CD8 ratio, and hypoalbuminemia were associated with OS (all P < 0.05) at both univariate and multivariate analyses. Of the new inflammatory markers, only the CD4/CD8 ratio was an independent prognostic parameter of OS and PFS. A lower CD4/CD8 ratio was strongly associated with adverse clinical factors, including older age, advanced Ann Arbor stage, more extranodal sites, elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate, prior history of HIV, higher red cell distribution width ratio, hypoproteinemia, and emaciation. When the CD4/CD8 ratio was added to the IPI, the composite HIV-IPI score showed significantly better discrimination than IPI alone [AUC (95% CI): HIV-IPI, 0.83 (0.77–0.89) vs. IPI, 0.72 (0.70–0.85)]. The HIV-IPI model provided good predictive performance [C-index (95% CI): HIV-IPI, 0.82 (0.81–0.83) vs. IPI, 0.75 (0.73–0.77), P < 0.001] and a satisfactory calibration function.

Conclusions

The CD4/CD8 ratio, an inexpensive and readily available marker, is a powerful independent prognostic parameter in patients with ARL. Furthermore, when the CD4/CD8 ratio is used in combination with IPI, it increases prognostic ability. The useful prediction of expected outcomes in ARL can inform treatment decisions.
Virulence Factors of Pseudomonas Aeruginosa and Antivirulence Strategies to Combat Its Drug Resistance
Authors: Liao Chongbing , Huang Xin , Wang Qingxia , Yao Dan , Lu Wuyuan
Published: July 2022

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen causing nosocomial infections in severely ill and immunocompromised patients. Ubiquitously disseminated in the environment, especially in hospitals, it has become a major threat to human health due to the constant emergence of drug-resistant strains. Multiple resistance mechanisms are exploited by P. aeruginosa, which usually result in chronic infections difficult to eradicate. Diverse virulence factors responsible for bacterial adhesion and colonization, host immune suppression, and immune escape, play important roles in the pathogenic process of P. aeruginosa. As such, antivirulence treatment that aims at reducing virulence while sparing the bacterium for its eventual elimination by the immune system, or combination therapies, has significant advantages over traditional antibiotic therapy, as the former imposes minimal selective pressure on P. aeruginosa, thus less likely to induce drug resistance. In this review, we will discuss the virulence factors of P. aeruginosa, their pathogenic roles, and recent advances in antivirulence drug discovery for the treatment of P. aeruginosa infections.
Small-Scale Flume Investigation of the Performance of Step-Baffle Drainage Channels in Mitigating Debris Flows
Authors: Li Shuai , Chen Xiaoqing , Chen Jiangang , Tang Hui , You Yong , Chen Huayong , Zhao Wanyu , Geng Xueyu
Published: July 2022

Drainage channels are widely used for discharging debris flows into deposition basins or rivers. However, the current drainage channel designs for guiding rapid debris flows downstream do not account for the variations of the gullies’ gradient and debris flow energy. In this study, we evaluated the performance of different step-baffle geometries (square, triangle, and trapezoid) in regulating debris flows. Specifically, their effects on the flow patterns, sediment transport, energy dissipation, and impact pressure are investigated using flume experiments. Results here showed that the square baffles promote highly turbulent flows which in turn result in the highest lift height relative to the triangular and trapezoidal baffles. Maximum sediment interception and highest energy dissipation are obtained using the trapezoidal baffle, whereas the triangular baffle exhibits minimal solid interception and the lowest energy dissipation. Trapezoidal baffles generally experience the greatest impact forces relative to both square and triangular baffles. However, when only the first baffle in the channel is considered, it is the square baffles that experience the largest impact forces. The present work improves the understanding of the effectiveness of step-baffle drainage channels in mitigating debris flows.
Calibration of Water Inrush Channel and Numerical Simulation of Water Inrush Process in Coal Mine Roof
Authors: Sun Dongdong , Hou Xiangang , Yang Tianhong , Zhao Yong , Zhang Penghai , Yang Bin , Liu Yilong , Ma Ka
Published: July 2022

The surrounding rock of a coal mine roof fractures with the excavation of the underground working face in coal mining. These mining-induced fractures are connected and extended upward to form water inrush channels. A water inrush accident may occur when there is a sufficiently large water source. To elucidate the formation mechanisms of the roof water inrush channel and the characteristics of water inrush in goafs, we performed a case study of No.18401 Panel of Xiqu Coal Mine in China and determined whether the roof water inrush channel is connected by theoretical calculation and microseismic monitoring. The modified mechanical parameters of rock masses were embedded into the numerical model based on microseismic data. Microseismic monitoring and numerical simulation were organically combined to analyze the connection process of the water inrush channel, after which the roof water inrush channel is calibrated on the No.18401 Panel. We established a non-Darcy flow model for water inrush in the water-conducting fractured zone of mines by coupling the Darcy, Forchheimer, and Navier–Stokes equations. Finite element language and its compiler (FELAC) was used to study the water inrush mechanism of non-Darcy seepage. The results show that the pressure, velocity, and porosity in the water-conducting fractured zone are non-uniform in water inrush occurrence and development, and the mixed fluid mainly passes through the “dominant channel.” The development of water inrush is accompanied by the release of the hydrostatic pressure in the aquifer, the sudden increase of the velocity at the water inrush position, and the increase in fluid concentration. Hence, the underground water inrush can be predicted and prevented by monitoring the aforementioned indicators. This research is of great significance for the calibration of the water inrush channel of the roof and the prediction of water inrush disasters.
Network Properties of Electrically Coupled Bursting Pituitary Cells
Authors: Fazli Mehran , Bertram Richard
Published: July 2022

The endocrine cells of the anterior pituitary gland are electrically active when stimulated or, in some cases, when not inhibited. The activity pattern thought to be most effective in releasing hormones is bursting, which consists of depolarization with small spikes that are much longer than single spikes. Although a majority of the research on cellular activity patterns has been performed on dispersed cells, the environment in situ is characterized by networks of coupled cells of the same type, at least in the case of somatotrophs and lactotrophs. This produces some degree of synchronization of their activity, which can be greatly increased by hormones and changes in the physiological state. In this computational study, we examine how electrical coupling among model cells influences synchronization of bursting oscillations among the population. We focus primarily on weak electrical coupling, since strong coupling leads to complete synchronization that is not characteristic of pituitary cell networks. We first look at small networks to point out several unexpected behaviors of the coupled system, and then consider a larger random scale-free network to determine what features of the structural network formed through gap junctional coupling among cells produce a high degree of functional coupling, i.e., clusters of synchronized cells. We employ several network centrality measures, and find that cells that are closely related in terms of their closeness centrality are most likely to be synchronized. We also find that structural hubs (cells with extensive coupling to other cells) are typically not functional hubs (cells synchronized with many other cells). Overall, in the case of weak electrical coupling, it is hard to predict the functional network that arises from a structural network, or to use a functional network as a means for determining the structural network that gives rise to it.
Recent Progress in Quasi/All-Solid-State Electrolytes for Lithium–Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Yang Shichun , Zhang Zhengjie , Lin Jiayuan , Zhang Lisheng , Wang Lijing , Chen Siyan , Zhang Cheng , Liu Xinhua
Published: July 2022

Lithium–sulfur batteries have received increasing research interest due to their superior theoretical capacity, cost-effectiveness, and eco-friendliness. However, the commercial realization of lithium–sulfur batteries faces critical obstacles, such as the significant volume change of sulfur cathodes over the de/lithiation processes, uncontrollable shuttle effects of polysulfides, and the lithium dendrite issue. On this basis, the lithium–sulfur battery based on solid-state electrolytes was developed to alleviate the previously mentioned problems. This article aims to provide an overview of the recent progress of solid-state lithium–sulfur batteries related to various kinds of solid-state electrolytes, which mainly include three aspects: the fundamentals and current status of lithium–sulfur solid-state batteries and several adopted solid-state electrolytes involving polymer electrolyte, inorganic solid electrolyte, and hybrid electrolyte. Furthermore, the future perspective for lithium–sulfur solid-state batteries is presented. Finally, this article proposed an initiation for new and practical research activities and paved the way for the design of usable lithium–sulfur solid-state batteries.
A Comprehensive Analysis of Pyroptosis-Related lncRNAs Signature Associated With Prognosis and Tumor Immune Microenvironment of Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Zhao Kai , Li Xiangyu , Shi Yuanxin , Lu Yun , Qiu Peng , Deng Zhengdong , Yao Wei , Wang Jianming
Published: July 2022

Background: Globally, pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAAD) is a common and highly devastating gastrointestinal malignancy that seriously threatens human health. Pyroptosis refers to an emerging form of programmed cell death that has been discovered in recent years, and studies have demonstrated that long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) may act as a moderator in the pyroptosis process of cancer cells. However, relevant explorations about lncRNAs and pyroptosis are still insufficient in PAAD. Therefore, our research is designed to make a comprehensive analysis of the potential values of pyroptosis-related lncRNAs in PAAD.

Methods: By integrating the RNA-sequencing, somatic mutation, and copy number variation (CNV) datasets, as well as the clinicopathological features, we established and validated a risk signature based on pyroptosis-related lncRNAs, and comprehensively analyzed its clinical significance and the potential connection with the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME).

Consequences: The genetic variation landscape displayed that the somatic mutations were rare while CNV changes were general and mainly concentrated on copy number amplification of these 52 pyroptosis-related genes. Subsequently, a risk signature consisting of 10 lncRNAs (TRAF3IP2-AS1, LINC00519, LINC01133, LINC02251, AC005332.6, AL590787.1, AC090114.2, TRPC7-AS1, MIR223HG, and MIR3142HG) was constructed and patients were divided into different subgroups according to the median risk score; patients with high-risk scores presented worse outcomes compared to those with low-risk scores in the training, testing, and entire cohorts. Furthermore, patients at low-risk scores possessed a higher infiltration abundance of immune cells compared with high-risk patients, which was consistent with the expression levels of lncRNAs between the high/low-risk groups. Drug sensitivity analysis showed that low-risk scores were related to anti-cancer agents like AICAR and Axitinib, whereas high-risk scores were connected with certain drugs such as AUY922. These results demonstrated that our risk signature could be used for prognosis prediction; additionally, it was also related to the TIME that might act as a potential indicator to instruct immunotherapeutic strategies.

Conclusion: This work explored the significance of the risk model constructed by pyroptosis-related lncRNAs in prognosis prediction and its internal link with the immune microenvironment of PAAD. The results are expected to assist in the diagnosis, prognostic assessment, and management of patients with PAAD.
Identification of Molecular Targets and Potential Mechanisms of Yinchen Wuling San Against Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma by Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking
Authors: Zhang Biyu , Liu Genyan , Wang Xin , Hu Xuelei
Published: July 2022

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) represents one of the most malignant and heterogeneous tumors, and the patients have low 5-year survival. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been demonstrated as an effective complementary and/or alternative therapy for advanced malignancies including HNSCC. It has been noted that several herbs that are used for preparing Yinchen Wuling San (YWLS) have anti-tumor activities, whereas their mechanisms of action remain elusive. In this study, network pharmacology and molecular docking studies were employed to explore the underlying mechanisms of action of YWLS against HNSCC. The 58 active ingredients from six herbs used for YWLS and their 506 potential targets were screened from the traditional Chinese medicine systems pharmacology database and analysis platform (TCMSP) and SwissTargetPrediction database. A total of 2,173 targets associated with HNSCC were mainly identified from the DisGeNET and GeneCards databases. An active components-targets-disease network was constructed in the Cytoscape. Top 20 hub targets, such as AKT1, EGFR, TNF, ESR1, SRC, HSP90AA1, MAPK3, ERBB2, and CCND1, were identified by a degree in the protein–protein interaction (PPI) network. Gene functional enrichment analysis showed that PI3K-AKT, MAPK, Ras, TNF, and EGFR were the main signaling pathways of YWLS in treating HNSCC. There were 48 intersected targets such as EGFR, AKT1, and TNF that were associated with patients’ outcomes by the univariate Cox analysis, and most of them had increased expression in the tumor as compared to normal tissues. The area under curves of receiver operating characteristic indicated their diagnostic potential. Inhibition of these survival-related targets and/or combination with EGFR or AKT inhibitors were promising therapeutic options in HNSCC. The partial active components of YWLS exhibited good binding with the hub targets, and ADME analysis further evaluated the drug-likeness of the active components. These compounds and targets identified in this study might provide novel treatment strategies for HNSCC patients, and the subsequent work is essential to verify the underlying mechanisms of YWLS against HNSCC.
Strongly Truncated Dnaaf4 Plays a Conserved Role in Drosophila Ciliary Dynein Assembly as Part of an R2TP-Like Co-Chaperone Complex With Dnaaf6
Authors: Lennon Jennifer , zur Lage Petra , von Kriegsheim Alex , Jarman Andrew P.
Published: July 2022

Axonemal dynein motors are large multi-subunit complexes that drive ciliary movement. Cytoplasmic assembly of these motor complexes involves several co-chaperones, some of which are related to the R2TP co-chaperone complex. Mutations of these genes in humans cause the motile ciliopathy, Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia (PCD), but their different roles are not completely known. Two such dynein (axonemal) assembly factors (DNAAFs) that are thought to function together in an R2TP-like complex are DNAAF4 (DYX1C1) and DNAAF6 (PIH1D3). Here we investigate the Drosophila homologues, CG14921/Dnaaf4 and CG5048/Dnaaf6. Surprisingly, Drosophila Dnaaf4 is truncated such that it completely lacks a TPR domain, which in human DNAAF4 is likely required to recruit HSP90. Despite this, we provide evidence that Drosophila Dnaaf4 and Dnaaf6 proteins can associate in an R2TP-like complex that has a conserved role in dynein assembly. Both are specifically expressed and required during the development of the two Drosophila cell types with motile cilia: mechanosensory chordotonal neurons and sperm. Flies that lack Dnaaf4 or Dnaaf6 genes are viable but with impaired chordotonal neuron function and lack motile sperm. We provide molecular evidence that Dnaaf4 and Dnaaf6 are required for assembly of outer dynein arms (ODAs) and a subset of inner dynein arms (IDAs).
A 9-LncRNA Signature for Predicting Prognosis and Immune Response in Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma
Authors: Wang Xiaoxuan , Lu Yaxiao , Liu Ziyi , Zhang Yidan , He You , Sun Cong , Li Lanfang , Zhai Qiongli , Meng Bin , Ren Xiubao , Wu Xudong , Zhang Huilai , Wang Xianhuo
Published: July 2022

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is a biologically and clinically heterogeneous disease that requires personalized clinical treatment. To assign patients into different risk categories, cytogenetic abnormalities and genetic mutations have been widely applied to the prognostic stratification of DLBCL. Increasing evidence has demonstrated that deregulated epigenetic modifications and long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) contribute to the initiation and progression of DLBCL. However, specific lncRNAs that affect epigenetic regulation and their value in predicting prognosis and therapy response remain uncertain. Here, 2,025 epigenetic-related genes were selected, and 9 lncRNAs (PRKCQ-AS1, C22orf34, HCP5, AC007389.3, APTR, SNHG19, ELFN1-AS1, LINC00487, and LINC00877) were tested and validated to establish an lncRNA-regulating epigenetic event signature (ELncSig). ELncSig, which was established based on independent lymphoma datasets, could distinguish different survival outcomes. Functional characterization of ELncSig showed that it could be an indicator of the immune microenvironment and is correlated with distinctive mutational characteristics. Univariate and multivariate analyses showed that ELncSig was independent of traditional prognostic factors. The novel immune-related ELncSig exhibits promising clinical prognostic value for DLBCL.
Systematic Evaluation of Rheumatoid Arthritis Risk by Integrating Lifestyle Factors and Genetic Risk Scores
Authors: Yu Xing-Hao , Bo Lin , Cao Rong-Rong , Yang Yi-Qun , He Pei , Lei Shu-Feng , Deng Fei-Yan
Published: July 2022

Background

Effective identification of high-risk rheumatoid arthritis (RA) individuals is still a challenge. Whether the combined effects of multiple previously reported genetic loci together with lifestyle factors can improve the prediction of RA risk remains unclear.

Methods

Based on previously reported results and a large-scale Biobank dataset, we constructed a polygenic risk score (PRS) for RA to evaluate the combined effects of the previously identified genetic loci in both case-control and prospective cohorts. We then evaluated the relationships between several lifestyles and RA risk and determined healthy lifestyles. Then, the joint effects of healthy lifestyles and genetic risk on RA risk were evaluated.

Results

We found a positive association between PRS and RA risk (OR = 1.407, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.354~1.463; HR = 1.316, 95% CI = 1.257~1.377). Compared with the low genetic risk group, the group with intermediate or high genetic risk had a higher risk (OR = 1.347, 95% CI = 1.213~1.496; HR = 1.246, 95% CI = 1.108~1.400) (OR = 2.169, 95% CI = 1.946~2.417; HR = 1.762, 95% CI = 1.557~1.995). After adjusting for covariates, we found protective effects of three lifestyles (no current smoking, regular physical activity, and moderate body mass index) on RA risk and defined them as healthy lifestyles. Compared with the individuals with low genetic risks and favorable lifestyles, those with high genetic risks and unfavorable lifestyles had as high as OR of 4.637 (95%CI = 3.767~5.708) and HR of 3.532 (95%CI = 2.799~4.458).

Conclusions

In conclusion, the integration of PRS and lifestyles can improve the prediction of RA risk. High RA risk can be alleviated by adopting healthy lifestyles but aggravated by adopting unfavorable lifestyles.