bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A new pioneer colorimetric micro-plate method for the estimation of ammonia production by plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR)
Authors: Abdelwahed Soukaina , trabelsi Emna , Saadouli Ilhem , Kouidhi Soumaya , Masmoudi Ahmed Slaheddine , Cherif Ameur , Mnif Wissem , Mosbah Amor
Published: October 2021

The ability of Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) to produce ammonia (NH3) is one of the key mechanisms for the growth and development of plants. Ammonia spectrophotometric quantification assay using Nessler’s reagent remains laborious and seems to be not suitable for large-scale PGP screening assay. Here, we performed a new accurate, easy, and cost-effective micro-plate protocol for large-scale ammonia quantification in bacterial supernatants as an alternative to the spectrophotometric method. In order to validate the accuracy of our innovative microplate assay, 9 bacterial strains were explored for their ability to produce ammonia using both the conventionally described assay and the newly performed micro-plate one. The ammonia 96-well microplate assay was successfully performed by scaling down the spectrophotometric methods to reduce the volume of bacterial supernatant as well as Nessler’s reagent. The reduction was estimated to 90%of the total used volume in comparison to the conventional test. The micro-test is 10-fold cheaper and 26 times faster than the conventional method. All bacterial isolates were positive for ammonia production. Bacillus inaquorsum and Bacillus mojavensis produced the highest ammonia concentration of about 371 and 370μM respectively. Furthermore, the application of the ammonia micro-plate assay reduces drastically the reagent waste and toxicity hazard of K2HgI4 (Nessler’s reagent) in the environment, thus, we can classify it as eco-friendly respecting the Green Chemistry concept according to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The statistical data obtained from both assays are significantly correlated (r = 0.985, R squared = 0.9329, and p < 0.001) proving the accuracy of the micro-plate assay. The proposed NH3 micro-assay is a reliable, rapid, eco-friendly, and cost-effective method to screen plant growth-promoting potential of more than 25 bacterial strains in one micro-plate. It could be an alternative for the conventional NH3 assay as a routine research tool.
Effect of Probiotic Supplementation on Depression and Anxiety
Authors:   Department of Psychology, Faculty of Educational Sciences and Psychology, Islamic Azad University, Islamshahr Branch, Islamshahr, Iran., Parhizgar Nazanin , Azadyekta Mehrnaz ,   Department of Psychology, Faculty of Educational Sciences and Psychology, Islamic Azad University, Islamshahr Branch, Islamshahr, Iran., Zabihi Rozita ,   Department of Psychology, Faculty of Educational Sciences and Psychology, Islamic Azad University, Islamshahr Branch, Islamshahr, Iran.
Published: October 2021

Objective: Depression and anxiety are the most common psychological disorders with extensive pathophysiology overlap, genetic correlation, and comorbidities as well as high risk of recurrence and chronicity. Due to the side effects of medication and not achieving the expected result, the use of probiotics is considered as an adjunctive treatment option without serious side effects. Methods: This is a correlational study conducted in Spring 2020 on 279 people (76 males and 203 females) aged 20-40 years in Tehran, Iran who had at least a diploma and were selected by a convenience sampling method after declaring informed consent. For collecting data, the Beck Depression Inventory, the Beck Anxiety Inventory, and a researcher-made probiotic consumption questionnaire were used and completed online. Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation test and multivariable regression analysis in SPSS v. 26 software. Results: Out of 279 participants, 209 (74.9%) had moderate probiotic consumption, 3.6% had good consumption and the rest had poor consumption. Probiotic consumption had significant negative correlation with depression (r= -0.183, P= 0.002) and anxiety (r= -0.122, P= 0.041). Despite the significant predictive power of probiotics for explaining depression, it had no significant power to predict anxiety. The regression coefficient was obtained as R=0.233; squared regression coefficient was R2=0.054, and P-values for depression and anxiety were 0.016 and 0.430, respectively. Conclusion: The use of probiotics may have reduce depression and anxiety. To obtain more accurate results, clinical trials on the use of probiotics are recommended.
PEMANFAATAN LAYANAN BIMBINGAN KELOMPOK UNTUK MENINGKATKAN KECERDASAN EMOSI SISWA
Authors: Ulandari Yola , Juliawati Dosi
Published: October 2021

Latar belakang penenlitian ini yaitu adanya indikasi kecerdasan siswa yang masih rendah dan perlu untuk ditingkatkan, sehingga penelitian ini ubertujuan untukmeningkatkan kecerdasan emosi siswa melalui layanan bimbingan kelompok melalui pendekatan eksperimen dengan rancangan the one group pretest-posttest design. Sampel penelitian sebanyak 10 orang yang dipilih melalui teknik purposive sampling. Data diungkap melalui angket model skala likert dan dianalisis menggunakan uji Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Test. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa terdapat pengaruh yang signifikan setelah diberikan layanan bimbingan kelompok terhadap kecerdasan emosi siswa.
Pengembangan Karakter Peserta Didik Melalui Scientific Approach dalam Pembelajaran Pendidikan Agama Islam Berbasis Kurikulum 2013 (Sebuah Grounded Theory)
Authors: Jamin Ahmad
Published: October 2021

Islamic Education in schools is currently considered to be less effective and efficient. In addition, learning orientation is cognitive oriented and has not been able to optimize affective aspects, especially psychomotor. Though the spirit and essence of learning Islamic Education both in schools and madrasas give birth to graduates who have good, skilled Islamic insights and knowledge and noble character. Therefore, to realize the learning process of effective and efficient Islamic Education, a breakthrough is needed using the scientific approach, which is based on the 2013 curriculum. In its application, the scientific approach is an inductive, empirical approach. requires the flow of rational thinking, critical and emphasizes empirical (sensory) truth, needs to be synergized / integrated with theological, intuitive (zawq) approaches and deductive and supranational revelations to achieve the learning objectives of Islamic Education, namely increasing faith and devotion and building noble character . This paper aims to describe the application of the scientific approach in the learning of 2013 curriculum-based Islamic Education to create graduates with character.
Evaluasi Manajemen Wellness Center Pegawai PT. Pertamina Gas Jakarta
Authors: Indriani Nourma Try , Tangkudung James , Humaid Hidayat
Published: October 2021

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mendapatkan informasi tentang manajemen Wellness Center pegawai PT. Pertamina Gas Jakarta. Penelitian evaluasi ini menggunakan metode penelitian campuran (Mix-Methode) dengan pendekatan model evaluasi Context, Input, Process, Product (CIPP). Pengumpulan data dilakukan dengan cara wawancara, observasi dan studi dokumentasi. Hasil penelitian menyimpulkan bahwa: (1). Komponen evaluasi yang terdapat pada tahapan context dinilai baik (68,15%). (2). Komponen evaluasi yang terdapat pada tahapan input dinilai cukup (58,76%). (3). Komponen evaluasi yang terdapat pada tahapan process dinilai kurang (55,17%). (4). Komponen evaluasi yang terdapat pada tahapan product dinilai sangat kurang (37,14%). Secara keseluruhan hasil evaluasi manajemen Wellness Center pegawai PT. Pertamina Gas Jakarta diperoleh nilai sebesar 54,87%. Sehingga dapat disimpulkan bahwa manajemen Wellness Center pegawai PT. Pertamina Gas Jakarta dinilai kurang. Program ini perlu adanya perbaikan-perbaikan pada aspek tata cara perekrutan pelatih, dan staf, peningkatan kuantitas dan kualitas sarana dan prasarana, kinerja staf dan pelatih, dan sosialisasi layanan program Wellness Center.
Pengaruh Pemanfaatan Mobile Instant Messaging pada Pembelajaran Materi Hukum Newton terhadap Kemampuan Berpikir Tingkat Tinggi
Authors: Sholihatin Titin , Suana Wayan , Sesunan Feriansyah
Published: October 2021

Abstrak: Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh pemanfaatan Mobile Instant Messaging (MIM) pada pembelajaran materi Hukum Newton terhadap kemampuan berpikir tingkat tinggi. MIM berupa aplikasi WhatsApp digunakan sebagai media dalam pembelajaran kolaboratif (gabungan tatap muka di kelas dengan aktivitas online). Metode penelitian menggunakan pre experimental design dengan desain one group pretest posttest. Penelitian ini dilakukan di SMA Islam Kebumen Tanggamus pada semester ganjil  tahun ajaran 2018/2019. Populasinya yaitu seluruh kelas X MIA yang berjumlah 91 peserta didik. Sampel penelitian yang digunakan adalah kelas X MIA 1 dan kelas X MIA 3 sebagai kelas eksperimen dengan jumlah 53 peserta didik. Teknik analisis data yang digunakan adalah perhitungan nilai n-gain. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa pemanfaatan MIM berupa WhatsApp pada pembelajaran materi Hukum Newton berpengaruh terhadap kemampuan berpikir tinggi yang dilihat dari hasil perhitungan nilai n-gain. Nilai n-gain tertinggi pada indikator C4 sebesar 0,69 sedangkan indikator C5  sebesar 0,32 dan indikator C6 sebesar 0,36 dengan rata-rata nilai n-gain total sebesar 0,41 yang termasuk dalam kategori sedang.
WEB-Based Village Application at Singabangsa’s Village Head Office
Authors: Purnomo Andri Cahyo , Sofyan Hardikan Arief Nugraha , Saputra Febian Hendra
Published: October 2021

The Application of Information Technology currently has been spread almost in all areas of administrative management is no exception At the head office of the village. However, the information and data archiving service of the resident at the Singabangsa Village Head Office which is still manual, resulted in the ineffectiveness of information can be submitted to the community and the slow pace of population data collection. Public Information needs and The enormous population growth makes the researcher aim to design a village information system that can deliver efficient and accurate population data and easy in updating data. To overcome the above problems it is necessary an automation system capable of providing village information services and population data which are classified according to category until can be calculated statistically quickly, accurately and efficiently. The purpose of this village information system to optimize information services by providing village information and population that can be accessed easily with precise and accurate. In this research the researcher applies research method in the form of observation method, interview, study literature, SWOT analysis, system analysis and system design. This system is designed by using PHP programming language as well as MySQL database. Benefits and advantages in the use of village-based information system (SID) is the process of information services can be done easily and search data demographics more accurate and faster. The final result of this research is a web village information system design (SID).
Nekünk Mohács kell : Az egykori Selyemgyár épületeinek és területének revitalizációja
Authors: Lenzsér Péter
Published: October 2021

The need to revitalize this group of buildings located on the bank of Danube, which acted as a buffer between the local community and the river, has led to a new centre of activity. Places of employment and social interaction have been generated. Introducing planting to former industrial building softens the landscape, which leads towards brick buildings tha tare now easier to acces and move around due to the intervention of new lifts, stairs and corridors. Industrial heritage is retained, whilst creating a place for the current and future citizens of this town in a place which also welcomes visitors alike.
NEURAL NETWORK-BASED PREDICTION MODEL
FOR THE DYNAMICS OF THE IONOSPHERIC EQUATORIAL ANOMALY
USING THE TOTAL ELECTRONIC CONTENT
Authors: Appalonov A. M. , Maslennikova Yu. S.
Published: October 2021

In this paper we present the prediction model for the dynamics of the ionospheric equatorial anomaly that is based on the use of the Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Artificial Neural Networks (ANN). The prediction model was developed by using global maps of the ionosphere Total Electronic Content (TEC) for the period from 2001 to 2018. We show that in case of correct data centering and elimination of diurnal and seasonal factors, the equatorial anomaly makes major contribution to the variance of fluctuations in the TEC data. We applied several neural network-based prediction models that were trained independently for each component of the decomposition. The approach based on a hybrid model consisting of a convolution network and a network with long short-term memory with preanalysis of the principal components reduced the prediction error of TEC maps by 2 hours. The prediction error of this model was 4 times less than the error of the linear regression model.
Síntesis y caracterización de membranas piezoeléctricas en base al polímero polifluoruro de vinilideno, utilizando la técnica de electrospinning
Authors: De Obaldia Elida , Miranda Adrián , Boya Aurelio
Published: October 2021

La presente investigación está relacionada con la síntesis de membranas poliméricas con características piezoeléctricas, utilizando el material polifloururo de vinilideno (PVDF), el cual es un polímero semicristalino termoplástico. Las membranas estarán conformadas por micro y nanofibras piezoeléctricas de este material, las cuales fueron fabricadas a través de la técnica de Electrospinning, en la misma se utilizaron distancias de separación de 4.5 cm, 8.5 cm, 11.5 cm entre la aguja hipodérmica y el cilindro electrizado colector de muestras.  Se sometió a prueba la hipótesis del efecto de los parámetros del proceso de fabricación de las membranas, sobre el diámetro de la micros y nanofibras del material piezoeléctrico (PVDF) y en la estructura rotacional de la fase piezoeléctrica Beta (β). Se realizaron las siguientes técnicas de caracterización. XRD, donde la  dispersión  de las muestras  eran 18.3o, 19.9o, 20.6o, lo cual tienen relación con la estructura interna rotacional α y β; SEM, en la que se obtuvo el diámetro aproximado 100 a 250 nm  de las micro y nano fibras del (PVDF); FTIR, en la cual se aplicaron dos protocolos para el análisis de los espectros: una de ella con referencia bibliográfica y otra con los cambios de frecuencia que se muestra con la línea de base y modificado de las membranas nano fibrosas del PVDF. Espectroscopía Raman, con la que se determinó un espectro de 800 a 840 cm-1, lo cual muestra los cambios de la estructura interna rotacional del PVDF modificado y no modificado, indicado en referencias bibliográficas con un análisis cualitativo.
Interoperabilidad de objetos de aprendizaje en la plataforma Canvas, utilizando SCORM y el estándar IEEE 1484.12.1
Authors: López P. Rosa
Published: October 2021

La interoperabilidad de los objetos de aprendizaje está relacionado con el conjunto de factores que tienen las plataformas e-learning para el manejo de estos contenidos, por lo que, es indispensable desarrollar los OA, tomando como referencia los modelos de estándares y normas relacionados con los contenidos para estos recursos, desde una perspectiva de interoperabilidad de las plataformas e-learning, en la actualidad diferentes recursos de tecnología administran, estructuran y guardan contenidos e-learning, para ser utilizados de una mejor forma. Es por ello, el proceso de distribución de los contenidos e-learning a través de Internet mediante el uso e interactuación de una plataforma virtual está compuesto por texto, gráficos, animaciones, contenido multimedia, de forma ordenada para ubicar un curso en particular en una plataforma e-learning. En este estudio se tomó como referencia los componentes de los paquetes SCORM consiste en una serie de módulos que se encargan de controlar el progreso, puntuación y tiempos. La creación de objetos digitales de aprendizaje con Exelearning, ha permitido la incorporación de nuevas actividades, como se ha mencionado un OA: cualquier recurso con una intuición formativa, compuesto de uno o varios elementos digitales, descritos con metadatos, que pueda ser reutilizado dentro de un entorno e-learning. Por lo que, los OA en Exelearning y probando la interoperabilidad en CANVAS, se muestra que el nivel de la valoración de la evaluación por expertos en un 97% de aceptación de la interoperabilidad de los OA, utilizando el modelo SCORM y el estándar IEEE 1484.12.1.
Preparo de sementes de corda-de-viola para o teste de tetrazólio utilizando micro-ondas
Authors: Araujo Raphael Branco , Dos Reis Fabrícia Cristina , Novembre Ana Dionisia da Luz Coelho
Published: October 2021

O objetivo deste trabalho foi estudar o preparo das sementes de corda-de-viola (Ipomoea hederifolia L.) para o teste de tetrazólio. Inicialmente foi determinada a cinética de absorção de água pelas sementes, para determinar o nível adequado de hidratação dos tecidos para a avaliação pelo teste de tetrazólio. Em seguida, as sementes, escarificadas e não escarificadas, foram hidratadas até atingirem 20% de água, entre papel e por radiação de micro-ondas por 30, 45 e 60 segundos. Após a hidratação, as sementes foram seccionadas longitudinalmente, no sentido da largura, e foram mantidas durante 1 hora e 15 minutos em solução de sal de tetrazólio (0,075%) a 25°C para avaliação de viabilidade. Foram utilizados dois diferentes lotes de sementes e duas repetições de cada. As médias foram comparadas pelo teste de Tukey. O preparo adequado para sementes não escarificadas é com a utilização da radiação micro-ondas por 45 segundos e o período de coloração de sementes é de uma hora e quinze minutos a 25°C.  Assim, o tempo de preparo de sementes de I. hederifolia para o teste de tetrazólio com raios micro-ondas foi diminuído de 3 a 4 horas quando comparado com o método entre papel.
PERFIL EPIDEMIOLÓGICO DOS CASOS DE SÍFILIS EM GESTANTE NO MUNICÍPIO DE MINEIROS, GOIÁS, DE 2015 A 2018
Authors: Gonçalves Bárbara Rocha , Tavares Ricardo Silva , De Assis Breno Oliveira , Figueiredo Maria Clara Ribeiro , De Abreu Melissa Carvalho Martins , Miguel Camila Botelho , Rodrigues Wellington Francisco
Published: October 2021

OBJETIVO: O objetivo deste estudo é analisar o perfil epidemiológico de casos de gestantes de Mineiros, Goiás, sem período de 2015 a 2018. METODOLOGIA: trata-se de um estudo epidemiológico descritivo, com abordagem quantitativa. O estudo foi realizado em Mineiros, Goiás, no Serviço de Vigilância Epidemiológica da Secretaria de Saúde e Ação Social do município, durante o mês de julho de 2018. RESULTADOS E DISCUSSÃO:   Pode-se perceber que, no ano de 2015, poucos casos aplicados em comparação aos demais, que mostra aumento ao longo da série histórica, causando questionamentos de possíveis sub-registros.Foi concluído que ao longo da série histórica estudada houve uma faixa etária de 20 a 29 anos, representando 47,6% dos casos no ano de 2017, seguida pelo grupo de 15 a 19 anos com 44,4% dos casos em 2016. casos estratificado por escolaridade que mostra que a doença é mais comum em mulheres que cursam da 5ª à 8ª série do ensino fundamental incompleto, exibindo 33,3% dos casos no ano de 2017. CONCLUSÃO: O estudo evidenciou um número significativo de casos de casos gestacionais no decorrer dos anos.
Sustainability of the Dairy Industry: Emissions and Mitigation Opportunities
Authors: Peterson Carlyn B. , Mitloehner Frank M.
Published: October 2021

Dairy cattle provide a major benefit to the world through upcycling human inedible feedstuffs into milk and associated dairy products. However, as beneficial as this process has become, it is not without potential negatives. Dairy cattle are a source of greenhouse gases through enteric and waste fermentation as well as excreting nitrogen emissions through their feces and urine. However, these negative impacts vary widely due to how and what these animals are fed. In addition, there are many promising opportunities for further reducing emissions through feed and waste additives. The present review aims to further expand on where the industry is today and the potential avenues for improvement. This area of research is still not complete and additional information is required to further improve our dairy systems impact on sustainable animal products.
Mesenchymal Stem Cells With Cancer-Associated Fibroblast-Like Phenotype Stimulate SDF-1/CXCR4 Axis to Enhance the Growth and Invasion of B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Cells Through Cell-to-Cell Communication
Authors: Pan Chengyun , Fang Qin , Liu Ping , Ma Dan , Cao Shuyun , Zhang Luxin , Chen Qingzhen , Hu Tianzhen , Wang Jishi
Published: October 2021

Background: Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) are the stromal cells in the leukemia microenvironment, and can obtain cancer-associated fibroblast (CAF)-like phenotype under certain conditions to further promote leukemia progression. However, the mechanism of MSCs with CAF-like phenotype interacting with leukemia cells in B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) and promoting the progression of B-ALL remains unclear.

Methods: Mesenchymal stem cells with CAF-like phenotype were obtained by treating MSCs with recombinant human transforming growth factor-β (rhTGF-β), hereafter referred to as TGF-β conditioned MSCs. In vivo mouse model experiments, in vitro transwell chamber experiments, three-dimensional (3D) cell culture models, lentiviral transfection and other experimental methods were used to investigate the possible mechanism of the interaction between TGF-β conditioned MSCs and leukemia cells in promoting the growth, migration and invasion of B-ALL cells.

Results: Compared with untreated MSCs, TGF-β conditioned MSCs significantly promoted the growth and proliferation of leukemia cells in mice, and increased the expression of CXCR4 in tumor tissues. In vitro cell experiments, TGF-β conditioned MSCs obviously promoted the migration and invasion of Nalm-6/RS4;11 cells, which were effectively blocked by the CXCR4 inhibitor AMD3100, thereby inhibiting the secretion of MMP-9 in TGF-β conditioned MSCs and inhibiting the activation of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in leukemia cells. Further, findings were made that the interaction between TGF-β conditioned MSCs and leukemia cells were mediated by the interaction between the integrin receptor α5β1 on the surface of leukemia cells and the increased expression of fibronectin on TGF-β conditioned MSCs. AMD3100 could weaken such effect by reducing the expression of integrin α5β1 on leukemia cells. Further regulation of integrin β1 could effectively interfere with the interaction between TGF-β conditioned MSCs and leukemia cells.

Conclusion: Mesenchymal stem cells with CAF-like phenotype could be a key factor in promoting the growth and invasion of B-ALL cells, and the SDF-1/CXCR4 axis might be a significant factor in mediating the communication of MSCs with CAF-like phenotype and leukemia cells. To prevent the progression of B-ALL cells, blocking the SDF-1/CXCR4 axis with AMD3100 or targeting integrin β1 might be a potential therapeutic strategy.
Nanomedicines for the Efficient Treatment of Intracellular Bacteria: The “ART” Principle
Authors: Qi Hongzhao , Shan Peipei , Wang Yin , Li Peifeng , Wang Kun , Yang Lijun
Published: October 2021

Infections induced by bacteria at present are a severe threat to public health. Compared with extracellular bacteria, intracellular bacteria are harder to get rid of and readily induce chronic inflammation as well as autoimmune disorders. As the development of new antibiotics becomes more and more difficult, the construction of new antibiotic dosage forms is one of the optimal choices for the elimination of intracellular bacteria, and, to date, various nanomedicines have been exploited. However, current nanomedicines have limited treatment efficiency for intracellular bacteria due to the multiple biological barriers. Here in this short review, we focus on systemically administered nanomedicines and divide the treatment of intracellular bacteria with nanomedicines into three steps: 1) Accumulation at the infection site; 2) Recognition of infected cells; 3) Targeting of intracellular bacteria. Furthermore, we summarize how nanomedicines are elaborately designed to achieve the "ART" principle and discuss the problems of experimental models construction. Through this review, we want to remind that the golden approach for the building of cell and animal experimental models should be established, and nanomedicines should be also endowed with the versatility to follow the “ART” principle, efficiently improving the treatment efficiency of nanomedicines for intracellular bacteria.
Prospective Evaluation of a Rapid Clinical Metagenomics Test for Bacterial Pneumonia
Authors: Mu Shengrui , Hu Long , Zhang Ye , Liu Yingmei , Cui Xiaojing , Zou Xiaohui , Wang Yeming , Lu Binghuai , Zhou Shuilian , Liang Xiaoxue , Liang Chen , Xiao Nick , O’Grady Justin , Lee Shela , Cao Bin
Published: October 2021

Background

The diagnosis of bacterial pathogens in lower respiratory tract infections (LRI) using conventional culture methods remains challenging and time-consuming.

Objectives

To evaluate the clinical performance of a rapid nanopore-sequencing based metagenomics test for diagnosis of bacterial pathogens in common LRIs through a large-scale prospective study.

Methods

We enrolled 292 hospitalized patients suspected to have LRIs between November 2018 and June 2019 in a single-center, prospective cohort study. Rapid clinical metagenomics test was performed on-site, and the results were compared with those of routine microbiology tests.

Results

171 bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BAL) and 121 sputum samples were collected from patients with six kinds of LRIs. The turnaround time (from sample registration to result) for the rapid metagenomics test was 6.4 ± 1.4 hours, compared to 94.8 ± 34.9 hours for routine culture. Compared with culture and real-time PCR validation tests, rapid metagenomics achieved 96.6% sensitivity and 88.0% specificity and identified pathogens in 63 out of 161 (39.1%) culture-negative samples. Correlation between enriched anaerobes and lung abscess was observed by Gene Set Enrichment Analysis. Moreover, 38 anaerobic species failed in culture was identified by metagenomics sequencing. The hypothetical impact of metagenomics test proposed antibiotic de-escalation in 34 patients compared to 1 using routine culture.

Conclusions

Rapid clinical metagenomics test improved pathogen detection yield in the diagnosis of LRI. Empirical antimicrobial therapy could be de-escalated if rapid metagenomics test results were hypothetically applied to clinical management.
Design of a Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial to Evaluate the Anti-inflammatory and Senolytic Effects of Quercetin in Patients Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery
Authors: Dagher Olina , Mury Pauline , Noly Pierre-Emmanuel , Fortier Annik , Lettre Guillaume , Thorin Eric , Carrier Michel
Published: October 2021

Background: Following an acute coronary syndrome, patients display an elevated inflammatory profile, promoted in part by cellular senescence. For patients requiring a coronary artery bypass (CABG) surgery, exposure to the surgical intervention and cardiopulmonary bypass further exacerbate their residual inflammation. Experimental evidence identified quercetin, a natural senolytic drug, as a cardioprotective agent against inflammatory injuries. The Q-CABG study aims to explore the efficacy of quercetin to reduce inflammation, myocardial injury and senescence in patients undergoing CABG following an acute coronary syndrome.

Methods: Q-CABG is a phase II, prospectively registered, randomized, double-blind and placebo-controlled clinical trial. Recruited patients awaiting CABG surgery at the Montreal Heart Institute (n = 100) will be randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive either quercetin supplementation (500 mg twice daily) or placebo, starting 2 days before surgery and until the seventh postoperative day. The primary endpoint examines the effects of quercetin on blood inflammatory cytokines and markers of myocardial injury and senescence in this patient population. Blood samples will be taken at four time points: baseline, postoperative day 1, postoperative day 4 and at hospital discharge, or after a maximum of seven postoperative days. The secondary endpoint is the assessment of endothelial (dys) function by looking at ex vivo vascular reactivity and mRNA expression of endothelial cells from the wall of discarded segments of internal mammary artery.

Discussion: The preventive intake of quercetin supplementation may help limit the vigorous inflammatory response triggered by CABG and subsequent postoperative complications in patients suffering from an acute coronary syndrome. In an exploratory way, quercetin supplementation could also improve endothelial function by eliminating senescent vascular endothelial cells. The results of this trial should provide valuable information regarding a novel approach to improve biological, and potentially clinical, outcomes post CABG.

Clinical Trial Registration:ClinicalTrials.gov, Identifier NCT04907253.
Undergraduate Biology Students Received Higher Grades During COVID-19 but Perceived Negative Effects on Learning
Authors: Supriya K. , Mead Chris , Anbar Ariel D. , Caulkins Joshua L. , Collins James P. , Cooper Katelyn M. , LePore Paul C. , Lewis Tiffany , Pate Amy , Scott Rachel A. , Brownell Sara E.
Published: October 2021

Institutions across the world transitioned abruptly to remote learning in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This rapid transition to remote learning has generally been predicted to negatively affect students, particularly those marginalized due to their race, socioeconomic class, or gender identity. In this study, we examined the impact of this transition in the Spring 2020 semester on the grades of students enrolled in the in-person biology program at a large university in Southwestern United States as compared to the grades earned by students in the fully online biology program at the same institution. We also surveyed in-person instructors to understand changes in assessment practices as a result of the transition to remote learning during the pandemic. Finally, we surveyed students in the in-person program to learn about their perceptions of the impacts of this transition. We found that both online and in-person students received a similar small increase in grades in Spring 2020 compared to Spring 2018 and 2019. We also found no evidence of disproportionately negative impacts on grades received by students marginalized due to their race, socioeconomic class, or gender in either modality. Focusing on in-person courses, we documented that instructors made changes to their courses when they transitioned to remote learning, which may have offset some of the potential negative impacts on course grades. However, despite receiving higher grades, in-person students reported negative impacts on their learning, interactions with peers and instructors, feeling part of the campus community, and career preparation. Women reported a more negative impact on their learning and career preparation compared to men. This work provides insights into students’ perceptions of how they were disadvantaged as a result of the transition to remote instruction and illuminates potential actions that instructors can take to create more inclusive education moving forward.
Early Levothyroxine Treatment for Subclinical Hypothyroidism or Hypothyroxinemia in Pregnancy: The St Carlos Gestational and Thyroid Protocol
Authors: Runkle Isabelle , de Miguel María Paz , Barabash Ana , Cuesta Martin , Diaz Ángel , Duran Alejandra , Familiar Cristina , de la Torre Nuria García , Herraiz Miguel Ángel , Izquierdo Nuria , Diaz Ángel , Marcuello Clara , Matia Pilar , Melero Verónica , Montañez Carmen , Moraga Inmaculada , Perez-Ferre Natalia , Perez Noelia , Assaf-Balut Carla , Rubio Miguel Ángel , Ruiz-Sanchez Jorge Gabriel , Sanabria Concepción , Torrejon María José , Valerio Johanna , del Valle Laura , Calle-Pascual Alfonso
Published: October 2021

The optimal maternal levels of thyroid hormones (TH) during the first trimester of gestation have not been established, nor has the ideal moment to initiate levothyroxine treatment (LT) to improve the evolution of gestation and fetal development. Cut-off points for Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) <2.5 µIU/mL and free thyroxine (FT4)>7.5 pg/mL have been recommended. There are no data on whether initiation of LT <9th Gestational Week (GW) can have a favourable impact.

Objective

To define the TSH/FT4 percentiles corresponding with 2.5 µIU/mL and 7.5 pg/mL levels, respectively, at GW8 (Study 1), and evaluate the effects of protocol-based LT before GW9 on gestation evolution, in women with TSH ≥2.5 µIU/mL and/or FT4≤ 7.5 pg/mL (study 2).

Subjects

2768 consecutive pregnant women attending the first gestational visit from 2013-2014 and 3026 from 2015-2016 were eligible for Study I and 2 respectively. A final 2043 (study 1) and 2069 (study 2) women were assessed in these studies.

Results

Study 1: The FT4 level of 7.5 pg/mL corresponds with the 17.9th percentile, a TSH level of 2.5 µIU/mL with the 75.8th. Women with TSH ≥2.5 µIU/mL had a history of fetal losses more frequently than those <2.5 (OR 2.33 (95%CI): 1.58-3.12), as did those with FT4 ≤7.5 pg/ml compared to those >7.5 (OR 4.81; 3.25-8.89). Study 2: A total of 1259 women had optimal TSH/FT4 levels (Group 1), 672 (32.4%, Group 2) had suboptimal TSH or T4l, and 138 (6.7%, Group 3) had suboptimal values of both. 393 (58.5%) in Group 2 and 88 (63.8%) in Group 3 started LT before GW9. Mean (SD) GW24 levels were TSH: 1.96 ± 1.22 µIU/mL and FT4: 7.07 ± 1.25 pg/mL. The highest FT4 value was 12.84 pg/mL. The adjusted risk for an adverse event if LT was started early was 0.71 (0.43-0.91) for Group 2 and 0.80 (0.66-0.94) for Group 3.

Conclusions

Early LT in women with suboptimum levels of TSH/FT4 (≥2.5µIU/mL/≤7.5 pg/ml) at or before GW9 is safe and improves gestation progression. These data support the recommendation to adopt these cut-off points for LT initiation, which should be started as early as possible.
Performance Optimization for PbTe-Based Thermoelectric Materials
Authors: Hao Xinxing , Chen Xinqi , Zhou Xing , Zhang Lin , Tao Junhui , Wang Chuanhui , Wu Tian , Dai Wei
Published: October 2021

Thermoelectric material is a kind of functional material that uses the movement of carriers inside a solid to realize the direct mutual conversion of heat and electric energy. It provides a safe, reliable, pollution-free, noise-free, all-solid-state power generation and cooling method and has a wide range of application prospects. Among them, the characteristics of low valence band degeneracy, low effective quality of conduction band, strong phonon non-harmonicity, simple crystal structure and adjustable microstructure have made PbTe-based materials the focus of research in the thermoelectric field. In this review, two latest strategies to improve the thermoelectric properties of PbTe-based materials are discussed, and the challenges for the further development of PbTe-based thermoelectric materials and the prospects for the future are also outlined.
Passive Cooling Solutions for High Power Server CPUs with Pulsating Heat Pipe Technology: Review
Authors: Li Chenxi , Li Ji
Published: October 2021

Data centers are becoming more powerful and more integrated with the continuous development of smart cities, which brings us more technological convenience, but also generates a large amount of waste heat. At present, the efficient and green cooling scheme is one of the key researches and development points to ensure the stable and safe operation of power electronic devices and achieve energy saving and consumption reduction. As a branch of the heat pipe, the pulsating heat pipe is one of most promising passive cooling techniques among many candidates for its unique advantages such as small size, simple and compact structure, and high heat dissipation efficiency, but its application in data centers just begins, and there are few reports on research and implementation. Based on the introduction of the basic structure, working mechanism and outstanding advantages of pulsating heat pipes, this paper reviews in detail the researches on the factors affecting its performance, so as to evaluate the possibility of using pulsating heat pipes in data centers. Finally, the latest application and development of pulsating heat pipes applied to heat dissipation of high-power CPUs are summarized, which can provide a guidance for subsequent research and engineering application.
Correlation Between Genotype and Age of Onset in Leukoencephalopathy With Vanishing White Matter
Authors: Deng Jiong , Zhou Ling , Zhang Jie , Chang Xuting , Jiang Yuwu , Wang Jingmin , Wu Ye
Published: October 2021

Purpose: Leukoencephalopathy with vanishing white matter (VWM) is an autosomal recessive leukoencephalopathy caused by mutations in any of the five genes encoding the subunits of eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2B (eIF2B). The severity of the disease varies considerably, and its genotypic-phenotypic correlation is still unclear. Age of onset is the only independent clinical predictor for VWM severity. In this study, the correlation between genotype and age at onset of patients was investigated.

Methods: Data were collected from patients with VWM in the available literature reports and from those diagnosed in Peking University First Hospital. The age of onset was divided into early-onset (≤4 years) and late-onset type (>4 years) for the analysis of the correlation between genotype and age of onset in patients with VWM.

Results: A total of 341 patients were included, 281 were reported in 87 available articles and 60 were diagnosed in our center. A total of 180 different mutations were found, among which 86.1% were missense. The gene (EIF2B1-5) in which the mutation located, and the number of null alleles were not associated with age of onset in these patients. Certain mutations such as eIF2Bε[Arg195His] and eIF2Bε[Arg269Gln] that were predicted to have a serious influence on eIF2B structure were related to earlier age of onset. EIF2Bγ[Ala87Val] which was predicted to have a minimal influence on eIF2B structure, was related to later age of onset. Whereas eIF2Bβ[Glu213Gly], eIF2Bβ[Gly200Val] and eIF2Bε[Thr91Ala], also predicted having a small effect on the structure of eIF2B, did not show correlation with the age of onset. The onset age of patients with one or biallelic missense mutations located in the catalytic domain or other homologous domains in catalytic subunits (eIF2Bγ, ε) was earlier than that of patients with biallelic mutations located in the NT domain.

Conclusion: The onset age of patients with different genotypes varied greatly. The degree of influence in protein structure of some missense mutations was correlated with phenotypic severity, but the results were not completely consistent. The combined effect of biallelic mutations, the role of regulatory genes, environmental stress and other potential factors on phenotypes need to be further explored.
Mitochondrial Fission Factor Is a Novel Interacting Protein of the Critical B Cell Survival Regulator TRAF3 in B Lymphocytes
Authors: Liu Yingying , Gokhale Samantha , Jung Jaeyong , Zhu Sining , Luo Chang , Saha Debanjan , Guo Jessie Yanxiang , Zhang Huaye , Kyin Saw , Zong Wei-Xing , White Eileen , Xie Ping
Published: October 2021

Proteins controlling mitochondrial fission have been recognized as essential regulators of mitochondrial functions, mitochondrial quality control and cell apoptosis. In the present study, we identified the critical B cell survival regulator TRAF3 as a novel binding partner of the key mitochondrial fission factor, MFF, in B lymphocytes. Elicited by our unexpected finding that the majority of cytoplasmic TRAF3 proteins were localized at the mitochondria in resting splenic B cells afterex vivoculture for 2 days, we found that TRAF3 specifically interacted with MFF as demonstrated by co-immunoprecipitation and GST pull-down assays. We further found that in the absence of stimulation, increased protein levels of mitochondrial TRAF3 were associated with altered mitochondrial morphology, decreased mitochondrial respiration, increased mitochondrial ROS production and membrane permeabilization, which eventually culminated in mitochondria-dependent apoptosis in resting B cells. Loss of TRAF3 had the opposite effects on the morphology and function of mitochondria as well as mitochondria-dependent apoptosis in resting B cells. Interestingly, co-expression of TRAF3 and MFF resulted in decreased phosphorylation and ubiquitination of MFF as well as decreased ubiquitination of TRAF3. Moreover, lentivirus-mediated overexpression of MFF restored mitochondria-dependent apoptosis in TRAF3-deficient malignant B cells. Taken together, our findings provide novel insights into the apoptosis-inducing mechanisms of TRAF3 in B cells: as a result of survival factor deprivation or under other types of stress, TRAF3 is mobilized to the mitochondria through its interaction with MFF, where it triggers mitochondria-dependent apoptosis. This new role of TRAF3 in controlling mitochondrial homeostasis might have key implications in TRAF3-mediated regulation of B cell transformation in different cellular contexts. Our findings also suggest that mitochondrial fission is an actionable therapeutic target in human B cell malignancies, including those withTRAF3deletion or relevant mutations.
Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) Following SARS-CoV-2 Infection: Role of Oxidative Stress
Authors: Graciano-Machuca Omar , Villegas-Rivera Geannyne , López-Pérez Iván , Macías-Barragán José , Sifuentes-Franco Sonia
Published: October 2021

With the appearance of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in December 2019, all countries in the world have implemented different strategies to prevent its spread and to intensively search for effective treatments. Initially, severe cases of the disease were considered in adult patients; however, cases of older school-age children and adolescents who presented fever, hypotension, severe abdominal pain and cardiac dysfunction, positive for SARS-CoV-2 infection, have been reported, with increased pro-inflammatory cytokines and tissue damage, condition denominated multisystemic inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C); The emerging data from patients with MIS-C have suggested unique characteristics in the immunological response and also clinical similarities with other inflammatory syndromes, which can support as a reference in the search for molecular mechanisms involved in MIS-C. We here in propose that oxidative stress (OE) may play a very important role in the pathophysiology of MIS-C, such as occurs in Kawasaki disease (KD), severe COVID-19 in adults and other processes with characteristics of vascular damage similar to MIS- C, for which we review the available information that can be correlated with possible redox mechanisms.
Sex-Related Differences in Innate and Adaptive Immune Responses to SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Agrawal Sudhanshu , Salazar Jon , Tran Thu Michelle , Agrawal Anshu
Published: October 2021

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) exhibits a sex bias with males showing signs of more severe disease and hospitalizations compared with females. The mechanisms are not clear but differential immune responses, particularly the initial innate immune response, between sexes may be playing a role. The early innate immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 have not been studied because of the gap in timing between the patient becoming infected, showing symptoms, and getting the treatment. The primary objective of the present study was to compare the response of dendritic cells (DCs) and monocytes from males and females to SARS-CoV-2, 24 h after infection. To investigate this, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from healthy young individuals were stimulated in vitro with the virus. Our results indicate that PBMCs from females upregulated the expression of HLA-DR and CD86 on pDCs and mDCs after stimulation with the virus, while the activation of these cells was not significant in males. Monocytes from females also displayed increased activation than males. In addition, females secreted significantly higher levels of IFN-α and IL-29 compared with males at 24 h. However, the situation was reversed at 1 week post stimulation and males displayed high levels of IFN-α production compared with females. Further investigations revealed that the secretion of CXCL-10, a chemokine associated with lung complications, was higher in males than females at 24 h. The PBMCs from females also displayed increased induction of CTLs. Altogether, our results suggest that decreased activation of pDCs, mDCs, and monocytes and the delayed and prolonged IFN-α secretion along with increased CXCL-10 secretion may be responsible for the increased morbidity and mortality of males to COVID-19.
Perihematomal Edema After Intracerebral Hemorrhage: An Update on Pathogenesis, Risk Factors, and Therapeutic Advances
Authors: Chen Yihao , Chen Shengpan , Chang Jianbo , Wei Junji , Feng Ming , Wang Renzhi
Published: October 2021

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) has one of the worst prognoses among patients with stroke. Surgical measures have been adopted to relieve the mass effect of the hematoma, and developing targeted therapy against secondary brain injury (SBI) after ICH is equally essential. Numerous preclinical and clinical studies have demonstrated that perihematomal edema (PHE) is a quantifiable marker of SBI after ICH and is associated with a poor prognosis. Thus, PHE has been considered a promising therapeutic target for ICH. However, the findings derived from existing studies on PHE are disparate and unclear. Therefore, it is necessary to classify, compare, and summarize the existing studies on PHE. In this review, we describe the growth characteristics and relevant underlying mechanism of PHE, analyze the contributions of different risk factors to PHE, present the potential impact of PHE on patient outcomes, and discuss the currently available therapeutic strategies.
Case Report: Antiangiogenic Therapy Plus Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors Combined With Intratumoral Cryoablation for Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Li Xin , Xu Jiahua , Gu Xiaoqiang , Chen Ling , Wu Qing , Li Hongwei , Bai Haoran , Yang Jinzu , Qian Jianxin
Published: October 2021

Background

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common gastrointestinal malignancy with high incidence and poor prognosis. Common treatment methods include surgery, transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE), ablation, and targeted therapy. In recent years, combination treatment with antiangiogenic therapy and immune checkpoint inhibitors has made great progress in the treatment of advanced HCC. Here, we report the case of a patient with HCC who achieved a durable benefit from anti-vascular therapy and immune checkpoint inhibitors combined with intratumoral cryoablation.

Main Body

A 38-year-old male patient initially presented with severe abdominal pain that was identified as an HCC rupture and hemorrhage by computed tomography (CT). The patient underwent emergency surgery and postoperative pathology confirmed HCC. The patient received prophylactic TACE after surgery. Unfortunately, three months after surgery, the patient developed multiple liver metastases. Subsequently, he received systemic anti-vascular therapy and immune checkpoint inhibitors combined with intratumoral cryoablation. After treatment, the patient achieved extensive tumor necrosis and the disease was effectively controlled.

Conclusions

Anti-angiogenic therapy and immune checkpoint inhibitors combined with cryoablation can induce a powerful and effective systemic anti-tumor immune response, which is worthy of further research.