bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Probabilistic Load Flow–Based Optimal Placement and Sizing of Distributed Generators
Authors: Hossain Ferdous Al , Rokonuzzaman Md. , Amin Nowshad , Zhang Jianmin , Mishu Mahmuda Khatun , Tan Wen-Shan , Islam Md. Rabiul , Roy Rajib Baran
Published: November 2021

Distributed generation (DG) is gaining importance as electrical energy demand increases. DG is used to decrease power losses, operating costs, and improve voltage stability. Most DG resources have less environmental impact. In a particular region, the sizing and location of DG resources significantly affect the planned DG integrated distribution network (DN). The voltage profiles of the DN will change or even become excessively increased. An enormous DG active power, inserted into an improper node of the distribution network, may bring a larger current greater than the conductor’s maximum value, resulting in an overcurrent distribution network. Therefore, DG sizing and DG location optimization is required for a systematic DG operation to fully exploit distributed energy and achieve mutual energy harmony across existing distribution networks, which creates an economically viable, secure, stable, and dependable power distribution system. DG needs to access the location and capacity for rational planning. The objective function of this paper is to minimize the sum of investment cost, operation cost, and line loss cost utilizing DG access. The probabilistic power flow calculation technique based on the two-point estimation method is chosen for this paper’s load flow computation. The location and size of the DG distribution network are determined using a genetic algorithm in a MATLAB environment. For the optimum solution, the actual power load is estimated using historical data. The proposed system is based on the China distribution system, and the currency is used in Yuan. After DG access, active and reactive power losses are reduced by 53% and 26%, respectively. The line operating cost and the total annual cost are decreased by 53.7% and 12%, respectively.
The Impact of Weather and Slope Conditions on the Productivity, Cost, and GHG Emissions of a Ground-Based Harvesting Operation in Mountain Hardwoods
Authors: Ezzati Sättar , Tavankar Farzam , Ghaffariyan Mohammad Reza , Venanzi Rachele , Latterini Francesco , Picchio Rodolfo
Published: November 2021

Mountainous hardwood mixed stands offer challenges to timber harvesting operations in practice, including a harsh climate, variable topography, steep terrain, and large-sized timbers. This paper aims to develop productivity and cost models for a mountain-ground-based harvesting operation across the terrain (e.g., slope conditions), stand (e.g., tree volume) environmental (e.g., weather), and yard (e.g., winching distance) variables and to assess GHG emissions related to the equipment in use. This development was implemented in a timber harvesting practice under single-tree selection in mountainous forests of Iran where a motor-manual chainsaw is used for felling and a rubber-tired cable skidder is used for log extraction. The average delay-free productivity was 4.55 m3 for felling and 14.73 m3 h−1 for skidding. Lower production costs and higher productivity rates were observed over the gentle slopes and in sunny conditions. The average production costs ranged between USD 4.27 m−3 for felling and USD 5.35 m−3 for skidding. The average emissions ranged between 0.96 kg m−3 for felling and 7.06 kg m−3 for skidding in snowy conditions over steep slopes. The study’s results confirm avoiding harvesting operations on steep slopes (greater than 35%) and in extreme weather conditions to obtain higher work efficiency and to minimize adverse effects of machinery on forest ecosystems. The results should be of use to harvest managers and forest planners considering the application of ground-based harvesting operations using a semi-mechanized system on a range of operating conditions in mountain hardwood stands.
Beyond Sector Retinitis Pigmentosa: Expanding the Phenotype and Natural History of the Rhodopsin Gene Codon 106 Mutation (Gly-to-Arg) in Autosomal Dominant Retinitis Pigmentosa
Authors: Ballios Brian G. , Place Emily M. , Martinez-Velazquez Luis , Pierce Eric A. , Comander Jason I. , Huckfeldt Rachel M.
Published: November 2021

Sector and pericentral are two rare, regional forms of retinitis pigmentosa (RP). While usually defined as stable or only very slowly progressing, the available literature to support this claim is limited. Additionally, few studies have analyzed the spectrum of disease within a particular genotype. We identified all cases (9 patients) with an autosomal dominant Rhodopsin variant previously associated with sector RP (RHO c.316G > A, p.Gly106Arg) at our institution. Clinical histories were reviewed, and testing included visual fields, multimodal imaging, and electroretinography. Patients demonstrated a broad phenotypic spectrum that spanned regional phenotypes from sector-like to pericentral RP, as well as generalized disease. We also present evidence of significant intrafamilial variability in regional phenotypes. Finally, we present the longest-reported follow-up for a patient with RHO-associated sector-like RP, showing progression from sectoral to pericentral disease over three decades. In the absence of comorbid macular disease, the long-term prognosis for central visual acuity is good. However, we found that significant progression of RHO p.Gly106Arg disease can occur over protracted periods, with impact on peripheral vision. Longitudinal widefield imaging and periodic ERG reassessment are likely to aid in monitoring disease progression.
Monogenic Causes of Strokes
Authors: Chojdak-Łukasiewicz Justyna , Dziadkowiak Edyta , Budrewicz Sławomir
Published: November 2021

Strokes are the main cause of death and long-term disability worldwide. A stroke is a heterogeneous multi-factorial condition, caused by a combination of environmental and genetic factors. Monogenic disorders account for about 1% to 5% of all stroke cases. The most common single-gene diseases connected with strokes are cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL) Fabry disease, mitochondrial myopathy, encephalopathy, lactacidosis, and stroke (MELAS) and a lot of single-gene diseases associated particularly with cerebral small-vessel disease, such as COL4A1 syndrome, cerebral autosomal recessive arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CARASIL), and Hereditary endotheliopathy with retinopathy, nephropathy, and stroke (HERNS). In this article the clinical phenotype for the most important single-gene disorders associated with strokes are presented. The monogenic causes of a stroke are rare, but early diagnosis is important in order to provide appropriate therapy when available.
Nuclear Sirtuins and the Aging of the Immune System
Authors: Gámez-García Andrés , Vazquez Berta N.
Published: November 2021

The immune system undergoes major changes with age that result in altered immune populations, persistent inflammation, and a reduced ability to mount effective immune responses against pathogens and cancer cells. Aging-associated changes in the immune system are connected to other age-related diseases, suggesting that immune system rejuvenation may provide a feasible route to improving overall health in the elderly. The Sir2 family of proteins, also called sirtuins, have been broadly implicated in genome homeostasis, cellular metabolism, and aging. Sirtuins are key responders to cellular and environmental stress and, in the case of the nuclear sirtuins, they do so by directing responses to chromatin that include gene expression regulation, retrotransposon repression, enhanced DNA damage repair, and faithful chromosome segregation. In the immune system, sirtuins instruct cellular differentiation from hematopoietic precursors and promote leukocyte polarization and activation. In hematopoietic stem cells, sirtuins safeguard quiescence and stemness to prevent cellular exhaustion. Regulation of cytokine production, which, in many cases, requires NF-κB regulation, is the best-characterized mechanism by which sirtuins control innate immune reactivity. In adaptive immunity, sirtuins promote T cell subset differentiation by controlling master regulators, thereby ensuring an optimal balance of helper (Th) T cell-dependent responses. Sirtuins are very important for immune regulation, but the means by which they regulate immunosenescence are not well understood. This review provides an integrative overview of the changes associated with immune system aging and its potential relationship with the roles of nuclear sirtuins in immune cells and overall organismal aging. Given the anti-aging properties of sirtuins, understanding how they contribute to immune responses is of vital importance and may help us develop novel strategies to improve immune performance in the aging organism.
Exploration of Alternative Splicing (AS) Events in MDV-Infected Chicken Spleens
Authors: Wang Lulu , Zheng Gang , Yuan Yiming , Wang Ziyi , Liu Changjun , Zhang Hao , Lian Ling
Published: November 2021

Marek’s disease (MD) was an immunosuppression disease induced by Marek’s disease virus (MDV). MD caused huge economic loss to the global poultry industry, but it also provided an ideal model for studying diseases induced by the oncogenic virus. Alternative splicing (AS) simultaneously produced different isoform transcripts, which are involved in various diseases and individual development. To investigate AS events in MD, RNA-Seq was performed in tumorous spleens (TS), spleens from the survivors (SS) without any lesion after MDV infection, and non-infected chicken spleens (NS). In this study, 32,703 and 25,217 AS events were identified in TS and SS groups with NS group as the control group, and 1198, 1204, and 348 differently expressed (DE) AS events (p-value < 0.05 and FDR < 0.05) were identified in TS vs. NS, TS vs. SS, SS vs. NS, respectively. Additionally, Function enrichment analysis showed that ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis, p53 signaling pathway, and phosphatidylinositol signaling system were significantly enriched (p-value < 0.05). Small structural variations including SNP and indel were analyzed based on RNA-Seq data, and it showed that the TS group possessed more variants on the splice site region than those in SS and NS groups, which might cause more AS events in the TS group. Combined with previous circRNA data, we found that 287 genes could produce both circular and linear RNAs, which suggested these genes were more active in MD lymphoma transformation. This study has expanded the understanding of the MDV infection process and provided new insights for further analysis of resistance/susceptibility mechanisms.
Validity and Prognostic Value of a Polygenic Risk Score for Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Koch Sebastian , Laabs Björn-Hergen , Kasten Meike , Vollstedt Eva-Juliane , Becktepe Jos , Brüggemann Norbert , Franke Andre , Krämer Ulrike M. , Kuhlenbäumer Gregor , Lieb Wolfgang , Mollenhauer Brit , Neis Miriam , Trenkwalder Claudia , Schäffer Eva , Usnich Tatiana , Wittig Michael , Klein Christine , König Inke R. , Lohmann Katja , Krawczak Michael , Caliebe Amke
Published: November 2021

Idiopathic Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a complex multifactorial disorder caused by the interplay of both genetic and non-genetic risk factors. Polygenic risk scores (PRSs) are one way to aggregate the effects of a large number of genetic variants upon the risk for a disease like PD in a single quantity. However, reassessment of the performance of a given PRS in independent data sets is a precondition for establishing the PRS as a valid tool to this end. We studied a previously proposed PRS for PD in a separate genetic data set, comprising 1914 PD cases and 4464 controls, and were able to replicate its ability to differentiate between cases and controls. We also assessed theoretically the prognostic value of the PD-PRS, i.e., its ability to predict the development of PD in later life for healthy individuals. As it turned out, the PD-PRS alone can be expected to perform poorly in this regard. Therefore, we conclude that the PD-PRS could serve as an important research tool, but that meaningful PRS-based prognosis of PD at an individual level is not feasible.
Mental Well-Being during COVID-19: A Cross-Sectional Study of Fly-In Fly-Out Workers in the Mining Industry in Australia
Authors: Asare Bernard Yeboah-Asiamah , Thomas Elizabeth , Affandi Jacquita S. , Schammer Myles , Brown Paul , Pilbeam Matthew , Harris Chris , Ellison Chris , Kwasnicka Dominika , Powell Daniel , Reid Christopher M. , Robinson Suzanne
Published: November 2021

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has devastated the world, and its mental health impact has been recognized in the general population. However, little is known about the mental health impact of COVID-19 on fly-in fly-out (FIFO) workers, who are flown to temporarily stay and work in remote areas, during this pandemic. This study examined the mental well-being of FIFO workers in the mining industry during COVID-19 restrictions in Western Australia. An online survey was conducted between May to November 2020 among (N = 842) FIFO workers who underwent COVID-19 screening at a large mining company in Western Australia. The mental well-being score among workers was higher than population norms. One-way ANOVA with Bonferroni post-hoc tests showed significant differences in mental well-being by age, being placed under travel quarantine, undertaking self-isolation, impact of social distance guidelines, and experience of COVID-19 related symptoms. Multiple linear regression analysis showed workers who were younger, placed under travel quarantine and experienced two or more COVID-19 related symptoms were more likely to have worse mental well-being. Acknowledging the negative emotions and distress experiences among the vulnerable groups could help in providing suitable support to help lessen these negative experiences in FIFO workers.
Energy and Environmental Assessment of Steam Management Optimization in an Ethylene Plant
Authors: Variny Miroslav , Hanus Kristián , Blahušiak Marek , Furda Patrik , Illés Peter , Janošovský Ján
Published: November 2021

Steam crackers (ethylene plants) belong to the most complex industrial plants and offer significant potential for energy-saving translated into the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. Steam export to or import from adjacent units or complexes can boost the associated financial benefit, but its energy and environmental impact are questionable. A study was carried out on a medium-capacity ethylene plant using field data to: 1. Estimate the energy savings potential achievable by optimizing internal steam management and optimizing steam export/import; 2. Quantify the associated change in air pollutant emissions; 3. Analyze the impact of the increasing carbon price on the measures adopted. Internal steam management optimization yielded steam let-down rate minimization and resulted in a 5% (87 TJ/year) reduction in steam cracker’s steam boiler fuel consumption and the associated cut of CO2 emissions by almost 4900 t/year and that of NOx emissions by more than 5 t/year. Steam import to the ethylene plant from the refinery proved to be purely economic-driven, as it increased the net fuel consumption of the ethylene plant and the refinery complex by 12 TJ/year and resulted in an increase of net emissions of nearly all considered air pollutants (more than 7000 t/year of CO2, over 15 t/year of NOx, over 18 t/year of SOx) except for CO, where the net change was almost zero. The effect of external emissions change due to the associated backpressure electricity production surplus (over 11 GWh/year) was too low to compensate for this increase unless fossil fuel-based electricity production was considered. The increase of carbon price impact on the internal steam management optimization economics was favorable, while a switch to steam export from the ethylene plant, instead of steam import, might be feasible if the carbon price increased to over 100 €/tCO2.
The Effect of a Structured Intervention to Improve Motor Skills in Preschool Children: Results of a Randomized Controlled Trial Nested in a Cohort Study of Danish Preschool Children, the MiPS Study
Authors: Hestbaek Lise , Vach Werner , Andersen Sarah Thurøe , Lauridsen Henrik Hein
Published: November 2021

The preschool age seems to be decisive for the development of motor skills and probably the most promising time-window in relation to improvement of motor skills. This trial investigates the effect of an intensive structured intervention to improve motor skills in 3–6-year-old preschool children. A total of 471 Danish preschool children participated in a cluster randomized controlled trial. The intervention was to enhance motor skills, including predefined minimum criteria. Motor skills were measured using the Motor Assessment Battery for Children-2 (MABC-2) (total and three domains) at baseline and 6-, 18-, and 30-months post-intervention. The effect was estimated by multilevel linear regression with preschool and child included as random effects and adjusted for baseline values. Effect estimates were mainly positive at 6 months, but negative at 30 months with very few statistically significant estimates. In preschools with baseline motor skills scores below average, there was a tendency towards a larger improvement in the intervention group. Future interventions and research should focus on clusters with poor motor skills, as there is larger room for improvement. It remains to be seen whether the intervention can influence general well-being, physical activity, and self-perceived competence, both short- and long-term.
Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Physical Activity in Chronic Diseases: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Pérez-Gisbert Laura , Torres-Sánchez Irene , Ortiz-Rubio Araceli , Calvache-Mateo Andrés , López-López Laura , Cabrera-Martos Irene , Valenza Marie Carmen
Published: November 2021

The management of chronic diseases (CD) includes physical activity (PA). It is necessary to determine the effects of COVID-19 restrictions in CD. The aim was to review the research related to PA levels before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in people with CD. This review was designed according to PRISMA guidelines and registered in PROSPERO: CRD42020218825. The search was performed in CINAHL, Medline, Scopus, and Web of Science up to January 2021. The PICOS recommendations were applied. The search was conducted by two reviewers, who completed the data extraction of included articles. Methodological quality was assessed using the STROBE checklist, and a meta-analysis was conducted. The literature search strategy identified 227 articles. Five studies remained and were included. Only three studies were included in the meta-analysis. Two articles used accelerometers to objectively compare PA levels before and during the pandemic. Three studies made this comparison using an online survey. All articles showed a decrease in PA levels during the COVID-19 pandemic. The meta-analysis showed a significant reduction in PA levels during pandemic. PA levels during the COVID-19 pandemic have been reduced with respect to previous levels of PA in patients with CD.
Cognitive Ergonomics of Assembly Work from a Job Demands–Resources Perspective: Three Qualitative Case Studies
Authors: Wollter Bergman Matilda , Berlin Cecilia , Babapour Chafi Maral , Falck Ann-Christine , Örtengren Roland
Published: November 2021

In manufacturing companies, cognitive processing is required from assembly workers to perform correct and timely assembly of complex products, often with varied specifications and high quality demands. This paper explores assembly operators’ perceptions of cognitive/mental workload to provide a holistic understanding of the work conditions that affect cognitive demands and performance. While the physical loading aspects of assembly work are well known, most empirical literature dealing with cognitive/mental loading in manufacturing tends to examine a few particular aspects, rather than address the issue with a holistic system view. This semi-structured interview study, involving 50 industrial assembly operators from three Swedish companies, explores how assemblers perceive that their cognitive performance and well-being is influenced by a wide variety of factors within the context of mechanical product assembly. The interview transcripts were analysed using a priori coding, followed by bottom-up Thematic Analysis. The results indicate that a variety of systemic effects on assemblers’ cognitive performance can be classified as job demands or resources. Quite often, the absence of a resource mirrors a related demand, and “good assembly conditions”, as described by the interviewees, often re-frame demands as desirable challenges that foster motivation and positive feelings towards the work. The identified demands and resources stem from task design, timing, physical loading, intrinsic and extrinsic motivators, social teamwork and the product’s “interface” design. Despite organisational differences and conditions between the three companies that took part in the study, the results are largely consistent.
Motives for Crafting Work and Leisure: Focus on Opportunities at Work and Psychological Needs as Drivers of Crafting Efforts
Authors: Kosenkranius Merly , Rink Floor , Kujanpää Miika , de Bloom Jessica
Published: November 2021

Employees of all ages can proactively shape their behavior to manage modern work–life challenges more effectively and this is known as crafting. Our goal is to better understand employees’ motives for engaging in crafting efforts in different life domains to fulfil their psychological needs. In a survey study with two measurement waves, we examined whether “focus on opportunities at work” (FoO)—the extent to which employees believe in new goals and opportunities in their occupational future—and psychological needs (i.e., approach and avoidance needs)—predicted crafting efforts at work and outside work (i.e., job and off-job crafting). Our hypotheses were largely confirmed in a study on 346 Finnish workers. Greater FoO led to greater approach needs (i.e., mastery, meaning, affiliation), which in turn explained higher engagement in both job and off-job crafting. Avoidance needs (i.e., detachment, relaxation) resulted in increased crafting efforts in both life domains directly. Our findings underline the importance of FoO for crafting efforts across life domains, and explain why this is the case (i.e., it activates approach-oriented psychological needs). By supporting workers in shifting their focus onto their future opportunities (regardless of their age), organizations can create environments conducive to crafting and ultimately sustainable work lives.
Diagnostic Performances of an Occupational Burnout Detection Method Designed for Healthcare Professionals
Authors: Nguyen Huynh Agathe , Besse Christine , Mediouni Zakia , El May Emna , Shoman Yara , Hansez Isabelle , Guseva Canu Irina
Published: November 2021

Background: We aimed to assess the validity (criterion and cross-cultural validity) and reliability of the first occupational burnout (OB) detection tool designed for healthcare professionals in Belgium in the context of Swiss medical practice. Methods: First, we assessed the sensitivity and specificity of the Tool. We developed this tool based on the consultation reports of 42 patients and compared its detection to the results of the Oldenburg Burnout Inventory (OLBI), filled-in by patients before a consultation. Second, we performed an inter-rater reliability (IRR) assessment on the OB symptoms and detection reached by the Tool between a psychiatrist, two psychologists, and an occupational physician. Results: The Tool correctly identified over 80% of patients with OB, regardless of the cutoff value used for OLBI scores, reflecting its high sensitivity. Conversely, its specificity strongly varied depending on the OLBI cutoff. There was a slight to fair overall agreement between the four raters on the detection of OB and the number of OB symptoms. Around 41% of symptoms showed a substantial to an almost perfect agreement, and 36% showed a slight to a moderate agreement. Conclusions: The Tool seems useful for identifying OB of moderate and strong severity in both the Belgian and Swiss contexts.
A Framework for Identification, Assessment and Prioritization of Climate Change Adaptation Measures for Roads and Railways
Authors: Andersson-Sköld Yvonne , Nordin Lina , Nyberg Erik , Johannesson Mikael
Published: November 2021

Severe accidents and high costs associated with weather-related events already occur in today’s climate. Unless preventive measures are taken, the costs are expected to increase in future due to ongoing climate change. However, the risk reduction measures are costly as well and may result in unwanted impacts. Therefore, it is important to identify, assess and prioritize which measures are necessary to undertake, as well as where and when these are to be undertaken. To be able to make such evaluations, robust (scientifically based), transparent and systematic assessments and valuations are required. This article describes a framework to assess the cause-and-effect relationships and how to estimate the costs and benefits as a basis to assess and prioritize measures for climate adaptation of roads and railways. The framework includes hazard identification, risk analysis and risk assessment, identification, monetary and non-monetary evaluation of possible risk reduction measures and a step regarding distribution-, goal- and sensitivity analyses. The results from applying the framework shall be used to prioritize among potential risk reduction measures as well as when to undertake them.
Affective–Sexual Relationships for Money beyond Prostitution: An Analysis of the Discourse of Women Sex Workers in Chile’s Great North
Authors: Segovia Jimena Silva , Pastor Pablo Zuleta , Ravanal Estefany Castillo
Published: November 2021

A critical analysis of the discourse of female sex workers residing in the Antofagasta region in northern Chile is presented. It highlights the discursive constructions of female sex workers on the commercial, affective, and sexual bond with male mineworkers. From this discursive production emerges the image of a whore–mother, of a woman who, encouraged by a monetary transaction, knows how to embody what her client–miner needs beyond sex: to reinforce his manhood while welcoming him and recognizing him as an affectively deprived subject. Such a role fulfills a function of repairing the virile force of work, sustaining a balance that affects the miner’s functioning and performance in the mine.
ML218 HCl Is More Efficient Than Capsaicin in Inhibiting Bacterial Antigen-Induced Cal 27 Oral Cancer Cell Proliferation
Authors: Chakraborty Rajdeep , Hu Honghua , Darido Charbel , Vickery Karen , Ranganathan Shoba
Published: November 2021

The bacterial antigen, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and disruptions in calcium channels are independently known to influence oral cancer progression. Previously, we found that bacterial antigens, LPS and lipoteichoic acid (LTA) act as confounders during the action of capsaicin on Cal 27 oral cancer proliferation. As calcium channel drugs may affect oral cancer cell proliferation, we investigated the effect of ML218 HCl, a T-type voltage-gated calcium channel blocker, on the proliferation of Cal 27 oral cancer cells. We hypothesized that ML218 HCl could effectively reduce LPS-induced oral cancer cell proliferation. LPS and LTA antigens were added to Cal 27 oral cancer cells either prior to and/or concurrently with ML218 HCl treatment, and the efficacy of the treatment was evaluated by measuring Cal 27 proliferation, cell death and apoptosis. ML218 HCl inhibited oral cancer cell proliferation, increased apoptosis and cell death, but their efficacy was significantly reduced in the presence of bacterial antigens. ML218 HCl proved more effective than capsaicin in reducing bacterial antigen-induced Cal 27 oral cancer cell proliferation. Our results also suggest an interplay of proliferation factors during the bacterial antigens and calcium channel drug interaction in Cal 27. Bacterial antigen reduction of drug efficacy should be considered for developing newer pharmacological agents or testing the efficacy of the existing oral cancer chemotherapeutic agents. Finally, voltage gated calcium channel drugs should be considered for future oral cancer research.
The Regeneration of Large-Sized and Vascularized Adipose Tissue Using a Tailored Elastic Scaffold and dECM Hydrogels
Authors: Kim Su Hee , Kim Donghak , Cha Misun , Kim Soo Hyun , Jung Youngmee
Published: November 2021

A dome-shaped elastic poly(l-lactide-co-caprolactone) (PLCL) scaffold with a channel and pore structure was fabricated by a combinative method of 3D printing technology and the gel pressing method (13 mm in diameter and 6.5 mm in thickness) for patient-specific regeneration. The PLCL scaffold was combined with adipose decellularized extracellular matrix (adECM) and heart decellularized extracellular matrix (hdECM) hydrogels and human adipose-derived stem cells (hADSCs) to promote adipogenesis and angiogenesis. These scaffolds had mechanical properties similar to those of native adipose tissue for improved tissue regeneration. The results of the in vitro real-time PCR showed that the dECM hydrogel mixture induces adipogenesis. In addition, the in vivo study at 12 weeks demonstrated that the tissue-engineered PLCL scaffolds containing the hydrogel mixture (hdECM/adECM (80:20)) and hADSCs promoted angiogenesis and adipose tissue formation, and suppressed apoptosis. Therefore, we expect that our constructs will be clinically applicable as material for the regeneration of patient-specific large-sized adipose tissue.
Analysis of Cryopreservation Protocols and Their Harmful Effects on the Endothelial Integrity of Human Corneas
Authors: Rodríguez-Fernández Silvia , Álvarez-Portela Marcelino , Rendal-Vázquez Esther , Piñeiro-Ramil María , Sanjurjo-Rodríguez Clara , Castro-Viñuelas Rocío , Sánchez-Ibáñez Jacinto , Fuentes-Boquete Isaac , Díaz-Prado Silvia
Published: November 2021

Corneal cryopreservation can partially solve the worldwide concern regarding donor cornea shortage for keratoplasties. In this study, human corneas were cryopreserved using two standard cryopreservation protocols that are employed in the Tissue Bank of the Teresa Herrera Hospital (Spain) to store corneas for tectonic keratoplasties (TK protocol) and aortic valves (AV protocol), and two vitrification protocols, VS55 and DP6. Endothelial viability and general corneal state were evaluated to determine the protocol that provides the best results. The potential corneal cryopreservation protocol was studied in detail taking into consideration some cryopreservation-related variables and the endothelial integrity and stroma arrangement of the resulting cryopreserved corneas. TK corneas showed mostly viable endothelial cells, while the others showed few (AV) or none (DP6 and VS55). The corneal structure was well maintained in TK and AV corneas. TK corneas showed endothelial acellular areas surrounded by injured cells and a normal-like stromal fiber arrangement. Cryoprotectant solutions of the TK protocol presented an increasing osmolality and a physiological pH value. Cooling temperature rate of TK protocol was of 1 °C/min to −40 °C and 3 °C/min to −120 °C, and almost all of dimethyl sulfoxide left the tissue after washing. Future studies should be done changing cryopreservation-related variables of the TK protocol to store corneas of optical grade.
Biocompatibility Analyses of HF-Passivated Magnesium Screws for Guided Bone Regeneration (GBR)
Authors: Jung Ole , Hesse Bernhard , Stojanovic Sanja , Seim Christian , Weitkamp Timm , Batinic Milijana , Goerke Oliver , Kačarević Željka Perić , Rider Patrick , Najman Stevo , Barbeck Mike
Published: November 2021

Background: Magnesium (Mg) is one of the most promising materials for human use in surgery due to material characteristics such as its elastic modulus as well as its resorbable and regenerative properties. In this study, HF-coated and uncoated novel bioresorbable magnesium fixation screws for maxillofacial and dental surgical applications were investigated in vitro and in vivo to evaluate the biocompatibility of the HF coating. Methods: Mg alloy screws that had either undergone a surface treatment with hydrofluoric-acid (HF) or left untreated were investigated. In vitro investigation included XTT, BrdU and LDH in accordance with the DIN ISO 10993-5/-12. In vivo, the screws were implanted into the tibia of rabbits. After 3 and 6 weeks, degradation, local tissue reactions and bony integration were analyzed histopathologically and histomorphometrically. Additionally, SEM/EDX analysis and synchrotron phase-contrast microtomography (µCT) measurements were conducted. The in vitro analyses revealed that the Mg screws are cytocompatible, with improved results when the surface had been passivated with HF. In vivo, the HF-treated Mg screws implanted showed a reduction in gas formation, slower biodegradation and a better bony integration in comparison to the untreated Mg screws. Histopathologically, the HF-passivated screws induced a layer of macrophages as part of its biodegradation process, whereas the untreated screws caused a slight fibrous tissue reaction. SEM/EDX analysis showed that both screws formed a similar layer of calcium phosphates on their surfaces and were surrounded by bone. Furthermore, the µCT revealed the presence of a metallic core of the screws, a faster absorbing corrosion front and a slow absorbing region of corroded magnesium. Conclusions: Overall, the HF-passivated Mg fixation screws showed significantly better biocompatibility in vitro and in vivo compared to the untreated screws.
Perturbation of p38α MAPK as a Novel Strategy to Effectively Sensitize Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Cells to Therapeutic BCR-ABL Inhibitors
Authors: Kuo Yi-Hue , Wei Shih-Hsiang , Jiang Jie-Hau , Chang Yueh-Shih , Liu Mei-Yin , Fu Shu-Ling , Huang Chi-Ying F. , Lin Wey-Jinq
Published: November 2021

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a hematopoietic malignancy characterized by the presence of the BCR-ABL oncogene. Therapeutic regimens with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) specifically targeting BCR-ABL have greatly improved overall survival of CML. However, drug intolerance and related toxicity remain. Combined therapy is effective in reducing drug magnitude while increasing therapeutic efficacy and, thus, lowers undesired adverse side effects. The p38 MAPK activity is critically linked to the pathogenesis of a number of diseases including hematopoietic diseases; however, the role of each isozyme in CML and TKI-mediated effects is still elusive. In this study, we used specific gene knockdown to clearly demonstrate that the deficiency of p38α greatly enhanced the therapeutic efficacy in growth suppression and cytotoxicity of TKIs, first-generation imatinib, and second generation dasatinib by approximately 2.5–3.0-fold in BCR-ABL-positive CML-derived leukemia K562 and KMB5 cells. Knockdown of p38β, which displays the most sequence similarity to p38α, exerted distinct and opposite effects on the TKI-mediated therapeutic efficacy. These results show the importance of isotype-specific intervention in enhancing the therapeutic efficacy of TKI. A highly specific p38α inhibitor, TAK715, also significantly enhanced the imatinib- and dasatinib-mediated therapeutic efficacy, supporting the feasibility of p38α deficiency in future clinic application. Taken together, our results demonstrated that p38α is a promising target for combined therapy with BCR-ABL-targeting tyrosine kinase inhibitors for future application to increase therapeutic efficacy.
Membrane Vesicles of Pectobacterium as an Effective Protein Secretion System
Authors: Jonca Joanna , Waleron Malgorzata , Czaplewska Paulina , Bogucka Aleksandra , Steć Aleksandra , Dziomba Szymon , Jasiecki Jacek , Rychłowski Michał , Waleron Krzysztof
Published: November 2021

Bacteria of genus Pectobacterium are Gram-negative rods of the family Pectobacteriaceae. They are the causative agent of soft rot diseases of crops and ornamental plants. However, their virulence mechanisms are not yet fully elucidated. Membrane vesicles (MVs) are universally released by bacteria and are believed to play an important role in the pathogenicity and survival of bacteria in the environment. Our study investigates the role of MVs in the virulence of Pectobacterium. The results indicate that the morphology and MVs production depend on growth medium composition. In polygalacturonic acid (PGA) supplemented media, Pectobacterium produces large MVs (100–300 nm) and small vesicles below 100 nm. Proteomic analyses revealed the presence of pectate degrading enzymes in the MVs. The pectate plate test and enzymatic assay proved that those enzymes are active and able to degrade pectates. What is more, the pathogenicity test indicated that the MVs derived from Pectobacterium were able to induce maceration of Zantedeschia sp. leaves. We also show that the MVs of β-lactamase producing strains were able to suppress ampicillin activity and permit the growth of susceptible bacteria. Those findings indicate that the MVs of Pectobacterium play an important role in host-pathogen interactions and niche competition with other bacteria. Our research also sheds some light on the mechanism of MVs production. We demonstrate that the MVs production in Pectobacterium strains, which overexpress a green fluorescence protein (GFP), is higher than in wild-type strains. Moreover, proteomic analysis revealed that the GFP was present in the MVs. Therefore, it is possible that protein sequestration into MVs might not be strictly limited to periplasmic proteins. Our research highlights the importance of MVs production as a mechanism of cargo delivery in Pectobacterium and an effective secretion system.
Takinib Inhibits Inflammation in Human Rheumatoid Arthritis Synovial Fibroblasts by Targeting the Janus Kinase-Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 (JAK/STAT3) Pathway
Authors: Panipinto Paul M. , Singh Anil K. , Shaikh Farheen S. , Siegel Ruby J. , Chourasia Mukesh , Ahmed Salahuddin
Published: November 2021

TGF β-activated kinase 1 (TAK1) is an important participant in inflammatory pathogenesis for diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and gouty arthritis. The central position it occupies between the mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) pathways makes it an attractive therapeutic target. As this field has developed in recent years, several novel inhibitors have been presented as having specific activity that reduces the TAK1 function either covalently as in the case of 5Z-7-oxozeanol (5Z7O) or reversibly (NG-25). However, the mechanism through which takinib elicits its anti-inflammatory activity remains elusive. While this inhibitor shows great promise, a thorough analysis of its inhibitor function and its potential off-target effects is necessary before addressing its clinical potential or its use in inflammatory conditions. An analysis through Western blot showed an unexpected increase in IL-1β-induced TAK1 phosphorylation—a prerequisite for and indicator of its functional potential—by takinib while simultaneously demonstrating the inhibition of the JAK/STAT pathway in human rheumatoid arthritis synovial fibroblasts (RASFs) in vitro. In THP-1 monocyte-derived macrophages, takinib again led to the lipopolysaccharide-induced phosphorylation of TAK1 without a marked inhibition of the TAK1 downstream effectors, namely, of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), phospho-c-Jun, NF-κB phospho-p65 or phospho-IκBα. Taken together, these findings indicate that takinib inhibits inflammation in these cells by targeting multiple signaling pathways, most notably the JAK/STAT pathway in human RASFs.
Hypoxia-Inducible Factor Stabilizers in End Stage Kidney Disease: “Can the Promise Be Kept?”
Authors: Crugliano Giuseppina , Serra Raffaele , Ielapi Nicola , Battaglia Yuri , Coppolino Giuseppe , Bolignano Davide , Bracale Umberto Marcello , Pisani Antonio , Faga Teresa , Michael Ashour , Provenzano Michele , Andreucci Michele
Published: November 2021

Anemia is a common complication of chronic kidney disease (CKD). The prevalence of anemia in CKD strongly increases as the estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) decreases. The pathophysiology of anemia in CKD is complex. The main causes are erythropoietin (EPO) deficiency and functional iron deficiency (FID). The administration of injectable preparations of recombinant erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs), especially epoetin and darbepoetin, coupled with oral or intravenous(iv) iron supplementation, is the current treatment for anemia in CKD for both dialysis and non-dialysis patients. This approach reduces patients’ dependence on transfusion, ensuring the achievement of optimal hemoglobin target levels. However, there is still no evidence that treating anemia with ESAs can significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular events. Meanwhile, iv iron supplementation causes an increased risk of allergic reactions, gastrointestinal side effects, infection, and cardiovascular events. Currently, there are no studies defining the best strategy for using ESAs to minimize possible risks. One class of agents under evaluation, known as prolyl hydroxylase inhibitors (PHIs), acts to stabilize hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) by inhibiting prolyl hydroxylase (PH) enzymes. Several randomized controlled trials showed that HIF-PHIs are almost comparable to ESAs. In the era of personalized medicine, it is possible to envisage and investigate specific contexts of the application of HIF stabilizers based on the individual risk profile and mechanism of action.
Valeria Koch als öffentliche Intellektuelle
Authors: Csigó Ábel
Published: November 2021

Die Studie untersucht journalistische Texte Valeria Kochs, die zwischen 1973 und 1981 in der Neuen Zeitung erschienen und die zum Genre des Porträts gehören. Das Korpus von insgesamt 67 Artikeln wird im Laufe der Arbeit sowohl einer formalen als auch einer inhaltlichen Analyse unterzogen. Nach dem Überblick des bisherigen Standes der Forschung werden im Rahmen der formalen Analyse das Verhältnis der Texte zum Porträtgenre und ihre Rhetorik unter die Lupe genommen. Die inhaltliche Seite wird in Bezug auf die sozialpädagogische Funktion der damaligen Presse, auf das Bild vom „idealen Schwaben“, das in den Artikeln vermittelt wird, und auf den gesellschaftlichen Hintergrund der porträtierten Personen analysiert. Zur Erläuterung des letztgenannten Aspekts wird die äußerst wichtige theoretische Stütze der Arbeit, die Gesellschaftstheorie der ungarischen Soziologen György Konrád und Iván Szelényi herangezogen. Des Weiteren werden die möglichen Parallelen mit dem zur gleichen Zeit in der DDR populären journalistisch-dokumentarischen Genre der Protokoll-Literatur untersucht.
Pelatihan Pengolahan Jajanan Sehat Anak Sekolah kepada UMKM Makanan Jajanan Di Kecamatan Ubud Kabupaten Gianyar
Authors: Agustini Ni Putu , Kusumajaya A.A.N. , Sudita Puryana I G.P.
Published: November 2021

Children are a group at high risk of contracting the disease through food or drink.Based on the results of the research by Agustini and Kusumayanti (2016) on the Development of Traditional Balinese Snacks to Healthy Snacks for School Children in Gianyar Regency stated that the results of the development of these snacks had a good acceptability (93.15%) in school children.Therefore to increase the availability of healthy snacks for school children, the results of this study were followed up in the form of community service, with the aim of improving the skills of processing healthy snacks through training.Participants in the training included: school children, school canteen managers, snacks sellers and school teachers as many as 16 people.The results of community service were able to increase knowledge from an average of 63.75 to 86.35.The participants' skills in making healthy snacks for school children are quite good, because snacks that are processed are modified traditional snacks, which are commonly done by the local community.The follow-up of this training is the application of skills in processing healthy snacks both at school canteens, snack processors, and monitoring school children snacks by school teachers.Keywords: training, processing, healthy snacks, school children
Penyuluhan Tentang Suntik Tetanus Toksoid Kepada Ibu Hamil Primigravida Di Pesisir Loun
Authors: Taribuka Netty , Heluth Mirna
Published: November 2021

In 2008 there were cases of Tetanus Neonatorum with 91 cases of death or a Case Fatality Rate (CFR) of 55%. Most of the cases of Tetanus Neonatorum were babies whose deliveries were assisted by traditional birth attendants. Tetanus neonatorum is a tetanus disease that occurs in neonates (infants less than 1 month old) caused by Clostridium tetani, which is a germ that releases toxins that attack central nervous system. Risk factors that cause neonatal tetanus are delivery that does not meet cleanliness, namely umbilical cord care does not meet health requirements and administration of Tetanus Toxoid immunization to pregnant women is not carried out or is incomplete or not in accordance with program provisions. TT immunization is one solution to prevent tetanus neonatorum (TN). WUS who are the targets of TT immunization are women aged 15-49 years consisting of pregnant women (pregnant women) and non-pregnant women. TT immunization on WUS is given as many as 5 doses at certain intervals, starting before and or during pregnancy which is useful for lifelong immunityKeywords: tetanus, pregnancy, primigravida.
Absolute Value Variational Inclusions
Authors: Noor Muhammad Aslam , Noor Khalida Inayat
Published: November 2021

In this paper, we consider a new system of absolute value variational inclusions. Some interesting and extensively problems such as absolute value equations, difference of monotone operators, absolute value complementarity problem and hemivariational inequalities as special case. It is shown that variational inclusions are equivalent to the fixed point problems. This alternative formulation is used to study the existence of a solution of the system of absolute value inclusions. New iterative methods are suggested and investigated using the resolvent equations, dynamical system and nonexpansive mappings techniques. Convergence analysis of these methods is investigated under monotonicity. Some special cases are discussed as applications of the main results.
Determination of Biodiesel Production Volume of Sunflower as the Major Oilseed Crop in Turkey
Authors: KARABAŞ Hülya
Published: November 2021

Our agricultural system is struggling to respond to increasing demands for food and renewable energy. We need to prioritize our production of local biofuel feedstocks by going through energy diversification, whose raw material is based on agriculture. The need for biofuels, which are among the renewable energy sources in our country, is increasing day by day, especially in terms of energy security and sustainability. Sunflower, cotton, safflower, and rapeseed are among the vegetable oil feedstock sources of biodiesel production, an important place among biofuels in our country. The most abundant source of oil raw material belongs to sunflower. Is this year 2019 sowing season in our country, 2 100 000 tons of sunflower were harvested with a yield of 27 937 kg per hectare during the planting works carried out on 751 693 hectares of land. This study aimed to determine the potential biodiesel volume of the sunflower plant according to the data of 2019. As a result of the calculations, this oilseed plant's potential biodiesel production volume in our country has been determined as 582 643 166 liters. For the biodiesel sector to produce uninterruptedly, the production studies of second-generation biodiesel raw materials, which are not used in the food sector, are compatible with the conditions of our country, especially in low water demand, and can be grown quickly in marginal areas.