bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efetividade dos métodos de descontaminação em máscaras de tecido com luz ultravioleta e gás ozônio
Authors: Alves Débora Batista Pereira , Saraiva Lídia Lira , Souza Helen Patricia de Oliveira Duarte , Mota Mara Soares de Almeida , Santana Drielly Lima
Published: November 2021

Com a pandemia de COVID-19, houve significativo aumento no consumo de Equipamentos de Proteção Individual, ocasionando escassez de máscaras para os profissionais da área da saúde, sendo que as máscaras em tecido desempenharam um papel fundamental na contenção da transmissão de doenças virais e bacterianas na população em geral. Diante da demanda do uso de máscaras, houve uma necessidade de pesquisar novos agentes antissépticos que pudessem proporcionar a sua reutilização. Portanto, este estudo tem como objetivo analisar a eficácia dos processos de descontaminação por ozônio e luz UV-C nas máscaras de proteção de uso não profissional em diferentes tipos de tecidos, diante da contaminação experimental por S. aureus. As máscaras foram recortadas em pequenos pedaços e contaminadas com uma solução 108 UFC/ML e comparada com a escala de Mac Farland a 0,5, descontaminadas com gás ozônio e UV-C. Os resultados mostraram eficiência em ambos os processos, ressaltando um melhor desempenho do gás ozônio mostrou em relação à UV-C. A distância da amostra em relação ao aparelho de descontaminação, o tempo de exposição e o modelo de equipamento de UV-C e ozônio podem influenciar na obtenção de resultados mais eficientes em relação a descontaminação. Mesmo com a grande variedade de produtos químicos disponíveis, busca-se reduzir os microrganismos das máscaras com UV-C ou ozônio, como forma alternativa, sem alterar estruturalmente os tecidos, e comprometer sua eficiência. O estudo pode contribuir para o lançamento de mais equipamentos que utilizem esse tipo de descontaminação, deixando esse processo mais simples e barato para a população.
Análise de redes sociais de clientes com acometimento renal crônico em hemodiálise
Authors: Rocha Izabella Andrade da , Lima Rafael Abrantes de , David Helena Maria Scherlowski Leal
Published: November 2021

Objetivo: caracterizar as redes de relações e interações dos clientes com acometimentos renais crônicos em hemodiálise e descrever as relações com os profissionais de saúde. Método: trata-se de um estudo descritivo e exploratório, com abordagem quantitativa de análise de redes sociais, o cenário de pesquisa um hospital público universitário do estado do Rio de Janeiro. Os sujeitos da pesquisa foram pessoas acometidas pela DRC em fase terminal. O estudo foi preconizado Resolução Número 510, de 07/04/2016. Resultados: foi observado prevalência do sexo masculino, média de idade de 48 anos, prevalecendo os aposentados, com renda entre 1 a 2 salários-mínimos, 85% sem vínculo empregatício, prevalecendo a raça parda, ensino médio completo predominou, são casados e média de 6 anos de diálise. Conclusão: por fim, foi possível analisar, identificar, descrever e discutir as redes sociais em como se configuram e seu papel na contribuição frente à adesão ao tratamento.
As facetas da ludicidade na educação infantil: uma revisão bibliográfica
Authors: Soares Talyta Brennda Rodrigues , Santos Poliana Bonfim , Soares Brunna Rodrigues
Published: November 2021

Esse trabalho aborda a relação do processo de aprendizagem das crianças e as formas da ludicidade no ambiente escolar, com enfoque no conhecimento para a fase da Educação Infantil e no processo educacional. Fará menção de como utilizar as ferramentas oferecidas pela educação na formação dessas crianças, e como elas são de grande valia no que diz respeito ao desenvolvimento do ensino aprendizagem. Todo esse processo contribuirá para uma sociedade melhor, com pessoas mais qualificadas e que façam a diferença no nosso futuro. Durante o desenvolvimento desse artigo foi destacado a importância de trabalhar a ludicidade no ensino de forma em que toda e qualquer atividade lúdica possa contar com a interação de todas as crianças no ambiente escolar, com isso o papel do orientador se destaca, cobrando do mesmo a participação de cada criança de acordo com sua especificidade e se dedicando a todo resultado obtido pela criança durante a sua formação.
Islamophobia Discourse via Online Rumors in Korea: Focusing on the Rumor “How Lebanon, which was a Christian Country, became an Islamic
Country?” and the “Taharrush Game”
Authors: Lee Kyungsoo
Published: November 2021

This paper aims to explore the current status of the phenomena of online Islamophobia in Korea and how hate rumours affect internet users. The paper analyses Islamophobic information that flows online in Korean society with two particular rumors as examples, “Taharrush Game” and “How Lebanon, which was a Christian Country, became an Islamic Country?” To identify Islamophobic fake news in Korea, the study reviewed previous cases of fake news in Korea and examined the processes of creation and dissemination of Islamophobic fake news through a review of the literature. Moreover, using the survey method and examining online postings, this paper analyzed the current situation of Islamophobic disinformation in South Korea.
УЧАСТЬ УКРАЇНСЬКОГО НАЦІОНАЛЬНОГО ПЕРСОНАЛУ В ДІЯЛЬНОСТІ МИРОТВОРЧИХ МІСІЙ МІЖНАРОДНИХ СИЛ ООН
Authors: Плазова Тетяна Іванівна , Тимощук Олександр Васильович
Published: November 2021

З проголошенням незалежності України одним із пріоритетних напрямів зовнішньої політики нашої держави є участь у заходах міжнародної спільноти щодо підтримання миру та безпеки в світі, відвернення та врегулювання міжнарод­них конфліктів. Враховуючи, що на сучасному етапі безпека будь-якої з держав значною мірою залежить не лише від надійності її кордонів, але й від загального військово-політичного клімату, керівництво нашої країни спрямовує свою миро­творчу діяльність на співпрацю з Радою Безпеки ООН, при цьому дотримуючись загальновизнаних принципів та норм міжнародного права.

У даній статті досліджується та аналізується співпраця українського національ­ного персоналу в миротворчих місіях Міжнародних сил сприяння безпеці. Особлива увага у викладеному матеріалі приділяється законодавчій базі, що регламентує миротворчу діяльність України під егідою ООН та в рамках співпраці з НАТО. Виділено й основні завдання, які покладались на український національний персонал у міжнародних місіях.

Починаючи з липня 1992 року, вже в статусі незалежної держави Україна почала брати участь у миротворчих операціях під егідою міжнародних організацій. Такі дії нашої держави підтверджують прагнення активного підтримання всіх колективних заходів ООН щодо збереження миру та стабільності як у Європі, так і в світі загалом.

Участь України у міжнародних миротворчих операціях ООН та НАТО дає вагомі позитивні результати, а якісне і бездоганне виконання завдань з боку українських миротворців, відповідальність, мужність та високий професіоналізм сформували українським миротворцям заслужено високий авторитет.

Поряд з тим участь українських підрозділів в міжнародних місіях та операціях сприяють зміцненню іміджу нашої Держави, створенню сприятливого клімату для налагодження та активізації двостороннього співробітництва з окремими державами. Також українські військовослужбовці мають змогу отримувати унікальний професійний досвід, знайомитись з сучасними вимогами в коригу­ванні пріоритетів розвитку Збройних Сил та модернізацією озброєнь і військової техніки. Разом з тим мають нагоду вносити зміни та коригувати навчальний процес підготовки миротворчого персоналу, зокрема з використанням можли­востей військово-технічного співробітництва зі збройними силами інших держав.

Висока оцінка з боку наших міжнародних партнерів стала основним підґрун­тям для постійного запрошення України до участі у новостворюваних та вже існуючих миротворчих місіях, розширення географії залучення Збройних Сил України до миротворчої діяльності в усьому світі.
СТАВЛЕННЯ СРСР ДО ЧЕХОСЛОВАЦЬКОЇ КРИЗИ І ПИТАННЯ ПІДКАРПАТСЬКОЇ РУСІ (1938 – 1939 РР.)
Authors: Ільюшин Ігор Іванович
Published: November 2021

У статті на підставі нещодавно оприлюднених документів проаналізовано позицію керівництва СРСР стосовно центральноєвропейської (чехословацької) політичної кризи напередодні Другої світової війни. Доведено, що дії СРСР, спрямовані на підтримку Чехо-Словаччини, були продиктовані передусім наміром виконати свої зобов’язання відповідно до радянсько-чехословацького договору про взаємну допомогу і тим самим запобігти внаслідок можливого воєнного конфлікту серйозним змінам у європейській геополітичній конфігурації, які були б на шкоду Москві. З іншого боку, територіальній анексії Чехо-Словаччини, а у подальшому і остаточній її ліквідації, сприяла політика Великобританії і Франції, уряди яких мало що зробили для того, аби зупинити німецьку експансію. Навпаки, підписавши Мюнхенську угоду, вони фактично визнали територію Центрально-Східної Європи сферою переважаючих інтересів Третього рейху, а його претензії «природним процесом».
ВІДРОДЖЕННЯ КАПЕЛАНСТВА В СУЧАСНОМУ УКРАЇНСЬКОМУ ВІЙСЬКУ
Authors: Бураков Юрій Васильович , Томчук Олександр Анатолійович
Published: November 2021

У статті аналізується процес відродження капеланства у сучасному українсь­кому війську. Пропонується історична періодизація цього явища. Наголошується, що Інститут військових капеланів для ЗС України виник із волонтерської душ­пастирської служби. Сотні священників-волонтерів після нападу Російської Федерації на Україну, анексії Криму та окупації районів Донецької та Луган­ської областей, разом із добробатами вирушили на Схід України з метою захисту й відсічі російському агресору. Розглядається становлення нормативно-правової бази капеланської служби. Констатується, що відродження душпастирської служби є серйозною духовною основою зміцнення морально-психологічного стану військ, згуртування військових колективів і успішного виконання бойових завдань.
ПРОТЕЗУВАННЯ УЧАСНИКІВ БОЙОВИХ ДІЙ З АМПУТОВАНИМИ КІНЦІВКАМИ
Authors: Юрова Тетяна Миколаївна
Published: November 2021

Протезування ‒ це спеціальний вид лікувальної та соціально-психологічної допомоги ампутантам, який спрямований на часткову або навіть повну компен­сацію форм і функцій видалених кінцівок, які постраждали в результаті поранень і травм. Оскільки протезування тісно пов'язане не тільки з травматологією, ортопедією, реконструктивною хірургією, а й з необхідністю ліквідації наслідків бойової психотравми, зняття депресивних станів, попередження ПТСР тощо, повноцінна реабілітація, абілітація потерпілого та його адаптація в соціумі вимагає комплексного підходу і залучення в цей процес військових психологів, соціологів і культурологів.
ПЕТРО ФРАНКО: ЖИТТЄПИС НА ТЛІ ЕПОХИ
Authors: Харук Андрій Іванович
Published: November 2021

Рецензія на книгу

Тихолоз Н. (2021). Петро Франко: Формула долі (Життєпис на тлі доби). Львів: Львівський національний літературно-меморіальний музей Івана Франка, 288 с.
ПОДІЇ ДРУГОГО ЗИМОВОГО ПОХОДУ НА ТЕРИТОРІЇ ВОЛИНСЬКОЇ ГУБЕРНІЇ (1921)
Authors: Дем’янюк Олександр Йосипович
Published: November 2021

У статті аналізуються проблеми, пов’язані із перебуванням підрозділів Дієвої Армії УНР на території Волинської губернії в жовтні-листопаді 1921 р. Звернута увага на передумови й підготовку військового походу на територію УСРР, зокрема на волинський терен. Визначено напрямки організаційної роботи щодо максималь­ного поширення повстанського руху на територію радянської України; обґрунто­вано, спираючись на зміни у суспільно-політичній ситуації в УСРР, найвдаліший момент для партизанського походу в Україну.

З’ясовано взаємини керівництва Партизансько-повстанського штабу з очіль­никами повстанських загонів на території Волинської губернії, проаналізовано причини поступового послаблення повстанського руху.

Визначено причини згортання партизанського походу в Україну, з’ясовано обставини повернення Волинської групи на територію ІІ Речі Посполитої. Названо прізвища вояків народжених на Волині, страчених більшовиками в м. Базар на Житомирщині.
Dalla statistica alla creazione di pittogrammi: un esempio di itinerario didattico contestuale nella scuola dell'infanzia
Authors: Bernasconi Leyla , Piatti Alberto , Bottinelli Montandon Mario
Published: November 2021

Questo itinerario didattico interdisciplinare (matematica ed educazione visiva) è stato realizzato in una scuola dell’infanzia del Canton Ticino seguendo un approccio contestuale. In una prima fase, i bambini hanno realizzato un intero processo statistico, dalla domanda di ricerca alla rappresentazione dei risultati. Sono state proposte due indagini: la prima volta a capire se nelle case degli allievi fossero presenti più gatti o più cani, la seconda per determinare se nella scuola dell’infanzia di Bioggio fossero presenti più allievi o più allieve. Questa prima fase ha messo in evidenza come la difficoltà principale dei bambini fosse la rappresentazione dei risultati, e in particolare la rappresentazione di classi di equivalenza (gatto/cane, maschio/femmina). Questo genere di difficoltà è stato quindi affrontato didatticamente con il linguaggio visivo del pittogramma, che ha accompagnato gli allievi attraverso diversi compiti di realtà. Lungo le ultime fasi del suo sviluppo, l’itinerario è stato strutturato per consolidare la capacità degli allievi di creare pittogrammi.
Intellectual property in the field of information and communication technologies
Authors: Zerov Kostiantyn
Published: November 2021

Keywords: IT, computer program, copyright, creative industry

The article discusses the main issues regarding IP-protection in the sphere of information (information and communication) technologies — one of thelargest creative industries in Ukraine. Development and capitalization of informationtechnologies are impossible without proper legal protection of intellectual propertybecause the basis of the creative industry is the creation of creative products — goodsand services created/provided by cultural (artistic) and/or creative expression andhave high added value and are objects of intellectual property rights, which determinesthe relevance of this study.It is noted that basic types of economic activity that belong to the creative industriesare defined at the resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine and areaimed at creating and distributing intellectual property rights to already createdcopies (or copies) of software. It is assumed that the tax legislation of Ukraine stipulatesthat certain business transactions for the “publication” of software must be carriedout based on contracts for the supply of software and not based on contracts forthe transfer of intellectual property rights.A brief description of copyright objects in the field of information technology andthe possibilities of their legal protection, namely a computer program, databases, andwebsite, is given. It is noted that the website may combine different intellectual propertyrights.The issue of intellectual property rights distribution on the object created in connectionwith the implementation of the employment agreement (contract) and on theobject created by the order is investigated. It is concluded that the law of Ukraine.“On Stimulating the Development of the Digital Economy in Ukraine” eliminated theconflict between the Civil Code of Ukraine and the Law of Ukraine “On Copyright andRelated Rights” on the distribution of property copyrights on official works. The currentapproach to the distribution of economic copyright rights is harmonized with Europeanstandards.
Objection to the trademark application or the action of international registration of a trademark in Ukraine
Authors: Kharchenko Olesia
Published: November 2021

Keywords: objection, opposition, trademark, appellate chamber, period of opposition

The article analyses themain approaches to the practice of filing and the consequences of filing objections ofthird parties against trademark applications or international trademark registrationsbased on a study of the provisions of regulations of Ukraine and foreign countries.The filing of an objection to an application for a trademark is defined as theright of any third party to state its views on the inconsistency of the designation appliedfor registration with the conditions of granting legal protection. It is concludedthat this procedure in Ukraine is not fully harmonized with the practice of the EuropeanUnion: Ukrainian law does not provide for the submission — of observation ofthird parties, when the trademark cannot be registered ex officio. Such observationcan be submitted by any person free of charge, but this person will not become a partyto the proceedings during the designation examination.It is determined that this right in Ukraine can be exercised within several instances:1) Objection of a third party, which is filed at the stage of examination of the designation;2) Objection of a third party, which is submitted to the Appeals Chamber of the NationalIntellectual Property Authority;3) Appeal of the approved decision of the Appeals Chamber of the National IntellectualProperty Authority in court.The article provides suggestions for improving the procedure for filing objections toan application for a trademark or the action of international registration of a trademarkin Ukraine:1) granting the right to third parties to submit to the National Intellectual PropertyAuthority free observations against trademark applications that do not relate to«relative» grounds for refusal of the legal protection of the designation.2) increase the fee for filing an objection to a trademark application or internationaltrademark registration to reduce the number of filing of unscrupulous objections,the purpose of which is to increase the term of registration of the applicant'strademark.3) extension of the terms of payment of the state fee for issuing a certificate ofUkraine for a trademark and the fee for the publication of the issuance of a certificatefor up to five months for those applications for trademarks against whichthird parties have filed objections.
Certain aspects of possible codification of legislation of intellectual property law
Authors: Shtefan Olena
Published: November 2021

Keywords: recodification of the Civil Code of Ukraine, codification of legislation onintellectual property law, subject and method of intellectual property law

The article examines the issues related to the possibility ofcodification of legislation in the field of intellectual property rights. Currently, inUkraine there is a three-tier regulation of public relations in the field of intellectualproperty law. On the one hand, the Civil Code of Ukraine, the rules of which are characterizedby a corresponding nature, terminological inconsistency with special legislation;special legislation regulating legal relations arising from the creation and use ofcertain objects of intellectual property rights; as well as the provisions of ratified internationallegal acts in this area. Such legislation does not contribute to effectiveprotection or effective protection of intellectual property rights.The updating of the Civil Code of Ukraine will not improve the situation regardingproper legislative support in this area, and may lead to new conflicts.

Based on the analysis of existing approaches in legal doctrine on the possible codificationof legislation in the field of intellectual property law, it is concluded that it ispossible if the latter is separated into an independent branch of law, characterized bythe subject and method of legal regulation. The existing approach to the definition ofthe subject of regulation in the doctrine of intellectual property law coincides with thecivilized approaches and does not reflect the specifics of legal relations that characterizethe field of intellectual property. The subject of intellectual property law is notlimited to private law relations, public law is also quite common. In this regard, it isproposed to understand the subject as a legal relationship arising in connection withthe creation, use and protection of intellectual property rights. It is proved that theright of intellectual property can be separated into an independent branch of law andto codify its legislation. This will be facilitated by the interest of the state and the correspondingpolitical will to do so.
Decision making in the coastal zone under an uncertain future
Authors: Lyddon Charlotte
Published: November 2021

Coastal flooding is rated as the second highest risk of civil emergency in the UK, and can cause damage to coastal and estuarine infrastructure, communities, ecosystems, and even loss of life. Hydrodynamic, numerical modelling tools are used to identify regions susceptible to coastal flooding under current and future climate conditions. Modelling procedures and data inputs can lead to a range of uncertainties that need to be quantified for the simulations to be meaningful. Reported public scepticism of coastal hazard forecasting and flood warning accuracy may be due in some part to the way that flood dynamics and uncertainties in the computer model simulations of flood hazard are communicated to the end-users. The briefing explores key uncertainties in flooding predictions, and how these can be better communicated to the public and stakeholders. Improved communication can help to increase awareness and encourage behaviour change to build trust in warnings and forecasts.
PEGylated Doxorubicin Prodrug-Forming Reduction-Sensitive Micelles With High Drug Loading and Improved Anticancer Therapy
Authors: Wang Dongdong , Zhang Xiaoyi , Xu Bingbing
Published: November 2021

Significant efforts on the design and development of advanced drug delivery systems for targeted cancer chemotherapy continue to be a major challenge. Here, we reported a kind of reduction-responsive PEGylated doxorubicin (DOX) prodrug via the simple esterification and amidation reactions, which self-assembled into the biodegradable micelles in solutions. Since there was an obvious difference in the reduction potentials between the oxidizing extracellular milieu and the reducing intracellular fluids, these PEG–disulfide–DOX micelles were localized intracellularly and degraded rapidly by the stimulus to release the drugs once reaching the targeted tumors, which obviously enhanced the therapeutic efficacy with low side effects. Moreover, these reduction-sensitive micelles could also physically encapsulate the free DOX drug into the polymeric cargo, exhibiting a two-phase programmed drug release behavior. Consequently, it showed a potential to develop an intelligent and multifunctional chemotherapeutic payload transporter for the effective tumor therapy.
Expression and Functional Roles of Eukaryotic Initiation Factor 4A Family Proteins in Human Cancers
Authors: Xue Chen , Gu Xinyu , Li Ganglei , Bao Zhengyi , Li Lanjuan
Published: November 2021

The dysregulation of mRNA translation is common in malignancies and may lead to tumorigenesis and progression. Eukaryotic initiation factor 4A (eIF4A) proteins are essential for translation, exhibit bidirectional RNA helicase function, and act as RNA-dependent ATPases. In this review, we explored the predicted structures of the three eIF4A isoforms (eIF4A1, eIF4A2, and eIF4A3), and discussed possible explanations for which function during different translation stages (initiation, mRNA localization, export, and mRNA splicing). These proteins also frequently served as targets of microRNAs (miRNAs) or long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) to mediate epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), which was associated with tumor cell invasion and metastasis. To define the differential expression of eIF4A family members, we applied the Tumor Immune Estimation Resource website. We figured out that the eIF4A family genes were differently expressed in specific cancer types. We also found that the level of the eIF4A family genes were associated with abundant immune cells infiltration and tumor purity. The associations between eIF4A proteins and cancer patient clinicopathological features suggested that eIF4A proteins might serve as biomarkers for early tumor diagnosis, histological classification, and clinical grading/staging, providing new tools for precise and individualized cancer treatment.
Survival and Axonal Outgrowth of the Mauthner Cell Following Spinal Cord Crush Does Not Drive Post-injury Startle Responses
Authors: Zottoli Steven J. , Faber Donald S. , Hering John , Dannhauer Ann C. , Northen Susan
Published: November 2021

A pair of Mauthner cells (M-cells) can be found in the hindbrain of most teleost fish, as well as amphibians and lamprey. The axons of these reticulospinal neurons cross the midline and synapse on interneurons and motoneurons as they descend the length of the spinal cord. The M-cell initiates fast C-type startle responses (fast C-starts) in goldfish and zebrafish triggered by abrupt acoustic/vibratory stimuli. Starting about 70 days after whole spinal cord crush, less robust startle responses with longer latencies manifest in adult goldfish, Carassius auratus. The morphological and electrophysiological identifiability of the M-cell provides a unique opportunity to study cellular responses to spinal cord injury and the relation of axonal regrowth to a defined behavior. After spinal cord crush at the spinomedullary junction about one-third of the damaged M-axons of adult goldfish send at least one sprout past the wound site between 56 and 85 days postoperatively. These caudally projecting sprouts follow a more lateral trajectory relative to their position in the fasciculus longitudinalis medialis of control fish. Other sprouts, some from the same axon, follow aberrant pathways that include rostral projections, reversal of direction, midline crossings, neuromas, and projection out the first ventral root. Stimulating M-axons in goldfish that had post-injury startle behavior between 198 and 468 days postoperatively resulted in no or minimal EMG activity in trunk and tail musculature as compared to control fish. Although M-cells can survive for at least 468 day (∼1.3 years) after spinal cord crush, maintain regrowth, and elicit putative trunk EMG responses, the cell does not appear to play a substantive role in the emergence of acoustic/vibratory-triggered responses. We speculate that aberrant pathway choice of this neuron may limit its role in the recovery of behavior and discuss structural and functional properties of alternative candidate neurons that may render them more supportive of post-injury startle behavior.
Exploring the Thickness-Dependence of the Properties of Layered Gallium Sulfide
Authors: Gutiérrez Yael , Giangregorio Maria M. , Dicorato Stefano , Palumbo Fabio , Losurdo Maria
Published: November 2021

Group III layered monochalcogenide gallium sulfide, GaS, is one of the latest additions to the two-dimensional (2D) materials family, and of particular interest for visible-UV optoelectronic applications due to its wide bandgap energy in the range 2.35–3.05 eV going from bulk to monolayer. Interestingly, when going to the few-layer regime, changes in the electronic structure occur, resulting in a change in the properties of the material. Therefore, a systematic study on the thickness dependence of the different properties of GaS is needed. Here, we analyze mechanically exfoliated GaS layers transferred to glass substrates. Specifically, we report the dependence of the Raman spectra, photoluminescence, optical transmittance, resistivity, and work function on the thickness of GaS. Those findings can be used as guidance in designing devices based on GaS.
Categorization of the Ocular Microbiome in Japanese Stevens–Johnson Syndrome Patients With Severe Ocular Complications
Authors: Ueta Mayumi , Hosomi Koji , Park Jonguk , Mizuguchi Kenji , Sotozono Chie , Kinoshita Shigeru , Kunisawa Jun
Published: November 2021

The commensal microbiota is involved in a variety of diseases. Our group has noticed that patients with Stevens–Johnson syndrome (SJS)/toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) often present with persistent inflammation of the ocular surface, even in the chronic stage, and that this inflammation is exacerbated by colonization of the mucosa by certain bacteria. However, the changes in the composition of the ocular microbiome in SJS/TEN patients with severe ocular complications (SOCs) remain to be fully investigated. Here, we conducted a cross-sectional study of 46 Japanese subjects comprising 9 healthy control subjects and 37 SJS/TEN patients with SOC. The 16S rRNA-based genetic analyses revealed that the diversity of the ocular microbiome was reduced in SJS/TEN patients with SOC compared with that in healthy control subjects. Principal coordinate analysis based on Bray–Curtis distance at the genus level revealed that the relative composition of the ocular microbiome was different in healthy control subjects and SJS/TEN patients with SOC, and that the SJS/TEN patients with SOC could be divided into four groups based on whether their microbiome was characterized by enrichment of species in genus Corynebacterium 1, Neisseriaceae uncultured, or Staphylococcus or by simultaneous enrichment in species in genera Propionibacterium, Streptococcus, Fusobacterium, Lawsonella, and Serratia. Collectively, our findings indicate that enrichment of certain bacteria at the ocular surface could be associated with ocular surface inflammation in SJS/TEN patients with SOC.
Image Processing Filters for Grids of Cells Analogous to Filters Processing Grids of Pixels
Authors: Haase Robert
Published: November 2021

Intra- and extra-cellular processes shape tissues together. For understanding how neighborhood relationships between cells play a role in this process, having image processing filters based on these relationships would be beneficial. Those operations are known and their application to microscopy image data typically requires programming skills. User-friendly general purpose tools for pursuing image processing on a level of neighboring cells were yet missing. In this manuscript I demonstrate image processing filters which process grids of cells on tissue level and the analogy to their better known counter parts processing grids of pixels. The tools are available as part of free and open source software in the ImageJ/Fiji and napari ecosystems and their application does not require any programming experience.
Gut Microbiome Alterations in Patients With Carotid Atherosclerosis
Authors: Chen Jingfeng , Qin Qian , Yan Su , Yang Yang , Yan Hang , Li Tiantian , Wang Lin , Gao Xinxin , Li Ang , Ding Suying
Published: November 2021

Carotid atherosclerosis (CAS) is a reflection of systemic atherosclerosis and the main pathological processes of cardiovascular disease (CVD), namely, carotid intima–media thickening, carotid plaque formation, and carotid stenosis. Accumulating evidence indicates that the gut microbiota plays an important role in CVD and gut–brain disorders, but the associations of the composition and metabolites of the gut microbiome with CAS have not been studied comprehensively. We performed a gut microbiome genome-wide association study in 31 patients with CAS and 51 healthy controls using whole-genome shotgun sequencing. We found that several risk factors (waist circumference, body mass index, diastolic blood pressure, systolic blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin A1c, total cholesterol, triglyceride, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol) and inflammatory markers (white blood cell count and absolute value of neutrophils) were significantly higher in the CAS group than in the control group. In addition, 21 species and 142 pathways were enriched in the CAS group, and 10 species and 1 pathway were enriched in the control group. Specifically, Bacteroides eggerthii, Escherichia coli, and Klebsiella pneumoniae were the most abundant species in the CAS group, whereas Parabacteroides unclassified, Prevotella copri, Bacteroides sp 3_1_19, and Haemophilus parainfluenzae were the most abundant species in the control group. Finally, we found that most gut microbes and microbial pathways that were enriched in the CAS group had significant positive correlations with clinical characteristics, whereas the microbes and pathways enriched in healthy controls had significant negative correlations with clinical characteristics excluding high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. In addition, the associations between gut microbes and some microbial pathways (short-chain fatty acid, lipopolysaccharide, and menaquinol biosynthesis) were identified. Our results indicate the existence of a cyclic pathway that elevates the circulating concentrations of trimethylamine-N-oxide in patients with CAS but reduces its concentrations in healthy controls.
The Association Between Recurrence of Atrial Fibrillation and Revascularization in Patients With Coronary Artery Disease After Catheter Ablation
Authors: Chen Xiaowei , Zhao Jiangtao , Zhu Kui , Qin Fen , Liu Hengdao , Tao Hailong
Published: November 2021

Aim: The connection between revascularization for coronary artery disease (CAD) and the incidence of recurrent events of atrial fibrillation (AF) after ablation is unclear. This study aimed to explore the relationship between coronary revascularization and AF recurrence in patients who underwent radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA).

Methods: Four hundred and nineteen patients who underwent performed coronary angiography at the same time as RFCA were enrolled in this study. Obstructive CAD was defined as at least one coronary artery vessel stenosis of ≥75% and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) was recommended. Non-obstructive CAD was defined as coronary artery vessel stenosis of <75%. The endpoint was freedom from recurrence from AF after RFCA during the 24-month follow-up.

Results: In total, 102, 95, and 212 patients were undergone coronary angiography and diagnosed as having obstructive CAD, Non-obstructive CAD, and Non-CAD, respectively. During the 24-month follow-up period, patients without obstructive CAD were significantly more likely to achieve freedom from AF than patients with obstructive CAD (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.72; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.23–2.41; P = 0.001). The recurrence rate of AF was significantly lower in patients who underwent PCI than in those who did not (HR: 0.45; 95% CI: 0.25–0.80; P = 0.007). The multivariate regression analysis showed that the other predictors of AF recurrence for obstructive CAD were multivessel stenosis (HR: 1.92; 95% CI: 1.04–3.54; P = 0.036) and left atrial diameter (HR: 2.56; 95% CI: 1.31–5.00; P = 0.006).

Conclusions: This study suggests that obstructive CAD is associated with a higher rate of AF recurrence. Additionally, For patients with CAD, coronary revascularization is related to a lower recurrence rate of AF after RFCA.
Multimodal Diagnostic Workup of Primary Pericardial Mesothelioma: A Case Report
Authors: Liu Jiahui , Wang Zhi , Yang Ying , Xiong Yan , Wang Wei , Qiu Jianxing , Zhao Kai , Zheng Bo
Published: November 2021

Background: Primary pericardial mesothelioma is an extremely rare tumor, and early identification and accurate diagnosis may improve its clinical outcome.

Case presentation: In this study, we reported a case of a 70-year-old woman who presented with dyspnea. Conventional transthoracic echocardiography showed massive pericardial effusion. Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography revealed a hyper-enhancing mass in the pericardium. Further imaging methods, including cardiac MRI and positron emission tomography/computed tomography, showed invasion of the pericardial mass into the adjacent tissues and distant metastases. Pathologic examination of a puncture biopsy specimen finally confirmed the diagnosis of PPM.

Conclusion: Pericardial masses are difficult to detect when a large amount of pericardial effusion is present and the mass is small. The combination of multiple modalities plays a meaningful role in identifying PPM.
Adiponectin Related Vascular and Cardiac Benefits in Obesity: Is There a Role for an Epigenetically Regulated Mechanism?
Authors: Fontanella Rosaria Anna , Scisciola Lucia , Rizzo Maria Rosaria , Surina Surina , Sardu Celestino , Marfella Raffaele , Paolisso Giuseppe , Barbieri Michelangela
Published: November 2021

In obesity, several epigenetic modifications, including histones remodeling, DNA methylation, and microRNAs, could accumulate and determine increased expression of inflammatory molecules, the adipokines, that in turn might induce or accelerate the onset and development of cardiovascular and metabolic disorders. In order to better clarify the potential epigenetic mechanisms underlying the modulation of the inflammatory response by adipokines, the DNA methylation profile in peripheral leukocytes of the promoter region of IL-6 and NF-kB genes and plasma miRNA-21 levels were evaluated in 356 healthy subjects, using quantitative pyrosequencing-based analysis, and correlated with plasma adiponectin levels, body fat content and the primary pro-inflammatory markers. In addition, correlation analysis of DNA methylation profiles and miRNA-21 plasma levels with intima-media thickness (IMT), a surrogate marker for early atherosclerosis, left ventricular mass (LVM), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), and cardiac performance index (MPI) was also performed to evaluate any potential clinical implication in terms of cardiovascular outcome. Results achieved confirmed the role of epigenetics in the obesity-related cardiovascular complications and firstly supported the potential role of plasma miRNA-21 and IL-6 and NF-kB DNA methylation changes in nucleated blood cells as potential biomarkers for predicting cardiovascular risk in obesity. Furthermore, our results, showing a role of adiponectin in preventing epigenetic modification induced by increased adipose tissue content in obese subjects, provide new evidence of an additional mechanism underlying the anti-inflammatory properties and the cardiovascular benefits of adiponectin. The exact mechanisms underlying the obesity-related epigenetic modifications found in the blood cells and whether similar epigenetic changes reflect adipose and myocardial tissue modifications need to be further investigated in future experiments.
Potential Therapies to Protect the Aging Heart Against Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury
Authors: Díaz-Vesga Magda C. , Zúñiga-Cuevas Úrsula , Ramírez-Reyes Andrés , Herrera-Zelada Nicolas , Palomo Iván , Bravo-Sagua Roberto , Riquelme Jaime A.
Published: November 2021

Despite important advances in the treatment of myocardial infarction that have significantly reduced mortality, there is still an unmet need to limit the infarct size after reperfusion injury in order to prevent the onset and severity of heart failure. Multiple cardioprotective maneuvers, therapeutic targets, peptides and drugs have been developed to effectively protect the myocardium from reperfusion-induced cell death in preclinical studies. Nonetheless, the translation of these therapies from laboratory to clinical contexts has been quite challenging. Comorbidities, comedications or inadequate ischemia/reperfusion experimental models are clearly identified variables that need to be accounted for in order to achieve effective cardioprotection studies. The aging heart is characterized by altered proteostasis, DNA instability, epigenetic changes, among others. A vast number of studies has shown that multiple therapeutic strategies, such as ischemic conditioning phenomena and protective drugs are unable to protect the aged heart from myocardial infarction. In this Mini-Review, we will provide an updated state of the art concerning potential new cardioprotective strategies targeting the aging heart.
Parameter Optimization of Segmental Multicluster Fractured Horizontal Wells in Extremely Rich Gas Condensate Shale Reservoirs
Authors: Zhipeng Wei , Jinwei Wang , Rumin Liu , Tao Wang , Guannan Han
Published: November 2021

For economic and efficient development of extremely high-condensate shale gas reservoirs, a numerical model of segmental multicluster fractured horizontal well was established considering the effect of condensate and desorption, and the optimization of fracturing segments, fracturing clusters, half-length of main fracture, fracture permeability, fracture mesh density, and fracture distribution patterns were studied. It is indicated that the horizontal well whose design length is 2,700 m performs best when it has 43 fracturing segments with three clusters in each segment and the fracture permeability is 300 mD. The production capacity of horizontal wells is positively linearly correlated with the half-length of fractures. Increasing fracture half-length would be an effective way to produce condensate oil near wellbore. An effective fractured area can be constructed to remarkably improve productivity when the half-length of the fracture is 50 m and the number of secondary fractures is four in each segment. On the basis of reasonable fracture parameters, the staggered type distribution pattern is beneficial to the efficient development of shale gas-condensate reservoirs because of its large reconstruction volume, far pressure wave, small fracture interference, and small precipitation range of condensate.
Field Test on Performance of an Air Source Heat Pump System Using Novel Gravity-Driven Radiators as Indoor Heating Terminal
Authors: Jia Jie , Zhou Xuan , Feng Wei , Cheng Yuanda , Tian Qi , Li Fenglei , Chen Yanjun , Lee W.L.
Published: November 2021

The simultaneous need for energy efficiency and indoor comfort may not be met by existing air source heat pump (ASHP) technology. The novelty of this study lies in the use of a new gravity-driven radiator as the indoor heating terminal of ASHPs, aiming to provide an acceptable indoor comfort with improved energy efficiency. To confirm and quantify the performance improvement due to the proposed system retrofit, a field test was conducted to examine the system performance under real conditions. In the tests, measurements were made on the refrigerant- and air-side of the system to characterize its operational characteristics. Results showed that the proposed radiator has a rapid thermal response, which ensures a fast heat output from the system. The proposed system can create a stable and uniform indoor environment with a measured air diffusion performance index of 80%. The energy efficiency of the proposed system was also assessed based on the test data. It was found that the system’s first law efficiency is 42.5% higher than the hydraulic-based ASHP system. In terms of the second law efficiency, the compressor contributes the most to the overall system exergy loss. The exergy efficiency of the proposed system increases with the outdoor temperature and varies between 35.02 and 38.93% in the test period. The research results and the analysis methodology reported in this study will be useful for promoting the technology in search of energy efficiency improvement in residential and commercial buildings.
Cilium Expression Score Predicts Glioma Survival
Authors: Rajagopalan Srinivas , Singh Amartya , Khiabanian Hossein
Published: November 2021

The accurate classification, prognostication, and treatment of gliomas has been hindered by an existing cellular, genomic, and transcriptomic heterogeneity within individual tumors and their microenvironments. Traditional clustering is limited in its ability to distinguish heterogeneity in gliomas because the clusters are required to be exclusive and exhaustive. In contrast, biclustering can identify groups of co-regulated genes with respect to a subset of samples and vice versa. In this study, we analyzed 1,798 normal and tumor brain samples using an unsupervised biclustering approach. We identified co-regulated gene expression profiles that were linked to proximally located brain regions and detected upregulated genes in subsets of gliomas, associated with their histologic grade and clinical outcome. In particular, we present a cilium-associated signature that when upregulated in tumors is predictive of poor survival. We also introduce a risk score based on expression of 12 cilium-associated genes which is reproducibly informative of survival independent of other prognostic biomarkers. These results highlight the role of cilia in development and progression of gliomas and suggest potential therapeutic vulnerabilities for these highly aggressive tumors.
Cellular and Molecular Phenotypes of pConsensus Peptide (pCons) Induced CD8+ and CD4+ Regulatory T Cells in Lupus
Authors: Singh Ram P. , Hahn Bevra H. , Bischoff David S.
Published: November 2021

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease with widespread inflammation, immune dysregulation, and is associated with the generation of destructive anti-DNA autoantibodies. We have shown previously the immune modulatory properties of pCons peptide in the induction of both CD4+ and CD8+ regulatory T cells which can in turn suppress development of the autoimmune disease in (NZB/NZW) F1 (BWF1) mice, an established model of lupus. In the present study, we add novel protein information and further demonstrate the molecular and cellular phenotypes of pCons-induced CD4+ and CD8+ Treg subsets. Flow cytometry analyses revealed that pCons induced CD8+ Treg cells with the following cell surface molecules: CD25highCD28high and low subsets (shown earlier), CD62Lhigh, CD122low, PD1low, CTLA4low, CCR7low and 41BBhigh. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) gene expression analyses revealed that pCons-induced CD8+ Treg cells downregulated the following several genes: Regulator of G protein signaling (RGS2), RGS16, RGS17, BAX, GPT2, PDE3b, GADD45β and programmed cell death 1 (PD1). Further, we confirmed the down regulation of these genes by Western blot analyses at the protein level. To our translational significance, we showed herein that pCons significantly increased the percentage of CD8+FoxP3+ T cells and further increased the mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) of FoxP3 when healthy peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) are treated with pCons (10 μg/ml, for 24-48 hours). In addition, we found that pCons reduced apoptosis in CD4+ and CD8+ T cells and B220+ B cells of BWF1 lupus mice. These data suggest that pCons stimulates cellular, immunological, and molecular changes in regulatory T cells which in turn protect against SLE autoimmunity.
Novel Effects of Combination Therapy Through Inhibition of Caspase-1/Gasdermin D Induced-Pyroptosis in Lupus Nephritis
Authors: Cao Heng , Liang Junyu , Liu Jing , He Ye , Ke Yini , Sun Yiduo , Jiang Song , Lin Jin
Published: November 2021

Objectives

Combination therapy with mycophenolate mofetil, tacrolimus and steroids are effective in achieving complete remission in lupus nephritis (LN). Combination therapy uniquely downregulated caspase-1 compared with monotherapies, which can cleave gasdermin D (GSDMD) and was recently identified as the pyroptosis executioner. We therefore investigated whether combination therapy enabled the suppression of caspase-1/GSDMD-mediated pyroptosis in LN.

Methods

Expression and activation of GSDMD were detected in kidney specimens of the human and mouse with LN using immunohistochemical staining and immunoblotting. Primary podocytes isolated from MRL/lpr mice were incubated with LPS+ATP, and pretreated with monotherapy or combination therapy. Inhibition of caspase-1/GSDMD-induced pyroptosis by combination therapy were assessed in MRL/lpr mice and human specimens. Pyroptosis was examined using a FAM caspase-1 kit and flow cytometry. The correlation between pyroptosis in peripheral blood and the systemic lupus erythematosus disease activity index (SLEDAI) was analyzed.

Results

Kidney tissue specimens from LN patients and mice exhibited greatly increased expression levels and cleavage of GSDMD. In cultured podocytes, combination treatment significantly suppressed the activation of NLRP3 and caspase-1 and reduced GSDMD N-terminal levels. Combination therapy repressed disease progression through inhibition of caspase-1/GSDMD-mediated pyroptosis in both humans and MRL/lpr mice. Caspase-1/PI positive cell numbers in peripheral blood were positively correlated with SLE-DAI. LN patients with complete remission and partial remission had remarkably reduced caspase-1/PI positive cell numbers compared to baseline. Ac-FLTD-CMK, a GSDMD-derived inhibitor, prevented the development of LN.

Conclusion

Combination therapy suppressed caspase-1/GSDMD-mediated pyroptosis in vitro and in vivo and reduced disease progression.