bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comportamento de citrumelos em área afetada pela morte súbita dos citros
Authors: Pompeu Junior Jorgino , Blumer Silvia , Rodrigues Josiane , Stuchi Eduardo Sanches , Girardi Eduardo Augusto
Published: January 2022

A morte súbita dos citros (MSC) é uma doença biótica de origem desconhecida, transmitida por vetores aéreos e borbulhas, que afeta cultivares de laranjas doces e tangerinas enxertadas nos limoeiros Cravo, Volkameriano e Rugoso. As mesmas cultivares enxertadas nas tangerinas Cleópatra e Sunki, trifoliata e citrumelo Swingle são assintomáticas. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar nove seleções de citrumelo quanto à tolerância à MSC e seus efeitos no desenvolvimento de laranjeiras Valência cultivadas sem irrigação. Utilizou-se o delineamento inteiramente casualizado com nove tratamentos (citrumelos) e cinco repetições sendo cada parcela representada por uma planta. Após 16 anos no campo, nenhuma planta apresentou sintomas de MSC ou anel de goma (bud union ring) entre a copa e o porta-enxerto. Dados de 14 colheitas controladas revelam que as laranjeiras Valência enxertadas nos citrumelos Swingle, W-2, F80-7 e F80-8 apresentaram as maiores produções sendo que W-2 e F80-7 induziram produção precoce e não motivaram alternância de produção. Os citrumelos W-2, Swingle e F80-7 formaram as plantas mais altas e os citrumelos F80-5, F80-3 e F81-18 induziram as árvores mais baixas. Embora não proporcionarem elevada produção de frutos por planta, estes três porta-enxertos apresentaram maior eficiência produtiva, e o F80-5 motivou também produção precoce e menor diâmetro de copa, possibilitando maior densidade de plantio.
Chitosan-clay nanocomposite as a drug delivery system of ibuprofen
Authors: Tavares Albaniza Alves , Macêdo Maria Dennise Medeiros , Lima Pedro Henrique Correia de , Barbosa Rossemberg Cardoso , Sousa Wladymyr Jefferson Bacalhau , Braz Cristiano José de Farias , Souza Matheus Ferreira de , Diniz Camila Melo Gadelha Pereira , Fook Marcus Vinícius Lia , Silva Suédina Maria de Lima
Published: January 2022

Chitosan/montmorillonite nanocomposite films were prepared by the solvent evaporation method to immobilize the drug ibuprofen (IBU) and delay its release in a medium that simulates the environment of the gastrointestinal tract. The effects of montmorillonite, at different mass proportions (10, 20, and 50%), on the morphological and physical properties of the films were studied. The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), degree of swelling, drug encapsulation, and drug release efficiency. According to the XRD it was evidenced that the incorporation of montmorillonite to chitosan led to the formation of nanocomposites of ordered morphology. The infrared spectra confirmed the good interaction between montmorillonite and chitosan by the formation of nanocomposites. This fact, which favored the imprisonment of the IBU, reduced the diffusion coefficient in the studied systems. The micrographs comproved the formation of dense and uniform films. The controlled release profile, especially for the nanocomposite with 10% clay mass, showed a slow drug release rate. The incorporation of montmorillonite at different proportions produced different morphologies, with good encapsulation efficiency and an adequate profile for the controlled release of the drug.
Como anda o cuidado prestado pelos médicos aos pacientes com demência na Atenção Primária?
Authors: Ramos Claudia Cristina Ferreira , Garcia Rosamaria Rodrigues
Published: January 2022

Introdução: a incidência de doenças neurogenerativas vêm sofrendo aumento progressivo em decorrência do envelhecimento populacional. Deste modo, é imprescindível o estabelecimento de protocolos de rastreio cognitivo para identificação de alterações cognitivas e comportamentais, diagnóstico precoce e tratamento imediato, no acompanhamento da pessoa idosa, principalmente nos serviços de Atenção Primária à Saúde. Objetivos: Descrever o atitudes e perfil profissional de médicos no cuidado aos pacientes com demência, no município de São Caetano do Sul, na atenção primária. Método: estudo quantitativo, transversal, descritivo, com amostra não probabilística, coletada por conveniência, por meio da aplicação do instrumento “Atenció Sanitària de Les Demències: la visió de L' Atenció Primarià – para médicos – versão brasileira”, aos médicos da Atenção Primária de São Caetano do Sul. Resultados: houve 100% de participação da Atenção Primária, totalizando 28 médicos, sendo 50% do genêro feminino. Os participantes possuem 82 meses, em média, de atuação na Atenção Primária. Observou-se que 82,6% referiram que fazem com maior frequência diagnóstico de ususários com demência em quadro moderado; 68,2% relataram dificuldades para acompanhar clinicamente usuários com quadro demencial grave e 87% mencionaram que referenciam usuários para médicos neurologistas para realização do diagnóstico. Parte dos médicos (39,1%) relatou indicam mais de 75% dos pacientes com demência para serviços de referência. Ainda que a totalidade da amostra compreendam a importância e a necessidade, 34,8% ainda não cursaram atualização sobre a temática da demência. As principais dificuldades relatadas pelos médicos estão relacionadas à prescrição medicamentosa, à necessidade de visitas frequentes, e à complexidade do cuidado. Conclusão: Observou-se lacunas na identificação de quadros demenciais, bem como no acompanhamento clínico adequado aos pacientes, gerando direcionamentos desqualificados para a atenção secundária, reduzindo a resolutividade da atenção primária para tal demanda. Ficou evidente a necessidade preemente de atualização dos médicos, visnado melhoria da qualidade do cuidado prestado.
DECISION-MAKING FACTORS IN CONSUMER BEHAVIOUR ON THE MARKET WITH DECORATIVE COSMETICS
Authors: MACHOVÁ VERONIKA , ŠANDEROVÁ VERONIKA , MRKVIČKOVÁ DOMINIKA
Published: January 2022

The article explores major decision-making factors in consumer behaviour when purchasing decorative cosmetics. The employed methods involve brainstorming and structured interviews. The most powerful internal stimuli are body care and looking good. On the other hand, a desire to try a new cosmetic product plays a rather subordinate role. The main external purchasing factors involve a recommendation from a friend or relative. On the contrary, aspects such as vegan composition of the product or its packaging do not attract much attention. However, research conclusions cannot apply on the long-term basis given to the rapid development of new technologies and marketing strategies in this branch. It is therefore imperative to monitor the current market trends.
GENESIS OF THE «WOMAN’S» WAR IN CREATIVITY OF SVETLANA ALEXIEVICH (BASED ON THE MATERIAL OF THE NOVELS «THE UNWOMANLY FACE OF WAR» AND «ZINKY BOYS»)
Authors: NOVYKOV ANATOLIY , KLEIMENOVA TETIANA , KUSHNIEROVA MARYNA , MARIEIEV DMYTRO , HOHOL NATALIIA
Published: January 2022

The article examines the features of a fiction-documentary comprehension of the German-Soviet and Soviet-Afghan wars in the novels of Svetlana Alexievich «The unwomanly face of war» and «Zinky Boys». It occurs through the perception of a woman as a direct participant in the war, a mother, wife, whose war took away the most expensive – son, husband, father. The presence of archetypal images to combine separate chapters is common in both novels. In both her novels, S. Alexievich gave the archetypal image of a woman-keeper of modern sound, individual features, convincing the reader that this image is always relevant because each talented artist revealed not only its original meaning, but also created something new that was close to the man of each century.
Sleep Disorders Among Commercial Airline Pilots
Authors: Alzehairi Ahmed , Alhejaili Faris , Wali Siraj , AlQassas Ibrahim , Balkhyour Mansour , Pandi-Perumal Seithikurippu R.
Published: January 2022

BACKGROUND: Over the next 20 yr, international market expansion will necessitate the production of new commercial airplanes and the recruitment of additional crewmembers and technicians. Research has proven that fatigue and lack of sleep are risk factors for impaired cognitive
performance and human error. Pilots frequently report fatigue to their employers, which may be related to sleep disturbance. Airline pilots, in particular, often experience circadian desynchronization and other types of sleep disorders. Shift workers have been observed to be at higher risk
of fatigue that affects their performance and alertness. In Saudi Arabia, sleep disorders among airline pilots are understudied and underreported. The primary objective of this study was to screen for and determine the risk of sleep disorders, fatigue, and depression among pilots.METHODS:
A cross-sectional epidemiological study with national commercial pilots was conducted from March 2019 to March 2020 using validated questionnaires to screen for the risk of sleep disorders, fatigue, and depression.RESULTS: In total, 344 pilots participated in the study. Half the
sample was at risk for insomnia and fatigue. Older and more experienced pilots were less likely to suffer impaired sleep quality, insomnia, sleepiness, fatigue, and depression. In total, 59 (17.2%) pilots were at high risk for sleep apnea.CONCLUSION: The current study found that
pilots were at risk of developing sleep disorders. A more robust and objective assessment is warranted for screening.Alzehairi A, Alhejaili F, Wali S, Al Qassas I, Balkhyour M, Pandi-Perumal SR. Sleep disorders among commercial airline pilots. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2021; 92(12):937–944.
Persistent and Emergent Clinical Sequelae of Mild COVID-19
Authors: Tucci Victoria , Saary Joan
Published: January 2022

BACKGROUND: Knowledge of the clinical course and consequences of COVID-19 initially evolved in the context of severe presentations and among those with comorbidities. However, understanding the outcomes of milder infections in healthy individuals is important for safe return-to-duty
in extreme environments or to occupations requiring significant fitness. We reviewed the literature to characterize the nature and timing of persistent and emergent clinical sequelae in milder COVID-19 cases to facilitate development of post-COVID-19 screening and surveillance protocols.METHODS:
We searched databases including EMBASE, MEDLINE, Cochrane COVID-19 study register, gray literature, clinical trial registries, and relevant health and disease prevention sources for publications from 2019 to February 18th, 2021, documenting COVID-19 sequelae. Articles were included
if the COVID-19 severity was mild and there were no, or only minor, pre-existing comorbidities. Persistent and emergent sequelae were then stratified based on time since diagnosis.RESULTS: Among those with mild COVID-19, sequelae were shown to emerge or persist for months following
presumed recovery. Among those with no comorbidities, cardiac, hematological, and respiratory sequelae emerged after 1-2 mo, and primarily cardiac abnormalities persisted at ≥ 3 mo. Among those with minor comorbidities, persistent respiratory abnormalities, fatigue, dyspnea, and headache
were common, and mental health symptoms emerged by 1-2 mo postinfection.DISCUSSION: After presumed recovery from mild COVID-19, a range of symptoms can persist and later emerge. Whether these are new or previously unrecognized is unclear. Under-recognized COVID-19 sequelae may increase
the risk of subtle or sudden incapacitation and have implications for return-to-work (RTW) screening and surveillance for safety-critical roles.Tucci V, Saary J. Persistent and emergent clinical sequelae of mild COVID-19. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2021; 92(12):962–969.
Política migratoria argentina reciente: función simbólica del derecho y derechos humanos
Authors: Thayer Correa Luis Eduardo
Published: January 2022

Executive Decree 70/2017 profoundly modified the legal regime for migration in Argentina. This article aims to analyze the use of this legal reform as a symbolic instrument of criminal policy and contrast them with human rights standards. The methodological approach combines legal analysis with the theoretical study of the reform. The work shows that the decree sought to link immigration and criminality and convey a message of firmness from the State in the fight against crime. As well as provide an update of the debate on the legal reform considering what happened subsequently. It is concluded that the reform has increased the margins of state discretion, generating a greater degree of legal insecurity for migrants. Although limited to a specific national case, the research may have theoretical implications for the study of similar cases.
Duración del desempleo y la migración en México ante la crisis financiera
Authors: Fernández Domínguez Amilcar Orlian , Ochoa Adame Gloria Lizeth , Torres García Aldo Josafat
Published: January 2022

This article examines structural breaks in the effect of the unemployment duration for the population of Mexico on the probability of migrating, both internal and internationally. Data from the National Survey of Occupation and Employment for 2007, 2008, and 2010 is used, and estimations are made from both binary and multinomial response models. Furthermore, a Chowtype test is used to estimate structural breaks in the unemployment duration effect after the financial crisis, and sensitivity tests are carried out using different specifications of the migration and unemployment duration variables. The results show that after the crisis the unemployment duration effects on the probability of migrating have been reduced, leading to restrictions on the free mobility of the labor factor
BIOGRAFI SENI NI KETUT ARINI, SEORANG PENARI DAN GURU TARI BALI 1943–2020: PENDEKATAN STRUKTURAL FUNGSIONAL
Authors: Wulaningsih Dwi Ari
Published: January 2022

Studi biografi ini mengambil subjek Ni Ketut Arini, penari dan guru tari Bali yang kini berusia 78 tahun. Mengingat usianya, idealnya (das sollen) ia beristirahat, menikmati masa tuanya. Namun kenyataannya (das sein), ia masih aktif berkesenian dan tetap menjadi guru tari Bali. Kesenjangan antara das sollen dengan das sein tersebut penting diteliti untuk mengetahui: 1) Proses Arini dalam berkesenian hingga usia senja. 2) Faktor yang menjadikan kehidupan berkesenian mendarah daging pada Arini. 3) Implikasi semangat berkeseniannya bagi keluarga dan masyarakat luas. Studi ini memakai metode sejarah kritis, metodologi biografi scientific, dan teori Struktural Fungsional Talcott Parsons. Hasil studi menunjukan bahwa Arini mampu bertahan berkesenian karena ia khawatir seni tari Bali akan lenyap apabila tidak ada yang melestarikan. Sejak belia, ia menginternalisasi norma dan nilai tentang hidup berkesenian sehingga kehidupan berkesenian mendarah daging. Semangat berkeseniannya membentuk profesi dan memengaruhi pergaulan anak-anaknya. Ia kerap dijadikan konsultan, juri seni, sosok inspiratif, dan narasumber media ketika membahas seni petunjukan Bali, teutama Tari Bali Klasik.
SEJARAH DESA TOMBULA KECAMATAN TONGKUNO KABUPATEN MUNA: 1966-1983
Authors: Jumiati Jumiati , Khabiirun Khabiirun , Asmawati Evang
Published: January 2022

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menjelaskan latar belakang dan proses terbentuknya Desa Tombula Kecamatan Tongkuno Kabupaten Muna. Selain menjelaskan latar belakang dan proses terbentuknya desa, penelitian ini juga bertujuan melihat perkembangan Desa Tombula Kecamatan Tongkuno Kabupaten Muna pada tahun 1966-1983. Dalam penelitian ini penulis menggunakan metode sejarah menurut Louis Gottschalk dengan melalui empat tahapan kerja antara lain: heuristik atau pengumpulan sumber, kritik sumber, interpretasi sumber dan historiografi. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa latar belakang terbentuknya Desa Tombula adalah berawal dari perkumpulan komunitas kecil yang mendiami wilayah Tombula. Sebelum terbentuk menjadi desa kawasan Tombula masih hutan belantara dan tidak ada penguhuninya. Terbentuknya Desa Tombula juga tidak terlepas dari inisiatif pemeterintah Kabupaten Muna dan Kecamatan Tongkuno yang melihat Tombula berpotensi sebagai kawasan atau areal pertanian. Oleh sebab itu pemerintah daerah meresmikan Tombula sebagai desa definitif pada 1966. Sejak resmi menjadi desa, pembangunan dalam desa mulai dilakukan oleh La Ode Kapala yang bergelar Kino Laghontohe selaku kepala desa pertama di Tombula (1966 sampai awal 1978). Setelah pemerintahan La Ode Kapala berakhir, kemudian digantikan oleh La Tolagi ber gelar Yaro Ghoera. Di masa pemerintahan ke dua kepala desa yaitu La Ode Kapala dan La Tolagi, Desa Tombula mengalami kemajuan yang cukup pesat dalam bidang pembangunan terutama pengadaan fasilitas jalan, masjid, sekolah, kantor desa atau balai pertemuan. Selain pembangunan gedung-gedung di atas, ke dua kepala tersebut juga menambah fasilitas pasar sebagai tempat transaksi ekonomi masyarakat Tombula dengan masyarakat lain dari luar Tombula.
APAKAH PROGRAM PERCEPATAN PEMBANGUNAN INFRASTRUKTUR MENGURANGI TINGKAT PENGANGGURAN?
Authors: Dharmakarja I Gede Made Artha
Published: January 2022

The Government of Indonesia has implemented a massive Infrastructure Development program since 2015. This program aims to increase economic growth and create jobs. This study intends to determine the impact of massive infrastructure development on the decline in the unemployment rate. The data sources are 32 provinces in Indonesia and the time period is 2008 - 2019. The independent variables are data on clean water infrastructure, roads, ports, and airports. Data processing using panel data regression analysis method. The results of this study conclude that the increase in infrastructure development in 2015 - 2019 simultaneously or partially, has a significant effect on decreasing the unemployment rate, compared to before the program was in 2008 - 2014. Road  infrastructure development has the greatest effect on decreasing the unemployment rate.
The Effect of miRNA-Modified Exosomes in Animal Models of Spinal Cord Injury: A meta-Analysis
Authors: Hu Mengdie , Cao Zhidong , Jiang Dianming
Published: January 2022

Background: Spinal cord injury (SCI) is currently not completely curable. Exosomes have been widely used in preclinical studies of spinal cord injury. Here, in this meta-analysis, we focused on evaluating the overall efficacy of therapies based on miRNA-modified exosomes on functional recovery in animal models of SCI.

Methods: PubMed, embase and Web of Science library databases were searched. Relevant literature was included, and the random effects model was used to assess the overall effect of the intervention, with outcomes expressed as SMD. The primary outcome included motor function scores. Risk of bias (ROB) was assessed using the ROB tool of the Systematic Review Centre for Laboratory Animal Experimentation (SYRCLE). R version 4.1.1software and Review Manager software were used for meta-analysis.

Results: A total of 11 preclinical studies were included. The meta-analysis revealed that miRNA-modified exosome therapy was effective in improving motor function scores compared with exosomes alone or control therapy (standardized mean difference: 4.21; 95% confidence interval: 3.39–5.04). There was significant asymmetry in the funnel plot, and trim-and-fill analysis revealed four unpublished studies of motor scores. The quality of all included studies was evaluated with SYRCLE’s ROB tool. The SCI model, administration time and dose had an impact on the effect of the treatment.

Conclusion: MiRNA-modified exosomes have shown great potential in the treatment of SCI. Moreover, the efficacy of miRNA-modified exosomes was superior to that of exosomes alone.
Identification of a Glycosyltransferase Signature for Predicting Prognosis and Immune Microenvironment in Neuroblastoma
Authors: Sha Yongliang , Han Lei , Sun Bei , Zhao Qiang
Published: January 2022

Neuroblastoma (NB) is one of the most common solid tumors in children. Glycosyltransferases (GTs) play a crucial role in tumor development and immune escape and have been used as prognostic biomarkers in various tumors. However, the biological functions and prognostic significance of GTs in NB remain poorly understood. The expression data from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and Therapeutically Applicable Research to Generate Effective Treatments (TARGET) were collected as training and testing data. Based on a progression status, differentially expressed GTs were identified. We constructed a GTscore through support vector machine, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator, and Cox regression in NB, which included four prognostic GTs and was an independent prognostic risk factor for NB. Patients in the high GTscore group had an older age, MYCN amplification, advanced International Neuroblastoma Staging System stage, and high risk. Samples with high GTscores revealed high disialoganglioside (GD2) and neuron-specific enolase expression levels. In addition, a lack of immune cell infiltration was observed in the high GTscore group. This GTscore was also associated with the expression of chemokines (CCL2, CXCL9, and CXCL10) and immune checkpoint genes (cytotoxic T-lymphocyte–associated protein 4, granzyme H, and granzyme K). A low GTscore was also linked to an enhanced response to anti–PD-1 immunotherapy in melanoma patients, and one type of tumor was also derived from neuroectodermal cells such as NB. In conclusion, the constructed GTscore revealed the relationship between GT expression and the NB outcome, GD2 phenotype, and immune infiltration and provided novel clues for the prediction of prognosis and immunotherapy response in NB.
Nrf2 Activation Is Involved in Cyclic Mechanical Stress-Stimulated Osteogenic Differentiation in Periodontal Ligament Stem Cells via PI3K/Akt Signaling and HO1-SOD2 Interaction
Authors: Xi Xun , Li Zixuan , Liu Hong , Chen Shuai , Liu Dongxu
Published: January 2022

Nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor-2 (Nrf2), the major transcriptional regulator in antioxidant response and cellular defense, had the vital effect on regulating osteogenic differentiation. Our previous study revealed that Nrf2 activation was involved in cyclic mechanical stress-stimulated osteogenic differentiation in the human periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs). However, the mechanisms of Nrf2 underlying this process remained unclear. The goal of the study was to explore the mechanisms of Nrf2 in PDLSCs during cyclic mechanical stress-stimulated osteogenic differentiation via the tandem mass tag (TMT)-based liquid chromatography tandem-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis. And we applied tert-Butylhydroquinone (t-BHQ), the Nrf2 activator, to the orthodontic rats and detected the expression levels of the osteogenesis markers by immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining. Our results showed that Nrf2 activation in PDLSCs was involved in cyclic mechanical stress-stimulated osteogenic differentiation via phosphoinositide 3 kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) pathway. The protein-protein interaction between Akt and Nrf2 was detected. And the protein-protein interaction between heme oxygenase 1 (HO1) and superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2), the downstream antioxidants of Nrf2, was associated with cyclic mechanical stress-stimulated osteogenic differentiation. T-BHQ enhanced the expression levels of the osteogenesis markers in orthodontic rats. Nrf2 might possess the potential to be a feasible molecular target in orthodontics.
Recent Advances in Metal/Alloy Nano Coatings for Carbon Nanotubes Based on Electroless Plating
Authors: Zhang Lei , Chao Yi , Yang Kenan , Xue Daodao , Zhou Shisheng
Published: January 2022

A large number of researches on the electroless plating of carbon nanotubes and their applications after plating have emerged, which has attracted more and more attention. In this review article, the existing electroless plating methods for carbon nanotubes were briefly summarized, and the surface coatings were listed and analyzed in detail. At last, the related applications after electroless metal/alloy coatings of carbon nanotubes were discussed in detail. This study aims to provide a reference for the research and improvement of different electroless metals/alloys coatings of carbon nanotubes. After a clear understanding of the electroless metal/alloy coatings of carbon nanotubes, the appropriate coating can be selected according to the actual situation, so that the carbon nanotubes after plating can be used as reinforcement and modification materials for better satisfaction of the needs, and the application of plated carbon nanotubes has reference significance in more fields.
Clinical Symptoms and Outcomes of Severe Pneumonia Caused by Chlamydia psittaci in Southwest China
Authors: Yang Fuxun , Li Jiajia , Qi Bo , Zou Longfei , Shi Zongming , Lei Yu , Li Jun , Luo Xiaoxiu , Zeng Fan , Lu Sen , Huang Xiaobo , Liu Rongan , Lan Yunping
Published: January 2022

Here, we aimed to retrospectively analyze the clinical characteristics of 27 patients with severe pneumonia caused byChlamydia psittacibetween January 2019 and April 2021 in southwest China. To this end, we collected data on the exposure history, clinical symptoms, laboratory examination, imaging characteristics, evolution, etiology, treatment, and outcomes to suggest a better diagnosis and prevention system. Our results showed that a metagenomic next-generation sequencing test could provide early diagnosis. All patients were sensitive to quinolones and tetracyclines, and the recovery rate was relatively high. Overall, all patients were in critical condition with moderate to severe acute respiratory distress syndrome and shock. In conclusion, early diagnosis of pneumonia caused byC. psittacidepends on effective molecular testing, and most patients recover after treatment.
Influenza Virus Down-Modulates G6PD Expression and Activity to Induce Oxidative Stress and Promote Its Replication
Authors: De Angelis Marta , Amatore Donatella , Checconi Paola , Zevini Alessandra , Fraternale Alessandra , Magnani Mauro , Hiscott John , De Chiara Giovanna , Palamara Anna Teresa , Nencioni Lucia
Published: January 2022

Influenza virus infection induces oxidative stress in host cells by decreasing the intracellular content of glutathione (GSH) and increasing reactive oxygen species (ROS) level. Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) is responsible for the production of reducing equivalents of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) that is used to regenerate the reduced form of GSH, thus restoring redox homeostasis. Cells deficient in G6PD display elevated levels of ROS and an increased susceptibility to viral infection, although the consequences of G6PD modulation during viral infection remain to be elucidated. In this study, we demonstrated that influenza virus infection decreases G6PD expression and activity, resulting in an increase in oxidative stress and virus replication. Moreover, the down regulation of G6PD correlated with a decrease in the expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2), a key transcription factor that regulates the expression of the antioxidant response gene network. Also down-regulated in influenza virus infected cells was sirtuin 2 (SIRT2), a NADPH-dependent deacetylase involved in the regulation of G6PD activity. Acetylation of G6PD increased during influenza virus infection in a manner that was strictly dependent on SIRT2 expression. Furthermore, the use of a pharmacological activator of SIRT2 rescued GSH production and NRF2 expression, leading to decreased influenza virus replication. Overall, these data identify a novel strategy used by influenza virus to induce oxidative stress and to favor its replication in host cells. These observations furthermore suggest that manipulation of metabolic and oxidative stress pathways could define new therapeutic strategies to interfere with influenza virus infection.
Molecular Mechanisms of Staphylococcus and Pseudomonas Interactions in Cystic Fibrosis
Authors: Biswas Lalitha , Götz Friedrich
Published: January 2022

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an autosomal recessive genetic disorder that is characterized by recurrent and chronic infections of the lung predominantly by the opportunistic pathogens, Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus and Gram-negative Pseudomonas aeruginosa. While S. aureus is the main colonizing bacteria of the CF lungs during infancy and early childhood, its incidence declines thereafter and infections by P. aeruginosa become more prominent with increasing age. The competitive and cooperative interactions exhibited by these two pathogens influence their survival, antibiotic susceptibility, persistence and, consequently the disease progression. For instance, P. aeruginosa secretes small respiratory inhibitors like hydrogen cyanide, pyocyanin and quinoline N-oxides that block the electron transport pathway and suppress the growth of S. aureus. However, S. aureus survives this respiratory attack by adapting to respiration-defective small colony variant (SCV) phenotype. SCVs cause persistent and recurrent infections and are also resistant to antibiotics, especially aminoglycosides, antifolate antibiotics, and to host antimicrobial peptides such as LL-37, human β-defensin (HBD) 2 and HBD3; and lactoferricin B. The interaction between P. aeruginosa and S. aureus is multifaceted. In mucoid P. aeruginosa strains, siderophores and rhamnolipids are downregulated thus enhancing the survival of S. aureus. Conversely, protein A from S. aureus inhibits P. aeruginosa biofilm formation while protecting both P. aeruginosa and S. aureus from phagocytosis by neutrophils. This review attempts to summarize the current understanding of the molecular mechanisms that drive the competitive and cooperative interactions between S. aureus and P. aeruginosa in the CF lungs that could influence the disease outcome.
Case Report: Whole Exome Sequencing Identifies Compound Heterozygous Variants in TSFM Gene Causing Juvenile Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Yang Jamie O. , Shaybekyan Hapet , Zhao Yan , Kang Xuedong , Fishbein Gregory A. , Khanlou Negar , Alejos Juan C. , Halnon Nancy , Satou Gary , Biniwale Reshma , Lee Hane , Van Arsdell Glen , Nelson Stanley F. , Touma Marlin ,   the UCLA Clinical Genomics Center,   the UCLA Congenital Heart Defects-BioCore Faculty
Published: January 2022

We report a case of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and lactic acidosis in a 3-year-old female. Cardiac and skeletal muscles biopsies exhibited mitochondrial hyperplasia with decreased complex IV activity. Whole exome sequencing identified compound heterozygous variants, p.Arg333Trp and p.Val119Leu, in TSFM, a nuclear gene that encodes a mitochondrial translation elongation factor, resulting in impaired oxidative phosphorylation and juvenile hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
Characterization of Ag/AgCl Dry Electrodes for Wearable Electrophysiological Sensing
Authors: Lee Min Suk , Paul Akshay , Xu Yuchen , Hairston W. David , Cauwenberghs Gert
Published: January 2022

With the rising need for on-body biometric sensing, the development of wearable electrophysiological sensors has been faster than ever. Surface electrodes placed on the skin need to be robust in order to measure biopotentials from the body reliably and comfortable for extended wearability. The electrical stability of nonpolarizable silver/silver chloride (Ag/AgCl) and its low-cost, commercial production have made these electrodes ubiquitous health sensors in the clinical environment, where wet gels and long wires are accommodated by patient immobility. However, smaller, dry electrodes with wireless acquisition are essential for truly wearable, continuous health sensing. Currently, techniques for the robust fabrication of custom Ag/AgCl electrodes are lacking. Here, we present three methods for the fabrication of Ag/AgCl electrodes: oxidizing Ag in a chlorine solution, electroplating Ag, and curing Ag/AgCl ink. Each of these methods is then used to create three different electrode shapes for wearable application. Bench-top and on-body evaluation of the electrode techniques was achieved by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), calculation of variance in electrocardiogram (ECG) measurements, and analysis of auditory steady-state response (ASSR) measurement. Microstructures produced on the electrode by each fabrication technique were also investigated with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). The custom Ag/AgCl electrodes were found to be efficient in comparison with standard, commercial Ag/AgCl wet electrodes across all three of our presented techniques, with Ag/AgCl ink shown to be the better out of the three in bench-top and biometric recordings.
Effect of Cascade Surface Roughness on Boundary Layer Flow Under Variable Conditions
Authors: Liu C. , Li Y. , Zhou Z. , Wiśniewski P.
Published: January 2022

Under the influence of many factors, the surface roughness of the cascade will change during turbomachinery operation, which will affect the boundary layer flow of the cascade. In this article, the effects of cascade surface roughness on boundary layer flow under variable conditions are analyzed by experiments and numerical simulation. The results show that with the increase of roughness, the total pressure loss coefficient of the cascade decreases first and then increases. The larger the Reynolds number is, the greater the total pressure loss coefficient is, and the sensitive area of loss change is changed. In the sensitive area, the roughness has a greater influence on cascade loss. There are separation bubbles at the suction front edge of smooth cascades. With the increase of roughness, the degree of turbulence increases, and the transition process is accelerated. When the roughness is between 74 and 150 μm, the separation bubble disappears and the separation loss decreases. In conclusion, the aerodynamic loss of the cascade increases with the increase of roughness, and the cascade efficiency decreases. However, roughness can restrain the flow separation and reduce the separation loss. The two have gone through a process of one and the other. When the roughness is 74 μm, the displacement thickness, momentum thickness, and shape factor at the back of the cascade are the minimum.
Vertical Distributions of Aerosol and Cloud Microphysical Properties and the Aerosol Impact on a Continental Cumulus Cloud Based on Aircraft Measurements From the Loess Plateau of China
Authors: Cai Zhaoxin , Li Zhanqing , Li Peiren , Li Junxia , Sun Hongping , Gao Xin , Peng Yiran , Wang Yuying , Zhang Dongmei , Ren Gang
Published: January 2022

Based on aircraft measurements of aerosols and continental cumulus clouds made over the Loess Plateau of China (Xinzhou, Shanxi Province) on 30 July 2020, this study focuses on the vertical profiles of microphysical properties of aerosols and cumulus clouds, and use them to study aerosol-cloud interactions. During the study period, the boundary layer was stable with a height ∼1,500 m above sea level. Aerosols in the boundary layer mainly came from local emissions, while aerosols above this layer were mostly dust aerosols transported over long distances. Vertical profiles of aerosols and cloud condensation nuclei were obtained, and aerosol activation ratios at different supersaturation (SS) levels ranged from 0.16 to 0.32 at 0.2% SS and 0.70 to 0.85 at 0.8% SS. A thick cumulus cloud in the development stage was observed from the bottom to the top with the horizontal dimension of 10 km by 7 km, the cloud-base height of 2,450 m (15.8°C), and the cloud-top height of 5,400 m (−3°C). The maximum updraft velocity near the cloud top was 13.45 m s−1, and the maximum downdraft velocity occuring in the upper-middle part of the cloud was 4.44 ms−1. The temperature inside the cloud was higher than the outside, with their difference being positively correlated with the cloud water content. The temperature lapse rate inside the cloud was about −6.5°C km−1. The liquid water content and droplet effective radius (Re) increased with increasing height. The cloud droplet number concentration (Nc) increased first then decreased, peaking in the middle and lower part of the cloud, the average values of Nc and Re were 767.9 cm−3 and 5.17 μm, respectively. The cloud droplet spectrum had a multi-peak distribution, with the first appearing at ∼4.5 μm. SS in the cloud first increased then decreased with height. The maximum SS is ∼0.7% appearing at ∼3,800 m. The conversion rate of intra-cloud aerosols to cloud droplets was between 0.2 and 0.54, with the ratio increasing gradually with increasing height. The cloud droplet spectral dispersion and Nc were positively correlated. The aerosol indirect effect (AIE) was estimated to be 0.245 and 0.16, based on Nc and Re, respectively. The cloud droplet dispersion mainly attenuated the AIE, up to ∼34.7%.
Invasive Prediction of Ground Glass Nodule Based on Clinical Characteristics and Radiomics Feature
Authors: Zheng Hui , Zhang Hanfei , Wang Shan , Xiao Feng , Liao Meiyan
Published: January 2022

Objective: To explore the diagnostic value of CT radiographic images and radiomics features for invasive classification of lung adenocarcinoma manifesting as ground-glass nodules (GGNs) in computer tomography (CT).

Methods: A total of 312 GGNs were enrolled in this retrospective study. All GGNs were randomly divided into training set (n = 219) and test set (n = 93). Univariate and multivariate logistic regressions were used to establish a clinical model, while the minimum redundancy maximum relevance (mRMR) and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) algorithm were used to select the radiomics features and construct the radiomics model. A combined model was finally built by combining these two models. The performance of these models was assessed in both training and test set. A combined nomogram was developed based on the combined model and evaluated with its calibration curves and C-index.

Results: Diameter [odds ratio (OR), 1.159; p ＜ 0.001], lobulation (OR, 2.953; p = 0.002), and vascular changes (OR, 3.431; p ＜ 0.001) were retained as independent predictors of the invasive adenocarcinoma (IAC) group. Eleven radiomics features were selected by mRMR and LASSO method to established radiomics model. The clinical model and radiomics mode showed good predictive ability in both training set and test set. When two models were combined, the diagnostic area under the curve (AUC) value was higher than the single clinical or radiomics model (training set: 0.86 vs. 0.83 vs. 0.82; test set: 0.80 vs. 0.78 vs. 0.79). The constructed combined nomogram could effectively quantify the risk degree of 3 image features and Rad score with a C-index of 0.855 (95%: 0.805∼0.905).

Conclusion: Radiographic and radiomics features show high accuracy in the invasive diagnosis of GGNs, and their combined analysis can improve the diagnostic efficacy of IAC manifesting as GGNs. The nomogram, serving as a noninvasive and accurate predictive tool, can help judge the invasiveness of GGNs prior to surgery and assist clinicians in creating personalized treatment strategies.
Landscape Analysis of Matrix Metalloproteinases Unveils Key Prognostic Markers for Patients With Breast Cancer
Authors: Cheng Tianyi , Chen Peiying , Chen Jingyi , Deng Yingtong , Huang Chen
Published: January 2022

Breast cancer (BRCA) is the most common cancer in the world, of which incidence rate and mortality are the highest in women. Being responsible for the remodeling and degradation of extracellular matrix proteins, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) have been regarded as one of the most important protease family related to tumorigenesis. It has been demonstrated that MMPs play crucial roles in some tumor invasion and metastasis. However, the potential roles of MMPs in tumorigenesis and progression of BRCA and its subtype remain elusive. Herein, we conducted a systematic study on MMPs via a series of database-based retrospective analysis, including TCGA, R Studio, GEPIA, Kaplan-Meier Plotter, cBioPortal, STRING, GeneMANIA and TIMER. As a result, many MMP family members were differentially expressed in patients with BRCA, e.g., the expressions of MMP1, MMP9, MMP11 and MMP13 were up-regulated, whereas the expression levels of MMP19 and MMP28 were down-regulated. MMP9, MMP12, MMP15 and MMP27 were significantly correlated with the clinical stages of BRCA, implying their important roles in the occurrence and development of BRCA. In addition, the survival analysis indicated that different expression pattern of MMPs exhibited distinct outcomes in patient with BRCA, e.g., patients with high expression of MMP2, MMP8, MMP16, MMP17, MMP19, MMP20, MMP21, MMP24, MMP25, MMP26 and MMP27 had a prolonged survival time, while the others (MMP1, MMP7, MMP9, MMP12 and MMP15) exhibited poor prognosis. Subsequent functional and network analysis revealed MMPs were mainly correlated with parathyroid hormone synthesis and secretion pathway, collagen metabolism, and their effect on the activities of serine hydrolase, serine peptidase and aminopeptidase. Notably, our analysis showed that the expression of MMPs was significantly correlated with the infiltration of various immune cells in BRCA, including CD8+T cells, CD4+T cells, macrophages, neutrophils, B cells, and dendritic cells, suggesting the close correlations between MMPs and immune functions. In short, our study disclosed MMPs play multiple biological roles in the development of BRCA, MMP1 and MMP9 might be used as independent prognostic markers and potential therapeutic targets for diagnosis and treatment for patients with BRCA.
Case Report: Addition of PD-1 Antibody Camrelizumab Overcame Resistance to Trastuzumab Plus Chemotherapy in a HER2-Positive, Metastatic Gallbladder Cancer Patient
Authors: Wang Li , Li Xiaomo , Cheng Yurong , Yang Jing , Liu Si , Ma Tonghui , Luo Li , Hu Yanping , Cai Yi , Yan Dong
Published: January 2022

HER2 amplification/overexpression is a common driver in a variety of cancers including gallbladder cancer (GBC). For patients with metastatic GBC, chemotherapy remains the standard of care with limited efficacy. The combination of HER2 antibody trastuzumab plus chemotherapy is the frontline treatment option for patients with HER2-positive breast cancer and gastric cancer. Recently, this regime also showed antitumor activity in HER2-positive GBC. However, resistance to this regime represents a clinical challenge. Camrelizumab is a novel PD-1 antibody approved for Hodgkin lymphoma and hepatocellular carcinoma in China. In this study, we presented a HER2-positive metastatic GBC patient who was refractory to trastuzumab plus chemotherapy but experienced significant clinical benefit after the addition of camrelizumab. Our case highlights the potential of immunotherapy in combination with HER2-targeted therapy in HER2-positive GBC. We also demonstrated that two immune-related adverse events (irAEs) associated with camrelizumab can be managed with an anti-VEGF agent apatinib. This case not only highlights the importance of irAE management in patients treated with camrelizumab, but also demonstrates the potential of PD-1 antibody plus trastuzumab in HER2-positive GBC patients who have developed resistance to chemotherapy and trastuzumab-based targeted therapy.
Circadian Regulation Patterns With Distinct Immune Landscapes in Gliomas Aid in the Development of a Risk Model to Predict Prognosis and Therapeutic Response
Authors: Tian Ruotong , Li Yimin , Shu Minfeng
Published: January 2022

Circadian disruption in tumorigenesis has been extensively studied, but how circadian rhythm (CR) affects the formation of tumor microenvironment (TME) and the crosstalk between TME and cancer cells is largely unknown, especially in gliomas. Herein, we retrospectively analyzed transcriptome data and clinical parameters of glioma patients from public databases to explore circadian rhythm-controlled tumor heterogeneity and characteristics of TME in gliomas. Firstly, we pioneered the construction of a CR gene set collated from five datasets and review literatures. Unsupervised clustering was used to identify two CR clusters with different CR patterns on the basis of the expression of CR genes. Remarkably, the CR cluster-B was characterized by enriched myeloid cells and activated immune-related pathways. Next, we applied principal component analysis to construct a CRscore to quantify CR patterns of individual tumors, and the function of the CRscore in prognostic prediction was further verified by univariate and multivariate regression analyses in combination with a nomogram. The CRscore could not only be an independent factor to predict prognosis of glioma patients but also guide patients to choose suitable treatment strategies: immunotherapy or chemotherapy. A glioma patient with a high CRscore might respond to immune checkpoint blockade, whereas one with a low CRscore could benefit from chemotherapy. In this study, we revealed that circadian rhythms modulated tumor heterogeneity, TME diversity, and complexity in gliomas. Evaluating the CRscore of an individual tumor would contribute to gaining a greater understanding of the tumor immune status of each patient, enhancing the accuracy of prognostic prediction, and suggesting more effective treatment options.
Insights Into the Prognostic Value and Immunological Role of NAAA in Pan-Cancer
Authors: Huang Da , Shen Jiayu , Zhai Lingyun , Chen Huanhuan , Fei Jing , Zhu Xiaoqing , Zhou Jianwei
Published: January 2022

N-Acylethanolamine Acid Amidase (NAAA) is an N-terminal cysteine hydrolase and plays a vital physiological role in inflammatory response. However, the roles of NAAA in tumor immunity are still unclear. By using a series of bioinformatics approaches, we study combined data from different databases, including the Cancer Genome Atlas, the Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia, Genotype Tissue-Expression, cBioPortal, Human Protein Atlas, TIMER, and ImmuCellAI to investigate the role of NAAA expression in prognosis and tumor immunity response. We would like to reveal the potential correlations between NAAA expression and gene alterations, tumor mutational burden (TMB), microsatellite instability (MSI), DNA methylation, tumor microenvironment (TME), immune infiltration levels, and various immune-related genes across different cancers. The results show that NAAA displayed abnormal expression within most malignant tumors, and overexpression of NAAA was associated with the poor prognosis of tumor patients. Through gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA), we found that NAAA was significantly associated with cell cycle and immune regulation-related signaling pathways, such as in innate immune system, adaptive immune system, neutrophil degranulation, and Toll-like receptor signaling pathways (TLRs). Further, the expression of NAAA was also confirmed to be correlated with tumor microenvironment and diverse infiltration of immune cells, especially tumor-associated macrophage (TAM). In addition to this, we found that NAAA is co-expressed with genes encoding major histocompatibility complex (MHC), immune activation, immune suppression, chemokine, and chemokine receptors. Meanwhile, we demonstrate that NAAA expression was correlated with TMB in 4 cancers and with MSI in 10 cancers. Our study reveals that NAAA plays an important role in tumorigenesis and cancer immunity, which may be used to function as a prognostic biomarker and potential target for cancer immunotherapy.
Identification and Quantification of Microplastics in Aquaculture Environment
Authors: Xiang Shuo , Xie Yuqun , Sun Xuemei , Du Hao , Wang Jun
Published: January 2022

The existence of microplastics (MPs) poses a potential threat to the entire ecosystem and has gained wide public attention. As an essential source of aquatic products, aquaculture industries are inevitably subjected to the pollution of MPs, particularly when the plastic products are widely used in aquaculture. Even so, the identification of MPs in aquaculture is rarely reported. Hence, high-efficient analytical methods for accurate detection of MPs in the aquaculture environment are of utmost significance. This review comprehensively summarizes the analytical methods for MPs in aquaculture, including sampling, extraction, and qualitative and quantitative analyses of MPs. MPs are identified and quantified mainly by visual inspection, spectroscopy, or thermal analysis. In addition, this review also points out the limitations of these methods and the accuracy of quality control. Finally, the need for establishing standard methods is emphasized, and suggestions for future research are also proposed.