bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ANALISIS TUNGGAKAN PAJAK KENDARAAN BERMOTOR PROVINSI SULAWESI TENGGARA
Authors: Dinar Santi , Rosnawintang Rosnawintang , Nur Syamsir , Tajuddin Tajuddin , Burhanuddin Burhanuddin
Published: November 2022

Tujuan penelitian ini yaitu menganalisis faktor-faktor yang mempengaruihi tunggakan pajak kendaraan bermotor di Provinsi Sulawesi Tenggara. Data yang digunakan yaitu data primer yang diperoleh dari kuisioner yang bagikan keada 100 orang responden. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa sanksi yang kurang tegas menjadi faktor yang menyebabkan wajib pajak melakukan tunggakan. Sanksi yang diberlakukan oleh Kantor Samsat Kendari masih sebatas denda yang ditentukan dari persentase jumlah pajaknya. Sehingga wajib pajak kendaraan bermotor masih tetap melakukan tunggakan pajak. Sementara faktor lain yaitu wajib pajak belum mengetahui bahwa sarana prasarana pajak yang harus dibayaran dapat diakses oleh wajib pajak. Kurangnya sosialisasi yang dilakukan oleh Kantor Samsat Kendari sehingga sebagian wajib pajak belum mengetahui bahwa sarana prasarana pajak dapat diakses via internet. Kata Kunci: Tunggakan Pajak, Kesadaran Wajib Pajak, Ketegasan Sanksi
ANALISIS PENGARUH PERTUMBUHAN EKONOMI, PENGANGGURAN TERBUKA DAN KEMISKINAN TERHADAP KETIMPANGAN PENDAPATAN DI PULAU SULAWESI
Authors: Zainuddin La Ode , Tamburaka Irmawatty P , Tajuddin Tajuddin , Ahmad Ahmad , Aedy Hasan , Balaka M. Yani
Published: November 2022

Penelitian ini adalah untuk menganalisis pengaruh pertumbuhan ekonomi, pengangguran terbuka, jumlah penduduk, kemiskinan dan IPM terhadap ketimpangan pendapatan di Pulau Sulawesi. Jenis data dalam penelitian adalah data sekunder, diakses melalui website Badan Pusat Statistik dalam bentuk time series tahunan periode 2009-2020. Analisis yang digunakan adalah Regresi Data Panel.Software yang digunakan adalah Eviews 10. Hasil penelitian menunjukan bahwa (1) Pertumbuhan ekonomi berpengaruh signifikan terhadap ketimpangan pendapatan di Pulau Sulawesi. (2) Pengangguran terbuka berpengaruh signifikan terhadap ketimpangan pendapatan. (3) Kemiskinan berpengaruh terhadap ketimpangan pendapatan di Pulau Sulawesi. Kata Kunci: Ketimpangan Pendapatan, Pertumbuhan Ekonomi, Pengangguran Terbuka, Kemiskinan
DCnet: uma representação espacial de cadeias de dominantes consecutivos
Authors: Almada Carlos de Lemos , Kühn Barcellos da Rocha Max
Published: November 2022

O presente artigo, derivado de uma pesquisa mais ampla, examina detalhada e sistematicamente o emprego de variantes de cadeias de dominantes consecutivos em um corpus de obras compostas por Antonio Carlos Jobim. A elaboração de um modelo teórico formado por um conjunto de premissas, conceitos, tipologias e ferramentas analíticas permite a classificação das variantes e sua plotagem em um esquema gráfico planar original denominado DCnet, no qual retângulos representam acordes de qualidade “dominante com sétima”, dispostos de acordo com três eixos básicos. Tal estratégia evidencia a considerável multiplicidade de alternativas (especialmente aquelas não normativas) presentes no repertório. Estudos futuros derivados da presente proposta estão nos planos, tanto para investigar as razões dessa diversidade, quanto para generalizar o modelo, considerando outros repertórios.
Cellular enlargement - A new hallmark of aging?
Authors: Davies Daniel M. , van den Handel Kim , Bharadwaj Soham , Lengefeld Jette
Published: November 2022

Years of important research has revealed that cells heavily invest in regulating their size. Nevertheless, it has remained unclear why accurate size control is so important. Our recent study using hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) in vivo indicates that cellular enlargement is causally associated with aging. Here, we present an overview of these findings and their implications. Furthermore, we performed a broad literature analysis to evaluate the potential of cellular enlargement as a new aging hallmark and to examine its connection to previously described aging hallmarks. Finally, we highlight interesting work presenting a correlation between cell size and age-related diseases. Taken together, we found mounting evidence linking cellular enlargement to aging and age-related diseases. Therefore, we encourage researchers from seemingly unrelated areas to take a fresh look at their data from the perspective of cell size.
Single-cell RNA sequence presents atlas analysis for chondrocytes in the talus and reveals the potential mechanism in coping with mechanical stress
Authors: Wang Tianrui , Wang Junjie , Sun Zewen , Zhang Lu , Yu Chenghao , Zhao Haibo , Yan Mingyue , Sun Shenjie , Ye Zhenhao , Zhang Yingze , Yu Tengbo
Published: November 2022

Chondrocytes are indispensable for the function of cartilage because they provide the extracellular matrix. Therefore, gaining insight into the chondrocytes may be helpful in understanding cartilage function and pinpointing potential therapeutical targets for diseases. The talus is a part of the ankle joint, which serves as the major large joint that bears body weight. Compared with the distal tibial and fibula, the talus bears much more mechanical loading, which is a risk factor for osteoarthritis (OA). However, in most individuals, OA seems to be absent in the ankle, and the cartilage of the talus seems to function normally. This study applied single-cell RNA sequencing to demonstrate atlas for chondrocyte subsets in healthy talus cartilage obtained from five volunteers, and chondrocyte subsets were annotated. Gene ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analyses for each cell type, cell–cell interactions, and single-cell regulatory network inference and clustering for each cell type were conducted, and hub genes for each cell type were identified. Immunohistochemical staining was used to confirm the presence and distribution of each cell type. Two new chondrocyte subsets were annotated as MirCs and SpCs. The identified and speculated novel microenvironment may pose different directions in chondrocyte composition, development, and metabolism in the talus.
Biochemical characteristics of patients with imported malaria
Authors: Bi Dewu , Lin Jianyan , Luo Xiaolu , Lin Lü , Tang Xike , Luo Xiaocheng , Lu Yuexi , Huang Xiaodong
Published: November 2022

Objectives

This study aimed to investigate the clinical and biochemical profiles of patients with imported malaria infection between 1 January 2011 and 30 April 2022 and admitted to the Fourth People’s Hospital of Nanning.

Methods

This cohort study enrolled 170 patients with conformed imported malaria infection. The clinical and biochemical profiles of these participants were analyzed with malaria parasite clearance, and signs and symptoms related to malaria disappearance were defined as the primary outcome. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to evaluate the odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for cerebral malaria. The Cox model was used to estimate the hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% CIs for parasite clearance.

Results

Adenosine deaminase and parasitemia were found to be independent risk factors for severe malaria in patients with imported malaria (OR = 1.0088, 95% CI: 1.0010–1.0167, p = 0.0272 and OR = 2.0700, 95% CI: 1.2584–3.4050, p = 0.0042, respectively). A 0.5–standard deviation (SD) increase of variation for urea (HR = 0.6714, 95% CI: 0.4911–0.9180), a 0.5-SD increase of variation for creatinine (HR = 0.4566, 95% CI: 0.2762–0.7548), a 0.25-SD increase of variation for albumin (HR = 0.4947, 95% CI: 0.3197–0.7653), a 0.25-SD increase of variation for hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase (HR = 0.6129, 95% CI: 0.3995–0.9402), and a 1.0-SD increase of variation for ferritin (HR = 0.5887, 95% CI: 0.3799–0.9125) were associated with a higher risk for increased parasite clearance duration than a low-level change.

Conclusions

Aspartate aminotransferase, urea, creatinine, albumin, hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase, and ferritin are useful biochemical indicators in routine clinical practice to evaluate prognosis for imported malaria.
Short dual antiplatelet therapy and dual antiplatelet therapy de-escalation after primary percutaneous intervention: For whom and how
Authors: Muthspiel Marie , Kaufmann Christoph C. , Burger Achim Leo , Panzer Benjamin , Verheugt Freek W. A. , Huber Kurt
Published: November 2022

Dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) for 6–12 months, followed by lifelong aspirin monotherapy is considered an effective standard therapy for the prevention of thrombo-ischemic events in patients with acute and chronic coronary syndrome (ACS, CCS) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or after a primarily conservative treatment decision. In ACS patients, the stronger P2Y12-inhibitors ticagrelor or prasugrel are recommended in combination with aspirin unless the individual bleeding risk is high and shortening of DAPT is warranted or clopidogrel is preferred. However, also in patients at low individual bleeding risk, DAPT is associated with a higher risk of bleeding. In recent years, new antithrombotic treatment strategies, such as shortening DAPT followed by early P2Y12-inhibitor monotherapy and de-escalating DAPT from potent P2Y12-inhibitors to clopidogrel by maintaining DAPT duration time, have been investigated in clinical trials and shown to reduce bleeding complications in cardiovascular high-risk patients without negative effects on ischemic events. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge and discuss its implication on future antithrombotic strategies in terms of a personalized medicine.
Long-term outcomes in health-related quality of life influence chronic disease management in patients with pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Li Jin-Ling , Xiao Fan , Liu Hong-Ting , Li Hui-Ting , Zhao Qin-Hua , Sun Chun-Yan , Zhu Yan , Yan Lei , Wang Wen-Yue , Luo Hui , Gong Su-Gang , Jiang Rong , Liu Jin-Ming , Zhang Rui , Wang Lan
Published: November 2022

Background

Significantly improved survival in patients with pulmonary hypertension (PH) has raised interest in maintaining a good quality of long-term survivorship. In this study, health-related quality of life (HRQOL) measurement was used to assess the long-term changes of physical and mental outcomes.

Methods

A total of 559 consecutive inpatients with PH completed generic HRQOL (Short Form-36) who were diagnosed with PH by right heart catheterization. Assessments were carried out at short-term (1 year), midterm (3 years), and long-term (5 years) follow-ups.

Results

Patients with PH suffered more severe impairments in both physical and emotional domains than the U.S. population normative values. Patients with PH due to chronic lung disease had the worst physical component summary (PCS) score, but there was no difference in mental component summary (MCS) score among different PH types. A reduced PCS score was correlated with WHO FC severity and pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR). The Z score showed that the changing trend of mental conditions continuously declined from baseline to midterm and long-term follow-ups, but the PCS score seemed to be stable or improved. Cox regression analysis indicated increased baseline PVR and WHO FC III and IV, and decreased physical subscale of role physical, mental subscale of social functioning, and the MCS score have increased risk of mortality in the long-term follow-up.

Conclusion

Patients with PH have poor HRQOL. The long-term change of physical status seemed to be stable, but the mental state was continuously worse. These suggested identifying and intervening mental health progresses is a noteworthy issue in PH chronic management.
Case report: Pulmonary arterial hypertension in ENG-related hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia
Authors: Liu Dong , Xu Feiya , Gao Qian , Zhai Zhenguo
Published: November 2022

A young adult woman presented with exertional dyspnea and she had had recurrent epistaxis for more than 10 years. On physical examination, cyanosis was noted on the lips, and telangiectasias were seen on the oral mucosa and fingertips. Routine investigations revealed iron deficiency anemia and slightly elevated bilirubin. The result of right heart catheterization was indicative of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Pulmonary angiography showed arteriovenous malformations of the left upper pulmonary artery, and anterior cerebral artery malformation was seen in cranial computed tomographic angiogram. Genetic testing revealed that she and her three daughters carried heterozygous variant of ENG c.1195-1196del p.Arg399GlyfsTer2, which is characterized by pulmonary and cerebral arteriovenous malformations. In addition, our patient had pulmonary hypertension (PH) that is commonly associated with ACVRL1 mutations, revealing her phenotype was not consistent with isolated ENG genetic mutations. Here, we report a case with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) combined with PAH, which is associated with interesting differential diagnosis and etiological analysis. We have discussed the relationship between PH and HHT and the characteristics of PAH in HHT patients.
Thrombin generation assays to personalize treatment in bleeding and thrombotic diseases
Authors: Valke Lars L. F. G. , Rijpma Sanna , Meijer Danielle , Schols Saskia E. M. , van Heerde Waander L.
Published: November 2022

Treatment of bleeding and thrombotic disorders is highly standardized and based on evidence-based medicine guidelines. These evidence-based treatment schemes are well accepted but may lead to either insufficient treatment or over-dosing, because the individuals’ hemostatic properties are not taken into account. This can potentially introduce bleeding or thrombotic complications in individual patients. With the incorporation of pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PK-PD) parameters, based on global assays such as thrombin generation assays (TGAs), a more personalized approach can be applied to treat either bleeding or thrombotic disorders. In this review, we will discuss the recent literature about the technical aspects of TGAs and the relation to diagnosis and management of bleeding and thrombotic disorders. In patients with bleeding disorders, such as hemophilia A or factor VII deficiency, TGAs can be used to identify patients with a more severe bleeding phenotype and also in the management with non-replacement therapy and/or bypassing therapy. These assays have also a role in patients with venous thrombo-embolism, but the usage of TGAs in patients with arterial thrombosis is less clear. However, there is a potential role for TGAs in the monitoring of (long-term) antithrombotic therapy, for example with the use of direct oral anticoagulants. Finally this review will discuss controversies, limitations and knowledge gaps in relation to the introduction of TGAs to personalize medicine in daily medical practice.
Kinematics and geomorphological changes of a destabilising rock glacier captured from close-range sensing techniques (Tsarmine rock glacier, Western Swiss Alps)
Authors: Vivero Sebastián , Hendrickx Hanne , Frankl Amaury , Delaloye Reynald , Lambiel Christophe
Published: November 2022

Accurately assessing landform evolution and quantifying rapid environmental changes are gaining importance in the context of monitoring techniques in alpine environments. In the European Alps, glaciers and rock glaciers are among the most characteristic cryospheric components bearing long and systematic monitoring periods. The acceleration in rock glacier velocities and the onset of destabilization processes, mainly since 1990, have raised several concerns due to the potential effects on the high alpine natural and anthropic environments. This study presents a combination of uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) and terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) surveys for monitoring the current changes on the quickly accelerating, destabilised Tsarmine rock glacier in the Arolla Valley, Western Swiss Alps, delivering a considerable volume of debris to a steep torrential gully. High-resolution digital elevation models (DEMs) and orthomosaics are derived from UAV image series combined with structure from motion (SfM) photogrammetry techniques. Multitemporal orthomosaics are employed for measuring spatially continuous rock glacier kinematics using image matching algorithms. Superficial displacements are evaluated with simultaneousin-situdifferential global navigation satellite system (GNSS) measurements. Elevation and volume changes are computed from TLS and UAV-derived DEMs at similar periods. Between June 2017 and September 2019, both datasets showed a similar elevation change pattern and surface thinning rates of 0.15 ± 0.04 and 0.16 ± 0.03 m yr−1, respectively. Downward of a rupture zone developing about 150 m above the front, the rock glacier doubled its overall velocity during the study period, from around 5 m yr−1between October 2016 and June 2017 to more than 10 m yr−1between June and September 2019. The kinematic information reveals striking differences in the velocity between the lower and upper rock glacier sections. The monitoring approach based on close-sensing techniques provides accurate surface velocity and volume change information, allowing an enhanced description of the current rock glacier dynamics and its surface expression.
Seismic swarms in the Pollino seismic gap: Positive fault inversion within a popup structure
Authors: De Gori Pasquale , Lucente Francesco Pio , Govoni Aladino , Margheriti Lucia , Chiarabba Claudio
Published: November 2022

Seismic swarms frequently occur along continental fault systems and their relation with large earthquakes is often contradictory. Such a case is documented in the Pollino mountain range of southern Italy, a decoupling zone where the belt-normal stretching drastically rotates accommodating the differential SE-retreat of the Ionian slab. The paucity of historical large earthquakes has led to hypothesize the presence of a seismic gap. A long-lasting seismic swarm that climaxed with a ML = 5.2 earthquake in October 2012 was therefore thought as a possible signal of an impending large earthquake filling the gap. Seismicity data collected during a 4-years long monitoring are a powerful microscope to look through the seismic swarm. In this study, we present accurate relocations for 2385 earthquakes and high-resolution Vp and Vp/Vs models of the fault system. Seismicity occurred on two separate normal faults that were formerly part of a thrusts and back-thrusts system, originally formed as a pop-up at restraining bends of the Pollino fault, a wrench fault system that inverted the original left lateral sense of slip accommodating a differential motion induced by the southward retreat of the Ionian slab.
Evaluation of plasma ACTH in the metyrapone test is insufficient for the diagnosis of secondary adrenal insufficiency
Authors: Papierska Lucyna , Rabijewski Michał , Migda Bartosz , Leszczyńska Dorota , Nowak Karolina , Łebek-Szatańska Agnieszka , Glinicki Piotr , Zgliczyński Wojciech
Published: November 2022

Objective

To determine whether a single measurement of ACTH instead of less available in daily practice 11-deoxycortisol assay is sufficient to rule out or confirm secondary adrenal insufficiency (SAI) in the short Metyrapone test.

Design

A retrospective analysis of diagnostic tests (Metyrapone and Synacthen tests) performed at our Center between 2016 and 2018 in patients with suspicion of secondary adrenal insufficiency.

Material and methods

In 103 patients short metyrapone test was performed with assessment of 11-deoxycortisol and ACTH concentration after Metyrapone administered at midnight. In 89 of them short Synacthen (SST) test was also done (1 or/and 250 mcg 1-24ACTH). ROC curves have been performed to evaluate the diagnostic performance of ACTH level in metyrapone test as the predictor of secondary adrenal insufficiency (SAI) analysing sensitivity and specificity for various possible thresholds proposed in literature.

Results

40 (39%) of examined subjects were diagnosed as SAI, basing on post-Metyrapone 11-deoxycortisol concentration below 70 μg/l. In this group ACTH concentration was 128.1 ng/l (95% CI 96.8-159.4) versus 289.9 ng/l (95% CI 249.1-330.9) in patients with proper adrenal response. There was only a moderate positive correlation between ACTH and 11-deoxycortisol concentrations (r=0.5; p<0.05). The best cut off value of ACTH in relation to 11-deoxycortisol serum concentrations was 147 ng/l - with sensitivity of 73.2% and specificity 83.9%. However, plasma ACTH was>200ng/ml (the highest threshold proposed in literature) in 8 cases (20%) with positive diagnosis of SAI made on the basis of low 11-deoxycortisole and confirmed in short Synacthen test.

Conclusion

Our results indicate that for a valuable evaluation of the results of the metyrapone test, the more readily available plasma ACTH assay cannot replace the measurement of 11-deoxycortisol concentrations.
The prevalence and spectrum of reported incidental adrenal abnormalities in abdominal computed tomography of cancer patients: The experience of a comprehensive cancer center
Authors: Qdaisat Aiham , Bedrose Sara , Ezzeldin Obadah , Moawad Ahmed W. , Yeung Sai-Ching J. , Elsayes Khaled M. , Habra Mouhammed Amir
Published: November 2022

Background

The increasing use of computed tomography (CT) has identified many patients with incidental adrenal lesions. Further evaluation of these lesions is often dependent on the language used in the radiology report. Compared to the general population, patients with cancer have a higher risk for adrenal abnormalities, yet data on the prevalence and type of incidental adrenal lesions reported on radiologic reports in cancer patients is limited. In this study, we aimed to determine the prevalence and nature of adrenal abnormalities as an incidental finding reported on radiology reports of cancer patients evaluated for reasons other than suspected adrenal pathology.

Methods

Radiology reports of patients who underwent abdominal CT within 30 days of presentation to a tertiary cancer center were reviewed and analyzed. We used natural language processing to perform a multi-class text classification of the adrenal reports. Patients who had CT for suspected adrenal mass including adrenal protocol CT were excluded. Three independent abstractors manually reviewed abnormal and questionable results, and we measured the interobserver agreement.

Results

From June 1, 2006, to October 1, 2017, a total of 600,399 abdominal CT scans were performed including 66,478 scans obtained within 30 days of the patient’s first presentation. Of these, 58,512 were eligible after applying the exclusion criteria. Adrenal abnormalities were identified in 7,817 (13.4%) reports, with adrenal nodularity (3,401 [43.5%]), adenomas (1,733 [22.2%]), and metastases (1,337 [17.1%]) being the most reported categories. Only 10 cases (0.1%) were reported as primary adrenal carcinomas and 2 as pheochromocytoma. Interobserver agreement using 300 reports yielded a Fleiss kappa of 0.893, implying almost perfect agreement between the abstractors.

Conclusions

Incidental adrenal abnormalities are commonly reported in abdominal CT reports of cancer patients. As the terminology used by radiologists to describe these findings greatly determine the subsequent management plans, further studies are needed to correlate some of these findings to the actual confirmed diagnosis based on hormonal, histological and follow-up data and ascertain the impact of such reported findings on patients’ outcomes.
Fertility preservation in the pediatric population—experience from a German Cryobank for ovarian tissue
Authors: Baston-Büst Dunja M. , Bielfeld Alexandra P.
Published: November 2022

Counseling children on the possibility of fertility preservation prior to a gonadotoxic treatment supports the decision-making process, taking into account that the patients are in a very vulnerable and mentally exhausting situation following the diagnosis. Referral to specialists can be optimized on-site by routing slips with contact addresses, phone numbers, and mail contacts; available time slots for consultation; possibly offers for cost coverage; and an easy-to-understand information leaflet about the different options available. Some of the options for fertility preservation in the prepubertal population especially are still experimental. The unique possibility of fertility preservation before the onset of the gonadotoxic therapy, which may cause premature ovarian insufficiency or azoospermia in the future, should be highlighted.
Water quality evaluation using physicochemical and biological indices to characterize the integrity of the Orogodo River in sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Olomukoro John Ovie , Obi-Obueze Nwamaka Ogochukwu , Eko-Imirianye Rukeme , Anani Osikemekha Anthony , Obot Victoria
Published: November 2022

The preliminary consequence of pollutants in water is to reduce the quality of water although this may not be immediately noticeable because of the self-purifying ability of some water bodies.The study on the physicochemical characteristics, bacteriological, and macrobenthic invertebrates was carried out in the Orogodo River.All the examined physicochemical characteristics of the water showed no significant difference (p> 0.05) across the stations. For the heavy metals, it was in decreasing order as follows: station 2 > station 3 > station 1. All the heavy metals except nickel had high values upstream (station 1). Bacteriological examination of the water revealed the presence of mesophilic bacteria across the stations atp< 0.01 (a highly significant difference).E. colivaried significantly (p< 0.01) across the stations. However, a further evaluation using the DMR test revealed that the population recorded at station 3 was significantly higher than that recorded at stations 1 and 2. A total of 787 macrobenthic invertebrates comprising 44 macroinvertebrates’ taxa were recorded. Most of the macrobenthic faunas observed were distributed across the three stations except the chironomids, the rat-tailed maggot (Eristalis tenax), and the family Hirudinea whose occurrence was almost restricted to station 2. This revealed an ecological impact because this species is a basic indicator of an ecosystem sentinel. Sorenson’s quotient of faunal similarity showed that macrobenthic fauna at these three stations was similar. The similarity was the highest between stations 1 and 3 (75.0%) and the lowest between stations 1 and 2 (50.0%). The biological monitoring working party (BMWP) score system showed that station 2 was moderately polluted, while stations 1 and 3 were only slightly affected. At stations 1, 2, and 3, the arithmetic WQI (water quality) values were 900.99, 1010.10, and 951.20, respectively. The high values of WQI obtained across the stations were attributable to the concentrations of Fe, Cu, Cr, Cd, Ni, Pb, V, and THC, thus reiterating the conclusion drawn from the physicochemical parameter analysis. Boiling the water before consumption is highly recommended to avoid possible human health problems, especially effects from microbial pathogens like coliforms andE. coli.
Tire and rubber particles in the environment—A case study from a hot arid region
Authors: Habib Rana Zeeshan , Al Kendi Ruwaya , Ghebremedhin Furtuna , Elkashlan Marim , Iftikhar Syed Haris , Poulose Vijo , Ramachandran Tholkappiyan , Mourad Abdel-Hamid Ismail , Hamed Fathalla , Thiemann Thies
Published: November 2022

Materials made of rubber are a source of polymers released into the environment, where tire abrasions are a major contributor. In many hot, arid environs, whole tire losses are more common than in moderate climates, and lead to the accumulation of additional tire material on road sides, which over time can be the source of secondary micro-tires. Other rubber containing material from cars such as mud-flaps and floor mats has been seen as an appreciable additional source of micro-rubber. Due to the lack of precipitation, it is expected that modes of micro-tire relocation are more limited in arid regions than in more moderate climates. This 2-year study examines the rubber/tire content from 34 sampling sites within the region of Al Ain, Eastern region of Abu Dhabi Emirate, United Arab Emirates. The samplings include road dust, soil along roadsides, storm water run-off samples and samples collected in Wadis (creek beds that seasonally carry water) and one artificial lake. The mean average number of micro-tires in road dust was found to be 44.4 ± 40.6 micro-tires/g. In soil samples alongside the roads, it was 22.8 ± 42.1 micro-tires/g. The mean average size of micro-tires for all 34 sampling sites was found to be 106.9 ± 98.5 µm. It could be seen that rubber/tire materials desiccate over time during the high temperatures of the Emirati summer, become hard, brittle and break into smaller pieces, resulting in secondary micro-tire particles. The study of run-offs showed that tire particles are swept into storm drains during larger, very infrequently occurring rain events. However, the predominant mode of micro-tire transport was found to be on road by physical contact with cars, off-road by a combination of physical contact with moving objects and air movement. Samples taken from an artificial lake and three Wadis within the confines of Al Ain have shown only few micro-tire particles, so that the dispersion of micro-tires is not as pervasive as had been expected prior to this study.
How does corporate management affect green innovation via business environmental strategies?
Authors: Javeed Sohail Ahmad , Zhou Nan , Cai Xiang , Latief Rashid
Published: November 2022

Environmental issues are getting greater attention now that experts and authorities are paying attention to global warming. The industrial segment is mostly to blame for these environmental hitches, according to past research. The industrial sector is actively addressing the issues brought on by climate change. This study’s primary focus is on business environmental strategies in green innovation, which takes into account the company’s goals for sustainable development. This study also takes into account the importance of corporate management (CEO, ownership concentration, and gender diversity) for green innovation. This study evaluated fact by natural resource theory, resource dependency theory, agency theory and Porter hypothesis. Results from practical generalized least squares and generalized moments approaches provide various conclusions. The findings of this study demonstrated that companies with business environmental strategies as, environmental regulation, proactive environmental plans, corporate social responsibility, and board sustainable committees were more likely to implement green innovation practices. Additionally, corporate management (CEO, ownership concentration, and gender diversity) supports businesses’ efforts to innovate in the green sector. Importantly, our research showed that the importance of corporate management (CEO, ownership concentration, and gender diversity) in business environmental policies cannot be overstated (environmental regulations, proactive environmental strategies, corporate social responsibility, board sustainable committee, and green innovation). green innovation, as well. These findings significantly expand the scant amount of knowledge on corporate environmental initiatives and green innovation. In order to encourage green innovation for higher profitability while minimizing negative industrial consequences, this study also provides a number of suggestions and recommendations for stakeholders, including regulators, owners, and governments.
Research on coal demand forecast and carbon emission reduction in Shanxi Province under the vision of carbon peak
Authors: Hu Yanyong , Zhang Rui , Qie Xiaotong , Zhang Xiaoyi
Published: November 2022

Facing the increasingly severe climate situation, China strives to improve its Nationally Determined Contributions, promising to reach its carbon peak by 2030. Accurately predicting the future demand quantity and changing the trends of coal resources is the key to maintaining national energy security and achieving the goal of “carbon peak” and is also an important research topic in the future. To improve the prediction accuracy, this study sorts out eight common factors affecting the coal demand from the aspects of the economy, population, and energy. The grey relational analysis method was used to describe the degree of importance of each factor and screen out the relatively vital factors. The system dynamics model for coal demand in Shanxi Province was also established. The coal demand and carbon emission trends in Shanxi Province from 2021 to 2030 were predicted under business-as-usual, low-speed and high-speed development scenarios. The study results show that: 1) During the 14th Five-Year Plan to 15th Five-year Plan, the trend of coal demand has changed from increasing to decreasing. Under the three scenarios, the coal demand in 2021 is expected to be 372.03 million tons, 365.97 million tons, 360.04 million tons, and it is expected that the coal demand will peak in 2025, and will reach 394.77 million tons, 390.27 million tons, and 385.66 million tons under the three scenarios, respectively. 2) With the development of population and economy, the total energy demand shows a continuously increasing trend. It is estimated that the total energy consumption will reach 237.46-242.93 million tons of standard coal in 2030, and the total energy demand will continue to grow in the foreseeable future. 3) The carbon dioxide emission is closely related to the coal demand, showing a similar variation trend. Under the business-as-usual development scenario, carbon emissions in 2021 are 699.62 million tons, and carbon emissions are expected to reach 681.12 million tons in 2030. The low-speed development and high-speed development scenarios have different degrees of energy saving and emission reduction benefits. Compared with the business-as-usual development scenario in 2030, the carbon dioxide emissions will be reduced by 1.64 million tons and 3.56 million tons respectively. Finally, we put forward important policy measures to promote the economic transformation and upgrading of Shanxi Province and accelerate the realization of the “carbon peak” goal.
Undercover operation: Belowground insect herbivory modifies systemic plant defense and repels aboveground foraging insect herbivores
Authors: Thompson Morgan N. , Grunseich John M. , Marmolejo Laura O. , Aguirre Natalie M. , Bradicich Pius A. , Behmer Spencer T. , Suh Charles P.-C. , Helms Anjel M.
Published: November 2022

Plants attacked by insects may induce defenses locally in attacked plant tissues and/or systemically in non-attacked tissues, such as aboveground herbivory affecting belowground roots or belowground herbivory modifying aboveground tissues (i.e., cross-compartment systemic defense). Through induced systemic plant defenses, above-and belowground insect herbivores indirectly interact when feeding on a shared host plant. However, determining the systemic effects of herbivory on cross-compartment plant tissues and cascading consequences for herbivore communities remains underexplored. The goal of this study was to determine how belowground striped cucumber beetle (Acalymma vittatum) larval herbivory alters aboveground zucchini squash (Cucurbita pepo subsp. pepo) defenses and interactions with herbivores, including adult cucumber beetles and squash bugs (Anasa tristis). To explore this question, field and laboratory experiments were conducted to compare responses of aboveground herbivores to belowground larvae-damaged plants and non-damaged control plants. We also characterized changes in defensive chemicals and nutritional content of aboveground plant structures following belowground herbivory. We discovered belowground herbivory enhanced aboveground plant resistance and deterred aboveground foraging herbivores. We also found that larvae-damaged plants emitted higher amounts of a key volatile compound, (E)-β-ocimene, compared to non-damaged controls. Further investigation suggests that other mechanisms, such as plant nutrient content, may additionally contribute to aboveground herbivore foraging decisions. Collectively, our findings underscore connections between above-and belowground herbivore communities as mediated through induced systemic defenses of a shared host plant. Specifically, these findings indicate that belowground larval herbivory systemically enhances plant defenses and deters a suite of aboveground herbivores, suggesting larvae may manipulate aboveground plant defenses for their own benefit, while plants may benefit from enhanced systemic defenses against multi-herbivore attack.
Identification and expression analysis of zebrafish gnaq in the hypothalamic–Pituitary–Gonadal axis
Authors: Wang Chong , Yang Le , Xiao Tiaoyi , Li Junhua , Liu Qiaolin , Xiong Shuting
Published: November 2022

The G proteins have emerged as essential molecular switches in a wide variety of signal transduction pathways. Gαq, encoded by G protein subunit alpha q (gnaq), is a member of the G proteins and participates in regulating important biological activities in mammals; however, its function and regulatory mechanism in teleost remain largely unclear. In the current study, we cloned the cDNA of gnaq from zebrafish (Danio rerio) and investigated the expression characteristics of Gαq/gnaq in reproductive tissues. RT-PCR and WISH analyses showed that gnaq was widely expressed in zebrafish tissues, with high expression in the brain, olfactory brain, and hypothalamus. During the embryonic development stage, the gnaq was mainly distributed in the hypothalamus after 72 h post-fertilization. In addition, immunohistochemistry analysis revealed that the Gαq protein was highly expressed in the diffuse nucleus of the inferior hypothalamic lobe (DIL), ventral zone of the periventricular hypothalamus (Hv), and caudal zone of the periventricular hypothalamus (Hc) in adult zebrafish. Furthermore, in the gonads, the Gαq protein was found in oocytes of all stages, except spermatids. Lastly, the gnaq mRNA exhibited relatively low expression in gonads on Day 4 during the reproductive cycle, while increasing drastically in the hypothalamus and pituitary afterward. Altogether, our results suggest that gnaq/Gαq might be important in fish reproduction.
Immunogenic cell death-related classifications in breast cancer identify precise immunotherapy biomarkers and enable prognostic stratification
Authors: Wang Xue , Huang Hailiang , Liu Xijian , Li Jiuwei , Wang Lu , Li Ling , Li Yaxing , Han Tao
Published: November 2022

Background: Immunogenic cell death (ICD) remodels the tumor immune microenvironment, plays an inherent role in tumor cell apoptosis, and promotes durable protective antitumor immunity. Currently, appropriate biomarker-based ICD immunotherapy for breast cancer (BC) is under active exploration.

Methods: To determine the potential link between ICD genes and the clinical risk of BC, TCGA-BC was used as the training set and GSE58812 was used as the validation set. Gene expression, consistent clustering, enrichment analysis, and mutation omics analyses were performed to analyze the potential biological pathways of ICD genes involved in BC. Furthermore, a risk and prognosis model of ICD was constructed to evaluate the correlation between risk grade and immune infiltration, clinical stage, and survival prognosis.

Results: We identified two ICD-related subtypes by consistent clustering and found that the C2 subtype was associated with good survival prognosis, abundant immune cell infiltration, and high activity of immune biological processes. Based on this, we constructed and validated an ICD risk and prognosis model of BC, including ATG5, HSP90AA1, PIK3CA, EIF2AK3, MYD88, IL1R1, and CD8A. This model can effectively predict the survival rate of patients with BC and is negatively correlated with the immune microenvironment and clinical stage.

Conclusion: This study provides new insights into the role of ICD in BC. The novel classification risk model based on ICD in BC established in this study can aid in estimating the potential prognosis of patients with BC and the clinical outcomes of immunotherapy and postulates targets that are more useful in comprehensive treatment strategies.
Assessing organ-level immunoreactivity in a rat model of sepsis using TSPO PET imaging
Authors: Martinez-Orengo Neysha , Tahmazian Sarine , Lai Jianhao , Wang Zeping , Sinharay Sanhita , Schreiber-Stainthorp William , Basuli Falguni , Maric Dragan , Reid William , Shah Swati , Hammoud Dima A.
Published: November 2022

There is current need for new approaches to assess/measure organ-level immunoreactivity and ensuing dysfunction in systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) and sepsis, in order to protect or recover organ function. Using a rat model of systemic sterile inflammatory shock (intravenous LPS administration), we performed PET imaging with a translocator protein (TSPO) tracer, [18F]DPA-714, as a biomarker for reactive immunoreactive changes in the brain and peripheral organs. In vivo dynamic PET/CT scans showed increased [18F]DPA-714 binding in the brain, lungs, liver and bone marrow, 4 hours after LPS injection. Post-LPS mean standard uptake values (SUVmean) at equilibrium were significantly higher in those organs compared to baseline. Changes in spleen [18F]DPA-714 binding were variable but generally decreased after LPS. SUVmean values in all organs, except the spleen, positively correlated with several serum cytokines/chemokines. In vitro measures of TSPO expression and immunofluorescent staining validated the imaging results. Noninvasive molecular imaging with [18F]DPA-714 PET in a rat model of systemic sterile inflammatory shock, along with in vitro measures of TSPO expression, showed brain, liver and lung inflammation, spleen monocytic efflux/lymphocytic activation and suggested increased bone marrow hematopoiesis. TSPO PET imaging can potentially be used to quantify SIRS and sepsis-associated organ-level immunoreactivity and assess the effectiveness of therapeutic and preventative approaches for associated organ failures, in vivo.
Immune escape pathways from the HBV core18-27 CD8 T cell response are driven by individual HLA class I alleles
Authors: Walker Andreas , Schwarz Tatjana , Brinkmann-Paulukat Janine , Wisskirchen Karin , Menne Christopher , Alizei Elahe Salimi , Kefalakes Helenie , Theissen Martin , Hoffmann Daniel , Schulze zur Wiesch Julian , Maini Mala K. , Cornberg Markus , Kraft Anke RM , Keitel Verena , Bock Hans H. , Horn Peter A. , Thimme Robert , Wedemeyer Heiner , Heinemann Falko M. , Luedde Tom , Neumann-Haefelin Christoph , Protzer Ulrike , Timm Jörg
Published: November 2022

Background and aims

There is growing interest in T cell-based immune therapies for a functional cure of chronic HBV infection including check-point inhibition, T cell-targeted vaccines or TCR-grafted effector cells. All these approaches depend on recognition of HLA class I-presented viral peptides. The HBV core region 18-27 is an immunodominant target of CD8+ T cells and represents the prime target for T cell-based therapies. Here, a high-resolution analysis of the core18-27 specific CD8+ T cell and the selected escape pathways was performed.

Methods

HLA class I typing and viral sequence analyses were performed for 464 patients with chronic HBV infection. HBV-specific CD8+ T-cell responses against the prototype and epitope variants were characterized by flow cytometry.

Results

Consistent with promiscuous presentation of the core18-27 epitope, antigen-specific T cells were detected in patients carrying HLA-A*02:01, HLA-B*35:01, HLA-B*35:03 or HLA-B*51:01. Sequence analysis confirmed reproducible selection pressure on the core18-27 epitope in the context of these alleles. Interestingly, the selected immune escape pathways depend on the presenting HLA-class I-molecule. Although cross-reactive T cells were observed, some epitope variants achieved functional escape by impaired TCR-interaction or disturbed antigen processing. Of note, selection of epitope variants was exclusively observed in HBeAg negative HBV infection and here, detection of variants associated with significantly greater magnitude of the CD8 T cell response compared to absence of variants.

Conclusion

The core18-27 epitope is highly variable and under heavy selection pressure in the context of different HLA class I-molecules. Some epitope variants showed evidence for impaired antigen processing and reduced presentation. Viruses carrying such escape substitutions will be less susceptible to CD8+ T cell responses and should be considered for T cell-based therapy strategies.
Antiviral prophylaxis or preemptive therapy for cytomegalovirus after liver transplantation?: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Yadav Dipesh Kumar , Adhikari Vishnu Prasad , Yadav Rajesh Kumar , Singh Alina , Huang Xing , Zhang Qi , Pandit Prabesh , Ling Qi , Liang Tingbo
Published: November 2022

Background

To conduct a meta-analysis with the aim of comparing the outcomes of antiviral prophylaxis and preemptive therapy for the prevention of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection in liver transplant (LT) recipients.

Methods

We searched databases for qualified studies up until March 2022. Finally, a meta-analysis was carried out using a fixed-effect or random-effect model based on the heterogeneity.

Results

With a total of 1834 LT patients, the pooled incidence of CMV infection and CMV disease in the overall LT recipients using antiviral prophylaxis and preemptive therapy were 24.7% vs. 40.4% and 6.4% vs. 9.4%, respectively. Our meta-analysis exhibited a significant reduction in the incidence of CMV infection due to antiviral prophylaxis when compared to preemptive therapy in the high-risk group (OR: 6.67, 95% CI: 1.73, 25.66; p = 0.006). In contrast, there was a significant reduction in the incidence of late-onset of CMV disease in preemptive therapy compared to antiviral prophylaxis in the high-risk group (OR: 0.29, 95% CI: 0.12, 0.74; p = 0.009). However, the incidence of CMV disease, allograft rejection, graft loss, drug related adverse effects, opportunistic infections and mortality did not differ significantly between both the interventions (all p> 0.05).

Conclusions

We found the use of antiviral prophylaxis, compared with preemptive therapy, is superior in controlling CMV infection and prolonging the time to CMV disease in LT recipients without an increased risk of opportunistic infections, allograft rejection, graft loss, drug related adverse effects, development of drug resistance, and mortality.
Cellular and humoral immune response between snail hosts and their parasites
Authors: Al-Khalaifah Hanan
Published: November 2022

In invertebrates, the innate immune system protects against a wide range of microbiological infections. Several immunological processes are involved in the interactive immune response between snails and their parasites, including phagocytosis, nitric oxide synthesis, phenol oxidase activity, lysozymes, and lectin formation. The immunological responses connected to the interaction between snails and parasites are discussed in detail in the current research. Understanding the nature of these interactive reactions will enable scientists to explore approaches to eliminate and cure parasitic infections.