bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
EKSISTENSI JAKSA SEBAGAI PENGACARA NEGARA DALAM MELAKUKAN GUGATAN PEMBAYARAN UANG PENGGANTI (STUDI KASUS PERKARA KORUPSI DI KABUPATEN CIREBON)
Authors: Angita Astrid Bella , Hidayat Dudung
Published: August 2022

Kejaksaan Republik Indonesia menurut Undang-Undang Nomor 16 Tahun 2004 tentang Kejaksaan Republik Indonesia adalah lembaga pemerintahan yang melaksanakan kekuasaan negara di bidang penuntutan serta kewenangan lain berdasarkan undang-undang. Salah satu kewenangan kejaksaan berdasarkan undang-undang adalah kejaksaan dapat bertindak untuk dan atas nama negara baik diluar maupun didalam pengadilan dibidang Perdata dan Tata Usaha Negara (DATUN). Berlandaskan kewenangan tersebut muncullah istilah Jaksa Pengacara Negara (JPN). Kejaksaan di Indonesia memiliki bagian tersendiri untuk penanganan kasus DATUN. Salah satunya adalah Kejaksaan Negeri Kabupaten Cirebon. Penulisan ini bertujuan untuk melihat Eksistensi Jaksa Sebagai Pengacara Negara Dalam Melakukan Gugatan Pembayaran Uang Pengganti (Studi Kasus Perkara Korupsi Di Kabupaten Cirebon). Berkaitan dengan hal tersebut, maka yang menjadi permasalah adalah: bagaimanakah upaya Kejaksaan dalam mengembalikan kerugian keuangan negara akibat tindak pidana korupsi dan Apa hambatan Jaksa Pengacara Negara dalam upaya mengembalikan kerugian keuangan negara akibat tindak pidana korupsi. Metode penelitian ini menggunakan metode pendekatan yuridis normatif. Teknik pengumpulan data dilakukan dengan teknik riset ke lapangan yaitu Kejaksaan sebagai lembaga yang berwenang menangani penyelesaian untuk memulihkan kerugian keuangan negara akibat tindak pidana korupsi. Berdasarkan hasil penelitian skripsi ini diketahui bahwa Jaksa Pengacara Negara dalam penyelesaian pengembalian beban ganti rugi terhadap keuangan Negara merupakan upaya lanjutan setelah instrumen pidana tidak sepenuhnya mengembalikan kerugian keuangan Negara. Strategi kejaksaan untuk pengembalian keuangan Negara adalah optimalisasi fungsi dan tugas kejaksaan pada bidang penyidikan dan Intelijen. Hambatan jaksa pengacara negara yaitu terhadap aset terpidana sudah tidak ada lagi untuk dijadikan obyek gugatan, sehingga akan sia-sia karena tidak ada lagi untuk dilakukan sita jaminan serta perkara perdata membutuhkan biaya yang besar dalam penyelesaiannya sehingga akan rugi jika dipaksakan melakukan gugatan jika uang pengganti kecil.
A new type of simulated partial gravity apparatus for rats based on a pully-spring system
Authors: Zhang Shenke , Adachi Takuya , Zhang Shengli , Yoshida Yukari , Takahashi Akihisa
Published: August 2022

The return to the Moon and the landing on Mars has emphasized the need for greater attention to the effects of partial gravity on human health. Here, we sought to devise a new type of simulated partial gravity apparatus that could more efficiently and accurately provide a partial gravity environment for rat hindlimbs. The new apparatus uses a pulley system and tail suspension to create the simulated partial gravity of the rat’s hind limbs by varying the weight in a balance container attached to the pulley system. An experiment was designed to verify the reliability and stability of the new apparatus. In this experiment, 25 seven-week-old male Wistar Hannover rats were randomly divided into five groups (n = 5 per group): hindlimb full weight-bearing control (1G), sham (1G), and the simulated gravity groups including Mars (3/8G), Moon (1/6G), and interplanetary space (microgravity: µG). The levels of partial gravity experienced by rat hindlimbs in the Mars and Moon groups were provided by a novel simulated partial gravity device. Changes in bone parameters [overall bone mineral density (BMD), trabecular BMD, cortical BMD, cortical bone thickness, minimum moment of area (MMA), and polar moment of area (PMA)] were evaluated using computed tomography in all rats at the proximal, middle, and distal regions of femur and tibia. Reduced gravity led to decreases in bone parameters (overall BMD, trabecular BMD, cortical BMD, MMA, and PMA) in the simulated gravity groups, mainly in distal femur and proximal tibia. The proximal tibia, MMA, and PMA findings indicated greater weakness in the µG group than in the Mars group. The sham group design also excluded the decrease in lower limb bone parameters caused by the suspension attachment of the rat’s tail. The new simulated partial gravity apparatus can provide a continuous and stable level of partial gravity. It offers a reliable and valuable model for studying the effects of extraterrestrial gravity environments on humans.
PBC, an easy and efficient strategy for high-throughput protein C-terminome profiling
Authors: Zhai Linhui , Wang Le , Hu Hao , Liu Quan , Lee Sangkyu , Tan Minjia , Zhang Yinan
Published: August 2022

High-throughput profiling of protein C-termini is still a challenging task. Proteomics provides a powerful technology for systematic and high-throughput study of protein C-termini. Various C-terminal peptide enrichment strategies based on chemical derivatization and chromatography separation have been reported. However, they are still costly and time-consuming, with low enrichment efficiency for C-terminal peptides. In this study, by taking advantage of the high reaction selectivity of 2-pyridinecarboxaldehyde (2-PCA) with an α-amino group on peptide N-terminus and high affinity between biotin and streptavidin, we developed a 2-PCA- and biotin labeling–based C-terminomic (PBC) strategy for a high-efficiency and high-throughput analysis of protein C-terminome. Triplicates of PBC experiments identified a total of 1,975 C-terminal peptides corresponding to 1,190 proteins from 293 T cell line, which is 180% higher than the highest reported number of C-terminal peptides identified from mammalian cells by chemical derivatization–based C-terminomics study. The enrichment efficiency (68%) is the highest among the C-terminomics methods currently reported. In addition, we not only uncovered 50 proteins with truncated C-termini which were significantly enriched in extracellular exosome, vesicle, and ribosome by a bioinformatic analysis but also systematically characterized the whole PTMs on C-terminal in 293 T cells, suggesting PBC as a powerful tool for protein C-terminal degradomics and PTMs investigation. In conclusion, the PBC strategy would benefit high-efficiency and high-throughput profiling of protein C-terminome.
Surveillance diagnostic algorithm using real-time PCR assay and strain typing method development to assist with the control of C. auris amid COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Contreras Deisy A. , Morgan Margie A.
Published: August 2022

Candida auris continues to be a global threat for infection and transmission in hospitals and long-term care facilities. The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 has rerouted attention and resources away from this silent pandemic to the frontlines of the ongoing COVID-19 disease. Cases of C. auris continue to rise, and clinical laboratories need a contingency plan to prevent a possible outbreak amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Here, we introduce a two-tier Candida auris surveillance program that includes, first, a rapid qualitative rt-PCR for the identification of high-risk patients and, second, a method to analyze the isolated C. auris for strain typing using the Fourier-Transform Infrared spectroscopy. We have performed this two-tier surveillance for over 700 at-risk patients being admitted into our hospital and have identified 28 positive specimens (4%) over a 1-year period. Strain typing analysis by the IR spectrum acquisition typing method, supplemented by whole genome sequencing, has shown grouping of two significant clusters. The majority of our isolates belong to circulating African lineage associated with C. auris Clade III and an isolated strain grouping differently belonging to South Asian lineage C. auris Clade I. Low numbers of genomic variation point to local and ongoing transmission within the Los Angeles area not specifically within the hospital setting. Collectively, clinical laboratories having the ability to rapidly screen high-risk patients for C. auris and to participate in outbreak investigations by offering strain typing will greatly assist in the control of C. auris transmission within the hospital setting.
Epidemiological characteristics of P. vivax asymptomatic infections in the Peruvian Amazon
Authors: Villasis Elizabeth , Garcia Castillo Stefano S. , Guzman Mitchel , Torres Julian , Gomez Joaquin , Garro Katherine , Cordova Ana Maria , Reategui Carolina , Abanto Caroline , Vinetz Joseph , Gamboa Dionicia , Torres Katherine
Published: August 2022

Introduction

Herein, we tested the hypothesis that Asymptomatic P. vivax (Pv) infected individuals (Asym) feature different epidemiological, clinical and biochemical characteristics, as well as hematological parameters, potentially predictive of clinical immunity in comparison to symptomatic Pv infected individuals (Sym).

Methodology

Between 2018 - 2021, we conducted 11 population screenings (PS, Day 0 (D0)) in 13 different riverine communities around Iquitos city, in the Peruvian Amazon, to identify Pv Sym and Asym individuals. A group of these individuals agreed to participate in a nested case - control study to evaluate biochemical and hematological parameters. Pv Asym individuals did not present common malaria symptoms (fever, headache, and chills), had a positive/negative microscopy result, a positive qPCR result, reported no history of antimalarial treatment during the last month, and were followed-up weekly until Day 21 (D21). Control individuals, had a negative malaria microscopy and qPCR result, no history of antimalarial treatment or malaria infections during the last three years, and no history of comorbidities or chronic infections.

Results

From the 2159 individuals screened during PS, data revealed a low but heterogeneous Pv prevalence across the communities (11.4%), where most infections were Asym (66.7%) and submicroscopic (82.9%). A total of 29 Asym, 49 Sym, and 30 control individuals participated in the nested case - control study (n=78). Ten of the individuals that were initially Asym at D0, experienced malaria symptoms during follow up and therefore, were included in the Sym group. 29 individuals remained Asym throughout all follow-ups. High levels of eosinophils were found in Asym individuals in comparison to Sym and controls.

Conclusion

For the first-time, key epidemiological, hematological, and biochemical features are reported from Pv Asym infections from the Peruvian Amazon. These results should be considered for the design and reshaping of malaria control measures as the country moves toward malaria elimination.
Antibiotic-induced depletion of Clostridium species increases the risk of secondary fungal infections in preterm infants
Authors: Huang Dabin , Li Huixian , Lin Yuying , Lin Jinting , Li Chengxi , Kuang Yashu , Zhou Wei , Huang Bing , Wang Ping
Published: August 2022

Preterm infants or those with low birth weight are highly susceptible to invasive fungal disease (IFD) and other microbial or viral infection due to immaturity of their immune system. Antibiotics are routinely administered in these vulnerable infants in treatment of sepsis and other infectious diseases, which might cause perturbation of gut microbiome and hence development of IFD. In this study, we compared clinical characteristics of fungal infection after antibiotic treatment in preterm infants. As determined by 16S rRNA sequencing, compared with non-IFD patients with or without antibiotics treatment, Clostridium species in the intestinal tracts of patients with IFD were almost completely eliminated, and Enterococcus were increased. We established a rat model of IFD by intraperitoneal inoculation of C. albicans in rats pretreated with meropenem and vancomycin. After pretreatment with antibiotics, the intestinal microbiomes of rats infected with C. albicans were disordered, as characterized by an increase of proinflammatory conditional pathogens and a sharp decrease of Clostridium species and Bacteroides. Immunofluorescence analysis showed that C. albicans-infected rats pretreated with antibiotics were deficient in IgA and IL10, while the number of Pro-inflammatory CD11c+ macrophages was increased. In conclusion, excessive use of antibiotics promoted the imbalance of intestinal microbiome, especially sharp decreases of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA)-producing Clostridium species, which exacerbated the symptoms of IFD, potentially through decreased mucosal immunomodulatory molecules. Our results suggest that inappropriate use of broad-spectrum antibiotics may promote the colonization of invasive fungi. The results of this study provide new insights into the prevention of IFD in preterm infants.
A stable and quantitative method for dimensionality reduction of aortic centerline
Authors: Peng Tao , Pu Hongji , Qiu Peng , Yang Han , Ju Ziyue , Ma Hui , Zhang Juanlin , Chen Kexin , Zhan Yanqing , Sheng Rui , Wang Yi , Zha Binshan , Yang Yang , Fang Shu , Lu Xinwu , Zhou Jinhua
Published: August 2022

Aortic dissection (AD) is a fatal aortic disease with high mortality. Assessing the morphology of the aorta is critical for diagnostic and surgical decisions. Aortic centerline projection methods have been used to evaluate the morphology of the aorta. However, there is a big difference between the current model of primary plane projection (PPP) and the actual shape of individuals, which is not conducive to morphological statistical analysis. Finding a method to compress the three-dimensional information of the aorta into two dimensions is helpful to clinical decision-making. In this paper, the evaluation parameters, including contour length (CL), enclosure area, and the sum of absolute residuals (SAR), were introduced to objectively evaluate the optimal projection plane rather than artificial subjective judgment. Our results showed that the optimal projection plane could be objectively characterized by the three evaluation parameters. As the morphological criterion, SAR is optimal among the three parameters. Compared to the optimal projection plane selected by traditional PPP, our method has better AD discrimination in the analysis of aortic tortuosity, and is conducive to the clinical operation of AD. Thus, it has application prospects for the preprocessing techniques for the geometric morphology analysis of AD.
Bismuth subsalicylate as potential treatment for Covid-19 pneumonia: A case series report
Authors: Kahlenborn Chris , Severs Walter B. , Nawab Khalid
Published: August 2022

Various literature cited suggests that bismuth may have usefulness against Covid-19 both in vitro and in vivo. During the course of caring for Covid-19 patients we administered bismuth subsalicylate to those who displayed diarrhea and/or gastric complaints. Using relatively conservative criteria, upon retrospective review, we noted marked improvement in oxygen requirements in most of the cases. This improvement was observed even when prior therapy with standard anti-Covid drugs had failed. Our overall impression is that these positive results support a detailed evaluation of bismuth as an adjunct treatment for the treatment of Covid-19.
Physical activity measurement in older adults: Wearables versus self-report
Authors: VandeBunte Anna , Gontrum Eva , Goldberger Lauren , Fonseca Corrina , Djukic Nina , You Michelle , Kramer Joel H. , Casaletto Kaitlin B.
Published: August 2022

Physical activity (PA) is associated with preserved age-related body and brain health. However, PA quantification can vary. Commercial-grade wearable monitors are objective, low burden tools to capture PA but are less well validated in older adults. Self-report PA questionnaires are widely accepted and more frequently used but carry inherent limitations. We aimed to compare these commonly used PA measures against one another and examine their convergent validity with a host of relevant outcomes. We also examined the factors that drive differences in PA self-reporting styles in older adults. 179 older adults completed 30-day Fitbit Flex2™ monitoring and reported PA levels via two widely used PA questionnaires: PASE and CHAMPS-METs (metabolic expenditure calories burned). Participants also completed measures of cardiometabolic (hypertension diagnosis, resting heart rate, A1C levels), cognitive (memory, processing speed, executive functioning), and brain MRI (medial temporal lobe volume) outcomes. The discrepancy between objective Fitbit monitoring and self-reported PA was evaluated using a sample-based z difference score. There were only modest relationships across all PA metrics. Fitbit step count demonstrated a stronger association with the PASE, whereas Fitbit calories burned was more strongly associated with CHAMPS-MET. Fitbit outcomes had more consistent convergence with relevant outcomes of interest (e.g., cardiometabolic and brain health indices) when compared to subjective measures; however, considerable heterogeneity within these associations was observed. A higher degree of overreporting was associated with worse memory and executive performances, as well as hypertension diagnoses. We build on prior findings that wearable, digital health indicators of PA demonstrate greater construct validity than self-report in older adults. We further show important clinical features (e.g., poorer cognitive status) of older adults that could contribute to a higher level of overreporting on self-report measures. Characterization of what PA measures truly operationalize will help elucidate relationships between most relevant facets of PA and outcomes of interest.
Retinal vascular measures from diabetes retinal screening photographs and risk of incident dementia in type 2 diabetes: A GoDARTS study
Authors: Doney Alexander S. F. , Nar Aditya , Huang Yu , Trucco Emanuele , MacGillivray Tom , Connelly Peter , Leese Graham P. , McKay Gareth J. ,   on behalf of the INSPIRED consortium
Published: August 2022

Objective

Patients with diabetes have an increased risk of dementia. Improved prediction of dementia is an important goal in developing future prevention strategies. Diabetic retinopathy screening (DRS) photographs may be a convenient source of imaging biomarkers of brain health. We therefore investigated the association of retinal vascular measures (RVMs) from DRS photographs in patients with type 2 diabetes with dementia risk.

Research Design and Methods

RVMs were obtained from 6,111 patients in the GoDARTS bioresource (635 incident cases) using VAMPIRE software. Their association, independent of Apo E4 genotype and clinical parameters, was determined for incident all cause dementia (ACD) and separately Alzheimer's disease (AD) and vascular dementia (VD). We used Cox’s proportional hazards with competing risk of death without dementia. The potential value of RVMs to increase the accuracy of risk prediction was evaluated.

Results

Increased retinal arteriolar fractal dimension associated with increased risk of ACD (csHR 1.17; 1.08–1.26) and AD (HR 1.33; 1.16–1.52), whereas increased venular fractal dimension (FDV) was associated with reduced risk of AD (csHR 0.85; 0.74–0.96). Conversely, FDV was associated with increased risk of VD (csHR 1.22; 1.07–1.40). Wider arteriolar calibre was associated with a reduced risk of ACD (csHR 0.9; 0.83–0.98) and wider venular calibre was associated with a reduced risk of AD (csHR 0.87; 0.78–0.97). Accounting for competing risk did not substantially alter these findings. RVMs significantly increased the accuracy of prediction.

Conclusions

Conventional DRS photographs could enhance stratifying patients with diabetes at increased risk of dementia facilitating the development of future prevention strategies.
Hydrodynamic mechanism of quasi-synchronous water level rise in observation wells
Authors: Ding Fenghe , Ma Heqing , Luo Guofu , Dai Yong , He Jiawei , Zhu Pengtao , Wu Xiaoyan
Published: August 2022

In 2014, aquifers in the provinces of Jiangsu and Anhui exhibited abnormal and quasi-synchronous increases in water level of unknown origin. Based on the related theories of fluid and rock mechanics, and using atmospheric pressure and tidal effects, we analyzed the changes in the porosity and hydraulic conductivity of the aquifer media for three wells in Jiangsu (Su02, Su03, and Su18) and one well in Anhui (Dingyuan 04) in the undrained state. By constructing a dynamic change model of the well–aquifer system in two states (force and water balance), the hydrodynamic mechanism of the quasi-synchronous rise in the water level in each well was explored. The results show that the rise in the well water level was not related to aquifer compression but was mainly due to an increase in recharge and the recharge exceeding the discharge. These findings indicate that recharge caused by the infiltration of rainwater was the mechanism behind the observed anomaly.
Landslide susceptibility assessment using statistical and machine learning techniques: A case study in the upper reaches of the Minjiang River, southwestern China
Authors: Ling Sixiang , Zhao Siyuan , Huang Junpeng , Zhang Xuantu
Published: August 2022

Landslides have frequently occurred in deeply incised valleys in the upper reaches of the Minjiang River. Long-term interactions between rock uplift and river undercutting developed widely distributed landslides in this catchment, which recorded the typical tectonic geomorphology in the eastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau. In this study, we examined the landslides in the Minjiang catchment and aimed to compare the prediction ability of the statistical and machine learning (ML) models in landslide susceptibility assessment. We adopted the statistical models of the frequency ratio (FR) and information value (IV) models, and the ML models represented by a logistic model tree (LMT) and radial basis function classifier (RBFC) for landslide prediction. An inventory map of 668 landslides was compiled, and the landslides were randomly divided into training (80%) and validation (20%) datasets. Furthermore, 11 control factors of landslides based on topography, geology, hydrology, and other environments were applied for the analysis. The comprehensive performance of the four models was validated and compared using accuracy and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). The results indicated that both sides of the valley along the Mingjiang and Heishuihe Rivers are in the high and very high susceptibility zones; in particular, the river segment from Wenchuan to Maoxian County has the highest susceptibility. The AUC values of the FR, IV, LMT, and RBFC models with the training data were 0.842, 0.862, 0.898, and 0.894, respectively, while the validation dataset illustrated the highest AUC value of 0.879 in the LMT model, followed by the RBFC (0.871), IV (0.869), and FR (0.839) models. Moreover, the LMT and RBFC models had higher accuracy values than the FR and IV models. This suggests that the ML models are superior to the statistical models in generating adequate landslide susceptibility maps, and the LMT model is the most efficient one for landslide prediction in the study region. This study provides a typical case in a landslide-prone region in the plateau margin to advance the understanding of landslide susceptibility assessment.
Supporting a statewide policy consideration: Virtual advancing educational leadership training during COVID-19
Authors: Elfarargy Hamada , Irby Beverly J. , Abdelrahman Nahed , Carol Webb Gwendolyn , Abney Angela , Holley Susan , Villarreal Elsa , Fahrenwald Carl
Published: August 2022

COVID-19 pandemic was and continues to be a shock and a challenge to the entire world. This health and safety challenge found its way into the world of higher education, even in programs that were already delivered in online environments. In this study, we examined the perceptions of 79 developing principals enrolled in a Master of Education Degree program in Educational Administration at Texas A&M University in the United States as they processed the efficacy of a virtual professional development (VPD) leadership for a state certificate in Advancing Educational Leadership (AEL). The state agency has required AEL as a 3-day state-mandated face-to-face training which is a basic requirement for school leaders who evaluate teachers. In fact, per state policy, AEL was delivered in a face-to-face format since it began in 2015, but was transformed to a VPD format in 2020, for the first time, as a response to safety concerns resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. The Texas Education Agency indicated that the training would go back to a face-to-face format after Fall 2021; however, recently the Agency determined that virtual training could continue, along with face-to-face. Initially, this study was conducted to add information to the policy consideration as to whether to leave the option open for university principal preparation programs to offer the AEL virtually or face-to-face; however, with the alteration of the policy and with the findings of the study, we now provide empirical support, based on a a concurrent triangulation mixed methods design, for the Agency’s policy action. This study might be the first published in support of this AEL training policy.
Gabra5 plays a sexually dimorphic role in POMC neuron activity and glucose balance
Authors: Pei Zhou , He Yang , Bean Jonathan C. , Yang Yongjie , Liu Hailan , Yu Meng , Yu Kaifan , Hyseni Ilirjana , Cai Xing , Liu Hesong , Qu Na , Tu Longlong , Conde Kristine M. , Wang Mengjie , Li Yongxiang , Yin Na , Zhang Nan , Han Junying , Potts Camille HS. , Scarcelli Nikolas A. , Yan Zili , Xu Pingwen , Wu Qi , He Yanlin , Xu Yong , Wang Chunmei
Published: August 2022

Pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) neurons are important for the regulation of body weight and glucose balance. The inhibitory tone to POMC neurons is mediated primarily by the GABA receptors. However, the detailed mechanisms and functions of GABA receptors are not well understood. The α5 subunit of GABAA receptor, Gabra5, is reported to regulate feeding, and we found that Gabra5 is highly expressed in POMC neurons. To explore the function of Gabra5 in POMC neurons, we knocked down Gabra5 specifically from mature hypothalamic POMC neurons using the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-Cas9 strategy. This POMC-specific knock-down of Gabra5 did not affect body weight or food intake in either male or female mice. Interestingly, the loss of Gabra5 caused significant increases in the firing frequency and resting membrane potential, and a decrease in the amplitude of the miniature inhibitory postsynaptic current (mIPSC) in male POMC neurons. However, the loss of Gabra5 only modestly decreased the frequency of mIPSC in female POMC neurons. Consistently, POMC-specific knock-down of Gabra5 significantly improved glucose tolerance in male mice but not in female mice. These results revealed a sexually dimorphic role of Gabra5 in POMC neuron activity and glucose balance, independent of body weight control.
Puffball spores improve wound healing in a diabetic rat model
Authors: He Tangtang , Sun Pengfei , Liu Bo , Wan Shiwei , Fang Penghua , Chen Jun , Huang Guicheng , Min Wen
Published: August 2022

Persistent chronic oxidative stress is a primary pathogenic characteristics of diabetic foot ulcers. Puffball spores are a traditional Chinese medicine used to treat diabetic foot ulcers infections and bedsores. However, their effects against diabetic wounds and the mechanism underlying these effects remain largely unknown. The present study explored the effectiveness of puffball spores in diabetic wound treatment and the mechanisms underlying their effects. Sprague-Dawley rats with streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes were treated with puffball spores to ascertain whether they accelerated wound healing.Real-time quantitative PCR, western blotting, hematoxylin-eosin and Masson’s trichrome staining, immunohistochemistry analysis, and immunofluorescence assays were performed. As indicated by wound and serum histology and biochemical analyses, the puffball spores accelerated wound healing by activating Akt/Nrf2 signaling and promoting the expression of its downstream antioxidant genes, markedly stimulating antioxidant activity and enhanceing angiogenesis and collagen deposition. Our findings showed that puffball spores could accelerate diabetic wound healing, enhance antioxidant ability, promote the expression of vascular markers, and suppress inflammation, thus providing a theoretical basis for the treatment of diabetic and refractory wounds.
Development and validation of a nomogram for risk prediction of nephrolithiasis recurrence in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Zhou Yihong , Chu Xi , Jiang Dong , Wu Xiang , Xu Jiarong , Qi Hao , Tang Yuxin , Dai Yingbo
Published: August 2022

Background

Nephrolithiasis is a common complication of primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT), and the recurrence of nephrolithiasis in patients with PHPT is also an urgent concern. What is worse, there is a scarcity of recommended evaluation to predict the risk of nephrolithiasis recurrence in patients with PHPT. This study was aimed to develop and validate a nomogram to facilitate risk assessment in patients with PHPT.

Methods

A total of 197 patients with PHPT were retrospectively included in this study from September 2016 to August 2021. Patients’ demographic data, blood test parameters, urinalysis, stone parameters, and surgical intervention were collected. Extracted variables were submitted to a least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression model. A nomogram was built and validated according to the area under the curve (AUC) value, calibration curve, and decision curve analysis.

Results

According to the LASSO regression and logistic regression analyses, five predictors were derived from 22 variables: creatinine, uric acid, bilateral stone, multiplicity, and surgery. The AUC and concordance index of the training cohort and validation cohort were 0.829 and 0.856, and 0.827 and 0.877, respectively. The calibration curve analysis and the decision curve analysis showed that the nomogram had an adequate prediction accuracy.

Conclusion

We built a useful nomogram model to predict the risk of nephrolithiasis recurrence in patients with PHPT. This would assist clinicians to provide appropriate advices and managements for these patients.
Prevalence of polycystic ovary syndrome in patients with type 2 diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Long Caiyi , Feng Haoyue , Duan Wen , Chen Xin , Zhao Yuemeng , Lan Ying , Yue Rensong
Published: August 2022

Purpose

With type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) occurring at a younger age, a greater number of women with T2DM experience reproductive health problems. The prevalence of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a common reproductive disease associated with T2DM, remains unknown in women with T2DM. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the prevalence of PCOS in women with T2DM.

Methods

Stata 15.1 was used to perform a meta-analysis on the prevalence of PCOS in patients with T2DM included in this study. Additionally, a narrative review of the effects of different diagnostic methods, obesity, state, and other factors on the prevalence of PCOS was conducted.

Results

Meta-analysis showed that the overall prevalence of PCOS in women with T2DM was approximately 21%. Subgroup analysis showed that the incidence of PCOS in female patients aged 25-45 years was higher than that in female patients aged < 25 years. The prevalence of PCOS in obese women was 14%, which was lower than that in normal weight women and normal weight or overweight or obese women. Women with T2DM in Oceania had the highest incidence of PCOS, followed by those in Europe and Asia; women with T2DM in North America had the lowest incidence. In terms of PCOS diagnostic standards, the prevalence of PCOS diagnosed by the National Institutes of Health was the lowest. The prevalence of PCOS diagnosed on the basis of clinical symptoms and biochemical characteristics was the highest, and the prevalence of PCOS diagnosed on the basis of medical records was 20%.

Conclusions

PCOS is a common disease in female patients with T2DM. The prevalence of PCOS in women with T2DM at childbearing age was higher than that in adolescent females. Women with T2DM at childbearing age should pay attention to the screening and prevention of PCOS to avoid the hazards of PCOS to reproductive health.

Systematic review registration

PROSPERO, identifier CRD42022318657.
PIEZO1 mechanoreceptor activation reduces adipogenesis in perivascular adipose tissue preadipocytes
Authors: Rendon C. Javier , Flood Emma , Thompson Janice M. , Chirivi Miguel , Watts Stephanie W. , Contreras G. Andres
Published: August 2022

During hypertension, vascular remodeling allows the blood vessel to withstand mechanical forces induced by high blood pressure (BP). This process is well characterized in the media and intima layers of the vessel but not in the perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT). In PVAT, there is evidence for fibrosis development during hypertension; however, PVAT remodeling is poorly understood. In non-PVAT depots, mechanical forces can affect adipogenesis and lipogenic stages in preadipocytes. In tissues exposed to high magnitudes of pressure like bone, the activation of the mechanosensor PIEZO1 induces differentiation of progenitor cells towards osteogenic lineages. PVAT’s anatomical location continuously exposes it to forces generated by blood flow that could affect adipogenesis in normotensive and hypertensive states. In this study, we hypothesize that activation of PIEZO1 reduces adipogenesis in PVAT preadipocytes. The hypothesis was tested using pharmacological and mechanical activation of PIEZO1. Thoracic aorta PVAT (APVAT) was collected from 10-wk old male SD rats (n=15) to harvest preadipocytes that were differentiated to adipocytes in the presence of the PIEZO1 agonist Yoda1 (10 µM). Mechanical stretch was applied with the FlexCell System at 12% elongation, half-sine at 1 Hz simultaneously during the 4 d of adipogenesis (MS+, mechanical force applied; MS-, no mechanical force used). Yoda1 reduced adipogenesis by 33% compared with CON and, as expected, increased cytoplasmic Ca2+ flux. MS+ reduced adipogenesis efficiency compared with MS-. When Piezo1 expression was blocked with siRNA [siPiezo1; NC=non-coding siRNA], the anti-adipogenic effect of Yoda1 was reversed in siPiezo1 cells but not in NC; in contrast, siPiezo1 did not alter the inhibitory effect of MS+ on adipogenesis. These data demonstrate that PIEZO1 activation in PVAT reduces adipogenesis and lipogenesis and provides initial evidence for an adaptive response to excessive mechanical forces in PVAT during hypertension.
Scenario of carbon dioxide (CO2) emission peaking and reduction path implication in five northwestern provinces of China by the low emissions analysis platform (LEAP) model
Authors: Zhang Zhenxu , Jia Junsong , Guo Yali , Wu Bo , Chen Chundi
Published: August 2022

Achieving global peaking of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions as early as possible is a common goal for all countries. However, CO2 emissions in the northwest China still show a rapid growth trend. Thus, we used the Low Emissions Analysis Platform (LEAP) model to build three scenarios to investigate the peak of CO2 emissions and reduction pathways in five northwestern provinces of China. The results show that: 1) the CO2 emissions of five northwestern provinces under the baseline, the policy, and the green scenarios will peak in 2035 (1663.46 × 106 tonnes), 2031 (1405.00 × 106 tonnes), and 2027 (1273.96 × 106 tonnes), respectively. 2) The CO2 emissions of all provinces, except Qinghai, will not peak before 2030 in the baseline scenario. Under the policy and green scenarios, each province will achieve the peak of CO2 emissions by 2030. 3) The CO2 emissions from agriculture, transportation, and other sectors will peak before 2030 under the baseline scenario. The CO2 emissions from construction will peak before 2030 in policy scenario. The industry and commerce will peak before 2030 in green scenario. 4) The emission reduction effect indicates that CO2 emissions from 2020 to 2040 will be reduced by 4137.70 × 106 tonnes in the policy scenario and 7201.46 × 106 tonnes in the green scenario. The industrial coal and thermal power are the sectors with the greatest potential to reduce CO2 emissions. Accelerating the restructuring of industries and energy structures and improving technologies to reduce energy intensity can promote the achievement of the peak in CO2 emissions by 2030.
Setting thresholds of ecosystem structure and function to protect streams of the Brazilian savanna
Authors: Campos Camila Aida , Tonin Alan M. , Kennard Mark J. , Gonçalves Júnior José Francisco
Published: August 2022

Freshwater environments are among the most threatened by human activities, consequently, their ecosystem structures and functions are targets of significant transformations. It makes monitoring an essential tool in the management of these environments. Ecological metrics have been proven to be effective in monitoring programs aimed at assessing freshwater ecosystem integrity. Structural and functional aspects of the ecosystem may allow for a comprehensive view of the multiple human impacts that occur at different scales. However, a gap in the effective use of such ecological tools lies in the identification of the relative importance of different mechanisms that cause impacts and the interactions between them. Using Boosted Regression Tree (BRT) models, we evaluated the relative importance of natural and human impact factors, from local to catchment scales, on metrics related to diatom and macroinvertebrate assemblages and ecosystem processes. The study was carried out in 52 stream reaches of the Brazilian savanna in central Brazil. Conductivity was the most relevant factor to explain the variation of ecological metrics. In general, macroinvertebrate metrics and algal biomass production responded to both water quality and land use factors, while metrics of diatoms and microbial biomass responded more strongly to water quality variables. The nonlinear responses allowed the detection of gradual or abrupt-changes curves, indicating potential thresholds of important drivers, like conductivity (100–200 µS cm−1), phosphate (0.5 mg L−1) and catchment-scale urbanization (10–20%). Considering the best performance models and the ability to respond rather to stress than to natural factors, the potential bioindicators identified in the study area were the macroinvertebrates abundance, the percentage of group Ephemeroptera/Plecoptera/Trichoptera abundance, the percentage of group Oligochaeta/Hirudinea abundance, the percentage of genus Eunotia abundance, the Trophic Diatom Index and the algal biomass production. The results reinforced the importance of consider in the national monitoring guidelines validated ecological thresholds. Thus, maintaining the balance of aquatic ecosystems may finally be on the way to being achieved.
Enhancing the resilience of sustainable supplier management through the combination of win‒win lean practices and auditing mechanisms—An analysis from the resource-based view
Authors: Qin Zhixia , Chen Ping-Kuo
Published: August 2022

The purpose of this study is to explore when win‒win lean practices can be combined with auditing mechanisms, specifically when adopting the combination of the two. In it, we investigate which capabilities are produced and how they build a stronger control system and produce a greater control force for supplier involvement in the development of the lean practices environment. Does the control force have a positive effect on raising resilience and further realizing the targets of sustainable supplier management? The resource-based view (RBV) is an important theoretical basis for this study. Covariance-based Structural Equation Modelling (CB-SEM) is the main method applied to analyse data from 231 Chinese manufacturers to test and verify the research questions. To test and verify the research questions with CB-SEM before, we test and measure the validity and reliability of the constructs through factor loadings, composite reliability (CR), and average variance extracted (AVE). In addition, we also verify the discriminant validity through the Fornell-Lacker criterion and Cross Loadings and test the multicollinearity. We use AMOS and SPSS 23.0 as our analysis tools. According to the test results, win‒win lean practices can increase supplier dependence on leading companies or manufacturers. It can drive supplier involvement in the formulation of a lean practice environment, expand control over suppliers, produce greater visibility, and further have a positive effect on resilience. In addition, when combined with auditing mechanisms, dependency will drive suppliers to cooperate with auditing practices and reduce their resistance, increase their involvement in the formulation of lean practice environments, further promoting resilience. In addition, dependency and auditing intervention will induce or even raise stakeholder pressure, which can usually maintain the supplier’s cooperation. Finally, dependence, positive intervention, and stakeholder pressure can be deemed strategic resources or capabilities. Based on the above, a cycle between three will be formulated and become a stronger control system, producing greater control force to continue maintaining supplier involvement. It will produce a positive effect to enhance resilience and further realize sustainable supplier management.
Exploring and expanding the phenotype and genotype diversity in seven Chinese families with spondylo-epi-metaphyseal dysplasia
Authors: Lv Shanshan , Zhao Jiao , Liu Li , Wang Chun , Yue Hua , Zhang Hao , Li Shanshan , Zhang Zhenlin
Published: August 2022

Spondylo-epi-metaphyseal dysplasia (SEMD) is a heterogeneous group of disorders with different modes of inheritance and is characterized by disproportionate or proportionate short stature. To date, more than 30 disease-causing genes have been identified, and different types of SEMD exhibit greatly overlapping clinical features, which usually complicate the diagnosis. This study was performed to expand the clinical and molecular spectrum of SEMD among Chinese subjects and to explore their potential phenotype–genotype relations. We enrolled seven families including 11 affected patients with SEMD, and their clinical, radiographic, and genetic data were carefully analyzed. All the seven probands showed different degrees of short stature, and each of them exhibited additional specific skeletal manifestations; four probands had extraosseous manifestations. X-rays of the seven probands showed common features of SEMD, including vertebral deformities, irregular shape of the epiphysis, and disorganization of the metaphysis. Seven variants were identified in TRPV4 (c.694C> T, p.Arg232Cys), COL2A1 (c.654 + 1G > C; c.3266_3268del, p.Gly1089del), CCN6 (c.396 T> G, p.Cys132Trp; c.721 T>C, p.Cys241Arg), SBDS (c.258 + 2T> C), and ACAN (c.1508C> A, p.Thr503Lys) genes, and two of them were novel. Two families with TRPV4 variants showed considerable intrafamily and interfamily heterogeneities. In addition, we reported one case of SEMD with a severe phenotype caused by ACAN gene mutation. Our study expands the phenotype and genetic spectrum of SEMD and provides evidence for the phenotype–genotype relations, aiding future molecular and clinical diagnosis as well as procreative management of SEMD.
Nonprofit post-merger identification: Network size, relational heterogeneity, and perceived integration effectiveness
Authors: Chen Bin , Krauskopf James
Published: August 2022

This paper incorporates insights from organizational identity and identification, social network research and post-merger integration to explore factors influencing employees' identification with a merged nonprofit organization. We propose that nonprofit employees' identification with the merged nonprofit organization is associated with their network size, relational heterogeneity, and perceived effectiveness of integration processes. Empirical results suggest that employees with larger mentoring and socioemotional support networks exhibit strong post-merger identification. Relational heterogeneity within the workflow network has an inverted U-shape relationship with post-merger identification. Employees' perceived effectiveness of integration processes significantly influences their sense of identity with the new organization. Implications for better managing post-merger identification are discussed.
Impact of CTLA-4 checkpoint antibodies on ligand binding and Transendocytosis
Authors: Williams Cayman , Kennedy Alan , Robinson Maximillian A. , Lloyd Christopher , Dovedi Simon J. , Sansom David M.
Published: August 2022

Anti-CTLA-4 antibodies have pioneered the field of tumour immunotherapy. However, despite impressive clinical response data, the mechanism by which anti-CTLA-4 antibodies work is still controversial. Two major checkpoint antibodies (ipilimumab and tremelimumab) have been trialled clinically. Both have high affinity binding to CTLA-4 and occupy the ligand binding site, however recently it has been suggested that in some settings such antibodies may not block ligand-CTLA-4 interactions. Here we evaluated blocking capabilities of these antibodies in a variety of settings using both soluble and cell bound target proteins. We found that when ligands (CD80 or CD86) were expressed on cells, soluble CTLA-4-Ig bound in line with affinity expectations and that this interaction was effectively disrupted by both ipilimumab and tremelimumab antibodies. Similarly, cellular CTLA-4 binding to soluble ligands was comparably prevented. We further tested the ability of these antibodies to block transendocytosis, whereby CTLA-4 captures ligands from target cells during a cognate cell-cell interaction. Once again ipilimumab and tremelimumab were similar in preventing removal of ligand by transendocytosis. Furthermore, even once transendocytosis was ongoing and cell contact was fully established, the addition of these antibodies could prevent further ligand transfer. Together these data indicate that the above checkpoint inhibitors performed in-line with predictions based on affinity and binding site data and are capable of blocking CTLA-4-ligand interactions in a wide range of settings tested.
Lipopolysaccharide sensitizes the therapeutic response of breast cancer to IAP antagonist
Authors: Liu Xin , Yao Jimmy J. , Chen Zhongxuan , Lei Wei , Duan Rong , Yao Zhenqiang
Published: August 2022

Inhibitor of apoptosis protein (IAP) is a class of E3 ubiquitin ligases functioning to support cancer survival and growth. Many small-molecule IAP antagonists have been developed, aiming to degrade IAP proteins to kill cancer. We have evaluated the effect of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a component of the bacterial outer membrane, on IAP antagonists in treating breast cancer in a mouse model to guide future clinical trials. We show that LPS promotes IAP antagonist-induced regression of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) from MDA-MB-231 cells in immunodeficient mice. IAP antagonists such as SM-164, AT-406, and BV6, do not kill MDA-MB-231 cells alone, but allow LPS to induce cancer cell apoptosis rapidly. The apoptosis caused by LPS plus SM-164 is blocked by toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) or MyD88 inhibitor, which inhibits LPS-induced TNFα production by the cancer cells. Consistent with this, MDA-MB-231 cell apoptosis induced by LPS plus SM-164 is also blocked by the TNF inhibitor. LPS alone does not kill MDA-MB-231 cells because it markedly increases the protein level of cIAP1/2, which is directly associated with and stabilized by MyD88, an adaptor protein of TLR4. ER+ MCF7 breast cancer cells expressing low levels of cIAP1/2 undergo apoptosis in response to SM-164 combined with TNFα but not with LPS. Furthermore, TNFα but not LPS alone inhibits MCF7 cell growth in vitro. Consistent with these, LPS combined with SM-164, but not either of them alone, causes regression of ER+ breast cancer from MCF7 cells in immunodeficient mice. In summary, LPS sensitizes the therapeutic response of both triple-negative and ER+ breast cancer to IAP antagonist therapy by inducing rapid apoptosis of the cancer cells through TLR4- and MyD88-mediated production of TNFα. We conclude that antibiotics that can reduce microbiota-derived LPS should not be used together with an IAP antagonist for cancer therapy.