bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Use of Counting Media Sticks on Addition Materials to Improve Grade 1 Students’ Learning Outcomes
Authors: Masrukahtin Siti , Edi Siswanto M. Bambang
Published: November 2022

Schools with backgrounds that do not meet the learning media will have an effect on the quality of students' learning. In addition, as a teacher must also be able to motivate and provide a pleasant learning experience. This research was conducted using a counting stick learning medium in 1st grade math subjects with summation materials in the hope that students can improve learning outcomes. This research process uses a causative approach with a type of pre-esperimental design (nondesign) one-group pretest-posttest. This form of research compares the results of pretest and posttest with given a treatment. Data is obtained from the results of pre-test and post-test as well as the student response questionnaire to the use of media stick count. The results of the study from the influence of media sticks calculate the summation material on student learning outcomes before being given and after the provision of learning using media stick count on the summation material is still below the average Minimum Provision Criteria (KKM) which is 75. Compared to after being given steamy treatment of learning using a media stick count, the results showed a significant level of student learning outcomes that can be seen from post-test scores with an average score of 91.
The Effect of Inquiry Learning Model of Student’s Learning Outcomes in Science Materials about Style at Grade IV SDN Mentaos Gudo Jombang
Authors: Ramadani Ines Stesia , Rochmania Desty
Published: November 2022

Education is the most important factor in determining one’s future. As well as helping students think critically, one of the factors causing low learning outcomes is an inappropriate learning process. Thematic learning on science material about style is carried out by educators in class IV SDN Mentaos by using lectures, discussion, practice questions that tend to be teacher center, causing students to feel bored, bored and even tend to dislike the material being taught and students become not enthusiastic in learning. This can be done by giving students the opportunity to think critically by using the inquiry learning model, because with this inquiry model students will be directly involved in critical thinking, asking questions, and conducting experiments, so that students’ knowledge of the subject matter is also stonger and meaningful. This study aims to determine the effect of the inquiry learning model on student learning outcomes in science subjects  about the style of class IV SD. This research is a quantitative research with the type of research Pre-Experimental Design with a research design of One Group Pre Test Post Test Design. The population of this study is the entire class IV totaling 25 students consisting of 13 boys and 12 girls. The data analysis in this study used normality test analysis, and t-test with the help of SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Science) software. The results of this study indicate that there is an effect of learning science material on the style of fourth grade studets at SDN Mentaos Gudo Jombang with a significant level of 0.000. The significant value shows 0.000 < 0.05. So Ho is rejected and H1 is accepted. Which means, in this study the variable using the inquiry learning model has an effect on student learning outcomes.

Keywords: effect, inquiry learning model, learning outcomes.
The Implementation Of Ananda's Ringing Program Based On Linking Books To Improve Grade 1 Learning Discipline
Authors: Utami Sri , Siswanto M. Bambang Edi
Published: November 2022

This research is motivated by the lack of learning discipline of students at SDIT Ar Ruhul Jadid Jombang. Student learning discipline is formed from a good behavior that must be gradually and continuously applied. One of the implementations is to implement a link book-based ananda ring program. The objectives to be achieved in this research are to improve students' learning discipline through ananda ringing program based on connecting books, describe the form of student learning phenomena and describe how to grow student discipline at SDIT Ar Ruhul Jadid Jombang. This study uses a qualitative approach with a qualitative descriptive type of research. The subjects of this study were parents, classroom teachers and students. The data collection method used is the method of observation, interviews and documentation. The validity of the data was obtained by using source triangulation, time triangulation and technical triangulation. The results showed that; 1) Ananda ringing program based on the link book is able to improve the learning discipline of SDIT Ar Ruhul Jadid Jombang students. 2) Efforts to foster student learning discipline at SDIT Ar Ruhul Jadid is to use the Ananda ringing program which is supported by forming a TPDS (School Discipline Enforcement Team). 3) The form of student learning discipline can be seen from the increase in 3 aspects, namely; a) aspects of worship, b) social aspects, and c) aspects of independence.
Different methods of synthesizing poly(glycerol sebacate) (PGS): A review
Authors: Godinho Bruno , Gama Nuno , Ferreira Artur
Published: November 2022

Poly(glycerol sebacate) (PGS) is a biodegradable elastomer that has attracted increasing attention as a potential material for applications in biological tissue engineering. The conventional method of synthesis, first described in 2002, is based on the polycondensation of glycerol and sebacic acid, but it is a time-consuming and energy-intensive process. In recent years, new approaches for producing PGS, PGS blends, and PGS copolymers have been reported to not only reduce the time and energy required to obtain the final material but also to adjust the properties and processability of the PGS-based materials based on the desired applications. This review compiles more than 20 years of PGS synthesis reports, reported inconsistencies, and proposed alternatives to more rapidly produce PGS polymer structures or PGS derivatives with tailor-made properties. Synthesis conditions such as temperature, reaction time, reagent ratio, atmosphere, catalysts, microwave-assisted synthesis, and PGS modifications (urethane and acrylate groups, blends, and copolymers) were revisited to present and discuss the diverse alternatives to produce and adapt PGS.
Clinical and molecular characteristics of a novel rare de novo variant in PPP2CA in a patient with a developmental disorder, autism, and epilepsy
Authors: Verbinnen Iris , Procknow Sara S. , Lenaerts Lisa , Reynhout Sara , Mehregan Aujan , Ulens Chris , Janssens Veerle , King Katherine A.
Published: November 2022

PP2A-related (neuro) developmental disorders are a family of genetic diseases caused by a heterozygous alteration in one of several genes encoding a subunit of type 2A protein phosphatases. Reported affected genes, so far, are PPP2R5D, encoding the PP2A regulatory B56δ subunit; PPP2R1A, encoding the scaffolding Aα subunit; and PPP2CA, encoding the catalytic Cα subunit—in that order of frequency. Patients with a pathogenic de novo mutation in one of these genes, in part, present with overlapping features, such as generalized hypotonia, intellectual and developmental delay, facial dysmorphologies, seizures, and autistic features, and, in part, with opposite features, e.g., smaller versus larger head sizes or normal versus absent corpus callosum. Molecular variant characterization has been consistent so far with loss-of-function or dominant-negative disease mechanisms for all three affected genes. Here, we present a case report of another PPP2CA-affected individual with a novel de novo missense variant, resulting in a one-amino acid substitution in the Cα subunit: p.Cys196Arg. Biochemical characterization of the variant revealed its pathogenicity, as it appeared severely catalytically impaired, showed mildly affected A subunit binding, and moderately decreased binding to B/B55, B”/PR72, and all B56 subunits, except B56γ1. Carboxy-terminal methylation appeared unaffected, as was binding to B”’/STRN3—all being consistent with a partial loss of function. Clinically, the girl presented with mild-to-moderate developmental delay, a full-scale IQ of 83, mild dysmorphic facial features, tonic–clonic seizures, and autistic behaviors. Brain MRI appeared normal. We conclude that this individual falls within the milder end of the clinical and molecular spectrum of previously reported PPP2CA cases.
Mesoporous nanoplatform integrating photothermal effect and enhanced drug delivery to treat breast cancer bone metastasis
Authors: Miao Wujun , Ti Yunfan , Lu Jingwei , Zhao Jianning , Xu Bin , Chen Liang , Bao Nirong
Published: November 2022

Bone metastatic breast cancer has severely threatened the survival and life quality of patients. Due to the suboptimal efficacy of anti-metastatic chemotherapeutic drugs and the complicated bone marrow microenvironments, effective treatment of metastatic breast cancer remains challenging for traditional clinical approaches. In this work, we developed a mesoporous nanoplatform (m-CuS-PEG) with the co-loading of CuS nanodots and a chemotherapeutic drug cisplatin for the combined photothermal-chemotherapy of bone-metastasized breast cancer. The CuS nanodots were decorated onto mesoporous silica (m-SiO2) surface with dendritic mesoporous channels, into which the cisplatin was accommodated. The carboxyl-terminated poly (ethylene glycol) (PEG) was further functionalized onto the surface to obtain the functional nanoplatform m-CuS-PEG. The drug release of the loaded cisplatin exhibited pH- and thermal-dual responsive manner. The attached CuS nanodots rendered the mesoporous nanoplatform with high photothermal conversion ability. Upon irradiation with a near-infrared laser in the second near-infrared (NIR-II) window, m-CuS-PEG dispersions exhibited rapid temperature elevation and high photostability. The results revealed that m-CuS-PEG had excellent biocompatibility. The cisplatin-loaded m-CuS-PEG not only showed superior cancer cell-killing effects, but also significantly inhibit the growth of metastatic tumors. The tumor-induced bone destruction was also dramatically attenuated by the mesoporous nanoplatform-mediated combined therapy. Overall, the developed functional nanoplatform integrates photothermal therapy and efficient chemotherapeutic drug delivery to offer an alternative approach for combating breast cancer bone metastasis.
Alterations of sympathetic dynamics after atrial fibrillation ablation by analysis sympathetic nerve activity provide prognostic value for recurrence and mechanistic insights into ablation
Authors: Chen Jien-Jiun , Lin Chen , Chuang Yuan-Cheng , Lee Shu-Fang , Lin Tse-Yu , Yu Chieh-Cheh , Tsai Chia-Ti , Liao Min-Tsun , Lin Tin-Tse , Lin Lian-Yu , Lo Men-Tzung
Published: November 2022

Background

Pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) is the cornerstone of atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation. Success is associated with autonomic function modulation; however, the relationship between the changes after ablation is not fully understood. We aimed to investigate the effect of ablation on autonomic modulation by skin sympathetic nerve activity (SKNA) using conventional electrocardiogram (ECG) electrodes and to predict the treatment success.

Methods

We enrolled 79 patients. We recorded neuECG for 10 min at 10 kHz before and after ablation. The NeuECG was bandpass-filtered (500–1,000 Hz) and integrated at intervals of 100 ms (iSKNA). iSKNA was averaged over different time windows (1-, 5-,10-s; aSKNAs), and burst analyses were derived from aSKNAs to quantify the dynamics of sympathetic activities. AF recurrence after 3 months was defined as the study endpoint.

Results

Sixteen patients experienced AF recurrence after the ablation. For burst analysis of 1-s aSKNA, the recurrence group had a higher bursting frequency than the non-recurrence group (0.074 ± 0.055 vs. 0.109 ± 0.067; p < 0.05) before ablation. The differences between pre- and post-ablation of firing duration longer than 2 s were more in the non-recurrence group (2.75 ± 6.41 vs. −1.41 ± 5.14; p < 0.05), while no significant changes were observed in the percentage of duration longer than 10 s using 5-s aSKNA. In addition, decreases in differences in firing frequency and percentage of both overall firing duration and longer firing duration (> 2 s) between pre- and post-ablation were independently associated with AF recurrence and more area under receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve in combination with CHADS2 score (0.833).

Conclusion

We demonstrated the applicability of neuECG for determining sympathetic modulation during AF ablation. Decreasing sympathetic activity is the key to successful ablation.
Outcomes of early catheter ablation for ventricular tachycardia in adult patients with structural heart disease and implantable cardioverter-defibrillator: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials
Authors: Shalganov Tchavdar , Stoyanov Milko , Traykov Vassil
Published: November 2022

Aims

Catheter ablation (CA) for ventricular tachycardia (VT) can improve outcomes in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy. Data on patients with non-ischemic cardiomyopathy are scarce. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to compare early CA for VT to deferred or no ablation in patients with ischemic or non-ischemic cardiomyopathy.

Methods and results

Studies were selected according to the following PICOS criteria: patients with structural heart disease and an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) for VT, regardless of the antiarrhythmic drug treatment; intervention–early CA; comparison–no or deferred CA; outcomes–any appropriate ICD therapy, appropriate ICD shocks, all-cause mortality, VT storm, cardiovascular mortality, cardiovascular hospitalizations, complications, quality of life; published randomized trials with follow-up ≥12 months. Random-effect meta-analysis was performed. Outcomes were assessed using aggregate study-level data and reported as odds ratio (OR) or mean difference with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Stratification by left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was also done. Eight trials (n = 1,076) met the criteria. Early ablation was associated with reduced incidence of ICD therapy (OR 0.53, 95% CI 0.33–0.83, p = 0.005), shocks (OR 0.52, 95% CI 0.35–0.77, p = 0.001), VT storm (OR 0.58, 95% CI 0.39–0.85, p = 0.006), and cardiovascular hospitalizations (OR 0.67, 95% CI 0.49–0.92, p = 0.01). All-cause and cardiovascular mortality, complications, and quality of life were not different. Stratification by LVEF showed a reduction of ICD therapy only with higher EF (high EF OR 0.40, 95% CI 0.20–0.80, p = 0.01 vs. low EF OR 0.62, 95% CI 0.34–1.12, p = 0.11), while ICD shocks (high EF OR 0.54, 95% CI 0.25–1.15, p = 0.11 vs. low EF OR 0.50, 95% CI 0.30–0.83, p = 0.008) and hospitalizations (high EF OR 0.95, 95% CI 0.58–1.58, p = 0.85 vs. low EF OR 0.58, 95% CI 0.40–0.82, p = 0.002) were reduced only in patients with lower EF.

Conclusion

Early CA for VT in patients with structural heart disease is associated with reduced incidence of ICD therapy and shocks, VT storm, and hospitalizations. There is no impact on mortality, complications, and quality of life. (The review protocol was registered with INPLASY on June 19, 2022, #202260080).

Systematic review registration

[https://inplasy.com/], identifier [202260080].
Rodent incisor as a model to study mesenchymal stem cells in tissue homeostasis and repair
Authors: Jing Junjun , Zhang Mingyi , Guo Tingwei , Pei Fei , Yang Yuchen , Chai Yang
Published: November 2022

The homeostasis of adult tissues, such as skin, hair, blood, and bone, requires continuous generation of differentiated progeny of stem cells. The rodent incisor undergoes constant renewal and can provide an extraordinary model for studying stem cells and their progeny in adult tissue homeostasis, cell differentiation and injury-induced regeneration. Meanwhile, cellular heterogeneity in the mouse incisor also provides an opportunity to study cell-cell communication between different cell types, including interactions between stem cells and their niche environment. More importantly, the molecular and cellular regulatory mechanisms revealed by the mouse incisor have broad implications for other organs. Here we review recent findings and advances using the mouse incisor as a model, including perspectives on the heterogeneity of cells in the mesenchyme, the niche environment, and signaling networks that regulate stem cell behavior. The progress from this field will not only expand the knowledge of stem cells and organogenesis, but also bridge a gap between animal models and tissue regeneration.
Vitamin D inhibits bone loss in mice with thyrotoxicosis by activating the OPG/RANKL and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways
Authors: Xu Dan , Gao Hong-Jiao , Lu Chun-Yan , Tian Hao-Ming , Yu Xi-Jie
Published: November 2022

Objective

Vitamin D and thyroid hormones have crucial roles in bone metabolism. This study aims to explore the effects of vitamin D on bone metabolism in mice with thyrotoxicosis and its mechanisms.

Methods

12-week-old mice were randomly divided into 6 groups (6 mice/group), the control (CON) group, vitamin D (VD) group, low-dose LT4 (Low LT4) group, low-dose LT4+VD (Low LT4+VD) group, high-dose LT4 (High LT4) group, high-dose LT4+VD (High LT4+VD) group, LT4 was provided every day and vitamin D3 every other day for 12 weeks. Thyroid function, 25-hydroxy vitamin D, type I collagen carboxy-terminal peptide (CTX), and type I procollagen amino-terminal peptide were determined. In addition, microcomputed tomography, bone histology and histomorphometry, a three-point bending test, and the mRNA expression of osteoprotegerin (OPG), receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL) and β-catenin in bone were conducted.

Results

The BMD of lumbar vertebrae and femur decreased and the bone microstructure was destroyed significantly in thyrotoxicosis mice. Addition of vitamin D improved the BMD and bone microstructure only in the low LT4+VD group. Mice with thyrotoxicosis had a significantly higher level of CTX (P<0.05), which was decreased by treatment with vitamin D (P<0.05). The eroded surface per bone surface (Er. S/BS) of the cancellous bone and elongated surface/endocortical perimeter (Er. S/E Pm) of the cortical bone significantly increased in the Low LT4 and High LT4 groups (P<0.05). Treatment with vitamin D significantly decreased the Er. S/BS and Er. S/E Pm. But, treatment with vitamin D did not significantly improve the toughness and rigidity of bones. The ratio of OPG to RANKL and mRNA expression of β-catenin in the Low LT4+VD group were higher than that in the Low LT4 group (P<0.05).

Conclusion

In mice with thyrotoxicosis, treatment with vitamin D can inhibit bone resorption and improve the BMD and trabecular bone architecture by increasing the ratio of OPG to RANKL and upregulating the expression of Wnt/β-catenin.
Biotic homogenization of stream macroinvertebrates in an Afrotropical Anthropocene: Land use and ecological correlates
Authors: Keke Unique N. , Arimoro Francis O. , Edegbene Augustine O. , Akamagwuna Frank C. , Assie Fulbert A. G. J. , Odume Oghenekaro N.
Published: November 2022

Land use modification is a notable cause of biodiversity loss in streams. However, the impacts of anthropogenic forest conversion on β-diversity are difficult to forecast, especially in Afrotropical stream ecosystem, mainly because: 1) empirical research is scant, and; 2) the few available studies provide conflicting findings. In our study, we used techniques of decomposing β-diversity to evaluate the influence of land use changes on macroinvertebrates β-diversity of 66 stream sites in an Afrotropical Anthropocene. We also evaluated the potential exclusive and shared contributions of ecological drivers of community composition and β-diversity. Our total β-diversity for both forested and modified streams was driven mainly by the turnover component, while the nestedness-resultant component was negligible. The dominance of turnover in both forested and modified streams in our systems stresses the urgency to protect many sites in order to conserve γ-diversity. While β-diversity diminished in our urban + agric streams in relation to our forest streams, leading to a process of biotic homogenization, β-diversity of our forest streams was similar to that of the urban streams, implying that land use does not necessarily lead to a process of biotic homogenization. The contrasting findings about relationships between land use and β-diversity in our study showed that the effects of land use on β-diversity can be variable and context-dependent. Larger parts of variation in community composition and β-diversity were accounted for by the local environmental conditions (through environmental filtering) and land use, while geographical spatial factors (through dispersal limitation) explained little part of variation in our system–highlighting the importance of species sorting (environmental filtering) over dispersal-related processes in metacommunity organization.
Correlations and dominant climatic factors among diversity patterns of plant families, genera, and species
Authors: Mo Yu , Li Tianyu , Bao Yajing , Zhang Jing , Zhao Yu , Ye Jiaqi , Zhang Yilong , Wu Weize , Tang Jizhe , Li Zhenghai
Published: November 2022

At present, the relationship between the diversity distribution patterns of different taxonomic levels of plants and climatic factors is still unclear. This paper explored the diversity pattern of vascular plant families, genera, and species in China at the municipal scale. It also studied the effects of accumulated temperature ≥ 10°C, annual precipitation, and hydrothermal base which reflect the effect of hydrothermal resources on the plant diversity pattern. The results showed that: There were extremely significant correlations among the diversities of plant families, genera, and species, and the interpretation degree of diversity between adjacent the taxonomic levels was more than 90%. The diversity pattern of plant families was mainly affected by dominant climatic state indicators such as the maximum value of accumulated temperature, annual precipitation, and hydrothermal base, and the gradient range of the hydrothermal base, which showed a clear latitudinal gradient law. The diversity pattern of plant species was found to be mainly dependent on the climatic heterogeneity indicators, being closely related to the heterogeneity indicators and sum indicators of the hydrothermal base. It was also affected by the range of precipitation gradient range. Plant genus and its diversity pattern are not only significantly affected by heterogeneity and sum indicators but also closely related to climate state indicators. In comparison with the humidity index in vegetation ecological studies, the related indicators of the hydrothermal base proposed in this paper excelled at revealing the relationship between climate and diversity patterns of plant families, genera, and species, and could effectively solve the species-area relationship issue in arid and low-temperature areas. The results of this paper have presented important theoretical and practical values for comprehensively understanding the correlation between climate and diversity of plant families, genera, and species, clarifying the impact of climate difference and climate change on plant diversity.
Impacts of different fencing periods and grazing intensities on insect diversity in the desert steppe in Inner Mongolia
Authors: Wang Ning , Song Xiaoxiao , Wang Jiayu , Wang Liming
Published: November 2022

For the past several decades, both species biodiversity and productivity of desert steppe have been reduced due to excessive use and climate factors. To counteract this, Chinese government has supported large-scale grassland ecological restoration programs since the year 2000. The policy needs a standard for the evaluation of the effects of such restorative measures on the grasslands after decades. Grassland insect diversity plays an important role in the maintenance of plant species and functional diversity. To understand the relation of grazing management and insect diversity, we use a complete two factor design, two fencing periods (3 or 7 years) and three grazing intensities (0, 6, or 12 sheep per ha), to examine the response of the insect diversity to fencing and grazing in desert steppe. We found almost no significant differences in either plant or insect species diversity between the sites fenced for 3 and 7 years, as the pressure of grazing increased, insect diversity decreased to a greater extent at 7-year enclosure sites than at 3-year sites. We recommend the most suitable grazing intensity for the sustainability of biodiversity of the desert steppe in Inner Mongolia is light grazing (8 sheep/ha 0.5 yr−1), and the most suitable fencing period is three years, which suggest that policies that remove livestock from the desert grassland for long periods (7 + years) are not beneficial for maintaining insect diversity, and heavy grazing lead ecological environment weaker and insect diversity decreasing. Thus, periodic livestock grazing is important in the design of management actions to preserve biodiversity.
Behavioral responses to anthropogenic noise at highways vary across temporal scales
Authors: Collins Amy C. , Vickers T. Winston , Shilling Fraser M.
Published: November 2022

Anthropogenic noise is pervasive across the landscape and can be present at two temporal scales: acute (occurring sporadically and stochastically over the shortest time scales, e.g., milliseconds), and chronic (more persistent than instantaneous and occurring over longer timescales, e.g., minutes, days). Acute and chronic anthropogenic noise may induce a behavioral fear-mediated response in wildlife that is analogous to a prey response to predators. Understanding wildlife responses to anthropogenic noise is especially important in the case of wildlife crossing structures that provide wildlife with access to resources across busy roadways. Focusing on two species common at wildlife crossing structures, mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) and coyotes (Canis latrans), we addressed the hypotheses that (1) acute traffic noise causes flight behavior; and (2) chronic traffic noise causes changes in a range of behaviors associated with the vigilance–foraging trade-off (vigilance, running, and foraging). We placed camera traps at entrances to ten crossing structures for a period of ∼ 2 months each throughout California, USA. Mule deer and coyotes demonstrated a flight response to acute traffic noise at entrances to crossing structures. Both species demonstrated shifts in behavioral response to chronic traffic noise within and among structures. Coyote behavior was indicative of fear, demonstrating increased vigilance at louder times within crossing structures, and switching from vigilance to running activity at louder crossings. Mule deer responded positively, increasing foraging at both spatial scales, and demonstrating decreased vigilance at louder structures, potentially using crossing structures as a Human Shield. Our results are the first to demonstrate that anthropogenic noise at crossing structures could alter wildlife passage, and that variations in fear response to anthropogenic noise exist across temporal, spatial, and amplitude scales. This dynamic response could alter natural predator-prey interactions and scale up to ecosystem-level consequences such as trophic cascades in areas with roads.
Seasonal variations of cold hardiness and dormancy depth in five temperate woody plants in China
Authors: Hu Zhi , Lin Shaozhi , Wang Huanjiong , Dai Junhu
Published: November 2022

Woody plant species in temperate regions must withstand a cold winter and freezing events through cold acclimation and dormancy in autumn and winter. However, how seasonal changes in dormancy depth and cold hardiness affect the frost risk of temperate species is unclear because few studies have assessed dormancy depth and cold hardiness simultaneously. In this study, an experiment was conducted to estimate the dormancy depth and cold hardiness of five common woody temperate plant species during the winter of 2018/2019 in Beijing, China. Twigs of each species were collected at different dates during winter and the timing of budburst was monitored under the same forcing conditions. The dormancy depth was quantified as growing degree day (GDD) requirements of spring events. Simultaneously, the cold hardiness of buds at each sampling date was determined based on the electrical conductivity of the holding solution. Two indices (chilling accumulation and cold hardiness index) were used to simulate the past dynamics of dormancy depth, spring phenology, and cold hardiness from 1952 to 2021. The maximum dormancy depth of the study species was observed between early October and early December, and thereafter decreased exponentially. The cold hardiness peaked in mid-winter (end of December) through cold acclimation and thereafter decreased in spring (deacclimation). During the past 70 years, the budburst date (first flowering date or first leaf date) of five species was estimated to have advanced significantly, and dormancy depth in early spring was predicted to have increased owing to the warming-associated decrease in chilling accumulation. However, cold hardiness has decreased because of weakened acclimation and accelerated deacclimation under a warming climate. The frost risk before and after budburst remained unchanged because of the reduction in occurrence and severity of low-temperature events and earlier late spring frosts. The present methods could be generalized to estimate and predict the seasonal changes in dormancy depth and cold hardiness of temperate species in the context of climate change.
Metabolic syndrome and aberrant immune responses to viral infection and vaccination: Insights from small animal models
Authors: Geerling Elizabeth , Hameed Muddassar , Weger-Lucarelli James , Pinto Amelia K.
Published: November 2022

This review outlines the propensity for metabolic syndrome (MetS) to induce elevated disease severity, higher mortality rates post-infection, and poor vaccination outcomes for viral pathogens. MetS is a cluster of conditions including high blood glucose, an increase in circulating low-density lipoproteins and triglycerides, abdominal obesity, and elevated blood pressure which often overlap in their occurrence. MetS diagnoses are on the rise, as reported cases have increased by greater than 35% since 1988, resulting in one-third of United States adults currently diagnosed as MetS patients. In the aftermath of the 2009 H1N1 pandemic, a link between MetS and disease severity was established. Since then, numerous studies have been conducted to illuminate the impact of MetS on enhancing virally induced morbidity and dysregulation of the host immune response. These correlative studies have emphasized the need for elucidating the mechanisms by which these alterations occur, and animal studies conducted as early as the 1940s have linked the conditions associated with MetS with enhanced viral disease severity and poor vaccine outcomes. In this review, we provide an overview of the importance of considering overall metabolic health in terms of cholesterolemia, glycemia, triglyceridemia, insulin and other metabolic molecules, along with blood pressure levels and obesity when studying the impact of metabolism-related malignancies on immune function. We highlight the novel insights that small animal models have provided for MetS-associated immune dysfunction following viral infection. Such animal models of aberrant metabolism have paved the way for our current understanding of MetS and its impact on viral disease severity, dysregulated immune responses to viral pathogens, poor vaccination outcomes, and contributions to the emergence of viral variants.
SLC11A1 as a stratification indicator for immunotherapy or chemotherapy in patients with glioma
Authors: Xu Houshi , Zhang Anke , Fang Chaoyou , Zhu Qingwei , Wang Wei , Liu Yibo , Zhang Zeyu , Wang Xiaoyu , Yuan Ling , Xu Yuanzhi , Shao Anwen , Lou Meiqing
Published: November 2022

Background

Glioma is a fatal tumor originating from the brain, which accounts for most intracranial malignancies. Currently, Immunotherapy has turned into a novel and promising treatment in glioma patients. however, there are still few effective biomarkers to mirror the reaction to immunotherapy in patients with glioma. Therefore, we intended to elucidate the evaluable efficacy of SLC11A1 in glioma patients.

Methods

In this study, samples from Shanghai General Hospital and data from TCGA, GEO, CGGA datasets were used to investigate and validate the relationship between SLC11A1 and the progression of glioma. We evaluated the predictive value of SLC11A1 on the prognosis of glioma with cox regression analysis. Then the relationship between immune infiltration and SLC11A1 was also analyzed. Ultimately, we performed the prediction on the immunotherapeutic response and therapeutic drugs according to the expression of SLC11A1.

Results

Expression of SLC11A1 increased with progression and predicted unfavorable prognosis for glioma patients. The hazard ratio for SLC11A1 expression was 2.33 with 95% CI (1.92-2.58) (P < 0.001) in cox analysis. And based on expression, we found SLC11A1 stratified glioma patients into subgroups with different immune activation statuses. Moreover, we observed that patients with higher SLC11A1 levels companied with better immunotherapeutic response, while those with lower SLC11A1 levels may respond better to temozolomide.

Conclusion

This study provided evidence that SLC11A1 was a novel prognostic marker and immunotherapy response indicator for gliomas. In some cases, SLC11A1 could be an effective marker for identifying patients who might benefit from immunotherapy or chemotherapy.
First evidence of population genetic structure of the deep-water blackmouth catshark Galeus melastomus Rafinesque, 1810
Authors: Di Crescenzo Simone , Ferrari Alice , Barría Claudio , Cannas Rita , Cariani Alessia , Drewery Jim , Fernández-Peralta Lourdes , Giordano Daniela , Hidalgo Manuel , Kousteni Vasiliki , Marino Ilaria Anna Maria , Massi Daniela , Moura Teresa , Rey Javier , Sartor Paolo , Scacco Umberto , Serena Fabrizio , Stagioni Marco , Tinti Fausto
Published: November 2022

Among the main measures adopted to reduce anthropogenic impacts on elasmobranch communities, understanding the ecology of deep-sea sharks is of paramount importance, especially for potentially vulnerable species highly represented in the bycatch composition of commercial fisheries such as the blackmouth catshark Galeus melastomus. In the present work, we unravelled the first indication of population genetic structure of G. melastomus by using a novel and effective panel of nuclear, and polymorphic DNA markers and compared our results with previous findings supporting high genetic connectivity at large spatial scales. Given the lack of species-specific nuclear markers, a total of 129 microsatellite loci (Simple Sequence Repeats, SSRs) were cross-amplified on blackmouth catshark specimens collected in eight geographically distant areas in the Mediterranean Sea and North-eastern Atlantic Ocean. A total of 13 SSRs were finally selected for genotyping, based on which the species exhibited signs of weak, but tangible genetic structure. The clearcut evidence of genetic differentiation of G. melastomus from Scottish waters from the rest of the population samples was defined, indicating that the species is genetically structured in the Mediterranean Sea and adjacent North-eastern Atlantic. Both individual and frequency-based analyses identified a genetic unit formed by the individuals collected in the Tyrrhenian Sea and the Strait of Sicily, distinguished from the rest of the Mediterranean and Portuguese samples. In addition, Bayesian analyses resolved a certain degree of separation of the easternmost Aegean sample and the admixed nature of the other Mediterranean and the Portuguese samples. Here, our results supported the hypothesis that the interaction between the ecology and biology of the species and abiotic drivers such as water circulations, temperature and bathymetry may affect the dispersion of G. melastomus, adding new information to the current knowledge of the connectivity of this deep-water species and providing powerful tools for estimating its response to anthropogenic impacts.
Microstructure and shear property of high-temperature brazing of TiAl alloy and 316L stainless steel with a Ni-based amorphous filler
Authors: Guo Shun , Li Xiaopeng , Dong Kewei , Gu Jieren , Zhou Qi , Wang Kehong
Published: November 2022

High-quality joining of TiAl alloy to stainless steel is of great significance to the aerospace field. However, the hybrid structure of TiAl and 316L always suffers from insufficient strength when serving at elevated temperatures. In this work, a high-melting-point quaternary Ni-Nb-Zr-Ti amorphous alloy was applied as the filler metal to braze the two alloys at different temperatures. The microstructure and mechanical properties were studied in detail, and the results indicated that the joint was divided into three different regions and various reaction products were formed after brazing. The shear strength of the joint tends to first increase and then decrease with increasing brazing temperature. A satisfactory joint was obtained at 1090°C, and the highest shear strength reached 290 MPa and 180 MPa at room temperature and 750°C, respectively. Shear fracture indicates that there were obvious cleavage steps and some secondary cracks on the fracture surface, indicating that a high-melting-point quaternary Ni-Nb-Zr-Ti amorphous alloy is useful to improve the shear strength of TiAl alloy and 316L stainless steel, but it is difficult to effectively improve the plasticity. The fracture occurred on the TiAl interfacial region, and the phase causing microcrack initiation and propagation was AlNiTi.
Cardiopulmonary disease as sequelae of long-term COVID-19: Current perspectives and challenges
Authors: Oliveira Rudolf K. F. , Nyasulu Peter S. , Iqbal Adeel Ahmed , Hamdan Gul Muhammad , Ferreira Eloara V. M. , Leclair John William , Htun Zin Mar , Howard Luke S. , Mocumbi Ana O. , Bryant Andrew J. , Tamuzi Jacques L. , Avdeev Sergey , Petrosillo Nicola , Hassan Ahmed , Butrous Ghazwan , de Jesus Perez Vinicio
Published: November 2022

COVID-19 infection primarily targets the lungs, which in severe cases progresses to cytokine storm, acute respiratory distress syndrome, multiorgan dysfunction, and shock. Survivors are now presenting evidence of cardiopulmonary sequelae such as persistent right ventricular dysfunction, chronic thrombosis, lung fibrosis, and pulmonary hypertension. This review will summarize the current knowledge on long-term cardiopulmonary sequelae of COVID-19 and provide a framework for approaching the diagnosis and management of these entities. We will also identify research priorities to address areas of uncertainty and improve the quality of care provided to these patients.
Co-crystalization reveals the interaction between AtYchF1 and ppGpp
Authors: Cheung Ming-Yan , Li Xiaorong , Ku Yee-Shan , Chen Zhongzhou , Lam Hon-Ming
Published: November 2022

AtYchF1 is an unconventional G-protein in Arabidopsis thaliana that exhibits relaxed nucleotide-binding specificity. The bindings between AtYchF1 and biomolecules including GTP, ATP, and 26S rRNA have been reported. In this study, we demonstrated the binding of AtYchF1 to ppGpp in addition to the above molecules. AtYchF1 is a cytosolic protein previously reported as a negative regulator of both biotic and abiotic stresses while the accumulation of ppGpp in the cytoplasm induces retarded plant growth and development. By co-crystallization, in vitro pull-down experiments, and hydrolytic biochemical assays, we demonstrated the binding and hydrolysis of ppGpp by AtYchF1. ppGpp inhibits the binding of AtYchF1 to ATP, GTP, and 26S rRNA. The ppGpp hydrolyzing activity of AtYchF1 failed to be activated by AtGAP1. The AtYchF1-ppGpp co-crystal structure suggests that ppGpp might prevent His136 from executing nucleotide hydrolysis. In addition, upon the binding of ppGpp, the conformation between the TGS and helical domains of AtYchF1 changes. Such structural changes probably influence the binding between AtYchF1 and other molecules such as 26S rRNA. Since YchF proteins are conserved among different kingdoms of life, the findings advance the knowledge on the role of AtYchF1 in regulating nucleotide signaling as well as hint at the possible involvement of YchF proteins in regulating ppGpp level in other species.
Intestinal flora induces depression by mediating the dysregulation of cerebral cortex gene expression and regulating the metabolism of stroke patients
Authors: Li Xuebin , Han Guangshun , Zhao Jingjie , Huang Xiaohua , Feng Yun , Huang Junfang , Lan Xuequn , Huang Xiaorui , Wang Zechen , Shen Jiajia , He Siyuan , Li Qiuhao , Song Jian , Wang Jie , Meng Lingzhang
Published: November 2022

Post-stroke depression (PSD) is a common cerebrovascular complication characterized by complex pathogenesis and poor treatment effects. Here, we tested the influence of differentially expressed genes (DEGs), non-targeted metabolites, and intestinal microbes on the occurrence and development of PSD. We acquired gene expression profiles for stroke patients, depression patients, and healthy controls from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. After screening for DEGs using differential expression analysis, we identified common DEGs in stroke and depression patients that were considered to form the molecular basis of PSD. Functional enrichment analysis of DEGs also revealed that the majority of biological functions were closely related to metabolism, immunity, the nervous system, and microorganisms, and we also collected blood and stool samples from healthy controls, stroke patients, and PSD patients and performed 16S rDNA sequencing and untargeted metabolomics. After evaluating the quality of the sequencing data, we compared the diversity of the metabolites and intestinal flora within and between groups. Metabolic pathway enrichment analysis was used to identify metabolic pathways that were significantly involved in stroke and PSD, and a global metabolic network was constructed to explore the pathogenesis of PSD. Additionally, we constructed a global regulatory network based on 16S rDNA sequencing, non-targeted metabolomics, and transcriptomics to explore the pathogenesis of PSD through correlation analysis. Our results suggest that intestinal flora associates the dysregulation of cerebral cortex gene expression and could potentially promote the occurrence of depression by affecting the metabolism of stroke patients. Our findings may be helpful in identifying new targets for the prevention and treatment of PSD.
Dual-task walking improvement with enhanced kinesthetic awareness in Parkinson’s disease with mild gait impairment: EEG connectivity and clinical implication
Authors: Huang Cheng-Ya , Chen Yu-An , Wu Ruey-Meei , Hwang Ing-Shiou
Published: November 2022

Due to basal ganglia dysfunction, short step length is a common gait impairment in Parkinson’s disease (PD), especially in a dual-task walking. Here, we use electroencephalography (EEG) functional connectivity to investigate neural mechanisms of a stride awareness strategy that could improve dual-task walking in PD. Eighteen individuals with PD who had mild gait impairment walked at self-paced speed while keeping two interlocking rings from touching each other. During the dual-task walking trial, the participants received or did not receive awareness instruction to take big steps. Gait parameters, ring-touching time, and EEG connectivity in the alpha and beta bands were analyzed. With stride awareness, individuals with PD exhibited greater gait velocity and step length, along with a significantly lower mean EEG connectivity strength in the beta band. The awareness-related changes in the EEG connectivity strength of the beta band positively correlated with the awareness-related changes in gait velocity, cadence, and step length, but negatively correlated with the awareness-related change in step-length variability. The smaller reduction in beta connectivity strength was associated with greater improvement in locomotion control with stride awareness. This study is the first to reveal that a stride awareness strategy modulates the beta band oscillatory network and is related to walking efficacy in individuals with PD in a dual-task condition.
Preliminary experience with recanalization of large vessel occlusion due to underlying long-segment dissection using a standby microwire technique
Authors: Zhang Xiaoxi , Xu Hongye , Feng Zhengzhe , Hua Weilong , Shen Hongjian , Zhang Lei , Zhang Yongxin , Xing Pengfei , Yang Pengfei , Xu Xiaolong , Li Zifu
Published: November 2022

Purpose

This study aimed at investigating a novel standby microwire technique to facilitate revascularization of large vessel occlusion due to underlying long-segment dissection.

Methods

Patients with acute ischemic stroke with emergent large vessel occlusion (ELVO) due to underlying long-segment dissection were screened from the prospectively established database between January 2021 and May 2022. The clinical and radiological data of eligible patients who underwent endovascular treatment by using a standby microwire technique were investigated.

Results

Of the 165 acute ischemic stroke patients who underwent mechanical thrombectomy, the standby microwire technique was used in five patients aged 33–55 years old with occlusion due to underlying long-segment dissection. Of them, three patients were diagnosed with tandem lesions and three were located at the anterior circulation. A 300 cm exchange microwire was used as the standby microwire. Stent deployment was performed in all five patients. Groin puncture to reperfusion time ranged from 10–68 min. Technical success and favorable clinical outcomes were achieved in all five patients (100%). No technique-related complication was observed.

Conclusion

Our preliminary experience showed that the standby microwire technique was a useful ancillary approach to facilitate the revascularization of large vessel occlusion due to underlying long-segment dissection.