bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cultural Evaluation of Perceptual Problems in Modern Turkish Painting
Authors: ÇİÇEK Tuncay
Published: October 2021

The development of modern art in the historical process, in contrast to the hundreds of years of history of Western countries, there is an average of one hundred and fifty years in Turkish painting. Despite this important distinction, the point that Turkish painting has reached today is a level that cannot be underestimated. Despite all this, Turkish painting still has not reached the place it should be and Turkish painters have not produced works that can be called "masterpieces". The main reason for this situation is thought to be perceptual problematic in this study. Because Turkish painting was limited to three big cities such as Ankara, Istanbul and Izmir. Therefore, in general, painters did not stay very close to Anatolian culture, which is seen as the carrier of Turkish culture, and could not benefit from their own cultural roots as much as they should and as a result, perceptual problematic emerged because they did not interact sufficiently with their own culture. Literature review was used as a method in this research, which is based on the cultural evaluation of the perceptual problematic in modern Turkish painting. According to the results of the survey, the perceptual problematic in the cultural context began to be overcome, thanks to the painters' approach to their own culture and their synthesis of traditional and modern elements. It is thought that Turkish painting will progress and accelerate in the international platform over time. Culturally, Turks have the richest and deep-rooted heritage in the world. Therefore, it is believed that the cultural lands of the Turks, which have hosted many civilizations, will become a source of inspiration
Alalah Belgeleri Işığında Amik Ovası ve Çevresinde Hurri Yer Adları ve Lokalizasyonları Üzerine Bir Değerlendirme
Authors: ÖZGÜL Oktay , SÖYLEMEZ Beyazıt
Published: October 2021

Eski Yakındoğu dünyasının önemli halklarından biri olan Hurriler, MÖ III. binyılın sonlarına doğru Kafkaslar ve Hazar Denizi bölgesinden güneye doğru hareket ederek Doğu ve Güneydoğu Anadolu’ya, Kuzey Mezopotamya’ya, Kuzey Suriye ve Filistin bölgesine yayılmışlardır. Hâkim oldukları coğrafyada yaşayan kavimleri özellikle kültürel ve dini bakımdan oldukça etkilemişlerdir. Güneydoğu Anadolu ve Kuzey Suriye’de küçük krallıklar şeklinde yaşayan Hurriler, MÖ II. binyılın ortalarına doğru Hint-Avrupa kökenli bir halk olan Mitannilerin hâkimiyeti altına girmişlerdir. Halkının büyük çoğunluğu Hurrilerden, yönetici sınıfı ise Mitannilerden oluşan Mitanni Devleti, Ön Asya’daki en önemli ve etkili siyasal yapılarından biri olmuştur. Hurriler, kültürlerini, dillerini ve dini inançlarını Mitanni ile özdeşleştirerek bu siyasal yapının içinde birçok alanda etkin rol oynamıştır. Hurrilerin siyasal anlamda varlıkları MÖ II. binyılın sonlarına doğru ortadan kalksa da Ön Asya kültürleri üzerindeki etkileri uzun süre devam etmiştir. Hurriler tarih sahnesinden çekilirken arkalarında birtakım arkeolojik kanıtın yanı sıra çok sayıda yer adı da bırakmışlardır. Bu çalışmada Hurrilerin en önemli etkinlik alanlarından biri olan Kuzey Suriye bölgesinde bulunan Amik Ovası ve çevresindeki Hurri yer adlarının genel hatlarıyla bir analizi yapılmaya çalışılmıştır.
Seroprevalence and associated risk factors of mycoplasmosis in layer chickens at southern region of Bangladesh
Authors: Sobuj Md Shahjamal Hossain , Matubber Bidyut , Islam Md Sahidul , Sumon Md Shamsur Rahman , Mollah Mohammed Lalmoddin , Ahmed Md Selim
Published: October 2021

Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) is the most important pathogenic Mycoplasma spp. causing avian mycoplasmosis and brought about huge economic losses to poultry industry in Bangladesh. The present study was undertaken to know the seroprevalence of MG in layer birds in three different geographical areas of southern Barishal division, Bangladesh. Total 310 sera samples were collected from wing vein of 30 farms for this study. Sera samples were tested with Rapid Serum Agglutination (RSA) for MG using commercial Antigen Kit (manufactured by Lillidale Diagnostic) to detect the presence of antibodies against MG. The overall seroprevalence of MG by RSA was 36.13%. Seroprevalence of MG infection was dominant in winter season (45.54%) and significantly highest occurrence was recorded in age groups from 20-40 weeks of layer chickens (51.79%). Serological investigation in three different upazila of Barishal division showed the highest infection rate (45.26%) in medium scale flocks (1000-3000) in comparison to (21.43%) small (<1000) flocks. The seroprevalence of MG was highest in Swarupkathi (44.38%) than in Barishal Sadar (26%) and Banaripara upazila (28%). Biosecurity and managemental failure is the overall risk factor in all types of farm due to lack of proper knowledge among farmer. This study reveals the current scenario of mycoplasmosis in layer birds of three different areas of Barishal division.
Asian J. Med. Biol. Res. 2021, 7 (3), 292-297
Analisa Kualitas Layanan Website PT. Masusskita United Menggunakan Metode Webqual
Authors: Faza Audina , Utomo Agus Prasetyo
Published: October 2021

Abstrak - PT MASUSSKITA UNITED adalah sebuah perusahaan yang bergerak dibidang Heavy Duty Industry. Peningkatan informasi melalui pemanfaatan website selaras perkembangan teknologi saat ini. Website perusahaan yang telah diimplementasikan menjadi pendorong dalam upaya meningkatkan informasi produk, namun seiring perkembangan kebutuhan perusahaan yang bertambah, dibutuhkan analisa untuk mengukur kualitas layanan website yang diharapkan mampu mendongkrak pelayanan dan penjualan secara maksimal kepada pengunjung website. Metode webqual digunakan untuk mengukur kualitas layanan website yang berdomain www.masusskita.co.id dengan menggunakan metode Webqual, dan penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui kualitas kepuasan layanan website PT Masusskita United. Metode pengumpulan data menggunakan kuesioner dan memperoleh 161 responden. Pengolahan data statistik menggunakan SmartPLS 3.0. Hasil dari uji hipotesis yang menunjukan bahwa dari 5 hipotesis hanya 4 yang memiliki pengaruh yang signifikan dan 1 tidak signifikan. Secara bersama-sama Variable Usability, User Interface, Service Interaction berpengaruh terhadap variabel E-Cutomer Satisfaction, dan Pengaruh positif dan adanya pengaruh signifikan Variabel E-Customer  terhadap variabel E-Customer Loyalty. Namun pengaruh variable Information Quality tidak signifikan terhadap variable E-Customer Satisfaction.
Implementasi Algoritma K-means Clustring dalam Penetuan Siswa Kelas Unggulan
Authors: Sulistiyawati Ari , Supriyanto Eko
Published: October 2021

Tujuan penelitian ini adalah mengembangkan sistem informasi berbasis web untuk mengelola data penilaian yang terpusat dalam menyajikan laporan hasil belajar siswa danpengelompokan siswa pada kelas unggulan dengan mengimplementasikan algoritma K-means Clustring. Penerapan algoritma K-Means dengan mempartisi data ke dalam data dalam bentuk satu atau lebih kelompok, dimana data yang memiliki reprensentative persamaan dalam satu kelompok dan data yang memiliki perbedaan kelompok yang lain. Pengelompokan data dalam satuan pendidikan dilakukan untuk memudahkan fasilitasi pendidikan siswa berdasarkan perbedaan kemampuannya dalam belajar dan mengikuti pembelajaran. Penelitian dilakukan dengan metode pengembangan sistem mengikuti alur Systems development life cycle (SDLC)dengan model sekuensiallinier(sequentiallinear) atau alur hidup klasik(classiclifecycle). Tahap penelitian meliputi Analisis, Desain, Pengodean dan Pengujian sistem. Sistem yang dikembangkan diimplementasikan pada salah satu sekolah di Lampung untuk mengelompokkan siswa pada kelas unggulan dengan jumlah anggota keseluruhan sebanyak 6 kelas VII dengan jumlah total 192 siswa pada tahun pelajaran 2020. Hasil Penelitian didapat aplikasi pengelolaan data penilaian yang terpusat dalam menyajikan laporan hasil belajar siswa menggunakan hasil nilai rapor kurikulum 2013. Penilaian tersebut menjadi dasar atribut yang digunakan dalam proses perhitungan untuk menetukan siswa kelas unggulan.HasilklarifikasiKelas unggulan dibutuhkan suatuimplementasi systeminformasiterbentuk2cluster setiapkelas. Setiapklasteriasiperputaran pada masing-masing kelas kemudian dihasilkanjumlah siswa masukkelasunggulansebanyak96dansiswa tidakmasukkelas unggulan sebanyak 96. Penerapansisteminformasiklastrisasiberbasiswebdihasilkan informasiyang lebihfleksibeldapatdiaksessecaraglobalpihak instansi.Pengujianblack-box Testinglebihberfokusdenganpengujian fungsional menunjukkan perangkat lunak dapat berfungsi baik dalam mengelompokkan data. Pengujian penerimaanuser terhadappengembangansisteminformasimenggukan technologi Acceptance Model (TAM) menunjukkan aplikasi yang dibangun memberikan kemudahan dan tepat guna untuk diimplementasikan dalam mengelompokkan siswa kelas unggulan di sekolah. Denganmembangunatauimplementasikedalamsysteminformasi algoritma k-means clustering hasil klasrifikasi klasterisasi sehinggaefektifdanprosessetiapiterasiperputaranjarakcentroid, penetuan titik clusterdibantuk, dan lebih menghemat waktu melakukanklasterisasikelas unggulan.
Penambahan Fitur Laporan Pengerjaan Sholat Dan Hapalan Al-Qur’an Pada Aplikasi Media Komunikasi Siswa SDIT
Authors: Sari Desi Windi , Dalimunthe Abdul Haris , Sari Melia
Published: October 2021

Abstrak−Penelitian dengan judul “Perancangan Aplikasi Mobile Sebagai Media Komunikasi Dan Penyebaran Informasi Untuk Sekolah Dasar Berbasis Android” telah dilakukan pada tahun 2019. Penelitian tersebut menghasilkan aplikasi mobile yang dapat diimplementasikan di sekolah dasar. Namun khusus pada Sekolah Dasar Islam Terpadu (SDIT) terdapat suatu kegiatan yang mewajibkan para siswa untuk melaporkan pengerjaan sholat sehari-hari melalui pemantauan guru beserta orang tua dan juga hapalan Al-Qur’an terutama surat pendek sebagai syarat kelulusan. Sehingga penambahan fitur laporan pengerjaan sholat dan hapalan Al-Qur’an siswa pada aplikasi mobile tersebut sangatlah membantu dan bermanfaat untuk SDIT. Fitur tersebut diharapkan kepada guru beserta orang tua dapat membimbing dan memantau siswa dalam kegiatan menjalankan sholat sehari-hari dan menghapal Al-Qur’an guna pembentukan karakter religius. Aplikasi mobile ini berbasis Android dan dirancang dengan menggunakan metodologi Agile Extreme Programming (XP). Aplikasi pengembangan dengan memanfaatkan software Ionic, Personal Home Page (PHP), data base MySQL, serta pengujian sistem mengunakan metode pengujian black box..
Scrutinizing EFL Teachers’ Emotions in the Indonesian Context of Bandung
Authors: Nugroho Alvian Adhi , Mbato Concilianus Laos
Published: October 2021

This study aims to investigate the most dominant emotions experienced by EFL teachers in the Indonesian context. Two kinds of questionnaires were employed in this study. This research involved participants of Bandung English Teachers. They were 72 EFL teachers who participated on the general scale of phase 1 and 68 EFL teachers who joined the specific scale questionnaire of phase 2. Three dimensions of emotions were explored in this research to know the level of emotions faced by teachers. Also, positive and negative emotions have been explored in this paper. A quantitative descriptive method was used to examine the data from two questionnaires as the main research instrument. This study adapted the Teacher Emotion Scale invented by Frenzel et al. (2016). The descriptive findings show that from two studies enjoyment is the most frequently experienced and anger is the lowest dimension of emotion preferred by EFL teachers. This study has proven the reliability of the research instrument. The research analysis shows that there is an insignificant difference between the two studies and both of them have a very close resemblance.
Military Aviators with Inflammatory Bowel Diseases Continued Flying
Authors: Tehori Omer , Koslowsky Benjamin , Gabbai Daniel , Shapira Shachar , Ben-Ari Oded
Published: October 2021

INTRODUCTION: Military aviators are likely to be first diagnosed with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) during military service. Current recommendations support continuing flying with restrictions, but risks may be significant. The aim of the study was to document the long-term
results of aviators newly diagnosed with IBD. METHODS: A prospective observational study over a 23-yr period included all Israeli Air Force (IAF) aviators with IBD. Primary end point was the qualification and safety to continue operational flying following IBD diagnosis. RESULTS:
Subjects were 16 male aviators with an average follow-up of 130 mo. Average age was 27 (2045) and average time from symptoms onset to final diagnosis was 7.3 mo. Eight (50%) patients had Crohns disease (CD), and the other eight had ulcerative colitis (UC). Eight (50%) were high performance
platform aviators. Two patients received biologic treatment, two were treated with repeated corticosteroid courses, and four with immunosuppressive therapy. Two patients underwent surgery and four needed different lengths of hospitalizations. Eight (50%) aviators (3 CD, 5 UC) were grounded
for a mean of 177 d (5590). Altogether grounding for IBD aviators was 46/2087 mo (2.2%). Most grounding periods were short term and reversible. All aviators continued flying under annual monitoring or as needed and no compromise of their abilities was documented. CONCLUSIONS: All
aviators were able to continue flying and no events of sudden incapacitation or severe disabling flares have been seen among patients. Our study findings support the current recommendation to continue flying when IBD is in stable remission. Tehori O, Koslowsky B, Gabbai D, Shapira S,
Ben-Ari O. Military aviators with inflammatory bowel diseases continued flying. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2021; 92(10):831-834.
Advancing Discovery of Snail Mucins Function and Application
Authors: McDermott Maxwell , Cerullo Antonio R. , Parziale James , Achrak Eleonora , Sultana Sharmin , Ferd Jennifer , Samad Safiyah , Deng William , Braunschweig Adam B. , Holford Mandë
Published: October 2021

Mucins are a highly glycosylated protein family that are secreted by animals for adhesion, hydration, lubrication, and other functions. Despite their ubiquity, animal mucins are largely uncharacterized. Snails produce mucin proteins in their mucous for a wide array of biological functions, including microbial protection, adhesion and lubrication. Recently, snail mucins have also become a lucrative source of innovation with wide ranging applications across chemistry, biology, biotechnology, and biomedicine. Specifically, snail mucuses have been applied as skin care products, wound healing agents, surgical glues, and to combat gastric ulcers. Recent advances in integrated omics (genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic, glycomic) technologies have improved the characterization of gastropod mucins, increasing the generation of novel biomaterials. This perspective describes the current research on secreted snail mucus, highlighting the potential of this biopolymer, and also outlines a research strategy to fulfill the unmet need of examining the hierarchical structures that lead to the enormous biological and chemical diversity of snail mucus genes.
Poly (ADP-Ribose) Polymerase 1 Regulates Cajal–Retzius Cell Development and Neural Precursor Cell Adhesion
Authors: Nelson Megan M. , Hoff J. Damon , Zeese Mya L. , Corfas Gabriel
Published: October 2021

Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP1) is a ubiquitously expressed enzyme that regulates DNA damage repair, cell death, inflammation, and transcription. PARP1 functions by adding ADP-ribose polymers (PAR) to proteins including itself, using NAD+ as a donor. This post-translational modification known as PARylation results in changes in the activity of PARP1 and its substrate proteins and has been linked to the pathogenesis of various neurological diseases. PARP1 KO mice display schizophrenia-like behaviors, have impaired memory formation, and have defects in neuronal proliferation and survival, while mutations in genes that affect PARylation have been associated with intellectual disability, psychosis, neurodegeneration, and stroke in humans. Yet, the roles of PARP1 in brain development have not been extensively studied. We now find that loss of PARP1 leads to defects in brain development and increased neuronal density at birth. We further demonstrate that PARP1 loss increases the expression levels of genes associated with neuronal migration and adhesion in the E15.5 cerebral cortex, including Reln. This correlates with an increased number of Cajal–Retzius (CR) cells in vivo and in cultures of embryonic neural progenitor cells (NPCs) derived from the PARP1 KO cortex. Furthermore, PARP1 loss leads to increased NPC adhesion to N-cadherin, like that induced by experimental exposure to Reelin. Taken together, these results uncover a novel role for PARP1 in brain development, i.e., regulation of CR cells, neuronal density, and cell adhesion.
Myopathy Associated With Dermatan Sulfate-Deficient Decorin and Myostatin in Musculocontractural Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome: A Mouse Model Investigation
Authors: Nitahara-Kasahara Yuko , Posadas-Herrera Guillermo , Mizumoto Shuji , Nakamura-Takahashi Aki , Inoue Yukiko U. , Inoue Takayoshi , Nomura Yoshihiro , Takeda Shin’ichi , Yamada Shuhei , Kosho Tomoki , Okada Takashi
Published: October 2021

Carbohydrate sulfotransferase 14 (CHST14) encodes dermatan 4-O-sulfotransferase 1, a critical enzyme for dermatan sulfate (DS) biosynthesis. Musculocontractural Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (mcEDS) is associated with biallelic pathogenic variants of CHST14 and is characterized by malformations and manifestations related to progressive connective tissue fragility. We identified myopathy phenotypes in Chst14-deficient mice using an mcEDS model. Decorin is a proteoglycan harboring a single glycosaminoglycan chain containing mainly DS, which are replaced with chondroitin sulfate (CS) in mcEDS patients with CHST14 deficiency. We studied the function of decorin in the skeletal muscle of Chst14-deficient mice because decorin is important for collagen-fibril assembly and has a myokine role in promoting muscle growth. Although decorin was present in the muscle perimysium of wild-type (Chst14+/+) mice, decorin was distributed in the muscle perimysium as well as in the endomysium of Chst14–/– mice. Chst14–/– mice had small muscle fibers within the spread interstitium; however, histopathological findings indicated milder myopathy in Chst14–/– mice. Myostatin, a negative regulator of protein synthesis in the muscle, was upregulated in Chst14–/– mice. In the muscle of Chst14–/– mice, decorin was downregulated compared to that in Chst14+/+ mice. Chst14–/– mice showed altered cytokine/chemokine balance and increased fibrosis, suggesting low myogenic activity in DS-deficient muscle. Therefore, DS deficiency in mcEDS causes pathological localization and functional abnormalities of decorin, which causes disturbances in skeletal muscle myogenesis.
Dental Pulp Stem Cells Derived From Adult Human Third Molar Tooth: A Brief Review
Authors: Al Madhoun Ashraf , Sindhu Sardar , Haddad Dania , Atari Maher , Ahmad Rasheed , Al-Mulla Fahd
Published: October 2021

The fields of regenerative medicine and stem cell-based tissue engineering have the potential of treating numerous tissue and organ defects. The use of adult stem cells is of particular interest when it comes to dynamic applications in translational medicine. Recently, dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) have been traced in third molars of adult humans. DPSCs have been isolated and characterized by several groups. DPSCs have promising characteristics including self-renewal capacity, rapid proliferation, colony formation, multi-lineage differentiation, and pluripotent gene expression profile. Nevertheless, genotypic, and phenotypic heterogeneities have been reported for DPSCs subpopulations which may influence their therapeutic potentials. The underlying causes of DPSCs’ heterogeneity remain poorly understood; however, their heterogeneity emerges as a consequence of an interplay between intrinsic and extrinsic cellular factors. The main objective of the manuscript is to review the current literature related to the human DPSCs derived from the third molar, with a focus on their physiological properties, isolation procedures, culture conditions, self-renewal, proliferation, lineage differentiation capacities and their prospective advances use in pre-clinical and clinical applications.
Macrophages as Emerging Key Players in Mitochondrial Transfers
Authors: Pang Yidan , Zhang Changqing , Gao Junjie
Published: October 2021

Macrophages are a group of heterogeneous cells widely present throughout the body. Under the influence of their specific environments, via both contact and noncontact signals, macrophages integrate into host tissues and contribute to their development and the functions of their constituent cells. Mitochondria are essential organelles that perform intercellular transfers to regulate cell homeostasis. Our review focuses on newly discovered roles of mitochondrial transfers between macrophages and surrounding cells and summarizes emerging functions of macrophages in transmitophagy, metabolic regulation, and immune defense. We also discuss the negative influence of mitochondrial transfers on macrophages, as well as current therapies targeting mitochondria in macrophages. Regulation of macrophages through mitochondrial transfers between macrophages and their surrounding cells is a promising therapy for various diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, inflammatory diseases, obesity, and cancer.
A Small Fraction of Progenitors Differentiate Into Mature Adipocytes by Escaping the Constraints on the Cell Structure
Authors: Ahmed Mahmoud , Lai Trang Huyen , Kim Deok Ryong
Published: October 2021

Differentiating 3T3-L1 pre-adipocytes are a mixture of non-identical culture cells. It is vital to identify the cell types that respond to the induction stimulus to understand the pre-adipocyte potential and the mature adipocyte behavior. To test this hypothesis, we deconvoluted the gene expression profiles of the cell culture of MDI-induced 3T3-L1 cells. Then we estimated the fractions of the sub-populations and their changes in time. We characterized the sub-populations based on their specific expression profiles. Initial cell cultures comprised three distinct phenotypes. A small fraction of the starting cells responded to the induction and developed into mature adipocytes. Unresponsive cells were probably under structural constraints or were committed to differentiating into alternative phenotypes. Using the same population gene markers, similar proportions were found in induced human primary adipocyte cell cultures. The three sub-populations had diverse responses to treatment with various drugs and compounds. Only the response of the maturating sub-population resembled that estimated from the profiles of the mixture. We then showed that even at a low division rate, a small fraction of cells could increase its share in a dynamic two-populations model. Finally, we used a cell cycle expression index to validate that model. To sum, pre-adipocytes are a mixture of different cells of which a limited fraction become mature adipocytes.
WW Domain-Containing E3 Ubiquitin Protein Ligase 1: A Self-Disciplined Oncoprotein
Authors: Kuang Linghan , Jiang Yunhui , Li Chenghua , Jiang Yongmei
Published: October 2021

WW domain-containing E3 ubiquitin protein ligase 1 (WWP1) is a member of C2-WW-HECT E3 ligase family. Although it may execute carcinostatic actions in some scenarios, WWP1 functions as an oncoprotein under most circumstances. Here, we comprehensively review reports on regulation of WWP1 and its roles in tumorigenesis. We summarize the WWP1-mediated ubiquitinations of diverse proteins and the signaling pathways they involved, as well as the mechanisms how they affect cancer formation and progression. According to our analysis of database, in combination with previous reports, we come to a conclusion that WWP1 expression is augmented in various cancers. Gene amplification, as well as expression regulation mediated by molecules such as non-coding RNAs, may account for the increased mRNA level of WWP1. Regulation of enzymatic activity is another important facet to upregulate WWP1-mediated ubiquitinations. Based on the published data, we conclude that WWP1 employs interactions between multiple domains to autoinhibit its polyubiquitination activity in a steady state. Association of some substrates can partially release certain autoinhibition-related domains and make WWP1 have a moderate activity of polyubiquitination. Some cancer-related mutations can fully disrupt the inhibitory interactions and make WWP1 hyperactive. High expression level or hyperactivation of WWP1 may abnormally enhance polyubiquitinations of some oncoproteins or tumor suppressors, such as ΔNp63α, PTEN and p27, and ultimately promote cell proliferation, survival, migration and invasion in tumorigenesis. Given the dysregulation and oncogenic functions of WWP1 in some cancer types, it is promising to explore some therapeutic inhibitors to tune down its activity.
Transforming Growth Factor-β: An Agent of Change in the Tumor Microenvironment
Authors: Stuelten Christina H. , Zhang Ying E.
Published: October 2021

Transforming Growth Factor-β (TGF-β) is a key regulator of embryonic development, adult tissue homeostasis, and lesion repair. In tumors, TGF-β is a potent inhibitor of early stage tumorigenesis and promotes late stage tumor progression and metastasis. Here, we review the roles of TGF-β as well as components of its signaling pathways in tumorigenesis. We will discuss how a core property of TGF-β, namely its ability to change cell differentiation, leads to the transition of epithelial cells, endothelial cells and fibroblasts to a myofibroblastoid phenotype, changes differentiation and polarization of immune cells, and induces metabolic reprogramming of cells, all of which contribute to the progression of epithelial tumors.
A Review of Microalgal Biofilm Technologies: Definition, Applications, Settings and Analysis
Authors: Moreno Osorio Jairo Hernán , Pollio Antonino , Frunzo Luigi , Lens Piet Nicolaas Luc , Esposito Giovanni
Published: October 2021

Biofilm-based algal cultivation has many advantages over the conventional suspended growth methods and has received increased attention as a potential platform for algal production, wastewater treatment (nutrient removal), and a potential pathway to supply feedstock for microalgae-based biorefinery attempts. However, the attached cultivation by definition and application is a result of a complex interaction between the biotic and abiotic components involved. Therefore, the entire understanding of the biofilm nature is still a research challenge due to the need for real-time analysis of the system. In this review, the state of the art of biofilm definition, its life cycle, the proposed designs of bioreactors, screening of carrier materials, and non-destructive techniques for the study of biofilm formation and performance are summarized. Perspectives for future research needs are also discussed to provide a primary reference for the further development of microalgal biofilm systems.
The Metabolic Chemical Reporter Ac46AzGal Could Incorporate Intracellular Protein Modification in the Form of UDP-6AzGlc Mediated by OGT and Enzymes in the Leloir Pathway
Authors: Wang Jiajia , Dou Biao , Zheng Lu , Cao Wei , Dong Peiyu , Chen Yingyi , Zeng Xueke , Wen Yinhang , Pan Wenxuan , Ma Jing , Chen Jingying , Li Xia
Published: October 2021

Galactose is a naturally occurring monosaccharide used to build complex glycans that has not been targeted for labeling as a metabolic reporter. Here, we characterize the cellular modification of proteins by using Ac46AzGal in a dose- and time-dependent manner. It is noted that a vast majority of this labeling of Ac46AzGal occurs intracellularly in a range of mammalian cells. We also provided evidence that this labeling is dependent on not only the enzymes of OGT responsible for O-GlcNAcylation but also the enzymes of GALT and GALE in the Leloir pathway. Notably, we discover that Ac46AzGal is not the direct substrate of OGT, and the labeling results may attribute to UDP-6AzGlc after epimerization of UDP-6AzGal via GALE. Together, these discoveries support the conclusion that Ac46AzGal as an analogue of galactose could metabolically label intracellular O-glycosylation modification, raising the possibility of characterization with impaired functions of the galactose metabolism in the Leloir pathway under certain conditions, such as galactosemias.
Ring D-Modified and Highly Reduced Angucyclinones From Marine Sediment-Derived Streptomyces sp.
Authors: Guo Lin , Yang Qiaoli , Wang Guangfei , Zhang Shumin , Liu Ming , Pan Xiaohong , Pescitelli Gennaro , Xie Zeping
Published: October 2021

Angucyclines and angucyclinones represent the largest family of type II PKS-engineered natural products. Chemical analysis of a marine Streptomyces sp. KCB-132 yielded three new members, actetrophenone A (1) and actetrophenols A–B (2–3). Their structures were elucidated by NMR spectroscopy, X-ray crystallography and CD calculations. Actetrophenone A (1) is the first representative of a novel-type angucyclinone bearing a nonaromatic D-ring. Actetrophenol A (2) features a highly reduced and aromatized four-ring system, which is unprecedented for natural products. While (Ra)- and (Sa)-actetrophenol B (3) bear an unprecedented N-acetyltryptamine-substituted tetraphene core skeleton, this is the first report of a pair of atropisomeric isomers in the angucyclinone family. Actetrophenol A (2) exhibits remarkable antibiotic activity, notably including potent activity to multiple resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecium with MIC values of 4 μg/ml, in contrast, the positive control antimicrobial agent penicillin was inactive up to 32 μg/ml.
Analysis of Salivary Mycobiome in a Cohort of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Patients From Sudan Identifies Higher Salivary Carriage of Malassezia as an Independent and Favorable Predictor of Overall Survival
Authors: Mohamed Nazar , Litlekalsøy Jorunn , Ahmed Israa Abdulrahman , Martinsen Einar Marius Hjellestad , Furriol Jessica , Javier-Lopez Ruben , Elsheikh Mariam , Gaafar Nuha Mohamed , Morgado Luis , Mundra Sunil , Johannessen Anne Christine , Osman Tarig Al-Hadi , Nginamau Elisabeth Sivy , Suleiman Ahmed , Costea Daniela Elena
Published: October 2021

Background

Microbial dysbiosis and microbiome-induced inflammation have emerged as important factors in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) tumorigenesis during the last two decades. However, the “rare biosphere” of the oral microbiome, including fungi, has been sparsely investigated. This study aimed to characterize the salivary mycobiome in a prospective Sudanese cohort of OSCC patients and to explore patterns of diversities associated with overall survival (OS).

Materials and Methods

Unstimulated saliva samples (n = 72) were collected from patients diagnosed with OSCC (n = 59) and from non-OSCC control volunteers (n = 13). DNA was extracted using a combined enzymatic–mechanical extraction protocol. The salivary mycobiome was assessed using a next-generation sequencing (NGS)-based methodology by amplifying the ITS2 region. The impact of the abundance of different fungal genera on the survival of OSCC patients was analyzed using Kaplan–Meier and Cox regression survival analyses (SPPS).

Results

Sixteen genera were identified exclusively in the saliva of OSCC patients. Candida, Malassezia, Saccharomyces, Aspergillus, and Cyberlindnera were the most relatively abundant fungal genera in both groups and showed higher abundance in OSCC patients. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis showed higher salivary carriage of the Candida genus significantly associated with poor OS of OSCC patients (Breslow test: p = 0.043). In contrast, the higher salivary carriage of Malassezia showed a significant association with favorable OS in OSCC patients (Breslow test: p = 0.039). The Cox proportional hazards multiple regression model was applied to adjust the salivary carriage of both Candida and Malassezia according to age (p = 0.029) and identified the genus Malassezia as an independent predictor of OS (hazard ratio = 0.383, 95% CI = 0.16–0.93, p = 0.03).

Conclusion

The fungal compositional patterns in saliva from OSCC patients were different from those of individuals without OSCC. The fungal genus Malassezia was identified as a putative prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for OSCC.
Characterization of SARS-CoV-2 Variants N501Y.V1 and N501Y.V2 Spike on Viral Infectivity
Authors: Tang Haijun , Gao Long , Wu Zhao , Meng Fang , Zhao Xin , Shao Yun , Shi Xiaohua , Qiao Shigang , An Jianzhong , Du Xiaohong , Qin F. Xiao-Feng
Published: October 2021

SARS-coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), pathogen of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), is constantly evolving to adapt to the host and evade antiviral immunity. The newly emerging variants N501Y.V1 (B.1.1.7) and N501Y.V2 (B.1.351), first reported in the United Kingdom and South Africa respectively, raised concerns due to the unusually rapid global spread. The mutations in spike (S) protein may contribute to the rapid spread of these variants. Here, with a vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV)-based pseudotype system, we demonstrated that the pseudovirus bearing N501Y.V2 S protein has higher infection efficiency than pseudovirus with wildtype (WT) and D614G S protein. Moreover, pseudovirus with N501Y.V1 or N501Y.V2 S protein has better thermal stability than WT and D614G, suggesting these mutations of variants may increase the stability of SARS-CoV-2 S protein and virion. However, the pseudovirus bearing N501Y.V1 or N501Y.V2 S protein has similar sensitivity to inhibitors of protease and endocytosis with WT and D614G. These findings could be of value in preventing the spread of virus and developing drugs for emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants.
Imaging Flow Cytometry and Confocal Immunofluorescence Microscopy of Virus-Host Cell Interactions
Authors: McClelland Ryley D. , Culp Tyce N. , Marchant David J.
Published: October 2021

Viruses are diverse pathogens that use host factors to enter cells and cause disease. Imaging the entry and replication phases of viruses and their interactions with host factors is key to fully understanding viral infections. This review will discuss how confocal microscopy and imaging flow cytometry are used to investigate virus entry and replication mechanisms in fixed and live cells. Quantification of viral images and the use of cryo-electron microscopy to gather structural information of viruses is also explored. Using imaging to understand how viruses replicate and interact with host factors, we gain insight into cellular processes and identify novel targets to develop antiviral therapeutics and vaccines.
The LAMMER Kinase, LkhA, Affects Aspergillus fumigatus Pathogenicity by Modulating Reproduction and Biosynthesis of Cell Wall PAMPs
Authors: Lim Joo-Yeon , Kim Yeon Ju , Woo Seul Ah , Jeong Jae Wan , Lee Yu-Ri , Kim Cheol-Hee , Park Hee-Moon
Published: October 2021

The LAMMER kinase in eukaryotes is a well-conserved dual-specificity kinase. Aspergillus species cause a wide spectrum of diseases called aspergillosis in humans, depending on the underlying immune status of the host, such as allergy, aspergilloma, and invasive aspergillosis. Aspergillus fumigatus is the most common opportunistic fungal pathogen that causes invasive aspergillosis. Although LAMMER kinase has various functions in morphology, development, and cell cycle regulation in yeast and filamentous fungi, its function in A. fumigatus is not known. We performed molecular studies on the function of the A. fumigatus LAMMER kinase, AfLkhA, and reported its involvement in multiple cellular processes, including development and virulence. Deletion of AflkhA resulted in defects in colonial growth, production of conidia, and sexual development. Transcription and genetic analyses indicated that AfLkhA modulates the expression of key developmental regulatory genes. The AflkhA-deletion strain showed increased production of gliotoxins and protease activity. When conidia were challenged with alveolar macrophages, enodocytosis of conidia by macrophages was increased in the AflkhA-deletion strain, resulting from changes in expression of the cell wall genes and thus content of cell wall pathogen-associated molecular patterns, including β-1,3-glucan and GM. While T cell-deficient zebrafish larvae were significantly susceptible to wild-type A. fumigatus infection, AflkhA-deletion conidia infection reduced host mortality. A. fumigatus AfLkhA is required for the establishment of virulence factors, including conidial production, mycotoxin synthesis, protease activity, and interaction with macrophages, which ultimately affect pathogenicity at the organismal level.
Association of Serum Biomarkers and Cardiac Inflammation in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation: Identification by Positron Emission Tomography
Authors: Chen Bi-Xi , Xie Boqia , Zhou Yang , Shi Liang , Wang Yanjiang , Zeng Lijun , Liu Xingpeng , Yang Min-Fu
Published: October 2021

Background: Peripheral biomarkers may be affected by various factors, their reliability in reflecting local cardiac inflammatory status in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) needs further exploration. This prospective study was aimed to investigate the relationship between circulating biomarkers and local cardiac inflammation measured by epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) activity via18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) imaging in AF patients.

Methods: From 2017 to 2018, 83 AF patients [43 persistent AF (PsAF) and 40 paroxysmal AF (PAF)] referred for radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) were recruited. Pre- and post-RFCA blood samples were collected to measure IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-18, TNF-α, Hsp27, Hsp60, Hsp70, PDGF-BB, MMP-2, MMP-9, MPO, TGF-β1, Gal-3, and sST2. Pre-RFCA FDG images were obtained to assess EAT activity. Sixty-seven patients (35 PAF and 32 PsAF) received RFCA were regularly followed for 27 (24, 29) months.

Results: Higher hsCRP and IL-6 and lower TGF-β1 were demonstrated in PsAF patients compared with PAF patients. Multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that Gal-3 (OR: 1.221, 95% CI: 1.024–1.456, P = 0.026) and MPO (OR: 1.002, 95% CI: 1.001–1.003, P = 0.027) were independently correlated with EAT activity. The percentage decrease of Hsp60 linearly correlated with that of EAT activity post-RFCA (Spearman rs = 0.455, P = 0.019). Seventeen patients (10 PsAF and 7 PAF) had AF recurrence, but none of the selected biomarkers were predictive of post-RFCA recurrence.

Conclusion: Our findings demonstrated that in patients with AF, Gal-3 correlated with local cardiac inflammation, and Hsp60 was associated with the alleviation of cardiac inflammation after RFCA.
LOX-1 Deletion Attenuates Myocardial Fibrosis in the Aged Mice, Particularly Those With Hypertension
Authors: Li Xiao , Tang Xihe , Liu Bo , Zhang Jinghang , Zhang Yongxi , Lv Hefan , Liu Dongling , Mehta Jawahar L. , Wang Xianwei
Published: October 2021

Background: Lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor-1 (LOX-1) is a transmembrane glycoprotein that mediates uptake of oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) into cells. Previous studies had shown that LOX-1 deletion had a potential to inhibit cardiac fibrosis in mouse models of hypertension and myocardial infarction. Whether LOX-1 deletion also affects cardiac fibrosis associated with aging still remains unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of LOX-1 deletion on myocardial fibrosis in the aged mice.

Methods: C57BL/6 mice and LOX-1 knockout (KO) mice with C57BL/6 background were studied to the age of 60 weeks. Both genotypes of aged mice were exposed to angiotensin II (Ang II) or saline for additional 4 weeks. The mice were then sacrificed, and myocardial fibrosis, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and expression of LOX-1, fibronectin, collagens, p22phox, and gp91phox were measured.

Results: LOX-1 deletion markedly reduced Ang II-mediated rise of blood pressure in the aged mice (vs. saline-treated mice). LOX-1 deletion also limited fibrosis and decreased fibronectin and collagen-3 expression in the hearts of aged mice, but not the expression of collagen-1 and collagen-4. LOX-1 deletion also inhibited ROS production and p22phox expression. As the aged mice were exposed to Ang II for 4 weeks (resulting in hypertension), LOX-1 deletion more pronounced inhibiting myocardial fibrosis and ROS production, and decreasing expression of fibronectin, collagen-1, collagen-2, collagen-3, p22phox, and gp91phox.

Conclusion: LOX-1 deletion limited fibrosis and ROS production in the hearts of aged mice. This effect was more pronounced in the aged mice with hypertension induced by Ang II infusion.
Obesity Phenotypes and Electrocardiographic Characteristics in Physically Active Males: CHIEF Study
Authors: Lin Yu-Kai , Tsai Kun-Zhe , Han Chih-Lu , Lin Yen-Po , Lee Jiunn-Tay , Lin Gen-Min
Published: October 2021

Background: Metabolically unhealthy obesity (MUO) has been associated with surface electrocardiographic (ECG) left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), left atrial enlargement (LAE), and inferior T wave inversions (TWI) in the middle- and old-aged populations. However, the relationship between obesity phenotypes and these ECG abnormalities in physically active young adults is yet to be determined.

Methods: A total of 2,156 physically active military males aged 18–50 in Taiwan were analyzed. Obesity and metabolically unhealthy status were, respectively, defined as the body mass index ≥27 kg/m2 and the presence of metabolic syndrome based on the ATPIII criteria for Asian male adults. Four groups were classified as the metabolically healthy non-obesity (MHNO, n = 1,484), metabolically unhealthy non-obesity (MUNO, n = 86), metabolically healthy obesity (MHO, n = 376), and MUO (n = 210). ECG-LVH was based on the Sokolow–Lyon and Cornell voltage criteria, ECG-LAE was defined as a notched P wave ≥0.12 s in lead II or a notch of ≥0.04 s, and inferior TWI was defined as one negative T wave axis in limb leads II, III, or aVF. Physical performance was evaluated by time for a 3-km run. Multiple logistic regression analysis with adjustment for age, smoking, alcohol drinking, and physical performance was utilized to investigate the associations between obesity phenotypes and the ECG abnormalities.

Results: As compared to MHNO, MUNO, MHO, and MUO were associated with lower risk of Sokolow–Lyon-based ECG-LVH [odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals: 0.80 (0.51–1.25), 0.46 (0.36–0.58), and 0.39 (0.28–0.53), respectively; p for trend <0.001], and with greater risk of ECG-LAE [OR: 0.87 (0.44–1.72), 2.34 (1.77–3.10), and 3.02 (2.13–4.28), respectively; p for trend <0.001] and inferior TWI [OR: 2.21 (0.74–6.58), 3.49 (1.97–6.19), and 4.52 (2.38–8.60), respectively; p for trend <0.001]. However, no associations between obesity phenotypes and Cornell-based ECG-LVH were found.

Conclusion: In physically active young males, obesity was associated with higher risk of ECG-LAE and inferior TWI, whereas the risk between obesity and ECG-LVH might vary by the ECG criteria, possibly due to a high prevalence of exercise induced-LVH in military and greater chest wall thickness in obesity. The cardiovascular prognosis of ECG-LVH in physically active obese adults requires further study.
Application of Homograft Valved Conduit in Cardiac Surgery
Authors: Huyan Yige , Chang Yuan , Song Jiangping
Published: October 2021

Valved conduits often correct the blood flow of congenital heart disease by connecting the right ventricle to the pulmonary artery (RV-PA). The homograft valved conduit was invented in the 1960s, but its wide application is limited due to the lack of effective sterilization and preservation methods. Modern cryopreservation prolongs the preservation time of homograft valved conduit, which makes it become the most important treatment at present, and is widely used in Ross and other operations. However, homograft valved conduit has limited biocompatibility and durability and lacks any additional growth capacity. Therefore, decellularized valved conduit has been proposed as an effective improved method, which can reduce immune response and calcification, and has potential growth ability. In addition, as a possible substitute, commercial xenograft valved conduit has certain advantages in clinical application, and tissue engineering artificial valved conduit needs to be further studied.
Revealing Geometry and Fault Interaction on a Complex Structural System Based on 3D P-Cable Data: The San Mateo and San Onofre Trends, Offshore Southern California
Authors: Holmes James J. , Perea Hector , Driscoll Neal W. , Kent Graham M.
Published: October 2021

Deformation observed along the San Mateo (SMT) and San Onofre trends (SOT) in southern California has been explained by two opposing structural models, which have very different hazard implications for the coastal region. One model predicts that the deformation is transpressional in a predominantly right lateral fault system with left lateral step-overs. Conversely in the alternative model, the deformation is predicted to be compressional associated with a regional blind thrust that reactivated detachment faults along the continental margin. State-of-the-art 3D P-Cable seismic data were acquired to characterize the geometry and linkage of faults in the SMT and SOT. The new observations provide evidence that deformation along the slope is more consistent with step-over geometry than a regional blind thrust model. For example, regions in the SOT exhibit small scale compressional structures that deflect canyons along jogs in the fault segments across the slope. The deformation observed in the SMT along northwesterly trending faults has a mounded, bulbous character in the swath bathymetry data with steep slopes ( ∼ 25°) separating the toe of the slope and the basin floor. The faulting and folding in the SMT are very localized and occur where the faults trend more northwesterly (average trend ∼ 285°) with the deformation dying away both towards the north and east. In comparison, the SOT faults trend more northerly (average trend ∼ 345°). The boundary between these fault systems is abrupt and characterized by shorter faults that appear to be recording right lateral displacement and possibly accommodating the deformation between the two larger fault systems. Onlapping undeformed turbidite layers reveal that the deformation associated with both major fault systems may be inactive and radiocarbon dating suggests deformation ceased in the middle to late Pleistocene (between 184 and 368 kyr). In summary, our preferred conceptual model for tectonic deformation along the SMT and SOT is best explained by left lateral step-overs along the predominantly right lateral strike-slip fault systems.
Color Reflectance of Coastal Sediments in the South Bohai Sea and its Implication to Orbital Forcing of East Asian Summer Monsoon
Authors: Li Yibing , Chen Yanping , Jiang Xingyu , Yi Liang
Published: October 2021

There are two distinct variabilities of the East Asian summer monsoon (EASM) on orbital timescales observed in different proxies, and the forcing mechanisms between them are hotly debated. One of the ways to reconcile the debate is to present a geological archive recording two cycles in dominance and somehow in equivalence. In this work, we retrieved an EASM record by studying color reflectance of coastal sediments in the south Bohai Sea, East Asia. The leading component of reflectance derivative spectra accounts for 58.9% variance in total and its loading spectrum can be well correlated to that of mineral assemblages of illite and goethite. For this monsoonal record, orbital variabilities in precession and eccentricity bands are highlighted. By comparing this monsoonal record to previously published proxies, it is speculated that the spectral difference in the sediments of the south Bohai Sea and between various proxies in the EASM domain may indicate an integrated forcing of solar insolation and ice-sheet evolution in the late Quaternary. Overall, the monsoonal record in the Bohai Sea offers an opportunity to fill the gap of the diverse periodicities between various proxies, which is critical to extending our understanding of the EASM on orbital timescales.