bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Politically Connected Firms and Their Stock Return Volatility during High-Visibility Events: Evidence from Malaysia
Authors: Wai-Yan Wong  , Chee-Wooi Hooy
Published: December 2021

This study investigates the relationship between political connection and firm stock volatility. We examine whether stock return volatility of politically connected firms differ from non-connected firms during four events. These four events are general election, change of leadership, announcement of government budget, and announcement of policies by the government. This paper uses a volatility event study technique to calculate the abnormal stock return volatility during the four events. We use the data of public-listed firms in Malaysia from 2002 to 2013. The result shows that political connection is associated with higher stock volatility in certain events. They appear to be the most volatile in the event of general election and least volatile during budget announcement. Besides budget announcement, the other three events showed a stronger volatility as they are considered as more of a surprise announcement rather than scheduled announcement. The paper adds to a limited body of literature investigating the relationship between political connection and market behavior in Malaysia and hopes to show that political connection can impact the stock return volatility of firms during high-visibility events in Malaysia.
Is Village-Level Microfinance Beneficial at the Community, Enterprise and Household Levels? A Case Study from Indonesia
Authors: Ahmad Rifai  , Koi-Nyen Wong  , Soo-Khoon Goh
Published: December 2021

The local governments of the Riau Province of Indonesia had been given the mandate to use UED-SP as a microfinance programme to serve the financial needs of the rural poor, to promote rural economic activities and to create employment opportunities. Despite the village-level microfinance programme was able to accomplish rural outreach with financial sustainability (Rifai et al., 2019), there is limited evidence to validate its real impact on the rural MFI participants at three different levels of village development. The findings reveal that microloans appear to have positive impacts on the microfinance participants at the community level, at the level of micro-enterprise and at the household level. The rural MFIs should be targeting this village segment of the rural poor, while the local governments should provide the support to warrant deeper outreach.
Cybercrime Threat Landscape amid the Movement Control Order in Malaysia
Authors: N.K. Tharshini  , Zamri Hassan  , Faizah Haji Mas’ud
Published: December 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has evolved rapidly and affected almost all the world's countries, creating unprecedented chaos on human lives, physical health, mental wellbeing, and the world economy. During this time, digital space has become an indispensable global means of communication, entertainment, and social interaction. However, high reliance on digital tools increases the risk of being prey to cyberattacks. In order to explore the cybercrime threat landscape, empirical research was conducted to examine the shared experiences related to cybercrime threats during the enforcement of the Movement Control Order in Malaysia. Data was collected using an online survey among 332 respondents across Malaysia. The finding stipulated that most of the respondents comprised females aged between 18 and 28 years old. The result also indicated that majority of female became victims of online phishing/malware distribution [(M = 0.58, SD = 0.13); t (113) = 2.24, p = 0.02] and online sexual harassment [(M = 0.56, SD = 0.11); t (107) = 2.38, p = 0.01]. The understanding of cybercrime experiences faced by the public during MCO is essential to help law enforcement agencies to stay vigilant on issues related to public safety and security during unprecedented conditions.
Performance Accountability in Indonesian Local Governments: Does Monitoring Really Work?
Authors: Muhtar  , Taufiq Arifin  , Sutaryo
Published: December 2021

This study aims to empirically examine whether the monitoring activities on local government implementation really matter for local government performance accountability. Based on a sample of decentralized Indonesia during 2010-2019, we test this by measuring monitoring activities of local government at district and city levels. Using panel data set of 514 local governments, our results show that the monitoring activities, conducted by external audit and the public, positively affect local government performance accountability. In contrast, legislative monitoring negatively affects performance accountability. These findings suggest that the external audit plays a fundamental role in monitoring activities at the local governments. In addition, direct public monitoring can enhance performance accountability through intensifying human development and a greater democracy. As for legislators, the composition between government coalition and opposition should also be suitable for the effectiveness of monitoring.
Sorotan Semula Tatabahasa Dewan
Authors: Abu Bakar Khairul Taufiq , Jalaluddin Nor Hashimah , Mohamed Sultan Fazal Mohamed
Published: December 2021

Kajian ini membincangkan perihal contoh-contoh penggunaan kata kerja yang boleh juga mendukung makna tersirat yang mengikut acuan teori tatabahasa yang berasaskan konsep Transformasi-Generatif didapati boleh juga melanggar sekatan pilihan. Walau bagaimanapun, contoh-contoh penggunaan kata kerja yang boleh juga mendukung makna tersirat tersebut memerlukan perspektif pragmatik melalui pengaplikasian Teori Relevans bagi membolehkan penginterpretasian makna yang lebih mendalam dan sempurna dapat dilakukan. Kajian ini yang tergolong sebagai kajian kualitatif mengguna pakai kaedah analisis dokumen dengan memfokuskan reka bentuk kajian analisis kandungan. Di samping itu, tinjauan melalui borang soal selidik terhadap 96 orang pelajar tingkatan enam juga turut dilakukan bagi melihat keberkesanan Tatabahasa Dewan dalam menghuraikan aspek golongan kata kerja yang selama ini hanya memfokuskan contoh-contoh penggunaan kata kerja yang mendukung makna tersurat semata-mata. Kajian ini mendapati bahawa pengaplikasian Teori Relevans dalam bidang ilmu pragmatik sememangnya telah terbukti dapat membantu menyelesaikan fenomena pelanggaran sekatan pilihan yang melibatkan contoh-contoh penggunaan kata kerja yang boleh juga mendukung makna tersirat. Dapatan kajian daripada kajian ini diharapkan dapat membantu para penulis Tatabahasa Dewan untuk memperoleh input-input baharu yang bermanfaat. Seterusnya, tokok tambah yang masih boleh dilakukan oleh para penulis Tatabahasa Dewan diharapkan dapat membantu mengukuhkan lagi kredibiliti dan kewibawaan Tatabahasa Dewan itu sendiri sebagai buku “tatabahasa pegangan”.
The Language Ecology of Graduate Students: An Exploration through Vocabulary Contribution
Authors: Loo Daron Benjamin
Published: December 2021

This study explores the language ecology of graduate students through vocabulary contribution. Understanding students’ learning ecology may be done through the identification of pertinent sociomaterial networks with which students engage to initiate or complement learning. This study was set in an academic writing module taught by the researcher. An open invitation was extended to his students to contribute any vocabulary they encountered outside of his classroom. Along with the vocabulary contribution, students also had to provide the excerpt where the word occurred and the source-type. Contributions were made on an online Excel file. There was a total of 277 contributions made, of which 259 were unique (229 words and 30 unique strings of words). Students’ contributions of strings of words were not anticipated. A majority of these contributions came from academic sources, such as research articles or book chapters, which may be a pertinent aspect of the graduate students’ language ecology. Through the findings, it is recommended that English for academic purposes (EAP) or English for specific purposes (ESP) instructors identify language ecologies found in the broader university setting to glean relevant pedagogical materials that can support students’ language development.
NUMERICAL TESTS OF THE INFLUENCE OF THE TILT ANGLE OF THE MOTORCYCLE WINDSHIELD ON SELECTED AERODYNAMIC PARAMETERS
Authors:   Technical Sciences, Rzeszow University of Technology, Rzeszow, Poland, M JAKUBOWSKI M
Published: December 2021

Jakubowski M. Numerical tests of the influence of the tilt angle of the motorcycle windshield on selected aerodynamic parameters. Visnyk of National Transport University. Series «Technical sciences». Scientific and Technical Collection. – Kyiv: National Transport University, 2021. – Issue 3 (50). Aerodynamic drag is one of the drag forces acting on a vehicle while driving. Above a speed of about 75 km / h, this force becomes dominant, while below a rolling resistance has a greater influence. Aerodynamic drag is the sum of the resistances: body profile (about 60% of the share), vibrations of space (about 15%), friction (about 7%), inductive state (about 18%). At a speed of 100 km / h, the drag is approximately 90% of the total drag on the motorcycle. In the context of vehicle aerodynamics research, wind tunnel measurements are still the most common and widely used, but the evolution of computers in electronic data processing and storage and advances in their computational dynamics make numerical (mathematical) modeling very useful in the research process. Among the various design options, classic motorcycles are popular, they are not equipped with fairings and linings, with geometry, which allows you to ride comfortably with an upright fit. Such vehicles are often modified by users by installing a relatively large motorcycle windshield, which acts as a fairing and protects the rider from air pressure when driving at high speed. Mounting kits allow the angle of inclination of the windshield to be adjusted according to the driver's needs. This angle is one of the many parameters that affect the aerodynamic performance of a motorcycle, including drag. Thus, using such a windshield or a small fairing, it is possible to influence not only fuel consumption, but also the comfort and safety of driving. The article presents the results of simulation tests of the influence of the angle of installation of the windshield of a motorcycle (20, 30 and 40 °) on the aerodynamic characteristics. The analysis covered the velocity distribution in the plane of symmetry of the vehicle, the pressure (air pressure) exerted on the rider and motorcycle, as well as the isobaric surface for the specified pressure values. Low values of aerodynamic drag were obtained for a glass tilt angle of 40 °. A motorcycle in this configuration will consume less fuel while driving, and this also has a corresponding effect on reducing exhaust gas emissions. It should be noted that this angle of inclination of the glass, with the driver's position unchanged, exposes him to greater air pressure, especially when driving at high speed. When it comes to protecting the rider from air currents, the most advantageous configuration is a motorcycle with a 20 ° tilt angle. KEYWORDS: AERODYNAMICS, MOTORCYCLE WINDSHIELD, FAIRING, MOTION RESISTANCE, FUEL CONSUMPTION, COMFORT AND SAFETY OF MOTORCYCLISTS
Effect of Different Cultivation Modes (Photoautotrophic, Mixotrophic, and Heterotrophic) on the Growth of Chlorella sp. and Biocompositions
Authors: Yun Hyun-Sik , Kim Young-Saeng , Yoon Ho-Sung
Published: December 2021

In the past, biomass production using microalgae culture was dependent on inorganic carbon sources as microalgae are photosynthetic organisms. However, microalgae utilize both organic and inorganic carbon sources, such as glucose. Glucose is an excellent source of organic carbon that enhances biomass yield and the content of useful substances in microalgae. In this study, photoautotrophic, mixotrophic, and heterotrophic cultivation conditions were applied to three well-known strains of Chlorella (KNUA104, KNUA114, and KNUA122) to assess biomass productivity, and compositional changes (lipid, protein, and pigment) were evaluated in BG11 media under photoautotrophic, mixotrophic, and heterotrophic conditions utilizing different initial concentrations of glucose (5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 g L−1). Compared to the photoautotrophic condition (biomass yield: KNUA104, 0.35 ± 0.04 g/L/d; KNUA114, 0.40 ± 0.08 g/L/d; KNUA122, 0.38 ± 0.05 g/L/d) glucose was absent, and the biomass yield improved in the mixotrophic (glucose: 20 g L−1; biomass yield: KNUA104, 2.99 ± 0.10 g/L/d; KNUA114, 5.18 ± 0.81 g/L/d; KNUA122, 5.07 ± 0.22 g/L/d) and heterotrophic conditions (glucose: 20 g L−1; biomass yield: KNUA104, 1.72 ± 0.26 g/L/d; KNUA114, 4.26 ± 0.27 g/L/d; KNUA122, 4.32 ± 0.32 g/L/d). All strains under mixotrophic and heterotrophic conditions were optimally cultured when 15–20 g L−1 initial glucose was provided. Although bioresourse productivity improved under both mixotrophic and heterotrophic conditions where mixotrophic conditions were found to be optimal as the yields of lipid and pigment were also enhanced. Protein content was less affected by the presence of light or the concentration of glucose. Under mixotrophic conditions, the highest lipid content (glucose: 15 g L−1; lipid content: 68.80 ± 0.54%) was obtained with Chlorella vulgaris KNUA104, and enhanced pigment productivity of Chlorella sorokiniana KNUA114 and KNUA122 (additional pigment yield obtained with 15 g L−1 glucose: KNUA 114, 0.33 ± 0.01 g L−1; KNUA122, 0.21 ± 0.01 g L−1). Also, saturated fatty acid (SFA) content was enhanced in all strains (SFA: KNUA104, 29.76 ± 1.31%; KNUA114, 37.01 ± 0.98%; KNUA122, 33.37 ± 0.17%) under mixotrophic conditions. These results suggest that mixotrophic cultivation of Chlorella vulgaris and Chlorella sorokiniana could improve biomass yield and the raw material quality of biomass.
Cross-Tissue Characterization of Heterogeneities of Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Their Differentiation Potentials
Authors: Hou Wenhong , Duan Li , Huang Changyuan , Li Xingfu , Xu Xiao , Qin Pengfei , Hong Ni , Wang Daping , Jin Wenfei
Published: December 2021

Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) are promising cell sources for regenerative medicine and the treatment of autoimmune disorders. Comparing MSCs from different tissues at the single-cell level is fundamental for optimizing clinical applications. Here we analyzed single-cell RNA-seq data of MSCs from four tissues, namely umbilical cord, bone marrow, synovial tissue, and adipose tissue. We identified three major cell subpopulations, namely osteo-MSCs, chondro-MSCs, and adipo/myo-MSCs, across all MSC samples. MSCs from the umbilical cord exhibited the highest immunosuppression, potentially indicating it is the best immune modulator for autoimmune diseases. MSC subpopulations, with different subtypes and tissue sources, showed pronounced differences in differentiation potentials. After we compared the cell subpopulations and cell status pre-and-post chondrogenesis induction, osteogenesis induction, and adipogenesis induction, respectively, we found MSC subpopulations expanded and differentiated when their subtypes consist with induction directions, while the other subpopulations shrank. We identified the genes and transcription factors underlying each induction at the single-cell level and subpopulation level, providing better targets for improving induction efficiency.
Autocrine Exosomal Fibulin-1 as a Target of MiR-1269b Induces Epithelial–Mesenchymal Transition in Proximal Tubule in Diabetic Nephropathy
Authors: Tsai Yi-Chun , Hung Wei-Wen , Chang Wei-An , Wu Ping-Hsun , Wu Ling-Yu , Lee Su-Chu , Kuo Mei-Chuan , Hsu Ya-Ling
Published: December 2021

Background: Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is an increasing threat to human health and is regarded to be the leading cause of end-stage renal disease worldwide. Exosomes deliver biomolecule massages and may play a key role in cell communication and the progression of DN.

Methods: A cross-disciplinary study, including in vivo, in vitro, and human studies, was conducted to explore the cross-talk within proximal tubular epithelial cells (PTECs) in DN. Exosomal protein from PTECs treated with high glucose (HG) was purified and examined using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Next-generation sequencing (NGS) was utilized to analyze RNAs extracted from PTECs from a type 2 diabetic patient and a normal individual. HK-2 cells were used to assess exosomal protein and its modulation and biofunction in DN. Normal individuals and type 2 diabetic patients were enrolled, and nondiabetic db/m mice and diabetic db/db mice were used to validate the molecular mechanism of exosomes in DN.

Results: HG stimulated PTECs to increase Fibulin-1 (FBLN1) expression, and PTECs secreted FBLN1 through exosome delivery, thereby inducing epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) in PTECs. Transcriptome analysis found that FBLN1 expression was modulated by miR-1269b, which was downregulated by HG in HK-2 cells. While transfection of miR-1269b reversed FBLN1-mediated EMT in PTECs, miR-1269b inhibitor modulated the phenotype of PTECs toward mesenchymal type under normal glucose (NG) condition. Most importantly, urinary FBLN1 and exosomal miR-1269b levels were correlated with the severity of kidney injury in type 2 diabetic patients.

Conclusion: This study demonstrated the communication within PTECs through exosome transmission in an autocrine pattern. MiR-1269b–FBLN1 epigenetic regulatory network could be a potential therapeutic strategy to prevent the progression of DN.
High-Throughput Screening and Identification of Human Adenovirus Type 5 Inhibitors
Authors: Wen Xiaojing , Zhang Li , Zhao Shan , Liu Qiang , Guan Wenyi , Wu Jiajing , Zhang Qiwei , Wen Hongling , Huang Weijin
Published: December 2021

Human adenovirus infections can develop into diffuse multi-organ diseases in young children and immunocompromised patients, and severe cases can lead to death. However, there are no approved antiviral drugs available to treat adenovirus diseases. In this study, a chemiluminescence-based, high-throughput screening (HTS) assay was developed and applied to screen human adenovirus 5(HAdV5)inhibitors from 1,813 approved drug library and 556 traditional Chinese medicine-sourced small-molecule compounds. We identified three compounds with in vitro anti-HAdV5 activities in the low-micromolar range (EC50 values 0.3-4.5 μM, selectivity index values 20-300) that also showed inhibitory effects on HAdV3. Cardamomin (CDM) had good anti-HAdV5 activity in vitro. Furthermore, three dilutions of CDM (150, 75, and 37.5 mg/kg/d) administered to BALB/c mouse models inhibited HAdV5-fluc infection at 1 day post-infection by 80% (p < 0.05), 76% (p < 0.05), and 58% (p < 0.05), respectively. HE-staining of pathological tissue sections of mice infected with a wildtype adenoviral strain showed that CDM had a protective effect on tissues, especially in the liver, and greatly inhibited virus-induced necrosis of liver tissue. Thus, CDM inhibits adenovirus replication in vivo and in vitro. This study established a high-throughput screening method for anti-HAdV5 drugs and demonstrated CDM to be a candidate for HAdV5 therapy, potentially providing a new treatment for patients infected with adenoviruses.
Temperature-Dependent Influence of FliA Overexpression on PHL628 E. coli Biofilm Growth and Composition
Authors: Buck Luke D. , Paladino Maddison M. , Nagashima Kyogo , Brezel Emma R. , Holtzman Joshua S. , Urso Sarel J. , Ryno Lisa M.
Published: December 2021

Biofilm growth and survival pose a problem in both medical and industrial fields. Bacteria in biofilms are more tolerant to antibiotic treatment due to the inability of antibiotics to permeate to the bottom layers of cells in a biofilm and the creation of altered microenvironments of bacteria deep within the biofilm. Despite the abundance of information we have about E. coli biofilm growth and maturation, we are still learning how manipulating different signaling pathways influences the formation and fitness of biofilm. Understanding the impact of signaling pathways on biofilm formation may narrow the search for novel small molecule inhibitors or activators that affect biofilm production and stability. Here, we study the influence of the minor sigma transcription factor FliA (RpoF, sigma-28), which controls late-stage flagellar assembly and chemotaxis, on biofilm production and composition at various temperatures in the E. coli strain PHL628, which abundantly produces the extracellular structural protein curli. We examined FliA’s influence on external cellular structures like curli and flagella and the biomolecular composition of the biofilm’s extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) using biochemical assays, immunoblotting, and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). At 37°C, FliA overexpression results in the dramatic growth of biofilm in polystyrene plates and more modest yet significant biofilm growth on silica slides. We observed no significant differences in curli concentration and carbohydrate concentration in the EPS with FliA overexpression. Still, we did see significant changes in the abundance of EPS protein using CLSM at higher growth temperatures. We also noticed increased flagellin concentration, a major structural protein in flagella, occurred with FliA overexpression, specifically in planktonic cultures. These experiments have aided in narrowing our focus to FliA’s role in changing the protein composition of the EPS, which we will examine in future endeavors.
Preconditioning With Natural Microbiota Strain Ochrobactrum vermis MYb71 Influences Caenorhabditis elegans Behavior
Authors: Petersen Carola , Pees Barbara , Martínez Christophersen Christina , Leippe Matthias
Published: December 2021

In comparison with the standard monoxenic maintenance in the laboratory, rearing the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans on its natural microbiota improves its fitness and immunity against pathogens. Although C. elegans is known to exhibit choice behavior and pathogen avoidance behavior, little is known about whether C. elegans actively chooses its (beneficial) microbiota and whether the microbiota influences worm behavior. We examined eleven natural C. elegans isolates in a multiple-choice experiment for their choice behavior toward four natural microbiota bacteria and found that microbiota choice varied among C. elegans isolates. The natural C. elegans isolate MY2079 changed its choice behavior toward microbiota isolate Ochrobactrum vermis MYb71 in both multiple-choice and binary-choice experiments, in particular on proliferating bacteria: O. vermis MYb71 was chosen less than other microbiota bacteria or OP50, but only after preconditioning with MYb71. Examining escape behavior and worm fitness on MYb71, we ruled out pathogenicity of MYb71 and consequently learned pathogen avoidance behavior as the main driver of the behavioral change toward MYb71. The change in behavior of C. elegans MY2079 toward microbiota bacterium MYb71 demonstrates how the microbiota influences the worm’s choice. These results might give a baseline for future research on host–microbiota interaction in the C. elegans model.
Differentially Expressed Extracellular Vesicle, Exosome and Non-Exosome miRNA Profile in High and Low Tick-Resistant Beef Cattle
Authors: Abeysinghe Pevindu , Turner Natalie , Peiris Hassendrini , Vaswani Kanchan , Cameron Nick , McGhee Nathanael , Logan Jayden , Mitchell Murray D.
Published: December 2021

Heavy tick burden on beef cattle account for huge economic losses globally, with an estimated value of US$22-30 billion per annum. In Australia, ticks cost the northern beef industry approximately A$170-200 million. Methods to evaluate and predict tick resistance would therefore be of great value to the global cattle trade. Exosomes (EX) are small extracellular vesicles (EVs) of ~30-150nm diameter and have gained popularity for their diagnostic and prognostic potential. EX contain, among other biomolecules, various types of RNA including micro-RNA (miRNA) and long noncoding RNA (lncRNA). MiRNA specifically have been validated as therapeutic biomarkers as they perform regulatory functions at the post-transcriptional level and are differentially expressed between divergent groups. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the miRNA profiles of EV and fractionated exosomal samples of high and low tick-resistant beef cattle to highlight potential miRNA biomarkers of tick resistance. Cows (n = 3/group) were classified into high or low tick resistant groups according to a novel scoring system. EVs and EX were isolated and fractionated from the blood plasma of high and low tick resistant cattle using established isolation and enrichment protocols. The resultant EX and non-EX samples were processed for next generation miRNA sequencing. Offspring of the cows in each high and low tick resistant group underwent the same processing for blood plasma EX, non-EX and miRNA analysis to evaluate the heritability of miRNA associated with tick resistance. A total of 2631 miRNAs were identified in EX and non-EX fractionated samples from high and low tick-resistant beef cattle. MiR-449a was highly expressed in maternal high tick-resistant EX samples. Of these, 174 were novel miRNAs, and 10 were differentially expressed (DE) (FDR < 0.05). These 10 DE miRNAs were also present in EVs, and three miRNAs were highly expressed: miR-2419-3p, miR-7861-3p and miR-2372-5p. Although 196 novel miRNAs were identified in fractionated samples of offspring, no miRNA were differentially expressed in these animals.
Combined Intestinal Metabolomics and Microbiota Analysis for Acute Endometritis Induced by Lipopolysaccharide in Mice
Authors: Dong Yuqing , Yuan Yuan , Ma Yichuan , Luo Yuanyue , Zhou Wenjing , Deng Xin , Pu Jingyu , Hu Binhong , Liu Songqing
Published: December 2021

Endometritis is generally caused by bacterial infections, including both acute and chronic infections. In the past few decades, accumulated evidence showed that the occurrence of diseases might be related to gut microbiota. The progression of diseases is previously known to change the composition and diversity of intestinal microbiota. Additionally, it also causes corresponding changes in metabolites, primarily by affecting the physiological processes of microbiota. However, the effects of acute endometritis on intestinal microbiota and its metabolism remain unknown. Thus, the present study aimed to assess the effects of acute endometritis on intestinal microbes and their metabolites. Briefly, endometritis was induced in 30 specific pathogen-free (SPF) BALB/c female mice via intrauterine administration of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) after anesthesia. Following this, 16S rRNA gene sequencing and liquid chromatogram-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) were performed. At the genus level, the relative abundance of Klebsiella, Lachnoclostridium_5, and Citrobacter was found to be greater in the LPS group than in the control group. Importantly, the control group exhibited a higher ratio of Christensenellaceae_R−7_group and Parasutterella. Furthermore, intestinal metabolomics analysis in mice showed that acute endometritis altered the concentration of intestinal metabolites and affected biological oxidation, energy metabolism, and biosynthesis of primary bile acids. The correlation analysis between microbial diversity and metabolome provided a basis for a comprehensive understanding of the composition and function of the microbial community. Altogether, the findings of this study would be helpful in the prevention and treatment of acute endometritis in the future.
The Association Between Breast Density and Gut Microbiota Composition at 2 Years Post-Menarche: A Cross-Sectional Study of Adolescents in Santiago, Chile
Authors: Yoon Lara S. , Jacobs Jonathan P. , Hoehner Jessica , Pereira Ana , Gana Juan Cristóbal , Corvalán Camila , Michels Karin B.
Published: December 2021

The gut microbiome has been linked to breast cancer via immune, inflammatory, and hormonal mechanisms. We examined the relation between adolescent breast density and gut microbial composition and function in a cohort of Chilean girls. This cross-sectional study included 218 female participants in the Growth and Obesity Cohort Study who were 2 years post-menarche. We measured absolute breast fibroglandular volume (aFGV) and derived percent FGV (%FGV) using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. All participants provided a fecal sample. The gut microbiome was characterized using 16S ribosomal RNA sequencing of the V3-V4 hypervariable region. We examined alpha diversity and beta diversity across terciles of %FGV and aFGV. We used MaAsLin2 for multivariable general linear modeling to assess differential taxa and predicted metabolic pathway abundance (MetaCyc) between %FGV and aFGV terciles. All models were adjusted for potential confounding variables and corrected for multiple comparisons. The mean %FGV and aFGV was 49.5% and 217.0 cm3, respectively, among study participants. Similar median alpha diversity levels were found across %FGV and aFGV terciles when measured by the Shannon diversity index (%FGV T1: 4.0, T2: 3.9, T3: 4.1; aFGV T1: 4.0, T2: 4.0, T3: 4.1). %FGV was associated with differences in beta diversity (R2 =0.012, p=0.02). No genera were differentially abundant when comparing %FGV nor aFGV terciles after adjusting for potential confounders (q > 0.56 for all genera). We found no associations between predicted MetaCyc pathway abundance and %FGV and aFGV. Overall, breast density measured at 2 years post-menarche was not associated with composition and predicted function of the gut microbiome among adolescent Chilean girls.
Communicating the Benefits and Risks of Digital Agriculture Technologies: Perspectives on the Future of Digital Agricultural Education and Training
Authors: Soma Tammara , Nuckchady Bhoosun
Published: December 2021

British Columbia’s food system is experiencing an emerging trend in the digitalization of agriculture, which will impact agricultural practices in the province. The rapid growth of this field has created a niche for training and education in digital agriculture and more specifically, in areas such as robotics, artificial intelligence, big data analytics, and computing. However, it remains unclear whether current educators and trainers in British Columbia are communicating both the benefits and risks of digital agriculture, and the need for an inclusive and equitable approach to digital agriculture. To understand the emerging education and training landscape in digital agricultural technologies, this exploratory study engaged in a key informant interview with 12 participants, including educators, relevant government staff, and private training consultants/practitioners in the food and agricultural sector in British Columbia. The small sample is reflective of the nascent nature of this area of research, which seeks to better understand digital agriculture from the perspectives of agricultural educators and trainers both in the public and private sectors. The study found that there is currently a lack of consideration for equity and food sovereignty in digital agricultural training and education. This is primarily due to a gap in engagement with the social aspects of digital agriculture. Without engaging critical social scientists and critical data studies, digital agriculture education, and training may be conducted in ways that do not promote responsible and ethical innovation, and are therefore counterproductive to the development of a just and sustainable food system.
One-Stop Hybrid Coronary Revascularization Versus Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting in Patients With Multivessel Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Li Dongjie , Guo Yulin , Gao Yingdi , An Xiangguang , Liu Yan , Gu Song , Zhang Xitao , Zhong Jiuchang , Gao Jie , Su Pixiong
Published: December 2021

Background: Data on one-stop hybrid coronary revascularization (HCR) are limited. This study aimed to compare the early and midterm outcomes of one-stop HCR with off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCAB) in patients with multivessel coronary artery disease.

Methods: From April 2018 to May 2021, 752 patients with multivessel coronary artery disease who underwent isolated one-stop HCR or OPCAB were retrospectively included in this analysis. After exclusion and propensity score matching, 151 patients who underwent HCR were matched with 151 patients who underwent OPCAB. The primary endpoints were midterm major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) after the procedure. The secondary endpoints were in-hospital complications and outcomes.

Results: The preprocedural characteristics were well balanced between the two groups after matching. The HCR group was associated with a lower rate of perioperative transfusion (23.8 vs. 53.0%, p < 0.001) and new-onset atrial fibrillation (AF) (5.3 vs. 15.2%, p = 0.004), shorter time of mechanical ventilation (h) [15 (16, 17) vs. 17 (16, 20), p < 0.001], and shorter length of stay (LOS) in the hospital (days) [19 (16, 24) vs. 22 (18, 27), p = 0.001]. Cumulated MACCE rates were similar between the two groups (15.9 vs. 14.0%, p = 0.59) during a median follow-up of 20 months.

Conclusions: One-stop HCR is safe and efficacious with less invasiveness and faster postoperative recovery in selected patients with multivessel coronary artery disease. Randomized controlled trials with larger sample sizes and long-term follow-up are warranted to confirm these findings.
Prognostic Value of Late Enhanced Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging Derived Texture Features in Dilated Cardiomyopathy Patients With Severely Reduced Ejection Fractions
Authors: Shu Shenglei , Wang Cheng , Hong Ziming , Zhou Xiaoyue , Zhang Tianjng , Peng Qinmu , Wang Jing , Zheng Chuansheng
Published: December 2021

Background: Late enhanced cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) images of the left ventricular myocardium contain an enormous amount of information that could provide prognostic value beyond that of late gadolinium enhancements (LGEs). With computational postprocessing and analysis, the heterogeneities and variations of myocardial signal intensities can be interpreted and measured as texture features. This study aimed to evaluate the value of texture features extracted from late enhanced CMR images of the myocardium to predict adverse outcomes in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and severe systolic dysfunction.

Methods: This single-center study retrospectively enrolled patients with DCM with severely reduced left ventricular ejection fractions (LVEFs < 35%). Texture features were extracted from enhanced late scanning images, and the presence and extent of LGEs were also measured. Patients were followed-up for clinical endpoints composed of all-cause deaths and cardiac transplantation. Cox proportional hazard regression and Kaplan–Meier analyses were used to evaluate the prognostic value of texture features and conventional CMR parameters with event-free survival.

Results: A total of 114 patients (37 women, median age 47.5 years old) with severely impaired systolic function (median LVEF, 14.0%) were followed-up for a median of 504.5 days. Twenty-nine patients experienced endpoint events, 12 died, and 17 underwent cardiac transplantations. Three texture features from a gray-level co-occurrence matrix (GLCM) (GLCM_contrast, GLCM_difference average, and GLCM_difference entropy) showed good prognostic value for adverse events when analyzed using univariable Cox hazard ratio regression (p = 0.007, p = 0.011, and p = 0.007, retrospectively). When each of the three features was analyzed using a multivariable Cox regression model that included the clinical parameter (systolic blood pressure) and LGE extent, they were found to be independently associated with adverse outcomes.

Conclusion: Texture features related LGE heterogeneities and variations (GLCM_contrast, GLCM_difference average, and GLCM_difference entropy) are novel markers for risk stratification toward adverse events in DCM patients with severe systolic dysfunction.
Fostering Palliative Care Through Digital Intervention: A Platform for Adult Patients With Hematologic Malignancies
Authors: Koumakis Lefteris , Schera Fatima , Parker Heather , Bonotis Panos , Chatzimina Maria , Argyropaidas Panagiotis , Zacharioudakis Giorgos , Schäfer Michael , Kakalou Christine , Karamanidou Christina , Didi Jana , Kazantzaki Eleni , Scarfo Lydia , Marias Kostas , Natsiavas Pantelis
Published: December 2021

Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) are an emerging paradigm in clinical research and healthcare, aiming to capture the patient's self-assessed health status in order to gauge efficacy of treatment from their perspective. As these patient-generated health data provide insights into the effects of healthcare processes in real-life settings beyond the clinical setting, they can also be viewed as a resolution beyond what can be gleaned directly by the clinician. To this end, patients are identified as a key stakeholder of the healthcare decision making process, instead of passively following their doctor's guidance. As this joint decision-making process requires constant and high-quality communication between the patient and his/her healthcare providers, novel methodologies and tools have been proposed to promote richer and preemptive communication to facilitate earlier recognition of potential complications. To this end, as PROs can be used to quantify the patient impact (especially important for chronic conditions such as cancer), they can play a prominent role in providing patient-centric care. In this paper, we introduce the MyPal platform that aims to support adults suffering from hematologic malignancies, focusing on the technical design and highlighting the respective challenges. MyPal is a Horizon 2020 European project aiming to support palliative care for cancer patients via the electronic PROs (ePROs) paradigm, building upon modern eHealth technologies. To this end, MyPal project evaluate the proposed eHealth intervention via clinical studies and assess its potential impact on the provided palliative care. More specifically, MyPal platform provides specialized applications supporting the regular answering of well-defined and standardized questionnaires, spontaneous symptoms reporting, educational material provision, notifications etc. The presented platform has been validated by end-users and is currently in the phase of pilot testing in a clinical study to evaluate its feasibility and its potential impact on the quality of life of palliative care patients with hematologic malignancies.
Snow Depth Retrieval on Arctic Sea Ice Using Under-Ice Hyperspectral Radiation Measurements
Authors: Anhaus Philipp , Katlein Christian , Nicolaus Marcel , Arndt Stefanie , Jutila Arttu , Haas Christian
Published: December 2021

Radiation transmitted through sea ice and snow has an important impact on the energy partitioning at the atmosphere-ice-ocean interface. Snow depth and ice thickness are crucial in determining its temporal and spatial variations. Under-ice surveys using autonomous robotic vehicles to measure transmitted radiation often lack coincident snow depth and ice thickness measurements so that direct relationships cannot be investigated. Snow and ice imprint distinct features on the spectral shape of transmitted radiation. Here, we use those features to retrieve snow depth. Transmitted radiance was measured underneath landfast level first-year ice using a remotely operated vehicle in the Lincoln Sea in spring 2018. Colocated measurements of snow depth and ice thickness were acquired. Constant ice thickness, clear water conditions, and low in-ice biomass allowed us to separate the spectral features of snow. We successfully retrieved snow depth using two inverse methods based on under-ice optical spectra with 1) normalized difference indices and 2) an idealized two-layer radiative transfer model including spectral snow and sea ice extinction coefficients. The retrieved extinction coefficients were in agreement with previous studies. We then applied the methods to continuous time series of transmittance and snow depth from the landfast first-year ice and from drifting, melt-pond covered multiyear ice in the Central Arctic in autumn 2018. Both methods allow snow depth retrieval accuracies of approximately 5 cm. Our results show that atmospheric variations and absolute light levels have an influence on the snow depth retrieval.
DSAEF_LTP Model Experiment to Forecast the Accumulated Precipitation of Landfalling Northward-Moving Typhoons in China
Authors: Yao Mei , Ma Yunqi , Jia Li , Ren Fumin , Li Guoping , Ding Chenchen , Wang Mingyang , McBride John L.
Published: December 2021

We designed two groups of experiments to test the forecast performance of the Dynamical-Statistical-Analog Ensemble Forecast (DSAEF_LTP) model for precipitation caused by landfalling northward-moving typhoons. The first group DSAEF_LTP-1 had the generalized initial value containing three factors (tropical cyclone track, landfall season and tropical cyclone intensity) while the second group DSAEF_LTP-2 added multiple choices of similarity regions. We selected 33 typhoons that brought about maximum daily precipitation ≥100 mm to the area north of the Yangtze River from 2004–2019. We used 22 tropical cyclones from 2004–2015 as training samples to identify the best scheme, which was then used to conduct independent sample forecasting experiments for 11 tropical cyclones from 2016–2019. The results were compared with those of four numerical models (ECMWF, GFS, GRAPES and SMS-WARMS). The simulation ability of the DSAEF_LTP model was significantly improved after adding the similarity regions. The TSsum (TS250 + TS100) for accumulated precipitation ≥250 and ≥100 mm increased from 0.1239 (0 + 0.1239) to 0.1883 (0.0526 + 0.1357). The forecast performance of the DSAEF_LTP for TS100 was 0.1355 for DSAEF_LTP-1 and 0.099 for DSAEF_LTP-2 . Both exceeded the scores for two of the operational Numerical Models, GRAPES (0.0798) and SMS-WARMS (0.0943). The DSAEF_LTP model can capture the distribution patterns of the observed precipitation in most cases. The forecasting performance was good over the southern coast of China but was limited in the north. The development of vortex identification technology for residual vortices and the introduction of new environmental factors into the generalized initial value are required to improve the DSAEF_LTP model.
Late Pleistocene Climate and Dust Source From the Mobarakabad Loess–Paleosol Sequence, Northern Foothills of the Alborz Mountains, Northern Iran
Authors: Ghafarpour Amin , Khormali Farhad , Meng Xianqiang , Tazikeh Hossein , Stevens Thomas
Published: December 2021

Paleoclimatic investigation of loess-paleosol sequences from northern Iran is important for understanding past changes in a region highly sensitive to shifts in precipitation, and along potential routes of past human migration. Here, we present carbon and oxygen isotopic compositions of bulk carbonate (δ13Cbc and δ18Obc, respectively) coupled with particle size distributions of samples from the Mobarakabad section, northern Iran, to study past wind dynamics and hydroclimate. We also present new initial clay-sized Hf-Nd isotope results from key horizons in order to assess general dust sources. Variations of δ13Cbc and δ18Obc values of modern soils compared to paleosols allow reconstruction of late Pleistocene–Holocene climate change in the area. Our results show severe drought during a major eolian deposition phase (EDP) after 34 ka. The thickness and PSD of the C horizon of unit 5 suggest significant shifts in loess sources and depositional environments during this EDP after 34 ka. Indeed, based on our new clay-sized Hf-Nd data, we hypothesize that the loess unit 5 might originate from the young crustal source of the Alborz and Kopet Dagh mountains. In general, the PSD of C horizons in the section is bimodal in the silt fraction and the very small, very fine clay fraction, with a mode at c. 1 μm in the modern soil and paleosols possibly produced by weathering and pedogenic processes. There also appears to be a good correlation between δ13Cbc and δ18Obc values, differentiating phases of loess accumulation and paleosol formation and hence providing quantitative data for reconstructing paleoclimatic conditions in the study area.
In Silico Sperm Proteome Analysis to Investigate DNA Repair Mechanisms in Varicocele Patients
Authors: Finelli Renata , Darbandi Sara , Pushparaj Peter Natesan , Henkel Ralf , Ko Edmund , Agarwal Ashok
Published: December 2021

Varicocele, a condition associated with increased oxidative stress, negatively affects sperm DNA integrity and reduces pregnancy rates. However, the molecular mechanisms related to DNA integrity, damage, and repair in varicocele patients remain unclear. This study aimed to determine the role of DNA repair molecular mechanisms in varicocele-related infertility by combining an in silico proteomics approach with wet-laboratory techniques. Proteomics results previously generated from varicocele patients (n=50) and fertile controls (n=10) attending our Andrology Center were reanalyzed using bioinformatics tools, including the WEB-based Gene SeT AnaLysis Toolkit, Open Target Platform, and Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA), to identify differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) involved in DNA repair. Subsequently, selected DEPs in spermatozoa were validated using western blotting in varicocele (n = 13) and fertile control (n = 5) samples. We identified 99 DEPs mainly involved in male reproductive system disease (n=66) and male infertility (n=47). IPA analysis identified five proteins [fatty acid synthase (FASN), myeloperoxidase (MPO), mitochondrial aconitate hydratase (ACO2), nucleoporin 93 (NUP93), and 26S proteasome non-ATPase regulatory subunit 14 (PSMD14)] associated with DNA repair deficiency, which showed altered expression in varicocele (P <0.03). We validated ACO2 downregulation (fold change=0.37, change%=-62.7%, P=0.0001) and FASN overexpression (fold change = 4.04, change %= 303.7%, P = 0.014) in men with varicocele compared to controls. This study combined a unique in silico approach with an in vitro validation of the molecular mechanisms that may be responsible for varicocele-associated infertility. We identified ACO2 and FASN as possible proteins involved in DNA repair, whose altered expression may contribute to DNA damage in varicocele pathophysiology.