bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CD56brightCD16– natural killer cells as an important regulatory mechanism in chronic graft-versus-host disease
Authors: Lauener Madeline , AzadPour Shima , Abdossamadi Sayeh , Parthasarathy Vaishnavi , Ng Bernard , Ostroumov Elena , Cuvelier Geoffrey D.E. , Levings Megan K. , MacDonald Katherine N. , Kariminia Amina , Schultz Kirk R.
Published: October 2022

Chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGvHD) is a major cause of morbidity after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). In large patient populations, we have shown a CD56bright natural killer (NK) population to strongly associate with a lack of cGvHD and we hypothesize that these cells function to suppress cGvHD. We aimed to isolate and define the characteristics of regulatory NK (NKreg) cells associated with suppression of cGvHD. Immunophenotypic evaluation of a large pediatric population found the CD56bright NK population associated with a lack of cGvHD to be perforin-, Granzyme B-, and CD335+. Transcriptome analysis of a small patient cohort of CD56bright compared to CD56dim NK cells found the NKreg cells to also overexpress Granzyme K, IL-7R, GPR183, RANK, GM-CSFR, TCF7, and IL23A. Further analysis of this CD56bright NKreg population found a subpopulation that overexpressed IRF1, and TNF. We also found that viable NKreg cells may be isolated by sorting on CD56+ and CD16- NK cells, and this population can suppress allogeneic CD4+ T cells, but not Treg cells or CD8+ T cells through a non-cytolytic, cell-cell contact dependent mechanism. Suppression was not reliant upon the NKp44, NKp46, or GPR183 receptors. Additionally, NKreg cells do not kill leukemic cells. Moreover, this is the first paper to clearly establish that a CD56brightCD3-CD16-perforin- NKreg population associates with a lack of cGvHD and has several unique characteristics, including the suppression of helper T-cell function in vitro. With further investigation we may decipher the mechanism of NKreg suppression and operationalize expansion of NKreg cells associated with cGvHD suppression.
Inteligencias múltiples y el desarrollo de competencias lectoras
Authors: Carrión Fernández Gina Mariuxi , Reascos Vallejo Nelson Cristóbal , Toledo Moncayo Cecilia
Published: October 2022

La presente investigación tuvo como objetivo general optimizar la enseñanza de la asignatura de Lengua y Literatura, atendiendo las inteligencias múltiples, para el desarrollo de las competencias lectoras en estudiantes de Básica Superior. Se llevó a cabo bajo un diseño no experimental, de tipo descriptiva y de campo, mediante la aplicación a 37 estudiantes de un cuestionario con escala de Likert, cuya fiabilidad fue corroborada a través del Coeficiente Alfa de Cronbach, con un valor de 0,717. El procesamiento de los datos se lo realizó a través de SPSS y se ejecutaron análisis de normalidad que demostraron que todas las variables del instrumento fueron paramétricas, según el método de Shapiro Wilk. El análisis estadístico de frecuencias determinó que el 35,1% se siente motivado por la lectura, lo que se contrapone con el 81% que afirma que la lectura es importante. Se realizó un análisis estadístico descriptivo para identificar las competencias que se deben priorizar, lo que permitió elaborar una propuesta para desarrollarlas.
Diseño de recursos didácticos con aprendizaje basado en proyectos para el módulo de metalmecánica
Authors: Coello Baños Guido Daniel , Pazmiño Piedra Juan Pablo , Erazo Álvarez Juan Carlos
Published: October 2022

El método basado en proyecto es utilizado en la actualidad para fomentar en los estudiantes el trabajo colaborativo involucrándose en las diferentes fases de un proyecto como son: planificación, toma de decisiones, generación de ideas innovadoras, evaluación del avance y planteamientos de posibles modificaciones. Por tal razón esta investigación se basa en fundamentar el método del aprendizaje basado en proyectos con la motivación  a los estudiantes para la construcción de maquetas didácticas que se adhieren a el área de electromecánica automotriz del colegio de bachillerato Daniel Córdova Toral ; dada la necesidad de la carencia de recursos didácticos para la correcta recepción del conocimiento en la parte práctica por parte de los estudiantes del primero de bachillerato que considerando su adaptación dentro de la figura profesional requieren logran habilidades sobre el manejo de  todo tipo de herramientas, simulación de sistemas y circuitos localizados dentro de un vehículo. Analizando la encuesta ejecutada a los estudiantes, se evidencia la insuficiencia de material didáctico y herramientas para el grupo numeroso de estudiantes que ingresan al primero de bachillerato. Con el desarrollo de esta investigación se pretende en los estudiantes afianzar los contenidos de los diferentes módulos formativos en su propuesta innovadora que se proyectara como la elaboración de una maqueta didáctica o simulación del sistema, mecanismo diseñado por todos los integrantes de los grupos asignados.
Evaluación de estándares de aprendizajes en estudiantes del bachillerato técnico: caso Playa Prieta, Manabí
Authors: Delgado Cedeño José Alfredo , Escobar García Martha Cecilia
Published: October 2022

Introducción. Aspectos fundamentales del currículo y argumentos acerca de competencias, estándares de aprendizaje y su evaluación, sirven de base para la transformación de la evaluación en el contexto educativo.  Objetivo. Describir el proceso de evaluación de los estándares de aprendizaje en los estudiantes del Bachillerato Técnico del Colegio Técnico Playa Prieta, Manabí, Ecuador, periodo 2020-2021. Metodología. El estudio tuvo enfoque mixto y transversal, alcance descriptivo. Se aplicó un cuestionario a los profesores y estudiantes y se observó el proceso de evaluación formativa que realizan los profesores. La población estuvo compuesta por 9 profesores y 78 estudiantes de Bachillerato Técnico del Colegio Técnico Playa Prieta (37 de la figura profesional Producción Agropecuaria y 41 de Gestión de la Secretaría). Resultados. Planificación de actividades de acuerdo con los estándares de aprendizaje; comunicación de criterios de evaluación de los estándares de aprendizaje a padres y estudiantes; aplicación de metodologías e instrumentos de evaluación diagnóstica; no se realizan ajustes a las prácticas de enseñanza según los resultados de evaluación. Conclusiones. La evaluación educativa es un proceso complejo y multifactorial que debe ser válida y confiable y desarrolla un papel fundamental tanto como componente de la Didáctica o como referente del Currículo. Las pautas fundamentales de esta evaluación objeto de análisis se erige de forma no ecléctica sobre pilares exógenos curriculares y endógenos de competencias en un continuo metodológico que la hace integral y holística.
Calidad y rendimiento factores de eficiencia de la plataforma Jardín Azuayo Virtual en Cuenca-Ecuador
Authors: Inga Pacheco Fredy Marcelo , Vásquez Erazo Edwin Joselito
Published: October 2022

Introducción. La Cooperativa de Ahorro y Crédito Jardín Azuayo a través de su página web cuenta con una plataforma digital donde se puede realizar diferentes transacciones con el propósito de innovar la forma de ofertar sus servicios. Objetivo. Determinar la calidad y rendimiento como elementos que aportan en la eficiencia de la plataforma Jardín azuayo virtual dentro del territorio Cuenca-Ecuador. Metodología. Se utilizó la metodología de investigación de tipo cuantitativa, exploratoria, descriptiva y correlacional, en una población finita de 80000 socios pertenecientes a la Cooperativa de Ahorro y Crédito Jardín Azuayo que utilizan la plataforma Jardín Azuayo virtual en el territorio Cuenca-Ecuador, donde se estudia a 102 sujetos mediante un instrumento validado por expertos y con un Alpha de Cronbach de 0.966. El estudio es no probabilístico e intencional. Resultados. La calidad y rendimiento son factores claves que aportan significativamente en la eficiencia de la plataforma. Conclusión. Se obtuvo como consecuencia un medio de atención óptimo sobre los servicios financieros de los socios de la institución.
Desarrollo de la lectoescritura con gamificación en niños del segundo de básica
Authors: Calle Munzon Angélica Tatiana , Castro Salazar Ana Zulema
Published: October 2022

El presente estudio pretende analizar la manera en la que influye la gamificación como estrategia de apoyo para el proceso de lecto – escritura. La gamificación es un método de enseñanza que utiliza técnicas como el juego para ayudar a la comprensión de diversos temas. Se realizó una observación en una clase de lecto-escritura antes y después de la gamificación. La población fueron 34 estudiantes del segundo grado de la Unidad Educativa “Juan Bautista Vásquez”. Se encontró que previo a la gamificación los alumnos no prestan mayor interés a la lecto-escritura. La gamificación promovió la atención de los niños y niñas hacia la lecto-escritura. Estos resultados apoyan los resultados de muchos otros estudios que aseveran los beneficios de la gamificación dentro del aula de clases. Se concluye que los alumnos captan mejor los conocimientos cuando se los hace participes de las dinámicas, que se les presenta.
Laboratorios virtuales para fortalecer el aprendizaje de la química en segundo de bachillerato
Authors: Carchipulla Altamirano Carmen Lucía , Guevara Vizcaíno Claudio Fernando
Published: October 2022

El presente trabajo aborda la temática del uso de laboratorios virtuales para el proceso educativo. El objetivo de la investigación se centra en determinar la incidencia del uso de laboratorios virtuales para el proceso enseñanza aprendizaje de química en los estudiantes de segundo de bachillerato de la Unidad Educativa Isabel Moscoso Dávila. La investigación posee un enfoque cuantitativo. De igual manera, el diseño del estudio es de tipo cuasi-experimental, dirigido a una muestra de 60 estudiantes, divididos en dos grupos; el grupo A correspondiente al grupo experimental, en donde se aplicó los laboratorios virtuales para la clase de química y el grupo B corresponde al grupo de control. Los resultados obtenidos demuestran desde la estadística, la incidencia del uso de laboratorios virtuales para el proceso enseñanza aprendizaje de química en los estudiantes de segundo de bachillerato de la Unidad Educativa Isabel Moscoso Dávila, teniendo en cuenta que el valor de p = 0,000 lo que representa que las medias de satisfacción del grupo experimentales son diferentes y mayores al grupo de control.
Impacto de la pandemia por COVID-19 a la empresa JC Publicidad, Loja-Ecuador
Authors: Puchaicela Puchaicela Nidia Cecibel , Solis Muñoz Juan Bautista
Published: October 2022

Introducción: La crisis sanitaria causada por el virus SAR-CoV-2, ha provocado cambios en todos los sectores productivos del país, no solo ha traído una crisis sanitaria y financiera, sino que ha permitido a diferentes componentes de la sociedad adaptarse al estilo de vida actual.                    Objetivo: Determinar el impacto que tuvo la pandemia por COVID-19 en la estrategia comercial y los ingresos del área de ventas de la empresa JC Publicidad Loja-Ecuador. Metodología: para ello se empleó información sobre los ingresos por las ventas de productos publicitarios que oferta la empresa, adicionalmente, se aplicó la técnica entrevista a profundidad al personal del área comercial para conocer las variaciones que experimentaron los métodos y estrategias de mercadeo en tres contextos antes, durante y después de la pandemia; es decir correspondiente a los años 2019, 2020 y 2021 respectivamente. Resultados: Se demostró que los ingresos decayeron en el 2020 concretamente en el primer trimestre de ese año; mientras, que los métodos y estrategias de mercadeo experimentaron modificaciones notables incorporando la tecnología para promoción y comercialización de productos, debido a las políticas de estado de excepción y distanciamiento físico. Conclusión: El COVID-19 ha provocado que las empresas se adapten a una nueva realidad con la ayuda de herramientas tecnológicas que incrementan la productividad de la organización.
KEUNIKAN PARTIKEL ‘LAH’ DALAM TERJEMAHAN SURAH YASIN DI MALAYSIA [THE UNIQUENESS OF THE PARTICLE ‘LAH’ IN THE TRANSLATION OF SURAH YASIN IN MALAYSIA]
Authors: ISMAIL MOHD SUFIAN , SARUDIN ANIDA , CHE MAT AZMAN , NORDIN FITRI NURUL'AIN
Published: October 2022

Malay is seen as a well-established and accurate language because various forms of translation of surah Yasin have been done which are written using Arabic. This study tries to analyze the uniqueness of the particle ‘lah’ in the translation of surah Yasin in Malaysia. The translation of surah Yasin involves data in the form of printed al-Quran, digital al-Quran, and a manuscript of surah Yasin which is read at the tahlil ceremony. This analysis is qualitative descriptive, that is, by examining the frequency of use of the particle ‘lah’ and describing it based on the findings of the analysis in the form of codes and themes. The frequency of the use of the particle 'lah' in the context of a sentence is described based on the science of balaghah. The frequency of use of the particle ‘lah’ in the translated text was analyzed using ATLAS.ti 22 software to construct specific codes (categories). Category construction is deductive, i.e. based on the suitability of the matches resulting from this analysis itself. The resulting categories were then evaluated by the co-authors separately to reduce the risk of bias. The findings show that the use of the particle 'lah' can be used as a marker to distinguish the Malaysian translation version (V1) from Indonesian (V2). Moreover, the original meaning of the particle ‘lah’, i.e. softening instructions and politeness markers does not play a role in the translation of surah Yasin. Nevertheless, there is an assertive meaning associated with the Arabic style. These findings indicate that there are several implicatures related to the feelings of a person’s heart shared between Arabic and Malay. This study is expected to fill the current Malay language research across disciplines and provide benefits to researchers in the future.
A RESEARCH ON ARAIMUDI OF TAMILS AND CAPING OF MALAYS
Authors: K. RAMADAS PRAKASHDAS , AHMAD MOHAMMAD NAZZRI , MOHD NASIR NUR YUHANIS
Published: October 2022

People have relied on personal ornaments, more generally known as jewellery, for hundreds of years to meet their basic needs. Jewellery predates modern humans as a genuinely universal type of ornament. Necklaces, rings, and bracelets are examples of jewellery that are made of or contain gems and metals. This research is about the araimudi of Tamils and caping of Malays. Caping, which is classified as jewellery, is a disc worn by children, especially in Peninsular Malaysia. Caping was first used in India, where it was known as araimudi. Indians are thought to have brought caping to this country as early as the Sri Vijaya era. The caping used by Malays has influences from the Hindu religion
PEMAHAMAN NORMA MASYARAKAT MELALUI AKTIVITI ANALISIS FILEM PENDEK DALAM PENGAJARAN DAN PEMBELAJARAN PENDIDIKAN MORAL [UNDERSTANDING SOCIAL NORMS THROUGH SHORT FILM ANALYSIS ACTIVITIES IN TEACHING AND LEARNING MORAL EDUCATION]
Authors: GURUSAMY VASANTHAN , EPRIADI DEDI , SUPRAMAIAM JEYANTHY , NAGARATHANAM RAVI
Published: October 2022

The understanding of social norms is very important for students today. Therefore, this article discusses the potential of short film analysis activities as one of the teaching methods in improving students' understanding of social norms in Malaysia. A total of 18 female and male students (three focus groups) from the fourth grade Moral Education class were used for the purpose of data collection. Purposive sampling technique was used to select study participants. This qualitative study was carried out by using observation protocol instruments, interview protocols and journal writing guides in order to collect data. The findings of the study show that short film analysis activities in the teaching and learning of Moral Education help students to understand the norms of Malaysian society.
PENGEMBANGAN BAHAN AJAR BERBASIS KOMIK MATERI BENTUK ALJABAR UNTUK MENINGKATKAN LITERASI SISWA
Authors: Rismawati Melinda , Hidayat Marli , Saputri Anggista Septiani , Isa Rupinus
Published: October 2022

The research results obtained are variations in the contribution of urea used as fillers is 15%. Based on this research, it can be said that diaper waste has the potential to control the release of urea. Furthermore, it can explain the rate of release of urea in chili plants. The purpose of this research is to develop comic-based teaching materials in algebraic forms to improve students' literacy skills. this research method is research and development (Research and Development). In developing teaching materials, researchers use 6 stages, namely (1) analyzing the product to be developed, (2) making comic scripts, (3) developing initial products, (4) expert validation and revision, (5) field trials and product revisions, and (6) manufacture of the final product. The subjects of this study consisted of expert validators, teachers and students of class X IPS 1 SMAN 1 Sintang which consisted of 20 people. The instruments used are validation, questionnaires, and questions. Based on the research, the results of the media and material validation have very feasible interpretation criteria of 86.36%, the teacher's response results have an interesting interpretation criterion of 75%, the results of the student response questionnaire have an interesting interpretation criterion of 79.75%. The conclusion of this research is; Mathematical literacy ability of students of class X IPS 1 SMAN 1 Sintang is high with an average value of 71.08%. Comics teaching materials can improve the mathematical literacy skills of high school students.
PENGEMBANGAN PROGRAM BELAJAR MENGGUNAKAN PENDEKATAN REALISTIC MATHEMATICS EDUCATION (RME) UNTUK MENINGKATKAN HASIL BELAJAR SISWA
Authors: Rudy Setiawan  , Elita Mega Selvia Wijaya  , Maria Tanggu Todhu
Published: October 2022

This study aims to improve student learning outcomes based on Student Worksheets using the Realistic Mathematics Education approach. Realistic Mathematics Education is a learning concept that presents a material in the form of problems that must be solved by students based on understanding the concepts of everyday student life. This research is a research development or Research and Development (R&D) adapted from the ADDIE development model, with 5 stages of development, namely: 1) Analysis (analysis); 2) Design (design); 3) Development (development); 4) Implementation (implementation); and 5) Evaluation. Based on the analysis of the assessment data from the questionnaire results of teaching materials filled out by students of SMPN 16 Malang class VIIIA, the results showed that the teaching materials developed were in the very good category with an average score of 87%. This shows that the teaching materials developed are very valid.
Enhanced High Temperature Oxidation Resistance of the Conventional Ti-48Al-2Nb-2Cr Alloy through Carbon Pack Cementation and Analysis of the Carbon Diffusion Path
Authors: Kim Donghyeon , Choi Kwangsu , Park Joonsik , Yi Seonghoon
Published: October 2022

γ-TiAl alloys have attracted interest as lightweight materials for structural applications at temperatures below 800 o C. With recent improvements in microstrutural control of the γ-TiAl alloys, resulting in excellent creep properties and high temperature strength, their use can be extended to temperatures higher than 800 o C. To increase their application temperature range, the oxidation resistance of γ-TiAl alloys must be improved through alloy design or coating techniques. To improve the high temperature oxidation resistance of γ-TiAl alloys, it is important to suppress the growth of TiO2 oxide by forming a dense coating layer to block oxygen atoms. In this study, we tried to improve the high temperature oxidation resistance of a conventional γ-TiAl alloy, Ti-48Al-2Nb-2Cr (Ti 4822) using a pack cementation process, with carbon sources and activating materials, XRD and EDS analysis results for the surface products indicated the formation of coating layers comprising oxides and carbides including TiC, Al4C3, Ti2AlC, and Ti3AlC. Based upon the sequential formation of coating layers and phase diagrams, the diffusion path of the carbon during the pack cementation process is proposed. Also, detailed carburization and oxidation behaviors of the γ-TiAl alloys in the temperature range of 800-1000 o C are discussed in terms of microstructural observations. Enhanced high temperature oxidation resistance was obtained in Ti-48Al2Nb-2Cr (Ti 4822) through a proper carbon pack cementation process.
Fabrication and Surface Modification of Macroporous Silica Fibers by Electrospinning for Super Adsorbent of Oil
Authors: Nguyen Hoai Han , Nguyen Thi Thu Hien , Cho Young-Sang
Published: October 2022

Silica fibers were fabricated by sol-gel reaction and an electrospinning process. A high voltage source of electricity was applied to the prepared spinning solution to form the fibers. Macroporous silica fibers were prepared using polystyrene (PS) nanospheres as templates after calcination. The pore size could be controlled by adjusting the diameter of the PS nanospheres in the spinning solution. PS nanospheres with different diameters (250, 430, 600, 870, and 1000 nm) were synthesized for this purpose using the dispersion polymerization method. Silica fibers have a hydrophilic surface. A coating film applied to the fibers showed superhydrophilicity, which is not suitable for adsorbing oil contaminant. Thus, silane coupling agents containing methyl groups were used to modify the surface of the porous fibers to obtain hydrophobic and water-repellent properties. The amount of oil adsorbed by the porous silica fibers modified with various kinds of coupling agent or PS nanospheres with different sizes was investigated, to determine their effects on oil adsorption. When the size of the macropores in the fibers increased, the amount of oil adsorption increased, because oil infiltration through the pores became easier. Small hydrophobic groups of the silane coupling agent, like methyl groups, were able to adsorb more oil compared to bulky functional groups. The measured oil adsorption capacity of the porous fibers was found to be larger than that of mesomacroporous silica particles, since the voids between the fibers might provide additional space for oil adsorption.
Influence of Trace Amounts of Sulfur on the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Directionally Solidified Ni-Based Superalloy GTD-111
Authors: Kang Dong-Soo , Lee Hyungsoo , Yun Dae Won , Jeong Hi Won , Yoo Young-Soo , Seo Seong-Moon
Published: October 2022

The influence of trace amounts of sulfur (S) on the microstructural evolution, tensile and creep properties in directionally solidified (DS) Ni-based superalloy GTD-111 were systematically investigated. Doping of S in the range of < 1 to 154 ppm resulted in the formation of a Ti2SC-type carbosulfide phase near the coarse eutectic γ/γ and η (eta, Ni3Ti) phases in interdendritic regions and grain boundaries (GB). The morphology of the Ti2SC was found to change from discrete particles to curved and elongated (film-like) shapes with increasing S content. The measurement of GB line fractions revealed that the GB fraction of Ti2SC increases with S content and reaches about 20% in 154 ppm S alloy. Tensile test results showed that the tensile properties at room temperature were not influenced by S doping, while the tensile elongation at 650-980 oC significantly decreased with increasing S content. The creep life and rupture elongation were also found to decrease with S content. The normalized creep life of 154 ppm S alloy was only in the 69%-74% range, compared to that of < 1 ppm S alloy. Careful microstructural observation of the fracture surface and longitudinal section of the creep ruptured 154 ppm S alloy revealed that Ti2SC plays a significant role in crack formation at the matrix γ/ Ti2SC interface, and leads to brittle facet-like traces on the fracture surface. It was concluded from these results that the formation of film-like Ti2SC in high S alloys might be responsible for the reduction in creep life and rupture elongation of DS GTD-111 alloy.
O Impacto Estético da Loudness War na Discografia do Angra
Authors: Antunes Mesquita Lucas , Roberto Ferreira Menezes Júnior Carlos
Published: October 2022

O presente trabalho propõe-se a analisar o impacto estético da loudness war na discografia do Angra, averiguando como ela afetou os álbuns da banda (quanto à equalização, compressão e limitação), o reflexo de tais fatores na experiência estética da audição, e a possibilidade de que o Angra tenha incorporado características dela decorrentes à sua proposta estética nos álbuns lançados no período pós-streaming. Em conjunto à audição do material e análise das waveforms, a metodologia, inspirada em Deruty e Tardieu (2014), consiste na mensuração e análise de true peak, RMS, pico a RMS, e loudness dos nove álbuns de estúdio do Angra. Como conclusão, apresentam-se algumas evidências do alinhamento da discografia do Angra à loudness war, com devidas ressalvas, abordando questões psicoacústicas, timbrísticas e estilísticas; e apontam-se indícios de que o Angra incorporou no pós-streaming características estéticas dela decorrentes, especificando quais foram tais características.
Spi-B alleviates food allergy by securing mucosal barrier and immune tolerance in the intestine
Authors: Ishihara Narumi , Nakamura Yutaka , Yakabe Kyosuke , Komiyama Seiga , Fujimura Yumiko , Kaisho Tsuneyasu , Kimura Shunsuke , Hase Koji
Published: October 2022

Food allergy is a type I allergic reaction induced by mast cells and is mainly activated by allergen-specific immunoglobulin (Ig)E. Spi-B is an E26-transformation-specific (Ets) family transcription factor essential for the differentiation and functional maturation of several immune cell subsets, including mast cells. However, the possible involvement of Spi-B in food allergy remains unclear. In this study, we found that Spi-B-deficient mice were highly susceptible to food allergy to ovalbumin (OVA), as indicated by the exacerbation of diarrhea and elevation of serum IgE levels. These pathological changes were associated with enhanced mast cell infiltration into the intestinal lamina propria. Activation of mast cells in the intestinal mucosa was observed in Spib−/− mice, even under physiological conditions. Accordingly, Spi-B deficiency increased the translocation of fluorescently labeled dextran from the lumen to the serum, suggesting increased intestinal permeability in Spib−/− mice. Moreover, Spib−/− mice showed defects in oral tolerance induction to OVA. These data illustrate that Spi-B suppresses the development of food allergies by controlling the activation of intestinal mast cells and by inducing immune tolerance to food allergens.
Simultaneous enrichment and sequential separation of glycopeptides and phosphopeptides with poly-histidine functionalized microspheres
Authors: Shang Danyi , Chen Cheng , Dong Xuefang , Cui Yun , Qiao Zichun , Li Xiuling , Liang Xinmiao
Published: October 2022

Protein phosphorylation and glycosylation coordinately regulate numerous complex biological processes. However, the main methods to simultaneously enrich them are based on the coordination interactions or Lewis acid-base interactions, which suffer from low coverage of target molecules due to strong intermolecular interactions. Here, we constructed a poly-histidine modified silica (SiO2@Poly-His) microspheres-based method for the simultaneous enrichment, sequential elution and analysis of phosphopeptides and glycopeptides. The SiO2@Poly-His microspheres driven by hydrophilic interactions and multiple hydrogen bonding interactions exhibited high selectivity and coverage for simultaneous enrichment of phosphopeptides and glycopeptides from 1,000 molar folds of bovine serum albumin interference. Furthermore, “on-line deglycosylation” strategy allows sequential elution of phosphopeptides and glycopeptides, protecting phosphopeptides from hydrolysis during deglycosylation and improving the coverage of phosphopeptides. The application of our established method to HT29 cell lysates resulted in a total of 1,601 identified glycopeptides and 694 identified phosphopeptides, which were 1.2-fold and 1.5-fold higher than those obtained from the co-elution strategy, respectively. The SiO2@Poly-His based simultaneous enrichment and sequential separation strategy might have great potential in co-analysis of PTMs-proteomics of biological and clinic samples.
Antimicrobial peptides for bone tissue engineering: Diversity, effects and applications
Authors: Hao Zhuowen , Chen Renxin , Chai Chen , Wang Yi , Chen Tianhong , Li Hanke , Hu Yingkun , Feng Qinyu , Li Jingfeng
Published: October 2022

Bone tissue engineering has been becoming a promising strategy for surgical bone repair, but the risk of infection during trauma repair remains a problematic health concern worldwide, especially for fracture and infection-caused bone defects. Conventional antibiotics fail to effectively prevent or treat bone infections during bone defect repair because of drug-resistance and recurrence, so novel antibacterial agents with limited resistance are highly needed for bone tissue engineering. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) characterized by cationic, hydrophobic and amphipathic properties show great promise to be used as next-generation antibiotics which rarely induce resistance and show potent antibacterial efficacy. In this review, four common structures of AMPs (helix-based, sheet-based, coil-based and composite) and related modifications are presented to identify AMPs and design novel analogs. Then, potential effects of AMPs for bone infection during bone repair are explored, including bactericidal activity, anti-biofilm, immunomodulation and regenerative properties. Moreover, we present distinctive applications of AMPs for topical bone repair, which can be either used by delivery system (surface immobilization, nanoparticles and hydrogels) or used in gene therapy. Finally, future prospects and ongoing challenges are discussed.
New mechanistic insights into the RAS-SIN1 interaction at the membrane
Authors: Pudewell Silke , Lissy Jana , Nakhaeizadeh Hossein , Mosaddeghzadeh Niloufar , Nakhaei-Rad Saeideh , Dvorsky Radovan , Ahmadian Mohammad R.
Published: October 2022

Stress-activated MAP kinase-interacting protein 1 (SIN1) is a central member of the mTORC2 complex that contains an N-terminal domain (NTD), a conserved region in the middle (CRIM), a RAS-binding domain (RBD), and a pleckstrin homology domain. Recent studies provided valuable structural and functional insights into the interactions of SIN1 and the RAS-binding domain of RAS proteins. However, the mechanism for a reciprocal interaction of the RBD-PH tandem with RAS proteins and the membrane as an upstream event to spatiotemporal mTORC2 regulation is not clear. The biochemical assays in this study led to the following results: 1) all classical RAS paralogs, including HRAS, KRAS4A, KRAS4B, and NRAS, can bind to SIN1-RBD in biophysical and SIN1 full length (FL) in cell biology experiments; 2) the SIN1-PH domain modulates interactions with various types of membrane phosphoinositides and constantly maintains a pool of SIN1 at the membrane; and 3) a KRAS4A-dependent decrease in membrane binding of the SIN1-RBD-PH tandem was observed, suggesting for the first time a mechanistic influence of KRAS4A on SIN1 membrane association. Our study strengthens the current mechanistic understanding of SIN1-RAS interaction and suggests membrane interaction as a key event in the control of mTORC2-dependent and mTORC2-independent SIN1 function.
Acridine yellow G (AYG) as a photo-induced electron transfer (PET) photocatalyst employed for the radical Michael–Mannich cyclocondensation of imines
Authors: Mohamadpour Farzaneh
Published: October 2022

A four-component domino Michael–Mannich cyclocondensation of amines, dialkyl acetylenedicarboxylaes, and formaldehyde was utilized to develop a green technique for sans metal combination of polyfunctionalized dihydro-2-oxypyrroles. It involves visible light as an environmentally friendly power source and acridine yellow G (AYG) as a photo-induced electron transfer (PET) photocatalyst. The motivation behind this examination was to expand the utilization of a non-metal dye that is both reasonable and broadly accessible. Photochemically catalyzed AYG flaunts exceptional returns, energy effectiveness, and natural agreeableness, as well as extraordinary iota economy, efficient highlights, and comfort of purpose. Key abilities consist of an easy experimental setup, big substrate tolerance, finance-friendly, clean painting-up strategies within the absence of tedious separation techniques, and minimized the quantity of waste for each organic transformation. The type of yields is pretty uniform (85–97%, average 92.09%), and the shape of reaction times might be very speedy (15–30 min, average 21.59 min), and the factor stated inside the dialogue is that the method tolerates quite a number electron-donating and electron-withdrawing functional groups, while, however, giving extremely good yields. The response within the reason is insensitive to the person of the substituents. Subsequently, many compounds and natural factors can be followed over the course of time. Shockingly, gram-scale cyclization is conceivable, proposing that the strategy could be utilized in industry.
Biogenic silver nanoparticles as antifungal agents
Authors: Mussin Javier , Giusiano Gustavo
Published: October 2022

In recent years, an increase in multidrug-resistant fungal strains has been observed, which, together with the limited number of clinically available antifungal agents, highlights the need for the development of new antifungal agents. Due to the proven antifungal activity of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), there is a growing interest in their use in the treatment of fungal infections. Nanoparticles are usually synthesised through a variety of physical and chemical processes that are costly and pollute the environment. For this reason, biogenic synthesis is emerging as an environmentally friendly technology and new strategies are increasingly based on the use of biogenic AgNPs as antifungal agents for clinical use. The aim of this review is to compare the antifungal activity of different biogenic AgNPs and to summarise the current knowledge on the mechanisms of action and resistance of fungi to AgNPs. Finally, a general analysis of the toxicity of biogenic AgNPs in human and veterinary medicine is performed.
Effect of TiO2 as an additive on the sintering performance of Sm-doped CeO2-based electrolyte for solid oxide fuel cells
Authors: Sun Xuzhuo , Deng Shuailei , Xia Yunyun , Li Bo , Tian Ye , Chen Jing
Published: October 2022

In this work, TiO2 was selected as an additive to the Sm0.2Ce0.8O2-δ (SDC) electrolyte and its influence on the electrolyte properties were investigated. The tetrabutyl titanate hydrolysis product was introduced into the SDC samples as a source of TiO2. The lattice contraction of SDC was observed by XRD when the smaller ionic radius Ti4+ (0.605Å) were substituted for Ce4+ (0.97 Å). XRD analysis shows that the doping content of the TiO2 in SDC should be limited to 1 wt% to maintain the single-phase cubic fluorite structure of the SDC and avoid impurity phases. SEM characterizations suggest that the addition of TiO2 significantly promoted the grain growth and the sintering activity, especially when doping with 0.5 wt% of TiO2. The electrochemical measurements reveal that the addition of TiO2 had little effect on the conductivity of SDC samples, which was 0.0306 S cm−1 at 700°C. This study shows that 0.5 wt% TiO2 doping can effectively improve the sintering activity without reducing the SDC performance.
Hypoxia inducible-factor 1 alpha regulates neutrophil recruitment during fungal-elicited granulomatous inflammation
Authors: da Silva-Ferreira Sara , Duarte-Oliveira Cláudio , Antunes Daniela , Barbosa-Matos Catarina , Mendes-Frias Ana , Torrado Egídio , Costa Sandra , Silvestre Ricardo , Cunha Cristina , Carvalho Agostinho
Published: October 2022

Chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (CPA) is a devastating disease with increasing prevalence worldwide. The characteristic granulomatous-like inflammation poses as the major setback to effective antifungal therapies by limiting drug access to fungi. These inflammatory lung structures are reported to be severely hypoxic; nevertheless, the underlying mechanisms whereby these processes contribute to fungal persistence remain largely unknown. Hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF-1α), besides being the major cellular response regulator to hypoxia, is a known central immune modulator. Here, we used a model of Aspergillus fumigatus airway infection in myeloid-restricted HIF-1α knock-out (mHif1α-/-) mice to replicate the complex structures resembling fungal granulomas and evaluate the contribution of HIF-1α to antifungal immunity and disease development. We found that fungal-elicited granulomas in mHif1α-/- mice had significantly smaller areas, along with extensive hyphal growth and increased lung fungal burden. This phenotype was associated with defective neutrophil recruitment and an increased neutrophil death, therefore highlighting a central role for HIF-1α-mediated regulation of neutrophil function in the pathogenesis of chronic fungal infection. These results hold the promise of an improved capacity to manage the progression of chronic fungal disease and open new avenues for additional therapeutic targets and niches of intervention.
Staphylococcus sciuri causes disease and pathological changes in hybrid sturgeon acipenser baerii × acipenser schrencki
Authors: Zhang Mengwei , Xue Mingyang , Xiao Zidong , Liu Wei , Jiang Nan , Meng Yan , Fan Yuding , Liu Xiaoling , Zhou Yong
Published: October 2022

Hybrid sturgeon is the main species of sturgeon cultured in China, with the advantages of a fast growth rate, early sexual maturity, fertile offspring, and more stable genetic traits. In May 2021, a large number of deaths characterized by superficial hemorrhage and liver damage occurred in a sturgeon farm in Yichang, Hubei Province, which posed a significant risk to hybrid sturgeon captive breeding. We isolated a pathogenic bacterium named D-59 from the diseased sturgeon with apparent symptoms. The pathogen was identified as Staphylococcus sciuri using 16S rRNA gene phylogenetic analysis combined with biochemical identification. Regression experiments showed that D-59 exhibited clinical signs similar to those of diseased sturgeon in the farm after intraperitoneal injection into hybrid sturgeon. High-throughput sequencing of gut microbes in D-59-infected sturgeon showed that the number of gut microbial species decreased in infected sturgeon, the number of some intestinal commensal bacteria decreased, and the balance of the intestinal microorganisms was disrupted. Histopathological sections indicated many inflammatory cells, congestion, and even necrosis in the tissue of diseased sturgeon. Analysis of blood indexes revealed an increase in the proportion of mononuclear cells and a decrease in the proportion of lymphocytes in the peripheral blood of diseased sturgeon. Significantly elevated serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase, whereas alkaline phosphatase, total protein, albumin, and globulin were decreased in diseased sturgeon. Antimicrobial susceptibility tests demonstrated that D-59 is susceptible to florfenicol, enrofloxacin, and neomycin sulfate. This study aimed to highlight the dangers of Staphylococcus sciuri infection during hybrid sturgeon culture and to provide recommendations for diagnosis and treatment.
Communicating science to motivate action: A case study of birds and climate change
Authors: Wilsey Chad B. , Bateman Brooke , Pomper Liz , Bogo Jennifer , Shepherd Robyn
Published: October 2022

Climate change is an existential threat to biodiversity and people, but building political will for action on climate change remains elusive. Research on climate change communications to increase effectiveness at motivating action include these recommendations: pairing risk and opportunity in message framing, localizing information, and appealing to a sense of place. Here, we present a case study on mobilizing bird enthusiasts to take action on climate change. The science communicated found that over two-thirds of North American birds are moderately or highly vulnerable to climate change under a 3.0°C warming scenario. Of these climate-vulnerable species, 76% would have reduced vulnerability if warming were stabilized at 1.5°C. These findings were summarized and communicated with the public in an award-winning interactive website, the “Birds and Climate Visualizer,” that allowed individuals to look up any location by postal ZIP code and learn what birds would be impacted by climate. Also included was a Climate Action Handbook providing sample personal actions. The communications rollout earned 2.5 billion media impressions, the visualizer has been used at least 42,000 times, and handbook circulated to 250,000 households. More than 33,000 people read headlines from the report or explored the visualizer and then completed an online action in support of clean energy policies. The message frame combined with the visualizer and handbook as tools to deliver the frame have contributed to climate legislative wins in four states. These early successes suggest that message and visual online tools that localize and personalize a message are effective to motivate action.
Factors associated with human tolerance of snakes in the southeastern United States
Authors: Vaughn Audrey K. , Larson Lincoln R. , Peterson M. Nils , Pacifici Lara B.
Published: October 2022

Conservation of snakes is influenced by humans’ beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors toward these often-maligned animals. We investigated public attitudes toward snakes through an online survey of undergraduate students (n = 743) at a large public university in a southeastern U.S. state. We used behavioral intent (i.e., how a person would react if they encountered a snake) to assess tolerance of different snake species. We also examined various predictors of tolerance including demographic attributes and a variety of cognitive (e.g., knowledge, value orientations) and affective (e.g., emotions) social-psychological variables. Tolerance of snakes varied based on whether the snake was venomous or non-venomous: about 36% of students said they were likely to kill venomous snakes they encountered, compared with 9% who said they would kill non-venomous snakes and 21% of students who said they would kill snakes whose identity was uncertain. However, most students (54%) could not distinguish between venomous and non-venomous species. Value orientations and emotions were strong predictors of tolerance for snakes, suggesting snake outreach and management strategies should account for both cognitive and affective antecedents of behavior.
The addition of genetic testing and cardiovascular magnetic resonance to routine clinical data for stratification of etiology in dilated cardiomyopathy
Authors: Amin Ravi J. , Morris-Rosendahl Deborah , Edwards Mat , Tayal Upasana , Buchan Rachel , Hammersley Daniel J. , Jones Richard E. , Gati Sabiha , Khalique Zohya , Almogheer Batool , Pennell Dudley J. , Baksi Arun John , Pantazis Antonis , Ware James S. , Prasad Sanjay K. , Halliday Brian P.
Published: October 2022

Background

Guidelines recommend genetic testing and cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) for the investigation of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). However, the incremental value is unclear. We assessed the impact of these investigations in determining etiology.

Methods

Sixty consecutive patients referred with DCM and recruited to our hospital biobank were selected. Six independent experts determined the etiology of each phenotype in a step-wise manner based on (1) routine clinical data, (2) clinical and genetic data and (3) clinical, genetic and CMR data. They indicated their confidence (1-3) in the classification and any changes to management at each step.

Results

Six physicians adjudicated 60 cases. The addition of genetics and CMR resulted in 57 (15.8%) and 26 (7.2%) changes in the classification of etiology, including an increased number of genetic diagnoses and a reduction in idiopathic diagnoses. Diagnostic confidence improved at each step (p < 0.0005). The number of diagnoses made with low confidence reduced from 105 (29.2%) with routine clinical data to 71 (19.7%) following the addition of genetics and 37 (10.3%) with the addition of CMR. The addition of genetics and CMR led to 101 (28.1%) and 112 (31.1%) proposed changes to management, respectively. Interobserver variability showed moderate agreement with clinical data (κ = 0.44) which improved following the addition of genetics (κ = 0.65) and CMR (κ = 0.68).

Conclusion

We demonstrate that genetics and CMR, frequently changed the classification of etiology in DCM, improved confidence and interobserver variability in determining the diagnosis and had an impact on proposed management.
Acute myocardial infarction induces remodeling of the murine superior cervical ganglia and the carotid body
Authors: Ge Yang , van Roon Lieke , van Gils Janine M. , Geestman Tom , van Munsteren Conny J. , Smits Anke M. , Goumans Marie José T. H. , DeRuiter Marco C. , Jongbloed Monique R. M.
Published: October 2022

A role for cardiac sympathetic hyperinnervation in arrhythmogenesis after myocardial infarction (MI) has increasingly been recognized. In humans and mice, the heart receives cervical as well as thoracic sympathetic contributions. In mice, superior cervical ganglia (SCG) have been shown to contribute significantly to myocardial sympathetic innervation of the left ventricular anterior wall. Of interest, the SCG is situated adjacent to the carotid body (CB), a small organ involved in oxygen and metabolic sensing. We investigated the remodeling of murine SCG and CB over time after MI. Murine SCG were isolated from control mice, as well as 24 h, 3 days, 7 days and 6 weeks after MI. SCG and CBs were stained for the autonomic nervous system markers β3-tubulin, tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and choline acetyltransferase (ChAT), as well as for the neurotrophic factors brain derived neurotropic factor (BDNF), nerve growth factor (NGF) and their tyrosine receptor kinase (pan TRK). Results show that after MI a significant increase in neuron size occurs, especially in the region bordering the CB. Co-expression of TH and ChAT is observed in SCG neuronal cells, but not in the CB. After MI, a significant decrease in ChAT intensity occurs, which negatively correlated with the increased cell size. In addition, an increase of BDNF and NGF at protein and mRNA levels was observed in both the CB and SCG. This upregulation of neurotropic factors coincides with the upregulation of their receptor within the SCG. These findings were concomitant with an increase in GAP43 expression in the SCG, which is known to contribute to axonal outgrowth and elongation. In conclusion, neuronal remodeling toward an increased adrenergic phenotype occurs in the SCG, which is possibly mediated by the CB and might contribute to pathological hyperinnervation after MI.