bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors Motivating the Adoption of Geographical Indication-Based Quality Standards among Robusta Coffee Farmers in Indonesia
Authors: Hanifah Ihsaniyati  , Nuning Setyowati  , Pardono
Published: March 2022

Robusta coffee is one of the superior commodities of the Temanggung Regency. As the quality of a coffee determines its market competitiveness, geographical indications (GIs) are one of the quality standards used in coffee cultivation and post-harvest processing to indicate the quality of a good Robusta coffee. However, most Robusta coffee farmers in Indonesia do not practice the production methods required to meet these standards. Therefore, the produced coffee does not meet the quality standards of consumers. As such, this study aimed to analyse the factors that may motivate or dissuade farmers from adopting GI-based quality standards for Robusta coffee in Temanggung Regency. A descriptive method; specifically, a survey; was used for data collection. This data was then analysed using the partial least squares (PLS) method. The findings of this study revealed that, while knowledge did not motivate the adoption of GI standards, optimising collaboration between farmers and relevant associations may increase the adoption of GI-based quality standards among Robusta coffee farmers in Temanggung Regency.
A Black Swan in Malaysian Chinese Family Business Succession: A Case Study
Authors: Jesrina Ann Xavier  , Khai-Siong Gan
Published: March 2022

This article explores the impact of the highly improbable in a transgenerational succession of a Malaysian Chinese family business. Through an exploratory case study of succession in a Malaysian Chinese family business, a Black Swan in succession was identified, arising from unexpected changes in the business. Findings show that the predecessor did not expect his children; the successors, to take over the family business, as the successors were being groomed to pursue professional careers. Through an unexpected twist of events, the successors were able to take over and manage the family business, causing an impact to the future of this family business. This article demonstrates that the Black Swan theory may be applicable in the process of succession, causing a significant impact in a small Malaysian Chinese family business. This article is based on one case study. Hence, it should be noted that a case study should be judged based on transferability, not generalizability. This case study shows that a successful unexpected succession without any long-term preparation before a transition is possible. Education plays an important role in strengthening one’s entrepreneurial skills. This then facilitates a cross-generational innovation in a family business, successfully generating a notable impact to the growth of this family business.
Intensifying Employees' Job Performance in Palestine Banking Sector: How Personal Attributes Tell Us?
Authors: Anas Mahmoud Salem Abukhalifa  , Nurul Liyana Mohd Kamil
Published: March 2022

This study sought to examine the impact of personal attributes (motivation, proactive personality, and self-esteem) on job performance among the employees of Palestinian banks, particularly the national banks in the Gaza strip. A total of 160 banks’ employees participated in the study, representing 86.25 per cent of the response rate. Empirical findings from Pearson correlation coefficient and multiple linear regression analysis demonstrated that motivation (r = .644, β = .247, p<.01), proactive personality (r = .727, β =.417, p<.01), and self-esteem (r = .612, β = 0.284, p<.01) were all positively and significantly related to the employees’ job performance. Several recommendations were reached, the most important being that the national banks’ administrations should provide various training programs, embrace the approach of flexible working hours, and create programs that can strengthen the employees’ intrinsic motivation.
Leveraging Green Human Resource Management Practices towards Environmental Performance: An Empirical Evidence from the Manufacturing Context in Emerging Economy
Authors: Mahi Uddin
Published: March 2022

This study investigates the role of green human resource management (GHRM) practices on environmental performance (EP) of manufacturing organizations in Bangladesh. The study utilized a questionnaire survey among 328 manufacturing organizations selected conveniently from a population of 5608 firms located in Dhaka and Chattogram. PLS-SEM (partial least squares) was employed to assess the proposed research model. Out of six, three hypotheses were supported. Particularly, green job analysis and job description, green training and development, and green reward and compensation practices significantly influence environmental performance of manufacturing organizations. This study provides valuable insights for organizations on the GHRM-EP link in a unique South-Asian context with high level of environmental degradation. This research also contributes to fill the research gap as few studies have investigated the under-researched area. The findings are of important to scholars, decision makers, and practitioners. Further, the study explains the limitations and directions for future studies.
Implementation of Two-Way Voice and Text Communication System Using Fiber Optic Media
Authors: Darmono Hendro , Pribadi Simon Calvin , Isnomo Yoyok Heru Prasetyo
Published: March 2022

In this technology age, people's need for communication systems is growing. In various places and conditions, communication must be maintained to meet various needs. One of the solutions required in these circumstances is an optical fiber communication system. Fiber optic cable is a light-based data transmission technique. The advantages of optical transmission include the fact that the light spectrum does not spread like radio frequencies, making it impossible to intercept, the fact that it propagates at a very high speed, allowing it to go very large distances, and the ease with which it may be installed. To tackle this problem, we proposed to innovate by realizing and developing a two-way voice and text communication system using fiber optic cable media. The voice and text communication system created and deployed in this study is based on an Android application. This communication system does not require a server and internet network. Only Android smartphones, access points, fiber media converters, and fiber optic cables are required. The greatest throughput value measured by the system is 2708 bytes/second, while the lowest is 1020 bytes/second. The longest delay is 2.314 seconds, while the shortest is 1.99 seconds. In terms of packet loss, the value is 0%.
EDUKASI PROTOKOL KESEHATAN BERBASIS GAME MENGGUNAKAN ALGORITMA FLOYD WARSHALL
Authors: Setiawan Bobbi , Hermawan Latius
Published: March 2022

Setiap orang menginginkan hidup sehat setiap hari sehingga menjaga pola hidup sehat. Pada masa pandemi saat ini, setiap orang perlu memperhatikan protokol kesehatan. Protokol kesehatan adalah aturan dan ketentuan yang perlu diikuti oleh segala pihak agar dapat beraktivitas secara aman. Protokol kesehatan dibentuk dengan tujuan agar masyarakat tetap dapat beraktivitas secara aman dan tidak membahayakan kesehatan orang lain yang terdiri dari memakai masker, menjaga jarak, mencuci tangan, menjauhi kerumunan dan mengurangi mobilitas. Berdasarkan informasi dari covid19.kemkes.go.id terdata hingga 31 Mei 2021, Pemerintahan Republik Indonesia telah melaporkan 1.816.041 orang terkonfirmasi positif COVID-19 diantaranya 50.404 orang meninggal dan pasien yang berhasil disembuhkan sebanyak 1.663.998 orang. Juru Bicara Pemerintah untuk Covid-19, Prof. Wiku Adisasmito menjelaskan, sekitar 14 persen kasus COVID-19 terjadi pada usia anak sekolah dan rentang usianya paling banyak terjadi pada usia 7-12 tahun. Oleh karena itu diperlukan edukasi mengenai protokol kesehatan. Edukasi dapat diterapkan dalam bentuk game. Oleh karena itu dibangunlah sebuah aplikasi edukasi protokol kesehatan berbasis game menggunakan algoritma Floyd Warshall bernama Prokester. Hasil dari penelitian ini adalah sebagian besar siswa/i SD Xaverius 9 Palembang memberikan tanggapan positif mengenai game Prokester dan bersedia menaati protokol kesehatan. kesimpulan dari penelitian ini adalah game Prokester berhasil dibuat menggunakan software Unity 3D dan visual studio community dan Algoritma Floyd Warshall dapat diimplementasikan dalam game Prokester dan NPC berhasil bergerak mendekati player menggunakan hasil perhitungan Algoritma Floyd Warshall serta lebih dari 90% responden yaitu siswa/i SD merasa senang setelah bermain game Prokester dan membantu responden mengenal protokol kesehatan.
Aplikasi Sistem Informasi Bank Sampah: Sebuah Studi Kasus
Authors: Aji Dedi Mulawarman  , Novrida Qudsi Lutfillah  , Febrina Nur Ramadhani  , Meryana Ananda
Published: March 2022

This study design an information system using an action research approach. The object in this study is a group of waste banks under the auspices of the Batu City Environmental Service. The new system that will be built will strengthen the ease of use. Several things in the design of information systems proposed in this study include; first, the switch from a manual recording system to the digital recording via a computer device (application) with centralized data in one database; second, improving the format for recording customer savings books, and; third, make records for the waste bank warehouse.

 

AbstrakPenelitian ini dimaksudkan untuk mendesain sistem informasi bank sampah melalui pendekatan riset aksi (action research). Adapun objek dalam penelitian ini adalah kelompok bank sampah yang berada dalam naungan Dinas Lingkungan Hidup (DLH) Kota Batu. Sistem baru yang dibangun nantinya akan memperkuat kemudahan penggunaan (easy to use). Dua hal yang diusulkan dalam penelitian ini yaitu perbaikan pada sistem informasi manual bank sampah yang sudah berjalan sebagai diagnosis awal dan peralihan sistem pencatatan manual menuju pencatatan digital melalui perangkat komputer (aplikasi) dengan keterpusatan data dalam satu database
Contribution of the Microbiome, Environment, and Genetics to Mucosal Type 2 Immunity and Anaphylaxis in a Murine Food Allergy Model
Authors: Stark Kelsey G. , Falkowski Nicole R. , Brown Christopher A. , McDonald Roderick A. , Huffnagle Gary B.
Published: March 2022

There is heterogeneity inherent in the immune responses of individual mice in murine models of food allergy, including anaphylaxis, similar to the clinical heterogeneity observed in humans with food allergies to a defined food. One major driver of this heterogeneity may be differences in the microbiome between sensitized individuals. Our laboratory and others have reported that disruption of the microbiome (dysbiosis) by broad spectrum antibiotics and/or yeast colonization can alter systemic immunity and favor the development of mucosal Type 2 immunity to aeroallergens. Our objective was to use a well-characterized murine model (Balb/c mice) of food allergies (chicken egg ovalbumin, OVA) and determine if antibiotic-mediated dysbiosis (including C. albicans colonization) could enhance the manifestation of food allergies. Furthermore, we sought to identify elements of the microbiome and host response that were associated with this heterogeneity in the anaphylactic reaction between individual food allergen-sensitized mice. In our dataset, the intensity of the anaphylactic reactions was most strongly associated with a disrupted microbiome that included colonization by C. albicans, loss of a specific Lachnoclostridium species (tentatively, Lachnoclostridium YL32), development of a highly polarized Type 2 response in the intestinal mucosa and underlying tissue, and activation of mucosal mast cells. Serum levels of allergen-specific IgE were not predictive of the response and a complete absence of a microbiome did not fully recapitulate the response. Conventionalization of germ-free mice resulted in Akkermansia muciniphila outgrowth and a higher degree of heterogeneity in the allergic response. C57BL/6 mice remained resistant even under the same dysbiosis-inducing antibiotic regimens, while changes in the microbiome markedly altered the reactivity of Balb/c mice to OVA, as noted above. Strikingly, we also observed that genetically identical mice from different rooms in our vivarium develop different levels of a Type 2 response, as well as anaphylactic reactions. The intestinal microbiome in these mice also differed between rooms. Thus, our data recapitulate the heterogeneity in anaphylactic reactions, ranging from severe to none, seen in patients that have circulating levels of food allergen-reactive IgE and support the concept that alterations in the microbiome can be one factor underlying this heterogeneity.
Biomechanical Effects of tPRK, FS-LASIK, and SMILE on the Cornea
Authors: Xin Yue , Lopes Bernardo T. , Wang JunJie , Wu Jie , Zhu ManMan , Jiang MuChen , Miao YuanYuan , Lin HuiNi , Cao Si , Zheng XiaoBo , Eliasy Ashkan , Chen ShiHao , Wang QinMei , Ye YuFeng , Bao FangJun , Elsheikh Ahmed
Published: March 2022

Purpose: The objective of this study is to evaluate the in vivo corneal biomechanical response to three laser refractive surgeries.

Methods: Two hundred and twenty-seven patients who submitted to transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy (tPRK), femtosecond laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis (FS-LASIK), or small-incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) were included in this study. All cases were examined with the Corvis ST preoperatively (up to 3 months) and postoperatively at 1, 3, and 6 months, and the differences in the main device parameters were assessed. The three groups were matched in age, gender ratio, corneal thickness, refractive error corrections, optical zone diameter, and intraocular pressure. They were also matched in the preoperative biomechanical metrics provided by the Corvis ST including stiffness parameter at first applanation (SP-A1), integrated inverse radius (IIR), deformation amplitude (DA), and deformation amplitude 2 mm away from apex and the apical deformation (DARatio2mm).

Results: The results demonstrated a significant decrease post-operation in SP-A1 and significant increases in IIR, DA, and DARatio2mm (p < 0.05), all of which indicated reductions in overall corneal stiffness. Inter-procedure comparisons provided evidence that the smallest overall stiffness reduction was in the tPRK group, followed by the SMILE, and then the FS-LASIK group (p < 0.05). These results remained valid after correction for the change in CCT between pre and 6 months post-operation and for the percentage tissue altered. In all three surgery groups, higher degrees of refractive correction resulted in larger overall stiffness losses based on most of the biomechanical metrics.

Conclusion: The corneal biomechanical response to the three surgery procedures varied significantly. With similar corneal thickness loss, the reductions in overall corneal stiffness were the highest in FS-LASIK and the lowest in tPRK.
Troxerutin-Mediated Complement Pathway Inhibition is a Disease-Modifying Treatment for Inflammatory Arthritis
Authors: Sahu Debasis , Bishwal Subasa Chandra , Malik Md. Zubbair , Sahu Sukanya , Kaushik Sandeep Rai , Sharma Shikha , Saini Ekta , Arya Rakesh , Rastogi Archana , Sharma Sandeep , Sen Shanta , Singh R. K. Brojen , Liu Chuan-Ju , Nanda Ranjan Kumar , Panda Amulya Kumar
Published: March 2022

Troxerutin (TXR) is a phytochemical reported to possess anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective effects. In this study, we aimed to exploit the antiarthritic properties of TXR using an adjuvant-induced arthritic (AIA) rat model. AIA-induced rats showed the highest arthritis score at the disease onset and by oral administration of TXR (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg body weight), reduced to basal level in a dose-dependent manner. Isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitative (iTRAQ) proteomics tool were employed to identify deregulated joint homogenate proteins in AIA and TXR-treated rats to decipher the probable mechanism of TXR action in arthritis. iTRAQ analysis identified a set of 434 proteins with 65 deregulated proteins (log2 case/control≥1.5) in AIA. Expressions of a set of important proteins (AAT, T-kininogen, vimentin, desmin, and nucleophosmin) that could classify AIA from the healthy ones were validated using Western blot analysis. The Western blot data corroborated proteomics findings. In silico protein–protein interaction study of tissue-proteome revealed that complement component 9 (C9), the major building blocks of the membrane attack complex (MAC) responsible for sterile inflammation, get perturbed in AIA. Our dosimetry study suggests that a TXR dose of 200 mg/kg body weight for 15 days is sufficient to bring the arthritis score to basal levels in AIA rats. We have shown the importance of TXR as an antiarthritic agent in the AIA model and after additional investigation, its arthritic ameliorating properties could be exploited for clinical usability.
Multicomponent Solids of Niflumic and Mefenamic Acids Based on Acid-Pyridine Synthon
Authors: Kumar Vineet , Goswami Pramod Kumar , Balendra  , Tewari Shailabh , Ramanan Arunachalam
Published: March 2022

The present study discusses comparative structural features of fourteen multicomponent solids of two non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, Niflumic and Mefenamic acids, with amine and pyridine-based coformers. All the solids were structurally characterized through PXRD, SCXRD, DSC, and the monophasic nature of some of the solids was established through Rietveld refinement. The solid forms include salt, cocrystal, hydrate, and solvate. Except for two, all the solids reported here showed relatively higher solubility compared to the acids. The difference in pKa and similarity in structural features of both the molecules enabled us to study the effect of ΔpKa on crystallization outcome systematically. The structures of all the solids are described through acid-pyridine synthon perspective.
Antimicrobial Tear Lipids in the Ocular Surface Defense
Authors: Mudgil Poonam
Published: March 2022

The concept of antimicrobial lipids as effectors of innate host defense is an emerging field. There is limited knowledge on the antimicrobial role of lipids in the ocular environment. Tears act as first line of defense to protect the ocular surface from infections. Antimicrobial effects of tear lipids have been demonstrated using meibomian lipids that are the source of majority of lipids in tears. This article describes the knowledge available on the antimicrobial role of tear lipids at the ocular surface and the antimicrobial potential of various lipid classes present in tears that can contribute to antimicrobial protection of the eye. Like other mucosal secretions, tears contain many proteins and lipids with known antimicrobial effects. The antimicrobial defense of tears is far stronger than can be demonstrated by the effects of individual compounds many of which are present in low concentrations but synergistic and additive interactions between them provide substantial antimicrobial protection to the ocular surface. It is inferred that antimicrobial lipids play important role in innate defense of tears, and cooperative interactions between various antimicrobial lipids and proteins in tears provide a potent host defense mechanism that is effective against a broad spectrum of pathogens and renders self-sterilizing properties to tears for keeping the microbial load low at the ocular surface.
Jailed Balloon Technique Is Superior to Jailed Wire Technique in Reducing the Rate of Side Branch Occlusion: Subgroup Analysis of the Conventional Versus Intentional StraTegy in Patients With High Risk PrEdiction of Side Branch OccLusion in Coronary Bifurcation InterVEntion Trial
Authors: Zhang Dong , Zhao Zhiyong , Gao Guofeng , Xu Han , Wang Hao , Liu Shuai , Yin Dong , Feng Lei , Zhu Chenggang , Wang Yang , Zhao Yanyan , Yang Yuejin , Gao Runlin , Xu Bo , Dou Kefei
Published: March 2022

Objective

Jailed balloon technique (JBT) is an active side branch (SB) protection strategy and is considered to be superior to the jailed wire technique (JWT) in reducing SB occlusion. However, no randomized trials have proved that. We aim to investigate whether JBT could decrease the SB occlusion rate.

Methods

Conventional versus Intentional straTegy in patients with high Risk prEdiction of Side branch OccLusion in coronary bifurcation interVEntion (CIT-RESOLVE) (NCT02644434, registered on December 31, 2015) (https://clinicaltrials.gov) is a randomized trial that assessed the effects of different strategies on SB occlusion rate in patients with a high risk of SB occlusion. The present subgroup analysis enrolled bifurcation lesions (2 mm ≤ reference vessel diameter of SB < 2.5 mm) with Visual estimation for Risk prEdiction of Side branch OccLusion in coronary bifurcation intervention (V-RESOLVE) score ≥ 12 points. The primary endpoint is SB occlusion. One-year clinical events were compared.

Results

A total of 284 subjects at 16 sites were randomly assigned to the JBT group (n = 143) or the JWT group (n = 141). The rate of SB occlusion (9.1 vs. 19.9%, p = 0.02) and periprocedural myocardial infarction (defined by WHO, 7 vs. 14.9%, p = 0.03) is significantly lower in the JBT group than in the JWT group. The JBT and JWT groups showed no significant differences in cardiac death (0.7 vs. 0.7%, p = 1), myocardial infarction (MI, 6.3 vs. 7.1%, p = 0.79), target lesion revascularization (TLR, 1.4 vs. 2.1%, p = 0.68), and major cardiac adverse events (MACE, a composite of all-cause death, MI, or TLR, 8.4 vs. 10.6%, p = 0.52) during a 1-year follow-up.

Conclusion

In patients with a high risk of SB occlusion (V-RESOLVE score ≥ 12 points), JBT is superior to JWT in reducing SB occlusion. However, no significant differences were detected in 1-year MACE.
CagA+Helicobacter pylori, Not CagA–Helicobacter pylori, Infection Impairs Endothelial Function Through Exosomes-Mediated ROS Formation
Authors: Xia Xiujuan , Zhang Linfang , Wu Hao , Chen Feng , Liu Xuanyou , Xu Huifang , Cui Yuqi , Zhu Qiang , Wang Meifang , Hao Hong , Li De-Pei , Fay William P. , Martinez-Lemus Luis A. , Hill Michael A. , Xu Canxia , Liu Zhenguo
Published: March 2022

Background

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection increases the risk for atherosclerosis, and ROS are critical to endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis. CagA is a major H. pylori virulence factor associated with atherosclerosis. The present study aimed to test the hypothesis that CagA+H. pylori effectively colonizes gastric mucosa, and CagA+H. pylori, but not CagA–H. pylori, infection impairs endothelial function through exosomes-mediated ROS formation.

Methods

C57BL/6 were used to determine the colonization ability of CagA+H. pylori and CagA–H. pylori. ROS production, endothelial function of thoracic aorta and atherosclerosis were measured in CagA+H. pylori and CagA–H. pylori infected mice. Exosomes from CagA+H. pylori and CagA–H. pylori or without H. pylori infected mouse serum or GES-1 were isolated and co-cultured with bEND.3 and HUVECs to determine how CagA+H. pylori infection impairs endothelial function. Further, GW4869 was used to determine if CagA+H. pylori infection could lead to endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis through an exosomes-mediated mechanism.

Results

CagA+H. pylori colonized gastric mucosa more effectively than CagA–H. pylori in mice. CagA+H. pylori, not CagA–H. pylori, infection significantly increased aortic ROS production, decreased ACh-induced aortic relaxation, and enhanced early atherosclerosis formation, which were prevented with N-acetylcysteine treatment. Treatment with CagA-containing exosomes significantly increased intracellular ROS production in endothelial cells and impaired their function. Inhibition of exosomes secretion with GW4869 effectively prevented excessive aortic ROS production, endothelial dysfunction, and atherosclerosis in mice with CagA+H. pylori infection.

Conclusion

These data suggest that CagA+H. pylori effectively colonizes gastric mucosa, impairs endothelial function, and enhances atherosclerosis via exosomes-mediated ROS formation in mice.
From Passenger to Pilot – Using Formative Assessment to Support Students With Intellectual Disabilities to Become Self-Regulated Learners
Authors: Andersson Catarina , Granberg Carina
Published: March 2022

Students with intellectual disabilities (ID) risk leaving school without having the opportunity to develop their independence to become less reliant on others. This study aims to gain insights into how formative assessment as a teaching design can support self-regulated learning (SRL) among students with ID. Two experienced Swedish special school teachers, using formative assessment to support students’ SRL competence, participated in this study. Data consisted of the teachers’ written teaching descriptions, classroom observations, and teacher interviews. The analysis showed that the teachers managed to implement a formative classroom practice aiming to support the students to develop subject-matter knowledge as well as SRL skills. Three themes of challenges were identified: Low expectations and caretaking, Experiences of shortcomings, and Learning difficulties. Overcoming such challenges is discussed. The study shows promising examples of the use of theories and principles of formative assessment to promote SRL competence among students with ID and also incentives for doing so.
New Insights Into the Interplay Among Autophagy, the NLRP3 Inflammasome and Inflammation in Adipose Tissue
Authors: Zhu Liyuan , Liu Ling
Published: March 2022

Obesity is a feature of metabolic syndrome with chronic inflammation in obese subjects, characterized by adipose tissue (AT) expansion, proinflammatory factor overexpression, and macrophage infiltration. Autophagy modulates inflammation in the enlargement of AT as an essential step for maintaining the balance in energy metabolism and waste elimination. Signaling originating from dysfunctional AT, such as AT containing hypertrophic adipocytes and surrounding macrophages, activates NOD-like receptor family 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome. There are interactions about altered autophagy and NLRP3 inflammasome activation during the progress in obesity. We summarize the current studies and potential mechanisms associated with autophagy and NLRP3 inflammasome in AT inflammation and aim to provide further evidence for research on obesity and obesity-related complications.
BRCA1: An Endocrine and Metabolic Regulator
Authors: Werner Haim
Published: March 2022

The breast and ovarian cancer susceptibility gene (BRCA1) is a tumor suppressor whose mutation has been associated with the development of breast, ovarian and, probably, other malignancies at young ages. The BRCA1 gene product participates in multiple biological pathways including the DNA damage response, transcriptional control, cell growth and apoptosis. Inactivating germline mutations of the BRCA1 gene can be detected in a substantial portion of families with inherited breast and/or ovarian cancer. While the genomic and cancer-related actions of BRCA1 have been extensively investigated, not much information exists regarding the cellular and circulating factors involved in regulation of BRCA1 expression and action. The present review article dissects the emerging role of BRCA1 as an important regulator of various endocrine and metabolic axes. Experimental and clinical evidence links BRCA1 with a number of peptide and steroid hormones. Furthermore, comprehensive analyses identified complex interactions between the insulin/insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF1) signaling axis and BRCA1. The correlation between metabolic disorders, including diabetes and the metabolic syndrome, and BRCA1 mutations, are discussed in this article.
Identification of the Shared Gene Signatures and Biological Mechanism in Type 2 Diabetes and Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Hu Yifang , Zeng Ni , Ge Yaoqi , Wang Dan , Qin Xiaoxuan , Zhang Wensong , Jiang Feng , Liu Yun
Published: March 2022

Background

The relationship between pancreatic cancer (PC) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has long been widely recognized, but the interaction mechanisms are still unknown. This study was aimed to investigate the shared gene signatures and molecular processes between PC and T2DM.

Methods

The Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database was used to retrieve the RNA sequence and patient information of PC and T2DM. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was performed to discover a co-expression network associated with PC and T2DM. Enrichment analysis of shared genes present in PC and T2DM was performed by ClueGO software. These results were validated in the other four cohorts based on differential gene analysis. The predictive significance of S100A6 in PC was evaluated using univariate and multivariate Cox analyses, as well as Kaplan–Meier plots. The biological process of S100A6 enrichment in PC was detected using Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA). The involvement of S100A6 in the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) was assessed by CIBERSORT. In vitro assays were used to further confirm the function of S100A6 in PC.

Results

WGCNA recognized three major modules for T2DM and two major modules for PC. There were 44 shared genes identified for PC and T2DM, and Gene Ontology (GO) analysis showed that regulation of endodermal cell fate specification was primarily enriched. In addition, a key shared gene S100A6 was derived in the validation tests. S100A6 was shown to be highly expressed in PC compared to non-tumor tissues. PC patients with high S100A6 expression had worse overall survival (OS) than those with low expression. GSEA revealed that S100A6 is involved in cancer-related pathways and glycometabolism-related pathways. There is a strong relationship between S100A6 and TIME. In vitro functional assays showed that S100A6 helped to induce the PC cells’ proliferation and migration. We also proposed a diagram of common mechanisms of PC and T2DM.

Conclusions

This study firstly revealed that the regulation of endodermal cell fate specification may be common pathogenesis of PC and T2DM and identified S100A6 as a possible biomarker and therapeutic target for PC and T2DM patients.
Brown Adipose Tissue Prevalence Is Lower in Obesity but Its Metabolic Activity Is Intact
Authors: Kulterer Oana C. , Herz Carsten T. , Prager Marlene , Schmöltzer Christoph , Langer Felix B. , Prager Gerhard , Marculescu Rodrig , Kautzky-Willer Alexandra , Hacker Marcus , Haug Alexander R. , Kiefer Florian W.
Published: March 2022

Due to its high metabolic activity, brown adipose tissue (BAT) has become a promising target for the development of novel treatment concepts for metabolic disease. Despite several reports of a negative association between the presence of active BAT and obesity, very little is known about the quantitative and qualitative differences of BAT in lean and obese individuals. Systematic studies directly comparing cold-induced BAT activity in leanness and obesity are currently lacking. Here we studied BAT mass and function in 31 lean and 64 obese men and women. After a standardized cooling protocol using a water-perfused vest, 18F-FDG-positron emission tomography/computed tomography scans were performed, and BAT was delineated using lean body-mass adjusted standardized uptake value (SUV) thresholds in anatomic regions with fat radiodensity. Cold-induced thermogenesis (CIT), a functional readout of BAT activity, was quantified by indirect calorimetry. Active BAT was present in a significantly higher proportion of lean than obese individuals (58% vs. 33%, p=0.019). In these participants with active BAT, however, BAT volume and activity did not differ between leanness and obesity. Accordingly, CIT was similar in both weight groups. BAT metrics were not related to adiposity or total fat mass per se. However, in obese participants a strong negative correlation existed between visceral adipose tissue and BAT volume, 18F-FDG uptake and CIT. In summary, despite a significantly lower prevalence of BAT, the metabolic activity and thermogenic capacity of BAT appears to be still intact in obesity and is inversely associated with visceral fat mass.
Traction Network Protection Based on Similarity of Transient Current Waveform
Authors: Chen Shilong , Zhang Zihang , Liu Hao , Bi Guihong , Xing Chao , Li Pengsong , Zhang Wenying
Published: March 2022

In this paper, a protection scheme for the traction network of the penetrating co-phase traction direct power supply system based on the waveform similarity at both ends of line is proposed. Besides, research on the transmission characteristics of fault current is also carried out. This article, from the perspectives of the reflection and refraction process, attenuation degree, and polarity of fault current, analyzes the correlation and difference of current waveforms at both ends when interior line faults and adjacent line faults emerge. The correlation of waveforms can be proved by cosine similarity after the process of synchronous squeezes wavelet transformation of fault current. The conclusions are as follows: when the interior line faults occur, the sequence, reflection and refraction process, and attenuation degree reaching both ends are roughly the same, the polarity change direction is the same, and the waveform similarity is high; when the adjacent line faults occur, the sequence, reflection and refraction process, and attenuation degree reaching at both ends are greatly different, the polarity change direction is opposite, and the waveform similarity is low. When a protection scheme is based on using cosine similarity, it can quickly and accurately identify internal or external current faults. Simulation results show that the proposed algorithm can meet the requirements of rapidity, selectivity, and reliability and is not affected by transition resistance and fault inception angles, so it has an application prospect to a certain degree.
Policy Orientation, Technological Innovation and Energy-Carbon Performance: An Empirical Study Based on China’s New Energy Demonstration Cities
Authors: Zhang Xiaoyi , Zhang Rui , Zhao Meilin , Wang Yue , Chen Xue
Published: March 2022

The new energy demonstration city policy is a significant pilot measure to promote the transition of China’s energy system, aiming at developing new, green, and low-carbon sources of energy. In this paper, the Non-radial Directional Distance Function (NDDF) was adopted to calculate the Energy-Carbon Performance Index (ECPI) of Chinese 182 cities, for measuring the Energy-Carbon Performance (ECP) level of each city. On this basis, it is possible to empirically analyse the impact that the policy orientation of constructing new energy demonstration cities has had on urban energy carbon performance by using a combination of Propensity Score Matching and Difference-in-Difference. Moreover, a mediating effect model is utilised to test the mediating effect of technological innovation. The results show that the new energy demonstration city policy can significantly improve the ECP. Technological innovation has a partial mediating effect between the policy orientation of new energy demonstration city construction and ECP, which accounts for 12.92% of the total effect. Optimising the industrial structure, improving the level of economic development, increasing carbon sink resources, and attracting foreign direct investment all have significant impacts on the improvement of China’s ECP, while the urbanisation process has an inhibitory effect on the improvement of ECP. Heterogeneity analysis shows that policy orientation has a better driving effect on eastern cities and western cities in promoting the improvement of ECP. The policy implications of this paper are that 1) The government should expand the scope of new energy city pilots in an orderly manner; 2) The lasting and long-term influence of policy orientation on ECP should make use of technological innovation intermediary channels; 3) Support policies are supposed to formulate according to local conditions.
Incorporation of Data From Multiple Hypervariable Regions when Analyzing Bacterial 16S rRNA Gene Sequencing Data
Authors: Jones Carli B. , White James R. , Ernst Sarah E. , Sfanos Karen S. , Peiffer Lauren B.
Published: March 2022

Short read 16 S rRNA amplicon sequencing is a common technique used in microbiome research. However, inaccuracies in estimated bacterial community composition can occur due to amplification bias of the targeted hypervariable region. A potential solution is to sequence and assess multiple hypervariable regions in tandem, yet there is currently no consensus as to the appropriate method for analyzing this data. Additionally, there are many sequence analysis resources for data produced from the Illumina platform, but fewer open-source options available for data from the Ion Torrent platform. Herein, we present an analysis pipeline using open-source analysis platforms that integrates data from multiple hypervariable regions and is compatible with data produced from the Ion Torrent platform. We used the ThermoFisher Ion 16 S Metagenomics Kit and a mock community of twenty bacterial strains to assess taxonomic classification of six amplicons from separate hypervariable regions (V2, V3, V4, V6-7, V8, V9) using our analysis pipeline. We report that different amplicons have different specificities for taxonomic classification, which also has implications for global level analyses such as alpha and beta diversity. Finally, we utilize a generalized linear modeling approach to statistically integrate the results from multiple hypervariable regions and apply this methodology to data from a representative clinical cohort. We conclude that examining sequencing results across multiple hypervariable regions provides more taxonomic information than sequencing across a single region. The data across multiple hypervariable regions can be combined using generalized linear models to enhance the statistical evaluation of overall differences in community structure and relatedness among sample groups.
MOCA for Integrated Analysis of Gene Expression and Genetic Variation in Single Cells
Authors: Huzar Jared , Kim Hannah , Kumar Sudhir , Miura Sayaka
Published: March 2022

In cancer, somatic mutations occur continuously, causing cell populations to evolve. These somatic mutations result in the evolution of cellular gene expression patterns that can also change due to epigenetic modifications and environmental changes. By exploring the concordance of gene expression changes with molecular evolutionary trajectories of cells, we can examine the role of somatic variation on the evolution of gene expression patterns. We present Multi-Omics Concordance Analysis (MOCA) software to jointly analyze gene expressions and genetic variations from single-cell RNA sequencing profiles. MOCA outputs cells and genes showing convergent and divergent gene expression patterns in functional genomics.
Sex-Biased miRNAs in the Gonads of Adult Chinese Alligator (Alligator sinensis) and Their Potential Roles in Sex Maintenance
Authors: Hu Meng-Yuan , Yu Jun , Lin Jian-Qing , Fang Sheng-Guo
Published: March 2022

MicroRNA (miRNA) is a category of single-stranded non-coding small RNA (sRNA) that regulates gene expression by targeting mRNA. It plays a key role in the temperature-dependent sex determination of Chinese alligator (Alligator sinensis), a reptile whose sex is determined solely by the temperature during the incubation period and remains stable thereafter. However, the potential function of miRNAs in the gonads of adult Chinese alligators is still unclear. Here, we prepared and sequenced sRNA libraries of adult female and male alligator gonads, from breeding (in summer) and hibernating (in winter) animals. We obtained 130 conserved miRNAs and 683 novel miRNAs, which were assessed for sex bias in summer and winter; a total of 65 miRNAs that maintained sex bias in both seasons were identified. A regulatory network of sex-biased miRNAs and genes was constructed. Sex-biased miRNAs targeted multiple genes in the meiosis pathway of adult Chinese alligator oocytes and the antagonistic gonadal function maintenance pathway, such as MOS, MYT1, DMRT1, and GDF9. Our study emphasizes the function of miRNA in the epigenetic mechanisms of sex maintenance in crocodilians.
Genome-Wide Identification of WRKY Genes and Their Responses to Chilling Stress in Kandelia obovata
Authors: Du Zhaokui , You Shixian , Zhao Xin , Xiong Lihu , Li Junmin
Published: March 2022

Background:Kandelia obovata, a dominant mangrove species, is widely distributed in tropical and subtropical areas. Low temperature is the major abiotic stress that seriously limits the survival and growth of mangroves. WRKY transcription factors (TFs) play vital roles in responses to biotic and abiotic stresses. However, genome-wide analysis of WRKY genes in K. obovata and their responses to chilling stress have not been reported.

Methods: Bioinformatic analysis was used to identify and characterize the K. obovata WRKY (KoWRKY) gene family, RNA-seq and qRT–PCR analyses were employed to screen KoWRKYs that respond to chilling stress.

Results: Sixty-four KoWRKYs were identified and they were unevenly distributed across all 18 K. obovata chromosomes. Many orthologous WRKY gene pairs were identified between Arabidopsis thaliana and K. obovata, showing high synteny between the two genomes. Segmental duplication events were found to be the major force driving the expansion for the KoWRKY gene family. Most of the KoWRKY genes contained several kinds of hormone- and stress-responsive cis-elements in their promoter. KoWRKY proteins belonged to three groups (I, II, III) according to their conserved WRKY domains and zinc-finger structure. Expression patterns derived from the RNA-seq and qRT–PCR analyses revealed that 9 KoWRKYs were significantly upregulated during chilling acclimation in the leaves. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis showed that the target genes of KoWRKYs were significantly involved in 11 pathways, and coexpression network analysis showed that 315 coexpressed pairs (KoWRKYs and mRNAs) were positively correlated.

Conclusion: Sixty-four KoWRKYs from the K. obovata genome were identified, 9 of which exhibited chilling stress-induced expression patterns. These genes represent candidates for future functional analysis of KoWRKYs involved in chilling stress related signaling pathways in K. obovata. Our results provide a basis for further analysis of KoWRKY genes to determine their functions and molecular mechanisms in K. obovata in response to chilling stress.
A Comprehensive Analysis of METTL1 to Immunity and Stemness in Pan-Cancer
Authors: Gao Zijie , Xu Jianye , Zhang Zongpu , Fan Yang , Xue Hao , Guo Xing , Deng Lin , Wang Shaobo , Zhao Rongrong , Zhang Ping , Li Gang
Published: March 2022

Background

Previous studies have reported the effect of N7-methylguanosine (m7G) regulator methyltransferase like-1 protein (METTL1) in tumor initiation, metastasis, and chemosensitivity. However, the relationship between METTL1 and cancer immune infiltration is not validated and the prognostic significance of METTL1 in pan-cancer remains unclear.

Methods

Clinical parameters, including gender, age, lifetime, stage, and treatment response were analyzed to evaluate the prognostic significance of METTL1. To evaluate protein level of METTL1, the METTL1 activity was generated by single sample gene set enrichment analysis. The one-class logistic regression algorithm was used to calculate the stemness indices based on transcriptomics and methylation data of pan-cancer and pluripotent stem cells. The relationship between METTL1 expression or activity and tumor immune infiltration were analyzed to explore the significance of METTL1 in tumor immunotherapy. Meanwhile, the correlation between three immunotherapeutic biomarkers and METTL1 was investigated. Finally, to calculate the association between drug sensitivity and METTL1 expression, spearman correlation analysis was performed.

Results

METTL1 was not intimately related to gender, age, tumor stage, or treatment outcome of the various cancers, but it displayed potential prognostic significance for evaluating patient survival. High METTL1 expression was related to tumor progression-relevant pathways. Moreover, METTL1 exhibited a distinct correlation with tumor immune microenvironment infiltration and stemness indices. In the anti-PD-L1 cohort, patients in treatment response group exhibited significantly higher METTL1 expression than those in the no/limited response group. Further analysis showed that tumor cell lines with higher METTL1 expression were more sensitive to drugs targeting chromatin histone methylation, ERK-MAPK and WNT signaling pathways.

Conclusion

This study provides insight into the correlation of METTL1 with tumor immune infiltration and stemness in pan-cancer, revealing the significance of METTL1 for cancer progression and guiding more effective and generalized therapy strategies.
Emergent Temporal Signaling in Human Trabecular Meshwork Cells: Role of TRPV4-TRPM4 Interactions
Authors: Yarishkin Oleg , Phuong Tam T. T. , Vazquez-Chona Felix , Bertrand Jacques , van Battenburg-Sherwood Joseph , Redmon Sarah N. , Rudzitis Christopher N. , Lakk Monika , Baumann Jackson M. , Freichel Marc , Hwang Eun-Mi , Overby Darryl , Križaj David
Published: March 2022

Trabecular meshwork (TM) cells are phagocytic cells that employ mechanotransduction to actively regulate intraocular pressure. Similar to macrophages, they express scavenger receptors and participate in antigen presentation within the immunosuppressive milieu of the anterior eye. Changes in pressure deform and compress the TM, altering their control of aqueous humor outflow but it is not known whether transducer activation shapes temporal signaling. The present study combines electrophysiology, histochemistry and functional imaging with gene silencing and heterologous expression to gain insight into Ca2+ signaling downstream from TRPV4 (Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid 4), a stretch-activated polymodal cation channel. Human TM cells respond to the TRPV4 agonist GSK1016790A with fluctuations in intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) and an increase in [Na+]i. [Ca2+]i oscillations coincided with monovalent cation current that was suppressed by BAPTA, Ruthenium Red and the TRPM4 (Transient Receptor Potential Melastatin 4) channel inhibitor 9-phenanthrol. TM cells expressed TRPM4 mRNA, protein at the expected 130-150 kDa and showed punctate TRPM4 immunoreactivity at the membrane surface. Genetic silencing of TRPM4 antagonized TRPV4-evoked oscillatory signaling whereas TRPV4 and TRPM4 co-expression in HEK-293 cells reconstituted the oscillations. Membrane potential recordings suggested that TRPM4-dependent oscillations require release of Ca2+ from internal stores. 9-phenanthrol did not affect the outflow facility in mouse eyes and eyes from animals lacking TRPM4 had normal intraocular pressure. Collectively, our results show that TRPV4 activity initiates dynamic calcium signaling in TM cells by stimulating TRPM4 channels and intracellular Ca2+ release. It is possible that TRPV4-TRPM4 interactions downstream from the tensile and compressive impact of intraocular pressure contribute to homeostatic regulation and pathological remodeling within the conventional outflow pathway.