bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of Game Technologies in Russian Language Lessons
Authors: Abdygazieva N. , Kalenderova N.
Published: July 2021

This article examines the importance of using gaming technologies in Russian lessons, since gaming technologies contribute to the education of cognitive interests and the activation of students’ activities. Revealing the internal potential of students is the main principle of the personality-activity approach in the educational process. Lessons conducted in such an unconventional format, namely game lessons, help to deepen knowledge, form communicative activity, increase self-esteem, a sense of responsibility, collectivism, enhance mobility, develop thinking, analytical mind, etc. The practical value of the article lies in the fact that the development of lessons with the use of gaming technologies, as a model, can be used by teachers in Russian.
Correct Assessment of Students’ Achievements in Elementary Classes and Content Lines
Authors: Gajiyeva F.
Published: July 2021

The article discusses the acquisition of knowledge, skills and habits by students in general education schools, the adoption of high levels of standards, the correct assessment of student achievement, the results of the correct assessment carried out by the teacher, interaction in the process of assessment and learning, the correct construction of teacher–student–parent relationships to improve the quality of teaching in the educational process. The article also talks about the importance of content lines in primary grades, about the five content lines of the mathematics course in grades I–IV, about inter-subject and intra-subject connections in long-term school practice, about modern information and communication technologies, elements of statistics and probability. The article discusses in detail the actions of addition and subtraction, written multiplication and division, the concept of numbers, fractions, parts, 4 arithmetic operations within a million, used in classes’ I–IV. It also mentions 5 content lines of the secondary school mathematics course: cognitive (cognitive) activity, emotional (affective) activity, motor (psycho-motor) activity, as well as the need for these actions.
INVERTEBRATE SPECIES COMPOSITION (Invertebrata) PESTS OF AGROCENOSES OF WHITE CLOVER (Trifolium repens L.) AND THE RELEVANCE OF PROTECTIVE MEASURES
Authors: Zolotarev Vladimir
Published: July 2021

The area of natural growth and the scale of economic use of white clover among perennial legumes are spatially one of the most global. Due to the constant presence of wild white clover in many natural phyto-cenoses of most agricultural landscapes of different geographical zones, a certain complex of phytophages has evolved from various classes of invertebrate animal organisms that feed on various parts of this plant and reproduce on it. With the introduction of white clover into the culture and the spread of production crops of this plant over large areas, more favorable conditions are created for uncontrolled mass re-production of pests, which can cause already economically and economically significant crop losses. White clover is affected by multi-eating and specialized pests, the damage from which is determined by their biological characteristics and climatic conditions. The high population of white clover crops with a complex of herbivorous invertebrates implies constant monitoring and control of the species composition of the harmful fauna of white clover crops in order to organize, if necessary, protective measures against them. This issue is especially relevant for seed crops. The main pests of seed stands are considered to be weevils of the genera Apion Herbs., Phytonomus Herbs., Sitona Germar., Hypera Germar., which can re-duce seed yield by 50% or more. To reduce the economic losses of the crop on white clover, an integrated protection system should be implemented using chemical, biological and agrotechnical pest control meas-ures based on taking into account their economic harmfulness thresholds. One of the important directions of increasing the efficiency of the production use of white clover is the development of varieties of this crop that are resistant to damage by pathogenic organisms and pests.
Allergic Rhinitis in Childhood and the New EUFOREA Algorithm
Authors: Scadding Glenis Kathleen , Smith Peter Kenneth , Blaiss Michael , Roberts Graham , Hellings Peter William , Gevaert Philippe , Mc Donald Marinda , Sih Tania , Halken Suzanne , Zieglmayer Petra Ursula , Schmid-Grendelmeier Peter , Valovirta Erkka , Pawankar Ruby , Wahn Ulrich
Published: July 2021

Allergic rhinitis in childhood has been often missed, mistreated and misunderstood. It has significant comorbidities, adverse effects upon quality of life and educational performance and can progress to asthma or worsen control of existing asthma. Accurate diagnosis and effective treatment are important. The new EUFOREA algorithm provides a succinct but wide- ranging guide to management at all levels, based on previous guidelines with updated evidence and has been adjusted and approved by experts worldwide.
Assessing the Role of Daily Activities and Mobility in the Spread of COVID-19 in Montreal With an Agent-Based Approach
Authors: Manout Ouassim , Ciari Francesco
Published: July 2021

Daily activities and mobility dynamics play a central role in the spread of COVID-19. Close physical interactions involved by certain daily activities help transmit the virus. Travel required by the spatial distribution of activities contributes to the propagation of the virus. In order to control and limit this propagation, it is critical to understand the contribution of daily activities to the dynamics of COVID-19. This paper investigates the connection between daily activities, their distribution in space and time, the characteristics of the individuals performing them, and the transmission of the virus. A business-as-usual agent-based simulation scenario of Montreal, Canada is used. To address this research question, we use two agent-based models: MATSIM and EPISIM. MATSIM simulates daily activities and mobility dynamics of the population. EPISIM simulates the spread of the virus in the population using contact networks computed by MATSIM. A synthetic population of Montreal is defined to replicate the main observed sociodemographic characteristics of Montrealers as well as their activity and mobility patterns. The definition of the synthetic population relies on various data sources: household travel survey, census, real estate, car ownership, and housing data. In the business-as-usual scenario, findings underline the significant role of home, work, and school activities in community transmission of COVID-19. Secondary activities, including leisure and shopping, also help spread the virus, but to a lesser degree in comparison with primary activities. The risk of infection in the workplace depends on the economic sector. Healthcare workers are, by far, the most exposed workers to the virus. Workplace infections mirror the gender-biased job market of Montreal. Most infections in the healthcare and educational services are among women. Most infections in the manufacturing, construction, transportation, and warehousing industries are among men. In the business-as-usual scenario where community transmission is high, primary and secondary school-aged children are found to be a major transmission vector of the virus. Finally, simulation results suggest that the risk of infection in the public transportation system is low.
SUMO and SUMOylation Pathway at the Forefront of Host Immune Response
Authors: K. Sajeev T. , Joshi Garima , Arya Pooja , Mahajan Vibhuti , Chaturvedi Akanksha , Mishra Ram Kumar
Published: July 2021

Pathogens pose a continuous challenge for the survival of the host species. In response to the pathogens, the host immune system mounts orchestrated defense responses initiating various mechanisms both at the cellular and molecular levels, including multiple post-translational modifications (PTMs) leading to the initiation of signaling pathways. The network of such pathways results in the recruitment of various innate immune components and cells at the site of infection and activation of the adaptive immune cells, which work in synergy to combat the pathogens. Ubiquitination is one of the most commonly used PTMs. Host cells utilize ubiquitination for both temporal and spatial regulation of immune response pathways. Over the last decade, ubiquitin family proteins, particularly small ubiquitin-related modifiers (SUMO), have been widely implicated in host immune response. SUMOs are ubiquitin-like (Ubl) proteins transiently conjugated to a wide variety of proteins through SUMOylation. SUMOs primarily exert their effect on target proteins by covalently modifying them. However, SUMO also engages in a non-covalent interaction with the SUMO-interacting motif (SIM) in target proteins. Unlike ubiquitination, SUMOylation alters localization, interactions, functions, or stability of target proteins. This review provides an overview of the interplay of SUMOylation and immune signaling and development pathways in general. Additionally, we discuss in detail the regulation exerted by covalent SUMO modifications of target proteins, and SIM mediated non-covalent interactions with several effector proteins. In addition, we provide a comprehensive review of the literature on the importance of the SUMO pathway in the development and maintenance of a robust immune system network of the host. We also summarize how pathogens modulate the host SUMO cycle to sustain infectability. Studies dealing mainly with SUMO pathway proteins in the immune system are still in infancy. We anticipate that the field will see a thorough and more directed analysis of the SUMO pathway in regulating different cells and pathways of the immune system. Our current understanding of the importance of the SUMO pathway in the immune system necessitates an urgent need to synthesize specific inhibitors, bioactive regulatory molecules, as novel therapeutic targets.
The Endothelial Glycocalyx as a Double-Edged Sword in Microvascular Homeostasis and Pathogenesis
Authors: Villalba Nuria , Baby Sheon , Yuan Sarah Y.
Published: July 2021

Expressed on the endothelial cell (EC) surface of blood vessels, the glycocalyx (GCX), a mixture of carbohydrates attached to proteins, regulates the access of cells and molecules in the blood to the endothelium. Besides protecting endothelial barrier integrity, the dynamic microstructure of the GCX confers remarkable functions including mechanotransduction and control of vascular tone. Recently, a novel perspective has emerged supporting the pleiotropic roles of the endothelial GCX (eGCX) in cardiovascular health and disease. Because eGCX degradation occurs in certain pathological states, the circulating levels of eGCX degradation products have been recognized to have diagnostic or prognostic values. Beyond their biomarker roles, certain eGCX fragments serve as pathogenic factors in disease progression. Pharmacological interventions that attenuate eGCX degradation or restore its integrity have been sought. This review provides our current understanding of eGCX structure and function across the microvasculature in different organs. We also discuss disease or injury states, such as infection, sepsis and trauma, where eGCX dysfunction contributes to severe inflammatory vasculopathy.
The Coordination of Local Translation, Membranous Organelle Trafficking, and Synaptic Plasticity in Neurons
Authors: Rajgor Dipen , Welle Theresa M. , Smith Katharine R.
Published: July 2021

Neurons are highly complex polarized cells, displaying an extraordinary degree of spatial compartmentalization. At presynaptic and postsynaptic sites, far from the cell body, local protein synthesis is utilized to continually modify the synaptic proteome, enabling rapid changes in protein production to support synaptic function. Synapses undergo diverse forms of plasticity, resulting in long-term, persistent changes in synapse strength, which are paramount for learning, memory, and cognition. It is now well-established that local translation of numerous synaptic proteins is essential for many forms of synaptic plasticity, and much work has gone into deciphering the strategies that neurons use to regulate activity-dependent protein synthesis. Recent studies have pointed to a coordination of the local mRNA translation required for synaptic plasticity and the trafficking of membranous organelles in neurons. This includes the co-trafficking of RNAs to their site of action using endosome/lysosome “transports,” the regulation of activity-dependent translation at synapses, and the role of mitochondria in fueling synaptic translation. Here, we review our current understanding of these mechanisms that impact local translation during synaptic plasticity, providing an overview of these novel and nuanced regulatory processes involving membranous organelles in neurons.
The Interactions Between Antibiotic Resistance Genes and Heavy Metal Pollution Under Co-Selective Pressure Influenced the Bio-Enzyme Activity
Authors: Qi Zheng , Qi Yue , Le Zhiwei , Han Furui , Li Fang , Yang Hong , Zhang Tielin , Feng Yajie , Liu Rijia , Sun Yuan
Published: July 2021

The spread of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) has brought potential risks to public health. However, the interactions between heavy metals and ARGs, as well as their potential effect on bio-enzyme activity under the pressure of co-selectivity in soil still remain poorly understood. In this work, the distribution characteristics and the co-selective relationship of 28 ARGs and eight heavy metals in soil in a dairy farm were visualized via the geographic information system (GIS) technique. Eight kinds of heavy metals were detected by an atomic fluorescence spectrometer and atomic absorption spectrophotometer, which were further evaluated via the single factor pollution index value. The GIS analysis showed that arsenic (As) was the key element responsible for soil pollution, which was found to be positively related to soil depths. The top three comprehensive scores of ARGs ranked the orders of sul2 > tetX > blaTEM, indicating the high potential of risk caused by these genes in the soil environment. In addition, the functional predications performed with the 16 SrDNA sequencing data based on the KEGG database indicated that the sulfonamides in soil involved multiple pathways, especially the metabolism, transport and catabolism, and membrane transport processes. This suggested that most bio-enzymes were found to be expressed in low activities in different pathways. Significant correlations were observed between the heavy metals and ARGs (p < 0.05), particularly between the ARGs and As, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn (p < 0.01). This study offers deep insights into the potential interactions between heavy metals and ARGs in soil and provides guidance for the fabrication of enzyme-based smart materials for soil remediation in dairy farms.
Zeolite/Cellulose Acetate (ZCA) in Blend Fiber for Adsorption of Erythromycin Residue From Pharmaceutical Wastewater: Experimental and Theoretical Study
Authors: Jodeh Shehdeh , Erman Israa , Hamed Othman , Massad Younes , Hanbali Ghadir , Samhan Subhi , Dagdag Omar , Kaya Savaş , Serdaroğlu Goncagül
Published: July 2021

The expanding amount of remaining drug substances in wastewater adversely affects both the climate and human well-being. In the current investigation, we developed new cellulose acetic acid derivation/zeolite fiber as an effective technique to eliminate erythromycin (ERY) from wastewater. The number of interchangeable sites in the adsorbent structures and the ratio of ERY to the three adsorbents were identified as the main reasons for the reduction in adsorption as the initial ERY concentrations increased. Additionally, for all adsorbents, the pseudo–second-order modeling showed better fitting for the adsorption than the pseudo–first-order modeling. However, the findings obtained in the pseudo–first-order model were still enough for explaining the sorption kinetics of ERY, showing that the surface displayed all chemisorption and physi-sorption adsorption processes by both adsorbents. TheR2for the second order was very close to 1 for the three adsorbents in the case of pseudo–second-order. The adsorption capacity reached 17.76 mg/g. The three adsorbents showed negative values of ΔH, and these values were −6,200, −8,500, and −9600 kJ/mol for zeolite, CA, and ZCA, respectively, and this shows that the adsorption is exothermic. The desorption analysis shows no substantial loss of adsorption site after three trials, indicating higher stability and resilience of the three adsorbents, indicating a strong repeatability of their possible use in adsorption without contaminating the environment. In addition, the chemical attitude and possible donor–acceptor interactions of ERY were assessed by the quantum chemical parameters (QCPs) and NBO analysis performed, at the HF/6-311G** calculations.
CO2 Activation Within a Superalkali-Doped Fullerene
Authors: Meloni Giovanni , Giustini Andrea , Park Heejune
Published: July 2021

With the aim of finding a suitable synthesizable superalkali species, using the B3LYP/6-31G* density functional level of theory we provide results for the interaction between the buckminsterfullerene C60 and the superalkali Li3F2. We show that this endofullerene is stable and provides a closed environment in which the superalkali can exist and interact with CO2. It is worthwhile to mention that the optimized Li3F2 structure inside C60 is not the most stable C2v isomer found for the “free” superalkali but the D3h geometry. The binding energy at 0 K between C60 and Li3F2 (D3h) is computed to be 119 kJ mol−1. Once CO2 is introduced in the endofullerene, it is activated, and the OCO^ angle is bent to 132°. This activation does not follow the previously studied CO2 reduction by an electron transfer process from the superalkali, but it is rather an actual reaction where a F (from Li3F2) atom is bonded to the CO2. From a thermodynamic analysis, both CO2 and the encapsulated [Li3F2⋅CO2] are destabilized in C60 with solvation energies at 0 K of 147 and < −965 kJ mol−1, respectively.
A New Target Organ of Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis Chronic Infection: The Intestine
Authors: Santos Amanda Gubert Alves dos , da Silva Maria Gabriela Lima , Carneiro Erick Lincoln , de Lima Lainy Leiny , Fernandes Andrea Claudia Bekner Silva , Silveira Thaís Gomes Verzignassi , Sant’Ana Debora de Mello Gonçales , Nogueira-Melo Gessilda de Alcantara
Published: July 2021

Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensisis one of the main causes of cutaneous leishmaniasis in the Americas. This species presents genetic polymorphism that can cause destructive lesions in oral, nasal, and oropharyngeal tracts. In a previous study, the parasite caused several histopathological changes to hamster ileums. Our study evaluates immune response components, morphological changes, and effects on neurons in the ileums of hamsters infected by three different strains ofL. (V.) braziliensisin two infection periods. For the experiment, we separated hamsters into four groups: a control group and three infected groups. Infected hamsters were euthanized 90- or 120-days post infection. We used three strains ofL. (V.) braziliensis: the reference MHOM/BR/1975/M2903 and two strains isolated from patients who had different responses to Glucantime®treatment (MHOM/BR/2003/2314 and MHOM/BR/2000/1655). After laparotomy, ileums were collected for histological processing, biochemical analysis, and evaluation of neurons in the myenteric and submucosal plexuses of the enteric nervous system (ENS). The results demonstrated the increase of blood leukocytes after the infection. Optical microscopy analysis showed histopathological changes with inflammatory infiltrates, edemas, ganglionitis, andLeishmaniaamastigotes in the ileums of infected hamsters. We observed changes in the organ histoarchitecture of infected hamsters when compared to control groups, such as thicker muscular and submucosa layers, deeper and wider crypts, and taller and broader villi. The number of intraepithelial lymphocytes and TGF-β-immunoreactive cells increased in all infected groups when compared to the control groups. Mast cells increased with longer infection periods. The infection also caused remodeling of intestinal collagen and morphometry of myenteric and submucosal plexus neurons; but this effect was dependent on infection duration. Our results show thatL. (V.) braziliensisinfection caused time-dependent alterations in hamster ileums. This was demonstrated by the reduction of inflammatory cells and the increase of tissue regeneration factors at 120 days of infection. The infected groups demonstrated different profiles in organ histoarchitecture, migration of immune cells, and morphometry of ENS neurons. These findings suggest that the small intestine (or at least the ileum) is a target organ forL. (V.) braziliensisinfection, as the infection caused changes that were dependent on duration and strain.
Treatment With Suboptimal Dose of Benznidazole Mitigates Immune Response Molecular Pathways in Mice With Chronic Chagas Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Farani Priscila Silva Grijó , Begum Khodeza , Vilar-Pereira Glaucia , Pereira Isabela Resende , Almeida Igor C. , Roy Sourav , Lannes-Vieira Joseli , Moreira Otacilio Cruz
Published: July 2021

Chronic Chagas cardiomyopathy (CCC) is the most frequent and severe form of Chagas disease, a neglected tropical illness caused by the protozoanTrypanosoma cruzi, and the main cause of morbimortality from cardiovascular problems in endemic areas. Although efforts have been made to understand the signaling pathways and molecular mechanisms underlying CCC, the immunological signaling pathways regulated by the etiological treatment with benznidazole (Bz) has not been reported. In experimental CCC, Bz combined with the hemorheological and immunoregulatory agent pentoxifylline (PTX) has beneficial effects on CCC. To explore the molecular mechanisms of Bz or Bz+PTX therapeutic strategies, C57BL/6 mice chronically infected with theT. cruziColombian strain (discrete typing unit TcI) and showing electrocardiographic abnormalities were submitted to suboptimal dose of Bz or Bz+PTX from 120 to 150 days postinfection. Electrocardiographic alterations, such as prolonged corrected QT interval and heart parasite load, were beneficially impacted by Bz and Bz+PTX. RT-qPCR TaqMan array was used to evaluate the expression of 92 genes related to the immune response in RNA extracted from heart tissues. In comparison with non-infected mice, 30 genes were upregulated, and 31 were downregulated in infected mice. Particularly, infection upregulated the cytokines IFN-γ, IL-12b, and IL-2 (126-, 44-, and 18-fold change, respectively) and the T-cell chemoattractants CCL3 and CCL5 (23- and 16-fold change, respectively). Bz therapy restored the expression of genes related to inflammatory response, cellular development, growth, and proliferation, and tissue development pathways, most probably linked to the cardiac remodeling processes inherent to CCC, thus mitigating the Th1-driven response found in vehicle-treated infected mice. The combined Bz+PTX therapy revealed pathways related to the modulation of cell death and survival, and organismal survival, supporting that this strategy may mitigate the progression of CCC. Altogether, our results contribute to the better understanding of the molecular mechanisms of the immune response in the heart tissue in chronic Chagas disease and reinforce that parasite persistence and dysregulated immune response underpin CCC severity. Therefore, Bz and Bz+PTX chemotherapies emerge as tools to interfere in these pathways aiming to improve CCC prognosis.
Alteration in Oral Microbiome Among Men Who Have Sex With Men With Acute and Chronic HIV Infection on Antiretroviral Therapy
Authors: Li Shuang , Zhu Junping , Su Bin , Wei Huanhuan , Chen Fei , Liu Hongshan , Wei Jiaqi , Yang Xiaodong , Zhang Qiuyue , Xia Wei , Wu Hao , He Qiushui , Zhang Tong
Published: July 2021

Despite the antiretroviral therapy (ART), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-related oral disease remains a common problem for people living with HIV (PLWH). Evidence suggests that impairment of immune function in HIV infection might lead to the conversion of commensal bacteria to microorganisms with increased pathogenicity. However, limited information is available about alteration in oral microbiome in PLWH on ART. We performed a longitudinal comparative study on men who have sex with men (MSM) with acute HIV infection (n=15), MSM with chronic HIV infection (n=15), and HIV-uninfected MSM controls (n=15). Throat swabs were collected when these subjects were recruited (W0) and 12 weeks after ART treatment (W12) from the patients. Genomic DNAs were extracted and 16S rRNA gene sequencing was performed. Microbiome diversity was significantly decreased in patients with acute and chronic HIV infections compared with those in controls at the sampling time of W0 and the significant difference remained at W12. An increased abundance of unidentified Prevotellaceae was found in patients with acute and chronic HIV infections. Moreover, increased abundances of Prevotella in subjects with acute HIV infection and Streptococcus in subjects with chronic HIV infection were observed. In contrast, greater abundance in Lactobacillus, Rothia, Lautropia, and Bacteroides was found in controls. After effective ART, Bradyrhizobium was enriched in both acute and chronic HIV infections, whereas in controls, Lactobacillus, Rothia, Clostridia, Actinobacteria, and Ruminococcaceae were enriched. In addition, we found that lower CD4+ T-cell counts (<200 cells/mm3) were associated with lower relative abundances of Haemophilus, Actinomyces, unidentified Ruminococcaceae, and Rothia. This study has shown alteration in oral microbiome resulting from HIV infection and ART. The results obtained warrant further studies in a large number of subjects with different ethnics. It might contribute to improved oral health in HIV-infected individuals.
An Examination of Compound Flood Hazard Zones for Past, Present, and Future Low-Gradient Coastal Land-Margins
Authors: Santiago-Collazo Félix L. , Bilskie Matthew V. , Bacopoulos Peter , Hagen Scott C.
Published: July 2021

Recent events worldwide demonstrate how coastal communities of integrated natural and human systems are exposed to hydrological and coastal flooding processes. Standard flood hazard assessment practices account independently for rainfall-runoff, tides, storm surge flooding and not the non-linear combination commonly defined as compound flooding. This research evaluates compound flood hazard zones for past, present, and future (c. 1890–2090) conditions of the Mississippi River Delta Plain (MRDP). The MRDP provides a low-gradient coastal land-margin representing similar landscapes around the world that are experiencing relative sea-level rise and serves as a warning beacon for our coastal settlements. A set of plausible synthetic storms and rainfall events, which account for antecedent rainfall-runoff, tropical cyclone-driven rainfall, and tropical cyclone-driven surge, are employed in a tide and surge hydrodynamic model that integrates rain over the mesh. This study demonstrates the evolution of the compound flood hazard zones from the 1890s, before major western settlement and alterations to the Mississippi River and deltaic system, to the present day and out to 2090. Furthermore, near-future projections of the compound flood hazard zones suggest that the coastal flood zone will suffer the most significant changes in coverage area due to a combination of increasing eustatic sea-level rise and alterations to the coastal land-margin during low flood events. Our results emphasize the need to establish evolution trends of compound flood hazard zones to enable more descriptive future projections under a changing climate. Such projections will aid policy-makers, stakeholders, and authorities as they pursue enhanced coastal resilience to compound flooding.
Dietary Interventions Reduce Traditional and Novel Cardiovascular Risk Markers by Altering the Gut Microbiome and Their Metabolites
Authors: Vijay Amrita , Astbury Stuart , Panayiotis Louca , Marques Francine Z. , Spector Tim D. , Menni Cristina , Valdes Ana M.
Published: July 2021

Aims: The current study investigates the role of diet in mediating the gut microbiome-cardiovascular association which has not yet been explored in humans.

Methods and Results: Using a two-arm dietary intervention study in healthy participants (N = 70), we assessed the effects of omega-3 and fibre supplementation on gut microbiome composition and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production. We then investigated how changes in gut microbiome composition correlated with changes in traditional cardiovascular risk factors (cholesterol, triglycerides, blood pressure), cytokines, and novel validated markers such as GlycA and ceramides, previously linked to CVD incidence and mortality. Both interventions resulted in significant drops in blood pressure, cholesterol, proinflammatory cytokines, GlycA and ceramides (all P < 0.05). Decreases in the atherogenic low-density lipoprotein triglyceride fraction, in total serum cholesterol were correlated with increases in butyric acid-production [β(SE) = −0.58 (0.06), P < 0.001; −0.53 (0.04), P < 0.001] and nominally associated with increases in some butyrogenic bacteria. Drops in GlycA were linked to increases in Bifidobacterium [β(SE) = −0.32 (0.04), P = 0.02] and other SCFAs including acetic acid [β(SE) = −0.28 (0.04), P = 0.02] and propionic acid [β(SE) = −0.3 (0.04), P = 0.02]. Additionally, we report for the first-time reductions in specific ceramide ratios that have been shown to predict CVD mortality and major adverse cardiovascular events such as d18:1/16:0, d18:0/24:0, and d18:1/24:1 which were associated with the reduction in the abundance in Colinsella and increases in Bifidobacteriuim and Coprococcus 3 and SCFAs (all P < 0.05).

Conclusion: Overall, these findings support the potential of using simple dietary interventions to alter validated biomarkers linked to cardiovascular risk via the gut microbiome composition and its metabolic functions.
The U-Shaped Association of Non-High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Levels With All-Cause and Cardiovascular Mortality Among Patients With Hypertension
Authors: Cheng Qi , Liu Xiao-cong , Chen Chao-lei , Huang Yu-qing , Feng Ying-qing , Chen Ji-yan
Published: July 2021

Background: Non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C) is a valuable indicator in routine blood lipid tests, but the associations of non-HDL-C with mortality in hypertensive population still remain uncertain.

Methods: In the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys from 1999 to 2014, participants having hypertension were included and grouped by non-HDL-C levels (<130, 130–159, 160–189, 190–219, and ≥220 mg/dl). Multivariate Cox regression was conducted for calculation of hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). To reveal the relationship between non-HDL-C and mortality, Kaplan–Meier survival curves, restricted cubic spline, linear regression, and subgroup analysis were also applied.

Results: A total of 12,169 participants (47.52% males, mean age 57.27 ± 15.79 years) were included. During average follow-up of 92.5 months, 1,946 (15.99%) all-cause deaths and 422 (3.47%) cardiovascular deaths occurred. After adjusting for confounders, the association of non-HDL-C with mortality was detected as U-shaped. Threshold values were observed at 158 mg/dl for all-cause mortality and 190 mg/dl as to cardiovascular mortality. Below the threshold, every 10 mg/dl increment in non-HDL-C attributed to relatively low all-cause mortality significantly (HR = 0.94, 95% CI: 0.92–0.96). Above the threshold, non-HDL-C has significant positive associations with both all-cause (HR = 1.03, 95% CI: 1.01–1.05) and cardiovascular mortality (HR = 1.09, 95% CI: 1.05–1.14). For subgroups analysis, similar results were found among participants age <65 years old, non-white population, those were not taking lipid-lowering drugs, and subjects with body mass index (BMI) ≥25 kg/m2.

Conclusion: The U-shaped association was detected between non-HDL-C and mortality among hypertensive population.
Looking for Earthquake Precursors From Space: A Critical Review
Authors: Picozza Piergiorgio , Conti Livio , Sotgiu Alessandro
Published: July 2021

Starting from late seventies, many observations have been reported about observations in space of signals reconciled with earthquakes and claimed as possible preseismic measurements. The detected parameters range from electromagnetic field components (in a large band of frequencies) to plasmas parameters; from particles detection to thermal anomalies; etc. Up to the DEMETER mission, the analyses have been carried out on datasets gathered by not devoted satellites. Even beyond the results obtained, the DEMETER mission has constituted a milestone for space-based investigations of seismo-associated phenomena drawing a baseline for next missions with respect instruments, observational strategy and measurements uncertainty. Nowadays, the CSES-01 satellite – developed within a sino-italian collaboration with the participation also of Austrian Institutes – represents the most advanced mission for investigating near-Earth electromagnetic environment aimed at extending the observation of earthquake precursors to a long time series. The benefit of the mission is even higher by considering that CSES-01 is the first of a program of several LEO small satellites, the second of which will be launched on 2023 with the same instruments and orbit of CSES-01, but with a shift of half of an orbit in order to monitor each trace twice per orbit. The article gives a short survey of space-based observations of preseismic phenomena from the early studies up to the more recent ones, critically reviewing results, hypotheses and trends in this research field. The supposed physical processes proposed to explain the observations are still unable to explain the large variety of the phenomenology, the statistical significance of the results are highly debated, and more in general a common consensus is still missing. Anyway, the investigation of the seismo-associated phenomena from space is a challenge for near future Earth observation.
Experimental Study of Runoff and Sediment Yield Affected by Ridge Direction and Width of Sloping Farmland
Authors: Liu Shanshan , Qin Tianling , Lv Xizhi , Shi Xuan , Dong Biqiong , Wang Jianwei , Liu Chun
Published: July 2021

Water and soil losses from sloping farmlands potentially contribute to water eutrophication and land degradation. However, few studies explored the combined effects of ridge direction and ridge width on surface runoff and soil losses of sloping farmlands. Twenty-seven experimental plots (8 m long and 4 m wide) with nine treatments (three ridge direction: cross ridge, longitudinal ridge, and oblique ridge; and three ridge width: 40, 60, and 80 cm) were adopted under natural rainfall conditions for two years in the Luanhe River Basin of China. Results indicated that ridge direction had significant effects on runoff and sediment yield (p < 0.05). The ridge width had no significant effect on runoff and sediment yield. No significant interaction effect was found between ridge direction and width on runoff and sediment yield of the sloping farmland based on statistical analyses. Compared with cross-ridge (CR) tillage and oblique-ridge (OR) tillage, longitudinal-ridge (LR) tillage significantly decreased runoff by 78.9% and 64.9% and soil losses by 88.2 and 83.5%, respectively (p < 0.05). The effects of ridge directions on runoff and sediment yield were related to rainfall grade. When the rainfall grade reached rainstorm, the runoff yield under CR, LR, and SR had significant differences (p < 0.05). The runoff under LR and OR treatment was 5.16 and 3.3 times, respectively, of that under CR. When the rainfall level was heavy rain or rainstorm, the sediment yield under LR was significantly greater than that under CR. The sediment yield was 13.45 times of that under CR. Cross-ridge tillage with a ridge width of 40 cm is an optimally effective measure of soil and water conservation on sloping farmland in arid and semiarid regions of China.
Soil Freeze-Thaw and Water Transport Characteristics Under Different Vegetation Types in Seasonal Freeze-Thaw Areas of the Loess Plateau
Authors: Bo Lanfeng , Li Zhanbin , Li Peng , Xu Guoche , Xiao Lie , Ma Bo
Published: July 2021

In the arid and semi-arid regions of the Loess Plateau, seasonal freezing and thawing influence soil water movement, and water movement directly influences vegetation growth. However, currently, research with regard to freezing and thawing processes under various vegetation types and the mechanism of soil water movement is lacking. Therefore, the present study explored soil water migration characteristics of two typical vegetation types [arbor land (AL) and shrub land (SL)] on the Loess Plateau during seasonal freezing and thawing processes using bare land (BL) as a control. We used field measured data for hourly soil temperature (ST) and soil water content (SWC) at a depth of 100 cm below the soil surface from November 2017 to March 2018. Freezing and thawing process was divided into three stages based on ST change (initial freezing period, stable freezing period, and thawing period). Compared with previous studies in this area, ST is lower than expected, and SWC migration characteristics are also different. The results revealed that: 1) the maximum freezing depth of AL and SL was 60 cm, which was 30 cm less than that of BL. The freezing date of each soil layer in BL was the earliest and average ST value was the lowest. BL had the highest degree of freezing. The freezing of all soil layers in AL occurred at a later date than that of SL. ST and the minimum soil freezing temperatures were higher than those of SL, and the capacity of AL to resist freezing was higher; 2) the SWCs in AL and BL at depths of 0–10 cm and 10–30 cm decreased, whereas SWCs of AL and BL at a depth of 60 cm increased by 152 and 146%, respectively. The SWCs of SL at soil depths of 0–10 cm, 10–30 cm, and 30–60 cm increased by 46.3, 78.4 and 205%, respectively. The amount and distribution of soil moisture in SL were optimum when compared to those of AL and BL. The results of the present study could provide a scientific basis for vegetation restoration in arid and semi-arid areas of the Loess Plateau.
Predicting Completion: The Road to Informed Study Decisions in Higher Online Education
Authors: Delnoij Laurie , Janssen Jose , Dirkx Kim , Gijselaers Hieronymus , de Groot Renate H. , Neroni Joyce , de Bie Marion , Martens Rob
Published: July 2021

Non-completion is an ongoing concern in higher education, and even more so in higher online education. One way to address this problem is to take initiatives prior to student enrollment, enabling informed decision making. In line with this, an institution for open higher online education seeks to develop a (non-committal) online self-assessment for prospective students. To identify variables (tests) to be included in this self-assessment, the present study aims at validating variables–previously identified as “predictive of completion in higher education and open to intervention before enrollment”—within the current higher online education context. Results of correlational analyses indicate that the following modifiable variables are relevant to include: hours planned to study, employment hours, study intention, discipline, discipline confidence, basic mathematical skills, and social support. Based on a sensitivity cut-off of 95% (to minimize false negatives) about 13% of the actual non-completers could be identified correctly. Implications for future development of the self-assessment are discussed.
Effect of the Re-Vitrification of Embryos at Different Stages on Embryonic Developmental Potential
Authors: Li Jingyu , Xiong Shun , Zhao Yanhua , Li Chong , Han Wei , Huang Guoning
Published: July 2021

Background

Using re-vitrified human embryos for frozen-warmed embryo transfer (FET) is a valuable option when there are no other cryopreserved embryos to use, however, except for the PGT cases, no published data are available for FET with human embryos that were re-vitrified at different developmental stages.

Objective

To evaluate the effect of re-vitrification of embryos at different stages on embryonic developmental potential.

Method

This study included clinical retrospective and mouse experimental studies. For the retrospective study, a total of 25 FET cycles with re-vitrified day 3 embryos (re-vitrification group 1) and 54 FET cycles with re-vitrified day 5 blastocysts (re-vitrification group 2) between January 2015 and December 2019 were included in this study. The corresponding FET cycles with once-vitrified embryos were identified using propensity score (PS) matching according to the time of embryo transfer. For the mouse experimental study, we divided embryos into 5 groups: fresh (group 1), vitrified at the 8-cell stage (group 2), vitrified at the early blastocyst stage (group 3), vitrified at the 8-cell stage, and re-vitrified at the 8-cell (group 4) or early blastocyst stage (group 5). The fresh embryos was selected as control group. The primary outcome in this study was delivery outcomes.

Results

No significant difference in delivery rate was detected between re-vitrification group 1 (24.00%) and the corresponding control group (28.00%). However, re-vitrification group 2 (46.3%) showed a significant decrease in delivery rate compared with the two corresponding control groups (63.89% and 64.12%) (P < 0.05). Our experiment using mouse embryos also confirmed the clinical data, and showed that re-vitrification at the blastocyst stage following the first round of vitrification at the 8-cell stage reduced the delivery rate. In addition, both re-vitrified groups showed a significantly higher expression level of BAX. However, only re-vitrification at the blastocyst stage increased the expression level of CASPASE3.

Conclusions

Re-vitrification at the 8-cell and blastocyst stages has different effects on embryonic developmental potential, as re-vitrification at blastocyst stage following a previous vitrification at 8-cell stage reduced the delivery rate, while vitrification at the 8-cell stage twice achieved comparable pregnancy outcomes to the once-vitrified group.
Identification of the Bisphenol A (BPA) and the Two Analogues BPS and BPF in Cryptorchidism
Authors: Komarowska Marta Diana , Grubczak Kamil , Czerniecki Jan , Hermanowicz Adam , Hermanowicz Justyna Magdalena , Debek Wojciech , Matuszczak Ewa
Published: July 2021

Objective

to explore the association of plasma concentrations of bisphenol A (BPA), bisphenol S (BPS), and bisphenol F (BPF) with unilateral cryptorchidism. In addition, to analyze selected demographic and intraoperative characteristics.

Design

Retrospective analysis to determine plasma concentrations of total BPA, BPS and BPF using gas chromatography - mass spectrometry (GC-MS) among prepubertal boys with cryptorchidism and prebupertal male control subjects. During operation, the size, turgor and location of the cryptorchid testes were assessed.

Main Outcome Measure

Plasma concentrations of total BPA, BPS and BPF.

Results

In children with cryptorchidism, plasma levels of BPA, BPS and BPF were significantly higher compared to the control subjects. For BPA, it was: median value: 9.95 ng/mL vs. 5.54 ng/mL, p<0.05. For BPS, it was: median value: 3.93 ng/mL vs. 1.45 ng/mL, p<0.001. For BPF, it was: median value: 3.56 ng/mL vs. 1.83 ng/mL, p<0.05. In cryptorchid group, BPA was detected in 61.4% samples, BPS in 19.3% and BPF in 19.3%. All the three bisphenols were detected in plasma samples of both the healthy subjects and the study cohort. In the latter group, we found significant higher levels of BPA in boys from urban areas. We found a weak positive correlation between the levels of BPS and BPF and reduced turgor of the testes. Furthermore, results showed weak positive correlations between BPA and BPS levels and the age of the children as well as between BPS and BPF concentrations and the place of residence.

Conclusions

Results provide a first characterization of prepubertal boys suffering from cryptorchidism and exposed to different kind of bisphenols. Our study suggests that cryptorchid boys are widely exposed to BPA and, to a lesser extent, also to its alternatives, such as BPS and BPF.
Machine Learning to Identify Metabolic Subtypes of Obesity: A Multi-Center Study
Authors: Lin Ziwei , Feng Wenhuan , Liu Yanjun , Ma Chiye , Arefan Dooman , Zhou Donglei , Cheng Xiaoyun , Yu Jiahui , Gao Long , Du Lei , You Hui , Zhu Jiangfan , Zhu Dalong , Wu Shandong , Qu Shen
Published: July 2021

Background and objective

Clinical characteristics of obesity are heterogenous, but current classification for diagnosis is simply based on BMI or metabolic healthiness. The purpose of this study was to use machine learning to explore a more precise classification of obesity subgroups towards informing individualized therapy.

Subjects and Methods

In a multi-center study (n=2495), we used unsupervised machine learning to cluster patients with obesity from Shanghai Tenth People’s hospital (n=882, main cohort) based on three clinical variables (AUCs of glucose and of insulin during OGTT, and uric acid). Verification of the clustering was performed in three independent cohorts from external hospitals in China (n = 130, 137, and 289, respectively). Statistics of a healthy normal-weight cohort (n=1057) were measured as controls.

Results

Machine learning revealed four stable metabolic different obese clusters on each cohort. Metabolic healthy obesity (MHO, 44% patients) was characterized by a relatively healthy-metabolic status with lowest incidents of comorbidities. Hypermetabolic obesity-hyperuricemia (HMO-U, 33% patients) was characterized by extremely high uric acid and a large increased incidence of hyperuricemia (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 73.67 to MHO, 95%CI 35.46-153.06). Hypermetabolic obesity-hyperinsulinemia (HMO-I, 8% patients) was distinguished by overcompensated insulin secretion and a large increased incidence of polycystic ovary syndrome (AOR 14.44 to MHO, 95%CI 1.75-118.99). Hypometabolic obesity (LMO, 15% patients) was characterized by extremely high glucose, decompensated insulin secretion, and the worst glucolipid metabolism (diabetes: AOR 105.85 to MHO, 95%CI 42.00-266.74; metabolic syndrome: AOR 13.50 to MHO, 95%CI 7.34-24.83). The assignment of patients in the verification cohorts to the main model showed a mean accuracy of 0.941 in all clusters.

Conclusion

Machine learning automatically identified four subtypes of obesity in terms of clinical characteristics on four independent patient cohorts. This proof-of-concept study provided evidence that precise diagnosis of obesity is feasible to potentially guide therapeutic planning and decisions for different subtypes of obesity.

Clinical Trial Registration

www.ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04282837.