bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perbandingan Prestasi Belajar Siswa di SMAN 4 Kota Jambi dan SMAN 3 Muaro Jambi
Authors: Marlina Gysberthus Xikha , Sakinah Rula , Wihdati Dila , Chaverlin Veniayu Syam , Ramadhani Isma , Wulan Dari Reski , Ayuni Putri Selly , Karmila Karmila , Marwiyah Siti , Anugrah Wati Eka
Published: May 2023

Learning achievement is a measure of the success or failure of an educational process. Learning achievement can also be interpreted as something that is produced or the result of an activity that is done, created both individually and in groups. Student achievement is influenced by internal factors and external factors. Learning achievement of students can be measured from the results that have been achieved by students both from internal and external factors because the evaluation results can reflect the ability of students to master the material that has been taught. These results show in the learning achievement of students at SMAN 4 Kota Jambi and SMAN 3 Muaro Jambi that each school has its own advantages, especially in the learning achievement of its students. The two schools show a significant comparison in the management of school activities. At SMAN 4 Jambi City, the non-academic achievement obtained was that one of the students had won the rank of the Indonesian under 17 national football team which would be held in mainland Europe, Turkey. This is certainly something to be proud of for the school, parents and students themselves. Meanwhile, at SMAN 3 Muaro Jambi, one of the students was selected to become PASKIBRAKA in Jambi Province
Examining the impact of demonetization on banking efficiency: Evidence from bootstrapped estimates after consideration of undesirable outputs
Authors: Rawat Shailika , Sharma Nishi
Published: May 2023

The recent demonetization announced in India led to a massive flow of deposits in banks, which called for efficient disbursement of available funds. Realizing its implication for the financial sector, researchers explored the possible impact of demonetization on the performance, profitability, and efficiency of Indian banks. However, these studies overlooked the non-performing assets, which are a serious concern for banks and have emerged as an undesirable output of the credit creation process. To fill this research gap, the present study investigates the impact of demonetization on the efficiency of domestic banks with due consideration of such undesirable assets. To get bias-free efficiency estimates, bootstrapped data envelopment analysis has been done. The study period has been divided into two sub-periods viz., pre-demonetization period and post-demonetization period. The results indicate that the efficiency of the majority of banks remains unaffected by demonetization. Only 13 banks have got a significant impact, out of which eight banks exhibited better efficiency while five banks were found to be less efficient during the post-demonetization period. However, these changes have been contributed to bank-specific factors, and demonetization cannot be accounted for the same. The findings are useful to banks, regulators, and policymakers.
Effect of electric pulse rolling on plastic forming ability of AZ91D magnesium alloy
Authors: LIU Xinyu , ZHOU Yuezhang , BO Wenjie , ZHANG Yong , GENG Guihong
Published: May 2023

AZ91D magnesium alloy rolled under four rolling conditions, namely cold rolling, electric pulse cold rolling, hot rolling and electric pulse hot rolling, and the first principles calculation of Mg with or without external electric field carried out. The results show that: The application of pulse current in the rolling process of AZ91D magnesium alloy can effectively improve the edge crack of the sample, optimize the texture of AZ91D magnesium alloy and reduce its texture strength, promote the generation of tensile twins and the transition from small Angle grain boundaries to large Angle grain boundaries, and thus improve the plastic forming ability of AZ91D magnesium alloy. Make it more prone to plastic deformation. Compared with ordinary rolling, the microhardness of α-Mg matrix decreases by 15%. The tensile strength and elongation increased from 137MPa and 3.4% to 169MPa and 4.7%, respectively. The results show that the stiffness of Mg decreases and the Poisson's ratio of Mg increases when the electric field applies. When the B/G value is greater than 1.75, the plasticity of Mg is improved. The fault energy at the base surface of Mg does not change much, while the fault energy at the prismatic surface of Mg decreases obviously, showing the external electric field mainly affects the prismatic surface slip of Mg, which makes the prismatic surface slip easier to start, and thus improves the plastic forming ability of Mg.
Patrimonio cultural material y demanda turística, cantón Latacunga, provincia de Cotopaxi
Authors: Viracocha Lema Marco Vinicio , Herrera Chávez Renato Hernán , Samaniego Erazo William Marco
Published: May 2023

Introducción. Latacunga, es un cantón lleno de historia, tradición y cultura que enamora a propios y extraños por su riqueza patrimonial material e inmaterial, con un gran potencial del turismo cultural-patrimonial. Objetivos. El presente trabajo de investigación tiene como objetivo analizar el patrimonio cultural material y su influencia con la demanda turística. Metodología. El diseño de la investigación empleado es no experimental, transversal; de tipo documental, de campo, descriptiva y de carácter correlacional. La validación del instrumento de investigación a través de alfa de Cronbach, cuestionarios bajo la escala de Likert, la unidad de análisis de investigada fue a 40 prestadores de servicios turísticos y 276 turistas. En el software SPSS, con chi cuadrado, se comprobó las hipótesis. Resultados. Se demuestra la influencia significativa entre el patrimonio cultural material y la demanda turística. A su vez se describen y caracterizan las dimensiones relacionadas a los bienes muebles; bienes inmuebles; bienes arqueológicos; producto turístico; motivación; turistas. Conclusiones. Existe una influencia significativa entre el patrimonio cultural material y la demanda turística. Área de la ciencia. Turismo cultural.
Effect of Weather Dynamics to Energy Yield of Dual Axis Sun Tracker-Based Solar PV generation
Authors: Hasyim Rosma Iswadi , Rinaldi Dicky , Sukma Dian Yayan
Published: May 2023

Generally, solar PV Panel is constructed at fix tilted angle at different locations, such as: street light poles, rooftops, residential buildings, and canopy. The energy production from solar PV generation system is vary and influenced by site (location) and weather parameters. Solar PV generation analyzed in this research is Dual Axis Sun Tracker (DAST) Solar PV Generation. Dual axis sun tracker is a system controller to ensure solar PV panel following the sun path.  Furthermore, energy production from DAST-based solar PV generation were measured and collected using energy meter as well as by using automatic weather station for the weather parameters. From these measrument data, it can be correlated the influence of weather parameters to the energy production from DAST PV generation system. The correlation between weather parameters and energy production are analyzed by statistical analysis using SPSS software and multiple linear regression models. From the results and analysis, it can be shown the amount of energy production from DAST-based solar PV Generation are influenced by weather parameters, namely: temperature, humidity, ultraviolet radiation, and solar radiation with significant level up to 98.2%.
Effect of Pulse Width Modulation on Proportional, Integral, and Derivative Coefficient Characteristics
Authors: Suhendra Tonny
Published: May 2023

Based on the value of feedback obtained from the sensor (LDR), the PID algorithm uses the error value obtained from the comparison between the sensor value and the setpoint value to perform calculations so that the PWM generator will use the output value to produce a row of pulses that will be converted to a voltage (signal) with a range of  0 to 255 (0 volt to 5 volt)  and is used to turn on the LED lamp according to the desired light level. The output characteristics generated by the PID control for each coefficient can be used as a benchmark to determine the correct coefficient value for Propotional coefficient, Integral coefficient and Derivative coefficient  as a whole. From the test results, it can be seen that the coefficient value adjustment can be taken based on the size of the difference or error contained in the system. If the difference in error is slight, the use of large coefficient values, especially in derivative coefficients. It helps the system achieve a stable condition and reduces overshoot. Still, if the error value is significant, then applying a considerable efficiency value will make the system achieve stable condition stable becomes a little tricky because it is possible to overshoot the PID output.
Chapter 2a: Virology
Authors: Růžek Daniel , Yoshii Kentaro , Bloom Marshall E. , Gould Ernest A.
Published: May 2023

TBEV is the most medically important member of the tick-borne serocomplex group within
the genus Flavivirus, family Flaviviridae.
Three antigenic subtypes of TBEV correspond to the 3 recognized genotypes: European
(TBEV-EU), also known as Western, Far Eastern (TBEV-FE), and Siberian (TBEV-SIB).
An additional 2 genotypes have been identified in the Irkutsk region of Russia, currently named
TBE virus Baikalian subtype (TBEV-BKL) and TBE virus Himalayan subtype (Himalayan and “178-79” group; TBEV-HIM).
TBEV virions are small enveloped spherical particles about 50 nm in diameter.
The TBEV genome consists of a single-stranded positive sense RNA molecule.
The genome encodes one open reading frame (ORF), which is flanked by untranslated
(non-coding) regions (UTRs).
The 5′-UTR end has a methylated nucleotide cap for canonical cellular translation. The 3′-UTR is not polyadenylated and is characterized by extensive length and sequence heterogeneity.
The ORF encodes one large polyprotein, which is co- and post-translationally cleaved into 3 structural proteins (C, prM, and E) and 7 non-structural proteins (NS1, NS2A, NS2B, NS3, NS4A, NS4B, and NS5).
TBEV replicates in the cytoplasm of the host cell in close association with virus-induced intracellular membrane structures. Virus assembly occurs in the endoplasmic reticulum.
The immature virions are transported to the Golgi complex, and mature virions pass through the host secretory pathway and are finally released from the host cell by fusion of the transport vesicle membrane with the plasma membrane.
Chapter 9: Immunology of TBEV infection
Authors: Gredmark-Russ Sara , Varnaite Renata
Published: May 2023

Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is a viral infectious disease of the central nervous system caused by the tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV).
TBE is usually a biphasic disease and in humans the virus can only be detected during the first (unspecific) phase of the disease.
Pathogenesis of TBE is not well understood, but both direct viral effects and immune-mediated tissue damage of the central nervous system may contribute to the natural course of TBE.
The effect of TBEV on the innate immune system has mainly been studied in vitro and in mouse models.
Characterization of human immune responses to TBEV is primarily conducted in peripheral blood and cerebrospinal fluid, due to the inaccessibility of brain tissue for sample collection.
Natural killer (NK) cells and T cells are activated during the second (meningo-encephalitic) phase of TBE. The potential involvement of other cell types has not been examined to date.
Immune cells from peripheral blood, in particular neutrophils, T cells, B cells and NK cells, infiltrate into the cerebrospinal fluid of TBE patients.
Pembangkangan Hukum: Menakar Kepatuhan Organisasi Advokat Terhadap Putusan Hakim Yang Telah Berkekuatan Hukum Tetap
Authors: Susanto  , Nurhayati  , Herdiana Dadan
Published: May 2023

Perpecahan di internal organisasi advokat Persatuan Advokat Indonesia menimbulkan sengketa dengan organisasi pecahannya, Perkumpulan Advokat Indonesia. Keduanya memiliki kesamaan dalam penggunaan merek PERADIN, hingga menimbulkan gugatan di pengadilan. Penelitian ini dilakukan untuk mengetahui kepatuhan Organisasi Advokat dengan nama Perkumpulan Advokat Indonesia atas putusan pengadilan yang telah berkekuatan hukum tetap terkait dengan sengketa merek organisasi PERADIN. Metode yang digunakan adalah penelitian normatif kualitatif dengan pendekatan perundang-undangan hubungkan dengan permasalahan dalam penelitian ini. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa organisasi advokat Perkumpulan Advokat Indonesia secara illegal telah menggunakan Merek PERADIN milik organisasi advokat Persatuan Advokat Indonesia dan putusan tersebut telah berkekuatan hukum tetap. Meskipun telah terdapat putusan berkekuatan hukum tetap, Perkumpulan Advokat Indonesia tidak secara sukarela melaksanakan isi putusan tersebut dan bahkan mengajukan 5 (lima) gugatan-gugatan lainnya.
Konstruksi Model Sosialisasi Hukum Berbasis Kearifan Lokal Kepada Yayasan Penyelenggara Pendidikan Dalam Penyesuaian Anggaran Dasar
Authors: Bahmid  , Sidabalok Hamidah , Sartika Dewi , Dewi Renita , Anisa Heni Nasution Rifqah
Published: May 2023

Ketidakpatuhan organ yayasan pendidikan di Kabupaten Asahan terhadap perintah penyesuaian anggaran dasar bagi yayasan yang telah ada sebelum lahirnya Undang-Undang Nomor 28 Tahun 2004 tentang perubahan atas Undang Undang Nomor 16 Tahun 2001 tentang Yayasan. Hal ini disebabkan karena tidak sesuai dengan kearifan lokal yang ada di Kabupaten Asahan. Oleh karena itu, penting dilakukan penelitian mengenai pengarahan kepatuhan hukum dalam bentuk sosialisasi terkait problem yang ada yang dihubungkan dengan kearifan lokal. Metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah yuridis empiris dengan pendekatan efektivitas.  Dari hasil penelitian, menunjukkan bahwa sosialisasi berkearifan lokal ini sangat efektif dalam memberikan penafsiran kepada masyarakat. Hal ini disebabkan para organ yayasan paham mengapa penting dilakukannya penyesuaian anggaran dasar.
Green Taxonomy Role As Green Bonds Standardized Policy Instrument
Authors: Ariyanti Suci , Usmina Wijaya Andy , Ayumeida Kusnadi Sekaring
Published: May 2023

Meningkatnya masalah lingkungan dan langkah-langkah yang diambil untuk mengatasinya menjadi topik yang sangat penting dalam masyarakat saat ini. Dengan pertimbangan ini, Otoritas Jasa Keuangan sebagai salah satu regulator dalam bidang investasi menerbitkan taksonomi hijau sebagai proses klasifikasi dan kualifikasi pembagian sektor kegiatan ekonomi berkelanjutan. Relevansi repenerbitan taksonomi hijau dengan tujuan yang diharapkan dan dapat memotivasi tumbuhnya green bonds sebagai alternatif investasi dalam pembangunan ekonomi berkelanjutan dan berwawasan lingkungan. Penelitian ini ditujukan untuk menakartingkat relevansi hal tersebut. Penelitian ini dilakukan menggunakan jenis penelitian turidis normativ dengan menggunakan pendekatan perundang-undangan. Dari hasil penelitian didapatkan bahwa green taxonomy 1.0 Indonesia adalah instrumen yang memiliki relevansi dengan roadmap keuangan berkelanjutan tahap I (2015-2019) - tahap II (2021-2025) dan diharapkan menjadi langkah awal dalam mengembangkan regulasi berikutnya.
COMPOSITE VOICE-ABSORBING MATERIALS MADE OF POLYESTER-REINFORCED PARTICLES WASTE GLASS PLASTIC AD BIOCOMPOSITE FIBER
Authors: Rauf Fentje Abdul , Giu Jamal Darusalam , Junus Stella , Uloli Hendra , Sanjaya Ibnu
Published: May 2023

Natural fiber as a sound-absorbing biocompisite material is believed to not only reduce noise pollution but also to absorb heat. There are many underutilized coconut husks, which so far the use of coconut husks is only conventional. The focus of this research is to find the right solution in the use of coconut fiber as well as composite material engineering for technological purposes. The research method will use pure experiments using controlled specimens in the mechanical Engineering laboratory of ITB, including mechanicals tests, soundproofing. The results of he tensile test are the tensile strength of the largest coconut fiber composite fiber is found in the fiber volume fraction of 25% with a value of 59.072 Mpa, followed by 20% fiber fraction with a value of 59.025 Mpa, 15% fiber fraction with a value of 56.736 Mpa, fiber fraction 10% with a value of 56.807 Mpa, 5% fiber fraction with a value 53.736. and for he results of the soundproof test with frequency of 250 Hz – 2000 Hz at 5% fiber fraction, it has an absorption coefficient value of 0,03, 10% fiber fraction, has an absorption coefficient value of 0.18, 15% fiber fraction has an absorption coefficient value of 0.18. 0.18, the fiber fraction of 20 has an absorption coefficient of 0.22, the fiber fraction of 25% has an absorption coefficient of 0.28.
Healthy Lifestyle of Fare Collectors and Bus Drivers in Akure, Nigeria
Authors: Olaniyi Adeniran Adetayo
Published: May 2023

The purpose of this study is to delve into the healthy lifestyle of public fare collectors and bus drivers in Akure, Nigeria. A cross-sectional study of 33 bus drivers and 33 fare collectors from the bus terminal situated in FUTA North gate, Cathedral, Ilesa garage, Benin garage, and Old garage was quantitatively analyzed.
The Rationality of the Evolutionary Synthesis and Its Competing Theories
Authors: Wang Fayou
Published: May 2023

The evolutionary synthesis has stronger empirical coordination force, conceptual coordination force, and background coordination force. It is generally accepted by evolutionary biologists for its stronger comprehensive coordination force. Nowadays, a large amount of new information and new concepts have emerged in evolutionary biology, which goes beyond the traditional framework of evolutionary synthesis and brings many new empirical and conceptual problems to evolutionary synthesis, changing the state of its comprehensive coordination force.
Association between Maternal Serum Leptin Level and Preterm Birth among Parturients in Lagos, Nigeria
Authors: Ogein Olubunmi Olufunke , Okunowo Adeyemi Adebola , Olorunfemi Gbenga , Osunwusi Benedetto , Adegbola Omololu
Published: May 2023

Background: Preterm birth is one of the major causes of neonatal morbidity and mortality worldwide. The association between occurrence of preterm birth and biomarkers measured in the maternal serum maybe helpful in predicting preterm birth especially in low resource settings.

Aim: We aimed to examine the association between maternal serum leptin level and occurrence of preterm birth.

Materials and Methods: This was an analytical cross-sectional study of women with preterm and term births in Lagos, Nigeria. One hundred and ninety women comprising of 95 women with preterm and term births respectively recruited. Maternal serum leptin levels were determined using Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique. Data was analyzed by Stata version 16 (StataCorp, USA) statistical software with significance level set at p-value <0.05.

Results: The mean serum leptin levels were significantly lower in women with preterm delivery compared to women with term delivery (1.48 ng/ml ± 0.72 vs. 1.75 ng/ml ± 0.67, p-value=0.007). On further analysis, women with very preterm birth had significantly lower serum leptin levels compared with women with moderate to late preterm and term births (1.28 ± 0.73 vs 1.55 ± 0.70 vs 1.75ng/ml ± 0.67, p-value=0.006). There was 57% reduction in the odds of having preterm delivery for every unit increase in serum leptin level on multivariate analysis (adjusted OR: 0.43, 95%CI: 0.26 – 0.71, P-value=0.001).

Conclusion: Serum leptin concentration was significantly lower in women who had preterm births compared to women who had term births. Longitudinal studies are required to determine the predictive value of maternal serum leptin level with regards to preterm birth.
If blockchain is the solution, robot security is the problem
Authors: Ferrer Eduardo Castelló
Published: May 2023

Robotics systems of all types are revolutionizing a wide variety of industries—transportation, manufacturing, and even healthcare—and yet, many essential ingredients for robotics systems in the real world are not technologically ready for deployment. Currently, robots lack the protocols and standards required to be safe and secure outside factories. In an attempt to close this gap, recent research has demonstrated the security benefits of combining robotics systems with blockchain-based and related technologies (e.g., smart contracts, zero-knowledge proofs, Merkle trees). In this perspective article, I argue that blockchain-based robotics is starting to provide innovative solutions (e.g., secure data sharing, consensus mechanisms, and new interaction methods) to urgent problems of robot security. I list the most important takeaways so far from this emerging field of research that I helped establish together with a growing community. I close the article by discussing the implications of the security challenges that the robotics research community is facing, and possible ways for us to move forward.
Reprogramming of connexin landscape fosters fast gap junction intercellular communication in human papillomavirus-infected epithelia
Authors: Gallego Carmen , Jaracz-Ros Agnieszka , Laganà Marta , Mercier-Nomé Françoise , Domenichini Séverine , Fumagalli Amos , Roingeard Philippe , Herfs Michael , Pidoux Guillaume , Bachelerie Françoise , Schlecht-Louf Géraldine
Published: May 2023

Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) are highly prevalent commensal viruses that require epithelial stratification to complete their replicative cycle. While HPV infections are most often asymptomatic, certain HPV types can cause lesions, that are usually benign. In rare cases, these infections may progress to non-replicative viral cycles associated with high HPV oncogene expression promoting cell transformation, and eventually cancer when not cleared by host responses. While the consequences of HPV-induced transformation on keratinocytes have been extensively explored, the impact of viral replication on epithelial homeostasis remains largely unexplored. Gap junction intercellular communication (GJIC) is critical for stratified epithelium integrity and function. This process is ensured by a family of proteins named connexins (Cxs), including 8 isoforms that are expressed in stratified squamous epithelia. GJIC was reported to be impaired in HPV-transformed cells, which was attributed to the decreased expression of the Cx43 isoform. However, it remains unknown whether and how HPV replication might impact on the expression of Cx isoforms and GJIC in stratified squamous epithelia. To address this question, we have used 3D-epithelial cell cultures (3D-EpCs), the only model supporting the productive HPV life cycle. We report a transcriptional downregulation of most epithelial Cx isoforms except Cx45 in HPV-replicating epithelia. At the protein level, HPV replication results in a reduction of Cx43 expression while that of Cx45 increases and displays a topological shift toward the cell membrane. To quantify GJIC, we pioneered quantitative gap-fluorescence loss in photobleaching (FLIP) assay in 3D-EpCs, which allowed us to show that the reprogramming of Cx landscape in response to HPV replication translates into accelerated GJIC in living epithelia. Supporting the pathophysiological relevance of our observations, the HPV-associated Cx43 and Cx45 expression pattern was confirmed in human cervical biopsies harboring HPV. In conclusion, the reprogramming of Cx expression and distribution in HPV-replicating epithelia fosters accelerated GJIC, which may participate in epithelial homeostasis and host immunosurveillance.
Nasal immunization with H7 flagellin protects mice against hemolytic uremic syndrome secondary to Escherichia coli O157:H7 gastrointestinal infection
Authors: Bernal Alan Mauro , Sosa Fernando Nicolás , Todero María Florencia , Montagna Daniela Romina , Vermeulen Mónica Elba , Fernández-Brando Romina Jimena , Ramos María Victoria , Errea Agustina Juliana , Rumbo Martin , Palermo Marina Sandra
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Shiga-toxin (Stx) producing Escherichia coli (STEC) O157:H7 is the most frequent serotype associated with hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) after gastrointestinal infections. Protection against HUS secondary to STEC infections has been experimentally assayed through the generation of different vaccine formulations. With focus on patients, the strategies have been mainly oriented to inhibit production of Stx or its neutralization. However, few approaches have been intended to block gastrointestinal phase of this disease, which is considered the first step in the pathogenic cascade of HUS. The aim of this work was to assay H7 flagellin as a mucosal vaccine candidate to prevent the systemic complications secondary to E. coli O157:H7 infections.

Materials and methods

The cellular and humoral immune response after H7 nasal immunization in mice were studied by the analysis of systemic and intestinal specific antibody production, as well as cytokine production and lymphocyte proliferation against H7 flagellin ex vivo.

Results

Immunized mice developed a strong and specific anti-H7 IgG and IgA response, at systemic and mucosal level, as well as a cellular Th1/Th2/Th17 response. H7 induced activation of bone marrow derived dendritic cells in vitro and a significant delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) response in immunized mice. Most relevant, immunized mice were completely protected against the challenge with an E. coli O157:H7 virulent strain in vivo, and surviving mice presented high titres of anti-H7 and Stx antibodies.

Discussion

These results suggest that immunization avoids HUS outcome and allows to elicit a specific immune response against other virulence factors.
A third dose of the BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine sufficiently improves the neutralizing activity against SARS-CoV-2 variants in liver transplant recipients
Authors: Tomiyama Takahiro , Suzuki Rigel , Harada Noboru , Tamura Tomokazu , Toshida Katsuya , Kosai-Fujimoto Yukiko- , Tomino Takahiro , Yoshiya Shohei , Nagao Yoshihiro , Takeishi Kazuki , Itoh Shinji , Kobayashi Nobuhiro , Ito Hayato , Yoshio Sachiyo , Kanto Tatsuya , Yoshizumi Tomoharu , Fukuhara Takasuke
Published: May 2023

Introduction

We examined the neutralizing antibody production efficiency of the second and third severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccine doses (2nd- and 3rd-dose) and neutralizing activity on mutant strains, including, the Ancestral, Beta and Omicron strains using green fluorescent protein-carrying recombinant SARS-CoV-2, in living-donor liver transplantation (LDLT) recipients.

Methods

The patients who were administered vaccines other than Pfizer- BioNTechBNT162b2 and who had coronavirus disease 2019 in this study period were excluded. We enrolled 154 LDLT recipients and 50 healthy controls.

Result

The median time were 21 days (between 1st and 2nd vaccination) and 244 days (between 2nd and 3rd vaccination). The median neutralizing antibody titer after 2nd-dose was lower in LDLT recipients than in controls (0.46 vs 1.00, P<0.0001). All controls had SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies, whereas 39 LDLT recipients (25.3%) had no neutralizing antibodies after 2nd-dose; age at vaccination, presence of ascites, multiple immunosuppressive treatments, and mycophenolate mofetil treatment were significant risk factors for nonresponder. The neutralizing activities of recipient sera were approximately 3-fold and 5-fold lower than those of control sera against the Ancestral and Beta strains, respectively. The median antibody titer after 3rd-dose was not significantly different between recipients and controls (1.02 vs 1.22, p=0.0758); only 5% recipients was non-responder. The neutralizing activity after third dose to Omicron strains were enhanced and had no significant difference between two groups.

Conclusion

Only the 2nd-dose was not sufficiently effective in recipients; however, 3rd-dose had sufficient neutralizing activity against the mutant strain and was as effective as that in healthy controls.
Aflibercept for long-term treatment of diabetic macular edema and proliferative diabetic retinopathy: a meta-analysis
Authors: Xie Xiao , Lian Chao , Zhang Zhiping , Feng Meng , Wang Wenqi , Yuan Xiaomeng , Shi Yanmei , Liu Tingting
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This meta-analysis compared the long-term (12 months or 24 months) efficacy and safety of intravitreal aflibercept injection (IAI) for diabetic macular edema (DME) and proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR).

Methods

We selected 16 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) performed after 2015 that had a minimum of 12 months and up to 24 months of treatment and conducted a meta-analysis with Review Manager version 5.3. Visual acuity (VA), central subfield thickness (CST) and adverse events were the outcomes selected for evaluation from the eligible studies.

Results

Based on 16 RCTs, we evaluated a total of 7125 patients. For PDR and severe DME with poor baseline vision, after a minimum of 12 months and up to 24 months of treatment, the aflibercept treatment group obtained better VA improvement than the focal/grid laser photocoagulation treatment group (MD=13.30; 95%CI: 13.01~13.58; P<0.001) or other treatments (ranibizumab, focal/grid laser photocoagulation, PRP, et al.) group (MD=1.10; 95%CI: 1.05~1.16; P<0.001). In addition, the aflibercept treatment group got higher CST reduction than the focal/grid laser photocoagulation treatment (MD=-33.76; 95%CI: -45.53 ~ -21.99; P<0.001) or other treatments (ranibizumab, focal/grid laser photocoagulation, et al.) group (MD=-33.76; 95%CI: -45.53 ~ -21.99; P<0.001). There was no significant difference in the overall incidence of ocular and non-ocular adverse events in each treatment group.

Conclusions

This meta-analysis showed that the advantages of IAI are obvious in the management of DME and PDR with poor baseline vision for long-term observation (a minimum of 12 months and up to 24 months) with both VA improvement and CST reduction. Applied IAI separately trended to be more effective than panretinal photocoagulation separately in VA improvement for PDR. More parameters should be required to assess functional and anatomic outcomes.
Asthma prevalence is increased in patients with high metabolism scores for visceral fat: study reports from the US
Authors: Liu Qiushi , Han Xiaoxiao , Chen Yan , Gao Ying , Yang Wei , Huang Lewei
Published: May 2023

Objective

Data from NHANES 2001-2018 were used to examine the relationship between metabolism score for visceral fat (METS-VF) and asthma prevalence.

Methods

We assessed the association between METS-VF and asthma disease using multiple logistic regression analysis from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), 2001-2018, followed by subgroup analysis for sensitive populations. To determine whether METS-VF and asthma disease had a non-linear relationship, smooth curve fitting was used, and threshold effect analysis was used to verify the relationship.

Results

Among the 36,876 participants, 4,919 self-reported having asthma. When all confounders were controlled for, a positive association was found between METS-VF and asthma prevalence (OR = 1.27, 95% CI: 1.22,1.32), and this positive association was stronger with elevated METS-VF (P for trend = 0.01). According to the smooth curve fitting analysis, METS-VF and asthma prevalence do not have a linear relationship. The double-segmented threshold effect analysis suggested a negative correlation but no statistically significant difference between METS-VF less than 5.24 and asthma prevalence (OR = 0.60, 95% CI: 0.33, 0.91). Besides, other METS-VF showed positive associations with asthma prevalence before and after the effective inflection point. According to subgroup analysis, METS-VF is associated with asthma prevalence among participants aged 40 – 59, male, Mexican American, with hypertension and diabetes, and without asthma history.

Conclusion

A positive correlation between METS-VF and asthma was observed and this positive correlation was non-linear, and participants with METS-VF above 5.24 should be cautious about the high risk of asthma. The relationship should be given more attention to participants who are aged 40-59 years old, male, Mexican American, have hypertension, diabetes, and who do not have a family history of asthma.
Introns: the “dark matter” of the eukaryotic genome
Authors: Girardini Kaitlin N. , Olthof Anouk M. , Kanadia Rahul N.
Published: May 2023

The emergence of introns was a significant evolutionary leap that is a major distinguishing feature between prokaryotic and eukaryotic genomes. While historically introns were regarded merely as the sequences that are removed to produce spliced transcripts encoding functional products, increasingly data suggests that introns play important roles in the regulation of gene expression. Here, we use an intron-centric lens to review the role of introns in eukaryotic gene expression. First, we focus on intron architecture and how it may influence mechanisms of splicing. Second, we focus on the implications of spliceosomal snRNAs and their variants on intron splicing. Finally, we discuss how the presence of introns and the need to splice them influences transcription regulation. Despite the abundance of introns in the eukaryotic genome and their emerging role regulating gene expression, a lot remains unexplored. Therefore, here we refer to introns as the “dark matter” of the eukaryotic genome and discuss some of the outstanding questions in the field.
Mannose-binding lectin suppresses macrophage proliferation through TGF-β1 signaling pathway in Nile tilapia
Authors: Mu Liangliang , Yin Xiaoxue , Bai Hao , Li Jiadong , Qiu Li , Zeng Qingliang , Fu Shengli , Ye Jianmin
Published: May 2023

Mannose-binding lectin (MBL) is a multifunctional pattern recognition molecule, which not only mediates the recognition of pathogenic microorganisms and their products, playing an important role in innate immune defense, but also participates in adaptive immune responses of mammalian. However, it’s related immune mechanism remains limited, especially the regulation of cell proliferation in early vertebrates. In this study, OnMBL was found to bind to kidney macrophages (MФ) from Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Interestingly, OnMBL was able to reduce the proliferation of activated-MФ by regulating the cell cycle, arresting a large number of cells in the G0/G1 phase, and increasing the probability of apoptosis. More importantly, we found that the inhibition of cell proliferation by OnMBL was closely related to the evolutionarily conserved canonical transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1) signaling pathway. Mechanistically, OnMBL could significantly increase the expression of TGF-β1, activate and regulate the downstream Smad-dependent pathway to reduce the MФ proliferation, thereby maintaining cellular homeostasis in the body’s internal environment. This study represents the first description regarding the regulatory mechanisms of the MBL on cell proliferation in teleost fish, which provides a novel perspective on the understanding of the multiple function and evolutionary origins of C-type lectins in the immune system.
Cholangiokines: undervalued modulators in the hepatic microenvironment
Authors: Cai Xiurong , Tacke Frank , Guillot Adrien , Liu Hanyang
Published: May 2023

The biliary epithelial cells, also known as cholangiocytes, line the intra- and extrahepatic bile ducts, forming a barrier between intra- and extra-ductal environments. Cholangiocytes are mostly known to modulate bile composition and transportation. In hepatobiliary diseases, bile duct injury leads to drastic alterations in cholangiocyte phenotypes and their release of soluble mediators, which can vary depending on the original insult and cellular states (quiescence, senescence, or proliferation). The cholangiocyte-secreted cytokines (also termed cholangiokines) drive ductular cell proliferation, portal inflammation and fibrosis, and carcinogenesis. Hence, despite the previous consensus that cholangiocytes are bystanders in liver diseases, their diverse secretome plays critical roles in modulating the intrahepatic microenvironment. This review summarizes recent insights into the cholangiokines under both physiological and pathological conditions, especially as they occur during liver injury-regeneration, inflammation, fibrosis and malignant transformation processes.
Itaconate family-based host-directed therapeutics for infections
Authors: Yuk Jae-Min , Park Eun-Jin , Kim In Soo , Jo Eun-Kyeong
Published: May 2023

Itaconate is a crucial anti-infective and anti-inflammatory immunometabolite that accumulates upon disruption of the Krebs cycle in effector macrophages undergoing inflammatory stress. Esterified derivatives of itaconate (4-octyl itaconate and dimethyl itaconate) and its isomers (mesaconate and citraconate) are promising candidate drugs for inflammation and infection. Several itaconate family members participate in host defense, immune and metabolic modulation, and amelioration of infection, although opposite effects have also been reported. However, the precise mechanisms by which itaconate and its family members exert its effects are not fully understood. In addition, contradictory results in different experimental settings and a lack of clinical data make it difficult to draw definitive conclusions about the therapeutic potential of itaconate. Here we review how the immune response gene 1-itaconate pathway is activated during infection and its role in host defense and pathogenesis in a context-dependent manner. Certain pathogens can use itaconate to establish infections. Finally, we briefly discuss the major mechanisms by which itaconate family members exert antimicrobial effects. To thoroughly comprehend how itaconate exerts its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects, additional research on the actual mechanism of action is necessary. This review examines the current state of itaconate research in infection and identifies the key challenges and opportunities for future research in this field.
A multiple-fluids-mechanics-based model of velocity profiles in currents with submerged vegetation
Authors: Zhang Jiao , Mi Zhangyi , Wang Huilin , Wang Wen , Li Zhanbin , Guan Muhong
Published: May 2023

Submerged aquatic vegetation can provide a habitat and food for marine and river organisms, and it has the ecological effect of purifying water by absorbing harmful substances. Therefore, it plays an important role in the maintenance, restoration, and improvement of marine and river ecosystems. Hydrodynamic problems caused by submerged vegetation have been a matter of wide concern. According to the distribution of submerged vegetation, the flow can be divided into three layers in the vertical direction: uniform, mixing, and logarithmic layers. This paper proposes an analytical model for the vertical distribution of longitudinal velocity in open-channel flows with submerged vegetation. A concept of velocity superimposition is applied in mixing and logarithmic layers. The velocity inside the vegetated layer can be solved by the balance between the drag force and bed gradient. The velocity difference between the vegetated layer and the free surface layer results in the formation of a mixing layer near the top of the vegetation. Flow at the junction between the vegetation and free surface layers is mainly controlled by the vortices in the mixing layer. The velocity in the mixing layer is commonly described by a hyperbolic tangent formula. The logarithmic distribution formula is applied to the free surface layer, where the velocity without effect arising from vortices is similar to the open-channel flow. The concept of the wake function is introduced to modify the distribution of velocity in the free surface layer. The longitudinal velocities from the theoretical model are compared to the measured velocities in the literature. The theoretical velocities agree well with the measured values in the flows with submerged vegetation, proving that the theoretical model proposed here can successfully predict the vertical distribution of velocity and has extensive adaptability.
Antimicrobial and production of hydrolytic enzymes potentials of bacteria and fungi associated with macroalgae and their applications: a review
Authors: Vega-Portalatino Edwin Jorge , Rosales-Cuentas Miriam Marleni , Valdiviezo-Marcelo Jaime , Arana-Torres Nancy Maribel , Espinoza-Espinoza Luis Alfredo , Moreno-Quispe Luz Arelis , Cornelio-Santiago Heber Peleg
Published: May 2023

Endophytic and epiphytic bacteria and fungi that live in association with macroalgae produce compounds that favor the growth of the host, being in some cases more efficient than those produced by the terrestrial microbiome. This review collects information from articles published in Scopus, ScienceDirect, PubMed, and Wiley Online Library. Articles were organized according to their antimicrobial properties, synthesis of hydrolytic enzymes, production of other bioactive compounds by bacteria and fungi, and their application. The information collected showed that bacteria and fungi associated with macroalgae have the ability to inhibit bacteria, fungi, yeasts, and protozoa that affect aquaculture, public health, and the food industry, reporting that the pyrenocines A, B, E, and S isolated from Phaeosphaeria sp. Inhibited pathogenic protozoa. Additionally, other compounds identified as alkaloids, steroids, triterpenoids, and flavonoids could act by altering the morphology and physiology of pathogenic microorganisms, which can be applied in the food, pharmaceutical, paper, chemical, textile, and cosmetic industries. In addition, these microorganisms can synthesize enzymes such as xylanase, amylase, cellulase, pectinase, agarase, lignocellulose, chitinase, gelatinase, asparaginase, glutaminase, and lipase, which can be used to reduce oxidation and enzymatic browning, improve digestibility and functionality of feed, synthesis of chitin oligomers with antimicrobial properties, bioremediation of agricultural residues and industrial effluents, and production of hydrolysates.
The impact of environmental factors on the phytoplankton communities in the Western Pacific Ocean: HPLC-CHEMTAX approach
Authors: Zhang Guicheng , Liu Zishi , Zhang Zhaoyi , Ding Changling , Sun Jun
Published: May 2023

The distribution characteristics, biomass, and communities of phytoplankton in the western Pacific Ocean (WPO) were investigated using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)-CHEMTAX analysis. The results revealed significant differences in the distribution of phytoplankton communities among different water masses in the WPO. Haptophytes were the dominant group, followed by Prochlorophytes, Cyanobacteria, Prasinophytes, and Diatoms. The distribution of phytoplankton communities was primarily determined by the level of nitrate, phosphate, and silicate, while temperature showed a negative correlation with major phytoplankton communities. In the 130°E section, the divergence caused by Halmahera Eddy (HE) and Mindanao Eddy (ME) provided the abundant nutrients, making them the primary environmental influence factor near the equator. This divergence brought relatively eutrophic deep seawater into the euphotic layer, resulting higher biomass of phytoplankton communities. In the 20°N section, the distribution of phytoplankton was mainly influenced by the invasion of Kuroshio Current and its offshore flow. Additionally, due to the low surface-to-volume ratios, microphytoplankton dominated the phytoplankton community in this section instead of nanophytoplankton or picophytoplankton. In summary, this study confirms previous findings on distribution characteristics of phytoplankton and provides new insights into the environmental and biological regulations of phytoplankton communities in the WPO.
Characterization of two novel colistin resistance gene mcr-1 variants originated from Moraxella spp.
Authors: Che Yongliang , Wu Renjie , Li Hongjie , Wang Longbai , Wu Xuemin , Chen Qiuyong , Chen Rujing , Zhou Lunjiang
Published: May 2023

This study aimed to characterize two novel mcr-1 variants, mcr-1.35 and mcr-1.36, which originated from Moraxella spp. that were isolated from diseased pigs in China. The Moraxella spp. carrying novel mcr-1 variants were subjected to whole-genome sequencing (WGS) and phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene. The mcr-1 variants mcr-1.35 and mcr-1.36 were characterized using phylogenetic analysis, a comparison of genetic environments, and protein structure prediction. The WGS indicated that two novel mcr-1 variants were located in the chromosomes of three Moraxella spp. with a genetic environment of mcr-1-pap2. In addition to the novel colistin resistance genes mcr-1.35 and mcr-1.36, the three Moraxella spp. contained other antimicrobial resistance genes, including aac(3)-IId, tet(O), sul2, floR, and blaROB-3. A functional cloning assay indicated that either the mcr-1.35 or mcr-1.36 gene could confer resistance to colistin in Escherichia coli DH5α and JM109. The nucleotide sequences of mcr-1.35 and mcr-1.36 presented 95.33 and 95.33% identities, respectively, to mcr-1.1. The phylogenetic analysis showed that mcr-1.35 and mcr-1.36 were derived from Moraxella spp. that belonged to subclades that were different from those of the mcr-1 variants (mcr-1.1 to mcr-1.34 except mcr-1.10) originating from Enterobacteriaceae. The deduced amino acid sequences of MCR-1.35 (MCR-1.36) showed 96.67% (96.49%), 82.59% (82.04%), 84.07% (83.52%), 55.52% (55.17%), 59.75% (59.57%), and 61.88% (61.69%) identity to MCR-1.10, MCR-2.2, MCR-6.1, MCR-LIN, MCR-OSL, and MCR-POR, respectively, that originated from Moraxella sp. Notably, protein structure alignment showed only a few changes in amino acid residues between MCR-1.1 and MCR-1.35, as well as between MCR-1.1 and MCR-1.36. In conclusion, this study identified Moraxella spp. carrying two novel mcr-1 variants, mcr-1.35 and mcr-1.36, conferring resistance to colistin, which were isolated from pig farms in China. In addition, mcr-like variants were observed to be located in the chromosomes of some species of Moraxella isolated from pig samples.