bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Impact of Variable Fluid Properties on Biomagnetic Maxwell Fluids Past a Stretching Sheet with Slip Velocity and Heat Generation/Absorption
Authors: Murtaza MG , Bangalee MZI , Hossain Mohammad Sahadet , Ferdows M
Published: December 2021

The impact of variable fluid properties (viscosity and thermal conductivity) and magnetic dipole on biomagnetic Maxwell fluid past a stretching sheet with slip velocity and heat generation/absorptionhave been studied. Similarity transformation technique is adopted to obtain the self-similar coupled nonlinear ordinary differential equations. Using similarity variable, the basic governing equations with boundary conditions are transformed and solved in bvp4c technique with MATLAB software. The contribution of different pertinent parameters such as viscosity, thermal conductivity and ferromagnetic parameter on the flow profiles with physical quantities are analyzed and examined through graphically. Results shown that with increasing ferromagnetic parameter, slip parameter, Maxwell parameter, velocity decreases but temperature increases. For accuracy of the proposed model to compare our numerical results in numerically and graphically with the previousliterature under some limiting cases and a good agreement is found.
Dhaka Univ. J. Sci. 69(2): 109-115, 2021 (July)
Correlation between Hepatic Vein Wave form Changes on Doppler Ultrasound and the Severity of Diseases in Cirrhotic Patients
Authors: Yasmin Tarana , Sultana Sohely , Ima Mahmuda Nusrat , Islam Md Quamrul , Roy Shyamal Kumar , Rafat Sania
Published: December 2021

Background: Cirrhosis is a common problem and is a leading cause of chronic liver disease. Early diagnosis with assessment of severity of diseases may help prevent the associated complications and patients’ sufferings. Now a days Hepatic venous Doppler can be a tool for diagnosis of cirrhosis and to assess correlation between waveform changes and severity of diseases.
Objective: The purposes of this study was to determine the significance of hepatic vein waveform changes on doppler ultrasound in cirrhotic patients and to correlate with liver dysfunction.
Materials and methods: This study was carried out in the department of Radiology and Imaging of Enam Medical College and Hospital during January 2017 to May 2018. Doppler waveforms were obtained from right hepatic vein in all the cases and classified as triphasic, biphasic and monophasic. Waveform comparisons were made among patients with differing grades of cirrhosis. Child- Pugh class was used to assess severity of cirrhosis. Doppler sonography was done in 80 patients suspecting of having liver cirrhosis. Data on clinical findings, B mode sonographic findings and hepatic vein doppler ultrasound findings were collected and documented in structured forms. Analysis was done using SPSS - 20.
Results: Total of 80 patients who met the inclusion criteria are included in the study with mean age of 45.37±7.64 (range 25-75) years. Among these 57 (71%) were males while 23(29%) were females. On the basis of hepatic function 25 (31%) patients presented in Child-Pugh Class A, 31(39%) with Class B and 24(30%) patients had Class C. Hepatic venous waveform was triphasic in 22 (27.5%), biphasic in 28(35%), and monophasic in 30 (37.5%) cases. Our study revealed 88% (21) of Child- Pugh Class C, 23% (7) of Class B and 8% (2) of class A patients had monophasic HV waveform. The hepatic venous waveform progressively changed from triphasic to biphasic to monophasic with advancing grade of cirrhosis. The relationship of these waveforms change had significant relation with hepatic dysfunction (p < 0.022).
Conclusion: Hepatic vein wave form changes reflects the change in hepatic circulation associated with progression of liver cirrhosis. It can be used as a new parameter in the assessment of severity of liver cirrhosis. Thus, alteration in hepatic venous blood flow pattern on doppler ultrasound can be a useful noninvasive tool for evaluating diseases severity in patients with cirrhosis.
J MEDICINE 2021; 22: 100-106
Percepção pública sobre a produção e comercialização de laranjeiras doces geneticamente modificadas
Authors: Docema Matheus Luís , Barbosa Caio Morais de Alcântara , Fadel André Luiz
Published: December 2021

No decorrer das últimas décadas, a produção de alimentos transgênicos tem gerado debates em torno dos avanços das biotecnologias na agricultura e seus impactos sociais, políticos, econômicos e ambientais em todo o mundo, e principalmente no Brasil, país de notório destaque para o agronegócio. Como parte deste debate, o presente trabalho teve como objetivo compreender, através da aplicação de questionários on-line aos 318 entrevistados, a aceitação ou rejeição dos consumidores quanto ao potencial uso de frutos de laranjeiras doces geneticamente modificadas para o consumo humano e as perspectivas para a futura liberação da produção a nível comercial. Observou-se que há alta aceitação do consumo de laranjas transgênicas, porém estes produtos terão resistência por parte da população e de mercados importadores para uma possível produção e comercialização. Entretanto, observou-se que há alta perspectiva da população para que a transgenia se torne uma importante alternativa no controle das principais doenças dos citros que afetam drasticamente a produtividade deste setor.
Avaliação dos atropelamentos de animais silvestres na BR-153, trecho Guaraí-Tabocão
Authors: Vasconcelos Ana Rita Porto , Silva Érika Inácio da , Carvalho Aluísio Vasconcelos de
Published: December 2021

Com o aumento da população e tráfego de veículos, resultando a perda do seu habitat, os animais silvestres são as principais vítimas de atropelamentos. Embora as estradas proporcionem o homem a locomoção, está ação traz impactos negativos para o meio ambiente como o desmatamento, modificação de paisagens naturais, perda do habitat, diminuição de indivíduos e até mesmo a extinção de uma espécie. O presente trabalho avalia pontos críticos de atropelamentos de animais silvestres e domésticos referente ao trecho no estado do Tocantins da BR-153 nos municípios de Guaraí-Tabocão e os impactos causados na fauna local. Para isso foi realizada a saída em campo com registros fotográficos, anotações e localização com GPS. Este trabalho teve duração de 7 meses, onde foram encontrados 39 animais atropelados, onde todos foram identificados. Quanto a classe a que pertencem registramos 14 mamíferos (36%), 15 aves (38%), 8 répteis (21%), 2 anfíbios (5%). Analisando o entorno foram propostas medidas para a diminuição dos atropelamentos de animais silvestres e domésticos e como seu respectivo monitoramento podem ser uma importante ferramenta de gestão ambiental nas estradas.
Finančno-právne aspekty regulácie virtuálnych mien z pohľadu legalizácie príjmov z trestnej činnosti a financovania terorizmu
Authors:   Univerzita Komenského, Bratislava, Daudrikh Yana
Published: December 2021

Dvadsiate prvé storočie je spojené s obrovským rozvojom technológií a zvýšeným využívaním internetu, ktorý významne prispel k rozvoju menového systému a zaviedol nový fenomén – virtuálnu menu. Z dôvodu rastúcej popularity virtuálnej meny si spracovaná téma zaslúži osobitnú pozornosť. Nasledujúci príspevok popisuje zraniteľné miesta, ktorým čelia virtuálne meny a načrtáva súčasný rámec právnej regulácie virtuálnych mien uplatňovaný na úrovni Európskej únie a Finančnej akčnej skupiny. Hlavné zistenia príspevku naznačujú, že virtuálne meny majú silný potenciál pre ďalší rozvoj, avšak predchádzať tomu by mal aj súvisiaci rozvoj hlbšej medzinárodnej legislatívnej základne.
Smernica DAC7 ako nástroj spravodlivého zdaňovania v digitálnej oblasti
Authors:   Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice, Priateľová Natália
Published: December 2021

Príspevok sa zaoberá administratívnou spoluprácou členských štátov EÚ v daňovej oblasti so zameraním na automatickú výmenu informácií o ekonomických činnostiach vykonávaných prostredníctvom digitálnych platforiem. Rozšírenie pôsobnosti smernice o administratívnej spolupráci v oblasti daní na prevádzkovateľov digitálnych platforiem predstavuje na poli zdaňovania digitalizovaného hospodárstva posun vpred. Európska únia dlhodobo vyvíja snahu o prijatie pravidiel zdaňovania digitalizovaných ekonomických činností a rozšírenie pôsobnosti smernice na operátorov digitálnych platforiem je jedným z prvých prijatých legislatívnych aktov Únie v tejto oblasti. Príspevok zahŕňa návrhy de lege ferenda smerujúce k dosiahnutiu tých cieľov smernice, ktoré sú zamerané na transparentnosť digitalizovaného hospodárstva a jeho zdaňovanie.
Daňové právo a jeho reflexia na nové javy v ekonomike
Authors:   Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice, Štrkolec Miroslav
Published: December 2021

Dynamika vývoja spoločenských, politických, či ekonomických vzťahov spravidla predbieha právnu úpravu, ktorá až následne reaguje na potrebu regulácie nových, resp. neustále sa meniacich vzťahov. Daňové právo, upravujúce dane a poplatky ako rozhodujúci zdroj príjmov verejných rozpočtov v tomto smere nie je výnimkou. V súčasnosti čelia globálna ekonomika ako aj národné ekonomiky dvom zásadným výzvam: dopady pandémie COVID-19 a digitálna transformácia. Predložený príspevok je venovaný reflexii daňového práva na tieto výzvy, ktoré majú zásadný vplyv nielen na aktuálnu normotvorbu, ale tiež na plnenie základnej fiskálnej funkcie daní a poplatkov.
Tomato Production: Technical Guidelines
Authors:   Practical Action
Published: December 2021

Tomato production guide would be very beneficial to the aspiring tomato farmers who want to start their farming practices or the farmers who are already involved in tomato farming in Zimbabwe. One can also use it as a farming resource if the case applies to any other similar regions. The technical brief contains tomato growing technique that can be used by individuals, enterprise and community farming groups to enhance their tomato farming. If you are considering to become a commercial tomato farmer and thinking of how to grow tomatoes commercially, then it is very crucial to think of your market along with the assessment of your resources. The tomato production guide will provide you with assistance on the best time to set out tomato plants by sharing the knowledge of tomato growing calendar that you can use for your tomato farming.
O CINEMA VAI À GUERRA
Authors: Costa Andrade Liliane
Published: December 2021

Recebido: 28/11/2019

Aprovado: 20/12/2019
O Direito Achado na Rua:
Authors: Silva Santos Lorena
Published: December 2021

Recebida: 24/08/2019

Aprovada: 25/03/2020
THE DOCUMENTATION OF SELAYAH KERINGKAM EMBROIDERY PROCESS IN SARAWAK
Authors: Julkree Adyatul , Tsar Brennam Genevieve , Zainal Ibidin Nor Szashashiqhin Binti , Abdullah Qistina Donna Lee
Published: December 2021

This study aims to investigate theprocess of Selayah Keringkam embroidery inSarawak as well as understanding the intricacy ofart and expertise in producing the Keringkamembroidery that is now becoming the status ofMalay women in Sarawak. This study wasconducted to examine several types andprocessing stages of Selayah Keringkam, thus, tounderstand expertise in producing SelayahKeringkam embroidery in more depth in order tomaintain the uniqueness of Keringkam art for thepeople of Sarawak. The study involved Malaywomen in Sarawak who have experiences inprocessing and styling Keringkam. Theinformation obtained in order to meet theobjectives of this study was taken from websitesand journals that have been published and studiedfurther through research methodology andprevious studies. Research data were analyzedand displayed quantitatively and qualitatively.From the findings of this study, there are variousSelayah Keringkam embroidery processes thathave been researched and recorded in archives,journals and articles related to Keringkam.
VISUAL EXPERIENTIAL IN DIGITAL DOCUMENTATION FOR RURAL TOURISM PROMOTION OF BA’KELALAN, SARAWAK
Authors: Maying Doris , Mohd Rafee Yakup , Azizan Mohd Affendi , Awang Arshad Awangko' Hamdan , Abol Hassan Mohamad Zamhari
Published: December 2021

This paper aims to share some research information based on the visual experiences during the field trip to Ba’Kelalan, Sarawak. Ba’Kelalan is a traditional village of the Lun Bawang community and is well-known as an eco-tourism area in Sarawak. All the experiences were documented using the digital documentation tools and have been recorded with reference to the formalistic artistic methods; in ensuring the visual effects have the best quality and high artistic value. The results will be discussed based on the implemented process and the impact of digital document preparation through experiential learning theory. Next, this article will provide new ideas and visual insights that can help data enhancement, especially in the promotion of the rural tourism sector.
ANALYSIS OF GRASSROOTS INNOVATION PRACTICE TOWARDS SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN MALAYSIA
Authors: Amir Syah Fandi Ahmad Shah , Abd Rahman Khairul Aidil Azlin , Ja’afar Mohamad Fakri Zaky , Mohd Yunos Mohd Yazid
Published: December 2021

Grassroots innovation is an activity that uses multiple resources or indigenous technology to create an innovation more creatively. The innovations are often utilised to improvise the community and environment. The invented product or process is created at the bottom of the pyramid due to necessities, difficulties, and challenges. Malaysia thrives to become a high income developed nation through several initiatives, such as lifelong learning and innovation. Malaysians are encouraged to undertake education programmes to enhance knowledge and skills. These grassroots activities need to be discovered as they affect income and social values. The local grassroots innovators have difficulty commercialising the innovations due to a lack of skills, knowledge, and technology. This study aimed to identify the grassroots innovations, the process in developing innovation, and complement the innovation towards commercialisation. Local innovators adapt to the new product development process as a mutual understanding and for grassroots sustainable development.
IoT Piggy Bank for Money Saving Habit Instillation
Authors: Wee Bui Lin , Eng Yee Wei
Published: December 2021

Children nowadays are overwhelming with luxurious things and have only little or even no money concepts where most of the kids just reach out to their parents for buying anything they want.  This could be an issue for parents, hence kids should be taught the value of money and knowing that save their own money is important to purchase anything they desired. This project proposed an innovative way to inculcate saving behaviours in children using an IoT Piggy Bank. This goal-directed approach allows children to set their saving goals (values of their desired items) and form a saving habit slowly through their saving routines toward their saving goals. Every saving made by the children will be tracked in a mobile app and a buzzer will be triggered as a reinforcer to alert children when they do not save regularly.  The user acceptance testing (UAT) of the proposed prototype has shown the majority of the parents (90%) agreed that the proposed IoT piggy bank is very suitable for children to instil saving habit. Most of the children have reacted positively where they were having lots of fun when trying on the IoT piggy bank and expressed that they would continue to use it for saving in the future.
Structural trends of globalization and new accents of economic science
Authors:   SO ", PILIAIEV Igor ,   Institute for Economics and Forecasting of the NAS of Ukraine"
Published: December 2021

The article analyzes significant shifts in the structure of the balance of power and global leadership associated with the rapid growth of China's financial and economic power and the US infrastructure initiatives in the Indo-Pacific aimed at containing China. The key structural trends of globalization in the context of competition between liberal and communitarian paradigms have been identified. On this basis, the probable shifts in accents of contemporary economic thought are predicted. It is substantiated that due to strengthening the global role of China, particularly in the economic, financial, and infrastructural spheres, today there is a tangible influence of Confucian values and East Asian models of successful modernization of the economy and society on the socio-economic policy of some countries of Central and Eastern Europe against a backdrop of a relative consolidation of their economic positions in the EU. With this regard, the heritage of the German Historical School of economic thought is becoming more relevant. The need to revise the dominant approaches in economic science towards greater focus on ethical, socio-political and other specific historical conditions and factors of economic activity is emphasized.
Escalation of global risks and threats in a pandemic condition: financial and macroeconomic aspects
Authors:   SO ", PANFILOVA Tamara ,   Institute for Economics and Forecasting of the NAS of Ukraine"
Published: December 2021

Potentially threatening phenomena on the way to stabilizing and overcoming depressive trends in the global economy in the medium and long term in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic have been identified and systematized, taking into account the identification of areas of global risk. The reformatting of the global socio-economic landscape is substantiated, which is determined by the course of the pandemic, the different rates of decline and recovery of the economic growth in general and in individual industries, the destabilization of public finances, the exacerbation of social protection problems. This is confirmed by the dynamics of international trade in goods and services, the aggravation of the global debt problem. Emphasis is placed on the need to form in each country the anti-crisis potential on a scientifically sound basis in order to counter external and internal threats and stimulate sustainable socio-economic development.
Implementation of step 13 of the BEPS Action Plan in the context of introducing automatic exchange of information for tax purposes
Authors:   SESE “The Academy of Financial Management”, OLIYNYK Yana
Published: December 2021

The precondition for Ukraine's accession to the multilateral agreement on automatic exchange of interstate reports is the introduction of the Report by countries of the international group of companies (hereinafter - the intercountry report), which is part of the OECD-recommended three-tier transfer pricing documentation model (Action Plan 13, BEPS Action Plan 13). It has been proven that the implementation of the intercountry report is in the early stages of the implementation of Step 13(tax legislation establishes the obligation of multinational enterprises to submit such reports; the form and procedure for its preparation are designed , but there is no mechanism for ensuring confidentiality and appropriate use of information of such reports). The conclusion is made on the need to further improve the legislation of Ukraine in the field of international exchange of information for tax purposes and the relevance of research on these issues.
Current issues on assessing the effectiveness monitoring and efficiency of Ukraine’s cooperation with IFIs
Authors:   SESE “The Academy of Financial Management”, KLYMENKO Kateryna , SAVOSTIANENKO Maksym ,   SESE “The Academy of Financial Management”
Published: December 2021

Modern tendencies of attracting resources in Ukraine in the field of international financial cooperation are investigated. The directions of cooperation between Ukraine and international financial organizations (IFIs) are considered, which will contribute to the implementation of the potential of the Ukrainian economy. Emphasis was placed on the need to improve such cooperation through the continuation of reforms in core areas, strengthening state finance management measures; improving planning, attraction , use, monitoring and control of the use of IFIs resources in order to increase the efficiency of program implementation. The strategies of cooperation of IFIs with Ukraine in terms of priority directions on the medium-term perspective are analyzed. Strategic directions defined in the study aimed at strengthening the competitiveness of the national economy on investment principles, kraising the standard of living, well-being and equivalent opportunities of citizens, supporting structural shifts through the development of high-tech promising sectors of the economy. The strategic directions identified in the study are aimed at strengthening the competitiveness of the national economy on an investment principles, raising living standards, welfare and equal opportunities for citizens, supporting structural changes through the development of high-tech promising sectors of the economy.
Scientific school of accounting, analysis and audit: history and modernity
Authors:   Kyiv National Economic University named after Vadym Hetman, BONDAR Mykola , LOVINSKA Ljudmyla ,   Kyiv National Economic University named after Vadym Hetman, PETRYK Olena ,   Kyiv National Economic University named after Vadym Hetman, SHYGUN Mariya ,   Kyiv National Economic University named after Vadym Hetman
Published: December 2021

The article is devoted to a comprehensive study of history and current state of the scientific school of accounting, analysis and auditing of Kyiv National Economic University named after Vadym Hetman, which in Ukraine plays a leading role in education and training of specialists who can solve complex problems and tasks posed by the domestic economy. The activity of the scientific school is conducted in different directions, namely: fulfillment of budget and non-budget themes; research, done to the order of enterprises and public administration bodies; preparation of doctoral dissertations by graduate and doctoral students of the departments of the faculty (formerly candidate and doctoral); publication of scientific articles and monographs on the problems of accounting, analysis, control, audit and taxation; organization and conduction of interdepartmental, university, interuniversity, all-Ukrainian and international scientific conferences, seminars and round tables; scientific cooperation with other departments of the university, with domestic and foreign institutions of higher education, etc. The activities of the departments of the Faculty of Accounting and Tax Management, both those currently operating and the reorganized ones, as well as the Institute of Accounting are covered in detail. Personal contribution of leading scientists of the university to formation and development of modern educational practice and science, formation of national legal framework has been revealed. The directions of improvement of educational and scientific-methodical maintenance of accounting, analysis and audit are determined - both within the educational institution and in the national and international aspects.
Electrospinning and Additive Manufacturing: Adding Three-Dimensionality to Electrospun Scaffolds for Tissue Engineering
Authors: Smith James A. , Mele Elisa
Published: December 2021

The final biochemical and mechanical performance of an implant or scaffold are defined by its structure, as well as the raw materials and processing conditions used during its fabrication. Electrospinning and Additive Manufacturing (AM) are two contrasting processing technologies that have gained popularity amongst the fields of medical research i.e., tissue engineering, implant design, drug delivery. Electrospinning technology is favored for its ability to produce micro- to nanometer fibers from polymer solutions and melts, of which, the dimensions, alignment, porosity, and chemical composition are easily manipulatable to the desired application. AM, on the other hand, offers unrivalled levels of geometrical freedom, allowing highly complex components (i.e., patient-specific) to be built inexpensively within 24 hours. Hence, adopting both technologies together appears to be a progressive step in pursuit of scaffolds that better match the natural architecture of human tissues. Here, we present recent insights into the advances on hybrid scaffolds produced by combining electrospinning (melt electrospinning excluded) and AM, specifically multi-layered architectures consisting of alternating fibers and AM elements, and bioinks reinforced with fibers prior to AM. We discuss how cellular behavior (attachment, migration, and differentiation) is influenced by the co-existence of these micro- and nano-features.
Effect of Exercise Volume on Plantar Microcirculation and Tissue Hardness in People With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Ren Weiyan , Duan Yijie , Jan Yih-Kuen , Ye Wenqiang , Li Jianchao , Liu Wei , Liu Hongmei , Guo Junchao , Pu Fang , Fan Yubo
Published: December 2021

Objective: Exercise has been reported to be beneficial for people with type 2 diabetes (T2DM), but exercise, especially weight-bearing exercise, may increase the risk of diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs). This study aimed to explore the associations between different volumes of weight-bearing physical activities and plantar microcirculation and tissue hardness in people with T2DM.

Methods: 130 elderly people with T2DM were enrolled for this cross-sectional study. They were classified into the high exercise volume group and the low exercise volume group based on their weekly energy expenditure (metabolic equivalents per week) in the past year. Weekly energy expenditure was calculated using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire and the Compendium of Physical Activities. The plantar oxygen saturation (SO2) and soft tissue hardness of each participant’s right foot were measured.

Results: A total of 80 participants completed the trial. The average exercise energy expenditure of the high exercise volume group and the low exercise volume group were significantly different (p < 0.05). The results showed that the SO2 of the high exercise volume group (67.25 ± 6.12%) was significantly higher than the low exercise volume group (63.75 ± 8.02%, p < 0.05). The plantar tissue hardness of the high exercise volume group was lower than the low exercise volume group in the big toe, midfoot and hindfoot regions (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: This study demonstrates that higher volumes of exercise are associated with better plantar microcirculation and lower plantar tissue hardness in people with T2DM. The findings of this study indicate that weight-bearing exercise may not increase risk of developing diabetic foot ulcers.
Effect of Mydriasis-Caused Intraocular Pressure Changes on Corneal Biomechanical Metrics
Authors: Ye Yufeng , Li Yi , Zhu Zehui , Abu Said Anas Ziad Masoud , Nguelemo Mayopa Kevin , Akiti Stephen , Huang Chengyi , Lopes Bernardo T. , Eliasy Ashkan , Miao Yuanyuan , Wang Junjie , Zheng Xiaobo , Chen Shihao , Bao Fangjun , Elsheikh Ahmed
Published: December 2021

Purpose: To evaluate the dependence of biomechanical metrics on intraocular pressure (IOP).

Methods: 233 refractive surgery patients were included in this study—all were examined 3 times with the Corvis ST before and after dilation, and the differences (∆) in the main device parameters were assessed. The data collected included the biomechanically corrected IOP (bIOP), the central corneal thickness (CCT), and six dynamic corneal response (DCR) parameters, namely DA, DARatio2mm, IIR, SP-A1, CBI, and SSI. Participants were divided into three groups according to the changes in patients’ bIOP after mydriasis.

Results: Intra-operator repeatability was generally high in most of the DCR parameters obtained before and after dilation. The mean changes in bIOP and CCT after dilation were −0.12 ± 1.36 mmHg and 1.95 ± 5.23 μm, respectively. Only ∆DARatio2mm, ∆IIR, and ∆CBI exhibited a statistically significant correlation with ∆CCT (p < 0.05). The changes in all DCR parameters, especially ∆DA and ∆SP-A1 were also correlated with ∆bIOP (p < 0.01)—a 1-mmHg change in bIOP was associated, on average, with 5.612 and −0.037 units of change in SP-A1 and DA, respectively. In contrast, the weakest correlation with ∆bIOP was exhibited by ∆SSI.

Conclusion: Most corneal DCR parameters, provided by the Corvis ST, were correlated with IOP, and more weakly with CCT. Changes experienced in CCT and IOP should therefore be considered in studies on corneal biomechanics and how it is affected by disease progression and surgical or medical procedures.
Sensitive Colorimetric Detection of Interleukin-6 via Lateral Flow Assay Incorporated Silver Amplification Method
Authors: Rahbar Mohammad , Wu Yuling , Subramony J. Anand , Liu Guozhen
Published: December 2021

Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a pro/anti-inflammatory cytokine, the quantitative detection of which has been extensively considered for diagnosis of inflammatory associated diseases. However, there has not yet been a reliable, low-cost, and user-friendly platform developed for point-of-care (POC) detection of IL-6, which will eliminate the conventional costly, time-consuming, and complex assays. In this work, we developed a lateral flow assay for colorimetric detection of IL-6, using anti-IL-6 antibodies conjugated to gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) as the detection probes. Silver amplification technique was incorporated with the newly developed assay in order to enhance the obtained colorimetric signals, allowing sensitive detection of IL-6 in human serum in the desired physiological ranges (i.e., 5–1000 pg/mL). A limit of detection of 5 pg/mL could be achieved for IL-6 detection in serum with the amplification step which was not achievable in the standard assay. The corresponding specificity and reproducibility tests were all preformed to confirm the reliability of this assay for quantitative measurement of IL-6 in a POC manner.
Characterization and Heterologous Expression of UDP-Glucose 4-Epimerase From a Hericium erinaceus Mutant with High Polysaccharide Production
Authors: Zou Gen , Ren Juanbao , Wu Di , Zhang Henan , Gong Ming , Li Wen , Zhang Jingsong , Yang Yan
Published: December 2021

Hericium erinaceus is an important medicinal fungus in traditional Chinese medicine because of its polysaccharides and other natural products. Compared terpenoids and polyketides, the analysis of synthetic pathway of polysaccharides is more difficult because of the many genes involved in central metabolism. In previous studies, A6180, encoding a putative UDP-glucose 4-epimerase (UGE) in an H. erinaceus mutant with high production of active polysaccharides, was significantly upregulated. Since there is no reliable genetic manipulation technology for H. erinaceus, we employed Escherichia coli and Saccharomyces cerevisiae to study the function and activity of A6180. The recombinant overexpression vector pET22b-A6180 was constructed for heterologous expression in E. coli. The enzymatic properties of the recombinant protein were investigated. It showed that the recombinant A6180 could strongly convert UDP-α-D-glucose into UDP-α-D-galactose under optimal conditions (pH 6.0, 30°C). In addition, when A6180 was introduced into S. cerevisiae BY4742, xylose was detected in the polysaccharide composition of the yeast transformant. This suggested that the protein coded by A6180 might be a multifunctional enzyme. The generated polysaccharides with a new composition of sugars showed enhanced macrophage activity in vitro. These results indicate that A6180 plays an important role in the structure and activity of polysaccharides. It is a promising strategy for producing polysaccharides with higher activity by introducing A6180 into polysaccharide-producing mushrooms.
Effect of Amniotic Membrane/Collagen-Based Scaffolds on the Chondrogenic Differentiation of Adipose-Derived Stem Cells and Cartilage Repair
Authors: Cao Le , Tong Yuling , Wang Xiao , Zhang Qiang , Qi Yiying , Zhou Chenhe , Yu Xinning , Wu Yongping , Miao Xudong
Published: December 2021

Objectives: Repairing articular cartilage damage is challenging. Clinically, tissue engineering technology is used to induce stem cell differentiation and proliferation on biological scaffolds to repair defective joints. However, no ideal biological scaffolds have been identified. This study investigated the effects of amniotic membrane/collagen scaffolds on the differentiation of adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) and articular cartilage repair.

Methods: Adipose tissue of New Zealand rabbits was excised, and ADSCs were isolated and induced for differentiation. An articular cartilage defect model was constructed to identify the effect of amniotic membrane/collagen scaffolds on cartilage repair. Cartilage formation was analyzed by imaging and toluene blue staining. Knee joint recovery in rabbits was examined using hematoxylin and eosin, toluidine, safranine, and immunohistochemistry at 12 weeks post-operation. Gene expression was examined using ELISA, RT-PCR, Western blotting, and immunofluorescence.

Results: The adipose tissue was effectively differentiated into ADSCs, which further differentiated into chondrogenic, osteogenic, and lipogenic lineages after 3 weeks’ culture in vitro. Compared with platelet-rich plasmon (PRP) scaffolds, the amniotic membrane scaffolds better promoted the growth and differentiation of ADSCs. Additionally, scaffolds containing the PRP and amniotic membrane efficiently enhanced the osteogenic differentiation of ADSCs. The levels of COL1A1, COL2A1, COL10A1, SOX9, and ACAN in ADSCs + amniotic membrane + PRP group were significantly higher than the other groups both in vitro and in vivo. The Wakitani scores of the ADSC + amniotic membrane + PRP group were lower than that in ADSC + PRP (4.4 ± 0.44**), ADSC + amniotic membrane (2.63 ± 0.38**), and control groups (6.733 ± 0.21) at week 12 post-operation. Osteogenesis in rabbits of the ADSC + amniotic membrane + PRP group was significantly upregulated when compared with other groups. Amniotic membranes significantly promoted the expression of cartilage regeneration-related factors (SOX6, SOX9, RUNX2, NKX3-2, MEF2C, and GATA4). The ADSC + PRP + amniotic membrane group exhibited the highest levels of TGF-β, PDGF, and FGF while exhibiting the lowest level of IL-1β, IL6, and TNF-α in articular cavity.

Conclusion: Amniotic membrane/collagen combination-based scaffolds promoted the proliferation and cartilage differentiation of ADSCs, and may provide a new treatment paradigm for patients with cartilage injury.
High Temporal Resolution 3D Live-Cell Imaging of Budding Yeast Meiosis Defines Discontinuous Actin/Telomere-Mediated Chromosome Motion, Correlated Nuclear Envelope Deformation and Actin Filament Dynamics
Authors: Nozaki Tadasu , Chang Frederick , Weiner Beth , Kleckner Nancy
Published: December 2021

Chromosome movement is prominent at mid-meiotic prophase and is proposed to enhance the efficiency and/or stringency of homolog pairing and/or to help prevent or resolve topological entanglements. Here, we combine fluorescent repressor operator system (FROS) labeling with three-dimensional (3D) live-cell imaging at high spatio-temporal resolution to define the detailed kinetics of mid-meiotic prophase motion for a single telomere-proximal locus in budding yeast. Telomere motions can be grouped into three general categories: (i) pauses, in which the telomere “jiggles in place”; (ii) rapid, straight/curvilinear motion which reflects Myo2/actin-mediated transport of the monitored telomere; and (iii) slower directional motions, most of which likely reflect indirectly promoted motion of the monitored telomere in coordination with actin-mediated motion of an unmarked telomere. These and other findings highlight the importance of dynamic assembly/disassembly of telomere/LINC/actin ensembles and also suggest important roles for nuclear envelope deformations promoted by actin-mediated telomere/LINC movement. The presented low-SNR (signal-to-noise ratio) imaging methodology provides opportunities for future exploration of homolog pairing and related phenomena.
Exosomal miRNAs and lncRNAs: The Modulator Keys of Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts in the Genesis and Progression of Malignant Neoplasms
Authors: Villegas-Pineda Julio César , Lizarazo-Taborda Mélida del Rosario , Ramírez-de-Arellano Adrián , Pereira-Suárez Ana Laura
Published: December 2021

The tumor microenvironment is made up of a universe of molecular and cellular components that promote or inhibit the development of neoplasms. Among the molecular elements are cytokines, metalloproteinases, proteins, mitochondrial DNA, and nucleic acids, within which the ncRNAs: miRNAs and lncRNAs stand out due to their direct modulating effects on the genesis and progression of various cancers. Regarding cellular elements, the solid tumor microenvironment is made up of tumor cells, healthy adjacent epithelial cells, immune system cells, endothelial cells, and stromal cells, such as cancer-associated fibroblasts, which are capable of generating a modulating communication network with the other components of the tumor microenvironment through, among other mechanisms, the secretion of exosomal vesicles loaded with miRNAs and lncRNAs. These ncRNAs are key pieces in developing neoplasms since they have diverse effects on cancer cells and healthy cells, favoring or negatively regulating protumoral cellular events, such as migration, invasion, proliferation, metastasis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and resistance to treatment. Due to the growing number of relevant evidence in recent years, this work focused on reviewing, analyzing, highlighting, and showing the current state of research on exosomal ncRNAs derived from cancer-associated fibroblasts and their effects on different neoplasms. A future perspective on using these ncRNAs as real therapeutic tools in the treatment of cancer patients is also proposed.
Identification of an m6A Regulators-Mediated Prognosis Signature For Survival Prediction and Its Relevance to Immune Infiltration in Melanoma
Authors: Wu Liuxing , Hu Xin , Dai Hongji , Chen Kexin , Liu Ben
Published: December 2021

Despite robust evidence for the role of m6A in cancer development and progression, its association with immune infiltration and survival outcomes in melanoma remains obscure. Here, we aimed to develop an m6A-related risk signature to improve prognostic and immunotherapy responder prediction performance in the context of melanoma. We comprehensively analyzed the m6A cluster and immune infiltration phenotypes of public datasets. The TCGA (n= 457) and eleven independent melanoma cohorts (n= 758) were used as the training and validation datasets, respectively. We identified two m6A clusters (m6A-clusterA and m6A-clusterB) based on the expression pattern of m6A regulatorsviaunsupervised consensus clustering.IGF2BP1(7.49%),KIAA1429(7.06%), andYTHDC1(4.28%) were the three most frequently mutated genes. There was a correlation between driver genes mutation statuses and the expression of m6A regulators. A significant difference in tumor-associated immune infiltration between two m6A clusters was detected. Compared with m6A-clusterA, the m6A-clusterB was characterized by a lower immune score and immune cell infiltration but higher mRNA expression-based stemness index (mRNAsi). An m6A-related risk signature consisting of 12 genes was determined via Cox regression analysis and divided the patients into low- and high-risk groups (IL6ST, MBNL1, NXT2, EIF2A, CSGALNACT1, C11orf58, CD14, SPI1, NCCRP1, BOK, CD74, PAEP). A nomogram was developed for the prediction of the survival rate. Compared with the high-risk group, the low-risk group was characterized by high expression of immune checkpoints and immunophenoscore (IPS), activation of immune-related pathways, and more enriched in immune cell infiltrations. The low-risk group had a favorable prognosis and contained the potential beneficiaries of the immune checkpoint blockade therapy and verified by the IMvigor210 cohort (n= 298). The m6A-related signature we have determined in melanoma highlights the relationships between m6A regulators and immune cell infiltration. The established risk signature was identified as a promising clinical biomarker of melanoma.
Integrating m6A Regulators-Mediated Methylation Modification Models and Tumor Immune Microenvironment Characterization in Caucasian and Chinese Low-Grade Gliomas
Authors: Liu Wangrui , Li Chuanyu , Wu Yuhao , Xu Wenhao , Chen Shuxian , Zhang Hailiang , Huang Haineng , Zhao Shuai , Wang Jian
Published: December 2021

Background: As an important epigenetic modification, m6A methylation plays an essential role in post-transcriptional regulation and tumor development. It is urgently needed to comprehensively and rigorously explore the prognostic value of m6A regulators and its association with tumor microenvironment (TME) infiltration characterization of low-grade glioma (LGG).

Methods: Based on the expression of 20 m6A regulatory factors, we comprehensively evaluated the m6A modification patterns of LGG after unsupervised clustering. Subsequent analysis of the differences between these groups was performed to obtain m6A-related genes, then consistent clustering was conducted to generate m6AgeneclusterA and m6AgeneclusterB. A Random Forest and machining learning algorithms were used to reduce dimensionality, identify TME characteristics and predict responses for LGG patients receiving immunotherapies.

Results: Evident differential m6A regulators were found in mutation, CNV and TME characteristics of LGG. Based on TCGA and CGGA databases, we identified that m6A regulators clusterA could significantly predict better prognosis (p = 0.00016) which enriched in mTOR signaling pathway, basal transcription factors, accompanied by elevated immune cells infiltration, and decreased IDH and TP53 mutations. We also investigated the distribution of differential genes in m6A regulators clusters which was closely associated with tumor immune microenvironment through three independent cohort comparisons. Next, we established m6Ascore based on previous m6A model, which accurately predicts outcomes in 1089 LGG patients (p < 0.0001) from discovering cohort and 497 LGG patients from testing cohort. Significant TME characteristics, including genome heterogeneity, abidance of immune cells, and clinicopathologic parameters have been found between m6Ascore groups. Importantly, LGG patients with high m6Ascore are confronted with significantly decreased responses to chemotherapies, but benefit more from immunotherapies.

Conclusion: In conclusion, this study first demonstrates that m6A modification is crucial participant in tumorigenesis and TME infiltration characterization of LGG based on large-scale cohorts. The m6Ascore provides useful and accurately predict of prognosis and clinical responses to chemotherapy, immunotherapy and therapeutic strategy development for LGG patients.
Hsa_Circ_0001860 Promotes Smad7 to Enhance MPA Resistance in Endometrial Cancer via miR-520h
Authors: Yuan Shuang , Zheng Panchan , Sun Xiao , Zeng Judan , Cao Wenjiao , Gao Wuyuan , Wang Yudong , Wang Lihua
Published: December 2021

Background: Medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) is one of the most commonly prescribed progestin for the treatment of endometrial cancer (EC). Despite initial benefits, many patients ultimately develop progesterone resistance. Circular RNA (circRNA) is a kind of noncoding RNA, contributing greatly to the development of human tumor. However, the role of circular RNA in MPA resistance is unknown.

Methods: We explored the expression profile of circRNAs in Ishikawa cells treated with (ISK/MPA) or without MPA (ISK) by RNA sequencing, and identified a key circRNA, hsa_circ_0001860. Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to verify its expression in MPA-resistant cell lines and tissues. CCK8, Transwell, and flow cytometry were used to evaluate the functional roles of hsa_circ_0001860 in MPA resistance. The interaction between hsa_circ_0001860 and miR-520 h was confirmed by bioinformatics analysis, luciferase reporter assay, and RNA pull-down assay.

Results: The expression of hsa_circ_0001860 was significantly downregulated in MPA-resistant cell lines and tissues, and negatively correlated with lymph node metastasis and histological grade of EC. Functional analysis showed that hsa_circ_0001860 knockdown by short hairpin RNA (shRNA) promoted the proliferation, inhibited the apoptosis of Ishikawa cells, and promoted the migration and invasion of Ishikawa cells treated with MPA. Mechanistically, hsa_circ_0001860 promoted Smad7 expression by sponging miR-520 h.

Conclusion: Hsa_circ_0001860 plays an important role in the development of MPA resistance in EC through miR-520h/Smad7 axis, and it could be targeted to reverse the MPA resistance in endometrial cancer.
Gut Microbes and Hepatic Encephalopathy: From the Old Concepts to New Perspectives
Authors: Rocco Alba , Sgamato Costantino , Compare Debora , Coccoli Pietro , Nardone Olga Maria , Nardone Gerardo
Published: December 2021

Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a severe complication of advanced liver disease and acute liver failure. The clinical spectrum ranges from minor cognitive dysfunctions to lethargy, depressed consciousness, and coma and significantly impact the quality of life, morbidity, and mortality of the patients. It is commonly accepted that the gut milieu is essential for the development of HE; however, despite intensive research efforts, the pathogenesis of HE is still not fully elucidated. As our knowledge of gut microbiota moves from the pioneering era of culture-dependent studies, the connection between microbes, inflammation, and metabolic pathways in the pathogenesis of HE is becoming increasingly clear, providing exciting therapeutic perspectives. This review will critically examine the latest research findings on the role of gut microbes in the pathophysiological pathways underlying HE. Moreover, currently available therapeutic options and novel treatment strategies are discussed.
Crosstalk Between Autophagy and the cGAS–STING Signaling Pathway in Type I Interferon Production
Authors: Zhang Kunli , Wang Sutian , Gou Hongchao , Zhang Jianfeng , Li Chunling
Published: December 2021

Innate immunity is the front-line defense against infectious microorganisms, including viruses and bacteria. Type I interferons are pleiotropic cytokines that perform antiviral, antiproliferative, and immunomodulatory functions in cells. The cGAS–STING pathway, comprising the main DNA sensor cyclic guanosine monophosphate/adenosine monophosphate synthase (cGAS) and stimulator of IFN genes (STING), is a major pathway that mediates immune reactions and is involved in the strong induction of type I IFN production, which can fight against microbial infections. Autophagy is an evolutionarily conserved degradation process that is required to maintain host health and facilitate capture and elimination of invading pathogens by the immune system. Mounting evidence indicates that autophagy plays an important role in cGAS–STING signaling pathway-mediated type I IFN production. This review briefly summarizes the research progress on how autophagy regulates the cGAS–STING pathway, regulating type I IFN production, with a particular focus on the crosstalk between autophagy and cGAS–STING signaling during infection by pathogenic microorganisms.