bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Short-term Safety Evaluation of Resident-performed Intravitreal Injection
Authors: Bae Young Hwan , Kim Ha Kyoung , Bae So Hyun , Yoon Chang Ki , Ma Dae Joong
Published: November 2021

Purpose: This study evaluated the short-term safety of resident-performed intravitreal injections.Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 503 patients (503 eyes) treated for the first time in our hospital from January 2018 to October 2020 via intravitreal bevacizumab, ranibizumab, aflibercept, or triamcinolone acetonide injections by residents or retina specialists. In terms of short-term ophthalmic complications, patients were followed-up 1 day, 1 week, and 1 month after injection.Results: A total of 503 eyes of 503 patients were included. Intravitreal injections were given to 211 and 292 eyes by residents (the resident group) and retina specialists (the retina specialist group), respectively. There were no between-group differences in baseline characteristics except in terms of the indications for injection. Intraocular pressure elevation >5 mmHg occurred in two eyes (0.95%) in the resident group and five (1.71%) in the retina specialist group, but the difference was not statistically significant. Subconjunctival hemorrhage occurred in 29 eyes (13.74%) of the resident group and 32 eyes (10.96%) of the retina specialist group; again, the difference was not statistically significant. No case of noninfectious endophthalmitis occurred in the resident group but two (0.68%) cases occurred in the retina specialist group; again, the difference was not significant. There were two (0.95%) cases of infectious endophthalmitis in the resident group and one (0.34%) case in the retina specialist group; again, the difference was not significant. No corneal erosion, traumatic lens damage, vitreous hemorrhage, or retinal tearing or detachment were noted in either group.Conclusions: Resident-performed intravitreal injections appear to be safe.
Central Retinal Artery Occlusion after Filler Injection for Upper Lid Retraction
Authors: Park Ui Seo , Kim Young Jin , Yang Jae Wook
Published: November 2021

Purpose: We report a case of central retinal artery occlusion after filler injection for upper lid retraction. Diagnosis and treatment were performed to recover visual acuity and good results.Case summary: A 40-year-old woman presented to our clinic with upper lid retraction. She was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism and thyroid orbitopathy. She had been examined regularly at a local clinic since 2016. At the first visit, her visual acuity was 1.0/1.0 and the intraocular pressure was 19 mmHg, with no unusual findings in the anterior segment. Hyaluronic acid filler was injected into the medial part of the left upper lid. As soon as the needle was removed, she complained of blurry vision and visual impairment. This was followed by the development of a relative afferent pupillary defect; her visual acuity was hand motion at 30 cm. After 5 minutes, we performed wide fundus imaging and optical coherence tomography, which revealed retinal artery occlusion and a cherry-red spot, along with inner retina hyperreflectivity. Under a diagnosis of central retinal artery occlusion, we performed anterior chamber paracentesis, intravenous mannitol and acetazole injection, and an ocular massage. Approximately 1.5 hours after filler injection, retinal artery reperfusion and loss of the cherry red spot were observed and, after about 3 hours, her vision had recovered to 1.0 from hand motion at 30 cm.Conclusions: Central retinal artery occlusion after filler injection, when diagnosed promptly, can be treated by anterior chamber paracentesis, intravenous mannitol and acetazole injection, and ocular massage.
ISU SOSIO-HISTORIS DALAM TAFSIR AL-QUR’AN AL-KARIM
Authors: Amir Ahmad Nabil
Published: November 2021

Kertas ini membincangkan isu-isu politik dan sosial yang diketengahkan dalam kitab Tafsir al-Qur’an al-Karim oleh al-Ustaz H. A. Halim Hasan, H. Zainal Arifin Abbas dan Abdur Rahim Haitami. Kitab Tafsir al-Qur’an al-Karim karya ulama tiga serangkai ini merupakan antara karya tafsir kontemporer yang terkenal di Indonesia sebagai penghasilan moden dalam kajian tafsir yang mengangkat manhaj al-ma’thur dan al-ma‘qul dalam penafsiran. Antara isu politik yang diangkat adalah keadilan, demokrasi, shura dan kebebasan. Manakala isu sosial yang diketengahkan adalah kemunafikan, sejarah Bani Israel, nubuwwah, fitrah, syafaah, tasawuf, dan tarbiah ‘alam. Metodologi kajian bersifat deskriptif dan analitis dalam menyorot pandangan politik dan sosial yang diuraikan dalam Tafsir ini. Isu dan fikrah politik dan sosial yang diketengahkan dalam Tafsir al-Qur’an al-Karim ini telah digarap dengan berkesan dan memberi dampak dan implikasi penting kepada perkembangan dan pembaharuan pemikiran Islam di abad moden dan membantu mengangkat kesedaran sosial dan mencetuskan reformasi politik di Indonesia.
Mary Shepherd's Threefold ‘Variety of Intellect’ and its Role in Improving Education
Authors: Fasko Manuel
Published: November 2021

The aims of this paper are twofold. First, I offer a new insight into Shepherd's theory of mind by demonstrating that she distinguishes a threefold ‘Variety of Intellect’, that is, three kinds of minds grouped according to their cognitive limitations. Following Shepherd, I call them (i) minds afflicted with idiocy, (ii) inferior understandings, and (iii) sound understandings. Second, I show how Shepherd's distinction informs her theory of education. While Shepherd claims that her views serve to improve educational practices, she does not explain how her threefold ‘Variety of intellect’ does so. I argue that Shepherd's distinction contributes to her aim by providing pedagogues with a more comprehensive grasp of the various cognitive limitations of the people in their care. This allows the former to adjust their expectations and to provide need-oriented guidance.
Elizabeth Hamilton on Sympathy and the Selfish Principle
Authors: Boyle Deborah
Published: November 2021

In A Series of Popular Essays (1813 ) , Scottish philosopher Elizabeth Hamilton (1758–1816) identifies two ‘principles’ in the human mind: sympathy and the selfish principle. While sharing Adam Smith's understanding of sympathy as a capacity for fellow-feeling, Hamilton also criticizes Smith's account of sympathy as involving the imagination. Even more important for Hamilton is the selfish principle, a ‘propensity to expand or enlarge the idea of self’ that she distinguishes from both selfishness and self-love. Counteracting the selfish principle requires cultivating sympathy and benevolent affections from birth. Since no one can do this alone, Hamilton's prescription appeals ineliminably to the caregivers of the very young; and Hamilton was ahead of her time in claiming that these caregivers need not be female.
An Analysis of the Ottoman Real Estate Market in 1725 Through Galata and Bursa Judicial Records
Authors: ÇİFTÇİ Yasemin , KELEŞ YILDIZ Sema
Published: November 2021

Real estates are very interesting in terms of reflecting the cultural, economic, and social character of a city and more broadly of a society with its architectural diversity in addition to being a sign of the status for individuals. The real estate markets of Bursa and Istanbul, two prominent cities that served as the capitals of the Ottoman Empire, constitute the main theme of this study. In the study, real estate markets in Bursa and Istanbul were tried to be analyzed through the real estate sales records of the central jurisdiction of Bursa and Galata dated 1725. With the findings obtained, evaluations on the Ottoman real estate market were presented to the reader.
XVI–XIX Yüzyıl Avrupa ve Osmanlı Şehir Tasavvurları: İktisadî Yönelimler
Authors: CENGİZ Osman
Published: November 2021

Kentselleşme, hangi kültürde olursa olsun, ortaçağ sonrasında çoğunlukla yüksek konfor/rahatlık ve düşük maliyet/sıkıntıya doğru artan bir biçimde yol almıştır. Bu çalışmada XVI-XIX. yüzyıl Avrupa ve Osmanlı kentlerinin kentselleşme yönelimleri, model grafikler üzerinden incelenecek; grafiklerde, bir şehirde yaşayanların, kentselleşmeye konu varlık ve hadiselere maliyet/konfor ilişkisi açısından nasıl yaklaştıkları modellenecektir. Optimum yönelim kavramı, toplumun manevi unsurları için yüksek güven ve düşük kaygıya doğru seyri vurgulamaktadır. Güven: derinlik, inanç, bilinç ve yakınlaştırıcı bireyselleşmeyi içerdiği gibi kaygı da endişe ve yalınlaştırıcı bireyselleşmeyi gerektirmektedir. Bir xy düzleminde, yüksek güven ve düşük kaygı istikametindeki tercih noktalarının bir araya gelmesiyle optimum yönelim eğrisi; yüksek konfor ve düşük maliyet noktalarının bir araya gelmesiyle ise optimum yönelim doğrusu oluşmaktadır. Bir sosyal ünitenin kentselleşmesinde ağırlıklı olarak insani-psişik değerlerle ilgili tercihler optimum yönelim eğrisini; iktisadi-rasyonel değerlerle ilgili tercihler ise optimum yönelim doğrusunu etkilemektedir.
Polydopamine Coating-Mediated Immobilization of BMP-2 on Polyethylene Terephthalate-Based Artificial Ligaments for Enhanced Bioactivity
Authors: Kang Zhanrong , Li Dejian , Shu Chaoqin , Du Jianhang , Yu Bin , Qian Zhi , Zhong Zeyuan , Zhang Xu , Yu Baoqing , Huang Qikai , Huang Jianming , Zhu Yufang , Yi Chengqing , Ding Huifeng
Published: November 2021

Background/objectives: Polyethylene terephthalate (PET)-based artificial ligaments are one of the most commonly used grafts in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction surgery. However, the lack of favorable hydrophilicity and cell attachment for PET highly impeded its widespread application in clinical practice. Studies found that surface modification on PET materials could enhance the biocompatibility and bioactivity of PET ligaments. In this study, we immobilized bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) on the surface of PET ligaments mediated by polydopamine (PDA) coating and investigated the bioactivation and graft-to-bone healing effect of the modified grafts in vivo and in vitro.

Methods: In this study, we prepared the PDA coating and subsequent BMP-2-immobilized PET artificial ligaments. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to analyze the morphological changes of the modified grafts. In addition, the surface wettability properties of the modified ligaments, amount of immobilized BMP 2, and the release of BMP-2 during a dynamic period up to 28 days were tested. Then, the attachment and proliferation of rat bone mesenchymal stem cells (rBMSCs) on grafts were examined by SEM and Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, respectively. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) assay, RT-PCR, and Alizarin Red S staining were performed to test the osteoinduction property. For in vivo experiments, an extra-articular graft-to-bone healing model in rabbits was established. At 8 weeks after surgery, biomechanical tests, micro-CT, and histological staining were performed on harvested samples.

Results: A surface morphological analysis verified the success of the PDA coating. The wettability of the PET artificial ligaments was improved, and more than 80% of BMP-2 stably remained on the graft surface for 28 days. The modified grafts could significantly enhance the proliferation, attachment, as well as expression of ALP and osteogenic-related genes, which demonstrated the favorable bioactivity of the grafts immobilized with BMP-2 in vitro. Moreover, the grafts immobilized with BMP-2 at a concentration of 138.4 ± 10.6 ng/cm2 could highly improve the biomechanical properties, bone regeneration, and healing between grafts and host bone after the implantation into the rabbits compared with the PDA-PET group or the PET group.

Conclusion: The immobilization of BMP-2 mediated by polydopamine coating on PET artificial ligament surface could enhance the compatibility and bioactivity of the scaffolds and the graft-to-bone healing in vivo.
Research Progress on Cell Membrane-Coated Biomimetic Delivery Systems
Authors: Guo Mengyu , Xia Chenjie , Wu Yu , Zhou Nong , Chen Zhipeng , Li Weidong
Published: November 2021

Cell membrane-coated biomimetic nanoplatforms have many inherent properties, such as bio-interfacing abilities, self-identification, and signal transduction, which enable the biomimetic delivery system to escape immune clearance and opsonization. This can also maximize the drug delivery efficiency of synthetic nanoparticles (NPs) and functional cell membranes. As a new type of delivery system, cell membrane-coated biomimetic delivery systems have broadened the prospects for biomedical applications. In this review, we summarize research progress on cell membrane biomimetic technology from three aspects, including sources of membrane, modifications, and applications, then analyze their limitations and propose future research directions.
Unfinished Paths—From Blockchain to Sustainability in Supply Chains
Authors: Köhler Susanne , Pizzol Massimo , Sarkis Joseph
Published: November 2021

Blockchain technology has been promised as a solution to social and environmental issues in supply chains. The potential includes reduction of vulnerable party exploitation and avoiding environmentally harmful practices. Yet, it remains unclear how these potential improvements are created and whether blockchain can truly contribute. Therefore, this field study explores and identifies the mechanisms for blockchain technology to facilitate positive social and environmental impacts in supply chains. We applied an explorative qualitative research approach and interviewed blockchain technology implementers and practitioners that allowed a detailed analysis of this problem despite the scarcity of practice data. The results include the development of a middle-range theory that shows barriers and drivers of blockchain-based technologies in supply chains, introduces the concept of blockchain-enabled system, and outlines expected outcomes and impacts. We further identify four impact pathways that describe how blockchain-enabled system create positive impact: (voluntary) market mechanisms, plausibility checks, smart contracts and tokenisation, and peer-to-peer trust. The study contributes by providing insights into “how” blockchain-based technologies in supply chains can lead to social and environmental impacts. The study also furthers the discussion on blockchain technology’s role in supply chain implementation and addresses the yet unresolved problem of measuring the impact of such blockchain-enabled systems.
Integrating Construction 4.0 Technologies: A Four-Layer Implementation Plan
Authors: El Jazzar Mahmoud , Schranz Christian , Urban Harald , Nassereddine Hala
Published: November 2021

This research explores the current state of Construction 4.0 and discusses a four-layer implementation of Construction 4.0 in the industry. The research methodology consists of an extensive literature review to gain insights about Construction 4.0 and frame the four-layer implementation plan. A case study is also presented to showcase the proposed implementation plan. Nine Construction 4.0 technologies were discussed, their integration throughout the project lifecycle was presented in a roadmap, their integration and connectivity with one another were outlined in an interaction roadmap, and the requirements necessary for achieving the 4.0 transformation were articulated. However, the proposed implementation plan is focused on nine Construction 4.0 technologies. The research presents a comprehensive plan for integrating Construction 4.0 technologies into the industry and serves as a guideline to help construction companies better understand the implications of Construction 4.0.
Overexpression of NREP Promotes Migration and Invasion in Gastric Cancer Through Facilitating Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition
Authors: Liu Yuan-jie , Zeng Shu-hong , Hu Yi-dou , Zhang Yong-hua , Li Jie-pin
Published: November 2021

Graphical Abstract

(A) Study Flow chart, (B) Diagram depicting the regulation mechanism of NREP in the tumorigenesis of gastric cancer.
Bacillus subtilis Attenuates Hepatic and Intestinal Injuries and Modulates Gut Microbiota and Gene Expression Profiles in Mice Infected with Schistosoma japonicum
Authors: Lin Datao , Song Qiuyue , Zhang Yishu , Liu Jiahua , Chen Fang , Du Shuling , Xiang Suoyu , Wang Lifu , Wu Xiaoying , Sun Xi
Published: November 2021

Parasitic infection can induce pathological injuries and impact the gut microbiota diversity and composition of the host. Bacillus subtilis is a nonpathogenic and noninvasive probiotic bacterium for humans and other animals, playing an important role in improving the host immune system’s ability to respond to intestinal and liver diseases and modulating gut microbiota. However, whether B. subtilis can impact biological functions in Schistosoma japonicum–infected mice is unclear. This study used oral administration (OA) of B. subtilis to treat mice infected with S. japonicum. We evaluated changes in the gut microbiota of infected mice using 16 S rRNA gene sequencing and differentially expressed gene profiles using transcriptome sequencing after OA B. subtilis. We found that OA B. subtilis significantly attenuated hepatic and intestinal pathological injuries in infected mice. The gut microbiota of mice were significantly altered after S. japonicum infection, while OA B. subtilis remodel the diversity and composition of gut microbiomes of infected mice. We found that the S. japonicum–infected mice with OA B. subtilis had an overabundance of the most prevalent bacterial genera, including Bacteroides, Enterococcus, Lactobacillus, Blautia, Lachnoclostridium, Ruminiclostridium, and Enterobacter. Transcriptomic analysis of intestinal tissues revealed that OA B. subtilis shaped the intestinal microenvironment of the host responding to S. japonicum infection. Differentially expressed genes were classified into KEGG pathways between S. japonicum–infected mice and those without included cell adhesion molecules, intestinal immune network for IgA production, hematopoietic cell lineage, Fc epsilon RI signaling pathway, Th1 and Th2 cell differentiation, Th17 cell differentiation, calcium signaling pathway, Fc gamma R-mediated phagocytosis, chemokine signaling pathway, phospholipase D signaling pathway, NF-kappa B signaling pathway, B cell receptor signaling pathway, pancreatic secretion, and phagosome. In conclusion, our findings showed that OA B. subtilis alleviates pathological injuries and regulates gene expression, implying that B. subtilis supplementation may be a potential therapeutic strategy for schistosomiasis. Our study may highlight the value of probiotics as a beneficial supplementary therapy during human schistosomiasis, but further studies are needed.
Colloidal Self-Assembled Patterns Maintain the Pluripotency and Promote the Hemopoietic Potential of Human Embryonic Stem Cells
Authors: Lin Jiao , Zeng Jiahui , Sun Wencui , Liu Kun , Enkhbat Myagmartsend , Yi Danying , Harati Javad , Liu Jiaxin , Kingshott Peter , Chen Bo , Ma Feng , Wang Peng-Yuan
Published: November 2021

The generation of blood cells in a significant amount for clinical uses is still challenging. Human pluripotent stem cells-derived hemopoietic cells (hPSC-HCs) are a promising cell source to generate blood cells. Previously, it has been shown that the attached substrates are crucial in the maintenance or differentiation of hPSCs. In this study, a new family of artificial extracellular matrix (ECM) called colloidal self-assembled patterns (cSAPs: #1–#5) was used for the expansion of mouse and human PSCs. The optimized cSAP (i.e., #4 and #5) was selected for subsequent hemopoietic differentiation of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs). Results showed that the hematopoietic potential of hESCs was enhanced approx 3–4 folds on cSAP #5 compared to the flat control. The cell population of hematopoietic progenitors (i.e., CD34+CD43+ cells) and erythroid progenitors (i.e., CD71+GPA+ cells) were enhanced 4 folds at day 8 and 3 folds at day 14. RNA sequencing analysis of cSAP-derived hESCs showed that there were 300 genes up-regulated and 627 genes down-regulated compared to the flat control. The enriched signaling pathways, including up-regulation (i.e., Toll-like receptor, HIF-1a, and Notch) or down-regulation (i.e., FAs, MAPK, JAK/STAT, and TGF-β) were classic in the maintenance of hESC phenotype Real time PCR confirmed that the expression of focal adhesion (PTK2, VCL, and CXCL14) and MAPK signaling (CAV1) related genes was down-regulated 2-3 folds compared to the flat control. Altogether, cSAP enhances the pluripotency and the hematopoietic potential of hESCs that subsequently generates more blood-like cells. This study reveals the potential of cSAPs on the expansion and early-stage blood cell lineage differentiation of hPSCs.
Gut-Bone Axis: A Non-Negligible Contributor to Periodontitis
Authors: Jia Xiaoyue , Yang Ran , Li Jiyao , Zhao Lei , Zhou Xuedong , Xu Xin
Published: November 2021

Periodontitis is a polymicrobial infectious disease characterized by alveolar bone loss. Systemic diseases or local infections, such as diabetes, postmenopausal osteoporosis, obesity, and inflammatory bowel disease, promote the development and progression of periodontitis. Accumulating evidences have revealed the pivotal effects of gut microbiota on bone health via gut-alveolar-bone axis. Gut pathogens or metabolites may translocate to distant alveolar bone via circulation and regulate bone homeostasis. In addition, gut pathogens can induce aberrant gut immune responses and subsequent homing of immunocytes to distant organs, contributing to pathological bone loss. Gut microbial translocation also enhances systemic inflammation and induces trained myelopoiesis in the bone marrow, which potentially aggravates periodontitis. Furthermore, gut microbiota possibly affects bone health via regulating the production of hormone or hormone-like substances. In this review, we discussed the links between gut microbiota and periodontitis, with a particular focus on the underlying mechanisms of gut-bone axis by which systemic diseases or local infections contribute to the pathogenesis of periodontitis.
Increased Blood Retinol Levels Are Associated With a Reduced Risk of TIA or Stroke in an Adult Population: Lifestyle Factors- and CVDs-Stratified Analysis
Authors: Guo Linjuan , Huang Ying , Wan Rong , Shen Yang , Hong Kui
Published: November 2021

Background: Data on the existing evidence for the association between blood retinol and transient ischemic attack (TIA)/stroke risk are limited, and the results are inconclusive. This study aimed to further assess the associations between the blood retinol levels and the risk of TIA/stroke after controlling the lifestyle factors and age-related confounders.

Methods: The cross-sectional data from 1,113 individuals (aged 34–84 years old) were obtained from the Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) study. The multivariable analyses were performed to investigate the association of blood retinol levels with ever and currently TIA/stroke.

Results: There was an inverse association between the blood retinol levels and the risk of ever TIA or stroke (for per 1 μmol/L adjusted odds ration [OR]: 0.93; 95% CI: 0.89–0.97; for per 1-SD adjusted OR: 0.89; 95% CI: 0.83–0.96) and currently diagnosed TIA or stroke (for per 1 μmol/L adjusted OR: 0.91; 95% CI: 0.87–0.96; for per 1-SD adjusted OR: 0.84; 95% CI: 0.80–0.91) after controlling the lifestyle factors and age-related confounders. The significance of these associations was maintained after a sensitivity analysis and involving “ever chronic respiratory diseases” as a covariate. Moreover, the stratified analyses suggested that the inverse associations could be affected by overweight [body mass index (BMI) ≥ 28, kg/m2], hypertension, and diabetes.

Conclusions: A significant inverse association between blood retinol and the risk of TIA or stroke was found. This inverse association did not change even after adjustment for many potential confounders. Moreover, the potential protective effect of retinol on TIA/stroke could be blunted by overweight [BMI ≥ 28, kg/m2], hypertension, and diabetes.
Polyphenols and Novel Insights Into Post-kidney Transplant Complications and Cardiovascular Disease: A Narrative Review
Authors: Bustos Nicolas I. , Sotomayor Camilo G. , Pol Robert A. , Navis Gerjan J. , Bakker Stephan J. L.
Published: November 2021

Kidney transplantation is the preferred treatment for end-stage kidney disease. It is, however, not devoid of complications. Delayed graft function related to ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI), calcineurin inhibitor (CNI) nephrotoxicity, diabetes, and a particularly high-rate cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk, represent important complications following kidney transplantation. Oxidative stress and chronic low-grade inflammation are mechanisms of disease incompletely abrogated in stable kidney transplant recipient (KTR), contributing to the occurrence of these complications. Polyphenols, bioactive compounds with recognized antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties have been strongly associated with prevention of CVD in the general population and have been shown to decrease IRI and antagonize CNI nephrotoxicity in animal experimental models, therefore they may have a role in prevention of complications in KTR. This narrative review aims to summarize and discuss current evidence on different polyphenols for prevention of complications, particularly prevention of CVD in KTR, pointing toward the need of further studies with potential clinical impact.
Fasting Plasma Glucose Mediates the Prospective Effect of Maternal Metal Level on Birth Outcomes: A Retrospective and Longitudinal Population-Based Cohort Study
Authors: Zhou Zixing , Yu Dandan , Chen Gengdong , Li Pengsheng , Wang Lijuan , Yang Jie , Rao Jiaming , Lin Dongxin , Fan Dazhi , Wang Haiyan , Gou Xiaoyan , Guo Xiaoling , Suo Dongmei , Huang Fang , Liu Zhengping
Published: November 2021

Objective

Previously, we found that the presence of maternal serum metals before the 24th week of gestation prospectively increased fasting plasma glucose (FPG) at 24–28 weeks. We further explored the prospective association between levels of metals and neonatal outcomes and assessed the mediating effects of FPG on these relationships.

Methods

A total of 7,644 pregnant women were included in a retrospective cohort study, and the relationships between metals [manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), and magnesium (Mg)] and birth outcomes were explored. Quantile and linear regressions were performed to detect the shifts and associations between metals and neonatal size distribution focused on the 10th, 50th, and 90th percentiles. Mediation analysis was performed to assess the mediating effect of FPG on metals and birth outcomes.

Results

After adjustment, a 50% increase in Mn and Zn levels was related to a 0.136-cm (95% CI: 0.067–0.205) and 0.120-cm (95% CI: 0.046–0.193) increase in head circumference, respectively. Based on head circumference distribution, the magnitude of the association with Mn was smaller at the upper tail, while the magnitude of correlation with Zn was greater at the upper tail. A 50% increase in Mn and Zn levels was related to a 0.135-cm (95% CI: 0.058–0.212) and 0.095-cm (95% CI: 0.013–0.178) increase in chest circumference, respectively. The magnitude of the association with Mn increased with increasing chest circumference, while the magnitude of correlation with Zn decreased with increasing chest circumference. FPG explained 10.00% and 17.65% of the associations of Mn with head and chest circumference. A positive indirect effect of Zn associated with head circumference (0.004, 95% CI: 0.002–0.006) and chest circumference (0.005, 95% CI: 0.003–0.008) through FPG was also observed, and the estimated proportion of the mediating effect was 13.79% and 26.32%, respectively.

Conclusion

Maternal serum Mn and Zn levels before the 24th week of gestation may prospectively increase the circumference of the neonatal head and chest. FPG at 24–28 weeks had positive mediating effects on these relationships. Further research is needed to identify a balance between maternal blood glucose and birth size.
Distinct Prognostic Role of Serum Uric Acid Levels for Predicting All-Cause Mortality Among Chinese Adults Aged 45~75 Years With and Without Diabetes
Authors: Zhu Bowen , Zhang Jian , Song Nana , Shi Yiqin , Fang Yi , Ding Xiaoqiang , Li Yang
Published: November 2021

Introduction

The current study sought to explore the effect of baseline serum uric acid (SUA) on the risk of all-cause mortality among Chinese adults aged 45~75 years and to determine its interaction relationship with diabetes.

Methods

The study was designed as a community-based cohort of 4467 adults aged between 45~75 years included in a 6-years follow-up period from 2009 to 2015 years by the China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS). Baseline SUA levels were grouped into quartiles and its association on all-cause mortality was explored using multivariate Cox proportional hazards models. Stratified analyses were performed to explore the associations of SUA quartiles with all-cause mortality among diabetic and non-diabetic individuals.

Results

A total of 141 deaths (5.3 per 1000 person-years) were recorded During a follow-up of 26431 person-years. Out of the 141 deaths, 28 deaths (10.1 per 1000 person-years) were reported in the diabetic groups and 113 deaths (4.8 per 1000 person-years) were recorded in the non-diabetic group. An increased risk of all-cause mortality was observed for participants in the first and fourth quartiles compared with the second SUA quartile, (Q1 SUA: aHR=2.1, 95% CI 1.1~4.1; Q4 SUA: aHR=2.1, 95% CI 1.1~4.0). Stratification of participants by diabetes status showed a U-shaped association for non-diabetic individuals. Whereas, declined eGFR, rather than SUA, was an independent risk factor for all-cause mortality in diabetic individuals (aHR=0.7, 95% CI 0.6~1.0).

Conclusion

Our study proved that the prognostic role of SUA for predicting all-cause death might be regulated by diabetes. Both low and high SUA levels were associated with increased mortality, supporting a U-shaped association only in non-diabetic individuals. Whereas, renal dysfunction rather than SUA was an independent risk factor for all-cause mortality. Further studies should be conducted to determine the SUA levels at which intervention should be conducted and explore target follow-up strategies to prevent progression leading to poor prognosis.
Study of China's Optimal Concentrated Solar Power Development Path to 2050
Authors: Zhang Xin , Dong Xiaojia , Li Xinyu
Published: November 2021

As an important form of clean energy generation that provides continuous and stable power generation and is grid-friendly, concentrated solar power (CSP) has been developing rapidly in recent years. It is expected that CSP, together with wind and solar photovoltaic, will constitute a stable, high percentage of renewable energy generation system that will be price-competitive with conventional energy sources. In this study, a dynamic programming approach based on minimum cost was used to explore the optimal development path of CSP generation in China by 2050. A learning curve model and a technology diffusion model were used as constraints. The impact of factors such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth, incentive policies, technological advances, grid absorptive capacity, and emission regulation schemes on the development of CSP generation was discussed in the context of sensitivity analysis and scenario comparison. This study has reached the following conclusions: 1) the government cannot achieve the target for cumulative installed capacity in 2050. Considering the interaction of relevant factors, the target would be hard to achieve even under favorable conditions; 2) as a key factor affecting the development of CSP, the incentive policy is closely related to construction cost. It is noteworthy that although the target can be achieved with a higher investment ratio, the CSP industry has failed to create a good ecological environment in the early stage of development; 3) GDP growth and learning rate are important factors influencing the development path in later stages; and 4) although they operate as potential factors affecting construction costs, grid absorptive capacity and carbon permit prices have limited impact on the development of CSP generation.
Evaluating the Fitness for Use of Citizen Science Data for Wildlife Monitoring
Authors: Fischer Heather A. , Gerber Leah R. , Wentz Elizabeth A.
Published: November 2021

Contributory citizen science programs focused on ecological monitoring can produce fine-grained and expansive data sets across spatial and temporal scales. With this data collection potential, citizen scientists can significantly impact the ability to monitor ecological patterns. However, scientists still harbor skepticism about using citizen science data in their work, generally due to doubts about data quality. Numerous peer-reviewed articles have addressed data quality in citizen science. Yet, many of these methods are not useable by third-party scientists (scientists who are not directly involved in the citizen science program). In addition, these methods generally capture internal data quality rather than a dataset’s potential to be used for a specific purpose. Assessing data fitness for use represents a promising approach to evaluating data accuracy and quality for different applications and contexts. In this article, we employ a Spatial, Temporal, Aptness, and Application (STAAq) assessment approach to assess data fitness for use of citizen science datasets. We tested the STAAq assessment approach through a case study examining the distribution of caribou in Denali National Park and Preserve. Three different datasets were used in the test, Map of Life data (a global scale citizen science mobile application for recording species observations), Ride Observe and Record data (a program sponsored by the park staff where incentivized volunteers observe species in the park), and conventionally collected radio collar data. The STAAq assessment showed that the Map of Life and Ride Observe and Record program data are fit for monitoring caribou distribution in the park. This data fitness for use approach is a promising way to assess the external quality of a dataset and its fitness to address particular research or monitoring questions. This type of assessment may help citizen science skeptics see the value and potential of citizen science collected data and encourage the use of citizen science data by more scientists.
Proteomic Studies on the Mechanism of Myostatin Regulating Cattle Skeletal Muscle Development
Authors: Sheng Hui , Guo Yiwen , Zhang Linlin , Zhang Junxing , Miao Manning , Tan Haoyun , Hu Debao , Li Xin , Ding Xiangbin , Li Guangpeng , Guo Hong
Published: November 2021

Myostatin (MSTN) is an important negative regulator of muscle growth and development. In this study, we performed comparatively the proteomics analyses of gluteus tissues from MSTN+/− Mongolian cattle (MG.MSTN+/−) and wild type Mongolian cattle (MG.WT) using a shotgun-based tandem mass tag (TMT) 6-plex labeling method to investigate the regulation mechanism of MSTN on the growth and development of bovine skeletal muscle. A total of 1,950 proteins were identified in MG.MSTN+/− and MG.WT. Compared with MG.WT cattle, a total of 320 differentially expressed proteins were identified in MG.MSTN cattle, including 245 up-regulated differentially expressed proteins and 75 down-regulated differentially expressed proteins. Bioinformatics analysis showed that knockdown of the MSTN gene increased the expression of extracellular matrix and ribosome-related proteins, induced activation of focal adhesion, PI3K-AKT, and Ribosomal pathways. The results of proteomic analysis were verified by muscle tissue Western blot test and in vitro MSTN gene knockdown test, and it was found that knockdown MSTN gene expression could promote the proliferation and myogenic differentiation of bovine skeletal muscle satellite cells (BSMSCs). At the same time, Co-Immunoprecipitation (CO-IP) assay showed that MSTN gene interacted with extracellular matrix related protein type I collagen α 1 (COL1A1), and knocking down the expression of COL1A1 could inhibit the activity of adhesion, PI3K-AKT and ribosome pathway, thus inhibit BSMSCs proliferation. These results suggest that the MSTN gene regulates focal adhesion, PI3K-AKT, and Ribosomal pathway through the COL1A1 gene. In general, this study provides new insights into the regulatory mechanism of MSTN involved in muscle growth and development.
Trait-specific Selection Signature Detection Reveals Novel Loci of Meat Quality in Large White Pigs
Authors: Shen Yu , Wang Haiyan , Xie Jiahao , Wang Zixuan , Ma Yunlong
Published: November 2021

In past decades, meat quality traits have been shaped by human-driven selection in the process of genetic improvement programs. Exploring the potential genetic basis of artificial selection and mapping functional candidate genes for economic traits are of great significance in genetic improvement of pigs. In this study, we focus on investigating the genetic basis of five meat quality traits, including intramuscular fat content (IMF), drip loss, water binding capacity, pH at 45 min (pH45min), and ultimate pH (pH24h). Through making phenotypic gradient differential population pairs, Wright’s fixation index (FST) and the cross-population extended haplotype homozogysity (XPEHH) were applied to detect selection signatures for these five traits. Finally, a total of 427 and 307 trait-specific selection signatures were revealed by FST and XPEHH, respectively. Further bioinformatics analysis indicates that some genes, such as USF1, NDUFS2, PIGM, IGSF8, CASQ1, and ACBD6, overlapping with the trait-specific selection signatures are responsible for the phenotypes including fat metabolism and muscle development. Among them, a series of promising trait-specific selection signatures that were detected in the high IMF subpopulation are located in the region of 93544042-95179724bp on SSC4, and the genes harboring in this region are all related to lipids and muscle development. Overall, these candidate genes of meat quality traits identified in this analysis may provide some fundamental information for further exploring the genetic basis of this complex trait.
Role of the Extracellular Traps in Central Nervous System
Authors: Wu Xinyan , Zeng Hanhai , Cai Lingxin , Chen Gao
Published: November 2021

It has been reported that several immune cells can release chromatin and granular proteins into extracellular space in response to the stimulation, forming extracellular traps (ETs). The cells involved in the extracellular trap formation are recognized including neutropils, macrophages, basophils, eosinophils, and mast cells. With the development of research related to central nervous system, the role of ETs has been valued in neuroinflammation, blood–brain barrier, and other fields. Meanwhile, it has been found that microglial cells as the resident immune cells of the central nervous system can also release ETs, updating the original understanding. This review aims to clarify the role of the ETs in the central nervous system, especially in neuroinflammation and blood–brain barrier.
Performance Simulation of a 5 kW hall Thruster
Authors: Yang L. , Wang P. Y. , Wang T.
Published: November 2021

Hall thruster is a kind of plasma optics device, which is used mainly in space propulsion. To simulate the discharge process of plasma and the performance of a 5 kW hall thruster, a two-dimensional PIC-MCC model in the R-Z plane is built. In the model, the anomalous diffusion of the electrons including Bohm diffusion and near-wall conduction is modeled. The Bohm diffusion is modeled by using a Brownian motion instead of the Bohm collision method and the near-wall conduction is modeled by a secondary electron emission model. In addition to the elastic, excitation, and ionization collisions between electrons and neutral atoms, the Coulomb collisions are included. The plasma discharge process including the transient oscillation and steady state oscillation is well reproduced. First, the influence of the discharge voltage and magnetic field on the steady state oscillation is simulated. The oscillation amplitude increases as the discharge voltage gets larger at first, and then decreases. While the oscillation amplitude decreases as the magnetic field gets stronger at first, and then increases. Later, the influence of the discharge voltage and mass flow rate on the performance of the thruster is simulated. When the mass flow rate is constant, the total efficiency initially increases with the discharge voltage, reaches the maximum at 600 V, and then declined. When the discharge voltage is constant, the total efficiency increases as the mass flow rate rises from 10 to 15 mg/s. Finally, a comparison between simulated and experimental performance reveals that the largest deviation is within 15%, thereby indirectly validating the accuracy of the model.
Therapeutic Effect and Safety of Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor Therapy for Acute-On-Chronic Liver Failure: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Hou Xiaoxue , Li Yuwen , Yuan Hui , Cai Jinyuan , Liu Rui , Li Jun , Zhu Chuanlong
Published: November 2021

Background and Aims: Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) has been proposed as a therapeutic option for patients with acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF). However, its clinical efficacy remains debatable. This study aimed to synthesize available evidence on the efficacy of G-CSF in ALCF.

Methods: The Cochrane Library, CNKI, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched from inception until September 2021. After qualitative evaluation of the included literature, the included studies were analyzed.

Results: Seven studies were included in this meta-analysis. Overall, G-CSF therapy was not associated with a reduced risk of death (30-day survival, OR = 1.55, 95% CI: 1.00, 2.38, P = 0.05; 60-day survival, OR = 1.50, 95% CI: 0.95, 2.36, P = 0.08; 90-day survival, OR = 1.61, 95% CI: 0.99, 2.62, P = 0.05) or complication including occurrence of infections infection (OR = 0.66, 95% CI: 0.41, 1.05, P = 0.08), bleeding (OR = 1.50, 95% CI: 0.58, 3.89, P = 0.41), and hepatorenal syndrome (OR = 0.56, 95% CI: 0.25, 1.24, P = 0.15). Moreover, it had no obvious beneficial effects on the model of end-stage liver disease score (30-day SMD = −3.31, 95%CI: −7.42, 0.81, P = 0.12; 60-day SMD = −1.23, 95% CI: −5.21, 2.75, P = 0.54; 90-day SMD = −2.29, 95%CI: −4.94, 0.37, P = 0.09). Sensitivity analyses showed that patients in Asia had improved survival (30-day OR = 2.76, 95%CI: 1.43, 5.35, P = 0.003; 60-day OR = 2.83, 95% CI: 1.39, 5.73, P = 0.004; 90-day OR = 2.92, 95% CI: 1.34, 6.36, P = 0.007).

Conclusions: Our findings suggest that, currently, G-CSF cannot be recommended for the treatment of ACLF.
Ab initio Designed Antimicrobial Peptides Against Gram-Negative Bacteria
Authors: Bobde Shravani S. , Alsaab Fahad M. , Wang Guangshuan , Van Hoek Monique L.
Published: November 2021

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are ubiquitous amongst living organisms and are part of the innate immune system with the ability to kill pathogens directly or indirectly by modulating the immune system. AMPs have potential as a novel therapeutic against bacteria due to their quick-acting mechanism of action that prevents bacteria from developing resistance. Additionally, there is a dire need for therapeutics with activity specifically against Gram-negative bacterial infections that are intrinsically difficult to treat, with or without acquired drug resistance. Development of new antibiotics has slowed in recent years and novel therapeutics (like AMPs) with a focus against Gram-negative bacteria are needed. We designed eight novel AMPs, termed PHNX peptides, using ab initio computational design (database filtering technology combined with the novel positional analysis on APD3 dataset of AMPs with activity against Gram-negative bacteria) and assessed their theoretical function using published machine learning algorithms, and finally, validated their activity in our laboratory. These AMPs were tested to establish their minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and half-maximal effective concentration (EC50) under CLSI methodology against antibiotic resistant and antibiotic susceptible Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Laboratory-based experimental results were compared to computationally predicted activities for each of the peptides to ascertain the accuracy of the computational tools used. PHNX-1 demonstrated antibacterial activity (under high and low-salt conditions) against antibiotic resistant and susceptible strains of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and PHNX-4 to -8 demonstrated low-salt antibacterial activity only. The AMPs were then evaluated for cytotoxicity using hemolysis against human red blood cells and demonstrated some hemolysis which needs to be further evaluated. In this study, we successfully developed a design methodology to create synthetic AMPs with a narrow spectrum of activity where the PHNX AMPs demonstrated higher antibacterial activity against Gram-negative bacteria compared to Gram-positive bacteria. Thus, these peptides present novel synthetic peptides with a potential for therapeutic use. Based on our findings, we propose upfront selection of the peptide dataset for analysis, an additional step of positional analysis to add to the ab initio database filtering technology (DFT) method, and we present laboratory data on the novel, synthetically designed AMPs to validate the results of the computational approach. We aim to conduct future in vivo studies which could establish these AMPs for clinical use.
Structure, Function and Regulation of a Second Pyruvate Kinase Isozyme in Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Abdelhamid Yassmin , Wang Meng , Parkhill Susannah L. , Brear Paul , Chee Xavier , Rahman Taufiq , Welch Martin
Published: November 2021

Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) depends on the Entner-Doudoroff pathway (EDP) for glycolysis. The main enzymatic regulator in the lower half of the EDP is pyruvate kinase. PA contains genes that encode two isoforms of pyruvate kinase, denoted PykAPA and PykFPA. In other well-characterized organisms containing two pyruvate kinase isoforms (such as Escherichia coli) each isozyme is differentially regulated. The structure, function and regulation of PykAPA has been previously characterized in detail, so in this work, we set out to assess the biochemical and structural properties of the PykFPA isozyme. We show that pykFPA expression is induced in the presence of the diureide, allantoin. In spite of their relatively low amino acid sequence identity, PykAPA and PykFPA display broadly comparable kinetic parameters, and are allosterically regulated by a very similar set of metabolites. However, the x-ray crystal structure of PykFPA revealed significant differences compared with PykAPA. Notably, although the main allosteric regulator binding-site of PykFPA was empty, the “ring loop” covering the site adopted a partially closed conformation. Site-directed mutation of the proline residues flanking the ring loop yielded apparent “locked on” and “locked off” allosteric activation phenotypes, depending on the residue mutated. Analysis of PykFPA inter-protomer interactions supports a model in which the conformational transition(s) accompanying allosteric activation involve re-orientation of the A and B domains of the enzyme and subsequent closure of the active site.