bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Kunraja Media Development (Aksara Jawa Uno Card) On Javanese Script writing Materials In Elementary Schools
Authors: Rofiqoh Nur , Khoirul Umam Nanang , Alfiansyah Iqnatia
Published: November 2022

This study aims to develop KUNRAJA media on Javanese script writing material in elementary schools in grade III UPT SD Negeri 43 Gresik for the 2020/2021 school year. The process of developing learning media uses the modified and simplified ADDIE model, namely, analysis (Analysis), design (Design), development (Development), implementation (Implementation) and evaluation (Evaluation). The results of the development of learning media in the form of KUNRAJA media contain material for writing Javanese script. Sources of data in this development research are material experts and media experts totaling 4 validators and class III students with a total of 28. The data collection used is the validation of learning media and student learning outcomes tests. With data analysis, namely, analysis of the validity of learning media, analysis of the practicality of learning media and the effectiveness of learning media.

Based on the results of the descriptive analysis of the validation data, it was obtained that the development of the KUNRAJA media on the Javanese script writing material in elementary schools met the good criteria, as follows: a) The results of the validation of learning media conducted by 4 validators obtained a percentage of 100% by material experts 1 and a percentage of 100% by material expert 2 with a total average rating of 100%, and a percentage of 100% by media expert 1 and a percentage of 92.5% by media expert 2 with a total average rating of 96.25% which is categorized as valid and can be used in the learning process, b) Categorized as practical from the results of the analysis in the practicality of learning media by the validators indicating that the media can be used with little or no revision. c) while in the learning outcomes test, students who scored 70 were 28 students with a percentage of 93.1% which was categorized as effective for use in the learning process.

Keywords: ADDIE Model, KUNRAJA, Javanese Script.
The Development of Textbooks On Circumference And Area Of Flat Shapes Material For Grade IV Elementary School
Authors: Handayani Titik , Marzuki Ismail , Umam Nanang Khoirul
Published: November 2022

The development of this textbook aims to be able to assist students in self-study at home as well as teachers in understanding students, especially in the topic of ​​circumference and area of ​​ two-dimensional figure. This research is a textbook development research using 3 of the 4 steps of the 4D Development Model, namely Define (defining), Design (design), Development (development). The results of the media in the form of Textbooks of the topic Circumference and area of ​​ two-dimensional figure. The data obtained from this study were teacher interviews and validation of learning media. There are four kinds of validation sheets used, namely one for material validation, presentation validation, linguistic validation, and graphic validation. Based on the expert validator's assessment of the Circumference and area of ​​ two-dimensional figure Textbooks for Grade IV Elementary School, the results of the material validator's assessment showed an average value of 90% which was categorized as valid. The results of the language validator show an average value of 91.6% which is categorized as valid. The results of the presentation validator show an average of 85.4% so it is categorized as valid. The results of the graphical validator show an average value of 95.8% which can be categorized as valid. The assessments of the validators can be said as valid with a few revisions or additions to complete the textbook.

Keywords : 4D Model, Textbook, Perimeter and Area, two-dimensional figure
The Implementation of Interactive Multimedia on Critical Thinking Skills in Social Studies Learning for Elementary School Students
Authors: Fitra Hawwin , Dwinata Anggara , Hardati Puji , Irmawati Leni
Published: November 2022

This study aims to implicitly analyze the use of interactive multimedia to improve critical thinking skills of elementary school students in Social Studies to face the era of society 5.0. This study uses a qualitative research method with a literature study research design. The steps taken by the researcher were initiated by formulating the research problem, then continued by tracing the relevant research results for analysis. Data was collected by searching electronic journals and studying documentation in the library. Based on the search results obtained research data from five electronic journals. Data analysis was carried out by summarizing, reviewing, and analyzing research data from several empirical research results. Based on the results of the analysis, it turns out that the use of interactive multimedia can improve learning outcomes with the results obtained by 23.33% and 38.1%, respectively. Interactive multimedia can also improve learning outcomes in Social Studies material with a yield of 7.8%. Interactive multimedia can also encourage students to think critically with 6% of the results. So that the critical thinking process will make it easier for students to realistically understand the Social Studies material for elementary school students with a result of 10.25%.
KAJIAN SENI DALAM PROSES UPACARA TINGKEBAN ETNIK JAWA DI KELURAHAN SENDANG MULYA SARI KECAMATAN TONGAUNA KABUPATEN KONAWE
Authors: Wahyuni Dwi , Marafat La Ode Sidu , Nggawu La Ode
Published: November 2022

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk (1) untuk menganalisis seni tradisi verbal dan nonverbal dalam upacara Tingkeban Etnik Jawa di Kelurahan Sendang Mulya Sari Kecamatan Tongauna Kabupaten Konawe. (2) untuk menganalisis Prosesi Ritual Upacara Tingkeban yang ada di Kelurahan Sendang Mulya Sari Kecamatan Tongauna Kabupaten Konawe. (3) untuk menganalisis tentang fungsi upacara adat dalam tradisi Tingkeban di Kelurahan Sendang Mulya Sari Kecamatan Tongauna Kabupaten Konawe. Berdasarkan Tesis dapat diketahui bahwa penyelenggaraan upacara tingkeban ini ada beberapa rangkaian yang harus dilaksanakan yaitu : slametan kenduren, siraman, dan sangat. Dalam slametan kenduren banyak dijumpai adanya sesaji uborambe yang mempunyai makna simbolik. Prosesi Siraman banyak ajaran etika dan estetika sebagai pedoman dalam hidup. Dalam sangat harus mencari hari baik untuk pelaksanaan upacara tingkeban. Fungsi upacara tingkeban bagi etnik Jawa adalah sebagai sarana upacara ritual, sebagai sarana sosial, sebagai sarana estetika, dan media pendidikan Kata Kunci:Seni,Upacara,Tingkeban,dan EtnikJawa.
Pola Gerak Tari Linda Dalam Pelaksanaan Karia Pada Masyarakat Muna Kabupaten Muna Barat Provinsi Sulawesi Tenggara (Studi Kecamatan Wadaga)
Authors: Muliani Muliani
Published: November 2022

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis pelaksanaan Karia pada masyarakat Muna Di Kecamatan Wadaga Kabupaten Muna Barat Provinsi Sulawesi Tenggara Penelitian kualitatif ini menggunakan studi kasus deskriptif. Informan penelitian.Teknik pengumpulan data yang digunakan adalah observasi, wawancara dan dokumentasi. Teknik analisis data yang digunakan adalah analisis kualitatif.Hasil penelitianmenunjukkan bahwa. Pelaksanaan karia dilakukan dengan Kafoluku Pada tahapan ini, peserta dimasukkan dalam tempat yang telah dikemas khusus tempat karia yang disebut suo khusus bagi putri-putri raja dan songi untuk golongan masyarakat umum. Proses Kabhansule yaitu tahapan Kabhansule yang melambangkan proses perubahan posisi yang dipingit. Proses Kalempagi yaitu membuka pintu kaghombo(pingitan). Pada tahapan ini adalah proses perpindahan dari alam aj’san ke alam insani. Kafosampu (Pemindahan peserta karia dari rumah kepanggung), Proses Katandano Wite dilanjutkan dengan Kabasano Dhoa dan Linda serta Kahapui (Membersihkan) dan Kaghorono Bhansa. Pola Gerak Tari Linda Dalam Pelaksanaan Karia Gerakan awal, yang terdiri dari Gerakan (1) menghormat, gerakan (2) membuang sapu dan gerakan (3) mengambil salendang dari leher. 4) Gerakan selendang dibuka, 5) Gerakan selendang diikat dipinggang, 6) Gerakan tangan ditekuk dan menyentuh pipi, 8) Gerakan kedua tangan direntangkandengan memegang selengang.Kata Kunci. Pola gerak, Tari, Linda, Karia
Psychiatric outcomes following ketamine administration for orthopedic surgical anesthesia
Authors: Mansour Alec E. , Hale Elijah W. , Saks Daniel S.
Published: November 2022

Background

Ketamine is a non-barbiturate general anesthetic commonly used in a variety of medical settings for pain and sedation. Its use in treatment for psychiatric illnesses has been increasing in recent years, showing promise in reducing depressive and suicidal symptoms in patients, particularly surgical patients. However, it has a history of association with schizophrenia-like and psychotomimetic symptoms following administration, particularly in patient populations with previous mental illness and youths.

Objective

Using a retrospective cohort study of patient records from a large health database, we sought to investigate psychiatric outcomes in age-specific cohorts following ketamine administration for orthopedic surgical anesthesia.

Methods

This was a retrospective analysis of the TriNetX health database. We identified all patients undergoing orthopedic surgeries with anesthesia. We then performed four total group analyses between cohorts of patients receiving ketamine and cohorts not receiving ketamine. We had three sets of analysis based on age stratification and one ageless: pediatric (<18 years), adult (18–60 years), elderly (>60 years), and a reference analysis of all patients.

Results

In 406,384 patients studied, nearly every measured event displayed an increased risk for patients receiving ketamine as part of their anesthesia. Apart from anhedonia, which had a decreased risk of occurrence, every event displayed increased incidence in at least two of the cohorts. For all but one event, nicotine use, the significant differences between groups were in concordance with each other.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest ketamine use should be investigated further in different age groups and corresponding psychiatric outcomes.
Correlational analysis of three-dimensional spinopelvic parameters with standing balance and gait characteristics in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: A preliminary research on Lenke V
Authors: Liu Yanan , Li Xianglan , Dou Xiaoran , Huang Zhiguan , Wang Jun , Liao Bagen , Zhang Xiaohui
Published: November 2022

Background: Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), the most common spinal deformity, possibly develops due to imbalanced spinal loading following asymmetric development. Since altered loading patterns may affect standing balance and gait, we investigated whether a correlation exists between balance ability, gait pattern, and the three-dimensional radiographic spinopelvic parameters in AIS patients.

Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted with 34 AIS patients (aged 10–18 years) and an equal number of healthy age and sex-matched teenagers (normal group). We obtained the spinopelvic three-dimensional parameters and balance parameters simultaneously through the EOS imaging system and gait and center of pressure (CoP) characteristics using a plantar pressure measurement mat. Besides determining the intergroup differences in balance and gait parameters, multiple linear regression analyses were performed to identify any correlation between the static plantar pressure and radiographic parameters.

Results: Compared to the normal group, the CoPx is lower, the CoP path length and 90% confidence ellipse area were significantly higher in AIS patients (AIS: −13.7 ± 5.7 mm, 147.4 ± 58.1 mm, 150.5 ± 62.8 mm2; normal: −7.0 ± 5.4 mm, 78.8 ± 32.0 mm, 92.1 ± 41.7 mm2, respectively), correlated with apical vertebra translation, sagittal pelvic tilt, and pelvis axial rotation, respectively. Moreover, AIS patients had a shorter stance phase (61.35 ± 0.97 s vs. 62.39 ± 1.09 s), a longer swing phase (38.66 ± 0.97 s vs. 37.62 ± 1.08 s), and smaller maximum pressure peaks in the gait cycle, especially on the left foot, as compared to healthy subjects. Moreover, the CoP trajectory in AIS patients was different from the latter, and changes in the bipedal trend were not consistent.

Conclusion: The standing balance and gait characteristics of AIS patients are different from those of healthy subjects, as reflected in their three-dimensional spinopelvic radiographic parameters. Trial registration: The study protocol was registered with the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (Number ChCTR1800018310) and the Human Subject Committee of Guangzhou Sport University (Number: 2018LCLL003).
Controllable AgNPs encapsulation to construct biocompatible and antibacterial titanium implant
Authors: Wei Zhangao , Li Kexin , Wang Shuang , Wen Lan , Xu Linghan , Wang Yankai , Chen Zirui , Li Wei , Qiu Hua , Li Xiangyang , Chen Jialong
Published: November 2022

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are progressively becoming an in-demand material for both medical and life use due to their effective antimicrobial properties. The high surface area-to-volume ratio endows AgNPs with enhanced antibacterial capacity accompanied by inevitable cytotoxicity. Surface coating technique could precisely regulate the particle shape, aggregation, and Ag+ release pattern of AgNPs, by which the cytotoxicity could be significantly reduced. Various coating methods have been explored to shell AgNPs, but it remains a great challenge to precisely control the aggregation state of AgNPs and their shell thickness. Herein, we proposed a simple method to prepare a tunable polydopamine (pDA) coating shell on AgNPs just by tuning the reaction pH and temperature, yet we obtained high antibacterial property and excellent biocompatibility. SEM and TEM revealed that pDA coated AgNPs can form core-shell structures with different aggregation states and shell thickness. Both in vitro and in vivo antibacterial tests show that acid condition and heat-treatment lead to appropriate AgNPs cores and pDA shell structures, which endow Ti with sustained antibacterial properties and preferable cell compatibility. One month of implantation in an infected animal model demonstrated that the obtained surface could promote osteogenesis and inhibit inflammation due to its strong antibacterial properties. Therefore, this study provides a promising approach to fabricate biocompatible antibacterial surface.
The human oral – nasopharynx microbiome as a risk screening tool for nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Hao Yu , Zeng Zhi , Peng Xian , Ai Ping , Han Qi , Ren Biao , Li Mingyun , Wang Haohao , Zhou Xinxuan , Zhou Xuedong , Ma Yue , Cheng Lei
Published: November 2022

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a common head and neck cancer with a poor prognosis. There is an urgent need to develop a simple and convenient screening tool for early detection and risk screening of NPC. 139 microbial samples were collected from 40 healthy people and 39 patients with nasopharyngeal biopsy. A total of 40 and 39 oral, eight and 27 nasal cavity, nine and 16 nasopharyngeal microbial samples were collected from the two sets of individuals. A risk screening tool for NPC was established by 16S rDNA sequencing and random forest. Patients with nasopharyngeal biopsy had significantly lower nasal cavity and nasopharynx microbial diversities than healthy people. The beta diversity of the oral microbiome was significantly different between the two groups. The NPC screening tools based on nasopharyngeal and oral microbiomes have 88% and 77.2% accuracies, respectively. The nasopharyngeal biopsy patients had significantly higher Granulicatella abundance in their oral cavity and lower Pseudomonas and Acinetobacter in the nasopharynx than healthy people. This study established microbiome-based non-invasive, simple, no radiation, and low-cost NPC screening tools. Individuals at a high risk of NPC should be advised to seek further examination, which might improve the early detection of NPC and save public health costs.
In Chagas disease, transforming growth factor beta neutralization reduces Trypanosoma cruzi infection and improves cardiac performance
Authors: Ferreira Roberto Rodrigues , de Souza Elen Mello , Vilar-Pereira Glaucia , Degrave Wim M. S. , Abreu Rayane da Silva , Meuser-Batista Marcelo , Ferreira Nilma Valéria Caldeira , Ledbeter Steve , Barker Robert H. , Bailly Sabine , Feige Jean-Jacques , Lannes-Vieira Joseli , de Araújo-Jorge Tania C. , Waghabi Mariana Caldas
Published: November 2022

Chronic Chagasic cardiomyopathy (CCC), a progressive inflammatory and fibrosing disease, is the most prominent clinical form of Chagas disease, a neglected tropical disease caused by Trypanosoma cruzi infection. During CCC, the parasite remains inside the cardiac cells, leading to tissue damage, involving extensive inflammatory response and irregular fibrosis. Among the fibrogenic factors is transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), a key cytokine controlling extracellular matrix synthesis and degradation. TGF-β is involved in CCC onset and progression, with increased serum levels and activation of its signaling pathways in the cardiac tissue, which crucially contributes to fibrosis. Inhibition of the TGF-β signaling pathway attenuates T. cruzi infection and prevents cardiac damage in an experimental model of acute Chagas disease. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of TGF-β neutralization on T. cruzi infection in both in vitro and in vivo pre-clinical models, using the 1D11 monoclonal antibody. To this end, primary cultures of cardiac cells were infected with T. cruzi trypomastigote forms and treated with 1D11. For in vivo studies, 1D11 was administered in different schemes for acute and chronic phase models (Swiss mice infected with 104 parasites from the Y strain and C57BL/6 mice infected with 102 parasites from the Colombian strain, respectively). Here we show that the addition of 1D11 to cardiac cells greatly reduces cardiomyocyte invasion by T. cruzi and the number of parasites per infected cell. In both acute and chronic experimental models, T. cruzi infection altered the electrical conduction, decreasing the heart rate, increasing the PR interval and the P wave duration. The treatment with 1D11 reduced cardiac fibrosis and reversed electrical abnormalities improving cardiac performance. Taken together, these data further support the major role of the TGF-β signaling pathways in T. cruzi-infection and their biological consequences on parasite/host interactions. The therapeutic effects of the 1D11 antibody are promising and suggest a new possibility to treat cardiac fibrosis in the chronic phase of Chagas’ heart disease by TGF-β neutralization.
PAG3 promotes the differentiation of bloodstream forms in Trypanosoma brucei and reveals the evolutionary relationship among the Trypanozoon trypanosomes
Authors: Wen Yan-Zi , Tang Hao-Tian , Cai Xiao-Li , Wu Na , Xu Jia-Zhen , Su Bi-Xiu , Hide Geoff , Lun Zhao-Rong , Lai De-Hua
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Trypanosoma brucei, T. evansi and T. equiperdum are members of the subgenus Trypanozoon and are highly similar morphologically and genetically. The main differences between these three species are their differentiation patterns in the hosts and the role of vectors in their life cycles. However, the mechanisms causing these differences are still controversial.

Methods

PAG3 gene was accessed by PCR amplification in 26 strains of Trypanozoon and sequences were then analyzed by BLAST accompanied with T. evansitype B group. RNA interference and CRISPR/Cas9 were used for revealing possible role of PAG3 in slender to stumpy transformation.

Results

The procyclin associated gene 3 (PAG3) can be found in the pleomorphicspecies, T.brucei, which undergoes differentiation of slender forms to the stumpy form. This differentiation process is crucial for transmission to the tsetse fly vector. However, a homologue of PAG3 was not detected in either T. evansi or in the majority of T. equiperdum strains which are allmonomorphic. Furthere xperiments in T. brucei demonstrated that, when PAG3 was down-regulated or absent, there was a significant reduction in the differentiation from slender to stumpy forms.

Conclusion

Therefore, we conclude that PAG3 is a key nuclear gene involved in the slender to stumpy differentiation pathway of T.brucei in the mammalian host. Loss of this gene might also offer a simple evolutionary mechanism explaining why T. evansi and some T. equiperdum have lost the ability to differentiate and have been driven to adapt to transmission cycles that by pass the tsetse vector or mechanical contact.
Recent advances in machine learning methods for predicting LncRNA and disease associations
Authors: Tan Jianjun , Li Xiaoyi , Zhang Lu , Du Zhaolan
Published: November 2022

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are involved in almost the entire cell life cycle through different mechanisms and play an important role in many key biological processes. Mutations and dysregulation of lncRNAs have been implicated in many complex human diseases. Therefore, identifying the relationship between lncRNAs and diseases not only contributes to biologists’ understanding of disease mechanisms, but also provides new ideas and solutions for disease diagnosis, treatment, prognosis and prevention. Since the existing experimental methods for predicting lncRNA-disease associations (LDAs) are expensive and time consuming, machine learning methods for predicting lncRNA-disease associations have become increasingly popular among researchers. In this review, we summarize some of the human diseases studied by LDAs prediction models, association and similarity features of LDAs prediction, performance evaluation methods of models and some advanced machine learning prediction models of LDAs. Finally, we discuss the potential limitations of machine learning-based methods for LDAs prediction and provide some ideas for designing new prediction models.
Can remote sensing enable a Biomass Climate Adaptation Index for agricultural systems?
Authors: Ferguson Amy , Murray Catherine , Mesfin Tessema Yared , McKeown Peter C. , Reymondin Louis , Loboguerrero Ana Maria , Talsma Tiffany , Allen Brendan , Jarvis Andy , Golden Aaron , Spillane Charles
Published: November 2022

Systematic tools and approaches for measuring climate change adaptation at multiple scales of spatial resolution are lacking, limiting measurement of progress toward the adaptation goals of the Paris Agreement. In particular, there is a lack of adaptation measurement or tracking systems that are coherent (measuring adaptation itself), comparable (allowing comparisons across geographies and systems), and comprehensive (are supported by the necessary data). In addition, most adaptation measurement efforts lack an appropriate counterfactual baseline to assess the effectiveness of adaptation-related interventions. To address this, we are developing a “Biomass Climate Adaptation Index” (Biomass CAI) for agricultural systems, where climate adaptation progress across multiple scales can be measured by satellite remote sensing. The Biomass CAI can be used at global, national, landscape and farm-level to remotely monitor agri-biomass productivity associated with adaptation interventions, and to facilitate more tailored “precision adaptation”. The Biomass CAI places focus on decision-support for end-users to ensure that the most effective climate change adaptation investments and interventions can be made in agricultural and food systems.
The “obesity paradox” in patients with atrial fibrillation: Insights from the Gulf SAFE registry
Authors: Li Yan-Guang , Xie Peng-Xin , Alsheikh-Ali Alawi A. , AlMahmeed Wael , Sulaiman Kadhim , Asaad Nidal , Liu Shu-Wang , Zubaid Mohammad , Lip Gregory Y. H.
Published: November 2022

Background

The prognostic impact of obesity on patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) remains under-evaluated and controversial.

Methods

Patients with AF from the Gulf Survey of Atrial Fibrillation Events (Gulf SAFE) registry were included, who were recruited from six countries in the Middle East Gulf region and followed for 12 months. A multivariable model was established to investigate the association of obesity with clinical outcomes, including stroke or systemic embolism (SE), bleeding, admission for heart failure (HF) or AF, all-cause mortality, and a composite outcome. Restricted cubic splines were depicted to illustrate the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and outcomes. Sensitivity analysis was also conducted.

Results

A total of 1,804 patients with AF and recorded BMI entered the final analysis (mean age 56.2 ± 16.1 years, 47.0% female); 559 (31.0%) were obese (BMI over 30 kg/m2). In multivariable analysis, obesity was associated with reduced risks of stroke/systematic embolism [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 0.40, 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.18–0.89], bleeding [aOR 0.44, 95%CI, 0.26–0.74], HF admission (aOR 0.61, 95%CI, 0.41–0.90) and the composite outcome (aOR 0.65, 95%CI, 0.50–0.84). As a continuous variable, higher BMI was associated with lower risks for stroke/SE, bleeding, HF admission, all-cause mortality, and the composite outcome as demonstrated by the accumulated incidence of events and restricted cubic splines. This “protective effect” of obesity was more prominent in some subgroups of patients.

Conclusion

Among patients with AF, obesity and higher BMI were associated with a more favorable prognosis in the Gulf SAFE registry. The underlying mechanisms for this obesity “paradox” merit further exploration.
Machine learning models in heart failure with mildly reduced ejection fraction patients
Authors: Zhao Hengli , Li Peixin , Zhong Guoheng , Xie Kaiji , Zhou Haobin , Ning Yunshan , Xu Dingli , Zeng Qingchun
Published: November 2022

Objective

Heart failure with mildly reduced ejection fraction (HFmrEF) has been recently recognized as a unique phenotype of heart failure (HF) in current practical guideline. However, risk stratification models for mortality and HF re-hospitalization are still lacking. This study aimed to develop and validate a novel machine learning (ML)-derived model to predict the risk of mortality and re-hospitalization for HFmrEF patients.

Methods

We assessed the risks of mortality and HF re-hospitalization in HFmrEF (45–49%) patients enrolled in the TOPCAT trial. Eight ML-based models were constructed, including 72 candidate variables. The Harrell concordance index (C-index) and DeLong test were used to assess discrimination and the improvement in discrimination between models, respectively. Calibration of the HF risk prediction model was plotted to obtain bias-corrected estimates of predicted versus observed values.

Results

Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) Cox regression was the best-performing model for 1- and 6-year mortality, with a highest C-indices at 0.83 (95% CI: 0.68–0.94) over a maximum of 6 years of follow-up and 0.77 (95% CI: 0.64–0.89) for the 1-year follow-up. The random forest (RF) showed the best discrimination for HF re-hospitalization, scoring 0.80 (95% CI: 0.66–0.94) and 0.85 (95% CI: 0.71–0.99) at the 6- and 1-year follow-ups, respectively. For risk assessment analysis, Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ) subscale scores were the most important predictor of readmission outcome in the HFmrEF patients.

Conclusion

ML-based models outperformed traditional models at predicting mortality and re-hospitalization in patients with HFmrEF. The results of the risk assessment showed that KCCQ score should be paid increasing attention to in the management of HFmrEF patients.
Linking land use with riverine water quality: A multi-spatial scale analysis relating to various riparian strips
Authors: Li Siyue , Zhang Jing , Jiang Ping , Zhang Liuqing
Published: November 2022

Exploring linkages between riverine water quality and land use is of great importance for catchment management and water quality conservation. Relationships between them are complex and site-specific. Therefore, land-use/landscape effects on water quality remain to be investigated. Multivariate statistics and empirical models are used to examine the influences of seasonality (wet and dry seasons), land use in various riparian strips, on water quality seasonality in the river networks of the Three Gorges Reservoir Area. Redundancy analysis (RDA) shows a comparable effect of land use on overall water quality (OWQ) during the two seasons. The variance of OWQ explained is generally higher in the 50 m riparian zone, whilst, the variance is higher along 200 m riparian in the wet season with land use composition presented as actual area. The explanatory variables of land use indices for the OWQ are quite distinct. Multiple linear regression (MLR) modeling indicates that models of water quality parameters (WQPs) depend on seasonality, riparian zone and representation of land use indices (calculated from percentage and actual area), this results in predictor variables of WQPs are highly variable. Land use within the 50 m riparian zone can predict WQPs well, and land use along the riparian zones predicts WQPs better in the dry season. We firstly compared the impacts of multi-riparian land use indices (presented as percentage and actual area) in combination with land use configuration on water quality. Our study provides critical information for efficiently land-use planning to protect water quality.
Microplastics of different shapes increase seed germination synchrony while only films and fibers affect seed germination velocity
Authors: Lozano Yudi M. , Caesaria Putri U. , Rillig Matthias C.
Published: November 2022

Microplastics enter the soil in a variety of shapes and polymer types altering soil properties with known consequences for plant growth. However, the effects of a range of different microplastic shapes and types on seed germination are mostly unknown. Here, we established a glasshouse experiment that included 12 microplastic types representing different shapes (fibers, films, foams and fragments) and polymers, and mixed each of them with soil at a concentration of 0.4% (w/w). Fifty seeds of Daucus carota were sown and monitored for 49 days to evaluate different germination parameters. Our results showed that microplastic films and fibers decrease seed germination velocity as they may affect soil water status, likely interfering with different phases of seed germination: Seeds may imbibe toxic microplastic leachates, and be affected by a physical blockage; testa rupturing may be delayed as this also depends on water uptake. Microplastic toxic leachates may affect activity of enzymes key for seed germination, and delay embryo growth and radicle emergence. Microplastics, irrespective of their shape and polymer type, increase synchrony of seed germination, which might be linked with microplastics exerting a mild stress on seeds. The final percentage of germination was not affected by microplastics in soil, implying that microplastics did not affect seed viability. Our results showed that microplastics affect seed germination mainly as a function of their shape.
Identification and verification of a novel epigenetic-related gene signature for predicting the prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Wang Chenchen , Yao Chengye , Sun Yan , Chen Jiayi , Ge Yangyang , Wang Yu , Wang Fuquan , Wang Li , Lin Yun , Yao Shanglong
Published: November 2022

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common malignant tumor with a poor prognosis. Epigenetic dysregulation is now considered to be related to hepatocarcinogenesis. However, it is unclear how epigenetic-related genes (ERGs) contribute to the prognosis of HCC. In this study, we used the TCGA database to identify prognostic ERGs that were differentially expressed in HCC patients. Then, using least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression analysis, a six-gene signature was constructed, and patients were divided into high- and low-risk groups. Validation was performed on HCC patients from the ICGC database. Patients in the high-risk group had a significantly lower chance of survival than those in the low-risk group (p < 0.001 in both databases). The predictive ability of the signature was determined by the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. The risk score was then shown to be an independent prognostic factor for the overall survival (OS) of HCC patients based on the results of univariate and multivariate analyses. We also created a practical nomogram combining the prognostic model with other clinical features. Moreover, functional enrichment analysis revealed that these genes are linked to tumor immunity. In conclusion, our findings showed that a novel six-gene signature related to epigenetics can accurately predict the occurrence and prognosis of HCC.
Biomarkers in psoriatic arthritis: A meta-analysis and systematic review
Authors: Wirth Theo , Balandraud Nathalie , Boyer Laurent , Lafforgue Pierre , Pham Thao
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a chronic inflammatory disease that frequently develops in patients with psoriasis (PsO) but can also occur spontaneously. As a result, PsA diagnosis and treatment is commonly delayed, or even missed outright due to the manifold of clinical presentations that patients often experience. This inevitably results in progressive articular damage to axial and peripheral joints and entheses. As such, patients with PsA frequently experience reduced expectancy and quality of life due to disability. More recently, research has aimed to improve PsA diagnosis and prognosis by identifying novel disease biomarkers.

Methods

Here, we conducted a systematic review of the published literature on candidate biomarkers for PsA diagnosis and prognosis in MEDLINE(Pubmed), EMBase and the Cochrane library with the goal to identify clinically applicable PsA biomarkers. Meta-analyses were performed when a diagnostic bone and cartilage turnover biomarker was reported in 2 or moredifferent cohorts of PsA and control.

Results

We identified 1444 publications and 124 studies met eligibility criteria. We highlighted bone and cartilage turnover biomarkers, genetic markers, and autoantibodies used for diagnostic purposes of PsA, as well as acute phase reactant markers and bone and cartilage turnover biomarkers for activity or prognostic severity purposes. Serum cartilage oligometrix metalloproteinase levels were significantly increased in the PsA sera compared to Healthy Control (HC) with a standardized mean difference (SMD) of 2.305 (95%CI 0.795-3.816, p=0.003) and compared to osteoarthritis (OA) with a SMD of 0.783 (95%CI 0.015-1.551, p=0.046). The pooled serum MMP-3 levels were significantly higher in PsA patients than in PsO patients with a SMD of 0.419 (95%CI 0.119-0.719; p=0.006), but no significant difference was highlighted when PsA were compared to HC. While we did not identify any new genetic biomarkers that would be useful in the diagnosis of PsA, recent data with autoantibodies appear to be promising in diagnosis, but no replication studies have been published.

Conclusion

In summary, no specific diagnostic biomarkers for PsA were identified and further studies are needed to assess the performance of potential biomarkers that can distinguish PsA from OA and other chronic inflammatory diseases.
A prognostic and therapeutic hallmark developed by the integrated profile of basement membrane and immune infiltrative landscape in lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Chen Kaijie , Liu Shuang , Lu Changlian , Gu Xuefeng
Published: November 2022

Basement membranes (BMs) are specialised extracellular matrices that maintain cellular integrity and resist the breaching of carcinoma cells for metastases while regulating tumour immunity. The tumour immune microenvironment (TME) is essential for tumour growth and the response to and benefits from immunotherapy. In this study, the BM score and TME score were constructed based on the expression signatures of BM-related genes and the presence of immune cells in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD), respectively. Subsequently, the BM-TME classifier was developed with the combination of BM score and TME score for accurate prognostic prediction. Further, Kaplan–Meier survival estimation, univariate Cox regression analysis and receiver operating characteristic curves were used to cross-validate and elucidate the prognostic prediction value of the BM-TME classifier in several cohorts. Findings from functional annotation analysis suggested that the potential molecular regulatory mechanisms of the BM-TME classifier were closely related to the cell cycle, mitosis and DNA replication pathways. Additionally, the guiding value of the treatment strategy of the BM-TME classifier for LUAD was determined. Future clinical disease management may benefit from the findings of our research.
Aberrant metabolic processes promote the immunosuppressive microenvironment in multiple myeloma
Authors: Lv Junqiang , Sun Hao , Gong Lixin , Wei Xiaojing , He Yi , Yu Zhen , Liu Lanting , Yi Shuhua , Sui Weiwei , Xu Yan , Deng Shuhui , An Gang , Yao Zhi , Qiu Lugui , Hao Mu
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Multiple myeloma (MM) is still an incurable plasma cell malignancy. The efficacy of immunotherapy on MM remains unsatisfactory, and the underlying molecular mechanisms still are not fully understood.

Methods

In this study, we delineated the dynamic features of immune cell in MM bone marrow (BM) along with elevated tumor cell infiltration by single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), and investigated the underlying mechanisms on dysfunction of immune cells associated with myelomagenesis.

Results

We found that immune cells were activated in those patients with low infiltration of tumor cells, meanwhile suppressed with elevated infiltration of MM cells, which facilitated MM escaping from immune surveillance. Besides PD-1, abnormal expression of PIM kinases, KLRB1 and KLRC1 were involved in the defect of immune cells in MM patients. Importantly, we found aberrant metabolic processes were associated with the immunosuppressive microenvironment in MM patients. Disordered amino acid metabolism promoted the dysfunction of cytotoxicity CD8 T cells as well as lipid metabolism disorder was associated with the dysregulation of NK and DCs in MM. As metabolic checkpoints, PIM kinases would be potential effective strategies for MM immunotherapy.

Discussion

In summary, redressing the disordered metabolism should be the key points to get promising effects in immune-based therapies.
Transition to bereavement: A prospective longitudinal study of health-related quality of life in informal caregivers of oldest-old individuals
Authors: Alves Sara , Paúl Constança , Ribeiro Oscar
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Experiencing bereavement may be challenging. Despite the oldest-old population increase, a subgroup at greater risk of death, few studies focus on the grieving process of informal caregivers (ICs). This study analyzed the transition to bereavement of ICs of oldest-old individuals (≥80 years) over 1-year and compares the evolution of the health-related quality of life (HrQoL) between those experiencing bereavement and those who continued care through the study period.

Materials and methods

A prospective longitudinal observational study was conducted enrolling 204 ICs of the Metropolitan Area of Porto (North Portugal), of which 36 experienced the death of care receiver (CR). ICs’ health profile and burden were assessed. CRs’ functional and cognitive status were also appraised.

Results

Bereaving caregivers were mostly female, CRs’ children, and had on average 60.4 years at baseline. Caregivers spent a mean of 10.1 h/day (SD = 7.7) caring, for 80.6 months (SD = 57.5). The time elapsed since CR’s death was 6 months (SD = 3.5) from entering in the study. CRs who died had a mean age of 88.3 (SD = 5.4) years at baseline, and were very dependent. Over a 1-year follow-up, bereaving caregivers showed a significant decrease in mental health following CR’s death; on the other hand, caregivers who continued caring improved mental health [F(1, 159) = 4.249, p = 0.041].

Discussion

Ending the caregiver career was marked by a decline in mental health whereas to continue caring was marked by an improvement in this outcome. While it is highly expected that the CR’s death will be perceived as a relief considering both the caregiver’s characteristics (e.g., medicines) and the CR condition (e.g., high dependence levels), the results suggest an opposite direction. CRs’ death seems to arise an emotional burden for IC, at least during the first year, possibly triggering feelings of loneliness and a life without purpose that seems to aggravate mental health issues.

Conclusion

The transition to bereavement among ICs seems to lead to a caregiver mental health decline while those who continued caring (and thereby, experiencing caregiving stressors) seems to improve in this outcome. Ceasing caregiving stressors does not seem to contribute better experiencing bereavement among ICs, suggesting the need for support throughout this phase.
Predicting oxygen requirements in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 using an artificial intelligence-clinician model based on local non-image data
Authors: Muto Reiko , Fukuta Shigeki , Watanabe Tetsuo , Shindo Yuichiro , Kanemitsu Yoshihiro , Kajikawa Shigehisa , Yonezawa Toshiyuki , Inoue Takahiro , Ichihashi Takuji , Shiratori Yoshimune , Maruyama Shoichi
Published: November 2022

Background

When facing unprecedented emergencies such as the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, a predictive artificial intelligence (AI) model with real-time customized designs can be helpful for clinical decision-making support in constantly changing environments. We created models and compared the performance of AI in collaboration with a clinician and that of AI alone to predict the need for supplemental oxygen based on local, non-image data of patients with COVID-19.

Materials and methods

We enrolled 30 patients with COVID-19 who were aged >60 years on admission and not treated with oxygen therapy between December 1, 2020 and January 4, 2021 in this 50-bed, single-center retrospective cohort study. The outcome was requirement for oxygen after admission.

Results

The model performance to predict the need for oxygen by AI in collaboration with a clinician was better than that by AI alone. Sodium chloride difference >33.5 emerged as a novel indicator to predict the need for oxygen in patients with COVID-19. To prevent severe COVID-19 in older patients, dehydration compensation may be considered in pre-hospitalization care.

Conclusion

In clinical practice, our approach enables the building of a better predictive model with prompt clinician feedback even in new scenarios. These can be applied not only to current and future pandemic situations but also to other diseases within the healthcare system.
Biomarkers in the development of individualized treatment regimens for colorectal cancer
Authors: Crutcher Madison , Waldman Scott
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common and second most deadly malignancy in the world with an estimated 1. 9 million cases and 0.9 million deaths in 2020. The 5-year overall survival for stage I disease is 92% compared to a dismal 11% in stage IV disease. At initial presentation, up to 35% of patients have metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC), and 20–50% of stage II and III patients eventually progress to mCRC. These statistics imply both that there is a proportion of early stage patients who are not receiving adequate treatment and that we are not adequately treating mCRC patients.

Body

Targeted therapies directed at CRC biomarkers are now commonly used in select mCRC patients. In addition to acting as direct targets, these biomarkers also could help stratify which patients receive adjuvant therapies and what types. This review discusses the role of RAS, microsatellite instability, HER2, consensus molecular subtypes and ctDNA/CTC in targeted therapy and adjuvant chemotherapy.

Discussion

Given the relatively high recurrence rate in early stage CRC patients as well as the continued poor survival in mCRC patients, additional work needs to be done beyond surgical management to limit recurrence and improve survival. Biomarkers offer both a potential target and a predictive method of stratifying patients to determine those who could benefit from adjuvant treatment.
Genetic variation within the pri-let-7f-2 in the X chromosome predicting stroke risk in a Chinese Han population from Liaoning, China: From a case-control study to a new predictive nomogram
Authors: Wang Yaxuan , Qiu Luying , Wang Yuye , He Zhiyi , Lan Xue , Cui Lei , Wang Yanzhe
Published: November 2022

Background and objectives

Stroke is the most common cause of disability and the second cause of death worldwide. Therefore, there is a need to identify patients at risk of developing stroke. This case-control study aimed to create and verify a gender-specific genetic signature-based nomogram to facilitate the prediction of ischemic stroke (IS) risk using only easily available clinical variables.

Materials and methods

A total of 1,803 IS patients and 1,456 healthy controls from the Liaoning province in China (Han population) were included which randomly divided into training cohort (70%) and validation cohort (30%) using the sample function in R software. The distribution of the pri-let-7f-2 rs17276588 variant genotype was analyzed. Following genotyping analysis, statistical analysis was used to identify relevant features. The features identified from the multivariate logistic regression, the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression, and univariate regression were used to create a multivariate prediction nomogram model. A calibration curve was used to determine the discrimination accuracy of the model in the training and validation cohorts. External validity was also performed.

Results

The genotyping analysis identified the A allele as a potential risk factor for IS in both men and women. The nomogram identified the rs17276588 variant genotype and several clinical parameters, including age, diabetes mellitus, body mass index (BMI), hypertension, history of alcohol use, history of smoking, and hyperlipidemia as risk factors for developing IS. The calibration curves for the male and female models showed good consistency and applicability.

Conclusion

The pri-let-7f-2 rs17276588 variant genotype is highly linked to the incidence of IS in the northern Chinese Han population. The nomogram we devised, which combines genetic fingerprints and clinical data, has a lot of promise for predicting the risk of IS within the Chinese Han population.