bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Appropriate Timing and Type of Physical Training in Patients with COVID-19 for Muscle Health and Quality of Life: A Systematic Review
Authors: Aryana I. Gusti Putu Suka , Setiati Siti , Paulus Ivana Beatrice , Daniella Dian
Published: June 2022

Physical activity is beneficial to modulate immune system function and has inverse relationship to ARDS linked with SARS-CoV-2. Physical activity consists of daily activity and physical training. Studies regarding effect of physical training on patients with COVID-19 are controversial. This systematic review aims to investigate physical training on muscle health and QOL in patients with COVID-19. The literature review was carried out using keywords: (Exercise) AND (COVID) AND (Muscle) AND (Observational Study) in several databases of PubMed and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL). All references were reviewed using critical appraisal Newcastle Ottawa Scale (NOS) and Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine (CEBM) checklist. The studies were subsequently screened for reporting exercise, muscle, and COVID-19. The descriptions of the extracted data are guided by Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews (PRISMA) statement with GRADE approach. This study is registered in PROSPERO: ID CRD42021295188. Six studies pooled and entered review synthesis. Studies were reviewed using critical appraisal by NOS and CEBM. Two clinical trial studies and four observational designs were selected. Our result showed physical training improved patients’ outcomes in the acute phase, critical phase, and post-COVID-19 phase. Multiple types of physical trainings were suggested by those studies, and most of them showed beneficial effects to patients with COVID-19 in different phases. The level of evidence by GRADE was downgraded, and further investigations are needed to establish guidelines and strong recommendation for a specific stage of COVID-19.
ACEI and ARB Lower the Incidence of End-Stage Renal Disease among Patients with Diabetic Nephropathy: A Meta-analysis
Authors: Deng Xiaojuan , Li Dayun , Tang Qiufeng , Chen Yueyao
Published: June 2022

Objective. This study explores the effects of Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors (ACEI) or Angiotensin Receptor Blockers (ARB) on the incidence of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in diabetic nephropathy (DN) patients. Methods. Literatures were searched in PubMed, Embase, Medline, CENTRAL, and CNKI databases. These literatures included a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy of ACEI and ARB among patients with DN. The endpoint event included the occurrence of ERSD. Risk ratio (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to represent the combined effect size. A fixed-effect model was used to analyze if heterogeneity did not exist between literatures. If heterogeneity exists between literatures, a random-effect model was used to analyze. The source of heterogeneity was explored by subgroup analysis and sensitivity analysis. Results. A total of 11 literatures were included in the study. The RR of ESRD was 0.79 (95% CI (0.79, 0.90),

Z
=
3.58

,

P
=
0.0003

) in the patients treated with RAS blockers compared with placebo, and there was no heterogeneity between studies (

Ch

i

2

=
5.09

,

P
=
0.88

,

I

2

=
0
%

). The funnel plot showed that the scatter point was biased to the left with publication bias. The RR of ESRD was 0.63 (95% CI (0.41, 0.95),

Z
=
2.18

,

P
=
0.03

) in the patients treated with ACEI compared with placebo. There was no heterogeneity between studies (

Ch

i

2

=
2.23

,

P
=
0.95

,

I

2

=
0
%

). Compared with placebo, RR of ESRD among patients with ARB intervention was 0.81 (95% CI (0.71, 0.93),

Z
=
3.00

,

P
=
0.003

). There was no heterogeneity between studies (

Ch

i

2

=
1.49

,

P
=
0.48

,

I

2

=
0
%

). Conclusion. ACEI and ARB can reduce the risk of ESRD among diabetic nephropathy patients.
Burden of Antibiotic Resistance at Wolaita Sodo University Comprehensive Specialized Hospital
Authors: Ageru Temesgen Anjulo , Seid Habtamu , Abiso Temesgen Lera , Kumalo Abera , Sidamo Temesgen , Balcha Tamrat
Published: June 2022

Background. Antibiotic resistance is a serious threat to the human population everywhere. However, less attention is given to its concern in sub‐Saharan Africa including Ethiopia. There is an information gap concerning antibiotic resistance and its pattern in Wolaita Sodo University Teaching Referral Hospital. This study is aimed at investigating the prevalence of antimicrobial resistance in the study area. Methods. Five‐year retrospective data of cultures and records of 581 patients were utilized to analyze the pattern of antibiotic resistance. The statistical software including SPSS version 25 and Microsoft excel 2013 were used. Laboratory records with incompletely registered age, sex, culture isolation, or drug susceptibility test data were excluded. Results. Out of the total of 581 samples extracted from the microbiology laboratory, 237 (40.8%) samples were culture positive for bacteria. From positive culture growth, 165 (69.6%) were gram‐positive bacteria whereas 72 (30.4%) were gram negative. Staphylococcus aureus was the most prevalent isolate among gram‐positive isolates as Escherichia coli was for gram‐negative isolates. Overall antibiotic resistance of gram‐positive isolates was 57.2% whereas that of gram‐negative bacteria was 58.8%.Conclusion. S. aureus and E. coli were found to be the most prevalent pathogenic isolates among gram‐positive and gram‐negative bacteria, respectively. Most of the isolated pathogens showed high resistance towards the commonly prescribed antibiotic agents. The overall antibiotic resistance in this study was 57.7%, and the overall MDR prevalence was 72.2%.
Web Page Ranking Using Web Mining Techniques: A Comprehensive Survey
Authors: Sharma Prem Sagar , Yadav Divakar , Thakur R. N.
Published: June 2022

Due to the exponential growth of Internet users and traffic, information seekers depend highly on search engines to extract relevant information. Due to the accessibility of a large amount of textual, audio, video etc., contents, the responsibility of search engines has increased. The search engine provides relevant information to Internet users concerning their query, based on content, link structure, etc. However, it does not guarantee the correctness of the information. The performance of a search engine is highly dependent upon the ranking module. The performance of the ranking module is dependent upon the link structure of web pages, which analyze through Web structure mining (WSM) and their content, which analyzes through Web content mining (WCM). Web mining plays a vital role in computing the rank of web pages. This article presents web mining types, techniques, tools, algorithms, and their challenges. Further, it provides a critical comprehensive survey for the researchers by presenting different features of web pages, which are essential to check their quality. In this work, authors presented different approaches/techniques, algorithms and evaluation approaches in previous researches and identified some critical issues in page ranking and web mining, which provide future directions for the researchers working in the area.
Circulating Exosomal miR-144-3p from Crohn’s Disease Patients Inhibits Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cell Function by Targeting FN1
Authors: Qu Peng , Xie Xiaoran , Chi Jingshu , Liu Xiaoming , Liu Peng , Luo Ju , Li Huan , Cheng Sha , Xia Xiujuan , Chen Xiong , Xu Canxia
Published: June 2022

Background. Crohn’s disease (CD) is a chronic nonspecific inflammatory disease with unknown pathogenesis and vascular changes associated with the progression of CD. Many studies have shown that miRNAs participate in the development of CD. However, the effect of miRNAs in circulating exosomes on vascular endothelial cells in CD has not been investigated. Our study is aimed at identifying the differential miRNAs in circulating exosomes in CD and exploring their potential roles in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Methods. In our study, exosomes were extracted from circulating blood to identify differential miRNAs. After in vitro transfection of HUVECs with miR-144-3p mimics and inhibitors and the corresponding controls, cell counting kit-8, wound healing, Transwell migration, and tube formation assays were performed to study the viability, migration, and angiogenesis of HUVECs. Furthermore, bioinformatics analysis was used to predict miRNA targets. Western blotting was used to determine protein expression. In addition, exogenous supplementation with the fibronectin 1 (FN1) protein rescued the effects of miR-144-3p on changes in cell function in vitro. Results. miR-144-3p was significantly increased in circulating exosomes of patients with CD compared with those in the control group. The promotion or inhibition of miR-144-3p correspondingly abolished or accelerated cell viability, migration, and angiogenesis. FN1 is a significant target of miR-144-3p, and exogenous FN1 administration improved the function of HUVECs in vitro. Conclusions. Circulating exosomal miR-144-3p from patients with active CD contributes to vascular endothelial dysfunction by affecting the gene expression of FN1. These findings suggested that circulating exosomal miR-144-3p could be a potential biological marker for CD.
Exploring the Potential Mechanisms of Melilotus officinalis (L.) Pall. in Chronic Muscle Repair Patterns Using Single Cell Receptor-Ligand Marker Analysis and Molecular Dynamics Simulations
Authors: Chen Yisheng , Luo Zhiwen , Lin Jinrong , Qi Beijie , Sun Yaying , Li Fangqi , Guo Chenyang , Lin Weiwei , Kang Xueran , He Xinyi , Wang Qian , Chen Shiyi , Chen Jiwu
Published: June 2022

Information regarding the function of Melilotus officinalis (L.) Pall. in skeletal muscles is still unknown. In this study, we explored the possible regulatory targets of M. (L.) Pall. that affects the repair patterns in chronic muscle injury. We analyzed the potential target genes and chemical composition of M. (L.) Pall. and constructed a “drug-component-disease target genes” network analysis. Five active ingredients and 87 corresponding targets were obtained. Muscle-tendon junction (MTJ) cells were used to perform receptor-ligand marker analysis using the CellphoneDB algorithm. Targets of M. (L.) Pall. were screened further for the cellular ligand-receptor protein action on MTJs. Enrichment analysis suggests that those protein-associated ligand receptors may be associated with a range of intercellular signaling pathways. Molecular docking validation was then performed. Five proteins (CCL2, VEGFA, MMP2, MET, and EGFR) may be regulated by the active ingredient luteolin and scoparone. Finally, molecular dynamics simulations revealed that luteolin can stably target binding to MMP2. M. (L.) Pall. influences skeletal muscle repair patterns by affecting the fibroblast interactions in the muscle-tendon junctions through the active ingredients luteolin and scoparone.
Prediction of Shear Wave Velocity Based on a Hybrid Network of Two-Dimensional Convolutional Neural Network and Gated Recurrent Unit
Authors: Chen Tengfei , Gao Gang , Wang Peng , Zhao Bin , Li Yonggen , Gui Zhixian
Published: June 2022

Compressional and shear wave velocities (Vp and Vs, respectively) are important elastic parameters to predict reservoir parameters, such as lithology and hydrocarbons. Due to acquisition technologies and economy, the shear wave velocity is generally lacking. Over the last few years, some researchers proposed deep learning algorithms to predict the shear wave velocity using conventional logging data. However, these algorithms focus either on spatial feature extraction for different physical properties of rocks or on sequential feature extraction in the depth direction of rocks. Only focusing on feature extraction in a direction of rocks might lead to a decrease in prediction accuracy. Therefore, we propose a hybrid network of a two-dimensional convolutional neural network and the gated recurrent unit (2DCNN-GRU), which can establish more complex nonlinear relationships between the input and output data based on the spatial features extracted by 2DCNN and the sequential features extracted by GRU. In this study, two cases are used to validate the reliability and prediction accuracy of the proposed network. Comparing the prediction results of 2DCNN, GRU, and the proposed network, the proposed network shows better performance. Meanwhile, for improving the prediction accuracy of the proposed network, the relationship is analyzed between the prediction accuracy of the proposed network and the length of the input sample.
Cohesin RAD21 Gene Promoter Methylation Correlated with Better Prognosis in Breast Cancer Patients
Authors: Cui Rongrong , Chen Pu , Wang Yuanyuan , Lu Rong , Ji Meiju , Hou Peng , Qu Yiping
Published: June 2022

RAD21 plays multiple roles in numerous cancers. In breast cancer (BC), a high level of RAD21 correlates with poor disease outcomes and resistance to chemotherapy. However, data regarding RAD21 promoter methylation in BC tissue and its correlation with clinical outcomes in patients with BC remain limited. Here, we investigated the clinicopathological features associated with the methylation status of RAD21 in BC to figure out its possible role in pathogenesis and the formation of breast carcinogenesis. The methylation status of the RAD21 gene was significantly associated with better clinical outcomes in patients with BC.
The Effect of Transurethral Resection of the Prostate on Erectile and Ejaculatory Functions in Patients with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
Authors: Al Demour Saddam H. , Abuhamad Mohannad , Santarisi Abdallah Nader , Al-Zubi Mohammad , Al-Rawashdah Samer Fathi , Halalsheh Omar , Carbone Antonio , Pastore Antonio Luigi , Ahmad Muayyad M.
Published: June 2022

Introduction: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of TURP on erectile function (EF) and ejaculatory function (EJF). Methods: A total of 91 patients who underwent TURP were retrospectively assessed. Patients were divided into two groups based on International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5): group A included 41 patients with normal EF, and group B included 50 patients with erectile dysfunction (ED). All patients were evaluated for EF and EJF at baseline, 1, 3, and 6 months after TURP by using IIEF-5, Ejaculatory Domain-Male Sexual-Health Inventory (Ej-MSHQ). Results: In group A, there were no significant statistical differences in mean IIEF-5 at baseline and after TURP 22.88 ± 0.81 versus 22.63 ± 2.63 (p = 0.065). However, in group B, there was significant improvement in IIEF-5 after TURP all over the follow-up time points in comparison to the baseline (p = <0.001). The loss of EJF was significant among patients in group A. There was significant improvement of IPSS and Qmax in group A after surgery compared to group B. Conclusion: The results confirmed that TURP has no significant negative influence on EF, and patients with preexisting ED were improved after TURP. On the contrary, the loss of EJF was significant.
The vertebral column of Chaetophractus villosus (Desmarest, 1804) (Chlamyphoridae, Cingulata, Xenarthra): anatomy and Thoracolumbar variation. Spinal cord relation
Authors: Galliari Fernando Carlos , Rossi Luis Francisco , Aldana-Marcos Hernán Javier
Published: June 2022

Mammals of the Xenarthra clade show a large number of unusual characters in the skeleton, mainly in the vertebral column. In spite of the importance of the knowledge on the axial skeleton in this group, there are no detailed studies on the morphology of the entire vertebral column. Here we performed a comprehensive study of the vertebral column of Chaetophractus villosus (Desmarest, 1804), a representative of Chlamyphoridae, in order to provide a more reliable comparative framework among armadillos. Morphological description was based on 44 adult postcranial axial skeletons. As a complement to the morphological descriptions of the skeleton we studied the paths followed by blood vessels and nerves in close relationship to the axial skeleton (using 13 fresh adult specimens, six females and seven males, part of the doctoral Thesis of one of the authors). Intraspecific variability in the thoracolumbar number in C. villosus was also evaluated. We identified certain variability in the position of the first vertebral pair that bears a xenarthral facet, ranging from T4-T5 to T6-T7, being T5-T6 and T6-T7 the most frequent positions. The second pair of xenarthrales is set near the thoracolumbar limit, and ranges between T9-T10 and T11-L1 (T10-T11 in most specimens). The variability in the total number of thoracolumbars in C. villosus falls within the range of most mammals and sets controversy about an important morphological feature that groups extant Xenarthra and Afrotheria into the southern placentals (Atlantogenata). In this regard, a more comprehensive study of this character is necessary to elucidate the patterns of distribution of this trait among xenarthrans.
Brown Adipocyte ADRB3 Mediates Cardioprotection via Suppressing Exosomal iNOS
Authors: Lin Jing-Rong , Ding Li-Li-Qiang , Xu Lian , Huang Jun , Zhang Ze-Bei , Chen Xiao-Hui , Cheng Yu-Wen , Ruan Cheng-Chao , Gao Ping-Jin
Published: June 2022

Background:

The ADRB3 (β3-adrenergic receptors), which is predominantly expressed in brown adipose tissue (BAT), can activate BAT and improve metabolic health. Previous studies indicate that the endocrine function of BAT is associated with cardiac homeostasis and diseases. Here, we investigate the role of ADRB3 activation-mediated BAT function in cardiac remodeling.

Methods:

BKO (brown adipocyte-specific ADRB3 knockout) and littermate control mice were subjected to Ang II (angiotensin II) for 28 days. Exosomes from ADRB3 antagonist SR59230A (SR-exo) or agonist mirabegron (MR-exo) treated brown adipocytes were intravenously injected to Ang II–infused mice.

Results:

BKO markedly accelerated cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis compared with control mice after Ang II infusion. In vitro, ADRB3 KO rather than control brown adipocytes aggravated expression of fibrotic genes in cardiac fibroblasts, and this difference was not detected after exosome inhibitor treatment. Consistently, BKO brown adipocyte-derived exosomes accelerated Ang II–induced cardiac fibroblast dysfunction compared with control exosomes. Furthermore, SR-exo significantly aggravated Ang II–induced cardiac remodeling, whereas MR-exo attenuated cardiac dysfunction. Mechanistically, ADRB3 KO or SR59230A treatment in brown adipocytes resulted an increase of iNOS (inducible nitric oxide synthase) in exosomes. Knockdown of iNOS in brown adipocytes reversed SR-exo-aggravated cardiac remodeling.

Conclusions:

Our data illustrated a new endocrine pattern of BAT in regulating cardiac remodeling, suggesting that activation of ADRB3 in brown adipocytes offers cardiac protection through suppressing exosomal iNOS.
Sex Differences in Temporal Trends of Cardiovascular Health in Young US Adults
Authors: Cho So Mi Jemma , Haidermota Sara , Honigberg Michael C. , Natarajan Pradeep
Published: June 2022

Background

Favorable cardiovascular health (CVH) in young adulthood has been associated with lower future cardiovascular risk. We determined whether CVH and its sex differences in young adults have changed from 2007 to 2018.

Methods and Results

We identified 10 206 individuals, aged 20 to 39 years, from the National Health Examination and Nutrition Survey data. CVH was assessed on the basis of the American Heart Association’s Life’s Simple 7 metrics (of 7). Changes in the mean number of ideal CVH components and the ideal proportion of individual components were calculated using linear regression analysis. Changes in sex difference trends were assessed with an interaction term between sex and calendar year. The mean (SD) age of the study population was 29.3 (5.8) years, and 5260 (51.5%) individuals were women. The mean (SD) ideal CVH component remained unchanged for both women (4.40 [1.22] to 4.48 [1.15];
P
=0.94) and men (3.97 [1.27] to 3.93 [1.24];
P
=0.87), with stable sex differences (
P
for interaction=0.94). Nonetheless, sex differences in blood pressure widened as ideal blood pressure decreased in men (54.0% to 46.9%;
P
=0.03) but not in women (
P
for interaction <0.001). Concurrently, the proportion with ideal physical activity declined in women (57.3% to 49.4%;
P
=0.04) but remained stable in men (
P
for interaction=0.03). Nonsmoking increased to a greater extent in women (64.1% to 70.5%;
P
=0.05) than in men (
P
for interaction=0.01).

Conclusions

Sex disparities in CVH have persisted with exacerbated differences in blood pressure, physical activity, and smoking. These insights provide opportunities to promote equitable CVH.
Sex Hormones and Risk of Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: A Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Molenberg Rob , Thio Chris H.L. , Aalbers Marlien W. , Uyttenboogaart Maarten ,   ISGC Intracranial Aneurysm Working Group*, Larsson Susanna C. , Bakker Mark K. , Ruigrok Ynte M. , Snieder Harold , van Dijk J. Marc C.
Published: June 2022

Background:

The risk of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) is increased in postmenopausal women compared with men of similar age, suggesting a role for sex hormones. We aimed to explore whether sex hormones, and age at menarche/menopause have a causal effect on aSAH risk by conducting a 2-sample MR study (Mendelian randomization).

Methods:

We obtained sex-specific genetic instruments for serum estradiol, bioavailable testosterone (BioT), SHBG (sex hormone-binding globulin), and age at menarche/menopause from genome-wide association studies. The associated sex-specific aSAH risk was estimated with inverse-variance weighted MR analyses with various statistical sensitivity analyses. Multivariable and cluster MR analyses were performed for BioT and SHBG to account for a genetic and phenotypic correlation between the 2 exposures. The clusters represented (1) single-nucleotide polymorphisms primarily increasing SHBG, with secondary decreasing effects on BioT, and (2) single-nucleotide polymorphisms affecting BioT without affecting SHBG.

Results:

Univariable MR analyses showed an 18% increased aSAH risk among women per 1-SD increase in genetically determined SHBG levels (odds ratio, 1.18 [95% CI, 1.05–1.34];
P
=0.007). Suggestive evidence was identified for a 27% decreased risk of aSAH among women per 1-SD increase in BioT (odds ratio, 0.73 [95% CI, 0.55–0.95];
P
=0.02). The latter association disappeared in cluster analysis when only using SHBG-independent variants. MR analyses with variants from the cluster with primary SHBG effects and secondary (opposite) BioT-effects yielded a statistically significant association (odds ratio, 1.21 [95% CI, 1.05–1.40];
P
=0.008). No other causal associations were identified.

Conclusions:

Genetic predisposition to elevated serum levels of SHBG, with secondary lower serum BioT levels, is associated with an increased aSAH risk among women, suggesting that SHBG and BioT causally elevate aSAH risk. Further studies are required to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and their potential as an interventional target to lower aSAH incidence.
Neg-Raising via Proform
Authors: Sakamoto Yuta
Published: June 2022

Whether Neg-raising should be handled in syntax or semantics/pragmatics has been hotly debated in the literature; one crucial difference between the two analyses is the presence/absence of syntactic Neg-extraction out of an embedded clause. This squib tackles the debate, investigating interactions between Neg-raising and clausal so anaphora. Specifically, the data introduced here show that syntactic Neg-extraction does not take place out of an embedded clause; thus, they are only compatible with the semantic/pragmatic analysis of Neg-raising.
Aloe hankeyi (Asphodelaceae subfam. Alooideae; Aloe sect. Leptoaloe), a new species from northern South Africa
Authors: SMITH GIDEON F. , FIGUEIREDO ESTRELA
Published: June 2022

A new species of Aloe (Asphodelaceae subfam. Alooideae), A. hankeyi, which belongs in A. sect. Leptoaloe is described from northern South Africa. The new species has affinities with A. cooperi and A. verecunda, from both of which it can be separated on vegetative and reproductive characters.
Notes on Kalanchoe subg. Bryophyllum (Crassulaceae subfam. Kalanchooideae) and the kalanchoes of Sijfert H. Koorders (1919)
Authors: SMITH GIDEON F.
Published: June 2022

The partial infrageneric classification system proposed for Kalanchoe (Crassulaceae subfam. Kalanchooideae), specifically publication of K. subg. Bryophyllum, by Sijfert H. Koorders in 1919 is analysed. Koorders additionally treated six species of Kalanchoe, including describing one species, K. schumacheri, and one variety K. spathulata var. ciliata, as new. Kalanchoe spathulata var. ciliata has yet to be nomenclaturally catalogued for the genus. It is shown that the new combination, as K. subg. Bryophyllum, as well as the new species and varietal names were validly published. If a single variety of K. spathulata is recognised as occurring in Java, K. spathulata var. ciliata, will have priority.
Novel Eight-Core Double-Trench Fiber Displaying Low Loss and Supporting Five Linearly Polarized Modes
Authors: Wen Junlong , Wang Peng , Zhang Xia , Zhou Kainan , Li Wei , Zhu Qihua , Feng Guoying
Published: June 2022

A novel eight-core double-trench fiber that supports five linearly polarized modes is proposed. The characteristics of the designed fiber are analyzed systematically using the finite element method. A step-pure silicon core and a ring refractive index trench are employed to effectively
reduce loss. Furthermore, an internal trench is used to reduce dispersion and the differential mode group delay. The nonlinear coefficient and crosstalk are also reduced effectively by adjusting the fiber geometric parameters and material refractive index. The designed eight-core fiber has
potential applications in high-capacity and high-quality fiber communication by mode division multiplexing.
Modulation Method for High-Capacity Fibre Channel Switch and High-Speed Pulse Network Data
Authors: Yang Xiaoqing
Published: June 2022

Fibre channel (FC) switches are widely used in storage area networks and avionics systems. In this work, the FC protocol, the switching structure and the scheduling algorithm of the FC switch are deeply studied, and a 48-port FC switch is completed on a single-chip field-programmable gate array (FPGA). In addition, an improved scheduling algorithm for Inter-System Link Protocol (iSLP) is proposed for the input and scheduling of optical fiber pulse network data. On this basis, the overall architecture of the FC switch is proposed, the x690tffg1158 FPGA chip is selected, and the FC port control module is designed, which is composed of the receiving controller, the interface state machine, the sending controller, and the flow control. The routing table lookup module of FC switch is designed, the unicast routing table format and multicast routing table format are proposed, and the corresponding unicast and multicast routing table lookup table module architectures are designed. Aiming at the characteristics of high reliability and low distortion in the transmission of high-speed pulse network signals by FC switches, the modulation and demodulation of Bias-T (BIAS-T) are redesigned. The experiment is implemented using Verilog hardware description language (HDL), and Modelsim 10.5 software is adopted to simulate each module of the switch. The switch adopts an 8×N switching structure, which can accurately perform word synchronization. After the link is initialized, the transceivers can send and receive data frames normally. The redesigned BIAS-T is applied to solve the instability of the end of the analog modulation method, and then realize the low distortion and data integrity of the high-speed pulse signal of the FC switch.
Inequality regimes in male-dominated trades: What role do apprenticeship intermediaries (GTOs) play?
Authors: Bamberry Larissa , Bridges Donna , Wulff Elizabeth , Krivokapic-Skoko Branka
Published: June 2022

In Australia and internationally, women continue to be underrepresented in male-dominated trade occupations. A notable barrier is the apprenticeship system, which requires women to overcome obstacles in employment and training. Government and industry stakeholders have encouraged women’s apprenticeships in male-dominated trades through the development of Group Training Organisations’ (GTOs) that operate as intermediaries between apprentices and employers. Extending Acker’s model of workplace inequality regimes, we argue that inequality regimes operate between organisations at an industry-wide level. We ask ‘Do GTOs operate to produce and reproduce workplace and industry-wide inequality regimes? Or can they facilitate improved gender diversity in male-dominated trades?’ Drawing on a recent study of regional tradeswomen’s employment, we find that although GTOs have an important role in facilitating gender diversity, they have inconsistent results in challenging existing inequality regimes. There is a risk that they may become a vector of transmission for workplace inequality regimes to the broader industry.
p57Kip2 regulates embryonic blood stem cells by controlling sympathoadrenal progenitor expansion
Authors: Kapeni Chrysa , Nitsche Leslie , Kilpatrick Alastair M. , Wilson Nicola K. , Xia Kankan , Mirshekar-Syahkal Bahar , Chandrakanthan Vashe , Malouf Camille , Pimanda John E. , Göttgens Berthold , Kirschner Kristina , Tomlinson Simon R. , Ottersbach Katrin
Published: June 2022

Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) are of major clinical importance, and finding methods for their in vitro generation is a prime research focus. We show here that the cell cycle inhibitor p57Kip2/Cdkn1c limits the number of emerging HSCs by restricting the size of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) and the amount of HSC-supportive catecholamines secreted by these cells. This regulation occurs at the SNS progenitor level and is in contrast to the cell-intrinsic function of p57Kip2 in maintaining adult HSCs, highlighting profound differences in cell cycle requirements of adult HSCs compared with their embryonic counterparts. Furthermore, this effect is specific to the aorta-gonad-mesonephros (AGM) region and shows that the AGM is the main contributor to early fetal liver colonization, as early fetal liver HSC numbers are equally affected. Using a range of antagonists in vivo, we show a requirement for intact β2-adrenergic signaling for SNS-dependent HSC expansion. To gain further molecular insights, we have generated a single-cell RNA-sequencing data set of all Ngfr+ sympathoadrenal cells around the dorsal aorta to dissect their differentiation pathway. Importantly, this not only defined the relevant p57Kip2-expressing SNS progenitor stage but also revealed that some neural crest cells, upon arrival at the aorta, are able to take an alternative differentiation pathway, giving rise to a subset of ventrally restricted mesenchymal cells that express important HSC-supportive factors. Neural crest cells thus appear to contribute to the AGM HSC niche via 2 different mechanisms: SNS-mediated catecholamine secretion and HSC-supportive mesenchymal cell production.
Global DNA hypomethylation of colorectal tumours detected in tissue and liquid biopsies may be related to decreased methyl-donor content
Authors: Szigeti Krisztina A. , Kalmár Alexandra , Galamb Orsolya , Valcz Gábor , Barták Barbara K. , Nagy Zsófia B. , Zsigrai Sára , Felletár Ildikó , V. Patai Árpád , Micsik Tamás , Papp Márton , Márkus Eszter , Tulassay Zsolt , Igaz Peter , Takács István , Molnár Béla
Published: June 2022

Background

Hypomethylation of long interspersed nuclear element 1 (LINE-1) is characteristic of various cancer types, including colorectal cancer (CRC). Malfunction of several factors or alteration of methyl-donor molecules’ (folic acid and S-adenosylmethionine) availability can contribute to DNA methylation changes. Detection of epigenetic alterations in liquid biopsies can assist in the early recognition of CRC. Following the investigations of a Hungarian colon tissue sample set, our goal was to examine the LINE-1 methylation of blood samples along the colorectal adenoma-carcinoma sequence and in inflammatory bowel disease. Moreover, we aimed to explore the possible underlying mechanisms of global DNA hypomethylation formation on a multi-level aspect.

Methods

LINE-1 methylation of colon tissue (n = 183) and plasma (n = 48) samples of healthy controls and patients with colorectal tumours were examined with bisulfite pyrosequencing. To investigate mRNA expression, microarray analysis results were reanalysed in silico (n = 60).Immunohistochemistry staining was used to validate DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs)and folate receptor beta(FOLR2)expression along with the determination of methyl-donor molecules’ in situ level (n = 40).

Results

Significantly decreased LINE-1 methylation level was observed in line with cancer progression both in tissue (adenoma: 72.7 ± 4.8%, and CRC: 69.7 ± 7.6% vs. normal: 77.5 ± 1.7%,p ≤ 0.01) and liquid biopsies (adenoma: 80.0 ± 1.7%, and CRC: 79.8 ± 1.3% vs. normal: 82.0 ± 2.0%,p ≤ 0.01). However, no significant changes were recognized in inflammatory bowel disease cases. According to in silico analysis of microarray data, altered mRNA levels of several DNA methylation-related enzymes were detected in tumours vs. healthy biopsies, namely one-carbon metabolism-related genes—which met our analysing criteria—showed upregulation, whileFOLR2was downregulated. Using immunohistochemistry,DNMTs,andFOLR2expression were confirmed. Moreover, significantly diminished folic acid and S-adenosylmethionine levels were observed in parallel with decreasing 5-methylcytosine staining in tumours compared to normal adjacent to tumour tissues (p ≤ 0.05).

Conclusion

Our results suggest that LINE-1 hypomethylation may have a distinguishing value in precancerous stages compared to healthy samples in liquid biopsies. Furthermore, the reduction of global DNA methylation level could be linked to reduced methyl-donor availability with the contribution of decreasedFOLR2expression.
Aflatoxin exposure among children of age 12–59 Months in Butajira District, South-Central Ethiopia: a community based cross-sectional study
Authors: Ayele Mary , Haile Demewoz , Alonso Silvia , Sime Heven , Abera Adugna , Balcha Kifle Habte , Roba Kedir Teji , Guma Geremew Tasew , Endris Bilal Shikur
Published: June 2022

Background

The continued provision of safe food, free of aflatoxin remains a huge challenge in developing countries. Despite several favourable climatic conditions that facilitate aflatoxin contamination in Ethiopia, there is little information showing aflatoxin exposure in children. Therefore, this study assessed aflatoxin exposure among young children in Butajira district, South-Central Ethiopia.

Methods

Community based cross-sectional study stratified by agro-ecology was employed in Health and Demographic Surveillance Site (HDSS) of Butajira. The study included 332 children aged 12–59 months and were selected by simple random sampling technique using the HDSS registration number as a sampling frame. We collected data on dietary practice and aflatoxin exposure. Aflatoxin M1 concentration in urine was measured by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The data analysis was carried out using STATA.

Results

Detectable urinary Aflatoxin M1 was found in 62.4% (95% CI: 56.9 – 67.5%) of the children at a level ranging from 0.15 to 0.4 ng/ml. Children living in lowland agro-ecological zone had [AOR = 2.11 (95% CI; 1.15, 3.88] odds of being exposed to aflatoxin as compared to children living in highland agro-ecological zone. Children at lower socio-economic status [AOR = 0.27 (95% CI; 0.14, 0.50] and medium socio-economic status [AOR = 0.47 (95% CI; 0.25, 0.87] had 73% and 53% lower odds of being exposed to aflatoxin as compared to children in the higher socio-economic status, respectively.

Conclusions

Aflatoxin exposure among young children was very high in South-Central Ethiopia. This high aflatoxin exposure might emphasize the need for aflatoxin exposure mitigation strategies in Ethiopia. Especially, raising awareness of the community towards aflatoxin exposure is very crucial. In addition, further research is required to assess long-term aflatoxin exposure and its association with child growth and development.
Analysis of the effect of meteorological factors on hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome in Taizhou City, China, 2008–2020
Authors: Zhang Rong , Zhang Ning , Sun Wanwan , Lin Haijiang , Liu Ying , Zhang Tao , Tao Mingyong , Sun Jimin , Ling Feng , Wang Zhen
Published: June 2022

Background

Hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) is endemic in Zhejiang Province, China, while few studies have concentrated on the influence of meteorological factors on HFRS incidence in the area.

Methods

Data on HFRS and meteorological factors from January 1, 2008 to December 31, 2020 in Taizhou City, Zhejiang Province were collected. Multivariate analysis was conducted to the relationship between meteorological factors including minimum temperatures, relative humidity, and cumulative rainfall with HFRS.

Results

The HFRS incidence peaked in November and December and it was negatively correlated with average and highest average temperatures. Compared with median of meteorological factors, the relative risks (RR) of weekly average temperature at 12 ℃, weekly highest temperature at 18 ℃relative humidity at 40%, and cumulative rainfall at 240 mm were most significant and RRs were 1.41 (95% CI: 1.09–1.82), 1.32 (95% CI: 1.05–1.66), 2.18 (95% CI: 1.16–4.07), and 1.91 (95% CI: 1.16–2.73), respectively. Average temperature, precipitation, relative humidity had interactions on HFRS and the risk of HFRS occurrence increased with the decrease of average temperature and the increase of precipitation.

Conclusion

Our study results are indicative of the association of environmental factors with the HFRS incidence, probable recommendation could be use of environmental factors as early warning signals for initiating the control measure and response.
Adopting and maintaining a healthy lifestyle in low SES families: How the experience of motherhood shapes responses to dietary and physical activity public health guidance
Authors: Wittels P. , Kay T. , Mansfield L.
Published: June 2022

Background

Public health guidance and associated interventions seek to bring about change in diet and physical activity behaviours to improve life expectancy and healthy life expectancy in the population. Low socioeconomic status (SES) groups suffer from reduced life/healthy life expectancy compared with the population as a whole. This in-depth qualitative study, investigates the lives and experiences of mothers with young children living in a low SES area in a London (UK) borough, to understand the context in which current public health guidance on diet and physical activity is received and viewed, and how this understanding could be used to inform the development of public health guidance and interventions for this group.

Methods

The mothers (n = 20), were recruited from a Surestart Centre, Children’s Centres and through the local branch of a national charity. The mothers took part in a series of three in depth interviews over two years (2016–2017). Thematic analysis was used to generate an iterative set of codes informing an understanding of motherhood, diet and physical activity.

Results

Motherhood was found to be a major factor for understanding and interpreting how women in low SES areas respond to public health guidance on diet and physical activity. The mothers were well informed about dietary guidance, considered that provision of healthy food was critical to the mothering role, but found it difficult to implement the guidance in their own lives. In contrast, physical activity was not seen as integral to the mothering role, although it was acknowledged that it played a part in ensuring that the mothers remained healthy enough to fulfil all their duties. Constrained by the ethic of care, and a lack of material and time resources, the mothers prioritised their family’s health above their own. This study, enabled the mothers to articulate ideas for interventions that would be supportive of a healthy lifestyle and of practical application in their busy lives.

Conclusions

Mothers from this low SES area responded differently to the public health guidance on diet and on physical activity. Whilst providing and modelling a healthy diet was seen as an essential part of the mother’s role, participating in leisure based physical activity was problematic, and unless carefully framed, could be perceived as selfish behaviour, inappropriate for the “good” mother.
Endoscopy-aided retrieval of broken drainage tube after lumbar spine surgery
Authors: Hao Shenshen , Dong Shengli , Li Hongke , Liu Shuai , Chen Honglei , Zhang Zhifang
Published: June 2022

Background

A ruptured drainage tube which remains in the incision is a rare surgical complication. The usual mode of retrieval is to detach the suture and explore the pre-existing incisional wound. However, spinal endoscopy provides an alternative method for successful removal, avoiding the enlargement of the surgical wound.

Case report

A 53-year-old male patient underwent open lumbar spine surgery for lumbar spondylolisthesis between the 5th lumbar and 1st sacral vertebral bodies. Prior to closure, two negative pressure ball drainage tubes were inserted, one of which broke during removal,beneath the fascia. Use of spinal endoscopy enabled the complete removal of the broken drainage tube. Both the original incisional and endoscopic wounds healed well without any sign of infection.

Conclusions

The use of spinal endoscopy to remove the broken drainage tube is an alternative to open the surgical wound and should be took into account.
Factors affecting the use of long term and permanent contraceptive methods: a Facebook-focused cross-sectional study
Authors: Al-Husban Naser , Kaadan Dalia , Foudeh Jude , Ghazi Tara , Sijari Yumen , Maaita Maher
Published: June 2022

Introduction

In the Muslim world, the use and acceptance of long-term and permanent contraceptives were limited. Our aim was to investigate those limiting factors so we can help making these methods widely available and acceptable to the society.

Methods and data analysis

There were 1365 women from Facebook groups in the period 08/10/2020–8/11/2020. Participants were married women, living in Jordan. This was a cross-sectional study. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), version 16, software was used for statistical analysis (Chicago, Illinois, USA).

Results

Among participants, 22.3% had never used any contraceptives. Non-hormonal IUCD was the most commonly used method. There was a statistically significant association between the use of hormonal IUCD and women's age, marriage duration, education and number of children (p < 0.0001). Tubal ligation was adopted by only 44 (3.22%) participants. 19.68% of participants declined tubal ligation merely due to religious issues. Women who completed only high school level of education underwent tubal ligation significantly more than those with university (Bachelor) and post-university (Master or PhD) degrees (p < 0.0001 and 0.026, respectively). Only 1.83% of women's partners underwent vasectomy, the majority of these vasectomies (72.0%) were done because of the need for lifelong contraception. Around 17% of women's partners had poor knowledge about vasectomy. Further, women's employment status (housewives or full-time employees) was found to be the only variable that affected acceptance of vasectomy (p = 0.0047).

Conclusions

Women endured a heavy burden of contraception. Cultural and religious taboos influenced tubal ligation. Vasectomy was still very rarely adopted by men due to the lack of knowledge about the procedure. Our results raised the need for further dissemination of contraception knowledge and counselling through the primary care and maternity centers, mosques and media in official, comprehensive and integrated programs. Future research is needed in the field of permanent contraceptive methods.
Impact of classroom-based MASK-ED™ (KRS simulation) on physiotherapy student clinical performance: a randomized cluster trial
Authors: Ryall Tayne , Preston Elisabeth , Mahendran Niruthikha , Bissett Bernie
Published: June 2022

Background

In physiotherapy there is a growing body of literature exploring the benefits simulation could have in the university-setting, prior to the commencement of work-integrated learning. MASK-ED™ simulation is one form of simulation that could be beneficial for student learning and improve performance in the clinical setting. MASK-ED™ simulation involves an educator donning a silicone mask and portraying a patient role that has been specifically developed to meet learning objectives.

Objective

To evaluate the effectiveness of MASK-ED™ simulation compared to role-play with peers for training pre-clinical physiotherapy students.

Methods

A single-centre, single-blind, cluster randomized trial with concealed allocation, between group post-measures, and intention-to-treat analysis was conducted at an Australian university between February 2018 – January 2021. Participants were 144 physiotherapy students, cluster randomized by tutorial groups (exp n = 70, con n = 74), undertaking their neurological curricula. The experimental group was exposed to MASK-ED™ simulation in five out of a potential thirty-two tutorials (16%) whilst the control continued with role-play with peers. The primary outcome measure was Assessment of Physiotherapy Practice scores from the students’ rehabilitation work-integrated learning clinical placement. These were compared between the experimental and control groups using Mann–Whitney U tests. Secondary outcome measures include practical and written examination scores. These were compared between groups via independent t-tests. Participant satisfaction surveys were also administered to the experimental group.

Results

One hundred thirty-two participants’ (exp n = 62, con n = 72) results were analyzed. There were no significant differences between the experimental and control groups for Assessment of Physiotherapy Practice scores (p = 0.699–0.995). There were no significant differences found between the groups, across the secondary outcome measures. Participants found MASK-ED™ simulation was somewhat helpful for preparing them for clinical practice, however felt that a group setting was not as effective as a one-on-one encounter would have been.

Conclusions

MASK-ED™ simulation was no more effective than role-play with peers in preparing physiotherapy students for work-integrated learning. The influence of the design of simulation on effective learning and the number of classroom-based simulation encounters required to impact clinical performance requires further investigation.