bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of Ferroptosis-Associated Long Noncoding RNA Prognostic Model and Tumor Immune Microenvironment in Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Lin Yongjian , Gan Fu , He Xiaoyu , Deng Huachu , Li Yong
Published: July 2022

Background. Thyroid cancer (TC) is a rapidly increasing incidence of endocrine malignancies, occupying 3% of new cancer incidence, of which 10% has a heterogeneous prognosis. Ferroptosis is a form of cell death distinct from apoptosis, which involves antitumor drug-related research. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) could affect cancer prognosis by regulating the ferroptosis; thus, ferroptosis-associated lncRNAs are emerging as prospective biomarkers for cancer therapy and prognosis. However, the prognostic factors of ferroptosis-associated lncRNAs in this solid tumor and their mechanisms remain unknown. Methods. The TC lncRNA data were extracted from RNA sequencing files of The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Then, we performed a two-cluster analysis and grouped 502 patients with TC in a 7 : 3 ratio. Both the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression and Cox regression analysis were conducted to create and validate the ferroptosis-associated lncRNA prognostic model (Ferr-LPM). Based on the median Ferr-LPM-based risk score (LPM_score) of the training cohort, we categorized patients into high and low LPM_score groups, which were then subjected to prognostic correlation and difference analysis. We also created a nomogram and assessed its predictive ability. Furthermore, immune-related mechanisms were investigated by analyzing the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) and applying algorithms such as CIBERSROT. Results. We built a highly accurate nomogram to promote the clinical applicability of Ferr-LPM. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC-ROC) reached above 0.9. Survival analysis suggested that when the Ferr-LPM score was higher, the overall survival (OS) of patients within this group was shorter. Meanwhile, we found a strong association between Ferr-LPM and TIME. Interestingly, the LPM_score was inversely proportional to the tumor purity but positively related to immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) response. Conclusion. We constructed a novel ferroptosis-associated lncRNA nomogram that could highly predict the prognosis of TC patients. Ferroptosis-associated lncRNAs might possess potential functions in regulating TIME, and lncRNAs provide TC patients with new prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
Application of Big Data Analysis on the Relationship between Career Delayed Gratification and Organizational Socialization Outcomes for New Generation Employees
Authors: Hu Gaoxi , Ting Nie  , Tenfeng Qiu  , Guifeng Tian  , Yaozhong Liu
Published: July 2022

The effect of occupational delayed gratification is that it can prompt individuals to postpone short-term instant gratification in order to pursue more valuable long-term career goals when they encounter a choice of interests, which is very beneficial to the career development of the new generation of employees. Based on extensive literature review and interviews, this paper compiles a pretest questionnaire for investigation and proposes models and hypotheses. For the data of the pretest questionnaire, big data item discrimination analysis, Cronbach’s alpha internal consistency reliability test, and exploratory factor analysis were used to eliminate unreasonable items. From the four aspects of self-evaluation, self-efficacy, self-esteem, and social support, it explains how to cultivate and improve the career delayed gratification of the new generation of employees, so that they can make the right choice between short-term and long-term benefits, setbacks, and success, thereby improving the organizational socialization outcome relationship.
Study on Tourism Consumer Behavior and Countermeasures Based on Big Data
Authors: Li Jing , Cao Bin
Published: July 2022

In our study, through consulting, summarizing, and analyzing a large number of related literature studies on tourism consumer behavior, tourism big data, text data analysis, and so on, a framework of research ideas on tourism consumption was constructed. The train browser, NLPIR, and other software packages are used to crawl, preprocess, and mine the travel sample data, and the word frequency analysis, co-occurrence analysis, content analysis, sentiment analysis, network analysis, and other methods are used to analyze the characteristics and decision-making behavior of tourists. Based on the results of behavioral analysis, we proposed tourism development strategies from three aspects: reforming and promoting tourism marketing strategies, improving tourism product and service quality, and improving tourism destination management methods. The results show that (1) for the tourist characteristics, taking into account the factors of climate and geographical location, the domestic market is divided into four grades of markets, and different marketing strategies are adopted according to different market characteristics; (2) for the tourism decision-making behavior, a “push-pull resistance” tourism decision-making model was established through word frequency analysis, co-occurrence analysis, and content analysis; (3) for the tourism consumption preferences, through network analysis of scenic spots, it is found that there are three tourist routes preferred by tourists; and (4) for the tourism perception evaluation behavior, based on the “cognitive-emotional” model, this study describes the tourism image from the two dimensions of the cognitive image and emotional image. Generally speaking, tourists show a positive perception state. The research on tourism consumer behavior based on UGC (user-generated content) data can help scenic spots and other tourism companies to understand the characteristics and rules of tourists’ behavior, understand the consumption preferences of different tourism groups, develop diversified tourism products, improve the quality of tourism services, and further cater to market segments. This research provides a new idea for tourist attractions and tourism management departments to monitor tourist behavior through big data analysis.
Is the Critical Care Resuscitation Unit Sustainable: A 5-Year Experience of a Beneficial and Novel Model
Authors: Powell Elizabeth , Sahadzic Iana , Najafali Daniel , Berman Emilie , Andersen Katie , Afridi Leenah Z. , Gasparotti Zoe , Niles Erin , Rea Jeffrey , Scalea Thomas , Haase Daniel J. , Tran Quincy K.
Published: July 2022

Background. The 6-bed critical care resuscitation unit (CCRU) is a unique and specialized intensive care unit (ICU) that streamlines the interhospital transfer (IHT—transfer between different hospitals) process for a wide range of patients with critical illness or time-sensitive disease. Previous studies showed the unit successfully increased the number of ICU admissions while reducing the time of transfer in the first year of its establishment. However, its sustainability is unknown. Methods. This was a descriptive retrospective analysis of adult, non-trauma patients who were transferred to an 800-bed quaternary medical center. Patients transferred to our medical center between January 1, 2014 and December 31, 2018 were eligible. We used interrupted time series (ITS) and descriptive analyses to describe the trend and compare the transfer process between patients who were transferred to the CCRU versus those transferred to other adult inpatient units. Results. From 2014 to 2018, 50,599 patients were transferred to our medical center; 31,582 (62%) were non-trauma adults. Compared with the year prior to the opening of the CCRU, ITS showed a significant increase in IHT after the establishment of the CCRU. The CCRU received a total of 7,788 (25%) IHTs during this period or approximately 20% of total transfers per year. Most transfers (41%) occurred via ground. Median and interquartile range [IQR] of transfer times to other ICUs (156 [65–1027] minutes) were longer than the CCRU (46 [22–139] minutes,

P
<
0.001

). For the CCRU, the most common accepting services were cardiac surgery (16%), neurosurgery (11%), and emergency general surgery (10%). Conclusions. The CCRU increases the overall number of transfers to our institution, improves patient access to specialty care while decreasing transfer time, and continues to be a sustainable model over time. Additional research is needed to determine if transferring patients to the CCRU would continue to improve patients’ outcomes and hospital revenue.
Two New Modifications of the Exp-Function Method for Solving the Fractional-Order Hirota-Satsuma Coupled KdV
Authors: Ayati Z. , Badiepour A.
Published: July 2022

Two novel modifications of the exp-function method have been suggested to solve the nonlinear system of the partial differential equation of the fractional order for the first time. The fractional-order Hirota-Satsuma coupled KdV system has been solved precisely; as a result, some exact solutions, which include soliton-type and rational solutions, will be derived. Eventually, the graphs of the obtained results have been illustrated at the end of the article. The newly used methods are highly accurate, flexible, effective, and programmable to solve fractional-order devices.
The Characteristics of Fear of Recurrence and the Effect of Cognitive-Behavioral Stress Management Intervention in Patients after Radiofrequency Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Chen Juan , Qian Lu , Chen Cuilian , Wang Xiaoling
Published: July 2022

The aim of this study was to grasp the current situation of fear of recurrence in patients after radiofrequency ablation of atrial fibrillation and to explore the application effect of cognitive-behavioral stress management in patients with fear of recurrence after radiofrequency ablation of atrial fibrillation. From July 2020 to July 2021, 150 patients with fear of recurrence of atrial fibrillation after radiofrequency ablation in our hospital were divided into a control group and an intervention group, with 75 cases in each group. Both groups received conventional nursing methods, and the intervention group received 8 weeks of cognitive-behavioral stress management. Before the intervention and after the intervention, the general situation questionnaire, the Chinese version of the Fear Disease Progression Simplified Scale (FoP-Q-SF), the Perceived Stress Scale (CPSS), and the Positive Psychological Capital Questionnaire (PPQ) were used for evaluation. Before the intervention, there were no significant differences in general data, degree of fear of recurrence, stress perception, and psychological capital scores between the two groups (

P
>
0.05

). After 8 weeks of cognitive-behavioral stress management intervention, the fear recurrence, the total score of stress perception, and the scores of each dimension in the intervention group were significantly lower than those in the control group, and the psychological capital score was significantly higher than that in the control group, with statistically significant differences (

P
<
0.05

). Cognitive-behavioral stress management method can significantly reduce the fear of recurrence and stress level of patients after radiofrequency ablation of atrial fibrillation, and improve their psychological capital level.
Preparation and Characterization of Alkaline and Acidic Heterogeneous Carbon-Based Catalysts and Their Application in Vegetable Oil Transesterification to Obtain Biodiesel
Authors: Díaz-Muñoz L. L. , Reynel-Ávila H. E. , Mendoza-Castillo D. I. , Bonilla-Petriciolet A. , Jáuregui-Rincón J.
Published: July 2022

This paper reports the preparation, evaluation, and comparison of alkaline and acidic heterogeneous carbon-based catalysts in the transesterification of safflower oil with methanol to obtain biodiesel. These catalysts were obtained from the pyrolysis of flamboyant pods and their functionalization and activation with potassium hydroxide, citric acid, tartaric acid, sulfuric acid, and calcium nitrate. Different routes for the preparation of these catalysts were tested and analyzed where the FAME formation was the target variable to be improved. Results showed that the catalyst prepared with potassium hydroxide and calcium nitrate achieved the highest FAME formation (i.e., 95%) and outperformed the catalysts prepared with calcium nitrate and other acids even after four regeneration-reaction cycles. The best properties of an alkaline catalyst could be associated with its specific surface area and contents of potassium and calcium moieties, which were higher than those observed for acidic catalysts. Transesterification rates for biodiesel production were better estimated with the pseudo-order kinetic model, which ranged from 0.0004 to 0.038 L/mol⋅min for alkaline and acidic catalysts.
The Influence Mechanism of Education on Health from the Sustainable Development Perspective
Authors: Hui Hui
Published: July 2022

Good health and quality education are two important goals of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). More and more people pay attention to physical and mental health in a pandemic age. Previous studies have paid more attention to the relationship between socioeconomic status and health, and also scholars at home and abroad have not reached a consistent conclusion on how education affects health. In this study, we try to explore the relationship between education and health from the sustainable development perspective and its internal influence mechanism through the data of China General Social Survey (CGSS) in 2015 and 2017, according to Grossman’s health demand model. The results indicated that from the junior high school education, physical health improved with the increase of the education level, but this effect was gradually weakened. The relationship between education and mental health is not a simple linear relationship but an inverted U‐shaped change. After 16 years of education, mental health gradually decreases. Compared with women and rural population, men and urban population have better health. Education leads to labor market segmentation, which makes people with different education levels in different social structure positions, resulting in differentiation of lifestyles, psychology, and social interaction, and this ultimately leads to health inequality. Education indirectly improves people’s health by changing healthy behaviors, cultivating healthy psychology, and strengthening social interactions.
[Retracted] Knowledge and Behavior toward Venous Thromboembolism Event Prophylaxis and Treatment Protocols among Medical Interns in Riyadh
Authors: Al Aseri Zohair , Muammar Jumanah Meshari , Aldakkan Najd Fahad , Alhazmi Afnan A. , Albraik Hadeel Hamad , Alasmari Aeshah Abdullah , Ashry Lyla Mohammed , Ahmed Shaik S. , Aleem Aamer
Published: July 2022

Objective. This study was aimed at evaluating the knowledge and behavior toward venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis among medical interns. Methods. This is a questionnaire‐based cross‐sectional observational cohort study of medical interns that used a validated questionnaire. The questionnaire comprised of items that assessed behavior, knowledge, and self‐assessment of VTE risk factors, diagnosis, and prophylaxis. The study was conducted in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from October 2020 till September 2021. Results. The respondents were 246 medical interns. The overall rate of correct responses to behavior items was 41.82%. The overall rate of correct responses to knowledge items was 47.35%. A total of 61.8% responded negatively to the use of VTE risk assessment guidelines (p < 0.0001). For the self‐assessment of knowledge of VTE, more than 70% believed they did not have appropriate knowledge, were not prepared to establish the risk of VTE, and were not prepared to provide adequate prophylaxis for VTE (p < 0.0001). A high proportion of medical interns (83.3%, p < 0.0001) believed they needed further training on this topic. Conclusion. Participants in this study showed poor knowledge and negative behavior regarding the assessment of risk factors, diagnosis, and prophylaxis of VTE. The majority of participants reported they needed training on this topic. These findings underscore the need for educational programs during undergraduate training and orientation of medical interns for VTE risk assessment, diagnosis, and prophylaxis at the beginning of their internship.
Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Brain Function and Emergence Agitation of Patients with Dexmedetomidine-Assisted General Anesthesia under Comfortable Nursing Intervention
Authors: Gao Jingnan , Zheng Qiao , Liu Mingmin , Bao Jie
Published: July 2022

In order to explore the effects of dexmedetomidine (DEX) on functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and emergence agitation of patients who underwent general anesthesia surgery with sevoflurane under comfortable nursing intervention, 66 patients who received upper abdominal surgery were selected as research objects. According to nursing and anesthesia methods, the patients were randomly divided into control group (routine nursing and anesthesia), group A (routine nursing and DEX-assisted anesthesia), and group B (comfortable nursing and DEX-assisted anesthesia). The differences in the brain fMRI characteristics, hemodynamic indexes, anesthesia recovery indexes, and nursing satisfaction in the perioperative period were evaluated. The results showed that the regional homogeneity values were different in different brain regions, but there was no difference in the Z value of functional connectivity

P
>
0.05

. Compared with the control group, heart rate, mean arterial pressure, awakening time, extubation time, the Riker sedation-agitation scale (SAS) score, and anesthetic dosage were signally decreased in group A and group B, while the Ramsay scores, the postanesthesia care unit (PACU) stay, and anesthesia maintenance time in the two groups was obviously increased

P
<
0.05

. Compared with group A, the extubation time, the SAS score, PACU stay, and hospital stay were all remarkably reduced in group B, while the nursing satisfaction score was greatly increased

P
<
0.05

. To sum up, DEX was helpful to safely and effectively reduce the occurrence of emergence agitation in patients under general anesthesia surgery with sevoflurane. Besides, comfortable nursing intervention could further reduce the incidence of emergence agitation in patients with general anesthesia, shorten the length of hospital stay, and improve nursing satisfaction.
Cloud Storage Model Based on the BGV Fully Homomorphic Encryption in the Blockchain Environment
Authors: Huang Jie , Wu Dehua
Published: July 2022

Blockchain is a distributed time-series database. Based on the blockchain platform, this paper designs the framework model of cloud storage and designs the cloud storage model based on homomorphic encryption based on the operation process of the model. According to the applicability of underlying blockchain storage, the HElib library is established as the algorithm for data privacy protection. The BGV homomorphic encryption algorithm is used as the bottom layer of the algorithm, and the efficiency of the BGV homomorphic encryption algorithm is compared with that of the Gentry’s bootstrap-based homomorphic encryption algorithm. It is proved that the BGV algorithm is more suitable for big data.
Effect of Blended Teaching Mode in Colleges and Universities Based on Automation Technology on College Students’ English Performance
Authors: Yan Wenjuan
Published: July 2022

In today’s society, the rapid development of information technology has had a profound impact on human work and life as well as on education. In recent years, the rapid development of the Internet and information technology has laid a solid foundation for the digital transmission of information, which has changed the mode of information transmission and improved the efficiency of information dissemination. As an important part of network information dissemination, blended teaching is rapidly developing from an on-demand learning platform to an interactive learning platform and has now become a blended teaching platform in China. The main problem of the current blended teaching model is that the effect of improving performance is not good. In order to solve this problem, this paper introduces automation technology, which can significantly improve the extraction accuracy of information extraction methods in specific fields by using rich domain knowledge and features and complete the extraction tasks at multiple levels. The automation method based on automation technology has great advantages in this regard and effectively improves the English performance. Two groups of voluntary college students were randomly selected to conduct a one-semester blended teaching model designed in this paper to investigate the ’students’ English scores. The average grades of students were 95.2, 96.7, 96.8, and 97.2, respectively, which is a big improvement over the existing system.
A Federated Learning-Based Fault Detection Algorithm for Power Terminals
Authors: Hou Shuai , Lu Jizhe , Zhu Enguo , Zhang Hailong , Ye Aliaosha
Published: July 2022

Power terminal is an important part of the power grid, and fault detection of power terminals is essential for the safety of the power grid. Existing fault detection of power terminals is usually based on artificial intelligent or deep learning models in the cloud or edge servers to achieve high accuracy and low latency. However, these methods cannot protect the privacy of the terminals and update the detection model incrementally. A terminal-edge-server collaborative fault detection model based on federated learning is proposed in this study to improve the accuracy of fault detection, reduce the data transmission and protect the privacy of the terminals. The fault detection model is initially trained in the server using historical data and updated using the parameters of local models from edge servers according to different updating strategies, then the parameters will be sent to each edge server and further to all terminals. Each edge server updates the local model via the compressed system log from terminals in its coverage region, and each terminal uses the model to detect fault according to the system behavior in the log. Experiment results show that this fault detection algorithm has high accuracy and low latency, and the accuracy increases with more model updating.
Availability and Access to Medications for Puberty Induction and Maintenance in Adolescents with Hypogonadism in the Arab Region
Authors: Deeb A. , AlSaffar H. , Hamza R. T. , Abass M. , Habeb A. M.
Published: July 2022

Background. Inducing puberty in hypogonadal patients enables achieving normal final adult height and healthy bone mass accrual and improves fertility potential. Reliable availability and access to medicines remain a challenge around the world, particularly in low-income countries. Aim. We aimed to describe the availability/access to medications used for inducing and maintaining puberty in centers within the Arab region. Method. A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a link to an online questionnaire, which was emailed to paediatric endocrinologists in the Arab region. The questionnaire consisted of three questions related to the availability of various forms of sex hormones. Results. 99 physicians from 16 countries participated in the study. The commonest available form of estrogen was conjugated estrogen (29% of centers), followed by ethinylestradiol (26%). Depot estradiol was available in 11 centers, while topical estrogen preparations of gel and patches were available in 6 and 10 centers, respectively. Medroxy progesterone was available in 26% of the centers, followed by norethisterone (24%). The combined forms of oral and transdermal patches of estrogen/progesterone were available in 35% and 9% of centers, respectively. Intramuscular testosterone (Sustanon) was the most commonly available preparation of testosterone, followed by the depot injection (Nebido), oral testosterone, and testosterone gel and cream. Conclusions. We report the first available data on medications used for puberty induction and maintenance in paediatric hypogonadism in the Arab region. Recommended preparations for this purpose are not widely available. Creating an essential list of medications used in paediatric endocrinology disorders might improve availability, access, and consequently practice.
Modeling and Performance Analysis of a Fault-Tolerant 3D Photonic Network-on-Chip Based on Hybrid Photonics–Plasmonics
Authors: Zhixun Liang , Chuanpei Xu , Lvqing Bi , Yunying Shi , Yunfei Yi , Cong Hu
Published: July 2022

The performance of electro-optic modulators and optical routers and their routing algorithms are the key factors affecting the performance of networks on optical chips. This paper improves the mesh 3-dimensional photonic network-on-chip (3D-PNoC) topology. An SPP hybrid silicon-based electro-optic modulator and an improved fault-tolerant SPP router are used to improve the performance of the network on an optical chip. SPP switching and SPP MRR are combined to form a fault-tolerant SPP router. On this basis, an improved genetic optimization routing algorithm is implemented on the improved mesh 3D PNoC topology, which completes the data exchange of the IP core of the network on the optical chip. Compared with the case of traditional optoelectronic devices, the performance of on-chip optical networks can be improved effectively. The simulation results show that upon the application of the improved genetic optimization routing algorithm to the improved mesh 3D PNoC topology, the average end-to-end delay is reduced by 32.9%, the throughput rate is increased by 28.5%, and the system power consumption is reduced by 27.6%. On the other hand, the average insertion loss and noise of optical routers are increased by 2.94 dB and 2.95 dB, respectively.
Irisin Ameliorates Intervertebral Disc Degeneration by Activating LATS/YAP/CTGF Signaling
Authors: Chen Taiqiu , Lin Youxi , Wu Zizhao , Shi Huihong , Hu Wenjun , Li Shaoguang , Que Yichen , Qiu Jincheng , Li Pengfei , Qiu Xianjian , Liang Tongzhou , Wang Xudong , Gao Bo , Zhou Hang , Deng Zhihuai , Chen Yanbo , Zhu Yuanxin , Peng Yan , Liang Anjing , Gao Wenjie , Huang Dongsheng
Published: July 2022

Unbalanced metabolism of an extracellular matrix (ECM) in nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs) is widely acknowledged as the primary cause of intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD). Irisin, a novel myokine, is cleaved from fibronectin type III domain-containing 5 (FNDC5) and has recently been proven to regulate the metabolism of ECM. However, little is known about its potential on NPCs and the development of IDD. Therefore, this study sought to examine the protective effects and molecular mechanism of irisin on IDD in vivo and in vitro. Decreased expression levels of FNDC5 and anabolism markers (COL2A1 and ACAN) but increased levels of catabolism markers (ADAMTS4) were found in degenerative nucleus pulposus (NP) tissues. In a punctured-induced rat IDD model, irisin treatment was found to significantly slow the development of IDD, and in TNF-α-stimulated NPCs, irisin treatment partly reversed the disorder of ECM metabolism. In mechanism, RNA-seq results suggested that irisin treatment affected the Hippo signaling pathway. Further studies revealed that with irisin treatment, the phosphorylation levels of key factors (LATS and YAP) were downregulated, while the expression level of CTGF was upregulated. Moreover, CTGF knockdown partially eliminated the protective effects of irisin on the metabolism of ECM in NPCs, including inhibiting the anabolism and promoting the catabolism. Taken together, this study demonstrated that the expression levels of FNDC5 were decreased in degenerative NP tissues, while irisin treatment promoted the anabolism, inhibited the catabolism of the ECM in NPCs, and delayed the progression of IDD via LATS/YAP/CTGF signaling. These results shed light on the protective actions of irisin on NPCs, leading to the development of a novel therapeutic target for treating IDD.
The Impact of Maternal Age on the Neonatal Electrocardiogram
Authors: Pærregaard Maria Munk , Hartmann Joachim , Vøgg Ottilia , Pietersen Adrian , Boyd Heather A. , Raja Anna Axelsson , Iversen Kasper Karmark , Bundgaard Henning , Christensen Alex Hørby
Published: July 2022

Background: Previous studies have suggested an increased prevalence of congenital heart disease among children born to women aged ≥35 years. In recent decades, the mother’s age at childbirth has increased dramatically in industrialized countries. It has not been investigated if increasing maternal age affects the neonatal cardiac electrical system. Methods: The Copenhagen Baby Heart Study is a prospective general population study that performed cardiac evaluation in newborns. Electrocardiograms were analyzed with a computerized algorithm. Results: We included 16,518 newborns with normal echocardiograms (median age 11 days; range 0–30 days; 52% boys). Median maternal age at delivery was 31 years; 790 newborns were born to mothers aged between 16 and 24 years, 11,403 between 25 and 34 years, 4,279 between 35 and 44 years, and 46 newborns had mothers aged between 45 and 54 years. The QRS axis and maximum R-wave amplitude in V1 (R-V1) differed across the four maternal age groups (both p < 0.01), with absolute differences of 3.5% (114 vs. 110°) and 12% (1,152 vs. 1,015 µV), respectively, between newborns with the youngest and oldest mothers. Associations between maternal age and the QRS axis and R-V1 remained significant after multifactorial adjustment. Heart rate, PR interval, QRS duration, uncorrected QT interval, QTcBazett, and maximum amplitudes of S-V1, R-V6, and S-V6 were not associated with maternal age (all p > 0.05). Conclusion: We observed a significant association between maternal age and the neonatal QRS axis and R-V1. However, the absolute differences were relatively small and maternal age is unlikely to have a clinically significant effect on the neonatal cardiac electrical system.
Tissue Fixation with a Formic Acid-Deprived Formalin Better Preserves DNA Integrity over Time
Authors: Berrino Enrico , Annaratone Laura , Detillo Paolo , Grassini Dora , Bragoni Alberto , Sapino Anna , Bussolati Benedetta , Bussolati Giovanni , Marchiò Caterina
Published: July 2022

Introduction: Optimization of pre-analytic procedures and tissue processing is a basic requirement for reliable and reproducible data to be obtained. Tissue fixation in formalin represents the extensively favored method for surgical tissue specimen processing in diagnostic pathology; however, formalin fixation exerts a blasting effect on DNA and RNA. Methods: A formic acid-deprived formaldehyde solution was prepared by removing acids with an ion-exchange basic resin and the concentrated, acid-deprived formaldehyde (ADF) solution was employed to prepare a 4% ADF solution in 0.1 M phosphate buffer, pH 7.2–7.4. Human (n = 27) and mouse (n = 20) tissues were fixed in parallel and similar conditions in either ADF or neutral buffered formalin (NBF). DNAs and RNAs were extracted, and fragmentation analyses were performed. Results: Besides no significant differences in terms of extraction yield and absorbance ratio, ADF fixation reduced DNA fragmentation, i.e., the largest fragments (>5,000 bp) were significantly more prevalent in the DNAs purified from ADF-fixed tissues (p < 0.001 in both cohorts). Moreover, we observed that DNA preservation is more stable in ADF-fixed tissue compared to NBF-fixed tissues. Conclusion: Although DNA fragmentation in FFPE tissues is a multifactor process, we showed that the removal of formic acid is responsible for a significant improvement in DNA preservation.
Refractive Outcomes of Combined Cataract Surgery and Vitrectomy Compared to Cataract Surgery Alone
Authors: Kokame Gregg T. , Tanji Tarin T. , Yanagihara Ryan T. , Shantha Jessica G. , Nirwan Rajinder S. , Tanji Troy M.
Published: July 2022

Purpose: The aim of the study was to evaluate the refractive outcomes of combined cataract surgery and vitrectomy compared to cataract surgery alone. Methods: This retrospective chart review study included two groups: (1) combined surgery in 103 eyes (101 patients) who underwent cataract surgery with posterior chamber intraocular lens (PCIOL) placement by a single cataract surgeon and vitrectomy by a single vitreoretinal surgeon at the same surgical setting; (2) cataract surgery alone by the same surgeon in 107 eyes (84 patients). Refractive outcomes and complications between the combined and cataract surgery alone group were compared. The predicted refractive error was compared to postoperative refractive outcomes in both groups, surgically induced astigmatism (SIA), intraoperative or postoperative complications of either cataract surgery or vitrectomy, and cystoid macular edema. Results: There was no statistically significant difference between predicted and actual postoperative refractive outcomes between the combined and cataract surgery alone groups (within ±0.5 diopters [D], p = 0.099; within ±1.0 D, p = 0.721). There was no difference in SIA refractive outcomes between the two groups (p = 0.509). The use of intraoperative gas for retina tamponade did not significantly affect postoperative refractive outcomes. Both cataract surgery and vitrectomy were successfully performed without unexpected complications from either procedure affecting the other. Discussion/Conclusion: Combined cataract surgery and vitrectomy allows excellent refractive outcomes equal to cataract surgery alone, allowing each procedure to be performed independently by separate anterior and posterior segment surgeons. Combined procedures can be performed in eyes with a variety of retinal indications and can include fluid-gas exchange with minimal risk of PCIOL malposition or change in targeted refraction.
Neck Circumference Predicts the Occurrence and Remission of Metabolic Associated Fatty Liver Disease: A Longitudinal Study of Community-Dwelling Population
Authors: Cao Weijie , Xu Yiting , Shen Yun , Wang Yufei , Ma Xiaojing , Bao Yuqian
Published: July 2022

Aim: Neck circumference (NC), a proxy for upper-body subcutaneous fat, is closely related to metabolic dysfunction, independent of other obesity indices. The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between NC and the incidence and remission of metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), a novel concept proposed by an international consensus panel in 2020 through a community-based longitudinal cohort. Methods: This study included 1,549 community participants and was conducted from 2013 to 2016. MAFLD was diagnosed using the International Expert Consensus (2020) criteria. All participants underwent NC measurement and biochemical measurements. Elevated NC was defined as NC ≥38.5 cm in men and NC ≥34.5 cm in women. Results: A total of 1,549 subjects (638 men and 911 women), with an average age of 59.6 ± 7.3 years, were included. During a mean follow-up of 2.1 years, MAFLD occurred in 146 of the 870 participants without baseline MAFLD and was resolved in 225 of the 679 participants with baseline MAFLD. After adjusting for confounding factors such as age, sex, body mass index, waist circumference, fasting plasma glucose, and liver enzyme levels, multivariable logistic regression showed that higher NC at baseline was positively correlated with MAFLD occurrence (OR 1.96, 95% confidence interval: 1.21–3.31; p = 0.003) and negatively correlated with MAFLD remission (OR 0.57, 95% confidence interval: 0.40–0.80; p < 0.001). Conclusion: A higher NC is associated with an increased risk of MAFLD occurrence and a reduced probability of MAFLD remission, making NC measurement a potential predictor in MAFLD management.
Long‐Term Outcomes of Pulmonary Vein Isolation in Patients With Brugada Syndrome and Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Bisignani Antonio , Conte Giulio , Pannone Luigi , Sieira Juan , Del Monte Alvise , Lipartiti Felicia , Bala Gezim , Miraglia Vincenzo , Monaco Cinzia , Ströker Erwin , Overeinder Ingrid , Almorad Alexandre , Gauthey Anaïs , Franchetti Pardo Livia , Raes Matthias , Detriche Olivier , Brugada Pedro , Auricchio Angelo , Chierchia Gian‐Battista , de Asmundis Carlo
Published: July 2022

Background

Pharmacological treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF) in the setting of Brugada syndrome (BrS) is challenging. In addition, patients with BrS with an implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator (ICD) might experience inappropriate shocks for fast AF. Long‐term outcome of pulmonary vein isolation in BrS has not been well established yet, and it is still unclear whether pulmonary vein triggers are the only pathophysiological mechanism of AF in BrS. The aim of the study is to assess the long‐term outcomes in patients with BrS undergoing pulmonary vein isolation for paroxysmal AF compared with a matched cohort of patients without BrS.

Methods and Results

Sixty patients with BrS undergoing pulmonary vein isolation with cryoballoon catheter ablation for paroxysmal AF were matched with 60 patients without BrS, who underwent the same procedure. After a mean follow‐up of 58.2±31.7 months, freedom from atrial tachyarrhythmias was achieved in 61.7% in the BrS group and in 78.3% in the non‐BrS group (log‐rank
P
=0.047). In particular, freedom from AF was 76.7% in the first group and in 83.3% in the second (
P
=0.27), while freedom from atrial tachycardia/atrial flutter was 85% and 95% (
P
=0.057). In the BrS group, 29 patients (48.3%) had an ICD and 8 (27.6%) had a previous ICD‐inappropriate shock for fast AF. In the BrS cohort, ICD‐inappropriate interventions for AF were significantly reduced after ablation (3.4% versus 27.6%;
P
=0.01).

Conclusions

Pulmonary vein isolation in patients with BrS was associated with higher rate of arrhythmic recurrence. Despite this, catheter ablation significantly reduced inappropriate ICD interventions in BrS patients and can be considered a therapeutic strategy to prevent inappropriate device therapies.
Matricide, Myth, and the Great Mother: An Asian Ecofeminist Reading of Seolmundae (the Creator of Jeju Island in Korea) and Nüwa (the Protector Goddess of Chinese Mythology)
Authors: Oh Jea Sophia
Published: July 2022

This study is an Asian ecofeminist reading of two Great Mother Goddesses, Seolmundae (the Creator of Jeju Island in Korea) and Nüwa (the Protector Goddess of Chinese mythology). Nüwa (yin) cannot be reduced to just a counter part of Fuxi (yang) while Seolmundae cannot be shadowed as one of many other creation myths. Rather, they are the Great Mother, the Divine Feminine as the fecundity of Life, the healing Spirit, and the caring Heart which we have to discover and rescue from our forgotten histories to transform violent culture into caring and healing culture. The purpose of this study is to say yes to salim (enlivening, healing, caring-Life with a capital L) and to say no to disruptions of Life (war, violence, destroying nature) as we witness the physical and spiritual sufferings and degradation caused by oppression of those that rendered subaltern. Discovering the Goddess is our ethical imperative for expanding healing culture and loving nature and recognizing the agencies/subjectivities of the subaltern, including Asian women and nature.
Biblical Exegesis and Systematic Theology
Authors: Huijgen Arnold , van Bekkum Koert , Burger Hans
Published: July 2022

Notwithstanding the legitimate distinction between biblical studies and systematic theology, these disciplines can and should benefit from each other. On the one hand, biblical studies deals with texts that make claims about God that are read primarily in a liturgical context by people with a faith commitment. Accordingly, while the distantiation of an academic approach is helpful, a systematic theological dimension enriches the otherwise rather naturalistic biblical studies. On the other hand, systematic theology needs biblical studies. Historical Christian theology shows that abstract theology without engagement with biblical studies becomes arid. Current emphases on history, language, narrative, and Israel offer opportunities to connect the two disciplines. This article sketches a methodology for the mutual benefit of biblical studies and systematic theology.
A Truly African Christianity
Authors: Larsen Timothy
Published: July 2022

John Gachango Gatũ (1925–2017) was one of the most prominent and important Kenyan church leaders of his generation. He was the first African to serve as general secretary of the Presbyterian Church of East Africa, and then went on to be moderator. He also held influential positions in numerous Christian organizations, including the All Africa Conference of Churches and the World Council of Churches. He is best remembered for his call, first issued in 1971, for a moratorium on Western missionaries and resources in the developing world. At the time, this controversial proposal also led to some discussion about whether or not he was a still an Evangelical. Gatũ published three books in the twenty-first century, including a substantial autobiography, and in the light of these it is now possible to assess his thought and his entire life and ministry on their own terms. When that is done it become apparent that he emphasized three distinctives of his churchmanship: he was a revivalist who was deeply committed to the East African Revival Movement; an ecumenist who worked tirelessly for Christian cooperation and unity; and, perhaps most of all, an Africanist who continually sought to inhabit and commend a truly African Christianity.
A Reformed Engagement with Bulgakov’s Doctrine of Wisdom
Authors: McCracken Kyle
Published: July 2022

This article engages Sergei Bulgakov’s doctrine of divine wisdom with key reference to the work Sophia the Wisdom of God. It is proposed that Bulgakov viewed the life of the Orthodox Church as a form of living wisely within the world. Following a general overview of his doctrine of Sophia, it is shown that Bulgakov viewed Mariology and Eucharist as key indicators of the life of wisdom within the world. The article closes with a Reformed reflection.
“My Holy Mountain”
Authors: Hausoul Raymond R.
Published: July 2022

In recent years there has been an increased focus within the field of eschatology on a future peace for all creatures. This article examines how the geographical designation “my holy mountain” in Isaiah 11 and 65 may influence these speculations. It discusses recent propositions for an eschatological peace among animals and develops a proposal from the geographical designation in which it demonstrates how this (1) influences the perspective of continuity and discontinuity in the eschaton, (2) emphasizes a gradual-immanent transformation of all creatures, (3) takes into account the uniqueness of creatures, (4) and relates this to the concept of the Sabbath as representative of the eschaton.
Guilt Concepts in Reformed Doctrines on Original Sin
Authors: Vorster Nico
Published: July 2022

This research aims to identify the guilt concepts used in Reformed doctrines on the origin and transmission of sin and to evaluate them in light of the criteria of biblical authenticity, rational plausibility, fairgrounds of culpability, and the principle of causing non-harm. The results show that the Reformed tradition predominantly employs the notions of original guilt, inherited guilt, collective ‘species’ guilt (realism), ‘devolved’ collective guilt (federalism), and actual guilt. Actual guilt is the only guilt concept that satisfies all of the stated criteria, as it preserves the link between human agency and human accountability. The question that flows from this observation is: Can Reformed original sin doctrines be purged from harmful guilt concepts without subverting the essence of the doctrine? The article suggests that the notion of actual guilt is perfectly capable of carrying the basic message of the original sin doctrines, provided that we keep the personal and collective dimensions of actual guilt together and that we refrain from espousing comprehensive causal-explanatory theories on the transmission of sin.
The Thursday Murder Club
Authors: Barker David , Mitchell Cat
Published: July 2022

In 2020, the Christmas book charts in the UK made headlines: Barack Obama’s eagerly awaited autobiography, The Promised Land, was beaten to the top spot by The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman, a debut cosy crime novel set in a retirement village. Not only did Osman’s book beat the former US president’s expected bestseller, it also broke records, becoming the fastest-selling debut crime novel of all time. Although Osman has a certain level of fame in the UK from his TV appearances on shows such as Pointless, his celebrity status does not entirely explain the novel’s huge sales. This article tracks the acquisition, publication, and promotion journey of The Thursday Murder Club in order to understand the industry and cultural context of its success and to interrogate the role of celebrity in the creation of author brands. The findings suggest that the unexpected scale of the success of the book owed to a number of factors, including in-depth editing by the novel’s agent, editor, and author to tighten up the plot, an extensive and strategic promotional campaign, the pandemic (which drove interest in the book’s genre and themes), and the quality of the writing. We find that the book’s success was accentuated by Osman’s celebrity status rather than being entirely reliant on it. This research adds to the growing scholarship on celebrity authorship by means of an in-depth case study and provides insight into the processes behind publishing a ‘celebrity’ book and launching a megabrand author.
Minority-Language Publishing
Authors: Miller Samantha
Published: July 2022

Afrikaans is regarded as a peripheral language in the global polysystem of language, as well as a minority language in terms of the proportion of South Africa’s people who speak this language. In order to expand the market for Afrikaans trade books and to position Afrikaans literature internationally, there needs to be more visibility and resourcing, translation rights need to be sold, and South African publishing to be positively rebranded. This article explores the challenges and opportunities of Afrikaans publishing, applies polysystems theory as a theoretical framework, undertakes a comprehensive literature review, and discusses findings from interviews with trade publishers and observations at the Frankfurt Book Fair.
« Le tour du monde d’un universitaire ». Significations du voyage de Lucien Lévy-Bruhl en 1920 pour l’histoire de l’anthropologie sociale
Authors: Keck Frédéric
Published: July 2022

Lucien Lévy-Bruhl effectue un voyage autour du monde en 1920 qui le conduit à prendre part aux controverses coloniales sur la vaccination aux Philippines. Cet article interroge la signification d’une telle controverse dans le cadre d’une anthropologie positiviste qui prétend totaliser les modes de penser « primitifs » et « civilisé » pour un sociologue typique. En mobilisant les figures de Jules Verne et d’Alfred Dreyfus, il montre que le tour du monde social peut être effectué à partir des accidents qui en interrompent son accomplissement. Le projet philosophique d’une « logique des sentiments » qui a motivé l’anthropologie française depuis Auguste Comte peut alors être reformulé à partir d’une enquête sur les sentinelles qui anticipent les accidents à partir d’une expérience passée. Un tel projet permet de suivre les significations de l’Affaire Dreyfus jusqu’à l’anthropologie de Claude Lévi-Strauss.