bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of chronic exposure to fine particulate matter on cardiac tissue of NZBWF1 mice
Authors: Waked Dunia , Rodrigues Ana Clara Bastos , Silva Thamires Moraes , Yariwake Victor Yuji , Veras Mariana Matera
Published: April 2022

Epidemiological and toxicological studies have shown that inhalation of particulate matter (PM) is associated with development of cardiovascular diseases. Long-term exposure to PM may increase the risk of cardiovascular events and reduce life expectancy. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic inflammatory disease with autoimmune nature, characterized by the production of autoantibodies that affects several organs, including the heart. Caused by several factors, air pollution, may appear as one of the most important points on the onset and development of SLE. This study aims to investigate whether exposure to air pollution promotes increased inflammation and cardiac remodeling in animals predisposed to SLE. Female mice of NZBWF1, were used in an environmental particle concentrator. Aspects related to cardiac remodeling, inflammation and apoptosis in myocardium were analyzed. Body weight gain, cardiac trophism by heart/body weight ratio, relative area of cardiomyocytes and fibrotic area of cardiac tissue were evaluated during exposure period. Animals exposed to PM2.5 showed increased area of cardiomyocytes, and area of fibrosis, in addition, we observed an increase of IL-1 and C3 in cardiac tissue, demonstrating increased inflammation. We suggest that air pollution is capable of promoting cardiac remodeling and increased inflammation in animals predisposed to SLE.
Health Related Quality of Life among Type 2 Diabetes Patients in Southern Province of Saudi Arabia Using WHOQOL-BREF: Cross Section Study
Authors: Hamdi Areej , Albasheer Osama , Bajawi Amenah , Hamdi Shatha , Awaf Aisha , Madkhali Tahani , Sabai Abdallah , Zaino Mohammad R , Somaili Mohammed
Published: April 2022

Background: Quality of life has become a more important health outcome with advancements in medical therapies and disease management, leading to better lives of people in general and in particular those living with chronic diseases. Diabetes has a direct impact on physical, psychological and social aspects of personal health. The aim of this study is to determine the health related quality of life and its predictors in patients with type 2 diabetesMethod: A cross-sectional study was carried out among 420 patients with type II diabetes presented to primary health care centers in Samtah town, Saudi Arabia from March 2017 to February 2018. The HRQoL of the study participants was determined with reference to the World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF. Multi-level linear regression was employed to ascertain associated factors with HRQOL among patients with type II diabetes.Results: Female had significantly higher HbA1c, anxiety, depression and stress scores, and a lower HRQL in subscales physical, psychological and environmental health as compared with the male (P<0.001). All subscales of HRQL were significantly lower in age group > 50 years. When compared to those with low level of education (Illiterate, Primary or Elementary school), patients with secondary and bachelors education had significantly higher HRQOL in all subscales of HRQL (P<0.001). In addition, there were significant differences in glycemic control and HRQL with longer duration of diabetes, presence of one or more diabetes complications and presence of comorbid hypertension (P<0.001). However, no significant differences in DASS index were observed with longer duration of diabetes and the presence of comorbid hypertension. Diabetes patients on combined therapy and healthy diet and exercising showed significantly higher HRQOL on physical functioning (P<0.001).Conclusion: Presence of type 2 diabetes greatly impaired health related quality of life and mental health among the study participants. Female had the worsen quality of life and mental health compared with the male. The age, duration of diabetes, comorbid hypertension, diabetes complications and the levels of education were significant predictors of HRQOL and mental health. Healthy diet and exercising when combined with hypoglycemic and insulin therapy greatly improve HRQOL and mental health among diabetes patients. Scales that are based on a broad definition of health such as the WHOQOL-BREF are appropriate for use in primary care setting and can enhance patient management and care.
Focus on self-presentation on social media across sociodemographic variables, lifestyle, and personality: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Hjetland Gunnhild Johnsen , Finserås Turi Reiten , Sivertsen Børge , Colman Ian , Hella Randi Træland , Skogen Jens Christoffer
Published: April 2022

Aspects of self-presentation on social media such as feedback-seeking, strategic self-presentation, and social comparison, may represent risk factors for experiencing negative mental health effects of social media use. The aim of this exploratory study was to assess how adolescents differ in aspects of self-presentation on social media, and whether these differences are linked to sociodemographic variables, lifestyle, or personality. The study was based on a cross-sectional survey performed in Bergen, Norway, and included 2,023 senior high school pupils (response rate 54%, mean age 17.4, 44% males). Nine self-presentation items were assessed using factor analysis, and latent class analysis was used to identify latent classes with distinct patterns of responses across the seven retained items. Associations between identified latent classes and covariates were assessed using regression analyses as well as non-parametric approaches. The self-presentation items converged into one factor, called ‘focus on self-presentation’. We identified three groups of adolescents with low, intermediate, and high focus on self-presentation. Membership in the high-focus group was associated with female gender, higher extraversion, lower emotional stability, more frequent alcohol consumption, and having tried tobacco. These results suggest some characteristics that are associated with a higher focus on self-presentation and that could inform targeted interventions.
A novel and dual digestive symbiosis scales up the nutrition and immune system of the holobiont Rimicaris exoculata
Authors: Aubé Johanne , Cambon-Bonavita Marie-Anne , Velo-Suárez Lourdes , Cueff-Gauchard Valérie , Lesongeur Françoise , Guéganton Marion , Durand Lucile , Reveillaud Julie
Published: April 2022

Background
In deep-sea hydrothermal vent areas, deprived of light, most animals rely on chemosynthetic symbionts for their nutrition. These symbionts may be located on their cuticle, inside modified organs, or in specialized cells. Nonetheless, many of these animals have an open and functional digestive tract. The vent shrimp Rimicaris exoculata is fueled mainly by its gill chamber symbionts, but also has a complete digestive system with symbionts. These are found in the shrimp foregut and midgut, but their roles remain unknown. We used genome-resolved metagenomics on separate foregut and midgut samples, taken from specimens living at three contrasted sites along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge (TAG, Rainbow, and Snake Pit) to reveal their genetic potential.
Results
We reconstructed and studied 20 Metagenome-Assembled Genomes (MAGs), including novel lineages of Hepatoplasmataceae and Deferribacteres, abundant in the shrimp foregut and midgut, respectively. Although the former showed streamlined reduced genomes capable of using mostly broken-down complex molecules, Deferribacteres showed the ability to degrade complex polymers, synthesize vitamins, and encode numerous flagellar and chemotaxis genes for host-symbiont sensing. Both symbionts harbor a diverse set of immune system genes favoring holobiont defense. In addition, Deferribacteres were observed to particularly colonize the bacteria-free ectoperitrophic space, in direct contact with the host, elongating but not dividing despite possessing the complete genetic machinery necessary for this.
Conclusion
Overall, these data suggest that these digestive symbionts have key communication and defense roles, which contribute to the overall fitness of the Rimicaris holobiont.
Education as a homogenizer engine in indigenous cultures: Aymara children in northern Chile´s case
Authors: Paulsen Abraham , Rivera Victoria
Published: April 2022

Chile is a multi-ethnic republic; situation which contradicts itself when one looks at the relationship between the State and its ethnic groups, such as the Aymara in the North. One example of this is the implementation of a state-centric educational model which is homogenizing. Taking a Children’s Geographies approach, the following work will analyse the specific types of relationship in educational institutions located in the Arica & Parinacota Region, between children from Aymara communities, the State and adults. Through different qualitative investigative techniques, such as content analysis of different instruments, it was possible to verify that the educational process which the Aymara children experience does not consider their culture, which sets them apart from their parents and community’s identity. This study also uses the lens of Children’s Geographies to identify some landmarks in their spatial worldview transformation and their spatiality. Lastly, some conclusions will be stated, on how the normative educational model causes uprooted children.
Digitally prefabricated versus conventionally fabricated implant-supported full-arch provisional prosthesis: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Chen Chaoqun , Lai Haiyan , Zhu Huiyong , Gu Xinhua
Published: April 2022

Background: To evaluate and compare the clinical outcomes of digitally prefabricated and conventionally fabricated implant-supported full-arch provisional prostheses.Methods: Thirty-nine patients who underwent implant-supported full-arch rehabilitation were included in this study. Implant-supported provisional prostheses were digitally prefabricated before implant surgery in group A (20 patients), while implant-supported provisional prostheses were conventionally fabricated immediately after surgery in group B (19 patients). Implant/prosthesis survival rate and complications were recorded. Marginal bone loss（MBL）was investigated by CBCT. Surgical time, restorative time, and total operative time were analyzed. Postoperative pain and swelling were evaluated with visual analog scale (VAS). The Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP) questionnaire was administered before and after surgery.Results: The implant/prosthesis survival rate was 100% and complications appeared with low frequency in both group, while the mean MBL was 0.30±0.29 mm in group A and 0.31±0.41 mm in group B after 3~6 months(P>0.05). The average restorative time in group A (116.16±16.61 mins) was significantly shorter than that in group B (242.11±30.14 mins) (P<0.05). Patients in group A showed lower pain/swelling VAS scores after surgery than group B (P<0.05). Low OHIP scores with high satisfaction to the overall effects were showed in both groups. Conclusions: Prefabricated prosthesis could reduce prosthetic time and postoperative discomfort in patient whose immediate rehabilitation was based on All-on-4 concept. The prefabrication technology could be a predictable alternative to improve the short-term clinical outcome of implant-supported full-arch provisional rehabilitation.
Comparison of Quality of Life Questionnaires, in Patients With OSAS
Authors: FREITAS GABRIEL Santos , PINTO JOSÉ ANTONIO , RIBEIRO DAVI KNOL , Nunes Heloisa Sobreira
Published: April 2022

INTRODUCTION: Self-assessment questionnaires, can provide subjective data about the intensity of daytime sleepiness. Among the existing questionnaires the most used one is the Epworth Sleepiness scale (ESS), which measures the propensity to fall asleep, as well as the severity of excessive sleepiness, [5] and the evaluation of the response in OSA treatment. In 1997, the Functional Outcome Sleep Questionnaire (FOSQ), was developed to evaluate the functional impact of sleepiness in daily life activities [6]. In this study, we will use the Epworth sleepiness scale, and the Functional Outcome Sleep Questionnaire in its shortest version, known as FOSQ 10[7], developed in 2009 by Weaver, who in addition to drowsiness included the relationship of sleep to the quality of life. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The following variables were analyzed: age, anthropometric characteristics (weight, height, body mass index [BMI]), duration of complaints, type of complaints related to sleep (snoring, insomnia, excessive daytime sleepiness), sleep apnea and hypopnea index (AHI). Inclusion criteria were patients between 18 and 80 years, without prior surgery, with complaints related to sleep disorders. Exclusion criteria were: children under 18 years, previous surgeries, previous use of CPAP. RESULTS: the significance level at 5%, where we observed moderate and significant inverse correlation between FOSQ and ESS (p < 0.001), which evidences that the higher the ESS value, the lower the FOSQ value will be CONCLUSION: This study has shown an acceptable correlation between the scores on the Epworth and FOSQ scale
COVID-19 Prevention Guidance and the Incidence of Febrile Neutropenia in Breast Cancer Patients Receiving TAC Chemotherapy with Prophylactic Pegfilgrastim
Authors: Gwak Hongki , Lim Seung-Taek , Jeon Ye-Won , Suh Young-Jin J.
Published: April 2022

PurposeChemotherapy-induced febrile neutropenia (FN) is a medical emergency that can cause severe adverse effects and death. Respiratory infection is one of the main causes of FN. We studied whether infection prevention and control (IPC) guidance for COVID-19 reduces the incidence of FN.MethodsWe reviewed female breast cancer patients treated with adjuvant docetaxel, doxorubicin, and cyclophosphamide (TAC) with prophylactic pegfilgrastim between 2019 and 2021. IPC guidance has been implemented since April 2020.ResultsThere was no difference in the incidence of chemotherapy-induced neutropenia (CIN) between patients without and with IPC. In the IPC patients, the incidence of FN (9.5%), hospitalization duration (0.7 ± 1.5 days), and total hospital cost (279.6 ± 42.6 USD) were significantly lower than in non-IPC patients (27.9%, 2.0 ± 3.8 days and 364.7 ± 271.6 USD, respectively).ConclusionIPC guidance should be implemented to prevent FN in high-risk patients.
Effects of inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) in pulmonary hypertension secondary to arteriovenous malformations: a retrospective cohort study from the European iNO Registry
Authors: Chakkarapani Aravanan Anbu , Gupta Samir , Jamil Asma , Yadav Santosh Kumar , Subhedar Nim , Hummler Helmut D
Published: April 2022

Purpose: To assess the effect of inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) on oxygenation in the management of pulmonary hypertension (PH) secondary to arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) in neonates.Method: A matched retrospective cohort study from January 1, 2013, to December 31, 2017. European inhaled nitric oxide registry from 43 neonatal and pediatric ICUs in 13 countries across Europe was used to extract data. The target population was neonates treated with iNO for the management of PH. The cases (PH secondary to AVMs treated with iNO) were matched (1:4 ratio) to controls (PH without AVMs treated with iNO). The main outcome measure was the absolute change of oxygenation index (OI) from baseline to 60 minutes after starting iNO in cases and control.Results: A total of 45 infants out of 1830 (9 cases and 36 controls) were identified, who received inhaled nitric oxide during ICU stay. The mean baseline value of OI (%) (cases: 27.5, controls: 34), the mean value of OI (%) after 60 minutes of iNO use (cases: 16.8, controls: 28.5), and the mean absolute change in OI value (%) from baseline to 60 minutes of iNO (cases: 10.7 and controls: 6) was not statistically different between groups.Conclusion: Infants with PH secondary to AVMs treated with iNO did not respond differently compared to babies presented with PH without AVMs treated with iNO. Right ventricle dysfunction on echocardiography was higher in cases (cases: 66.7% and controls: 28.6%) but not statistically significant. The death rate before discharge was significantly higher among cases (cases: 55.6% and controls: 8.3%).
Nanorod-Like Nanocrystalline CsSnI3 and CNTs Composite Thin Film-Based Hybrid Photodetector
Authors: Howlader Ashraful Hossain , Li Feng , Zheng Rongkun
Published: April 2022

An experimental detail on the morphology engineering and characterizations of the all-inorganic Sn-based perovskite (here CsSnI3) thin films and their application in photodetectors are presented. In particular, we demonstrated that the chlorobenzene anti-solvent treatment during thin film spin-coating could effectively optimize the morphology properties of the obtained CsSnI3 thin film. SEM and AFM measurements showed the uniform thin film with nanorod-like nanocrystalline morphology. In addition, EDS and XPS measurements confirmed the low level of oxidation of the thin film, indicating good ambient stability. A planar photodetector was also made with the prepared thin film, and electrical characteristics were taken. The dark current and photocurrent were found in the range of 10-9 A and 10-7 A, respectively, with an on/off ratio of 102. The photoresponsivity was 10-5 AW-1. A further experiment was conducted to make composite thin films between CsSnI3 and CNTs for additional morphological engineering. The SEM measurement and Raman mapping manifested the nanonet-like morphology of the composite thin film. The quenching of the PL curve indicated the efficient photo-generated carrier extraction from the CsSnI3 matrix to CNTs. The absorption spectra also showed enhanced absorption ability of the prepared composite thin film. A hybrid photodetector made from the composite thin film showed dark current and photocurrent in the range of 10-6 A and 10-4 A, respectively, with an on/off ratio of 102. The photoresponsivity was 10-2 AW-1. Due to the combination of the CNTs with CsSnI3, The photoresponsivity increased 1000 times. At the same time, the hysteresis of the hybrid photodetector also reduced significantly compared to pristine CsSnI3-based photodetector.
Efficient development of gait classification models for five-gaited horses
Authors: Davíðsson Haraldur B. , Rees Torben , Ólafsdóttir Marta Rut , Einarsson Hafsteinn
Published: April 2022

In this study, we perform horse gait classification using mobile phone sensors located in the rider’s pocket. We train a classifier using data obtained simultaneously from a mobile phone and a gait label acquired from a device based on four wearable sensors attached to a horse’s limbs. With this efficient approach to acquire labelled data, we train a gait classification model and demonstrate that data from mobile phones can be used to classify the five gaits of the Icelandic horse with up to 98% accuracy. The result suggests that horseriding activities can be studied at a large scale using mobile phones to gather data on gaits.
Correlation between carpal rotational alignment and postoperative wrist range of motion following total wrist arthroplasty
Authors: Ota Mitsutoshi , Matsui Yuichiro , Kawamura Daisuke , Urita Atsushi , Endo Takeshi , Iwasaki Norimasa
Published: April 2022

Background: Although total wrist arthroplasty (TWA) has become a common treatment option for wrists with damage due to rheumatoid arthritis (RA), the optimal implant axial alignment for TWA has been inadequately studied. This study was performed to investigate the relationships between implant alignment and carpal rotational alignment and the wrist range of motion (ROM) following TWA.Methods: This study included 18 patients who underwent TWA using a DARTS® Total Wrist System (Teijin Nakashima Medical, Okayama, Japan) for wrist RA. Pre- and 6-month postoperative computed tomography scans were performed, including the radial volar line (Rv), capitohamate axis (CH), and Rv-CH angle in axial scans. The wrist ROM was also measured. The relationship between the Rv-CH angle and ROM was examined.Results: The mean Rv-CH angle showed significant wrist pronation from 73.0° to 83.4° postoperatively. We observed a significant positive correlation (0.58) between the postoperative Rv-CH angle and extension and a significant negative correlation (−0.56) between the postoperative Rv-CH angle and flexion.Conclusions: Implantation of the DARTS® TWA prosthesis resulted in pronation of the carpal axial alignment, which was correlated with postoperative wrist extension. The volar cortex of the distal radius can be a novel reference axis for adequate implant placement.
Overexpression of Dock180 and Elmo1 in melanoma is associated with cell survival and migration
Authors: Lee Yoon Jin , Choi Yu Sung , Kim Sooyoung , Heo Jae Young , Kim Dong Sung , Nam Seung Min , Nam Hae Seon , Lee Sang Han , Choi Dongsic , Cho Moon Kyun
Published: April 2022

Melanoma is one of the most aggressive and metastatic skin cancers, of these metastatic melanoma is a lethal disease with invasive behavior. Although overexpression of Dock180 and Elmo1 has been identified in various cancers, including glioma, ovarian cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, and breast cancer, the expression and functions of them in melanoma remain unknown. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to confirm the expression of Dock180 and Elmo1, their underlying mechanisms, and roles in melanoma. Both immunohistochemical staining and Western blotting were used to confirm expression of Dock180 and Elmo1 in human melanoma and normal skin. To identify roles of Dock180 and Elmo1 in cell survival, apoptosis and migration, downregulation of Dock180 or Elmo1 in melanoma cells treated with siRNA was performed in Cell viability assay, Phase contrast images, DAPI staining, Cell cycle analysis, Apoptosis assay, Wound healing assay, Colony formation assay, and Western blotting. We identified overexpression of Dock180 and Elmo1 in human melanoma compared to normal skin ex vivo. Inhibition of Dock180 or Elmo1 following siRNA treatment in melanoma cells reduced cell viability and increased apoptosis as supported by increased proportion of cells with Annexin V-PE(+) staining and sub-G0/G1 peak in cell cycle analysis. Moreover, inhibition of Dock180 or Elmo1 regulated apoptosis-related proteins, showing downregulaton of Bcl-2, caspase-3, and PARP and upregulation of Bax, PUMA, cleaved caspase3, and cleaved PARP. Furthermore, knockdown of Dock180 and Elmo1 in melanoma cells reduced cell migration and changed cellular signaling pathways including ERK and AKT. Vemurafenib treatment decreased cell viability in a concentration-dependent manner, while transfection with Dock180- or Elmo1-specific siRNA in melanoma cells significantly reduced cell viability compared to non-transfected cells. Collectively, these findings suggest that both Dock180 and Elmo1 may be associated with cancer progression such as cell survival and migration in melanoma, and can be potential targets for treatment of melanoma.
Assessing Visualization in Robotic-Assisted Surgery: Demystifying a Misty Lens
Authors: Dae Jessica Y. , Ginjupalli Mahija , Rickmeyer Zachary , Uecker John M. , Laviana Aaron , Idelson Christopher R.
Published: April 2022

Background
Despite major technological advancements in robotic-assisted laparoscopic surgery (RAS), there remain shortcomings yet to be addressed. This study assesses the prevalence of suboptimal vision in minimally invasive RAS and corresponding factors regarding related surgical conditions.
Methods
45 minimally invasive robotic surgeries, performed using Da Vinci XI, were observed across three surgical subspecialties: general, urology, and OB/GYN. Lens occlusion events were monitored and defined as the presence of a visual distortion caused by debris deposition on the scope lens. Lens occlusions and cleanings, and “active instrumentation” were recorded. Descriptive statistics summarized duration-based variables, and one-factor ANOVA compared the presence of active instrumentation.
Results
Cases averaged 127 ± 76 minutes. Active instrumentation ANOVA during lens occlusions demonstrated significant variation between categories (F7, 256 = 11.63, P = 2.558e-13). Post-hoc Tukey HSD found electrocautery devices were active significantly more during occlusion events (37.9%) than other instruments. On average, lens cleaning occurred every 36.5 ± 39.8 minutes despite lens occlusion occurring every 24.5 ± 15.7 minutes. Of the operative time observed, 41.4% ± 28.1% was conducted with visual distortion. 1.16% ± 0.97% of time observed was spent cleaning.
Conclusions
Although only 1.16% of operative time was spent cleaning, surgeons experienced suboptimal conditions for nearly 35x the time it would take the clear lens, potentially indicating a tendency to avoid cleaning the lens to disrupt surgery. Future research may examine the impact of occluded visualization and lens cleaning on other aspects of surgery.
Does local government competition improve ecological welfare performance? Evidence from China
Authors: Lv Yanqin , Fan Tianzheng , Zhang Jinning , Zhao Bin
Published: April 2022

Improving the efficiency of converting natural resources into social benefits is an important issue for sustainable development in today's world, at the same time, competition among local governments in China has important implications for both economy development and environment damage. Based on this, this paper measures the ecological welfare performance (EWP) of 30 provinces in China from 2005 to 2019, and empirically analyzes the impact of local government competition on EWP by using the spatial Durbin and spatial quantile models. It was found that: EWP in China has a significant spatial correlation, and government competition has a facilitating effect on EWP in both local as well as neighboring regions. The spatial Durbin quantile regression results indicate that government competition does not have a significant effect on EWP at higher quantile levels. In addition, there is significant regional heterogeneity, Government competition in the eastern region can only promote the EWP in local province without spatial spillover. In contrast, government competition in the center inhibits EWP not only in local province, but also in neighboring provinces, and there is white-hot "cut-throat competition" between provinces, with a significant negative spatial spillover.
Recurrent culture-negative endocarditis and osteomyelitis caused by Q fever in Iran, a case report
Authors: Moradi Maryam , Kanafgorabi Mahsa Azadbakhsh , Larti Farnoosh , Ghiasvand Fereshteh , Esmaeili Saber , Ghaderkhani Sara
Published: April 2022

Background: Endocarditis is an infection of the endocardial layer of the heart known as fatal infection. Gold standard diagnosis of infectious endocarditis is blood culture, which in some cases can be negative. In blood culture-negative endocarditis, the early diagnosis, and treatment are much harder, which can increase morbidities and also mortality. Case presentation: In this case report we are presenting a patient with intermittent fever for three months with a history of aortic and pulmonary valve replacement and also recurrent blood culture-negative endocarditis. According to the pandemic situation, we checked the Covid-19 PCR and also performed a chest computed tomography (CT) -scan, which both were negative and did not represent any pathologic conditions. Other examinations such as transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) and blood cultures were all normal and the only abnormal finding we had was a positron emission tomography (PET) - CT scan with endocarditis and sternum osteomyelitis evidence. Conclusion: After several evaluations based on endemic epidemiology, the Real-time PCR and IFA (IgG phase I; 1:16384, IgG phase II; 1:16384) were positive for Q fever and the patient responded to the proper doxycycline and hydroxychloroquine treatment.
Prevalence and potential influencing factors of non-superficial surgical site infection in patients with total hip arthroplasty: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Tian Ruifeng , Chen Xingyu , Zhang Bowen , Mao Ning , Sun Peihong , Li Liangman
Published: April 2022

Objective To assess the prevalence of non-superficial surgical site infection (NSSSI) in patients with total hip arthroplasty (THA) and the influencing factors. Method The PubMed, the Cochrane Library, EMBASE, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Weipu database and Wanfang database were systematically searched from 2016 to 2021. The data were collected from the included studies that met the inclusion criteria. For exploring the prevalence of NSSSI with THA, the pooled prevalence and its 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. Publication bias was assessed. In the study of the association between potential influencing factors and infection, the odds ratio and its 95% CI were calculated. Results In all, 57 studies involving 2075304 patients were included. The number of patients receiving THA ranged from 87 to 623253, and the prevalence of patients with NSSSI after THA ranged from 0.05% to 9.13%. The meta-analysis results showed that the prevalence of patients with NSSSI after THA was 1.0% (95% CI: 0.8%, 1.1%). No publication bias was found under Begg’s test (z=0.28, p>0.05) or Egger's test (t=1.65, p>0.05). When stratified by data scale, pooled prevalence of studies with large-scale data and that of studies with normal-scale data were similar (large-scale: 0.9% (95%CI: 0.6%-1.3%); normal-scale: 1.1% (95%CI: 0.9%-1.2%), respectively). When stratified by country, the prevalence of different countries was of various. Individual results showed that the prevalence of Netherlands was the highest (9.5%) and that of New Zealand was the lowest (0.1%). Pooled results showed that China had the highest prevalence of 2.2% (95%CI: 1.8%-2.7%), and UK had the lowest prevalence of 0.3% (95%CI: 0.0%-0.6%). Ten influencing factors of NSSSI in patients with THA were recognized (p<0.05), including male, tobacco smoker, body mass index, diabetes mellitus, American Society of Anesthesiologists grade III or IV or V, serum albumin <3.5 g/dL, immunosuppressive agent user, universal anesthesia, non-vancomycin powder user, and duration of drain >48h.Conclusion The pooled prevalence of NSSSI in patients after THA was 1.0% and 10 potential factors were associated with the prevalence. We provide clinical guidance to prevent NSSSI after THA.
Discretion and its Effects: Analyzing the Role of Enforcement Style of Street-Level Bureaucrats During Policy Enforcement
Authors: Salah Mohammed , Alhalbusi Hussam , Ariffin Raja Noriza Raja
Published: April 2022

This paper will explore the intentional and unintentional impacts of street-level bureaucrats’ discretion. Precisely, it provides an understanding of how street-level bureaucrats’ discretion shapes their enforcement style during personal encounters with the public and how that enforcement style defines bureaucrats’ perception of their clients. The study framework is set based on street-level bureaucracy theory and implementation literature. Thus, in this analysis, a trade-off is theorised between discretion and client meaningfulness through multiple mediation roles (i.e., Legal, Facilitation, and Accommodation dimensions). Results from an online survey of labour inspectors (n = 214) in The Malaysian Labour Department indicated that discretion was positively related to client meaningfulness and was significantly mediated via accommodation and facilitation dimensions. Therefore, our study sheds light on the street-level bureaucrats’ behaviour and perception during encounters with clients, and this research confirms that enforcement style is a multidimensional concept consisting of three dimensions.
BMSCs improve TNBS-induced colitis in rats through inducing Tregs differentiation by expressing PD-L1
Authors: Gao Fei , Cui Dandan , Fan Heng , Shou Zhexing , Zuo Dongmei , Yang Jia , Yu Ting , Liu Yujin , Chu Si , Zhu Feng , Wei Chunzhu
Published: April 2022

Objective: Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) are a kind of stem cells with high differentiation potential and immunomodulatory ability, which has a broad prospect in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease. The aim of this study is to investigate whether BMSCs could improve TNBS-induced colitis in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats through inducing Tregs differentiation by expressing PD-L1.Methods: BMSCs were isolated and identified by flow cytometry before being transfected with PD-L1 siRNA recombinant plasmids. Then SD rats were randomly divided into 4 groups. Colitis induced by TNBS (sigma Aldrich) except normal group. On the fourth day of modeling, the rats in BMSCs control group and PD-L1 siRNA BMSCs group were injected with corresponding BMSCs through tail vein for 1 week, the dose was 5 × 106 cells. The normal group and model group were given the same volume of PBS.Results: PD-L1 siRNA BMSCs and BMSCs could reach colon tissue in TNBS-induced colitis. BMSCs control group significantly improved the clinical symptoms and histopathological severity of TNBS induced colitis, but PD-L1 siRNA BMSCs group did not. We found that the percentage of Tregs in spleen and mesenteric lymph nodes decreased, the expression of PD-L1, IL10, PTEN was down-regulated, and the expression of p-Akt and p-mTOR was up-regulated in colon tissue after PD-L1 siRNA intervention.Conclusion: This study suggested that BMSCs can induce the differentiation of Treg through inhibiting Akt/mTOR pathway by expressing PD-L1, which can significantly improve the symptoms and pathological damage of ulcerative colitis rats and affect the immune function.
Citrobacter keratitis: Predisposing factors and clinical characteristics
Authors: Soleimani Mohammad , Masoumi Ahmad , Tabatabaei Seyed Ali , Zamani Mohammad Hossein
Published: April 2022

Purpose: To report predisposing factors, clinical presentation, antibiotic sensitivity, and management of Citrobacter-caused infectious keratitis. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of culture-proven cases of Citrobacter keratitis in a tertiary referral center for 8 years (from January 2012 to September 2020). Demographic data of the patients, predisposing factors, and presenting signs were extracted. Results: Eighteen cases of microbial keratitis due to Citrobacter spp. were identified. The median age of the patients was 66 years (range: 10-89, interquartile range : 59-81). Thirteen patients were male and 5 were female. Multiple predisposing factors were identified in all eyes, including ocular surface disease (n=8), previous corneal surgery (n=6), and history of ocular trauma (n=6). Five patients were diabetic. Corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) of patients was light perception (LP) in 8 patients, hand motion (HM) in 7, counting fingers (CF) at 1meter in 1, and CF at 2meters in 2 patients. Thirteen eyes exhibited hypopyon. An area of corneal thinning was observed in 7 eyes (38.9%). Endophthalmitis due to infectious keratitis developed in one patient. In vitro susceptibility testing confirmed high sensitivity to ceftazidime and aminoglycosides. Medical management consisted primarily of topical amikacin (20 mg/ml) combined with topical cefazoline (50 mg/ml) (72.2%). Surgical tectonic procedures were carried out in 7 eyes (38.9%). Conclusion: Citrobacter spp. is a rare cause of bacterial keratitis.Previous keratoplasty and ocular surface problems are important risk factors. The prognosis is not good and surgical tectonic intervention is required in many cases to resolve the corneal infection.
Comparison of Normality Tests in Terms of Sample Sizes under Different Skewness and Kurtosis Coefficients
Authors: DEMİR Süleyman
Published: April 2022

This study aims to compare normality tests in different sample sizes in data with normal distribution under different kurtosis and skewness coefficients obtained simulatively. To this end, firstly, simulative data were produced using the MATLAB program for different skewness/kurtosis coefficients and different sample sizes. The normality analysis of each data type was conducted using the MATLAB program and ten different normality tests; namely, (Kolmogorov Smirnov (KS) Test, KS Stephens Modification, KS Marsaglia, KS Lilliefors Modification, Anderson-Darling Test, Cramer- Von Mises Test, Shapiro-Wilk Test, Shapiro-Francia Test, Jarque-Bera Test, and D’Agostino & Pearson Test). As a result of the analyses conducted according to ten different normality tests, it was found that normality tests were not affected by the sample size when the skewness and kurtosis coefficients were equal to or close to zero; however, in cases where the skewness and kurtosis coefficients moved away from zero, it was found that normality tests are affected by the sample size, and such tests tend to give significant results. Therefore, in large samples, it may be suggested that critical values for skewness and kurtosis coefficients’ z-scores as proposed by Kim (2013) and Mayers (2013) or the histogram graphs be used.
Problematic Technology Use Scale for Young Children (PTUS-YC): Validity and Reliability Study
Authors: KONCA Ahmet Sami , BALTACI Önder , AKBULUT Ömer Faruk
Published: April 2022

This study aimed to develop a measurement tool to identify preschool children’s problematic technology use levels and contribute to Turkish literature. The study group included in the exploratory factor analysis was composed of 357 voluntary children in the preschool period. The study group included in the confirmatory factor analysis, proximal validity analysis, item discrimination analysis, and reliability analysis was composed of a total of 402 parents. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was conducted to present the factor structure of PTUS-YC. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was performed to test the model obtained with EFA. Item discrimination values obtained as a result of the independent sample t-test was investigated to determine the internal validity of the measurement tool. Furthermore, the correlation values between PTUS-YC items and the relevant factors and the complete measurement tool were calculated, and total item correlation was used to test whether each item served a common purpose. In addition, CR and AVE values were examined in the proximal validity analysis conducted for PTUS-YC. Reliability analysis for PTUS-YC was performed using Cronbach alpha internal consistency coefficient and McDonald's Omega coefficient methods. As a result of the exploratory factor analysis, a 4-factor structure that explained 60.392% of the total variance was obtained: continuity of use, resistance to control, effects on development and deprivation-escape. Based on the results, PTUS-YC was a valid and reliable measurement tool that can be used to determine preschool children's problematic technology use levels.
Venice Without Cruise Ships: Hard Facts or Fake News?
Authors: Araya López Alexander
Published: April 2022

For over a decade, social movements campaigning for the safeguarding of Venice and its lagoon have pointed out the many risks and negative impacts of cruise tourism, which include the potential collision with the historic city, water contamination, air pollution, underwater noise, erosion and the ‘touristification’ of the city space and local identity. Although several solutions have been proposed over the years, ranging from infrastructure projects to legal proceedings, in practice, ‘big cruises’ transited across Venice uninterruptedly. While, for some, cruise tourism meant economic growth and job creation, for others, the ‘big cruises’ were symbols of excessive consumption and environmental destruction. After the Covid-19 pandemic forced the industry to an unexpected impasse, resistance against cruises has gone global, and strong social movements have emerged in Mexico, United States, Canada, The Bahamas and Spain. In Italy, a new decree has banned the transit of ‘big cruises’ across the San Marco and Giudecca canals since August 1st, 2021. This essay reviews the events that led to this ban and examines the challenges that Venice still faces in relation to both mass tourism and cruise tourism.
A study of numerical simulation on extreme flexural stress of ice plate
Authors: Xie Qi
Published: April 2022

Ice plate is general construction component in the cold region and the flexural stress governs its failure pattern. As per the stress equations which were proposed by Westgaard and Masterson, they explained the generic empirical methods to evaluate the extreme and effective flexural stress of ice plate. Based on these equations, most of consequent experiments and simulations referred them directly. Despite of this, there are not any demonstrations about the limitations of these equations by numerical modeling, therefore, it is possible to find the differences between the simulation values and theoretical calculation values by the deployment of numerical simulations from ‘Finite Element Analysis’ perspective, and based on these comparisons, author proposed some assumptions about the limitations of these equations. In the meantime, the simulation process can enhance the understanding of the applications of these equations.
Vulnerabilidade Racial na Sociedade e Saúde Mental
Authors: Luiz Barbosa Fernandes Sebastião , Silva Pamela Cristina , Batista Silveira Bárbara
Published: April 2022

Qualquer indivíduo que sofra agressão, opressão e violência, terá sua saúde mental afetada. O racismo, que é a crença da falsa superioridade de certas raças sobre outras, acaba justificando a desigualdade entre os grupos, oprimindo, agredindo e violentando. O objetivo geral deste trabalho é estudar como a situação de vulnerabilidade da população negra pode afetar a sua saúde mental. O objetivo específico foi verificar como a Psicologia tem enfrentado tal desafio. Para tanto foram realizadas buscas nas plataformas Scielo e Lilacs, onde se buscou autores que dessem embasamento científico ao objetivo proposto. O estudo verifica que as concepções racistas do século XIX e início do século XX, no que dizia respeito às características de personalidade ou perfil psicopatológico que se pretendia atribuir à população negra, ainda persistem na mentalidade da sociedade em geral, e o que é pior, entre alguns profissionais de saúde. Observa também que existe pouca publicação acadêmica sobre o tema no Brasil.
Ressignificando a relação com os pais: filhos autônomos ou independentes?
Authors: Souza da Cruz Fernanda , Vasconcelos da Silva Bernardino Adriana
Published: April 2022

O relacionamento entre pais e filhos se modifica com a trajetória do ciclo de vida familiar. No final da adolescência e no início da vida adulta, se os filhos continuam dependentes de seus pais, não transpassam para o mundo dos adultos, fazendo com que uma nova fase de transição para a vida adulta, continue sendo vivenciada pela família. Nesse processo, apesar de autônomos, os filhos continuarão a ter necessidade de serem auxiliados por seus pais. O objetivo do artigo é estudar a relação de independência e autonomia que os jovens adultos brasileiros do século XXI mantêm com suas famílias. O estudo foi realizado por revisão de literatura onde se buscou autores que fundamentassem o objetivo pretendido. Constatou-se que grande parte dos jovens adultos da atualidade, apesar de ter autonomia ainda são dependentes dos pais. Ou seja, são capazes de se autogovernar, possuem livre arbítrio para defender os valores nos quais acreditam, mas são incapazes de viver sem a ajuda, recursos ou cuidados de seus progenitores.

 

Palavras-chave: Relação pais/filhos; Ciclo de vida familiar; Independência e autonomia.
CONFORMATIONAL ANALYSIS OF CYCLOTHEONAMIDE A AND ITS INTERACTIONS WITH THROMBIN
Authors: Lin Zhaolan , Johnson Michael  E.
Published: April 2022

Molecular modeling of the thrombin inhibitor, cyclotheonamide A (CA), found two conformational families for theCA backbone, one of which resembles the bound CA structure as recently determined by X-ray crystallography. The relative rigidity of the Arg to Dpa backbone region provides structural preorganization of the CA backbone, and should enhance thrombin binding by reducing entropy cost. a-ketoarnide flexibility should facilitate formation of the transition-state analogue complex.
SOLID PHASE SYNTHESIS OF THE PS2 PEPTIDE: SUGGESTION OF AN ALTERNATIVE TREFOIL STRUCTURE
Authors: Rye PD  , Keyte J  , Sutcliffe MJ  , Bailey K  , Walker RA
Published: April 2022

The 60 amino acid peptide pS2 has been synthesized and oxidised . It shows a disulphide bridging arrangment that is not consistent with the trefoil structure previously suggested from its homology with porcine spasmolytic polypeptide. Analysis of fragments from proteolytic digests suggests two possible disulphide bridging configurations, either between cystine residues Cys7-32, Cys17-27, and Cys33-44, or Cys7-33, Cys17-
27 and Cys32-44.
PHAGE DISPLAY OF THE MINIBODY: A β-SCAFFOLD FOR THE SELECTION OF CONFORMATIONALLY-CONSTRAINED PEPTIDES
Authors: Venturini Sara , Martin Franck , Sollazzo Maurizio
Published: April 2022

Constraint of peptides conformations onto a suitable small protein scaffolding that will enable their conformation to be determined by NMR spectroscopy would considerably boost the drug discovery process by opening the door to pure chemical applications. We report that the minibody (MB), an engineered β-polypeptide which features several desirable properties of immunoglobulins and serves as a stable platform for engineering functional sites, can be displayed onto the f1 filamentous phage expression system and affinity-selected.
Solvent Mediated Ion Interactions
Authors: Walshaw John , Goodfellow Julia M.
Published: April 2022

We have analysed a database of 40 well-refined high-resolution protein structures in order to study the distribution of interactions between charged residues mediated by water molecules i.e. solvent mediated ion interactions. These occur both within one protein molecule and between protein molecules in the crystal environment We find that most occur between residues of unlike charge although some are found between two negatively charged residues. Those between unlike charges occur more frequently than expected by random interactions.
Single Crystal Polarized Absorption Microspectrophotometry of Aromatic L-Amino Acid Decarboxylase
Authors: Peracchi Alessio , Mozzarelli Andrea , Rossi Gian Luigi , Dominicit Paola , Voltattornit Carla Borri
Published: April 2022

Microspectrophotometric measurements on single crystals of aromatic amino acid decarboxylase from pig kidney show that the enzyme -bound pyridoxal-5'-phosphate exhibits the same spectrum in the crystal as it does in solution. Substrates and substrate analogs diffuse into the crystal and bind at the active site giving rise to spectral changes similar to those previously observed for the enzyme in solution. These studies indicate that the crystallization of pig kidney AADC does not alter the properties of the active site.
Theoretical Studies on 1-Acetylamino-N-2,3,4,5-Pentamethyl- 2,4-Cyclopentadiene-1-Carboxarnide
Authors: N.  Rao Shashidhar , Ramnarayan K. , Fai  Chan Ming , Balaji V. N.
Published: April 2022

We present molecular mechanics conformational energy calculations on the model dipeptide 1-
acetylamino-N-2,3,4,5-pentamethyl-2,4-cyclopentadiene-1-carboxarnide (1). The salient results are expressed as
plots drawn as a function of the backbone torsion angles ϕC-N-Cα-C) and ψ (N-Cα-C-N). The low energy structures of this model compound are qualitatively consistent with the limited amount of X-ray crystal structure data on peptidomirnetics similar to 1. The results obtained have important implications in the design of conformationally restricted peptidomimetics with fully extended (β-structures.
Facile Manual Synthesis of Peptide Libraries
Authors: Ruvo Menotti , Scardino Patrizia , Cassani Giovanni , Fassina Giorgio
Published: April 2022

A novel, facile, and inexpensive method has been developed to prepare peptide libraries only with standard laboratory equipment such as a vortex and a centrifuge. The procedure is based on the use of mixtures ofDCM:NMP (6:4 v/v) for the homogeneous dispersion of the resin by vortexing, and ofDCM:NMP (I : 4 v/v) for resin separation from excess reagent by centrifugation.