bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A REVIEW ON THE ENGINEERING PROPERTIES OF SOYBEAN TO SUPPORT THE TOFU AGRO-INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY DEVELOPMENT AND IMPORTANT HIGHLIGHTS
Authors: Sitorus Agustami , Devianti Devianti , Bulan Ramayanty
Published: October 2021

The physical and mechanical properties of the material to be processed are fundamental and continue to be a challenge for researchers to design a machine appropriately. Studies of the soybean engineering properties have not been widely highlighted and reviewed. This makes researchers and engineers of soybean processing machines still have to search through experimentation or read deeply through scientific papers before applying it. Therefore, this paper presents highlights and reviews of studies related to the measurement and modelling of soybean engineering properties. The objective is to study methodologies uses and identify future research directions to get a result in more accuracy. Several papers are searched from various search engines for scientific articles that are available online. Some keywords and a combination of keywords used in the search process are “physical properties”, “mechanical properties”, “soybean grains” and “moisture-dependent”. The results show that ten scientific papers are strictly related to the measurement and modelling of the engineering properties of soybean. In general, the documents found were in the period 1993 to 2012. The research paper investigated the engineering properties of soybean in the moisture content ranges from 6.7% (d.b.) to 49.7% (d.b.). The widely studied physical properties are diameter, surface area, roundness, the weight of 1000 soybeans, bulk density, and true density associated with moisture content. Mechanical parameters investigated include friction coefficient, angle of repose, terminal velocity, angle of internal friction, rupture force, and rupture energy. On the one hand, some of the engineering properties of soybeans that have not yet been discovered are thermal, optical, and aerodynamic properties. On the other hand, the effect of soaking and blanching on changes in the engineering properties of soybean (physical, mechanical, thermal, optical, and aerodynamic) has not been done in-depth. Besides that, most of the soybean processing agro-industry requires engineering properties of soybean to be able to design their machines more precisely. One of the agro-industries that need data on the study results of the nature of engineering with these treatments is the tofu processing industry.
ANALISIS PRODUKTIVITAS DENGAN MENGGUNAKAN METODE AMERICAN PRODUCTIVITY CENTER DI CV. CUPU ARTAMA JAYA, JOMBANG, JAWA TIMUR
Authors: Ikasari Dhita Morita , Dermawan Badaruzzaman Arya , Deoranto Panji
Published: October 2021

CV. Cupu Artama Jaya is a chicken slaughterhouse managed by a private sector, located in Jombang, East Java. So far, CV. Cupu Artama Jaya has never measured productivity, but only evaluated financial benefits. This study aims to analyze the productivity index, profitability index and price repair index at CV. Cupu Artama Jaya. The method used in this research is the American Productivity Center (APC). APC is a method that compares historical data with current data to determine the level of productivity and company profitability. The historical data used in this study are March 2019 - February 2020. The results show that the lowest productivity index value is energy input of 69.975 and the highest productivity index is also energy input of 170.221. The lowest profitability index was energy input of 69.976 and the highest profitability index was also energy input of 170.283. The lowest price improvement index occurred in July 2019 and September 2019 at 0.998, while the highest price improvement index value occurred in February 2020 with a value of 1.002. Suggestions to increase productivity and profitability at CV. Cupu Artama Jaya includes adding job descriptions to employees to monitor energy use, setting quality standards and price limits for chickens received from breeders, arranging agreements related to the number of chicken orders with breeders, holding training for new workers, implementing sanctions related to employee discipline and considering apply overtime hours to reach production targets.
Manajemen Pendidikan Untuk Pembangunan Berkelanjutan Di Indonesia
Authors: Fitriandari Mahayanti , Winata Hendra
Published: October 2021

Pandemi Covid-19 menjadi suatu pendorong dalam perubahan tatanan kehidupan secara lebih frontal. Disrupsi merambah pada seluruh sendi kehidupan, demikian juga dengan bidang pendidikan. Manajemen Pendidikan perlu sebuah konsep baru yang dinamis untuk dapat dijadikan sebagai patokan dalam era disrupsi ini. Implementasi dari Manajemen Pendidikan dengan konsep pembangunan berkelanjutan telah jamak dilakukan di Indonesia. Setiap Instansi Pemerintah, baik Kementrian ataupun Lembaga sudah mulai menerapkan konsep ini. Bahkan ada beberapa perusahaan baik swasta ataupun BUMN yang sudah mewujudkan pola Manajemen Pendidikan untuk Pembangunan Berkelanjutan Pembangunan Berkelanjutan adalah teori Manajemen Pendidikan, Teori Lingkungan dan Teori Pembangunan Berkelanjutan itu sendiri. Selanjutnya implementasi dari Manajemen Pendidikan dengan konsep pembangunan berkelanjutan telah jamak dilakukan di Indonesia.
Determinants of School Participation in Riau Province in 2019
Authors: Siddique Abdul Aliem , Heriqbaldi Unggul
Published: November 2021

Education has an important role in economic development, not only in driving economic growth but also in breaking intergenerational poverty. For this reason, the Government of Indonesia has implemented a 12-year compulsory education  program in the last decade. Through this program, it is hoped that school enrollment  rates will increase and economic development will be of higher quality. However, the implementation of this program was not without obstacles. This study aims to analyze the determinants of school participation in Riau Province in 2019 using data from the National Socio-Economic Survey (SUSENAS). The results of this study indicate that the education of the head of the household, the level of welfare and gender have a significant effect on school participation of children aged 7-18 years.
Efisiensi Perbankan Daerah Di Indonesia
Authors: Rithmaya Chitra Laksmi , Anggraeni -
Published: November 2021

The development of banking industry in Indonesia could bring impact on the economic growth, especially in the face of the financial crisis. This study aims to examine scientifically the efficiency score of regional development banks. Furthermore, it also aims to understand further what factors influence the efficiency performance of regional development banks in Indonesia using the SFA (Stochastic Frontier Analysis) approach. The data used is from 25 Regional Development Banks (BPD) in Indonesia with the financial reporting period of 2011 to 2017. The results obtained are the level of efficiency of BPD in Indonesia does not reach 100%. The highest level of efficiency was at 97.80% in 2016. Then, the variable that affects bank efficiency is liquidity as measured by LDR, and credit risk as measured by NPL. Meanwhile, the variables of bank capital and profitability as well as the size of the bank and board of commissioners do not affect the efficiency of banks, especially Regional Development Banks in Indonesia in the period of 2011-2017.
Peningkatan Kemampuan Motorik Kasar melalui Pengembangan Model Permainan Sirkuit Anak Usia 5-6 Tahun
Authors: Riswandi Fitta Nurisma
Published: October 2021

Belum maksimalnya kemampuan anak dalam melakukan gerakan motorik kasar, minimnya variasi model permainan untuk mendorong anak lebih aktif bergerak, guru masih kurang optimal untuk mengembangkan model permainan dalam kegiatan motorik kasar, kegiatan motorik kasar yang dilakukan kurang terstruktur dengan baik. Tujuan penelitian untuk memperoleh informasi tentang kebutuhan model permainan anak, hasilnya adalah model permainan sirkuit untuk meningkatkan kemampuan motorik kasar anak yang layak menurut ahli, dan menguji keefektifannya. Metode ini menggunakan penelitian pengembangan Borg Gall dengan 9 langkah. Pengumpulan data melalui wawancara, angket untuk guru, dan lembar observasi anak. Penelitian ini menggunakan analisis data desain time series dengan grafik. Penelitian menunjukkan hasil pengembangan model permainan sirkuit mendapatkan kriteria layak menurut ahli instrument skor 4 dan ahli materi skor 3,89 dengan kriteria sangat baik. Dinyatakan model permainan sirkuit yang efektif dan layak digunakan setelah uji coba awal, uji lapangan, dan uji lapangan operasional dengan enam kali perlakukan dan mengalami peningkatan pada setiap indikatornya. Hasil uji lapangan operasional pada perlakuan pertama 14,38, kedua 17,42, ketiga 18,81, keempat 19,23, kelima 19,23, dan keenam 19,33 bahwa data bersifat stasioner atau Ho ditolak. Perolehan tersebut disimpulkan jika model permainan sirkuit efektif dan layak digunakan guru dalam peningkatan kemampuan motorik kasar anak usia 5-6 tahun dengan model permainan sirkuit.
Blended Learning menggunakan Whatsapp untuk Pembelajaran Anak Usia Dini
Authors: Miyanti Irma Nur
Published: October 2021

Pandemi COVID-19 yang sedang terjadi saat ini telah menurunkan stabilitas pendidikan di Indonesia. Larangan untuk belajar secara tatap muka menyebabkan pembelajaran disekolah tidak dapat dilaksanakan. jika keadaan ini terus berlanjut, maka pendidikan akan mengalami keterpurukan. Keadaan seperti ini menjadi masalah krusial dalam dunia pendidikan yang perlu mendapatkan penanganan. Untuk mengatasi masalah pendidikan selama pandemi COVID – 19, perlu adanya inovasi pembelajaran yang dapat dilakukan supaya pendidikan dapat terus berlanjut dan potensi anak dapat terus berkembang. Penelitian Tindakan Kelas tentang Blended Learning  dengan Whatsapp dapat Meningkatkan Pembelajarn Anak Usia Dini. Hasil penelitian tindakan kelas yang telah dilakukan di TK Dharma Wanita Sumberagung 3 yaitu: 1) keaktifan anak pada pembelajaran Blended Learning menggunakan Whatsapp pada siklus I sebesar 69% dan meningkat menjadi 89% pada siklus II, 2) ketuntasan anak siklus I sebesar 67% dan pada siklus II sebesar 86%. Berdasarkan hasil pada siklus I dan siklus II tersebut dapat disimpulkan bahwa pembelajaran Blended Learning  dengan Whatsapp dapat meningkatkan pembelajaran anak usia dini.
AKTUALISASI NILAI-NILAI PANCASILA MELALUI REFORMULASI PERTANGGUNGJAWABAN PIDANA PADA KASUS PROSTITUSI ONLINE
Authors: Yuherawan Deni , Juita Subaidah Ratna
Published: October 2021

Pembahasan dan pengkajian secara teoretis normatif mengenai pembaruan hukum pidana dalam penanggulangan tindak pidana berkaitan dengan pembaruan dalam subsistem substansi dari hukum pidana, serta merupakan pembangunan dalam sistem hukum Indonesia yang berorientasi pada perlindungan terhadap masyarakat. Salah satu usaha rasional yang digunakan untuk menanggulangi aktivitas prostitusi online adalah dengan pendekatan kebijakan hukum pidana melalui formulasi sanksi pidana sebagai wujud konkret pertanggungjawaban pidana pada pelaku prostitusi online. Belum adanya ketentuan yang mengatur mengenai pertanggungjawaban pidana kepada para pengguna jasa dalam kasus prostitusi online menyebabkan tidak maksimalnya penanggulangan prostitusi online itu sendiri. Apabila tidak ada pengaturan nasional yang mengatur tentang hal tersbut, maka para pengguna jasa prostitusi online  akan merasa aman dan tetap leluasa membeli jasa untuk kepuasan mereka semata dan termasuk perempuan yang memberikan jasa layanan seks komersil (PSK), sementara hal tersebut bertentangan dengan berbagai aspek norma terutama norma kesusilaan dalam masyarakat sebagai salah satu pengejewantahan nilai-nilai Pancasila. Oleh karena itu diperlukan pembaruan hukum pidana, berkaitan dengan pertanggungjawaban pidana baik itu bagi para pengguna jasa prostitusi online maupun perempuan yang memberikan jasa layanan seks komersil (PSK). Dengan demikian, tulisan ini mengkaji mengenai aktualisasi nilai-nilai pancasila melalui reformulasi pertanggungjawaban pidana dalam kasus prostitusi online.
La cartografía temática como recurso idóneo para el conocimiento de la pandemia COVID-19: ejemplo de aplicación en España
Authors: Sancho Comíns José , Olcina Cantos Jorge
Published: November 2021

La pandemia Covid-19 ha sido un fenómeno de extraordinario calado por su desgraciada incidencia en la elevada pérdida de vidas humanas y por los perniciosos efectos sociales y económicos que ha provocado en todo el mundo. Son numerosos los organismos internacionales, y también en cada país, que han usado el recurso cartográfico para mostrar su origen, evolución y efectos, difundiéndose profusamente los resultados en los medios de comunicación. La cartografía ofrece muchas posibilidades al usuario por el hecho de que éste pueda entablar un diálogo inteligente con el mapa en el que, a buen seguro, descubrirá matices inéditos y, sobre todo, podrá formular hipótesis bien fundamentadas que sostengan futuras investigaciones más específicas. En España, se ha desarrollado un proyecto cartográfico colaborativo entre el Instituto Geográfico Nacional y la Asociación Española de Geografía que ha tenido como resultado la edición de un Atlas sobre la pandemia Covid-19 en España.  En este artículo, después de una breve introducción, se abordan aspectos conceptuales, metodológicos y organizativos que han sustentado la confección del atlas con aportación de una muestra de mapas que integran dicho atlas, a la vez que se analiza un elenco representativo de ejemplos internacionales de cartografía de la Covid-19.
Continuous ZnO nanoparticle exposure induces melanoma-like skin lesions in epidermal barrier dysfunction model mice through anti-apoptotic effects mediated by the oxidative stress–activated NF-κB pathway
Authors: Wang Ping , Hu Guodong , Zhao Wen , Du Juan , You Menghan , Xv Mengying , Yang Hong , Zhang Min , Yan Fanf , Huang Mianbo , Wang Xueer , Zhang Lin , Chen Yinghua
Published: November 2021

Background: Increasing interest in the hazardous properties of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs), commonly used as ultraviolet filters in sunscreen, has driven efforts to study the percutaneous application of ZnO NPs to diseased skin; however, in-depth studies of toxic effects on melanocytes under conditions of epidermal barrier dysfunction remain lacking. Methods: Epidermal barrier dysfunction model mice were continuously exposed to a ZnO NP-containing suspension for up to 14 and even 49 days in vivo. Melanoma-like change and molecular mechanisms were also verified in human epidermal melanocytes treated with 5.0 µg·mL −1 ZnO NPs for 72 h in vitro. Results: ZnO NP application for 14 and 49 consecutive days induced melanoma-like skin lesions, dysregulated melanoma-associated gene expression, increased oxidative injury, inhibited apoptosis, and increased nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) p65 and Bcl-2 expression in melanocytes of skin with epidermal barrier dysfunction. Exposure to 5.0 µg·mL −1 ZnO NPs for 72 h increased cell viability, decreased apoptosis, and increased Fkbp51 expression in melanocytes, consistent with histological observations. The oxidative stress–mediated mechanism underlying the induction of anti-apoptotic effects was verified using the reactive oxygen species scavenger N-acetylcysteine. Conclusions: The entry of ZnO NPs into the stratum basale of skin with epidermal barrier dysfunction resulted in melanoma-like skin lesions and an anti-apoptotic effect induced by oxidative stress, activating the NF-κB pathway in melanocytes.
PLXDC2 Enhances Invadopodium Formation to Promote Invasion and Metastasis of Gastric Cancer Cells via Iteracting with PTP1B
Authors: Wu Bin , Wang Yan-xia , Wang Jun-jie , Xiang Dong-fang , Zhang Meng-si , Yan Ze-xuan , Wang Wen-ying , Miao Jing-ya , Lan Xi , Liu Jia-jia , Li Zheng-yan , Li Chuan , Fan Jun-yan , Liu Jun-yan , Jiang Lei , Zhan Ying , Xu Sen-lin , Cui You-hong , Qian Feng
Published: November 2021

Background: Plexin-domain containing 2 (PLXDC2) has been reported as an oncoprotein in several human malignancies. However, its expression and roles in gastric cancer remain largely unclear. Methods: The expression of PLXDC2 in 170 gastric cancer specimens was measured by using immunohistochemical staining and its clinical relevance was statistically analyzed. Matrigel-transwell invasion assays and mouse intraperitoneal metastasis models with PLXDC2-silencing and -overexpressing gastric cells were performed to explore the biological functions of PLXDC2 in gastric cancer cells. RNA-Seq, immunofluorescence and Co-IP analyses were used to investigate the potential molecular mechanisms of PLXDC2 action in gastric cancer. Results: PLXDC2 was highly expressed in gastric cancer tissues, and the expression levels were positively correlated with clinicopathological features, but negatively with the patients’ outcome. Cox regression analysis identified PLXDC2 as an independent prognostic indicator for the patients. Knockdown of PLXDC2 markedly suppressed the in vitro invasion and in vivo metastasis of gastric cancer cells, while overexpression of PLXDC2 resulted in opposite effects. Mechanistically, PLXDC2 inhibited dephosphorylation of phosphorylated Cortactin by physically interacting with PTP1B, an important tyrosine phosphatase, thereby promoting the formation of invadopodium. Conclusions: PLXDC2 contributes to the invasion and metastasis of gastric cancer by inhibiting PTP1B to facilitate the invadopodium formation, and may serve as a potential prognostic biomarker and a therapeutic target for this disease.
Kilometre-scale, kilowatt average power, single-mode laser delivery through hollow core fibre: overcoming nonlinear limits of glass fibre
Authors: Mulvad Hans Christian , Mousavi Seyed mohammad Abokhamis , Zuba Viktor , Xu Lin , Sakr Hesham , Bradley Thomas , Hayes John , Jasion Gregory , Fokoua Eric Numkam , Taranta Austin , Alam Shaif-ul , Richardson David , Poletti Francesco
Published: November 2021

High power laser delivery with near-diffraction-limited beam quality, widely used in industry for precision manufacturing, is typically limited to tens of metres distances by nonlinearity-induced spectral broadening inside the glass-core delivery fibres. Anti-resonant hollow-core fibres offer not only orders-of-magnitude lower non-linearity, but also loss and modal purity comparable to conventional beam-delivery fibres. Using a single-mode hollow-core nested anti-resonant nodeless fibre (NANF) with 0.74-dB/km loss, we demonstrate delivery of 1 kW of near-diffraction-limited continuous wave laser light over an unprecedented 1-km distance, with a total throughput efficiency of ~80%. From simulations, more than one order of magnitude further improvement in transmitted power or length should be possible in such air-filled fibres, and considerably more if the core is evacuated. This paves the way to multi-kilometre, kW-scale power delivery – not only for future manufacturing and subsurface drilling, but also for new scientific possibilities in sensing, particle acceleration and gravitational wave detection.
Sex-dependent Pathological Aging Effect on Caudate Functional Connectivity in Mild Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Yang Zhengshi , Caldwell Jessica Z.K. , Cummings Jeffrey L. , Ritter Aaron , Kinney Jefferson W. , Cordes Dietmar
Published: November 2021

Purpose

To assess the pathological aging effect on caudate functional connectivity among mild cognitive impairment (MCI) participants and examine whether and how sex and amyloid contribute to this process.
Materials and Methods

277 functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) sessions from 163 cognitive normal (CN) older adults and 309 sessions from 139 participants with MCI were included as the main sample in our analysis. Pearson’s correlation was used to characterize the functional connectivity (FC) between caudate and each brain region, then caudate nodal strength was computed to quantify the overall caudate FC strength. Association analysis between caudate nodal strength and age was carried out in MCI and CN separately using linear mixed effect (LME) model with covariates (education, handedness, sex, Apolipoprotein E4 and intra-subject effect). Analysis of covariance was conducted to investigate sex, amyloid status and their interaction effects on aging with the fMRI data subset having amyloid status available. LME model was applied to women and men separately within MCI group to evaluate aging effects on caudate nodal strength and each region’s connectivity with caudate. We then evaluated the roles of sex and amyloid status in the associations of neuropsychological scores with age or caudate nodal strength. An independent cohort was used to validate the sex-dependent aging effects in MCI.
Results

The MCI group had significantly stronger age-related increase of caudate nodal strength compared to the CN group. Analyzing women and men separately revealed that the aging effect on caudate nodal strength among MCI participants was significant only for women (left: P=6.23x10−7, right: P=3.37x10−8), but not for men (P>0.3 for bilateral caudate). The aging effects on caudate nodal strength were not significantly mediated by brain amyloid burden. Caudate connectivity with ventral prefrontal cortex substantially contributed to the aging effect on caudate nodal strength in women with MCI. Higher caudate nodal strength is significantly related to worse cognitive performance in women but not in men with MCI.
Conclusion

Sex modulates the pathological aging effects on caudate nodal strength in MCI regardless of amyloid status. Caudate nodal strength may be a sensitive biomarker of pathological aging in women with MCI.
The First GLP Compliant Study in Africa for the Evaluation of LLIN’s; Efficacy of SafeNet® and SafeNet NF®
Authors: Azizi Salum , Snetselaar Janneke , Kaaya Robert , Matowo Johnson , Onen Hudson , Shayo Magreth , Kisengwa Ezekia , Tilya Evod , Manunda Baltazari , Mawa Benson , Mosha Franklin , Kirby Matt
Published: November 2021

Background: To attain and sustain the universal Long-Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLINs) coverage, cheap nets that provides equivalent or better protection than the standard LLINs, are required. While it is essential to follow the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines for the evaluation of LLINs, adherence to the Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) is necessary to generate reliable and reproducible data that will facilitate efficient LLINs to be speedy registered. Adherence to GLP obviate the need to duplicate the assessment and ensures substandard LLINs are not reaching the market. This study aimed to evaluate efficacy of SafeNet NF® and SafeNet® LLIN in accordance to the WHO Pest Evaluation Scheme (WHOPES) and the GLP guidelines. Both candidate LLINs were manufactured with less fabrics to cut down manufacturing costs, motivated by the need for cheaper LLINs to achieve universal coverage. Materials & Methods: SafeNet NF® and SafeNet® LLIN, were assessed in experimental huts against wild, pyrethroid-resistant Anopheles arabiensis mosquitoes. Efficacy in terms of mosquito blood-feeding inhibition and mortality, was compared with Interceptor® LLIN and an untreated net. All nets were washed and artificially holed to simulate a used torn net. The GLP guidelines were followed throughout this study.Results: The mortality of mosquitoes exposed to SafeNet NF® and SafeNet® LLIN were equivalent to that of the reference net. Blood-feeding inhibition was only evident in Interceptor® LLIN. Adherence to GLP was observed throughout the study.Conclusions: Step-wise procedures to conduct LLIN evaluation in compliance to both WHOPES and GLP guidelines are elaborated in this study. SafeNet NF® and SafeNet® LLIN offers equivalent protection as Interceptor® LLIN and can facilitate universal LLIN coverage due to its low manufacturing cost. However, further research is needed to understand durability, acceptability and residual efficacy of these nets in field environments.
Prediction of Patients with Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome in Gnrh-A Prolonged Protocol : A Retrospective Study
Authors: Zexing Yang , Ya Wen , He Limei , Zheng Yuhang , Rao Meng , Wang Huawei
Published: November 2021

Background: OHSS (ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome) is a life-threatening complication and most common adverse effect of fertility treatmentObjectives: To investigate associated risk factors of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) in stimulated ovarian cycles with assisted reproductive technology, may provide guidance for clinicians on how to prevent OHSS. Methods: A Logistic regression analysis was conducted in 336 patients who had completed IVF-ICSI/ET cycles between April 2019 and April 2020 in the first affiliated hospital of kunming medical university. Receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curves for OHSS were calculated for each predictor using cut-off values. Area under the curve (AUC) analysis and logistic regression models were performed to compare the performance of laboratory biomarkers. Results: According to clinical diagnosis, 61 cycles developed OHSS of 336 cycles, with an incidence of 18.15%. Patients were graded according to their clinical symptoms and severity, including 27 cycles of moderate OHSS (8.04%) and 8 cycles of severe OHSS (2.38%). The cut-off value of AMH, E2 on HCG day, egg retrieved to predict moderate and severe OHSS were 7.495ng/ml, 4828pg/ml and 19.5 in GnRH-a Prolonged Protocol, with sensitivities of 77.0%, 67.2%, 80.3%, and specificity of 68.0%, 70.9%, 81.5% respectively. The area under the curve (AUC) values of AMH, E2 on HCG day, Number of oocytes retrieved to predict moderate and severe OHSS were 0.754, 0.738, 0.876, respectively. And the AUC value of combined index to predict moderate and severe OHSS was 0.898, achieved the highest AUC with 85.2% sensitivity and 83.6% specificity. Conclusions:AMH, E2 day of HCG and number of eggs obtained have a good predictive effect on the occurrence of OHSS, and the predictive ability is further improved after the combination of the three indicators.
Chinese Mitten Crabs (Eriocheir Sinensis) Could Act As Vehicles of Spreading Avian Influenza Virus
Authors: Ma Weiwei , Ren Chenyang , Hu Qingbiao , Li Xiaodong , Feng Yali , Zhang Ying
Published: November 2021

Avian influenza virus (AIV) possessed significant risk to various animals and human health. Wild birds, especially waterfowls are considered to be the natural reservoir of AIVs. The ecology of AIV is still far from being fully understood. Chinese mitten crabs are nonnegligible biotic factor in AIV ecosystem. We analyzed the ability of Chinese mitten crabs accumulate and spread AIV. We found that AIV remain infectious in water only for 36 hours but persist in crabs for 48 hours. Crabs grills and gastrointestinal tracts accumulated AIV with higher titers than viral water. Crabs could accumulate AIV from contaminated water, carry the virus and spread to naïve crabs via surrounding water. Our study identified Chinese mitten crab as a novel transmission vehicle in AIV ecosystem.
Probiotic In The Prevention of Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia In Critically Ill Patients- Evidence From Meta-Analysis And Trial Sequential Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials
Authors: Sun Yue-chen , Wang Chen-yi , Wang Hai-li , Yuan Yao , Lu Jian-hong , Zhong Lei
Published: November 2021

Introduction: Probiotic may have a role in prevention of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) among mechanically ventilated patients, but the efficacy and safety remains inconsistent. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of probiotic (prebiotic, synbiotic) versus placebo in preventing VAP in critically ill patients undergoing mechanical ventilation. Methods: PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane library databases were searched to 10 October 2021 without language restriction for randomized or semi-randomized controlled trials evaluating probiotic (prebiotic, synbiotic) vs. placebo in prevention of VAP in critically ill mechanically ventilated patients. The pooled relative risk (RR) along with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were combined using a random-effects model. Furthermore, the trial sequential analysis (TSA) and subgroup analyses were performed. Statistical significance was regarded as P <0.05. Results: Twenty-three trials involving 5543 patients were eligible for meta-analysis. The combined RR of decreasing the risk of VAP by probiotic was 0.67 (0.56, 0.81) for all eligible studies, 0.69 (n =5136; 95% CI=0.57 to 0.84; P<0.01) for adults studies and 0.55 (n=407; 95%CI=0.31 to 0.99; P=0.046) for neonates/children studies. Additionally, the above-mentioned positive finding was verified by the result of TSA, subgroup analyses and cumulative meta-analysis in adult patients. Ample evidence demonstrated the existence of a 31% decrease in RR of incidence of VAP when prophylactic probiotic therapy was administrated among adult patients. Finally, there were no effects on the ICU/hospital/28-/90-day mortality, bacteremia, CRBSI, diarrhea, ICU-acquired infections, infectious complications, pneumonia, UTI and wound infection between two groups (P＞0.05 for all). Conclusion: Based on the results of our study, the current evidences suggested that prophylactic administration of probiotic might be utilized as a preventive method for VAP in neonates/children and adults patients who require mechanical ventilation. However, further large, high-quality RCTs are warranted to assess the efficacy and safety of probiotic treatment in critically ill patients, especially for the neonates/children studies and the long-term consequences of this therapy.
Molecular Characterization of a Novel Alternavirus Infecting the Entomopathogenic Fungus Cordyceps Chanhua
Authors: Zhang Yuxiang , Shi Najie , Wang Ping , Zhu Qiuyan , Yang Guogen , Huang Bo
Published: November 2021

In this study, a novel double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) mycovirus, named Cordyceps chanhua alternavirus 1 (CcAV1), was detected in the entomogenous fungus Cordyceps chanhua from China. The complete genome of CcAV1 contained three dsRNA genome segments, dsRNA 1 (3,512 bp), dsRNA 2 (2,655 bp), and dsRNA 3 (2,415 bp). All the three dsRNAs possess a single open reading frame (ORF). DsRNA 1 with 3,512 bp long encoded a putative RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), while dsRNA 2 with 2,655 bp long and dsRNA 3 with 2,415 bp long encoded a hypothetical protein 1 (HP 1) and a hypothetical protein 2 (HP 2), respectively. The RdRp, HP 1 and HP 2 sequences had the highest identity of 66.99%, 49.30% and 56.91%, respectively, to those of Aspergillus foetidus dsRNA mycovirus. A maximum-likelihood phylogenetic tree from RdRp sequence revealed that CcAV1 was placed in the clade of the proposed family “Alternaviridae”. Hence, we proposed that Cordyceps chanhua alternavirus 1 is a novel member of the proposed “Alternaviridae”.
Clinical and Antibody Characteristics Reveal Diverse Signatures of Severe and Non-severe SARS-CoV-2 Patients
Authors: Wang Hongye , Yan Dongshan , Li Ya , Gong Yanfei , Mai Yulin , Li Bingxiang , Zhu Xiaoyong , Wan Xinrui , Xie Liyun , Jiang HuaKe , zhang Min , Sun Ming , Yao YuFeng , ZHU YongZhang
Published: November 2021

Clinical and Immune response characteristics of COVID-19 between severe and non-severe patients have not been fully clarified. In this study, clinical features, antibody responses targeting SARS-CoV-2 spike protein (S) and its different domains, Ig isotypes and IgG subtypes, ACE2 competitive antibodies, binding titers with FcγIIa and FcγIIb receptors, and 14 cytokines were investigated in 119 serum samples from 37 PCR-confirmed COVID-19 patients. Severe group including 9 patients represented lower lymphocyte count, higher neutrophil count, higher level of LDH, total bile acid (TBA) (P<1×10-4), r-glutaminase (P=0.011), adenosine deaminase (P<1×10-4), procalcitonin (P=0.004), C-reactive protein (P<1×10-4) and D-dimer (P=0.049) compared to non-severe group (28 patients). Significantly, higher-level antibody targeting S (IgA, IgM, and IgG), different S domains specificity (RBD, RBM, NTD, and CTD), FcγIIa and FcγIIb binding capability were observed in severe group than that of non-severe group, of which IgG1 and IgG3 were the main IgG subclasses. RBD-IgG were strongly correlated with S-IgG both in severe group and non-severe group. Additionally, CTD-IgG were strongly correlated with S-IgG in non-severe group. Positive RBD-ACE2 binding inhibition was strongly associated with high titers of antibody (S-IgG1, S-IgG3, NTD-IgG) especially RBD-IgG and CTD-IgG in severe group, while in non-severe group, S-IgG3, RBD-IgG and NTD-IgG titer correlated with ACE2 blocking rate. S-IgG1 was negatively associated with illness days in severe group (r=- 0.434, P=0.002), while S-IgG3 in severe group (r=0.363, P=0.011) and S-IgG1 (r=0.417, P=3×10-4) in non-severe group was positively associated with days after symptom onset. Moreover, GRO-α, IL-6, IL-8, IP-10, MCP-1, MCP-3, MIG, and BAFF were also significantly elevated in severe group. Overall, the results indicated different signatures in clinical and immune responses between the COVID-19 severe group and non-severe group, which will be markedly contributed to future therapeutic and preventive measures development.
RAS/MAPK Pathway Alteration in Pediatric Low-Grade Glioma Complicated with Ventriculo-Peritoneal Shunt Related Ascites
Authors: Solano-Páez Palma , Fonseca Adriana , Baroni Lorena Viviana , Amayiri Nisreen , Pérez-Somarriba Marta , Freytes Candela , Quiroga Eduardo , Lassaletta Alvaro , Bouffet Eric
Published: November 2021

Introduction: Ventriculo-Peritoneal Shunt (VPS) related ascites is a rare complication of pediatric Low Grade Gliomas (pLGG). Physiopathology of this complication is not fully understood and there is paucity of data regarding the molecular profile of pLGG gliomas complicating with ascites and the optimal management of this unusual event. Methods: International multi-institutional retrospective analysis of patients diagnosed with BRAF altered pLGG and ascites arising as a complication of VPS. Demographics, tumor characteristics, therapeutic approaches and outcomes were recorded. Results: Nineteen patients were identified. Median age at diagnosis was 14 months (IQR:7-16). Most patients (16;84.2%) presented with lesions involving the optic pathway. Mean tumor standard volume was 34.8 cm2 (range:12.5-85.4). Pilocytic Astrocytoma was the most frequent histological diagnosis (14;73.7%). Eight (42.1%) tumors harbored BRAF V600-E mutation and seven (36.8%) KIAA1549 fusion. The onset of ascites was documented at a median time of 5 months following VPS insertion. Four (21%) patients were managed with paracentesis only, 7(36.8%) required both paracentesis and shunt diversion, 7(36.8%) required only a shunt diversion and 1 (5,2%) patient was managed conservatively. Ascites was the indication to change chemotherapy regimen in 10 patients. Eight patients received targeted therapy (4 dabrafenib/4 trametinib) and 5 were radiated. Eleven patients were alive at the time of this report with a median OS of 69 months (range:3-144). Conclusions: Ascites is an early feature in the course of pLGG irrespective of alterations in the RAS/MAPK pathway with high mortality rate and should be considered as an adverse prognostic risk factor in pLGG.
Exploring the Experience of Nurses on Nursing Process Implementation in Northwest Ethiopia
Authors: Areri Habtamu Abera , Getie Hana , Guta Alemu , Simegn Bekele
Published: November 2021

BackgroundThe nursing process is a set of actions that help nurses to solve the nursing problems identified for a particular patient. Besides, it is possible to say it is an instrument for nurses in their daily activities, and at the same time, it requires the knowledge, skills, and attitude of its nurses. The study aimed to explore the nursing process implementation among nurses in selected referral hospitals of the Amhara Region. Ida Jean Orlando’s Theory of the nursing process guided the study. MethodsThe study employed a descriptive qualitative research design. After obtaining permission from respective referral hospitals and informed written consent from nurses, a semi-structured in-depth interview with sixteen nurses were carried out to gather data. NVivo 10 software was used for analysis and the findings were thematised under different headings. ResultsThree main themes were emerged from the data and stated as care delivery approach, challenges in the nursing process implementation and nurses’ preparation during training for implementing the nursing process.ConclusionThe finding showed different degrees of nursing process implementation with a huge gap in the quality. Inadequate knowledge, attitude towards the nursing process, and skill were considered a major areas of concern. The study recommends the need for coordinated efforts of all stakeholders for improving the implementation of the nursing process, as identified by this study.
Reevaluating Scorpion Ecomorphs using a Naïve Approach
Authors: Coelho Pedro , Kaliontzopoulou Antigoni , Sousa Pedro , Stockmann Mark , Meijden Arie van der
Published: November 2021

BackgroundEcomorphs create the opportunity to investigate ecological adaptation because they encompass organisms that evolved characteristic morphologies under similar ecological demands. For over 50 years, scorpions have been empirically assigned to ecomorphs based on the characteristic morphologies that rock, sand, vegetation, underground, and surface dwellers assume. This study aims to independently test the existence of scorpion ecomorphs by quantifying the association between their morphology and ecology across 61 species, representing 14 families of the Scorpiones order.ResultsWithout a priori categorization of species into ecomorphs, we identified four groups based on microhabitat descriptors, which reflect how scorpion ecospace is clustered. Moreover, these microhabitat groups, i.e. ecotypes, have significantly divergent morphologies; therefore, they represent ecomorphs. These ecomorphs largely correspond with the ones previously described in the literature. Therefore, we retained the names Lithophilous, Psammophilous, and Pelophilous, and proposed the name Phytophilous for vegetation dwellers. Finally, we sought to map the morphology-ecology association in scorpions. We provide evidence that the morphological regions most tightly associated with ecology are the walking legs and pedipalps. Moreover, the major trend in ecomorphological covariation is that longer walking legs and relatively slender pedipalps (pincers) are associated with sandy microhabitats, while the inverse morphological proportions are associated with rocky microhabitats. ConclusionsScorpion ecomorphs are validated in a naïve approach, from ecological descriptors and whole body anatomy. This places them on a more solid quantitative footing for future studies of ecological adaptation in scorpions. Our results verify some of the previously defined ecomorphotypes and can be used as a starting point to understand the adaptive significance of ecological morphology.
Electromagnetic Fields Ameliorate Hepatic Lipid Accumulation and Oxidative Stress by Activating the CaMKKβ/AMPK/SREBP-1c and Nrf2 Pathways in High-Fat Diet-Fed Mice
Authors: Zhai Mingming , Cui Jinxiu , Zhang Chenxu , Liu Juan , Li Yuanzhe , Xie Kangning , Luo Erping , Tang Chi
Published: November 2021

Background: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common liver disease worldwide, and is related to disturbed lipid metabolism and redox homeostasis. However, a definitive drug treatment has not been approved for this disease. Studies have found that electromagnetic fields (EMFs) can ameliorate hepatic steatosis and oxidative stress. Nevertheless, the mechanism remains unclear.Methods: NAFLD models were established by feeding mice a high-fat diet. Simultaneously, EMF exposure is performed. The effects of the EMF on hepatic lipid deposition and oxidative stress were investigated. Additionally, the AMPK and Nrf2 pathways were analysed to confirm whether they were activated by the EMF.Results: Administration of the EMF decreased the body weight, liver weight and serum triglyceride (TG) levels and restrained the excessive hepatic lipid accumulation caused by feeding the HFD. This EMF function is achieved by boosting CaMKKβ protein expression, activating AMPK phosphorylation and suppressing mature SREBP-1c protein expression. Meanwhile, the activity of GSH-Px was enhanced following an increase in nuclear Nrf2 protein expression by EMF. However, no change was observed in the activities of SOD and CAT. Consequently, EMF reduced hepatic reactive oxygen species (ROS) and MDA levels, which means that EMF relieved liver damage by oxidative stress in HFD-fed mice.Conclusions: EMF can activate the CaMKKβ/AMPK/SREBP-1c and Nrf2 pathways to control hepatic lipid deposition and oxidative stress. This investigation indicates that EMF may be a novel therapeutic method for NAFLD.
Acromioclavicular Joint Instability on Cross-Body Adduction View: The Biomechanical Effect of Acromioclavicular and Coracoclavicular Ligaments Sectioning
Authors: Kurata Shimpei , Inoue Kazuya , Shimizu Takamasa , Nagashima Mitsuyuki , Murayama Hirakazu , Kawamura Kenji , Omokawa Shohei , Mahakkanukrauh Pasuk , Tanaka Yasuhito
Published: November 2021

Background
The relationship between acromioclavicular (AC) joint dislocation, corresponding radiological evaluation, and ligament injuries remains controversial. We hypothesized that AC and trapezoid ligament injuries induce AC joint instability, and the clavicle can override the acromion on cross-body adduction view without conoid ligament injury. We aimed to investigate how biomechanically sectioning the AC and coracoclavicular (CC) ligaments contributes to AC joint instability in the cross-body adduction position using fresh-frozen cadaver models.
Methods
Six fresh-frozen cadaveric shoulders were used in this study, comprising five male and one female specimen, with a mean age of 68.7 (range, 51–87) years). The left side of the trunk and upper limb, and the cervical and thoracic vertebrae and sternum were firmly fixed with an external fixator. The displacement of the distal end of the clavicle relative to the acromion was measured using an electromagnetic tracking device. We simulated AC joint dislocation by sequential resection of AC ligament, AC joint capsule, and CC ligaments in the following order of stages. Stage 0: Intact AC and CC ligaments and acromioclavicular joint capsule; stage 1: Completely sectioned AC ligament and joint disc; stage 2: Sectioned trapezoid ligament; and stage 3: Sectioned conoid ligament. The superior clavicle displacement related to the acromion was measured in the horizontal adduction position, and clavicle overriding on the acromion was assessed radiologically at each stage. Data were analyzed using a one-way analysis of variance and post-hoc tests.
Results
Superior displacement was 0.3 mm at stage 1, 6.5 mm at stage 2, and 10.7 mm at stage 3. On the cross-body adduction view, there was no distal clavicle overriding at stages 0 and 1, and distal clavicle overriding was observed in five cases (5/6: 83%) at stage 2 and in six cases (6/6: 100%) at stage 3.
Conclusion
We found that AC and trapezoid ligament sectioning induced AC joint instability and that the clavicle could override the acromion on cross-body adduction view regardless of conoid ligament sectioning. AC and trapezoid ligament injuries may lead to significant AC joint instability, and the distal clavicle may subsequently override the acromion.
Synchronization Mode Transitions Induced by Chaos in Modified Morris-Lecar Neural Systems with Weak Coupling
Authors: Li Tianyu , Wang Guowei , Yu Dong , Ding Qianming , Jia Ya
Published: November 2021

Based on a modified Morris–Lecar neural model, the synchronization modes transitions between two coupled neurons or star-coupled neural network connected by weak electrical and chemical coupling are respectively investigated. For the two coupled neurons, by increasing the calcium conductivity, it is found that the period-2 synchronization of action potential of neurons is transformed to desynchronization first, and then to period-3 synchronization. By increasing the potassium conductivity, however, the synchronization mode transition is a reversal direction process as mentioned above. The bifurcation analysis of inter-spike interval shows that the synchronization modes transition is induced by the chaos. The stronger the coupling strength is, the smaller the period-2 synchronization region in the parameters plane is, while the larger the period-3 synchronization region will be. For the star-coupled neural network, in the presence of weak electrical coupling, it can exhibit the complete synchronization, desynchronization, and drum head mode states under different parameter values, respectively. In the presence of chemical synapse, however, the completely synchronized state can not be observed in the star-coupled neural network. Our results might provide novel insights into synchronization modes transition and related biological experiments.
Identification and Analysis of Key Genes Associated with Ulcerative Colitis by Integrated Bioinformatics Methods
Authors: Yu Xingyu , Li Jinjie , Chen Hongci , Chen Xingmeng , Xiang Yu
Published: November 2021

Background: Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a prevalent inflammatory bowel disease of the colonic mucosa. The exact mechanism of the disease still remains unclear. Here we tried to explore new biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets in UC through adopting integrated bioinformatics tools.Results: By performing DEGs analysis, 59 upregulated and 39 downregulated DEGs were successfully identified from GSE3365, respectively. And they were mainly enriched in the terms of Cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction,Viral protein interaction with cytokine and cytokine receptor,Pantothenate and CoA biosynthesis,IL-17 signaling pathway and Chemokine signaling pathway. Based on the data of protein–protein interaction (PPI), the top 10 hub genes were ranked, including Growth-regulated alpha protein (CXCL1), C-C motif chemokine 2 (CCL2), C-X-C chemokine receptor type 1 (CXCR1), Low affinity immunoglobulin gamma Fc region receptor III-B (FCGR3B), C-X-C chemokine receptor type 2 (CXCR2), Prostaglandin G/H synthase 2 (PTGS2), Triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 1 (TREM1), Interleukin-1 receptor type 1 (IL1R1), fMet-Leu-Phe receptor (FPR1), and Band 3 anion transport protein (SLC4A1).What’s more, the results of correlation analysis demonstrated that there was a positive correlation between the 10 hub DEGs.Conclusion: Ten DEGs were identified as potential candidate diagnostic biomarkers for patients with UC in present study. However, further experiments are needed to confirm the functional pathways and hub genes associated with UC.