bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of the Factors Affecting the Transfer of Rice Fields to Non-Paddy Lands in the City of Mataram
Authors: Safitri Syaum Apriliani , Sidik M. , Dipokusumo Bambang , Sjah Taslim
Published: June 2022

This study aims to analyze the factors that influence the conversion of paddy fields to non-rice fields on rice production in Mataram City. In particular, the purpose of this study is to look at the factors that influence the conversion of paddy fields to non-rice fields. This study looks at the effect of annual household growth, GRDP, development of standard rice fields, the ratio of rice and non-rice fields prices, the ratio of agricultural and non-agricultural production values. To see what affects rice production in particular, namely land conversion, area of harvested land, the ratio of rice and non-rice fields prices and the ratio of agricultural and non-agricultural production values. This study uses secondary data obtained from the BPS (Central Bureau of Statistics) Mataram City office. The data is then analyzed using the multiple linear regression analysis method. The results showed that there were only 3 factors that were influential or significant, namely 1) the number of households with a coefficient value of 100.301 with a sig value of 0.022 percent, 2) GRDP coefficient value of 7.396E-8 with a sig value of 0.006 percent, 3) Standard rice field area with a coefficient value of - 1.527 with a sig value of 0.030 percent, although of the three factors there is one factor that has a negative or inversely effect. As for the factors that affect the conversion of paddy fields to non-rice fields on rice production, there is only one factor that has a real or significant effect on rice production, namely the area of rice harvested land (HA) by obtaining a coefficient value of 7.958 (sig 0.038 percent) which This means that the area of rice harvested land (HA) greatly affects the yield of rice production in the city of Mataram.
Analysis of a Lecturer’s Directive Speech Acts to Student in Online Pragmatic Studies
Authors: Suputra Gusti Ketut Alit , Idris Idris , Ali Ali , Astriana Astriana
Published: June 2022

This research aims to describe the form and function of the lecturer's directive speech actions to Class A students in the 2019 batch participating in online learning in pragmatic studies. This research employed descriptive qualitative methods of observable words said by speakers (lecturers) to speech partners (students). The data source was the lecturer's remarks to students during online learning via zoom). The data collection techniques employed listening, note-taking, screen recording, and screenshots. The researcher discovered six types of directive speech acts including (1) a request form; (2) in the form of a lecturer's command; (3) A question; (4) a sort of prohibition; (5) An invitation in the style of Lecturer; and (6) As a demand.. Four directive speech acts functions are  (1) competitive (competing) functions; (2) convivial (fun); 3) collaborative function (collaborating); and (4) conflict function (contrary) as the lecturer said: If no one answers who wants to present their work, I will remove them from the zoom room”.
Status of Land Tenure and Contribution of Its Utilization to Farmers' Household Incomes in Outskirts Dompu District Forest Area
Authors: Anggraini Fatun , Halil Halil , Siddik Muhammad
Published: June 2022

This study aims to identify the status of land tenure and use by farming households in the outskirts of the forest area and analyze household income from sharing sources and the contribution of agricultural business income to household incomes in the forest area of Dompu Regency. This study uses a descriptive method with the unit of analysis of farmer households in the outskirts of the forest area of Dompu Regency. This sample area was determined by purposive sampling. Determination of the number of respondents is determined by probability sampling with the determination of respondents by Cluster Random Sampling. The results showed that most of the land tenure on the outskirts of the forest area was cultivator, around 85.33% with a land area of 1.79 ha and 1.33% with an area of 0.03 ha on dry land. And paddy fields with tenant owner status are around 45.33% with an area of 0.30 Ha. Meanwhile, in HKM with non-owner cultivator status or about 20.00% with an area of 0.20 Ha. The average area of land controlled by farmers is in the range of > 1.0 Ha as many as 61 respondents. The land use is corn, rice and livestock commodities. Land tenure causes several impacts, both in terms of land that will continue to experience damage and environmental damage such as floods and landslides. And the contribution of agricultural business income to the household income of farmers on the outskirts of the forest area is 61.42%, compared to the contribution of income from outside the agricultural business of 34.55% and other incomes of 4.04%. Thus, it is suggested to the government to increase the extension program on how to cultivate annual crops that can provide maximum production yields and to farmers to plant annual crops of high economic value according to market demand by taking into account the condition of agricultural land and geographical location.
Therapeutic EUS
Authors: Sneineh Midhat Abu
Published: June 2022

Currently, the standard treatment for pancreatic neoplasms is surgical resection. However, pancreatic surgical resection is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Patients unfit for surgery are undergoing regular cross- sectional imaging surveillance. Controversy surrounds the optimal surveillance of patients with pancreatic neoplasms, underlying the need for minimally invasive treatment modalities as an alternative to surgical treatment. To date, endoscopic ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation (EUS-RFA) is an emerging minimally invasive therapeutic alternative to surgical resection for various pancreatic neoplasms. We review evaluations of EUS-RFA for various pancreatic neoplasms to better understand its effectiveness and safety.
Results of Two Strategies for Peer-Support in Patients with Recently Diagnosed Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: García-Ulloa Ana Cristina , Ramírez-García Jorge Alberto , Díaz-Pineda Michelle , Ovalle-Escalera Christa Nadine , Arizmendi-Rodríguez Rodrigo Eduardo , Velasco-Pérez María Luisa , Hernández-Jiménez Sergio
Published: June 2022

Authors: Ana Cristina García-Ulloa, Jorge Alberto Ramírez-García, Michelle Díaz-Pineda, Christa Nadine Ovalle-Escalera, Rodrigo Eduardo Arizmendi-Rodríguez, María Luisa Velasco-Pérez, Sergio Hernández-Jiménez. Objective: To investigate whether a peer-support (PS) program at-distance (PSAD) helps maintain metabolic and mental health in patients with a recent diagnosis of type 2 diabetes (T2DM) after a multidisciplinary intervention. Methods: Patients were randomized in PSAD and PS face-to-face groups (PSFF). Leaders were selected if they accomplished the eligibility criteria such as metabolic control and mental health department approval. Results: We included 133 patients divided into three groups, at-distance (n=62), face-to-face (n=59), and leaders (n=12). Patients in the PSFF had higher odds of reaching glycemic targets at three months than PSAD (OR 2.52 95%CI 1.18-5.38, p=0.01) and improved scores in Diabetes Quality of Life Measure (DQoL) and empowerment. Conclusion: PS increases long-term empowerment and decreases problem areas in T2DM, which increases the likelihood of achieving HbA1c target goals, LDL-C control, and promotes weight loss.
ANALISIS PERENCANAAN BISNIS SAMOSA TUNA DI KOTA SORONG
Authors: Tajuddin Tamrin , Mansyur Risnawati
Published: June 2022

Di Kota Sorong dipenuhi dengan barbagai macam variasi makanan, mulai dari cemilan, kue, hingga masakan khas berbagai macam daerah. Untuk itu penulis berinovasi untuk menyajikan makanan yang berbeda, hal tersebut dilakukan untuk menarik perhatian konsumen terhadap jenis makanan yang diproduksi. Disini penulis melakukan penelitian tentang Analisis Perencanaan Bisnis Samosa Tuna Di Kota Sorong. Memiliki rumusan perencanaan bisnis â€œSAMOSA TUNAâ€ dapat didirikan dan dapat diterima oleh masyarakat Kota Sorong ditinjau dari Analisis SWOT dan Aspek Keuangannya. Memiliki Tujuan untuk mengetahui apakah produk Samosa Tuna layak untuk di produksi ditinjau dari Analisis SWOT dan Aspek Keuangannya. Penelitian ini menggunakan Analisis SWOT. Adapun sumber data yang digunanakan adalah data-data primer dan sekunder. Teknik pengumpulan data menggunakan kuisioner. Dari hasil kuisioner yang dibagikan kemasyarakat Kota Sorong yang berjumlah 100 responden diketahui 95% masyarakat Kota Sorong yang setuju dengan perencanaan bisnis SAMOSA TUNA ini dan tertarik atau berminat dengan produk yang direncanakan akan dipasarkan. Jadi dari data perhitungan Laba Rugi diketahui keuntungan bersih yang dapat diperoleh setiap tahunnya yaitu sebesar Rp. 68.746.750 perbulannya Rp. 5.728.896 perharinya Rp. 220.342.
Lineer düşük yoğunluklu polietilen (LDYPE) ve odun unu ile üretilen kompozit malzemenin bazı mekanik özellikleri üzerine bir araştırma
Authors: BAL Bekir Cihad
Published: June 2022

Odun plastik kompozitlerinin (OPK) üretimi ve kullanımı, geliştirildiği günden bugüne kadar hızlı bir şekilde artmıştır. Günümüzde, odun plastik kompozitlerinin farklı ortamlarda kullanıldığı görülmektedir. Odun plastik kompozitleri üretilirken, odun unu ve bir polimer belirli oranlarda karıştırılıp, extruder makinesinden geçirilmektedir. Daha sonra, ekstrüzyon, enjeksiyon, rotasyon veya düz kalıplama yöntemlerinden birisi kullanılarak son şekli verilmektedir. Bu çalışmada extruder makinesi kullanılmadan düz presleme yöntemi ile odun plastik kompozit levhaları üretilmiştir. Çalışmada, rotasyon kalıplamada kullanılan toz formundaki lineer düşük yoğunluklu polietilen kullanılmıştır. Dolgu maddesi olarak 60 mesh boyutundaki Karaçam odun unu kullanılmıştır. Kompozit levhalarda odun unu oranı %0, %10, %20, %30, %40 olarak ayarlanmıştır. Bu kompozitlerin; yoğunluk, eğilme direnci, eğilmede elastikiyet modülü, eğilmede deformasyon, çekme direnci, çekmede elastikiyet modülü, kopmada uzama ve Shore D sertlik değerleri belirlenmiştir. Eğilme ve çekme testleri esnasında elde edilen verilerle yük-deformasyon grafikleri elde edilmiştir. Elde dilen verilere göre; kompozit levhalardaki odun unu yüzdesi arttıkça yoğunluğun, eğilme direnci ve elastikiyet modülünün arttığı ancak kopmada uzama miktarının azaldığı belirlenmiştir.
Sedir Odunundan (Cedrus Libani A. Richard) Katran Üretimi ve Halk Sağlığında Kullanım Alanları
Authors: EFE Fatih Tuncay
Published: June 2022

İnsanlar antik çağlardan beri doğayla ve özellikle bitkilerle yakından ilgilenmiştir. Bu kapsamda onları gıda, yakıt, ilaç vb. amaçlarla kullanmıştır. Geçmişten günümüze bitkilerin tıbbi amaçlı kullanımına dair bilgi birikimi tıbbi folklor olarak aktarılmış ve modern zamanlarda onların önemi daha iyi anlaşılmaya başlanmıştır. Bu bitkilerden biri olan Sedir (Cedrus libani A. Richard), Türkiye’nin önemli endemik ağaç türlerinden biridir. Lübnan sediri veya Toros sediri olarak da bilinir. Lübnan, Suriye ve Türkiye’nin güneyindeki Kilikya Toros dağlarında doğal olarak yetişir. Toros sedirinin özellikle öz odunu mantar ve böceklere karşı biyolojik olarak oldukça dayanıklıdır. Biyolojik dayanıklılığından dolayı bu ağacın odunu geçmişte tapınaklar, saraylar ve gemiler gibi çeşitli yapıların inşasında yaygın olarak kullanıldı. Hâlihazırda döşeme, lambri, ahşap kamelya ve pergola dâhil birçok kullanım alanı vardır. Sedir odunu el ve makinelerle kolaylıkla işlenebilir. Ayrıca onun biyolojik dayanıklılığını sağlayan birçok ekstraktif madde içerir. Katran, Toros Sedir ağacından çıkarılabilen malzemelerden biridir ve bu uzun yıllardır yapılmaktadır ve günümüzde de devam etmektedir. Eski Mısırlılar bu katranı firavunlarının cesetlerini mumyalamak için kullandılar. Ayrıca halk hekimliğinde yaraları iyileştirmek için sedir katranı kullanılmıştır. Bu çalışmada sedir katranının geleneksel üretimi, özellikleri ve halk hekimliğinde kullanımı hakkında bilgi verilmektedir.
Does Libertarian Self-Ownership Protect Freedom?
Authors: Ahlin Marceta Jesper
Published: June 2022

Many libertarians assume that there is a close relation between an individual’s self-ownership and her freedom. That relation needs questioning. In this article it is argued that, even in a pre-property state, self-ownership is insufficient to protect freedom. Therefore, libertarians who believe in self-ownership should either offer a defense of freedom that is independent from their defense of self-ownership, make it explicit that they hold freedom as second to self-ownership (and defend that position), or reconsider the moral basis of their political views.
Formation of the Figge Maar Seafloor Crater During the 1964 B1 Blowout in the German North Sea
Authors: Karstens Jens , Schneider von Deimling Jens , Berndt Christian , Böttner Christoph , Kühn Michel , Reinardy Benedict T. I. , Ehrhardt Axel , Gros Jonas , Schramm Bettina , Klaeschen Dirk , Elger Judith , Haeckel Matthias , Schmidt Mark , Heinrich Sven , Müller Philipp , Bense Frithjof
Published: June 2022

In 1964, exploration drilling in the German Sector of the North Sea hit a gas pocket at ∼2900 m depth below the seafloor and triggered a blowout, which formed a 550 m-wide and up to 38 m deep seafloor crater now known as Figge Maar. Although seafloor craters formed by fluid flow are very common structures, little is known about their formation dynamics. Here, we present 2D reflection seismic, sediment echosounder, and multibeam echosounder data from three geoscientific surveys of the Figge Maar blowout crater, which are used to reconstruct its formation. Reflection seismic data support a scenario in which overpressured gas ascended first through the lower part of the borehole and then migrated along steeply inclined strata and faults towards the seafloor. The focused discharge of gas at the seafloor removed up to 4.8 Mt of sediments in the following weeks of vigorous venting. Eyewitness accounts document that the initial phase of crater formation was characterized by the eruptive expulsion of fluids and sediments cutting deep into the substrate. This was followed by a prolonged phase of sediment fluidization and redistribution widening the crater. After fluid discharge ceased, the Figge Maar acted as a sediment trap reducing the crater depth to ∼12 m relative to the surrounding seafloor in 2018, which corresponds to an average sedimentation rate of ∼22,000 m
3
/yr between 1995 and 2018. Hydroacoustic and geochemical data indicate that the Figge Maar nowadays emits primarily biogenic methane, predominantly during low tide. The formation of Figge Maar illustrates hazards related to the formation of secondary fluid pathways, which can bypass safety measures at the wellhead and are thus difficult to control.
Customized Design 3D Printed PLGA/Calcium Sulfate Scaffold Enhances Mechanical and Biological Properties for Bone Regeneration
Authors: Liu Tao , Li Zhan , Zhao Li , Chen Zehua , Lin Zefeng , Li Binglin , Feng Zhibin , Jin Panshi , Zhang Jinwei , Wu Zugui , Wu Huai , Xu Xuemeng , Ye Xiangling , Zhang Ying
Published: June 2022

Polylactic glycolic acid copolymer (PLGA) has been widely used in tissue engineering due to its good biocompatibility and degradation properties. However, the mismatched mechanical and unsatisfactory biological properties of PLGA limit further application in bone tissue engineering. Calcium sulfate (CaSO4) is one of the most promising bone repair materials due to its non-immunogenicity, well biocompatibility, and excellent bone conductivity. In this study, aiming at the shortcomings of activity-lack and low mechanical of PLGA in bone tissue engineering, customized-designed 3D porous PLGA/CaSO4 scaffolds were prepared by 3D printing. We first studied the physical properties of PLGA/CaSO4 scaffolds and the results showed that CaSO4 improved the mechanical properties of PLGA scaffolds. In vitro experiments showed that PLGA/CaSO4 scaffold exhibited good biocompatibility. Moreover, the addition of CaSO4 could significantly improve the migration and osteogenic differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells in the PLGA/CaSO4 scaffolds, and the PLGA/CaSO4 scaffolds made with 20 wt.% CaSO4 exhibited the best osteogenesis properties. Therefore, calcium sulfate was added to PLGA could lead to customized 3D printed scaffolds for enhanced mechanical properties and biological properties. The customized 3D-printed PLGA/CaSO4 scaffold shows great potential for precisely repairing irregular load-bearing bone defects.
Class I Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) Synthase Increased Polylactic Acid Production in Engineered Escherichia Coli
Authors: Shi Mengxun , Li Mengdi , Yang Anran , Miao Xue , Yang Liu , Pandhal Jagroop , Zou Huibin
Published: June 2022

Polylactic acid (PLA), a homopolymer of lactic acid (LA), is a bio-derived, biocompatible, and biodegradable polyester. The evolved class II PHA synthase (PhaC1Ps6-19) was commonly utilized in the de novo biosynthesis of PLA from biomass. This study tested alternative class I PHA synthase (PhaCCs) from Chromobacterium sp. USM2 in engineered Escherichia coli for the de novo biosynthesis of PLA from glucose. The results indicated that PhaCCs had better performance in PLA production than that of class II synthase PhaC1Ps6-19. In addition, the sulA gene was engineered in PLA-producing strains for morphological engineering. The morphologically engineered strains present increased PLA production. This study also tested fused propionyl-CoA transferase and lactate dehydrogenase A (fused PctCp/LdhA) in engineered E. coli and found that fused PctCp/LdhA did not apparently improve the PLA production. After systematic engineering, the highest PLA production was achieved by E. coli MS6 (with PhaCCs and sulA), which could produce up to 955.0 mg/L of PLA in fed-batch fermentation with the cell dry weights of 2.23%, and the average molecular weight of produced PLA could reach 21,000 Da.
Low-Stiffness Hydrogels Promote Peripheral Nerve Regeneration Through the Rapid Release of Exosomes
Authors: Liu Zhixiao , Tong Hua , Li Jian , Wang Ling , Fan Xiaoyi , Song Honghao , Yang Mei , Wang Haowei , Jiang Xin , Zhou Xuhui , Yuan Hongbin , Wang Yue
Published: June 2022

A hydrogel system loaded with mesenchymal stem cell–derived exosome (MSC-Exos) is an attractive new tool for tissue regeneration. However, the effect of the stiffness of exosome-loaded hydrogels on tissue regeneration is unclear. Here, the role of exosome-loaded hydrogel stiffness, during the regeneration of injured nerves, was assessed in vivo. The results showed that the photocrosslinkable hyaluronic acid methacrylate hydrogel stiffness plays an important role in repairing nerve injury. Compared with the stiff hydrogels loaded with exosomes, soft hydrogels loaded with exosomes showed better repair of injured peripheral nerves. The soft hydrogel promoted nerve repair by quickly releasing exosomes to inhibit the infiltration of macrophages and the expression of the proinflammatory factors IL-1β and TNF-α in injured nerves. Our work revealed that exosome-loaded hydrogel stiffness plays an important role in tissue regeneration by regulating exosome release behavior and provided important clues for the clinical application of biological scaffold materials.
Trends in the Contribution of Genetic Susceptibility Loci to Hyperuricemia and Gout and Associated Novel Mechanisms
Authors: Zhao Jianan , Guo Shicheng , Schrodi Steven J. , He Dongyi
Published: June 2022

Hyperuricemia and gout are complex diseases mediated by genetic, epigenetic, and environmental exposure interactions. The incidence and medical burden of gout, an inflammatory arthritis caused by hyperuricemia, increase every year, significantly increasing the disease burden. Genetic factors play an essential role in the development of hyperuricemia and gout. Currently, the search on disease-associated genetic variants through large-scale genome-wide scans has primarily improved our understanding of this disease. However, most genome-wide association studies (GWASs) still focus on the basic level, whereas the biological mechanisms underlying the association between genetic variants and the disease are still far from well understood. Therefore, we summarized the latest hyperuricemia- and gout-associated genetic loci identified in the Global Biobank Meta-analysis Initiative (GBMI) and elucidated the comprehensive potential molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of these gene variants in hyperuricemia and gout based on genetic perspectives, in terms of mechanisms affecting uric acid excretion and reabsorption, lipid metabolism, glucose metabolism, and nod-like receptor pyrin domain 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome and inflammatory pathways. Finally, we summarized the potential effect of genetic variants on disease prognosis and drug efficacy. In conclusion, we expect that this summary will increase our understanding of the pathogenesis of hyperuricemia and gout, provide a theoretical basis for the innovative development of new clinical treatment options, and enhance the capabilities of precision medicine for hyperuricemia and gout treatment.
Commensal Urinary Lactobacilli Inhibit Major Uropathogens In Vitro With Heterogeneity at Species and Strain Level
Authors: Johnson James A. , Delaney Lydia F. , Ojha Vaishali , Rudraraju Medha , Hintze Kaylie R. , Siddiqui Nazema Y. , Sysoeva Tatyana A.
Published: June 2022

The human urinary microbiome is thought to affect the development and progression of urinary tract infections (UTI), particularly recurrent UTIs in aging populations of women. To understand the possible interactions of urinary pathogens with commensal bacteria inhabiting the aging bladder, we conducted an initial functional assessment of a representative set of urinary lactobacilli that dominate this niche in postmenopausal women. We created a repository of urinary bladder bacteria isolated via Enhanced Quantitative Urinary Culture (EQUC) from healthy postmenopausal women, as well as those with a culture-proven recurrent UTI (rUTI) diagnosis. This repository contains lactobacilli strains from eight different species. As many other lactobacilli are known to inhibit human pathogens, we hypothesized that some urinary lactobacilli will have similar abilities to inhibit the growth of typical uropathogens and thus, provide a link between the urinary microbiome and the predisposition to the rUTI. Therefore, we screened the urinary lactobacilli in our repository for their ability to inhibit model uropathogens in vitro. We observed that many urinary isolates strongly inhibit model strains of gram-negative Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae but demonstrate less inhibition of gram-positive Enterococcus faecalis. The observed inhibition affected model strains of uropathogens as well as clinical and multidrug-resistant isolates of those species. Our preliminary analysis of inhibition modes suggests a combination of pH-dependent and cell-dependent inhibition. Overall, inhibition strongly varies among species and strains of urinary lactobacilli. While the strength of the inhibition is not predictive of health outcomes in this limited repository, there is a high level of species and strain diversity that warrants future detailed investigations.
Clinical and Microbiological Characteristics of Bacteremic Pneumonia Caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae
Authors: Chen I-Ren , Lin Shih-Neng , Wu Xin-Ni , Chou Sheng-Hua , Wang Fu-Der , Lin Yi-Tsung
Published: June 2022

Klebsiella pneumoniae is a common pathogen of nosocomial pneumonia worldwide and community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in Asia. Previous studies have shown that K. pneumoniae bacteremic CAP is associated with high mortality. We aimed to revisit K. pneumoniae bacteremic pneumonia in the current era and determine the risk factors associated with 28-day mortality. Between January 2014 and August 2020, adult patients with K. pneumoniae bacteremic pneumonia in a medical center in Taiwan were identified. Clinical and microbiological characteristics were compared between CAP and nosocomial pneumonia. Risk factors for 28-day mortality were analyzed using multivariate logistic regression. Among 150 patients with K. pneumoniae bacteremic pneumonia, 52 had CAP and 98 had nosocomial pneumonia. The 28-day mortality was 52% for all patients, 36.5% for CAP, and 60.2% for nosocomial pneumonia. Hypervirulent K. pneumoniae was more prevalent in CAP (61.5%) than in nosocomial pneumonia (16.3%). Carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae was more prevalent in nosocomial pneumonia (58.2%) than in CAP (5.8%). Nosocomial pneumonia, a higher Severe Organ Failure Assessment score, and not receiving appropriate definitive therapy were independent risk factors for 28-day mortality. In conclusion, revisiting K. pneumoniae bacteremic pneumonia in the current era showed a high mortality rate. Host factors, disease severity, and timely effective therapy affect the treatment outcomes of these patients.
ExlA: A New Contributor to Pseudomonas aeruginosa Virulence
Authors: Huber Philippe
Published: June 2022

ExlA (also called exolysin) is a recently discovered virulence factor secreted by a subset of Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains in which a type 3 secretion system is lacking. exlA-positive strains were identified worldwide in the clinic, causing several types of infectious diseases, and were detected in various locations in the environment. ExlA possesses pore-forming activity and is cytolytic for most human cell types. It belongs to a class of poorly characterized bacterial toxins, sharing a similar protein domain organization and a common secretion pathway. This review summarizes the recent findings regarding ExlA synthesis, its secretion pathway, and its toxic behavior for host cells.
Virtual Reality as a Tool for Political Decision-Making? An Empirical Study on the Power of Immersive Images on Voting Behavior
Authors: Weber Wibke , Dingerkus Filip , Fabrikant Sara I. , Zampa Marta , West Mirjam , Yildirim Onur
Published: June 2022

One of the strengths of virtual reality (VR) is to provide a highly realistic user experience. How would VR's power of realism affect political decision-making, for example, when experienced by citizens before they cast their vote on an issue? We set out to empirically assess if and how voting information presented in VR would influence people's voting behavior, compared to the traditional text presentation format. In a 2 (format: text vs. VR) × 2 (argumentation: pro vs. con) between-subject factorial experiment, we assessed participants' voting behavior on a fictitious popular initiative. We first asked all participants (N= 179) to cast their vote based on a brief text, inspired by the traditional Swiss voting booklet (baseline). We then randomly assigned participants to one of four experimental conditions containing the same pro or con arguments concerning the voting issue. Participants could then adjust their previously-cast vote. This was followed by retrospective interviews (N= 32) to gain deeper insights into the decision-making process of the participants. Our study shows that the presentation format has a reinforcing effect, that is, leading to more YES votes for the VR group, and fewer YES votes for the text group. Irrespective of the pro or con arguments, participants show an overall increase in YES votes in VR, which is not the case for the text group. We identified six factors that may have led to this positive change with VR: (1) the affirmative power of images, (2) the vividness of immersive images, (3) first-person storytelling and storyliving, (4) the greater affordances of VR for engagement through interaction, (5) the design of the VR environment, and (6) the novelty of the VR technology.
Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of SERPINE1 4G/5G Insertion/Deletion Variant With Circulating Lipid Levels
Authors: Luo Zhi , Liu Yang , Li Hang , Zhou Yawen , Peng Yuanyuan , Lin Xuan , Fang Ying , Wan Jing , Wei Baozhu
Published: June 2022

Background

Recent studies have shown that the 4G/5G insertion/deletion variant ofSERPINE1(rs1799889) is closely linked to coronary artery disease (CAD). This study aims to clarify the effects of the rs1799889 variant on lipid levels and to insight into the mechanisms underlying the rs1799889 variant and CAD.

Methods and Results

By searching PubMed and the Cochrane databases for studies published before 31 October 2021, 40 studies conducted on a total of 13,117 subjects were included for the analysis. The consistent findings for the effects of the 5G allele of rs1799889 variant on lipid metabolism were the significantly decreased triglycerides (TG) [standardized mean difference (SMD) = –0.12, 95% CI = –0.21 to 0.03,P= 0.01], total cholesterol (TC) (SMD = –0.12, 95% CI = –0.17 to 0.06,P< 0.001), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (SMD = –0.13, 95% CI = –0.23 to 0.03,P= 0.01) levels. Intriguingly, the significant effects of the rs1799889 variant on LDL-C (SMD = –0.15, 95% CI = –0.26 to 0.05,P< 0.01) and TC (SMD = –0.17, 95% CI = –0.27 to 0.07,P< 0.01) levels were primarily observed in the Asian population. However, the significant effect of the rs1799889 variant on high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (SMD = 0.26, 95% CI = 0.03–0.48,P= 0.03) levels was detected only in female subjects.

Conclusion

The rs1799889 variant ofSERPINE1is a protective genetic factor against CAD, the Asian population with the 5G allele of the rs1799889 variant may have a reduced CAD risk.
C-reactive Protein Elevation Is Associated With QTc Interval Prolongation in Patients Hospitalized With COVID-19
Authors: Isakadze Nino , Engels Marc C. , Beer Dominik , McClellan Rebecca , Yanek Lisa R. , Mondaloo Bahareh , Hays Allison G. , Metkus Thomas S. , Calkins Hugh , Barth Andreas S.
Published: June 2022

Background

The relationship between inflammation and corrected QT (QTc) interval prolongation is currently not well defined in patients with COVID-19.

Objective

This study aimed to assess the effect of marked interval changes in the inflammatory marker C-reactive protein (CRP) on QTc interval in patients hospitalized with COVID-19.

Methods

In this retrospective cohort study of hospitalized adult patients admitted with COVID-19 infection, we identified 85 patients who had markedly elevated CRP levels and serial measurements of an ECG and CRP during the same admission. We compared mean QTc interval duration, and other clinical and ECG characteristics between times when CRP values were high and low. We performed mixed-effects linear regression analysis to identify associations between CRP levels and QTc interval in univariable and adjusted models.

Results

Mean age was 58 ± 16 years, of which 39% were women, 41% were Black, and 25% were White. On average, the QTc interval calculated via the Bazett formula was 15 ms higher when the CRP values were “high” vs. “low” [447 ms (IQR 427–472 ms) and 432 ms (IQR 412–452 ms), respectively]. A 100 mg/L increase in CRP was associated with a 1.5 ms increase in QTc interval [β coefficient 0.15, 95% CI (0.06–0.24). In a fully adjusted model for sociodemographic, ECG, and clinical factors, the association remained significant (β coefficient 0.14, 95% CI 0.05–0.23).

Conclusion

An interval QTc interval prolongation is observed with a marked elevation in CRP levels in patients with COVID-19.
Global Trends in Mortality and Burden of Stroke Attributable to Lead Exposure From 1990 to 2019
Authors: Zhang Tongchao , Yin Xiaolin , Zhang Yuan , Chen Hui , Man Jinyu , Li Yufei , Chen Jiaqi , Yang Xiaorong , Lu Ming
Published: June 2022

Background

Lead exposure is an important risk factor for stroke. However, the latest global spatiotemporal patterns of lead exposure-related stroke burden were unclear. In this study, we assessed this topic.

Methods

The data were obtained from the Global Burden of Disease Study (2019). The estimated annual percentage change (EAPC) was estimated to evaluate the temporal trends of the age-standardized mortality and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) rates (ASMR and ASDR) of stroke attributable to lead exposure.

Results

In 2019, the numbers of global stroke deaths and DALYs attributable to lead exposure were 305.27 and 6738.78 thousand, respectively. The corresponding ASMR and ASDR were highest in males, the elderly population, low and middle-income countries, and the intracerebral hemorrhage subtype. From 1990 to 2019, the ASMR and ASDR of global stroke attributable to lead exposure decreased [ASMR: EAPC = −1.34, 95% confidence interval (CI): (−1.57, −1.10); ASDR: EAPC = −1.74, 95% CI: (−1.95, −1.52)], especially in females, the high-income countries, and the subarachnoid hemorrhage subtype.

Conclusion

This study emphasizes the importance of continued implementation of lead exposure prevention strategies and improved high-efficiency treatment and stroke acute health care, especially in low and middle-income countries.
Development and Validation of a Nomogram-Based Prognostic Model to Predict High Blood Pressure in Children and Adolescents—Findings From 342,736 Individuals in China
Authors: Liang Jing-Hong , Zhao Yu , Chen Yi-Can , Huang Shan , Zhang Shu-Xin , Jiang Nan , Kakaer Aerziguli , Chen Ya-Jun
Published: June 2022

Objectives

Predicting the potential risk factors of high blood pressure (HBP) among children and adolescents is still a knowledge gap. Our study aimed to establish and validate a nomogram-based model for identifying youths at risk of developing HBP.

Methods

HBP was defined as systolic blood pressure or diastolic blood pressure above the 95th percentile, using age, gender, and height-specific cut-off points. Penalized regression with Lasso was used to identify the strongest predictors of HBP. Internal validation was conducted by a 5-fold cross-validation and bootstrapping approach. The predictive variables and the advanced nomogram plot were identified by conducting univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. A nomogram was constructed by a training group comprised of 239,546 (69.9%) participants and subsequently validated by an external group with 103,190 (30.1%) participants.

Results

Of 342,736 children and adolescents, 55,480 (16.2%) youths were identified with HBP with mean age 11.51 ± 1.45 years and 183,487 were boys (53.5%). Nine significant relevant predictors were identified including: age, gender, weight status, birth weight, breastfeeding, gestational hypertension, family history of obesity and hypertension, and physical activity. Acceptable discrimination [area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC): 0.742 (development group), 0.740 (validation group)] and good calibration (Hosmer and Lemeshow statistics, P > 0.05) were observed in our models. An available web-based nomogram was built online on https://hbpnomogram.shinyapps.io/Dyn_Nomo_HBP/.

Conclusions

This model composed of age, gender, early life factors, family history of the disease, and lifestyle factors may predict the risk of HBP among youths, which has developed a promising nomogram that may aid in more accurately identifying HBP among youths in primary care.
Clinical Validation of Automated Corrected QT-Interval Measurements From a Single Lead Electrocardiogram Using a Novel Smartwatch
Authors: Mannhart Diego , Hennings Elisa , Lischer Mirko , Vernier Claudius , Du Fay de Lavallaz Jeanne , Knecht Sven , Schaer Beat , Osswald Stefan , Kühne Michael , Sticherling Christian , Badertscher Patrick
Published: June 2022

Introduction

The Withings Scanwatch (Withings SA, Issy les Moulineaux, France) offers automated analysis of the QTc. We aimed to compare automated QTc-measurements using a single lead ECG of a novel smartwatch (Withings Scanwatch, SW-ECG) with manual-measured QTc from a nearly simultaneously recorded 12-lead ECG.

Methods

We enrolled consecutive patients referred to a tertiary hospital for cardiac workup in a prospective, observational study. The QT-interval of the 12-lead ECG was manually interpreted by two blinded, independent cardiologists through the tangent-method. Bazett’s formula was used to calculate QTc. Results were compared using the Bland-Altman method.

Results

A total of 317 patients (48% female, mean age 63 ± 17 years) were enrolled. HR-, QRS-, and QT-intervals were automatically calculated by the SW in 295 (93%), 249 (79%), and 177 patients (56%), respectively. Diagnostic accuracy of SW-ECG for detection of QTc-intervals ≥ 460 ms (women) and ≥ 440 ms (men) as quantified by the area under the curve was 0.91 and 0.89. The Bland-Altman analysis resulted in a bias of 6.6 ms [95% limit of agreement (LoA) –59 to 72 ms] comparing automated QTc-measurements (SW-ECG) with manual QTc-measurement (12-lead ECG). In 12 patients (6.9%) the difference between the two measurements was greater than the LoA.

Conclusion

In this clinical validation of a direct-to-consumer smartwatch we found fair to good agreement between automated-SW-ECG QTc-measurements and manual 12-lead-QTc measurements. The SW-ECG was able to automatically calculate QTc-intervals in one half of all assessed patients. Our work shows, that the automated algorithm of the SW-ECG needs improvement to be useful in a clinical setting.
Distribution Characteristics and Geogenic Mechanisms of Riverbed Overburden in Southwest China
Authors: Yan Zongping , Xu Mo , Kang Xiaobing , Guo Leilei , Zhang Shishu
Published: June 2022

The distribution, scale, and engineering geological characteristics of riverbed overburden have become one of the key issues in the construction of water conservancy and hydropower engineering projects in southwest China. In this study, we summarize and discuss the (variation of thickness) distribution and the geogenic (formation) mechanisms of riverbed overburden in the associated rivers. This was done by compiling thickness data from constructed and planned dams. The results show that the overburden thickness is generally shallower in the upper Tibetan Plateau region, it is thickest in the marginal mountain region in the middle reaches, and shallower in the lower reaches of the mountain regions that are in contact with the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau or Sichuan Basin. This holds true with the shallow-thick-shallow Distribution Law. Additionally, the river overburden has the characteristic of thickening gradually from the basin edge to the plateau slope. Through the genesis, source, and distribution of the aggradation deposits in the riverbed, the geogenic (formation) mechanisms of the river overburden layer is explored, and the coupling effect of tectonic-climatic-fluvial sedimentation processes on the variation of overburden thickness and spatial distribution is proposed. Finally, the geological problems encountered when engineering dams in thick overburden are analyzed, and common engineering measures are put forward. The results provide basic data support for water resources exploitation and further development of river engineering in Southwest China.
Numerical Simulation on the Evolution of Tailings Pond Dam Failure Based on GDEM Method
Authors: Ming Li Q. , Hong Zhang , Jie Wei , Yun Zhao Z.
Published: June 2022

Because of the continuous exploitation of metal minerals and the limited availability of land resources, many tailings ponds have been expanded. It is of great importance to dynamically calculate the critical parameters of flooding and sand velocity after a collapse, and quickly determine the dangerous area downstream on reducing the hidden dangers for an accident. In view of the limitations of the single finite element and discrete element methods for the simulation of tailings pond instability, the authors use the finite element and discrete element coupling method (GDEM) for the first time to carry out a dynamical process for numerical simulation of the evolution of a tailings pond collapse. The sediment movement and submerged range were compared with the results of the Volume of Fluid (VOF) method. The comparison shows that the change in drainage flow at the dam foundation position and the depth change in the downstream sensitive point after the dam break are consistent with the VOF calculation results, which indicates that the GDEM can be used as an effective means for the analysis of tailings dam failure. The calculation results of this method can provide technical support for the determination of dangerous areas downstream of tailings ponds and the safety management of key areas.
Study on Surrounding Rock Deformation Laws of an Argillaceous Soft Rock Roadway Based on the Creep Damage Model
Authors: Chen Fengbin , Su Rui , Yang Liuhua , Yang Xiaolin , Jiao Huazhe , Zhu Changxing
Published: June 2022

The indexes of argillaceous soft rocks in Western China, such as rock strength and softening coefficient, are much smaller than those of soft rocks commonly seen in other areas. Such argillaceous soft rocks are susceptible to a more serious creep phenomenon if encountering water. Accordingly, the study theoretically constructed a constitutive creep model considering the weakening coefficient and damage of surrounding rocks. Next, the viability of this model was verified by combining numerical simulation and field monitoring. Accordingly, this study conducted a comparative analysis on the creep range and cross-sectional deformation of argillaceous surrounding rocks of a roadway in a titled stratum under dry and damp states. Results showed that the Cvisc model considering the weakening coefficient of surrounding rocks was applicable to the decay creep and uniform creep stage, and that considering the damage of surrounding rocks was applicable to the accelerated creep stage. During the creep process, the argillaceous surrounding rocks were prone to viscoelastic deformation. The damp state had an obvious time effect on the damage of surrounding rocks. Specifically, the creep range was expanded under a damp state at 18 days compared with that under a dry state, and the change in the left and upper displacements was especially significant. The roadway cross-section changed asymmetrically under both dry and damp states, where it was changed into an approximate deflected rhombic shape under the dry state and into an approximate deflected trapezoidal shape under the damp state. Additionally, the roadway cross-sectional change under the humid state was evidently greater than that under the dry state.
The Optimal Axial Anatomical Site for a Single-Slice Area to Quantify the Total Volume of Visceral Adipose Tissue in Quantitative CT
Authors: Chen Sihui , Ma Duoshan , Su Danyang , Li Yali , Yu Xi , Jiang Yaojun , Gao Jianbo , Wu Yan
Published: June 2022

Purpose

Determine the association between cross-sectional visceral adipose tissue (VAT) area of different anatomic locations and total abdominopelvic VAT volume; identify the optimal measurement site in a single-slice to quantify the total VAT volume.

Method

Participants who underwent non-contrast abdominal scan by quantitative CT (QCT) were enrolled from May 2021 to October 2021. The VAT area (cm2) at different anatomic sites as upper-pole, lower-pole, and hilum of the kidney, intervertebral disc of L2/L3 and L5/S1, and umbilical level were measured on QCT PRO BMD workstation (Mindways QCT PRO workstation). The total VAT volume (cm3) from the upper pole of kidney to the L5/S1 intervertebral disc of the pelvis (abdominopelvic region) was obtained by using Siemens Healthineers Syngo via Frontier cardiac risk assessment. Regression models were used to identify the optimal single-slice in different gender for estimating VAT volume. Statistical significance was established at P < 0.05.

Results

Total of 311 Chinese participants including 179 men [age, 55.1 ± 14.9 years; body mass index (BMI), 24.2 ± 3.2 kg/m2; total VAT volume, 2482.6 ± 1276.5 mL] and 132 women [age, 54.3 ± 14.9; BMI, 23.5 ± 2.9; total VAT volume, 1761.5 ± 876.4]. Pearson’s correlation analysis revealed a strong association between the VAT area and total abdominopelvic VAT volume at the hilum of the kidney in both men (r=0.938, P<0.001) and women (r=0.916, P<0.001). Adjust for covariates including age, BMI, and waist circumference make a relatively small effect on predicting the total VAT volume.

Conclusions

Measurement of cross-sectional areas at the hilum of the kidney in both genders showed a strongest relation to TVAT volume. Our results may provide an identifiable and valuable axial landmark for measuring visceral adipose tissue in clinical practice.
LPS-Induced Systemic Inflammation Caused mPOA-FSH/LH Disturbance and Impaired Testicular Function
Authors: Shen Peilei , Ji Shuqin , Li Xulin , Yang Qingning , Xu Bingxian , Wong Chris Kong Chu , Wang Liping , Li Lei
Published: June 2022

Male reproductive function is key to the continuation of species and is under sophisticated regulation, challenged by various stressors including inflammation. In the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) intraperitoneal injection-induced acute systemic inflammation, male fecundity was compromised with decreased testosterone level, damaged spermatogenesis, and downregulations of testicular gene expression levels involved in steroidogenesis regulation and blood–testis barrier. It is also noteworthy that the testis is more sensitive to acute stress caused by LPS-induced systemic inflammation. LPS treatment resulted in lower testicular gene expression levels of steroidogenic acute regulatory protein, cholesterol side-chain cleavage enzyme, and cytochrome P450 family 11 subfamily B member 1 after LPS treatment, while no such decrease was found in the adrenal gland. In parallel to the significant decreases in testicular intercellular adhesion molecule 1, tight junction protein 1, and gap junction alpha-1 protein gene expression with LPS treatment, no decrease was found in the epididymis. In the brain, LPS treatment caused higher medial preoptic area (mPOA) activation in the hypothalamus, which is accompanied by elevated blood follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels, suggesting a disturbed hypothalamic–pituitary–gonad axis function. Besides mPOA, brain c-fos mapping and quantitative analysis demonstrated a broad activation of brain nuclei by LPS, including the anterior cingulate cortex, lateral septum, paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus, basolateral amygdala, ventral tegmental area, lateral habenular nucleus, locus coeruleus, Barrington’s nucleus, and the nucleus of the solitary tract, accompanied by abnormal animal behavior. Our data showed that LPS-induced inflammation caused not only local testicular damage but also a systemic disturbance at the brain–testis axis level.
LncRNA MALAT1 Aggravates Renal Tubular Injury via Activating LIN28A and the Nox4/AMPK/mTOR Signaling Axis in Diabetic Nephropathy
Authors: Song Panai , Chen Yinyin , Liu Zhiwen , Liu Hong , Xiao Li , Sun Lin , Wei Jiali , He Liyu
Published: June 2022

Background

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a serious complication among patients with diabetes. Elucidating its pathogenesis is crucial for identifying novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets for DN.

Methods

DN tissues were harvested for examining MALAT1, LIN28A and Nox4. Human kidney-2 (HK-2) cells were treated with high glucose (HG) for establishing a cell model of DN. Cell viability was examined by MTT assay. HG-induced cell apoptosis and secretion of TNF-α and IL-6 were analyzed by TUNEL and ELISA assays, respectively. RIP and RNA pull-down assays were applied to analyze the interaction between MALAT1, LIN28A and Nox4 in HK-2 and human embryonic kidney 293T (HEK-293T) cells. A rat model of DN was established to determine the role of MALAT1 in DN in vivo.

Results

MALAT1, LIN28A and Nox4 were upregulated in DN tissues and HG-treated HK-2 cells. Overexpression of MALAT1, LIN28A or Nox4 reduced cell viability and enhanced cell apoptosis, ROS generation and secretion of inflammatory cytokines in HG-treated HK-2 cells, whereas knockdown of MALAT1, LIN28A or Nox4 exerted opposite effects. Furthermore, MALAT1 directly interacted with LIN28A. Moreover, MALAT1 facilitated the interaction between LIN28A and Nox4 to increase Nox4 stability. Knockdown of Nox4 relieved HG-induced injury by suppressing the AMPK/mTOR signaling in HK-2 cells. Knockdown of MALAT1 alleviated renal tubular epithelial injury by suppressing LIN28A and the Nox4/AMPK/TOR signaling in DN.

Conclusion

MALAT1 activates the AMPK/mTOR signaling via interacting with LIN28A to stabilize Nox4 mRNA, thereby aggravating high glucose-induced renal tubular epithelial injury. Our findings provide potential therapeutic targets for DN.