bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characteristics of effective nurse educators from Thai nursing students’ perspectives
Authors: Wanchai Ausanee , Sangkhamkul Chanakan , Nakamadee Benchamaphorn
Published: June 2022

Background: Effective nurse educators will improve students’ performance. Therefore, examining the characteristics of an effective nurse educator is essential, especially from nursing students’ perspectives, which will provide an additional point of view to improve the teachers’ quality.
Objectives: This research aimed to identify nursing students’ opinions regarding the characteristics of effective nurse educators and to compare those characteristics according to age, year of study, and cumulative grade point average.
Methods: A descriptive quantitative design was used. Data were collected from 400 nursing students in Thailand using a validated questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, t-tests, and F-tests were used for data analysis.
Results: The overall mean scores of effective nurse educators’ characteristics based on students’ perspectives were 4.36 (SD = 0.45). Subject expertise was the most essential characteristic of the effective nurse educators (Mean = 4.45, SD = 0.47), followed by relational expertise (Mean = 4.44, SD = 0.52), personality (Mean = 4.36, SD = 0.45), and teaching-related behavior (Mean = 4.33, SD = 0.46). The results also showed that participants with different cumulative grade point averages had no different views on the characteristics of effective nurse educators (p > 0.05). However, participants of different ages and years of study had significantly different perspectives on the characteristics of effective nurse educators (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: The study offers necessary information regarding the essential characteristics of effective nurse educators. Therefore, nurse educators can use the study results to improve their desired characteristics. In addition, faculty development programs may be planned to help nurse educators improve these characteristics.
Creating the future of nursing in the post-pandemic world
Authors: Marzilli Colleen
Published: June 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted that nursing cannot go back to its old way of providing care. Care is central to what nurses do and the profession itself, and now is the time for nursing to innovate and reimagine what nursing will look like in the future. From new models of care to technology, nursing has an endless opportunity to innovate the profession. The new model of nursing care must be sustainable and work to maximize nurses while leveraging technology as a tool to help improve quality outcomes. The opportunities are endless, and the time is now to innovate and reimagine nursing and its caring core.
INVESTING FINANCE ANALYSIS
Authors:   Maharaja Agrasen Institute of technology, Aggarwal Shruti , Khanna Dr. Ashish ,   Maharaja Agrasen Institute of technology
Published: June 2022

Python, an open source language has been widely used in the field of data analysis in recent years, especially in the financial field. It can solve almost all financial and economic measurement problems. In the global financial market trading is one of the most important tasks. The stock market forecast is an act of trying to determine the future value of another financial instrument traded on a currency exchange.The thought is to observe how well the changes in stock prices of a company, the rises and falls are related with the information, actions taking place on a day to day basis. Technology has come to be an essential, irreplaceable asset in finance: it brings about innovation and accelerates the development helping to gain a competitive advantage, the rate and frequency of financial transactions, with large volumes of data has become the main enabler in technology for finance. Initial public offerings (IPOs) have been a prominent focus of academic and popular press attention, especially in recent years. The stock market is sensitive to the political and macroeconomic environment. Cryptocurrency prices are extremely volatile, the prices fluctuate often over short periods of times, one can observe exceptional gains in a new crypto with so much circulation of money, getting people to invest instantly in bulk. However, these two types of information are very complex and do not depend on each other. The financial market is an abstract concept in which financial assets such as stocks, bonds, and precious metal transactions occur between buyers and sellers. In the current state of the financial market, especially in the stock market and the cryptocurrency world, the prediction of the practice or price of stocks has made a very interesting issue to be investigated.
Deteksi Kantuk Pengendara Roda Empat Menggunakan Haar Cascade Classifier Dan Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: Saputra Cahya AJi , Erwanto Danang , Rahayu Putri Nur
Published: June 2022

Salah satu masalah kesehatan yang termasuk dalam penyakit tidak menular adalah kecelakaan lalu lintas. Kecelakaan lalu lintas memiliki dampak negatif seperti kerugian materi, cacat fisik, dan kematian sehingga dapat mempengaruhi derajat kesehatan masyarakat. Rasa kantuk saat berkendara merupakan salah satu kondisi yang tidak jarang diabaikan oleh para pengendara kendaraan bermotor dan merupakan salah satu hal yang menyebabkan terjadinya kecelakaan, terutama ketika berkendara dalam jarak yang cukup jauh. Kejadian mengantuk atau tertidur dalam waktu beberapa detik tersebut adalah microsleep. Pengemudi kendaraan bermotor sangan sensitif terhdap microsleep karena faktor kelelahan fisik selama mengemudi. Durasi microsleep sangat singkat yaitu diantara 3 detik hingga 5 detik, justru ada yang memiliki durasi sampai 10 detik. Penelitian ini mengembangkan pengolahan citra digital untuk mendeteksi kantuk pada pengendara mobil menggunakan metode pengenalan obyek Haar Cascade Classifier dan klasifikasi menggunakan Convolutional Neural Network. Masukan citra secara real-time pada sistem didapat dari kamera yang dipasang didepan pengemudi. Keluaran dari sistem terdapat suara alarm untuk peringatan bahwa pengendara sedang berada pada posisi mengantuk atau tertidur. Sistem dapat mendeteksi berbagai jenis-jenis mata dengan tingkat keberhasilan sebesar 100%. Akurasi rata-rata yang diperoleh untuk mendeteksi mata terbuka dan tertutup dengan jarak 30 – 50 Cm adalah 95,4%. Sedangkan akurasi rata-rata untuk mendeteksi kantuk adalah 93.9%. Rata-rata waktu komputasi sistem ini adalah 0.1069 detik yang akan mempercepat dalam pendeteksian kantuk.
Sistem Pelatihan Smart Innovation Untuk Atlit Taekwondo Menggunakan Sensor Multivariabel Dan Terintegrasi Dengan Website Selama Pandemi Covid-19
Authors: Rosyady Ahmad Fahriyannur , Sucipto Adi , Qushoyyi Tegar Alam , - Dyiono , Khairunnisa Putri Adelia , Astaraja Arfan , Endramawan Owen Pratama
Published: June 2022

Saat ini, pertumbuhan Covid 19 di Indonesia sangatlah signifikan, Pada Oktober 2021, jumlah kasus Covid-19 yang dilaporkan tumbuh relatif . Indonesia dan negara lain masih dihantui oleh gelombang ketiga Pandemi Covid-19. Pandemi ini berdampak pada semua sektor, terutama sektor olahraga. Atlet tidak bisa berlatih dengan aman karena atlet harus mengikuti protokol kesehatan. Dalam penelitian ini, penulis mengembangkan platform IoT untuk membantu seorang atlet. Ini dapat berguna untuk memantau atlet taekwondo. Atlet dapat melakukan latihan di rumah. Ini dapat menghindari covid-19 dan menganalisis daya tahan dan kekuatan setiap latihan menggunakan sistem IoT. Metode dalam penelitian ini adalah metode Nielsen dan sensor multivariabel. Sensor multivariabel terintegrasi dengan 3 sensor dan berdasarkan berat, usia, dan tinggi dari atlet. Sensor detak jantung akan mendeteksi detak jantung pada atlet. Setelah itu, para atlet menendang dan mengolah data melalui esp32. Selama atlet menendang, sensor Piezoelektrik akan menerima data bersama dengan sensor Limit Switch. Setelah itu akan memproses data ke Esp32. Kemudian, 3 data sensor diakumulasikan dan ditampilkan di website dashboard. Menggunakan metode sensor multivariabel, berhasil mengukur jumlah tendangan, menganalisis ketepatan tendangan dan mengukur detak jantung atlet saat menendang. Dengan menggunakan metode Nielsen, tingkat usability testing dari penggunaan produk ini adalah 94%. Nantinya, produk ini akan dilengkapi dengan sensor pendeteksi pukulan dan pelanggaran dalam olahraga taekwondo.
La guerra y las enfermedades infecciosas: Hermanos en armas
Authors: Calderón-Velasco Rolando
Published: June 2022

El 24 de febrero 2022 Rusia invadió Ucrania. La operación militar rusa por tierra, aire y mar comenzó después de un discurso televisivo antes del amanecer en el que el presidente Vladimir Putin exigió que el ejército de Ucrania depusiera las armas.
MICRO-LEAKAGE OF PREHEATED COMPOSITE AS A CEMENTATION MATERIAL IN INDIRECT ADHESIVE RESTORATION (LITERATURE REVIEW)
Authors: Aryanto Mirza
Published: June 2022

Introduction: Composite resin is a material that is often used to perform dental restorations, but it can cause a deficiency called polymerization shrinkage which can be overcome by preheating the composite material. In several studies, there are differences of opinion regarding using preheating techniques at 60oC to overcome polymerization shrinkage. Review: This article intends to analyze the level of microleakage on the restoration of adhesive indirectly as cementing materials with preheated composites. A total of 49 journals from PubMed, NCBI, BMC, Research gate, Z-library, EBSCO, Google Scholar, and other international journal websites were analyzed. Conclusion: The preheating method showed samples with heating of 60oC had statistically lower microleakage at cervical margins. However, preheating resulted in an increase in the contraction voltage of undesirable polymerization.
Genotype x Environment x Management (GEM) Reciprocity and Crop Productivity
Authors: Mahmood Tariq , Ahmed Talaat , Trethowan Richard
Published: June 2022

Human population growth requires food production to increase at a matching pace. Crop productivity largely depends on GEM reciprocity and variation in any factor may potentially alter the overall response. Introduction of improved cultivars causes interactive responses within the farming system which may produce tangible benefits only in the presence of suitable environments and management practices. The yield gap which is defined as the difference between yield potential and average farm yield varies in extent among regions ranging from moderately high to alarmingly high. Variation in environments and management practices impacts both the quantity and quality of produce. The highest gains can be achieved if factors in the interaction model work complementarily. System efficiency indicators are useful for assessing the overall system performance. In the face of new challenges plant breeding is receptive to shifts in objectives and strategy. Extension experts are trained to transfer technology and help farmers optimise for better gains. The extension service is also crucial for feedback to researchers. Better crop management has helped realize the genetic potential of crop cultivars in specific settings. Once a productivity plateau has been reached following optimization of management practices for specified environments, then further improvement of the system can be attained through new genetic interventions. For higher productivity a stronger linkage among researchers, extension experts, and farmers is vital. To help the decision support systems GEM interactions need precise scientific analysis and interpretation. A general account rather than a specific view on GEM reciprocity is presented.
On Two Localized Particle Filter Methods for Lorenz 1963 and 1996 Models
Authors: Schenk Nora , Potthast Roland , Rojahn Anne
Published: June 2022

Nonlinear data assimilation methods like particle filters aim to improve the numerical weather prediction (NWP) in non-Gaussian setting. In this manuscript, two recent versions of particle filters, namely the Localized Adaptive Particle Filter (LAPF) and the Localized Mixture Coefficient Particle Filter (LMCPF) are studied in comparison with the Ensemble Kalman Filter when applied to the popular Lorenz 1963 and 1996 models. As these particle filters showed mixed results in the global NWP system at the German meteorological service (DWD), the goal of this work is to show that the LMCPF is able to outperform the LETKF within an experimental design reflecting a standard NWP setup and standard NWP scores. We focus on the root-mean-square-error (RMSE) of truth minus background, respectively, analysis ensemble mean to measure the filter performance. To simulate a standard NWP setup, the methods are studied in the realistic situation where the numerical model is different from the true model or the nature run, respectively. In this study, an improved version of the LMCPF with exact Gaussian mixture particle weights instead of approximate weights is derived and used for the comparison to the Localized Ensemble Transform Kalman Filter (LETKF). The advantages of the LMCPF with exact weights are discovered and the two versions are compared. As in complex NWP systems the individual steps of data assimilation methods are overlaid by a multitude of other processes, the ingredients of the LMCPF are illustrated in a single assimilation step with respect to the three-dimensional Lorenz 1963 model.
One Novel Phantom-Less Quantitative Computed Tomography System for Auto-Diagnosis of Osteoporosis Utilizes Low-Dose Chest Computed Tomography Obtained for COVID-19 Screening
Authors: Xiongfeng Tang , Cheng Zhang , Meng He , Chi Ma , Deming Guo , Huan Qi , Bo Chen , Kedi Yang , Xianyue Shen , Tak-Man Wong , William Weijia Lu , Yanguo Qin
Published: June 2022

Background: The diagnosis of osteoporosis is still one of the most critical topics for orthopedic surgeons worldwide. One research direction is to use existing clinical imaging data for accurate measurements of bone mineral density (BMD) without additional radiation.

Methods: A novel phantom-less quantitative computed tomography (PL-QCT) system was developed to measure BMD and diagnose osteoporosis, as our previous study reported. Compared with traditional phantom-less QCT, this tool can conduct an automatic selection of body tissues and complete the BMD calibration with high efficacy and precision. The function has great advantages in big data screening and thus expands the scope of use of this novel PL-QCT. In this study, we utilized lung cancer or COVID-19 screening low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) of 649 patients for BMD calibration by the novel PL-QCT, and we made the BMD changes with age based on this PL-QCT.

Results: The results show that the novel PL-QCT can predict osteoporosis with relatively high accuracy and precision using LDCT, and the AUC values range from 0.68 to 0.88 with DXA results as diagnosis reference. The relationship between PL-QCT BMD with age is close to the real trend population (from ∼160 mg/cc in less than 30 years old to ∼70 mg/cc in greater than 80 years old for both female and male groups). Additionally, the calculation results of Pearson’s r-values for correlation between CT values with BMD in different CT devices were 0.85–0.99.

Conclusion: To our knowledge, it is the first time for automatic PL-QCT to evaluate the performance against dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) in LDCT images. The results indicate that it may be a promising tool for individuals screened for low-dose chest computed tomography.
Manipulating Insect Sex Determination Pathways for Genetic Pest Management: Opportunities and Challenges
Authors: Siddall Alex , Harvey-Samuel Tim , Chapman Tracey , Leftwich Philip T.
Published: June 2022

Sex determination pathways in insects are generally characterised by an upstream primary signal, which is highly variable across species, and that regulates the splicing of a suite of downstream but highly-conserved genes (transformer, doublesex and fruitless). In turn, these downstream genes then regulate the expression of sex-specific characteristics in males and females. Identification of sex determination pathways has and continues to be, a critical component of insect population suppression technologies. For example, “first-generation” transgenic technologies such as fsRIDL (Female-Specific Release of Insects carrying Dominant Lethals) enabled efficient selective removal of females from a target population as a significant improvement on the sterile insect technique (SIT). Second-generation technologies such as CRISPR/Cas9 homing gene drives and precision-guided SIT (pgSIT) have used gene editing technologies to manipulate sex determination genes in vivo. The development of future, third-generation control technologies, such as Y-linked drives, (female to male) sex-reversal, or X-shredding, will require additional knowledge of aspects of sexual development, including a deeper understanding of the nature of primary signals and dosage compensation. This review shows how knowledge of sex determination in target pest species is fundamental to all phases of the development of control technologies.
Gene Therapy in Orthopaedics: Progress and Challenges in Pre-Clinical Development and Translation
Authors: Watson-Levings Rachael S. , Palmer Glyn D. , Levings Padraic P. , Dacanay E. Anthony , Evans Christopher H. , Ghivizzani Steven C.
Published: June 2022

In orthopaedics, gene-based treatment approaches are being investigated for an array of common -yet medically challenging- pathologic conditions of the skeletal connective tissues and structures (bone, cartilage, ligament, tendon, joints, intervertebral discs etc.). As the skeletal system protects the vital organs and provides weight-bearing structural support, the various tissues are principally composed of dense extracellular matrix (ECM), often with minimal cellularity and vasculature. Due to their functional roles, composition, and distribution throughout the body the skeletal tissues are prone to traumatic injury, and/or structural failure from chronic inflammation and matrix degradation. Due to a mixture of environment and endogenous factors repair processes are often slow and fail to restore the native quality of the ECM and its function. In other cases, large-scale lesions from severe trauma or tumor surgery, exceed the body’s healing and regenerative capacity. Although a wide range of exogenous gene products (proteins and RNAs) have the potential to enhance tissue repair/regeneration and inhibit degenerative disease their clinical use is hindered by the absence of practical methods for safe, effective delivery. Cumulatively, a large body of evidence demonstrates the capacity to transfer coding sequences for biologic agents to cells in the skeletal tissues to achieve prolonged delivery at functional levels to augment local repair or inhibit pathologic processes. With an eye toward clinical translation, we discuss the research progress in the primary injury and disease targets in orthopaedic gene therapy. Technical considerations important to the exploration and pre-clinical development are presented, with an emphasis on vector technologies and delivery strategies whose capacity to generate and sustain functional transgene expression in vivo is well-established.
Customized Barrier Membrane (Titanium Alloy, Poly Ether-Ether Ketone and Unsintered Hydroxyapatite/Poly-l-Lactide) for Guided Bone Regeneration
Authors: Shi Yilin , Liu Jin , Du Mi , Zhang Shengben , Liu Yue , Yang Hu , Shi Ruiwen , Guo Yuanyuan , Song Feng , Zhao Yajun , Lan Jing
Published: June 2022

Sufficient bone volume is indispensable to achieve functional and aesthetic results in the fields of oral oncology, trauma, and implantology. Currently, guided bone regeneration (GBR) is widely used in reconstructing the alveolar ridge and repairing bone defects owing to its low technical sensitivity and considerable osteogenic effect. However, traditional barrier membranes such as collagen membranes or commercial titanium mesh cannot meet clinical requirements, such as lack of space-preserving ability, or may lead to more complications. With the development of digitalization and three-dimensional printing technology, the above problems can be addressed by employing customized barrier membranes to achieve space maintenance, precise predictability of bone graft, and optimization of patient-specific strategies. The article reviews the processes and advantages of three-dimensional computer-assisted surgery with GBR in maxillofacial reconstruction and alveolar bone augmentation; the properties of materials used in fabricating customized bone regeneration sheets; the promising bone regeneration potency of customized barrier membranes in clinical applications; and up-to-date achievements. This review aims to present a reference on the clinical aspects and future applications of customized barrier membranes.
A Washing-Free and Easy-to-Operate Fluorescent Biosensor for Highly Efficient Detection of Breast Cancer-Derived Exosomes
Authors: Chen Wenqin , Zhang Yan , Di Kaili , Liu Chang , Xia Yanyan , Ding Shijia , Shen Han , Li Zhiyang
Published: June 2022

Traditional detection methods for protein tumor markers in the early screening of breast cancer are restricted by complicated operation procedures and unstable reproducibility. As one of alternative emerging tumor markers, exosomes play an important role in diagnosing and treating cancers at the early stage due to traceability of their origins and great involvement in occurrence and development of cancers. Herein, a washing-free and efficient fluorescent biosensor has been proposed to realize simple and straightforward analysis of breast cancer cell-derived exosomes based on high affinity aptamers and G quadruplex-hemin (G4-hemin). The whole reaction process can be completed by several simple steps, which realizes washing-free and labor-saving. With simplified operation procedures and high repeatability, the linear detection range for this developed fluorescent biosensing strategy to breast cancer cell-derived exosomes is from 2.5 × 105 to 1.00 × 107 particles/ml, and the limit of detection is down to 0.54 × 105 particles/ml.
Role of Chaperone-Mediated Autophagy in Ageing Biology and Rejuvenation of Stem Cells
Authors: Vitale Emanuela , Perveen Sadia , Rossin Daniela , Lo Iacono Marco , Rastaldo Raffaella , Giachino Claudia
Published: June 2022

What lies at the basis of the mechanisms that regulate the maintenance and self-renewal of pluripotent stem cells is still an open question. The control of stemness derives from a fine regulation between transcriptional and metabolic factors. In the last years, an emerging topic has concerned the involvement of Chaperone-Mediated Autophagy (CMA) as a key mechanism in stem cell pluripotency control acting as a bridge between epigenetic, transcriptional and differentiation regulation. This review aims to clarify this new and not yet well-explored horizon discussing the recent studies regarding the CMA impact on embryonic, mesenchymal, and haematopoietic stem cells. The review will discuss how CMA influences embryonic stem cell activity promoting self-renewal or differentiation, its involvement in maintaining haematopoietic stem cell function by increasing their functionality during the normal ageing process and its effects on mesenchymal stem cells, in which modulation of CMA regulates immunosuppressive and differentiation properties. Finally, the importance of these new discoveries and their relevance for regenerative medicine applications, from transplantation to cell rejuvenation, will be addressed.
Clinical and Biological Aspects of Disseminated Tumor Cells and Dormancy in Breast Cancer
Authors: Ring Alexander , Spataro Maria , Wicki Andreas , Aceto Nicola
Published: June 2022

Progress in detection and treatment have drastically improved survival for early breast cancer patients. However, distant recurrence causes high mortality and is typically considered incurable. Cancer dissemination occurs via circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and up to 75% of breast cancer patients could harbor micrometastatses at time of diagnosis, while metastatic recurrence often occurs years to decades after treatment. During clinical latency, disseminated tumor cells (DTCs) can enter a state of cell cycle arrest or dormancy at distant sites, and are likely shielded from immune detection and treatment. While this is a challenge, it can also be seen as an outstanding opportunity to target dormant DTCs on time, before their transformation into lethal macrometastatic lesions. Here, we review and discuss progress made in our understanding of DTC and dormancy biology in breast cancer. Strides in our mechanistic insights of these features has led to the identification of possible targeting strategies, yet, their integration into clinical trial design is still uncertain. Incorporating minimally invasive liquid biopsies and rationally designed adjuvant therapies, targeting both proliferating and dormant tumor cells, may help to address current challenges and improve precision cancer care.
Cancer Risk and Mutational Patterns Following Organ Transplantation
Authors: Shen Yangyang , Lian Di , Shi Kai , Gao Yuefeng , Hu Xiaoxiang , Yu Kun , Zhao Qian , Feng Chungang
Published: June 2022

The rapid development of medical technology and widespread application of immunosuppressive drugs have improved the success rate of organ transplantation significantly. However, the use of immunosuppressive agents increases the frequency of malignancy greatly. With the prospect of “precision medicine” for tumors and development of next-generation sequencing technology, more attention has been paid to the application of high-throughput sequencing technology in clinical oncology research, which is mainly applied to the early diagnosis of tumors and analysis of tumor-related genes. All generations of cancers carry somatic mutations, meanwhile, significant differences were observed in mutational signatures across tumors. Systematic sequencing of cancer genomes from patients after organ transplantation can reveal DNA damage and repair processes in exposed cancer cells and their precursors. In this review, we summarize the application of high-throughput sequencing and organoids in the field of organ transplantation, the mutational patterns of cancer genomes, and propose a new research strategy for understanding the mechanism of cancer following organ transplantation.
Anthocyanic Vacuolar Inclusions: From Biosynthesis to Storage and Possible Applications
Authors: Buhrman Kees , Aravena-Calvo Javiera , Ross Zaulich Clara , Hinz Kasper , Laursen Tomas
Published: June 2022

The ability of plants to accumulate specific metabolites in concentrations beyond their solubility in both aqueous and lipid environments remains a key question in plant biology. Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents (NADES) are mixtures of natural compounds in specific molar ratios, which interact through hydrogen bonding. This results in a viscous liquid that can solubilize high amounts of natural products while maintaining a negligible vapor pressure to prevent release of volatile compounds. While all the components are presents in plant cells, identifying experimental evidence for the occurrence of NADES phases remains a challenging quest. Accumulation of anthocyanin flavonoids in highly concentrated inclusions have been speculated to involve NADES as an inert solvent. The inherent pigment properties of anthocyanins provide an ideal system for studying the formation of NADES in a cellular environment. In this mini-review we discuss the biosynthesis of modified anthocyanins that facilitate their organization in condensates, their transport and storage as a specific type of phase separated inclusions in the vacuole, and the presence of NADES constituents as a natural solution for storing high amounts of flavonoids and other natural products. Finally, we highlight how the knowledge gathered from studying the discussed processes could be used for specific applications within synthetic biology to utilize NADES derived compartments for the production of valuable compounds where the production is challenged by poor solubility, toxic intermediates or unstable and volatile products.
Cascade Filtration With PCR Detection and Field-Flow-Fractionation Online With ICP-MS for the Characterization of DNA Interaction With Suspended Particulate Matter
Authors: Nischwitz Volker , Stelmaszyk Lara , Piel Sandra , Tiehm Andreas
Published: June 2022

The variety of applied antibiotics in animal and human medicine results in the release, development, and spread of relevant numbers of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in the environment. The majority of ARGs are present in intracellular forms (in bacteria). Neglected aspects are extracellular variants of ARGs (eARGs) and their fragments, which have been detected in surface-water samples and sediments. The stability of eARGs is expected to be low; however, binding to particulate matter is likely to improve their stability and also affect their transport and dissemination behavior. Few studies have investigated DNA particle interactions, mostly via indirect characterization of adduct formation in model systems but not in real environmental matrices. Therefore, our study aims at a novel approach for direct characterization of desoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) particle interactions using both cascade filtration and field-flow fractionation. Cascade filtration with quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) detection indicated retention of ARGs on filters with much larger pore sizes supporting the hypothesis of ARG-particle interactions. However, artifacts from membrane clogging or DNA–membrane interaction cannot be excluded. Consequently, asymmetric flow field-flow fractionation was investigated as an alternative separation technique with the advantage of particle separation in a thin channel, reducing the risk of artifacts. The key method parameters, membrane composition, molecular weight cut off, and carrier composition, were systematically investigated using a calf-thymus DNA-spiked surface-water sample as a model. The results clearly showed a shift in the elution time of clay particles suggesting the presence of DNA–clay adducts. Multi-element detection by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) enabled monitoring of clay via the Al, Fe, and Si signals and DNA via the P signal. Matching peak profiles for the new fraction in the fractograms of the ARG and DNA-spiked water sample support adduct formation. Further evidence was provided by a novel post-channel filtration approach for the separation of free DNA from DNA–clay adducts.
Hybridising inorganic materials with fluorescent BOPHY dyes: A structural and optical comparative study
Authors: Sani Umar , Alatawi Omar M. , Halawani Nuha M. , Gould Jamie A. , Knight Julian G. , Cucinotta Fabio
Published: June 2022

This study presents the design and characterization of new monochromatic light-harvesting systems based on inorganic porous materials hybridized with organic dye molecules within their structure. A new fluorescent BOPHY dye was prepared, characterized optically and used as both reference and synthetic precursor for two alkoxysilane derivatives that were incorporated separately within a silica structure. The dyes, one bearing one alkoxysilane group and the other one two, were co-condensed with tetraethyl orthosilicate to form a hybrid organo-silica framework, where they are found at specific locations. The structure of the new materials was analysed by powder XRD and TEM, which confirmed the presence of the hexagonal pore arrangement typical of mesoporous MCM-41 silica particles. The steady-state and time-resolved analysis showed that the particles where the dyes are most dispersed within the framework retain the highest fluorescence quantum yield, up to 0.63, in the green-yellow region of the visible spectrum. On the other hand, increasing the content of BOPHY units in the solid matrix seem to favour non-radiative deactivation pathways and aggregation phenomena, which lower the efficiency of light emission. The materials also exhibit interesting properties, such as a dual excited-state decay and fluorescence anisotropy. The short fluorescence lifetime, about 2 ns, matches the typical singlet lifetime of BOPHY dyes, whereas the long component, up to 20 ns, is attributed to delayed fluorescence, which could take place via charge recombination. Optical anisotropy experiments revealed that all materials show polarised light emission to a significant extent and, for most samples, it was also possible to determine a polarisation transfer decay trace, from 400 to 800 ps This is ascribed to the occurrence of energy migration between neighbouring dye units within the silica structure.
Next-Generation Probiotic Therapy to Protect the Intestines From Injury
Authors: Ragan Mecklin V. , Wala Samantha J. , Goodman Steven D. , Bailey Michael T. , Besner Gail E.
Published: June 2022

Probiotics are live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, provide health benefits to the host. Some strains of the probiotic Lactobacillus reuteri (L. reuteri) have both antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that may be exploited for the treatment and prevention of different gastrointestinal diseases, including necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) and Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile) infection. Our laboratory has developed a new delivery system for L. reuteri in which the probiotic is incubated with biocompatible, semipermeable, porous dextranomer microspheres (DM) that can be loaded with beneficial and diffusible cargo. L. reuteri can be induced to form a biofilm by incubating the bacteria on the surface of these microspheres, which enhances the efficacy of the probiotic. Loading the DM with sucrose or maltose induces L. reuteri to produce more biofilm, further increasing the efficacy of the probiotic. Using a rat model of NEC, L. reuteri administered in its biofilm state significantly increases animal survival, reduces the incidence of NEC, preserves gut barrier function, and decreases intestinal inflammation. In a murine model of Clostridiodes difficile infection, L. reuteri administered in its biofilm state decreases colitis when administered either before or after C. difficile induction, demonstrating both prophylactic and therapeutic efficacy. There are currently no FDA-approved probiotic preparations for human use. An FDA-approved phase I clinical trial of L. reuteri in its biofilm state in healthy adults is currently underway. The results of this trial will be used to support a phase 1 clinical trial in neonates, with the goal of utilizing L. reuteri in its biofilm state to prevent NEC in premature neonates in the future.
The Orphan Response Regulator Rv3143 Modulates the Activity of the NADH Dehydrogenase Complex (Nuo) in Mycobacterium tuberculosis via Protein–Protein Interactions
Authors: Płocińska Renata , Wasik Karolina , Płociński Przemysław , Lechowicz Ewelina , Antczak Magdalena , Błaszczyk Ewelina , Dziadek Bożena , Słomka Marcin , Rumijowska-Galewicz Anna , Dziadek Jarosław
Published: June 2022

Two-component signal transduction systems enable mycobacterial cells to quickly adapt and adequately respond to adverse environmental conditions encountered at various stages of host infection. We attempted to determine the role of the Rv3143 “orphan” response regulator in the physiology of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and its orthologue Msmeg_2064 in Mycobacterium smegmatis. We identified the Rv3143 protein as an interaction partner for NuoD, a member of the type I NADH dehydrogenase complex involved in oxidative phosphorylation. The mutants Δrv3143 and Δmsmeg_2064 were engineered in M. tuberculosis and M. smegmatis cells, respectively. The Δmsmeg_2064 strain exhibited a significant reduction in growth and viability in the presence of reactive nitrogen species. The Rv3143-deficient strain was sensitive to valinomycin, which is known to reduce the electrochemical potential of the cell and overexpressed genes required for nitrate respiration. An increased level of reduction of the 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) electron acceptor in Δrv3143 and Δmsmeg_2064 cells was also evident. The silencing of ndh expression using CRISPRi/dCas9 affected cell survival under limited oxygen conditions. Oxygen consumption during entry to hypoxia was most severely affected in the double-mutant Δmsmeg_2064 ndhCRISPRi/dCas9. We propose that the regulatory protein Rv3143 is a component of the Nuo complex and modulates its activity.
Association of Histones With Coagulofibrinolytic Responses and Organ Dysfunction in Adult Post-cardiac Arrest Syndrome
Authors: Mizugaki Asumi , Wada Takeshi , Tsuchida Takumi , Gando Satoshi
Published: June 2022

Background

Patients successfully resuscitated from cardiac arrest often develop organ dysfunction caused by systemic inflammation and increased coagulation, leading to disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). The involvement of histones in DIC and organ dysfunction in patients with sepsis and trauma has been previously reported, raising the probability that histones may also be associated with pathophysiology in patients after cardiac arrest and resuscitation. This study evaluated the relationship between histones and organ dysfunction related to coagulofibrinolytic changes in patients with post-cardiac arrest syndrome (PCAS).

Methods

This prospective single-center observational study assessed 35 adult patients with PCAS who were divided into two groups, i.e., 15 patients with multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) and 20 patients without MODS. MODS was defined as a sequential organ failure assessment score of ≥12. The plasma levels of histones and coagulofibrinolytic markers, including soluble fibrin, tissue-type plasminogen activator, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, plasmin-alpha 2-plasmin inhibitor complex (PIC), and soluble thrombomodulin, were measured in patients with PCAS immediately after admission to the emergency department, and 3 and 24 h after arriving at the hospital.

Results

PCAS patients with MODS had higher DIC scores [4 (3.0–5.0) vs. 1 (0.0–3.0), p = 0.012] and higher mortality rates (66.7% vs. 20.0%, p = 0.013) than those without MODS. Moreover, patients with MODS exhibited higher histone levels than those without MODS during the early phase of the post-resuscitation period. Severe endothelial injury and higher thrombin and plasmin generation were observed in the MODS group. Plasma levels of histones were positively correlated with those of soluble fibrin immediately after resuscitation (rho = 0.367, p = 0.030) and PIC 3 h after arriving at the hospital (rho = 0.480, p = 0.005). This correlation was prominent in the patient population with MODS (soluble fibrin: rho = 0.681, p = 0.005, PIC: rho = 0.742, p = 0.002).

Conclusions

This study demonstrated that elevated histone levels were associated with increased levels of thrombin, and subsequent plasmin generation in PCAS patients, especially those with MODS. Further studies are required to elucidate the causal relationship between histones and organ dysfunction related to DIC in PCAS.
Transition of Metabolic Phenotypes and Risk of Atrial Fibrillation According to BMI: Kailuan Study
Authors: Zhao Maoxiang , Du Wenjuan , Zhao Qianqian , Chen Yating , Li Bin , Xie Zhonghui , Fu Zihao , Zhang Nan , Cheng Xiaowei , Li Xiaoqian , Yao Siyu , Wang Miao , Wang Chi , Wu Shouling , Xue Hao , Li Yang
Published: June 2022

Objective

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with both obesity and its metabolic consequences. However, there is a paucity of information on whether the dynamic change of metabolic health and obesity phenotypes affect the risk of AF. We aimed to prospectively examine the association between metabolic health and its change over time and AF risk across body mass index (BMI) categories.

Methods

A total of 58,483 participants without history of cancer, and cardiovascular diseases from the Kailuan study were included in the present study. Transition of metabolic phenotypes was evaluated between 1st survey (2006–2007) and the 2nd survey (2008–2009). The hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for AF were assessed by Cox proportional hazards regression.

Results

During a median follow-up of 3 years, we documented 580 cases of AF. Compared with metabolically healthy individuals with normal weight, the multivariable-adjusted hazard ratios for metabolically healthy and unhealthy overweight/obese were 1.27 (95% CI: 1.01, 1.59) and 1.37 (95% CI: 1.09, 1.72), respectively. However, when transition was taken into account, overweight/obese people who maintained metabolically healthy status were not associated with increased long-term risk (HR, 1.11;95% CI: 0.70, 1.78), whereas participants who converted from metabolically healthy overweight/obese status to an unhealthy phenotype had higher AF risk than those who maintained metabolically healthy normal weight (HR 1.59, 95% CI: 1.11, 2.26). When BMI and metabolically healthy status were updated over the course of the study, significant short-term elevations in AF risk were associated with individuals with stable MU-OW/OB status.

Conclusion

In this community-based cohort study, metabolically healthy overweight/obese individuals have increased risks of AF. Obesity remains a risk factor for AF independent of major metabolic factors. Our data further suggested that metabolic phenotype was a dynamic condition, and maintenance of metabolic health and normal weight might alleviate the risk of AF.
Mid- to Long-Term Clinical and Echocardiographic Effects of Post-procedural Permanent Pacemaker Implantation After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Xu Shun , Zhang Enrui , Qian Zhiyong , Sun Jinyu , Zou Fengwei , Wang Yao , Hou Xiaofeng , Zou Jiangang
Published: June 2022

Aims

To date, the prognostic effects of permanent pacemaker implantation (PPI) after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) remain controversial. The purpose of this meta-analysis was to investigate the mid- (1 year) to long-term (> 1 year) clinical and echocardiographic effects of post-procedural PPI in patients after TAVR.

Methods

PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases were systematically searched from the establishment of databases up to 1 December 2021. Studies comparing clinical and echocardiographic outcomes between patients with and without post-TAVR PPI of ≥ 1-year follow-up were collected for further meta-analysis.

Results

A total of 39 studies comprising of 83,082 patients were included in this meta-analysis. At mid-term follow-up (1 year), the pooled results demonstrated a higher risk of all-cause mortality in patients with post-procedural PPI than those without following TAVR (relative risk (RR), 1.17; 95% CI, 1.10–1.24; P < 0.00001). No significant differences were observed in cardiovascular mortality (RR, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.71–1.03; P = 0.10) or heart failure rehospitalization (RR, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.58–1.44; P = 0.69) at 1-year follow-up. At long-term follow-up (> 1 year), post-TAVR PPI had negative effects on all-cause mortality (RR, 1.18; 95% CI, 1.09–1.28; P < 0.0001) and heart failure rehospitalization (RR, 1.42; 95% CI, 1.18–1.71; P = 0.0002). There was no difference in long-term cardiovascular mortality between the two groups (RR, 1.15; 95% CI, 0.97–1.36; P = 0.11). Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was not significantly different at baseline (mean difference, 1.40; 95% CI, –0.13–2.93; P = 0.07), but was significantly lower in the PPI group at 1-year follow-up (mean difference, –3.57; 95% CI, –4.88 to –2.26; P < 0.00001).

Conclusion

Our meta-analysis provides evidence that post-TAVR PPI has negative clinical and echocardiographic effects on patients at mid- to long-term follow-up. Further studies are urgently needed to explore the cause of these complications and optimize the treatment and management of patients requiring permanent pacing after TAVR.

Systematic Review Registration

[https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42021289935], identifier [CRD42021289935].
Universal Method of Compatibility Assessment for Novel Ablation Technologies With Different 3D Navigation Systems
Authors: Pannone Luigi , Eltsov Ivan , Ramak Robbert , Cabrita David , Verherstraeten Marc , Gauthey Anaïs , Sorgente Antonio , Monaco Cinzia , Overeinder Ingrid , Bala Gezim , Almorad Alexandre , Ströker Erwin , Sieira Juan , Brugada Pedro , La Meir Mark , Chierchia Gian-Battista , de Asmundis Carlo
Published: June 2022

Background

New technologies for ablation procedures are often produced by different companies with no cross-compatibility out of the box. This is not a negligible clinical problem since those separately developed devices are often used together. The aim of this study was to develop a bench-testing method to assess compatibility between the DiamondTemp ablation system (DTA) and the Rhythmia electroanatomic mapping system (EAM).

Methods

Different setups were tested. DTA was connected to the Rhythmia EAM using the following configurations: 3.1. An Ensite EPT GenConnect box (GCB) and Rhythmia Maestro GCB (Maestro GCB, native Rhythmia setup); 3.2. The Medtronic GCB-E and Maestro GCB; 3.3. The Medtronic GCB-E out via the Medtronic GCB-E directly to the Rhythmia at box 1 (pin A61 to A64).

Results

The DTA location was represented in real-time on the Rhythmia EAM. A proper tracking of the DTA was observed in all setups tested by visual comparison of physical catheter movements and its representation on EAM. In configuration 3.1, a significant shift was observed after the first radio frequency (RF) application; however, further applications caused no further shift. In setup 3.2, no significant shift was observed. The setup 3.3 showed a massive shift in the catheter position before ablation compared to baseline points acquired using the Orion catheter as a reference.

Conclusions

A universal and reproducible solution for compatibility testing between the various mapping systems and the ablation catheters has been described. DTA has been demonstrated as compatible with Rhythmia EAM with satisfactory results if a specific setup is used.
Case Report: An Unusual Presentation of Cardiovascular Involvement in Eosinophilic Granulomatosis With Polyangiitis
Authors: Li Yajuan , Zhou Hui , Zhou Yaou , Tang Haixiong
Published: June 2022

Background

Because eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) is so rare and the symptoms so varied, it can be a challenge to get a correct diagnosis in clinical practice. Cardiovascular involvement is the main cause of death of EGPA. We are the first to report of cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) findings about right-sided heart involvement in EGPA.

Patient Findings

The initial abnormalities detected by CMR were Löffler endocarditis with extensive thrombosis and left ventricular (LV) dysfunction. After active treatment, LV systolic function recovered and endocarditis with thrombosis significantly improved, but there was rapidly progressive pulmonary hypertension, enlargement of right atrium and right ventricle and persistent right-sided heart failure. The patient eventually died of sudden cardiac death 6 months after hospital discharge.

Conclusions

Löffler endocarditis and right-sided heart involvement are both rare presentations in patients with EGPA. CMR is a reliable non-invasive tool to precisely and comprehensively assess cardiovascular involvement in EGPA.