bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalência e Fatores associados ao Estresse Relacionado ao Trabalho e à Síndrome de Burnout entre Profissionais de Enfermagem que Atuam em Oncologia
Authors: Sant’Ana Jéssica Cristini Pires , Santos Juliano dos , Silva Pedro Gilson Beserra , Meira Karina Cardoso , Oliveira Lannuzya Veríssimo e , Almeida Sheyla Gomes Pereira de , Pierin Angela Maria Geraldo
Published: March 2023

Introdução: Os profissionais de enfermagem, ao considerarem o processo relacionado às condições de trabalho, estão expostos a situações que podem desencadear estresse relacionado ao trabalho e síndrome de burnout. Objetivo: Avaliar a prevalência e os fatores associados ao estresse relacionado ao trabalho e à síndrome de burnout entre profissionais de enfermagem atuantes em oncologia. Método: Estudo transversal realizado com 231 profissionais de enfermagem que atuavam em Centro de Alta Complexidade em Oncologia do Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil. O estresse relacionado ao trabalho foi avaliado por meio da escala de estresse no trabalho e a síndrome de burnout pelo Maslach Burnout Inventory. A associação entre os desfechos e as variáveis independentes foi realizada por meio da Regressão de Poisson com variância robusta. Consideraram-se estatisticamente significativos valores de p<0,05. Resultados: A prevalência de estresse moderado/intenso relacionado ao trabalho foi de 75,8%, e de 38,9% para os profissionais que apresentaram síndrome de burnout. A idade, o histórico de acidente de trabalho e a agressão verbal e física estiveram positivamente associados ao estresse relacionado ao trabalho e à síndrome de burnout. Além disso, o estresse autorreferido foi fator de risco para essa síndrome. Conclusão: Observou-se alta prevalência de estresse relacionado ao trabalho e à síndrome de burnout, cujos desfechos estiveram associados à idade, ao histórico de acidente de trabalho e à violência laboral.
Pelaksanaan Program Pembiasaan Keagamaan Dalam Pembentukan Karakter Religius Peserta Didik
Authors: Mubin Minahul , Moh. Arif Furqon
Published: March 2023

Religious character education is one of the characters that need to be developed in students in cultivating behavior in accordance with Islamic religious teachings which are based on the Qur'an and Hadith. There are many students who act not in accordance with Islamic religious values ​​that apply both at school and in society. So religious character education needs to be implemented and realized. One important factor in growing the religious character of students is religious habituation. This study aims to determine the extent to which the effects of religious habituation in the formation of religious character at MI Maliaul Hikam. This research is qualitative research in which the data collected is not in the form of numbers but data comes from interview scripts, field notes, personal documents, memo notes, and other official documents carried out at MI Malihatul Hikam validly and can be accounted for. Activities before to after learning are an effective way of habituation to being able to foster the religious character of students, religious habituation activities can be trained and accustomed to every day. The results of religious habituation which are carried out every day and are repeated will always be embedded and can be remembered by students so that it is easy to do them without having to be warned again by the teacher.
ЗАСТОСУВАННЯ МАТРИЧНОЇ ГРИ У ПРОЦЕСІ УПРАВЛІННЯ ДІЯЛЬНІСТЮ ПІДПРИЄМСТВА
Authors: Мартинова О. В. , Шевченко О. К.
Published: March 2023

Успіх підприємства залежатиме від здатності адаптуватися до змін в середовищі їх діяльності: передбачати і змінювати структуру бізнесу, розробляти і впроваджувати у виробництво нові види продукції, правильно визначати напрями інвестицій за різними видами діяльності. В роботі розглянуті можливості використання теорії матричних ігор в економічних дослідженнях. У статті побудована матриця ризиків. Для прийняття рішення використано ряд критеріїв: мінімум математичного очікування ризику, максимінний критерій Вальда, критерій мінімального ризику Севіджа, критерій Гурвіца. Розглянуті теоретичні можливості використання антагоністичних матричних ігор при розв’язку лінійної моделі виробництва. Отримана платіжна функція дозволяє запропонувати наступну модель управління економічною системою: управлінський апарат має два відділу – плановий і фінансовий. Розглянутий математичний апарат можна використовувати для будь-яких фірм, які займаються виробництвом продукції.
ФОРМУВАННЯ КАДРОВОЇ ПОЛІТИКИ В СИСТЕМІ ПУБЛІЧНОГО УПРАВЛІНЯ ЯК МЕХАНІЗМ РОЗВИТКУ ЕКОНОМІКИ
Authors: Кузьменко Г. О.
Published: March 2023

У статті виявлено, що кадрова політика носій головної мети – розвитку системи роботи з кадрами управління, що визначає можливості розвитку економіки і самого управління, тобто забезпечення загальної політики держави у вигляді організації діяльності певної категорії співробітників апарату управління. З’ясовано, що важливий напрямок усієї кадрової політики в нинішніх умовах, є демократизація підбору, розстановки та виховання працівників ланок публічного та господарського управління. Доведено, що кадрова політика визначається, як встановлений законом порядок періодичної перевірки теоретичних знань, практичних навичок, здібностей та реальних перспектив працівника з метою визначення відповідності його посади. Підкреслено, що система показників результативності виробництва та економічний аналіз є частиною механізму управління організацією, які спрямовані на економію витрат та ресурсів.
Could artificial intelligence improve decision-making in refugee cases?
Authors: Evans Cameron Hilary
Published: March 2023

Despite the risks that it poses, predictive technology could be a force for good in refugee systems under the right legal conditions.
Procedures for claimant asylum within Canada, acceptance and rejection
Authors: Evans Cameron Hilary , Joundi Talia
Published: March 2023

pp. 101-117 in Asylum and Resettlement in Canada: Historical development, successes, challenges and lessons.

The first part of this chapter introduces the procedural elements of the Canadian refugee status determination system. The second part looks critically at how the system decides which refugee claims to accept and which to reject.  
Experimenting with Credibility in Refugee Adjudication: Gaydar
Authors: Rehaag Sean , Evans Cameron Hilary
Published: March 2023

Canada offers refugee protection to sexual minorities facing persecution abroad. While success rates for sexual minority refugee claims have generally been higher than the overall average at Canada’s Immigration and Refugee Board, hundreds of such claims are nonetheless turned down each year. The most common reason for denying these claims is that assertions about the claimants’ sexual orientations are determined not to be credible. Scholars have raised concerns about how such credibility determinations are made. This article contributes to the critical literature in this area by exploring sexual minority refugee claim credibility assessments through an experimental study involving simulated refugee determinations. The experiment focuses on whether a claimant’s appearance affects the simulated adjudicator’s credibility determinations and written reasons provided to justify those determinations.
The failures of a ‘model’ system: RSD in Canada
Authors: Evans Cameron Hilary
Published: March 2023

The Canadian refugee system is often regarded as a model for refugee status determination. While there is much to learn from what it does well, there is just as much to learn from what it does badly. 
HUBUNGAN LOW BACK PAIN, STRES KERJA, DAN BEBAN KERJA TERHADAP PRODUKTIFITAS KERJA DOSEN DI UNIVERSITAS PERINTIS INDONESIA TAHUN 2022
Authors: Anggreiniboti Tanti
Published: March 2023

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to analyze the relationship between Low Back Pain, work stress and workload on lecturers' work productivity
Design/methodology/approach: Research methodology, quantitative research, using a cross sectional approach, multiple logistic analysis with prediction type. The population in this study were 103 lecturers. The sampling technique used is total sampling, by using 71 samples. The instruments were used the Nasa TLX Questionnaire for mental workload, pain and distress scale questionnaire for LBP, and work productivity questionnaire. Data processing using SPSS 22
Findings: The results of the analysis can be concluded that there is no significant relationship between the independent and dependent variables. Low Back Pain, Working  stress and workload were confounding factor, as risk factor for work  productivity. The independent variable has a P value > 0.05. OR variable low back pain = 4.00 Variable mental workload OR = 0.96 Variable work stress OR =354139403.479
Research implications: It is necessary to organize working room, a more comfortable and ergonomic lecturer's work attitude, stress management and workload for prevention.
ANALISIS PELAKSANAAN PROGRAM INOVASI “OJEK TB” DALAM RANGKA MENINGKATKAN CAKUPAN CDR TB
Authors: Wati Sasliza , Lendrawati Lendrawati
Published: March 2023

Purpose: This study aims to analyze the implementation of the ojek TB innovation program in order to increase the coverage of TB CDR in the Malalak Health Center working area, Kabupaten Agam in 2022.
Design/methodology/approach: This type of research is qualitative research. Data collection techniques using interviews with triangulation analysis.
Findings: This research shows that in terms of policy, Puskesmas still do not have a copy of the document containing policies on regional innovation programs, in terms of human resources, it is still not sufficient considering the size of the work area so that additional human resources are needed, in terms of funding, this innovation program has not been supported by adequate funds for the implementation of activities, so that the CDR achievement of the Puskesmas, although it has increased from before the innovation program, still has not reached the program target, from the facilities and infrastructure there is no allocation of special consumables for this innovation program, there is no recording and reporting of materials special consumables for this program, providing information regarding the existence of this innovation program has not been maximally carried out, information is only carried out during group counseling, or through the Puskesmas network, not all “Ojek TB” officers comply with the SOP in carrying out sampling and delivery of samples m, especially in the use of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment), the supervision of this innovation program has not been carried out properly by the Puskesmas, the District Health Office, as well as by other cross-programs in the sub-district.
Research implications: This research is expected to provide academic implications, especially in the field of preventing infectious diseases, especially tuberculosis, to the Malalak Health Center which is the object of research. With this research, the institution can find out how the implementation of the "Ojek TB" innovation program in order to increase the coverage of TB CDR at the Malalak Health Center
PENGARUH PEMAHAMAN DAN PEMANFAATAN SISTEM INFOMASI AKUNTANSI TERHADAP PENINGKATAN PRODUKTIVITAS PADA PERUSAHAAN PT. PRODUK SAWITINDO JAMBI
Authors: Aldila Nuryana , Arsa Arsa , Anggraeni Lidya
Published: March 2023

Purpose: This study aims to determine and analyze the effect of understanding accounting and the use of accounting information systems on increasing productivity at PT. Sawitindo Jambi products.
Design/Methodology/Approach: The research method used is descriptive quantitative analysis with primary data through surveys, multiple linear regression analysis tools.
Findings: The results showed that simultaneously showed that the variables of accounting understanding and accounting system utilization together had a positive and significant effect on increasing productivity at PT. Sawitindo Jambi products. while partially showing that the variable of accounting understanding has a positive and significant effect on increasing the productivity of PT. Sawitindo Jambi products. and the variable of accounting system utilization has a positive and significant effect on increasing productivity at PT. Sawitindo Jambi products.
Research Implications: The implication of the research results is that the company should conduct a review of the understanding of accounting and the use of AIS in making financial reports so that the productivity of the company's financial statements can continue to be improved.
Multilevel allometric growth equations improve accuracy of carbon monitoring during forest restoration.
Authors: Oberle Brad , Cole Piper , Frank Garcia , Gates Alexandra , Hall Brittney , Harvey Deric , Scott Melody , Setterberg Cas , Bustetter Simon
Published: March 2023

Managing disturbed forests for climate mitigation and biodiversity requires monitoring the carbon (C) cycle consequences of replacing established exotic vegetation with native seedlings. Standard approaches rely on allometric growth equations with unexplored limitations for measuring C changes during restoration. Most plants lack species-specific allometric growth equations, which may perform poorly for different growth forms, especially when applied to both mature trees and seedlings. To address these limitations, we generated and compared allometric growth equations for four woody species with different biogeographic origins and growth forms, including two high impact invasive species, Cupaniopisis anacardioides and Schinus terebinthifolia. By borrowing strength from sampling across species to reduce estimation error within species, Bayesian multilevel models generated more accurate and precise estimates than either independent species-level models or generic equations. Because errors increased for smaller plants and species with unusual growth forms, allometric growth equations from custom multilevel models generated higher baseline aboveground biomass estimates and lower post-restoration estimates, which has important implications for monitoring C consequences of invasive tree management.
BİST Şirketleri Bağımsız Denetim Raporlarının Sorumlu Denetçi Cinsiyeti Yönünden İncelenmesi
Authors: YAŞAR Alpaslan , ÇETİN Eray
Published: March 2023

Muhasebe ve denetim literatüründeki son yıllardaki çalışmalar, cinsiyetinfinansal raporlama kalitesi ve denetim kalitesi üzerinde etkili olabileceğinigöstermiştir. Bu çalışmada, sorumlu denetçi cinsiyetinin bağımsız denetimraporlarındaki yansıması incelenmiştir. Böylece, Türkiye’deki kadın sorumludenetçilerin karar mekanizmalarındaki rolüne ilişkin denetim raporları üzerindengenel bir görünüm verilmiştir. Bu amaçla, Borsa İstanbul (BİST)’de 2017-2021döneminde sürekli işlem gören 379 şirkete ait bağımsız denetim raporları,denetim raporunda imzası bulunan sorumlu denetçi cinsiyeti yönünden çeşitliaçılardan incelenmiştir. Bu kapsamda; denetim kuruluşu türü, denetim görüşütürü, denetçi raporunda bildirilen kilit denetim konusu sayısı ve denetim raporgecikmesi unsurları üzerinden sorumlu denetçi cinsiyetine göre içerik analiziyapılmıştır. Araştırma bulgularına göre; 2017-2021 yılları arasındaki denetçiraporlarının %15’i kadın sorumlu denetçiler, %85’i ise erkek sorumlu denetçilertarafından imzalanmıştır. Araştırmanın genel bulguları; kadın sorumlu denetçisayısının az sayıda olduğuna ve sorumlu denetçi cinsiyeti yönünden denetimraporlarında farklılıklar (denetim görüş türleri, kilit denetim konusu sayısı,denetim rapor gecikmesi) olabileceğine işaret etmektedir.
Electronic, structural and optical properties of Gd-doped ZnO powder synthesized by solid-state reaction method
Authors: Gora Mahendra Kumar , Kumar Arvind , Choudhary Banwari Lal , Dolia Satya Narain , Kumar Sanjay , Singhal Rishi Kumar
Published: March 2023

We explored the impact of Gd doping on the structural, electronic and optical characteristics of the ZnO powder. The Gd-doped ZnO (0, 2% and 5%) powder samples have been synthesized using the conventional solid-state reaction process with varied Gd concentrations. The XRD pattern confirmed that all the studied samples are in the hexagonal wurtzite crystalline structure. The morphology has been explored using SEM images, which exhibited an agglomerated rod-like particle structure. The XPS results indicate the presence of oxygen vacancies (Vo) in the Gd-doped ZnO samples and the Vo’s are found to increase with increasing Gd amount. According to PL findings, the intensity ratio of the green and ultra-violet emission peaks is found to increase from 0.090 to 0.418 with increasing Gd-doping concentrations, confirming that Vo’s are increasing with Gd-doping. The UV-visible spectroscopy results reveal that the energy band gap (Eg) decreased from 3.31 eV to 3.23 eV with increasing Gd-doping concentration.
Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 58(1), 53-64, 2023
Proximate composition and thermal properties of hemp and flax fibres
Authors: Rahman MA , Rahman MM , Nemoto K , Sarwar AKM Golam
Published: March 2023

Along with the apparel or clothing industry, diversified uses of natural lignocellulosic fibre are getting popularity in many fields e.g., composites, automotive, marines, aerospace, electronics, civil construction, nanotechnology, biomedical, etc. The property and uses of textiles are determined by their constituent fibre properties. The proximate composition and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) data of a total of 9 local hemp and flax genotypes (3 and 6, respectively) were carried out to understand their suitability in different applications. A wide variation was observed in the ash content of hemp and flax fibres varied from 1.7 to 17.7%, crude protein 3.27 to 9.02%, crude fibre 26.51 to 55.32%, ether extract 2.6 to 20.9% and energy value 284.44 to 383.96 kcal 100–1 g. In TGA analysis, all the fibres showed a similar trend. The flax genotypes contain lower ash and ether extract and higher DM, crude carbohydrate and crude fibre than hemp genotypes. Therefore, flax could be used in the lightweight composite, textile, pulp and cellulose-based industries. The hemp fibre had higher ash which was reflected by a higher residue at 500oC in TGA analysis. To understand the viability of these flax fibres, further investigations are needed.
Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 58(1), 65-70, 2023
POSITIVE EDUCATION IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS AS A REQUIREMENT OF FORMATIVE EDUCATION
Authors: TAMÁŠOVÁ VIOLA , ZAPLETAL LADISLAV
Published: March 2023

The main goal of this theoretical study is the analysis and interpretation of innovative processes of formative education. Education, towards the "dialogue of education" in the context of the modernized concept of positive psychology. The goal of every modern pedagogical concept is to improve education and make it more effective. The significant impact of innovations within the educational process have been created by the elements of modern and alternative concepts. Pedagogical practice is currently largely focused on the application of elements of positive psychology to the educational process and on a positive approach to education, supporting and developing positive aspects and traits of students’ personalities, and supporting formative education. Positive psychology and pedagogy are based on the requirement that schools must prepare students for life, making them a key starting point for current education. Their application to a school initiates the creation of a positive model of such school, promoting the strengths and potentials of individuals. Attention is focused on solving and correcting negative phenomena in schools, and towards supporting and developing the best qualities in teachers, students, all actors in school life, but also schools as institutions.
CRAFTS CREATIVITY AND ITS DEVELOPMENT FROM THE PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHERS` PERSPECTIVE
Authors: ČÁSTKOVÁ PAVLÍNA
Published: March 2023

Education in Czech Republic has recently undergone considerable changes. Emphasis is placed on the development of individuality, personality qualities, and competencies of pupils and students. Creativity has become an essential quality of modern man and it is proclaimed across many areas of human activity, being defined in various ways depending on the application of creative aspects. The area which we deal with in more detail in the article is creativity in technical education. In the context of current events in the field of educational policy in the Czech Republic, we present partial results of a research probe of a qualitative nature focused on identifying key elements of educational strategies of primary school teachers in the implementation of creative technical activities at primary school.
The Adaptation and Job Satisfaction of Dental Hygienists According to Their Clinical Practice Experience Satisfaction
Authors:   The Korean Society of Oral Health Science, Song Hyun-Jung , Choi Eun-U , Hong So-Jin
Published: March 2023

Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine whether clinical practice experience when working as a dental hygienist affects field adaptation and job satisfaction.
Methods: The research was conducted from March to June 2022, and consisted of an internet survey using the questionnaire method. In total, 201 copies were used for final analysis.
Results: Higher satisfaction with clinical practice experience was associated with higher adaptability to the field and job satisfaction.
Conclusions: The data confirm a need for efforts and plans to increase satisfaction with clinical practice experience to improve field adaptation and job satisfaction among dental hygienists
The Impact of the Israeli-Iranian Cyberwar on Arab Regional Security
Authors: Mohee Ahmad
Published: March 2023

In this study, we aim to measure the overall impact of the Israeli-Iranian cyberwar on the Arab regional security using the regional security complex theory of Buzan, Wæver, and de Wilde. To this end, we analyzed international relations in the Arab world, including changes in patterns of amity-enmity, mutual security dependence, and distribution of powers. This study proved that Israeli-Iranian cyberwar had a clear impact on Arab regional security. The repercussions, dangers and threats of this cyberwar have led to fundamental changes to patterns of international relations in the Arab region, including: • Increasing mutual Cybersecurity dependence • Changing the patterns of amity-enmity • Changing the balance of cyber power among the countries of the region. This finally resulted in the formation of an Arab regional Cybersecurity complex, at the initiative of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with participation from the Gulf Cooperation Council countries.
Computed tomography Osteoabsorptiometry: Review of bone density, mechanical strength of material and clinical application
Authors: Xu Guanghua , Wang Qiuyuan , Li Zhiqiang , Wu Tingrui
Published: March 2023

Computed Tomography (CT) imaging is an effective non-invasive examination. It is widely used in the diagnosis of fractures, arthritis, tumor, and some anatomical characteristics of patients. The density value (Hounsfield unit, HU) of a material in computed tomography can be the same for materials with varying elemental compositions. This value depends on the mass density of the material and the degree of X-ray attenuation. Computed Tomography Osteoabsorptiometry (CTOAM) imaging technology is developed on the basis of CT imaging technology. By applying pseudo-color image processing to the articular surface, it is used to analyze the distribution of bone mineralization under the articular cartilage, evaluate the position of prosthesis implantation, track the progression of osteoarthritis, and determine the joint injury prognosis. Furthermore, this technique was combined with indentation testing to discuss the relationship between the high bone density area of the articular surface, the mechanical strength of the bone, and the anchorage stability of the implant, in addition to the study of the relationship between mechanical strength and bone density. This narrative study discusses the pre- and postoperative evaluation of medical device implantation position, orthopedic surgery, and the clinical treatment of bone injury and degeneration. It also discusses the research status of CTOAM technology in image post-processing engineering and the relationship between bone material and mechanical strength.
Toward high-throughput engineering techniques for improving CAR intracellular signaling domains
Authors: Butler Savannah E. , Hartman Colin J. , Huang Yina H. , Ackerman Margaret E.
Published: March 2023

Chimeric antigen receptors (CAR) are generated by linking extracellular antigen recognition domains with one or more intracellular signaling domains derived from the T-cell receptor complex or various co-stimulatory receptors. The choice and relative positioning of signaling domains help to determine chimeric antigen receptors T-cell activity and fate in vivo. While prior studies have focused on optimizing signaling power through combinatorial investigation of native intracellular signaling domains in modular fashion, few have investigated the prospect of sequence engineering within domains. Here, we sought to develop a novel in situ screening method that could permit deployment of directed evolution approaches to identify intracellular domain variants that drive selective induction of transcription factors. To accomplish this goal, we evaluated a screening approach based on the activation of a human NF-κB and NFAT reporter T-cell line for the isolation of mutations that directly impact T cell activation in vitro. As a proof-of-concept, a model library of chimeric antigen receptors signaling domain variants was constructed and used to demonstrate the ability to discern amongst chimeric antigen receptors containing different co-stimulatory domains. A rare, higher-signaling variant with frequency as low as 1 in 1000 could be identified in a high throughput setting. Collectively, this work highlights both prospects and limitations of novel mammalian display methods for chimeric antigen receptors signaling domain discovery and points to potential strategies for future chimeric antigen receptors development.
Insight into the effects of H2SO4 and HNO3 acidification processes on the properties of coal as an enhanced adsorbent for ciprofloxacin residuals: Steric and energetic studies
Authors: Al-Labadi Ibrahim G. , Shemy Marwa H. , Ghidan Alaa Y. , Allam Ahmed A. , Kálmán Horváth M. , Ajarem Jamaan S. , Luo Jianmin , Wang Chuanyi , Abukhadra Mostafa R.
Published: March 2023

A sub-bituminous natural coal sample (R.C) was treated with sulfuric acid (S.C) and nitric acid (N.C) as modified products and enhanced adsorbents for obtaining ciprofloxacin (CFX) antibiotic residuals from water. The characterization studied demonstrates enhancement in the surface area and the incorporation of new active oxygenated, sulfur-bearing, and nitrogen-bearing chemical groups into the structure of coal samples. This was reflected in the adsorption capacities that were enhanced from 164.08 mg/g (R.C) to 489.2 mg/g and 518.5 mg/g for N.C and S.C, respectively. The impact of the acid modification processes was evaluated based on the energetic and steric properties of their adsorption systems considering the parameters of the advanced monolayer equilibrium model with one energy site. The determined occupied active sites’ density of R.C (46.32–61.44 mg/g), N.C (168.7–364.9 mg/g), and S.C (159.2–249.9 mg/g) reflects an increase in the quantities of active centers after the acid treatment processes, especially with HNO3. The higher efficiencies of the active sites of S.C to adsorb more CFX molecules (n = 2.08–2.31) than N.C (n = 1.41–2.16) illustrate its higher adsorption capacity. The energetic investigation [adsorption (˂40 kJ/mol) and Gaussian (˂8 kJ/mol) energies] suggested adsorption of CFX by N.C and S.C mainly by physical processes such as van der Waals forces, hydrogen bonding, dipole bonding, and π–π interactions. Moreover, the determined thermodynamic functions including entropy, internal energy, and free enthalpy reflect the spontaneous and endothermic uptake of CFX on the surfaces of N.C and S.C.
Brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity trajectories in a middle-aged population
Authors: Deng Xuan , Song Yongjian , Han Xu , Chen Xueyu , Yang Wenyi , Wu Shouling , Zhou Yong
Published: March 2023

Objective

The “trajectory” phenotype was observed in several cardiovascular risk factors with aging. We aim to identify multiple brachial-ankle Pulse Wave Velocity (baPWV) trajectory phenotypes and assess their determinants.

Methods

Among 5,182 participants with baPWV measurements (2010–2016) at no less than three time points in Kailuan Study, we derived baPWV trajectory pattern using SAS Proc Traj program. We applied the lowest Bayesian information criterion to identify the best typing model, related the identified trajectory pattern to baseline and changes in characteristics.

Results

Among 5.3 ± 1.7 years follow-up, four distinct baPWV trajectories were identified as low (1,961,37.8%), medium-low (1,846,35.6%), medium-high (1,024,19.8%), and high (351,6.8%) groups. In the stepwise models, mean arterial pressure and age were the main determinators of the trajectory patterns, with a Δpseudo-R2 of 0.335 and 0.164, respectively. With the low trajectory group as reference and multivariable adjustment, odd ratios of medium low, medium high and high associated with 1 mmHg increment of mean arterial pressure were 1.08(95%CI: 1.07–1.09), 1.13(1.12–1.14), and 1.16(1.15–1.18). The estimates for age were 1.08(1.07–1.10), 1.20(1.18–1.21) and 1.28(1.26–1.31). Additionally, baseline resting heart rate, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, fasting blood glucose, hypersensitive C-reaction protein and uric acid, and changes in mean arterial pressure, resting heart rate, fasting blood glucose, and uric acid were positively associated with the trajectory, while BMI was negatively associated.

Conclusions

The changes in baPWV overtime followed a “trajectory” pattern, mainly determined by mean arterial pressure and age.
Impact of muscular symptoms and/or pain on disease characteristics, disability, and quality of life in adult patients with hypophosphatasia: A cross-sectional analysis from the Global HPP Registry
Authors: Dahir Kathryn M. , Kishnani Priya S. , Martos-Moreno Gabriel Ángel , Linglart Agnès , Petryk Anna , Rockman-Greenberg Cheryl , Martel Samantha E. , Ozono Keiichi , Högler Wolfgang , Seefried Lothar
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Hypophosphatasia (HPP) manifests in adults as fractures/pseudofractures, pain, muscle weakness, and other functional impairments. Better phenotypic disease characterization is needed to help recognize disability and treat patients with HPP.

Methods

Baseline/pretreatment demographic, clinical characteristic, and patient-reported disability/health-related quality-of-life (HRQoL) data from adults (≥18 y) in the Global HPP Registry (NCT02306720) were stratified by presence of overt skeletal manifestations (skeletal group) versus muscular/pain manifestations without skeletal manifestations (muscular/pain group) and summarized descriptively. Disability was measured using the Health Assessment Questionnaire–Disability Index (HAQ-DI), and HRQoL using the 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36v2).

Results

Of 468 adults, 300 were classified into the skeletal group and 73 into the muscular/pain group. The skeletal group had a higher median age at baseline (50.1 vs 44.4 y; P=0.047) but a lower median age at first HPP manifestation (12.3 vs 22.1 y; P=0.0473), with more signs and symptoms (median, 4 vs 3; P<0.0001) and involved body systems (median, 3 vs 2; P<0.0001) than the muscular/pain group. More patients in the skeletal group required any use of mobility aids (22.6% vs 3.5%, respectively; P=0.001). Six-Minute Walk test distances walked were similar between groups. SF-36v2 and HAQ-DI scores were similar between groups for physical component summary (n=238; mean [SD]: 40.2 [11.0] vs 43.6 [11.2]; P=0.056), mental component summary (n=238; mean [SD]: 43.6 [11.3] vs 43.8 [11.8]; P=0.902), and HAQ-DI (n=239; median [minimum, maximum]: 0.4 [0.0, 2.7] vs 0.3 [0.0, 2.1]; P=0.22).

Conclusion

Adults with HPP experience similar QoL impairment regardless of skeletal involvement.

Registration

https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02306720 and https://www.encepp.eu/encepp/viewResource.htm?id=47907, identifier NCT02306720; EUPAS13514.
Research and experiment of electrostatic spraying system for agricultural plant protection unmanned vehicle
Authors: Lin Zhen , Xie Jinye , Tian Shuo , Wang Xihong , Sun Wenfu , Mo Xiaoqin
Published: March 2023

Introduction

The traditional spraying system is not suitable for agricultural plant protection in small plots due to its disadvantages of weak droplet refining ability, small spraying area, large pesticide consumption, and high manual spraying cost. At present, spraying pesticide is the main way to resist crop diseases and insect pests. The utilization rate of pesticide is only 38.8% in China, which leads to serious waste and serious environmental pollution. It is necessary to develop advanced plant protection equipment and pesticide application technology to solve the problem. The combination of agricultural plant protection vehicle and electrostatic spray technology may solve the problems of spraying efficiency, droplet adsorption rate and evenness. It is of great significance to improve the efficiency of plant protection and pesticide utilization.

Methods

In this paper, the principle of droplet charging is described, an electrostatic spraying system is designed and tested, and the effects of charging voltage and pump pressure on the droplet charge ratio and droplet size are analyzed.

Results and discussion

This study has shown that electrostatic spraying systems are suitable for agricultural plant protection unmanned vehicles.
Transcriptional landscape of myasthenia gravis revealed by weighted gene coexpression network analysis
Authors: Zhang Demin , Luo Liqin , Lu Feng , Li Bo , Lai Xiaoyun
Published: March 2023

Background: As one of the most common autoimmune diseases, myasthenia gravis (MG) severely affects the quality of life of patients. Therefore, exploring the role of dysregulated genes between MG and healthy controls in the diagnosis of MG is beneficial to reveal new and promising diagnostic biomarkers and clinical therapeutic targets.

Methods: The GSE85452 dataset was downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database and differential gene expression analysis was performed on MG and healthy control samples to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs). The functions and pathways involved in DEGs were also explored by functional enrichment analysis. Significantly associated modular genes were identified by weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), and MG dysregulated gene co-expression modular-based diagnostic models were constructed by gene set variance analysis (GSVA) and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO). In addition, the effect of model genes on tumor immune infiltrating cells was assessed by CIBERSORT. Finally, the upstream regulators of MG dysregulated gene co-expression module were obtained by Pivot analysis.

Results: The green module with high diagnostic performance was identified by GSVA and WGCNA. The LASSO model obtained NAPB, C5orf25 and ERICH1 genes had excellent diagnostic performance for MG. Immune cell infiltration results showed a significant negative correlation between green module scores and infiltration abundance of Macrophages M2 cells.

Conclusion: In this study, a diagnostic model based on the co-expression module of MG dysregulated genes was constructed, which has good diagnostic performance and contributes to the diagnosis of MG.
Distinct characteristics of western Pacific atmospheric rivers affecting Southeast Asia
Authors: Yong Yangyang , Liang Ju , Yang Kai
Published: March 2023

The dynamic characteristics of atmospheric rivers (ARs) have been researched over the western North Pacific and East Asia due to their close linkage to disastrous precipitation extremes, while very little attention has been paid to the AR features from the western Pacific to Southeast Asia. This study aims to quantify the climatology, long-term trends and variability of different AR properties from the western Pacific to Southeast Asia using an objective identification algorithm, the ERA5 reanalysis dataset and the APHRODITE precipitation dataset for the period 1951-2015. The results indicate a belt of frequent AR activities from the western Pacific to the Andaman Sea during the boreal autumn-winter season. The long-term trend analyses show a significantly increasing trend in AR frequency and an eastward shift of AR plumes. These dynamic changes contribute to the increasing trend of extreme precipitation amounts in the coastal areas surrounding the South China Sea. The intraseasonal variability of the AR associated with the Madden-Julian oscillation (MJO) shows a pronounced enhancement of AR activity in the MJO phase-2 to phase-3 due to the steeper gradient of low-level geopotential height between the Northwestern Pacific and the tropical Indian Ocean. The modulation is partly explained by the enhanced MJO convection and the adiabatic heating in the vicinity of the trough of the 200-500 hPa geopotential thickness of the region. This study shows that ARs are important mechanisms behind the climatology, trends and variability of the regional precipitation in Southeast Asia. This study implies that more attention is required toward the dynamics of these tropical weather systems, particularly for their interactions with other synoptic processes and their response to future climate warming.
Quantitative assessment of renal functions using 68Ga-EDTA dynamic PET imaging in renal injury in mice of different origins
Authors: Ding Ying , Liu Yu , Zhang Li , Deng Yinqian , Chen Huanyu , Lan Xiaoli , Jiang Dawei , Cao Wei
Published: March 2023

Background

Early detection of kidney diseases can be challenging as conventional methods such as blood tests or imaging techniques (computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or ultrasonography) may be insufficient to assess renal function. A single-photon emission CT (SPECT) renal scan provides a means of measuring glomerular filtration rates (GFRs), but its diagnostic accuracy is limited due to its planar imaging modality and semi-quantification property. In this study, we aimed to improve the accuracy of GFR measurement by preparing a positron emission tonometry (PET) tracer 68Ga-Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (68Ga-EDTA) and comprehensively evaluating its performance in healthy mice and murine models of renal dysfunction.

Methods

Dynamic PET scans were performed in healthy C57BL/6 mice and in models of renal injury, including acute kidney injury (AKI) and unilateral ureter obstruction (UUO) using 68Ga-EDTA. In a 30-min dynamic scan, PET images and time-activity curves (TACs) were acquired. Renal function and GFR values were measured using renograms and validated through serum renal function parameters, biodistribution results, and pathological staining.

Results

68Ga-EDTA dynamic PET imaging quantitatively captured the tracer elimination process. The calculated GFR values were 0.25 ± 0.02 ml/min in healthy mice, 0.01 ± 0.00 ml/min in AKI mice, and 0.25 ± 0.04, 0.29 ± 0.03 and 0.24 ± 0.01 ml/min in UUO mice, respectively. Furthermore, 68Ga-EDTA dynamic PET imaging and GFRPET were able to differentiate mild renal impairment before serum parameters indicated any changes.

Conclusions

Our findings demonstrate that 68Ga-EDTA dynamic PET provides a reliable and precise means of evaluating renal function in two murine models of renal injury. These results hold promise for the widespread clinical application of 68Ga-EDTA dynamic PET in the near future.
Predictive factors and outcomes of respiratory syncytial virus infection among patients with respiratory failure
Authors: Tongyoo Surat , Naorungroj Thummaporn , Laikitmongkhon Jakkrit
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection is an emerging infectious disease. However, the impacts of RSV infection among patients with respiratory failure have not been identified.

Objective

This study investigated the 28-day mortality and clinical outcomes of RSV infection in patients with respiratory failure.

Methods

This retrospective study enrolled patients admitted with respiratory failure and requiring mechanical ventilator support for more than 24 h at Siriraj Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand, between January 2014 and July 2019. Respiratory samples of the patients were examined to identify RSV infections. The primary outcome was 28-day mortality.

Results

Respiratory syncytial virus infection was identified in 67 of the 335 patients with respiratory failure enrolled in this study. There were no significant differences in the following baseline characteristics of the patients with and without RSV infection: mean age (72.7 ± 12.7 years vs. 71 ± 14.8 years), sex (male: 46.3% vs. 47.4%), comorbidities, and initial Murray lung injury scores (1.1 ± 0.8 vs. 1.1 ± 0.9). The 28-day mortality was 38.8% (26/67) for the RSV group and 37.1% (99/268) for the non-RSV group (p = 0.79). However, the RSV group had significantly higher proportions of bronchospasm (98.5% vs. 60.8%; p < 0.001), ventilator-associated pneumonia (52.2% vs. 33.8%; p = 0.005), and lung atelectasis (10.4% vs. 3.0%; p = 0.009) than the non-RSV group.

Conclusion

Among the patients with respiratory failure, the 28-day mortality of patients with and without RSV infection did not differ. However, patients with RSV infection had an increased risk of complications, such as bronchospasm, ventilation-associated pneumonia, and lung atelectasis.
Mosquito-borne viruses causing human disease in Fennoscandia—Past, current, and future perspectives
Authors: Wilkman Lukas , Ahlm Clas , Evander Magnus , Lwande Olivia Wesula
Published: March 2023

Five different mosquito-borne viruses (moboviruses) significant to human disease are known to be endemic to Fennoscandia (Sindbis virus, Inkoo virus, Tahyna virus, Chatanga virus, and Batai virus). However, the incidence of mosquito-borne virus infections in Fennoscandia is unknown, largely due to underdiagnosing and lack of surveillance efforts. The Fennoscandian moboviruses are difficult to prevent due to their method of transmission, and often difficult to diagnose due to a lack of clear case definition criteria. Thus, many cases are likely to be mis-diagnosed, or even not diagnosed at all. Significant long-term effects, often in the form of malaise, rashes, and arthralgia have been found for some of these infections. Research into mobovirus disease is ongoing, though mainly focused on a few pathogens, with many others neglected. With moboviruses found as far north as the 69th parallel, studying mosquito-borne disease occurring in the tropics is only a small part of the whole picture. This review is written with the objective of summarizing current medically relevant knowledge of moboviruses occurring in Fennoscandia, while highlighting what is yet unknown and possibly overlooked.
Mycobacterium leprae and host immune transcriptomic signatures for reactional states in leprosy
Authors: Das Madhusmita , David Diana , Horo Ilse , Van Hooij Anouk , Tió-Coma Maria , Geluk Annemieke , Vedithi Sundeep Chaitanya
Published: March 2023

Background

Mycobacterium leprae transcriptomic and human host immune gene expression signatures that demonstrate a plausible association with type I (T1R) and type II reactions (T2R) aid in early diagnosis, prevention of nerve damage and consequent demyelinating neuropathy in leprosy. The aim of the study is to identify M. leprae and host-associated gene-expression signatures that are associated with reactional states in leprosy.

Methods

The differentially expressed genes from the whole transcriptome of M. leprae were determined using genome-wide hybridization arrays with RNA extracted from skin biopsies of 20 T1R, 20 T2R and 20 non reactional controls (NR). Additionally, human immune gene-expressions were profiled using RT2-PCR profiler arrays and real-time qPCRs.

Results

The RNA quality was optimal in 16 NR, 18 T1R and 19 T2R samples. Whole transcriptome expression array of these samples revealed significant upregulation of the genes that encode integral and intrinsic membrane proteins, hydrolases and oxidoreductases. In T1R lesional skin biopsy specimens, the top 10 significantly upregulated genes are ML2064, ML1271, ML1960, ML1220, ML2498, ML1996, ML2388, ML0429, ML2030 and ML0224 in comparison to NR. In T2R, genes ML2498, ML1526, ML0394, ML1960, ML2388, ML0429, ML0281, ML1847, ML1618 and ML1271 were significantly upregulated. We noted ML2664 was significantly upregulated in T1R and repressed in T2R. Conversely, we have not noted any genes upregulated in T2R and repressed in T1R. In both T1R and T2R, ML2388 was significantly upregulated. This gene encodes a probable membrane protein and epitope prediction using Bepipred-2.0 revealed a distinct B-cell epitope. Overexpression of ML2388 was noted consistently across the reaction samples. From the host immune gene expression profiles, genes for CXCL9, CXCL10, CXCL2, CD40LG, IL17A and CXCL11 were upregulated in T1R when compared to the NR. In T2R, CXCL10, CXCL11, CXCL9, CXCL2 and CD40LG were upregulated when compared to the NR group.

Conclusion

A gene set signature involving bacterial genes ML2388, ML2664, and host immune genes CXCL10 and IL-17A can be transcriptomic markers for reactional states in leprosy.
Exploration of microbiome diversity of stacked fermented grains by flow cytometry and cell sorting
Authors: Zhang Ziyang , Wei Yanwei , Peng Zehao , Du Peng , Du Xinyong , Zuo Guoying , Wang Chaoqing , Li Piwu , Wang Junqing , Wang Ruiming
Published: March 2023

Sauce-flavor baijiu is one of the twelve flavor types of Chinese distilled fermented product. Microbial composition plays a key role in the stacked fermentation of Baijiu, which uses grains as raw materials and produces flavor compounds, however, the active microbial community and its relationship remain unclear. Here, we investigated the total and active microbial communities of stacked fermented grains of sauce-flavored Baijiu using flow cytometry and high-throughput sequencing technology, respectively. By using traditional high-throughput sequencing technology, a total of 24 bacterial and 14 fungal genera were identified as the core microbiota, the core bacteria were Lactobacillus (0.08–39.05%), Acetobacter (0.25–81.92%), Weissella (0.03–29.61%), etc. The core fungi were Issatchenkia (23.11–98.21%), Monascus (0.02–26.36%), Pichia (0.33–37.56%), etc. In contrast, using flow cytometry combined with high-throughput sequencing, the active dominant bacterial genera after cell sorting were found to be Herbaspirillum, Chitinophaga, Ralstonia, Phenylobacterium, Mucilaginibacter, and Bradyrhizobium, etc., whereas the active dominant fungal genera detected were Aspergillus, Pichia, Exophiala, Candelabrochaete, Italiomyces, and Papiliotrema, etc. These results indicate that although the abundance of Acetobacter, Monascus, and Issatchenkia was high after stacked fermentation, they may have little biological activity. Flow cytometry and cell sorting techniques have been used in the study of beer and wine, but exploring the microbiome in such a complex environment as Chinese baijiu has not been reported. The results also reveal that flow cytometry and cell sorting are convenient methods for rapidly monitoring complex microbial flora and can assist in exploring complex environmental samples.