bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association of Hyperuricemia with Chronic Low Back Pain
Authors: Hossain Mohammad Ibrahim , Emran Mohammed , Mohajan Kishore , Islam Sajeda , Alam AFM Mahbubul
Published: March 2022

Background: The Back pain affects about 20% of the population in Bangladesh in each year between the ages of 30-60 years. A well-defined pathology is identified in only about 15% of patients.
Objective: To identify the association of hyperuricemia in patients with chronic low back pain.
Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was performed on 180 patients among the ages of 18 to 75 years with chronic low back pain (CLBP). Data was collected through a structured questionnaire. X-rays and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the lumbosacral spine had been used to evaluate any findings in terms of low back pain. Serum uric acid (sUA) levels had been tested and recorded.
Results: Joint pain (p < 0.001), lumbar disc prolapse (p = 0.023), and disc degeneration (p = 0.011) were more in High-sUA than Low-sUA group. Female patients in H-sUA group had significantly higher occurrence of joint pain(p = 0.002), lumbar disc prolapse (p = 0.019), and disc degeneration (p = 0.004) than L-sUA group. In regression analysis, female sex (p = 0.036), duration of CLBP (p = 0.031), and sUA level (p = 0.025) were associated with radiological findings. In female patients association of duration of CLBP (p = 0.046) and sUA (p = 0.009).
Conclusion: The serum UA level was significantly associated with CLBP in female patients. More studies are warranted to explore whether the two conditions exist simultaneously or there is a direct causal relationship between the conditions.
KYAMC Journal. 2022;12(04): 213-217
Association of Anemia with Chronic Kidney Disease: A Tertiary Care Hospital Based Cross Sectional Study
Authors: Yousuf Talha Bin , Ahmed Md Shamim , Hasan Md Mahbub , Islam Md Shafiqul
Published: March 2022

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a worldwide public health problem. It is usually associated with anemia and prevalence of anemia increases progressively with worsening CKD.
Objective: To find out the association of anemia with different stages of CKD.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the department of physiology in Mymensingh medical college, Bangladesh over a period of one year from January to December 2016. A total number of 174 subjects were enrolled in this study among which 87 patients and 87 healthy participants. On the basis of inclusion and exclusion criteria study subjects were divided into case and control group. Hemoglobin concentrations in the blood were measured in all study subjects by using auto-analyzer.
Result: Hemoglobin concentration in the blood was decreased in both male and female CKD patients which were 9.55±1.13 gm/dl and 9.11±0.95 gm/dl respectively and result was statistically significant (p<0.01).) 55% is anemic in stage 1, 61% in stage 2, 70% in stage 3, 75% in stage 4, 86% in stage 5 of CKD.
Conclusion: This study revealed that prevalence of anemia is common in all stages of CKD patients in Mymensingh, Bangladesh. It emphasizes the need for regular checking of anemia in CKD patients and early referral to the nephrologists.
KYAMC Journal. 2022;12(04): 218-221
Using Mnemonics in Teaching-Learning: A Profile of Experiences of the Bangladeshi Anatomy Teachers
Authors: Akhter Najnin , Chowdhury MSI Tipu , Bari Asraful , Binte Hussain Mosa Shaheli
Published: March 2022

Background: Teaching-learning of Anatomy is become challenging due to change in undergraduate medical curricula and reduction of time allotted for studying Anatomy. Moreover, students are never tried of using memory enhancing techniques like mnemonics that results better retention of recalled anatomical knowledge. But teachers’ experiences regarding different aspects of mnemonics are still sketchy.
Objective: To analyze the experiences of the Bangladeshi Anatomy teachers’ in using mnemonics on teaching-learning of Anatomy.
Material and Methods: A questionnaire-based survey was conducted to analyze the experiences of 63 Bangladeshi Anatomy teachers regarding different aspects of anatomical mnemonics and their suitability in teaching-learning of Anatomy.
Results: Most of the surveyed teachers had experience of using anatomical mnemonics as a student (88%). Most (82%) of them used mnemonics in Regional Anatomy and also got the highest number of choices (90%) as the subdivision of Anatomy where mnemonics are likely to be effective. Most of them relate themselves with memory enhancing techniques in Anatomy.
Conclusion: Most of the teachers’ used mnemonics as a student, mostly in Regional Anatomy where the use of mnemonics was likely to be more effective than any other subdivisions of Anatomy.
KYAMC Journal. 2022;12(04): 226-230
Co-infection of Hepatitis A Virus with Salmonella Typhi
Authors: Chowdhury MSI Tipu , Sultana Sadia , Urmy Sabikun Nahar
Published: March 2022

Waterborne diseases are very common in developing countries like Bangladesh due to intake of contaminated water from local water supply authority, along with inadequate sewage and water drainage systems. Multiple infections can occur with contaminated water. Viral hepatitis and typhoid fever are endemic in our country. Both are transmitted feco‐orally and are associated with poor sanitation, poor hygiene. Sometimes more than one type of infection along with coexisting febrile illness makes the diagnosis and management a challenging task. We report a case of 10 years young girl came to us with 10 days history of low grade intermittent fever, yellow discoloration of sclera and urine and right upper abdominal pain and final diagnosis was confirmed as co-infection of Hepatitis A and Salmonella typhi infection.
KYAMC Journal. 2022;12(04): 250-251
Investigation of Antiparasitic Properties of Benzimidazole Derivatives Against Amebiasis
Authors: ATAŞ Ahmet Duran , ATASEVEN Hilmi , SAYIN Koray
Published: March 2022

Entamoeba histolytica is one of the common causes of infection in humans around the world. It causes clinically significant infection due to the fact that it causes morbidity and mortality. There is a need for new and safe drugs in the treatment of amebiasis. In this study, the activity of proton pump inhibitors against this parasite were investigated. Pantoprazole, lansoprazole, omeprazole, esomeprazole and rabeprazole were examined in detail. Initially, related drugs are optimized at M062X/6-31+G(d) level in water. Then, 3JS5, 3IDO and 3ILY were minimized at OPLS3e method. The docking calculations were performed and it is found that pantoprazole could be a significant candidate in the inhibiting of Entamoeba histolytica. Then, the interaction between pantoprazole and the target parasite were examined in the range of 0 – 100 nanoseconds (ns). The interaction energies in each one ns were calculated. As a result, the interaction was found as stronger than 88 ns. Pantoprazole was clinged to Entamoeba histolytica to inhibiting it.
Impacts of greenhouse gases and deforestation in Amazon Basin climate extreme indices
Authors: Brito AL , Veiga JAP , Correia FWS , Michiles AA , Capistrano VB , Chou SC , de Arruda Lyra A , Medeiros G
Published: March 2022

To evaluate the individual and combined impacts of increasing greenhouse gases and deforestation on extreme precipitation events in the Amazon Basin, we carried out 4 numerical experiments with the regional Eta model forced from the initial and boundary conditions of the global HadGEM2-ES model: (1) control experiment (CTRL); (2) RCP8.5 scenario; (3) DEFOREST scenario; and (4) RCP8.5+DEFOREST scenario. To analyze changes in extreme rainy events associated with the increase in greenhouse gases, deforestation, and their combined effect, anomalies were calculated from the sensitivity and control experiments. In the RCP8.5 scenario, there was an increase in the maximum number of consecutive dry days (CDD), a reduction in the maximum number of consecutive wet days (CWD), a reduction in total annual precipitation (PRCPTOT), and an increase in the maximum precipitation accumulated in 5 consecutive days (RX5Day). The DEFOREST scenario evidenced an increased CDD, and a reduction in the other indices (CWD, PRCPTOT, and RX5Day). Furthermore, the RCP8.5+DEFOREST scenario exhibited an increased CDD, and a reduction in the other indices (CWD, PRCPTOT, and RX5Day), but with more intense increases and reductions than observed in the DEFOREST scenario. In general, towards the end of the 21st century, the 3 scenarios are projected to increase the drought period, mainly on the boundary between the Brazilian states of Amazonas and Pará.
Information and misinformation about climate change: lessons from Brazil
Authors: Silva HM
Published: March 2022

There is a growing movement in online social networks and within some governments to deny the long-established scientific consensus regarding climate change. Scientific research has shown that a series of climatic events in Latin America, and especially in Brazil, are being exacerbated by global warming. These events have had a profound impact on populations. Disruptions to Brazilian rainfall patterns with their devastating environmental and economic effects on agriculture have been directly linked with Amazonian deforestation. Furthermore, the Bolsonaro government, with its erratic environmental policies and ardent followers, has promoted misinformation about climate change and conservation of the Amazon. It is necessary to simultaneously inform society about scientific misunderstandings regarding the environment and the way these misunderstandings are amplified via the internet and social networks.
Developing New Approach to CRC Pavement Punchout Model Calibration
Authors: Issa Issa , Zollinger Dan
Published: March 2022

Local calibration of the punchout model in the Pavement ME software is a vital step in achieving performance predictability for the design of Continuously Reinforced Concrete (CRC) pavement. In Oklahoma, there was only limited performance data available in the General Pavement Studies (GPS) database for CRC pavement. This set of circumstances required a different approach as to the type of data used for calibration. The type of data originally utilized in NCHRP 1-37A essentially represented visually evident damage that is clearly observable at the surface of the pavement structure. Non-observable damage however is actually of greater value as a source of calibration data since it represents the deteriorative conditions that lead to the visual manifestation of the damage process. Since visually validated distress is the end result of the distress cycle the traffic level associated with it is often subject to a considerable amount of error. In this regard, non-observable data such as erosion damage is shown to be a good indicator of and a substitute for actual punchout data since it represents the deterioration of the slab subbase interface that has be found to closely aligned with the punchout process. The amount of erosion is evaluated based on FWD data and is shown it to be a reliable way to determine the calibration coefficients for the punchout model. This paper proposes an approach for calibrating local coefficients for CRC pavements based on non-observable performance data. The main process of this methodology requires estimating erosion percentage damage using Falling Weight Deflectometer data (FWD), determining the percentage of punchout from the Long-Term Performance Program (LTPP) records, and establishing the relationship between both components to estimate the existing punchout distresses. This relationship can be used to calculate the actual damage including erosion damage and to calibrate the local coefficients used in the pavement ME punchout model. This methodology was carried out on one section from Oklahoma and one section from Texas in order to validate its applicability and conclude on the pavement ME punchout model and its ability to predict punchout distress in the field.
Approaches to the Investigation of Speech Genres in the Qur'an
Authors: Stewart Devin J.
Published: March 2022

This contribution provides a methodological overview of the investigation of speech genres in the Qur’an. Drawing on Biblical form criticism, the ethnography of speech, and Bakhtin's theory of speech genres, as well as recent studies devoted to the form criticism of the Qur’an and earlier Qur’anic studies scholarship on individual genres, it points out the importance of generic conventions for the interpretation of Qur’anic passages, highlights the types of evidence on which investigators ought to focus in the investigation of genres, and identifies oversights and pitfalls that have affected earlier scholarship and should be taken into account in future work. Close attention must be paid to generic labels, meta-generic discourse, repeated elements, conventional features of individual genres such as introductory formulas, concluding formulas, and characteristic words, phrases, and constructions. The discussion highlights the ways in which texts that belong to individual genres are embedded in suras or longer passages within suras and points out that the Qur’an not only draws on pre-existing genres but also modifies and transforms them.
PEMBANGUNAN SISTEM INVENTARISASI PERANGKAT TEKNOLOGI INFORMASI DAN KOMUNIKASI BERBASIS WEB (Studi kasus : disduk capil kabupaten Cianjur)
Authors: Alamsyah Nur , Lukman Luky
Published: March 2022

Information technology has developed rapidly as the development of globalization has many applications that have been built to alleviate manual work to be automatic, controlling population of inventory items is quite complicated because of the distance between sub-districts in one district, so that frequent errors in checking are not efficient because in conducting activities checking inventory items still uses the manual method of checking one by one in each sub-district so that it takes a long time to make a report.

The system created will be used to simplify the work, including in the activity of checking goods because it is able to simplify and present information that is relatively long, the function of a self-made system is to convey information and get a quick response and facilitate checking of official goods inventory. By building applications that manage data or official inventory information, making work easier. The application is online which will make it easy to check and report inventory items.

Keywords :  Controlling System, Administration Service, Citizenship, Web Applications
SMART CITY DI KOTA BANDUNG: SUATU TINJAUAN ASPEK TEKNOLOGI, MANUSIA, DAN KELEMBAGAAN
Authors: Santoso Eko Budi , Rahmadanita Annisa
Published: March 2022

This article is the result of a research which aims to describe the implementation of Smart city in Bandung in terms of technology, human and institutional aspects. The research was conducted with a descriptive qualitative approach. Data collection was carried out by semi-structured interviews with 37 informants, observation and documentation. The research findings show that the socialization related to the smart city program, especially in socializing service applications to the public, is still not widespread so that it has an impact on the lack of citizen knowledge regarding the smart city program and the Bandung City Government has ratified the Bandung Smart city master plan standard operating procedures related to information systems in order to realize smart city ​​in the city of Bandung. It is recommended to increase continuous socialization, educate the public regarding online applications in collaboration with campuses, as well as implement the Bandung Smart City master plan and conduct evaluations at each stage that has been implemented.

Keywords: Smart city, Technology, Human, Institutional, Bandung City
STRATEGI PEMERINTAH KOTA TASIKMALAYA DALAM MENERAPKAN TEKNOLOGI INFORMASI PEMERINTAHAN UNTUK MENINGKATKAN TATA KELOLA PEMERINTAHAN
Authors: Ikhbaluddin Ikhbaluddin
Published: March 2022

The use of technology of information in the government sector well known as TIP (Technology of Government Information) it was not a new concerning formally, Indonesia just had the regulation on the 2003, refer to ordinance the 2003 number 3 that consist on development of electronic government. The regulation has 6 (six) strategies and phases of TIP development comprehensively. However, Tasikmalaya City Government still faces many problems in it’s implementation.

Related with this research, it capable of proof that there are several obstacles in the implementation of TIP in Tasikmalaya City Government, such as either regional regulation or Mayor Regulation Governing Regulated the implementation of TIP in a comprehensive manner TIP application have been built are still partial in each Organization of Local Government (OPD), and have not been integrated in an interoperability system. The lack of human resources who have competence in this sector, and it’s implementation does not involve to another such as the people and private parties. Based on the conditions above it will impact on the weakness of government implementation, especially on public service as a good governance indicator should be have.

The key word : Technology of Government Information (E-Government)
PEMANFAATAN MEDIA SOSIAL SEBAGAI KEGIATAN KEHUMASAN PERPUSTAKAAN IPDN JATINANGOR
Authors: Sardi Auliya Noviyani
Published: March 2022

Social media is often used by people as a place for exchanging information. The applicability of social media can be used as a medium for public services, for example publicity and services of a library. The library of IPDN Jatinangor already has social media, but it has not been used optimally. The publicity is still conducted directly or via instant messengers by an individual. The purpose of writing this article is to contribute to the use of social media as a mean of public relations, especially in the field of libraries. The method used in this article is action research modeled by Kemmis and McTaggart. The approach used in this research is a qualitative approach with data collection techniques such as documentation, short interviews, and observations. There are also social media that are used, namely Instagram, Facebook and Youtube. This utilization gets positive feedbacks from actual and potential users, as well as wider community. This result is proven by the increase in social media followers of the IPDN Library Unit. The conclusion of this article is that the use of social media as a mean of public relations for libraries can make them be known more widely, facilitate services for users and general public, as well as form a dynamic image for the libraries.

Keywords: Library Services, Library Public Relations, Public Services
IMPLEMENTASI APLIKASI SABILULUNGAN SISTEM PENILAIAN KINERJA PEGAWAI (SASIKAP)
Authors: B Asri , Tiarani Sheila Novelia
Published: March 2022

The Sabilulungan Employee Performance Assessment System (SASIKAP) launched by the Bandung Regency Government is an innovation that is used as a reference for electronic-based PNS performance assessments in an effort to give rewords and penalties. Reference to Regent Regulation No. 18/2019 regarding Employee Performance Assessment has brought many changes to the way of working, including the implementation of good governance principles due to strong control from stakeholders. The method used in this research is qualitative with a descriptive approach. Collecting data in the form of interviews, observations and reviewing documents related to the research. The determination of informants was based on certain qualifications, including the authorities because they were considered the most knowledgeable about the object being studied related to the SASIKAP. The informants in this study were 9 BKPSDM employees with different levels of position. The results of the study found that based on Edward III's Theory, namely Communication, Resources, Disposition and Bureaucratic Structure, it had been implemented quite well, but from the indicators contained in the communication and resource dimensions there were still obstacles because employees had not fully mastered the use of digital technology related to the procedure for filling out results. The work on the SASIKAP application was caused by a lack of socialization from related parties, only one SASIKAP admin employee, and as a result were overwhelmed in providing services to all employees at the Bandung Regency BKPSDM.

Keywords               :               Implementation, Employee, Performance Appraisal, Sabilulungan, SASIKAP
ODYOLOJİ ÖĞRENCİLERİNİN MESLEĞE KARŞI TUTUMLARINDA PANDEMİ SÜRECİNİN ETKİSİ: KESİTSEL ÇALIŞMA
Authors: KARTAL Ahsen , MERAL Merve , ÇETİNKAYA Ümit Can , TERLEMEZ Şengül
Published: March 2022

Bu çalışma, Covid-19 pandemi sürecinde Odyoloji öğrencilerinin mesleğe karşı tutumlarını incelemeyi amaçlamıştır. Ek olarak, pandemi sürecinde sınıf düzeyi ve üniversite türünün öğrencilerde mesleğe ilişkin tutumları nasıl etkilediği değerlendirilmiştir. Çalışmaya pandemi sürecinde öğrenim gören 628 Odyoloji öğrencisi dahil edilmiştir. Çalışmada demografik bilgileri sorgulayan form ve Odyolog Adayı Öğrencilerin Odyoloji Mesleğine İlişkin Tutum Ölçeği kullanılmıştır. Pandemi öncesinde elde edilen ölçek puanları ile pandemi sürecinde elde edilen ölçek puanları karşılaştırılmış. Pandemi sürecindeki ölçek puanları ile sınıf düzeyi ve üniversite türü arasındaki fark araştırılmıştır. Öğrencilerin 590’ı (%93.95) pandemi sürecinde aldıkları eğitimden etkilendiğini düşünürken, 38’i (%6.05) etkilenmediğini belirtmiştir. Pandemi sürecinde 369 öğrencinin (%58.76) mesleğe ilişkin tutumlarında değişiklik olmazken, 259 öğrencinin (%41.24) mesleğe ilişkin tutumlarında değişiklik meydana gelmiştir. Pandemi sürecindeki mesleğe ilişkin duygu ve güven alt boyut puanı istatistiksel olarak anlamlı derecede düşük olduğu saptanmıştır (p=0.027). Vakıf üniversitelerinde öğrenim gören öğrencilerin alt boyut ve toplam puanları, devlet üniversitesinde öğrenim gören öğrencilere göre istatistiksel olarak anlamlı derecede yüksek bulunmuştur (p<0.001). 4. Sınıf öğrencilerinin mesleğe ilişkin duygu ve güven alt boyut puanı, diğer sınıflardaki öğrencilere göre istatistiksel olarak anlamlı derecede düşük elde edilmiştir (p<0.001). Pandemi sürecinde Odyoloji öğrencilerinin mesleğe ilişkin duygu ve güvenlerinde azalma olduğu gözlenmiştir. Ölçek puanları karşılaştırıldığında, üniversite türü ve sınıf değişkeni açısından farklılıklar ortaya çıkmıştır.
Surface and geometry changes during the first documented surge of Kverkjökull, central Iceland
Authors: Carrivick Jonathan L. , Tweed Fiona S. , James William M. , Jóhannesson Tómas
Published: March 2022

Many surge-type glaciers remain unrecognised because surge events can be short-lived and are rarely captured by satellite or field data. This study reports the first documented surge of Kverkjökull, central Iceland, adding a relatively short, narrow, steep and alpine outlet glacier from the Vatnajökull ice cap to the surge-type glaciers in Iceland. The surge occurred after decades of persistent and recently accelerated terminus retreat. The surge initiated after 2008 and immediately preceded drainage of the Gengissig geothermal lake and a jökulhlaup in 2013. The surge was still in progress in 2013. It caused vertical surface displacements of up to 20 m that were most prominent in parts of the glacier >100 m thick. The magnitude of surface elevation changes, terminus advance and ice surface velocity changes probably reflect a single surge phase. Asymmetry in the response of the glacier terminus to the surge front suggests interaction with near-stagnant ice in a part of the glacier terminus but otherwise the trigger and mechanism of the Kverkjökull surge remain unexplained.
Assessing Goats' Fecal Avoidance Using Image Analysis-Based Monitoring
Authors: Bonneau Mathieu , Godard Xavier , Bambou Jean-Christophe
Published: March 2022

The recent advances in sensor technologies and data analysis could improve our capacity to acquire long-term and individual dataset on animal behavior. In livestock management, this is particularly interesting when behavioral data could be linked to production performances, physiological or genetical information, with the objective of improving animal health and welfare management. In this study, we proposed a framework, based on computer vision and deep learning, to automatically estimate animal location within pasture and discuss the relationship with the risk of gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) infection. We illustrated our framework for the monitoring of goats allowed to graze an experimental plot, where feces containing GIN infective larvae were previously dropped in delimited areas. Four animals were monitored, during two grazing weeks on the same pasture (week 1 from April 12 to 19, 2021 and week 2, from June 28 to July 5, 2021). Using the monitoring framework, different components of animal behavior were analyzed, and the relationship with the risk of GIN infection was explored. First, in average, 87.95% of the goats were detected, the detected individuals were identified with an average sensitivity of 94.9%, and an average precision of 94.8%. Second, the monitoring of the ability of the animal to avoid infected feces on pasture showed an important temporal and individual variability. Interestingly, the avoidance behavior of 3 animals increased during the second grazing week (Wilcoxon rank sum, p-value < 0.05), and the level of increase was correlated with the level of infection during week 1 (Pearson's correlation coefficient = 0.9). The relationship between the time spent on GIN-infested areas and the level of infection was also studied, but no clear relationship was found. In conclusion, due to the low number of studied animals, biological results should be interpreted with caution; nevertheless, the framework provided here is a new relevant tool to explore the relationship between ruminant behavior and GIN parasitism in experimental studies.
Re-Endothelialization of Decellularized Liver Scaffolds: A Step for Bioengineered Liver Transplantation
Authors: Li Kewei , Tharwat Mohammad , Larson Ellen L. , Felgendreff Philipp , Hosseiniasl Seyed M. , Rmilah Anan Abu , Safwat Khaled , Ross Jeffrey J. , Nyberg Scott L.
Published: March 2022

Bioengineered livers (BELs) are an attractive therapeutic alternative to address the donor organ shortage for liver transplantation. The goal of BELs technology aims at replacement or regeneration of the native human liver. A variety of approaches have been proposed for tissue engineering of transplantable livers; the current review will highlight the decellularization-recellularization approach to BELs. For example, vascular patency and appropriate cell distribution and expansion are critical components in the production of successful BELs. Proper solutions to these components of BELs have challenged its development. Several strategies, such as heparin immobilization, heparin-gelatin, REDV peptide, and anti-CD31 aptamer have been developed to extend the vascular patency of revascularized bioengineered livers (rBELs). Other novel methods have been developed to enhance cell seeding of parenchymal cells and to increase graft functionality during both bench and in vivo perfusion. These enhanced methods have been associated with up to 15 days of survival in large animal (porcine) models of heterotopic transplantation but have not yet permitted extended survival after implantation of BELs in the orthotopic position. This review will highlight both the remaining challenges and the potential for clinical application of functional bioengineered grafts.
Potential of Colostrum-Derived Exosomes for Promoting Hair Regeneration Through the Transition From Telogen to Anagen Phase
Authors: Kim Hyosuk , Jang Yeongji , Kim Eun Hye , Jang Hochung , Cho Haeun , Han Geonhee , Song Hyun Kyu , Kim Sun Hwa , Yang Yoosoo
Published: March 2022

Human hair dermal papillary (DP) cells comprising mesenchymal stem cells in hair follicles contribute critically to hair growth and cycle regulation. The transition of hair follicles from telogen to anagen phase is the key to regulating hair growth, which relies heavily on the activation of DP cells. In this paper, we suggested exosomes derived from bovine colostrum (milk exosomes, Milk-exo) as a new effective non-surgical therapy for hair loss. Results showed that Milk-exo promoted the proliferation of hair DP cells and rescued dihydrotestosterone (DHT, androgen hormones)-induced arrest of follicle development. Milk-exo also induced dorsal hair re-growth in mice at the level comparable to minoxidil treatment, without associated adverse effects such as skin rashes. Our data demonstrated that Milk-exo accelerated the hair cycle transition from telogen to anagen phase by activating the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Interestingly, Milk-exo has been found to stably retain its original properties and efficacy for hair regeneration after freeze-drying and resuspension, which is considered critical to use it as a raw material applied in different types of alopecia medicines and treatments. Overall, this study highlights a great potential of an exosome from colostrum as a therapeutic modality for hair loss.
Global Landscape of m6A Methylation of Differently Expressed Genes in Muscle Tissue of Liaoyu White Cattle and Simmental Cattle
Authors: Dang Yunlong , Dong Qiao , Wu Bowei , Yang Shuhua , Sun Jiaming , Cui Gengyuan , Xu Weixiang , Zhao Meiling , Zhang Yunxuan , Li Peng , Li Lin
Published: March 2022

Liaoyu white cattle (LYWC) is a local breed in Liaoning Province, China. It has the advantages of grow quickly, high slaughter ratew, high meat quality and strong anti-stress ability. N6 methyladenosine (m6A) is a methylation modification of N6 position of RNA adenine, which is an important modification mechanism affecting physiological phenomena. In this study, we used the longissimus dorsi muscle of LYWC and SIMC for m6A-seq and RNA-seq high-throughput sequencing, and identified the key genes involved in muscle growth and m6A modification development by bioinformatics analysis. There were 31532 m6A peaks in the whole genome of LYWC and 47217 m6A peaks in the whole genome of SIMC. Compared with Simmental cattle group, LYWC group had 17,351 differentially expressed genes: 10,697 genes were up-regulated, 6,654 genes were down regulated, 620 differentially expressed genes were significant, while 16,731 differentially expressed genes were not significant. Among the 620 significantly differentially expressed genes, 295 genes were up-regulated and 325 genes were down regulated. In order to explore the relationship between m6A and mRNA expression in the muscles of LYWC and SIMC, the combined analysis of MeRIP-seq and RNA-seq revealed that 316 genes were m6A modified with mRNA expression. To identify differentially methylated genes related to muscle growth, four related genes were selected for quantitative verification in LYWC and SIMC. GO enrichment and KEGG analysis showed that the differentially expressed genes modified by m6A are mainly involved in skeletal muscle contraction, steroid biosynthesis process, redox process, PPAR pathway and fatty acid metabolism, and galactose metabolism. These results provide a theoretical basis for further research on the role of m6A in muscle growth and development.
Integrated Analysis of lncRNA and mRNA Expression Profiles Indicates Age-Related Changes in Meniscus
Authors: Ai Li-Ya , Du Ming-Ze , Chen You-Rong , Xia Peng-Yan , Zhang Ji-Ying , Jiang Dong
Published: March 2022

Little has been known about the role of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) involves in change of aged meniscus. Microarray analyses were performed to identify lncRNAs and mRNAs expression profiles of meniscus in young and aging adults and apple bioinformatics methods to analyse their potential roles. The differentially expressed (DE) lncRNAs and mRNAs were confirmed by qRT-PCR. A total of 1608 DE lncRNAs and 1809 DE mRNAs were identified. Functional and pathway enrichment analyses of all DE mRNAs showed that DE mRNAs were mainly involved in the TGF-beta, Wnt, Hippo, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. The expressions of TNFRSF11B and BMP2 were significantly upregulated in aging group. LASSO logistic regression analysis of the DE lncRNAs revealed four lncRNAs (AC124312.5, HCG11, POC1B-AS1, and AP001011.1) that were associated with meniscus degradation. CNC analysis demonstrated that AP001011 inhibited the expression of TNFRSF11B and AC1243125 upregulated the expression of TNFRSF11B. CeRNA analysis suggested that POC1B-AS1 regulates the expression of BMP2 by sponging miR 130a-3p, miR136-5p, miR 18a-3p, and miR 608. Furthermore, subcellular localization and m6A modification sites prediction analysis of these four lncRNAs was performed. These data lay a foundation for extensive studies on the role of lncRNAs in change of aged meniscus.
Tunable Thermo-Responsive Properties of Hydroxybutyl Chitosan Oligosaccharide
Authors: Chen Chong , Zhang Weibo , Zhang Yan , Wang Pengjie , Ren Fazheng
Published: March 2022

In this study, a simple method was used to synthesize novel thermosensitive hydroxybutyl chitosan oligosaccharide (HBCOS) by introducing hydroxybutyl groups to C6–OH of chitosan oligosaccharide (COS) chain. The variation in light scattering demonstrated that HBCOS had good thermosensitive properties and the particle size of HBCOS changed from 2.21–3.58 to 281.23–4,162.40 nm as the temperature increased to a critical temperature (LCST). The LCST of HBCOS (10 mg/ml) decreased from 56.25°C to 40.2°C as the degrees of substitution (DSs) increased from 2.96 to 4.66. The LCST of HBCOS with a DS of 4.66 decreased to 33.5°C and 30°C as the HBCOS and NaCl concentrations increased to 50 mg/ml and 4% (w/v), respectively. Variable-temperature FTIR spectroscopy confirmed that dehydration of hydrophobic chains and the transition of hydrogen bonds were the driving forces for the phase transition of HBCOS. Moreover, HBCOS was not cytotoxic at different concentrations. This work generated a novel thermosensitive HBCOS with tunable thermoresponsive properties and excellent biocompatibility, which may be a potential nanocarrier for the biomedical application.
Dual Utilization of Lignocellulose Biomass and Glycerol Waste to Produce Fermentable Levoglucosan via Fast Pyrolysis
Authors: Zhang Yingchuan , Xu Feixiang , Chen Fenglin , Zhang Yanru , Wu Yaxiang , Jiang Liqun
Published: March 2022

Glycerol waste was combined with microwave to pretreat lignocellulose before fast pyrolysis. After pretreatment, most alkali and alkaline earth metals (87.9%) and lignin (52.6%) were removed, and a higher crystallinity was obtained. Comparatively, glycerol waste combined with microwave was proven to be more efficient than glycerol with conventional heating. During fast pyrolysis, higher content of levoglucosan in glycerol waste–pretreated products (27.5%) was obtained, compared with those pretreated by pure glycerol (18.8%) and untreated samples (5.8%). Production of fermentative toxic aldehyde and phenol by-products was also inhibited after glycerol waste treatment. Following mechanistic study had validated that microwave in glycerol waste solvent could effectively ameliorate structure and components of lignocellulose while selectively removing lignin. Notably, under the optimal condition, the levoglucosan content in pyrolytic products was enhanced significantly from 5.8% to 32.9%. In short, this study provided an archetype to dually utilize waste resources for ameliorating lignocellulose structure and precisely manipulating complex fast pyrolysis.
Recent Advances in Silver Nanowires Electrodes for Flexible Organic/Perovskite Light-Emitting Diodes
Authors: Hou Shuping , Liu Jie , Shi Feipeng , Zhao Guo-Xu , Tan Jia-Wei , Wang Gong
Published: March 2022

Flexible organic light-emitting diodes and perovskite light-emitting diodes (PeLEDs) have been investigated as an innovative category of revolutionary LED devices for next-generation flat display and lighting applications. A transparent conductive electrode is a key component in flexible OLEDs and PeLEDs, and has been the limitation of the development in this area. Silver nanowires (AgNWs) have been regarded as the most suitable alternative material in TCEs, due to the economical solution synthesis and compatibility with roll-to-roll technology. This mini-review addresses the advances in silver nanowires electrodes for flexible organic/perovskite light-emitting diodes, and the relationship between electrode optimization and device performance is demonstrated. Moreover, the potential strategies and perspectives for their further development of AgNWs-based flexible OLEDs and PeLEDs are presented.
A Prediction Equation to Estimate Vascular Endothelial Function in Different Body Mass Index Populations
Authors: Li Xiao , Liu Hanying , Zhang Yan , Gu Yanting , Sun Lianjie , Yu Haoyong , Bai Wenkun
Published: March 2022

Objective

Vascular endothelial dysfunction is considered an early predictor of endothelial injury and the initiating factor of atherosclerosis (AS). Brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD) can detect endothelial injury early and provide important prognostic information beyond traditional cardiovascular (CV) risk factors. This study aimed to find the influencing factors of FMD and develop a simple prediction model in populations with different body mass indices (BMIs).

Methods

In total, 420 volunteers with different BMIs were recruited in our study. Subjects were randomly assigned to the derivation and validation cohorts (the ratio of the two was 1:2) with simple random sampling. The former was used for influencing factors searching and model construction of FMD and the latter was used for verification and performance evaluation.

Results

The population was divided into two groups, i.e., 140 people in the derivation group and 280 people in the verification group. Analyzing in the training data, we found that females had higher FMD than males (p < 0.05), and FMD decreased with age (p < 0.05). In people with diabetes, hypertension or obesity, FMD was lower than that in normal individuals (p < 0.05). Through correlation analysis and linear regression, we found the main influencing factors of FMD: BMI, age, waist-to-hip radio (WHR), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL). And we developed a simple FMD prediction model: FMD = −0.096BMI−0.069age−4.551WHR−0.015AST−0.242LDL+17.938, where R2 = 0.599, and adjusted R2 = 0.583. There was no statistically significant difference between the actual FMD and the predicted FMD in the verification group (p > 0.05). The intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) was 0.77. In a Bland-Altman plot, the actual FMD and the predicted FMD also showed good agreement. This prediction model had good hints in CV risk stratification (area under curve [AUC]: 0.780, 95 % confidence intervals [95% CI]: 0.708–0.852, p < 0.001), with a sensitivity and specificity of 73.8 and 72.1%, respectively.

Conclusions

Males, older, obesity, hypertension, diabetes, smoking, etc. were risk factors for FMD, which was closely related to CV disease (CVD). We developed a simple equation to predict FMD, which showed good agreement between the training and validation groups. And it would greatly simplify clinical work and may help physicians follow up the condition and monitor therapeutic effect. But further validation and modification bears great significance.
Atrial Lesions in a Pedigree With PRKAG2 Cardiomyopathy: Involvement of Disrupted AMP-Activated Protein Kinase Signaling
Authors: Chen Shaojie , Lin Yongping , Zhu Yue , Geng Le , Cui Chang , Li Zhaomin , Liu Hailei , Chen Hongwu , Ju Weizhu , Chen Minglong
Published: March 2022

PRKAG2 cardiomyopathy is a rare progressive disease characterized by increased ventricular wall thickness and preexcitation. Dysfunction of the protein 5′-AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) plays a decisive role in the progression of ventricular lesions. Although patients with the PRKAG2-R302Q mutation have a high incidence of atrial fibrillation (AF), the molecular mechanism contributing to the disease remains unclear. We carried out whole-genome sequencing with linkage analysis in three affected members of a family. Atrial samples were obtained from the proband via surgical intervention. Control atrium biopsies were obtained from patients with persistent AF. Pathological changes were analyzed using the hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), Masson, and periodic acid–Schiff (PAS) staining. The AMPK signaling pathway was investigated by western blot. A murine atrial cardiomyocyte cell line (HL-1) and human induced pluripotent stem derived atrial cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-ACMs) were transfected with an adenovirus carrying the same mutation. We used enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to determine the AMPK activity in HL-1 cells and hiPSC-ACMs overexpressing PRKAG2-R302Q. Pathological results showed a large quantity of glycogen accumulation and vacuolization in cardiomyocytes from the proband atrial tissue. Western blot analysis revealed that the AMPK activity was significantly downregulated compared with that of the controls. Furthermore, remarkable glycogen deposition and impairment of AMPK activity were reproduced in HL-1 cells overexpressing PRKAG2-R302Q. Taken together, PRKAG2-R302Q mutation directly impair atrial cardiomyocytes. PRKAG2-R302Q mutation lead to glycogen deposition and promote the growth of atrial lesions by disrupting the AMPK pathway.
Urban Atmospheric Boundary-Layer Structure in Complex Topography: An Empirical 3D Case Study for Stuttgart, Germany
Authors: Zeeman Matthias , Holst Christopher Claus , Kossmann Meinolf , Leukauf Daniel , Münkel Christoph , Philipp Andreas , Rinke Rayk , Emeis Stefan
Published: March 2022

Investigation of the atmospheric boundary-layer structure in urban areas can be challenged by landscape complexity and the heterogenous conditions this instills. Stuttgart, Germany, is a city situated in a bowl-shaped basin and troubled by the accumulation of pollutants during weak-wind conditions. The center of Stuttgart is surrounded by steep slopes up to 250 m above the basin floor, except for an opening to the northeast that allows runoff towards the Neckar river. Urban planning and regulation of air quality require advanced monitoring and forecasting skills, which in turn require knowledge about the structure of the atmospheric boundary layer (ABL), down to the surface. Three-dimensional observations of the ABL were collected in the City Centre of Stuttgart in 2017. A laser ceilometer and a concerted network of Doppler lidar systems were deployed on roof-tops, providing continuous observations of the cloud base, the mixing-layer height and the three-dimensional wind field. The impact of weak-wind conditions, the presence of shear layers, properties of convective cells and the impact of nocturnal low-levels jets were studied for representative days in winter and summer. The observations revealed the development of distinctive layers with high directional deviation from the flow aloft, reoccurring as a dominant diurnal pattern. Our findings highlight the influence of topography and surface heterogeneity on the structure of the ABL and development of flow regimes near the surface that are relevant for the transport of heat and pollutants.
Eye-Tracking in Immersive Virtual Reality for Education: A Review of the Current Progress and Applications
Authors: Mikhailenko Maria , Maksimenko Nadezhda , Kurushkin Mikhail
Published: March 2022

The concept of using eye-tracking in virtual reality for education has been researched in various fields over the past years. With this review, we aim to discuss the recent advancements and applications in this area, explain the technological aspects, highlight the advantages of this approach and inspire interest in the field. Eye-tracking has already been used in science for many decades and now has been substantially reinforced by the addition of virtual and augmented reality technologies. The first part of the review is a general overview of eye-tracking concepts, technical parts, and their applications. In the second part, the focus shifted toward the application of eye-tracking in virtual reality. The third part, first the description of the recently emerged concept of eye-tracking in virtual reality is given, followed by the current applications to education and studying, which has not been thoroughly described before. We describe the main findings, technological aspects, and advantages of this approach.
Narrative Integrated Career Exploration Platform
Authors: Shahriar Sakib , Ramesh Jayroop , Towheed Mohammed , Ameen Taha , Sagahyroon Assim , Al-Ali A. R.
Published: March 2022

Career and technical education play a significant role in reducing high school and college dropouts as well providing necessary skills and opportunities to make suitable career decisions. The recent technological advances have benefited the education sector tremendously with the introduction of exciting innovations including virtual and augmented reality. The benefits of NL and game-based learning are well-established in the literature. However, their implementation has been limited to the education sector. In this research, the design and implementation of a Narrative Integrated Career Exploration (NICE) platform is discussed. The platform contains four playable tracks allowing students to explore careers in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, internet of things, and electronics. The tracks are carefully designed with narrative problem-solving reflecting contemporary real-world challenges. To evaluate the perceived usefulness of the platform, a case study involving university students was performed. The results clearly reflect students’ interest in narrative and game-based career exploration approaches.
Relevant Transformative Teacher Education for Future Generations
Authors: Biseth Heidi , Svenkerud Sigrun Wesse , Magerøy Solveig Maria , Rubilar Kristine Haugen
Published: March 2022

In this article, we investigate the need for a relevant transformative teacher education when current and future societal challenges have been decisive in defining a Norwegian education reform where interdisciplinarity in specific topics is judged crucial to current and future generations in the new National Curriculum. At the same time, Norwegian teacher education is criticized for not teaching relevant content and, hence, contributing to schools’ challenges to teach for future needs. This study is part of a larger research project engaging with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and OECD’s call for 21st Century Skills. The data material analyzed for this article is two-fold: (1) Regulatory documents for schools and teacher education account for the mandate given both educational levels, particularly examining similarities and differences in addressing interdisciplinary themes, methods, and assessments; (2) Questionnaire responses from 906 teachers, 155 student teachers, and 121 teacher educators respond to how they work with interdisciplinary education. The mandate assigned to the different levels of the education sector initially displays high ambitions for relevant education for a rapidly changing future. However, entering into the details, curricula seem contradictory at different educational levels, conservative, and with limited intentions of moving toward new and needed skills. Teachers are in general positive to interdisciplinary work, understand the significance to both society and individual, yet traditional activities of teaching prevail. Student teachers also judge interdisciplinary work as important but report little exposure during their teacher education. Teacher educators conduct interdisciplinary work mainly on their own but report a willingness to learn from colleagues. This study illustrates interest in, yet challenges with, interdisciplinary work across educational levels, and indicates a need for relevant transformative teacher education to be at the forefront, making educational content and methods responsive to the challenges future generations of teachers need.