bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ANALISIS TINGKAT KEKUMUHAN DAN PENINGKATAN PERMUKIMAN PESISIR DI DESA TOROKEKU KECAMATAN TINANGGEA KABUPATEN KONAWE SELATAN
Authors: Sutrisno Sutrisno , Irwan Andi , Ramli Muh.
Published: April 2022

This study aims to analyze: (1) the level of slums in coastal settlements in South Konawe Regency,(2) efforts to improve the quality of coastal settlements in this Regency. This research was conducted inTorokeku Village, Tinanggea Sub-District, South Konawe Regency. This study uses a quantitative descriptionmethod, and the data was obtained through observation, interviews, and literature studies. The analysis wascarried out by using a location assessment formula based on Minister of Public Works and HousingRegulation No. 02 of 2016 by considering eight criteria: (1) Condition of residential buildings, (2)Environmental road conditions, (3) Clean water supply conditions, (4) Conditions for wastewater treatment,(5) Condition of waste treatment, (6) Fire protection conditions, (7) Coastal environmental conditions and(8) Coastal disaster risk conditions.Based on the results of the analysis, the slum level of coastal settlements in Torokeku Village fallsinto the category of moderate slums. This is caused by the condition of high building density and the numberof uninhabitable houses, damaged road conditions and not yet reaching all the houses, unsufficient cleanwater for the community, the absence of waste water treatment facilities, the absence of waste processing, theabsence of fire protection facilities and the reduction of the mangrov ecosystem. Improving the quality ofsettlements is carried out through rehabilitation and home development in new locations; repairment andimprovement of public facilities and infrastructure such as environmental roads, clean water, waste watertreatment, waste treatment, and fire protection facility; and through the restoration the damage mangrovecosystem.Key words: Level of Slumness, Quality Improvement, Coastal Settlement
HUBUNGAN PERUBAHAN FUNGSI SEKSUALITAS DENGAN FREKUENSI SEKSUALITAS PADA LANJUT USIA DI POS BINAAN TERPADU
Authors: Mulyawati Wati
Published: April 2022

Abstrak

 

            Kehidupan seksualitas pada lanjut usia mempunyai karakteristik yang berbeda-beda. Pertambahan usia menyebabkan perubahan-perubahan jasmani pada seseorang yang dapat berdampak pada kemampuan seseorang untuk menikmati dan frekuensi aktifitas seksualnya. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui hubungan perubahan fungsi seksualitas dengan frekuensi seksualitas pada lanjut usia di Posbindu Kelurahan Karamat Wilayah Kerja Puskesmas Karangtengah Kecamatan Gunungpuyuh Kota Sukabumi.

            Lansia adalah seseorang yang telah memasuki usia 60 tahun keatas. Pada masa lansia akan mengalami kemunduran fisik dan mental yang dapat menyebabkan penurunan gairah seksual. Seksualitas adalah sesuatu yang berkaitan dengan alat kelamin atau hal-hal yang berhubungan dengan hubungan intim antara laki-laki dengan perempuan.

            Jenis penelitian korelasional dengan pendekatan Cross Sectional. Populasi  90 responden, menggunakan teknik accidental dan Sampling Jenuh. Uji validitas menyatakan 18 item valid dan uji reliabilitas menyatakan item reliabel dengan kategori kuat untuk variabel fungsi seksual. Teknik pengambilan data menggunakan kuesioner dan analisis Chi-Square.

            Hasil penelitian didapatkan fungsi seksual sebagian besar adalah normal sebanyak 68 responden. Sebagian besar memiliki frekuensi seksualitas jarang sebanyak 65 responden. Hasil uji bivariat didapatkan p-value sebesar 0,024 berarti terdapat hubungan.

            Simpulan menunjukkan terdapat hubungan perubahan fungsi seksualitas dengan frekuensi seksualitas. Maka disarankan diharapkan Posbindu dapat memberikan informasi melalui pendidikan kesehatan mengenai seksualitas kepada lansia.
HUBUNGAN PEMBELAJARAN JARAK JAUH DENGAN TINGKAT STRES MAHASISWA PADA MASA PANDEMI COVID-19 TAHUN 2021
Authors: Hasanah Puji Nurfauziatul
Published: April 2022

Pandemi Covid-19 yang terjadi saat ini berdampak pada berbagai sector salah satunya bidang pendidikan sekolah kesehatan. Pembelajaran metode daring merupakan kegiatan pembelajaran yang memanfaatkan jaringan sebagai metode penyampaian, interaksi, dan fasilitas serta didukung oleh berbagai bentuk layanan belajar. Stres adalah suatu keadaan ketika seseorang merasa tidak nyaman secara mental atau emosional yang dapat disebabkan oleh faktor ekstrinsik. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui hubungan antara pembelajaran metode daring dengan tingkat stres mahasiswa. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode penelitian kuantitatif dengan rancangan cross sectional. Penelitian ini melibatkan 62 orang responden yang diambil dengan teknik proportional stratified random sampling. Data dianalisis menggunakan uji Spearman Rank. Hasil penelitian menunjukan adanya hubungan antara pembelajaran metode daring dengan tingkat stres mahasiswa dengan nilai koefisien korelasi rho 0,273 (<0). Upaya peningkatan pengetahuan, tindakan dan sikap terhadap mengelola stres selama pandemi COVID-19 sangat penting, serta mengatur jadwal harian dengan baik agar tidak berdampak pada tugas-tugas pembelajaran daring yang dilaksanakan hingga sampai menimbulkan masalah kesehatan baik fisik ataupun mental.

Kata kunci: Mahasiswa, Covid-19, Pandemi, Pembelajaran metode daring, Tingkat stres
PERANCANGAN ULANG TATA LETAK FASILITAS PRODUKSI MENGGUNAKAN METODE ALGORITMA CRAFT PADA PT. SERMANI STEEL MAKASSAR
Authors: Padhil Ahmad , Pawennari Andi , Alisyahbana Takdir , Firman Firman
Published: April 2022

Factory layout is one of the most important problems in a company, because the arrangement of facilities affects the efficiency and cost of manufacturing products. PT. Sermani Steel of Makassar City is one of the companies engaged in the manufacture or production of zinc-coated steel sheets (Zn) with a production capacity of 3000 tons/year, the problem that occurs is that the layout of related departments is far apart, causing large moving costs. The CRAFT Algorithm method is an improvement program that seeks optimum planning by making improvements in stages with the help of the WinQsb software. The CRAFT algorithm method can describe each department and calculate the Material Handling Cost (OMH) experienced by the product during the production process. Based on the results of research conducted, the cost of moving materials in the initial layout is Rp. 1,636,270,800/year after repairing the layout of the facility, the transfer fee is Rp. 1,467,309,300/year with a difference of Rp. 168,961,500 per year, material transfer costs have decreased by 10% from the initial layout.
ANALISIS KEPUASAN PELANGGAN TERHADAP PELAYANAN BARBERSHOP DENGAN MENGGUNAKAN METODE SERVICE QUALITY DAN QUALITY FUNCTION DEPLOYMENT
Authors: Firmansyah Akhmad Ferdy , Ismiyah Elly , Jufriyanto Moh.
Published: April 2022

For companies in the service sector, especially REF Barbershop, quality improvement and service processes must be customer oriented. To improve the quality of customer service at REF Barbershop, a service quality analysis method is needed. An effective service quality analysis method is to combine the Service Quality (SERVQUAL) method which is integrated with the Quality Function Deployment (QFD) method using the House Of Quality Model. The application of the SERVQUAL method to identify strengths or advantages in the service industry, while the QFD method guarantees that services will be provided according to customer needs. The QFD method using the House Of Quality Model is a collection of matrices containing customer desires and service quality characteristics which are all generated from questionnaire processing. Service design at REF Barbershop using the Service Quality method found a gap that occurred on the customer side, namely between the level of perception and the level of expectation, namely: Availability of toilets obtained a gap value of -0.880, Having good and modern equipment obtained a gap value of -0.580, Cleanliness and completeness equipment, the gap value is -0.360, Availability of queue numbers is obtained the gap value is -0.180, Employees receive consumer complaints quickly, the gap value is -0.140, friendly and courteous service to customers is obtained, the gap value is -0.080. The use of Quality Function Deployment which makes the level of customer satisfaction as the Voice of the Customer and makes the House of Quality then gets 4 Technical Responses, namely: providing training to improve employee performance and rewarding employees whose performance has increased and giving sanctions to employees who perform poorly, providing queue numbers and toilets to increase comfort, improve and schedule regular equipment quality checks, make picket schedules for facility maintenance and cleanliness. From the results of the technical response it can be useful to build and improve services at REF Barbershop.
ANALISIS FUNDAMENTAL DAN NILAI INTRINSIK PERUSAHAAN BERBASIS SEKTOR INDUSTRI KONSUMSI
Authors: Sumantika Arsyad , Sirait Ganda , Susanti Elva , Sugianto Welly
Published: April 2022

One of the goals of investment is to get a benefit in the form of profits and funds saved. Based on official data compiled on the IDX's official website, company shares on the Indonesia Stock Exchange can be divided into 9 sectors, one of which is consumption industry. The consumption sector is a general sector used by the general public consisting of the food and beverages, the pharmaceuticals, househol, and houseware sector. Investors must choose which shares to buy or sell. Investors can analyze a stock using fundamental and intrinsic analysis. The purpose of this study is to analyze issuers that have the 10 largest market capital in the industrial consumption sector, then analyze the performance of issuers using a fundamental approach EPS, PE Ratio, Price to Sales, Return on Assets, Return on Equity, Return on Capital Employed, and Interest Coverage. The final stage is to determine the undervalued and overvalued companies using 4th quarter 2020. Based on 10 companies that have the largest market capital in the consumer industry sector (UNVR, HMSP, ICBP, KLBF, GGRM, MYOR, INDF, SIDO, MLBI, and KAEF) can be concluded that (1) The highest EPS ratio is GGRM and the lowest is KAEF, the lowest PER Ratio is GGRM and the highest is KAEF, the lowest PS Ratio is KAEF and the highest is UNVR, the highest ROA ratio is MLBI and the lowest is KAEF, the highest ROE ratio is MLBI and the lowest is KAEF , the highest ROCE ratio is MLBI and the lowest is KAEF, the highest IC ratio is HMSP and the lowest is KAEF; and (2) There are 2 issuers in the undervalued category, namely GGRM and HMSP; while included in the overvalued category is KAEF.
PENGUKURAN KEPUASAN PENGUNJUNG DAN PEMETAAN LOKASI WISATA PANTAI DI KOTA BATAM
Authors: Arista Anggia , Damanik Yan Mahesa
Published: April 2022

Batam is known as an industrial city, in addition to an industrial city, Batam is also known as a city with beach tourism, some beaches that are often visited by tourists are beaches located in the Barelang area. Coastal tourism needs to be mapped to find out the coastal area. The purpose of this study is to make a mapping of coastal tourist areas that are often visited by tourists using a Geographic Information System based on data on the level of tourist satisfaction with the beach using the servsqual method. based on the results of the study, there are three beaches that are frequently visited by tourists, namely Mirota beach, Melayu beach and Vio-vio beach where based on the level of visitor satisfaction for Mirota beach from the five dimensions using the servsqual method are in the satisfied category, for Malay beach there is one dimension in the dissatisfied category is tangible (-1.005), while for Vio-vio beach there are 2 dimensions in the dissatisfied category, namely tangible (-1.014) and empathic (-1.077). for mapping using a geographic information system where on the map of tourist attractions the coast for the Malay coast is indicated by a red triangle, Mirota beach is indicated by a pink triangle and for Vio-vio beach is indicated by a black triangle. With the mapping of coastal tourism is expected to provide information for tourists in knowing the distribution of coastal areas that are often visited.
Animal Welfare Assessment: Quantifying Differences Among Commercial Medium and Fast Growth Broiler Flocks
Authors: Averós Xavier , Nazar F. Nicolás , Estevez Inma
Published: April 2022

A combined welfare assessment protocol, including indicators from the Welfare Quality® and AWIN® EU funded projects, was tested on commercial fast and medium growth commercial broiler flocks to determine differences in their assessments as measured with the used of animal welfare indicators. Ten commercial fast (Ross 308, Cobb 500, or a mix of both) and 10 medium growth (Hubbard JA × Ross 308), mixed sex commercial flocks were assessed at 32 and 48 days of age, respectively. Two observers simultaneously collected data on each flock. Observations included transect walks on central and wall areas to assess the AWIN® welfare indicators, bedding quality, environmental parameters and positive behaviors, all of them collected with the i-WatchBroiler app. According to the WQ protocol, welfare assessment indicators including the human avoidance tests, gait score, body weight and hock burns were also measured on each flock. Novel object tests were also carried out. The results of the study show that fast growth flocks had a higher incidence of welfare issues shown by the higher percentage of immobile, lame, sick, featherless, and tail wounded birds. Positive behaviors such as play fighting, wing flapping and running were more frequently observed in medium growth flocks on central locations, while fast growth flocks had a more limited expression of such behaviors. Fast growth flocks also had worse gait scores. Medium growth flocks expressed a different response to behavioral tests depending on the house location, likely attributable to their better mobility and welfare state, and also to the smaller stocking densities at which they were housed, while on the other hand the behavior of fast growth broilers during tests was similar regardless house location, being likely affected by mobility problems and the higher stocking density specific to their management. These results provide quantitative evidences on the differences in animal welfare assessment outcomes in fast and medium growth broilers. Nevertheless, results also suggest that some of the test responses were associated with the physical state and movement ability of the birds and house location that limit their response capacity. Such limitations should be considered when interpreting animal welfare assessment outcomes. These results add to previously published scientific evidences showing the potential of the method and app technology for practical on-farm broiler welfare assessment, including positive indicators, with farmers, technical personnel, certification bodies or scientist as potential end-users.
Comprehensive Metabolomic Profiling of Cord Blood and Placental Tissue in Surviving Monochorionic Twins Complicated by Twin-Twin Transfusion Syndrome With or Without Fetoscopic Laser Coagulation Surgery: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Liu Tianjiao , Wen Li , Huang Shuai , Han Ting-li , Zhang Lan , Fu Huijia , Li Junnan , Tong Chao , Qi Hongbo , Saffery Richard , Baker Philip N. , Kilby Mark D.
Published: April 2022

Objectives: To investigate metabolomic perturbations caused by twin-twin transfusion syndrome, metabolic changes associated with fetoscopic laser coagulation in both placental tissue and cord plasma, and to investigate differential metabolites pertinent to varying fetal outcomes, including hemodynamic status, birth weight, and cardiac function, of live-born babies.

Methods: Placental tissue and cord plasma samples from normal term or uncomplicated preterm-born monochorionic twins and those complicated by twin-twin transfusion syndrome treated with or without fetoscopic laser coagulation were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography metabolomic profiling. Sixteen comparisons of different co-twin groups were performed. Partial least squares–discriminant analysis, metabolic pathway analysis, biomarker analysis, and Spearman’s correlation analysis were conducted based on differential metabolites used to determine potential biomarkers in different comparisons and metabolites that are pertinent to neonatal birth weight and left ventricular ejection fraction.

Results: These metabolomic investigations showed that the cord plasma metabolome has a better performance in discriminating fetuses among different hemodynamic groups than placental tissue. The metabolic alteration of twin-twin transfusion syndrome in these two types of samples centers on fatty acid and lipid metabolism. The fetoscopic laser coagulation procedure improves the metabolomic change brought by this syndrome, making the metabolomes of the treated group less distinguishable from those of the control and preterm birth groups. Certain compounds, especially lipids and lipid-like molecules, are noted to be potential biomarkers of this morbid disease and pertinent to neonatal birth weight and ejection fraction.

Conclusions: Fetoscopic laser coagulation can ameliorate the metabolomic alteration caused by twin-twin transfusion syndrome in placental tissue and cord plasma, which are involved mainly in fatty acid and lipid-like molecule metabolism. Certain lipids and lipid-like molecules are helpful in differentiating co-twins of different hemodynamic statuses and are significantly correlated with neonatal birth weight or ejection fraction.
Fungal Inhibition of Agricultural Soil Pathogen Stimulated by Nitrogen-Reducing Fertilization
Authors: Shen Min-Chong , Shi You-Zhi , Bo Guo-Dong , Liu Xin-Min
Published: April 2022

Plant health is the fundamental of agricultural production, which is threatened by plant pathogens severely. The previous studies exhibited the effects of different pathogen control strategies (physical, chemical, and microbial methods), which resulted from bringing in exogenous additives, on microbial community structures and functions. Nevertheless, few studies focused on the potential inhibitory abilities of native microbial community in the soil, which could be activated or enhanced by different fertilization strategies. In this study, three plant diseases (TMV, TBS, and TBW) of tobacco, fungal community of tobacco rhizosphere soil, and the correlation between them were researched. The results showed that nitrogen-reducing fertilization strategies could significantly decrease the occurrence rate and the disease index of three tobacco diseases. The results of bioinformatics analyses revealed that the fungal communities of different treatments could differentiate the nitrogen-reducing fertilization group and the control group (CK). Furthermore, key genera which were responsible for the variation of fungal community were explored by LEfSe analysis. For instance, Tausonia and Trichocladium increased, while Naganishia and Fusicolla decreased under nitrogen-reducing fertilization conditions. Additionally, the correlation between tobacco diseases and key genera was verified using the Mantel test. Moreover, the causal relationship between key genera and tobacco diseases was deeply explored by PLS–PM analysis. These findings provide a theoretical basis for a nitrogen-reducing fertilization strategy against tobacco diseases without exogenous additives and make contributions to revealing the microbial mechanism of native-valued fungal key taxa against tobacco diseases, which could be stimulated by agricultural fertilization management.
Recent Biotechnology Advances in Bio-Conversion of Lignin to Lipids by Bacterial Cultures
Authors: Wang Huan , Peng Xiaodong , Li Hu , Giannis Apostolos , He Chao
Published: April 2022

The complexity and recalcitrance of the lignin structure is a major barrier to its efficient utilization and commercial production of high-value products. In recent years, the “bio-funneling” transformation ability of microorganisms has provided a significant opportunity for lignin conversion and integrated biorefinery. Based on the chemical structure of lignin, this mini-review introduces the recent advances of lignin depolymerization by bacterial strains and the application of microbial lignin degradation in lipids production. Furthermore, the current challenges, future trends and perspectives for microbe-based lignin conversion to lipids are discussed.
Genome-Wide Association Study Identifies New Risk Loci for Progression of Schistosomiasis Among the Chinese Population
Authors: Zhou Miao , Xue Chao , Wu Zhongdao , Wu Xiaoying , Li Miaoxin
Published: April 2022

Schistosoma japonicum infections, which lead to local inflammatory responses to schistosome eggs trapped in host tissues, can result in long-term, severe complications. The development of schistosomiasis may result from a complex interaction between the pathogenic, environmental, and host genetic components. Notably, the genetic factors that influence the development of schistosomiasis complications are poorly understood. Here we performed a genome-wide association study on multiple schistosomiasis-related phenotypes of 637 unrelated schistosomiasis patients in the Chinese population. Among three indicators of liver damage, we identified two novel, genome-wide significant single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) rs34486793 (P = 1.415 × 10-8) and rs2008259 (P = 6.78 × 10-8) at locus 14q32.2 as well as a gene, PMEPA1, at 20q13.31 (index rs62205791, P = 6.52 × 10-7). These were significantly associated with serum levels of hyaluronic acid (HA). In addition, RASIP1 and MAMSTR at 19q13.33 (index rs62132778, P = 1.72 × 10-7) were significantly associated with serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and TPM1 at 15q22.2 (index rs12442303, P = 4.39 × 10-7) was significantly associated with serum levels of albumin. In schistosomiasis clinical signs, ITIH4 at 3p21.1 (index rs2239548) was associated with portal vein diameter (PVD) class, an indicator of portal hypertension, and OGDHL at 10q11.23 (index rs1258172) was related to ascites grade. We also detected an increased expression of these six genes in livers of mice with severe schistosomiasis. Summary data-based Mendelian randomization analyses indicated that ITIH4, PMEPA1 and MAMSTR were pleiotropically associated with PVD class, HA and AST, respectively.
Deletion of a Genetic Region of lp17 Affects Plasmid Copy Number in Borrelia burgdorferi
Authors: Wong Jessica K. , Crowley Michael A. , Bankhead Troy
Published: April 2022

Borrelia burgdorferi, the Lyme disease pathogen, is maintained in its enzootic life cycle through complex gene regulatory pathways encoded on its uniquely fragmented genome. This genome consists of over 20 plasmids, and the regulatory mechanisms of plasmid maintenance and replication are largely unknown. The bbd21 gene, encoded on lp17 and a member of the paralogous family 32 proteins, was originally proposed to be a putative parA orthologue involved with plasmid partitioning; however, this function has not been confirmed to date. To determine the role of bbd21 in B. burgdorferi, we utilized targeted gene deletion and discovered bbd21 and bbd22 are co-transcribed. The effects of bbd21 and bbd22 deletion on plasmid copy number and mammalian infectivity were assessed. By qPCR, lp17 copy number did not differ amongst strains during mid-exponential and stationary growth phases. However, after in vitro passaging, the mutant strain demonstrated an 8-fold increase in lp17 copies, suggesting a cumulative defect in plasmid copy number regulation. Additionally, we compared lp17 copy number between in vitro and mammalian host-adapted conditions. Our findings showed 1) lp17 copy number was significantly different between these growth conditions for both the wild type and bbd21-bbd22 deletion mutant and 2) under mammalian host-adapted cultivation, the absence of bbd21-bbd22 resulted in significantly decreased copies of lp17. Murine infection studies using culture and qPCR demonstrated bbd21-bbd22 deletion resulted in a tissue colonization defect, particularly in the heart. Lastly, we showed bbd21 transcription appears to be independent of direct rpoS regulation based on similar expression levels in wild type and ΔrpoS. Altogether, our findings indicate the bbd21-bbd22 genetic region is involved with regulation of lp17 plasmid copy number. Furthermore, we propose the possibility that lp17 plasmid copy number is important for microbial pathogenesis by the Lyme disease spirochete.
Impact of the caFFR-Guided Functional SYNTAX Score on Ventricular Tachycardia/Fibrillation Development in Patients With Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Pan Jiazhi , Zhang Qiuxia , Lei Li , Chen Yaode , Li Guodong , Liang Hongbin , Lu Junyan , Zhang Xinlu , Tang Yongzhen , Pu Jun , Yang Yining , Mo Dapeng , Xiu Jiancheng
Published: April 2022

Aims

To explore the relationship between the severity of coronary artery disease (CAD) and the occurrence of ventricular tachycardia/ventricular fibrillation (VT/VF) in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI).

Methods

We retrospectively enrolled 705 patients with AMI, who were hospitalized and underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), in Nanfang Hospital from July 2017 to July 2020. Logistic regression analysis and backward stepwise approach were taken to select the correlation factors. The left and the receiver operating characteristic curves (ROC) analysis were plotted to observe the discriminative power of the SYNTAX score (SS)/caFFR-guided functional SS (FSScaFFR) on the incident VT/VF.

Results

About 58 (8.2%) patients experienced life-threatening VT/VF. The FSScaFFR (OR: 1.155; 95% CI: 1.047 to 1.273; p = 0.004) was an independent predictor of VT/VF after AMI. The ROC analysis showed that the discriminative power of FSScaFFR on the incident VT/VF was significantly better than SS (0.759 vs.0.695, p < 0.0001). Patients with VT/VF were categorized into 2 groups according to the interval between the onset of AMI and the VT/VF. The logistic regression analysis revealed that FSScaFFR was a significant independent correlation of early- and late-VT/VF.

Conclusion

The incident VT/VF in patients with AMI is closely associated with the severity of CAD evaluated by SS and FSScaFFR. Compared to SS, FSScaFFR has a higher correlation with VT/VF, and FSScaFFR was demonstrated to be an independent correlation factor of incident VT/VF after AMI.
Value of FT3/FT4 Ratio in Prognosis of Patients With Heart Failure: A Propensity-Matched Study
Authors: Wang Chuanhe , Han Su , Li Ying , Tong Fei , Li Zhichao , Sun Zhijun
Published: April 2022

Aims

Abnormal thyroid hormone secretions can alter the manifestation and prognosis of cardiovascular disease. To assess the effect of the free triiodothyronine (FT3)/free thyroxine (FT4) ratio on the prognosis of patients with heart failure (HF), we performed a propensity-matched study on patients with well-balanced baseline characteristics.

Methods

Overall, 8,887 patients with HF were divided into two groups according to the FT3/FT4 ratio. Propensity scores were calculated from each patient. A cohort comprising 2,164 pairs with high or low ratios and with 34 well-balanced baseline characteristics was then assembled. The endpoints were Cardiovascular (CV) mortality and all-cause mortality. The correlation between FT3/FT4 ratio and prognosis was assessed using matched Cox regression analyses. The mean follow-up was 3.3 years.

Results

In the full pre-match cohort, 3,710 (41.7%) patients died, with 2,581 (29.0%) cases of CV mortality. In the matched-pair cohort, all-cause mortality occurred in 923 (1,238/10,000 person-years of follow-up) patients with a high ratio and 1,036 (1,484/10,000 person-years) patients with a low ratio, resulting in a matched HR of 0.841 (95% CI: 0.769–0.919; P < 0.001). For CV mortality, the result was 638 (856/10,000 person-years) and 714 (1,023/10,000 person-years) patients, respectively, resulting in a matched HR of 0.844 (95% CI: 0.759–0.940; P < 0.001). Subgroup analysis revealed that a low FT3/FT4 ratio had a greater predictive value for all-cause and CV mortality in elderly or male patients and in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD), hypertension, diabetes mellitus, HFmrEF, or HFpEF.

Conclusions

A low FT3/FT4 ratio is valuable for predicting CV mortality and all-cause mortality in patients with HF.
L-Arginine Improves Cognitive Impairment in Hypertensive Frail Older Adults
Authors: Mone Pasquale , Pansini Antonella , Jankauskas Stanislovas S. , Varzideh Fahimeh , Kansakar Urna , Lombardi Angela , Trimarco Valentina , Frullone Salvatore , Santulli Gaetano
Published: April 2022

Cognitive impairment is a prevailing event in hypertensive patients and in frail older adults. Endothelial dysfunction has been shown to underlie both hypertension and cognitive dysfunction. Our hypothesis is that L-Arginine, which is known to ameliorate endothelial dysfunction, could counteract cognitive impairment in a high-risk population of hypertensive frail older adults. We designed a clinical trial to verify the effects of 4-weeks oral supplementation of L-Arginine on global cognitive function of hypertensive frail older patients. The study was successfully completed by 35 frail hypertensive elderly patients assigned to L-Arginine and 37 assigned to placebo. At follow-up, we found a significant difference in the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) test score between the L-Arginine treated group and placebo (p: 0.0178). Moreover, we demonstrated that L-Arginine significantly attenuates Angiotensin II-induced mitochondrial oxidative stress in human endothelial cells. In conclusion, our findings indicate for the first time that oral L-Arginine supplementation significantly improves cognitive impairment in frail hypertensive older adults.

Clinical Trial Registration

www.ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier: NCT04962841.
Multimodality Evaluation of Aortic Insufficiency and Aortitis in Rheumatologic Diseases
Authors: Choi Eunjung , Mathews Lena M. , Paik Julie , Corretti Mary C. , Wu Katherine C. , Michos Erin D. , Hays Allison G. , Mukherjee Monica
Published: April 2022

Aortic insufficiency is commonly observed in rheumatologic diseases such as ankylosing spondylitis, systemic lupus erythematosus, antiphospholipid syndrome, Behçet's disease, granulomatosis with polyangiitis, and Takayasu arteritis. Aortic insufficiency with an underlying rheumatologic disease may be caused by a primary valve pathology (leaflet destruction, prolapse or restriction), annular dilatation due to associated aortitis or a combination of both. Early recognition of characteristic valve and aorta morphology on cardiac imaging has both diagnostic and prognostic importance. Currently, echocardiography remains the primary diagnostic tool for aortic insufficiency. Complementary use of computed tomography, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and positron emission tomography in these systemic conditions may augment the assessment of underlying mechanism, disease severity and identification of relevant non-valvular/extracardiac pathology. We aim to review common rheumatologic diseases associated with aortic insufficiency and describe their imaging findings that have been reported in the literature.
Variability of Internal Wave Strain Over the Western Boundary Region in the North Atlantic
Authors: Fan Liming , Wang Xin
Published: April 2022

Based on the CTD profiles and mooring measurements of the Line W program in the North Atlantic about 35°N/70°W, we investigated the spatial variability of internal wave-induced strain variance along the Line W section and the associated reasons. The results showed that the internal wave strain variance over the slope could be up to five times larger than that in the interior. We have validated that internal tides and near-inertial waves were not the crucial processes for causing this variability. Meanwhile, we found that the high-frequency internal waves generated by the interaction of anticyclonic eddy and low-frequency internal waves may be a potential cause of strain enhancement. This study implies a potential route of mesoscale eddies to enhance the strain variance induced by internal waves.
Nutritional and Socioeconomic Determinants of Overweight and Obesity in the French Amazon: The Health Barometer Study
Authors: Massicard Mickael , Drak Alsibai Kinan , Nacher Mathieu , Sabbah Nadia
Published: April 2022

Objectives

French Guiana is a multicultural overseas territory where obesity is a major public health problem. This study aimed to highlight the nutritional and socioeconomic determinants of overweight and obesity in different populations in French Guiana.

Methods

A two-stage random sample of 1390 individuals aged 15 to 75 years was surveyed by telephone, and the participants were initially screened for diabetes. Logistic regression was fitted on the sample to adjust for potential confounding factors.

Results

Overweight and obesity were found in 54.7% of the respondents, a higher proportion than in mainland France. There was a significant body image discrepancy in our population, with a higher risk of obesity among single women, often immigrants from the non-French Caribbean and South America, unemployed or low education.

Conclusions

The main factors associated with obesity were being a precariousness immigrant; there was often a mismatch between body image and overweight/obesity, which is a major obstacle to the improvement of dietary behaviors and lifestyle. This information provides operational clues as to where to act and the necessary adaptations to attempt to modify behaviors in a culturally-adapted manner.
Association of Serum Uric Acid With Retinal Capillary Plexus
Authors: Yang Kai , Li Chunmei , Shi Keai , Zhu Xiaoxuan , Xiao Yunfan , Su Binbin , Ju Ying , Lu Fan , Qu Jia , Cui Lele , Li Ming
Published: April 2022

Background

To determine the association between serum uric acid (SUA) and the retinal capillary plexus (RCP) using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA).

Methods

This cross-sectional study evaluated data from August 2019 to January 2020 from participants recruited from the Jidong community (Tangshan, Hebei, China). All participants completed detailed anthropometrical measurements, laboratory tests and comprehensive ophthalmic examinations. We assessed the vessel density in RCP using OCTA. We used multivariable analysis to evaluate the sex-specific association between SUA and RCP after adjusting for confounders.

Results

A total of 2730 participants were included in this study. The mean age of the participants was 44.0 ± 11.6 years, and 1463 (53.6%) were women. The multivariable βs and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of superficial RCP vessel density in the second through fourth SUA quartiles compared with the lowest SUA quartiles were -0.27 (-0.56 – 0.03), -0.30 (-0.60 – 0.01), and -0.46 (-0.78 – -0.14) (P for trend = 0.007) in men.

Conclusions

Higher SUA levels were significantly associated with lower RCP vessel density in men. Our findings provide evidence for the detrimental effect of high SUA levels on the retinal microvasculature and imply the importance of modulating SUA to prevent the microvascular alternation especially for men.
Lianas and Trees From a Seasonally Dry and a Wet Tropical Forest Did Not Differ in Embolism Resistance but Did Differ in Xylem Anatomical Traits in the Dry Forest
Authors: Smith-Martin Chris M. , Jansen Steven , Brodribb Timothy J. , Medina-Vega José A. , Lucani Christopher , Huppenberger Andrea , Powers Jennifer S.
Published: April 2022

One of the most prominent changes in neotropical forests has been the increase in abundance and size of lianas. Studies suggest that lianas have more acquisitive strategies than trees, which could allow them to take advantage of water more effectively when it is available in water-limited forests, but few studies compared across growth form (i.e., lianas vs. trees) and forest type (i.e., wet vs. seasonally dry). We measured hydraulic and anatomical traits of co-occurring lianas and trees that convey drought resistance (xylem embolism resistance and intervessel pit membranes) and water transport capacity (xylem vessel diameter and density) in a seasonally dry and a wet evergreen tropical forest to address: (1) Are there differences between vulnerability to embolisms (P50—water potential at 50% loss of hydraulic conductivity) and hydraulic safety margins (HSM) across growth form and forest type? (2) How do vessel diameter and density vary across growth form and forest type? (3) Are there differences in xylem intervessel pit membrane thickness across growth form and forest type and does it predict xylem embolism vulnerability in trees and lianas? We examined hydraulic and xylem anatomical traits of 32 species—eight lianas and eight trees in each forest type. We found no difference in P50and HSMs between lianas and trees and between the wetter and drier forest. Dry forest lianas had 81% greater maximum vessel diameter and 125% greater range in vessel diameter sizes than dry forest trees but, there was no significant difference between life forms in the wet forest. Dry forest species had 50% greater vessel density and 30% greater maximum pit membrane thickness than wet forest ones. Maximum pit membrane thickness was correlated to P50and HSMs. The main difference between lianas and trees occurred in the dry forest, where lianas had larger maximum xylem vessel size than trees, implying that they have proportionally greater hydraulic conductive capacity than the trees in seasonal forests.
Diterpene Biosynthesis in Rice Blast Fungus Magnaporthe
Authors: Shahi Ayousha , Yu Houlin , Mafu Sibongile
Published: April 2022

Plant-pathogenic fungi harbor various specialized metabolites including diterpenoids that function as hormones and virulence factors. The fungus Magnaporthe oryzae is the causal agent of rice blast disease and can infect over fifty grass species. We demonstrate that rice blast fungi encode two diterpene synthases that produce normal pimara-8,15-diene and manoyl oxide scaffolds. Phylogenetic analysis of diterpene synthases among rice blast pathotypes showed functional conservation of these two core diterpene synthases amongst all pathotypes and suggests further expansion in those infecting select grass species. These insights into the blast fungal terpenome may inform efforts to counteract deleterious phytopathogens in crucial food crops.
Uncovering the Epigenetic Marks Involved in Mediating Salt Stress Tolerance in Plants
Authors: Singroha Garima , Kumar Satish , Gupta Om Prakash , Singh Gyanandra Pratap , Sharma Pradeep
Published: April 2022

The toxic effects of salinity on agricultural productivity necessitate development of salt stress tolerance in food crops in order to meet the escalating demands. Plants use sophisticated epigenetic systems to fine-tune their responses to environmental cues. Epigenetics is the study of heritable, covalent modifications of DNA and histone proteins that regulate gene expression without altering the underlying nucleotide sequence and consequently modify the phenotype. Epigenetic processes such as covalent changes in DNA, histone modification, histone variants, and certain non-coding RNAs (ncRNA) influence chromatin architecture to regulate its accessibility to the transcriptional machinery. Under salt stress conditions, there is a high frequency of hypermethylation at promoter located CpG sites. Salt stress results in the accumulation of active histones marks like H3K9K14Ac and H3K4me3 and the downfall of repressive histone marks such as H3K9me2 and H3K27me3 on salt-tolerance genes. Similarly, the H2A.Z variant of H2A histone is reported to be down regulated under salt stress conditions. A thorough understanding of the plasticity provided by epigenetic regulation enables a modern approach to genetic modification of salt-resistant cultivars. In this review, we summarize recent developments in understanding the epigenetic mechanisms, particularly those that may play a governing role in the designing of climate smart crops in response to salt stress.
GURFAP: A Platform for Gene Function Analysis in Glycyrrhiza Uralensis
Authors: Yang Jiaotong , Yan Hengyu , Liu Yue , Da Lingling , Xiao Qiaoqiao , Xu Wenying , Su Zhen
Published: April 2022

Glycyrrhiza uralensis (Licorice), which belongs to Leguminosae, is famous for the function of pharmacologic action and natural sweetener with its dried roots and rhizomes. In recent years, the whole-genome sequence of G. uralensis has been completed, which will help to lay the foundation for the study of gene function. Here, we integrated the available genomic and transcriptomic data of G. uralensis and constructed the G. uralensis gene co-expression network. We then annotated gene functions of G. uralensis via aligning with public databases. Furthermore, gene families of G. uralensis were predicted by tools including iTAK (Plant Transcription factor and Protein kinase Identifier and Classifier), HMMER (hidden Markov models), InParanoid, and PfamScan. Finally, we constructed a platform for gene function analysis in G. uralensis (GURFAP, www.gzybioinfoormatics.cn/GURFAP). For analyzed and predicted gene function, we introduced various tools including BLAST (Basic local alignment search tool), GSEA (Gene set enrichment analysis), Motif, Heatmap, and JBrowse. Our analysis based on this platform indicated that the biosynthesis of glycyrrhizin might be regulated by MYB and bHLH. We also took CYP88D6, CYP72A154, and bAS gene in the synthesis pathway of glycyrrhizin as examples to demonstrate the reliability and availability of our platform. Our platform GURFAP will provide convenience for researchers to mine the gene function of G. uralensis and thus discover more key genes involved in the biosynthetic pathway of active ingredients.
Construction of a Necroptosis-Related miRNA Signature for Predicting the Prognosis of Patients With Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Meng Tongyu , Wang Qingfeng , Yang Yufeng , Ren Yanling , Shi Yan
Published: April 2022

Background: Many miRNAs have been demonstrated to be associated with the prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, how to combine necroptosis-related miRNAs to achieve the best predictive effect in estimating HCC patient survival has not been explored.

Methods: The mRNA and miRNA expression profile were downloaded from a public database (TCGA-LIHC cohort). Necroptosis-related genes were obtained from previous references, and necroptosis-related miRNAs were identified using Pearson analysis. Subsequently, differential expression miRNAs (DEms) were identified in HCC and paracancer normal samples based on necroptosis-related miRNA expression. The whole set with HCC was randomized into a training set and testing set (1:1). LASSO-Cox regression analysis was used to construct an miRNA signature. Multiple statistical methods were used to validate the clinical benefit of signature in HCC patients, including receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves, Kaplan–Meier survival analyses, and decision curve analysis (DCA). The downstream target genes of miRNAs were obtained from different online tools, and the potential pathways involved in miRNAs were explored. Finally, we conducted RT-qPCR in SK-HEP-1, THLE-3, and HUH-7 cell lines for miRNAs involved in the signature.

Results: The results showed that a total of eight specific necroptosis-related miRNAs were screened between HCC and adjacent tissues in the training set. Subsequently, based on the aforementioned miRNAs, 5-miRNA signature (miR-139-5p, hsa-miR-326, miR-10b-5p, miR-500a-3p, and miR-592) was generated by LASSO-Cox regression analysis. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that the risk scores were independent prognostic indicators in each set. The area under curves (AUCs) of 1 year, 3 years, 5 years, and 7 years were high in each set (AUC >0.7). DCA analysis also revealed that the risk score had a potential benefit than other clinical characteristics. Meanwhile, survival analysis showed that the high-risk group showed low survival probabilities. Moreover, the results of enrichment analysis showed that specific miRNAs were mainly enriched in the cAMP signaling pathway and TNF signaling pathway. Finally, the results of RT-qPCR were consistent with the prediction results in public databases.

Conclusion: Our study establishes a robust tool based on 5-necroptosis-related miRNAs for the prognostic management of HCC patients.
Linear Mixed-Effect Models Through the Lens of Hardy–Weinberg Disequilibrium
Authors: Zhang Lin , Sun Lei
Published: April 2022

For genetic association studies with related individuals, the linear mixed-effect model is the most commonly used method. In this report, we show that contrary to the popular belief, this standard method can be sensitive to departure from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium (i.e., Hardy–Weinberg disequilibrium) at the causal SNPs in two ways. First, when the trait heritability is treated as a nuisance parameter, although the association test has correct type I error control, the resulting heritability estimate can be biased, often upward, in the presence of Hardy–Weinberg disequilibrium. Second, if the true heritability is used in the linear mixed-effect model, then the corresponding association test can be biased in the presence of Hardy–Weinberg disequilibrium. We provide some analytical insights along with supporting empirical results from simulation and application studies.
Splenic Dendritic Cells and Macrophages Drive B Cells to Adopt a Plasmablast Cell Fate
Authors: McNamara Hayley A. , Lahoud Mireille H. , Cai Yeping , Durrant-Whyte Jessica , O’Connor James H. , Caminschi Irina , Cockburn Ian A.
Published: April 2022

Upon encountering cognate antigen, B cells can differentiate into short-lived plasmablasts, early memory B cells or germinal center B cells. The factors that determine this fate decision are unclear. Past studies have addressed the role of B cell receptor affinity in this process, but the interplay with other cellular compartments for fate determination is less well understood. Moreover, B cell fate decisions have primarily been studied using model antigens rather than complex pathogen systems, which potentially ignore multifaceted interactions from other cells subsets during infection. Here we address this question using aPlasmodiuminfection model, examining the response of B cells specific for the immunodominant circumsporozoite protein (CSP). We show that B cell fate is determined in part by the organ environment in which priming occurs, with the majority of the CSP-specific B cell response being derived from splenic plasmablasts. This plasmablast response could occur independent of T cell help, though gamma-delta T cells were required to help with the early isotype switching from IgM to IgG. Interestingly, selective ablation of CD11c+dendritic cells and macrophages significantly reduced the splenic plasmablast response in a manner independent of the presence of CD4 T cell help. Conversely, immunization approaches that targeted CSP-antigen to dendritic cells enhanced the magnitude of the plasmablast response. Altogether, these data indicate that the early CSP-specific response is predominately primed within the spleen and the plasmablast fate of CSP-specific B cells is driven by macrophages and CD11c+dendritic cells.