bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stability of extemporaneously prepared sitagliptin phosphate solution
Authors: Zaid Abdel Naser , Abu Zaaror Yara , Kaddumi Aiman , Ghanem Mashhour , Jaradat Nidal , Abu Salah Tharaa , Siaj Sameera , Omari Lana
Published: March 2022

Sitagliptin is a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor that is used orally in conjunction with diet and exercise to control sugar levels in type 2 Diabetes Mellitus patients. This study aimed to extemporaneously prepare SiP solution (1% w/v) using pure Sitagliptin phosphate (SiP) powder and assess its stability according to pharmaceutical regulatory guidelines. Four SiP solutions, coded T1, T2, T3, and T4, were extemporaneously prepared using pure SiP powder as a source of API. The most suitable one, in terms of general organoleptic properties, was selected for further investigations, including stability studies. For this last purpose, samples of the T4 solution were kept under two storage conditions, room temperature (25˚C and 60% Relative Humidity) and accelerated stability conditions (40˚C and 75% Relative Humidity). Assay, pH, organoleptic properties, related substances, and microbial contamination were evaluated for 4 consecutive weeks. A High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) analytical method was developed and validated to be used for the analysis and quantification of SiP in selected solution formulation. The adopted formula had a pH on the average of 3 to 4. During the stability tests, all pH values remained constant. Furthermore, after 4 weeks of storage under both conditions, the SiP concentration was close to 100%. A stable SiP extemporaneous solution was successfully prepared using pure SiP powder. Patients with swallowing problems who use feeding tubes and are unable to take oral solid dosage forms may benefit from this research. Community pharmacists can prepare the solution using sitagliptin powder as the source of the active ingredient.
The prevalence of nurse burnout and its association with telomere length pre and during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Wei Holly , Aucoin Julia , Kuntapay Gabrielle R. , Justice Amber , Jones Abigail , Zhang Chongben , Santos Hudson P. , Hall Lynne A.
Published: March 2022

Background

Burnout is a work-related stress syndrome characterized by emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and reduced personal accomplishment. Nurse burnout is related to nurses’ deteriorating mental health and poorer patient care quality and thus, is a significant concern in healthcare. The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has swept the world and distressed the healthcare systems. Because of the body’s stress mechanism, it is vital to examine the current prevalence of nurse burnout and understand it at a biological level, using an epigenetic biomarker, telomere length.

Purpose

To determine the prevalence of burnout among nurses in the Peri-Operative and Labor & Delivery settings pre and during the COVID-19 pandemic and to examine the effects of burnout on absolute telomere length.

Methods

This is a cross-sectional study assessing the prevalence of nurses’ burnout and the relationships between nurses’ burnout and telomere length. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we had to stop the study during the mid of data collection. Even though the study was not designed to capture changes before and during the pandemic, we analyzed two groups’ data before and during the pandemic. The study took place in a US hospital. Nurses in the hospital’s Operating Room, Post-Anesthesia Care Unit, and Labor & Delivery Unit participated in the study. Maslach Burnout Inventory survey and nurses’ demographics were administered online. Telomere length was measured via finger-prick blood.

Results

146 nurses participated in the study, with 120 participants’ blood samples collected. The high-level burnout rate was 70.5%. Correlation analysis did not reveal a direct correlation between nurse burnout and telomere length. However, in a multiple regression analysis, the final model contained the burnout subscale of emotional exhaustion, years as an RN, and work unit’s nursing care quality. There was a low degree of departure from normality of the mean absolute telomere length in the pre-pandemic group and a substantial degree of departure in the during-pandemic group.

Conclusions

Nurse burnout is a prevalent phenomenon in healthcare, and this study indicates that nurses currently experience high levels of burnout. Nurses’ cellular biomarker, telomere length, is shorter in the group of nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic than before. Appropriate measures should be implemented to decrease nurses’ burnout symptoms and improve nurses’ psychological and physical health. Nurses, especially those younger than 60, report higher burnout symptoms, particularly emotional exhaustion. This study indicates the need for intervention to promote nurses’ health during the pandemic and beyond. If not appropriately managed, nurse burnout may continue to be a significant issue facing the healthcare system.
The connection to the public’s preferred sports analysis and physical education curriculum
Authors: Kim Yong-Wook , Han Jinyoung , Jang Kyungtae , Ko Minsam , Park Jaewoo , Lim Seungyup , Lee Jin-Young
Published: March 2022

People have their favorite type of sport, but such preferences tend to be shared for nearly a lifetime. How this preference persists remains inconclusive; hence, this study attempts to determine why people have different viewpoints on sports. It is reasonable to infer that these differences arise from differences in culture, occupation, and race. Therefore, we collected the following data and conducted research in Korea, the United States, and Japan, countries with various differences. The types of sports that people play were collected through surveys and comparisons among sports networks. Namely, “Sport Classification,” “The K-12 Physical Education System (textbooks),” “Survey (actual physical activity),” “Simple Notification Service (SNS) Activity” have been examined to deduce the reason why any particular sport is played. Firstly, Korea, the United States, and Japan conduct different physical education courses. Hence, the results affect people’s preferences. Secondly, what people post on SNS and their actual physical activities are different. Thirdly, the degree of connection between sports-type varied as well. Lastly, sports that serve the purpose of being regarded as hubs among sports-type were common in Korea, the United States, and Japan.
Assessment of a cellular host response test to risk-stratify suspected COVID-19 patients in the Emergency Department setting
Authors: O’Neal Hollis R. , Sheybani Roya , Caffery Terrell S. , Hamer Diana , Laperouse L. Mark , Musso Mandi W. , O’Neal Catherine S. , Tse Henry T. K. , Shah Ajay M. , Thomas Christopher B.
Published: March 2022

Objective

Assess the IntelliSep Index (ISI) for risk stratification of patients presenting to the Emergency Department (ED) with respiratory symptoms suspected of COVID-19 during the pandemic.

Methods

An observational single-center study of prospective cohort of patients presenting to the ED during the early COVID-19 pandemic with respiratory symptoms and a CBC drawn within 4.5 hours of initial vital signs. A sample of this blood was aliquoted for performance of the ISI, and patients were followed for clinical outcomes. The study required no patient-centered activity beyond standard of care and treating clinicians were unaware of study enrollment and ISI test results.

Main findings

282 patients were included. The ISI ranges 0.1 to 10.0, with three interpretation bands indicating risk of adverse outcome: low (green), 0.1–4.9; intermediate (yellow), 5.0–6.2; and high (red), 6.3–10.0. Of 193 (68.4%) tested for SARS-CoV-2, 96 (49.7%) were positive. The ISI resulted in 182 (64.5%) green, 54 (18.1%) yellow, and 46 (15.6%) red band patients. Green band patients had a 1.1% (n = 2) 3-day mortality, while yellow and red band had 3.7% (n = 2, p > .05) and 10.9% (n = 5, p < .05) 3-day mortalities, respectively. Fewer green band patients required admission (96 [52.7%]) vs yellow (44 [81.5%]) and red (43 [93.5%]). Green band patients had more hospital free days (median 23 (Q1-Q3 20–25) than yellow (median 22 [Q1-Q3 0–23], p < 0.05) and red (median 21 [Q1-Q3 0–24], p < 0.01). SOFA increased with interpretation band: green (2, [Q1-Q3 0–4]) vs yellow (4, [Q1-Q3 2–5], p < 0.001) and red (5, [Q1-Q3 3–6]) p < 0.001).

Conclusions

The ISI rapidly risk-stratifies patients presenting to the ED during the early COVID-19 pandemic with signs or suspicion of respiratory infection.
E-cigarette school policy and staff training: Knowledge and school policy experiences with e-cigarette products among a national sample of US middle and high school staff
Authors: Patel Minal , Donovan Emily M. , Simard Bethany J. , Schillo Barbara A.
Published: March 2022

Background

As youth e-cigarette use has surged in the last several years, teachers and school administrators have reported challenges addressing student use of emerging e-cigarette products on school property. While federal policy prohibits smoking in U.S. schools that receive federal funding, school e-cigarette bans only exist where states or localities have acted. Little is known about school staff experiences with implementing these relatively new policies; this study examines associations between school e-cigarette policies and trainings on school staff awareness and intervention on student e-cigarette use.

Methods

A national convenience sample of 1,526 U.S. middle- and high-school teachers and administrators was surveyed in November-December 2018. Among respondents who provided their job title and indicated that they worked in a school rather than a district (n = 1,480, response rate = 97.0%), separate logistic regressions examine associations of school policies and policy training with e-cigarette awareness and intervention on student e-cigarette use.

Results

Despite being the most popular e-cigarette at the time, fewer than half (47.5%) of respondents identified an image of a JUUL device as an e-cigarette. However, respondents reporting the presence of e-cigarette policies in their schools had higher odds of recognizing e-cigarettes (OR = 3.85, p<0.01), including photo recognition of JUUL (OR = 1.90, p<0.001). Respondents reporting e-cigarette policies also had higher odds of reporting intervention on student e-cigarette use (communicating with students about e-cigarette avoidance: OR = 2.32, p<0.001; reporting students had been caught using e-cigarettes at school: OR = 1.54, p<0.05). Among respondents reporting a school e-cigarette policy, those trained on the policy had higher odds of JUUL photo recognition (OR = 1.54, p<0.01). Respondents trained on e-cigarette policies also had higher odds of reporting intervention (communicating: OR = 3.89, p<0.001; students caught using e-cigarettes: OR = 2.71, p<0.001).

Conclusions

As new tobacco products enter the market, school policies may be important tools to raise school personnel awareness of and intervention on emerging e-cigarette product use. However, policy adoption alone is not sufficient; policy training may further aid in recognition and intervention upon student use of e-cigarettes at school.
Spatial redistribution of neurosecretory vesicles upon stimulation accelerates their directed transport to the plasma membrane
Authors: Schenk Elaine B. , Meunier Frederic A. , Oelz Dietmar B.
Published: March 2022

Through the integration of results from an imaging analysis of intracellular trafficking of labelled neurosecretory vesicles in chromaffin cells, we develop a Markov state model to describe their transport and binding kinetics. Our simulation results indicate that a spatial redistribution of neurosecretory vesicles occurs upon secretagogue stimulation leading vesicles to the plasma membrane where they undergo fusion thereby releasing adrenaline and noradrenaline. Furthermore, we find that this redistribution alone can explain the observed up-regulation of vesicle transport upon stimulation and its directional bias towards the plasma membrane. Parameter fitting indicates that in the deeper compartment within the cell, vesicle transport is asymmetric and characterised by a bias towards the plasma membrane.
Still beyond a chance: Distribution of faults in elite show-jumping horses
Authors: Ničová Klára , Bartošová Jitka
Published: March 2022

This study aimed to identify factors that can influence show-jumping performance during top level competitions in the Western European League (2017/2018, CSI5*). The performance data of 144 riders and 222 horses were obtained from video records (FEI TV/ website). Riders with horses achieved a total of 9114 jumping-efforts over 320 obstacles including oxers (n = 142), oxers with water (n = 15), triple bars (n = 6), verticals (n = 136), verticals with water (n = 14) and walls (n = 7). Obstacles in the first round (FR) or in jump off (JO) were standing either as single (n = 6290) or as a combination of two or three fences in a row (n = 2824). The overall fault rate (dropping the pole or refusal/run-out to jump) was 7.85%. The probability of a fault increased with the rank of the fence in the course of FR (F (1, 7649) = 5.29, P < 0.0001, GzLMM; PROC GLIMMIX, SAS). The highest probability of a fault (F (5, 7649) = 2.51, P < 0.03) in FR was found on the vertical obstacle with water (0.125 ± 0.021, LSMEAN ± standard error) while the lowest was on the triple bar (0.037 ± 0.015) and wall (0.048 ± 0.020). Riders who completed more starts in previous competitions achieved a lower fault rate (F (1, 7649) = 6.17, P < 0.02) in FR as well as in JO (F (1, 931) = 7.05, P < 0.01). The probability of faults in JO decreased with a higher speed (F (1, 931) = 6.66, P < 0.01) but there was no significant correlation between the speed in JO and FR in individual horses (r = 0.26, P < 0.01). More faults were found on the fences within combinations in both rounds (FR, JO). The highest probability of faults was found on the first fence (FR 0.095 ± 0.016; JO 0.043 ± 0.008) or second fence (JO 0.055 ± 0.020) of the double combination compared to the least probability of faults on single obstacles (FR 0.057 ± 0.007, F (5, 7649) = 5.29, P < 0.0001; JO 0.100 ± 0.027, F (1, 931) = 3.39, P < 0.04). Other tested factors did not affect show-jumping performance. Some faults are still more likely and not random in a show-jumping course, therefore, the appropriate training focus can improve performance and safety in competitions.
Assessing alternative indicators for Covid-19 policy evaluation, with a counterfactual for Sweden
Authors: Latour Chiara , Peracchi Franco , Spagnolo Giancarlo
Published: March 2022

Using the synthetic control method, we construct counterfactuals for what would have happened if Sweden had imposed a lockdown during the first wave of the COVID-19 epidemic. We consider eight different indicators, including a novel one that we construct by adjusting recorded daily COVID-19 deaths to account for weakly excess mortality. Correcting for data problems and re-optimizing the synthetic control for each indicator, we find that a lockdown would have had sizable effects within one week. The much longer delay estimated by two previous studies focusing on the number of positives cases is mainly driven by the extremely low testing frequency that prevailed in Sweden in the first months of the epidemic. This result appears relevant for choosing the timing of future lockdowns and highlights the importance of looking at several indicators to derive robust conclusions. We also find that our novel indicator is effective in correcting errors in the COVID-19 deaths series and that the quantitative effects of the lockdown are stronger than previously estimated.
CHST4 might promote the malignancy of cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Zhang Guanran , Liu Xuyue , Jian Aiwen , Zheng Kexin , Wang Haiyan , Hao Jing , Zhi Sujuan , Zhang Xiaoli
Published: March 2022

Background

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is reported as an aggressive cancer which leads to high mortality and no effective therapeutic target has yet been discovered. Surgical resection is the main method to treat patients with CCA. However, only one-third of CCA patients have the opportunity to accept the operation, leading to poor prognosis for CCA patients. Therefore, it is necessary to search for new therapeutic targets of CCA or core genes involved in the happening and growth of CCA.

Aim

In this study, we utilized bioinformatics technology and accessed to several medical databases trying to find the core genes of CCA for the purpose of intervening CCA through figuring out an effective curative target.

Methods

Firstly, three differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were discovered from GEPIA, and by further observing the distribution and gene expression, CHST4 was obtained as the core gene. Afterwards, correlated genes of CHST4 in CCA were identified using UALCAN to construct a gene expression profile. We obtained PPI network by Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Networks Genes (STRING) and screened core genes using cytoscape software. Functional enrichment analyses were carried out and the expression of CHST in human tissues and tumors was observed. Finally, a CCA model was established for qPCR and staining validation.

Results

Three differentially expressed genes (DEGs), CHST4, MBOAT4 and RP11-525K10.3, were obtained. All were more over-expressed in CCA samples than the normal, among which the change multiple and the gene expression difference of CHST4 was the most obvious. Therefore, CHST4 was selected as the core gene. We can see in our established protein–protein interaction (PPI) network that CHST4 had the highest degree of connectivity, demonstrating its close association with CCA. We found that genes were mainly enriched in CCs in the PPI networks genes which shows functional enrichment analysis results, including golgi lumen, extracellular space and extracellular region. CHST4 was found very specifically expressed in the bile duct and was significantly different from that in normal tissues. The overexpression of CHST4 was further verified in the established animal model of TAA-induced CCA in rats. Quantitative PCR (qPCR) demonstrated that CHST4 was significantly overexpressed in tumor tissues, verifying the role of CHST4 as the core gene of CCA.

Conclusion

CHST4 was increasingly expressed in CCA and CHST4 is worth being studied much further in the intervention of CCA.
Changes in fetal growth restriction and retinopathy of prematurity during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Obata Shumpei , Matsumoto Riko , Kakinoki Masashi , Tsuji Shunichiro , Murakami Takashi , Yanagi Takahide , Maruo Yoshihiro , Ohji Masahito
Published: March 2022

Purpose

To investigate changes in the number of preterm infants, low birth weight infants, and infants with fetal growth restriction (FGR) or retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

Methods

In this retrospective cross-sectional study, we reviewed the medical records of infants born and admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit and growth care unit of Shiga University of Medical Science Hospital before the COVID-19 pandemic (April 1, 2019 to September 30, 2019) and during the pandemic (April 1, 2020 to September 30, 2020). Medical records of infants’ mothers were also collected. Preterm infants, low birth weight infants, infants with FGR, infant and maternal factors associated with FGR, and infants requiring treatment for ROP were compared between the two periods.

Results

There were fewer infants born at < 28 weeks of gestation, infants with birth weight < 1,500 g, and infants with FGR during the pandemic period than the pre-pandemic period (pre-pandemic: n = 4 vs. during pandemic: n = 0, P = 0.048; pre-pandemic: n = 15 vs. during pandemic: n = 6, P = 0.02; and pre-pandemic: n = 31 vs. during pandemic: n = 12, P = 0.0002, respectively). There were no significant differences in any infant or maternal factors associated with FGR. The number of infants requiring treatment for ROP decreased during the pandemic, although this difference was not statistically significant (pre-pandemic: n = 3 vs. during pandemic: n = 0, P = 0.08).

Conclusions

Our findings showed a reduction in the number of infants with FGR during the COVID-19 pandemic. The number of infants born at < 28 weeks of gestation and infants with birth weight < 1,500 g also decreased during the pandemic period. There was a trend toward fewer infants requiring treatment for ROP during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Leisure-time physical activity in Amazonian pregnant women and offspring birth weight: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Malta Maíra B. , Neves Paulo A. R. , Lourenço Bárbara H. , Benício Maria Helena D. A. , Werneck Guilherme L. , Castro Marcia C. , Cardoso Marly A. ,   for the MINA-Brazil Study Working Group
Published: March 2022

Compelling evidence supports the current international recommendation of at least 150 min/week of leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) during pregnancy. However, the potential relationship between LTPA and birth weight (BW) remains unclear in low- and middle-income countries. The purpose of this study was to examine the association between LTPA during pregnancy and offspring BW in an Amazonian population. Prospective cohort study was carried-out with 500 pregnant women and their offspring followed-up in the MINA-Brazil study, which was conducted in Cruzeiro do Sul, Western Brazilian Amazon. LTPA was assessed in the second (mean 19.6, SD 2.4 weeks) and third (mean 27.8, SD 1.6 weeks) gestational trimesters by a standardised interview and categorised according to the recommended cut-off of at least 150 min/week. We calculated offspring BW z-scores by sex and gestational age. We then explored the effect of LTPA during pregnancy on offspring BW, the association between LTPA and small-for-gestational-age (SGA) or large-for-gestational-age (LGA) births, and the mediating role of excessive and insufficient gestational weight gain (GWG). At least 150 min/week of LTPA during the third gestational trimester was associated with an offspring BW decrease of -0.35 z-score (95% CI: -0.65, -0.05) or -147.9 grams (95% CI: -260.9, -14.8), without increasing the frequency of SGA foetuses either in the second or third gestational trimester (p > 0.05). Excessive GWG mediated the effect of LTPA on the offspring BW (indirect effect = -0.05 z-score [95% CI: -0.10, -0.00] or -34.7 grams (95% CI: -66.1, -3.3]). This mediation effect was not observed for insufficient GWG. LTPA in the third, but not in the second, trimester of pregnancy was inversely associated with offspring BW without increasing the frequency of SGA, an effect that was partly mediated by excessive GWG.
PDGFR-β signaling mediates HMGB1 release in mechanically stressed vascular smooth muscle cells
Authors: Kim Ji On , Baek Seung Eun , Jeon Eun Yeong , Choi Jong Min , Jang Eun Jeong , Kim Chi Dae
Published: March 2022

Mechanically stressed vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) have potential roles in the development of vascular complications. However, the underlying mechanisms are unclear. Using VSMCs cultured from rat thoracic aorta explants, we investigated the effects of mechanical stretch (MS) on the cellular secretion of high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), a major damage-associated molecular pattern that mediates vascular complications in stressed vasculature. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) demonstrated an increase in the secretion of HMGB1 in VSMCs stimulated with MS (0–3% strain, 60 cycles/min), and this secretion was markedly and time-dependently increased at 3% MS. The increased secretion of HMGB1 at 3% MS was accompanied by an increased cytosolic translocation of nuclear HMGB1; the acetylated and phosphorylated forms of this protein were significantly increased. Among various inhibitors of membrane receptors mediating mechanical signals, AG1295 (a platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR) inhibitor) attenuated MS-induced HMGB1 secretion. Inhibitors of other receptors, including epidermal growth factor, insulin-like growth factor, and fibroblast growth factor receptors, did not inhibit this secretion. Additionally, MS-induced HMGB1 secretion was markedly attenuated in PDGFR-β-deficient cells but not in cells transfected with PDGFR-α siRNA. Likewise, PDGF-DD, but not PDGF-AA, directly increased HMGB1 secretion in VSMCs, indicating a pivotal role of PDGFR-β signaling in the secretion of this protein in VSMCs. Thus, targeting PDGFR-β-mediated secretion of HMGB1 in VSMCs might be a promising therapeutic strategy for vascular complications associated with hypertension.
Interventions for cancer screening among Chinese Americans: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Lei Fang , Zheng Ying , Lee Eunice
Published: March 2022

Background

Cancer is the leading cause of death among Chinese Americans (CAs). Although death rates of cancers can be significantly reduced by screening cancers at an early stage, cancer screening (CS) rates are low among CAs. Interventions on CS may increase the uptake rates of CS and help to decrease the death rates of cancers in CAs.

Objectives

This study aims to summarize the intervention methods on CS among CAs and compare effects of various intervention methods on the outcomes of CS, including knowledge levels of CS, intentions to complete CS, and actual completions of CS.

Methods

A systematic review and meta-analysis design was used. Keyword searching was conducted on PubMed, Google Scholar, PsycINFO, and CINAHL. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied. The PEDro scale was used to evaluate the quality of the studies. Data was analyzed using Review Manager Version 5.4 software. Random effect model and subgroup analyses were conducted.

Results

The search yielded 13 eligible studies. All of the reviewed interventions were culturally tailored. Systematic review results were categorized by intervention delivery objects, intervention led, intervention contact, intervention types, and intervention focus according to group consensus. Meta-analysis results showed that the interventions on CS had a positive effect on all outcomes, including a 1.58 (95% CI, 1.17–2.14; P = 0.003), 1.78 (95% CI, 1.27–2.48; P = 0.0007), and 1.72 (95% CI, 1.22–2.42; P = 0.002) effect on knowledge of CS, intentions to complete CS, and completions of CS, respectively, compared to the control group. The subgroup analysis suggested that physician-led, individual-based, face-to-face client-focused interventions with multiple components increased CS among CAs, with the OR ranging from 1.60 (95% CI, 1.08–2.39; P = 0.02) to 3.11 (95%CI, 1.02–9.49; P = 0.05).

Discussion

Interventions on CS significantly increased CAs’ knowledge of CS, intentions to complete CS, and completions of CS. Physician-led, individual-based, face-to-face client-focused interventions with multiple components should be utilized for CAs.
Late Pleistocene pottery production and exchange: Provenance studies of hunter-gatherer wares from southern Kyushu, Japan by neutron activation analysis
Authors: Iizuka Fumie , Ferguson Jeffrey R. , Izuho Masami
Published: March 2022

Late Pleistocene hunter-gatherers in East Asia adopted pottery, yet the ability to reconstruct circulation, mobility, and exchange has been hampered, in part, due to problematic regional geochronology. The driving forces behind pottery adoption is unclear. The purpose of this study is to test our results of the first systematic petrographic pottery sourcing from the pre-Younger Dryas by utilizing neutron activation analysis. We examine samples from the Sankauyama I site on Tanegashima Island, southern Japan, dating to the Incipient Jomon, ca. 14,000/13,500–12,800 cal BP, with a well-defined geochronology. Our NAA results corroborate with the petrographic study suggesting that pottery was mainly produced in-situ, but some vessels were transported long distances from another island. Changing from high mobility, sedentary Incipient Jomon foragers made pottery, occasionally investing in long-distance ceramic vessel transportation and exchange likely involving ocean crossing. This may be associated with a risk-buffering strategy in the context of rising sea levels and isolation of Tanegashima.
18F-FSPG PET imaging for the evaluation of indeterminate pulmonary nodules
Authors: Paez Rafael , Shah Chirayu , Cords Angelina J. , Muterspaugh Anel , Helton John E. , Antic Sanja , Eisenberg Rosana , Chen Heidi , Grogan Eric L. , Manning Henry C. , Walker Ronald C. , Massion Pierre P.
Published: March 2022

Background

18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET/CT is recommended for evaluation of intermediate-risk indeterminate pulmonary nodules (IPNs). While highly sensitive, the specificity of FDG remains suboptimal for differentiating malignant from benign nodules, particularly in areas where fungal lung diseases are prevalent. Thus, a cancer-specific imaging probe is greatly needed. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that a PET radiotracer (S)-4-(3-[18F]-fluoropropyl)-L-glutamic acid (FSPG) improves the diagnostic accuracy of IPNs compared to 18F-FDG PET/CT.

Methods

This study was conducted at a major academic medical center and an affiliated VA medical center. Twenty-six patients with newly discovered IPNs 7-30mm diameter or newly diagnosed lung cancer completed serial PET/CT scans utilizing 18F-FDG and 18F-FSPG, without intervening treatment of the lesion. The scans were independently reviewed by two dual-trained diagnostic radiology and nuclear medicine physicians. Characteristics evaluated included quantitative SUVmax values of the pulmonary nodules and metastases.

Results

A total of 17 out of 26 patients had cancer and 9 had benign lesions. 18F-FSPG was negative in 6 of 9 benign lesions compared to 7 of 9 with 18F-FDG. 18F-FSPG and 18F-FDG were positive in 14 of 17 and 12 of 17 malignant lesions, respectively. 18F-FSPG detected brain and intracardiac metastases missed by 18F-FDG PET in one case, while 18F-FDG detected a metastasis to the kidney missed by 18F-FSPG.

Conclusion

In this pilot study, there was no significant difference in overall diagnostic accuracy between 18F-FSPG and 18F-FDG for the evaluation of IPNs and staging of lung cancer. Additional studies will be needed to determine the clinical utility of this tracer in the management of IPNs and lung cancer.
Steatosis is involved in the progression of kidney disease in a high-fat-diet-induced non-alcoholic steatohepatitis mouse model
Authors: Hamada Shintaro , Takata Tomoaki , Yamada Kentaro , Yamamoto Marie , Mae Yukari , Iyama Takuji , Ikeda Suguru , Kanda Tsutomu , Sugihara Takaaki , Isomoto Hajime
Published: March 2022

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) are major health issues associated with the metabolic syndrome. Although NASH is a known risk factor of CKD, the mechanisms linking these two diseases remain poorly understood. We aimed to investigate alterations in the kidney complicated with dyslipidemia in an established NASH mouse model. Male C57BL6/J mice were fed with control diet or high-fat diet (HFD), containing 40% fat, 22% fructose, and 2% cholesterol for 16 weeks. Metabolic characteristics, histological changes in the kidney, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, apoptosis, and fibrosis were evaluated by histological analysis, immunoblotting, and quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Levels of serum aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkali-phosphatase, total cholesterol, and urinary albumin were significantly higher in mice fed with HFD. Remarkable steatosis, glomerular hypertrophy, and interstitial fibrosis were also shown in in the kidney by leveraging HFD. Furthermore, HFD increased the mRNA expression levels of Casp3, Tgfb1, and Nfe2l2 and the protein level of BiP. We observed the early changes of CKD and speculate that the underlying mechanisms that link CKD and NASH are the induction of ER stress and apoptosis. Further, we observed the activation of Nfe2l2 in the steatosis-induced CKD mouse model. This NASH model holds implications in investigating the mechanisms linking dyslipidemia and CKD.
Epidemiology of atrial fibrillation in the All of Us Research Program
Authors: Alonso Alvaro , Alam Aniqa B. , Kamel Hooman , Subbian Vignesh , Qian Jun , Boerwinkle Eric , Cicek Mine , Clark Cheryl R. , Cohn Elizabeth G. , Gebo Kelly A. , Loperena-Cortes Roxana , Mayo Kelsey R. , Mockrin Stephen , Ohno-Machado Lucila , Schully Sheri D. , Ramirez Andrea H. , Greenland Philip
Published: March 2022

Background

The prevalence, incidence and risk factors of atrial fibrillation (AF) in a large, geographically and ethnically diverse cohort in the United States have not been fully described.

Methods

We analyzed data from 173,099 participants of the All of Us Research Program recruited in the period 2017–2019, with 92,318 of them having electronic health records (EHR) data available, and 35,483 having completed a medical history survey. Presence of AF at baseline was identified from self-report and EHR records. Incident AF was obtained from EHR. Demographic, anthropometric and clinical risk factors were obtained from questionnaires, baseline physical measurements and EHR.

Results

At enrollment, mean age was 52 years old (range 18–89). Females and males accounted for 61% and 39% respectively. Non-Hispanic Whites accounted for 67% of participants, with non-Hispanic Blacks, non-Hispanic Asians and Hispanics accounting for 26%, 4% and 3% of participants, respectively. Among 92,318 participants with available EHR data, 3,885 (4.2%) had AF at the time of study enrollment, while the corresponding figure among 35,483 with medical history data was 2,084 (5.9%). During a median follow-up of 16 months, 354 new cases of AF were identified among 88,433 eligible participants. Individuals who were older, male, non-Hispanic white, had higher body mass index, or a prior history of heart failure or coronary heart disease had higher prevalence and incidence of AF.

Conclusion

The epidemiology of AF in the All of Us Research Program is similar to that reported in smaller studies with careful phenotyping, highlighting the value of this new resource for the study of AF and, potentially, other cardiovascular diseases.
Pharmacodynamics and Pharmacokinetics of the Potassium-Competitive Acid Blocker Vonoprazan and the Proton Pump Inhibitor Lansoprazole in US Subjects
Authors: Laine Loren , Sharma Prateek , Mulford Darcy J. , Hunt Barbara , Leifke Eckhard , Smith Neila , Howden Colin W.
Published: March 2022

INTRODUCTION:

We assessed pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of a potassium-competitive acid blocker and proton pump inhibitor in US subjects.

METHODS:

Healthy adults were randomized to 7-day periods of vonoprazan 20 mg once daily followed by lansoprazole 30 mg once daily or the reverse order, separated by ≥ 7 days of washout.

RESULTS:

Vonoprazan (N = 40) had higher proportions of 24-hour periods with intragastric pH > 4 than lansoprazole (N = 41,38) on day 1 (62.4% vs 22.6%, P < 0.0001) and day 7 (87.8% vs 42.3%, P < 0.0001). Separation in pH started ∼2.5 hours after the first dose.

DISCUSSION:

Vonoprazan provided more rapid and potent inhibition of intragastric acidity than lansoprazole in US subjects.
Pentingnya Literasi Budaya di Desa Seni Jurang Blimbing
Authors: Triyono Triyono
Published: March 2022

Desa Jurang Blimbing teretak di Kelurahan Tembalang, Kota Semarang, Provinsi Jawa Tengah. Di desa  ini terdapat beberapa kesenian seperti Ketoprak, Kuda Lumping, dan Kaligrafi. Seiring dengan perkembangan zaman, kesenian-kesenian tersebut harus dilestarikan agar tidak punah dan identitas bangsa tetap terjaga. Pemerintah lewat Kementerian Pendidikan dan Budaya sudah memiliki program literasi budaya yang mendukung tujuan pelestarian tersebut  yaitu Gerakan Literasi Nasional. Hal tersebut akhirnya melatarbelakangi penelitian ini untuk mencari tahu sudahkah gerakan literasi budaya  dilakukan di desa Jurang Blimbing. Metode yang digunakan adalah penelitian kualitatif, dengan pengambilan data melalui observasi langsung di desa Jurang Blimbing dan wawancara langsung dengan tokoh masyarakat, seniman dan masyarakat umum. Dari penelitian yang dilakukan kemudian didapatkan hasil bahwa seluruh masyarakat di desa Jurang Blimbing tidak mengetahui program pemerintah tersebut. Namun beberapa upaya pelestarian sudah dilakukan dan jika dilihat dengan seksama upaya tersebut merupakan salah satu bentuk dari literasi budaya. Masyarakat desa Jurang Blimbing sudah memiiki kesadaran untuk melestarikan tetapi upaya yang dilakukan kurang maksimal dan tidak tepat sasaran. Dari hasil tersebut, sosialisasi gerakan literasi budaya dari pemerintah sangat dibutuhkan agar masyarakat dapat mengetahui apa yang harus dilakukan untuk lebih mengenal dan melestarikan seni budaya setempat. Selain itu, dukungan dari pustakawan atau pegiat literasi dibutuhkan untuk mendukung keberjalanan program tersebut. Dengan dukungan dan arahan yang telah dilakukan tersebut, diharapkan masyarakat dapat memahami dan berperan aktif dalam pelaksanaan literasi budaya.
Menanamkan Budaya Membaca pada Anak Usia Dini
Authors: Irhandayaningsih Ana
Published: March 2022

Artikel ini berjudul Menanamkan Budaya Membaca Pada Anak Usia Dini. Di dalam artikel ini terdapat pembahasan mengenai mempersiapkan generasi penerus yang berkualitas dan berwawasan luas dan mencintai buku. menanamkan budaya membaca pada anak usia dini dilakukan di lingkungan pendidikan formal maupun non formal. Pendidikan non formal melalui Taman Penitipan Anak, Kelompok Bermain, dan Pendidikan Anak Usia Dini. Tetapi sebelumnya anak-anak mendapatkan pendidikan di dalam keluarga. Dalam keluargalah anak belajar mengenal lingkungan terdekat, baru kemudian dianjutkan ke TK TPA dan PAUD. Masih terdapat penghambat dalam menanamkan budaya membaca pada anak usia dini, antara lain masih kurangnya kesadaran orang tua untuk selalu mendampingi anaknya dan membimbing anaknya mengenal buku, kurangnya koleksi di TPA di TK maupun di PAUD. Terdapat pembahasan mengenai program untuk mengatasi hal tersebut, yaitu pengadaan koleksi buku bacaan untuk anak usia dini di tempat pendidikan non formal maupun formal. Dalam penulisan artikel ini   penulis menggunakan metode deskriptif. Mengamati secara langsung maupun tidak langsung pada anak-anak usia dini yang terdapat di sekitar lingkungan kita.  Dari hasil pengamatan tersebut, diketahui bahwa pentingnya  membaca untuk anak usia dini, mengingat mereka adalah embrio dari generasi penerus yang akan meneruskan keberlangsungan bangsa. Diharapkan bisa berkelanjutan tdk hanya sekarang tapi juga yang akan datang sehingga kesempatan untuk memiliki generasi penerus yang berkualitas dan berwawasan luas terbuka lebar bagi masyarakat Indonesia.
Peran Pustakawan Sebagai Kreator Konten Digital
Authors: Husna Jazimatul
Published: March 2022

Penelitian ini membahas perubahan peran pustakawan sebagai perantara informasi karena pengenalan bentuk-bentuk baru dari konten digital yang dibawa oleh teknologi informasi dan komunikasi modern. Fokus utama adalah pada cara di mana perubahan ini telah mempengaruhi tanggung jawab moral pustakawan. peneliti  ingin memfokuskan pada Peran Pustakawan Sebagai Kreator Konten  Digital,  konten yang dimaksud adalah konten digital disebarluaskan di internet melalui media sosial. penelitian ini mengidentifikasi beberapa kecenderungan dalam penciptaan dan penggunaan konten digital dan mengeksplorasi implikasi etis dari tanggung jawab pustakawan dalam merealisasikan tugas tersebut. Untuk mewujudkan peran pustakawan sebagai kreator konten  Digital, pustakawan sebaiknya menggunakan langkah baru, dengan melakukan pemiloihan dan pembuatatan akun di media sosial, membuat konten dan melakukan promosi. Dari beberapa apilihan media sosial, pustakawan menggunakan empat media soaial yang paling popular, yaitu istagram, twitter, facebook dan whatsApp. Pendekatan dan metode penelitian kali ini, menggunakan penelitian kualitatif  deskriptif, Peneliti mengumpulkan data-data penelitian memalui membaca dan mencatat serta mengolah bahan pustaka.
Makna Simbolik Ritual Jembul Tulakan di Desa Tulakan Kecamatan Donorojo Kabupaten Jepara
Authors: Rukiyah Rukiyah
Published: March 2022

Tujuan penelitian ini adalah 1) menjelaskan asal-usul Ritual Jembul Tulakan; 2) menjelaskan prosesi ritual Jembul Tulakan; 3) menjelaskan makna simbolik Ritual Jembul Tulakan. Metode yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah wawancara, studi pustaka, analisis langsung, dan penyajian deskriptif. Teori yang dipakai sebagai landasan penelitian adalah teori folklor dan teori kebudayaan. Hasil penelitian yang didapat adalah Ritual Jembul Tulakan berawal dari mimpi delapan warga desa dalam waktu bersamaan, prosesi ritual diawali dengan pencucian kaki kepala desa, mengitari jembul, dan resikan. Makna simbolik ritual ini antara lain rasa kebersamaan dan persaudaraan.
Pemindahan Pengetahuan Lokal Komunitas Nelayan Tradisional Desa Kedungmalang
Authors: Andesfi Ari , Prasetyawan Yanuar Yoga
Published: March 2022

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui dan menganalisis fenomena dan proses pemindahan pengetahuan (knowledge transfer) yang terjadi pada Kelompok Nelayan Tradisional Desa Kedungmalang, Jepara, Jawa Tengah. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode penelitian kualitatif dengan pendekatan studi kasus. Teknik pengumpulan data yang dilakukan yaitu menggunakan wawancara mendalam, observasi, serta studi pustaka dan dokumentasi. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa pengetahuan lokal yang dimiliki Kelompok Masyarakat Nelayan Tradisonal Desa Kedungmalang cukup bervariasi yang dikategorikan ke dalam tiga jenis, yaitu pengetahuan yang diwariskan secara turun temurun, pengetahuan berdasarkan pengalaman melaut selama bertahun-bertahun, dan pengetahuan yang tercipta dari kegiatan interaksi antara individu nelayan dengan sesama nelayan sebagai pemilik pengetahuan serta interaksi dengan pihak eksternal seperti Dinas Perikanan dan Kelautan Jepara dan akademisi dari Universitas Diponegoro. Kegiatan pemindahan pengetahuan lokal (local knowledge transfer) terjadi melalui sosialisasi (socialization) antara bapak-anak dalam sebuah keluarga nelayan serta sosialisasi yang terjadi dalam kegiatan berbagi pengetahuan di dalam sebuah komunitas praktis (community of practice/CoP), yaitu kelompok-kelompok nelayan aktif di Desa Kedungmalang yang menempatkan individu sebagai tandon pengetahuan (people-based knowledge repository). Selain itu, terdapat terdapatnya model pemindahan pengetahuan externalization (eksternalisasi) berupa inovasi pembuatan alat tangkap ikan “sodong” ramah lingkungan yang merupakan akumulasi/perpaduan antara pengetahuan tacit dan pengalaman individu nelayan dengan interaksi pada kelompok nelayan maupun dengan pihak eksternal.
Kontrol Informasi Publik terhadap Fake News dan Hate Speech oleh Aliansi Jurnalis Independen
Authors: Khosiah Fatma , Rohmiyati Yuli
Published: March 2022

Penelitian ini membahas Peran Aliansi Jurnalis Independen dalam Kontrol Informasi Publik terhadap Fake News dan Hate Speech. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui peran aliansi jurnalis independen dalam kontrol informasi publik terhadap fake news dan hate speech. Metode penelitian yang digunakan pada penelitian ialah kualitatif menggunakan pendekatan studi kasus dengan metode analisis data tematik. Berdasarkan penelitian yang telah dilakukan, ditemukan 4 tema yang merupakan Peran Aliansi Jurnalis Independen dalam Kontrol Informasi Publik terhadap Fake News dan Hate Speech diantaranya adalah perannya dalam pelaksanaan program pelatihan, Implementasi Program pelatihan dan pembekalan kompetensi terkait Pengendalian misinformasi dan disinformasi (false news, fake news, hoax), kerjasama eksternal dan diseminasi pengetahuan. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukan Peran Aliansi Jurnalis Independen dalam Kontrol Informasi Publik terhadap Fake News dan Hate Speech sejauh ini masih dalam pembekalan pengetahuan dan kompetensi terkait identifikasi informasi sebagai analisa dasar atas informasi, dan verifikasi informasi untuk mengecek kebersihan data digital (digital hygiene), melakukan pencarian dan penelusuran data dengan beragam tools yang digunakan untuk melakukan investigasi secara online di lingkup internal serta melakukan kerjasama lintas organisasi dalam rangka mendiseminasikan pengetahuan ke masyarakat. Dalam menjalankan perannya terkait penelitian ini, Aliansi Jurnalis Independen wilayah Semarang menempatkan posisinya sebagai fasilitator dan desiminator.
Website Borobudurpedia Sebagai Sarana Pencarian Informasi Situs Dunia Candi Borobudur
Authors: Pratiwi Anggita , Dewi Athanasia Octaviani Puspita
Published: March 2022

Penelitian ini berjudul “Website Borobudurpedia sebagai Sarana Pencarian Informasi Situs Dunia Candi Borobudur” yang dilatarbelakangi oleh banyaknya website yang tersedia di mesin pencari banyak yang bukan website yang resmi dan terpercaya. Sedangkan website Borobudurpedia merupakan sebuah website yang dibuat oleh Balai Konservasi Borobudur sebuah lembaga resmi yang memiliki wewenang dalan perawatan dan pengelolaan Candi Borobudur. Website Borobudurpedia sebagai wadah publikasi informasi mengenai Candi Borobudur secara luas dan lengkap kepada masyarakat. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui tentang seberapa besar efektivitas website Borobudurpedia sebagai produk kemas ulang informasi situs dunia Candi Borobudur. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode penelitian kuantitatif dengan teknik pengambilan sampel adalah accidental sampling dan didapatkan sebanyak 312 sampel yang merupakan pengguna dari website Borobudurpedia. Teknik pengumpulan data dalam penelitian ini menggunakan kuesioner. Berdasarkan hasil dari penelitian ini yaitu efektivitas website Borobudurpedia sebagai sarana pencarian informasi situs dunia Candi Borobudur yang telah diukur dengan model difusi inovasi. Terdapat lima indikator yang diukur yaitu kesadaran, timbul minat dan pengetahuan, pembentukan perilaku, keputusan mencoba, dan penerimaan atau penolakan. Dari hasil pengukuran tersebut didapatkan nilai rata-rata sebesar 3,74 yang masuk ke dalam kategori efektif.
Strategi Peningkatan Minat Baca Kelompok Tunanetra melalui Media Audiobook (Studi pada SLB-A Bina Insani Bandar Lampung)
Authors: Purnamayanti Arnila , Putri Alviarana Tsamarah Utami
Published: March 2022

Penggunaan buku audio dianggap lebih efektif karena kelompok tunanetra biasanya lebih fokus dalam hal pendengaran. Media audio dapat memaksimalkan indra yang masih dimiliki oleh orang buta, indera pendengaran. Audiobook  merupakan rekaman teks buku atau tulisan lisan dalam bentuk audio yang dapat didengarkan oleh audien dengan isi/substansi sama seperti ketika mereka membaca buku. Audiobook sendiri memiliki banyak manfaat dibandingkan dengan media lainya apalagi sebagai alternative media pembelajaran. Sebagai media pelajaran bagi kelompok tunanetra, dengan menggunakan  Audiobook  secara tidak langsung dapat menguasai teknologi informasi atau IPTEK. Dengan koleksi bacaan yang lebih variatif sehingga mampu mendorong siswa SLB-A Bina Insani untuk meningkatkan minat baca. Tujuan akhir penulis untuk SLB-A Bina Insani yaitu diharapkan dapat membantu dalam  meningkatkan minat baca di SLB-A Bina Insani, dikarenakan jenjang Sekolah Dasar (SD) menjadi titik awal pengembangan kemampuan literasi di pendidikan formal. Di level ini, peserta didik dikenalkan dengan keterampilan literasi dasar yaitu keterampilan mendengarkan, berbicara, membaca dan menulis. Keterampilan ini akan berkembang dengan adanya pembiasaan dan bertujuan untuk menciptakaan SDM yang unggul dan mandiri di era revolusi industri 4.0.