bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Are Technical Skills Assessed Using Medical Knowledge Associated with Non-technical Skill Knowledge in Anaesthesia Resident Training?
Authors: Oofuvong Maliwan , Pattaravit Ngamjit , Kanjanawanichkul Orarat , Siripruekpong Sirikarn , Nuanjun Kanjana , Suwannarat Boonthida
Published: December 2022

Objective: We examined the association between midterm examinations and anaesthetists’ non-technical skills (ANTS) knowledge using multiple choice questions (MCQs) for anaesthesia training.

Materials and Methods: A prospective cross-sectional study was implemented based on two cohort studies conducted in November 2017 and November 2019 at the university hospital in southern Thailand. Each cohort consisted of MCQs, short answer questions (SAQs), objective structured clinical examinations (OSCEs), and MCQs after ANTS simulation workshops during the midterm examinations. The main exposure variable was the midterm examination (MCQs/ SAQs/ OSCEs) whereas the ANTS MCQs were the outcome. The potential predictors were the residents’ role, sex, PGY (1-3), and competency. Associations between midterm examinations and ANTS MCQ scores were analysed using Pearson’s correlation coefficients (r) and multivariate linear regression analysis, and presented as beta coefficient (β) and 95% confidence limit (CL).

Results: Forty-eight anaesthesia residents were recruited for the study. After adjusting for PGY, knowledge score, and attitude evaluated by the staff, OSCE was found to be significantly associated with the pretest ANTS scores (β [95% CL]= 1.02 (0.06, 1.98)) and MCQ scores were significantly associated with the posttest ANTS scores (β [95% CL]= 0.14 (0.04, 0.24)). SAQ scores had negative associations with the pretest (β [95% CL]=-0.11 (-0.21, -0.01)) and posttest (β [95% CL]=-0.16 (-0.27, -0.05)) ANTS scores. It was found that there was a significant relationship between midterm examinations and posttest ANTS scores (r=0.52).

Conclusion: Technical skills using OSCE and midterm MCQ examination scores were associated with non-technical skill knowledge in anaesthesia training.
Herramienta para revisión digital y captación de datos de proyectos de construcción
Authors: Rojas Henrry , Yaguana Axel , Baculima Francisco
Published: December 2022

La construcción informal genera incertidumbre de comportamiento estructural de los proyectos, que a su vez implican vulnerabilidad frente a fuentes de peligro como los terremotos. Una de las razones de la proliferación de la informalidad en la industria de la construcción es la falta de regulación y control. Las instituciones a cargo de los procesos de revisión de diseño, aprobación y supervisión de proyectos de construcción poseen limitaciones de recursos económicos y humanos para el desarrollo de sus funciones. Así, es necesario optimizar procesos con el fin de mejorar las labores de regulación. Una de las etapas críticas para el control de cumplimiento normativo es la aprobación de diseños estructurales. El presente trabajo tiene como objetivo desarrollar una plataforma de código abierto que permita crear, supervisar, aprobar y almacenar datos e información de diseños estructurales. A través del uso de tecnologías frontend:  HTML, CSS y JavaScript se configuró la plataforma virtual. Los inputs requeridos para la creación de los informes estructurales pretenden que los informes generados sean concisos para facilitar las labores de revisión y almacenamiento de datos. La plataforma fue evaluada y calificada positivamente por un grupo de profesionales del área de la ingeniería estructural.
The father in psychoanalysis
Authors: Alderson Gordon
Published: December 2022

In this article the author offers a brief examination of the history of fathers as they have been represented in the psychoanalytic tradition. Of particular interest is the way in which the father, as a principal foundational figure in the history, is later eclipsed by the foregrounding of the mother. The author traces the father's presence, absence, and then reappearance in this account. He suggests that the father's eventual return to a central position in psychoanalytic thought is a consequence of Lacan's reinterpretation of Freud's oedipal father. This way of thinking posits the father as a symbolic figure who eludes gender specificity but who plays a key role in the child's separation from the mother and entry into the wider world.
Polymeric nanocarriers co-encapsulating PET probes and protein therapeutics
Authors: Markwalter Chester , Wang Leon , Sharaf Ola , Padakanti Prashanth , Esposito Mark , Wilson Brian , Blankemeyer Eric , Carlin Sean , Alavi Abass , Prud'homme Robert K.
Published: December 2022

Nanocarriers encapsulating nucleic acids or protein therapeutics are important tools for modulating biodistribution and enhancing intracellular delivery of biologics. We have recently developed inverse Flash NanoPrecipitation (iFNP), demonstrating its effectiveness in encapsulating biologics at high loadings and encapsulation efficiency. Here, we present the biodistribution of two iFNP nanocarriers using 64Cu positron emission tomography imaging in a murine adenocarcinoma xenograft model characterized by elevated macrophage content. Two nanocarriers with similar sizes and surfaces were prepared. iFNP produces core-shell-corona nanocarriers where the hydrophobic shell layer in one case was poly(lactic acid) (PLA), and the other nanocarrier shell was poly(styrene) (PS). While the expectation was that the biodistribution and clearance of both nanocarriers would be similar, it was found that the clearance of the PS nanocarrier oc-curred in less than 3 hours while the PLA nanocarrier exhibited sustained circulation times. The mechanism of nanocarrier instability for the PS shell nanocarrier manifests as the development of a negative surface charge due to the exposure of the anionic nanocarrier inner core. The stable PLA-based formulation exhibited circulation times greater than 24 hours and enhanced accumu-lation in the lymphatics and the tumor relative to the unstable formulation. The novel mecha-nism of encapsulation by iFNP motivates the fundamental studies on nanoparticle biodistribu-tion reported here.
Cancer epigenetics in clinical practice
Authors: Davalos Veronica , Esteller Manel
Published: December 2022

Cancer development is driven by the accumulation of alterations affecting the structure and function of the genome. Whereas genetic changes disrupt the DNA sequence, epigenetic alterations contribute to the acquisition of hallmark tumor capabilities by regulating gene expression programs that promote tumorigenesis. Shifts in DNA methylation and histone mark patterns, the two main epigenetic modifications, orchestrate tumor progression and metastasis. These cancer‐specific events have been exploited as useful tools for diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment choice to aid clinical decision making. Moreover, the reversibility of epigenetic modifications, in contrast to the irreversibility of genetic changes, has made the epigenetic machinery an attractive target for drug development. This review summarizes the most advanced applications of epigenetic biomarkers and epigenetic drugs in the clinical setting, highlighting commercially available DNA methylation‐based assays and epigenetic drugs already approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.
Pengendalian Waktu Pembangunan Jalan Poros Desa Ruas Kedungprahu- Sukowiyono
Authors: Supriyono Lyya , Fatmawati Laily
Published: December 2022

Abstractâ€” The road is a vital tool for the village community where the majority of their livelihood is as a farmer. Increasing the economy in the village is not only determined from agricultural yields but also determined by supporting facilities and infrastructure such as road repair. The road construction process with a long duration of time will certainly hamper the performance of the farmers which has an impact on declining income. Therefore it is necessary to control the working time on the Construction of the Village Axis Road Kedungprahu-Sukowiyono so that work can be completed as quickly as possible without reducing the quality of road pavement work. In this study we use the CPM (Critical Parth Method) method in evaluating the scheduling of the Kedungprahu-Sukowiyono road segment construction project. With the CPM (Critical Parth Method) Method we can find out the critical paths and non-critical paths. The results of the study of controlling the time of construction of the village road axis of the Kedungprahu-Sukowiyono section were accelerated on the critical path. Savings of funds amounted to 1,723,879.68, there was no change in the critical path after accelerating the project with the addition of overtime hours, the implementation time from 60 days to 55 days.Â Keywordsâ€”: Time control; road; kedungprahu.
TEACHING IN PANDEMIC: TEACHERS’ EXPERIENCES DURING CORONAVIRUS OUTBREAK
Authors: Muliyah Pipit , Aminatun Dyah , Septiyana Linda
Published: December 2022

In 2020, novel coronavirus or Covid-19 spread rapidly via international air travel from China to many cities across the world, and it is resulting in over a million cases of infections and deaths. In Indonesia, as the virus invaded the community so did fear. This paper used a case study to investigate teachers’ experiences of the role played by digital technology. The interview and questionnaire results showed that teachers were faced with the challenge of using digital technology to provide an education that would reach beyond school walls into the homes and computers of Indonesian students. Teachers had to re-think their teaching strategies and provide their students with new and different opportunities to work through curriculum requirements. Covid-19 provided a catalyst for the intense use of ICT in ways that had not been anticipated or prepared for. The plunge into ICT was a voyage of exciting discovery for some and frustration for others. Either way, it had an impact on subsequent perceptions of the potential and shortcomings of ICT in education in Indonesia.
Hypertensive crisis following mRNA COVID-19 vaccination in adolescents: two case reports
Authors: Cho Myung Hyun , Cheong Hae Il
Published: December 2022

In response to the global coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, vaccines were developed and approved quickly. However, numerous cardiovascular adverse events have been reported. We present two adolescent cases who developed a hypertensive crisis following NT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 vaccination. Patient 1 was an 18-year-old male and his systolic blood pressure was 230 mmHg one day after the second vaccine. He was obese. No secondary cause of hypertension other than the vaccine was identified. Patient 2 was an 18-year-old male who complained with palpitation after the first vaccine. His blood pressure was 178/109 mmHg. He had autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease. Both were treated with continuous infusion of labetalol followed by losartan, and blood pressure was controlled. Patient 2 received second vaccination and his blood pressure did not rise. It is warranted to measure blood pressure in adolescents at high risk of hypertension after NT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 vaccination.
Tumor venéreo transmissível extragenital primário com metástase esplênica: relato de caso clínico
Authors: Gundim Lígia Fernandes , Souza Rafael Rocha de , Coleto Arlinda Flores , Moreira Thaís de Almeida , Tivelli Patrícia , Medeiros-Ronchi Alessandra Aparecida
Published: December 2022

O tumor venéreo transmissível (TVT) é uma neoplasia que acomete predominantemente a genitália dos cães, mas a apresentação exclusivamente extragenital já foi observada.  A transmissão ocorre por implantação de células tumorais por contato. Os animais adultos e com acesso à rua geralmente são os mais acometidos. TVT genitais raramente apresentam metástases e ainda não havia sido relatado metástase de TVT exclusiviamente  extragenital. A PAAF (punção por aspiração com agulha fina) é o método padrão utilizado para o diagnóstico. O objetivo do presente relato foi descrever os achados clínicos, citopatológicos, histopatológicos e imunohistoquímicos de um caso de TVT cutâneo com metástase esplênica, sem presença de lesão genital, em uma cadela de quatro anos de idade, atendida no Hospital Veterinário da Universidade Federal de Uberlândia. Ao exame clínico foram observados múltiplos nódulos subcutâneos. A PAAF de todos os nódulos foi realizada. Ao exame de ultrassom da região abdominal, foi observado aumento do baço. O animal foi submetido à cirurgia de esplenectomia. Fragmentos da massa foram enviados para o laboratório de histopatologia do Hospital Veterinário da Universidade Federal de Uberlândia para serem processados rotineiramente. Devido à localização incomum do tumor no baço, foi realizado painel imunohistoquímico para o diagnóstico diferencial. As células neoplásicas foram positivas para o anticorpo anti-vimentina, anti-lisozima e alfa1-antitripsina. A localização primária cutânea de TVT é infrequente e metástase ainda não havia sido relatada. Sendo assim, a confirmação imunohistoquímica é aconselhável nestes casos.
Tecnologia de propagação de cultivares de Pitaya por meio da estaquia
Authors: Silva Jayanne Gabrielle Pereira da , Rezende Leandro Militão Matos , Souza Filipe Bittencourt Machado de , Freire Ana Izabella , Azevedo Tiago Martins de
Published: December 2022

A Pitaya pertence à família Cactaceae e é uma espécie frutífera originada das Américas, principalmente Colômbia, México e Guatemala. No Brasil, existem pequenas áreas de produção de Pitaya, situadas principalmente no Estado de São Paulo, Santa Catarina, Minas Gerais e Pará, já o estado do Tocantins não apresenta produção. Objetivou-se com este trabalho avaliar o potencial de propagação em cultivares de Pitaya por estaquia. O experimento foi conduzido no viveiro de produção de mudas de Agronomia do UNITPAC, Araguaína-TO. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi o de blocos inteiramente casualizados (DIC), em esquema fatorial triplo 2 x 2 x 3, sendo duas cultivares de Pitaya; dois locais de coletas de cladódios e três tamanhos de estacas, com cinco repetições, totalizando 60 estacas. Após 60 dias, foram coletados as seguintes variáveis: porcentagens de estacas enraizadas e de estacas vivas, número de raízes emitidas por estaca, volume da raiz, número de brotações, tamanho das raízes e fenologia. Os dados obtidos foram submetidos à análise de variância, e as médias foram agrupadas por meio do teste de Tukey utilizando o aplicativo computacional Genes. A Pitaya branca apresentou resultados mais promissores para as condições do experimento, apresentando maior desenvolvimento por cladódio. Tanto a espécie de Pitaya quanto o local de retirada da estaca não influenciam nos resultados da produção de mudas, no entanto, o tamanho da estaca possui grande interferência no resultado final.
Desafios dos profissionais de saúde no atendimento aos povos indígenas no Brasil – uma revisão
Authors: Linartevichi Vagner Fagnani , Baggio Gabriela Carolina , Kutz Daffine Amanda Sota , Silva Marcos Adriano Mendonça da , Madureira Eduardo Miguel Prata
Published: December 2022

O presente trabalho teve por objetivo discutir alguns pontos relacionados aos desafios dos profissionais no atendimento à saúde dos povos indígenas no Brasil. Foi realizada uma revisão argumentativa da literatura médica e biológica sobre os desafios dos profissionais de saúde no atendimento dos povos indígenas no Brasil. Como fontes de consulta foram utilizadas as bases eletrônicas Medline, Pubmed e Scielo, buscando-se artigos publicados em periódicos científicos entre os anos de 2010 e 2022 (outubro), nos idiomas português ou inglês. A seleção dos artigos dos artigos ocorreu entre março e outubro de 2022. A atenção à saúde indígena é repleta de desafios e os profissionais requerem habilidades que superem disparidades salariais e profissionais para avaliar os aspectos culturais dos indivíduos e suas particularidades e peculiaridades. Este estudo identificou problemas relacionados à assistência à saúde indígena, tais como, localização da aldeia e barreiras linguísticas como fatores de preocupação para os prestadores de serviço, bem como alta rotatividade de profissionais. Além disso, observa-se falta de formação para trabalhar em contextos transculturais durante formações acadêmicas. A distância entre a aldeia e o posto de atendimento além dos gastos economicos para o descolacamento foram fatores que afastaram os indígenas do atendimento. Alterações na rotina e alimentação também influenciam. A introdução de medicamentos ocidentais e práticas médicas não tradicionais para os povos também criam barreiras para o atendimento desta população.
Ferramentas gerenciais na prática profissional do enfermeiro
Authors: Sousa Henrique Santana de , Melo Beatrz Garcia de , Mendes Gabriely Braga , Carvalho Marcela Maria Rodrigues , Cruz Mariana Priscila da , Viana Marcelo Ferreira , Soares Mirelle Inácio
Published: December 2022

Objetivo: Analisar o conhecimento dos enfermeiros frente a utilização das ferramentas gerencias na sua prática profissional em uma Unidade de Pronto Atendimento. Método: Estudo descritivo com abordagem qualitativa, seguindo o referencial da Hermenêutica-Dialética. O cenário constitui-se de uma Unidade de Pronto Atendimento, em que participaram 13 enfermeiros atuantes na instituição. A coleta de dados foi realizada por meio de entrevistas semiestruturadas e a análise dos dados se deu por meio da análise temática indutiva. Resultados: Após tratamento dos dados evidenciou-se a dimensão gerencial a partir da concepção dos profissionais bem como os impasses enfrentados no exercício da mesma. Percebeu-se incipiente conhecimento dos profissionais acerca das ferramentas gerenciais, remetendo desde o processo de formação a cultura organizacional da instituição. Conclusões: Ainda coexistem muitas lacunas no exercício gerencial e na aplicação das ferramentas gerencias no processo de trabalho do enfermeiro, principalmente no que diz respeito ao quantitativo de profissionais e ao conhecimento frente das ferramentas gerencias.
O zaccarobol nas aulas de educação física escolar: uma experiência com alunos do ensino fundamental
Authors: Cisne Mabel Dantas Noronha , Fernandes Maria Petrília Rocha , Ferreira Gabriel Campelo , Ferreira Heraldo Simões , Borges Leandro Nascimento , Barroso Junior Francisco Silva , Cavalcante Jean Silva
Published: December 2022

O presente relato de experiência apresenta uma atividade desenvolvida nas aulas de Educação Física de uma escola municipal de Fortaleza, dentre os meses de abril e maio de 2022. A atividade proposta refere-se à vivência e fruição de um esporte genuinamente brasileiro e parcamente explorado, o Zaccarobol ou Zbol. Para isso, foi discutido o surgimento e evolução do Zbol, suas regras e fundamentos, discussão teórica que contribuiu para o prosseguimento dos encontros seguintes. Desse modo, tem-se como objetivo: relatar a experiência de escolares com a implementação e efetivação de uma modalidade esportiva alternativa genuinamente brasileira, o Zaccarobol, nas aulas de Educação Física. No procedimento metodológico, utilizou-se a pesquisa exploratória do tipo bibliográfica no intuito de fundamentar a discussão teórica. Após o desenvolvimento da modalidade, foi aplicado um questionário aos estudantes. A partir dos posicionamentos desses por meio do questionário, percebeu-se que a efetivação dessa modalidade proporcionou aos alunos o estímulo a aceitação de novas possibilidade de prática de esportes, além da possibilidade de expressar a criatividade na produção dos implementos, bem como aprimoraram seus conhecimentos em relação a temática exposta.
PROTOTIPE DESAIN USER INTERFACE APLIKASI IBU SIAGA MENGGUNAKAN LEAN UX
Authors: Anggara Dimas Ari , Harianto Wahyudi , Aziz Abdul
Published: December 2022

Kemajuan teknologi memiliki peranan penting bagi kehidupan sehari-hari. Salah satunya aplikasi mobile yang dapat memberi pelayanan dengan mudah dan cepat. Namun, pada program imunisasi penerapan media teknologi informasi masih belum maksimal. Salah satu cara memaksimalkan teknologi informasi adalah aplikasi imunisasi berbasis android atau mobile apps. Dalam Aplikasi pada umumnya terdapat tampilan antarmuka yang harus dapat memudahkan pengguna sehingga dapat digunakan sesuai kebutuhan. Pada penelitian ini menggunakan pendekatan metode Lean UX sebagai proses perancangan prototipe user interface aplikasi Ibu Siaga dengan dua kali pengujian menggunakan cara mandiri atau team dan dua jenis kuesioner SEQ dan SUS untuk mencari feedback dari pengguna sehingga dapat mempercepat proses perancangan dan mengetahui nilai usabilitynya. Pengumpulan data yang dilakukan dalam penelitian ini menggunakan pengujian usability secara langsung kepada 54 responden. Hasil uji usability menggunakan kuesioner SEQ mendapat hasil “mudah digunakan” dan kuesioner SUS mendapatkan hasil “acceptable” maka prototipe yang telah dirancang oleh peneliti dan telah diuji usabilitynya sudah memenuhi tujuan dari penelitian ini yaitu prototipe dari aplikasi Ibu Siaga memiliki user experience yang baik, mudah digunakan dan dapat diterima oleh pengguna.
Rising seawater temperatures affect the fitness of Rhopilema nomadica polyps and podocysts and the expansion of this medusa into the western Mediterranean
Authors: Dror H , Angel D
Published: December 2022

Since first reported in the eastern Mediterranean in the 1970s, the swarm-forming scyphomedusa, Rhopilema nomadica, has been continuously expanding westward. We examined the effect of temperature on the benthic stages of this jellyfish (polyps, podocysts, and strobilae) to assess whether it can survive and reproduce in the western Mediterranean temperature regime (12.2-26.2°C). In the first experiment, polyps and podocysts were maintained at 4 constant temperatures (12, 18, 24, and 30°C) for 55 d. In the second experiment, temperatures were gradually reduced over 14 d, kept constant for 18 d, and then gradually brought back to 25°C. High temperatures proved beneficial to polyp survival and asexual reproduction, yet in some cases, polyps were able to survive temperatures as low as 12°C. Strobilation occurred at temperatures between 22 and 30°C. Podocyst production, excystment, and strobilation all take place following a temperature increase, and excystment of podocysts occurs mainly during the first 2 wk following podocyst production. We propose that the role of podocysts in R. nomadica is mainly to increase the current season’s polyp population, contributing to swarm formation rather than as a means to maintain polyp populations during harsh environmental conditions. Since polyps are able to survive winter temperatures in the western basin (12°C) and reproduce by podocysts and strobilation during summer temperatures (24°C), thermal constraints will probably not restrict the expansion of R. nomadica into the western Mediterranean. Expected future climate change conditions will increase the performance and range expansion of this species.
Hate Up to My Couch: Psychoanalysis, Community, Poverty and the Role of Hatred
Authors: Gherovici Patricia
Published: December 2022

This article is based on the author's experience working as a psychoanalyst in Philadelphia's barrio in the 1990s, which led her to meditate on the psychology of racism, segregation, and other forms of intolerance of difference and otherness. The author argues that no analyst can be immune to the cultural context in which they work and that the simple fact that psychoanalysis is not available to the poor constitutes a form of racism. It further argues that psychoanalysis, thanks to its power of actualizing otherness in the context of analytic treatment, can reveal its emancipatory potential with populations marginalized by race, class, gender, or sexuality. In the second part, the article turns to the recent concept of Afro-pessimism as developed by Frank Wilderson III (2020) in connection with racism. For Wilderson, the curse of slavery has not been lifted, placing racialized subjects in a social death, a deathliness that saturates Black life. In an attempt to traverse this racist fantasy, the article concludes with a discussion of Toni Morrison's meditation on the invention of otherness, rethought from a Lacanian angle.
REGULATION OF THE TURNOVER OF DIGITAL FINANCIAL ASSETS AT THE INTERNATIONAL LEVEL
Authors:   Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russian Federation, BURYAKOVA ANASTASIA , VARNAVSKY ANDREY , IVANOVA  POLINA , KOROVIN DMITRIY , SOLOVIEV VLADIMIR ,   IPJSC Ingosstrakh, Russian Federation
Published: December 2022

Regulation of control over the turnover of digital financial assets, other digital rights, and digital currency is becoming an urgent task that is being tried to solve at various levels. Most national jurisdictions build their regulatory framework by supporting the provisions developed, for example, by international organizations such as FATF. Nevertheless, in various countries such as Japan, Hong Kong, Italy, Finland, South Korea, there are their own solutions and reactions to the risks arising in the processes of turnover of digital assets. The authors set the goal of the proposed analytical review to determine, based on a comparative approach, what options there may be for the development of regulatory processes for the turnover of digital assets in different countries. An additional task (in addition to providing an overview of regulations and conducting a comparative analysis) was to study AML and KYC measures as practical tools for responding to risks in the field of laundering proceeds from crime. Conclusions about the possibilities of regulatory systems were based on consideration of a wide range of factors: from the traditions of the banking system of jurisdiction to a high assessment of the degree of public confidence in the intelligence services of the state.
Distinction of non-specific low back pain patients with proprioceptive disorders from healthy individuals by linear discriminant analysis
Authors: Shokouhyan Seyed Mohammadreza , Davoudi Mehrdad , Hoviattalab Maryam , Abedi Mohsen , Bervis Soha , Parnianpour Mohamad , Brumagne Simon , Khalaf Kinda
Published: December 2022

The central nervous system (CNS) dynamically employs a sophisticated weighting strategy of sensory input, including vision, vestibular and proprioception signals, towards attaining optimal postural control during different conditions. Non-specific low back pain (NSLBP) patients frequently demonstrate postural control deficiencies which are generally attributed to challenges in proprioceptive reweighting, where they often rely on an ankle strategy regardless of postural conditions. Such impairment could lead to potential loss of balance, increased risk of falling, and Low back pain recurrence. In this study, linear and non-linear indicators were extracted from center-of-pressure (COP) and trunk sagittal angle data based on 4 conditions of vibration positioning (vibration on the back, ankle, none or both), 2 surface conditions (foam or rigid), and 2 different groups (healthy and non-specific low back pain patients). Linear discriminant analysis (LDA) was performed on linear and non-linear indicators to identify the best sensory condition towards accurate distinction of non-specific low back pain patients from healthy controls. Two indicators: Phase Plane Portrait ML and Entropy ML with foam surface condition and both ankle and back vibration on, were able to completely differentiate the non-specific low back pain groups. The proposed methodology can help clinicians quantitatively assess the sensory status of non-specific low back pain patients at the initial phase of diagnosis and throughout treatment. Although the results demonstrated the potential effectiveness of our approach in Low back pain patient distinction, a larger and more diverse population is required for comprehensive validation.
MicroRNAs and long non-coding RNAs in cartilage homeostasis and osteoarthritis
Authors: Gu Jingliang , Rao Wu , Huo Shaochuan , Fan Tianyou , Qiu Minlei , Zhu Haixia , Chen Deta , Sheng Xiaoping
Published: December 2022

During the last decade, osteoarthritis (OA) has become one of the most prevalent musculoskeletal diseases worldwide. OA is characterized by progressive loss of articular cartilage, abnormal remodeling of subchondral bone, hyperplasia of synovial cells, and growth of osteophytes, which lead to chronic pain and disability. The pathological mechanisms underlying OA initiation and progression are still poorly understood. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) constitute a large portion of the transcriptome that do not encode proteins but function in numerous biological processes. Cumulating evidence has revealed a strong association between the changes in expression levels of ncRNA and the disease progression of OA. Moreover, loss- and gain-of-function studies utilizing transgenic animal models have demonstrated that ncRNAs exert vital functions in regulating cartilage homeostasis, degeneration, and regeneration, and changes in ncRNA expression can promote or decelerate the progression of OA through distinct molecular mechanisms. Recent studies highlighted the potential of ncRNAs to serve as diagnostic biomarkers, prognostic indicators, and therapeutic targets for OA. MiRNAs and lncRNAs are two major classes of ncRNAs that have been the most widely studied in cartilage tissues. In this review, we focused on miRNAs and lncRNAs and provided a comprehensive understanding of their functional roles as well as molecular mechanisms in cartilage homeostasis and OA pathogenesis.
Efficient removal of tetracycline from aqueous solution by K2CO3 activated penicillin fermentation residue biochar
Authors: Liu Yanfang , Gao Wei , Yin Sijie , Liu Rui , Li Zaixing
Published: December 2022

In this study, biochar was prepared using penicillin fermentation residue (PR) as the raw material by different methods. The adsorption behavior and adsorption mechanism of biochar on tetracycline (TC) in an aqueous environment were investigated. The results showed that K2CO3 as an activator could effectively make porous structures, and that biochar with mesoporous or microporous could be prepared in a controlled manner with two kinds of different activation methods, the dry mixing method and the impregnation method. The dry mixing method could create more mesopores, while the impregnation method could prepare more micropores. Microporous biochar (IKBCH) with a high specific surface area could be prepared by the impregnation method combined with HCl soaking, which has an excellent adsorption effect on tetracycline. When the concentration of tetracycline was 200 mg/L, the removal rate of 99.91% could be achieved with the dosage of microporous biochar at 1 g/L. The adsorption process was in accordance with the Langmuir model and the pseudo-second-order model, respectively. The maximum adsorption capacity of IKBCH was 268.55 mg/g (25°C). The adsorption mechanisms were pore filling, π-π interaction, electrostatic adsorption, and hydrogen bond. Its stable and wide applicability adsorption process does not cause ecological pollution in the aqueous environment, and it is a promising biochar adsorbent.
Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of a novel colchicine-magnolol hybrid for inhibiting the growth of Lewis lung carcinoma in Vitro and in Vivo
Authors: Li Zhiyue , Hu Shengquan , Pu Liu-Yang , Li Ziwen , Zhu Guanbao , Cao Yongkai , Li Limin , Ma Yucui , Liu Zhanyan , Li Xinping , Liu Guangjie , Chen Keji , Wu Zhengzhi
Published: December 2022

Colchicine is a bioactive alkaloid originally from Colchicum autumnale and possesses excellent antiproliferative activity. However, colchicine-associated severe toxicity, gastrointestinal side effects in particular, limits its further therapeutic use. In the current study, we thus designed and synthesized a novel hybrid (CMH) by splicing colchicine and magnolol, a multifunctional polyphenol showing favorable gastrointestinal protection. The antitumor activity of CMH in Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) was then evaluated in vitro and in vivo. Biologically, CMH inhibited the growth of LLC cells with an IC50 of 0.26 μM, 100 times more potently than cisplatin (26.05 μM) did. Meanwhile, the cytotoxicity of CMH was 10-fold lower than that of colchicine in normal human lung cells (BEAS-2B). In C57BL/6 mice xenograft model, CMH (0.5 mg/kg) worked as efficacious as colchicine (0.5 mg/kg) to inhibit tumor growth and 2 times more potently than cisplatin (1 mg/kg). In terms of mortality, 7 out of 10 mice died in colchicine group (0.75 mg/kg), while no death was observed in groups receiving CMH or cisplatin at 0.75 mg/kg. Mechanistic studies using Western blot revealed that CMH dose-dependently suppressed the protein expression of phosphorylated ERK. Molecular docking analysis further indicated that CMH was well fitted in the colchicine binding site of tubulin and formed several hydrogen bonds with tubulin protein. These results enable our novel hybrid CMH as a potential antineoplastic agent with lower toxicity, and provide perquisites for further investigation to confirm the therapeutic potentiality of this novel hybrid.
DNA-functionalized gold nanoparticles: Modification, characterization, and biomedical applications
Authors: Ma Xiaoyi , Li Xiaoqiang , Luo Gangyin , Jiao Jin
Published: December 2022

With the development of technologies based on gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), bare AuNPs cannot meet the increasing requirements of biomedical applications. Modifications with different functional ligands are usually needed. DNA is not only the main genetic material, but also a good biological material, which has excellent biocompatibility, facile design, and accurate identification. DNA is a perfect ligand candidate for AuNPs, which can make up for the shortcoming of bare AuNPs. DNA-modified AuNPs (DNA-AuNPs) have exciting features and bright prospects in many fields, which have been intensively investigated in the past decade. In this review, we summarize the various approaches for the immobilization of DNA strands on the surface of AuNPs. Representative studies for biomedical applications based on DNA-AuNPs are also discussed. Finally, we present the challenges and future directions.
COVID19 biomarkers: What did we learn from systematic reviews?
Authors: Semiz Sabina
Published: December 2022

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID19) pandemic continues to represent a substantial public health concern. It can rapidly progress to severe disease, with poor prognosis and a high mortality risk. An early diagnosis and specific prognostic tools can help healthcare providers to start interventions promptly, understand the likely prognosis and to identify and treat timely individuals likely to develop severe disease with enhanced mortality risk. Here we focused on an impressive set of systematic reviews and meta-analyses that were performed since the start of the COVID19 pandemic and summarized their results related to the levels of hematologic, inflammatory, immunologic biomarkers as well as markers of cardiac, respiratory, hepatic, gastrointestinal and renal systems and their association with the disease progression, severity and mortality. The evidence outlines the significance of specific biomarkers, including inflammatory and immunological parameters (C-reactive protein, procalcitonin, interleukin-6), hematological (lymphocytes count, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, D-dimer, ferritin, red blood cell distribution width), cardiac (troponin, CK-MB, myoglobin), liver (AST, ALT, total bilirubin, albumin) and lung injury (Krebs von den Lungen-6) that can be used as prognostic biomarkers to aid the identification of high-risk patients and the prediction of serious outcomes, including mortality, in COVID19. Thus, these parameters should be used as essential tools for an early risk stratification and adequate intervention in improving disease outcomes in COVID19 patients.
Identification and validation of senescence-related genes in circulating endothelial cells of patients with acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Xiang Jie , Shen Jun , Zhang Ling , Tang Baopeng
Published: December 2022

Background

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is the main clinical cause of death and cardiovascular disease and thus has high rates of morbidity and mortality. The increase in cardiovascular disease with aging is partly the result of vascular endothelial cell senescence and associated vascular dysfunction. This study was performed to identify potential key cellular senescence-related genes (SRGs) as biomarkers for the diagnosis of AMI using bioinformatics.

Methods

Using the CellAge database, we identified cellular SRGs. GSE66360 and GSE48060 for AMI patients and healthy controls and GSE19322 for mice were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. The GSE66360 dataset was divided into a training set and a validation set. The GSE48060 dataset was used as another validation set. The GSE19322 dataset was used to explore the evolution of the screened diagnostic markers in the dynamic process of AMI. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of AMI were identified from the GSE66360 training set. Differentially expressed senescence-related genes (DESRGs) selected from SRGs and DEGs were analyzed using Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways, and protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks. Hub genes in DESRGs were selected based on degree, and diagnostic genes were further screened by gene expression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Finally, a miRNA-gene network of diagnostic genes was constructed and targeted drug prediction was performed.

Results

A total of 520 DEGs were screened from the GSE66360 training set, and 279 SRGs were identified from the CellAge database. The overlapping DEGs and SRGs constituted 14 DESRGs, including 4 senescence suppressor genes and 10 senescence inducible genes. The top 10 hub genes, including FOS, MMP9, CEBPB, CDKN1A, CXCL1, ETS2, BCL6, SGK1, ZFP36, and IGFBP3, were screened. Furthermore, three diagnostic genes were identified: MMP9, ETS2, and BCL6. The ROC analysis showed that the respective area under the curves (AUCs) of MMP9, ETS2, and BCL6 were 0.786, 0.848, and 0.852 in the GSE66360 validation set and 0.708, 0.791, and 0.727 in the GSE48060 dataset. In the GSE19322 dataset, MMP9 (AUC, 0.888) and ETS2 (AUC, 0.929) had very high diagnostic values in the early stage of AMI. Finally, based on these three diagnostic genes, we found that drugs such as acetylcysteine and genistein may be targeted for the treatment of age-related AMI.

Conclusion

The results of this study suggest that cellular SRGs might play an important role in AMI. MMP9, ETS2, and BCL6 have potential as specific biomarkers for the early diagnosis of AMI.
The prognostic capability of inflammatory proteins in predicting peripheral artery disease related adverse events
Authors: Li Ben , Djahanpour Niousha , Zamzam Abdelrahman , Syed Muzammil H. , Jain Shubha , Arfan Sara , Abdin Rawand , Qadura Mohammad
Published: December 2022

Background

Levels of inflammatory proteins and their prognostic potential have been inadequately studied in patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD). In this study, we quantified and assessed the ability of inflammatory proteins in predicting PAD-related adverse events.

Methods

In this prospective case-control study, blood samples were collected from patients without PAD (n = 202) and patients with PAD (n = 275). The PAD cohort was stratified by disease severity based on ankle brachial index (ABI): mild (n = 49), moderate (n = 164), and severe (n = 62). Patients were followed for 2 years. Plasma concentrations of 5 inflammatory proteins were measured: Alpha-2-Macroglobulin (A2M), Fetuin A, Alpha-1-Acid Glycoprotein (AGP), Serum Amyloid P component (SAP), and Adipsin. The primary outcome of our study was major adverse limb event (MALE), defined as the need for vascular intervention (open or endovascular revascularization) or major amputation. The secondary outcome was worsening PAD status, defined as a drop in ABI greater than or equal to 0.15 over the study period. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to assess the prognostic value of inflammatory proteins in predicting MALE, adjusting for confounding variables.

Results

Compared to patients without PAD, three inflammatory proteins were differentially expressed in patients with PAD (AGP, Fetuin A, and SAP). The primary outcome (MALE) and secondary outcome (worsening PAD) status were noted in 69 (25%) and 60 (22%) patients, respectively. PAD-related adverse events occurred more frequently in severe PAD patients. Based on our data, the inflammatory protein AGP was the most reliable predictor of primary and secondary outcomes. On multivariable analysis, there was a significant association between AGP and MALE in all PAD disease states [mild: adjusted HR 1.13 (95% CI 1.05–1.47), moderate: adjusted HR 1.23 (95% CI 1.16–1.73), severe: adjusted HR 1.37 (95% CI 1.25–1.85)]. High levels of AGP were associated with lower 2-year MALE-free survival in all PAD disease states [mild (64% vs. 100%, p = 0.02), moderate (64% vs. 85%, p = 0.02), severe (55% vs. 88%, p = 0.02), all PAD (62% vs. 88%, p = 0.01)].

Conclusion

Levels of inflammatory protein AGP may help in risk stratifying PAD patients at high risk of MALE and worsening PAD status and subsequently facilitate further vascular evaluation and initiation of aggressive medical/surgical management.
Post-magmatic processes recorded in bimodal chromitites of the East Chalkidiki meta-ultramafic bodies, Gomati and Nea Roda, Northern Greece
Authors: Sideridis Alkiviadis , Tsikouras Basilios , Tsitsanis Pavlos , Koutsovitis Petros , Zaccarini Federica , Hauzenberger Christoph , Tsikos Harilaos , Hatzipanagiotou Konstantin
Published: December 2022

The meta-ultramafic bodies of Gomati and Nea Roda are situated in the Serbomacedonian Massif. They demonstrate bimodal character in terms of chromitite chemistry with both Cr- and Al-rich chromitites outcropping in proximity, with no obvious tectonic structure intercepting those two varieties. Based on the trace element abundances in spinel grains, metamorphosis reached amphibolite facies, forming porous spinel. Chromitite-hosted chlorite and garnet chemistry correlates with greenschist facies temperatures and formation of zoned spinel grains. Despite the metamorphic overprint, some of the primary features of the chromitites have been preserved. The PGE contents demonstrate an increase in Pd/Ir ratios in some chromitites pointing to fractionation, whereas low ratios of mostly Cr-rich chromitites point to partial melting being the main mechanism that controls PGE mineralization. The normalized trace element patterns of spinel-group minerals revealed that Al-rich chromitites were generated in spreading settings in a back-arc and the Cr-rich counterparts in SSZ environment. The parental melts of Al-rich and Cr-rich chromitites demonstrate MORB and boninitic affinities, respectively. The meta-ultramafic protoliths were modified within a subduction zone, with significant input of a sedimentary source, as confirmed by the chemistry of serpentinite, diopside and Sb-mineralization. These results suggest common geotectonic processes within the Rhodope and the Serbomacedonian massif, that have affected the ultramafic bodies and chromitite occurrences.
Reconstruction of submarine eruption processes from FTIR volatile analysis of marine tephra: Example of Oomurodashi volcano, Japan
Authors: McIntosh Iona M. , Aoki Kaori , Yanagishima Taiki , Kobayashi Makoto , Murata Masanori , Suzuki Takehiko
Published: December 2022

Tephra layers in marine sediments are widely used to correlate and date paleoclimate and paleoceanography records, and to determine spatiotemporal changes in magmatic evolution and eruption frequency. Dissolved matrix glass H2O contents of marine tephra could potentially inform understanding of eruption processes but are rarely used due to the issue of secondary hydration after deposition. Recent advancements in Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) volatile analysis have enabled reconstruction of original water contents of hydrated volcanic glasses. These new Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis methods offer a new way to investigate tephra stored in marine sedimentary archives. We present a case study of the Od-1 tephra layer in marine sedimentary core C9010E, drilled ∼40 km south of the Boso peninsula in Japan. This tephra was erupted by the shallow silicic submarine Oomurodashi volcano in the northern Izu-Bonin arc at ∼13.5 ka. Our Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy volatile data show it has been affected by secondary hydration, with the extent of hydration controlled by grain size and porosity characteristics. Numerical modelling of low temperature hydration suggests Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy data offer an additional method for estimating eruption ages of marine tephra. OH contents, unaltered by low temperature secondary hydration, record low ambient eruptive pressures for all grain sizes and tephra types i.e., blocky and dense or pumiceous. Consideration of hydrostatic pressure gradients and past sea level at Oomurodashi shows that the majority of tephra volatile data cannot be explained by quench within a submarine eruption plume. Instead, OH contents record quench fragmentation within the shallow submarine edifice. Physical characteristics of the tephra are consistent with the formation of these tephra by explosive phreatomagmatic eruption processes. Together these OH data and tephra characteristics support the interpretation that the Od-1 tephra layer was formed by the same shallow phreatomagmatic eruption that formed the existing Oomuro Hole crater and that produced subaerial tephra deposits on nearby Izu-Oshima and Toshima islands. This study demonstrates the crucial contribution that imaging Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis can make to the interpretation of degassing and eruption processes of volcanic glasses, particularly vesicular pyroclasts and/or glasses affected by secondary hydration, adding an important new dimension to marine tephra research.
The concentrations of bone calcium, phosphorus and trace metal elements in elderly patients with intertrochanteric hip fractures
Authors: Lin Shangjin , Chen Cong , Cai Xiaoxi , Yang Fengjian , Fan YongQian
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Trace metal elements may play a crucial role in bone mineralization and metabolism. However, the quantification of trace element concentrations in human bone tissue has received little attention.

Materials and methods

Bone tissue samples were collected from 55 elderly patients (15 males and 40 females) with intertrochanteric hip fractures. The calcium, phosphorus, manganese, iron, copper, and zinc concentrations in the cortical bone zone, cancellous bone zone, and junction zone between cortical and cancellous bone were determined by energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDX). The differences in trace element concentrations in the three regions were compared, and the correlation between gender and bone trace element contents of the bones was analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis’s test. The correlation between age, body mass index (BMI), and bone calcium, phosphorus concentrations, and trace elements in three bone zones was determined using Spearman correlation analysis.

Results

The Kruskal-Wallis test showed no difference in bone phosphorus concentration among the three regions. In contrast, the difference in the concentrations of bone calcium and four metal elements was statistically significant (P<0.01). In addition, no statistical differences were observed in the concentrations of trace elements among the three regions in elderly male and female patients. Spearman correlation analysis showed a strong negative correlation between bone calcium and phosphorus in three bone regions (r=-0.999, -0.95, -0.998, P < 0.01) and a significant positive correlation between trace metal elements in the cancellous bone zone. In the junction zone, the BMI showed a strong positive correlation with bone calcium content (r=0.347, P=0.009) and a significant negative correlation with phosphorus content (r=-0.349, P=0.009).

Conclusion

Bone calcium and phosphorus were the main components of hydroxyapatite, and these two elements accounted for the majority of bone mineral salts. Trace metal elements are essential for bone metabolism and specific synergistic interactions. BMI may be associated with bone calcium and phosphorus contents in elderly patients with osteoporosis.