bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Basic Competency Level Of Vocational Teachers In Understanding The Curriculum 2013
Authors: Wachidi Wachidi , Joko Prayitno Harun , Hidayat Syamsul , Rochim Maksum Muh. Nur
Published: January 2023

The general purpose of this research is to determine the basic level of Competence of vocational teachers in understanding the Curriculum in 2013 in Bengkulu City. The specific purpose of this research is: (1) To find out the level of professional Competence of vocational teachers in understanding the Curriculum in 2013 in Bengkulu City; (b) To find out the level of pedagogic Competence of vocational teachers in understanding the Curriculum in 2013 in Bengkulu City; (c) To find out the level of personality competence of vocational teachers in understanding the Curriculum in 2013 in Bengkulu City; (d) To find out the level of social Competence of vocational teachers in understanding the 2013 curriculum in Bengkulu City. This research method uses a descriptive-analytical research approach. This research wants to describe the basic competency level of vocational teachers in understanding the Curriculum in 2013. This research place is at SMK in Bengkulu City. The population in this research were all vocational teachers in Bengkulu City. This research sample relates to the level of Competence of vocational teachers in understanding the Curriculum in 2013, amounting to 50 teachers. Sampling is used using random sampling techniques with lottery techniques—data collection techniques using questionnaires and documents. Questionnaires are used to trace data on the basic level of Competence of vocational teachers in understanding the Curriculum in 2013. To see and prove that the questionnaire is valid is done expert validation. The document was used to collect data on the number of teachers in SMK Kota Bengkulu. After the data is verified, processed with statistical percentage techniques, analyzed, and made conclusions. The study concluded that: (1) The level of pedagogical Competence of teachers of SMK Kota Bengkulu in understanding the Curriculum in 2013 amounted to 52% (Very UnderstandingUnderstanding) and 48% (Sufficient Understanding); (2) The level of professional Competence of teachers of SMK Kota Bengkulu in understanding the Curriculum in 2013 amounted to 31.5% (Sufficient Understanding) and 68.5 % (Very UnderstandingUnderstanding); (3) The level of personality competence of teachers of SMK Kota Bengkulu in understanding the Curriculum in 2013 amounted to 17.3% (Sufficient Understanding) and 82.6 % (Very UnderstandingUnderstanding); (4) The level of social Competence of teachers of SMK Kota Bengkulu in understanding the Curriculum in 2013 amounted to 42.4% (Sufficient Understanding) and 56.6% (Very UnderstandingUnderstanding).
Development of Chemo-Entrepreneurship Book Entitled “Peduli Lokal, Melek Global”: Popularizing Chemistry and Developing Life Skills in Industrial Revolution Era 4.0
Authors: Muna Khairiatul
Published: January 2023

The entrepreneurship course in Chemistry Education or Tadris Kimia study program at three universities in South Kalimantan (Universtias Islam Negeri Antasari Banjarmasin, Universitas Lambung Mangkurat (ULM), and Universitas Islam Kalimantan Muhammad Arsyad Al Banjari Banjarmasin (UNISKA)) has not integrated chemistry studies. In addition, there is also no chemo-entrepreneurship book that can be used as a reference in the entrepreneurship course. Therefore, a Research and Development (R&D) was carried out to develop a chemo-entrepreneurship book on local care and global literacy as an effort to popularize chemistry and develop life skills in the industrial revolution era 4.0. The book was developed using the Borg and Gall model with the modification of the study steps only to the limited trial stage. Based on the results, the book (chemo-entrepreneurship book entitled “peduli lokal, melek global”) is very valid and feasible to use (revision according to suggestions), besides being practical with a good linguistic aspect.
Estoque de carbono em frações dessimétricas da matéria orgânica no solo em diferentes sistemas de uso na Amazônia Oriental
Authors: Souza Alcione Santos de , Freitas Luis de Souza , Galvão Jessivaldo Rodrigues
Published: January 2023

Estudos têm demonstrado que determinados compartimentos da MOS são capazes de detectar transformações nos conteúdos de C no solo com manejo, ou seja plantios com ou sem queima, entretanto são capazes de detectar, mais rapidamente, as reduções constatadas são, de modo geral, maiores que as observadas, considerando, assim, o conteúdo total de C do solo. O trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar estoque de carbono das frações densimétricas em diferentes sistemas, o estudo foi realizado na Amazônia Oriental, Nordeste do Pará, em Igarapé-Açu, solo Latossolo Amarelo, em áreas experimentais das comunidades de Cumaru, Nova Olinda (em propriedades de pequenos produtores rurais) e UFRA-FEIGA. Os sistemas de uso consistem em 06 (seis) tratamentos, que são: T1 CC (Cumaru Capoeira), T2 CSQT (Cumaru sem queima triturado), T3 CQ (Cumaru queima), T4 UFC (UFRA Capoeira), T5 UFSQT (UFRA sem queima triturado), T6UFQ (UFRA queima).  Bem como, algumas SAFs. Retirou-se amostras dos solos nas profundidades 0-5 cm, 5-10 cm e 10-20 cm. Separou-se as frações densimétricas para a determinação de teores de carbono por combustão em analisador elementar LECO CHN-S TRUSTEC, as variáveis foram submetidas à análise de variância, comparadas pelo teste de SNK com programa estatístico SISVAR. A fração que estocou carbono foi a leve livre nos sistemas onde não ocorreram queima, com sua sensibilidade do sistema de manejo do solo, onde houve maior revolvimento desta fração se fez menos presente. A fração leve, livre concentrou estocando mais carbono que a fração oclusa em função dos seus diferentes mecanismos e composição química.
Padrão de notificações associadas à anemia no período de 2019 a 2021
Authors: Espíndola Luana Pacheco , Nogueira Beatriz de Melo , Queiroz Stella Paula de , Cartaxo Higor Braga
Published: January 2023

A anemia é uma patologia caracterizada pela redução da massa eritrocitária e da massa de hemoglobina, podendo resultar em baixa oxigenação tecidual. Em pacientes com COVID-19, essa condição se mostrou importante por representar um possível fator de risco. Trata-se de um estudo epidemiológico do tipo observacional descritivo, de abordagem quantitativa, realizado com coleta de dados na plataforma DATASUS, os quais foram analisados e comparados estatisticamente. O objetivo foi traçar um perfil sociodemográfico dos pacientes acometidos por anemias de diversas etiologias entre 2019 e 2021, os anos da pandemia no Brasil. Como resultado, obteve-se o destaque de internações por anemia na Região Sudeste, em especial o estado de São Paulo, e o predomínio do caráter de internação de urgência sobre o eletivo. Além disso, a população feminina, parda e idosa (mais de 60 anos) foi a de maior prevalência nos casos notificados, e a Região Sul foi a única em que o número de internações caiu, de 2019 a 2021. Com base nesses achados, foi traçado o perfil epidemiológico da anemia, bem como identificadas as suas formas de incidência, para aplicar os achados no contexto de um paciente com COVID e estabelecer um paralelo temporal entre esses dois quadros e a sua correlação para agravamento clínico.
Aspectos clínicos, diagnóstico diferencial e tratamento de jovens com Transtorno do Déficit de Atenção com Hiperatividade (TDAH)
Authors: Alves Júlia de Oliveira , Borges Ana Carolina Nakao e , Castro Marcela Cardoso e , Lima Paula Marynella Alves Pereira
Published: January 2023

Introdução: O Transtorno do Déficit de Atenção e Hiperatividade (TDAH) é uma condição neurológica que dificulta o foco ou a atenção. É uma patologia frequentemente diagnosticada na infância, no entanto, em alguns casos não é identificada até a adolescência. Geralmente, existe um componente genético na fisiopatologia do TDAH, contudo, há outras causas que ainda não estão bem estabelecidas. Objetivo: Analisar aspectos clínicos, diagnóstico e o tratamento indicado para jovens diagnosticados com o TDAH. Metodologia: Trata-se de uma revisão narrativa da literatura, com artigos selecionados nas bases de dados: National Library of Medicine (PubMed MEDLINE), Scientific Electronic Library Online (SCIELO), Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (CDSR), Google Scholar, Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde (BVS) e EBSCO Information Services. Resultados: De acordo com a revisão realizada, constatou-se que o TDAH é composto por dois grupos de sintomas principais: desatenção e hiperatividade-impulsividade. Além disso, esses sinais são características que muitas das vezes os pais ignoram, contribuindo para um diagnóstico tardio. Outrossim, adolescentes e adultos apresentam menos hiperatividade do que as crianças, todavia, existem um déficit significativo nas funções executivas, podendo comprometer o desenvolvimento intelectual deles. Conclusão: Podemos afirmar que os sintomas do TDAH variam conforme gênero, idade e o tipo do TDAH. Nesse viés, o tratamento também deve ser individualizado. Portanto, é de suma importância um diagnóstico prévio para que o jovem portador do TDAH tenha uma boa qualidade de vida, conforme previsto pela Organização Mundial de Saúde.
JOHANN DAVID HEINICHEN EN DE GALANTE STIJL
Authors:   , Verstegen Maria-Anna Josephina H
Published: January 2023

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Artificiell intelligens i matematikundervisningen: En studie av utveckling av flyt på grundläggande talkombinationer
Authors: Samuelsson Joakim
Published: January 2023

I denna studie studeras hur flyt på grundläggande talkombinationer utvecklas när elever övar upp sitt flyt med stöd av artificiell intelligens. Det finns flera skäl till att studera detta område. Dels handlar det om att artificiell intelligens börjar användas alltmer inom matematikutbildning, dels att flyt på talkombinationer är en central aspekt av aritmetiken samt att tidigare studier har visat att elever i behov av särskilt stöd i matematik har problem med flyt på grundläggande talkombinationer I denna studie prövas tre olika interventioner för att utveckla flyt på talkombinationer i årskurs 2. Resultatet visar att den grupp som utvecklar sitt flyt mest under interventionsperioden är den som övar på grundläggande talkombinationer med AI-motor. Näst bäst utvecklas gruppen som endast övat med matematiska symboler därefter de som övat med bildstöd och minst utvecklas kontrollgruppen.
Murilo Mendes e José Saramago: viagem e arquivo
Authors: Botelho Patricia Pedrosa , Vieira Laura Silva , Souza Paula Furtado , Silva Carlos Manoel da
Published: January 2023

Este artigo tem como objetivo propor uma leitura crítica de obras literárias de Murilo Mendes e de José Saramago, buscando perceber as implicações da noção de viagem na escrita dos escritores. Procuramos caracterizar os olhares que os escritores viajantes lançam sobre Portugal e suas paisagens congregando deslocamentos do corpo e/ou do espaço. Nesse sentido, tentamos compreender como a viagem se institui como um operador que permite um trânsito pelo espaço geográfico, pelo espaço literário, pela reflexão e pela passagem de um ao outro, usando como referência “Janelas verdes” (1989) de Murilo Mendes e “Viagem a Portugal” (1981) de José Saramago. Para analisar tais questões, buscaremos suporte nos conceitos referentes à tradução, à alegoria e à coleção de Benjamin; o papel da citação em Compagnon; de memória em Huyssen e de identidade e alteridade em Eric Hobsbawm.
A carta: breve análise acerca da escrita epistolar
Authors: Rezende Heleno Alex
Published: January 2023

Este artigo busca discutir a relação do autor com a escrita da carta ao longo dos séculos. Além disso, faz uma aproximação entre a escrita da carta e a escrita literária. Para essa discussão utiliza-se a contribuição de Françoise Simonet-Tenant e Brigitte Diaz. Em seguida, faz-se uma comparação entre a escrita epistolar e os novos meios de comunicação, baseando-se, sobretudo, nos estudos de Jean-Philippe Arrou-Vignod e Benoît Melançon. Nota-se que a partir do uso dos novos meios de comunicação houve uma perda da poesia encontrada na escrita epistolar.
“‘Armaria’, ‘armaria’, ‘armaria’, a bubônica!”: comportamentos e estratégias coletivas diante de uma epidemia de peste que assolou Exu, no sertão pernambucano, em 1935
Authors: Parente Claudia Maria Cardoso , Miranda Carlos Alberto Cunha
Published: January 2023

Este artigo pretende identificar os comportamentos coletivos e as estratégias de sobrevivência de uma comunidade do município de Exu, Estado de Pernambuco, diante de uma epidemia de peste bubônica que assolou a região no ano de 1935. Sem acesso à informação ou a serviços de saúde, a população assumiu o protagonismo no enfrentamento à letal moléstia, recorrendo à fé, crendices e saberes transmitidos pela ancestralidade. Como prática metodológica para reconstituir esse episódio recorremos à história oral, na qual o passado não é apresentado tal qual foi, pois não pode ser resgatado como se operássemos uma máquina do tempo, mas tecido a partir das reminiscências das testemunhas em seu lugar de fala no tempo presente. Esses relatos, além do apoio da documentação disponível, nos permitiram dimensionar a vulnerabilidade de uma população pobre, isolada e distante dos centros de poder político diante de um mal devastador e desconhecido para ela.
Biomechanical comparative analysis of conventional pedicle screws and cortical bone trajectory fixation in the lumbar spine: An in vitro and finite element study
Authors: Pei Baoqing , Xu Yangyang , Zhao Yafei , Wu Xueqing , Lu Da , Wang Haiyan , Wu Shuqin
Published: January 2023

Numerous screw fixation systems have evolved in clinical practice as a result of advances in screw insertion technology. Currently, pedicle screw (PS) fixation technology is recognized as the gold standard of posterior lumbar fusion, but it can also have some negative complications, such as screw loosening, pullout, and breakage. To address these concerns, cortical bone trajectory (CBT) has been proposed and gradually developed. However, it is still unclear whether cortical bone trajectory can achieve similar mechanical stability to pedicle screw and whether the combination of pedicle screw + cortical bone trajectory fixation can provide a suitable mechanical environment in the intervertebral space. The present study aimed to investigate the biomechanical responses of the lumbar spine with pedicle screw and cortical bone trajectory fixation. Accordingly, finite element analysis (FEA) and in vitro specimen biomechanical experiment (IVE) were performed to analyze the stiffness, range of motion (ROM), and stress distribution of the lumbar spine with various combinations of pedicle screw and cortical bone trajectory screws under single-segment and dual-segment fixation. The results show that dual-segment fixation and hybrid screw placement can provide greater stiffness, which is beneficial for maintaining the biomechanical stability of the spine. Meanwhile, each segment’s range of motion is reduced after fusion, and the loss of adjacent segments’ range of motion is more obvious with longer fusion segments, thereby leading to adjacent-segment disease (ASD). Long-segment internal fixation can equalize total spinal stresses. Additionally, cortical bone trajectory screws perform better in terms of the rotation resistance of fusion segments, while pedicle screw screws perform better in terms of flexion–extension resistance, as well as lateral bending. Moreover, the maximum screw stress of L4 cortical bone trajectory/L5 pedicle screw is the highest, followed by L45 cortical bone trajectory. This biomechanical analysis can accordingly provide inspiration for the choice of intervertebral fusion strategy.
Bio-SCAN V2: A CRISPR/dCas9-based lateral flow assay for rapid detection of theophylline
Authors: Jiang Wenjun , Aman Rashid , Ali Zahir , Mahfouz Magdy
Published: January 2023

Rapid, specific, and robust diagnostic strategies are needed to develop sensitive biosensors for small molecule detection, which could aid in controlling contamination and disease transmission. Recently, the target-induced collateral activity of Cas nucleases [clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-associated nucleases] was exploited to develop high-throughput diagnostic modules for detecting nucleic acids and small molecules. Here, we have expanded the diagnostic ability of the CRISPR-Cas system by developing Bio-SCAN V2, a ligand-responsive CRISPR-Cas platform for detecting non-nucleic acid small molecule targets. The Bio-SCAN V2 consists of an engineered ligand-responsive sgRNA (ligRNA), biotinylated dead Cas9 (dCas9-biotin), 6-carboxyfluorescein (FAM)-labeled amplicons, and lateral flow assay (LFA) strips. LigRNA interacts with dCas9-biotin only in the presence of sgRNA-specific ligand molecules to make a ribonucleoprotein (RNP). Next, the ligand-induced ribonucleoprotein is exposed to FAM-labeled amplicons for binding, and the presence of the ligand (small molecule) is detected as a visual signal [(dCas9-biotin)-ligRNA-FAM labeled DNA-AuNP complex] at the test line of the lateral flow assay strip. With the Bio-SCAN V2 platform, we are able to detect the model molecule theophylline with a limit of detection (LOD) up to 2 μM in a short time, requiring only 15 min from sample application to visual readout. Taken together, Bio-SCAN V2 assay provides a rapid, specific, and ultrasensitive detection platform for theophylline.
Synaptonemal & CO analyzer: A tool for synaptonemal complex and crossover analysis in immunofluorescence images
Authors: Soriano Joaquim , Belmonte-Tebar Angela , de la Casa-Esperon Elena
Published: January 2023

During the formation of ova and sperm, homologous chromosomes get physically attached through the synaptonemal complex and exchange DNA at crossover sites by a process known as meiotic recombination. Chromosomes that do not recombine or have anomalous crossover distributions often separate poorly during the subsequent cell division and end up in abnormal numbers in ova or sperm, which can lead to miscarriage or developmental defects. Crossover numbers and distribution along the synaptonemal complex can be visualized by immunofluorescent microscopy. However, manual analysis of large numbers of cells is very time-consuming and a major bottleneck for recombination studies. Some image analysis tools have been created to overcome this situation, but they are not readily available, do not provide synaptonemal complex data, or do not tackle common experimental difficulties, such as overlapping chromosomes. To overcome these limitations, we have created and validated an open-source ImageJ macro routine that facilitates and speeds up the crossover and synaptonemal complex analyses in mouse chromosome spreads, as well as in other vertebrate species. It is free, easy to use and fulfills the recommendations for enhancing rigor and reproducibility in biomedical studies.
Role of transcription factors in apoptotic cells clearance
Authors: Gao Yuqiong , Jiao Yating , Gong Xiaoyi , Liu Jie , Xiao Hui , Zheng Qian
Published: January 2023

The human body generates 10–100 billion cells every day, and the same number of cells die to maintain homeostasis. The genetically controlled, autonomously ordered cell death mainly proceeds by apoptosis. Apoptosis is an important way of programmed cell death in multicellular organisms, timely and effective elimination of apoptotic cells plays a key role in the growth and development of organisms and the maintenance of homeostasis. During the clearance of apoptotic cells, transcription factors bind to specific target promoters and act as activators or repressors to regulate multiple genes expression, how transcription factors regulate apoptosis is an important and poorly understood aspect of normal development. This paper summarizes the regulatory mechanisms of transcription factors in the clearance of apoptotic cells to date.
Brief research report: Effects of Pinch deficiency on cartilage homeostasis in adult mice
Authors: Wu Xiaohao , Lin Sixiong , Liao Rongdong , Yao Qing , Lin Lijun , Zou Xuenong , Xiao Guozhi
Published: January 2023

Pinch1 and Pinch2 are LIM domain-containing proteins with crucial functions in mediating focal adhesion formation. Our previous studies have demonstrated that Pinch1/2 expression is essential for cartilage and bone formation during skeletal development in mice. Loss of Pinch expression (Prx1Cre; Pinch1flox/flox; Pinch2−/−) inhibits chondrocyte proliferation and promotes chondrocyte apoptosis, resulting in severe chondrodysplasia and limb shortening. Based on these observations, we wonder if Pinch proteins have a role in adult cartilage and whether Pinch deficiency will compromise cartilage homeostasis and promote osteoarthritis (OA)-related defects in adult mice. To this end, we generated the AggrecanCreERT2; Pinch1flox/flox; Pinch2−/− mice, in which the Pinch1 gene can be inducibly deleted in aggrecan-expressing chondrocytes by tamoxifen and the Pinch2 gene is globally inactivated. Immunofluorescent staining confirmed that the expression of Pinch proteins was significantly decreased in articular cartilage in tamoxifen-treated adult AggrecanCreERT2; Pinch1flox/flox; Pinch2−/− mice. Unexpectedly, our results showed that Pinch loss did not induce marked abnormalities in articular cartilage and other joint tissues in the knee joints of either adult (10-month-old) mice or aged (17-month-old) mice. In a destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM)-induced OA model, the surgically-induced OA lesions were comparable between Pinch-deficient mice and control mice. Given the fact that Pinch proteins are essential for chondrogenesis and cartilage formation during skeletal development, these findings suggest that Pinch expression is seemingly not indispensable for adult cartilage homeostasis in mice.
Systemic inflammatory regulators and risk of acute-on-chronic liver failure: A bidirectional mendelian-randomization study
Authors: Wang Shengnan , Zhu Hao , Pan Lin , Zhang Mengyuan , Wan Xiaoqiang , Xu Hongqin , Hua Rui , Zhu Mingqin , Gao Pujun
Published: January 2023

Inflammation plays a role in the pathogenesis of acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF), however, whether there is a causal relationship between inflammation and ACLF remains unclear. A two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) approach was used to investigate the causal relationship between systemic inflammatory regulators and ACLF. The study analyzed 41 cytokines and growth factors from 8,293 individuals extracted from a genome-wide association study (GWAS) meta-analysis database involving 253 ACLF cases and 456,095 controls. Our results showed that lower stem cell factor (SCF) levels, lower basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) levels and higher Interleukin-13 (IL-13) levels were associated with an increased risk of ACLF (OR = 0.486, 95% CI = 0.264–0.892, p = 0.020; OR = 0.323, 95% CI = 0.107–0.972, p = 0.044; OR = 1.492, 95% CI = 1.111–2.004, p = 0.008, respectively). In addition, genetically predicted ACLF did not affect the expression of systemic inflammatory regulators. Our results indicate that cytokines play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of ACLF. Further studies are needed to determine whether these biomarkers can be used to prevent and treat ACLF.
Determination of nicotine in newborn meconium by high-Resolution ambient mass spectrometry using wooden-Tip spray
Authors: Wang Xinrong , Yang Mingyu , Xiao Hui , Liu Danping , Pan Lu , Zhang Liuyang , Yang Yan , Lu Qing , Liu Yanqiu , Yang Xiao , Yang Bicheng
Published: January 2023

Prenatal exposure to nicotine that are mainly produced from tobacco smoke has been reported to affect infants. Therefore, nicotine exposure is one of important health concerns for newborn screening. Detecting nicotine and its metabolites such as cotinine in meconium were widely used to evaluate the tobacco exposure of pregnancy. In this study, disposable wooden tips were applied for touch sampling of meconium from newborn infants, and then were directly mounted on mass spectrometer (MS) to perform rapid screening of nicotine and cotinine. Choice of extraction/spray solvents was optimized. The limits of detection, reproducibility, linear response for direct analysis of meconium were also investigated. It is found the limits of detection (S/N = 3) to be as low as 0.36 ng/mg and 1.18 ng/mg for nicotine and cotinine, respectively, while the limits of quantitation (S/N = 10) to be 1.19 ng/mg and 3.94 ng/mg for nicotine and cotinine, respectively. The relative standard deviations (RSD) were found to be at 8.4%–19.8% (n = 6) for nicotine and cotinine, a good linear range from 5–500 ng/mL (R2 > 0.99). These analytical performances are well-accepted levels for ambient mass spectrometer analysis. In this study, evaluation of nicotine and cotinine in 22 puerpera volunteers were conducted by the established wooden-tip spray mass spectrometry (WTS-MS). These results showed that wooden-tip spray mass spectrometry would be useful for newborn screening of nicotine and cotinine in meconium with high reproducibility, speed, sensitivity, and specificity. Owing to the use of disposable wooden tips that involves no sample preparation and no chromatographic separation, our results show that wooden-tip spray mass spectrometry is a powerful tool for determination of nicotine in newborn meconium.
Leveraging 16S rRNA data to uncover vaginal microbial signatures in women with cervical cancer
Authors: Wu Ming , Yu Hongfei , Gao Yueqian , Li Huanrong , Wang Chen , Li Huiyang , Ma Xiaotong , Dong Mengting , Li Bijun , Bai Junyi , Dong Yalan , Fan Xiangqin , Zhang Jintian , Yan Ye , Qi Wenhui , Han Cha , Fan Aiping , Xue Fengxia
Published: January 2023

Microbiota-relevant signatures have been investigated for human papillomavirus-related cervical cancer (CC), but lack consistency because of study- and methodology-derived heterogeneities. Here, four publicly available 16S rRNA datasets including 171 vaginal samples (51 CC versus 120 healthy controls) were analyzed to characterize reproducible CC-associated microbial signatures. We employed a recently published clustering approach called VAginaL community state typE Nearest CentroId clAssifier to assign the metadata to 13 community state types (CSTs) in our study. Nine subCSTs were identified. A random forest model (RFM) classifier was constructed to identify 33 optimal genus-based and 94 species-based signatures. Confounder analysis revealed confounding effects on both study- and hypervariable region-associated aspects. After adjusting for confounders, multivariate analysis identified 14 significantly changed taxa in CC versus the controls (P < 0.05). Furthermore, predicted functional analysis revealed significantly upregulated pathways relevant to the altered vaginal microbiota in CC. Cofactor, carrier, and vitamin biosynthesis were significantly enriched in CC, followed by fatty acid and lipid biosynthesis, and fermentation of short-chain fatty acids. Genus-based contributors to the differential functional abundances were also displayed. Overall, this integrative study identified reproducible and generalizable signatures in CC, suggesting the causal role of specific taxa in CC pathogenesis.
Physiological and transcriptome analysis of Candida albicans in response to X33 antimicrobial oligopeptide treatment
Authors: Lu Qunlin , Wang Yuanxiu , Liao Xing , Zhou Fu , Zhang Bin , Wu Xiaoyu
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Candida albicans is an opportunistic pathogenic fungus, which frequently causes systemic or local fungal infections in humans. The evolution of its drug-resistant mutants necessitate an urgent development of novel antimicrobial agents.

Results

Here, we explored the antimicrobial activity and inhibitory mechanisms of X33 antimicrobial oligopeptide (X33 AMOP) against C. albicans. The oxford cup test results showed that X33 AMOP had strong inhibitory activity against C. albicans, and its MIC and MFC were 0.625 g/L and 2.5 g/L, respectively. Moreover, SEM and TEM showed that X33 AMOP disrupted the integrity of cell membrane. The AKP, ROS, H2O2 and MDA contents increased, while the reducing sugar, soluble protein, and pyruvate contents decreased after the X33 AMOP treatment. This indicated that X33 AMOP could damage the mitochondrial integrity of the cells, thereby disrupting the energy metabolism by inducing oxidative stress in C. albicans. Furthermore, transcriptome analysis showed that X33 AMOP treatment resulted in the differential expression of 1140 genes, among which 532 were up-regulated, and 608 were down-regulated. These DEGs were related to protein, nucleic acid, and carbohydrate metabolism, and their expression changes were consistent with the changes in physiological characteristics. Moreover, we found that X33 AMOP could effectively inhibit the virulence attributes of C. albicans by reducing phospholipase activity and disrupting hypha formation.

Discussion

These findings provide the first-ever detailed reference for the inhibitory mechanisms of X33 AMOP against C. albicans and suggest that X33 AMOP is a potential drug candidate for treating C. albicans infections.
Prognostic value of remnant cholesterol in patients with coronary heart disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies
Authors: Tian Yun , Wu Wenli , Qin Li , Yu Xiuqiong , Cai Lin , Wang Han , Zhang Zhen
Published: January 2023

Background

The relationship between abnormal lipid levels and atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases is well established, but the association between remnant cholesterol (RC) and coronary heart disease (CHD) remains uncertain. The aim of this meta-analysis is to systematically evaluate the prognostic value of RC concentration in patients with CHD.

Methods

PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane, and Web of Science databases were reviewed to identify relevant observational cohort studies published in English up to December 2021. Random-effects meta-analysis compared the highest and lowest RC concentration. The primary outcome was a composite of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) and all-cause mortality in patients with CHD.

Results

A total of 10 studies recruiting 30,605 patients with CHD were selected to be included in this meta-analysis. Patients with CHD with elevated RC concentration had an increased risk of the composite endpoint events (RR = 1.54, 95% CI: 1.26–1.87) and MACEs (RR = 1.70, 95% CI: 1.54–1.88), but the risk of all-cause mortality was not statistically significant (RR = 1.16, 95% CI: 0.79–1.69, P = 0.44). Subgroup analysis showed consistent results.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that elevated concentration RC may independently predict MACEs in patients with CHD. Determination of RC concentration may improve risk stratification of prognosis in patients with CHD. However, more high-quality studies are necessary to confirm this association.
The relationship between pre-operative right ventricular longitudinal strain and low-cardiac-output syndrome after surgical aortic valve replacement
Authors: Zhang Yong-jian , Chen Hong , Dong Ya-ling , Shang Jia-nan , Ruan Li-tao , Yan Yang , Song Yan
Published: January 2023

Objectives

This study was performed to investigate the relationship between right ventricular free wall longitudinal strain (RVFWSL) and low cardiac output syndrome (LCOS) after surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) and to further explore its association with readmission within 2 years in patients who developed LCOS after SAVR.

Methods

This single-center retrospective observational study involved consecutive patients who underwent SAVR at our hospital from May 2018 to June 2020. Preoperative echocardiography was obtained within 3 days before SAVR. The longitudinal strain of the right ventricle was analyzed using the right ventricle as the main section, and the RVFWSL and right ventricular four-chamber longitudinal strain (RV4CSL) were obtained. The primary observation was the occurrence of LCOS. The secondary prognostic indicators were mainly the readmission rates within 2 years.

Results

In total, 146 patients were finally included in this study. The RVFWSL was significantly lower in the LCOS group than in the No-LCOS group (16.63 ± 2.10) vs. (23.95 ± 6.33), respectively; P < 0.001). The multivariate regression analysis showed that the RVFWSL was associated with LCOS (odds ratio, 1.676; 95% confidence interval, 1.258–2.232; P < 0.001). The receiver operating characteristic curve showed that the cut-off value for RVFWSL to predict LCOS was less than –18.3, with an area under the curve of 0.879, sensitivity of 100%, and specificity of 80.47%. The multivariate regression analysis showed that LCOS was an independent risk factor for readmission within 2 years in patients undergoing SAVR.

Conclusion

Patients with RVFWSL (<-18.3%) may be an increased risker for LCOS after SAVR. The occurrence of LCOS after SAVR is Yong-jian Zhang a risk factor for readmission within 2 years. Right ventricular function monitoring may have some predictive value for the postoperative prognosis in patients undergoing SAVR.
Quantification of paravalvular leaks associated with TAVI implants using 4D MRI in an aortic root phantom made possible by the use of 3D printing
Authors: Aigner Philipp , Sella Bart Eleonora , Panfili Sebastiano , Körner Tito , Mach Markus , Andreas Martin , Königshofer Markus , Saitta Simone , Redaelli Alberto , Schmid Albrecht , Moscato Francesco
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has become an alternative to surgical replacement of the aortic valve elderly patients. However, TAVI patients may suffer from paravalvular leaks (PVL). Detecting and grading is usually done by echocardiography, but is limited by resolution, 2D visualization and operator dependency. 4D flow magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a promising alternative, which did not reach clinical application in TAVI patients. The aim of this study was applying 3D printing technologies in order to evaluate flow patterns and hemodynamics of PVLs following TAVI, exploiting 4D flow MRI and standard ultrasound.

Materials and methods

An MR-compatible, anatomically left ventricle, aortic root, and ascending aorta model was fabricated by combining 3D-printed parts and various soft silicone materials to match physiological characteristics. An Abbott Portico™ valve was used in continuous antegrade flow (12–22 l/min), retrograde flow with varying transvalvular pressures (60–110 mmHg), and physiological pulsatile hemodynamics (aortic pressure: 120/80 mmHg, cardiac output: 5 l/min) Time-resolved MR measurements were performed above and below the TAVI stent and compared with color Doppler ultrasound measurements in exactly the same setup.

Results

The continuous antegrade flow measurements from MRI largely agreed with the flowmeter measurements, and a maximum error of only 7% was observed. In the retrograde configuration, visualization of the paravalvular leaks was possible from the MR measurements, but flow was overestimated by up to 33%. The 4D MRI measurement in the pulsatile setup revealed a single main PVL, which was also confirmed by the color Doppler measurements, and velocities were similar (2.0 m/s vs. 1.7 m/s).

Discussion

4D MRI techniques were used to qualitatively assess flow in a patient-specific, MR-compatible and flexible model, which only became possible through the use of 3D printing techniques. Flow patterns in the ascending aorta, identification and quantification of PVLs was possible and the location and extent of PVLs were confirmed by ultrasound measurements. The 4D MRI flow technique allowed evaluation of flow patterns in the ascending aorta and the left ventricle below the TAVI stent with good results in identifying PVLs, demonstrating its capabilities over ultrasound by providing the ability to visualize the paravalvular jets in three dimensions at however, additional expenditure of time and money.
Targeting lipid metabolism as a new therapeutic strategy for inherited cardiomyopathies
Authors: Gaar-Humphreys Karen R. , van den Brink Alyssa , Wekking Mark , Asselbergs Folkert W. , van Steenbeek Frank G. , Harakalova Magdalena , Pei Jiayi
Published: January 2023

Inherited cardiomyopathies caused by pathological genetic variants include multiple subtypes of heart disease. Advances in next-generation sequencing (NGS) techniques have allowed for the identification of numerous genetic variants as pathological variants. However, the disease penetrance varies among mutated genes. Some can be associated with more than one disease subtype, leading to a complex genotype-phenotype relationship in inherited cardiomyopathies. Previous studies have demonstrated disrupted metabolism in inherited cardiomyopathies and the importance of metabolic adaptations in disease onset and progression. In addition, genotype- and phenotype-specific metabolic alterations, especially in lipid metabolism, have been revealed. In this mini-review, we describe the metabolic changes that are associated with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), which account for the largest proportion of inherited cardiomyopathies. We also summarize the affected expression of genes involved in fatty acid oxidation (FAO) in DCM and HCM, highlighting the potential of PPARA-targeting drugs as FAO modulators in treating patients with inherited cardiomyopathies.
Centrifugal model tests and numerical modeling on overtopping-induced breach processes of landslide dams
Authors: Zhang Lucheng , Zhong Qiming , Yang Meng , Peng Ming , Liu Jiaxin , Mei Shengyao , Yan Zhikun , Shan Yibo
Published: January 2023

This study used the 400 g-ton geotechnical centrifuge model test system at the Nanjing Hydraulic Research Institute (NHRI) to investigate the breach evolution characteristics and hydrograph process of overtopping-induced breaching of landslide dams. It was achieved by taking advantage of the “time-space amplification” effect created by high-speed rotation using a centrifuge overweight force field. The effects of dam height, slope ratio, and soil gradation on the overtopping failure process of landslide dams were investigated by centrifugal model tests for the first time. In addition, a detailed physically-based dam breach model was developed to simulate the overtopping failure of landslide dams. Results show that the breach process of a landslide dam can be divided into four stages based on the measured breach morphology evolution process and the abrupt variations of breach flow discharge: initial scour on the downstream slope, retrogressive erosion to the dammed lake, erosion along the breach channel, and breach stabilization. Moreover, the peak breach flow is most sensitive to the dam height, followed by the average particle size; the time to peak is mainly affected by the slope ratio, and the relative residual dam height is primarily susceptible to the average particle size. In practice, the calculated results are consistent with the measured results. This study provides a scientific reference for the cognition of the overtopping-induced breach mechanism of landslide dams.
The strength law of coir fiber-reinforced soil based on modified Duncan-Chang model
Authors: Yang Hui , Li Penghui , Yang E , Jiang Xueliang , Chen Jiayu
Published: January 2023

A large diameter triaxial sample of 61.9 mm was made by adding coir fiber into red clay. The range of confining pressure was 50–200 kPa; fiber content was 0.1%–0.4%; and fiber length was 10–40 mm. By varying the confining pressure, fiber content and fiber length, the unconsolidated and undrained triaxial tests were used to study the shear strength variation law of coir fiber-reinforced soil. The experimental data were processed to establish a linear model of the segmental elastic modulus, and linear analysis was used to determine the model fitting parameters and to improve the Duncan-Chang model by combining the concept of damage ratio. The modified Duncan-Chang model fits the stress-strain relationship of coir-reinforced soil. The results show a clear dividing line for the effect of fiber length and fiber content on the strength of the samples, which is about 30 mm and 0.3%, respectively. At the same time, the modified model can fit the stress-strain relationship of coir fiber-reinforced soil and reflect the stress-strain curve characteristics of coir fiber-reinforced soil.
The NCEP and ERA-Interim reanalysis temperature and humidity errors and their relationships with atmospheric boundary layer in the Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Che Junhui , Zhao Ping
Published: January 2023

The lack of sounding observations in the western Tibetan Plateau (TP), the highest terrain in the world, has resulted in few efforts to evaluate the quality of the atmospheric reanalysis results in this region. Using the sounding observations from the Third Tibetan Plateau Atmospheric Scientific Experiment during 2013–2015, the NCEP and ERA-Interim reanalysis temperature and humidity fields in the TP are evaluated and the characteristics of the reanalysis Atmospheric Boundary Layer (ABL) height are utilized to explain the reasons for the differences in temperature and humidity between the western and eastern TP. The results show that the NCEP and ERA-Interim reanalysis temperature and humidity products generally have larger errors at low level (such as 500 hPa) in the western TP (WTP) than in the eastern one (ETP) at 12:00 UTC. However, this difference is small at 00:00 UTC. Further analysis reveals that the temporal and spatial variations of temperature and humidity errors at low level are closely associated with the differences in the terrain and ABL between the western and eastern TP. In the early morning when the ABL height is low over the TP, the 500 hPa pressure level in both the WTP and ETP is significantly above the top of ABL, with weak spatial variations of temperature and humidity errors. However, in the late afternoon when there is a larger increase in ABL height over the WTP than over the ETP, the 500 hPa pressure level is located inside the ABL in the WTP and is still above the ABL in the ETP, which causes significant regional differences in these errors.
Failure mechanism and stability analysis of an open-pit slope under excavation unloading conditions
Authors: Wang Jianming , Zhou Zihan , Chen Chong , Wang Huan , Chen Zhonghui
Published: January 2023

Excavation unloading significantly contributes to rock slope failure in an open-pit mine. At present, there is no relevant theoretical study on the failure mechanism of the rock slope under excavation unloading. Therefore, in this study, based on the theory of fracture mechanics, the expression of the stress intensity factor at the crack tip on the rock mass at the vertical distance, h, from the slope top under excavation unloading is derived, the calculation method of the crack initiation angle is given, the expression of the ultimate safe height of the slope under unloading is obtained, and the ratio of the fracture toughness of the slope rock mass to the composite stress intensity factor at the crack tip on the rock mass is defined as the slope stability factor, which is verified by an engineering example. The results show that the crack initiation angle decreased when crack inclination was increased, and the crack initiation angle increased when the side-pressure coefficient, slope angle, and friction coefficient were increased. The ultimate safety height of the slope decreased first and then increased with the increase in the crack angle, and it was approximately linear with the crack length and inversely proportional with the slope angle. The stability coefficient calculated by this method is the same as that calculated by the limit equilibrium method and is small, which indicates the accuracy and rationality of this method. Results in this study can provide a theoretical basis for understanding and controlling the slope collapse disaster induced by excavation unloading.
Application of a multi-layer feedforward neural network to predict fracture density in shale oil, Junggar Basin, China
Authors: Chen Gang , Qi Hongyan , Yu Jianglong , Li Wei , Xian Chenggang , Lu Minghui , Song Yong , Wu Junjun
Published: January 2023

Fengcheng Formation in the Mabei Slope of Junggar Basin has low porosity and permeability. However, fractures are well developed, representing an effective storage space for shale oil. Core and experimental data show that the shale oil reservoir of Fengcheng Formation positively correlates with oil content and fractures. And the fracture density has a good quantitatively positive correlation with crude oil production from the production data. Fengcheng Formation has been significantly enriched and accumulated with shale oil due to fractures serving as reservoirs and seepage channels. Therefore, quantitative prediction of fractures is the key to finding high production areas of shale oil in the Fengcheng Formation. The purpose of this study is to extract the seismic attributes that are sensitive to shale oil reservoir fractures. These attributes include curvature, deep learning fracture detection, maximum likelihood, eigenvalue coherence, and variance cube. Furthermore, a seismic multi-attribute fracture density prediction model is trained at the well point using a feedforward neural network method, and the spatial distribution of fracture density is predicted. The results show that the predicted fracture density is consistent with the formation micro imaging logs in the area. Simultaneously, combined with the understanding of the quantitative relationship between fracture density and shale oil production, quantitative prediction results of fracture density could provide the basis for determining the distribution and optimal location of high-quality shale oil wells in the study area. This study will serve as a benchmark for identifying fractures in shale oil reservoirs worldwide.
Recipe for pituitary organoids
Authors: Kano Mayuko , Sasaki Hiroo , Miwata Tsutomu , Suga Hidetaka
Published: January 2023

Generation of a variety of organs and tissues from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) has been attempted in vitro. We here present a simple and efficient method for induction of hypothalamic and pituitary tissues from hPSCs. On provision of exogenous agents important for early hypothalamus-pituitary organogenesis, including bone morphogenetic protein 4 and activators of sonic hedgehog, in three-dimensional culture, hPSCs spontaneously form spherical organoids with two distinct tissues, hypothalamus and adenohypophysis. The pituitary tissues derived from hPSCs not only secrete adenocorticotropic hormone, but also retain both positive and negative feedback mechanisms, recapitulating mature endocrine organs in vivo. Furthermore, the results of ectopic transplantation with mouse models of hypopituitarism suggest that these hypothalamus-pituitary organoids have potential as engraftment organs. In addition to their use in transplantation for patients with hypopituitarism they will allow establishment of disease models in vitro and enable research impossible in humans. Hypothalamus-pituitary organoids promise to be a powerful tool in regenerative medicine, drug discovery, and basic research into pituitary development.