bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dietary Supplementation of Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) With Panax ginseng Essential Oil: Positive Impact on Animal Health and Productive Performance, and Mitigating Effects on Atrazine- Induced Toxicity
Authors: Ahmed Mona M. , Mohammed Amany T. , Farag Mayada R. , Hassan Mona A. , Mawed Suzan A. , Alagawany Mahmoud , Zizzadoro Claudia , Di Cerbo Alessandro , Abdel-Latif Hany M. R.
Published: June 2022

The present study assessed the impact of Panax ginseng essential oil (GEO) supplementation on physiological parameters related to productive performance and health status in Nile tilapia reared under standard conditions and exposed to a sub-lethal atrazine (ATZ) concentration. Fish were allocated into 6 groups: the control group was reared in clean water and fed with a commercial basal diet (CNT), two groups were fed with the basal diet supplemented with two different levels of GEO (GEO1 and GEO2, respectively), one group was intoxicated with 1/5 of ATZ 96-h lethal concentration 50 (1.39 mg/L) (ATZ group), and the remaining two groups were fed with the GEO-supplemented diets and concurrently exposed to 1.39 mg ATZ/L (GEO1+ATZ and GEO2+ATZ, respectively). The experiment lasted for 60 days. GEO supplementation exerted a significantly positive influence on fish growth, feed utilization, and hepatic antioxidant defense systems at both levels of supplementation. ATZ exposure significantly reduced fish survival rates and impaired fish growth and feed utilization, with the lowest final weights, weight gain, total feed intake, and the highest feed conversion ratio being recorded in the ATZ-intoxicated group. ATZ exposure caused significant changes in intestinal digestive enzyme activity (decreased lipase activity), hematological indices (decreased hemoglobin, packed cell volume, erythrocytes, and leukocytes), blood biochemical variables (decreased total proteins, albumin, globulins, and immunoglobulin M; increased total cholesterol, triglycerides, and cortisol), and hepatic oxidative/antioxidant indices (decreased glutathione level, superoxide dismutase and catalase enzyme activity and mRNA expression levels, and increased malondialdehyde content). Moreover, in the hepatic tissue of ATZ-intoxicated Nile tilapia, histopathological alterations and upregulated mRNA expression levels of stress- and apoptosis-related genes (Hsp70, caspase 3, and p53) were observed. GEO supplementation in ATZ-treated groups significantly attenuated the aforementioned negative effects, though some parameters did not reach the CNT values. These findings provide further and partly new evidence that sub-lethal ATZ toxicity induces reduced survivability, growth retardation, impaired digestive function, anemia, immunosuppression, hepatic oxidative stress damage, and overall increased stress level in Nile tilapia, and suggest that GEO supplementation may be useful for mitigating this toxicity and provide more general support to the productive performance and health status of this fish species.
Network Meta-Analysis of Open Reduction Internal Fixation, Intramedullary Nail Fixation, and Distal Femoral Replacement for Periprosthetic Distal Femur Fractures
Authors: Lu Yao , Xu Yibo , Ren Cheng , Wang Qian , Sun Liang , Zhang Chengcheng , Huang Qiang , Xue Hanzhong , Li Zhong , Zhang Kun , Zhao Yang , Ma Teng
Published: June 2022

Background: Although open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) with periarticular locking plates, retrograde intramedullary nail (IMN) fixation, and distal femoral replacement (DFR) have been widely used for the treatment of periprosthetic distal femur fractures (PPDFF), it remains unclear which one may be an optimal surgical strategy.

Objective: This network meta-analysis aimed to determine the optimal surgical strategy for PPDFF from ORIF, IMN, and DFR by evaluating major complication rates and revision rates.

Patients and Methods: We identified eligible studies by performing an updated literature search in PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) and checking published meta-analyses. The methodological index for non-randomized studies (MINORS) was used to assess the methodological quality of eligible studies. Major complications and revision rates were defined as outcomes of interest. All statistical analyses were performed by ADDIS 1.4 software.

Results: We included 17 eligible studies in the final analysis. Statistical analyses did not reveal significant differences when ORIF was compared with IMN and ORIF compared with DFR, and IMN compared with DFR in terms of two clinical outcomes. However, DFR achieved a beneficial trend in major complications [odds ratio (OR) = 1.34; 95% CrI = 0.48–3.80] and revision (OR = 1.64; 95% CrI = 0.68–4.38) rates compared with IMN. Ranking probabilities indicate that DFR has the highest probability of being the optimal option, followed by ORIF and IMN.

Conclusion: There was no difference in major complications or reoperations between the three treatments. However, ORIF with periarticular locking plates may be a preferred alternative option because DFR is limited by the high cost. Moreover, our study highlights the need for future prospective trials evaluating the outcomes of these three surgical strategies.
Nomogram Predicting Lymph Node Metastasis in the Early-Stage Cervical Cancer
Authors: Yang Shimin , Liu Chunli , Li Chunbo , Hua Keqin
Published: June 2022

Background

Accurately predicting the risk level of lymph node metastasis is essential for the treatment of patients with early cervical cancer. The purpose of this study is to construct a new nomogram based on 2-deoxy-2-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (18F-FDG PET/CT) and clinical characteristics to assess early-stage cervical cancer patients’ risk of lymph node metastasis.

Materials and Methods

From January 2019 to November 2020, the records of 234 patients with stage IA-IIA [International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) 2018] cervical cancer who had undergone PET/CT examination within 30 days before surgery were retrospectively reviewed. A nomogram to predict the risk of lymph node metastasis was constructed based on it. The nomogram was developed and validated by internal and external validation. The validation cohorts included 191 cervical cancer patients from December 2020 to October 2021.

Results

Four factors [squamous cell carcinoma associated antigen (SCCA), maximum standardized uptake value of lymph node (nSUVmax), uterine corpus invasion in PET/CT and tumor size in PET/CT] were finally determined as the predictors of the nomogram. At the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve cohort was 0.926 in the primary and was 0.897 in the validation cohort. The calibration curve shows good agreement between the predicted probability and the actual probability. The decision curve analysis showed the clinical utility of the nomogram.

Conclusion

We had established and verified a simple and effective nomogram, which can be used to predict the lymph node metastasis of cervical cancer patients before surgery.
Twin-Twin Transfusion Syndrome After Radiofrequency Ablation in Dizygotic Monochorionic Triamniotic Triplet Pregnancy With Sex Discordance: A Case Report
Authors: Tang Mingming , Tian Xingbo , Luo Jianglai , Zhang Xiaohang , Ran Suzhen , Xiong Jiaojiao , Chen Yanlin , Chen Gongli
Published: June 2022

Background

We report a case of dizygotic monochorionic triamniotic triplet pregnancy. Twin-twin transfusion syndrome was subsequently diagnosed combined with sex discordance in the two surviving fetuses after one fetus was reduced, which is extremely rare and has not been previously reported.

Case Presentation

After reducing one fetus by radiofrequency ablation of a monochorionic triamniotic triplet pregnancy, twin-twin transfusion syndrome was subsequently diagnosed combined with sex discordance in the two surviving fetuses. Amniotic fluid for chromosome analysis showed normal karyotype 46, XY/46, XX of the donor and recipient fetus, and short tandem repeat (STR) analysis revealed dizygotic twins.

Conclusions

Through this is an unusual case, we aim to emphasize the importance of accurate diagnosis of chorionicity and zygosity in sex discordant triplet pregnancy, which is the key to appropriate clinical management.
Comprehensive Impacts of Climate Change on Rice Production and Adaptive Strategies in China
Authors: Saud Shah , Wang Depeng , Fahad Shah , Alharby Hesham F. , Bamagoos Atif A. , Mjrashi Ali , Alabdallah Nadiyah M. , AlZahrani Saleha S. , AbdElgawad Hamada , Adnan Muhammad , Sayyed R. Z. , Ali Shafaqat , Hassan Shah
Published: June 2022

The rice production system is one of the most climate change sensitive agro-ecosystems. This paper reviews the effects of current and future climate change on rice production in China. In recent decades, thermal resources have increased during the rice growing season, while solar radiation resources have decreased, and precipitation heterogeneity has increased. The increasing frequency of high-temperature stress, heavy rainfall, drought, and flood disasters may reduce the utilization efficiency of hydrothermal resources. Climate change, thus far, has resulted in a significant northward shift in the potential planting boundaries of single- and double-cropping rice production systems, which negatively affects the growth duration of single-, early-, and late-cropping rice. Studies based on statistical and process-based crop models show that climate change has affected rice production in China. The effects of climate change on the yield of single rice (SR), early rice (ER), and late rice (LR) were significant; however, the results of different methods and different rice growing areas were different to some extent. The trend of a longer growth period and higher yield of rice reflects the ability of China’s rice production system to adapt to climate change by adjusting planting regionalization and improving varieties and cultivation techniques. The results of the impact assessment under different climate scenarios indicated that the rice growth period would shorten and yield would decrease in the future. This means that climate change will seriously affect China’s rice production and food security. Further research requires a deeper understanding of abiotic stress physiology and its integration into ecophysiological models to reduce the uncertainty of impact assessment and expand the systematicness of impact assessment.
CK2β Is a Gatekeeper of Focal Adhesions Regulating Cell Spreading
Authors: Filhol Odile , Hesse Anne-Marie , Bouin Anne-Pascale , Albigès-Rizo Corinne , Jeanneret Florian , Battail Christophe , Pflieger Delphine , Cochet Claude
Published: June 2022

CK2 is a hetero-tetrameric serine/threonine protein kinase made up of two CK2α/αʹ catalytic subunits and two CK2β regulatory subunits. The free CK2α subunit and the tetrameric holoenzyme have distinct substrate specificity profiles, suggesting that the spatiotemporal organization of the individual CK2 subunits observed in living cells is crucial in the control of the many cellular processes that are governed by this pleiotropic kinase. Indeed, previous studies reported that the unbalanced expression of CK2 subunits is sufficient to drive epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), a process involved in cancer invasion and metastasis. Moreover, sub-stoichiometric expression of CK2β compared to CK2α in a subset of breast cancer tumors was correlated with the induction of EMT markers and increased epithelial cell plasticity in breast carcinoma progression. Phenotypic changes of epithelial cells are often associated with the activation of phosphotyrosine signaling. Herein, using phosphotyrosine enrichment coupled with affinity capture and proteomic analysis, we show that decreased expression of CK2β in MCF10A mammary epithelial cells triggers the phosphorylation of a number of proteins on tyrosine residues and promotes the striking activation of the FAK1-Src-PAX1 signaling pathway. Moreover, morphometric analyses also reveal that CK2β loss increases the number and the spatial distribution of focal adhesion signaling complexes that coordinate the adhesive and migratory processes. Together, our findings allow positioning CK2β as a gatekeeper for cell spreading by restraining focal adhesion formation and invasion of mammary epithelial cells.
Meat Food Group Intakes and the Risk of Type 2 Diabetes Incidence
Authors: Hosseini-Esfahani Firoozeh , Beheshti Niloofar , Koochakpoor Glareh , Mirmiran Parvin , Azizi Fereidoun
Published: June 2022

Aim

This study aimed to evaluate the association of meats and their substitute food group intakes, including nuts, eggs, and legumes, with type 2 diabetes (T2D).

Methods

For this secondary analysis, we selected eligible adults (n = 6,112) from the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study participants with a median follow-up of 6.63 years. Expert nutritionists assessed dietary intakes using a valid and reliable semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire. Biochemical and anthropometric variables were assessed at baseline and follow-up examinations. We used multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression models to estimate the new onset of T2D concerning meats and their substitute food groups.

Results

We performed this study on 2,749 men and 3,363 women, aged 41.4 ± 14.2 and 39.1 ± 13.1 years, respectively. The number of participants with incident T2D was 549. After adjusting for confounders, legume [HR: 1, 0.74 (0.58–0.94), 0.69 (0.54–0.90), 0.65 (0.50–0.84), P-trend = 0.01)] was inversely associated with incident T2D. Fish intake [HR: 1, 1.0 (0.79–1.27), 1.17 (0.91–1.50), 1.14 (0.89–1.45), P-trend = 0.01)] was positively associated with incident T2D. In subjects who reported poultry consumption of 36.4–72.8 g/day, a positive association [HR: 1.33 (1.03–1.71)] between poultry intake and T2D risk was observed.

Conclusion

Our findings revealed that a diet rich in legumes significantly reduced the risk of T2D incidence, while a diet high in poultry increased the risk of T2D incidence, probably due to high-temperature cooking methods and environmental contaminants.
Outcomes of Anlotinib Maintenance Therapy in Patients With Advanced NSCLC in a Real-World Setting
Authors: Li Jia , Han Baohui , Liu Huaimin
Published: June 2022

Background

Anlotinib is a novel tyrosine kinase inhibitor with promising anti-tumor activity in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of anlotinib maintenance therapy in patients with advanced NSCLC in real-world situation.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective study on the patients with stage IIIb or IV NSCLC who visited our hospital between December 2016 and April 2020. They achieved an objective response or stable disease after first- or second- line treatment and then received switch maintenance therapy with anlotinib. Data were collected using automated data mining technology from electronic health records. Patients’ demographic and clinical characteristics, median progression-free survival (PFS), median overall survival (OS), and adverse events were described, and preliminary analysis of efficacy predictors was analyzed.

Results

Thirty-two patients were included in this study (20 patients in first-line treatment and 12 patients in second-line treatment). Median anlotinib maintenance time was 9 days (Q1-Q3: 3-22). The median PFS was 11.5 months, with 11.5 months in first-line treatment and 8.9 months in second-line treatment. The median OS was 12.0 months, with 16.4 months in first-line treatment group and 8.9 months in second-line treatment group. Grade 2-3 treatment-related adverse events were reported in 18.76% patients. No life-threatening adverse events were observed.

Conclusion

Our results suggested that anlotinib maintenance therapy might be a potentially safe and efficacious option for patients who had benefited from first- or second-line treatment. However, our data are limited representative due to the small sample size; the efficacy of anlotinib maintenance therapy warrants further evaluation.
Whole-Exome Sequencing Uncovers Specific Genetic Variation Difference Based on Different Modes of Drug Resistance in Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Tang Ning , Li Zhenzhen , Han Xiao , Zhao Chenglong , Guo Jun , Wang Haiyong
Published: June 2022

The poor survival rate of small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is mainly related to the condition that patients with SCLC often have good responses to first-line chemotherapy initially, but later on, most of these patients relapse rapidly due to resistance to further treatment. In this study, we attempted to analyze whole-exome sequencing data based on the largest sample size to date, to develop a classifier to predict whether a patient will be chemorefractory or chemosensitive and to explicate the risk of recurrence that affects the prognosis of patients. We showed the different characteristics of somatic mutational signatures, somatic mutation genes, and distinct genome instability between chemorefractory and chemosensitive SCLC patients. Amplified mutations in the chemosensitive group inhibited the regulation of the cell cycle process, transcription factor binding, and B-cell differentiation. Analysis of deletion mutation also suggested that detection of the chromosomal-level variation might influence our treatment decisions. Higher PD-L1 expressions (based on TPS methods) were mostly present among chemosensitive patients (p = 0.026), while there were no differences in PD-L1 expressions (based on CPS methods) and CD8+ TILs between the two groups. According to the model determined by logistic regression, each sample was endowed with a predictive probability value (PV). The samples were divided into a high-risk group (>0.55) and a low-risk group (≤0.55), and the survival analysis showed obvious differences between the two groups. This study provides a reference basis to translate this knowledge into practice, such as formulating personalized treatment plans, which may benefit Chinese patients with SCLC.
RAC3 Inhibition Induces Autophagy to Impair Metastasis in Bladder Cancer Cells via the PI3K/AKT/mTOR Pathway
Authors: Wang Liwei , Shi Jiazhong , Liu Sha , Huang Yaqin , Ding Hua , Zhao Baixiong , Liu Yuting , Wang Wuxing , Yang Jin , Chen Zhiwen
Published: June 2022

Background

Bladder cancer (BCa) is one of the most frequent malignant tumors globally, with a significant morbidity and mortality rate. Gene expression dysregulation has been proven to play a critical role in tumorigenesis. Ras-related C3 botulinum toxin substrate3 (RAC3), which is overexpressed in several malignancies and promotes tumor progression, has been identified as an oncogene. However, RAC3 has important but not fully understood biological functions in cancer. Our research aims to reveal the new functions and potential mechanisms of RAC3 involved in BCa progression.

Methods

We explored the expression level of RAC3 and its relationship with prognosis by publicly accessible BCa datasets, while the correlation of RAC3 expression with clinicopathological variables of patients was analyzed. In vitro and in vivo proliferation, migration, autophagy, and other phenotypic changes were examined by constructing knockdown(KD)/overexpression(OE) RAC3 cells and their association with PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway was explored by adding autophagy-related compounds.

Results

Compared with non-tumor samples, RAC3 was highly expressed in BCa and negatively correlated with prognosis. KD/OE RAC3 inhibited/promoted the proliferation and migration of BCa cells. Knockdown RAC3 caused cell cycle arrest and decreased adhesion without affecting apoptosis. Inhibition of RAC3 activates PI3K/AKT/mTOR mediated autophagy and inhibits proliferation and migration of BCa cells in vivo and in vitro. Autophagy inhibitor 3MA can partially rescue the metastasis and proliferation inhibition effect caused by RAC3 inhibition. Inhibit/activate mTOR enhanced/impaired autophagy, resulting in shRAC3-mediated migration defect exacerbated/rescued.

Conclusion

RAC3 is highly expressed in BCa. It is associated with advanced clinicopathological variables and poor prognosis. Knockdown RAC3 exerts an antitumor effect by enhancing PI3K/AKT/mTOR mediated autophagy. Targeting RAC3 and autophagy simultaneously is a potential therapeutic strategy for inhibiting BCa progression and prolonging survival.
Case Report: Neonatal Urinary Ascites Without Hydronephrosis: A Rare Case of Anterior Urethral Valve and Diverticulum in Preterm Newborn
Authors: He Yue , Lin Sam Bill , Li WenXuan , Sun YuBo , Tang LiangFeng , Zhang Rong
Published: June 2022

The deformation of congenital obstruction of the anterior urethra is rare in male infants. The anterior urethral valve (AUV) and diverticulum are not common causes of distal urethral obstruction, which may be significant but difficult to diagnose in time. We describe a premature infant who was diagnosed with AUV as part of a diverticulum in the anterior urethra and was presented as massive urinary ascites without hydroureters and hydronephrosis. After indwelling abdominal tube and urinary catheterization, the infant’s massive ascites were resolved, while urethral obstruction had successful treatment by Holmium laser. We suggest that the presence of urinary ascites in fetuses and neonates should be considered as a warning against urinary malformations.
Heart Rate Variability for the Early Detection of Cardiac Autonomic Dysfunction in Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Castiglioni Paolo , Faini Andrea , Nys Anika , De Busser Renee , Scherrenberg Martijn , Baldussu Esmee , Parati Gianfranco , Dendale Paul
Published: June 2022

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) has an important impact on morbidity and mortality because it may start early in life. Therefore, the early detection of cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy (DCAN) in T1DM patients is important to intervene quickly and prevent further deterioration. Traditional autonomic function tests detect abnormalities in severely symptomatic patients but they are difficult to be standardized, require the patient’s active participation and their sensitivity to the early disease is limited. In comparison, heart rate variability (HRV) is easier to be measured and standardized. Therefore, we aim to find the HRV indexes that better identify DCAN at an early stage in T1DM patients, and evaluate if HRV is a valid alternative to traditional tests. For this aim, we administered the SCOPA-AUT questionnaire on symptoms of autonomic dysfunction as well as deep breathing, Valsalva, handgrip, head-up tilt (HUT), and cold-pressor tests, to 52 T1DM patients and 27 controls. We calculated HRV indexes during supine rest (SUP) and HUT, assessing differences between groups and postures by a linear mixed-effect model for repeated measures. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analysis quantified how each HRV index and autonomic test distinguishes between patients and controls. We found that the SCOPA-AUT score was slightly but significantly (p < 0.05) greater in patients, indicating an early DCAN. T1DM patients preserved the HRV response to changing posture but in SUP they showed significantly lower standard deviation and vagal indexes of HRV than controls. The area under the ROC curve of these HRV indexes was not lower than 0.68. By contrast, traditional autonomic tests did not differ between groups. Therefore, early DCAN initially causes an impairment of the cardiac vagal control manifest in conditions of elevated vagal tone, as in SUP. Compensatory adjustments of the sympathetic control might explain the unaltered response to traditional autonomic tests. In conclusion, vagal HRV indexes in SUP help to identify early DCAN better than traditional tests, potentially allowing rapid interventions.
Consequences of Drought Stress Encountered During Seedling Stage on Physiology and Yield of Cultivated Cotton
Authors: Rehman Tanzeela , Tabassum Bushra , Yousaf Samina , Sarwar Ghulam , Qaisar Uzma
Published: June 2022

Survival of living organisms depends on the availability of water resources required for agriculture. In the current scenario of limited water resources, it is our priority to maximise the yield potential of crops with a minimum supply of available water. In this study, we evaluated seven cultivated varieties of Gossypium hirsutum (FH-114, FH-152, FH-326, FH-492, FH-942, VH-327 and FH-NOOR) for their tolerance, yield potential and fibre quality under water shortages. We also studied the effect of drought stress on osmoregulation, chlorophyll content, antioxidant (peroxidase and catalase) activity, lipid peroxidation and secondary metabolite accumulation in the varieties under study. It was revealed that three varieties (FH-114, FH-152 and VH-327) exhibited a lower stress susceptibility index and more tolerance to drought stress. All the varieties demonstrated enhanced proline and malondialdehyde content, but no significant change in chlorophyll content was observed under limited water supply. Antioxidant activity offered by catalase and phenolic content was enhanced in FH-492 whilst peroxidase activity increased in FH-114 and FH-326. Phenolic content was highest in FH-942 and decreased significantly in the remaining varieties. Ginning outturn of the cotton varieties increased in VH-327 (19.8%) and FH-326 (3.7%), was not affected in FH-114 and FH-492 and was reduced in FH-152, FH-942 and FH-NOOR. All cotton varieties tested showed an increase in micronaire thickness when exposed to drought stress as early as the seedling stage. This study highlights the evaluation and screening of cotton varieties for their response to drought stress in terms of yield and fibre quality when exposed to water shortages during plant development and can help in devising irrigation plans.
Brainwave Phase Stability: Predictive Modeling of Irrational Decision
Authors: Shan Zu-Hua
Published: June 2022

A predictive model applicable in both neurophysiological and decision-making studies is proposed, bridging the gap between psychological/behavioral and neurophysiological studies. Supposing the electromagnetic waves (brainwaves) are carriers of decision-making, and electromagnetic waves with the same frequency, individual amplitude and constant phase triggered by conditions interfere with each other and the resultant intensity determines the probability of the decision. Accordingly, brainwave-interference decision-making model is built mathematically and empirically test with neurophysiological and behavioral data. Event-related potential data confirmed the stability of the phase differences in a given decision context. Behavioral data analysis shows that phase stability exists across categorization-decision, two-stage gambling, and prisoner’s dilemma decisions. Irrational decisions occurring in those experiments are actually rational as their phases could be quantitatively derived from the phases of the riskiest and safest choices. Model fitting result reveals that the root-mean-square deviations between the fitted and actual phases of irrational decisions are less than 10°, and the mean absolute percentage errors of the fitted probabilities are less than 0.06. The proposed model is similar in mathematical form compared with the quantum modeling approach, but endowed with physiological/psychological connection and predictive ability, and promising in the integration of neurophysiological and behavioral research to explore the origin of the decision.
Tapping Performance of Professional and Amateur Darbuka Players
Authors: Honda Kazuaki , Fujii Shinya
Published: June 2022

Motor skills of professional musicians can be regarded as a model to investigate human skill acquisition after prolonged practice. Although rhythmic tapping skills of musicians such as drummers and pianists were investigated previously, the tapping performance of hand percussionists is still largely unknown. In this study, we investigated the tapping performance of professional and amateur darbuka players. Three tapping tasks were performed: single-, double-, and triple-finger tapping tasks. The participants were asked to tap as fast as possible for 12 s in the single-finger tapping task while they tapped as fast and alternate/even as possible in the double- and triple-finger tapping tasks. The tapping speed and variability of inter-tap interval (ITI) and tapping amplitude were assessed for each task. In the single-finger and triple-finger tapping tasks, there was no significant difference in the tapping speed between the professional and amateur darbuka players. In the double-finger tapping task, the tapping speed was significantly faster in the professional players than the amateur players. Interestingly, the professional players showed faster tapping speed in both familiar and unfamiliar patterns of finger coordination. The tapping speed of the double-finger tapping task was significantly correlated with the duration and the age of commencement of darbuka training. The professional players also showed less variability of ITI and tapping amplitude compared to the amateur players. These results suggest that prolonged practice of the hand percussion increases the performance stability and coordination speed of both familiar and unfamiliar patterns.
I See What You Are Saying: Hearing Infants’ Visual Attention and Social Engagement in Response to Spoken and Sign Language
Authors: Novack Miriam A. , Chan Dana , Waxman Sandra
Published: June 2022

Infants are endowed with a proclivity to acquire language, whether it is presented in the auditory or visual modality. Moreover, in the first months of life, listening to language supports fundamental cognitive capacities, including infants’ facility to form object categories (e.g., dogs and bottles). Recently, we have found that for English-acquiring infants as young as 4 months of age, this precocious interface between language and cognition is sufficiently broad to include not only their native spoken language (English), but also sign language (American Sign Language, ASL). In the current study, we take this work one step further, asking how “sign-naïve” infants—hearing infants with no prior exposure to sign language—deploy their attentional and social strategies in the context of episodes involving either spoken or sign language. We adopted a now-standard categorization task, presenting 4- to 6-month-old infants with a series of exemplars from a single category (e.g., dinosaurs). Each exemplar was introduced by a woman who appeared on the screen together with the object. What varied across conditions was whether this woman introduced the exemplar by speaking (English) or signing (ASL). We coded infants’ visual attentional strategies and their spontaneous vocalizations during this task. Infants’ division of attention and visual switches between the woman and exemplar varied as a function of language modality. In contrast, infants’ spontaneous vocalizations revealed similar patterns across languages. These results, which advance our understanding of how infants allocate attentional resources and engage with communicative partners across distinct modalities, have implications for specifying our theories of language acquisition.
Nearly Half of Women Have Experienced Intimate Partner Violence During Pregnancy in Northwest Ethiopia, 2021; The Role of Social Support and Decision-Making Power
Authors: Kebede Azmeraw Ambachew , Aklil Mastewal Belayneh , Gessesse Dereje Nibret , Tsega Nuhamin Tesfa , Temesgan Wubedle Zelalem , Abegaz Marta Yimam , Anteneh Tazeb Alemu , Tibebu Nebiyu Solomon , Alemu Haymanot Nigatu , Haile Tsion Tadesse , Seyoum Asmra Tesfahun , Tiguh Agumas Eskezia , Yismaw Ayenew Engida , Nenko Goshu , Wondie Kindu Yinges , Taye Birhan Tsegaw , Mihret Muhabaw Shumye
Published: June 2022

Background

In developing countries, intimate partner violence is increasing alarmingly, though attention to this issue is rarely given. It has devastating effects on the general wellbeing of women, pregnancy outcomes, and the long-term health of children, and this needs to be addressed. Hence, this study was designed to assess intimate partner violence and associated factors in northwest Ethiopia.

Methods

A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from July 1st to August 30th, 2021, among 858 postpartum women in Gondar city. A cluster sampling technique was employed to select the study participants. EPI DATA version 4.6 and SPSS 25 were used for data entry, cleaning and analysis, respectively. A bivariable and multivariable logistic regression model was fitted to identify factors associated with intimate partner violence. The level of significant association was declared using the adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with 95 % confidence interval (CI) and a p-value of ≤ 0.05.

Results

In this study, 48.6% of women indicated having experienced intimate partner violence during pregnancy (95% CI: 45.3, 51.7). The odds of intimate partner violence during pregnancy were significantly higher among women who were not able to read and write (AOR = 4.96; 95% CI: 2.15, 11.41), were private workers (AOR = 1.78; 95% CI: 1.05, 3.02), and had low decision-making power (AOR = 1.43; 95% CI: 1.06, 1.95), a poor social support (AOR = 1.99; 95% CI: 1.32, 3.02), and unsupported pregnancy by family (AOR = 2.32; 95% CI: 1.26, 4.24). Whereas a family size of ≥ 5 (AOR = 0.73; 95% CI: 0.54, 0.98) appeared to be a protective factor for intimate partner violence.

Conclusion

The magnitude of intimate partner violence was unacceptably high in the study area and connected to poor women's empowerment and social determinants of health. Thus, it is important to focus on interventions that improve women's access to social support and allow them to participate in all aspects of household decision-making through community-based structures and networks. It is also important to encourage women to improve their educational status and arrange risk-free employment opportunities.
A Study on the Correlation Between Age-Related Macular Degeneration and Alzheimer's Disease Based on the Application of Artificial Neural Network
Authors: Zhang Meng , Gong Xuewu , Ma Wenhui , Wen Libo , Wang Yuejing , Yao Hongbo
Published: June 2022

Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is a kind of irreversible vision loss or disease caused by retinal pigment epithelial cells and neuroretinal degeneration, which has become the main cause of vision loss and blindness of the elderly over 65 years old in developed countries. The main clinical manifestations are cognitive decline, mental symptoms and behavioral disorders, and the gradual decline of daily living ability. In this paper, a feature extraction method of electroencephalogram (EEG) signal based on multi-spectral image fusion of multi-brain regions is proposed based on artificial neural network (ANN). In this method, the brain is divided into several different brain regions, and the EEG signals of different brain regions are transformed into several multispectral images by combining with the multispectral image transformation method. Using Alzheimer's disease (AD) classification algorithm, the depth residual network model pre-trained in ImageNet was transferred to sMRI data set for fine adjustment, instead of training a brand-new model from scratch. The results show that the proposed method solves the problem of few available medical image samples and shortens the training time of ANN model.
National Hockey League Fights per Game and Viewership Trends: 2000–2020
Authors: Fortney Thomas A. , Tedesco Liana J. , Kopydlowski Nathan J. , Korzelius Jack F. , Desai Sohil S. , Popkin Charles A.
Published: June 2022

Background

Though once considered an integral part of professional hockey, fighting carries significant health risks to players. Fighting has remained legal in the National Hockey League (NHL) due to its purported economic and entertainment value. However, fights per game have diminished over the past 20 years, challenging the necessity of fighting to promote fan attendance.

Hypothesis

Despite decreasing fighting rates, attendance has been stable and is negatively associated with fights per game.

Methods

Two public databases were reviewed to determine attendance, fighting majors, goals scored, and games played for each NHL team from 2000 to 2020 and averaged on a per game basis. Univariate analysis was used to evaluate relationships between attendance and fights, attendance and goals, as well as goals and fights.

Results

Fights per game decreased from a peak of 0.64 in 2002 to a low of 0.18 in 2020, while average attendance increased from a low of 16,549 in 2004 to a peak of 17,768 in 2013, before settling between 17,400 and 17,500 during the final three seasons of the study period. A significant negative correlation was found between attendance and fights per game (R = −0.6617, p = 0.0020). There was a positive, but not significant correlation between attendance and goals per game (R = 0.2457, p = 0.3105). A significant inverse correlation existed between goals per game and fights per game (R = −0.521, p = 0.0222).

Conclusions

NHL fighting rates have diminished during the past two decades, while fan attendance has increased. A significant negative correlation exists between fan attendance and fights per game, casting doubt on fighting's entertainment value. Meanwhile, a significant inverse correlation was noted between goals per game and fights per game. Taken together, these findings suggest fans may prefer higher scoring and less violent competitions. We conclude by suggesting that prohibiting fights in the NHL could improve player safety without negatively impacting fan attendance.
A Sperm Quality Detection System Based on Microfluidic Chip and Micro-Imaging System
Authors: Pan Xiaoqing , Gao Kang , Yang Ning , Wang Yafei , Zhang Xiaodong , Shao Le , Zhai Pin , Qin Feng , Zhang Xia , Li Jian , Wang Xinglong , Yang Jie
Published: June 2022

Sperm quality assessment is the main method to predict the reproductive ability of livestock. The detection of sperm quality of livestock is of great significance to the application of artificial insemination and in vitro fertilization. In order to comprehensively evaluate sperm quality and improve the real-time and portability of sperm quality detection, a portable microscopic imaging system based on microfluidic chip is developed in this paper. The system can realize the comprehensive evaluation of sperm quality by detecting sperm vitality and survival rate. On the hardware side, a microfluidic chip is designed, which can automatically mix samples. A set of optical system with a magnification of 400 times was developed for microscopic observation of sperm. In the aspect of software, aiming at the comprehensive evaluation of sperm quality based on OpenCV, a set of algorithms for identifying sperm motility and survival rate is proposed. The accuracy of the system in detecting sperm survival rate is 94.0%, and the error rate is 0.6%. The evaluation results of sperm motility are consistent with those of computer-aided sperm analysis (CASA). The system's identification time is 9 s. Therefore, the system is absolutely suitable for sperm quality detection.
The Effect of Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2 or Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinase 1 Silencing on Phosphorus Utilization and Related Parameters in Primary Broiler Osteoblasts
Authors: Geng Yanqiang , Li Tingting , Hu Yun , Zhang Liyang , Cui Xiaoyan , Zhu Ling , Wu Bingxin , Luo Xugang
Published: June 2022

Two experiments were conducted to study the effect of bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2) or extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1 (ERK1) silencing on phosphorus (P) utilization and related parameters in primary broiler osteoblasts. Experiment 1 was carried out to select the most efficacious siRNAs against BMP2 or ERK1 for the subsequent experiment. In experiment 2, with or without the siRNA against BMP2 or ERK1, primary broiler osteoblasts were incubated in the medium supplemented with 0.0 or 2.0 mmol/L of P as NaH2PO4 for 12 days. The osteoblastic P utilization and related parameters were determined. The results showed that the si980 and si1003 were the most effective (P < 0.05) in inhibiting BMP2 and ERK1 expressions, respectively. The BMP2 silencing reduced (P < 0.004) the osteoblastic P retention rate, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, BMP2 mRNA and protein expressions. Supplemental P increased (P = 0.0008) ALP activity. Significant interactions (P < 0.04) between the gene silencing and supplemental P level were observed in both mineralization formation and bone gal protein (BGP) content. The BMP2 silencing decreased (P < 0.05) mineralization formation at both 0.0 and 2.0 mmol/L of added P levels, but the decreased degree was greater at 2.0 mmol/L of added P level, while BMP2 silencing reduced (P < 0.05) BGP content at only 2.0 mmol/L of added P level. The ERK1 silencing decreased (P < 0.004) mineralization formation, ALP activity, BGP content, ERK1 mRNA, ERK1 and p-ERK1 protein expressions. Supplemental P increased (P < 0.03) mineralization formation, ALP activity, BGP content and p-ERK1 protein expression, but inhibited (P = 0.014) ERK1 protein expression. There was an interaction (P < 0.03) between the gene silencing and supplemental P level in the osteoblastic P retention rate. The ERK1 silencing decreased (P < 0.05) it regardless of 0.0 or 2.0 mmol/L of added P level, but the reduced degree was greater at 2.0 mmol/L of added P level. It was concluded that either BMP2 or ERK1 silencing suppressed P utilization, and thus either of them participated in regulating P utilization in primary broiler osteoblasts.
Does Physical Activity in Natural Outdoor Environments Improve Wellbeing? A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Kelley Caitlin , Mack Diane E. , Wilson Philip M.
Published: June 2022

Organizational initiatives and researchers have argued for the importance of the natural outdoor environment (NOE) for promoting wellbeing. The main aim of this meta-analysis was to synthesize the existing literature to examine the effects of physical activity (PA) in the NOE on wellbeing in adults. The secondary aim was to explore whether wellbeing reported by adults differs as a function of PA context. Electronic databases (PubMed, ProQuest Nursing and Allied Health, PsycINFO, SPORTDiscus and Embase) were searched for English peer-reviewed articles published before January 2019. Inclusion criteria were: (1) healthy adults; (2) PA in the NOE; (3) the measurement of wellbeing; and (4) randomized control trials, quasi-experimental designs, matched group designs. To address the secondary aim, PA in the NOE was compared with that performed indoors. Risk of bias was assessed through the Effective Public Health Practice Project (EHPP) Quality Assessment Tool for Quantitative Studies. Primary studies meeting inclusion criteria for the main (nstudies = 19) and secondary (nstudies = 5) aims were analyzed and interpreted. The overall effect size for the main analysis was moderate (d = 0.49, p < 0.001; 95% CI = 0.33, 0.66), with the magnitude of effect varying depending on wellbeing dimension. Wellbeing was greater in PA in the NOE subgroup (d = 0.53) when compared with the indoor subgroup (d = 0.28), albeit not statistically significant (p = 0.15). Although physical activity in the NOE was associated with higher wellbeing, there is limited evidence to support that it confers superior benefits to that engaged indoors. Researchers are encouraged to include study designs that measure markers of wellbeing at multiple time points, greater consideration to diverse wellbeing dimensions and justify decisions linked to PA and NOE types.
Quantitative Crimes and Criminals in Adana Province (1912-1919)
Authors: YILMAZ İbrahim
Published: June 2022

Suç ve suçlu hem sıradan insanların hem de bilim dünyasının daima ilgisini çekmiştir. Devletler ise bu konuya kamu düzenini sağlama açısından yaklaşmaktadır. Devletlerin suçla mücadele edebilmeleri için meydana gelen suçların nedenlerini, sonuçlarını, miktarını kayıt altına alarak bu verilere göre tedbirler geliştirmeleri gerekmektedir. Osmanlı Devleti de bu amaçla suç verilerini kayıt altına almıştır. Bu çalışma 1912-1919 yılları arasını kapsamakta olup Cumhurbaşkanlığı Devlet Arşivleri Başkanlığı Osmanlı Arşivi belgeleri ile ikinci el kaynaklardan faydalanılmıştır. Dönemin Adana vilayeti genelinde işlenen suçlar ile bu suçların failleri üzerinde durulmaktadır. Aylık olarak meydana gelen suç miktar ve çeşitlerinin, bu suçların vilayet genelindeki dağılımlarının, aydınlatılma oranlarının ortaya çıkarılması ve diğer vilayetlerle karşılaştırılması hedeflenmektedir. Failler ise yaş, cinsiyet, eğitim düzeyi gibi özellikleri bakımından incelenmektedir. Çalışmanın sonunda Adana vilayetinde, karşılaştırılan bazı vilayetlere göre daha fazla oranda suç işlendiği, suç sayılarının yılın aylarına göre değişmekle birlikte yaz aylarında daha yoğun olduğu, bu suçların büyük oranda aydınlatıldığı, faillerin çok büyük kısmının yakalanarak adli makamlara teslim edildiği ortaya konulmuştur.
EVALUASI MEDIA PEMBELAJARAN ARTICULATE STORYLINE DALAM PEMBELAJARAN FIQIH
Authors: Falah Fajrul , Rusydiyah Evi Fatimatur
Published: June 2022

Media pembelajaran Articulate Storyline ialah aplikasi lunak yang bisa dipakai untuk presentasi. Articulate Storyline mempunyai kegunaan sama seperti Microsoft Power Point, juga mempunyai berbagai kenggulan serta bisa menciptakan presentasi yang sangat komprehensif serta kreative. Reset ini mempunyai tujuan untuk mengevaluasi pemanfaatan media pembelajaran Articulate Storyline, guna mengidentifikasi kualitas media Articulate Storyline dalam pembelajaran fiqih. Reset menggunakan model evaluasi formatif, evaluasi dilakukan melalui 2 tahapan yakni : 1) review oleh pakar media, 2) review oleh pakar materi. teknik pengumpulan data berupa kuisioner, serta teknik analisis data dilakukan melalui statistic deskriptif dengan skala pengukuran skala likert. Hasil dari reset menunjukan evaluasi pemanfaatan media pembelajaran Articulate Storyline dalam pembelajaran fiqih ini tepat untuk dijadikan media dalam pembelajaran. Keunggulan media terbukti dari hasil review pakar media yakni = 80,43%, termasuk taraf “sangat baik” dan hasil review pakar materi yakni = 80,43%, termasuk taraf “sangat baik”. Hasil keseluruhan reset media pembelajaran Articulate Storyline ini cocok dipakai sebagai pelantara belajar dalam pelajaran fiqih
ANALISIS PROSES PEMBELAJARAN E-LEARNING BERBASIS EDMODO DALAM MENINGKATKAN HASIL BELAJAR SISWA
Authors: Fatwa Alyan , Samsudin Samsudin
Published: June 2022

Pemanfaatan edmodo dalam proses pembelajaran daring dapat digunakan pada kegiatan yang dilakukan dalam sekolah maupun diluar sekolah, dalam penggunaan edmodo pada kelas X di SMAN 1 Slawi dan MAN 1 Kabupaten Tegal dapat maksimal dengan fasilitas yang telah diberikan oleh sekolah. Dalam penggunaannya di luar sekolah, edmodo dapat digunakan oleh peserta didik dengan memanfaatkan komputer, laptop atau notebook dan hp android yang ada di rumah peserta didik, riset ini dilakukan untuk menganalisa pelaksanaan pembelajaran e-learning dengan menggunakan edmodo dalam meningkatkan hasil belajar siswa kelas X di SMAN 1 Slawi dan MAN 1 Kabupaten Tegal. Adapun tujuan riset pada penelitian ini adalah sebagai berikut: Memberikan penjelasan pelaksanaan pembelajaran e-learning berbasis edmodo dalam meningkatkan hasil belajar siswa kelas x di SMAN 1 Slawi dan MAN 1 Kabupaten Tegal. Memberikan penjelasan implikasi pelaksanaan pembelajaran e-learning berbasis edmodo dalam meningkatkan hasil belajar siswa kelas x di  SMAN 1 Slawi dan MAN 1 Kabupaten Tegal. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian tindakan kelas yang dilakukan melalui proses kerja kolaborasi guru matematika, peneliti, dan kepala sekolah serta tenaga pendidik dan kependidikan lain yang bersangkutan. Dalam istilah aslinya, Penelitian Tindakan Kelas disebut dengan Classroom Action Research.  Berdasarkan temuan dan hasil penelitian tentang penggunaan aplikasi edmodo ternyata dapat meningkatkan hasil belajar matematika siswa tentang konsep nilai mutlak pada siswa kelas X di SMA Negeri 1 Slawi dan MAN 1 Tegal. Jadi secara keseluruhan hasil belajar siswa sudah meningkat jika dilihat dari nilai rata-rata yang diperoleh siswa pada kelas X ini.