bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Radiation on Hemocoagulation in Animals Under Various Experimental Conditions
Authors: Madatova V.
Published: June 2022

The effect of the epiphysis and sensory systems on hemocoagulation was studied. Due to the inhibition and activation of the functions of the epiphysis, the neurohormonal regulation of physiological functions changes significantly. Hypercoagulation is observed in epiphysectomized animals. Olfactory bulbectomy accelerates the process of hemocoagulation. Various experimental conditions accelerate the process of hemocoagulation. The main hormone of the epiphysis — melatonin — is a metabolite of serotonin. Under the influence of a specific enzyme hydroxyindole-0-methyltransferase (GIOMT), melatonin is synthesized from serotonin. During the day, under the influence of the light factor, GIOMT is inhibited 10 times and melatonin is almost not synthesized. At night, with a decrease in light information, the activation of GIOMT occurs 10 times. So, by alternating the inhibition and activation of melatonin of the educational function of the epiphysis, the inhibition and activation of the formation of tropic releasing factors of the nuclei of the hypothalamus and tropic hormone formation in the pituitary gland alternates. This process plays a crucial role in the circadian rhythm of physiological processes. In natural conditions, organisms are exposed to sunlight, cosmic rays, and ionizing radiation of terrestrial origin. Ionizing radiation is used in experimental conditions. The biological effect of ionizing radiation depends on the dose, type, energy of radiation and the physiological state of the body.
THE MAIN CHARACTER’S ANXIETY DISORDER IN THE NOVEL BLUE SKIES BY CATHERINE ANDERSON
Authors: Asyifa Ulfa Norma , Suharyati Henny , Widisanti S Ni Made
Published: June 2022

ABSTRACTThe purpose of this research is to show the type of anxiety and the psychological impact on the main character in the novel Blue Skies by Catherine Anderson. The method used to conduct this research is descriptive analysis whilst the technique is library research. Besides that, this paper also applies intrinsic approach in the process of the analysis, such as character and characterization, setting and conflict as well as extrinsic approach which is the theory of psychoanalysis by Sigmund Freud. Carly Adams as the main character is identified to experience a lot of anxiety problems namely neurotic, realistic and morality anxiety. Those anxieties have given psychological impact on Carly’s life. However, at the end, the main character is able to control her anxiety problem. Keywords : Physcological Problem, Anxiety, Psychoanalysis
THE INFLUENCE OF POWER RELATIONS WHICH GIVE RISE TO GENDER INEQUALITY ON THE MAIN CHARACTER IN THE NOVEL THE RED QUEEN BY PHILIPPA GREGORY
Authors: Rustiyani Rustiyani , Setyowati H Agnes , Widisanti S. Ni Made
Published: June 2022

ABSTRACT The topic of this research is the influence of power relations which gave rise to injustice against the female character in Philippa Gregory’s The Red Queen. In a relationship, whether between individuals or groups, there is usually a figure who has more control than others. In this sphere, Foucault calls this kind of relationship “power relations”. Power relation is something that can be said to be commonplace, but this is detrimental to one party, especially to women. Therefore, this study aims to show the harm suffered by women due to the influence of power relations by centralizing the analysis on Lady Margaret Beaufort, the main character of a noble woman in the context of the 14th and 15th centuries in England. The type of research used is qualitative research that is supported by library technique. The research findings shows that power relations in the 14th and 15th centuries are very strong in the life of the royal community, and it gives birth of injustice to the main character such as: (1)Steriotype, (2)Subordination, (3)Symbolic violence and, (4)Marginalization. Keywords: Power Relations, Woman, Main Character, Injustice
Analisis Identitas Gender Tokoh Utama Dalam Drama Onna Nobunaga
Authors: Anugerah Bima , Rukhyana Budi , Mugiyanti Mugiyanti
Published: June 2022

ABSTRAK Penelitian ini membahas tentang identitas gender tokoh utama drama Onna Nobunaga. Identitas gender merupakan pendefinisian dirinya sendiri akan kesadarannya sebagai laki-laki atau perempuan. Objek penelitian ini adalah melalui tokoh utama yaitu Oda Nobunaga yang mempunyai peran sebagai laki-laki bernama Nobunaga, dan perempuan sebagai Ocho. Objek penelitian ini adalah identitas gender dalam tokoh utama. Sumber data penghasilan didapatkan dari drama Onna Nobunaga melalui naskah bahasa Inggris dan Jepang.Kata kunci : Identitas gender, stereotip gender, Oda Nobunaga, Ocho
Perkembangan Kabuki Menjadi Choukabuki Sebagai Kolaborasi Budaya Dengan Pengaruh Modernisasi
Authors: Permana Muhammad Yogi , Rukhyana Budi , Rahmawati Yelni
Published: June 2022

Abstrak Dalam penelitian ini penulis akan membahas perkembangan kabuki menjadi choukabuki sebagai kolaborasi budaya dengan pengaruh modernisasi. Kabuki merupukan salah satu seni teater tradisional Jepang yang menggabungkan beberapa seni tari, seni peran, dan seni musik. Sedangkan, Choukabuki merupakan pertunjukan teater yang tercipta dari hasil kolaborasi antara budaya tradisional Jepang yaitu kabuki yang menyuguhkan kolaborasi antara aktor kabuki dengan salah satu diva vocaloid yaitu Hatsune Miku dan dipertunjukan secara hologram 4D. Objek penelitian ini adalah mengenai perkembangan kabuki dari zaman edo sampai munculnya choukabuki di zaman modern saat ini. Pembahasannya lebih terfokus terhadap choukabuki yang muncul dan dipertunjukan di festival Nico-Nico Choukaigi.Kata kunci: choukabuki, kabuki, vocaloid.
Analisis Bentuk-Bentuk Pelanggaran Maksim Percakapan pada Manga CRAYON SHINCHAN Volume 01 Karya Yoshito Usui
Authors: Marissa Marissa , Sudjianto Sudjianto , Fitriana Rina
Published: June 2022

Abstrak Skripsi ini ditulis untuk meneliti bentuk pelangggaran maksim percakapan pada manga Crayon Shinchan Volume 01 karya Yoshito Usui yang dirilis pertama kali pada tahun 1992 di Jepang. Setelah meneliti bentuk dan cara melanggar maksim percakapan, penulis menghitung jumlah dan persentase dari setiap maksim yang dilanggar dan cara pelanggaran yang digunakan untuk mengetahui jenis dan cara pelanggaran maksim yang paling banyak terdapat dalam manga ini. Metode yang digunakan dalam skripsi ini adalah metode deskriptif, yaitu dengan menggambarkan konteks dan menjelaskan indikator mengapa tuturan tersebut melanggar maksim percakapan. Dari hasil penelitian, dapat disimpulkan bahwa jenis maksim yang paling banyak dilanggar adalah maksim relasi sedangkan cara pelanggaran yang paling sering dilakukan adalah violating the maxims terutama maksim relasi. Dengan kata lain efek humor dalam manga ini dihasilkan paling banyak dengan menyampaikan tuturan yang tidak relevan dengan konteks atau topik pembicaraan.Kata Kunci: Implikatur, Pelanggaran Maksim, Humor, Pragmatik
Analisis Mobilitas Sosial Dan Modernisasi Dalam Serial Drama 5ji Kara 9ji Made
Authors: Firmansyah Fiky , Fitriana Rina , Haryati Tatat
Published: June 2022

Abstrak Mobilitas sosial merupakan perubahan status sosial atau posisi sosial individu, keluarga atau kelompok dalam hierarki masyarakat. Posisi tersebut dapat berupa posisi yang lebih tinggi atau lebih rendah. Tinggi rendahnya posisi sosial merupakan kesepakatan yang telah diambul oleh sebuah masyarakat. Individu atau kelompok yang berupaya melakukan mobilitas tentunya akan mengalami perubahan sosial yang kadang terjadi secara menyeluruh ataupun sebagian. Modernisasi yang masuk ke Jepang usai politik sakoku di Jepang membentuk perubahan sosial di berbagai aspek kehidupan dalam masyarakat disertai dengan perubahan pranata di dalamnya. Dalam perubahan pranata tersebut, mobilitas sosial dan modernisasi yang terjadi di dalam keluarga kuil pun tercakup di dalamnya.Kata kunci     : Mobilitas sosial, modernisasi, keluarga kuil.
Perbandingan Penggambaran Peran Ayah Dan Ibu Dalam Iklan Jepang Van Houten Cocoa (2016) Dan Iklan Indonesia Kecap Abc (2018)
Authors: Utami Ghea Adinda , Fitriana Rina , Winny H Paramita
Published: June 2022

Penelitian ini membahas mengenai perbandingan budaya mengenai representasi peran ayah dan ibu dalam iklan Jepang Van Houten Cocoa 2016 dan Indonesia Kecap ABC 2018. Tema ini dipilih karena penulis melihat keunikan tema yang dipakai dalam iklan tersebut dan menggambarkan peran ayah dan ibu. Penulis menggunakan konsep Representasi, Patriarki dan Jarum Hegemoni untuk menganalisis perbandingan budaya mengenai Perbandingan Penggambaran peran ayah dan ibu dalam iklan Jepang Van Houten Cocoa 2016 dan Indonesia Kecap ABC 2018.Metode yang digunakan adalah metode kualitatif dan teknik penelitian studi pustaka dengan iklan yang diperoleh dari YouTube yaitu www.youtube.com, serta buku-buku teks, artikel dan publikasi elektronik yang ada hubungannya dengan peran ayah dan ibu serta teori representasi, patriarki danjarum hipodermik.Hasilnya menunjukkan ada beberapa perbedaan dan persamaan peran ayah dan ibu yang direpresentasikan dalam iklan tersebut.Kata Kunci :Peran ayah, Peran ibu, Iklan, Patriarki, Representasi
Feminisme Dalam Subgenre Mahou Shoujo dan Tokoh Utama Anime Bishoujo Senshi Sailor Moon dan Puella Magi Madoka Magica
Authors: Fajri Hanifah Nida , Hapsari Paramita Winny
Published: June 2022

Dalam skripsi ini membahas mengenai feminisme dalam subgenre anime mahou shoujo pada tokoh utama dua anime ber-subgenre mahou shoujo yang berjudul Bishoujo Senshi Sailor Moon dan Puella Magi Madoka Magica. Penelitian ini dilaksanakan untuk membuktikan feminisme pada subgenre mahou shoujo serta kedua tokoh utama anime. Diharapkan pada penelitian ini agar pembaca dapat menambah kewawasannya mengenai subgenre anime mahou shoujo. Dalam penelitian ini penulis menggunakan metode penelitian deskriptif, yang meneliti tentang isi dan makna yang terdapat di dalam kedua anime. Dengan menggunakan teknik kajian pustaka yang mengumpulkan sejumlah data-data baik literatur dan berbagai sumber artikel dari internet yang berkaitan dengan judul yang penulis teliti.
Pengaruh Fenomena Pet Boom Terhadap Munculnya Layanan Pemakaman Petto (ペット) di Jepang
Authors: Asmaya Siti , Roosiani Indun , Puspitasari Erni
Published: June 2022

Penenlitian ini membahas mengenai fenomena pet boom dan layanan pemakaman petto di Jepang. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui apakah ada pengaruh fenomena pet boom terhadap munculnya layanan pemakaman petto di Jepang. Metode yang digunakan pada penelitian ini yaitu metode deskriptif kualitatif dengan pendekatan studi fenomenologi. Hasil dari penelitian ini adalah adanya pengaruh fenomena pet boom terhadap munculnya layanan pemakaman petto di Jepang karena dengan semakin banyaknya masyarakat Jepang yang memelihara hewan peliharaan dan karena perubahan pandangan masyarkat Jepang terhadap hewan peliharaan yang dijadikan sebagai anggota keluarga. Hal ini, menyebabkan munculnya layanan pemakaman petto untuk mengurangi rasa kehilangan hewan peliharaan yang sudah dianggap sebagai anggota keluarga di Jepang.
How Does the Rib Cage Affect the Biomechanical Properties of the Thoracic Spine? A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Liebsch Christian , Wilke Hans-Joachim
Published: June 2022

The vast majority of previous experimental studies on the thoracic spine were performed without the entire rib cage, while significant contributive aspects regarding stability and motion behavior were shown in several other studies. The aim of this literature review was to pool and increase evidence on the effect of the rib cage on human thoracic spinal biomechanical characteristics by collating and interrelating previous experimental findings in order to support interpretations of in vitro and in silico studies disregarding the rib cage to create comparability and reproducibility for all studies including the rib cage and provide combined comparative data for future biomechanical studies on the thoracic spine. After a systematic literature search corresponding to PRISMA guidelines, eleven studies were included and quantitatively evaluated in this review. The combined data exhibited that the rib cage increases the thoracic spinal stability in all motion planes, primarily in axial rotation and predominantly in the upper thorax half, reducing thoracic spinal range of motion, neutral zone, and intradiscal pressure, while increasing thoracic spinal neutral and elastic zone stiffness, compression resistance, and, in a neutral position, the intradiscal pressure. In particular, the costosternal connection was found to be the primary stabilizer and an essential determinant for the kinematics of the overall thoracic spine, while the costotransverse and costovertebral joints predominantly reinforce the stability of the single thoracic spinal segments but do not alter thoracic spinal kinematics. Neutral zone and neutral zone stiffness were more affected by rib cage removal than the range of motion and elastic zone stiffness, thus also representing the essential parameters for destabilization of the thoracic spine. As a result, the rib cage and thoracic spine form a biomechanical entity that should not be separated. Therefore, usage of entire human non-degenerated thoracic spine and rib cage specimens together with pure moment application and sagittal curvature determination is recommended for future in vitro testing in order to ensure comparability, reproducibility, and quasi-physiological validity.
Development and Evaluation of Rapid and Accurate CRISPR/Cas13-Based RNA Diagnostics for Pneumocystis jirovecii Pneumonia
Authors: Zhan Yangqing , Gao Xiaoqing , Li Shaoqiang , Si Yeqi , Li Yuanxiang , Han Xu , Sun Wenjun , Li Zhengtu , Ye Feng
Published: June 2022

Background

Pneumocystis jirovecii can result in a serious pulmonary infection, Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia, in immunocompetent hosts. The diagnosis of Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia has long been a major clinical concern, and there are limitations with the currently utilized immunostaining and polymerase chain reaction diagnosis/detection technologies (e.g., insufficient sensitivity and accuracy). Hence, we sought to establish a rapid and RNA-specific transcription mediated amplification and CRISPR/Cas13a-based diagnostics targeted P. jirovecii-mitochondrial large subunit ribosomal RNA.

Methods

The procedure of the diagnostics included amplification of the extracted RNA samples by transcription mediated amplification, followed by CRISPR/Cas13 detection, and ultimately, the judgment of the results after 30 minutes of fluorescence signal. Later, the diagnostic performance of the CRISPR/Cas13-based diagnostics were tested on the 62 surplus clinical samples.

Results

This CRISPR/Cas13-based diagnostics achieved limits of detection of approximately 2 copies/µL transcribed RNA templates, with no cross reaction to other respiratory pathogens, including bacteria and fungi. Similar to in-house quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, CRISPR/Cas13-based diagnostics was still positive in 243-fold diluted bronchial alveolar lavage fluid. A preliminary evaluation of 62 surplus bronchial alveolar lavage fluid samples from patients suspected of Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia showed that CRISPR/Cas13-based diagnostics achieved a 78.9% sensitivity and a 97.7% specificity in the diagnosis of Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrates that the CRISPR/Cas13-based diagnostics technique has good performance for the accurate and specific diagnosis of Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia.
Identification of Cognitive Activities That Underlie Variations in Lecture Note-Taking: An Exploration of Japanese and Chinese High School Students’ Strategies in Mathematics Class
Authors: Liu Mengsi , Uesaka Yuri
Published: June 2022

Lecture note-taking has been proven beneficial for learning at different educational levels. Previous studies have largely focused on the relationship between the outcomes of note-taking on a blank paper (e.g., measurements of the quantity and/or quality of notes taken) and student learning performance. However, there is no consensus as to what makes good notes. It is difficult to judge whether lecture note-taking is effective based only on the measurements of the notes. Past explorations have not adequately considered the cognitive activities that accompany such a process. Thus, using the interview method, the present study aimed to identify how lecture note-taking is used as a cognitive activity, and what factors influence it. To increase the possible range of note-taking approaches that could be observed, data from different cultural environments in Japan and China were sampled. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 high school students from both countries (10 in each) to explore the cognitive activities in which students engage when taking lecture notes in mathematics class. Based on learning strategy models and studies, as well as using a thematic analysis, a new hierarchical framework of lecture note-taking, comprising shallow and deep lecture note-taking, was proposed. Deep lecture note-taking uses cognitive, metacognitive, and resource management functions. Furthermore, a comparison of students from the two countries revealed that their beliefs and teachers’ instructions were potential factors influencing their lecture note-taking. Utilizing interview as the research method allowed us to obtain new insights into the cognitive activities that accompany lecture note-taking, such as the metacognitive function, which has rarely been explored in previous research. Future work is expected to commence on new measures based on this theoretical framework that gauges the cognitive activity of lecture note-taking. This study also calls for the exploration of effective note-taking instruction that considers the cognitive activity of note-taking.
Add-On Effect of Selenium and Vitamin D Combined Supplementation in Early Control of Graves’ Disease Hyperthyroidism During Methimazole Treatment
Authors: Gallo Daniela , Mortara Lorenzo , Veronesi Giovanni , Cattaneo Simona AM , Genoni Angelo , Gallazzi Matteo , Peruzzo Carlo , Lasalvia Paolo , Moretto Paola , Bruno Antonino , Passi Alberto , Pini Andrea , Nauti Andrea , Lavizzari Maria Antonietta , Marinò Michele , Lanzolla Giulia , Tanda Maria Laura , Bartalena Luigi , Piantanida Eliana
Published: June 2022

Prompt and stable control of hyperthyroidism is fundamental to avoid the detrimental effects of thyroid hormone excess, and antithyroid drugs, mainly methimazole (MMI), represent the first-line treatment for Graves’ disease (GD) hyperthyroidism. Decreased serum concentrations of selenium (Se) and calcifediol (25(OH)D, VitD) have been reported in newly diagnosed GD patients in observational studies. Low Se levels might exacerbate oxidative stress by compromising the antioxidant machinery’s response to reactive oxygen species, and low VitD levels might hamper the anti-inflammatory immune response. We performed a randomized controlled clinical trial (EudraCT 2017-00505011) to investigate whether Se and cholecalciferol (VitD) addition to MMI is associated with a prompter control of hyperthyroidism. Forty-two consecutive patients with newly-onset GD and marginal/insufficient Se and VitD levels were randomly assigned to treatment with either MMI monotherapy or MMI combined with Se and VitD. Se treatment was withdrawn after 180 days, while the other treatments were continued. Combination therapy resulted in a significantly greater reduction in serum FT4 concentration at 45 days (-37.9 pg/ml, CI 95%, -43.7 to -32.2 pg/ml) and 180 days (-36.5 pg/ml, CI 95%, -42 to -30.9 pg/ml) compared to MMI monotherapy (respectively: -25.7 pg/ml, CI 95%, -31.6 to -19.7 pg/ml and -22.9 pg/ml, CI 95%, -28 to -17.3 pg/ml, p 0.002). Data at 270 days confirmed this trend (-37.8 pg/ml, CI 95%, -43.6 to -32.1 pg/ml vs -24.4 pg/ml, CI 95%, -30.3 to -18.4 pg/ml). The quality of life (QoL) score was investigated by the validated “Thyroid-related Patient-Reported Outcome” questionnaire (ThyPRO). ThyPRO composite score showed a greater improvement in the intervention group at 45 days (-14.6, CI 95%, -18.8 to -10.4), 180 (-9, CI 95%, -13.9 to -4.2) and 270 days (-14.3, CI 95%, -19.5 to -9.1) compared to MMI group (respectively, -5.2, CI 95%, -9.5 to -1; -5.4, CI 95%, -10.6 to -0.2 and -3.5, CI 95%, -9 to -2.1, p 0-6 months and 6-9 months <0.05). Our results suggest that reaching optimal Se and VitD levels increases the early efficacy of MMI treatment when Se and VitD levels are suboptimal.
Signaling Pathways Related to Oxidative Stress in Diabetic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Peng Meng-ling , Fu Yu , Wu Chu-wen , Zhang Ying , Ren Hang , Zhou Shan-shan
Published: June 2022

Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disease that is increasing in prevalence and causes many complications. Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a complication of diabetes that is associated with high mortality, but it is not well defined. Nevertheless, it is generally accepted that DCM refers to a clinical disease that occurs in patients with diabetes and involves ventricular dysfunction, in the absence of other cardiovascular diseases, such as coronary atherosclerotic heart disease, hypertension, or valvular heart disease. However, it is currently uncertain whether the pathogenesis of DCM is directly attributable to metabolic dysfunction or secondary to diabetic microangiopathy. Oxidative stress (OS) is considered to be a key component of its pathogenesis. The production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in cardiomyocytes is a vicious circle, resulting in further production of ROS, mitochondrial DNA damage, lipid peroxidation, and the post-translational modification of proteins, as well as inflammation, cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis, ultimately leading to cell death and cardiac dysfunction. ROS have been shown to affect various signaling pathways involved in the development of DCM. For instance, OS causes metabolic disorders by affecting the regulation of PPARα, AMPK/mTOR, and SIRT3/FOXO3a. Furthermore, OS participates in inflammation mediated by the NF-κB pathway, NLRP3 inflammasome, and the TLR4 pathway. OS also promotes TGF-β-, Rho-ROCK-, and Notch-mediated cardiac remodeling, and is involved in the regulation of calcium homeostasis, which impairs ATP production and causes ROS overproduction. In this review, we summarize the signaling pathways that link OS to DCM, with the intention of identifying appropriate targets and new antioxidant therapies for DCM.
From Isles of Königsberg to Islets of Langerhans: Examining the Function of the Endocrine Pancreas Through Network Science
Authors: Stožer Andraž , Šterk Marko , Paradiž Leitgeb Eva , Markovič Rene , Skelin Klemen Maša , Ellis Cara E. , Križančić Bombek Lidija , Dolenšek Jurij , MacDonald Patrick E. , Gosak Marko
Published: June 2022

Islets of Langerhans are multicellular microorgans located in the pancreas that play a central role in whole-body energy homeostasis. Through secretion of insulin and other hormones they regulate postprandial storage and interprandial usage of energy-rich nutrients. In these clusters of hormone-secreting endocrine cells, intricate cell-cell communication is essential for proper function. Electrical coupling between the insulin-secreting beta cells through gap junctions composed of connexin36 is particularly important, as it provides the required, most important, basis for coordinated responses of the beta cell population. The increasing evidence that gap-junctional communication and its modulation are vital to well-regulated secretion of insulin has stimulated immense interest in how subpopulations of heterogeneous beta cells are functionally arranged throughout the islets and how they mediate intercellular signals. In the last decade, several novel techniques have been proposed to assess cooperation between cells in islets, including the prosperous combination of multicellular imaging and network science. In the present contribution, we review recent advances related to the application of complex network approaches to uncover the functional connectivity patterns among cells within the islets. We first provide an accessible introduction to the basic principles of network theory, enumerating the measures characterizing the intercellular interactions and quantifying the functional integration and segregation of a multicellular system. Then we describe methodological approaches to construct functional beta cell networks, point out possible pitfalls, and specify the functional implications of beta cell network examinations. We continue by highlighting the recent findings obtained through advanced multicellular imaging techniques supported by network-based analyses, giving special emphasis to the current developments in both mouse and human islets, as well as outlining challenges offered by the multilayer network formalism in exploring the collective activity of islet cell populations. Finally, we emphasize that the combination of these imaging techniques and network-based analyses does not only represent an innovative concept that can be used to describe and interpret the physiology of islets, but also provides fertile ground for delineating normal from pathological function and for quantifying the changes in islet communication networks associated with the development of diabetes mellitus.
Sociodemographic Factors and Comorbidities Including Hyperparathyroidism Are Associated With an Increased Risk of Band Keratopathy: A Population-Based Study in Taiwan
Authors: Jan Ren-Long , Wang Jhi-Joung , Tseng Sung-Huei , Chang Yuh-Shin
Published: June 2022

Purpose

To investigate the association of comorbidities including hyperparathyroidism and sociodemographic factors with band keratopathy.

Methods

This retrospective, population-based, matched case-control study recruited 2,545 patients suffering from band keratopathy. They were selected from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database, based on the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) code 371.43. The control group included 15,270 sex-, age-, and index date-matched non-band keratopathy patients collected from the Taiwan Longitudinal Health Insurance Database 2000. To compare band keratopathy patients with controls, McNemar’s test was used for nominal data and paired t- tests were used for continuous variables. Univariate conditional logistic regression analysis and multivariable conditional logistic regression were used to obtain the odds ratio (OR) and adjusted OR of developing band keratopathy.

Results

Patients with hyperparathyroidism were more likely to develop band keratopathy than controls (OR, 43.5; 95% confidence interval [CI], 23.789–79.544; P < 0.001) even after conditional logistic regression (adjusted OR, 11.28; 95% CI, 5.461–23.33; P < 0.001). Other conditions that increased the odds of scleritis development included systemic diseases such as chronic kidney disease (CKD) and diabetes mellitus (DM) and ocular conditions such as iridocyclitis, phthisis bulbi, and ever silicone oil retention. Regarding sociodemographic factors, >40% of patients with band keratopathy were aged ≥65 years old. Moreover, patients living in Eastern Taiwan and fishermen had higher odds of developing band keratopathy.

Conclusions

Band keratopathy is significantly associated with hyperparathyroidism, CKD, DM, iridocyclitis, phthisis bulbi, and ever silicone oil retention.
Investigation on Heterogeneous Influence of Government Subsidies on Pollution Reduction of Power Companies and Its Influencing Mechanism
Authors: Wang Qin , Zheng Xiaoqi , Yue Zhonggang
Published: June 2022

This study aims to investigate whether the subsidies promote pollution reduction or not by taking the power companies in China as a case study. So, we built a fixed-effects panel data model first, which is then used to verify the influence of government subsidies on pollution reduction in power companies. Additionally, how the subsidy influencing mechanism would work is also investigated. Results find that subsidies can significantly reduce power companies’ pollution, especially sulfur dioxide emissions and soot. At the same time, the result also showed that the government subsidies could encourage power companies to cut emissions by taking measures like end-of-pipe control and green innovation. Also, from the perspective of heterogeneity, government subsidies have a better effect on the regions with stronger environmental regulations, less economically developed regions, big-scale companies, and companies with low slack.
Efficient Power Grid Management Using Sliced-Based Mechanism for Systematic Allocation of Solar Energy Resources: A Conceptual Framework
Authors: Khan Habib Ullah , Khan Sulaiman , Nazir Shah
Published: June 2022

The over-population and the limited energy resources have puzzled the government and private organizations to think about the providence of non-stop energy resources to the industries, hospitals, smart homes, and shopping malls to ensure normal routine activities. To accept this challenge, some researchers put their efforts into generating energy from renewable energy resources (solar, fossil fuels, wind turbines, geothermal energy, and many others) to fulfill the needs of life. While some researchers worked on the efficient utilization of the available energy resources to save the energy for future generations. Inspiring from the second approach, this research work has proposed a systematic allocation of energy resources using the slice-based mechanism in a smart grid environment. This research framework using a hybrid model comprises long short-term memory (LSTM), and a support vector machine (SVM), where the LSTM classifies different energy requests (for allocation of energy resources) while the SVM accomplishes the statistical analysis (to estimate the number of solar energy resources allocated and for a specific interval of time). This need-based allocation of energy resources will not only assist in saving energy resources for future use, but will also improve the life of the power grid and other electric appliances (due to over-usage and burning). The applicability of this model is validated by testing it on a real-time scenario like slice failure conditions, slice overflow conditions, a huge number of requests, and alternate slice allocation conditions. Furthermore, the incoming request classification is also validated based on its accurate identification using a confusion matrix, varying number of hidden layers, accuracy, and time consumption. The outperformance of the selected based on these scenarios and validation metrics reflects the applicability of this framework. Moreover, this framework will assist in reducing overbilling charges and energy savage for future generations due to its need-based allocation of energy resources assignment capabilities.
Ecology of Human Medical Enterprises: From Disease Ecology of Zoonoses, Cancer Ecology Through to Medical Ecology of Human Microbiomes
Authors: Ma Zhanshan (Sam) , Zhang Ya-Ping
Published: June 2022

In nature, the interaction between pathogens and their hosts is only one of a handful of interaction relationships between species, including parasitism, predation, competition, symbiosis, commensalism, and among others. From a non-anthropocentric view, parasitism has relatively fewer essential differences from the other relationships; but from an anthropocentric view, parasitism and predation against humans and their well-beings and belongings are frequently related to heinous diseases. Specifically, treating (managing) diseases of humans, crops and forests, pets, livestock, and wildlife constitute the so-termed medical enterprises (sciences and technologies) humans endeavor in biomedicine and clinical medicine, veterinary, plant protection, and wildlife conservation. In recent years, the significance of ecological science to medicines has received rising attentions, and the emergence and pandemic of COVID-19 appear accelerating the trend. The facts that diseases are simply one of the fundamental ecological relationships in nature, and the study of the relationships between species and their environment is a core mission of ecology highlight the critical importance of ecological science. Nevertheless, current studies on the ecology of medical enterprises are highly fragmented. Here, we (i) conceptually overview the fields of disease ecology of wildlife, cancer ecology and evolution, medical ecology of human microbiome-associated diseases and infectious diseases, and integrated pest management of crops and forests, across major medical enterprises. (ii) Explore the necessity and feasibility for a unified medical ecology that spans biomedicine, clinical medicine, veterinary, crop (forest and wildlife) protection, and biodiversity conservation. (iii) Suggest that a unified medical ecology of human diseases is both necessary and feasible, but laissez-faire terminologies in other human medical enterprises may be preferred. (iv) Suggest that the evo-eco paradigm for cancer research can play a similar role of evo-devo in evolutionary developmental biology. (v) Summarized 40 key ecological principles/theories in current disease-, cancer-, and medical-ecology literatures. (vi) Identified key cross-disciplinary discovery fields for medical/disease ecology in coming decade including bioinformatics and computational ecology, single cell ecology, theoretical ecology, complexity science, and the integrated studies of ecology and evolution. Finally, deep understanding of medical ecology is of obvious importance for the safety of human beings and perhaps for all living things on the planet.
TREM-1 Modulation Strategies for Sepsis
Authors: Siskind Sara , Brenner Max , Wang Ping
Published: June 2022

The triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-1 (TREM-1) is a pattern recognition receptor, which can be upregulated in inflammatory diseases as an amplifier of immune responses. Once activated, TREM-1 induces the production and release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, in addition to increasing its own expression and circulating levels of the cleaved soluble extracellular portion of TREM-1 (sTREM-1). This amplification of the inflammatory response by TREM-1 has now been considered as a critical contributor to the dysregulated immune responses in sepsis. Studies have shown that in septic patients there is an elevated expression of TREM-1 on immune cells and increased circulating levels of sTREM-1, associated with increased mortality. As a result, a considerable effort has been made towards identifying endogenous ligands of TREM-1 and developing TREM-1 inhibitory peptides to attenuate the exacerbated inflammatory response in sepsis. TREM-1 modulation has proven a promising strategy for the development of therapeutic agents to treat sepsis. Therefore, this review encompasses the ligands investigated as activators of TREM-1 thus far and highlights the development and efficacy of novel inhibitors for the treatment of sepsis and septic shock.
Vasculitogenic T Cells in Large Vessel Vasculitis
Authors: Watanabe Ryu , Hashimoto Motomu
Published: June 2022

Vasculitis is an autoimmune disease of unknown etiology that causes inflammation of the blood vessels. Large vessel vasculitis is classified as either giant cell arteritis (GCA), which occurs exclusively in the elderly, or Takayasu arteritis (TAK), which mainly affects young women. Various cell types are involved in the pathogenesis of large vessel vasculitis. Among these, dendritic cells located between the adventitia and the media initiate the inflammatory cascade as antigen-presenting cells, followed by activation of macrophages and T cells contributing to vessel wall destruction. In both diseases, naive CD4+ T cells are polarized to differentiate into Th1 or Th17 cells, whereas differentiation into regulatory T cells, which suppress vascular inflammation, is inhibited. Skewed T cell differentiation is the result of aberrant intracellular signaling, such as the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) or the Janus kinase signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK-STAT) pathways. It has also become clear that tissue niches in the vasculature fuel activated T cells and maintain tissue-resident memory T cells. In this review, we outline the most recent understanding of the pathophysiology of large vessel vasculitis. Then, we provide a summary of skewed T cell differentiation in the vasculature and peripheral blood. Finally, new therapeutic strategies for correcting skewed T cell differentiation as well as aberrant intracellular signaling are discussed.
The Adipokinetic Peptides of Hemiptera: Structure, Function, and Evolutionary Trends
Authors: Gäde Gerd , Marco Heather G.
Published: June 2022

The Hemiptera comprise the most species-rich order of the hemimetabolous insects. Members of a number of superfamilies, most notably especially the more basal ones such as white flies, psyllids and aphids, belong to the most destructive agricultural insects known worldwide. At the other end of the phylogenetic tree are hemipterans that are notorious medical pests (e.g. kissing bugs). Most of the hemipteran species are good flyers, and lipid oxidation plays a pivotal role to power the contraction of flight muscles and, in aquatic water bugs, also deliver the ATP for the extensive swimming action of the leg muscles. Mobilization of stored lipids (mostly triacylglycerols in the fat body) to circulating diacylglycerols in the hemolymph is regulated by a set of small neuropeptides, the adipokinetic hormones (AKHs). We searched the literature and publicly available databases of transcriptomes and genomes to present here AKH sequences from 191 hemipteran species. Only few of these peptides were sequenced via Edman degradation or mass spectrometry, and even fewer were characterized with molecular biology methods; thus, the majority of the AKHs we have identified by bioinformatics are merely predicted sequences at this stage. Nonetheless, a total of 42 AKH primary sequences are assigned to Hemiptera. About 50% of these structures occur also in other insect orders, while the remaining 50% are currently unique for Hemiptera. We find 9 novel AKHs not shown to be synthesized before in any insect. Most of the hemipteran AKHs are octapeptides (28) but there is an impressive number of decapeptides (12) compared to other speciose orders such as Diptera and Lepidoptera. We attempt to construct a hypothetical molecular peptide evolution of hemipteran AKHs and find quite a bit of overlapping with current phylogenetic ideas of the Hemiptera. Lastly, we discuss the possibility to use the sequence of the aphid AKH as lead peptide for the research into a peptide mimetic fulfilling criteria of a green insecticide.
Time Is of the Essence: Neural Codes, Synchronies, Oscillations, Architectures
Authors: Cariani Peter , Baker Janet M.
Published: June 2022

Time is of the essence in how neural codes, synchronies, and oscillations might function in encoding, representation, transmission, integration, storage, and retrieval of information in brains. This Hypothesis and Theory article examines observed and possible relations between codes, synchronies, oscillations, and types of neural networks they require. Toward reverse-engineering informational functions in brains, prospective, alternative neural architectures incorporating principles from radio modulation and demodulation, active reverberant circuits, distributed content-addressable memory, signal-signal time-domain correlation and convolution operations, spike-correlation-based holography, and self-organizing, autoencoding anticipatory systems are outlined. Synchronies and oscillations are thought to subserve many possible functions: sensation, perception, action, cognition, motivation, affect, memory, attention, anticipation, and imagination. These include direct involvement in coding attributes of events and objects through phase-locking as well as characteristic patterns of spike latency and oscillatory response. They are thought to be involved in segmentation and binding, working memory, attention, gating and routing of signals, temporal reset mechanisms, inter-regional coordination, time discretization, time-warping transformations, and support for temporal wave-interference based operations. A high level, partial taxonomy of neural codes consists of channel, temporal pattern, and spike latency codes. The functional roles of synchronies and oscillations in candidate neural codes, including oscillatory phase-offset codes, are outlined. Various forms of multiplexing neural signals are considered: time-division, frequency-division, code-division, oscillatory-phase, synchronized channels, oscillatory hierarchies, polychronous ensembles. An expandable, annotative neural spike train framework for encoding low- and high-level attributes of events and objects is proposed. Coding schemes require appropriate neural architectures for their interpretation. Time-delay, oscillatory, wave-interference, synfire chain, polychronous, and neural timing networks are discussed. Some novel concepts for formulating an alternative, more time-centric theory of brain function are discussed. As in radio communication systems, brains can be regarded as networks of dynamic, adaptive transceivers that broadcast and selectively receive multiplexed temporally-patterned pulse signals. These signals enable complex signal interactions that select, reinforce, and bind common subpatterns and create emergent lower dimensional signals that propagate through spreading activation interference networks. If memory traces share the same kind of temporal pattern forms as do active neuronal representations, then distributed, holograph-like content-addressable memories are made possible via temporal pattern resonances.
Efficacy of Single-Position Oblique Lateral Interbody Fusion Combined With Percutaneous Pedicle Screw Fixation in Treating Degenerative Lumbar Spondylolisthesis: A Cohort Study
Authors: Cheng Peng , Zhang Xiao-bo , Zhao Qi-ming , Zhang Hai-hong
Published: June 2022

Objective

To investigate the surgical outcomes of single-position oblique lateral interbody fusion (OLIF) combined with percutaneous pedicle screw fixation (PPSF) in treating degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis (DLS).

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 85 patients with DLS who met the inclusion criteria from April 2018 to December 2020. According to the need to change their position during the operation, the patients were divided into a single-position OLIF group (27 patients) and a conventional OLIF group (58 patients). The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, hospitalization days, instrumentation accuracy and complication rates were compared between the two groups. The visual analog scale (VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) were used to evaluate the clinical efficacy. The surgical segment's intervertebral space height (IDH) and lumbar lordosis (LL) angle were used to evaluate the imaging effect.

Results

The hospital stay, pedicle screws placement accuracy, and complication incidence were similar between the two groups (P > 0.05). The operation time and intraoperative blood loss in the single-position OLIF group were less than those in the conventional OLIF group (P < 0.05). The postoperative VAS, ODI, IDH and LL values were significantly improved (P < 0.05), but there was no significant difference between the two groups (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

Compared with conventional OLIF, single-position OLIF combined with PPSF is also safe and effective, and it has the advantages of a shorter operation time and less intraoperative blood loss.
Liquid First Is “Solid” in Naïve Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Patients: Faster Turnaround Time With High Concordance to Solid Next-Generation Sequencing
Authors: Sehayek Or , Kian Waleed , Onn Amir , Stoff Ronen , Sorotsky Hadas Gantz , Zemel Melanie , Bar Jair , Dudnik Yulia , Nechushtan Hovav , Rottenberg Yakir , Soussan-Gutman Lior , Dvir Addie , Roisman Laila C. , Peled Nir
Published: June 2022

Purpose

Molecular profiling is crucial in naïve non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). While tissue-based analysis is challenged by turnaround time and scarcity of tissue, there is increasing demand for liquid biopsy. We aimed to analyze the use of upfront liquid biopsy as a molecular profiling approach.

Methods

This retrospective multicenter, non-interventional study compared findings and turnaround times of liquid vs. standard-of-care (SOC) tissue-biopsy molecular profiling. The study included naïve advanced NSCLC patients with available liquid biopsy (Guardant360 CDx).

Results

A total of 42 consecutive patients (60% men; median age, 69.5 [39–87] years; 86% stage IV NSCLC) were identified between September 2017 and December 2020. Liquid-biopsy analysis provided results for all 42 patients, whereas the tissue-based analysis failed in 5 (12%) patients due to insufficient tumor samples. In 17 patients, 18 actionable driver mutations were identified. Eleven mutations were detected by both approaches (i.e., concordance of 61%), 4 only by liquid biopsy and 3 only by tissue biopsy. The median time from the molecular request to receiving the molecular solid report on the last biomarker was 21 (range: 5–66) days, whereas the median time from blood draw to the liquid-biopsy results was 10.5 (7–19) days. The median time between the availability of liquid-biopsy findings and that of the last biomarker was 5 days. Treatment changes following the liquid-biopsy results were observed in 3 (7%) patients.

Conclusion

Performing liquid-biopsy upfront is feasible and accurate and allows a shorter time for treatment in NSCLC, especially when tumor tissue is scarce.
Uveitis Is a Risk Factor for Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis' Significant Flare in Patients Treated With Biologics
Authors: Kostik Mikhail M. , Gaidar Ekaterina V. , Sorokina Lubov S. , Avrusin Ilya S. , Nikitina Tatiana N. , Isupova Eugenia A. , Chikova Irina A. , Korin Yuri Yu. , Orlova Elizaveta D. , Snegireva Ludmila S. , Masalova Vera V. , Dubko Margarita F. , Kalashnikova Olga V. , Chasnyk Vyacheslav G.
Published: June 2022

Objectives

Uveitis is the most frequent extra-articular manifestation of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). Our study is aimed to evaluate the possible difference in arthritis course depending on uveitis presence in patients with JIA, treated with biologics.

Methods

From our database of patients with JIA treated with biologics, we extracted patients to whom the first agent was administrated with or without MTX. The exclusion criteria included treatment with current systemic corticosteroids, infliximab, rituximab, observation period <3 years, and no missing data. After selection, 175 patients were eligible for analysis. We evaluated clinically significant flare with joint involvement (which required change of biologic or non-biologic DMARD) and time to flare. We compared two groups: (i) patients with uveitis (n = 32) and (ii) patients without uveitis (n = 143). For statistical analysis, we used Cox's regression models, the log-Rank test, x2 test, and the Mann–Whitney test.

Results

There was no difference in gender distribution and achievement of arthritis remission between groups. Patients in the non-uveitis group predominantly received etanercept (64.3%). In the uveitis group, the most prescribed biologic agent was adalimumab (71.9%). The presence of uveitis increased the risk of JIA flare, OR = 3.8 (95% CI: 1.7; 8.7), and the cumulative probability of joint flare, RR = 4.5 (95% CI: 1.7; 12.1), p =.003, after adjustment on methotrexate, RR = 3.1 (1.6; 6.), p =.0008. In the subgroup of patients treated with adalimumab, the absence of methotrexate increased the cumulative probability of flare [RR = 6.5 (95% CI: 1.4; 31.1), p = 0.02].

Conclusion

The presence of uveitis proved to be a risk factor in JIA flare. Methotrexate can decrease the cumulative flare probability. Further trials are required.