bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In-hospital Outcome and Angiographic Profile of Elderly Patients with Non ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infraction
Authors: Masum Md Sazzad , Nesa Malik Fazila Tun , Mamunuzzaman Md , Datta Subas Caandro , Razzaque Muhammed Aminur , Rashid Mohammad Bazlur , Das Pinaki Ranjan , Alam Md Mahbub
Published: June 2022

Background: Non ST - segment elevation myocardial infarction is heterogeneous in its presentation and is a major life-threatening cause of emergency medical care and hospitalization. Patients with non ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction are at risk for adverse cardiac events and if associated with increased age, it become a strong predictor of adverse cardiac events in patients with non ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. Objective: To find out in - hospital outcome and severity of coronary artery disease of older patient with non - ST segment elevation myocardial infarction. Methods: This was a descriptive cross sectional study. The study was carried out in the department of cardiology, National Heart Foundation Hospital and Research Institute from June 2011 to May 2012. Patients of non ST - segment elevation myocardial infarction admitted at National Heart Foundation & Research Institute who fulfill the inclusion criteria were the study population. Patients were recruited by nonrandom sampling. One hundred and thirty four patients were recruited in this study. Data were prospectively collected in a pre - designed data collection form and analyzed by using SPSS - 16 software. Results: In this study patients had a greater prevalence of hypertension, diabetes mellitus. Chest pain and shortness of breath were common presentations observed in study patient during admission. They had a lower left ventricular ejection fraction than their younger counter parts. Older group was associated with an increased risk of triple vessel disease. In-hospital complications were significantly higher in older patients. Duration of hospital stay was longer in older patients. Conclusion: Older patients with non- ST segment myocardial infarction strongly predicts adverse inhospital outcome and severe coronary artery disease profile. Older patients should alert physicians to an increased risk of morbidity and mortality, which may in turn support more judicious treatment including appropriate utilization of cardiovascular diagnostic tests and therapeutics used in current cardiovascular care to optimize outcomes in these high-risk patients.
Bangladesh Heart Journal 2022; 37(1): 52-58
Fish diversity and Socio-economic Condition of Fishermen at the Halti Beel in Natore District, Bangladesh
Authors: Latifa Gulshan Ara , Parvin Mst Mahmuda , Sardar Md Asaduzzaman
Published: June 2022

This study was conducted to investigate the fish diversity and livelihood condition of fishermen community at Dangapara village of Halti beel, Singra, Natore. The socio-economic data were collected from 50 randomly selected fishermen using questionnaire survey between July and October 2019. In this study, a total of 43 fish species were recorded under seven orders, 20 families and 32 genera. Majority of fishermen were illiterate (44%), about 28% fishermen could sign only, 24% and 4% fishermen were completed primary and secondary education, respectively. Among them 79% were Muslims and 21% were Hindus. The majority of fishermen had mud house with straw and tin roof while 56% household used tin roof, 34% household used tin shed with tin roof, only 10% household used straw. Fishermen annual income was between 30001 to 40000 BDT. About 66% household had kacha toilets, 30% household had semi paka toilets, only 4% household had no sanitary facilities. The most of the households (78%) were used electricity as their energy source. The majority of fishermen (64%) were received health service from village doctors. About 44% fishermen was directly engaged in fishing as their main occupation while 26% and 24% fishermen were engaged in labor and agriculture activities, only 8% fishermen was engaged in other professions.
Bangladesh J. Zool. 50 (1): 37-49, 2022
Incidencia de la pandemia COVID 19 en los tarjetahabientes de la COAC OSCUS Ltda
Authors: Amán-Caiza Evelyn , Abril-Flores Jorge
Published: June 2022

La pandemia ha desarrollado enfoques delimitantes en aspectos vulnerables para el sustento a llevar en cierto lapso, tomando decisiones a consecuencias de decisiones financieras, aprovechando la sinergia del estudio y beneficio mutuo, bajo la percepción del objetivo del análisis de causa-efecto y factores que priorizan al tiempo límite de pago, determina el alcance descriptivo y la finalidad de alcanzar los hechos en un contexto determinado, en la Cooperativa de Ahorro y Crédito OSCUS Ltda., para lo cual se aplicó un cuestionario a los tarjetahabientes como también una muestra de 187 s ocios de la Cooperativa, por ende encamino analizar la incidencia de la pandemia de COVID 19 y las estrategias descriptivas en la evaluación de necesidades y el proceso de información integral que contribuyo a un enfoque contundente para la relación con los socios. De igual modo, se ejecutó revisión bibliográfica que favoreció análisis de los factores y la correspondencia de los usuarios con las tarjetas de crédito de la institución.
PENGARUH KEWAJIBAN PENYEDIAAN MODAL MINIMUM, RISIKO KREDIT, RISIKO PASAR, RISIKO OPERASIONAL DAN RISIKO LIKUIDITAS TERHADAP KINERJA KEUANGAN BANK
Authors: Hapsari Ratih Nurmalita
Published: June 2022

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menguji adanya pengaruh Kewajiban Penyediaan Modal Minimum, Risiko Kredit, Risiko Pasar, Risiko Operasional, dan Risiko Likuiditas terhadap Kinerja Keuangan Bank. Penelitian ini menggunakan teknik dokumentasi dengan menggunakan data sekunder dari laporan keuangan, penelitian ini menggunakan 44 sampel perusahaan yang terdaftar di Bursa Efek Indonesia pada tahun 2017–2019 sesuai dengan kriteria pemilihan sampel. Pada penelitian ini menggunakan analisis linier berganda dengan menggunakan alat uji Statistical Product and Service Solution (SPSS). Hasil pada penelitian ini ditemukan bahwa Kewajiban Penyediaan Modal Minimum (KPMM) tidak berpengaruh terhadap kinerja keuangan, hal ini dikarenakan bank telah menjaga dan memertahankan stabilitas permodalan akibat dari peraturan Bank Indonesia dan Otoritas Jasa Keuangan terkait aspek permodalan. Begitupula dengan, Risiko Likuiditas juga tidak memiliki pengaruh terhadap kinerja keuangan. Hal ini selaras dengan Teori Agensi terkait dengan Agency Cost pada fungsi intermediasi bank, dengan hasil yang tidak berpengaruh tersebut dapat diketahui bahwa manajemen bank, lembaga pengawas, bahkan investor dan nasabah telah bersinergi dalam stabilitas permodalan dan likuiditasnya sehingga tidak menimbulkan biaya-biaya lainnya. Hasil berikutnya adalah Risiko Kredit yang berpengaruh negatif terhadap kinerja keuangan bank, kemudian Risiko Pasar yang berpengaruh positif terhadap kinerja keuangan dan Risiko Operasional berpengaruh negatif terhadap kinerja keuangan. Dengan demikian, dapat diketahui keterkaitan dengan Teori Signal adalah informasi yang memiliki pengaruh terhadap kinerja bank dapat menjadi sebuah pertimbangan bagi manajemen bank guna memberikan signal yang baik bagi pihak-pihak terkait khususnya para investor dan juga nasabah. Pada hasil penelitian ini juga sejalan dengan konsep Market Power Theory bahwa manajemen bank akan selalu berusaha menaikkan harga diatas biaya marjinal, sehingga diharapkan dapat menaikkan profitabilitas dan performa dari suatu bank.
Co-infesting symbionts on a threatened marine host: evaluating correlations between an introduced parasitic isopod and a native symbiotic clam
Authors: Li J , Chapman J , Johnson P
Published: June 2022

In marine ecosystems, increased global-scale transportation creates opportunities for rapid introduction of invasive parasitic species that, in some cases, result in dramatic shifts within the native communities. A lack of detailed knowledge regarding the ecology of invasive marine parasites hinders our ability to develop effective conservation strategies and avoid unforeseen ecological consequences. We examined co-infestation patterns of a highly pathogenic, introduced parasitic isopod (Orthione griffenis) and a native symbiotic clam (Neaeromya rugifera) on the North American native blue mud shrimp Upogebia pugettensis. Our comparisons included infestations of O. griffenis and N. rugifera among 447 U. pugettensis hosts over 3 study years and were designed to statistically assess whether the 2 symbionts exhibited significant associations with one another. Our results indicate that infestations by the 2 symbiont species are positively correlated, such that the presence of one symbiont is a strong, positive predictor for the presence of the other. For both symbionts, host size is an important factor that drives the observed correlation. Host sex is also influential for O. griffenis. Interestingly, even after accounting for these host attributes, the infestations by the 2 symbionts continue to correlate positively, particularly among older (second-year and beyond) symbionts, highlighting the likely influence of additional host and environmental factors in driving the symbiont correlation post-settlement. We consider potential mechanisms, including differential energetic reserves and longevities between infested and co-infested hosts, in detail. These results offer insights into the ecological drivers of symbiont co-infestation, which have important implications for understanding host-parasite interactions and future conservation measures.
Enhanced Photoelectrochemical Water-Splitting through Application of Layer by Layer (LBL) and Hydrothermal (HT) Methods in TiO2 and α-Fe2O3 Hierarchical Structures
Authors: Azad Aryan , Kim Sun Jae
Published: June 2022

Improving solar energy conversion efficiency and reducing energy loss have become critical issues in recent decades. Photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting provides an ideal method for solar energy harvesting and is a key factor in decreasing the use of fossil fuels. Thus, it is extremely important to identify cost-effective, highly active, and robust semiconducting photoelectrodes that can reduce the overpotential reaction and increase electrocatalytic efficiency. However, for overall water splitting, it is challenging to identify suitable photocatalysts with efficient band structures and suitable charge separation for electron-hole pairs. Water splitting is conventionally performed using independent layer-by-layer (LBL) or hydrothermal (HT) techniques. However, this research aims to produce a photoanode by applying both HT and LBL methods in sequence to reduce energy loss during the electron transfer process between the two photosystems. In this study, a TiO2 layer was deposited onto fluorine tin oxide (FTO) glass using the LBL method (TiO2/FTO). Subsequently, hematite (α-Fe2O3) thin films that were synthesized using the HT method were deposited onto TiO2/FTO glasses (Fe2O3/TiO2/FTO). The as-prepared and newly-designed photoanode Fe2O3/TiO2/FTO demonstrates a significantly high photocatalytic activity of 7.68 mA/cm2.Thus, by combining the HT and LBL methods, excellent hydrogen production performance in regard to photocatalytic water splitting was achieved. Furthermore, this hierarchical structure provides good chemical stability and is an excellent candidate for large-scale applications.
Family Welfare Empowerment (PKK) Role in Set Woman Cooperation to Support Economy Creative Empowerment Based on Community
Authors: SUHARNANIK Suharnanik , YULAIRINI Sarah
Published: June 2022

The aim of research is to explore the perception of replacing the family welfare empowerment (Pemberdayaan Kesejahteraan Keluarga or PKK) to be a women’s cooperation based on community. The main activities in PKK focus on family health support such as vaccination for babies, saving turns (arisan) and any issues related to family care. The PKK has developed in the Indonesian community which changes the membership majority to women. The PKK is a unique organization, because it is not legalized but it is permitted by the government to be set among citizens. However, there is one of ten main PKK activities that develop cooperation. A cooperation can develop a member’s economy through a main business which is based on the member’s deals. It is important to have some grounding in what social capital is, and how online social capital is both similar and different from it. In both instances, social capital involves social networks, with online social capital having the added dimension of residing within the structural ecosystem of digital networks.
The Impact of the STETY Intervention Program on School Culture
Authors: KRUGER Marcelle , COJOCARU Daniela
Published: June 2022

Special education teachers face various difficulties due to the uniqueness of their work, and these can impact their school culture. On the other hand, if given an opportunity or a resolution, like the Sociological Teachers Teaching Yoga (STETY) intervention program, this could increase the staffs’ sense of self-efficacy, thus affecting the school culture. This paper presents the findings of a research aiming to characterize teachers’ self-efficacy and school culture by participating in a group for a period of a ten-week yoga program. Qualitative research methods have been used for collecting and analyzing the data from 65 participants in total. The findings show that the Sociological Teachers Teaching Yoga (STETY) intervention program has impacted the participants’ self-efficacy and, therefore, the school culture.
Key Success Factors of NGO Leadership that Leads to Sustainable and Effective Development: A Case on BRAC, Bangladesh
Authors: DEBNATH Gouranga Chandra , BHOWMIK Roni
Published: June 2022

Research on leadership has been a fascinating area among Organizational Behavior and Human Resource Management researchers for the impact leaders make. The study adopted a qualitative case study method and conducted interviews with 26 managers from the top, middle, and lower management levels of BRAC. However, there was a cluster of behaviors and traits displayed across the levels, and we termed it as an inspirational style of leadership. We have also identified four dimensions of NGO success as perceived by the leaders: work orientation, culture and governance, operational aspect, and HR practices. The First findings, of this study, identify a unique leadership style i.e., inspirational leadership style. Second, it identifies the specific leadership attributes that exist in a successful NGO. Third, it provides glimpses into the organizational structure and governance of a successful NGO. Fourth, the NGO effectiveness parameters developed that can be used and validated as a measurement tool by quantitative researchers.
Integrative Elderly Care Model as a Part of a Changing Long-Term Care and Welfare State in Slovakia
Authors: SOLCOVA Jana , SEBERINI Andrea , TOKOVSKA Miroslava
Published: June 2022

The aim of this article is to describe and discuss the key challenges of social and healthcare services in Slovakia, focusing on the Integrative Elderly Care Model as part of a changing welfare state. It also examines the opportunities and challenges related to the transformation of community-based social and healthcare services. The Slovak welfare state has undergone several revisions during the last decade; so too has the elderly care sector, which is a combination of public and non-government organisations. Elderly citizens, however, remain in a precarious situation. The trend toward marketisation and re-familiarisation of elderly care ‘go towards the EU average’, indicating an increase in public social expenditure directed towards aging.
Formulation of Biostimulants Based on Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi for Maize Growth and Yield
Authors: Agbodjato Nadège Adoukè , Assogba Sylvestre A. , Babalola Olubukola Oluranti , Koda Abdel D. , Aguégué Ricardos M. , Sina Haziz , Dagbénonbakin Gustave Dieudonné , Adjanohoun Adolphe , Baba-Moussa Lamine
Published: June 2022

The objective of the study was to evaluate the fertilizing potential of two arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (Glomeraceae and Acaulosporaceae) native to the rhizosphere soils of Benin in a controlled environment (under greenhouse) and in a field environment. For this purpose, corn seeds were coated with Glomeraceae and Acaulosporaceae strains and then deposited in 5 cm deep holes. Different doses of mineral fertilizer were then applied according to the treatments.The experimental design was a split plot of ten treatments with three replicates in both conditions. Sowing was done following two seeds per pot in the greenhouse and in the field and lasted 30 and 80 days respectively. The data collected were related to growth, yield and mycorrhizal infection of the roots. The results in controlled environment (under greenhouse), show that the plants treated with Acaulosporaceae+25%NPK+Urea significantly improve the height, the diameter at the collar, and the dry subterranean biomass with respective increases of 63.74%, 61.53%, 47.79% except for the leaf area and the dry aerial biomass which were improved by Glomeraceae+25%NPK+Urea with respective increases of 42.66% and 57.2% compared to the control. The results in the field showed that the best maize yields in grain, in dry aerial biomass and dry subterranean biomass were obtained significantly with the Glomeraceae strain 25%NPK+Urea with respective increases of 65.28%, 51.26%, 136.36% compared to the control plants. Also, high values were recorded for the frequency and intensity of mycorrhization with the Glomeraceae strain under greenhouse and field conditions. Mycorrhizal inoculation of maize plants showed a beneficial effect in the field with the Glomeraceae strain in combination with 25% NPK+Urea while the Acaulosporaceae strain with 25% NPK+Urea was more expressed in the greenhouse. These endogenous strains can be used as biostimulants to increase maize productivity while considerably reducing mineral inputs in Benin.
Drug-Induced Photosensitivity: Clinical Types of Phototoxicity and Photoallergy and Pathogenetic Mechanisms
Authors: Di Bartolomeo Luca , Irrera Natasha , Campo Giuseppe Maurizio , Borgia Francesco , Motolese Alfonso , Vaccaro Federico , Squadrito Francesco , Altavilla Domenica , Condorelli Alessandra Grazia , Motolese Alberico , Vaccaro Mario
Published: June 2022

Drug-induced photosensitivity (DIP) is a common cutaneous adverse drug reaction, resulting from the interaction of ultraviolet radiations, mostly ultraviolet A, with drugs. DIP includes phototoxicity and photoallergy. A phototoxic reaction is obtained when topical and systemic drugs or their metabolites absorb light inducing a direct cellular damage, while a photoallergic reaction takes place when the interaction between drugs and ultraviolet radiations causes an immune cutaneous response. Clinically, phototoxicity is immediate and appears as an exaggerated sunburn, whereas photoallergy is a delayed eczematous reaction. DIP may show several clinical subtypes. In this mini-review we report the pathogenetic mechanisms and causative drugs of DIP. We offer a detailed description of DIP clinical features in its classical and unusual subtypes, such as hyperpigmentation/dyschromia, pseudoporphyria, photo-onycolysis, eruptive teleangiectasia, pellagra-like reaction, lichenoid reaction, photodistributed erythema multiforme and subacute/chronic cutaneous lupus erythematosus. We described how physicians may early recognize and manage DIP, including diagnostic tests to rule out similar conditions. We made suggestions on how to improve sun exposure behaviors of patients at risk of DIP by means of an aware use of sunscreens, protective clothing and recent technologic tools. We highlighted the lack of sun safety programs addressed to patients at risk of DIP, who need a formal education about their condition.
A Step Forward to Formalize Tailored to Problem Specificity Mathematical Transforms
Authors: Glaría Antonio , Salas Rodrigo , Chabert Stéren , Roncagliolo Pablo , Arriola Alexis , Tapia Gonzalo , Salinas Matías , Zepeda Herman , Taramasco Carla , Oshinubi Kayode , Demongeot Jacques
Published: June 2022

Linear functional analysis historically founded by Fourier and Legendre played a significant role to provide a unified vision of mathematical transformations between vector spaces. The possibility of extending this approach is explored when basis of vector spaces is built Tailored to the Problem Specificity (TPS) and not from the convenience or effectiveness of mathematical calculations. Standardized mathematical transformations, such as Fourier or polynomial transforms, could be extended toward TPS methods, on a basis, which properly encodes specific knowledge about a problem. Transition between methods is illustrated by comparing what happens in conventional Fourier transform with what happened during the development of Jewett Transform, reported in previous articles. The proper use of computational intelligence tools to perform Jewett Transform allowed complexity algorithm optimization, which encourages the search for a general TPS methodology.
A New Distance Stereotest by Autostereoscopic Display Using an Eye-Tracking Method
Authors: Cao Li-Qun , Wang Yuan-Qing , Gao Yuan , Zhou Bi-Ye , Li Xue-ling , Shen Ke-Qiang , Xu Bin , Li Ming-Gao
Published: June 2022

Objectives: This research aimed to present a novel glasses-free distance random-dot stereotest system (GFDRDSS) using an eye-tracking method.

Methods: A single-view autostereoscopic display applying a backlight control system combined with an eye-tracking method and the corresponding random-dot stereotest software were developed to create a GFDRDSS with a viewing distance of 5 m. The stereoacuity of 12 subjects with normal eye position was evaluated using the Randot Stereotest, Stereoscopic Test Charts vol. 3 (Yan’s Charts), Distance Randot® Stereotest, and GFDRDSS.

Results: The GFDRDSS could provide distinct and stable glasses-free stereoscopic perception even while the subject was moving their head. It could evaluate binocular disparities of 40–2,400 arcsec. Eleven subjects with normal near visual acuity had fine near stereovision (20–60 arcsec) using the Randot stereotest and Yan’s Charts. Under refractive correction, 10 subjects had fine stereovision (≤60 arcsec) using the GFDRDSS at a distance of 5 m, and 9 had fine stereovision using the Distance Randot® Stereotest at 3 m. Other subjects described the 100 arcsec-level stereograms correctly. The results exhibited a concordance of stereoacuity within one degrade between the two distance stereotests.

Conclusion: The proposed GFDRDSS can alternately project a couple of random-dot stereograms to the subjects’ eyes and provide a glasses-free distance stereotest, which showed good concordance with the Distance Randot® Stereotest. More data are needed for statistical studies.
Engineering the Active Site Pocket to Enhance the Catalytic Efficiency of a Novel Feruloyl Esterase Derived From Human Intestinal Bacteria Dorea formicigenerans
Authors: Shen Yang , Wang Yulu , Wei Xue , Wen Boting , Liu Shujun , Tan Huishuang , Zhang Jingjian , Shao Shuli , Xin Fengjiao
Published: June 2022

The human gut microbiota play essential roles in metabolism and human health, especially by enzymatically utilizing dietary fiber that the host cannot directly digest and releasing functional components including short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and hydroxycinnamic acids (e.g., ferulic acid). In our previous study, seven potential feruloyl esterase (FAE) genes were identified from the gut microbiota. In the current work, one of the genes encoding a novel FAE (DfFAE) from Dorea formicigenerans of Firmicutes was bacterially expressed, purified and characterized. The 30.5 kDa type-A DfFAE has an optimum pH and temperature of 8.4 and 40 °C, respectively, exhibiting a higher substrate specificity toward short-chain acyl-ester substrate (pNPA). The AlphaFold2 based ab initio structural modeling revealed a five α-helices cap domain that shaped an unusually narrow and deep active site pocket containing a specific substrate access tunnel in DfFAE. Furthermore, rational design strategy was subjected to the active site pocket in an aim of improving its enzymatic activities. The mutants V252A, N156A, W255A, P149A, and P186A showed 1.8 to 5.7-fold increase in catalytic efficiency toward pNPA, while W255A also exhibited altered substrate preference toward long-chain substrate pNPO (45.5-fold). This study highlighted an unusual active site architecture in DfFAE that influenced its substrate selectivity and illustrated the applicability of rational design for enhanced enzymatic properties.
Alterations in Inflammatory Cytokines and Redox Homeostasis in LPS-Induced Pancreatic Beta-Cell Toxicity and Mitochondrial Stress: Protection by Azadirachtin
Authors: John Annie , Raza Haider
Published: June 2022

Inflammation and redox imbalance are hallmarks of cancer, diabetes, and other degenerative disorders. Pathophysiological response to these disorders leads to oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction by alterations and reprogramming in cellular signaling and metabolism. Pancreatic beta cells are very sensitive to the inflammatory and altered nutrient signals and hence play a crucial role in diabetes and cancer. In this study, we treated insulin-secreting pancreatic beta cells, Rin-5F, with the bacterial endotoxin, LPS (1 μg/ml) to induce an inflammatory response in vitro and then treated the cells with a known anti-inflammatory, anticancer and antioxidant phytochemical, azadirachtin (AZD, 25 µM for 24 h). Our results demonstrated lipid peroxidation and nitric oxide production causing increased nitro/oxidative stress and alterations in the activities of anti-oxidant enzymes, superoxide dismutase and catalase after LPS treatment. Pro-inflammatory responses caused by translocation of nuclear factor kappa B and release of inflammatory cytokines were also observed. These changes were accompanied by GSH-dependent redox imbalance and alterations in mitochondrial membrane potential and respiratory complexes enzyme activities leading to mitochondrial respiratory dysfunction, reduced ATP synthesis, and intrinsic caspase-9 mediated apoptosis. Caspase-9 was activated due to alterations in Bcl-2 and Bax proteins and release of cytochrome c into the cytosol. The activities of oxidative stress-sensitive mitochondrial matrix enzymes, aconitase, and glutamate dehydrogenase were also inhibited. Treatment with AZD showed beneficial effects on the recovery of antioxidant enzymes, inflammatory responses, and mitochondrial functions. GSH-dependent redox homeostasis also recovered after the treatment with AZD. This study may help in better understanding the etiology and pathogenesis of inflammation-induced disorders in pancreatic beta cells to better manage therapeutic strategies.
Micro- and Macro-Anatomical Frameworks of Lymph Nodes Indispensable for the Lymphatic System Filtering Function
Authors: Ozawa Madoka , Nakajima Shihori , Kobayashi Daichi , Tomii Koichi , Li Nan-Jun , Watarai Tomoya , Suzuki Ryo , Watanabe Satoshi , Kanda Yasuhiro , Takeuchi Arata , Katakai Tomoya
Published: June 2022

In the lymphatic vascular system, lymph nodes (LNs) play a pivotal role in filtering and removing lymph-borne substances. The filtering function of LNs involves resident macrophages tightly associated with unique lymphatic sinus structures. Moreover, an intermittently arranged LN in the lymphatic pathway is considered to cooperatively prevent lymph-borne substances from entering blood circulation. However, the functional significance of tissue microarchitecture, cellular composition, and individual LNs in the “LN chain” system is not fully understood. To explore the mechanistic and histo-anatomical significance of LNs as lymph fluid filters, we subcutaneously injected fluorescent tracers into mice and examined the details of lymphatic transport to the LNs qualitatively and quantitatively. Lymph-borne tracers were selectively accumulated in the MARCO+subcapsular-medullary sinus border (SMB) region of the LN, in which reticular lymphatic endothelial cells and CD169+F4/80+medullary sinus macrophages construct a dense meshwork of the physical barrier, forming the main body to capture the tracers. We also demonstrated stepwise filtrationviathe LN chain in the lymphatic basin, which prevented tracer leakage into the blood. Furthermore, inflammatory responses that induce the remodeling of LN tissue as well as the lymphatic pathway reinforce the overall filtering capacity of the lymphatic basin. Taken together, specialized tissue infrastructure in the LNs and their systematic orchestration constitute an integrated filtering system for lymphatic recirculation.
Treacle is Upregulated in Cancer and Correlates With Poor Prognosis
Authors: Oxe Kezia Catharina , Larsen Dorthe Helena
Published: June 2022

Treacle/TCOF1 is an adaptor protein specifically associated with nucleolar chromatin. In the nucleolus it stimulates ribosome biogenesis, thereby promoting growth and proliferation. A second role of Treacle has emerged as a coordinator of the nucleolar responses to DNA damage, where it facilitates nucleolar DNA repair and cellular survival after genotoxic insults. The involvement of Treacle in multiple fundamental processes such as growth, proliferation, and genome stability, which are tightly linked to cancer, raises the question of Treacle’s role in the development of this disease. On one hand, overexpression of Treacle could stimulate nucleolar transcription and ribosome biogenesis providing a growth advantage in cancer cells. On the other hand, the function of Treacle as a gatekeeper in response to nucleolar DNA damage could favor mutations that would impair its function. In this perspective, we analyze paired Treacle expression data from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and correlate expression with patient survival in different cancer types. We also discuss other recently published observations of relevance to the role of Treacle in cancer. In light of these new observations, we propose possible roles of Treacle in carcinogenesis and discuss its potential as a therapeutic target.
Comprehensive Plasma N-Glycoproteome Profiling Based on EThcD-sceHCD-MS/MS
Authors: Mao Yonghong , Su Tao , Lin Tianhai , Yang Hao , Zhao Yang , Zhang Yong , Dai Xinhua
Published: June 2022

Glycoproteins are involved in a variety of biological processes. More than one-third of the plasma protein biomarkers of tumors approved by the FDA are glycoproteins, and could improve the diagnostic specificity and/or sensitivity. Therefore, it is of great significance to perform the systematic characterization of plasma N-glycoproteome. In previous studies, we developed an integrated method based on the combinatorial peptide ligand library (CPLL) and stepped collision energy/higher energy collisional dissociation (sceHCD) for comprehensive plasma N-glycoproteome profiling. Recently, we presented a new fragmentation method, EThcD-sceHCD, which outperformed sceHCD in the accuracy of identification. Herein, we integrated the combinatorial peptide ligand library (CPLL) into EThcD-sceHCD and compared the performance of different mass spectrometry dissociation methods (EThcD-sceHCD, EThcD, and sceHCD) in the intact N-glycopeptide analysis of prostate cancer plasma. The results illustrated that EThcD-sceHCD was better than EThcD and sceHCD in the number of identified intact N-glycopeptides (two-folds). A combination of sceHCD and EThcD-sceHCD methods can cover almost all glycoproteins (96.4%) and intact N-glycopeptides (93.6%), indicating good complementarity between the two. Our study has great potential for medium- and low-abundance plasma glycoprotein biomarker discovery.
Urinary Fatty Acid Binding Protein 3 Has Prognostic Value in Peripheral Artery Disease
Authors: Li Ben , Zamzam Abdelrahman , Syed Muzammil H. , Jahanpour Niousha , Jain Shubha , Abdin Rawand , Qadura Mohammad
Published: June 2022

Background

Despite its significant association with limb loss and death, peripheral artery disease (PAD) remains underdiagnosed and undertreated. The current accepted gold-standard for PAD screening, the ankle brachial index (ABI), is limited by operator dependence, erroneous interpretation, and unreliability in patients with diabetes. Fatty acid binding protein 3 (FABP3) is an intracellular protein that becomes released into circulation and excreted into urine following skeletal muscle injury. We examined the prognostic ability of urinary FABP3 (uFABP3) in predicting adverse PAD-related events.

Methods

In this prospective case-control study, urine samples were collected from patients with PAD (n = 142) and without PAD (n = 72). The cohort was followed for 2 years. uFABP3 was normalized to urinary creatinine (uCr) (uFABP3/uCr). The primary outcome was major adverse limb event (MALE; composite of vascular intervention [open or endovascular] or major limb amputation). The secondary outcome was worsening PAD status (drop in ABI≥0.15). Cox regression analyses with multivariable adjustment for baseline demographic and clinical variables were performed to assess the prognostic value of uFABP3/uCr with regards to predicting MALE and worsening PAD status.

Results

Patients with PAD had significantly higher median [IQR] uFABP3/uCr levels (3.46 [2.45–6.90] vs. 2.61 [1.98–4.62], p = 0.001). MALE and worsening PAD status were observed in 21 (10%) and 28 (14%) patients, respectively. uFABP3/uCr predicted MALE and worsening PAD status with adjusted hazard ratios (HR) of 1.28 (1.16–1.41, p = 0.001) and 1.16 (1.02–1.27, p = 0.021), respectively. Patients with high uFABP3/uCr had a lower 2-year freedom from MALE (86 vs. 96%, p = 0.047) and worsening PAD status (78 vs. 99%, p = 0.001). There was good discriminatory ability for uFABP3/uCr in predicting the primary outcome of MALE, with an area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUROC) of 0.78.

Conclusions

Measuring uFABP3/uCr levels in patients with PAD can help identify those at high risk of adverse PAD-related events. This study highlights the prognostic value of uFABP3 in risk-stratifying individuals for further diagnostic vascular evaluation or aggressive medical management.
Clinical Implications of Phenotypes of Hemodialysis Patients With Central Venous Occlusion or Central Venous Stenosis Defined by Cluster Analysis
Authors: Wen Chunyong , Chen Bin , Lin Run , Dai Haitao , Tang Keyu , Zhang Guiyuan , Huang Jiawen , Liao Changli , Zeng Linyuan , Xiang Xianhong , Yang Jianyong , Huang Yonghui
Published: June 2022

Objective

This study aims to investigate the association between clinical factors of patients with central (superior vena cava, brachiocephalic, or subclavian) venous occlusion or central venous stenosis (CVO/CVS) and the difficulty of interventional recanalization as well as the duration of postoperative patency.

Methods

A total of 103 hemodialysis patients with CVO/CVS treated with endovascular treatment were enrolled. The two-step cluster analysis was selected to differentiate the cases into distinct phenotypes automatically. Differences in characteristics, the difficulty of interventional recanalization, and the duration of postoperative primary patency time between the two clusters were statistically compared.

Results

The 103 cases were divided into distinct two clusters by the two-step cluster analysis with 48 (46.6%) in cluster 1 and 55 (53.4%) in cluster 2. Compared to cluster 2, patients in cluster 1 have a higher proportion of blunt stump, side branches, occlusion lesions >2 cm, calcification, or organization. Moreover, the above four factors were, in turn, the most critical four predictors distinguishing 103 patients into two clusters. The remaining six factors were, in turn, occlusion located in the superior vena cava (SVC), duration of central venous catheterization (CVC), lesion location, vessel diameter, number of CVC, and previously failed lesion. Of the four most important factors, with the exception of occlusion lesions exceeding 2 cm, there were significant differences in the length of procedure time between the groups grouped by the remaining three factors. And there was a significant difference in the primary patency rate between the group with blunt stump and the group without blunt stump and also between the group with occlusion lesions ≥ 2 cm and the group with occlusion lesions <2 cm. The operation time of cluster 1 was longer than that of cluster 2. In terms of postoperative patency time, the primary patency time was significantly longer in the patients of cluster 2 compared with cluster 1 (P = 0.025).

Conclusion

Patients were divided into distinct two clusters. CVO/CVS of patients in cluster 1 was more challenging to be recanalized than that in cluster 2, and the primary patency time was significantly longer in the patients of cluster 2 compared with cluster 1. Blunt stump, side branches, occlusion lesions exceeding 2 cm, and calcification or organization are the four most critical predictors distinguishing 103 patients into two clusters.
Fibulin-3 Deficiency Protects Against Myocardial Injury Following Ischaemia/ Reperfusion in in vitro Cardiac Spheroids
Authors: Sharma Poonam , Beck Dominik , Murtha Lucy A. , Figtree Gemma , Boyle Andrew , Gentile Carmine
Published: June 2022

Myocardial infarction (MI, or heart attack) is a leading cause of death worldwide. Myocardial ischaemia reperfusion (I/R) injury typical of MI events is also associated with the development of cardiac fibrosis and heart failure in patients. Fibulin-3 is an extracellular matrix component that plays a role in regulating MI response in the heart. In this study, we generated and compared in vitro cardiac spheroids (CSs) from wild type (WT) and fibulin-3 knockout (Fib-3 KO) mice. These were then exposed to pathophysiological changes in oxygen (O2) concentrations to mimic an MI event. We finally measured changes in contractile function, cell death, and mRNA expression levels of cardiovascular disease genes between WT and Fib-3 KO CSs. Our results demonstrated that there are significant differences in growth kinetics and endothelial network formation between WT and Fib-3 KO CSs, however, they respond similarly to changes in O2 concentrations. Fib-3 deficiency resulted in an increase in viability of cells and improvement in contraction frequency and fractional shortening compared to WT I/R CSs. Gene expression analyses demonstrated that Fib-3 deficiency inhibits I/R injury and cardiac fibrosis and promotes angiogenesis in CSs. Altogether, our findings suggest that Fib-3 deficiency makes CSs resistant to I/R injury and associated cardiac fibrosis and helps to improve the vascular network in CSs.
Analysis of the Mechanism of Ground Fissures in the Nairobi–Malaba Railway Rift Valley Area in Kenya
Authors: Hao Bing , Zhou Zhenghua , Li Yuandong , Li Xiaojun , Liu Xujin , Han Yi , Jin Liguo
Published: June 2022

During the rainy season from March to May 2018, four ground fissures were generated in the rift valley area along the first phase of the Nairobi–Malaba Railway in Kenya, among which the ground fissures B3 highway, DK76, and DK77 were larger in scale, which seriously endangered the safety of the railway. According to the author’s previous study, the ground fissure B3 highway belongs to a typical fault-type fissure, and the ground fissures DK76 and DK77 are qualitatively concluded to be generated under the groundwater erosion of collapsible soils. To quantitatively summarize the mechanism of ground fissures, DK76 and DK77, physical model tests on the overlying soil properties, compactness, the intersection angle between hidden cracks and the water flow direction, the height of confined water level, and the groundwater flow rate are conducted to analyze the effect of these factors on the formation and expansion of ground fissures. The test results show that the soil with strong collapsibility under the action of underground erosion produces fissures, collapses, and holes similar to those in the rift valley area along the first phase of the Nairobi–Malaba Railway in Kenya; the loose overburden is conducive to the occurrence of surface collapse; the collapse of the soil surface is the most severe when the underlaid cracks are parallel to the water flow direction; the higher confined water level and faster inflow rate will aggravate the collapse of the overlying soil layer.
Global Rates of Subaerial Volcanism on Earth
Authors: Papale Paolo , Garg Deepak , Marzocchi Warner
Published: June 2022

Knowledge of the global rates of volcanism is fundamental for modeling the Earth, as those rates closely relate to plate tectonics, crustal growth, mantle dynamics, atmospheric evolution, climate change, and virtually any aspect of the global Earth dynamics. In spite of their huge relevance, the global rates of volcanism have remained unknown, hidden within data that appeared disordered, largely fragmented and incomplete, reflecting poor preservation of small eruptions in the geological record, rareness of large eruptions, and distributions far from normal. Here we describe and validate a model that reproduces global volcanism to high statistical significance, and that is so simple to comfortably fit on a t-shirt. We use the model to compute the expected rates of global terrestrial volcanism over time windows from 1 to 100,000 years, and validate it by comparing with observations back to a few million years. Notably, the model can be tested against independent observations collected in the near future, a feature which is relatively uncommon among global models of Solid Earth dynamics.
Developing a Solution for Hybrid Classroom: A Pilot Study From a Malaysian Private University
Authors: Ayub Enna , Lim Chee Leong , Yeo Donny Chuan Hoe , Ismail Siti Ramadhaniatun
Published: June 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic brought about an opportunity for higher education institutions (HEI) to explore modes of education delivery other than face-to-face (F2F) and remote learningviafully online mode. The HEIs faced challenges for “business to resume as usual” when not all students were able to return to campus due to being held back in their home state or countries due to different stages of lockdown at their locations. At Taylor's, a hybrid learning mode was thought of to be the solution that can cater both to students who are on-campus and those who are off-campus. A pilot project based on a very practical-oriented classroom from the School of Food Studies and Gastronomy (SFSG) and Taylor's Culinary Institute (TCI) was kick-started to ensure a seamless learning experience for the students. The “pandemic pedagogy” based on real-life needs can be an opportunity to scale up learning for borderless learning in the future. This study reports on the initial development process and challenges and the findings from the pilot studies using a design-based research (DBR) approach.
Development and Evaluation of an eLearning Training Module to Improve United Kingdom Secondary School Teachers’ Knowledge and Confidence in Supporting Young People Who Self-Harm
Authors: Price Claire , Satherley Rose-Marie , Jones Christina J. , John Mary
Published: June 2022

Background

Self-harm is a major public health concern with evidence suggesting that the rates are higher in the United Kingdom than anywhere else in Europe. Increasingly, policy highlights the role of school staff in supporting young people (YP) who are self-harming, yet research indicates that school staff often feel ill-equipped to provide support and address self-harm behaviors. Here, we assess the impact of a bespoke eLearning module for United Kingdom secondary school teachers on teacher’s actual and perceived knowledge of self-harm, and their self-reported confidence in supporting and talking to YP who self-harm.

Methods

Twenty-one secondary schools across the West Midlands and South East of England were invited to complete a 30-min web-based eLearning module on self-harm in schools. Participants completed pre-and post-intervention measures.

Results

One-hundred and seventy-three teachers completed the eLearning, and pre-and post-measures. The eLearning significantly enhanced participants’ perceived knowledge, actual knowledge, and confidence in talking to and supporting YP who self-harm. The majority of participants (90.7%) felt that eLearning was a good way to receive training.

Conclusion

The 30-min eLearning module was rated highly and may be an effective way to increase secondary school teachers’ knowledge of self-harm, and confidence in supporting and talking to YP who self-harm.
Acromegaly and Colorectal Neoplasm: An Update
Authors: Kasuki Leandro , Maia Bernardo , Gadelha Mônica R.
Published: June 2022

Acromegaly is a systemic disease caused by excessive inappropriate secretion of GH and IGF-I levels, resulting in many systemic complications, including cardiovascular, respiratory, metabolic diseases, and a possible increased risk of some neoplasias. Although many studies on acromegaly and cancer remain uncertain, most data indicate that colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence is increased in this population. The exact mechanism involved in the role of GH-IGF-I axis in CRC has not been fully explained, yet it is associated with local and circulating effects of GH and IGF-I on the colon, promoting angiogenesis, cell proliferation, risk of mutation, inhibition of tumor-suppressor genes and apoptosis, thus facilitating a tumor microenvironment. Nevertheless, population-based studies present controversial findings on CRC incidence and mortality. All worldwide guidelines and expert consensuses agree with the need for colonoscopic screening and surveillance in acromegaly, although there is no consensus regarding the best period to do this. This review aims to analyze the existing data on CRC and acromegaly, exploring its pathophysiology, epidemiological studies and their limitations, colonic polyp characteristics, overall cancer and CRC incidences and mortality, risk factors for colon cancer pathophysiology, and recommendation guideline aspects.
Combined Source-Storage-Transmission Planning Considering the Comprehensive Incomes of Energy Storage System
Authors: Yan Gangui , Liu Xueyuan , Yang Xiuyu , Chai Guofeng , Guo Qi , Gui Jianzhong
Published: June 2022

An energy storage system transfers power and energy in both time and space dimensions and is considered as critical technique support to realize high permeability of renewable energy in future power systems. It contributes to the achievement of China’s long-term carbon emission abatement targets. However, the promotion and application of energy storage are severely restricted due to the high construction cost of energy storage systems and lack of effective compensation mechanisms for peak-regulating ancillary service. In this study, a source-storage-transmission joint planning method is proposed considering the comprehensive incomes of energy storage. The comprehensive income of the energy storage system is divided in detail from the planning level, and the accounting method of energy storage income is proposed. Based on the load fluctuating trend under the condition of the connecting wind power grid, the dynamic electricity pricing methods of power trisection and time trisection are introduced to achieve the dual goals of direct income from energy storage and improving system flexibility. To comprehensively consider the direct income of peak-valley arbitrage and indirect income of energy storage configuration, a coordinated planning model of source-storage-transmission is constructed and tested in the Garver-6 system using the measured data from one province grid in China. The results verify the effectiveness of the proposed methods and show improvements in cost recovery and system flexibility.