bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Liver Fibrosis Marker and Postoperative Mortality in Patients Without Overt Liver Disease
Authors: Zelber-Sagi Shira , O’Reilly-Shah Vikas N. , Fong Christine , Ivancovsky-Wajcman Dana , Reed May J. , Bentov Itay
Published: April 2022

BACKGROUND:

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) can progress to advanced fibrosis, which, in the nonsurgical population, is associated with poor hepatic and extrahepatic outcomes. Despite its high prevalence, NAFLD and related liver fibrosis may be overlooked during the preoperative evaluation, and the role of liver fibrosis as an independent risk factor for surgical-related mortality has yet to be tested. The aim of this study was to assess whether fibrosis-4 (FIB-4), which consists of age, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and platelets, a validated marker of liver fibrosis, is associated with postoperative mortality in the general surgical population.

METHODS:

A historical cohort of patients undergoing general anesthesia at an academic medical center between 2014 and 2018 was analyzed. Exclusion criteria included known liver disease, acute liver disease or hepatic failure, and alcohol use disorder. FIB-4 score was categorized into 3 validated predefined categories: FIB-4 ≤1.3, ruling out advanced fibrosis; >1.3 and <2.67, inconclusive; and ≥2.67, suggesting advanced fibrosis. The primary analytic method was propensity score matching (FIB-4 was dichotomized to indicate advanced fibrosis), and a secondary analysis included a multivariable logistic regression.

RESULTS:

Of 19,861 included subjects, 1995 (10%) had advanced fibrosis per FIB-4 criteria. Mortality occurred intraoperatively in 15 patients (0.1%), during hospitalization in 272 patients (1.4%), and within 30 days of surgery in 417 patients (2.1%). FIB-4 ≥2.67 was associated with increased intraoperative mortality (odds ratio [OR], 3.63; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.25–10.58), mortality during hospitalization (OR, 3.14; 95% CI, 2.37–4.16), and within 30 days from surgery (OR, 2.46; 95% CI, 1.95–3.10), after adjusting for other risk factors. FIB-4 was related to increased mortality in a dose-dependent manner for the 3 FIB-4 categories ≤1.3 (reference), >1.3 and <2.67, and ≥2.67, respectively; during hospitalization (OR, 1.89; 95% CI, 1.34–2.65 and OR, 4.70; 95% CI, 3.27–6.76) and within 30 days from surgery (OR, 1.77; 95% CI, 1.36–2.31 and OR, 3.55; 95% CI, 2.65–4.77). In a 1:1 propensity-matched sample (N = 1994 per group), the differences in mortality remained. Comparing the FIB-4 ≥2.67 versus the FIB-4 <2.67 groups, respectively, mortality during hospitalization was 5.1% vs 2.2% (OR, 2.70; 95% CI, 1.81–4.02), and 30-day mortality was 6.6% vs 3.4% (OR, 2.26; 95% CI, 1.62–3.14).

CONCLUSIONS:

A simple liver fibrosis marker is strongly associated with perioperative mortality in a population without apparent liver disease, and may aid in future surgical risk stratification and preoperative optimization.
Human pluripotent stem cell-derived kidney organoids for personalized congenital and idiopathic nephrotic syndrome modeling
Authors: Jansen Jitske , van den Berge Bartholomeus T. , van den Broek Martijn , Maas Rutger J. , Daviran Deniz , Willemsen Brigith , Roverts Rona , van der Kruit Marit , Kuppe Christoph , Reimer Katharina C. , Di Giovanni Gianluca , Mooren Fieke , Nlandu Quincy , Mudde Helmer , Wetzels Roy , den Braanker Dirk , Parr Naomi , Nagai James S. , Drenic Vedran , Costa Ivan G. , Steenbergen Eric , Nijenhuis Tom , Dijkman Henry , Endlich Nicole , van de Kar Nicole C. A. J. , Schneider Rebekka K. , Wetzels Jack F. M. , Akiva Anat , van der Vlag Johan , Kramann Rafael , Schreuder Michiel F. , Smeets Bart
Published: April 2022

Nephrotic syndrome (NS) is characterized by severe proteinuria as a consequence of kidney glomerular injury due to podocyte damage. In vitro models mimicking in vivo podocyte characteristics are a prerequisite to resolve NS pathogenesis. The detailed characterization of organoid podocytes resulting from a hybrid culture protocol showed a podocyte population that resembles adult podocytes and was superior compared with 2D counterparts, based on single-cell RNA sequencing, super-resolution imaging and electron microscopy. In this study, these next-generation podocytes in kidney organoids enabled personalized idiopathic nephrotic syndrome modeling, as shown by activated slit diaphragm signaling and podocyte injury following protamine sulfate, puromycin aminonucleoside treatment and exposure to NS plasma containing pathogenic permeability factors. Organoids cultured from cells of a patient with heterozygous NPHS2 mutations showed poor NPHS2 expression and aberrant NPHS1 localization, which was reversible after genetic correction. Repaired organoids displayed increased VEGFA pathway activity and transcription factor activity known to be essential for podocyte physiology, as shown by RNA sequencing. This study shows that organoids are the preferred model of choice to study idiopathic and congenital podocytopathies.
Effects of environmental factors and management on dynamics of mixed calcareous forests under climate change in Central European lowlands
Authors: Vančura Karel , Šimková Michaela , Vacek Zdeněk , Vacek Stanislav , Gallo Josef , Šimůnek Václav , Podrázský Vilém , Štefančík Igor , Hájek Vojtěch , Prokůpková Anna , Králíček Ivo
Published: April 2022

Mixed lowland forests reserved for natural succession are sparse in the Czech Republic. However, their development provides essential insights into the natural processes of these forests and recommendations for forest management in a changing climate. The research describes the dynamics, productivity, structure, diversity, dead wood, and radial growth of hornbeam-oak groves and calcareous beech-dominated forests in the Karlštejn National Nature Reserve (Czechia) based on inventory in 2002, 2008, 2014 and 2020. The objective was to evaluate changes in differently managed stands (high forest, coppice with standards, and coppice) after leaving the stands to spontaneous development in 2004. The tree density increased by 2–10% from 2002 to 2014 and decreased by 6–18% in 2020. In the high forest, an increase in the stand volume was observed during the whole period, while in the coppice with standards and coppice, only until 2014. The stand volume ranged from 190 (coppice) to 630 (high forest) m³ ha−1 in 2020 and increased by an average of 28% over 18 years. Overall diversity of tree layer showed an uneven structure in the high forest and a substantially diverse structure in the other variants. The deadwood volume has been steadily increasing (18–35 m³ ha−1 in 2020), accumulating an average of 1 m³ ha−1 yr−1. A lack of precipitation and high temperatures from June to August were the main limiting factors of the radial growth of tree species, while the number of negative pointer years has increased in the last decade. European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) was the most sensitive tree species to climate compared to the resilient European ash (Fraxinus excelsior L.). The lowest fluctuations in the diameter increment were recorded in Norway maple (Acer platanoides L.) and the highest in beech in the temperature cycles of 7–15 years. Over the last 20 years, sessile oak [Quercus petraea (Matt.) Liebl.] showed an increase in radial growth by 7%, while other tree species reported a decrease with a maximum in beech (by −38%). The forest stands managed as high forest, characterized by a higher production potential and lower diversity, had slower dynamics when compared to coppice with standards and coppice.
Effectiveness of 36 hospital learning centers in Thailand: continuation of child patient education, parent attitudes toward child’s illness and service satisfaction
Authors: Fuengfoo Adidsuda , Sakulnum Kim , Owjinda Sumitra
Published: April 2022

Background:  This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of 36 hospital learning centers for the continued education of sick children using electronic distance learning television (eDLTV), parents’ attitudes toward their child’s illnesses and education, and service satisfaction of the centers.

Methods: The sample included 4,430 children aged 4-18 years old with common illnesses, chronic illnesses and developmental disorders, as well as 4,430 parents who had taken care of the child for at least 6 months. The methods included attitude surveys, which were analyzed using chi-square tests and t-tests.

Results:  The factors associated with education continuation of the children were illness types (parents were less worried about children with common illness and more concerned about education of children with chronic diseases and children with disabilities), distance from home to school, transportation type, parents’ education level, marital status, and family income. About 99.8% of patients with common illnesses continued their education, followed by 99.3% of disabled children, and 95.9% of chronic patients. Satisfaction score towards the services at the learning centers were high (mean scores: 4.28 and 4.43 respectively, out of 5 = strongly satisfied).

Conclusion: After completing an education program through eDLTV at a center, a total of 97.7% of children continued their education and were highly satisfied with the service at the center. Parents had positive attitudes towards their child’s illnesses and education.
Practical classes in general chemistry for students of specialties «General Medicine», «Pediatrics», «Dentistry»
Authors:   Novosibirsk State Medical University, Terah E.I.
Published: April 2022

Videos of 11 practical lessons on general chemistry are presented. The following topics are considered – chemical thermodynamics and kinetics, chemical equilibrium, methods of expressing the concentration of solutions, electrolyte solutions, pH, buffer solutions, hydrolysis, redox pro-cesses. For each topic, the main theoretical provisions are given, as well as a detailed solution of typical calculation problems is given. The total dura-tion of the video lessons is 8 hours 21 minutes.
Accounting
Authors: Get'man Viktor , Rozhnova Ol'ga , Grishkina Svetlana , Sidneva Vera , Dombrovskaya Elena , Petrov Aleksando , Kerimov Vagif , Babaeva Zinaida , Blinova Ul'yana , Scherbinina Yuliya
Published: April 2022

The textbook was prepared by a team of teachers of the Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation, who have extensive experience in universities and are engaged in scientific research on the theory and practice of modern domestic and foreign accounting.
Contains all program questions on the academic discipline "Accounting". The material is presented on the basis of the current accounting regulations in the Russian Federation, which correspond to International Financial Reporting Standards.
Meets the requirements of the federal state educational standards of higher education of the latest generation.
For university students studying in the field of training 38.03.01 "Economics", students of centers and advanced training courses. It can be used by accountants and other economists, as well as managers of enterprises and organizations.
Resistance of materials of aircraft structures
Authors: Chumak Pavel , Kononova Ol'ga
Published: April 2022

The basic terms and definitions of the theory of resistance of materials are described. The geometrical characteristics of cross sections and all types of deformations, including complex resistance, are considered. Special attention is paid to the calculation of structural elements for rigidity and stability. Examples of calculations for all types of deformations are given.
Complies with the aviation course programs and the requirements of the federal state educational standards of higher education of the latest generation.
Designed for aviation specialties of universities, it can be useful for students of engineering specialties, designers of machine-building production, assistants and young teachers.
Analysis of financial and economic activity. Workshop
Authors: Gubina Oksana , Gubin Vitaliy
Published: April 2022

The textbook is intended for conducting practical classes on the analysis of financial and economic activities, as well as independent work of students and its control.
Meets the requirements of the federal state educational standards of secondary vocational education of the latest generation.
For students of educational organizations of secondary vocational education, studying in the specialties 38.02.01 "Economics and accounting (by industry)", 38.02.07 "Banking", 38.02.04 "Commerce (by industry)", practical workers of trade enterprises — economists, accountants, managers, as well as a wide range of persons independently mastering economic issues in for the purposes of their practical use.
In search of meanings. German - language premium literature 2001-2020 .
Authors: Chugunov Dmitriy
Published: April 2022

In the monograph, for the first time in Russian and foreign literary criticism, the creativity of the winners of the Buchner Prize and the German Book Prize (2001-2020) is examined from a value standpoint. Objective consonances of literary texts to their surroundings are brought to the fore, the intense search by writers for the fundamental foundations of the new time, which is clearly recognized as new, is shown.
The monograph is intended for specialists studying literary studies, as well as anyone interested in modern Western European literature.
Modeling of economic processes in the oil and gas region
Authors: Beilin Igor'
Published: April 2022

The textbook is aimed at developing knowledge about methods and approaches to modeling the economic processes of the region on the basis of horizontal interregional and intersectoral integration of petrochemical complexes, as well as as a result of improving the innovative infrastructure of the territories of oil production and processing, oil condensate, natural and associated gas.
Meets the requirements of the federal state educational standards of higher education of the latest generation.
For students of higher educational institutions studying in the fields of "Economics", "Management", "Public Administration" (Master's degree). It can also be useful in the research work of postgraduate and doctoral studies in the scientific specialties "Economic theory", "Economics and management of the national economy", "Mathematical and instrumental methods of economics", etc.
Postgraduate student of the university: technologies of scientific creativity and pedagogical activity
Authors: Reznik Semen
Published: April 2022

The textbook discusses the content, system and technologies of postgraduate studies, preparation for independent scientific activity, methodology of scientific creativity, and provides recommendations for writing, design and defense of a PhD thesis.
Considerable attention is paid to the preparation of a graduate student to work at the department of the university, the organization and planning of his life and activities.
For graduate students, as well as for students who want to devote themselves to scientific and pedagogical activities.
The development of children's visual creativity under the influence of artistic standards within the framework of the concept of transformable aesthetic archetypes
Authors: Pogodina Svetlana
Published: April 2022

The monograph, based on many years of experimental research and analysis of scientific sources, analyzes psychological and pedagogical ideas in the field of children's productive activity and substantiates a new methodology for the development of visual creativity in preschool and primary school children in educational institutions of various types. The educational model of the development of children's visual creativity, proposed and substantiated by the author, creates favorable environmental and methodological conditions for the manifestation of creative initiative, stimulates imaginative thinking, eliminates artistic standards and stereotypes of perception of the world and its expressive display in creative activity, releases the primordial deep experience of imaginative perception of the world by a child and directs it to create a high-quality artistic product when with the help of expressive means mastered by the child during training. The grounded and tested scale of assessment of quality of development of children's fine art and pedagogical technology of development of children's fine art under the influence of artistic standards are presented.
For a wide range of readers interested in the upbringing and education of children.
International and European tax law
Authors: Arzumanova Lana , Gorlova Elena , Gracheva Elena , Machehin Viktor , Ponomareva Karina , Sobol' Ol'ga
Published: April 2022

The textbook discusses the subject, principles, sources of international tax law and European tax law, as well as the content of these tax relations.
The main attention is paid to the development of the concept of permanent representation in international tax law, issues of avoiding double taxation and countering unfair tax competition.
For undergraduates, postgraduates and teachers of higher educational institutions.
Seleção de profissionais de educação física para atuarem nos NASF-AB: análise de provas
Authors: Amaro Bruno Cunha , Fonseca Rubiane Giovani , Loch Mathias Roberto
Published: April 2022

A partir da criação do Núcleo de Apoio à Saúde da Família (atualmente denominado Núcleo Ampliado de Saúde da Família e Atenção Básica – NASF-AB) um dos profissionais que passou a poder integrar as equipes foi o de Educação Física. Desde então, muitos processos seletivos e concursos foram realizados para a contratação de profissionais de Educação Física (PEF). O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar o conteúdo específico das provas da área da Educação Física de processos seletivos e concursos públicos destinados à contratação de PEF para atuarem nos NASF-AB. Foi realizado um estudo descritivo utilizando-se da pesquisa documental. Foram analisadas 180 questões, de 10 provas que foram obtidas em dois sítios eletrônicos especializados (PCI Concursos e QConcursos) em concursos públicos. Todas as questões foram analisadas por dois pesquisadores e agrupadas de acordo com seus conteúdos e eixos temáticos. Foram identificados 39 conteúdos e destes, quatro apresentaram mais do que 10 questões: “Esporte – História/Conceito/Regras/Tática-Técnica” (n = 20; 11,1%); “Especificidades da prescrição/orientação para prática de atividade física em grupos específicos” (n = 19; 10,6%), “Educação Física escolar” (n = 13; 7,2%) e “Conhecimentos sobre políticas públicas de saúde” (n = 13; 7,2%). Os conteúdos foram agrupados em sete eixos temáticos, sendo que “Temas gerais da profissão Educação Física” (n = 32; 17,8%) e “Funcionamento do SUS” (n = 31; 17,2%) foram os com maior frequência de questões. Conclui-se que os processos de seleção de PEF para atuarem no NASF-AB precisam ser mais específicos ao perfil de atuação que se espera deste profissional neste contexto específico.
When did early years turn beige?
Authors: Caswell Jo , Peach Kate
Published: April 2022

During the last ten years, we have been significantly moving away from vibrant learning environments and primary colours in the early years. But has this now gone too far the other way and are we just following current ‘trends’? Jo Caswell and Kate Peach share their thoughts and insights from the settings they have been visiting, from both a consultancy and inspection point of view.
Back to basics
Authors: Swift Tania , Hewson Claire
Published: April 2022

Physical development is part of children's everyday routine in all settings, taking place in many different forms. But how do we ensure we remember the basics and don't assume that physical development will just ‘happen’? Tania Swift and Claire Hewson share some considerations, including guidelines on physical activity, yoga for young children, best practice when working with parents and thoughts around more inclusive practice.
Taste safe paint?
Authors: Barrow Amanda
Published: April 2022

There are many ways to make home-made, non-toxic paint, and this has been quite popular across early years settings and with parents at home alike. However, Amanda Barrow takes a critical look at this and explains why she doesn't agree with taste safe paint.
Blended families: what to consider
Authors: Rawstrone Annette
Published: April 2022

One of the fastest growing family types in Britain is the step family, or ‘blended family’. Within five years of going through a separation or divorce, up to half of parents will have remarried, so be reassured that your child is highly likely to know others who are also living in blended families. That said, it is a big transition that your child will need to be supported through.
Numerical optimization of single-mode fiber-coupled single-photon sources based on semiconductor quantum dots
Authors: Bremer Lucas , Jimenez Carlos , Thiele Simon , Weber Ksenia , Huber Tobias , Rodt Sven , Herkommer Alois , Burger Sven , Höfling Sven , Giessen Harald , Reitzenstein Stephan
Published: April 2022

We perform extended numerical studies to maximize the overall photon coupling efficiency of fiber-coupled quantum dot single-photon sources emitting in the near-infrared and O-band and C-band. Using the finite element method, we optimize the photon extraction and fiber-coupling efficiency of quantum dot single-photon sources based on micromesas, microlenses, circular Bragg grating cavities and micropillars. The numerical simulations which consider the entire system consisting of the quantum dot source itself, the coupling lens, and the single-mode fiber, yield overall photon coupling efficiencies of up to 83%. Our work provides objectified comparability of different fiber-coupled single-photon sources and proposes optimized geometries for the realization of practical and highly efficient quantum dot single-photon sources.
Guided-mode based arbitrary signal switching through an inverse-designed ultra-compact mode switching device
Authors: Yang ShangLin , Jia Hao , Niu Jiaqi , Fu Xin , Yang Lin
Published: April 2022

The application of the inverse design method and free-form geometrical optimization in photonic devices endows them with highly tunable functionality and an ultra-compact footprint. In this paper, we implemented this platform to silicon photonic guided-mode manipulation and demonstrated a guided mode-based signal switching architecture. The passive signal switching mechanism is utilized so that no power consumption is needed for routing state maintenance. To solve the explosive increasing design cost in such mechanism when the switching scale is expanded, we illustrate that only a small number of mode switching devices need to be designed as the switching basis. In theory, arbitrary signal routing states can be constructed by cascading some selected basis. The required switching devices can be decreased from factorial N to N - 1 for the N channels switching. For proof of concept, we design and experimentally demonstrate the three-mode cases and the cascade method to combine any three mode-based switching devices. Experiments show that the insertion losses of TE0 - TE1 mode switching unit (U1), TE1 - TE2 mode switching units (U2), and TE0 - TE2 mode switching unit (U3) are less than 2.8 dB, 3.1 dB, and 2.3 dB, respectively. The demonstrated architecture has both arbitrary signal switching capability and ultra-compact footprint, which is promising in the application of mode-division multiplexing communication systems.
Topology optimization of dispersive plasmonic nanostructures in the time-domain
Authors: Hassan Emadeldeen , Calà Lesina Antonio
Published: April 2022

Topology optimization techniques have been applied in integrated optics and nanophotonics for the inverse design of devices with shapes that cannot be conceived by human intuition. At optical frequencies, these techniques have only been utilized to optimize nondispersive materials using frequency-domain methods. However, a time-domain formulation is more efficient to optimize materials with dispersion. We introduce such a formulation for the Drude model, which is widely used to simulate the dispersive properties of metals, conductive oxides, and conductive polymers. Our topology optimization algorithm is based on the finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method, and we introduce a time-domain sensitivity analysis that enables the evaluation of the gradient information by using one additional FDTD simulation. The existence of dielectric and metallic structures in the design space produces plasmonic field enhancement that causes convergence issues. We employ an artificial damping approach during the optimization iterations that, by reducing the plasmonic effects, solves the convergence problem. We present several design examples of 2D and 3D plasmonic nanoantennas with optimized field localization and enhancement in frequency bands of choice. Our method has the potential to speed up the design of wideband optical nanostructures made of dispersive materials for applications in nanoplasmonics, integrated optics, ultrafast photonics, and nonlinear optics.
Growth, structure, and polarized spectroscopy of monoclinic Er3+:MgWO4 crystal
Authors: Zhang Lizhen , Basyrova Liza , Loiko Pavel , Camy Patrice , Lin Zhoubin , Zhang Ge , Slimi Sami , Solé Rosa Maria , Mateos Xavier , Aguiló Magdalena , Díaz Francesc , Dunina Elena , Kornienko Alexey , Griebner Uwe , Petrov Valentin , Wang Li , Chen Weidong
Published: April 2022

We report on the growth, structure, and polarized spectroscopy of a novel promising laser crystal, erbium-doped magnesium monotungstate, Er3+:MgWO4. 1.01 t.% Er3+:MgWO4 was grown by the Top-Seeded Solution Growth method using Na2WO4 as a solvent. The crystal structure was refined by the Rietveld method. Er3+:MgWO4 belongs to the monoclinic class (sp. gr. P2/c, wolframite-type structure, lattice parameters: a = 4.6939(6) Å, b = 5.6747(4) Å, c = 4.9316(6) Å and β = 90.7858(4) Å. The transition intensities for Er3+ ions were determined using the Judd-Ofelt theory accounting for an intermediate configuration interaction (ICI). Er3+ ions in MgWO4 exhibit intense, strongly polarized and broad absorption and emission bands owing to their accommodation in distorted low-symmetry sites (C2). The stimulated-emission cross-section for the 4I13/2 → 4I15/2 transition is 0.31×10−20 cm2 at 1637 nm (light polarization:
E
||
b
). The radiative lifetime of the 4I13/2 state is 4.85 ± 0.05 ms. The multiphonon non-radiative relaxation for Er3+ excited multiplets is quantified. Er3+ ions in MgWO4 feature large Stark splitting of the ground-state, ΔE(4I15/2) = 435 cm-1. Er3+:MgWO4 is attractive for low-threshold lasers at ∼1.64 µm.
Evaluation of kidney function among people living with HIV initiating antiretroviral therapy in Zambia
Authors: Pry Jake M. , Vinikoor Michael J. , Bolton Moore Carolyn , Roy Monika , Mody Aaloke , Sikazwe Izukanji , Sharma Anjali , Chihota Belinda , Duran-Frigola Miquel , Daultrey Harriet , Mutale Jacob , Kerkhoff Andrew D. , Geng Elvin H. , Pollock Brad H. , Vera Jaime H.
Published: April 2022

As the response to the HIV epidemic in sub-Saharan Africa continues to mature, a growing number of people living with HIV (PLHIV) are aging and risk for non-communicable diseases increases. Routine laboratory tests of serum creatinine have been conducted to assess HIV treatment (ART) suitability. Here we utilize those measures to assess kidney function impairment among those initiating ART. Identification of non-communicable disease (NCD) risks among those in HIV care creates opportunity to improve public health through care referral and/or NCD/HIV care integration. We estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFR) using routinely collected serum creatinine measures among a cohort of PLHIV with an HIV care visit at one of 113 Centre for Infectious Disease Research Zambia (CIDRZ) supported sites between January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2017, across seven of the ten provinces in Zambia. We used mixed-effect Poisson regression to assess predictors of eGFR <60ml/min/1.73m2allowing random effects at the individual and facility level. Additionally, we assessed agreement between four eGFR formulae with unadjusted CKD-EPI as a standard using Scott/Fleiss method across five categories of kidney function. A total of 72,933 observations among 68,534 individuals met the inclusion criteria for analysis. Of the 68,534, the majority were female 41,042 (59.8%), the median age was 34 (interquartile range [IQR]: 28–40), and median CD4 cell count was 292 (IQR: 162–435). The proportion of individuals with an eGFR <60ml/min/1.73m2was 6.9% (95% CI: 6.7–7.1%) according to the unadjusted CKD-EPI equation. There was variation in agreement across eGFR formulas considered compared to unadjusted CKD-EPI (χ2p-value <0.001). Estimated GFR less than 60ml/min/1.73m2, per the unadjusted CKD-EPI equation, was significantly associated with age, sex, body mass index, and blood pressure. Using routine serum creatinine measures, we identified a significant proportion of individuals with eGFR indicating moderate or great kidney function impairment among PLHIV initiating ART in Zambia. It is possible that differentiated service delivery models could be developed to address this subset of those in HIV care with increased risk of chronic kidney disease.
Effects of L-valine in layer diets containing 0.72% isoleucine
Authors: Liaqat Usman , Ditta Yasir , Naveed Saima , King Annie , Pasha Talat , Ullah Sana , Majeed Khalid Abdul
Published: April 2022

In a previous study with LSL-LITE layers (-23 to 30-week-old), isoleucine at 0.72% and 0.84% produced values for FCR at 1.45 and 1.44, respectively and shared significance with 0.78% isoleucine (1.49). Considering that FCR is an important standard in the poultry industry due to the cost for adding feed ingredients such as synthetic amino acids and the low FCR of 1.45, 0.72% isoleucine was chosen for further study with LSL-LITE layers (n = 490 at 33- to 40-week-old) to determine effects on production and egg quality. The study included 7 diets (2730 Kcal kg metabolizable energy and constant isoleucine at 0.72%) containing varying quantities of valine [0.72 (Control), 0.75, 0.78, 0.81, 0.84, 0.87 or 0.90%] x 7 replicates x 10 hens/replicate. Significance at P ≤ 0.05 and P < 0.10 was determined. Level and week were significant for feed intake, egg production, and FCR; the interaction of level x week (L*W) was significant for feed intake and FCR. An isoleucine:valine of 1.233 corresponding to 0.72% isoleucine and 0.87% valine produced the lowest FCR of 1.30 (a 2.26% decrease compared to the Control at 1.33 ± 0.04). All measurements for external egg quality, except shape index and eggshell thickness, were significant for level. Week was significant for all parameters except shell thickness; L*W was significant for external quality measurements except shape index and shell thickness. Level, week, and L*W were significant for internal egg quality measurements. Serum protein and H1 titer were significant for level. Various production, egg quality, and biochemical measurements were significantly different from the control (0.72% isoleucine and 0.72% valine) at 0.81 to 0.87% valine. Findings of this study will aid researchers and commercial producers in narrowing the range of isoleucine, valine, and leucine needed for effects on particular parameters. Knowledge gained from this and others studies will eventually lead to an understanding of synergistic and antagonistic effects of branched chain amino acids in feed for various genetic types of layers throughout their productive lifetime.
Predictive model for the intraoperative unresectability of hilar cholangiocarcinoma: Reducing futile surgical exploration
Authors: Song Jinglin , Lei Xiaofeng , Lin Heng , Dai Haisu , Liu Xingchao , Jiang Yan , Hu Feng , Li Yuancheng , Fan Haining , Zhang Leida , Chen Zhiyu , Zhang Chengcheng
Published: April 2022

Introduction

Surgical exploration is widely performed in hilar cholangiocarcinoma (HCCA), but the intraoperative resectability rate is only 60%-80%. Exploration substantially increases pain and mental stress, and the costs and length of hospital stay are considerably increased. Identifying preoperative risk factors associated with unresectability could decrease unnecessary exploration.

Materials and methods

In total, 440 HCCA patients from multiple centers were enrolled. Those receiving surgical exploration were divided into the resected and unresected groups. Morphological variables including Bismuth classification, lymph node metastasis and vessel invasion were obtained from radiological exams. Logistic regression for the training cohort was used to identify risk factors for unresectability, and a nomogram was constructed to calculate the unresectability rate. A calibration curve assessed the power of the nomogram.

Results

Among 311 patients receiving surgical exploration, 45 (14.7%) were unresectable by intraoperative judgment. Compared with the resected group, unresected patients had similar costs (p = 0.359) and lengths of hospital stay (p = 0.439). Multivariable logistic regression of the training cohort (235 patients) revealed that CA125, Bismuth-Corlette type IV, lymph node metastasis and hepatic artery invasion were risk factors for unresectability. Liver atrophy (p = 0.374) and portal vein invasion (p = 0.114) were not risk factors. The nomogram was constructed based on the risk factors. The concordance index (C-index) values of the calibration curve for predicting the unresectability rate of the training and validation (76 patients) cohorts were 0.900 (95% CI, 0.835–0.966) and 0.829 (95% CI, 0.546–0.902), respectively.

Conclusion

Analysis of preoperative factors could reveal intraoperative unresectability and reduce futile surgical explorations, ultimately benefiting HCCA patients.
The regulation of HBP1, SIRT1, and SREBP-1c genes and the related microRNAs in non-alcoholic fatty liver rats: The association with the folic acid anti-steatosis
Authors: Salman Muthana , Kamel Maher A. , El-Nabi Sobhy E. Hassab , Ismail Abdel Hamid A. , Ullah Sami , Al-Ghamdi Ahmed , Hathout Heba M. R. , El-Garawani Islam M.
Published: April 2022

Folic acid is one of the vital micronutrients that contribute to the genetic stability and other biological activities. In addition, microRNAs regulate gene expression through a multittude of pathways. Our current work aimd to explore the possible ameliorative potency of folic acid and its association with the hepatic miR-21, -34a, and -122 expression as well as their targeted genes, HBP1, SIRT1, and SREBP-1c in rats with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFL). A total of 50 Wistar rats were randomly divided into two groups, a control group (n = 10) and NAFL group (n = 40). Rats in NAFL group were fed a high-fat diet (HFD) containing 20% fats for 14 weeks. The NAFL group was further subdivided into four groups (n = 10/group), one untreated and three orally folic acid-treated groups (25, 50, and 75 μg/Kg b.wt). NAFL characteristics was evaluated in rats in addition to the miR-21, -34a, and -122 profile as well as the transcriptional levels of HBP1, SIRT1, and SREBP-1c genes. NAFL rats exhibited the classic traits of fatty liver disease profile and dysregulation in the pattern of miR-21, -34a, and -122 expression as well as their targeted genes (HBP1, SIRT1, and SREBP-1c, respectively) in the liver. Additionally, NAFL rats had altered levels of TNF-α and adiponectin. These alterations were significantly ameliorated in a dose-dependent pattern following the folic acid treatments. In conclusions, the anti-steatotic, insulin-sensitizing, glucose-lowering and lipotropic potencies of folic acid in NAFL rats may be linked to the epigenetic modulation of the hepatic microRNAs (miR-21, -34a, and -122) and the expression of their target genes (HBP1, SIRT1, and SREBP-1c).
Aurintricarboxylic acid is a canonical disruptor of the TAZ-TEAD transcriptional complex
Authors: Che Kepeng , Pobbati Ajaybabu V. , Seavey Caleb N. , Fedorov Yuriy , Komar Anton A. , Burtscher Ashley , Ma Shuang , Rubin Brian P.
Published: April 2022

Disrupting the formation of the oncogenic YAP/TAZ-TEAD transcriptional complex holds substantial therapeutic potential. However, the three protein interaction interfaces of this complex cannot be easily disrupted using small molecules. Here, we report that the pharmacologically active small molecule aurintricarboxylic acid (ATA) acts as a disruptor of the TAZ-TEAD complex. ATA was identified in a high-throughput screen using a TAZ-TEAD AlphaLISA assay that was tailored to identify disruptors of this transcriptional complex. We further used fluorescence polarization assays both to confirm disruption of the TAZ-TEAD complex and to demonstrate that ATA binds to interface 3. We have previously shown that cell-based models that express the oncogenic TAZ-CAMTA1 (TC) fusion protein display enhanced TEAD transcriptional activity because TC functions as an activated form of TAZ. Utilizing cell-based studies and our TC model system, we performed TC/TEAD reporter, RNA-Seq, and qPCR assays and found that ATA inhibits TC/TEAD transcriptional activity. Further, disruption of TC/TEAD and TAZ/TEAD interaction by ATA abrogated anchorage-independent growth, the phenotype most closely linked to dysregulated TAZ/TEAD activity. Therefore, this study demonstrates that ATA is a novel small molecule that has the ability to disrupt the undruggable TAZ-TEAD interface.
Digital health literacy, online information-seeking behaviour, and satisfaction of Covid-19 information among the university students of East and South-East Asia
Authors: Htay Mila Nu Nu , Parial Laurence Lloyd , Tolabing Ma. Carmen , Dadaczynski Kevin , Okan Orkan , Leung Angela Yee Man , Su Tin Tin
Published: April 2022

During the COVID-19 pandemic, there is a growing interest in online information about coronavirus worldwide. This study aimed to investigate the digital health literacy (DHL) level, information-seeking behaviour, and satisfaction of information on COVID-19 among East and South-East Asia university students. This cross-sectional web-based study was conducted between April to June 2020 by recruiting students from universities in China, Malaysia, and the Philippines. University students who have Internet access were invited to participate in the study. Items on sociodemographic variables, DHL, information-seeking behaviour, and information satisfaction were included in the questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression analysis were conducted. A total of 5302 university students responded to the survey. The overall mean score across the four DHL subscales was 2.89 (SD: 0.42). Search engines (e.g., Google, Bing, Yahoo) (92.0%) and social media (88.4%) were highly utilized by the students, whereas Websites of doctors or health insurance companies were of lower utilization (64.7%). Across the domains (i.e., adding self-generated content, determining relevance, evaluating reliability, and protecting privacy) higher DHL was positively associated with higher usage of trustworthy resources. Providing online information on COVID-19 at official university websites and conducting health talks or web-based information dissemination about the strategies for mental health challenges during pandemic could be beneficial to the students. Strengthening DHL among university students will enhance their critical thinking and evaluation of online resources, which could direct them to the quality and trustworthy information sources on COVID-19.
Characteristics of single-channel electroencephalogram in depression during conversation with noise reduction technology
Authors: Mitsukura Yasue , Tazawa Yuuki , Nakamura Risa , Sumali Brian , Nakagawa Tsubasa , Hori Satoko , Mimura Masaru , Kishimoto Taishiro
Published: April 2022

Background

Previous studies have attempted to characterize depression using electroencephalography (EEG), but results have been inconsistent. New noise reduction technology allows EEG acquisition during conversation.

Methods

We recorded EEG from 40 patients with depression as they engaged in conversation using a single-channel EEG device while conducting real-time noise reduction and compared them to those of 40 healthy subjects. Differences in EEG between patients and controls, as well as differences in patients’ depression severity, were examined using the ratio of the power spectrum at each frequency. In addition, the effects of medications were examined in a similar way.

Results

In comparing healthy controls and depression patients, significant power spectrum differences were observed at 3 Hz, 4 Hz, and 10 Hz and higher frequencies. In the patient group, differences in the power spectrum were observed between asymptomatic patients and healthy individuals, and between patients of each respective severity level and healthy individuals. In addition, significant differences were observed at multiple frequencies when comparing patients who did and did not take antidepressants, antipsychotics, and/or benzodiazepines. However, the power spectra still remained significantly different between non-medicated patients and healthy individuals.

Limitations

The small sample size may have caused Type II error. Patients’ demographic characteristics varied. Moreover, most patients were taking various medications, and cannot be compared to the non-medicated control group.

Conclusion

A study with a larger sample size should be conducted to gauge reproducibility, but the methods used in this study could be useful in clinical practice as a biomarker of depression.
Structure design method of new balanced vibration reduction gear for the three cylinder engine
Authors: Wang Pingjun , Li Gangyan , Liu Sirui , Wei Xiaoxu
Published: April 2022

Aiming at the engineering requirements of reducing the volume and improving the vibration characteristics of gears in the three-cylinder engine balanced system, a design and optimization method of gear structure is proposed based on the Design of Experiments (DOE) and proxy models. The paper analyzes the structure improvement process based on the gear design model and technical index requirements. By designing the plane characteristics of the weight-increasing module, the weight-reducing module and the elastic module, the calculation model of balance performance indices such as mass, moment of inertia and unbalance of new balanced vibration reduction gear are constructed. Then, a more efficient design method is proposed based on dynamic simulation and multidisciplinary optimization design platform (Isight). The results show that the new design method of gear structure can effectively reduce the structure improvement cycle. At the same time, the improved structure can reduce the thickness of the weight-increasing module by 6.3 mm and the vibration attenuation by more than 90%.
Evolutionarily conserved properties of CLCA proteins 1, 3 and 4, as revealed by phylogenetic and biochemical studies in avian homologues
Authors: Bartenschlager Florian , Klymiuk Nikolai , Weise Christoph , Kuropka Benno , Gruber Achim D. , Mundhenk Lars
Published: April 2022

Species-specific diversities are particular features of mammalian chloride channel regulator, calcium activated (CLCA) genes. In contrast to four complex gene clusters in mammals, only two CLCA genes appear to exist in chickens. CLCA2 is conserved in both, while only the galline CLCA1 (gCLCA1) displays close genetic distance to mammalian clusters 1, 3 and 4. In this study, sequence analyses and biochemical characterizations revealed that gCLCA1 as a putative avian prototype shares common protein domains and processing features with all mammalian CLCA homologues. It has a transmembrane (TM) domain in the carboxy terminal region and its mRNA and protein were detected in the alimentary canal, where the protein was localized in the apical membrane of enterocytes, similar to CLCA4. Both mammals and birds seem to have at least one TM domain containing CLCA protein with complex glycosylation in the apical membrane of enterocytes. However, some characteristic features of mammalian CLCA1 and 3 including entire protein secretion and expression in cell types other than enterocytes seem to be dispensable for chicken. Phylogenetic analyses including twelve bird species revealed that avian CLCA1 and mammalian CLCA3 form clades separate from a major branch containing mammalian CLCA1 and 4. Overall, our data suggest that gCLCA1 and mammalian CLCA clusters 1, 3 and 4 stem from a common ancestor which underwent complex gene diversification in mammals but not in birds.
Las tendencias actuales de la temperatura en las regiones de Valencia y Murcia entre 1950 y 2020
Authors: Quereda Sala José , Montón Chiva Enrique
Published: April 2022

Este estudio viene a completar la línea de investigaciones sobre la evolución térmica de la región mediterránea española iniciada en el Plan Nacional de Clima (1999). Una línea que ha tratado de evaluar la magnitud del calentamiento climático registrado en la región mediterránea española. En el presente trabajo se ha realizado una revisión rigurosa de las conclusiones previamente alcanzadas (Quereda et al., 2000, 2016, 2020) sobre la magnitud y la naturaleza del calentamiento climático registrado en la región. Revisión que se ha fundamentado en tres ejes. El primero ha sido la actualización de 22 series de temperaturas históricas regionales entre 1950 y 2020. Los resultados de este análisis han sido contrastados con los obtenidos complementariamente en dos nuevos ejes de investigación. El primero de ellos ha sido la realización de un plan experimental encaminado a comparar la evolución térmica del observatorio urbano de Castellón (Casino Antiguo) con los datos de temperatura registrada en observatorios de su entorno situados en zonas menos afectadas de la actividad humana. Los resultados de este plan, relativos al periodo 2001-2020, han evidenciado tanto la existencia del efecto térmico de la urbanización (UHI), como su magnitud. La segunda investigación ha consistido en el análisis de la evolución térmica registrada en el observatorio de las Islas Columbretes (a 28 millas de la costa de Castellón). Esta serie climática insular, analizada así por primera vez, ha implicado una revisión de las conclusiones y tendencias establecidas en estudios anteriores. Los valores obtenidos, si bien obligan a revisar la magnitud del UHI, han mostrado una gran coherencia con la magnitud del calentamiento climático obtenido en el análisis central de las 22 series térmicas completas regionales. Un calentamiento climático real que ha mostrado un valor secular de 1,4 a 1,6 ºC.
The UK’s Project Faraday and Secondary STEM Education
Authors:   Edith Cowan University, Lummis Geoffrey W. , Boston Julie ,   Edith Cowan University, Mildenhall Paula ,   Edith Cowan University, Winn Stephen ,   Edith Cowan University
Published: April 2022

This ethnographic study reports on the findings from seven English secondary schools that participated in Project Faraday. The project was funded by the Department for Children, Schools and Families to build innovative learning environments to encourage students into upper secondary inquiry-based STEM. Despite the innovative classrooms, the schools emphasised A-Level university entrance science. Technicians prepared for specific science subjects, although teachers acknowledged the value of inquiry-based pedagogies. UK policies prioritising A-Level assessment were found to be impeding inquiry-based STEM, although wealthy schools had the resources to facilitating both A-Level science and inquiry-based STEM through clubs and co-curricular programs. Our data elicited important general design principles to inform makerspaces for inquiry-based STEM for adult learners. We concluded that initial teacher education programs should provide graduates with pedagogical experiences in makerspaces that enabled them to appraise contemporary school learning environments; and be informed about securing safe, flexible, and durable equipment for students.
Two new species of Phlegmariurus (Lycopodiaceae) from China
Authors: Jiang Ri-Hong , Zhang Xian-Chun
Published: April 2022

Based on morphological study, two new species of the lycophyte genus Phlegmariurus Holub, P. yunfengii R.-H. Jiang et X.-C. Zhang and P. shingianus R.-H. Jiang et X.-C. Zhang from China are described and illustrated. Detailed description, ecology, distribution, conservation status as well as a comparison with morphologically similar species are provided.