bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Translation and psychometric evaluation of the Alberta Continuity of Services Scale for Mental Health
Authors: Agudelo-Hernández Felipe , Vélez-Botero Helena , Andrade Rodrigo Rojas
Published: July 2022

Introduction: The continuity of care and attention is considered as a process that involves an orderly attention, an uninterrupted movement of people among several elements of the system of provision of services. It does not exist enough evidence in terms of measurement instruments of this continuity in Latin America. Even globally it has been conceptualized that this matter has been abandoned repeatedly by the research teams, possibly due to the shortage of validated multidimensional measures and to the lack of studies designed to approach the inherent complexities of the service. Objective: describe the process of translation, cultural adaptation to Colombia, as well as the internal consistency and construct validity of the Alberta Continuity of Services Scale for Mental Health (ACSS-MH). Methods: This instrument was subdued to the evaluation of validity of the content by experts and this was applied to a rural population in a Colombian context. Were performed tests of internal consistency and construct validity for each of the parts of the scale. Results: Under the consensus of the expert, it is made changes on some items, looking for a better adaptability of the instrument to the linguistic characteristics of Spanish, without losing sight of the evaluation objective of each one of the items on the original questionnaire. The result of the analysis of part A converged in 5 components that explain the 69.69% of the variance with 24 Items; Similarly, the analysis of part B grouped 13 items into four components, which explain the 72.02% of the variance. Discussion: This scale could be implemented to improve the provision of mental health services in Latin American contexts, where continuity of care has presented significant difficulties.
Therapeutic evaluation of induction chemotherapy for locoregionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma with low-risk N stage -a multicenter retrospective study from non-endemic region of China
Authors: Zang Jian , Li Yan , Liu Qiufang , Zhu Yong , Luo Shanquan , Li Xiaohua , Wang Jianhua , Hou Bingxin , Su Ning , Zhao Lina , Shi Mei
Published: July 2022

Background
There are conflicting results regarding the role of IC in T3-4N0-1 NPC patients from endemic area of China. Therefore, it is worth verifying the consistency of study between endemic area and non-endemic area for NPC and providing treatment guidance for non-endemic NPCs. We conducted a multicenter real-world study to investigate the value of adding IC to CCRT for T3-4N0-1 NPC in Northwest of China.
Methods
Data was extracted in three hospitals from Northwest China between May 1, 2010 and August 30, 2018. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to estimate the endpoints, survival curves were compared using the log-rank test. Initial propensity matching was conducted with a 1:1 match of IC + CCRT to CCRT. The primary endpoint of this study was overall survival (OS).
Results
A total of 108 patients with staging T3-4N0-1 were included in this study. The median follow-up time was 50 months (range: 6-118 months). IC followed by CCRT had trend to improve OS compared with CCRT (89.5% vs.77.6%, HR:0.41, 95%CI:0.16–1.04, P = 0.100). After analysis of well-balanced propensity score-matched cohort, IC followed by CCRT provided superior OS than CCRT alone. Adjusted 4-year OS was 89.5% for IC followed by CCRT vs. 71.1% for CCRT (HR:0.30, 95%CI:0.11–0.80, P = 0.027). No significant differences were detected in side effects between two groups.
Conclusion
This study implied IC followed by CCRT improved OS in patients with T3-4N0-1M0 NPC from Northwest China compared with CCRT. However, prospective studies with large sample are warranted to confirm the result.
Knowledge and Incidence of Gender-Based Violence among Young Adults in the South-South Region of Nigeria: A Comparative Study
Authors: Ndep Antor Odu , Obidile Valentine Chidi , Akwafuo Sampson , Ekwebene Onyeka Chukwudalu , Azubike Chidozie Precious , Umechinedu Ray-Desmond , Obidile-Ikwegbu Lois Ezinne
Published: July 2022

Background: Gender-Based Violence (GBV) entails fundamental violation of human rights and a violence that occurs due to normative role expectations attributable to one’s gender. It also includes all activities that facilitate an unbalanced power distribution between genders. These acts are likely to result in physical, sexual or emotional suffering which is usually meted out directly or indirectly through deceit, seduction, threat, coercion or any other means on the victim with the aim of intimidating, punishing or humiliating them.Methodology: The study was carried out in Cross River and Akwa Ibom States, South-South Region of Nigeria. A community-based cross sectional and descriptive approach was used, incorporating qualitative and quantitative techniques. A total number of 426 copies of the questionnaire were administered to respondents by the research team. Analysis was performed on the received data from the questionnaires, using Statistical Package for Social Sciences software (SPSS).Results and Discussion: Majority of the respondents 343(83.1%) have heard about gender-based violence, with Radio/TV 214(51.8%) being the highest source of information. A greater population, 325(78.7%) accepted that maltreatment to a person on the basis of gender which can cause harm to him or her describes gender-based violence. The study further showed that 72.9% young adults could identify the various forms of gender-based violence. Analysis of responses revealed that 198(47.9%) young adults in the study area have experienced at least, one form of gender-based violence in their lifetime. Further analysis showed that physical violence 140(33.9%) and sexual violence 108(26.2%) were the most reported forms of gender-based violence experienced by respondents.Conclusion: The study showed a moderate knowledge of gender-based violence among young adults, since 72.9% could clearly describe the subject matter. Despite this good knowledge, there was a high 47.9% occurrence of gender-based violence in the study area which showed no statistically significant relationship when tested.
Screening saikosaponin d (ssd)-producing endophytic fungi from Bupleurum scorzonerifolium Willd
Authors: Cheng Yupeng , Liu Guangjie , Li Zhongmeng , Zhou Yongqiang , Gao Ning
Published: July 2022

Saikosaponin d (SSd) is an important bioactive compounds produced by traditional Chinese medicinal plant Bupleurum scorzonerifolium Willd and exhibits many effects, such as anti-tumor, anti-inflammation and immunomodulatory. Since endophytic fungi possess the natural capacity to produce the similar secondary metabolite to that of their host plants, they are promising as alternative sources of plant bioactive natural products. In this study, in order to search for SSd-producing strains, endophytes were isolated from B.scorzonerifolium and were authenticated by the ITS sequence analysis. The profile of metabolites present in the crude exacts was carried out by Ultra performance liquid chromatography time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC/Q-TOF-MS) analysis. The results showed that two strains, CHS2 and CHS3 from B.scorzonerifolium could produce SSd by Ultra performance liquid chromatography time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC/Q-TOF-MS) analysis, and the amount of SSd produced by strain CHS2 and CHS3 were about 2.17 and 2.40 µg/mL, respectively. CHS2 and CHS3 showed a close phylogenetic relationship to Fusarium oxysporum and Fusarium acuminatum, respectively. According to our concern, no endophytic fungi capable of producing SSd from B.scorzonerifolium have been found before. Our clear intention was to isolate and identify these endophytic fungi which produce important active secondary metabolites, so as to provide a feasible and more convenient way to meet the drug demand.
The Qualitative Experiences of Otolaryngologists with Genetic Services in the Evaluation of Pediatric Hearing Loss
Authors: Heyward Aaliyah , Dedhia Kavita , Tey Ching Siong , Lichten Lauren , Howell Julie , Kavalieratos Dio , Hagerty Kelsi , Govil Nandini
Published: July 2022

Genetic testing has allowed otolaryngologists to diagnose 40-65% of pediatric sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) patients with a genetic disorder. Previous research focused on the utility of genetic testing in the workup of pediatric SNHL and otolaryngologists’ general understanding of genetics. This qualitative study explores the factors that influence otolaryngologists in the United States to initiate conversations about genetic testing with families of patients with hearing loss, describes common practices among otolaryngologists for accessing genetic services, identifies barriers to accessing genetic services, and proposes potential solutions for overcoming these barriers. Eleven (N=11) semi-structured interviews with otolaryngologists were conducted. Most participants currently in practice in the southern region, in an urban setting, at an academic practice, and have completed a pediatric otolaryngology fellowship. As part of their regular workup for pediatric SNHL, participants either offered genetic testing or a referral for a genetics evaluation. Insurance was one of the main barriers to testing, and increased genetics provider accessibility was the most frequently cited solution to increase accessibility of genetic services such as evaluation, counseling, and testing. Difficulty acquiring insurance coverage and unfamiliarity with the genetic testing process were the most common reasons otolaryngologists preferred to refer patients to genetics clinics for genetic testing. Multidisciplinary hearing loss clinics may increase the overall accessibility of genetic services. Otolaryngologists recognize the importance and utility of genetic testing; however, a lack of genetic specific skills, knowledge, and resources might make it difficult for them to facilitate testing.
Neuronal growth on high-aspect-ratio diamond nanopillar arrays for biosensing applications
Authors: Losero Elena , Jagannath Somanath , Pezzoli Maurizio , Lashuel Hilal A. , Galland Christophe , Quack Niels
Published: July 2022

Monitoring neuronal activity with simultaneously high spatial and temporal resolution in living cell cultures is crucial to advance understanding of the development and functioning of our brain, and to gain further insights in the origin of brain disorders. While it has been demonstrated that the quantum sensing capabilities of nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers in diamond allow real time detection of action potentials from large neurons in marine invertebrates, quantum monitoring of mammalian neurons (presenting much smaller dimensions and thus producing much lower signal and requiring higher spatial resolution) has hitherto remained elusive. In this context, diamond nanostructuring can offer the opportunity to boost the diamond platform sensitivity to the required level. However, a comprehensive analysis of the impact of a nanostructured diamond surface on the neuronal viability and growth was lacking. Here, we pattern a single crystal diamond surface with large-scale nanopillar arrays and we successfully demonstrate growth of a network of living and functional primary mouse hippocampal neurons on it. Our study on geometrical parameters reveals preferential growth along the nanopillar grid axes with excellent physical contact between cell membrane and nanopillar apex. Our results suggest that neuron growth can be tailored on
diamond nanopillars to realize a nanophotonic quantum sensing platform for wide-field and label-free neuronal activity recording with sub-cellular resolution.
Validation of a metabolomics model to screen for a range of anabolic doping agents in horses.
Authors: Cloteau Chloé , Dervilly Gaud , Loup Benoit , Kaabia Zied , Delcourt Vivian , Bagilet Florian , Groseille Guillaume , Dauriac Karine , Fisher Sabrina , Popot Marie-Agnès , Garcia Patrice , Bizec Bruno Le , Bailly-Chouriberry Ludovic
Published: July 2022

Despite their ban, Anabolic Androgenic Steroids (AAS) are considered as the most important threat for equine doping purposes. In the context of controlling such practices in horse racing, metabolomics has emerged as a promising alternative strategy to study the effect of a substance on metabolism and to discover new relevant biomarkers of effect. Based on the monitoring of 4 metabolomics derived candidate biomarkers in urine, a prediction model to screen for testosterone esters abuse was previously developed. The present work now focuses on assessing the robustness of the associated method and define its scope of application. Several hundred urine samples were selected from 16 different horses of ethically approved animal experiments involving various doping agents’ applications (AAS, SARMS, β-agonists, SAID, NSAID) (n = 349). In addition, 342 urine samples from untreated animals of general equine populations were included in the study. Samples were characterized with the previously described LC-HRMS/MS developed method, with the objective of assessing both its biological and analytical robustness’s. The study concluded that the measurement of the 4 biomarkers involved in the model was fit for purpose. Further, the classification model confirmed its effectiveness in screening for testosterone esters use; and it demonstrated its ability to screen for the administration of other anabolic agents, allowing the development of a global screening tool dedicated to this class of substances. Finally, the results were compared to a direct screening method targeting anabolic agent’s residues, demonstrating complementarity performances of traditional and omics approaches in the screening of anabolic agents in horses.
Genetic Ancestry Inference: from AIMS to WGS application and challenges in admixed population
Authors: Escher Luciana M , Naslavsky Michel S , Scliar Marília O , Duarte Yeda A O , Zatz Mayana , Nunes Kelly , Oliveira Silviene F
Published: July 2022

Increasingly, the inference of genetic ancestry plays a prominent role in clinical, population and forensic genetics studies. Over the last few decades, several genotyping strategies and analytical methodologies have been developed in order to assign individuals to specific biogeographic regions. However, despite all these efforts, the ancestry inference in populations with a recent history of admixture, such as those in America, is still a challenge. In admixed populations, proportion and components of genetic ancestry vary at different levels: (i) between populations; (ii) between individuals of the same population; (iii) throughout the individual's genome. In the present study we compared and evaluated different sets of markers, from those with small numbers of ancestry informative markers panels (AIMs), to high-density SNPs (HDSNP) and whole-genome-sequence (WGS) data. To this end, we evaluated 1,675 admixed samples from America, using a tetrahybrid admixture model (Native American, European, African and East Asian). Analyses show greater variation in the correlation coefficient of ancestry components within and between admixed populations, especially for minority ancestral components. We also observed, the higher the number of markers in the AIMs panel, the higher the correlation with HDSNP and WGS. In addition, the greater the number of markers, the more robust was the tetrahybrid admixture model.
Incidence and Pre/Post-Treatment Risk Factors of Glaucoma in Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada Disease
Authors: Yoshitomi Suzu , Harada Yosuke , Yuasa Yuki , Hiyama Tomona , Hirooka Kazuyuki , Kiuchi Yoshiaki
Published: July 2022

Purpose
To investigate the incidence and pre/post-treatment risk factors of glaucoma in patients with Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) disease.
Methods
Data regarding secondary glaucoma were collected from the medical records of patients with VKH disease who were followed up at the uveitis service at Hiroshima University for more than 6 months. We examined the incidence of glaucoma and pre/post-treatment risk factors for glaucoma in patients with VKH disease.
Results
Forty-nine patients with VKH disease were included in this study (31 women and 18 men). The mean age at onset was 50.6 ± 15.2 years (range, 26–85 years). Fifteen patients developed secondary glaucoma during follow-up. The disc swelling type of VKH disease in the early stage, worse final BCVA, cataract development, and subretinal fibrosis were factors associated with glaucoma development.
Conclusion
Secondary glaucoma occurred in more than 30% of patients with VKH disease. The factors associated with incidence of glaucoma may reflect an association with prolonged ocular inflammation.
Impact of anti-thymocyte globulin on survival outcomes in female-to-male allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Tamaki Masaharu , Akahoshi Yu , Ashizawa Masahiro , Misaki Yukiko , Koi Satoshi , Kim Sung-Won , Ozawa Yukiyasu , Fujiwara Shin-ichiro , Kako Shinichi , Matsuoka Ken-ichi , Sawa Masashi , Katayama Yuta , Onizuka Makoto , Kanda Yoshinobu , Fukuda Takahiro , Atsuta Yoshiko , Yakushijin Kimikazu , Nakasone Hideki
Published: July 2022

Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation between female donors and male recipients (female-to-male allo-HCT) is a well-established risk factor for inferior survival outcomes due to a higher incidence of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). However, a clinical significance of anti-thymocyte globulin (ATG) in the female-to-male allo-HCT has not been elucidated. In this study, we retrospectively evaluated male patients who underwent allo-HCT between 2012 and 2019 in Japan. In the female-to-male allo-HCT cohort (n = 828), the use of ATG was not associated with a decreased risk of GVHD (HR of acute GVHD 0.691 [95% CI: 0.461 – 1.04], P = 0.074; HR of chronic GVHD 1.06 [95% CI: 0.738 – 1.52], P = 0.76), but was associated with favorable overall survival (OS) and a decreased risk of non-relapse mortality (NRM) (HR of OS 0.603 [95% CI: 0.400 – 0.909], P = 0.016; HR of NRM 0.506 [95% CI: 0.300 – 0.856], P = 0.011). The use of ATG in female-to-male allo-HCT resulted in survival outcomes that were almost equivalent to those in the male-to-male allo-HCT group. Therefore, GVHD prophylaxis with ATG might overcome the inferiority of survival outcomes in female-to-male allo-HCT.
Comparing the evolutionary dynamics of predominant SARS-CoV-2 virus lineages co-circulating in Mexico
Authors: Castelán-Sánchez Hugo , Delaye Luis , Inward Rhys , Dellicour Simon , Gutierrez Bernardo , Vina Natalia Martinez de la , Pybus Oliver , de Anda-Jáuregui Guillermo , Guzmán Plinio , Flores-Garrido Marisol , Fontanelli Óscar , Hernández-Rosales Maribel , Meneses Amilcar , Herrera-Estrella Alfredo , Olmedo-Alvarez Gabriela , Boukadida Celia , Sanchez-Flores Alejandro , Muñoz-Medina José Esteban , Comas-García Andreu , Gómez-Gil Bruno , Zárate Selene , Taboada Blanca , López Susana , Arias Carlos , Kraemer Moritz , Lazcano Antonio , Escalera-Zamudio Marina
Published: July 2022

Up to November 2021, over 200 different SARS-CoV-2 lineages circulated in Mexico. To investigate lineage replacement dynamics, we applied a phylodynamic approach to explore the evolutionary trajectories of five dominant lineages that circulated during the first year of the local epidemic. For most lineages, peaks in sampling frequencies coincided with different epidemiological waves of infection in the country. Lineages B.1.1.222 and B.1.1.519 showed comparable dynamics, represented by clades likely originating in Mexico and persisting for over a year. Lineages B.1.1.7, P.1 and B.1.617.2 also displayed similar dynamics, characterized by multiple introduction events leading to a few successful extended local transmission chains that persisted for several months. We further explored viral movements across the country, applied within the largest clades identified (belonging to lineage B.1.617.2). Many clades were located within the south region of the country, suggesting that this area played a key role in the spread of SARS-CoV-2 in Mexico.
Expression of PD-L1 through evolution phase from pre-invasive to invasive lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Zhou Jiebai , Lin Huo , Ni Zheng , Luo Rongkui , Yang Dawei , Feng Mingxiang , Zhang Yong
Published: July 2022

Background
This study evaluated programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression from pre-invasive adenocarcinoma to invasive lung adenocarcinoma, aims to investigate the potential association of PD-L1 pathway with lung adenocarcinoma early evolution.
Methods
We evaluated PD-L1 expression in 1,123 resected lung specimens of adenocarcinoma in situ (AIS), minimally invasive adenocarcinoma (MIA) and invasive adenocarcinoma (IAC) of stage IA1-IA3. PD-L1 expression was defined based on the proportion of stained tumor cells using the tumor proportion score (TPS): <1% (negative), ≥ 1% (positive) and ≥ 50% (strongly positive). Correlations between PD-L1 expression and T stage, pathological subtype, adenocarcinoma grade, spread through air space (STAS) were analyzed.
Results
There was almost no PD-L1 expression in AIS or MIA. However, PD-L1 expression was correlated with invasiveness of lung adenocarcinoma. The percentages of PD-L1 positive in IA1-IA3 were 7.22%, 11.29%, and 14.20%, respectively. The strongly positive rates of PD-L1 were 0.38%, 1.64%, and 3.70% in IA1-IA3, respectively. PD-L1 expression and positive rate were also associated with poor pathological subtype and poor biological behavior, such as adenocarcinoma Grade 3, micropapillary or solid dominant subtype and spread through air space (STAS).
Conclusions
PD-L1 expression was positively correlated with the emergence of invasiveness and poor pathological subtype and biological behavior of early-stage lung adenocarcinoma. PD-L1 pathway may be involved in the early evolution of lung adenocarcinoma from AIS to IAC.
A tuning-free wildfire detection algorithm reveals the impact of both Chornobyl wildfires and the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022
Authors: Hu Jun , Igarashi Yasunori , Kotsuki Shunji , Yang Ziping , Talerko Mykola , Landin Volodymyr , Tischenko Olga , Zheleznyak Mark , Protsak Valentyn , Kirieiev Serhii
Published: July 2022

The 2020 wildfires in the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone (ChEZ) have caused widespread public concern about the potential risk of radiation exposure from radionuclides resuspended and redistributed due to the fires. In this study, we developed a tuning-free wildfire detection algorithm (TuFda) to perform rapid detection of burned areas for the purpose of immediate post-fire assessment. We applied TuFda to detect wildfires in the ChEZ during the spring of 2022. The size of the burned areas in February and March was estimated as 0.4 km2 and 70 km2, respectively. We also applied the algorithm to other areas outside the boundaries of the ChEZ and detected land surface changes totaling 553 km2 in northern Ukraine between February and March 2022. These changes may have occurred as a result of the Russian invasion. This study is the first to identify areas in northern Ukraine impacted by both wildfires and the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Our algorithm facilitates the rapid provision of accurate information on significant land surface changes whether caused by wildfires, military action, or any other factor.
Multicompartment body composition analysis in older adults: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Rossini-Venturini Ana Claudia , Veras Lucas , Abdalla Pedro Pugliesi , Santos André Pereira , Junior Márcio Fernando Tasinafo , Silva Leonardo Santos Lopes , Alves Thiago Cândido , Ferrioli Eduardo , Romo-Perez Vicente , Garcia-Soidan Jose Luis , Mota Jorge , Machado Dalmo Roberto Lopes
Published: July 2022

Background: During aging, changes occur in the proportions of muscle, fat, and bone. The body composition (BC) alterations have a great impact on health, quality of life, and functional capacity. Several equations to predict BC using anthropometric measurements have been developed from a bi-compartmental (2-C) approach that determines only fat mass (FM) and fat-free mass (FFM). However, these models have several limitations, when considering constant density, progressive bone demineralization, and changes in the hydration of the FFM, as typical changes during senescence. Thus, the main purpose of this study was to propose and validate a new multi-compartmental anthropometric model to predict fat, bone, and musculature components in older adults of both sexes.Methods: This cross-sectional study included 100 older adults of both sexes. To determine the dependent variables (fat mass [FM], bone mineral content [BMC], and appendicular lean soft tissue [ALST]) whole total and regional DXA body scans were performed. Twenty-nine anthropometric measures and sex were appointed as independent variables. Models were developed through multivariate linear regression. Finally, the predicted residual error sum of squares (PRESS) statistic was used to measure the effectiveness of the predicted value for each dependent variable.Results: An equation was developed to simultaneously predict FM, BMC, and ALST from only four variables: weight, half arm span (HAS), triceps skinfold (TriSK), and sex. This model showed high coefficients of determination and low estimation errors (FM: R2adj: 0.83 and SEE: 3.16; BMC: R2adj: 0.61 and SEE: 0.30; ALST: R2adj: 0.85 and SEE: 1.65). Conclusion: The equations provide a reliable, practical, and low-cost instrument to monitor changes in body components during the aging process. The internal cross-validation method PRESS presented sufficient reliability in the model as an inexpensive alternative for clinical field use.
Genomic selection for genotype performance and stability using information on multiple traits and multiple environments
Authors: Bančič Jon , Ovenden Ben , Gorjanc Gregor , Tolhurst Daniel
Published: July 2022

This paper develops a single-stage genomic selection (GS) approach which incorporates information on multiple traits and multiple environments within a partially separable factor analytic framework. The factor analytic linear mixed model is an effective method for analysing multi-environment trial (MET) datasets, but is yet to be extended to GS for multiple traits and multiple environments. The advantage of incorporating all three sources of information is that breeders can utilise genotype by environment by trait interaction (GETI) to obtain more accurate predictions across correlated traits and environments. The partially separable factor analytic linear mixed model (SFA-LMM) developed in this paper is based on a three-way separable structure, with a factor analytic model for traits, a factor analytic model for environments and a genomic relationship matrix for genotypes. This structure is then modified to enable a different genotype by environment interaction (GEI) pattern for each trait, and a different genotype by trait interaction (GTI) pattern for each environment. The SFA-LMM is demonstrated on a multi-trait MET dataset from The Australian Rice Breeding Program. Selection within the rice breeding program is demonstrated using a selection index based on measures of genotype performance and stability. This approach represents an important continuation in the advancement of plant breeding analyses, particularly with the advent of high-throughput phenotypic datasets involving a very large number of traits and/or environments.
Implication of changes in xanthine oxidase activity following hemodialysis
Authors: Fujioka Hayato , Koike Tsutomu , Imamura Teruhiko , Kakeshita Kota , Yamazaki Hidenori , Kinugawa Koichiro
Published: July 2022

Background:Xanthine oxidase activity has a key role in the development of oxidative stress and progression of cardiovascular diseases. However, the change of xanthine oxidase activity following hemodialysis and its prognostic impact remain uncertain.Methods:We prospectively included hemodialysis patients and measured their xanthine oxidase activity before and after the index hemodialysis. Association between xanthine oxidase activity and other clinical variables and the impact of change in xanthine oxidase activity following hemodialysis on cardiovascular death were investigated.Results:A total of 46 patients (median 72 years old, 29 men) were included. Among baseline characteristics, alanine aminotransferase was positively correlated with xanthine oxidase activity (p < 0.001) and Kt/V for urea, serum sodium, and bicarbonate were negatively correlated with it. During hemodialysis, a common logarithm of xanthine oxidase activity decreased significantly from 1.16 (0.94, 1.27) to 1.03 (0.80, 1.20) (p < 0.01). Of them, xanthine oxidase activity remained unchanged or increased in 16 patients, who had a greater decrease in blood pressure and more hemoconcentration compared with those with decreased xanthine oxidase activity. Two–year survival from cardiovascular death was not significantly stratified by the changes in xanthine oxidase activity (p = 0.43).Conclusions:Baseline xanthine oxidase activity was enhanced in the hemodialysis patients compared with the healthy cohort. During hemodialysis, xanthine oxidase activity decreased among the overall cohort, whereas some patients experienced its increases, which was associated with unstable hemodynamics and hemoconcentration during hemodialysis.
The landscape of m6A regulators in multiple brain regions of Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Liu ZiJie , Xia Qing , Zhao Xue , Zheng FeiFei , Xiao Jiaying , Ge FangLiang , Wang Dayong , Gao Xu
Published: July 2022

Alzheimer's disease is a neurodegenerative disease researched for many years, yet no effective curing methods are found. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA methylation, an essential epitranscriptome regulation mechanism, has been discovered to affect several diseases and essential biological functions, such as brain cell development and aging, which are closely related to neurodegenerative diseases like AD. But the relationship between AD and m6A needs further investigation. Our work evaluated the alterations of m6A regulators and influences on the disease in 4 brain regions: postcentral gyrus, superior frontal gyrus, hippocampus, and entorhinal cortex. We found the expression levels of m6A regulators FTO, ELAVL1, and YTHDF2 were altered in disease samples and relative to pathology development and cognitive scores. We assessed the activation state of pathways and biological processes by the GSVA method, and pathways including N glycan metabolism, amino acid metabolism, and protein metabolism pathways were found to be affected by the m6A regulators. We also found different m6A modification patterns among different brain regions, mainly due to alterations of m6A readers. At last, we further evaluated the importance of those AD-related regulators based on the WCGNA method and discovered their potential targets, and constructed diagnose models in three of all four regions using key regulators including FTO, YTHDC1, YTHDC2 etc. and their potential target genes. This work might offer a reference for the follow-up study between m6A and Alzheimer's disease.
Influencing factors of self-regulated learning of medical-related students in a traditional Chinese medical university: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Li Ling , Zhu Mingling , Shi Yuqing , Yang Lili
Published: July 2022

Background
In recent years, self-regulated learning (SRL) has become a hot topic in medical education. However, the factors that affect the SRL ability of medical-related majors, such as clinical medicine, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and nursing specialty in TCM colleges and universities are unclear. Whether the teaching of learning strategies can help improve students’ SRL also needs to be further examined.
Method
A cross-sectional survey was distributed, and 878 medical-related students which are from a TCM university were recruited for this study. An independent t‑test and analysis of variance were used to analyse the factors associated with SRL. The relationship between self‑regulated learning and learning strategies was analysed with multi-linear regression analysis.
Results
The average scores of SRL on learning motivation, learning setting and self-regulation. Total scores were 34.76 ± 4.62, 41.14 ± 4.30, 39.26 ± 4.74 and 115.16 ± 12.42, respectively. The mean scores were all above the midpoint. The metacognitive, affective, cognitive, resource management and the total scores of learning strategies were 58.54 ± 12.02, 43.24 ± 8.42, 35.49 ± 7.34, 22.89 ± 4.20, 160.16 ± 29.45. Some factors can predict 32% of the variation of SRL, including whether they liked their specialty, educational system, and specialty, achievement ranking scholarship, whether they were taught by a tutor in middle school, gender, monthly family income, father’s educational background, metacognitive strategy, resource management strategy and cognitive strategy.
Conclusions
The SRL of medical-related students was better. Learning strategies and methods as well as personal or social factors can affect SRL. Educators should improve attention on the cultivation of learning strategies, exercising learning skills and monitoring, adjustment and guidance of learning time. Educators should also strengthen the professional identity and confidence of medical-related students and strive to improve their SRL ability.
Inclusive fitness forces of selection in an age-structured population
Authors: Roper Mark , Green Jonathan , Salguero-Gómez Roberto , Bonsall Michael
Published: July 2022

Current evolutionary theories of senescence predict that the force of selection on survival will decline from maturity to zero at the age of last reproduction, and the force of selection on reproduction will decline monotonically from birth. These predictions rest upon the assumption that individuals within a population do not interact with one another. This assumption, however, is violated in social species, where an individual’s survival and/or reproduction may shape the fitness of other group members. In such species, it is inclusive fitness that natural selection optimises. Yet, it remains unclear how the forces of selection on survival and reproduction might be modified when inclusive fitness, rather than population growth rate, is considered the appropriate metric for fitness. Here, we derive inclusive fitness forces of selection for hypothetical populations of social species. We show that selection on survival is not always constant before maturity, and can remain above zero in post-reproductive age classes, contrary to conventional models of senescence. We also show how the trajectory of the force of selection on reproduction does not always decline monotonically from birth, as predicted by classical theory, but instead depends on the balance of benefits to direct fitness and costs to indirect fitness. Our theoretical framework provides the unique opportunity to expand our understanding of senescence across social species, with important implications to species with variable life histories.
Effectiveness of maxillary cortical bone graft chips harvested by bone scraper, covered with platelet rich fibrin (PRF), in reconstruction of alveolar clefts: comparative study
Authors: Aldaghir Osamah Mohammed , Naje Ahmed Rafea , Ghadhban Ahmed Talib , atabi Hayder Saad hanfoosh Al
Published: July 2022

purpose: The aim of this study is to assess the effectiveness of maxillary cortical bone graft chips harvested by bone scraper, covered with platelet rich fibrin (PRF) in alveolar cleftsPatients and methods: Seventy-two cleft patients were examined for their eligibility to be part in this comparative study, they were randomly divided into: group A, thirty-six patients had been received cancellous bone chips from iliac crest, group B, thirty-six had been received cortical bone chips harvested from maxilla using a curved bone scraper, covered with PRF.The clinical success over the follow-up period was evaluated on the basis of elimination of the oronasal fistula, radiographic assessment of bone graft volume, achievement of the osseous continuity of the alveolar arch, and the extent of the vertical bone height.Results The mean of volume gained in group A was (0.8053, +_ 0.9682), while for group B was (0.7397, +_ 0.7703). the amount of vertical bone loss between groups were registered, the chi-square test revealed insignificant differences between study groups (P =0.547). the result of the frequency of fistula development after grafting in both groups was insignificant (p=0.074). Also, for the continuity of the maxilla as a one piece the results were insignificant differences between study groups (p=0.058).Conclusion: In conclusion of our study, Intraoral harvesting of maxillary cortical chips by bone scraper covered with PRF is able to achieve a valid functional and aesthetic support in alveolar cleft patients, meeting the reconstructive goals.
Exposure at low tide leads to different microbial abundance of intertidal coral Acropora pulchra
Authors: Alina Dining Nika , Rachmawati Rita , Madduppa Hawis , Zamani Neviaty P
Published: July 2022

Corals thrive in symbiotic relationships with a variety of microorganisms, including endosymbiont algae. The interaction between coral and microbial associations has been extensively researched since it is thought to play a function in coral health. Temperature and light are two abiotic elements that contribute to coral life. Corals in reef flat environments frequently face variations in these two characteristics due to their proximity to shallow seas. This study aims to compare the microbial diversity and abundance associated with the coral Acropora pulchra on the reef flat under two conditions, namely corals that emerged to the surface at low tide (SF) and corals that submerged over time (SM) and to compare the microbial diversity of both with those found in its adjacent seawaters. Microbial analysis on 16S rRNA region V4 showed that the alpha diversity of coral microbial communities and seawaters was not significantly different. However, differences in abundance were noticed at the phylum and genus levels. With p-value < 0.05, PCoA analysis using the Bray-Curtis test showed that the coral microbial community was significantly different from the surrounding seawaters. This study indicates that, under different conditions, corals of the same species can be dominated by different microbial groups and confirms the uniqueness between coral microbes and its adjacent seawaters. The abundance of certain microbes is a host mechanism for survival.
Emerging infectious outbreak inhibits pain empathy mediated prosocial behaviour
Authors: Cao Siqi , Qi Yanyan , Huang Qi , Wang Yuanchen , Han Xinchen , Liu Xun , Wu Haiyan
Published: July 2022

The pandemic of COVID-19 sets off public psychological crises and impacts social functioning. Pre-pandemic research has shown that empathy exhaustion will happen as the mental resource wears out under long-term distress. While prosocial activities are positively linked to empathy, quantitative research on the pandemic's effect on empathy and prosocial willingness has been insufficiently examined. Prosocial behaviors are carried out during a life-threatening time to promote communication and encourage community members to survive emergencies such as food shortages and natural disasters. This study examined the shifts in emotion, empathy, and prosocial behaviors between the pre-pandemic and pandemic era in China. Before (N = 520, 11/21/2019-11/23/2019) and after (N = 570, 2/23/2020-2/24/2020) the COVID-19 pandemic, we explored an empathy-driven prosociality relationship through an online task and questionnaires with a total of 1,190 participants. Through a two-group comparison, we found a population-based decline in empathy that ultimately affected prosocial willingness. The empathic concern could positively predict prosocial willingness through the perception of the others’ pain. Over the pandemic era, however, this relationship became less salient. Moreover, a distance effect in such a situation, consistent with the ripple effect, affected the way in which short-term anxiety during the outbreak influences empathic concern. Measures are required to mitigate the adverse effects of empathy fatigue after the outbreak of COVID-19.
Firm Performance and the Impact of Entrepreneurial Education and Entrepreneurial Competencies
Authors: Kanaan-Jebna Abdulkarim M. Jamal , Alabdullah Tariq Tawfeeq Yousif , Ahmed Essia Ries , Ayyasamy Ramesh Kumar
Published: July 2022

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are considered to be the world’s largest. They play a vital role as they create jobs and improve the living conditions of their local communities as they contribute to the country’s GDP growth. Due to their contributions to the nation’s economy, they have been given much attention in entrepreneurship. This paper aims to study the impact of entrepreneurial education and entrepreneurial competencies on small and medium enterprises’ performance. Entrepreneurship is a vital component of any successful business strategy. It can be used to overcome the uncertainties of today’s business environment. The roles of these two independent factors in the business environment are also more relevant to small businesses. The goal of this paper is to develop a framework that explores the performance of firms from the perspective of their entrepreneurial education and entrepreneurial competencies. The proposed framework aims to provide a comprehensive view of the factors that influence the performance of businesses. It shows that entrepreneurial education is the antecedent of competencies that can affect firm performance, where entrepreneurial competencies is treated as a mediating variable. In addition, this study explores the role of entrepreneurial education and entrepreneurial competencies in developing financial and non-financial business performance. The framework is based on the resource-based view, a constantly applied approach to the small business context to utilize strengths and weaknesses to achieve sustainable competitive advantage. The paper provides valuable insights into the entrepreneurial factors that businesses can consider when enhancing their performance. It also helps entrepreneurs in developing their entrepreneurial education and competencies to increase their chances of achieving better results in their businesses which in return can help to reduce the number of business failures and thus, boost the country’s economy.
Glavni aspekti aktualnosti Nietzscheove kritike kulturalizma i naturalizma
Authors: Stanković Pejnović Vesna
Published: July 2022

Aktualnost misli Friedricha Nietzschea ogleda se u kritici masovne kulture, društva, države te znanstvenih metoda koje su kasnije imale značajan utjecaj na diskurs moderne. Masovna kultura temelj je moderne društvene realnosti kao snage dekadencije i nihilizma, koja unazađuje autentičnu, a stvara mediokritetsku kulturu. Nietzsche se protivi »kulturi« koja podrazumijeva transcendenciju i sublimaciju »prirode« u oblike »moralnih« ideala i poziva na prirodno življenje, bez štetnih kulturnih utjecaja koji su prepreka za vođenje zdravih ljudskih života. Ideja nihilizma, prisutna u kulturi, relevantna je za našu suvremenost jer se očituje kao gubitak osjećaja dubine ili značaja života sâmog koji je, kao i priroda, kaos, bez strukture i bez empirijskoga dokaza. Za razumijevanje znanstvene revolucije i njezinoga zapanjujuće razornog tempa u visokotehnološkim laboratorijima našega globalnog istraživačkog ekosistema, aktualna je Nietzscheova perspektiva koja demistificira znanost, u prvom redu pozitivizam i naturalizam, posvećenu nametanju istine temeljene na znanstveno verificiranom znanju. Znanstvena tumačenja i konstrukcije napori su da se ovlada prirodom i »humanizira« ju se, prilagodbom kaosa prirode našim antropomorfnim očekivanjima, potrebama i brigama, čineći tako kaotičnu prirodu predvidljivom. Radom se dokazuje da je Nietzscheova kritika kulturalizma i naturalizma utemeljena na viđenju života »posljednjega čovjeka« koji odbacuje kulturu samonadvladavanja i umanjuje strah od neizvjesnog i iznenadnog, te živi u okviru stvarnosti kakvu predočava znanstvena zajednica. U životu suvremenog čovjeka volja za životom samo se održava jer joj nedostaje volja za moć.
Duh i obrazovanje
Authors: Radić Stjepan
Published: July 2022

Jedna je od temeljnih čovjekovih odrednica ta da je obrazovljivo biće. Razlog tomu filozofijska tradicija nalazi u njegovoj duhovnoj duši. Za Humboldta je i njegovu obnovu sveučilišta, primjerice, duša osnova ovoga procesa. Suvremena filozofija obrazovanja te poglavito pedagogija i njoj srodne znanosti, međutim, (potpuno) izbjegavaju govor o duši s obzirom na odgoj, a osobito s obzirom na obrazovanje. To nas dovodi do središnje teze članka, koju sažimamo u sljedećem: obrazovanje se niti može, niti smije svesti samo na usvajanje znanja i sposobnosti, tj. vještina u vidu pukog osposobljavanja, već se mora vratiti svojim najdubljim osnovama koje se ujedno mogu promotriti i kao temeljne odrednice, perspektive obrazovanja uopće: otvaranjem prema cjelini svijeta, duša (osoba) u obrazovanju prispijeva k samoj sebi. Obrazovanje se ovim, međutim, niti svodi isključivo na teorijsko-spekulativni vid usvajanja i »procesuiranja« znanja, niti je poanta samo na razini moralno-ćudorednog aspekta, već se ukazuje na to da se u njegovo središte stavlja čovjek u svojoj sveukupnosti i osobitosti. Središnju tezu članka razvijamo u sklopu četiri nosiva poglavlja: u prvome, koje ujedno predstavlja polazište, razlažemo grčko-platonovsku misaonu tradiciju u pogledu obrazovanja ističući, pritom, dva odlučujuća pojma, imago (slika) i imitatio (nasljedovanje). Na to se nadovezuje drugo poglavlje u kojem odabiremo dva, po nama ključna teoretičara – Humboldta i Hegela – koji, svaki na svoj način, motre »dušu« obrazovanja kroz pojmove univerzalnosti u vidu otrgnuća od partikularnog te slobode u vidu samoće odnosno otrgnuća od mnoštva. Predočeni prikazi nikako ne dokidaju jednu od važnih karakteristika obrazovanja, izobrazbu, koja se izlaže u trećem poglavlju, pri čemu se nastoji dati do znanja da ona, želi li biti autentična, također mora imati u vidu »prispijeće duše k samoj sebi«. Zaključni izvodi u četvrtom poglavlju donose ukaze o stanju koje je na djelu s obzirom na obrazovanje, poput sunovrata u funkcionalizam i praksu te izostanak svake ideje o njemu, a što je u konačnici posljedica »proganjanja duha iz obrazovanja« (K. P. Liessmann).
Suosjećajno djelovanje
Authors: Bojanić Petar , Cvejić Igor , Nikolić Olga
Published: July 2022

Naš je glavni cilj opisati strukturu angažiranih akata i suosjećanja i njihovu konstitutivnu povezanost da bismo objasnili ključnu ulogu angažiranih i suosjećajnih akata za konstituiranje grupe. U prvom dijelu teksta, formuliramo ideju-vodilju: ključ za razumijevanje suosjećanja leži u razumijevanju angažmana i obratno. Zatim, okrećemo se razmatranju problematičnoga karaktera angažiranih akata: oni, s jedne strane, ne ispunjavaju uvjete pripisivosti pluralnom subjektu, dok se, s druge strane, ne mogu objasniti bez pretpostavke pluralnoga subjekta. Da bismo to razumjeli, oslanjamo se, prije svega, na Helmovu teoriju emocija i klasične fenomenološke analize konstituiranja pluralnoga subjekta, ali i ukazujemo na njihova ograničenja. U posljednjim dvama odjeljcima ćemo, nadovezujući se na Nussbauminu teoriju suosjećanja, opisati paralelizam i konstitutivnu povezanost u strukturi suosjećanja i angažmana. Na kraju, ispitat ćemo specifičan način na koji (suosjećajni) angažirani akti »stavljaju teret« i transformiraju grupu u instituciju.
Mišljenje kao politički čin i politika kao mišljenje na djelu
Authors: Maraš Srđan
Published: July 2022

U ovom članku razmatra se odnos između umnog mišljenja i umnog djelovanja, filozofije i politike, u perspektivi u kojoj se taj odnos, ako je pravilno shvaćen, pokazuje kao odlučujući i za proces repolitizacije koji se, kako izgleda, nameće kao neodložna obaveza našeg vremena. Nastoji se pokazati da je starogrčko iskustvo razumijevanja filozofije i politike, transformirano u moderni na određen način, mjerodavno i za suvremenu emancipaciju na- šeg umnog života. A u tom sklopu umnog života, pokazuje se da mišljenje uvijek predstavlja i jedan politički čin, a politika, sa svoje strane, uvijek iznosi (i) specifično mišljenje.