bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
UM ESTADO DO CONHECIMENTO ACERCA DO PROFESSOR HOMEM NA EDUCAÇÃO INFANTIL (2011-2020)
Authors: Souza Araujo Lucas , Tavares Ujiie Nájela
Published: November 2022

O estudo apresenta um estado do conhecimento acerca da figura do professor homem na Educação Infantil (EI) mediatizado por uma busca no banco de dados da Biblioteca Digital Brasileira de Teses e Dissertações (BDBTD), no que tange as pesquisas realizadas no Brasil, dentro do campo da Educação, no período de 2011 a 2020, com intuito de realizar leitura e análise reflexiva. A partir dos descritores “professor homem na educação infantil” emergiu 146 (cento e quarenta e seis) pesquisas científicas, sendo 116 (cento e dezesseis) dissertações e 30 (trinta) teses, após análise restringiu-se o universo para 16 (dezesseis) dissertações. A partir dos resultados evidencia-se que o campo está em expansão, mas ainda é restrito e que a presença do professor homem na Educação Infantil é permeada de conflitos, tensões, olhares de desconfianças e desafios.
Palavras-chave: Estado do Conhecimento. Professor Homem. Educação Infantil.
 
ABSTRACT
The study presents a state of knowledge about the figure of the male teacher in Early Childhood Education (EI) mediated by a search in the Brazilian Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations (BDBTD) database, regarding research carried out in Brazil, within the field of Education, from 2011 to 2020, in order to carry out reflective reading and analysis. From the descriptors "male teacher in early childhood education" emerged 146 (one hundred and forty-six) scientific researches, being 116 (one hundred and sixteen) dissertations and 30 (thirty) theses, after analysis, the universe was restricted to 16 (sixteen) dissertations. From the results, it is evident that the field is expanding, but it is still restricted and that the presence of the male teacher in Early Childhood Education is permeated by conflicts, tensions, looks of distrust and challenges.
Keywords: State of Knowledge. Male Teacher. Child education.
KETAHANAN KELUARGA DI MASA PANDEMI COVID-19 DALAM UPAYA MENCEGAH PERCERAIAN DI KABUPATEN KARAWANG
Authors: Mufarihah Tiya Marlina , Ramdani Rachmat , Kurniansyah Dadan
Published: November 2022

This study aims to describe how family resilience is during the Covid-19 pandemic in an effort to prevent divorce in Karawang Regency. This study used a qualitative descriptive research design. The data collection process was carried out by observation, interviews, documentation, and triangulation accompanied by literature study. The results showed that during the Covid-19 pandemic, family resilience was disrupted and there was a decline, all dimensions of family resilience decreased. Among them are: (1) Physical Resilience, due to layoffs that befell husbands and various household needs that cannot be fulfilled, the community experiences a decrease in the level of physical resilience. (2) Social Resilience, due to layoffs, all indicators in this dimension are not met, so divorce is the last solution. (3) Psychological Resilience, during the Covid-19 pandemic, people experienced psychological resilience disorders where layoffs made housewives experience stress and emotions so that one member left the house and no longer lived together. So it is natural that during the Covid-19 pandemic there was a divorce because the elements of family resilience could not be fulfilled, this is in accordance with the concept of family resilience Dyah Retna Puspita in (Tobirin and Soedirman 2020) that if one of these elements does not work, the level of family resilience disrupted which eventually decreases.
ANALISIS TRANSPARANSI PERTANGGUNGJAWABAN ANGGARAN BADAN PENYELENGGARA PEMILU AD HOC PADA PEMILU 2019 DI KPU KABUPATEN TANJUNG JABUNG BARAT
Authors: Sarwani Sarwani , Zetra Aidinil , Koeswara Hendri
Published: November 2022

The issue of money in elections is a crucial issue, because the realization of elections with integrity is determined by transparency and accountability in election finances. Several studies have found that the elections that have been held in Indonesia have not implemented the principles of transparency and accountability optimally. This study aims to analyze the transparency of the 2019 Election budget accountability by the Ad Hoc EMB’s in Tanjung Jabung Barat Regency. This research is descriptive qualitative with a case study approach. To analyze the data, it is done using the concept of transparency proposed by Koppell (2005). The results of the study indicate that although the budget management activities by Ad Hoc EMB’s have been carried out openly, the information presented in the budget accountability report is not yet fully complete and accurate, so that the implementation of the principle of transparency has not run optimally. This is a consequence of the uneven competence of human resources due to the lack of training related to election finance management. For this reason, it is necessary to increase the competence of human resources through technical guidance or the like to the maximum.
EVALUASI PROGRAM PELATIHAN TENAGA KERJA BERBASIS KOPETENSI OLEH DINAS TENAGA KERJA KOTA BEKASI TAHUN 2021
Authors: Fajar Dharmawan Mochamad Ricky , Rifai Maulana , Azijah Dewi Noor
Published: November 2022

The purpose of this study is to describe how to evaluate the Competency-Based Workforce Training Program by the Bekasi City Manpower Office in 2021. The method of this research is descriptive. Data collection techniques using observation, interviews and documentation. The types of data used in this study are primary data and secondary data obtained from interviews with informants in this study. In this study, the author uses the theory of program evaluation according to Daniel Stufflebeam as a reference in analyzing which consists of the dimensions of context, input, process and output. The results of this study indicate that the evaluation of the Competency-Based Workforce Training Program by the Bekasi City Manpower Office is considered feasible to be continued but there are some improvements. From the context and process evaluation dimensions, the overall evaluation was good, but in the input and output evaluation dimensions problems were found such as the lack of teaching or instructor resources and also no monitoring and data collection from the Bekasi City Manpower Office after the training.
Intraerythrocytic Mycoplasma-like organism diagnosed ultrastructurally as an agent of anaemia in laboratory-reared cyprinid hybrids
Authors: Dyková I , Palíková M , Vetešník L
Published: November 2022

A study targeting the etiology of severe anaemia that sporadically occurred in laboratory-bred cyprinid hybrids resulted in a diagnosis of a Mycoplasma-like organism selectively invading the cytoplasm of erythrocytes. Despite the fact that there was a concurrent yeast infection in moribund anaemic hybrids, the primary role in the development of anaemia was assigned to the Mycoplasma-like organism due to its regular occurrence in erythrocytes of both the moribund hybrids and hybrids that were free of yeast infection yet showed early to advanced symptoms of the disease. Novel data on the Mycoplasma-like organism’s cytoskeleton were obtained from ultrathin sections of affected erythrocytes. An ultrastructural study of the concurrent yeast infection in moribund hybrids manifesting the most advanced anaemia revealed the presence of Titan cells in ascitic fluid. The original findings presented in this study underline the diagnostic relevance of transmission electron microscopy in the research of similar infections.
Developing Scrap Book Media to Improve First Grade Students’ Reading Skills
Authors: Kurnianti Indah Fadhilah , Arini Novanita Whindi
Published: November 2022

The purpose of this study is to develop Scrap Book Media to improve the reading ability of first grade students and to find out the feasibility of Scrap Book Media. The type of research used is Research and Development using the ADDIE model. The data were collected through expert validity test and pilot test with students. The results showed that the average score of media expert validation 92% fall into the category of very feasible, validation of material experts 75% with the category feasible, validation of educational experts 91% in the category of very feasible. The results of the response questionnaire of students of small group trials get 90% while large group trials get 89%. From the average results above, it can be concluded that scrap book media is suitable for use and makes it easier for teachers in the learning process.
ESTIMASI SUMBERDAYA BAUKSIT MENGGUNAKAN METODE GEOSTATISTIK DI PT. XYZ KABUPATEN MEMPAWAH PROVINSI KALIMANTAN BARAT
Authors: Nugraha Faza , Ashari Yunus , Khorniawan Wahyu Budhi
Published: November 2022

PT. XYZ adalah perusahaan yang bergerak di bidang pertambangan yang sedang melakukan kegiatan eksplorasi bijih bauksit di Kabupaten Mempawah. Maka dari itu perlu dilakukan estimasi sumberdaya untuk melanjutkan ke tahapan produksi. Tujuan penelitian untuk mengetahui penyebaran kadar, estimasi sumberdaya berdasarkan klasifikasi kadar Al2O3, estimasi sumberdaya bauksit tercuci serta tidak tercuci dan mengklasifikasikan sumberdaya bauksit berdasarkan Kriging Efisiensi. Penelitian ini menggunakan perangkat lunak Surpac 6.6.2 dengan metodologi penelitian berupa studi literatur, pengumpulan data, basis data, validasi data, analisis statistik, konstruksi model, penaksiran sumberdaya menggunakan Ordinary Kriging. Pada lokasi penelitian ini, terdapat 114 titik test pit dengan luasan 15,4 Ha dengan jarak antara titik test pit 50m dan pengambilan contoh bauksit dilakukan dengan interval 2m. Berdasarkan data eksplorasi langsung test pit  yang kemudian dilakukan perhitungan sumberdaya dengan batasan kadar 35% Al2O3 dan densitas 1,8 ton/m3. Dari hasil pengolahan variogram, sebaran homogenitas kadar Al2O3 cenderung ke arah tenggara atau ke arah kuadran IV 327,58o. Total tonase unwashed bauxite (UBX) sebesar 487.388 ton dan total tonase washed bauxite (WBX) sebesar 239.893 ton. Sumberdaya pada lokasi penelitian diklasifikasikan berdasarkan Kriging Efisiensi. Klasifikasi teraka sebesar 422.438 ton, tertunjuk 160.875 ton, dan terukur 748.688 ton.
KAJIAN TEKNIS LOSSES MATERIAL ORE NIKEL UNTUK MENGHITUNG OPTIMALISASI SHIPMENT RATIO PADA PENAMBANGAN PT. BUKIT MAKMUR ISTINDO NIKELTAMA
Authors: Ramadhan Rezki , Nursanto Edy , Amri Nur Ali
Published: November 2022

Kegiatan produksi penambangan blok keuno difokuskan pada penambangan material Low Grade Saprolith Ore, Material Low Grade Saprolith Ore adalah kelompok bijih nikel kadar rendah yang diperuntukkan untuk ekspor dengan batas kadar tertentu. Adanya tahapan pemindahan material LSGO dari front penambangan menuju stockyard transito dan stockyard final ore dimaksudkan untuk mengetahui berapa besar persentase losses material LSGO tersebut dan mengetahui faktor apa saja yang menjadi penyebab terjadinya losses material dengan melakukan perhitungan losses menggunakan metode survey dan truck count hauling serta pengamatan kegiatan pemindahan material secara langsung. Didapatkan losses material yang dihasilkan sebesar 2,16% untuk kegitan hauling, penyebab terjadinya losses antara lain adanya material yang melekat pada alat berat dan faktor dumpingan yang membuat sebagian material menjadi landasan  bedding basement stockyard transito dan basement lantai stockyard final ore.
USE OF THERMAL IMAGING CAMERA TO CHECK FOR REFRIGERANT LEAKS ON A REFRIGERATION SYSTEM
Authors: Mitrakusuma Windy Hermawan , Ramadhan Siswanto Muhammad Raja Bara , Sekar Ayu Wirenda
Published: November 2022

Tulisan ini menganalisis tentang penggunaan kamera thermal imaging untuk pengecekan kebocoran refrigerant pada system refrigerasi. Dalam suatu prosedur perawatan sistem RHVAC, salah satu prosesnya merupakan pengecekan kebocoran pada pipa sistem RHVAC tersebut. Ada berbagai macam metode dalam melakukan pemeriksaan kebocoran pada sistem RHVAC. Pada tugas akhir ini akan dilakukan prosedur pemeriksaan kebocoran menggunakan metode yang jarang dipakai, yaitu menggunakan kamera thermal imaging. Alat ini dapat menangkap gambar suatu objek menggunakan radiasi inframerah sehingga distribusi temperatur objek tersebut dapat terlihat pada foto yang dihasilkan kamera thermal imaging ini. Pada suatu kebocoran fluida seperti refrigeran akan terjadi proses throttling yang menyebabkan adanya perbedaan temperatur fluida di dalam pipa dengan temperatur fluida yang keluar melewati lubang kebocoran. Dengan kamera thermal imaging hasil kebocoran dapat di deteksi, namun ada beberapa batasan dari kamera tersebut yang perlu diperhatikan dalam prosedur pengecekan kebocoran agar hasil yang didapatkan optimal.
A RING-FAULT DELINEATION OF AN ANCIENT VOLCANIC CALDERA BASED ON 3-D GRAVITY INVERSE MODELING IN MAJENANG REGION, INDONESIA
Authors: Handyarso Accep
Published: November 2022

Calderas are important geological features in all volcanic environments due to give directives clues of geological resources such as geothermal system, mineralization, or even in oil and gas potential reserved. The ability of recognizing these specific features play an important role in the exploration activities. A good understanding of the geological settings will bring to the right direction and make the exploration activities becomes optimized and cost effective. Gravity method is commonly used for preliminary study almost of any cases due to lightweight, low-cost, and the ability to figure out a wide region quickly. Gravity method has an excellent lateral resolution but it has limitation with the vertical resolution. Applying depth-weighting mechanism makes, the inverse-modeling result becomes interpretable. According to the research, there is a northwest-southeast dextral strike-slip fault in the area, which belongs to the Pamanukan-Cilacap Fault Zone (PCFZ). A Circular anomaly pattern also delineated and interpreted as the ring-fault of an ancient volcanic caldera in the study area. Several high gravity anomaly located within the caldera-rims are interpreted as the lava domes or intrusion rocks. The eruption center point estimated at around the Majenang city. The PCFZ behaves as the weak zones in the area where the magmatism rise through and create the ancient volcano, which now remain as the Majenang Caldera.

Keywords: Gravity, Caldera, Ring-Fault, Geological-Resources, Indonesia.
ANALYSIS OF TRAVEL CAREER PATTERNS IN TOURISM DESIGN AREA AT SUNSET BEACH KARANGPAPAK
Authors: Rahmani Shahnaz Keke , Dian Mawarni Ida Ayu Sawitri , Taufick Hardi Rachmat
Published: November 2022

Pantai Sunset Karangpapak merupakan salah satu pantai di Kabupaten Sukabumi yang memiliki potensi wisata untuk dikunjungi wisatawan dikarenakan memiliki keunggulan dan ciri khas yang menarik yaitu untuk belajar surfing. Selain itu, motif perjalanan wisatawan juga mempengaruhi dalam mengembangkan suatu kawasan wisata. Namun, dengan banyaknya motif perjalanan wistawan dan keterbatasan atraksi yang dimiliki serta kawasan yang tidak dilengkapi elemen pariwisata, menjadikan diperlukannya analisis travel career patterns untuk menentukan kawasan wisata seperti apa yang dibutuhkan wisatawan dengan berpedoman terhadap elemen perencanaan pariwisata. Metode yang digunakan adalah metode kualitatif dengan melakukan observasi partisipatif, wawancara, dokumentasi serta kajian literatur. Hasil analisis menjelaskan adanya kecenderungan bahwa wisatawan yang ada di Pantai Sunset Karangpapak sudah mencapai ke middle layer motives dan outer layer motives dimana dapat dikatakan bahwa wisatawan akan mengunjungi kembali Pantai Sunset Karangpapak. Analisis ini dilakukan sebagai suatu hasil kajian keruangan (spatial study) yang komprehensif.
Special Poster Feature: American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD): The Liver Meeting® 2016 Coverage
Authors: Ontiveros Chris
Published: November 2022

The Liver Meeting®, the official meeting of the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD), held in Boston, Massachusetts, USA, supported the presentation of recent clinical and basic research in liver disease by renowned experts, to target the diverse needs of hepatology professionals. A summary of posters presented on viral hepatitis and orthotopic liver transplantation (LT) and oral presentations discussing chronic hepatitis infection were given.
Nonsurgical Treatment for Localised Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Kennedy Andrew
Published: November 2022

The majority of patients (worldwide) diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in 2016 will not be candidates for a potentially curative therapy; however, patients with disease localised to the liver will have options for treatment that are proven to be safe, effective, and worthy of consideration. Transarterial radioembolisation and transarterial chemoembolisation continue to evolve, as does stereotactic external beam radiation therapy with photons or protons. Nonsurgical therapies can provide substantial improvements in quality of life and survival rates compared with best supportive care. This review considers the current use of, and medical evidence for, intra-arterial therapies and external beam radiation options in the nonsurgical management of HCC.
The Liver Meeting 2016
Authors: Cahill Mia , Ontiveros Chris
Published: November 2022

The Liver Meeting 2016, held by the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) in Boston, Massachusetts, USA, supported the presentation of both recent clinical research and basic research in the area of liver disease from renowned experts to target the diverse needs of hepatology professionals. Posters presented on hepatitis B and oral presentations discussing chronic hepatitis infections are summarised within this article.
Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Part 3: Surgical and Medical Treatment
Authors: Charach Lior , Zusmanovitch Zusmanovitch , Charach Gideon
Published: November 2022

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treatment is variable and depends on the size, location, and presence of extra hepatic metastasis and vascular invasion. HCC treatment options have advanced significantly over the past few decades and include surgical and non-surgical methods. In the past, systemic chemotherapy was the non-surgical treatment and there was no significant increase in overall survival rate. Nowadays sorafenib, a molecular targeted drug, is the treatment of choice and has shown proven benefits in increasing survival time; other systemic therapies did not show longer statistical superiority. However, surgical treatments, such as liver transplantation and surgical resection, are still the only methods offering a curative opportunity; however, these are not free of adverse effects and recurrence of the tumour. Non-surgical techniques including ablative treatment, radiotherapy, transarterial chemoembolisation, and percutaneous ethanol injection also show some benefit in the survival of patients with HCC. Future molecular targeted drugs are currently under investigation in different stages of clinical trials, and there are positive expectations regarding their benefit in treating HCC.
Clinical, Histological, and Molecular Classification of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: How Do They Get Along?
Authors: Quagliata Luca
Published: November 2022

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) will soon become a prominent part of the medical and economic burden on many Western countries’ healthcare systems. This review will discuss some emerging scenarios concerning the different classifications of HCC from the clinical, histological, and molecular perspective and to what extent they are integrated with each other. Beginning with an overview of the current numbers and facts regarding HCC, it touches upon the latest development of the epidemiological scenario. It is noteworthy that besides viral hepatitis infection, the fast growing rate of individuals affected by metabolic syndromes represents an additional influential factor on the rising incidence of HCC. However, despite recognised epidemiological evidence, too little is known about the molecular mechanisms that favour HCC development and progression. For instance, long non-coding RNAs playing a major role in the HCC carcinogenesis process have only recently been recognised. Although high cure rates are achieved for clinically asymptomatic patients when small tumours are detected, HCC is typically silent with few severe symptoms until its advanced stages. Patients with severe clinical signs are seldom good candidates for any type of curative therapy. Microscopically, HCC cells resemble normal liver cells to a variable degree, depending on the tumour differentiation status. Pathologists often use a panel of markers to assist HCC differential diagnosis. From a molecular perspective, HCC presents as a highly heterogeneous tumour entity. Despite considerable research efforts, to date no molecular classification has been introduced in clinical practice. A number of classifications have been suggested to stratify HCC patients by the likelihood of survival, with the aim of identifying those with the best chance of being successfully treated. These different systems do not seem to work well in conjunction and the various involved disciplines have so far failed to achieve their common goal. Co-ordinated initiatives involving clinicians, pathologists, biologists, and bioinformaticians are needed to achieve a comprehensive classification of HCC.
The International Liver Congress (ILC) 2016: Rifaximin Use in Cirrhosis-Related Hepatological Disorders and New Perspectives
Authors: Charles Caroline
Published: November 2022

Rifaximin (RFX)-α is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that targets commensal gut bacteria and reduces the excess ammonia produced by the gut bacteria of patients with cirrhosis. This innovative agent has been approved in most European countries for several therapeutic indications, including the prevention of episodes of overt hepatic encephalopathy (HE) in adult patients. New data on RFX use in HE were presented at the International Liver Congress (ILC), namely the annual meeting of the European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) held in Barcelona, Spain, from 13th–17th April 2016.

The beneficial effects of RFX have been attributed to the antibiotic action against a broad spectrum of gut bacteria, accompanied by the advantage of its very poor systemic absorption generating a gastrointestinal tropism. More recently, data are accumulating to suggest that other non-antibacterial effects contribute to RFX efficacy, making it a very interesting option for enteric diseases. RFX is thus explored outside of HE, in both cirrhotic and non-cirrhotic patients.

This review aims to highlight the presentations from ILC 2016 focussing on RFX developments in clinical research.
Why Vote in Person in a Pandemic? Using Machine Learning to Predict Voting Methods
Authors: Kim Seo-young Silvia , Bandreddi Akhil , Alvarez R. Michael
Published: November 2022

What spurs voters to vote in person, despite an established universal vote-by-mail (VBM) system and a once-in-a-century pandemic? We explore this question with official voter data from Colorado, a vote-by-mail state since 2013, but where 6% of voters still vote in person. Using multiclass classification, we analyze (1) the choice between voting by mail (VBM), voting in person, and not voting in the 2020 general election, and (2) the choice to switch to in-person voting despite having used VBM in previous cycles. The results suggest that the choice of voting modes is mainly habitual, and local variations of COVID-19 and demographics hardly mattered. Notably, Republican partisanship plays an important role in predicting "switchers" to in-person voting; indeed, the probability of switching to in-person voting was 5.2% conditional on being a Republican as opposed to 1.9% conditional on being a Democrat.
Single-cell transcriptomic profiling reveals specific maturation signatures in human cardiomyocytes derived from LMNB2-inactivated induced pluripotent stem cells
Authors: Wang Jie , Morgan William , Saini Ankur , Liu Tao , Lough John , Han Lu
Published: November 2022

Mammalian cardiomyocyte maturation entails phenotypic and functional optimization during the late fetal and postnatal phases of heart development, both processes driven and coordinated by complex gene regulatory networks. Cardiomyocytes derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are heterogenous and immature, barely resembling their adult in vivo counterparts. To characterize relevant developmental programs and maturation states during human iPSC-cardiomyocyte differentiation, we performed single-cell transcriptomic sequencing, which revealed six cardiomyocyte subpopulations, whose heterogeneity was defined by cell cycle and maturation states. Two of those subpopulations were characterized by a mature, non-proliferative transcriptional profile. To further investigate the proliferation-maturation transition in cardiomyocytes, we induced loss-of-function of LMNB2, which represses cell cycle progression in primary cardiomyocytes in vivo. This resulted in increased maturation in LMNB2-inactivated cardiomyocytes, characterized by transcriptional profiles related to myofibril structure and energy metabolism. Furthermore, we identified maturation signatures and maturational trajectories unique for control and LMNB2-inactivated cardiomyocytes. By comparing these datasets with single-cell transcriptomes of human fetal hearts, we were able to define spatiotemporal maturation states in human iPSC-cardiomyocytes. Our results provide an integrated approach for comparing in vitro-differentiated cardiomyocytes with their in vivo counterparts and suggest a strategy to promote cardiomyocyte maturation.
Monoallelic loss of the F-actin-binding protein radixin facilitates startle reactivity and pre-pulse inhibition in mice
Authors: Hausrat Torben J. , Vogl Christian , Neef Jakob , Schweizer Michaela , Yee Benjamin K. , Strenzke Nicola , Kneussel Matthias
Published: November 2022

Hearing impairment is one of the most common disorders with a global burden and increasing prevalence in an ever-aging population. Previous research has largely focused on peripheral sensory perception, while the brain circuits of auditory processing and integration remain poorly understood. Mutations in the rdx gene, encoding the F-actin binding protein radixin (Rdx), can induce hearing loss in human patients and homozygous depletion of Rdx causes deafness in mice. However, the precise physiological function of Rdx in hearing and auditory information processing is still ill-defined. Here, we investigated consequences of rdx monoallelic loss in the mouse. Unlike the homozygous (−/−) rdx knockout, which is characterized by the degeneration of actin-based stereocilia and subsequent hearing loss, our analysis of heterozygous (+/−) mutants has revealed a different phenotype. Specifically, monoallelic loss of rdx potentiated the startle reflex in response to acoustic stimulation of increasing intensities, suggesting a gain of function relative to wildtype littermates. The monoallelic loss of the rdx gene also facilitated pre-pulse inhibition of the acoustic startle reflex induced by weak auditory pre-pulse stimuli, indicating a modification to the circuit underlying sensorimotor gating of auditory input. However, the auditory brainstem response (ABR)-based hearing thresholds revealed a mild impairment in peripheral sound perception in rdx (+/-) mice, suggesting minor aberration of stereocilia structural integrity. Taken together, our data suggest a critical role of Rdx in the top-down processing and/or integration of auditory signals, and therefore a novel perspective to uncover further Rdx-mediated mechanisms in central auditory information processing.
Hydrophobic mismatch and sequence specificity compete when transmembrane helix-helix interactions are measured with the TOXCAT assay
Authors: Hellmann Nadja , Schneider Dirk
Published: November 2022

Genetic assays capable of measuring the propensity of transmembrane helices to oligomerize within the cytoplasmic membrane of the bacterium E. coli are frequently used when sequence-specificity in transmembrane helix-helix interactions is investigated. In the present study, dimerization of the well-investigated wild-type and G83I-mutated transmembrane helix of the human glycophorin A protein was studied. Gradual prolongation of the transmembrane helix at the C-terminus with Leu residues lead to pronounced changes in the dimerization propensity when measured with the TOXCAT assay. Thus, besides sequence specificity, hydrophobic mismatch between the hydrophobic core of a studied transmembrane helix and the E. coli membrane can impact the oligomerization propensity of a transmembrane helix. This suggests that the results of genetic assays aiming at determining interactions of heterologous transmembrane helices within the E. coli membrane do not necessarily solely reflect sequence specificity in transmembrane helix-helix interactions, but might be additionally modulated by topological and structural effects caused by hydrophobic mismatch.
Recent advances in recombinase polymerase amplification: Principle, advantages, disadvantages and applications
Authors: Tan Meiying , Liao Chuan , Liang Lina , Yi Xueli , Zhou Zihan , Wei Guijiang
Published: November 2022

After the outbreak of SARS-CoV-2, nucleic acid testing quickly entered people’s lives. In addition to the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) which was commonly used in nucleic acid testing, isothermal amplification methods were also important nucleic acid testing methods. Among several common isothermal amplification methods like displaced amplification, rolling circle amplification, and so on, recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) was recently paid more attention to. It had the advantages like a simple operation, fast amplification speed, and reaction at 37-42°C, et al. So it was very suitable for field detection. However, there were still some disadvantages to RPA. Herein, our review mainly summarized the principle, advantages, and disadvantages of RPA. The specific applications of RPA in bacterial detection, fungi detection, virus detection, parasite detection, drug resistance gene detection, genetically modified food detection, and SARS-CoV-2 detection were also described. It was hoped that the latest research progress on RPA could be better delivered to the readers who were interested in RPA.
Change in patent foramen ovale height is associated with cryptogenic stroke and the construction of a morphology-based scoring system
Authors: Liu Xiaoqin , Zhang Yu , Xie Hang , Zeng Haowei , Sun Jingyan , Su Linjie , Li Bingyi , Xue Xiaoyi , Zhang Yushun
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Current guidelines recommended patent foramen ovale (PFO) occlusion as the preferred treatment for PFO-related cryptogenic stroke (CS); however, finding the causative foramen ovale remains challenging. This study aimed to identify predictors and establish a scoring system by assessing PFO morphology and stroke-related factors.

Methods

Based on a prospective multicenter registered clinical trial, we compared data mainly derived from transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) and clinical history in patients with PFO-related CS and those without CS (non-CS) with incidental PFO. Subsequently, we explored independent predictors using logistic analysis, established a scoring system based on the results, and finally evaluated the scoring system using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis and internal validation.

Results

75 patients with PFO-related CS and 147 non-CS patients were enrolled. Multivariate logistic analysis showed that the change in PFO height, large PFO, atrial septal aneurysm (ASA), and sustained right-to-left shunt (RLS) had independent relationships with CS. Based on the odds ratio value of each independent factor, a scoring system was built: change in PFO height ≥ 1.85 mm (3 points), large PFO (2 points), ASA (5 points), sustained RLS (2 points). 0–2 points correspond to low-risk PFO, 3–5 points medium-risk PFO, and 7–12 points high-risk PFO. ROC analysis showed an area under the curve of 0.80 to predict CS. The proportion of patients with CS is increasing based on these points.

Conclusions

Our study screened out the change in PFO height as an independent predictor of CS. A simple and convenient scoring system can provide constructive guidance for identifying whether the PFO is causal and consequently selecting patients more likely to benefit from closure.
Spectrum of underlying diseases in syncope and treatment of neurally-mediated syncope in children and adolescents over the past 30 years: A single center study
Authors: Cui Yaxi , Liao Ying , Zhang Qingyou , Yan Hui , Liu Ping , Wang Yuli , Sun Yan , Xu Wenrui , Liu Xueqin , Du Junbao , Jin Hongfang
Published: November 2022

Background

Syncope is the primary cause of transient loss of consciousness, which causes severe physical and mental burdens to children and adolescents.

Objective

The study was designed to analyze the spectrum of underlying diseases of syncope and treatment options for neurally-mediated syncope (NMS) in Chinese children and adolescents.

Methods

Medical records including history, physical examination, blood biochemistry, standing test, head-up tilt (HUTT), sitting-up test, electroencephalogram (EEG), electrocardiogram (ECG), and echocardiography were retrospectively studied in children and adolescents admitted to the National Pediatric Syncope Center, Department of Pediatrics, Peking University First Hospital between 1992 and 2021. All the data were collected from the Beijing Kaihua Medical Management System (Kaihua, Beijing, China). Children who met the syncope diagnostic criteria were enrolled in the study. The spectrum of the underlying diseases of syncope in children and adolescents and the treatment options of NMS were analyzed.

Results

A total of 1,947 children and adolescents with syncope were admitted, including 869 males (44.63%) and 1,078 females (55.37%) aged 1–18 years, with an average age of 11.1 ± 3.1 years. The number of children and adolescents with syncope displayed a gradually increasing trend between 1992 and 2021 except after 2020. NMS proportion increased, and the proportion of unexplained syncope decreased (χ2 = 128.839, P < 0.01). The treatment options of NMS mainly included autonomic nervous function exercise (549, 34.46%), oral rehydration salt (ORS; 445, 27.94%), metoprolol (219, 13.75%), midodrine (120, 7.53%), ORS plus metoprolol (139, 8.73%), ORS plus midodrine (120, 7.53%), and pacemakers (1, 0.06%). Patients with vasovagal syncope (VVS) coexisting with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) were more likely to take pharmacological treatments than those with VVS or POTS only (χ2 = 41.696, P < 0.01).

Conclusion

The number of children with syncope displayed an increasing trend before 2020, and the proportion of unexplained syncope decreased. Autonomic nervous function exercise was the most common treatment for children and adolescents with NMS. Children with VVS coexisting with POTS were more likely to receive pharmacological treatments than those with either.
Extracellular matrix and cyclic stretch alter fetal cardiomyocyte proliferation and maturation in a rodent model of heart hypoplasia
Authors: Watson Matthew C. , Williams Corin , Wang Raymond M. , Perreault Luke R. , Sullivan Kelly E. , Stoppel Whitney L. , Black Lauren D.
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Birth defects, particularly those that affect development of the heart, are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in infants and young children. Babies born with heart hypoplasia (heart hypoplasia) disorders often have a poor prognosis. It remains unclear whether cardiomyocytes from hypoplastic hearts retain the potential to recover growth, although this knowledge would be beneficial for developing therapies for heart hypoplasia disorders. The objective of this study was to determine the proliferation and maturation potential of cardiomyocytes from hypoplastic hearts and whether these behaviors are influenced by biochemical signaling from the extracellular matrix (ECM) and cyclic mechanical stretch.

Method

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH)-associated heart hypoplasia was induced in rat fetuses by maternal exposure to nitrofen. Hearts were isolated from embryonic day 21 nitrofen-treated fetuses positive for CDH (CDH+) and from fetuses without nitrofen administration during gestation.

Results and discussion

CDH+ hearts were smaller and had decreased myocardial proliferation, along with evidence of decreased maturity compared to healthy hearts. In culture, CDH+ cardiomyocytes remained immature and demonstrated increased proliferative capacity compared to their healthy counterparts. Culture on ECM derived from CDH+ hearts led to a significant reduction in proliferation for both CDH+ and healthy cardiomyocytes. Healthy cardiomyocytes were dosed with exogenous nitrofen to examine whether nitrofen may have an aberrant effect on the proliferative ability of cardiomyocyte, yet no significant change in proliferation was observed. When subjected to stretch, CDH+ cardiomyocytes underwent lengthening of sarcomeres while healthy cardiomyocyte sarcomeres were unaffected. Taken together, our results suggest that alterations to environmental cues such as ECM and stretch may be important factors in the pathological progression of heart hypoplasia.
Diet at the onset of the Neolithic in northeastern Iberia: An isotope–plant microremain combined study from Cova Bonica (Vallirana, Catalonia)
Authors: Salazar-García Domingo C. , Power Robert C. , Daura Joan , Sanz Montserrat
Published: November 2022

The emergence of Neolithic societies was transformative, impacting many aspects of life, particularly diet. The process of Neolithization in Iberia is increasingly understood as the arrival of new people from the Central Mediterranean, who dispersed along the Iberian coasts introducing cereal production, herding, and Cardial pottery and associated material culture. Although research has clarified aspects of the cultigen-dominated economy of these new people, questions remain due to the limitations of conventional archaeobotanical and archaeozoological methods that tend to produce indirect evidence. The extent to which these early farmers adopted Mesolithic staples, which are often difficult to detect with other methods, remains unclear. Furthermore, questions surround the nature of methods of food preparation Cardial Neolithic people used when incorporating grains into their diet. In this study, we examined direct evidence of the diet from the Iberian Cardial Neolithic site of Cova Bonica (Vallirana, Baix Llobregat, Catalonia) using CN stable isotopes on bone and plant microremains trapped in dental calculus from six human individuals and associated fauna. Isotopes show a diet based on terrestrial C3 resources, with no isotopic evidence of aquatic or C4 resource consumption. Plant microremains (starches and phytoliths) provide evidence of cereal use, as well as of other plant foods. However, perhaps due to Bonica’s early farmers’ choice of grain variety, their grain processing methods, or due to specific dental calculus formation factors, the grain assemblages are rather limited and provide scarce information on food preparation.
Assessment of QRISK3 as a predictor of cardiovascular disease events in type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Mu Xiaodie , Wu Aihua , Hu Huiyue , Zhou Hua , Yang Min
Published: November 2022

Background

The risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in diabetes mellitus (DM) patients is two- to three-fold higher than in the general population. We designed a 10-year cohort trial in T2DM patients to explore the performance of QRESEARCH risk estimator version 3 (QRISK3) as a CVD risk assessment tool and compared to Framingham Risk Score (FRS).

Method

This is a single-center analysis of prospective data collected from 566 newly-diagnosed patients with type 2 DM (T2DM). The risk scores were compared to CVD development in patients with and without CVD. The risk variables of CVD were identified using univariate analysis and multivariate cox regression analysis. The number of patients classified as low risk (<10%), intermediate risk (10%-20%), and high risk (>20%) for two tools were identified and compared, as well as their sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and consistency (C) statistics analysis.

Results

Among the 566 individuals identified in our cohort, there were 138 (24.4%) CVD episodes. QRISK3 classified most CVD patients as high risk, with 91 (65.9%) patients. QRISK3 had a high sensitivity of 91.3% on a 10% cut-off dichotomy, but a higher specificity of 90.7% on a 20% cut-off dichotomy. With a 10% cut-off dichotomy, FRS had a higher specificity of 89.1%, but a higher sensitivity of 80.1% on a 20% cut-off dichotomy. Regardless of the cut-off dichotomy approach, the C-statistics of QRISK3 were higher than those of FRS.

Conclusion

QRISK3 comprehensively and accurately predicted the risk of CVD events in T2DM patients, superior to FRS. In the future, we need to conduct a large-scale T2DM cohort study to verify further the ability of QRISK3 to predict CVD events.
Historical reconstruction of aquatic vegetation of typical lakes in Northeast China based on an improved CA-Markov model
Authors: Hou Guanglei , Zhang Haobin , Liu Zhaoli , Chen Ziqi , Cao Yakun
Published: November 2022

Aquatic vegetation is an important marker of the change in the lake ecosystem. It plays an important supporting role in the lake ecosystem, and its abundance and cover changes affect the ecosystem balance. Collecting accurate long-term distribution data on aquatic vegetation can help monitor the change in the lake ecosystem, thereby providing scientific support for efforts to maintain the balance of the ecosystem. This work aimed to establish an improved CA-Markov model to reconstruct historical potential distribution of aquatic vegetation in the two typical lakes (Xingkai Lake and Hulun Lake) in Northeast China during 1950s to 1960s. We firstly analyzed remote sensing data on the spatial distribution of aquatic vegetation data in two lakes in six periods from the 1970 to 2015. Then, we built a transfer probability matrix for changes in hydrothermal conditions (temperature and precipitation) based on similar periods, and we designed suitability images using the spatial frequency and temporal continuity of the constraints. Finally, we established an improved CA-Markov model based on the transfer probability matrix and suitability images to reconstruct the potential distributions of aquatic vegetation in the two northeastern lakes during the 1950s and 1960s. The results showed the areas of aquatic vegetation in the 1950s and 1960s were 102.37 km2 and 100.7 km2 for Xingkai Lake and 90.81 km2 and 88.15 km2 for Hulun Lake, respectively. Compared with the traditional CA-Markov model, the overall accuracy of the improved model increased by more than 50%, which proved the improved CA-Markov model can be used to effectively reconstruct the historical potential distribution of aquatic vegetation. This study provides an accurate methodology for simulating the potential historical distributions of aquatic vegetation to enrich the study of the historical evolution of lake ecosystem.
How to measure intersexual dominance?
Authors: Seex Lauren , Saccà Tommaso , Hemelrijk Charlotte K.
Published: November 2022

Intersexual dominance (dominance between the sexes) is often assumed to be binary with species categorized as either male- or female-dominant. Yet in many species, the degree of intersexual dominance falls somewhere in the middle of these two extremes. There are several measures of intersexual dominance, but in empirical studies, it is not possible to evaluate which is best because the real degree of intersexual dominance is unknown. This evaluation is possible, however, in the agent-based model, DomWorld, because individuals have internal dominance values that drive their agonistic behavior. In the present study, we defined the accuracy of measures of intersexual dominance in DomWorld by the strength of the correlation between the degree of intersexual dominance based on A) their internal dominance values and B) observations of their competitive interactions (similar to observations in empirical studies). We examined the four measures that have been most commonly used in the literature: the proportion of intersexual conflicts won and initiated, the Female Dominance Index, and the proportion of female-dominant dyads. The Female Dominance Index was highly accurate, possibly because it was based on the outcomes of intra- and intersexual conflicts, both of which influence an individual's dominance. The proportion of intersexual conflicts initiated was similar in its accuracy to the Female Dominance Index and it was the only measure to be unaffected by missing data. Measures were more accurate when groups were smaller, or the intensity of aggression was higher, but their accuracy did not depend on the degree of sexual dimorphism. To best represent dominance relations between the sexes, we recommend reporting both the Female Dominance Index and the proportion of intersexual conflicts initiated.
Association of COVID-19 mortality with serum selenium, zinc and copper: Six observational studies across Europe
Authors: Demircan Kamil , Chillon Thilo Samson , Bracken Tommy , Bulgarelli Ilaria , Campi Irene , Du Laing Gijs , Fafi-Kremer Samira , Fugazzola Laura , Garcia Alejandro Abner , Heller Raban , Hughes David J. , Ide Louis , Klingenberg Georg Jochen , Komarnicki Pawel , Krasinski Zbigniew , Lescure Alain , Mallon Patrick , Moghaddam Arash , Persani Luca , Petrovic Mirko , Ruchala Marek , Solis Morgane , Vandekerckhove Linos , Schomburg Lutz
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Certain trace elements are essential for life and affect immune system function, and their intake varies by region and population. Alterations in serum Se, Zn and Cu have been associated with COVID-19 mortality risk. We tested the hypothesis that a disease-specific decline occurs and correlates with mortality risk in different countries in Europe.

Methods

Serum samples from 551 COVID-19 patients (including 87 non-survivors) who had participated in observational studies in Europe (Belgium, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, and Poland) were analyzed for trace elements by total reflection X-ray fluorescence. A subset (n=2069) of the European EPIC study served as reference. Analyses were performed blinded to clinical data in one analytical laboratory.

Results

Median levels of Se and Zn were lower than in EPIC, except for Zn in Italy. Non-survivors consistently had lower Se and Zn concentrations than survivors and displayed an elevated Cu/Zn ratio. Restricted cubic spline regression models revealed an inverse nonlinear association between Se or Zn and death, and a positive association between Cu/Zn ratio and death. With respect to patient age and sex, Se showed the highest predictive value for death (AUC=0.816), compared with Zn (0.782) or Cu (0.769).

Discussion

The data support the potential relevance of a decrease in serum Se and Zn for survival in COVID-19 across Europe. The observational study design cannot account for residual confounding and reverse causation, but supports the need for intervention trials in COVID-19 patients with severe Se and Zn deficiency to test the potential benefit of correcting their deficits for survival and convalescence.