bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Noninvasive arterial compliance estimation
Authors: Švec D , Javorka M
Published: February 2022

Arterial compliance is an important cardiovascular parameter characterizing mechanical and structural properties of arteries and significantly influencing ventricular-arterial coupling. Decreased arterial compliance is associated with several physiological states and pathological processes. Furthermore, arterial compliance is influenced by other cardiovascular parameters even at short time scales. Today, there are numerous noninvasive methods of estimation arterial compliance in vivo introducing some level of confusion about selection of the best method for particular application and measurement setting. In this review, the most common noninvasive methods of arterial compliance estimation are summarized, discussed and categorized. Finally, interpretation of estimated arterial compliance in the context of other possible confounders is discussed.
Adrenergic receptors gene polymorphisms and autonomic nervous control of heart and vascular tone
Authors: Matušková L , Javorka M
Published: February 2022

Adrenergic receptors (ARs) are the primary targets of catecholamines released from the sympathetic nerve endings during their activation. ARs play a central role in autonomic nervous system and serve as important targets of widely used drugs. Several ARs gene polymorphisms were found to be associated with cardiovascular disease in previous clinical studies. Although more precise mechanism of the polymorphisms influence on autonomic control of cardiovascular system was studied in many previous physiological studies, their results are not unequivocal. This paper reviews the results of clinical and physiological studies focused on the impact of selected common single nucleotide polymorphisms of ARs genes involved in sympathetic control on cardiovascular system and its control. In summary, many studies assessed only a very limited range of cardiovascular control related parameters providing only very limited view on the complex cardiovascular control. The overview of partially contradicting results underlines a need to examine wider range of cardiovascular measures including their reactivity under various stress conditions requiring further study. It is expected that an effect of one given polymorphism is not very prominent, but it is suggested that even subtle differences in cardiovascular control could – on a longer time scale – lead to the development of severe pathological consequences.
Beyond Intention. TheDraft National Guidance for Child Protection in Scotland(2020): A Case Study of a Scottish Policy Document
Authors: Clapton Gary
Published: February 2022

Since 1998, the Scottish Government has periodically issued guidance for child protection practice. This has grown from seventy-seven pages to two hundred and seventy pages in the latest draft iteration –  The Draft National Guidance for Child Protection in Scotland (2020). This review of the Draft Guidance takes a rare, because critical and problematising, look at a policy document intended to influence social work practice with children and families. The review points to omissions, questions inclusions and looks at the ways that the Draft Guidance seeks to claim our attention for some matters and not others. With a focus upon appearances and the author's impressions, close reading of text and language usage, the review offers strategies for critical reading of policy documents.
Work Life Balance Auditor Influenced By Work Family Conflict And Support Supervisor
Authors: Regina Azlani Diva , Yustina Andi Ina , Mahmudah Hadi , Dewi Christine Novita
Published: February 2022

Abstract

This research examines whether the role of supervisor support could affect the work-life balance of auditors in public accounting firms, both big four and non-big four. If so, whether it could be mediated by work-family conflict (work-interfering family and family-interfering work). A web-based survey is used to this research in deploying and delivering the questionnaires to 222 auditors from some public accounting firms listed in Indonesia. The result shows that work-interfere family has been partially mediated the relationship between supervisor support and work-life balance, while family-interfere work has not mediated that relationship. The result also demonstrates that supervisor support has a negative correlation and significant effect on work-family conflicts (work-interfere family and family-interfere work). This study suggests creating and developing organisational policies such as family-friendly policies that could help supervisors maintain auditor's life commitments by minimising work-family conflict that will affect the improvement of work-life balance.

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Factors Affecting the Level of Disclosure of Islamic Social Reporting (ISR) at Sharia Commercial Banks in Indonesia
Authors: Mais Rimi Gusliana , Ramadhanty Fajriana
Published: February 2022

This is the study conducted to determine the factors influence the Islamic Social Reporting (ISR) level disclosure at the bank of Islamic Commercial in Indonesia in period of 2016-2020 where the variables are company size (SIZE), profitability (ROA), and company age (AGE). The quantitative method used in this study is a causal research strategy (cause and effect) with panel data regression based on the help of Eviews' 10. All Islamic Commercial Banks who registered in Financial Services Authority (OJK) in 2016 – 2020 is population of this study. The researcher used the method of purposive sampling to choose the sample. The secondary data of this research gained from the reports of financial banking which is downloaded from its website. The researcher analyzed data by using multiple regression test and hypothesis testing. The results of this study indicate that there is a significant positive effect between company size, age and profitability on the level of disclosure in Islamic Social Reporting.
Plant Stress Scenarios Differentially Affect Expression and IgE Reactivity of Grass Group-1 Allergen (β-Expansin) in Maize and Rice Pollen
Authors: Juprasong Yotin , Songnuan Wisuwat
Published: February 2022

Grass pollen is among the most common outdoor aeroallergens eliciting pollen allergies throughout the world. Grass group-1 allergen or β-expansin is recognized as a major pollen allergen, particularly in the grass family Poaceae. Expression of β-expansin has been shown to be dynamic and can be influenced by environmental stresses. This study evaluated the relative expression of β-expansin and IgE-binding ability of crude pollen extract protein of rice and maize under three different stress conditions: flood, salt, and drought. After 1 week of treatments, anthers containing pollen were collected followed by RNA extraction and cDNA synthesis. To evaluate relative expression, qRT-PCR was performed using specific primers for β-expansin and reference genes. Physiological characteristics of treated and untreated maize and rice: plant height; fresh weight of anthers; number of inflorescences, anthers, and pollen grains were also recorded. To assess IgE-binding ability of proteins in rice pollen extracts, soluble crude proteins were extracted and IgE immunoblot and ELISA were performed using serum samples from grass-allergic subjects and healthy control donors. Results showed that plant height, fresh weight of anthers, number of inflorescences, anthers, and pollen grains of both maize and rice decreased significantly under drought stress conditions, but not in other conditions. Expression of β-expansin in pollen of rice showed an apparent increase in all stress treatments relative to control samples. In contrast, a significant decrease of β-expansin expression was detected in maize pollen under all stress-treated conditions. IgE-reactive protein bands from rice pollen extract proteins were ~30 kDa, as expected of the grass-group 1 protein. The intensity of IgE-reactive protein bands and the level of IgE to rice pollen proteins showed significant differences among stress conditions. In conclusion, environmental stresses—flood, salt, and drought, can elicit a change of β-expansin expression and IgE reactivity to grass group-1 pollen allergens. Changes in expression level of this gene likely reflected its importance during stress. However, the response is highly dependent on different schemes employed by each plant species.
Leg Length Discrepancy and Nonspecific Low Back Pain: 3-D Stereophotogrammetric Quantitative Posture Evaluation Confirms Positive Effects of Customized Heel-Lift Orthotics
Authors: D’Amico Moreno , Kinel Edyta , Roncoletta Piero
Published: February 2022

Background: The literature reports evidence of leg length discrepancy (LLD) associated with musculoskeletal disorders, alterations in spinopelvic alignment, and body posture, leading to low back pain and lumbar scoliosis. The most common conservative treatment for LLD is the use of internal or external shoe lifts although no treatment guidelines have been established.

Aim: The study aimed to contribute to low back pain–LLD relationship comprehension, highlighting the benefits of LLD correction in the nonspecific low back pain (NSLBP) population.

Methods: A cross-sectional observational study recruited a cohort of 80 NSLBP patients (48 females, 32 males) with LLD, age (μ = 35 ± 17.2). Entire body posture, including 3-D spine shape reconstruction, was measured using a nonionizing 3-D optoelectronic stereophotogrammetric approach. After the first 3-D posture evaluation, patients were provided with customized orthotics, including 100% LLD heel lift correction. No other therapeutic interventions were considered. Pain level was assessed using the numerical pain rating scale (NPRS). The gender, age-related, and time-dependent effects of LLD equalization treatment in NSLBP patients was investigated during 2 years of follow-up. The statistical analysis was performed at the global level using multivariate methods by Hotelling T2 tests and intrasubject-level using t-test.

Results and Discussion: An initial average NPRS = 7.8 was determined. In the medium-term follow-up group (4 months), the NPRS dramatically decreased (NPRS = 1.1). The pain disappeared in the long-term (2 years) follow-up group (NPRS = 0). The study results highlight that LLD equalization treatment led to clear statistically significant improvements in all the postural parameters of the frontal plane, including the underfoot load asymmetry. No worsening has been detected. An adaptation period long enough is needed to obtain progressive pain relief improvements and structural posture changes. Younger NSLBP patients showed slightly better improvements than older ones. Minimal differences between healthy young adults’ and NSLBP patients’ postures were found either in natural erect standing posture or when LLD equalization is applied.

Conclusion: Heel-lift customized orthotics with 100% LLD correction are an effective short- and long-term treatment in patients with nonspecific LBP, inducing pain symptom recession and stimulating the improvement of postural parameters without contraindications.
Modulation in the Stiffness of Specific Muscles of the Quadriceps in Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis and Their Relationship With Functional Ability
Authors: Chang Tian-Tian , Zhu Yuan-Chun , Li Zhe , Li Feng , Li Ya-Peng , Guo Jia-Yi , Wang Xue-Qiang , Zhang Zhi-Jie
Published: February 2022

Deficits in the flexibility of the quadriceps are one of the risk factors for developing knee joint disorders. No studies have investigated the changes in the stiffness of the quadriceps muscle among patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA). Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate changes in the stiffness of specific-muscle of the quadriceps in patients with knee OA and their relationship with functional ability. Twenty-five patients with knee OA and 25 healthy, asymptomatic subjects were recruited in this study. The stiffness of the vastus lateralis (VL), vastus medialis (VM) and rectus femoris (RF) in all participants was evaluated using MyotonPRO at 60° and 90° flexion of the knee joint. The results of this study showed a greater VL stiffness in patients with knee OA than in healthy subjects at both 60° and 90° of knee flexion (p < 0.05). Significant differences in VL, VM and RF stiffness were obtained at different knee joint angles in individuals with and without knee OA (p < 0.05). In addition, there was a positive correlation between VL stiffness and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) scores in patients with Knee OA (60° of knee flexion: r = 0.508, p = 0.010; 90° of knee flexion: r = 0.456, p = 0.022). These results indicate that there is an increase in VL stiffness in patients with knee OA compared with healthy, asymptomatic subjects, and the quadriceps stiffness was increased with knee flexion in both healthy subjects and patients with knee OA. VL stiffness is associated with WOMAC scores in patients with knee OA.
Purification, Characterization, and Hydrolysate Analysis of Dextranase From Arthrobacter oxydans G6-4B
Authors: Liu Nannan , Li Peiting , Dong Xiujin , Lan Yusi , Xu Linxiang , Wei Zhen , Wang Shujun
Published: February 2022

Dextran has aroused increasingly more attention as the primary pollutant in sucrose production and storage. Although enzymatic hydrolysis is more efficient and environmentally friendly than physical methods, the utilization of dextranase in the sugar industry is restricted by the mismatch of reaction conditions and heterogeneity of hydrolysis products. In this research, a dextranase from Arthrobacter oxydans G6-4B was purified and characterized. Through anion exchange chromatography, dextranase was successfully purified up to 32.25-fold with a specific activity of 288.62 U/mg protein and a Mw of 71.12 kDa. The optimum reaction conditions were 55°C and pH 7.5, and it remained relatively stable in the range of pH 7.0–9.0 and below 60°C, while significantly inhibited by metal ions, such as Ni+, Cu2+, Zn2+, Fe3+, and Co2+. Noteworthily, a distinction of previous studies was that the hydrolysates of dextran were basically isomalto-triose (more than 73%) without glucose, and the type of hydrolysates tended to be relatively stable in 30 min; dextranase activity showed a great influence on hydrolysate. In conclusion, given the superior thermal stability and simplicity of hydrolysates, the dextranase in this study presented great potential in the sugar industry to remove dextran and obtain isomalto-triose.
Tension Estimation Method for Cable With Damper Using Natural Frequencies With Uncertain Modal Order
Authors: Furukawa Aiko , Suzuki Syuya , Kobayashi Ryosuke
Published: February 2022

In the maintenance of cable structures, such as cable-stayed bridges, it is necessary to estimate the tension acting on the cables. In current Japanese practice, the cable tension is estimated from the cable’s natural frequency using vibration-based methods. However, in recent years, dampers have been installed onto the cables to suppress aerodynamic vibrations. Because the damper changes the cable’s natural frequencies, the methods used for cables without dampers are not appropriate for cables with dampers. With this background, the authors previously proposed a method (Method 0F) for estimating the tension of a cable with a damper from the natural frequencies and their modal order. Method 0F partially ignores the imaginary part of the complex natural frequencies to simplify the problem. This study proposes a new method (Method 1F) that does not ignore the imaginary part of a complex natural frequency. Method 1F still needs both the natural frequencies and their modal order to be input. If the modal order is not correctly specified, the accuracy deteriorates. Therefore, a new method (Method 2F) that only requires the natural frequencies is also proposed. The validity of the proposed methods was confirmed by numerical simulations and experiments. The numerical and experimental verifications confirmed that the new methods were superior compared with previous methods, and that Method 2F has the highest effectiveness.
Genome-wide Interaction Study Implicates VGLL2 and Alcohol Exposure and PRL and Smoking in Orofacial Cleft Risk
Authors: Carlson Jenna C. , Shaffer John R. , Deleyiannis Fred , Hecht Jacqueline T. , Wehby George L. , Christensen Kaare , Feingold Eleanor , Weinberg Seth M. , Marazita Mary L. , Leslie Elizabeth J.
Published: February 2022

Non-syndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate (NSCL/P) is a common birth defect, affecting approximately 1 in 700 births. NSCL/P has complex etiology including several known genes and environmental factors; however, known genetic risk variants only account for a small fraction of the heritability of NSCL/P. It is commonly suggested that gene-by-environment (G×E) interactions may help explain some of the “missing” heritability of NSCL/P. We conducted a genome-wide G×E interaction study in cases and controls of European ancestry with three common maternal exposures during pregnancy: alcohol, smoking, and vitamin use using a two-stage design. After selecting 127 loci with suggestive 2df tests for gene and G x E effects, 40 loci showed significant G x E effects after correcting for multiple tests. Notable interactions included SNPs of 6q22 near VGLL2 with alcohol and 6p22.3 near PRL with smoking. These interactions could provide new insights into the etiology of CL/P and new opportunities to modify risk through behavioral changes.
Efficient CRISPR Mutagenesis in Sturgeon Demonstrates Its Utility in Large, Slow-Maturing Vertebrates
Authors: Stundl Jan , Soukup Vladimír , Franěk Roman , Pospisilova Anna , Psutkova Viktorie , Pšenička Martin , Cerny Robert , Bronner Marianne E. , Medeiros Daniel Meulemans , Jandzik David
Published: February 2022

In the last decade, the CRISPR/Cas9 bacterial virus defense system has been adapted as a user-friendly, efficient, and precise method for targeted mutagenesis in eukaryotes. Though CRISPR/Cas9 has proven effective in a diverse range of organisms, it is still most often used to create mutant lines in lab-reared genetic model systems. However, one major advantage of CRISPR/Cas9 mutagenesis over previous gene targeting approaches is that its high efficiency allows the immediate generation of near-null mosaic mutants. This feature could potentially allow genotype to be linked to phenotype in organisms with life histories that preclude the establishment of purebred genetic lines; a group that includes the vast majority of vertebrate species. Of particular interest to scholars of early vertebrate evolution are several long-lived and slow-maturing fishes that diverged from two dominant modern lineages, teleosts and tetrapods, in the Ordovician, or before. These early-diverging or “basal” vertebrates include the jawless cyclostomes, cartilaginous fishes, and various non-teleost ray-finned fishes. In addition to occupying critical phylogenetic positions, these groups possess combinations of derived and ancestral features not seen in conventional model vertebrates, and thus provide an opportunity for understanding the genetic bases of such traits. Here we report successful use of CRISPR/Cas9 mutagenesis in one such non-teleost fish, sterletAcipenser ruthenus, a small species of sturgeon. We introduced mutations into the genesTyrosinase, which is needed for melanin production, andSonic hedgehog, a pleiotropic developmental regulator with diverse roles in early embryonic patterning and organogenesis. We observed disruption of both loci and the production of consistent phenotypes, including both near-null mutants’ various hypomorphs. Based on these results, and previous work in lamprey and amphibians, we discuss how CRISPR/Cas9 F0 mutagenesis may be successfully adapted to other long-lived, slow-maturing aquatic vertebrates and identify the ease of obtaining and injecting eggs and/or zygotes as the main challenges.
Natural Products and Nanotechnology Against Coronavirus Disease 2019
Authors: Zeng Ning , Chen Xue , Liu Zeming
Published: February 2022

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a new and severe infectious disease and new global disaster and is spreading rapidly worldwide. Natural products have a long history and have been widely used to treat various acute, chronic, and even life-threatening diseases worldwide. However, the natural products have reduced bioavailability and availability as they have poor kinetic properties, such as large molecular weight, inability to cross lipid membranes, and weak absorption ability. With the rapid development of nanotechnology, using novel nanotechnology in conjunction with natural products can effectively eliminate the molecular restriction of the entry of nanoproducts into the body and can be used to diagnose and treat various diseases, including COVID-19, bringing new strategies and directions for medicine. This article reviews the role and implementation of natural products against COVID-19 based on nanotechnology.
A Culture-Adapted Strain of Babesia bovis Has Reduced Subpopulation Complexity and Is Unable to Complete Its Natural Life Cycle in Ticks
Authors: Alzan Heba F. , Bastos Reginaldo G. , Laughery Jacob M. , Scoles Glen A. , Ueti Massaro W. , Johnson Wendell C. , Suarez Carlos E.
Published: February 2022

Babesia bovis natural field strains are composed of several geno-phenotypically distinct subpopulations. This feature, together with possible epigenetic modifications, may facilitate adaptation to variable environmental conditions. In this study we compare geno-phenotypical features among long-term (more than 12 years) (LTCP) and short-term cultured B. bovis parasites (STCP) derived from the B. bovis S74-T3Bo strain. LTCPs intraerythrocytic forms are smaller in size than STCPs and have faster in vitro growth rate. In contrast to its parental strain, the LTCP lack expression of the sexual stage specific 6cysA and 6cysB proteins and are unable to develop sexual forms upon in vitro sexual stage induction. Consistently, in contrast to its parental strain, LTCPs have reduced virulence and are not transmissible to cattle by vector competent Rhipicephalus microplus (R. microplus). Similar to previous comparisons among attenuated and virulent B. bovis strains, the LTCP line has decreased genomic diversity compared to the STCP line. Thus, LTCP may contribute to our understanding of adaptive mechanisms used by the parasites in response to environmental changes, protective immunity, virulence, and transmission by ticks. In addition, LTCPs may be considered as candidates for a non-tick transmissible vaccine against bovine babesiosis.
Assessment of the Risk of Severe Dengue Using Intrahost Viral Population in Dengue Virus Serotype 2 Patients via Machine Learning
Authors: Hung Su-Jhen , Tsai Huey-Pin , Wang Ya-Fang , Ko Wen-Chien , Wang Jen-Ren , Huang Sheng-Wen
Published: February 2022

Dengue virus, a positive-sense single-stranded RNA virus, continuously threatens human health. Although several criteria for evaluation of severe dengue have been recently established, the ability to prognose the risk of severe outcomes for dengue patients remains limited. Mutant spectra of RNA viruses, including single nucleotide variants (SNVs) and defective virus genomes (DVGs), contribute to viral virulence and growth. Here, we determine the potency of intrahost viral population in dengue patients with primary infection that progresses into severe dengue. A total of 65 dengue virus serotype 2 infected patients in primary infection including 17 severe cases were enrolled. We utilized deep sequencing to directly define the frequency of SNVs and detection times of DVGs in sera of dengue patients and analyzed their associations with severe dengue. Among the detected SNVs and DVGs, the frequencies of 9 SNVs and the detection time of 1 DVG exhibited statistically significant differences between patients with dengue fever and those with severe dengue. By utilizing the detected frequencies/times of the selected SNVs/DVG as features, the machine learning model showed high average with a value of area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC, 0.966 ± 0.064). The elevation of the frequency of SNVs at E (nucleotide position 995 and 2216), NS2A (nucleotide position 4105), NS3 (nucleotide position 4536, 4606), and NS5 protein (nucleotide position 7643 and 10067) and the detection times of the selected DVG that had a deletion junction in the E protein region (nucleotide positions of the junction: between 969 and 1022) increased the possibility of dengue patients for severe dengue. In summary, we demonstrated the detected frequencies/times of SNVs/DVG in dengue patients associated with severe disease and successfully utilized them to discriminate severe patients using machine learning algorithm. The identified SNVs and DVGs that are associated with severe dengue will expand our understanding of intrahost viral population in dengue pathogenesis.
Shut-Down of Type IX Protein Secretion Alters the Host Immune Response to Tannerella forsythia and Porphyromonas gingivalis
Authors: Braun Matthias L. , Tomek Markus B. , Grünwald-Gruber Clemens , Nguyen Phuong Q. , Bloch Susanne , Potempa Jan S. , Andrukhov Oleh , Schäffer Christina
Published: February 2022

Tannerella forsythia and Porphyromonas gingivalis target distinct virulence factors bearing a structurally conserved C-terminal domain (CTD) to the type IX protein secretion system (T9SS). The T9SS comprises an outer membrane translocation complex which works in concert with a signal peptidase for CTD cleavage. Among prominent T9SS cargo linked to periodontal diseases are the TfsA and TfsB components of T. forsythia’s cell surface (S-) layer, the bacterium’s BspA surface antigen and a set of cysteine proteinases (gingipains) from P. gingivalis. To assess the overall role of the bacterial T9SS in the host response, human macrophages and human gingival fibroblasts were stimulated with T. forsythia and P. gingivalis wild-type bacteria and T9SS signal peptidase-deficient mutants defective in protein secretion, respectively. The immunostimulatory potential of these bacteria was compared by analyzing the mRNA expression levels of the pro-inflammatory mediators IL-6, IL-8, MCP-1 and TNF-α by qPCR and by measuring the production of the corresponding proteins by ELISA. Shot-gun proteomics analysis of T. forsythia and P. gingivalis outer membrane preparations confirmed that several CTD-bearing virulence factors which interact with the human immune system were depleted from the signal peptidase mutants, supportive of effective T9SS shut-down. Three and, more profoundly, 16 hours post stimulation, the T. forsythia T9SS mutant induced significantly less production of cytokines and the chemokine in human cells compared to the corresponding parent strain, while the opposite was observed for the P. gingivalis T9SS mutant. Our data indicate that T9SS shut-down translates into an altered inflammatory response in periodontal pathogens. Thus, the T9SS as a potential novel target for periodontal therapy needs further evaluation.
Role of N6-methyladenosine Modification in Cardiac Remodeling
Authors: Choy ManTing , Xue Ruicong , Wu Yuzhong , Fan Wendong , Dong Yugang , Liu Chen
Published: February 2022

Cardiac remodeling is the critical process in heart failure due to many cardiovascular diseases including myocardial infarction, hypertension, cardiovascular disease and cardiomyopathy. However, treatments for heart failure focusing on cardiac remodeling show relatively limited effectiveness. In recent decades, epitranscriptomic modifications were found abundantly present throughout the progression of cardiac remodeling, and numerous types of biochemical modifications were identified. m6A modification is the methylation of the adenosine base at the nitrogen-6 position, and dysregulation of m6A modification has been implicated in a wide range of diseases. However, function of m6A modifications still remain largely unknown in cardiac diseases, especially cardiac remodeling. LncRNAs are also shown to play a vital role in the pathophysiology of cardiac remodeling and heart failure. The crosstalk between lncRNAs and m6A modification provides a novel prospective for exploring possible regulatory mechanism and therapeutic targets of cardiac remodeling. This review summarizes the role of m6A modification in cardiac remodeling in the current researches.
Impact of Brachial-Ankle Pulse Wave Velocity on Myocardial Work by Non-invasive Left Ventricular Pressure-Strain in Non-hypertensive and Hypertensive Patients With Preserved Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction
Authors: Duan Qin , Zhang Dongying , Dong Qian , Liao Kangla , Yang Yunjin , Ye Liu , Ge Ping , Qin Shu
Published: February 2022

Objective

Data regarding the influence of arterial stiffness on myocardial work (MW) has been scarce. This study was performed to investigate the association between brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) and MW by non-invasive left ventricular pressure–strain in a population of non-hypertensive and hypertensive individuals.

Methods

Two hundred and eight participants (104 hypertensive and 104 non-hypertensive individuals) were prospectively enrolled into the study. All participants underwent conventional echocardiography, as well as 2D speckle-tracking echocardiography to assess MW by non-invasive left ventricular pressure–strain and global longitudinal strain (GLS). baPWV measurements were made at the same day as the echocardiography. Then, participants were categorized according to baPWV tertiles. Correlation between baPWV and MW were analyzed. Predicting ability of baPWV for abnormal WM was analyzed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.

Results

The median baPWV from the low to high tertile groups were 1286.5 (1197.5–1343.5), 1490.0 (1444.5–1544.0), and 1803.8(1708.3–1972.0) cm/s, respectively. In simple linear regression analysis, baPWV had a significant positive association with global work index (GWI), global constructed work (GCW), and global wasted work (GWW), and a negative association with global work efficiency (GWE). The association remained significant after adjusting for major confounding factors in multiple linear regression analysis. The areas under the ROC curve of baPWV for predicting abnormal GWI, GCW, GWW, and GWE were 0.653, 0.666, 0.725, and 0.688, respectively (all p < 0.05).

Conclusions

BaPWV is significantly associated with all four components of MW using non-invasive left ventricular pressure-strain method in a mixed population of non-hypertensive and hypertensive individuals.
Comparison of a Machine Learning Method and Various Equations for Estimating Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol in Korean Populations
Authors: Kwon Yu-Jin , Lee Hyangkyu , Baik Su Jung , Chang Hyuk-Jae , Lee Ji-Won
Published: February 2022

Background

LDL-C is the primary target of lipid-lowering therapy and used to classify patients by cardiovascular disease risk. We aimed to develop a deep neural network (DNN) model to estimate LDL-C levels and compare its performance with that of previous LDL-C estimation equations using two large independent datasets of Korean populations.

Methods

The final analysis included participants from two independent population-based cohorts: 129,930 from the Gangnam Severance Health Check-up (GSHC) and 46,470 participants from the Korean Initiatives on Coronary Artery Calcification registry (KOICA). The DNN model was derived from the GSHC dataset and validated in the KOICA dataset. We measured our proposed model's performance according to bias, root mean-square error (RMSE), proportion (P)10–P20, and concordance. P was defined as the percentage of patients whose LDL was within ±10–20% of the measured LDL. We further determined the RMSE scores of each LDL equation according to Pooled cohort equation intervals.

Results

Our DNN method has lower bias and root mean-square error than Friedewald's, Martin's, and NIH equations, showing a high agreement with LDL-C measured by homogenous assay. The DNN method offers more precise LDL estimation in all pooled cohort equation strata.

Conclusion

This method may be particularly helpful for managing a patient's cholesterol levels based on their atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk.
Restoring Ravaged Heart: Molecular Mechanisms and Clinical Application of miRNA in Heart Regeneration
Authors: Shah Vandit , Shah Jigna
Published: February 2022

Human heart development is a complex and tightly regulated process, conserving proliferation, and multipotency of embryonic cardiovascular progenitors. At terminal stage, progenitor cell type gets suppressed for terminal differentiation and maturation. In the human heart, most cardiomyocytes are terminally differentiated and so have limited proliferation capacity. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are non-coding single-stranded RNA that regulate gene expression and mRNA silencing at the post-transcriptional level. These miRNAs play a crucial role in numerous biological events, including cardiac development, and cardiomyocyte proliferation. Several cardiac cells specific miRNAs have been discovered. Inhibition or overexpression of these miRNAs could induce cardiac regeneration, cardiac stem cell proliferation and cardiomyocyte proliferation. Clinical application of miRNAs extends to heart failure, wherein the cell cycle arrest of terminally differentiated cardiac cells inhibits the heart regeneration. The regenerative capacity of the myocardium can be enhanced by cardiomyocyte specific miRNAs controlling the cell cycle. In this review, we focus on cardiac-specific miRNAs involved in cardiac regeneration and cardiomyocyte proliferation, and their potential as a new clinical therapy for heart regeneration.
Automated Detection of Vaping-Related Tweets on Twitter During the 2019 EVALI Outbreak Using Machine Learning Classification
Authors: Ren Yang , Wu Dezhi , Singh Avineet , Kasson Erin , Huang Ming , Cavazos-Rehg Patricia
Published: February 2022

There are increasingly strict regulations surrounding the purchase and use of combustible tobacco products (i.e., cigarettes); simultaneously, the use of other tobacco products, including e-cigarettes (i.e., vaping products), has dramatically increased. However, public attitudes toward vaping vary widely, and the health effects of vaping are still largely unknown. As a popular social media, Twitter contains rich information shared by users about their behaviors and experiences, including opinions on vaping. It is very challenging to identify vaping-related tweets to source useful information manually. In the current study, we proposed to develop a detection model to accurately identify vaping-related tweets using machine learning and deep learning methods. Specifically, we applied seven popular machine learning and deep learning algorithms, including Naïve Bayes, Support Vector Machine, Random Forest, XGBoost, Multilayer Perception, Transformer Neural Network, and stacking and voting ensemble models to build our customized classification model. We extracted a set of sample tweets during an outbreak of e-cigarette or vaping-related lung injury (EVALI) in 2019 and created an annotated corpus to train and evaluate these models. After comparing the performance of each model, we found that the stacking ensemble learning achieved the highest performance with an F1-score of 0.97. All models could achieve 0.90 or higher after tuning hyperparameters. The ensemble learning model has the best average performance. Our study findings provide informative guidelines and practical implications for the automated detection of themed social media data for public opinions and health surveillance purposes.
Tectono-Thermal Evolution and its Significance of Hydrocarbon Exploration in the Fuyang Sag, Southern North China Basin: A Case Study of Well WFD-1
Authors: Gao Peng , Li Zhao , Miao Miao , Li Shizhen , Zhang Hongda
Published: February 2022

The study of tectono-thermal evolution of sedimentary basins reveals both geothermal field characteristics and hydrocarbon generation and expulsion in the basin. However, there are only a few studies on the tectono-thermal evolution of the Fuyang Sag. This means the hydrocarbon exploration in the study area is restricted and unable to be effectively supported. Based on the geophysical exploration and drilling results, the tectono-thermal evolution of the Fuyang Sag has been studied for the first time in this paper. Using the organic geochemical data of the source rocks, the influence of tectono-thermal evolution on hydrocarbon exploration in the Fuyang Sag was discussed. The burial history of the Fuyang Sag since the late Paleozoic falls into four stages: stable sedimentation, rapid subsidence and deposition, long-term continuous uplift and denudation, and sedimentation. The heat flow evolution history of the Fuyang Sag since the late Paleozoic is characterized by ascending first and descending afterward. The main source rocks in the sag increased rapidly during the Permian and was gradually finalized in the Yanshanian period. The Fuyang Sag was reformed after the early hydrocarbon generation. The main source rocks with deeper burial depth, weaker uplift, and denudation reformation have greater potential for hydrocarbon exploration in the sag. The results of this study provide not only a scientific basis and important guidance for hydrocarbon exploration in the Fuyang Sag, and but also effective geothermal constraints for further geodynamics research in the Southern North China Basin.
Failure Characteristics and Treatment Measures of Tunnels in Expansive Rock Stratum
Authors: Yang Min , Liu Naifei , Li Ning , Xu Chongbang , Li Guofeng , Cao Mingming
Published: February 2022

During the operation period, disasters caused by the expansion of tunnel surrounding rock often occurs, but the understanding of this problem is still insufficient. This study investigated the disaster that occurred in the tunnel based on numerical simulation on a case in Dugongling, China. First, the main diseases, including lining cracks, pavement uplift and cable trench overturning and so on, of the tunnel were investigated in the field. According to the geological data, the expansion and softening of the surrounding rock was likely to be the main cause of lining cracking. Then, this paper proposed a formula for calculating the expansion force of expansive rock when the water content changes. Based on the expansion force calculation formula, the most severely damaged section was numerically analyzed, and the results were compared with the on-site monitoring data. According to the simulation results, the deformation of the surrounding rock and the stress of the supporting structure were studied. The research showed that the expansion and softening of the surrounding rock led to an increase in the load acting on the lining structure, which intensified the development of disasters. Finally, four reinforcement schemes were proposed and simulated, and the best reinforcement scheme was evaluated. The results of this study can provide a reference for the design and construction of this project and similar projects.
Study on Well Logging Technology for the Comprehensive Evaluation of the “Seven Properties” of Shale Oil Reservoirs—An Example of Shale Oil in the Lucaogou Formation in the Jimsar Sag, Junggar Basin
Authors: Qi Hongyan , Su Jing , Hu Xuan , Ma Aiyu , Dong Yuqing , Li Ang
Published: February 2022

The shale oil reservoir in the Lucaogou Formation in the Jimsar Sag, Junggar Basin has a complex lithology, complex pore structure, and strong heterogeneity. Conventional logging reservoir evaluation methods have difficulty accurately evaluating the lithology, physical properties, electrical properties, oil-bearing properties, source rock characteristics, brittleness, and horizontal in-situ stress. Starting from the logging response characteristics of complex lithologies, a multilevel, multi-logging parameter combination shale oil logging evaluation is proposed, and an evaluation model of the “seven properties” of shale oil reservoirs is established. This model is used to interpret the data in the study area and achieves good results, effectively solving the “three types of quality” evaluation problems of shale oil source rock quality, reservoir quality and engineering quality. Based on the comprehensive evaluation of the seven properties of logging, it is proposed that the lithology of the Lucaogou Formation shale oil determines the physical properties, brittleness, source rock properties, rock mechanical properties, contact relationships with the reservoir and physical property controls on the oil-bearing property; the “sweet spot” of shale oil in the Lucaogou Formation is clarified, providing effective support for the development of shale oil in the Jimsar Depression.
PISA Achievement in Sweden From the Perspective of Both Individual Data and Aggregated Cross-Country Data
Authors: Boman Björn
Published: February 2022

This study set out to analyze Swedish 15-year-olds’ PISA performance in 2015 and to lesser extent 2018 by using a combination of individual data (2015) and aggregated cross-country data for 2015 and 2018, inclusive of 31 OECD countries. At the within-country and individual level, native Swedish students who took the PISA test in 2015 outperformed first- and second-generation migrants. Moreover, the latent socioeconomic variable “number of books at home” was associated with higher PISA math achievement. Ambition was positively associated with PISA math scores, wheres worry was negatively associated with PISA math. At the cross-country level, GDP per capita was associated with higher PISA scores but ethnic homogeneity was not. IQ scores, PIAAC scores for teachers, and teacher salaries were also moderately correlated with PISA math achievement. This indicates that a country with high cognitive ability levels, as well as cognitively competent and well-paid teachers are likely to perform better in large-scale international assessments such as PISA.
Topics, Sources and Applicability of Coaching Knowledge in Police Training
Authors: Staller Mario S. , Koerner Swen , Abraham Andrew , Poolton Jamie M.
Published: February 2022

The current study explored police trainers’ perceptions of their actual and preferred methods of acquiring new coaching knowledge; the types of knowledge they currently require and/or desire; and how they apply new knowledge. A total of 163 police trainers from Germany and Austria participated in the study. The responses were analysed using an inductive approach. The results showed that police trainers thought they needed knowledge of pedagogy, policing, and self-development, with reasons being centred around a need to optimise learning, training content and the engagement of learners within the training sessions. Preferred methods of learning focused predominantly around informal and non-formal opportunities, the reasons for which were social interaction, the reality-based focus of the content and the perceived quality. Finally, police trainers identified technical or tactical policing knowledge, or knowledge specific to the delivery of police training as useful, recently acquired coaching knowledge, mainly because it was perceived to have direct application to their working practices. Based on these findings, it is suggested police trainers are in need of context-specific knowledge and support to develop the declarative knowledge structures that afford critical reflection of new information.
Long Time-Series Urban Heat Island Monitoring and Driving Factors Analysis Using Remote Sensing and Geodetector
Authors: Xiong Liwei , Li Shenxin , Zou Bin , Peng Fen , Fang Xin , Xue Yun
Published: February 2022

Urban heat island (UHI) effect decribes significant change due to rapid urbanization development. This study focused on the long time series analysis of UHI during the period 2000-2018, and analyzed the impact of land cover type and landscape metric factors on surface temperature. The results revealed that the UHI had a continuously decreasing trend in 2005–2010, and an increasing trend in 2000–2005 and 2010–2018. Cropland, built-up land, patch density (PD), Shannon Diversity Index (SHDI), and Landscape Shape Index (LSI) had a positive relationship with UHI, whereas forestland, open water, and CONTAG had a negative correlation with the UHI effect. The Geodetector analysis further revealed that PD, SHDI, and LSI had the greatest influences on LST as the three factors had the largest q values (0.287, 0.286, and 0.278). Forestland, cropland, and built-up land had greater impacts on the UHI than other land cover type factors. The explanatory power reached a maximum value of 0.408 when built-up land and cropland variables interacted. The findings of this study provide new understandings of the relationship between urban landscape and UHI, as well as important insights for urban planners to mitigate the UHI effect for the sustainable development of future urban agglomeration.
Predation Scars Reveal Declines in Crab Populations Since the Pleistocene
Authors: Barclay Kristina M. , Leighton Lindsey R.
Published: February 2022

Despite growing concerns over global fisheries, the stock status of most commercially exploited species are poorly understood. Fossil data provide pre-anthropogenic baselines for data-poor fisheries, yet are underutilized in fisheries management. Here, we provide the first use of predation traces to assess the status of fisheries (crab). We compared crab predation traces on living individuals of the crab prey gastropod, Tegula funebralis, to Pleistocene individuals from the same regions in southern California. There were fewer crab predation traces on modern gastropods than their Pleistocene counterparts, revealing reductions in crab abundances today compared to the Pleistocene. We conclude that: (1) regardless of the cause, immediate actions are required to avoid further population reductions of commercially exploited crabs in southern California, (2) predation traces are a rapid, cost-effective method to assess otherwise data-poor fisheries, and (3) the inclusion of fossil data provides key new insights for modern resource and fisheries management.
Aculeate Hymenopterans as Aposematic and Mimetic Models
Authors: Willadsen Peter C.
Published: February 2022

Aposematism and mimicry are complex phenomena which have been studied extensively; however, much of our knowledge comes from just a few focal groups, especially butterflies. Aposematic species combine a warning signal with a secondary defense that reduces their profitability as prey. Aculeate hymenopterans are an extremely diverse lineage defined by the modification of the ovipositor into a stinger which represents a potent defense against predators. Aculeates are often brightly colored and broadly mimicked by members of other arthropod groups including Diptera, Lepidoptera, Coleoptera, and Araneae. However, aculeates are surprisingly understudied as aposematic and mimetic model organisms. Recent studies have described novel pigments contributing to warning coloration in insects and identified changes in cis-regulatory elements as potential drivers of color pattern evolution. Many biotic and abiotic factors contribute to the evolution and maintenance of conspicuous color patterns. Predator distribution and diversity seem to influence the phenotypic diversity of aposematic velvet ants while studies on bumble bees underscore the importance of intermediate mimetic phenotypes in transition zones between putative mimicry rings. Aculeate hymenopterans are attractive models for studying sex-based intraspecific mimicry as male aculeates lack the defense conferred by the females’ stinger. In some species, evolution of male and female color patterns appears to be decoupled. Future studies on aposematic aculeates and their associated mimics hold great promise for unraveling outstanding questions about the evolution of conspicuous color patterns and the factors which determine the composition and distribution of mimetic communities.