bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
DIGITAL CAPITAL AS INFORMAL SOCIAL PROTECTION IN THE PANDEMIC COVID-19’S ERA (CASE STUDY OF THE WAYANG KULIT ASSOCIATION IN YOGYAKARTA)
Authors: Respa Chindy , Imelda Johanna Debora
Published: August 2022

This article explains digital capital in the wayang kulit (Javanese traditional shadow puppet) association in Yogyakarta during the Covid-19 pandemic era and how its digital capital can protect and serve as informal social protection for the wayang kulit artists association in Yogyakarta in the difficult time. Following the case study method is to investigate WL (Ki SN) association, the group of wayang kulit GP (Ki CB) and SK (Ki GS). The three associations were chosen because they can survive in the middle of the pandemic by holding wayang kulit performances virtually using existing social capital and digital capital. Based on the research results show during the Covid-19 pandemic, digital capital is more effective in providing social protection for group or associations of wayang kulit in Yogyakarta than the traditional social capital scene. The higher the digital capital has seen from the virtual social network (subscriber and viewer or virtual audience), norms of reciprocity, and trust existing with external parties to increase the virtual shows, therefore it can meet the economic needs and welfare of every member in the group and association for facing the pandemic. This research offers a new alternative framework related to digital capital as a informal social protection form. Meanwhile, the practical result is as references for wayang kulit artists to survive in the uncertainty of pandemic and adapt to the challenges of technological digitalization. In addition, it can suggest for the government in formulating rules and an effective model of social protection policy for wayang kulit performances, shadow puppet artists, and in general other artist who rely on art performance as their livelihoods.
IMPROVING TEACHER CREATIVITY THROUGH THE DEVELOPMENT OF SERVANT LEADERSHIP AND SELF EFFICACY OF TEACHERS AT MAN THROUGHOUT BOGOR REGENCY
Authors: Harjanto Sutji , Sumardi Sumardi , Ningtyas Dwi Ari Lita Nugroho
Published: August 2022

This research uses a correlational research and SITOREM analysis which consists of two independent variables, namely Serving Leadership and Self-Efficacy and one variable that is tied to Teacher Creativity. This research was conducted at MA Negeri in Bogor Regency in 2021, with a research population of 147 and there are 108 samples selected using proportional random sampling. The method used in this research is survey and data analysis techniques, with statistical statistics and simple linier regression and multiple linier regression. The research result, namely: first, there is a significant positive relationship between the variable serving leadership (X1 and teacher creativity (Y) in the form of the regression equation Ŷ= 65,167 + 0,504 X1 and the validity is ry1 = 0,511 and the coefficient of determination r2y1 = 0,261. Second, there is a significant positive relationship between sel efficacy (X2) and teacher creativity (Y) with regression of the equation form Ŷ= 62,883 + 0,482 X2 and the path coefficient ry2 = 0,584 and the coefficient of determination r2y2 = 0,342. Third, there is a positive and significant relationship between the serving leadership variable (X1 and self efficacy (X2) together with teacher creativity (Y) expressed in the form of regression equation Ŷ= 39,904 + 0,305 X1 + 0,366 X2 with the subordinate coefficient ry12 = 0,646 and the coefficient of determination r2y12 = 0,417. Based on these things, it can be argued that teacher creativity can be increased throught increased serving leadership and self efficacy.
AN ANALYSIS OF PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FOR IMPROVING LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Authors: Sulistiani Lilis Sri , Kismartini Kismartini , Suwitri Sri , Putranti Ika Riswanti
Published: August 2022

This paper will look at the success of a local government organization with the determination of organizational resources and the right performance management system in order to improve public services in the local government. This article aimed at finding out whether the performance management system is appropriate if it is implemented in the local government work environment. The research method used a literature study by analyzing previous research and other various reference sources, both from textbooks, national journals, and reputable international journals. As an analytical material, we provided an example of an analysis of the performance management system in Banyumas Regency Government. Based on this, it can be concluded that Banyumas Regency always strives to improve organizational performance and existing resources through the implementation of performance management practices although formally the Head of the Region has not yet established a performance management system that applies in Banyumas Regency
A dynamic concept of animal welfare: The role of appetitive and adverse internal and external factors and the animal’s ability to adapt to them
Authors: Arndt Saskia S. , Goerlich Vivian C. , van der Staay F. Josef
Published: August 2022

Animal welfare is a multifaceted issue that can be approached from different viewpoints, depending on human interests, ethical assumptions, and culture. To properly assess, safeguard and promote animal welfare, concepts are needed to serve as guidelines in any context the animal is kept in. Several different welfare concepts have been developed during the last half decade. The Five Freedoms concept has provided the basis for developing animal welfare assessment to date, and the Five Domains concept has guided those responsible for safeguarding animal welfare, while the Quality of Life concept focuses on how the individual perceives its own welfare state. This study proposes a modified and extended version of an earlier animal welfare concept - the Dynamic Animal Welfare Concept (DAWCon). Based on the adaptability of the animal, and taking the importance of positive emotional states and the dynamic nature of animal welfare into account, an individual animal is likely in a positive welfare state when it is mentally and physically capable and possesses the ability and opportunity to react adequately to sporadic or lasting appetitive and adverse internal and external stimuli, events, and conditions. Adequate reactions are elements of an animal’s normal behavior. They allow the animal to cope with and adapt to the demands of the (prevailing) environmental circumstances, enabling it to reach a state that it perceives as positive, i.e., that evokes positive emotions. This paper describes the role of internal as well as external factors in influencing welfare, each of which exerts their effects in a sporadic or lasting manner. Behavior is highlighted as a crucial read-out parameter. As most animals under human care are selected for certain traits that may affect their behavioral repertoire it is crucial to have thorough ethograms, i.e., a catalogue of specific behaviors of the species/strain/breed under study. DAWCon highlights aspects that need to be addressed when assessing welfare and may stimulate future research questions.
Rapid and Economical Drug-Eluting IOL Preparation via Thermoresponsive Agarose Coating for Effective Posterior Capsular Opacification Prevention
Authors: Chen Siqi , Qin Chen , Fang Qiuna , Duo Lan , Wang Mengting , Deng Zhennv , Chen Hao , Lin Quankui
Published: August 2022

Posterior capsular opacification (PCO), the highest incidence complication after cataract surgery, is mainly due to the attachment, proliferation, and migration of the residual lens epithelial cells (LECs). Although the drug-eluting IOLs have been proved to be an effective way to prevent PCO incidence, its preparations are time consuming and require tedious preparation steps. Herein, the thermoreversible agarose is adopted to prepare drug-eluting IOL. Such functional coating can be obtained easily by simple immersion in the antiproliferative drug containing hot agarose and taken out for cooling, which not only does not affect the optical property but also can effectively decrease the PCO incidence after intraocular implantation. As a result, the proposed agarose coating provides a rapid and economical alternative of drug-eluting IOL fabrication for PCO prevention.
Flexible Terahertz Metamaterial Biosensor for Ultra-Sensitive Detection of Hepatitis B Viral DNA Based on the Metal-Enhanced Sandwich Assay
Authors: Li Yumin , Wang Xiaojing , Liu Yu , Jin Weidong , Tian Huiyan , Xie Fengxin , Xia Ke , Zhang Xiuming , Fu Weiling , Zhang Yang
Published: August 2022

The high sensitivity and specificity of terahertz (THz) biosensing are both promising and challenging in DNA sample detection. This study produced and refined a flexible THz MM biosensor for ultrasensitive detection of HBV in clinical serum samples based on a gold magnetic nanoparticle-mediated rolling circle amplification (GMNPs@RCA) sandwich assay under isothermal conditions. Typically, solid-phase RCA reactions mediated by circular padlock probes (PLPs) are triggered under isothermal conditions in the presence of HBV DNA, resulting in long single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) with high fidelity and specificity. Then, the resultant ssDNA was conjugated with detection probes (DPs) immobilized on gold nanoparticles (DP@AuNPs) to form GMNPs-RCA-AuNPs sandwich complexes. The HBV DNA concentrations were quantified by introducing GMNPs-RCA-AuNPs complexes into the metasurface of a flexible THz metamaterial-based biosensor chip and resulting in a red shift of the resonance peak of the THz metamaterials. This biosensor can lead to highly specific and sensitive detection with one-base mismatch discrimination and a limit of detection (LOD) down to 1.27E + 02 IU/ml of HBV DNA from clinical serum samples. The HBV DNA concentration was linearly correlated with the frequency shift of the THz metamaterials within the range of 1.27E + 02∼1.27E + 07 IU/ml, illustrating the applicability and accuracy of our assay in real clinical samples. This strategy constitutes a promising THz sensing method to identify virus DNA. In the future, it is hoped it can assist with pathogen identification and clinical diagnosis.
Hazelnut extract-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers and evaluation of their antioxidant properties
Authors: Emanet Melis , Şen Özlem , Pignatelli Francesca , Lavarello Chiara , Petretto Andrea , Ciofani Gianni
Published: August 2022

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are a common hallmark of many degenerative diseases, developing in all those cases where a failure of physiological antioxidant mechanisms occurs (in particular, antioxidant enzymes and the glutathione system), or in case of exposure to an extremely high level of oxidants. In this regard, antioxidant natural extracts are promising compounds as preventive or therapeutic agents against ROS-dependent degenerations. In this study, a deep investigation of hazelnut (Corylus avellana) extract has been performed in terms of mass spectroscopy, evaluation of phenolic content, and antioxidant capacity. Then, nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) have been exploited for encapsulation of the hazelnut extracts in order to achieve prolonged bioactivity, increased stability, and targeting through a sustainable delivery approach. The hazelnut extract-loaded NLCs (NE_NLCs) have been deeply characterized for their stability, production yield, and encapsulation efficiency. Moreover, NE_NLCs showed optimal cytocompatibility on human dermal fibroblast (HDF) cells, as well as excellent antioxidant activity, upon pro-oxidant stimulus on HDF cells.
Atypical IκB Bcl3 enhances the generation of the NF-κB p52 homodimer
Authors: Pan Wenfei , Deng Limei , Wang Haitao , Wang Vivien Ya-Fan
Published: August 2022

The NF-κB family of dimeric transcription factors regulate diverse biological functions. Their cellular expression profiles differ, which lead to different concentrations in different cell/tissue types. Although the activation mechanisms of different NF-κB dimers have been widely investigated, there is limited information on specific NF-κB dimers’ formation. The NF-κB p52:p52 homodimer regulates an important subset of target genes in cancer cells; however, the molecular mechanism of the generation of this specific homodimer remains unclear. Our study has revealed that the atypical IκB protein, Bcl3, plays an essential role in enhancing the p52:p52 homodimer population which is a unique mechanism to p52 within the NF-κB family. p52 was shown to heterodimerize with four other NF-κB subunits (RelA, RelB, cRel, and p50); all heterodimers, except p52:p50, are significantly more stable than the p52:p52 homodimer. Bcl3 is able to compete with all other NF-κB subunits in cells for efficient p52:p52 homodimer formation which consequently leads to the upregulation of target genes that are involved in cell proliferation, migration, and inflammation, which explain why aberrant activation of Bcl3 and p52 leads to cancer.
Controlling Nonlinear Dynamics of Milling Bodies in Mechanochemical Devices Driven by Pendular Forcing
Authors: Polo A. , Carta M. , Delogu F. , Rustici M. , Budroni M. A.
Published: August 2022

Understanding the dynamics of milling bodies is key to optimize the mixing and the transfer of mechanical energy in mechanochemical processing. In this work, we present a comparative study of mechanochemical reactors driven by harmonic pendular forcing and characterized by different geometries of the lateral borders. We show that the shape of the reactor bases, either flat or curved, along with the size of the milling body and the elasticity of the collisions, represents relevant parameters that govern the dynamical regimes within the system and can control the transition from periodic to chaotic behaviors. We single out possible criteria to preserve target dynamical scenarios when the size of the milling body is changed, by adapting the relative extent of the spatial domain. This allows us to modulate the average energy of the collisions while maintaining the same dynamics and paves the way for a unifying framework to control the dynamical response in different experimental conditions. We finally explore the dynamical and energetic impact of an increasingly asymmetric mechanical force.
Nuclear–Electron Correlation Effects and Their Photoelectron Imprint in Molecular XUV Ionisation
Authors: Ziems Karl Michael , Bruhnke Jakob , Engel Volker , Gräfe Stefanie
Published: August 2022

The ionisation of molecules by attosecond XUV pulses is accompanied by complex correlated dynamics, such as the creation of coherent electron wave packets in the parent ion, their interplay with nuclear wave packets, and a correlated photoelectron moving in a multi-centred potential. Additionally, these processes are influenced by the dynamics prior to and during the ionisation. To fully understand and subsequently control the ionisation process on different time scales, a profound understanding of electron and nuclear correlation is needed. Here, we investigate the effect of nuclear–electron correlation in a correlated two-electron and one-nucleus quantum model system. Solving the time-dependent Schrödinger equation allows to monitor the correlation impact pre, during, and post-XUV ionisation. We show how an initial nuclear wave packet displaced from equilibrium influences the post-ionisation dynamics by means of momentum conservation between the target and parent ion, whilst the attosecond electron population remains largely unaffected. We calculate time-resolved photoelectron spectra and their asymmetries and demonstrate how the coupled electron–nuclear dynamics are imprinted on top of electron–electron correlation on the photoelectron properties. Finally, our findings give guidelines towards when correlation resulting effects have to be incorporated and in which instances the exact correlation treatment can be neglected.
Synthesis, dielectric, magnetic, and photoluminescence properties of two new hybrid rare-earth double perovskites
Authors: Wang Ze-Jie , Li Long-He , Feng Yan , Wang Qin-Wen , Wu Ling-Kun , Li Jian-Rong , Ye Heng-Yun
Published: August 2022

Two new organic–inorganic hybrid double perovskites (R3HQ)4CsSm(NO3)8 (1) (R3HQ = (R)-(-)-3-quinuclidinol) and (R3HQ)4CsEu(NO3)8 (2) were synthesized and characterized. Compounds 1 and 2 exhibit obvious phase transitions at 379 and 375 K, respectively, confirmed by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and variable temperature powder X-ray diffraction. The rapid switching between high- and low-dielectric states makes it a typical dielectric material with a switchable dielectric constant for thermal stimulus response. Furthermore, 1 and 2 show attractive photoluminescence and paramagnetic behavior, and the fluorescence quantum yield of 2 reached 14.6%. These results show that compounds 1 and 2 can be used as excellent candidates for multifunctional intelligent materials, which also provides a new way for development of multifunctional materials.
Band structural and absorption characteristics of antimonene/bismuthene monolayer heterojunction calculated by first-principles
Authors: Zhan Yanyan , Fang Xuan , Wang Dengkui , Fang Dan , Li Bobo , Li Jinhua , Wang Xiaohua
Published: August 2022

The band gap of lateral heterojunctions (LHSs) can be continuously tuned by changing the widths of their components. In this work, Sb/Bi LHSs based on monolayer Sb and Bi atoms with armchair and zigzag interfaces are constructed, respectively. It exhibits an atom’s number in planner-dependent tunable band gap and near-infrared range absorption characteristics. They are systematically studied by first-principles calculations. The widths are represented by the number (n) of Sb or Bi atom chains. When n increases from 2 to 8, the bandgaps of armchair Sbn/Bin LHSs decrease from 0.89 to 0.67 eV, and the band gaps of zigzag Sbn/Bin LHSs decrease from 0.92 to 0.76 eV. The partial density of states spectra indicate that the occupied states of the valence band are mainly provided by the Bi 6p orbitals. Additionally, the unoccupied states of the conduction band are always provided by the Sb 5p orbitals and Bi 6p orbitals. For Sbn/Bin LHSs, the absorption edge along XX and YY directions move toward the long wavelength direction. These results provide an approach for the applications of two-dimensional materials in near-infrared devices.
Association of nighttime physical activity with all-cause and cardiovascular mortality: Results from the NHANES
Authors: Yi Jiayi , Wang Lili , Guo Jiajun , Sun Ping , Shuai Ping , Ma Xiaoxiang , Zuo Xiaojiao , Liu Yuping , Wan Zhengwei
Published: August 2022

Background

Nighttime physical activity (PA) has significant effects on human health. Whether excessive nighttime PA is associated with adverse long-term prognosis remains unknown.

Methods

Three thousand six hundred ninety adults from the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2003–2006 with accelerometer monitor recording PA data were included. Nighttime PA was quantified by the nighttime to all-day PA intensity ratio (NAPAIR). Participants with the NAPAIR above the population median (0.17) were defined as the nighttime active population (NAP), otherwise as the daytime active population. All-cause and cardiovascular disease mortality status was acquired from the US National Death Index from their interview and physical examination date through December 31, 2015.

Results

Among 3690 adults (weighted mean age 48.1 years), 1781 (weighted proportion 48.8%) were females. One thousand eight hundred six (48.9%) were determined as the NAP. During the follow-up period of up to 13.1 years (median, 10.7 years), 639 deaths occurred (heart diseases, 114). Multivariable Cox proportional hazards model showed that the NAP was associated with higher risks of all-cause (hazard ratio [HR], 1.46; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.22–1.75) and cardiovascular disease (HR, 1.58; 95% CI, 1.03–2.41) mortality compared with the daytime active population, and each 0.1 increase in the NAPAIR was associated with 15% increased all-cause mortality risks.

Conclusion

In this nationally representative prospective cohort study of a sample of United States adults, excessive nighttime PA was associated with a higher risk of death from all causes and cardiovascular disease.
The prognostic value of pre-operative coronary evaluation in kidney transplanted patients
Authors: Steinmetz Tali , Perl Leor , Zvi Benaya Rozen , Atamna Mohamad , Kornowski Ran , Shiyovich Arthur , Hamdan Ashraf , Nesher Eviatar , Rahamimov Ruth , Gal Tuvia Ben , Skalsky Keren
Published: August 2022

Aims

Non-invasive coronary assessment using single-photon emission computerized tomography (SPECT) testing for potential cardiac ischemia is an essential part of the evaluation of kidney transplant candidates. We aimed to examine the prognostic value of preoperative SPECT test results in kidney transplanted patients.

Methods and results

We retrospectively analyzed the pre-surgical nuclear SPECT test results in a registry of kidney transplanted patients. Follow-up at 1 month and 1 year recorded major adverse cardiac events (MACE) including non-fatal myocardial infarction, all-cause mortality and hospitalization due to cardiovascular disease following the renal transplantation. Of 577 patients available for analysis, 408 (70.9%) patients underwent nuclear SPECT test pre-transplant and 83 (20.3%) had abnormal results with either evidence of ischemia or infarct. A significantly higher incidence of post-operative MACE at 1 month was evident among patients with abnormal SPECT test compared to patients with no evidence of ischemia (10.8 vs. 4.3% respectively; P = 0.019). Differences were mostly derived from significantly increased rates of myocardial infarction events (8.4 vs. 1.8%; P = 0.002). Yet, MACE rate was not statistically different at 1 year (20.5 vs. 13.1%; P = 0.88). Importantly, the prognostic impact of an abnormal SPECT was significantly attenuated for all outcomes following multivariable adjusting for conventional cardiovascular risk factors and coronary revascularization.

Conclusion

Pre-surgical cardiac risk assessment of kidney transplant candidates with nuclear SPECT test was found to be predictive of post-operative MACE, yet apparently, its prognostic value was significantly attenuated when adjusted for cardiac risk factors.
On the Contributions of the Northeast Cold Vortex to the Formation and Evolution of Backflow Blizzard
Authors: Yan Qi , Cui Jin , Tan Zhenghua , He Bao-Jie
Published: August 2022

Blizzard is a severe weather-related disaster with significant environmental, economic, and social impacts. What is worse, the blizzard is increasingly frequent along with climate change. To enhance resilience, it is important to accurately estimate the blizzards. While some studies have reported the blizzard formation and characteristics, limited studies have not well presented the backflow blizzard associated with the cold vortex in Northeast China. In order to overcome this research gap, this study aims to analyze the characteristics of a backflow blizzard in Liaoning, China, and reveal the reasons behind the spatial heterogeneity of snowstorm intensity and duration. With observation data and mesoscale numerical simulation, this study discovered that the northeast cold vortex was the combined results of airflows from the Sea of Japan transported by the easterly airflow, the East China Sea, and the Yellow Sea transported by the southeast airflow, and the low-level southwest airflow, and the vortex was an important driver to the blizzard. Results further indicate that the interactions of airflow movement, water vapor variation, and frontogenesis occurrence at different layers caused the differences in snowfall intensity, duration, and volume at Zhangwu and Huanren stations. In particular, at Zhangwu station, there was an interaction of warm-wet and cold-dry airflows, but low-layer water vapor content was small, under which background only the cold air pushed the warm air as the southwest wind did not increase significantly, leading warm-humid air to be forced to climb and resulting in frontogenesis at 700–925 hPa. Therefore, the situation of no frontogenesis and poor humidity conditions in the low-level cold air contributed to the weak and a short-duration of snowfall at Zhangwu Station. The water vapor content of warm-wet and cold-wet airflows over Huanren station was better than that at Zhangwu so that during cold and warm air interaction, there was frontogenesis at 500–925 hPa. Near the top of the inverted trough in the ground layer, there was a convergence of the southeasterly wind and the northeasterly winds, resulting in the occurrence of horizontal frontogenesis throughout the layer of 500 hPa and forming an upward movement column. Moreover, a deep near-saturated water vapor layer formed below 600 hPa due to the upward movement column. Overall, the abundant water vapor combined with the deep dynamic uplift led to the heavy and long duration of snowfall at the Huanren station. Overall, this study is an important reference for understanding the backflow blizzard and its mechanism. Moreover, it is conducive to the accurate estimation of backflow blizzards in Northeast China and eastern China, the eastern coast of the Korean peninsula, and other similar areas where on the east part of the continent is the ocean.
Defining the profile of students with low academic achievement: A cross-country analysis through PISA 2018 data
Authors: Gutiérrez-de-Rozas Belén , López-Martín Esther , Carpintero Molina Elvira
Published: August 2022

The explanation of underachievement and the search for its associated factors have been of constant interest in educational research. In this regard, the number of variables that have been involved in its description and explanation has increased over the years, as has the number of studies at an international level on this topic. Although much research has focused on identifying the personal, family, and school aspects that exert the greatest influence on students’ low academic performance, the literature shows the need to study the differential effects of said variables according to the countries in which the studies are conducted. The objective of this article is therefore to analyse cross-national differences in the effect of personal, family, and school characteristics on students’ academic underachievement based on data derived from the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) 2018. Furthermore, it aims to identify the profile that characterises students with the lowest academic performance and to estimate the importance of the selected variables in explaining low achievement across countries. To reach these goals, the multivariate technique of decision trees through the binary CART (Classification and Regression Trees) algorithm was used, allowing the estimation of both a global model and nine specific models for each of the selected countries. The results show that, despite slight differences between the countries analysed, the variables that define the general profile of students with the lowest achievement and which have shown the strongest predictive capacity for low performance are mainly linked to the students themselves. These variables are followed in importance by family aspects, which present great differences between the territories that compose the sample. Finally, teacher and school variables have shown to have a low explanatory capacity in this study. It can therefore be concluded that, although personal characteristics continue to be those that best explain academic performance, a series of contextual variables, especially related to families, appear to influence academic achievement differentially and may even hide or cancel out certain personal characteristics.
Mendelian randomization supports the causal role of fasting glucose on periodontitis
Authors: Wang Yi , Chu Tengda , Gong Yixuan , Li Sisi , Wu Lixia , Jin Lijian , Hu Rongdang , Deng Hui
Published: August 2022

Purpose

The effect of hyperglycemia on periodontitis is mainly based on observational studies, and inconsistent results were found whether periodontal treatment favors glycemic control. The two-way relationship between periodontitis and hyperglycemia needs to be further elucidated. This study aims to evaluate the causal association of periodontitis with glycemic traits using bi-directional Mendelian randomization (MR) approach.

Methods

Summary statistics were sourced from large-scale genome-wide association study conducted for fasting glucose (N = 133,010), HbA1c (N = 123,665), type 2 diabetes (T2D, N = 659,316), and periodontitis (N = 506,594) among European ancestry. The causal relationship was estimated using the inverse-variance weighted (IVW) model and further validated through extensive complementary and sensitivity analyses.

Results

Overall, IVW showed that a genetically higher level of fasting glucose was significantly associated with periodontitis (OR = 1.119; 95% CI = 1.045–1.197; PFDR= 0.007) after removing the outlying instruments. Such association was robust and consistent through other MR models. Limited evidence was found suggesting the association of HbA1C with periodontitis after excluding the outliers (IVW OR = 1.123; 95% CI = 1.026–1.229; PFDR= 0.048). These linkages remained statistically significant in multivariate MR analyses, after adjusting for body mass index. The reverse direction MR analyses did not exhibit the causal association of genetic liability to periodontitis with any of the glycemic trait tested.

Conclusions

Our MR study reaffirms previous findings and extends evidence to substantiate the causal effect of hyperglycemia on periodontitis. Future studies with robust genetic instruments are needed to confirm the causal association of periodontitis with glycemic traits.
Autophagy in aging-related oral diseases
Authors: Peña-Oyarzún Daniel , San Martin Carla , Hernández-Cáceres María Paz , Lavandero Sergio , Morselli Eugenia , Budini Mauricio , Burgos Patricia V. , Criollo Alfredo
Published: August 2022

Autophagy is an intracellular degradation mechanism that allows recycling of organelles and macromolecules. Autophagic function increases metabolite availability modulating metabolic pathways, differentiation and cell survival. The oral environment is composed of several structures, including mineralized and soft tissues, which are formed by complex interactions between epithelial and mesenchymal cells. With aging, increased prevalence of oral diseases such as periodontitis, oral cancer and periapical lesions are observed in humans. These aging-related oral diseases are chronic conditions that alter the epithelial-mesenchymal homeostasis, disrupting the oral tissue architecture affecting the quality of life of the patients. Given that autophagy levels are reduced with age, the purpose of this review is to discuss the link between autophagy and age-related oral diseases.
Cushing´s syndrome due to bilateral adrenal cortical disease: Bilateral macronodular adrenal cortical disease and bilateral micronodular adrenal cortical disease
Authors: Araujo-Castro Marta , Marazuela Mónica
Published: August 2022

Cushing´s syndrome (CS) secondary to bilateral adrenal cortical disease may be caused by bilateral macronodular adrenal cortical disease (BMACD) or by bilateral micronodular adrenal cortical disease (miBACD). The size of adrenal nodules is a key factor for the differentiation between these two entities (>1cm, BMACD and <1cm; miBACD). BMACD can be associated with overt CS, but more commonly it presents with autonomous cortisol secretion (ACS). Surgical treatment of BMACD presenting with CS or with ACS and associated cardiometabolic comorbidities should be the resection of the largest adrenal gland, since it leads to hypercortisolism remission in up to 95% of the cases. Medical treatment focused on the blockade of aberrant receptors may lead to hypercortisolism control, although cortisol response is frequently transient. miBACD is mainly divided in primary pigmented nodular adrenocortical disease (PPNAD) and isolated micronodular adrenocortical disease (i-MAD). miBACD can present at an early age, representing one of the main causes of CS at a young age. The high-dose dexamethasone suppression test can be useful in identifying a paradoxical increase in 24h-urinary free cortisol, that is a quite specific in PPNAD. Bilateral adrenalectomy is generally the treatment of choice in patients with overt CS in miBACD, but unilateral adrenalectomy could be considered in cases with asymmetric disease and mild hypercortisolism. This article will discuss the clinical presentation, genetic background, hormonal and imaging features and treatment of the main causes of primary bilateral adrenal hyperplasia associated with hypercortisolism.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of endocrine-related adverse events associated with interferon
Authors: Wang Linghuan , Li Binqi , Zhao He , Wu Peixin , Wu Qingzhen , Chen Kang , Mu Yiming
Published: August 2022

Objectives

To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of interferon and endocrine side effects, including their incidence, evaluation, and management.

Methods

PubMed was searched through March 7th, 2021, by 2 authors independently (LH Wang and H Zhao). Early phase I/II, phase III experimental trials, prospective and retrospective observational studies were included. Stata 16.0 (StataCorp LLC, 16.0) was the main statistical software for meta-analysis. The weighted incidence and risk ratio were estimated for primary thyroid disease and diabetes mellitus.

Results

A total of 108 studies involving 46265 patients were included. Hypothyroidism was the most common thyroid disorder, followed by hyperthyroidism. IFN α+RBV treated patients experienced hypothyroidism in 7.8% (95%CI, 5.9-9.9), which was higher than IFN α (5.2%; 95%CI, 3.7-6.8) and IFN β (7.0%; 95%CI, 0.06-23.92). IFN α+RBV treated patients experienced hyperthyroidism in 5.0% (95%CI, 3.6-6.5), which was higher than IFN α (3.5%; 95%CI, 2.5-4.8) and IFN β (3.4%; 95%CI, 0.9-7.5). The summary estimated incidence of painless thyroiditis was 5.8% (95%CI, 2.8-9.8) for IFN α, and 3.5% (95%CI,1.9-5.5) for IFN α+RBV. The summary estimated incidence of diabetes was 1.4% (95%CI, 0.3-3.1) for IFN, 0.55% (95%CI, 0.05-1.57) for IFN α, 3.3% (95%CI,1.1-6.6) for IFN α+RBV.

Conclusions

Our meta-analysis shows a high incidence of endocrine adverse events provoked by IFN, further reinforced by combined RBV treatment.

Systematic Review Registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD42022334131.
Latent autoimmune diabetes in adults: a focus on β-cell protection and therapy
Authors: Yin Wenfeng , Luo Shuoming , Xiao Zilin , Zhang Ziwei , Liu Bingwen , Zhou Zhiguang
Published: August 2022

Latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA) is a heterogeneous disease sharing some phenotypic, genetic, and immunological features with both type 1 and 2 diabetes. Patients with LADA have a relatively slow autoimmune process and more residual islet β-cell function at onset, allowing a time window to protect residual islet β cells and delay or inhibit disease progression. It is crucial to discover various heterogeneous factors affecting islet β-cell function for precise LADA therapy. In this review, we first describe the natural history of LADA. Thereafter, we summarize β-cell function-related heterogeneous factors in LADA, including the age of onset, body mass index, genetic background, and immune, lifestyle, and environmental factors. In parallel, we evaluate the impact of current hypoglycemic agents and immune intervention therapies for islet β-cell protection. Finally, we discuss the opportunities and challenges of LADA treatment from the perspective of islet β-cell function protection.
Copper deposition in Wilson’s disease causes male fertility decline by impairing reproductive hormone release through inducing apoptosis and inhibiting ERK signal in hypothalamic-pituitary of mice
Authors: Wang Tingting , Wu Limin , Chen Qiuying , Chen Kuiyu , Tan Fang , Liu Jiabo , Liu Xiang , Han Hui
Published: August 2022

Wilson’s disease (WD) is an autosomal recessive disorder of copper metabolism characterized by liver and central nervous system dysfunction. Considerable evidence suggests that infertility is also very common in male patients with WD, but the exact molecular mechanisms involved remain unknown. In order to further investigate the pathological changes in the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular (HPT) axis and its mechanisms, mice were divided into the normal control group (NC), WD model TX mice group (WD), dimercaptosuccinic acid–treated TX mice group (DMSA), and pregnant horse serum gonadotropin–treated TX mice group (PMSG). The copper content and morphology of hypothalamus and pituitary tissues, the ultrastructure and apoptosis of hypothalamus neurons and pituitary gonadotropin cells, the serum levels of reproductive hormones, and the pregnancy rate and litter size of the female mice were studied. The expression of apoptosis-related proteins and the phosphorylation of extracellular regulatory protein kinase (ERK) 1/2 in the hypothalamus and pituitary were detected. The results showed that the copper content was significantly increased in the WD group, and the histopathological morphology and ultrastructure of the hypothalamus and pituitary were damaged. The levels of the gonadotropin-releasing hormone, the follicle-stimulating hormone, the luteinizing hormone, and testosterone were significantly decreased. The apoptosis rate in the hypothalamus and pituitary was significantly increased. The expressions of proapoptotic proteins Bax and Caspase-3 were significantly increased, the expression of the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 was significantly decreased, and the phosphorylation level of ERK1/2 was significantly decreased. Fertility is significantly reduced. After DMSA intervention, the hypothalamus tissue copper content decreased, the hypothalamus and pituitary tissue morphology and ultrastructure were improved, cell apoptosis was alleviated, the expression of Bax and Caspase-3 was significantly decreased, the expression of Bcl-2 was significantly increased, and the reproductive hormone level, phosphorylation level, and fertility were increased. Fertility was preserved after treatment with PMSG in male TX mice. These results suggest that copper deposition in WD causes male fertility decline by impairing reproductive neuroendocrine hormone release through inducing apoptosis and inhibiting the ERK signal in the hypothalamic–pituitary region. This study can also provide reference for the damage of copper pollution to the male reproductive system.
The impact of levothyroxine therapy on the pregnancy, neonatal and childhood outcomes of subclinical hypothyroidism during pregnancy: An updated systematic review, meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis
Authors: Jiao Xue-Feng , Zhang Miao , Chen Jingjing , Wei Qiang , Zeng Linan , Liu Dan , Zhang Chuan , Li Hailong , Zou Kun , Zhang Li , Zhang Lingli
Published: August 2022

Background

Several systematic reviews and meta-analyses have investigated the effect of levothyroxine (LT4) therapy in pregnant women with subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH). However, all these studies have clinical or methodological problems (such as adopting the old 2011 American Thyroid Association [ATA] diagnostic criteria, directly combining randomized controlled trials [RCTs] and cohort studies for meta-analysis, and so on), and cannot provide accurate and satisfactory results. Thus, we performed this updated systematic review, meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis (TSA) to assess the effect of LT4 therapy in pregnant women with SCH, with the goal of providing more accurate and reliable evidence for clinical practice.

Methods

We searched nine databases from inception to February 2022. The search strategy targeted the RCTs and cohort studies on pregnancy, neonatal and childhood outcomes following LT4 treatment in pregnant women with SCH based on the new 2017 ATA diagnostic criteria. We performed meta-analyses of RCTs and cohort studies separately, and further performed meta-analyses by excluding studies with high risk of bias. TSA was performed to test whether the current evidence was sufficient, and the quality of evidence was evaluated using the GRADE method.

Results

A total of 9 RCTs and 13 cohort studies comprising 11273 pregnant women with SCH were included. There were no statistically significant differences between LT4 group and control group in all primary and secondary outcomes, such as preterm delivery (RR=0.46, 95%CI: 0.19-1.09, P=0.08, I2 = 65%), miscarriage (RR=0.36, 95%CI: 0.13-1.03, P=0.06, I2 = 38%), gestational hypertension (RR=0.91, 95%CI: 0.58-1.43, P=0.69, I2 = 0%), preeclampsia (RR=1.10, 95%CI: 0.61-1.97, P=0.76, I2 = 0%), gestational diabetes (RR=0.80, 95%CI: 0.51-1.25, P=0.32, I2 = 34%), and so on. TSA showed that the results for all outcomes were insufficient and inconclusive. According to GRADE, the evidences for four outcomes (miscarriage, gestational hypertension, gestational diabetes, and small for gestational age) were rated as moderate quality, while the evidences for the other outcomes were rated as low or very low quality.

Conclusion

Unlike previous systematic reviews and meta-analyses, our study found no evidence of benefit of LT4 therapy on pregnancy, neonatal and childhood outcomes in pregnant women with SCH.

Systematic Review Registration

PROSPERO, https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42022321937, identifier CRD42022321937.
The integrated modeling of microgrid cyber physical system based on hybrid automaton
Authors: Li Peng , Zhang Fan , Yang Yi , Ma Xiyuan , Yao Senjing , Yang Ping , Zhao Zhuoli , Lai Chun Sing , Lai Loi Lei
Published: August 2022

To fully reveal the interplay of the cyber system and physical system in the microgrid, this paper proposes a generic hierarchical modeling framework for cyber-physical integration modeling of microgrid, including two layers: physical device layer and controller layer. Each layer includes two parts: the continuous part (characterizing the physical system in the microgrid) and the discrete part (characterizing the cyber system in the microgrid). In this paper, firstly, detailed mathematical expressions describing the dynamic characteristics of each layer (including continuous characteristics and discrete characteristics) and describing the interplay of the continuous part and discrete part in each layer are given, which contributes to a better understanding of the interplay of the information flow and energy flow in the microgrid. Secondly, the cyber-physical integration modeling of each unit in the proposed framework is established using hybrid automaton, which can clearly present the operation state of each unit of the microgrid and its state transfer process, which is beneficial to design the optimal operation state trajectory of the system. The proposed modeling framework is generic and can be extended to any dynamic system with cyber-physical integration. Finally, a typical microgrid system is taken as an example to verify the feasibility of the proposed modeling approach.
Optimal Dispatching of Ladder-Type Carbon Trading in Integrated Energy System With Advanced Adiabatic Compressed Air Energy Storage
Authors: Wang Xia , A Xin , Chen Xiaotao , Fang Le , Jia Qiwei , Ma Linrui , Chen Laijun , Mei Shengwei
Published: August 2022

Advanced adiabatic compressed air energy storage (AA-CAES) is a promising form of CAES technology, which can realize multi-energy cascade storage and supply. Given the characteristics of cooling, heating, and power (CHP) load demand of regionally integrated energy system (IES) and the overall need to control the total carbon emission, this study first establishes the AA-CAES multi-energy storage model; second, based on analyzing the multi-energy characteristics of AA-CAES, a ladder-type carbon trading mechanism is introduced; furthermore, aiming for minimal system operating costs and carbon trading costs, an optimal dispatch model of an integrated energy system with AA-CAES as the energy hub for coupling multiple energy forms is established. Finally, an empirical study was conducted based on the energy use scenario of a provincial and ministerial university in Qinghai Province. This study analyzes the impact of the operation of AA-CAES and the introduction of ladder-type carbon trading on the operating costs and carbon trading costs of IES. The simulation results show that the total operating cost of the proposed model is reduced by 23.9%, and carbon emission is decreased by 14.5% compared to the conventional IES. It proves the validity of coupling AA-CAES and stepped carbon trading mechanisms to facilitate low-carbon economy in IES.
Protection of a smart grid with the detection of cyber- malware attacks using efficient and novel machine learning models
Authors: Aziz Saddam , Irshad Muhammad , Haider Sami Ahmed , Wu Jianbin , Deng Ding Nan , Ahmad Sadiq
Published: August 2022

False data injection (FDI) attacks commonly target smart grids. Using the tools that are now available for detecting incorrect data, it is not possible to identify FDI attacks. One way that can be used to identify FDI attacks is machine learning. The purpose of this study is to analyse each of the six supervised learning (SVM-FS) hybrid techniques using the six different boosting and feature selection (FS) methodologies. A dataset from the smart grid is utilised in the process of determining the applicability of various technologies. Comparisons of detection strategies are made based on how accurately each one can identify different kinds of threats. The performance of classification algorithms that are used to detect FDI assaults is improved by the application of supervised learning and hybrid methods in a simulated exercise.
Groundwater origami: Folding paper models to visualize groundwater flow
Authors: Lowry Christopher S. , Dunkle Kallina M. , Kairies-Beatty Candace L. , Arslan Sebnem , Stahl Mason , Bogie Nathaniel , Cuthbert Mark O.
Published: August 2022

The training of geological scientists, more so than any other natural science, is dependent on how students learn to visualize and interpret complex three-dimensional problems at scales from micrometers to kilometers over time scales that span from seconds to centuries. Traditionally, our classrooms are at a disadvantage due to our standard two-dimensional use of whiteboards or slide decks. We are at an even bigger disadvantage when courses go to online education. While computer simulations and three-dimensional visualizations are used, they can lack the flexibility for students to perform free-form exploration. The novelty of this research is in the use of paper aquifer models and their implementation across seven academic institutions to provide three-dimensional physical examples for students to visualize subsurface geologic structure and quantify fluid flow through porous media. Students can cut, fold, and build three-dimensional hydrologic problems at home or in the classroom. Our methodology allows students to physically rotate their aquifer models to visualize cross-sectional areas, layer thicknesses, heterogeneity, and confining units. These foldable paper models provide a low barrier of entry for students to understand and quantify the relationships between water levels and geologic structure. Our experience using these models in both in-person and online classrooms highlights the advantages and disadvantages of these models. Results, although mostly anecdotal, suggest the paper models improve students’ learning and enhance their engagement with the material. The formal evaluations of pre- and post-model implementation show that low-scoring students had the most significant gains after being introduced to the paper aquifer models. At the same time, there was no change in the number of students in the highest scoring group. Our experience in the classroom points to new opportunities to engage with remote learners and tools for supporting flipped classroom activities. Our vision for the paper aquifer models is to provide the hydrologic community with an additional tool to help bridge the virtual classroom gap, engage students, and help them develop mastery of three-dimensional problem-solving.