bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Acute Lumbar Disk Herniation on Sexual Function in Male Patients
Authors: Panneerselvam Keerthivasan , Kanna Rishi Mugesh , Shetty Ajoy Prasad , Rajasekaran Shanmuganathan
Published: November 2021

Study Design: Prospective observational study.Purpose: In this study, we determined the effects of lumbar disk herniation (LDH) on male sexual activity and whether surgical intervention improved any related sexual dysfunction.Overview of Literature: The impact of surgery on sexual activity has been extensively studied in arthroplasty, uro-gynecological surgery, and stroke, but there are relatively few studies on spine surgery, and none involve an Asian population to the best of our knowledge.Methods: We evaluated sexually active male patients (n=22, 40.8±6.8 years) admitted for microdiscectomy with a questionnaire for assessing sexual function before and 8 weeks after surgery. The questionnaire included the Oswestry Disability Index, Hospital Anxiety Depression Score, and Brief Sexual Function Inventory (BSFI), as well as questions about perceived sexual dysfunction (frequency, performance, satisfaction).Results: The average preoperative Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score was 4.36±2.59 (n=18) for low back pain (LBP) and 6.81±2.1 (n=22) for leg pain. The mean preoperative BSFI score was 27.8±11.2. Among the five BSFI components, sexual drive was reduced in 63.0% of patients, while erection and ejaculation were affected in 40.9% and 31.8%, respectively. The VAS score for LBP had a negative correlation with the preoperative BSFI score (p <0.03). After LDH onset, 54.5% of patients noted a decrease in frequency, and 77.2% described a decrease in desire and satisfaction. At 8 weeks after surgery, the mean BSFI score significantly improved to 33.23 (p =0.002). Sexual drive was normal in 77.7% of patients, and erection and ejaculation were normal in 77.7% and 91.0%, respectively. Overall, 59.1% had resumed sexual intercourse within 6 weeks of surgery.Conclusions: LDH resulted in sexual dysfunction in up to 77% of patients, which significantly improved after surgery. By 6 weeks, the majority had resumed sexual activity without undue discomfort. Therefore, this study supports counseling for patients with LDH about sexual function.
Two-Level Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion versus Hybrid Total Disc Replacement for Bilevel Pathology with Cervical Radiculopathy/Myelopathy: A Comparative Study with a Minimum 2-Year Follow-up in an Indian Population
Authors: Sharma Jeevan Kumar , Varma Kalidindi Kalyan Kumar , Mallepally Abhinandan Reddy , Marathe Nandan , Rustagi Tarush , Mohapatra Bibhudendu , Yadav Padmini , Das Kalidutta
Published: November 2021

Study Design: Retrospective study.Purpose: To study the outcomes of two-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (2L-ACDF) versus hybrid total disc replacement (H-TDR) for cervical myeloradiculopathy.Overview of Literature: For bilevel disc issues of the cervical spine, 2L-ACDF has been a historical tool with numerous implants used at different time frames. Recent developments in total disc replacement at mobile level with fusion at a spondylotic level known as hybrid fixation have added a new armamentarium for such disorders.Methods: An analysis of 49 consecutive patients who underwent 2L-ACDF (n=22) and H-TDR (n=27) from January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2017 was performed. Data were studied as retrieved from InstaPACS ver. 4.0 (Mediff Technologies Pvt. Ltd., Bengaluru, India) and medical records.Results: Twenty-two patients with 2L-ACDF and 27 patients with H-TDR were included. The mean±standard deviation (SD) follow-up duration was 4.0±1.5 years in H-TDR and 3.1±1.1 years in 2L-ACDF. The mean±SD Neck Disability Index (NDI) decreased from 26.1±7.6 to 6.5±3.9 in the H-TDR group and from 27.6±7.2 to 6.4±4.8 in the 2L-ACDF group at final follow-up. Disc height at suprajacent level in the 2L-ACDF group was 4.12±0.48 mm, 4.10±0.45 mm, and 4.05±0.48 mm preoperatively, at 1-year, and final follow-up, respectively. Disc height at supradjacent level in the H-TDR group was 4.28±0.36 mm, 4.20±0.32 mm, and 4.19±0.34 mm preoperatively, at 1-year, and final follow-up, respectively.Conclusions: There was significantly improved NDI in both groups. Adjacent segment disc height loss was greater in the 2L-ACDF group than in H-TDR but not statistically significant (p =0.304). Supradjacent segment range of motion was greater in the 2L-ACDF group than in the H-TDR group (p =0.003). Both findings supported radiographic adjacent segment degeneration (ASD), but symptomatic ASD was absent in both groups.
IMPACT OF OHIP-49 PARAMETRES ON SELECTING RESTORATION MATERIAL FOR FRONT TEETH
Authors: Vodoriz Ya. Yu. , Tkachenko I. M. , Brailko N. M. , Skubiy I. V. , Skubiy A. N.
Published: November 2021

Introduction. Patient`s satisfaction is considered to be an important indicator of the quality of dental care. Nowadays, the evaluation of the effectiveness of dental treatment outcomes is also based on patients’ subjective perception of improvement in such an important parameter as their quality of life. The aim of this study is to evaluate the dynamics oral health impact factor rate (OHIP-49) of patients of different age and sex on the choice of material for front teeth restoration. Materials and methods. The study involved individuals needed front teeth restoration. Then they were divided into three groups: the first group included patients who received treatment with leucite glass veneers (IPS Empress); the second group included patients having restorations with EX3 fieldspathic ceramic veneers; the third group included patients who received light-curing composite resin direct restorations EsthetX. Results. The data obtained demonstrated that the improvement in the parameter “oral health impact on the quality of life” was more common among women than among men. Middle-aged patients also noted a more significant improvement in quality of life after their teeth restoration. Though the improvement in quality of life evaluation was reported for all parameters related to the OHIP-49 questionnaire, the improvement of psychological condition was proved to be the most significant. Conclusions. Considering data obtained from the study of oral health impact on the quality of life, the patients with the significant decrease in quality of life (over 65 scores by OHIP-49) are recommended to have full ceramic leucite glass of fieldspatic ceramic restorations in order to achieve maximally long-termed and good improvement of life quality, especially in psychological aspects.
EXPERIENCE OF USING DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES IN THE EDUCATIONAL PROCESS AT THE DEPARTMENT OF PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY IFNMU
Authors: Lisetska I. , Shovkova N. , Kovalishin A. , Habchuk V.
Published: November 2021

The digital technologies in all spheres of life, including education are now a hallmark of our modern identity; they shape how we live today. They enable applying new opportunities, for instance, distance learning, which is quite relevant today. Ivano Frankivsk National Medical University has the site "Office 365 Cloud Services", which is accessible to all teachers and students and thus creates a single digital environment. Practical classes and lectures on pediatric therapeutic dentistry during quarantine are conducted in an online conference format in Microsoft Teams, a teamwork centre in Office 365, which is a simplified version of learning management systems; it enables communicating, file sharing, etc. between the group members. The program is convenient because it combines everything in a common work environment, including chat for discussion, file sharing and corporate programs. Students pass on each topic of the test tasks in the system, which were posted on pmk.ifnmu.edu.ua or tests.if.ua. The teacher converts the test result into scores according to the evaluation criteria. Delivering theoretical themes and checking their comprehension is organized by means of video communication. During the online lesson, the teacher interviews the topic, corrects the answer, and explains the points that might be discussible or unclear, using pre-loaded visuals or other materials, e.g. presentations, videos, photos, radiographs and orthopantomograms. For future dentists it is extremely important to master practical skills, work with real patients, practice manual and communication skills. Digital technologies help during distance learning at least partially to master the practical aspect of the discipline by creating multimedia presentations, which consists of tasks, three to four questions for each task, a clinical case, if possible video. The use of digital technologies, especially during distance education can and should take its place in the education system, because with its proper organization it can provide quality education that meets the requirements of modern society.
PECULIARITIES OF ONYCHOMYCOSIS COURSE AND TREATMENT AT PRESENT
Authors: Suprun K.G.
Published: November 2021

The article provides an overview of current data from the scientific literature on the epidemiological features of onychomycosis at present, including changes in the spectrum of pathogens, the nature of the course and clinical manifestations of fungal nail lesions. Current data on the characteristic manifestation of onychomycosis point out the importance of age factor: age-related changes in old population are associated with involutional processes in the skin and its appendages, decreased growth rate of nails, angiopathy, etc. This review demonstrated the relationship between chronic dermatoses and onychomycosis. In chronic dermatoses, including psoriasis, eczema, etc., there are fungal lesions of the nail plates, which cause not only the progression of trophic disorders, increased dryness of the skin and violation of its integrity, but also sensitization of the patient. Onychomycosis complicates the course of chronic dermatoses. In the absence of onychomycosis treatment there is a significant risk of complete destruction of the nail plates with further involvement of the adjacent skin in the pathological process and infection spreading. Three components of effective therapy are identified: accurate diagnosis, correctly selected therapy and compliance. This article also provides the brief description of existing treatment methods of onychomycosis ranging from monotherapy with systemic antifungals to the combined use of systemic and topical antifungals, as well as the use of non-medicinal methods, and in particular methods of ultraphonophoresis, electrophoresis and photodynamics.
PENGARUH INTRINSIK REWARD DAN PENDIDIKAN TERHADAP MOTIVASI KERJA PEGAWAI PADA BADAN KEPEGAWAIAN DAERAH (BKD) KOTA PARIAMAN
Authors: Jayasman Jayasman
Published: November 2021

Penelitian ini dilakukan di Badan Kepegawaian Daerah Kota Pariaman. Tujuannya untuk mengetahui pengaruh intrinsik reward dan pendidikan terhadap motivasi kerja. Populasinya adalah semua pegawai Badan Kepegawaian Daerah Kota Pariaman sebanyak 35 orang. Karena populasinya jumlahnya dibawah 100 orang maka seluruh populasi dijadikan responden. Model analisis yang digunakan yaitu regresi linear berganda. Dengan nilai konstanta  (α) adalah 1,938  sedangkan nilai koefisien intrinsik reward 0,131 dan pendidikan0,655. Berdasarkan hasil analisis data dengan regresi linear berganda diketahui bahwa nilai R-squre sebesar 0,711. Uji f menunjukan ketiga variabel indenpenden berpengaruh positif dan signifikan terhadap variabel dependen.
Impact Measurement of a Collaborative Pathology Network and Its Digital Support
Authors: Locatelli Paolo , Cirilli Federica , Chiodini Fabio
Published: November 2021

The possibility to access healthcare fairly and equally among all the patients can be enhanced with the development of collaborative networks. To achieve their goals and exchange relevant information, they must be combined with a proper digital support. Several works dealing with this aspect can be found in literature; however, works defining a general methodological approach to design a digital solution for a collaborative network were not found. In addition to this, to assess the impact of a pathology network and its digital support, and ensure quality improvement as well as proper clinical outcomes, a suitable panel of key performance indicators (KPIs) should be designed. This paper describes a methodology to design a digital support of a collaborative pathology network, together with a set of KPIs to assess the impact of the pathology network and its digital solution. This approach was specifically applied for the Italian Rare Cancer Network in the context of the project “Italian Rare Cancer Network: Process monitoring and System Impact Assessment”.
Pengaruh Kemampuan Tata Bahasa dan Kosa Kata terhadap Penguasaan Menulis Paragraf Narasi pada Siswa Kelas X SMAN Negeri 10 Kota Jambi
Authors: Elviza Elviza
Published: November 2021

This study to know determine the effect of grammar skills on mastery of writing narrative paragraphs. This is to determine the effect of vocabulary skills on writing mastery of narrative paragraphs and to determine the effect of grammar and vocabulary skills on writing mastery of narrative paragraphs. The population and sample in this study were students of class X majoring in science and social studies at SMA Negeri 10 Jambi City, totaling 245 people. Based on the results of the research above, it was obtained that as many as 75 (30.61%) students had a high level of vocabulary mastery, 103 students (42.04%) had a moderate level of vocabulary mastery, and as many as 67 students (27.34%) had a mastery level. low. Based on the results of the study, vocabulary mastery was as many as 40 students or 16.32%, students who had a moderate level of vocabulary mastery were 145 students (59.18%) and vocabulary mastery of students who were in the low category were 60 students (24.48%). ). Based on the results of the study, vocabulary mastery was as many as 40 students or 16.32%, students who had a moderate level of vocabulary mastery were 145 students (59.18%) and vocabulary mastery of students who were in the low category were 60 students (24.48%).
Penerapan Model Discovery Learning untuk Meningkatkan Hasil Belajar Bahasa Indonesia di Kelas VIII.D SMP N 9 Muaro Jambi Semester I Tahun Ajaran 2019/2020
Authors: Setijono Djoko
Published: November 2021

This research is aimed at obtaining information and discussing the application of discovery learning models to improve the results of Learning Bahasa Indonesia in grade VIII.D SMPN 9 Muaro Jambi semester I of the 2019/2020 school year. This study is a class action study consisting of two cycles in which each cycle consists of two meetings. Each cycle consists of four stages, namely planning, implementation, observation, and reflection. This research was conducted at SMPN 9 Muaro Jambi with the research subject of grade VIII.D students of SMPN 9 MUaro Jambi which amounted to 26 people in the odd semester of the 2019/2020 school year. Data collection techniques using observation sheets, tests, field records and documentation. The data is analyzed using percentages and data reduction. The results showed that through the discovery learning model can be the results of learning Bahasa Indonesia students in grade VIII.D SMPN 9 Muaro Jambi semester I of the 2019/2020 school year with the act of giving rewards.
Pengaruh Kebiasaan Belajar Daring terhadap Hasil Belajar Kognitif Siswa pada Mata Pelajaran Bahasa Indonesia Kelas XII IPA di SMA N Kerinci
Authors: Indratno Indratno
Published: November 2021

Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui pengaruh kebiasaan belajar daring dengan hasil belajar kognitif siswa pada mata pelajaran bahasa Indonesia kelas XII IPA di SMA Negeri 7 Kerinci. Penelitian ini ini menggunakan metode penelitian kuantitatif dengan pendekatan asosiatif. . Populasi dalam penelitian ini sebanyak 97 siswa dan diambil beberapa sampel melalui teknik pengambilan sampel dengan menggunakan simple random sampling, dimana pengambilan sampel tiap kelas ditentukan seimbang atau sebanding dengan banyaknya subjek dari setiap kelas. Untuk menghitung sampel penelitian dari populasi tersebut, peneliti menggunakan pedoman penentuan sampel yang dikembangkan dari Isaac dan Michael dengan taraf tingkat kesalahan 5% sehingga sampel dalam penelitian ini sebanyak 32 siswa. Instrumen angket kebiasaan belajar daring (X) penelitian ini menggunakan skala likert untuk mengukurnya, dan hasil belajar kognitif beardasarkan hasil belajar ujian berupa pengetahuan pembelajaran pada pembelajaran bahasa Indonesia. Selanjutnya dilakukan uji validitas dan reliabilitas dari angket tersebut untuk mengumpulkan data. Setelah data terkumpul dilakukan uji analisis deskriptif, uji normalitas, uji homogenitas, uji hipotesis dengan menggunakan uji regresi sederhana dan uji t. Hasil penelitian ini bahwa terdapat pengaruh kebiasaan belajar daring terhadap hasil belajar kognitif siswa kelas XII IPA SMA Negeri 7 Kerinci ditandai dengan nilai t hitung > t tabel dan siginifikansi 0,040 < 0,05. Besarnya pengaruh kebiasaan belajar daring terhadap hasil belajar bahasa Indonesia siswa kelas XII IPA SMA Negeri 7 Kerinci tergolong kuat yaitu sejumlah 51% dengan sisa 49% dipengaruhi oleh faktor lain di luar penelitian.
Multi-information analysis for recommendation of flooded-irrigated rice for adaptability and phenotypic stability
Authors: Júnior Antônio Carlos Siva , Silva Michele Jorge , Costa Weverton Gomes , Sousa Ithalo Coelho , Cruz Cosme Damião , Nascimento Moysés , Soares Plínio César Soares
Published: November 2021

The GxE interaction is one of the major difficulties of plant breeding programs, both in the selection phase and in the recommendation of cultivars. To assess adaptability and stability, various statistical methods are used. The simultaneous use of some methodologies, using multi-information criteria for cultivar’s recommendation, can extract information that cannot be observed using each methodology separately. The aim of this work was to perform a large description of the behavior of flooded-irrigated rice genotypes, responding to environmental variations, using methods already established in the literature, but exploring the particularities of each methodology that together establish an information criterion for cultivar recommendation. To this end, 18 rice genotypes belonging to flood-irrigated rice breeding program were evaluated over four agricultural years, 2012/2013 to 2015/2016, totaling 12 environments (3 sites × 4 years). Multi-information estimates were performed to adaptability and stability analysis. There was no sign for the effect of the genotypes, and there was the significance of the effects of environment and GxE interaction. The aggregation of information and the large description of the behavior of the flooded rice genotypes demonstrated to be an efficient tool for studies of adaptability and stability.
Kuljemme yhdessä kohti älykästä organisaatiota
Authors: Sipola Veikko
Published: November 2021

Pentti SydänmaanlakkaÄlykäs organisaatio : Tiedon, osaamisen ja suorituksen johtaminen. (Enterprise Adviser) Kauppakaari, 2000.
APLIKASI PENGELOLAAN SURAT ELEKTRONIK BERBASIS WEB PADA PKBM PAJA MANDIRI TANGERANG
Authors: Herdiansah Arief , Sugiyani Yani , Husein Syepry Maulana , Alifah Alifah
Published: November 2021

Pusat Kegiatan Belajar Masyarakat (PKBM) Paja Mandiri merupakan salah satu LSM (Lembaga Swadaya Masyarakat) yang bergerak dibidang Pendidikan non-formal. Dalam operasional aktifitas  proses belajar mengajar di PKBM Paja Mandiri tentunya tidak terlepas pada proses pengelolaan surat masuk dan surat keluar serta dokumen pendukung lainnya. Metode aktifitas pengabdian yang peneliti lakukan adaah dengan observasi dan wawancara dengan beberapa staf di PKBM Paja Mandiri dan hasilnya ditemukan informasi bahwa saat ini proses penanganan dan pengelolaan surat masuk, surat keluar dan dokumen lainnya masih dilakukan secara konvensional. Permasalahan yang terjadi antara lain, dibutuhkan waktu yang cukup lama untuk menemukan kembali dokumen yan telah disimpan, karena permasalahan salah dalam penempatan dokumen tersebut. Oleh karena itu peneliti mencoba merancang aplikasi e-filing (pengarsipan secara elektronik) mengunakan UML dan mengembangkannya menggunakan bahasa pemrograman PHP. Penelitian ini telah menghasilkan sebuah sistem e-filing yang dapat digunakan untuk membantu pengelolaan surat masuk dan surat keluar di PKBM Paja Mandiri Tangerang
PELATIHAN DASAR-DASAR ALGORITMA DAN PEMOGRAMAN UNTUK MEMBANGKITKAN MINAT SISWA-SISWI SMK PADA DUNIA PEMOGRAMAN
Authors: Abidin Zaenal
Published: November 2021

Salah satu jurusan yang ada SMK PGRI 1 Limau yaitu jurusan Multimedia. Kegiatan PKM khusus di jurusan Multimedia dilakukan adalah Pelatihan Dasar-dasar Algoritma dan Pemograman bagi siswa SMK PGRI 1 Limau. Pelatihan ini bertujuan agar membuka cakrawala awal dan ketertarikan mereka akan dunia programming. Materi pelatihan yang telah diberikan adalah (1) Pretest, (2) Sesi 1 : Bedah Potensi Dunia Kerja bidang Komputer, (3) Sesi 2 : Algoritma dan Pemograman Dasar Runtunan di Python, (4) Sesi 3 : Algoritma dan Pemograman Dasar tentang pencabangan di  Python, (5) Sesi 4 : Algoritma dan Pemograman dasar tentang perulangan di Python, dan (6) Posttest. Pelaksanaan PKM Sekolah Binaan telah dilaksanakan dengan metode ceramah di kelas dan latihan pemogragraman di laboratorium komputer milik SMK PGRI 1 Limau. Secara umum kunjungan ke SMK PGRI 1 Limau 4 kali kunjungan sesuai dengan rincian dan jadwal kegiatan yang telah dibuat. Hasi pelatihan ini terlihat dari peningkatan nilai rata-rata siswa-siswi pretest yaitu Di awal pertemuan dengan siswa-siswi SMK PGRI 1 Limau, para peserta diberikan 10 soal essay yang jawabannya bersifat open answering dan closed answering. Delapan soal open answering dan dua closed answering. Pertanyaan dibuat sesuai dengan tingkat pengetahuan siswa-siswa SMK akan soal-soal mendasar dan sederhana tentang algoritma dan pemograman. Hasil pretest menunjukannya minimnya kemampuan awal mereka yaitu rata-rata siswa-siswi mampu menjawab 1.67 pertanyaan. Kemudian hasil posttest menunjukan nilai rata-rata siswa-siswi mampu menjawab 8.33 pertanyaan. Perningkatan kemampuan siswa dalam menyelesaikan posttest meningkat sebesar 66.67 %.
Glossopharyngeal Neuralgia and Somatic Tinnitus Caused by a Small Tonsillolith
Authors: Cho Han Kyu , Oh Jayoung , Koo Ja-Won
Published: November 2021

A 66 years old male presented with severe right-sided otalgia and throat pain, which persisted more than a year. He also complained of bilateral tinnitus. Tinnitus was continuous and high-pitched. Severe pain usually followed swallowing food. Pressing his right tonsil aggravated such symptoms. Pure tone audiogram showed both high frequencies hearing loss. Neck CT image revealed a small tonsillolith in his right tonsil. Gabapentin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs reduced the intensity of pain, but could not eradicate the pain. Finally, we performed radiofrequency tonsil ablation to eliminate right side tonsillolith. After ablation, pain immediately subsided and his tinnitus also disappeared. Tiny impacted tonsillolith may induce glossopharyngeal neuralgia and somatic tinnitus.
Time-Consuming, but Necessary: A Wide Range of Measures Should Be Included in Welfare Assessments for Dairy Herds
Authors: Collins Sophie , Burn Charlotte C. , Wathes Christopher M. , Cardwell Jacqueline M. , Chang Yu-Mei , Bell Nicholas J.
Published: November 2021

Animal welfare assessments that measure welfare outcomes, including behavior and health, can be highly valid. However, the time and skill required are major barriers to their use. We explored whether feasibility of welfare outcome assessment for dairy herds may be improved by rationalizing the number of measures included. We compared two approaches: analyzing whether strong pairwise associations between measures existed, enabling the subsequent exclusion of associated measures; and identifying possible summary measures—“iceberg indicators”—of dairy herd welfare that could predict herd welfare status. A cross-sectional study of dairy herd welfare was undertaken by a single assessor on 51 English farms, in which 96 welfare outcome measures were assessed. All measures showed at least one pairwise association; percentage of lame cows showed the most (33 correlations). However, most correlations were weak–moderate, suggesting limited scope for excluding measures from protocols based on pairwise relationships. A composite measure of the largest portion of herd welfare status was then identifiedviaPrincipal Component Analysis (Principal Component 1, accounting for 16.9% of variance), and linear regression revealed that 22 measures correlated with this. Of these 22, agreement statistics indicated that percentage of lame cows and qualitative descriptors of “calmness” and “happiness” best predicted Principal Component 1. However, even these correctly classified only ~50% of farms according to which quartile of the Principal Component 1 they occupied. Further research is recommended, but results suggest that welfare assessments incorporating many diverse measures remain necessary to provide sufficient detail about dairy herd welfare.
Exploring the Biomechanical Properties of the Human Cornea In Vivo Based on Corvis ST
Authors: Zhang Di , Zhang Haixia , Tian Lei , Zheng Yan , Fu Caiyun , Zhai Changbin , Li Lin
Published: November 2021

Purpose: The aim of this study was to provide a method to determine corneal nonlinear viscoelastic properties based on the output data of corneal visualization Scheimpflug technology (Corvis ST).

Methods: The Corvis ST data from 18 eyes of 12 healthy humans were collected. Based on the air-puff pressure and the corneal displacement from the Corvis ST test of normal human eyes, the work done by the air-puff attaining the whole corneal displacement was obtained. By applying a visco-hyperelastic strain energy density function of the cornea, in which the first-order Prony relaxation function and the first-order Ogden strain energy were employed, the corneal strain energy during the Corvis ST test was calculated. Then the work done by the air-puff attaining the whole corneal displacement was completely regarded as the strain energy of the cornea. The identification of the nonlinear viscoelastic parameters was carried out by optimizing the sum of difference squares of the work and the strain energy using the genetic algorithm.

Results: The visco-hyperelastic model gave a good fit to the data of corneal strain energy with time during the Corvis ST test (R2 > 0.95). The determined Ogden model parameter μ ranged from 0.42 to 0.74 MPa, and α ranged from 32.76 to 55.63. The parameters A and τ in the first-order Prony function were 0.09–0.36 and 1.21–1.95 ms, respectively.

Conclusion: It is feasible to determine the corneal nonlinear viscoelastic properties based on the corneal contour information and air-puff pressure of the Corvis ST test.
Oral Osteomicrobiology: The Role of Oral Microbiota in Alveolar Bone Homeostasis
Authors: Cheng Xingqun , Zhou Xuedong , Liu Chengcheng , Xu Xin
Published: November 2021

Osteomicrobiology is a new research field in which the aim is to explore the role of microbiota in bone homeostasis. The alveolar bone is that part of the maxilla and mandible that supports the teeth. It is now evident that naturally occurring alveolar bone loss is considerably stunted in germ-free mice compared with specific-pathogen-free mice. Recently, the roles of oral microbiota in modulating host defense systems and alveolar bone homeostasis have attracted increasing attention. Moreover, the mechanistic understanding of oral microbiota in mediating alveolar bone remodeling processes is undergoing rapid progress due to the advancement in technology. In this review, to provide insight into the role of oral microbiota in alveolar bone homeostasis, we introduced the term “oral osteomicrobiology.” We discussed regulation of alveolar bone development and bone loss by oral microbiota under physiological and pathological conditions. We also focused on the signaling pathways involved in oral osteomicrobiology and discussed the bridging role of osteoimmunity and influencing factors in this process. Finally, the critical techniques for osteomicrobiological investigations were introduced.
Chronic Low-Dose Alcohol Consumption Promotes Cerebral Angiogenesis in Mice
Authors: Li Jiyu , Li Chun , Loreno Ethyn G. , Miriyala Sumitra , Panchatcharam Manikandan , Lu Xiaohong , Sun Hong
Published: November 2021

Chronic alcohol consumption dose-dependently affects the incidence and prognosis of ischemic stroke. We determined the influence of chronic alcohol consumption on cerebral angiogenesis under physiological conditions and following ischemic stroke. In in vitro studies, acute exposure to low-concentration ethanol significantly increased angiogenic capability and upregulated vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) in C57BL/6J mouse brain microvascular endothelial cells (MBMVECs). The increased angiogenic capability was abolished in the presence of a VEGFR2 inhibitor. In addition, the increased angiogenic capability and upregulated VEGF-A and VEGFR2 remained in chronically low-concentration ethanol-exposed MBMVECs. In in vivo studies, 8-week gavage feeding with low-dose ethanol significantly increased vessel density and vessel branches and upregulated VEGF-A and VEGFR2 in the cerebral cortex under physiological conditions. Furthermore, vessel density, vessel branches, and expression of VEGF-A and VEGFR2 in the peri-infarct cortex were significantly greater in low-dose ethanol-fed mice at 72 h of reperfusion. Although low-dose ethanol did not alter cerebral vasoreactivity and regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) either before or during ischemia, it significantly augmented post-ischemic hyperemia during reperfusion. In contrast, exposure to high-concentration ethanol and 8-week gavage feeding with high-dose ethanol only had a mild inhibitory effect on angiogenic capability and cerebral angiogenesis, respectively. We conclude that heavy alcohol consumption may not dramatically alter cerebral angiogenesis, whereas light alcohol consumption significantly promotes cerebral angiogenesis.
Therapeutic Effects of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Patients With Coronary Heart Disease After Treatment of Revascularization: A Prospective Cohort Study in the Northern of China
Authors: Lv Chunxiao , Cheng Zuozhang , Yu Hao , Du Huiqing , Zhao Yingqiang , Liu Yujie , Zhang Junhua , Gao Sheng , Liu Ruifeng , Huang Yuhong
Published: November 2021

Aim: To investigate the compliance and the outcome of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) after treatment of revascularization.

Methods: In this prospective cohort study, the non-exposure group (NEG), low-exposure group (LEG), and high-exposure group (HEG) were divided after 2 years follow-up. The primary outcome was a composite of death from cardiovascular causes, non-lethal myocardial infarction, heart transplantation, or stroke. Time-to-event data were evaluated by using the Cox regression analysis with hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CIs. Then, the two-sided p-values were calculated by using the Cox models. In order to indicate the therapeutic effects of TCM on the CHD after revascularization, the survival analysis and the nested case–control study were conducted separately.

Results: There were 1,003 patients with CHD enrolled, 356 patients (35.49%) did not choose the TCM, 379 patients (37.79%) used the TCM seldom, and only 268 patients (26.72%) used TCM regularly. A total of 653 patients with revascularization participated in the prospective cohort study. Over the duration of the trial, the primary endpoints occurred in 12 (4.35%), 11 (4.80%), and 2 (1.35%) patients in the NEG, LEG, and HEG, while the secondary endpoints occurred in 84 (30.43%), 57 (24.89%), and 15 (10.14%) patients in the NEG, LEG, and HEG, respectively. The occurrence time of secondary endpoint events in HEG was significantly postponed (p < 0.001) compared with the other cohorts. The Cox regression analysis indicated that the HRs in the primary endpoints, the secondary endpoint events, the major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE), and the composite endpoint events for HEG were all around 0.3 (p < 0.05) and HRs for LEG were all around 0.8. The results of the nested case–control study showed that the TCM exposure was significantly different between the cases and controls in the secondary endpoints (p < 0.05), while no significant difference in the primary endpoints (p > 0.05), but the percentage of HEG in the cases was extremely lower than the controls.

Conclusion: The HEG-TCM may improve the outcomes of the patients with CHD after treatment of revascularization.

Registration:http://www.chictr.org.cn. Unique identifier: ChiCTR-OOC-17012995.
Combination of Exercise Testing Criteria to Diagnose Lower Extremity Peripheral Artery Disease
Authors: Stivalet Olivier , Paisant Anita , Belabbas Dihia , Le Faucheur Alexis , Landreau Philippe , Le Pabic Estelle , Omarjee Loukman , Mahé Guillaume
Published: November 2021

Objectives: Nothing is known about the interest of the combination of exercise tests to diagnose Lower-extremity Peripheral Artery Disease (LEPAD). The aim of this study was to assess if combining exercise testing criteria [post-exercise Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) + exercise-oximetry (exercise-TcPO2)] improves the detection of lower limbs arterial stenoses as compared with post-exercise ABI using American Heart Association (AHA) criteria, or exercise-TcPO2 alone.

Material and Methods: In a prospective monocentric study, consecutive patients with exertional-limb pain and normal resting-ABI referred to our vascular center (Rennes, France) were assessed from May 2016 to February 2018. All included patients had a computed tomography angiography (CTA), a resting-ABI, a post-exercise ABI and an exercise-TcPO2. AHA post-exercise criteria, new validated post-exercise criteria (post-exercise ABI decrease ≥18.5%, post-exercise ABI decrease <0.90), and Delta from Rest of Oxygen Pressure (Total-DROP) ≤-15mmHg (criterion for exercise-TcPO2) were used to diagnose arterial stenoses ≥50%. For the different combinations of exercise testing criteria, sensitivity or specificity or accuracies were compared with McNemar's test.

Results: Fifty-six patients (mean age 62 ± 11 years old and 84% men) were included. The sensitivity of the combination of exercise testing criteria (post-exercise ABI decrease ≥18.5%, or post-exercise ABI decrease <0.90 or a Total-DROP ≤-15mmHg) was significantly higher (sensitivity = 81% [95% CI, 71–92]) than using only one exercise test (post-exercise AHA criteria (sensitivity = 57% [43–70]) or exercise-TcPO2 alone (sensitivity = 59% [45–72]).

Conclusions: Combination of post-exercise ABI with Exercise-TcPO2 criteria shows better sensitivity to diagnose arterial stenoses compared with the AHA post-exercise criteria alone or Exercise-TcPO2 criteria used alone. A trend of a better accuracy of this combined strategy was observed but an external validation should be performed to confirm this diagnostic strategy.
Influence of the Madden–Julian Oscillation on the Arctic Oscillation Prediction in S2S Operational Models
Authors: Zhou Yang , Wang Yang
Published: November 2021

The connections between the Madden–Julian Oscillation (MJO) and the Arctic Oscillation (AO) are examined in both observations and model forecasts. In the observations, the time-lag composites are carried out for AO indices and anomalies of 1,000-hPa geopotential height after an active or inactive initial MJO. The results show that when the AO is in its positive (negative) phase at the initial time, the AO activity is generally enhanced (weakened) after an active MJO. Reforecast data of the 11 operational global circulation models from the Sub-seasonal to Seasonal (S2S) Prediction Project are further used to examine the relationship between MJO activity and AO prediction. When the AO is in its positive phase on the initial day of the S2S prediction, an initial active MJO can generally improve the AO prediction skill in most of the models. This is consistent with results found in the observations that a leading MJO can enhance the AO activity. However, when the AO is in its negative phase, the relationship between the MJO and AO prediction is not consistent among the 11 models. Only a few S2S models provide results that agree with the observations. Furthermore, the S2S prediction skill of the AO is examined in different MJO phases. There is a significantly positive relationship between the MJO-related AO activity and the AO prediction skill. When the AO activity is strong (weak) in an MJO phase, including the inactive MJO, the models tend to have a high (low) AO prediction skill. For example, no matter what phase the initial AO is in, the AO prediction skill is generally high in MJO phase 7, in which the AO activity is generally strong. Thus, the MJO is an important predictability source for the AO forecast in the S2S models.
Bioinformatics on the Road: Taking Training to Students and Researchers Beyond State Capitals
Authors: Braga Marcus , Araujo Fabrício , Franco Edian , Pinheiro Kenny , Silva Jakelyne , Maués Denner , Neto Sebastiao , Pompeu Lucas , Guimaraes Luis , Carneiro Adriana , Hamoy Igor , Ramos Rommel
Published: November 2021

In Brazil, training capable bioinformaticians is done, mostly, in graduate programs, sometimes with experiences during the undergraduate period. However, this formation tends to be inefficient in attracting students to the area and mainly in attracting professionals to support research projects in research groups. To solve these issues, participation in short courses is important for training students and professionals in the usage of tools for specific areas that use bioinformatics, as well as in ways to develop solutions tailored to the local needs of academic institutions or research groups. In this aim, the project “Bioinformática na Estrada” (Bioinformatics on the Road) proposed improving bioinformaticians’ skills in undergraduate and graduate courses, primarily in the countryside of the State of Pará, in the Amazon region of Brazil. The project scope is practical courses focused on the areas of interest of the place where the courses are occurring to train and encourage students and researchers to work in this field, reducing the existing gap due to the lack of qualified bioinformatics professionals. Theoretical and practical workshops took place, such as Introduction to Bioinformatics, Computer Science Basics, Applications of Computational Intelligence applied to Bioinformatics and Biotechnology, Computational Tools for Bioinformatics, Soil Genomics and Research Perspectives and Horizons in the Amazon Region. In the end, 444 undergraduate and graduate students from higher education institutions in the state of Pará and other Brazilian states attended the events of the Bioinformatics on the Road project.
Sex Reversal and Performance in Fitness-Related Traits During Early Life in Agile Frogs
Authors: Bókony Veronika , Ujhegyi Nikolett , Mikó Zsanett , Erös Réka , Hettyey Attila , Vili Nóra , Gál Zoltán , Hoffmann Orsolya Ivett , Nemesházi Edina
Published: November 2021

Sex reversal is a mismatch between genetic sex (sex chromosomes) and phenotypic sex (reproductive organs and secondary sexual traits). It can be induced in various ectothermic vertebrates by environmental perturbations, such as extreme temperatures or chemical pollution, experienced during embryonic or larval development. Theoretical studies and recent empirical evidence suggest that sex reversal may be widespread in nature and may impact individual fitness and population dynamics. So far, however, little is known about the performance of sex-reversed individuals in fitness-related traits compared to conspecifics whose phenotypic sex is concordant with their genetic sex. Using a novel molecular marker set for diagnosing genetic sex in agile frogs (Rana dalmatina), we investigated fitness-related traits in larvae and juveniles that underwent spontaneous female-to-male sex reversal in the laboratory. We found only a few differences in early life growth, development, and larval behavior between sex-reversed and sex-concordant individuals, and altogether these differences did not clearly support either higher or lower fitness prospects for sex-reversed individuals. Putting these results together with earlier findings suggesting that sex reversal triggered by heat stress may be associated with low fitness in agile frogs, we propose the hypothesis that the fitness consequences of sex reversal may depend on its etiology.
Childhood Obesity and Risk of Stroke: A Mendelian Randomisation Analysis
Authors: Zou Xue-Lun , Wang Sai , Wang Lei-Yun , Xiao Lin-Xiao , Yao Tian-Xing , Zeng Yi , Zhang Le
Published: November 2021

Background: The causal relationship between childhood obesity and stroke remains unclear. Our objective was to elucidate the causal relationship between childhood obesity and the risk of stroke and its subtypes by performing Mendelian randomisation (MR) analyses.

Methods: Genetic instruments for childhood obesity were obtained from a genome-wide association study (GWAS) of 13,848 European participants. Summary level data for stroke, intracerebral haemorrhage, ischaemic stroke (IS), and its subtypes were evaluated using the MEGASTROKE GWAS dataset, which included 446,696 European adults. Inverse-variance weighting, weighted-median analysis, MR-Egger regression, MR Pleiotropy RESidual Sum and Outlier test (MR-PRESSO), and MR-Robust Adjusted Profile Score were applied in this MR analysis. The leave-one-out sensitivity test, MR-PRESSO Global test, and Cochran’s Q test were conducted to confirm the accuracy and robustness of our results.

Results: Genetic evaluations revealed that childhood obesity was associated with a higher risk of stroke (OR = 1.04, 95%CI: 1.01–1.07, p = 0.005) and IS (OR = 1.05, 95%CI: 1.02–1.08, p = 0.003), but not with intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH, OR = 0.93, 95%CI: 0.80–1.09, p = 0.39). In the subtype analysis, childhood obesity was also associated with large artery stroke (LAS, OR = 1.12, 95%CI: 1.02–1.22, p = 0.016) but not with cardioembolic stroke (OR = 1.06, 95%CI: 0.96–1.18, p = 0.21) and small vessel stroke (OR = 1.06, 95%CI: 0.98–1.15, p = 0.17). These results were stable in the sensitivity analysis and remained significant after Bonferroni correction.

Conclusion: Our study provides evidence that childhood obesity is associated with a higher risk of stroke, IS, and LAS. The prevention of stroke, especially IS and LAS, should be promoted in populations with childhood obesity.
CD73 Severed as a Potential Prognostic Marker and Promote Lung Cancer Cells Migration via Enhancing EMT Progression
Authors: Gao Zhao-wei , Liu Chong , Yang Lan , Chen Hao-chuan , Yang Long-fei , Zhang Hui-zhong , Dong Ke
Published: November 2021

To investigate the expression levels and prognostic value of CD73 in lung cancer. And moreover, to identify the effect and potential mechanism of CD73 on lung cancer cells proliferation and migration. CD73 expression levels in lung cancer were analyzed base on GEPIA2 and GEO database. GEPIA2 and Kaplan-Meier Plotter (KM Plotter) was used to analyzed the correlation between CD73 expression and prognosis. GEO dataset were analyzed via GEO2R. CD73 overexpression cell model was construction via recombinant lentivirus transfection into A549 and NCI-H520 cells. CCK8 assay were used to investigate cells proliferation. Migration and invasion ability were evaluated by scratch and transwell methods. Base on GEPIA2, GSE32683, GSE116959 and GSE37745 dataset, we found that CD73 expression were significant higher in tumor tissues of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) compared with that in non-tumor normal tissues and in lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC), while there were no significant difference of CD73 expression between LUSC and normal control tissues. Interestingly, a high CD73 level predict poor overall survival (OS) of LUSC. However, GEPIA2 and KM plotter showed the opposite conclusion of prognostic value of CD73 in LUAD. By using cell experiments, we found that CD73 overexpression promoted proliferation and migration of LUAD A549 cells. However, there was no significant effect of CD73 overexpression on LUSC NCI-H520 cells. Furthermore, CD73 overexpression facilitates epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) progression of A549 cells. In conclusion, our results indicated that CD73 expression were increased in LUAD and might be an poor prognostic marker for LUSC patients. CD73 play an important role in LUAD cells proliferation and migration. These data allowed to support CD73 as a therapeutic target for LUAD.
Genome-Wide Identification and Expression Analysis of the MADS-Box Gene Family in Sweet Potato [Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam]
Authors: Shao Zhengwei , He Minhong , Zeng Zhipeng , Chen Yanzhu , Hanna Amoanimaa-Dede , Zhu Hongbo
Published: November 2021

MADS-box gene, one of the largest transcription factor families in plants, is a class of transcription factors widely present in eukaryotes. It plays an important role in plant growth and development and participates in the growth and development of flowers and fruits. Sweet potato is the seventh most important food crop in the world. Its tuberous roots, stems, and leaves contain a large number of proteins, lipids, carotenoids, anthocyanins, conjugated phenolic acids, and minerals, which have high edible, forage, and medicinal value, and is also an important energy crop. At present, MADS-box genes in sweet potato have rarely been reported, and there has been no study on the genome-wide identification and classification of MADS-box genes in Ipomoea batatas. This study provided the first comprehensive analysis of sweet potato MADS-box genes. We identified 95 MADS-box genes, analyzed the structure and protein of sweet potato MADS-box genes, and categorized them based on phylogenetic analysis with Arabidopsis MADS-box proteins. Chromosomal localization indicated an unequal number of MADS-box genes in all 14 chromosomes except LG3, with more than 10 MADS-box genes located on chromosomes LG7, LG11, and LG15. The MADS domain and core motifs of the sweet potato MADS-box genes were identified by motif analysis. We identified 19 MADS-box genes with collinear relationships and analyzed duplication events. Cis-acting elements, such as light-responsive, auxin-responsive, drought-inducible, and MeJA-responsive elements, were found in the promoter region of the MADS-box genes in sweet potato, which further indicates the basis of MADS-box gene regulation in response to environmental changes and hormones. RNA-seq suggested that sweet potato MADS-box genes exhibit tissue-specific expression patterns, with 34 genes highly expressed in sweet potato flowers and fruits, and 19 genes highly expressed in the tuberous root, pencil root, or fibrous root. qRT-PCR again validated the expression levels of the 10 genes and found that IbMADS1, IbMADS18, IbMADS19, IbMADS79, and IbMADS90 were highly expressed in the tuberous root or fibrous root, and IbMADS18, IbMADS31, and IbMADS83 were highly expressed in the fruit. In this study, the molecular basis of MADS-box genes of sweet potato was analyzed from various angles. The effects of MADS-box genes on the growth and development of sweet potato were investigated, which may provide a certain theoretical basis for molecular breeding of sweet potato.