bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cromolyn sodium and masitinib combination inhibits fibroblast-myofibroblast transition and exerts additive cell-protective and antioxidant effects in a bleomycin-induced in vitro fibrosis model
Authors: Erol Azize Yasemin Goksu , Dirol Hulya
Published: August 2022

Background: Several in vitro and in vivo studies suggest that tyrosine kinase inhibitors may be effective in the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. In our previous study, we reported that combined treatment with masitinib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor used to treat mastocytoma, and cromolyn sodium, a mast cell stabilizer drug used in allergic diseases, exerts synergistic cell-protective and antioxidant effects on an in vitro neurodegenerative model. In this study, we aimed to investigate the anti-fibrotic, cell-protective, and antioxidant effects of this drug combination on a bleomycin-induced in vitro model of pulmonary fibrosis. Methods: HFF-1 fibroblast cells were cultured and were divided into groups according to bleomycin and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) applications, followed by treatment with cromolyn sodium/masitinib. The cell viability rates and metabolic activity were assessed with an MTT assay. Cell groups were compared morphologically under an inverted microscope. Additionally, Hoechst staining was performed for apoptotic nuclear assessment. Triple-immunofluorescence labeling (alpha-smooth muscle actin, CD44, DAPI) was performed to observe fibroblast-myofibroblast transition. Total oxidant and antioxidant capacities were measured in conditioned media of cell groups.Results: Cromolyn sodium and masitinib mono treatments significantly increased the cell viability rate of fibroblasts which was decreased by bleomycin and H2O2. Combined treatments of cromolyn sodium and masitinib increased cell viability rates more than monotherapy. Combined cromolyn sodium and masitinib exerted a protective effect on bleomycin-induced changes by preserving cell morphology with fewer apoptotic cells and a lower rate of fibroblast to myofibroblast transition, and improved arrangement of fibroblasts. Masitinib, cromolyn sodium, and their combination reduced the mean number of apoptotic cells. Combined cromolyn sodium and masitinib decreased the expression of α-SMA that was induced by bleomycin and increased the total antioxidant capacity while significantly decreasing the total oxidant capacity level that was increased by bleomycin and H2O2.Conclusions: We observed the additive anti-fibrotic, cell-protective and antioxidant effects of masitinib and cromolyn sodium combination in an in vitro fibrosis model. New combination therapies may offer an innovative treatment approach for pulmonary fibrosis, with the advantages of lower doses of both drugs, fewer side effects, and different mechanisms of action at the same time.
Recent Advances in Plant Disease Severity Assessment Using Convolutional Neural Networks
Authors: LIU Yong-min , SHI Ting-ting , ZHENG Xin-ying , HU Kui , HUANG Hao , LIU Han-lin , HUANG Hong-xu
Published: August 2022

In modern agricultural production, the severity of diseases is an important factor that directly affects the yield and quality of plants. In order to effectively monitor and control the whole production process of crops, it is necessary to clarify not only the types of diseases, but also the severity of diseases. In recent years, the use of Deep Learning (DL) for plant disease species identification has been widely applied. In particular, the application of Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) for plant disease images has made breakthrough progress. However, little research has been done on disease severity assessment. This group first traces the mainstream views of existing disease research scholars and accordingly gives various scales for visual assessment of plant disease severity grading. According to the difference of network architecture, then, this study outlines the 16 researches on CNN-based plant disease severity assessment from three aspects of classical CNN framework, improved CNN architecture and CNN-based semantic segmentation network, and the advantages and disadvantages of each research method are compared and analyzed in detail. The common methods of datasets acquisition and the performance evaluation index of CNN models are examined in depth. Finally, this study discusses the major challenges in the practical application of CNN-based plant disease severity assessment methods, and provides feasible research ideas and possible solutions to address these challenges.
Occurrence of gradual resonance in a finite-length granular chain driven by harmonic vibration
Authors: Jiao Tengfei , Zhang Shutian , Sun Min , Huang Decai
Published: August 2022

This study presents numerical simulations of the resonance of a finite-length granular chain of dissipative grains driven by a harmonically vibrated tube. Multiple gradual resonant modes, namely, non-resonance mode, partial-resonance mode, and complete-resonance mode, are identified. With a fixed vibration frequency, increased vibration acceleration leads to a one-by-one increase in the number of grains participating in resonance, which is equal to the number of grain-wall collisions in a vibration period. Compared with the characteristic time of the grain-grain and the grain-wall collisions, the time of free flight plays a dominant role in grain motion. This condition results in the occurrence of large opening gaps between the grains and independent grain-grain and gain-wall collisions. A general master equation that describes the dependence of the system energy on the length of the granular chain and the number of grain-wall collisions is established, and it is in good agreement with the simulation results. We observe a gradual step-jump increase in system energy when the vibration acceleration is continuously increased, which is dedicated to an individual energy injection. Moreover, two typical phase diagrams are discussed in the spaces of $\phi-\it{\Gamma}$ and $N-\it\Gamma$.
The Effect of Dichotomization of Skewed Adjustment Covariates in the Analysis of Clinical Trials
Authors: Herschtal Alan
Published: August 2022

Baseline imbalance in covariates associated with the primary outcome in clinical trials leads to bias in the reporting of results. Standard practice is to mitigate that bias by stratifying by those covariates in the randomization. Additionally, for continuously valued outcome variables, precision of estimates can be (and should be) improved by controlling for those covariates in analysis. Continuously valued covariates are commonly thresholded for the purpose of performing stratified randomization, with participants being allocated to arms such that balance between arms is achieved within each stratum. Often the thresholding consists of a simple dichotomization. For simplicity, it is also common practice to dichotomize the covariate when controlling for it at the analysis stage. This latter dichotomization is unnecessary, and has been shown in the literature to result in a loss of precision when compared with controlling for the covariate in its raw, continuous form. Analytic approaches to quantifying the magnitude of the loss of precision are generally confined to the most convenient case of a normally distributed covariate. This work generalises earlier findings, examining the effect on treatment effect estimation of dichotomizing skew-normal covariates, which are characteristic of a far wider range of real-world scenarios than their normal equivalents.
Mechanochemically accessing a challenging-to-synthesize depolymerizable polymer
Authors: Hsu Tze-Gang , Liu Shiqi , Guan Xin , Zhou Junfeng , Chen Wei-Yuan , Gaire Sanjay , Seylar Joshua , Chen Hanlin , Yoon Seiyoung , Rivera Jared , Ziegler Christopher , McKenzie Ruel , Wang Junpeng
Published: August 2022

Polymers with low ceiling temperatures (Tc) are highly desirable as they can depolymerize under mild conditions, but they typically suffer from demanding synthetic conditions and poor stability. We envision that this challenge can be addressed by developing high-Tc polymers that can be converted into low Tc polymers on demand. Here, we demonstrate the mechanochemical generation of a low-Tc polymer, poly(2,5-dihydrofuran) (PDHF), from an unsaturated polyether that contains cyclobutane-fused THF in each repeat unit. Upon mechanically induced cycloreversion of cyclobutane, each repeat unit generates three repeat units of PDHF. The resulting PDHF completely depolymerizes into 2,5-dihydrofuran in the presence of a ruthenium catalyst. The mechanochemical generation of the otherwise difficult-to-synthesize PDHF highlights the power of polymer mechanochemistry in accessing elusive structures. The concept of mechanochemically regulating Tc of polymers can be applied to develop next-generation sustainable plastics.
Identification of patient population benefiting from anticoagulant therapy for sepsis-related coagulopathy based on the disseminated intravascular coagulation diagnostic criteria: a retrospective database study
Authors: Wada Takeshi , Yamakawa Kazuma , Kabata Daijiro , Abe Toshikazu , Fujishima Seitaro , Kushimoto Shigeki , Mayumi Toshihiko , Ogura Hiroshi , Saitoh Daizoh , Shiraishi Atsushi , Otomo Yasuhiro , Gando Satoshi
Published: August 2022

Background: The development of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) in patients with sepsis has been repeatedly confirmed as a factor associated with poor prognosis. Anticoagulant therapy has been expected to improve sepsis patient outcomes, whereas no randomized controlled trials have demonstrated the survival benefit of anticoagulant therapies in non-specific overall sepsis. Patient selection based on the component of “high disease severity” in addition to “sepsis with DIC” has recently been shown to be important in identifying appropriate target for anticoagulant therapy. The aims of this study were to characterize “severe” sepsis DIC patients, and to identify the patient population benefiting from anticoagulant therapy.Methods: We conducted a retrospective sub-analysis of a prospective multicenter study and enrolled 1,178 adult patients with severe sepsis from 59 intensive care units. We examined the association of patient outcomes, including organ dysfunction and in-hospital mortality, with the DIC score and prothrombin time-international normalized ratio (PT-INR), one of the components of the DIC score, using multivariable regression models including the cross-product term between these indicators. Multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression analysis with non-linear restricted cubic spline including a three-way interaction term (anticoagulant therapy × the DIC score × PT-INR) was also performed. Anticoagulant therapy was defined as the administration of antithrombin, recombinant human thrombomodulin, or their combination.Results: The regression model showed that organ dysfunction and in-hospital mortality deteriorated with higher PT-INR values in the range of less than 1.5 and that this trend was more pronounced with higher DIC scores. Three-way interaction analysis demonstrated that anticoagulant therapy was associated with better survival outcome in patients with a high DIC score and high PT-INR. Furthermore, we identified a DIC score ≥ 5 and PT-INR ≥ 1.5 as the clinical threshold for identification of optimal targets for anticoagulant therapy.Conclusions: The combined use of the DIC score and PT-INR, one of the items of the score, helps to select the optimal patient population for anticoagulant therapy in sepsis-induced DIC. Diagnosing DIC with a sensitive DIC scoring system, followed by the identification of the optimal patient population for anticoagulant therapy may be useful for controlling sepsis-induced DIC. Trial registration: UMIN-CTR, UMIN000019588. Registered on November 16, 2015.
Computational design of potential siRNA molecules for silencing of protease (3LC-like proteinase) and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase gene of SARS-CoV-2 by RNAi technology
Authors: Karim Md Adnan , Sarker Takim , Samad Abdus , Ahammad Foysal , Karim Md Adnan , Jaman Jomana , Karim Ziaul , Siam Mohammad Kawsar Sharif , Seraj Zeba I. , Shohan Mohammad Umer Sharif
Published: August 2022

Since the origin of the SARS-CoV2 from Wuhan, in China, it has become a global threat to public health and a WHO-declared world epidemic within 2 month of identification of the first case. This has led to the race of scientists all over the world to discover a therapeutic to combat the SARS-CoV-2. Two proteins, namely, RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) and 3C-like proteinase work in facilitating the entry of the virus into host cell, viral transcription and replication. Among various treatment options, siRNA, also known as small interfering RNA is a prospective tool of the RNA interference (RNAi) pathway that controls virus-mediated infections of human by suppressing the expression of viral gene through hybridization and neutralization of complementary mRNA. In the current study, siRNA molecules were designed against RdRp and 3C-like proteinase gene. 12 conserved sequences were obtained from the genome 101 SARS-CoV-2 strains sequenced in different countries. A total of 38 siRNAs were predicted that can inactivate RdRp and 3C-like proteinase genes. Finally, after analyzing the GC ratio (%), free energy of folding-binding, melting temperature and efficacy prediction of all the predicted siRNAs, 6 siRNA molecules were selected which are proposed to exert the highest action. These screened siRNAs should effectively silence the RdRp and 3C-like proteinase genes of SARS-CoV-2 by siRNA mediated prospective treatment of COVID-19 patients.
The change in pediatric subject symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic in China
Authors: Tang Yaqi , Ma Shujing , Luo Gang , Ji Zhixian , Zhao Shuiyan , Cao Yue , Pan Silin
Published: August 2022

Background: It is reported that the adverse impact of nonpharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) on the mental health of children and adolescents may lead to psychologically related disorders during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) period. Subject symptoms such as chest pain, chest tightness, and palpitation are closely related to increased stress and anxiety in children and adolescents. The present research aimed to determine the change in pediatric consult of the symptoms onset in children during the COVID-19 period compared with before and after the COVID-19 period.Methods: Children who visited Women and Children's Hospital, Qingdao University between January 23 to April 30, 2019 (pre-COVID-19 period), January 23 to April 30, 2020 (COVID-19 period), and January 23 to April 30, 2021 (post-COVID-19 period) presenting chest pain, chest tightness, and palpitation were recruited. Information to determine gender, ages, department for the initial visit, clinical manifestations, time from the latest onset to the visit, and diagnosis were recorded.Result: A total of 891 patients were enrolled in the present study (514 males; median age: 7.72). 123 patients presented during the pre-COVID-19 period while 130 during the COVID-19 period, nevertheless, the number substantially increased during the post-COVID-19 period (n=638). There was no significant difference among groups in the distribution of organic etiology. The median time from the latest onset to the visit during the pre-COVID-19 period was 7 days compared to 10 days during the COVID-19 period and 3 days during the post-COVID period. Conclusion: The pediatric consult of children with subject symptoms presented increased substantially during the post-COVID-19 period, with a less median time from the latest onset to the visit. The major etiology of subject symptoms was shown in favor of non-organic during the three periods.
Molecular characterization of a novel chlorotic leaf curl-associated foveavirus infecting prune trees
Authors: Zheng Lianshun , Han Yang , Gong Pan , Zhou Xueping , Wu Jianxiang , Fu Shuai
Published: August 2022

The Prune tree (Prunus mume) is widely distributed in East Asian countries for fruit, medicinal herbs, or ornamental purposes for more than 2000 years. High-throughput sequencing in prune tree leaves showing chlorosis and leaf curl symptoms sampled from the China National Botanical Garden revealed the presence of a putative novel virus belonging to the genus Foveavirus, the family Betaflexiviridae. We cloned the completion genome of this new virus and named this virus as prune tree chlorotic leaf curl-associated virus (PTCLCaV). The genome of PTCLCaV is a 9 034 nucleotide (nt) positive-sense, single strand RNA, excluding its 3’ poly (A) tail, and contains five open reading frames (ORFs). ORF1 encodes a putative viral replication-associated protein (Rep), and ORFs 2, 3, and 4 encode the triple gene block (TGB) proteins. ORF5 encodes the capsid protein (CP). Our phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that PTCLCaV is evolutionarily related to members from the genus Foveavirus of the family Betaflexiviridae. Based on sequence identity and phylogenetic analysis, PTCLCaV represents a new species of the genus Foveavirus in the family Betaflexiviridae.
Nonparametric approach to copula estimation in compounding the joint impact of storm surge and rainfall events in coastal flood analysis
Authors: LATIF SHAHID , Simonovic Slobodan P.
Published: August 2022

The joint probability modelling of storm surge and rainfall events is the main task in assessing compound flood risk in low-lying coastal areas. These extreme or non-extreme events may not be dangerous if considered individually but can intensify flooding impact if they occur simultaneously or successively. Recently, the copula approach has been widely accepted in compound flooding but is often limited to parametric, or in limited number of cases to semiparametric, distribution settings. However, both parametric and semiparametric approaches assume the prior distribution type for univariate marginals and copula joint density. In that case, there is a high risk of misspecification if the underlying assumption is violated. In addition, both approaches suffer from a lack of flexibility. This study uses bivariate copula density in the nonparametric distribution setting. The joint copula structure is approximated nonparametrically by employing Beta kernel and Bernstein copula estimators, and their performances are also compared. The proposed model is tested with 46 years of rainfall and storm surge observations collected on Canada's west coast. Based on the different model compatibility tests, the Bernstein copula with normal KDE margins defined the joint dependence structure well. The selected nonparametric copula model is further employed to estimate joint and conditional return periods. The derived model is further used to estimate failure probability statistics to assess the variation of bivariate hydrologic risk during the project lifetime due to compounded storm surge and rainfall events.
Mutations of TP53 and genes related to homologous recombination repair in breast cancer with germline BRCA1/2 mutations
Authors: Kim Jinyong , Jeong Kyeonghun , Jun Hyeji , Kim Kwangsoo , Yi Hanbaek , Park Songyi , Woo Go-un , Lee Dae-Won , Kim Tae-Yong , Lee Kyung-Hun , Im Seock-Ah
Published: August 2022

Background Germline mutations of breast cancer susceptibility gene BRCA1 and BRCA2 (gBRCA1/2) are associated with elevated risk of breast cancer in young women in Asia. BRCA1 and BRCA2 proteins contribute to genomic stability through homologous recombination (HR)-mediated double strand DNA break repair in cooperation with other HR-related proteins. In this study, we analyzed the targeted sequencing data of the breast cancer patients with gBRCA1/2 mutations to investigate the landscape of HR-related gene mutations and their clinical implications.Materials and MethodsData of the breast cancer patients with pathogenic gBRCA1/2 mutations and qualified targeted next generation sequencing, SNUH FiRST cancer panel, were analyzed. Single nucleotide polymorphisms, small insertions and deletions were analyzed with functional annotations using ANNOVAR. HR-related genes were defined as ABL1, ATM, ATR, BARD1, BRCA1, BRCA2, CDKN1A, CDKN2A, CHEK1, CHEK2, FANCA, FANCD2, FANCG, FANCI, FANCL, KDR, MUTYH, PALB2, POLE, POLQ, RAD50, RAD51, RAD51D, RAD54L, and TP53. Mismatch-repair genes were MLH1, MSH2, and MSH6. Clinical data were analyzed with cox proportional hazard models and survival analyses. ResultsFifty five Korean breast cancer patients with known gBRCA1/2 mutations and qualified targeted NGS data were analyzed. Ethnically distinct mutations in gBRCA1/2 genes were noted, with higher frequencies of Val1833Ser (14.8%), Glu1210Arg (11.1%), and Tyr130Ter (11.1%) in gBRCA1 and Arg2494Ter (25.0%) and Lys467Ter (14.3%) in gBRCA2. Considering subtypes, gBRCA1 mutations were associated with triple-negative breast cancers (TNBC), while gBRCA2 mutations were more likely hormone receptor-positive breast cancers. At least one missense mutation of homologous recombination (HR)-related genes were observed in 44 cases (80.0%). The most frequently co-mutated gene was TP53 (38.1%). In patients with gBRCA1/2 mutations, however, genetic variations of TP53 occurred in locations different from the known hotspots of those with sporadic breast cancers. The patients with both gBRCA1/2 and TP53 mutations were more likely to have TNBC, high Ki-67 values, and increased genetic mutations, especially of HR-related genes. Survival benefit was observed in the TP53 mutants of patients with gBRCA2 mutations, compared to those with TP53 wildtypes.ConclusionOur study showed distinct genetic landscape of breast cancer patients with gBRCA1 and gBRCA2 mutations in the Asian populations. Further studies on precision medicine are needed for tailored treatments of patients with genetic diversity among different ethnic groups.
Hemodynamic Monitoring during Veno-Venous Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: A scoping review
Authors: Lorusso Roberto , De Piero Maria Elena , Mariani Silvia , Ravaux Justine M. , Nardelli Pasquale , Jacobs Jeffrey P. , Guarracino Fabio , Patroniti Nicoló , Bussel Bas C.T. van , Horst Iwan C.C. van der , Taccone Fabio Silvio , Heinsar Silver , Shekar Kiran , Yamashita Michael , Obonyo Nchafatso G. , Ciullo Anna L. , Brio Jordi Riera del , Dalton Heidi , Wang Anson , Zaaqoq Akram M. , MacLaren Graeme , Ramanathan Kollengode , Suen Jacky Y. , Bassi Gianluigi Li , Sato Kei , Fraser John F. , Peek Giles J. , Arora Rakesh C. ,   COVID-19 Critical Care Consortium (CCC) Cardio/ECMOCard
Published: August 2022

Background Optimizing cardiovascular monitoring and support during veno-venous Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (V-V ECMO) is essential to ensure overall adequacy of end-organ perfusion and proper titration of extracorporeal support. Despite an increasing V-V ECMO use, guidelines on monitoring of cardiovascular function during mechanical support are lacking, with current approaches mostly based on clinicians’ experience rather than evidence-based recommendations. This scoping review focused on basic and more advance methods for hemodynamic monitoring during V-V ECMO in adult patients. Methods Databases (PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane CENTRAL) and reference lists of relevant articles were searched from inception until November 2021. We included studies of any methodology that addressed the a priori key questions relating to hemodynamic monitoring during respiratory extracorporeal support. Results Overall, 465 articles were screened, and 106 articles were included for detailed analysis. Protocolized hemodynamic monitoring and lines of evidence were not found and in particular the main body of the literature was concentrated on cardiocirculatory support. Tools recommendations regarding the available monitoring techniques are described, with an overview of basic, prognostic/diagnostic and advanced methods. While these strategy does not influence time to wean, the application of care bundles and multidisciplinary team approaches could be associated with reduced complications and improved outcomes. Conclusions Patients undergoing respiratory support with V-V ECMO experience complex interactions among the patient’s and extracorporeal circulation, individual’s lung function and related circulatory changes. The critical needs for multidisciplinary teams, specified trainings, new research directions, and an accurate monitoring aiming to improve outcomes are essential for optimal decision-making.
Biodegradable Elastomeric Circuit Boards from Citric Acid-based Polyesters
Authors: Daniele Michael , Turner Brendan , Twiddy Jack , Wilkins Michael , Ramesh Srivatsan , Kilgour Katie , Domingos Eleo , Nasrallah Olivia , Menegatti Stefano
Published: August 2022

Recyclable and biodegradable microelectronics, i.e., “green” electronics, are emerging as a viable solution to the global
challenge of electronic waste. Accordingly, the development of novel materials to replace passive components and
packaging is necessary to realize sustainable manufacturing and growing distribution of electronic devices. Specifically,
alternatives to printed circuit boards (PCBs) represent a prime target for novel materials development and increasing the
utility of green electronics in biomedical and Internet-of-Things (IoT) applications. Ideal PCB substrates and packaging are
good dielectrics, mechanically and thermally robust, and are compatible with traditional microfabrication processes, which
typically result in the use of non-biodegradable materials. Poly(octamethylene maleate (anhydride) citrate) (POMaC) – a
citric acid-based elastomer with tunable degradation and mechanical properties – presents a promising alternative for PCB
substrates and packaging. Here, we report the novel use and characterization of POMaC-PCBs. Synthesis and processing
conditions were optimized to achieve desired degradation and mechanical properties for production of stretchable circuits.
POMAC-PCB traces were characterized and exhibited sheet resistance of 0.599 Ω cm-2, crosstalk distance of <0.6 mm, and
R/R0 = 30 after 100 cycles to 20% strain. Fabrication of single and multilayer layer POMaC-PCBs was demonstrated.
Comparative Toxicology of Heavy Metals Arsenate, Arsenite, Cadmium, Chrome Vi, Lead, and Nickel in the Testes of Adult Swiss Mice After Acute Exposure
Authors: Lozi Amanda Alves , Dias Fernanda Carolina Ribeiro , Silva Janaina , Araujo Diane Costa , Gonçalves Ingred Carol , Melo Fabiana Cristina Silveira Alves , Oliveira Elizabeth Lopes , Freitas Mariella Bontempo Duca , Matta Sérgio Luis Pinto da
Published: August 2022

Heavy metals are found naturally in the environment in small concentrations and the increase in their concentration occurs due to anthropogenic activities. Human exposure to heavy metals can induce various testicular damage. This study aimed to evaluate the action of the arsenate (As + 5), arsenite (As + 3), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), chromium VI (Cr VI), and nickel (Ni) in the testicles of adult Swiss mice and establish an order of toxicity among these metals. Forty-two animals were randomly distributed into 7 experimental groups (n = 6). The control group received a saline solution and the other groups received 1.5 mg/kg of the heavy metal as follows: group 2 – As + 5, group 3 - As + 3, group 4 - Cd, group 5 - Pb, group 6 - Cr VI and group 7 - Ni. The administration was performed intraperitoneally in a single dose and the animals were euthanized seven days after exposure. Acute exposure to heavy metals induced functional, cellular, pathological, and oxidative stress alterations. The order of toxicity among the tested metals established by comparative damage analysis follows Ni > Cd > Cr VI = Pb > As + 3 > As + 5. In groups with higher toxicity, such as nickel and cadmium were observed functional changes, alterations in the testicular microstructure, and cell death. Based on our results, we can point out that the heavy metals tested can be harmful to male reproductive health in low doses and for a short period of exposure. Care must be greater taking into account the damage order defined in this work.
Social context during ontogeny affects cannibalism and kin recognition of the predatory mite Amblyseius herbicolus (Chant) at different life stages
Authors: ZHANG KESHI , ZHANG ZHI-QIANG
Published: August 2022

Cannibalism is commonly found among phytoseiids at almost all mobile life stages. The avoidance of kin cannibalism in the presence of non-kin has been observed in limited species of phytoseiids. Early experience with conspecifics can alter individuals’ social behaviour at later stages. In this study, we examined the influence of ontogenetic isolation on the cannibalism and kin recognition of the predatory miteAmblyseius herbicolus(Acari: Phytoseiidae). Using a choice test,A. herbicolusprotonymphs, deutonymphs, pre-ovipositional adults, and ovipositional adults were used as predators, and larvae (siblings versus non-kin) were given as prey. Two rearing treatments were applied to the predators to generate different social experience during ontogeny: reared in isolation or in pairs with ad libitum mixed stages ofCarpoglyphus lactis(Acari: Astigmata). The results showed that social experience with siblings during ontogeny significantly reduced the cannibalism rate. Despite the social experience during ontogeny, protonymphs, deutonymphs, and pre-ovipositional adults did not discriminate kin (siblings) from non-kin during cannibalism. Only adults during oviposition showed a preference to avoid cannibalising siblings when non-kin are available. The recognition mechanism ofA. herbicolusmay require the contact and assessment of their eggs during oviposition. Future studies can investigate if contact with non-kin eggs and subsequently hatching larvae can influence the discrimination ability of ovipositional adults. WhetherA. herbicoluscan avoid cannibalising familiar kin could also be examined.
Enablers and barriers to referral and delivery of multidisciplinary prehabilitation in the Autologous Stem Cell Transplant population: A theory-based interview study
Authors: Crowe Jessica , Edbrooke Lara , Khot Amit , Denehy Linda , Francis Jill J
Published: August 2022

Purpose
Health care professionals (HCP) play a vital role in effectiveness of prehabilitation programs, but information is limited about what assists HCP deliver an effective service. This study evaluated HCP perceptions of enablers and barriers to two behaviours: referral for, and delivery of, multidisciplinary prehabilitation prior to autologous stem cell transplant.
Methods
Based on the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) of behaviour change, we conducted semi-structured interviews, purposively sampling 14 participants (from various healthcare disciplines) at a tertiary cancer centre. Discipline-specific topic guides were created based on the TDF and the behaviours appropriate to each discipline. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, anonymised, content analysed (grouping, then labelling, thematically similar responses) and classified into theoretical domains. Structured decision rules were used to classify themes as high, medium or low priority.
Results
Fifty enablers and 31 barriers were identified; of these 26 enablers and 16 barriers classified as high priority. Four domains had the most frequent high-priority enablers: Social professional role and identity (e.g., multidisciplinary teamwork); Beliefs about consequences (e.g., patient benefit); Memory, attention and decision processes (e.g., refer as early as possible); and Environmental context and resources (e.g., electronic medical records are beneficial). High-priority barriers were most frequent in four domains: Memory, attention and decision processes (e.g., conflicting views about who should be referred); Environmental context and resources (e.g., lack of time); Social influences (e.g., families); and Emotions (e.g., patient distress).
Conclusion
Participants reported more enablers than barriers. Findings can support delivery of prehabilitation programs in hospital settings where uptake remains low.
Cloning, Characterization, and Heterologous Expression of a Candidate Hirudin Gene from the Salivary Gland Transcriptome of Hirudo nipponia
Authors: Shi Ping , Wei Jian , You Huajian , Chen Shijiang , Tan Fayin , Lu Zenghui
Published: August 2022

Gene cloning and rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) were used to determine the full-length cDNA sequence of a previously reported candidate hirudin gene (c16237_g1) in the salivary gland transcriptome of Hirudo nipponia Whitman. The 489-bp cDNA sequence (GenBank accession number: MN 116511) was predicted to encode an 83-aa polypeptide (including a 20-aa signal peptide sequence) and to possess several properties of the hirudin “core” motifs associated with binding to the thrombin catalytic pocket—including CLC and a GSNV region conservatively replaced by the chemically similar NSNL in H. nipponia. All six cysteine residues, presumably involved in three disulfide bonds, were also evolutionarily conserved. The putative protein’s aa sequence showed 62% (E-value = 2e-13), 54% (E-value = 6e-14), and 53% (E-value = 5e-13) similarity to HV3 (PA) (ALA22935.1), HV1 (VV) (ALA22934.1), and HV2 (ALA14576.1) sequences of H. medicinalis Linnaeus, respectively. A fusion expression vector (pPIC9K-Hirudin) was constructed to successfully produce GS115 transformants (GS115/pPIC9K-Hirudin). This confirmed candidate protein expression under inductive conditions, with antithrombin activity of 800 ATU/mL. These findings provide a basis for further elucidating the molecular anticoagulation mechanism of hirudin, helping fill China’s current commercial gap for engineered H. nipponia hirudin and meeting the considerable demand for hirudin-based clinical drugs, including products that target important cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases.
Kinetic of peroxide index variation and shelf life of mayonnaise with microencapsulated oregano essential oil
Authors: Rojas-Molina Jaime O. , García Mario A. , Pino Jorge A.
Published: August 2022

This work aimed to evaluate the influence of the addition of microencapsulated oregano (Origanum vulgare L.) essential oil as a natural antioxidant in the stability of mayonnaise. Three formulations were developed with microencapsulated oregano essential oil at different concentrations (0.0, 0.26, and 0.44%). Mayonnaises were packed and stored at 35, 45, and 55 ºC until their deterioration. During the accelerated storage, the titratable acidity and peroxide index were determined. The peroxide index was subjected to linear regression analysis as a function of time. The parameters of the Arrhenius model (k and Ea) for the variation of the peroxide index and the temperature acceleration factor (Q10) were also determined. Some physical and chemical indicators were determined for the mayonnaise selected according to its greater stability during the accelerated storage. Mayonnaise with 0.44% microencapsulated oregano essential oil presented the highest stability during accelerated storage in terms of delaying the increase in the peroxide index, as an indicator of the deterioration of this type of product. The addition of the microencapsulated essential oil did not affect (p > 0.05) the sensory attributes of the product, although the judges reported its influence on the typical odor and flavor, compared to the control mayonnaise. The variation of the peroxide index during the accelerated storage was adjusted, in all cases, to a zero-order reaction. Linear models were obtained to estimate the shelf life of mayonnaise for each treatment.
Inverted pendulum driven by a horizontal random force: statistics of the never-falling trajectory and supersymmetry
Authors: Stepanov Nikolay , Skvortsov Mikhail
Published: August 2022

We study stochastic dynamics of an inverted pendulum subject to a random force in the horizontal direction (Whitney's problem). Considered on the entire time axis, the problem admits a unique solution that always remains in the upper half plane. Assuming a white-noise driving, we develop a field-theoretical approach to statistical description of this never-falling trajectory based on the supersymmetric formalism of Parisi and Sourlas.
The emerging mathematical structure is similar to that of the Fokker-Planck equation, which however is written for the ``square root'' of the probability distribution function. In the limit of strong driving, we obtain an exact analytical solution for the instantaneous joint distribution function of the pendulum's angle and its velocity.
ANALISIS TINGKAT KESEIMBANGAN (EKUALISASI) PPh PASAL 21 DENGAN BIAYA GAJI PADA SPT TAHUNAN BADAN PT. X
Authors: Pratiwi Amelia Ika , Pratama Muhammad Rizky Andhika
Published: August 2022

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mencapai ekualisasi PPh Pasal 21 dengan pengakuan biaya gaji yang dilaporkan pada SPT Tahunan Badannya, Penelitian ini dilakukan karena diterimanya SP2DK oleh PT. X yang menjelaskan adanya perbedaan biaya gaji dalam SPT Masa PPh Pasal 21 nya dengan biaya gaji yang dilaporkan dalam SPT Tahunan Badan yang dilaporkan oleh perusahaan. Kurangnya pengawasan perusahaan dapat menimbulkan perbedaan pelaporan tersebut, selain karena kurangnya pengawasan, hal ini juga terjadi karena kurangnya pengetahuan PT. X khusunya perpajakan, akhirnya perbedaan biaya gaji pada SPT Masa PPh Pasal 21 dan biaya gaji pada SPT Tahunan Badan tahun 2017 inilah yang dijadikan sebagai objek penelitian oleh penulis, penelitian ini dilakukan menggunakan teknik analisis kuantitatif. Hasil dari penelitian ini adalah : untuk mencapai kesimbangan antara PPh Pasal 21 dengan biaya gaji pada SPT Tahunan Badan, hal ini disebabkan karena adanya SPT Masa bulan Desember 2017 yang tidak dilaporkan tetapi sudah dibayar. Besarnya Biaya gaji yang sudah dibayarkan sebesar Rp 3.209.863.582,91, sedangkan pada SPT Tahunan Badannya hanya dilaporkan sebesar Rp.2.966.623.854,44, sehingga perbedaan ini perlu diekualisasi oleh PT. X sebesar Rp 243.239.728,48.

 
Internalisasi Nilai Religiusitas bagi Anak Dengan Hambatan Pendengaran (Studi Kasus di Pondok Pesantren Khusus Tunarungu Darul Ashom Yogyakarta)
Authors: Pamungkas Bayu , Susilawati Sinta Yuni
Published: August 2022

Penelitian ini bertujuan mendeskripsikan upaya internalisasi nilai religiusitas bagi anak dengan hambatan pendengaran yang dilaksanakan di Pondok Pesantren Khusus Tunarungu Darul Ashom Yogyakarta. Metode yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah metode penelitian kualitatif dengan observasi, wawancara dan dokumentasi sebagai teknik pengumpulan data.  Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa penanaman nilai religiusitas bagi anak dengan hambatan pendengaran yang dilaksanakan di Pondok Pesantren Khusus Tunarungu Darul Ashom menunjukkan bahwa terdapat 5 dimensi religiusitas yang dapat teraktualisasi dari diri anak anak dengan hambatan pendengaran yang belajar di pondok pesantren khusus tunarungu Darul Ashom.
Implementation of Adaptive Physical Education in Surabaya Inclusive Schools
Authors: Rosmi Yandika Fefrian , Jauhari Muhammad Nurrohman
Published: August 2022

Adaptive Physical Education is a solution for students with special needs as a form of service for students who are less mobile. A sedentary lifestyle has an impact on health threats. For this reason, the implementation of adaptive physical education must be adapted to the needs of each student. The teacher as a central figure in the learning process, is expected to be able to carry out teaching tasks as well as possible. This study aims to describe the implementation of adaptive physical education in inclusive schools in the city of Surabaya. The method in this research is descriptive quantitative. Quantitative research method is a research method that measures research data in the form of numbers and analyzes using statistics. The data collection method used in this study was a survey method with questionnaire data collection techniques. The population in this study were special assistant teachers at inclusive schools in the city of Surabaya. The sample is 40 special assistant teachers. The data that has been obtained through filling out the questionnaire, then processed by descriptive analysis through the SPSS program. Based on the results of data analysis through descriptive analysis. It can be seen that the results of the study indicate that the implementation of adaptive physical education in inclusive schools in the city of Surabaya which is included in the low category as many as 5 respondents with a percentage of 12.5%, the implementation of adaptive physical education in inclusive schools in the city of Surabaya which is included in the medium category as many as 28 respondents by 70%, and the implementation of adaptive physical education in inclusive schools in the city of Surabaya which is included in the high category as many as 7 respondents with 17.5%. The results above can be interpreted that the implementation of adaptive physical education in Surabaya City inclusive schools is in the medium category
Strategi Pengembangan Kompetensi Profesional Guru Sekolah Menengah Atas
Authors: Firmadani Fifit
Published: August 2022

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui strategi pengembangan kompetensi profesional guru di Sekolah Menengah Atas di Kota Magelang. Penelitian menggunakan metode kualitatif yang mendeskripsikan mengenai strategi pengembangan kompetensi profesional guru. Penelitian dilakukan di SMA Negeri 3 Magelang dan SMA Muhammadiyah 2 Kota Magelang. Informan pada penelitian ini yaitu dua kepala sekolah dan sepuluh orang guru di setiap sekolah. Teknik pengumpulan data melalui wawancara semi terstruktur dengan menggunakan triangulasi sumber sebagai teknik keabsahan data. Analisis data menggunakan teknik analisis Miles and Huberman dengan tahapan pengumpulan data, reduksi data, penyajian data, dan penarikan kesimpulan. Hasil penelitian ini yakni sekolah memilki strategi pengembangan kompetensi profesional guru SMA melalui optimalisasi Musyawarah Guru Mata Pelajaran (MGMP) dan Pelatihan kompetensi. MGMP dan pelatihan sangat berdampak bagi peningkatan kompetensi profesional guru. Selain itu, kepala sekolah juga berperan penting dalam peningkatan kompetensi profesional guru. Kontribusi kepala sekolah dioptimalkan melalui perannya sebagai educator, manager, administrator, leader, supervisor, inovator dan motivator. Kepala sekolah juga mengalokasikan anggaran, menciptakan pembaharuan, membangun iklim sekolah serta berinovasi untuk mendukung pengembangan kompetensi profesional guru.
Postprandial Glucose Responses to Standardised Meals Consumed After Moderate- and High-Intensity Exercise Bouts Across Standard School Days in Healthy Adolescents
Authors:   School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough LE11 3TU, United Kingdom, Afeef Sahar M ,   Clinical Nutrition Department, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Barrett Laura A ,   School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough LE11 3TU, United Kingdom, Zakrzewski-Fruer Julia K ,   Institute for Sport and Physical Activity Research, University of Bedfordshire, Bedford MK41 9EA, United Kingdom, Tolfrey Keith ,   School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough LE11 3TU, United Kingdom
Published: August 2022

Exercise-induced moderation of postprandial glycaemia in adolescents is unclear and has not been examined under free-living conditions. We assessed the effect of moderate-intensity exercise (MIE) and high-intensity intermittent exercise (HIIE) bouts on subsequent postprandial glycaemic responses across three standard school days. Fourteen healthy adolescents (13 ± 1 years) completed three conditions in the following order across consecutive days: MIE, 30-min continuous brisk walking; CON, no-exercise control; HIIE, 30-min of 10 × 30-s sprints interspersed with 2.5-min brisk walking bouts. Participants consumed three standardised meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) at standardised times. Interstitial glucose, energy intake, sedentary time and physical activity were assessed under free-living conditions. Linear mixed models compared glucose outcomes between conditions, and Cohen’s d effect sizes were calculated. Although non-significant, the reduction in post-breakfast glucose iAUC was moderate for MIE (-0.24 mmol·L-1; P = 0.59; d = 0.77) and large for HIIE (-0.26 mmol·L-1; P = 0.44; d = 0.86) compared with CON. Non-significant, moderate (0.37 mmol·L-1; P = 0.22; d = 0.70) and large (0.42 mmol·L-1; P = 0.20; d = 0.81) increases in post-lunch glucose iAUC were observed for MIE and HIIE compared with CON. Nevertheless, the 24-h mean glucose was stable at ~5.4 mmol·L-1 across conditions. The glycaemic variability indices calculated over 24-h after the onset of exercise for each condition including standard deviation (P = 0.59) and mean amplitude of glycaemic excursion (P = 0.82) were not different between conditions. Thirty-minute bouts of MIE and HIIE did not change postprandial glycaemia or 24-h glycaemic variability significantly in the small sample of healthy adolescents. However, the moderate and large effect sizes suggest both MIE and HIIE reduced breakfast glucose iAUC compared with CON, yet led to increases in post-lunch iAUC in the two exercise conditions. The mismatch between the probability values and effect sizes was a consequence of our COVID-reduced sample. The ramifications of these exercise effects are unclear and need to be confirmed in a larger sample of adolescents.
The Characteristics of Student SARS-CoV-2 Cases on an Urban University Campus: Observational Study
Authors: Landry Megan , Vyas Amita , Nagaraj Nitasha , Sardon Jr Gary A , Bornstein Sydney , Latif Hannah , Kucherlapaty Padmini , McDonnell Karen , Castel Amanda , Goldman Lynn
Published: August 2022

Background

Academic institutions are central hubs for young adults, laden with academic and social interactions and communal living arrangements, heightening the risk of transmission of many communicable diseases, including COVID-19. Shortly after the start of the fall 2020 academic year, institutions of higher learning were identified as hot spots for rises in COVID-19 incidence among young adults.

Objective

This study aims to identify the characteristics of student SARS-CoV-2 cases, identify the extent to which the student population adhered to preventative strategies, and examine behaviors that would put them at higher risk of contracting or spreading COVID-19.

Methods

This observational study comprises 1175 university students at The George Washington University in Washington, DC, with a confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis between August 3, 2020, and November 30, 2021. Case investigation and contact tracing tools were developed by the Campus COVID-19 Support Team and captured in REDCap (Research Electronic Data Capture). Trained case investigators were notified of a case and attempted to contact all cases within 24 hours of the case receiving their lab result. Associations between case characteristics and number of contacts were examined using Wilcoxon rank sum tests. Knowledge of exposure, behaviors since exposure, student residence status, and fraternity and sorority life affiliation were examined using chi-square tests.

Results

Positive student cases reported a median of 3 close contacts, and 84.6% (993/1175) reported at least one symptom with a median of 4 COVID-19 symptoms. Congestion (628/1175, 53.4%), cough (530/1175, 45.1%), and headache (484/1175, 41.2%) were the most frequently reported symptoms. Moreover, 36% (415/1160) reported that they did not know how they were exposed to the virus. Among those aware of contact with a COVID-19 confirmed case, 55.1% (109/198) reported the contact was a close friend or family member, and 25.3% (50/198) reported that it was someone with whom they lived. Athlete (vs nonathlete; P<.001), on-campus (vs off-campus; P<.001), and undergraduate (vs graduate; P=.01) students all reported a significantly higher number of contacts. Students living on campus were more likely to report attending campus events in the 2 days prior to symptom onset or positive test result (P=.004). Students with fraternity or sorority affiliation were more likely to report attending campus events in the 2 days prior to symptom onset or positive test result (P<.001).

Conclusions

COVID-19 cases have not yet stabilized to a predictable state, but this study provides case characteristics and insights for how academic institutions might prepare to mitigate outbreaks on their campuses as the world plans for the transition from pandemic to endemic COVID-19.