bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Internalisasi Nilai Multikulturalisme melalui Pendidikan Islam; Interelasi Tri Sentra Pendidikan pada Masyarakat Multireligius Desa Balun Lamongan
Authors: Fahruddin Ahmad Hanif , Maskuri  , Busri Hasan
Published: July 2021

Balun Village community located in Turi Subdistrict, Lamongan Regency got predicate as Pancasila village. This social attribute is inherent not only because its inhabitants have theological diversity as a multi religious society, but because of their success in managing religious diversity into a harmonious and almost conflictless social order. This success story is behind this research, which aims to parse about the role of various parties in shaping the multicultural society order. This study uses qualitative method with phenomenological approach. This study successfully found, among others: 1) multiculturalism successfully internalized through various parties integrative-dialectical, both in the family environment, school and community, 2) internalized multicultural values include tolerance (tasamuh),social harmony (tawazun), mutual help (ta'awun) and moderation in religion (tawasuth),3) the process of internalization of multicultural values is carried out through two patterns both additively and transformative level. In addition, this study also found that the internalization of multicultural values goes through the stages of value transformation, value transactions and trans-internalization of values embodied through the teaching and culture of society with a tolerant attitude (tasamuh)as well as moderate( tawasuth).
Instructional Design: Multi-Site Study of the Integration of Islam in Science Teaching in Java, Indonesia
Authors: Ghofur Abd , Joel C. Kuipers  , Askuri
Published: July 2021

This study aims to describe the baseline of instructional strategies currently deployed by teachers in the form of goal setting, media selection, application of methods, and evaluation of learning in relation to Islamic values ​​in science teaching. This research was designed in the form of a qualitative description by involving 18 Islamic schools spread over three regions in Indonesia, namely Malang, Lamongan, and Yogyakarta. Methods of data collection used observation forms, ethnographic video during the learning process, interviews with education stakeholders, Forum Group Discussion (FGD) with students, and documentation study for 6 months. Although Islamic schools in the selected study areas in Java, Indonesia have embraced the integration of Islam into science teaching, as mentioned in the Core Competencies [KI] in the National Curriculum 2013), however, the implementation of it is still not optimal. In addition, the integration of Islam in science teaching is mostly done by teachers through lecture methods. While most teachers expressed interest in the integration of Islam and science, many teachers expressed anxiety about their competence in addressing complex theological issues. The majority of science teachers in Islamic schools have similar strategies in developing ways to integrate the science curriculum. One key strategy is to browse online and find verses from the Qur'an that seem relevant to the lesson.
SYNTHESIS AND PROPERTIES OF CHALCONES BASED ON DEHYDROACETIC ACID
Authors: Tretyakova Iryna , Chernii Viktor , Fedosova Natalia , Denisenko Iryna , Dovbii Yan , Kovalska Vladyslava , Chernii Svitlana , Pekhnyo Vasyl , Starukhin Alexandr
Published: July 2021

The Knoevenagel condensation reaction between dehydracetic acid and aromatic aldehydes is described in this work. The reaction is carried out directly between dehydroacetic acid and aromatic aldehydes in the presence of organic bases. The optimal conditions for the Knoevenagel reaction based on dehydroacetic acid and various aldehydes were determined. Twenty-one chalcones with substituents of different nature were synthesized. The composition and structure of the obtained compounds were determined. All characteristic signals of chalcones are present in the 1H NMR spectra of the obtained compounds registered in CDCl3 and DMSO-d6: OH groups in the range of 18.7–16.5 ppm, CH proton – 6.3–5.9 ppm, and methyl group of the pyran cycle 2.3–2.2 ppm. The corresponding signals of methine protons and aryl substituents are also present in the spectra. The most sensitive to solvent changes is the OH proton bound by an intramolecular hydrogen bond to the carbonyl group of the pyran ring. Signals in DMSO are usually shifted by 0.1–1.0 ppm in a stronger field compared to CDCl3 for dehydroacetic acid and chalcones based on it. CH proton signals are shifted by approximately 0.3 ppm in a weaker field, and the signals of the protons of the methyl group are almost insensitive to the solvent. The optical properties of obtained compounds were investigated in DMF, MeOH, MeCN. The synthesized chalcones absorb light in the visible range 330–490 nm with molar extinction coefficients of 3.5–4.5. The solvatochromic effects for most of them are weak – the position of the maximum changes by less than 10 nm. The electron-donor substituents in the phenyl ring (-NMe2 and -NEt2) shift the absorption ma­ximum bathochromically by almost 100 nm compared to others in all investigated solvents.
The Effect of Acceptance and Management of Political Party Funds on the Future of Political in Indonesia
Authors: Kurniawan Galih Puji
Published: July 2021

The aim of this article was to analyze the effect of acceptance and management of political parties in Indonesia. To understand this study's problem, study the data we have done, including reviewing ten academic findings from international publications, observing and documenting data related to this topic. After the data was collected, we were then provided with analysis, including text analysis, description, coding, and immersion results. Every text is in a language, so we use a translation application to help us understand Indonesian. To determine whether the data constitutes a valid and reliable study finding, we review it and make sure we have answered the study questions. So the results we can report that the RSD framework has become a conceptual framework for the development of research skills for academic and educational needs. The result show that The sources of revenue for political party funds in Indonesia based on Law Number 2 of 2011, come from membership fees, donations, and state assistance. However, the majority of political party funding sources come from donors, including individual donors and business entities. There are still differences in the financial structure of political parties in the law and in daily political practice, indicating that regulations that discuss party funding (Law No. 2 of 2008 and Law No. 2 of 2011) fail to encourage political parties to raise funds to meet their operational needs

Keywords: Management of Political Parties, Political Parties, Political Party Fund
La descapitalización de los sujetos migrantes: el caso de las mujeres mexicanas indocumentadas en Phoenix-Arizona
Authors: Lizeth Bonilla Tania
Published: July 2021

This article explains how the economy of “illegality” produces not only a flexible and precarious labor force but in a continuous process of continuous decapitalization of immigrant subjects ranging from subtle practices, such as traffic ticket fines, to more violent ones, which include the indefinite confinement in a detention center. Through interviews with undocumented Mexican women living in Phoenix, Arizona, it is revealed how deportability and detainibility produce economic decapitalization and dispossession of physical and psychological security that has gendered connotations.
La incidencia delictiva en los municipios con redes de comunicación terrestre y rezago social en Chiapas
Authors: Fuentes Flores César Mario
Published: July 2021

The objective of the article is to investigate the spatial relationship between socio-economic characteristics, demographics, terrestrial communication networks, and crime in the municipalities of Chiapas. The methodology includes a multiple spatial regression model estimated with maximum likelihood. We obtained the information from the Executive Secretariat of the National Public Security System (SESNSP, 2019) and the 2015 Intercensal Survey (INEGI, 2015) at the municipal level. The results confirm that the municipalities connected by road and rail networks have higher unemployment rates and extreme poverty. They also present higher crimes rates such as robbery to passers-by and homicides. The results can be used as a public policy instrument to target crime prevention and containment programs.
ASSOCIATION OF HERPES SIMPLEX VIRUSIS (TYPE 1 AND 2) AND BACTERIAL SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS
Authors:   SE «Institute of Dermatology and Venereology of NAMS of Ukraine», Mavrov G.I.
Published: July 2021

Introduction. Herpes simplex virus infections (HSV; Herpes simplex 1 and 2) are one of the most common sexually transmitted viral infections (STIs). Epidemiological and etiological factors of human HSV-infections are insufficiently studied, in particular, due to the optional registration in Ukraine. The objective was to evaluate the prevalence and etiological aspects of HSV-infection (Herpes simplex 1 and 2) association with some bacterial STIs (Treponema pallidum, Chlamydia trachomatis, Ureaplasma urealyticum, Trichomonas vaginalis), taking into account shifts in the microbiocenosis of the lower genital tract, as well as the psycho-emotional state of patients. Materials and methods. Markers of HSV-1 and HSV-2 were detected of specific antiherpetic antibodies (IgM and IgG) in the serum (plasma) (reagent sets VectoVPG – IgM, VectoVPG-1-IgG, VectoVPG-2-IgG) in 90 patients (43 men (mean age – 41.2 years) and 47 women (mean age – 34.7 years) with STIs (T. pallidum, Ch. trachomatis, U. urealyticum, T. vaginalis) and opportunistic microflora. Assessment of psychoemotional state patients was performed using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and statistical processing was performed using the STATISTICA 9.0 package (StatSoft). Results. The incidence of STIs caused by HSV-1/2 among the population of Ukraine is gradually increasing and according to extrapolated data (lack of official registration) the true intensive rate per 1 year is 100–120 newly diagnosed cases per 100,000 populations. There are gender features (the prevalence of markers of HSV-1 among patients with urogenital pathology is 91.5% in women and 97.7% in men, HSV 2 – in 28.8% and 18.6%, respectively) with maximum infection is in reproductive age. The associations with STIs are following: Ch. trachomatis (up to 29%), U. urealyticum (up to 22%), T. vaginalis (up to 9%), T. pallidum (up to 6%) and opportunistic microflora (up to 26%). When assessing the psycho-emotional state of patients with HSV, the clinical severity of anxiety and depression was correlated with the duration of the disease, the frequency of episodes of exacerbation and the presence of a rash on the genitals. Conclusions. The modern management or sexually transmitted HSV should take into account gender and age, etiological aspects, be coercive with the modern data of microbiology, namely bacterial and viral associations of STIs, as well as with psycho-emotional state of patients.
DIAGNOSTIC AND TREATMENT DIFFICULTIES OF SPOROTRICHOSIS
Authors:   Ukrainian Military Medical Academy, Hrechanska L.V. , Ostapenko S.P. ,   Ukrainian Military Medical Academy, Fedorych P.V. ,   Ukrainian Military Medical Academy
Published: July 2021

Introduction. Sporotrichosis is a deep mycosis caused by the dimorphic fungus Sporothrix schenckii and arises from traumatic inoculation of fungus conidia into damaged skin from plants and other organic material. The objective. In order to prevent diagnostic mistakes, which leads to a long-term and ineffective treatment we presented a clinical case of the sporotrichosis, a rare skin disease in our country, that arose in an elderly patient after a rose injury. Methods. The diagnosis of sporotrichosis of the skin was established by the clinical data, anamnesis and histologic examination. Results The impossibility of long-term administration of systemic antifungal drugs in an adequate dose in this case, required to find out an alternative methods of treatment without systemic side effects. The use of local radiation therapy in a patient with skin sporotrichosis led to a positive result in this clinical case. Conclusions. Diagnostic difficulties and the problems of the treatment require awareness of dermatovenereologists and use of alternative methods of treatment.
Modern clinical and anamnestical aspects of lichenoid dermatoses
Authors:   Kharkiv national medical university, Bilovol A.M. , Tkachenko S.H. ,   Kharkiv national medical university, Berehova A.A. ,   Kharkiv national medical university
Published: July 2021

The objective of the work was to study modern clinical and anamnestic features of chronic lichenoid dermatoses. Materials and methods.Clinical and anamnestic examination of 100 patients with psoriasis and 80 patients with lichen planus (LP) was carried out. In both study groups, the majority were patients 51–60 years old, the minority – patients 31–40 years old. Among patients with psoriasis, men prevailed in all age groups, among patients with LP, men prevailed in the group of 20–30 years. Results. In the general gender structure, men prevailed in the group of patients with psoriasis, women prevailed in the group of patients with LP. Comparison of the anamnestic data regarding dermatoses revealed a chronic recurrent nature, characteristic of both psoriasis and lichen planus. According to the to the duration of the disease, among patients with psoriasis, the majority were patients with a long course of more than 10 years, among patients with LP – patients with a history of less than 1 year. In the group of patients with psoriasis, the majority were patients with early onset of dermatosis, in the group of patients with LP – with a late onset after 25 years. Annual manifestations of dermatosis were recorded in the vast majority of patients with psoriasis; in patients with LP, annual manifestations of dermatosis were recorded 12 times less frequently. A family history of psoriasis was found 10 times more often than in the LP group. In patients with psoriasis, compared with patients with LP, a greater relative number of long-term forms of dermatosis (38% of cases versus 22.5%), and early forms of dermatosis, which occurred before the age of 25 (52% of cases, versus 26.5%) were found. The leading provoking factor among patients with psoriasis was recognized as psychoemotional stress (61%), and among patients with LP, infections suffered the days before (49%). Also, in patients with psoriasis, obesity and overweight were recorded 5 times more often, cardiovascular diseases – 3.6 times more often, endocrine disorders – 2.4 times more often, concomitant pathology of the digestive system – 1.5 times more often than in patients with LP. At the same time, comorbital chronic infectious states were recorded more often in LP patients than in patients with psoriasis (31.25% of cases versus 22% of cases). Conclusions. The revealed results of the clinical and anamnestic characteristics of the studied groups turned out to be homogeneous in terms of age characteristics, heterogeneous in gender characteristics, trigger factors, comorbid pathologies, and multidirectional in terms of duration, manifestations and onset of dermatosis, which requires further study and systematization of key parameters.
Reusing system of the ballast water
Authors: Mounir Kirollos Remon , Samir Fady Bola , Serageldin Youssef Khaled , Sabry Moataz Mohammed
Published: July 2021

Increasing water consumption is a problem faced by the world; one of its solutions is reusing water. Reuse is about changing processes that result in polluted water byproducts so that the resulting water is usable again. Our solution is to reuse ballast water in transporting oil. Oil ships are heading from one country to another, and they are loaded with oil. These ships return to be loaded with ballast water instead of oil. The first step is to place a source of solid air in the tanks to provide some bubbles inside the tank. Secondly, put some of the iron peels inside the tanks to stick these peels with the bubbles, then by a magnetic field attracts the pollutant bubbles attached to the iron scales, and the ballast water remains in the tank to be used again. The results were astounding because they achieved the design requirements.
RETRACTED: Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cell-Based Delivery: A Rapidly Evolving Strategy for Cancer Therapy
Authors: Hassanzadeh Ali , Altajer Amjad Hussein , Rahman Heshu Sulaiman , Saleh Marwan Mahmood , Bokov Dmitry O. , Abdelbasset Walid Kamal , Marofi Faroogh , Zamani Majid , Yaghoubi Yoda , Yazdanifar Mahboubeh , Pathak Yashwant , Chartrand Max Stanley , Jarahian Mostafa
Published: July 2021

Mesenchymal stem/stromal cell (MSC)-based therapy has become an attractive and advanced scientific research area in the context of cancer therapy. This interest is closely linked to the MSC-marked tropism for tumors, suggesting them as a rational and effective vehicle for drug delivery for both hematological and solid malignancies. Nonetheless, the therapeutic application of the MSCs in human tumors is still controversial because of the induction of several signaling pathways largely contributing to tumor progression and metastasis. In spite of some evidence supporting that MSCs may sustain cancer pathogenesis, increasing proofs have indicated the suppressive influences of MSCs on tumor cells. During the last years, a myriad of preclinical and some clinical studies have been carried out or are ongoing to address the safety and efficacy of the MSC-based delivery of therapeutic agents in diverse types of malignancies. A large number of studies have focused on the MSC application as delivery vehicles for tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL), chemotherapeutic drug such as gemcitabine (GCB), paclitaxel (PTX), and doxorubicin (DOX), prodrugs such as 5-fluorocytosine (5-FC) and ganciclovir (GCV), and immune cell-activating cytokines along with oncolytic virus. In the current review, we evaluate the latest findings rendering the potential of MSCs to be employed as potent gene/drug delivery vehicle for inducing tumor regression with a special focus on the in vivo reports performed during the last two decades.
To Join or Not to Join: Decision Points Along the Pathway to Double-Strand Break Repair vs. Chromosome End Protection
Authors: Ackerson Stephanie M. , Romney Carlan , Schuck P. Logan , Stewart Jason A.
Published: July 2021

The regulation of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) and telomeres are diametrically opposed in the cell. DSBs are considered one of the most deleterious forms of DNA damage and must be quickly recognized and repaired. Telomeres, on the other hand, are specialized, stable DNA ends that must be protected from recognition as DSBs to inhibit unwanted chromosome fusions. Decisions to join DNA ends, or not, are therefore critical to genome stability. Yet, the processing of telomeres and DSBs share many commonalities. Accordingly, key decision points are used to shift DNA ends toward DSB repair vs. end protection. Additionally, DSBs can be repaired by two major pathways, namely homologous recombination (HR) and non-homologous end joining (NHEJ). The choice of which repair pathway is employed is also dictated by a series of decision points that shift the break toward HR or NHEJ. In this review, we will focus on these decision points and the mechanisms that dictate end protection vs. DSB repair and DSB repair choice.
Anatomical Predictors of Valve Malposition During Self-Expandable Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement
Authors: Li Jie , Sun Yinghao , Zheng Shengneng , Li Guang , Dong Haojian , Fu Ming , Mo Yujing , Li Yi , Liu Huadong , Xu Zhaoyan , Zhang Liting , Cao Yong , Fan Ruixin , Lim D. Scott , Luo Jianfang
Published: July 2021

Background: The consequence of valve malposition (VM) during transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) can be severe, but the determinants of VM with self-expandable TAVR have not been thoroughly evaluated. We aimed to investigate the anatomical predictors of VM during self-expandable TAVR.

Methods: In this multicenter retrospective study, TAVR was performed using the Venus A-Valve. The baseline, computed tomography, and procedural characteristics along with clinical outcomes were collected. Multivariate logistic regression model and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses were performed.

Results: A total of 84 consecutive patients (23 with VM) were included. Stepwise regression showed that annulus perimeter/left ventricular outflow tract perimeter (AL ratio) and sinotubular junction (STJ) height were predictors of VM. The ROC curve indicated a moderate strength of AL ratio [area under the curve (AUC) 0.71, cutoff 0.96] and a weak strength of STJ height (AUC 0.69, cutoff 23.8 mm) to predict VM. The combination of both predictors revealed a higher predictive value of VM (AUC 0.77). In multivariate analysis, AL ratio <0.96 [odds ratio (OR) 3.98, p = 0.015] and STJ height ≥23.8 mm (OR 4.63, p = 0.008) were strong independent predictors of VM. The presence of both predictors was associated with a very high risk of VM (OR 10.67, p = 0.002). The rate of moderate-to-severe paravalvular regurgitation was higher in patients with VM at 30 days (26.1 vs. 4.9%, p = 0.011).

Conclusions: A conical left ventricular outflow tract and tall aortic sinuses were strong anatomical predictors of VM during self-expandable TAVR.
Applicability of Transthoracic Contrast Echocardiography for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Idiopathic Pulmonary Arteriovenous Malformations
Authors: Deng Yujiao , Huang Xin , Wang Guangyi , Cao Jian , Wang Shengshu , Li Yue , Wang Yiru , Ye Jing , Zhang Peifang , Chen Xiaotian , Luo Yukun , He Kunlun
Published: July 2021

Objective: To explore the preferred test to screen for pulmonary arteriovenous malformations (PAVMs) and to predict the probability of interventional embolization.

Methods: We performed a retrospective observational study evaluating patients with idiopathic PAVMs from 2009 to 2019. After clinical evaluation, a total of 105 patients were studied, including 71 patients with positive digital subtraction pulmonary angiography (DSPA) findings and 34 with negative DSPA findings. The following patient data were assessed: blood test, chest radiograph, transthoracic contrast echocardiography (TTCE), and DSPA findings.

Results: The majority of patients with idiopathic PAVMs were female (66.2% with positive DSPA findings). We found a good κ-coefficient of 0.77 with strong consistency for inter observer agreement concerning the pulmonary right-to-left shunt (RLS) grade on TTCE, which was superior to conventional chest radiographs. The positive predictive value (PPV) of the radiographic features for PAVMs on DSPA was 0.83 (95% CI 0.64–1.0) and 0.44 for the possibility of embolization (95% CI 0.19–0.70). The PPV of the shunt grade of PAVMs on DSPA was 0.14 (95% CI 0.01–0.29) for grade 1, 0.74 (95% CI 0.60–0.88) for grade 2, and 0.97 (95% CI 0.92–1.0) for grade 3. The PPVs of pulmonary shunt grades 2 and 3 on TTCE for the possibility of embolization for PAVMs were 0.21 (95% CI, 0.05–0.36) and 0.87 (95% CI, 0.79–0.99), respectively.

Conclusion: TTCE is the preferred screening test for PAVMs. The pulmonary RLS grade on TTCE not only identifies the likelihood of PAVMs but also predicts the probability for embolization.
Predicting Intensive Care Unit Length of Stay After Acute Type A Aortic Dissection Surgery Using Machine Learning
Authors: Chen Qiuying , Zhang Bin , Yang Jue , Mo Xiaokai , Zhang Lu , Li Minmin , Chen Zhuozhi , Fang Jin , Wang Fei , Huang Wenhui , Fan Ruixin , Zhang Shuixing
Published: July 2021

Background: Patients with acute type A aortic dissection are usually transferred to the intensive care unit (ICU) after surgery. Prolonged ICU length of stay (ICU-LOS) is associated with higher level of care and higher mortality. We aimed to develop and validate machine learning models for predicting ICU-LOS after acute type A aortic dissection surgery.

Methods: A total of 353 patients with acute type A aortic dissection transferred to ICU after surgery from September 2016 to August 2019 were included. The patients were randomly divided into the training dataset (70%) and the validation dataset (30%). Eighty-four preoperative and intraoperative factors were collected for each patient. ICU-LOS was divided into four intervals (<4, 4–7, 7–10, and >10 days) according to interquartile range. Kendall correlation coefficient was used to identify factors associated with ICU-LOS. Five classic classifiers, Naive Bayes, Linear Regression, Decision Tree, Random Forest, and Gradient Boosting Decision Tree, were developed to predict ICU-LOS. Area under the curve (AUC) was used to evaluate the models' performance.

Results: The mean age of patients was 51.0 ± 10.9 years and 307 (87.0%) were males. Twelve predictors were identified for ICU-LOS, namely, D-dimer, serum creatinine, lactate dehydrogenase, cardiopulmonary bypass time, fasting blood glucose, white blood cell count, surgical time, aortic cross-clamping time, with Marfan's syndrome, without Marfan's syndrome, without aortic aneurysm, and platelet count. Random Forest yielded the highest performance, with an AUC of 0.991 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.978–1.000) and 0.837 (95% CI: 0.766–0.908) in the training and validation datasets, respectively.

Conclusions: Machine learning has the potential to predict ICU-LOS for acute type A aortic dissection. This tool could improve the management of ICU resources and patient-throughput planning, and allow better communication with patients and their families.
The Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Health in North China From 2006 to 2011: Results From the KaiLuan Study
Authors: Yu Yao , Dong Zhiyi , Li Yongjie , Zhang Jun , Yin Sufeng , Gao Xuguang , Wu Shouling ,   KaiLuan Study Investigators
Published: July 2021

Background: The American Heart Association (AHA) defined cardiovascular health in terms of four behaviors (smoking, diet, physical activity, body weight) and three factors (plasma glucose, cholesterol, blood pressure). By this definition, the prevalence of ideal cardiovascular health behaviors and factors is negatively correlated with all-cause mortality and risks of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases and malignancy. We analyzed the trends in cardiovascular and cerebrovascular health behaviors and factors in the population of the KaiLuan study for 2006–2011, reported the results, and provided evidence for prevention.

Methods and Results: We calculated the prevalence of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular health behaviors and factors from KaiLuan data for 2006–2007, 2008–2009, and 2010–2011. The prevalence of ideal cardiovascular and cerebrovascular health behaviors and factors is low in the KaiLuan population.

Conclusions: The prevalence of ideal cardiovascular and cerebrovascular health behaviors and factors is low in the KaiLuan population.

Clinical Trial Registration:http://www.chictr.org/cn/proj/show.aspx?proj=1441, unique identifier: ChiCTR-TNC-11001489.
The Diagnostic Value of Soluble ST2 in Heart Failure: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Yang Chaojun , Fan Zhixing , Wu Jinchun , Zhang Jing , Zhang Wei , Yang Jian , Yang Jun
Published: July 2021

Objective: The diagnostic performance of soluble suppression of tumorigenicity (sST2) in heart failure (HF) had been investigated in multiple studies, but the results were inconsistent. This meta-analysis evaluated the diagnostic value of sST2 in HF.

Methods: Pubmed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were searched until March 2021. Cohort studies or case-control studies relevant to the diagnostic value of sST2 in HF were screened, and true positive (TP), false positive (FP), false negative (FN), and true negative (TN) data were extracted for calculating sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio (PLR), negative likelihood ratio (NLR), diagnostic odds ratio (DOR), and area under the curve (AUC). The quality of the included studies was evaluated using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (QUADAS), the threshold effect was determined by calculating Spearman correlation coefficients and summary receiver operating characteristic (SROC) curve patterns, the heterogeneity was evaluated using the I2 statistic and the Galbraith radial plot, and sensitivity analysis was also performed. Deeks' test was used to assess publication bias.

Results: A total of 11 studies from 10 articles were included in this meta-analysis. The Spearman correlation coefficient was 0.114, p = 0.739, and the SROC curve did not show a “shoulder-arm” shape, which suggests that there was no threshold effect, but study heterogeneity existed because of non-threshold effects. The combined sensitivity was 0.72 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.65–0.78], specificity was 0.65 (95% CI: 0.45–0.81), PLR was 1.75 (95% CI: 1.33–2.31), NLR was 0.48 (95% CI: 0.37–0.63), DOR was 3.63 (95% CI: 2.29–5.74), and AUC was 0.75. The Deeks' test suggested no significant publication bias in the included studies (P = 0.94).

Conclusion: sST has some diagnostic value in HF, but this should be further evaluated in additional studies with rigorous design and high homogeneity.
Effect of Scallop Powder Addition on MICP Treatment of Amorphous Peat
Authors: Gowthaman Sivakumar , Chen Meiqi , Nakashima Kazunori , Kawasaki Satoru
Published: July 2021

Peat is one of the most challenging and problematic soils in the fields of geotechnical and environmental engineering. The most critical problems related to peat soils are extremely low strength and high compressibility, resulting in poor inhabitancy and infrastructural developments in their vicinity. Thus far, peat soils were stabilized using Portland cement; however, the production of Portland cement causes significant emission of greenhouse gases, which is not environmentally desirable. Microbial-induced carbonate precipitation (MICP) is an innovative technique for improving the mechanical properties of soil through potentially environmentally friendly processes. This article presents a laboratory study carried out with the aim of investigating the viability and effect of scallop shell powder (SSP) on enhancing the mechanical properties of the MICP-treated amorphous peat. The hypothesis was that the distribution of SSP (as-derived calcite particles) would (i) provide more nucleation sites to precipitates and (ii) increase the connectivity of MICP bridges to facilitate mineral skeleton to amorphous peat, accompanied by an increase in its compressive strength. Specimens were treated at varying combinations of SSP and MICP reagents, and the improvement was comprehensively assessed through a series of unconfined compression tests and supported by microscale and chemical analyses such as scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray analysis, and X-ray diffraction analysis. The outcomes showed that incorporating SSP in MICP treatment would be a promising approach to treat amorphous peat soils. The proposed approach could improve the unconfined compressive strength by over 200% after a 7-day curing period, while the conventional MICP could not exhibit any significant improvements.
Partitioning of Environmental and Taxonomic Controls on Brazilian Foliar Content of Carbon and Nitrogen and Stable Isotopes
Authors: Martinelli Luiz A. , Abdalla-Filho Adibe L. , Gomes Taciana F. , Lins Silvia R. M. , Mariano Eduardo , Soltangheisi Amin , de Camargo Plinio B. , Vieira Simone A. , Higuchi Niro , Nardoto Gabriela B.
Published: July 2021

The Neotropics harbor some of the most diversified woody species in the world, and to understand the nutrient dynamics in these ecosystems, it is crucial to understand the role of plant taxonomy. In addition, biological nitrogen (N) fixation (BNF) in the tropics is one of the key processes affecting the global N cycle. Our objective was to (i) investigate the role of taxonomy and sampling site as predictors of foliar carbon (C) and N concentration and its stable isotopes (i.e., δ13C and δ15N); (ii) assess differences in foliar N, C:N ratio, and δ15N among three functional groups: species of N2-fixers and non-fixers of the Fabaceae family, as well as non-Fabaceae species; and (iii) examine the effect of wood density on tree foliar properties. We hypothesized that Fabaceae specimens in symbiosis with N2-fixers would possess a higher foliar N than non-fixing plants, including those of the Fabaceae family, as well as high-density trees would have higher foliar C and C:N ratio relative to low-density trees, where the latter invest in nutrients instead of structural C. We used a data set composed of 3,668 specimens sampled in three main biomes of Brazil: Amazon, Atlantic Forest, and Cerrado. The partitioning of variance had a higher influence of taxonomy on leaf C, N, and C:N ratio. Conversely, foliar δ13C and δ15N were environmentally constrained. While family was the most important taxonomy level for C, N, and C:N ratio, species played a major role for δ13C and δ15N. Foliar N followed the pattern fixers > non-fixers > non-Fabaceae, while C:N ratio had an opposite trend. In addition, foliar C was correlated with wood density, where high-density > medium-density and low-density woods. The large variability of δ15N was observed among Fabaceae species, demonstrates the complexity of using δ15N as an indicator of BNF. The higher foliar N of Fabaceae non-fixers than non-Fabaceae specimens support the hypothesis that an N-demanding lifestyle is an inherent pattern in this family. Lastly, although observed in some studies, the prediction of foliar properties using wood density is challenging, and future research on this topic is needed.
Robust Estimation of Absorbing Root Surface Distributions From Xylem Water Isotope Compositions With an Inverse Plant Hydraulic Model
Authors: De Deurwaerder Hannes P. T. , Visser Marco D. , Meunier Félicien , Detto Matteo , Hervé-Fernández Pedro , Boeckx Pascal , Verbeeck Hans
Published: July 2021

The vertical distribution of absorbing roots is one of the most influential plant traits determining plant strategy to access below ground resources. Yet little is known of natural variability in root distribution since collecting field data is challenging and labor-intensive. Studying stable water isotope compositions in plants could offer a cost-effective and practical solution to estimate the absorbing root surfaces distribution. However, such an approach requires developing realistic inverse modeling techniques that enable robust estimation of rooting distributions and associated uncertainty from xylem water isotopic composition observations. This study introduces an inverse modeling method that supports the assessment of the root allocation parameter (β) that defines the exponential vertical decay of a plants’ absorbing root surfaces distribution with soil depth. The method requires measurements obtained from xylem and soil water isotope composition, soil water potentials, and sap flow velocities when plants’ xylem water is sampled at a certain height above the rooting point. In a simulation study, we show that the approach can provide unbiased estimates of β and its associated uncertainty due to measuring errors and unmeasured environmental factors that can impact the xylem water isotopic data. We also recommend improving the accuracy and power of β estimation, highlighting the need for considering accurate soil water potential and sap flow monitoring. Finally, we apply the inverse modeling method to xylem water isotope data of lianas and trees collected in French Guiana. Our work shows that the inverse modeling procedure provides a robust analytical and statistical framework to estimate β. The method accounts for potential bias due to extraction errors and unmeasured environmental factors, which improves the viability of using stable water isotope compositions to estimate the distribution of absorbing root surfaces complementary to the assessment of relative root water uptake profiles.
Establishment and Validation of a Comprehensive Prognostic Model for Patients With HNSCC Metastasis
Authors: Shen Yajun , Li Lingyu , Lu Yunping , Zhang Min , Huang Xin , Tang Xiaofei
Published: July 2021

Objective

To identify biomarkers related to head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) metastasis and establish a prognostic model for patients with HNSCC.

Methods

HNSCC mRNA expression data of metastasis and non-metastatic samples were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases. After screening the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the two datasets, a prognostic model, including clinical factors and biomarkers, was established, and verified in 36 samples of HNSCC by quantitative real-time transcription (qRT)-PCR. Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), and Gene sets enrichment analysis (GSEA) were consulted to explore the functions of the DEGs.

Results

In total, 108 DEGs were identified. GSEA, GO, and KEGG analyses showed that these DEGs were mainly involved in the proliferation and metastasis of HNSCC. Six genes that were significantly related to metastasis, immune cell infiltration and prognosis were further identified to construct a prognostic gene signature. The reliability of the gene signature was verified in 36 samples of HNSCC. A prognostic model, including tumor stage, risk level, and a nomogram for prediction were further established. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, decision curve analysis (DCA), C-index, and calibration plots showed that the model and nomogram perform well.

Conclusion

We constructed a six-gene signature and a nomogram with high performance in predicting the prognosis of patients with HNSCC metastasis.
Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis Associated to Klebsiella pneumoniae Infection: A Case Report
Authors: Zhang Zhiyu , Liu Junqian , Wang Jingyue , Wang Yushi
Published: July 2021

This is a case analysis of a 73-year-old Chinese man admitted to the cardiac intensive care unit (ICU) with fever and general pain. Based on the patient’s initial condition of multi-organ function impairment and increased serum ferritin, and after a series of examinations, the patient was diagnosed with Klebsiella pneumonia-induced hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH). Meropenem and dexamethasone were used in combination to treat the patient, and the results were very successful. In this case report, it is further suggested that Klebsiella pneumoniae is a possible trigger of HLH, and a combination of antibiotics and corticosteroids can be effective in treating HLH. It is also recommended that doctors in the ICU of each department should pay attention to the role of hyperferritinemia in the diagnosis of HLH, and ICU admission teams should include ferritin in their monitoring.
Reactive T Cells in Convalescent COVID-19 Patients With Negative SARS-CoV-2 Antibody Serology
Authors: Steiner Sophie , Schwarz Tatjana , Corman Victor M. , Sotzny Franziska , Bauer Sandra , Drosten Christian , Volk Hans-Dieter , Scheibenbogen Carmen , Hanitsch Leif G.
Published: July 2021

Despite RT-PCR confirmed COVID-19, specific antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 spike are undetectable in serum in approximately 10% of convalescent patients after mild disease course. This raises the question of induction and persistence of SARS-CoV-2-reactive T cells in these convalescent individuals. Using flow cytometry, we assessed specific SARS-CoV-2 and human endemic coronaviruses (HCoV-229E, -OC43) reactive T cells after stimulation with spike and nucleocapsid peptide pools and analyzed cytokine polyfunctionality (IFNγ, TNFα, and IL-2) in seropositive and seronegative convalescent COVID-19 patients as well as in unexposed healthy controls. Stimulation with SARS-CoV-2 spike and nucleocapsid (NCAP) as well as HCoV spike peptide pools elicited a similar T cell response in seropositive and seronegative post COVID-19 patients. Significantly higher frequencies of polyfunctional cytokine nucleocapsid reactive CD4+ T cells (triple positive for IFNγ, TNFα, and IL-2) were observed in both, seropositive (p = 0.008) and seronegative (p = 0.04), COVID-19 convalescent compared to healthy controls and were detectable up to day 162 post RT-PCR positivity in seronegative convalescents. Our data indicate an important role of NCAP-specific T cells for viral control.
Association Between Kidney Function Decline and Baseline TNFR Levels or Change Ratio in TNFR by Febuxostat Chiefly in Non-diabetic CKD Patients With Asymptomatic Hyperuricemia
Authors: Gohda Tomohito , Yanagisawa Naotake , Murakoshi Maki , Ueda Seiji , Nishizaki Yuji , Nojiri Shuko , Ohashi Yasuo , Ohno Iwao , Shibagaki Yugo , Imai Naohiko , Iimuro Satoshi , Kuwabara Masanari , Hayakawa Hiroshi , Kimura Kenjiro , Hosoya Tatsuo , Suzuki Yusuke
Published: July 2021

Background: The levels of circulating tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR) 1 and 2 help predict the future decline of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) chiefly in patients with diabetes. It has been recently reported that the change ratio in TNFR1 by SGLT2 inhibitor treatment is also related with future GFR decline in patients with diabetes. The aims of this study are to investigate the association between baseline TNFR levels and early change in TNFR levels by the non-purine selective xanthine oxidase inhibitor, febuxostat, and future eGFR decline chiefly in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients without diabetes.

Methods: We conducted a post-hoc analysis of the FEATHER study on patients with asymptomatic hyperuricemia and CKD stage 3, who were randomly assigned febuxostat 40 mg/day or matched placebo. This analysis included 426 patients in whom baseline stored samples were available. Serum TNFR levels at baseline were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Those levels were also measured using 12-week stored samples from 197 randomly selected patients.

Results: Compared with placebo, short-term febuxostat treatment significantly decreased the median percent change from baseline in serum uric acid (−45.05, 95% CI −48.90 to −41.24 mg/dL), TNFR1 (1.10, 95% CI−2.25 to 4.40), and TNFR2 (1.66, 95% CI −1.72 to 4.93), but not TNFR levels. Over a median follow-up of 105 weeks, 30 patients (7.0%) experienced 30% eGFR decline from baseline. In the Cox multivariate model, high levels of baseline TNFR predicted a 30% eGFR decline, even after adjusting for age, sex, systolic blood pressure, high sensitivity C-reactive protein, uric acid, and presence or absence of febuxostat treatment and diabetes, in addition to baseline albumin to creatinine ratio and eGFR.

Conclusion: Early change in circulating TNFR levels failed to predict future eGFR decline; however, regardless of febuxostat treatment, the elevated baseline level of TNFR was a strong predictor of 30% eGFR decline even in chiefly non-diabetic CKD patients with asymptomatic hyperuricemia.
Association of Hospitalised Infection With Socioeconomic Status in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis Receiving Biologics or Tofacitinib: A Population-Based Cohort Study
Authors: Chen Hsin-Hua , Lin Ching-Heng , Wang Chen-Yu , Chao Wen-Cheng
Published: July 2021

Objectives: Use of biologics or targeted synthetic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (b/tsDMARDs) is associated with infection in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Socioeconomic status is substantial in infectious diseases; however, the impact of socioeconomic status on risk for infection in patients with RA receiving b/tsDMARD remains unclear.

Methods: We used the 2003–2017 Taiwanese National Health Insurance Research Database to identify patients with RA receiving b/tsDMARDs. A Cox regression analysis was used to estimate the associations of covariates with the risk of hospitalised infection shown as hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence interval (CIs).

Results: We identified 7,647 RA patients who started their first bDMARD/tsDMARD treatment. Log-rank analyses demonstrated the association between age (p < 0.001), urbanisation (p = 0.001), the insured amount (p = 0.021), and the hospitalisation. Cox proportional regression analyses showed that age was independently associated with hospitalised infection in a dose–response manner, whereas a high-income category had an inverse association (HR 0.48, 95% CI 0.23–0.96). Hospitalisation for infection within 5 years was a strong risk factor (HR 5.63, 95% CI 1.91–16.62), and living in a rural area tended to be a risk factor (HR 1.76, 95% CI 0.98–3.14) for incident hospitalised infection.

Conclusions: This study showed the crucial impacts of age, socioeconomic status, and history of infection on hospitalised infection in patients with RA receiving b/tsDMARDs. These findings highlight the largely ignored role of socioeconomic status in risk stratification among patients receiving b/tsDMARDs for RA.
Contamination With Fumonisin B and Deoxynivalenol Is a Threat to Egg Safety and Contributes to Gizzard Ulcerations of Newborn Chickens
Authors: Wang Yihui , Quan Hongkun , Li Xiaohui , Li Qiang , Haque Md Atiqul , Shi Qin , Fu Qiang , He Cheng
Published: July 2021

Fumonisin B (FB) and other fumonisins, deoxynivalenol (DON), and zearalenone (ZEN) are mycotoxins (secondary metabolites of fungi) present at high levels of contamination in poultry diets and threatening the sustainability of the poultry industry and egg safety for consumers. However, residual mycotoxins in breeder eggs and their effects on chicken progeny and gizzard ulcerations remain unclear. To unveil mycotoxin contaminations from daily diets to breeder eggs, 293 poultry feed samples were collected from three large-scale poultry provinces across Northern China to Southern China. Average levels of 1,628 ± 4.36 μg/kg of FB1, 593 ± 11.16 μg/kg of DON, 69 ± 9.21 μg/kg of ZEN, 52 ± 7.33 μg/kg of OTA, and 24 ± 5.85 μg/kg of AFB1were found in feedstuffs and poultry diets using commercial ELISA kits. In terms of residual mycotoxins in breeder eggs, FB1and DON contaminations dominated residues in egg albumen and yolk samples. Out of 221 breeder eggs, the average residual of FB1in albumen were 320.6 ± 10.12 μg/kg (Hebei), 420.2 ± 10.98 μg/kg (Guangdong), and 549.4 ± 10.27 (Guangxi). Moreover, higher residual of DONs were determined in Guangdong and Guangxi provinces compared to Hebei province. ZEN, ochratoxins A (OTA), and aflatoxin B1(AFB1) contamination at low levels were found in the above samples collected from afronmentioned three provinces. Based on residual mycotoxins in breeder eggs, SPF embryonated eggs aged 11 days were inoculated into albumen with different doses of FB1, FB2or DON, or a combination of FB1and DON, or a combination of FB1with FB2and FB3. A lower hatching rate was observed in the chicken progenies with the combination of 24 μg of FB1and 0.1 μg of DON compared to other treatments. Moreover, typical gizzard ulcerations with hemorrhagic lungs were observed in the progeny of breeder eggs post-inoculation of 24 μg of FB1and synergetic inoculation of FB1and DON. Finally, residual FB mycotoxins were detected in the gizzards and in the lungs of the progenies. Based on the above evidence, feed-borne FB1and DON are dominant mycotoxins in breeder eggs and threatening food security using breeder eggs as a Trojan horse. More importantly, the residual of FB1alone and in combination with of DON contamination are associated with low hatching rate and gizzard ulcerations in chicken progenies, hampering sustainable development perspectives of the poultry industry.