bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
THE SAFETY AND EFFICIENCY OF WATER TRANSPORT: STATISTICAL ANALYSIS
Authors: MATERNOVÁ Andrea , MATERNA Matúš
Published: July 2022

This paper provides comprehensive research on the linearity between the efficiency and safety of inland waterway transport (IWT). For this purpose, methods of statistical analysis are used. The efficiency of IWT is expressed by the transportation outputs, which today are strongly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. This paper aims to find whether the demand for IWT has an impact on the accident occurrence probability. The results show the linearity between shipping accidents and the outputs of freight and passenger IWT. The COVID-19 crisis has a higher impact on the efficiency of passenger navigation than on freight navigation. With reduced demand, the level of safety is higher but at the cost of declining efficiency in the transport sector.
APPLICATION OF AN IMPROVED BOWTIE METHOD IN A CSM-COMPLIANT RISK ASSESSMENT OF A CHANGE INTRODUCED IN THE EU RAILWAY SYSTEM
Authors: SMOCZYŃSKI Piotr , GILL Adrian , KADZIŃSKI Adam , LAUR Martin , ÕUN Tambet
Published: July 2022

The issue of managing the risk associated with introducing changes to the railway system is very important from the point of view of safety management, as any change can significantly reduce the level of safety of a railway system. For this reason, such changes are regulated at the European Union (EU) level through a dedicated legal act known as the Common Safety Method for risk assessment (CSM). The example presented in this paper is a portion of the analysis carried out for an Estonian freight carrier with a bowtie method, which we improved so that it fully complies with the CSM requirements. This analysis concerns a change consisting of allowing the possibility of a freight train being driven by one person (with no assistant driver). The case study presented in the paper, although limited due to confidentially issues, allows a full description of how to use the proposed method in real-world applications.
Ab-initio Molecular Dynamics Simulation of the Changes in the Optical Properties of 2D MoS2 When Doped with Pt at 300 K
Authors: Ramírez-de-Arellano Juan Manuel , Jiménez-González Ali Fransuani , Canales Mónica , Magaña Luis Fernando
Published: July 2022

Using first-principles molecular dynamics (FPMD), we performed numerical simulations at 300 K to explore the interaction of a 2D MoS2 surface and a platinum atom, calculating the optical properties of the resulting material. The pristine MoS2 is a semiconductor with a gap of around 1.8 eV. The Pt atom is chemisorbed by the surface with an adsorption energy of −1.718 eV. With the adsorption of the Pt atom, the material remains a semiconductor, and its energy band gap reduces to 1.04 eV. But changes in the material's energy band structure imply substantial changes in its optical properties. The energy band structure of the 2D MoS2 with a sulfur vacancy VS shows that the material becomes a conductor, and there are significant changes in its optical properties. We also found that the Pt atom chemisorbs in a sulfur vacancy of the material, with an adsorption energy of −4.1164 eV. After the adsorption of Pt atoms in the sulfur vacancy, the material becomes a semiconductor with a band gap of 1.06 eV, and the changes in the optical absorption and reflectivity are significant.
Bacteria and viruses in breast milk
Authors:   Pavlov First Saint Petersburg State Medical University, Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation, Smirnova N.N. ,   Almazov National Medical Research Centre, Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation, Khavkin A.I. ,   Research Clinical Institute of Childhood of the Moscow Region, Moscow, Russian Federation,   Belgorod State National Research University, Belgorod, Russian Federation, Kuprienko N.B. ,   Pavlov First Saint Petersburg State Medical University, Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation,   Almazov National Medical Research Centre, Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation, Novikova V.P. ,   Saint Petersburg State Pediatric Medical University, Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation
Published: July 2022

Advances in sequencing technology have enabled more detailed analysis of breast milk that contributes to better understanding of microbiome composition and diversity, identifying several hundred species of bacteria. This review provides data on the characteristics of the breast milk microbiome, including the content of viruses, fungi, and archaea. The composition of milk viruses depends on the same conditions as the composition of bacteria. Bacteriophages form the main component of the breast milk virome. Data on the content of fungi and archaea are scarce. The study of the composition of breast milk is of practical importance, making it possible to bring the composition of artificial substitutes closer to the natural source of infant nutrition. Key words: microbiota, breast milk, microbiome, virome, archeome, mycobiome
ORIENTASI PENERJEMAHAN IDIOM BAHASA KOREA DALAM WEBTOON “TOUCH TOUCH YOU”
Authors: Rusyana Dewi , Nugroho Suray Agung
Published: July 2022

Salah satu hambatan penerjemahan adalah ketika terdapat unsur-unsur budaya seperti idiom. Saat itulah diperlukan teknik dan metode penerjemahan untuk mengatasi hambatan pada penerjemahan idiom. Terkait dengan hal tersebut, dalam penelitian ini ditemukan beberapa teknik dan metode yang terlihat pada hasil terjemahan idiom berbahasa Korea dalam webtoon “Touch Touch You”. Data yang berupa idiom-idiom dalam webtoon tersebut diidentifikasi teknik dan metode penerjemahannya berdasarkan teori teknik penerjemahan oleh Molina dan Albir (2002) dan metode penerjemahan oleh Newmark (1988). Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa teknik yang paling banyak ditemukan adalah teknik padanan lazim sebesar 66,7%, sedangkan metode yang mendominasi adalah metode yang berorientasi pada bahasa sasaran. Hal ini mengindikasikan bahwa penerjemah webtoon tersebut cenderung lebih mengutamakan pesan di dalam idiom Korea agar mudah dipahami para pembaca Indonesia. Berdasarkan hal tersebut, orientasi penerjemahan idiom-idiom dalam webtoon ini tetap mempertahankan konteks budaya Korea sehingga hasil penerjemahan yang terlihat tetap alami bagi pembaca Indonesia. Akan tetapi, meski penerjemah sudah menggunakan padanan yang lazim, hal tersebut tidak menjamin pesan yang terkandung dalam idiom dapat tersampaikan dengan benar karena terkadang terdapat hambatan pemahaman budaya maupun konteks oleh penerjemah.
ANALISIS GILIR BICARA DALAM TUTURAN LISAN PADA PEMBELAJARAN TEKS EDITORIAL DI SMK MUHAMMADIYAH 2 GENTENG
Authors: Islamiyah Dian , Mujianto Gigit
Published: July 2022

This study has four objectives, namely 1) describing the forms and characteristics of spoken language variations, 2) explaining linguistic and non-linguistic elements in spoken language variations, 3) explaining the stages of spoken language variations, and 4) describing the form of conversational structures related to functional models. take turns talking in learning at SMK Muhammadiyah 2 Genteng. To answer the problems formulated by the researchers, it was carried out using the theory of variations in spoken language with the functional method of speech rotation. This research belongs to the type of descriptive research with qualitative analysis data processing techniques. Data and Sources of data in this study in the form of transcripts of learning activities carried out by teachers and students who are in progress. The results of the research obtained are that Indonesian Language Learning in the Editorial Text of SMK Muhammadiyah 2 Genteng shows that there is a shift in speech and the use of language variations in the learning process. In the interaction or communication carried out in learning activities, the five structures or organizations of the conversation will be linked, namely speaking shifts, pauses, overlaps, back channels, and agency pairs.
THE INTEGRATION OF HOTS IN THE LESSON OBJECTIVES OF ENGLISH TEXTBOOK FOR SECOND GRADERS
Authors: Rizkiani Ferina
Published: July 2022

High Order Thinking Skills have a major influence on the pupils because they must be able to analyze, evaluate, and create their knowledge appropriately. Furthermore, Bloom’s taxonomy verbs usually are attached in the lesson objectives of the English textbook. They appear to indicate and to determine what pupils have to achieve by the end of the lesson. This research purposes to explore the integration of HOTS in the lesson objectives of the English textbook which is being used by second graders of elementary school at SDN Pegangsaan Dua 07 Pagi. This research employed content analysis which refers to document analysis and the data came from the English textbook entitled “I Love Jakarta’ by Tiga Serangkai for second graders. It was analyzed by employing Anderson and Krathwohl’s taxonomy descriptors. The result revealed that the integration of high order thinking skill in English textbook “I Love Jakarta” for second graders is limited. It is suggested that the English teacher and the editor of the English textbook collaborate and cooperate by conducting open discussions to novelize
TEACHING METHOD INVESTIGATION OF LI YANG’S CRAZY ENGLISH
Authors: Harwati Lusia Neti
Published: July 2022

Calls for more holistic research, especially ones that deal with English teaching and learning have increased in recent years. Through critical literature review, this study examines Li Yang’s crazy English, as a trend of English teaching in China. More specifically, it aims to discuss whether Li Yang’s crazy English is one of the “designer” methods and will produce proficient English speakers by proposing two research questions: (1) what is the nature of the “designer” methods? and (2) what specific strategies and what approach to foreign language teaching have the potential to improve learners’ communicative competence in Li Yang’s teaching method? The data have been analyzed and it is found that Li Yang’s crazy English can be categorized as one of the “designers” methods, which is, Total Physical Response (TPR) and failed to build learners’ communicative competence as the ultimate goal of foreign language teaching. The study recommends, therefore, the use of communicative approach in English teaching and learning processes to produce proficient English speakers
Financial Literacy and Personal Financial Management Assessment among Students in Border Area of Indonesia-Timor Leste
Authors: Ndapa Deda Yohanis , Disnawati Hermina , Missa Ando
Published: July 2022

Financial literacy has become a global trend and the need for individuals to take responsibility for their finances. Still, financial literacy and financial management have not yet become a course in some universities, especially Timor University, which lies in the border area of Indonesia-Timor Leste (BAITL). Economic literacy and student financial management levels need to be analyzed because they relate to expenditure, income, credit, savings, and investments. This study aimed to evaluate financial literacy level and personal financial management level among college students in BAITL. This research includes quantitative descriptive analysis. Data was collected using a questionnaire from 165 undergraduate college students in the mathematics education department of a public university in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), Indonesia. The results showed that the total average level of student financial literacy (SFL) was 67.48%. The comprehensive middle student personal finance management (SPFM) is 57.34%, and the estimated result of the linear regression model is SPFM = 3.158 + 0.338SFL. These results were significant at a degree of freedom of 163 and Alpha 5% of the t-test results. From the study results, it can conclude that the personal financial management of students of mathematics education is still low. The level of financial literacy of students in the border area includes less literate. If the SFL is a fixed value, then each increase in SFL of 1 unit will increase SPFM 0.338.
Salmonella Osteomyelitis in a Pediatric Patient with a Proximal Humerus Fracture
Authors: Lindsay Sarah E. , Hutchison Catherine , Andeen Nicole , Yang Scott
Published: July 2022

Case:

A 5-year-old previously healthy girl sustained a left proximal humerus fracture after a fall from a trampoline. The injury was initially treated nonoperatively, but during routine follow-up, the patient was found to have a previously unrecognized bony erosion at the fracture site. Workup was negative for neoplasm but instead demonstrated Salmonella osteomyelitis. The patient underwent debridement and treatment with antibiotics.

Conclusion:

This is an unusual presentation of a humerus fracture in a child with concomitant Salmonella osteomyelitis. Osteomyelitis is an important diagnostic consideration when considering bony erosions in the pediatric patient, even in those patients without apparent risk factors.
THA with Use of Patient-Specific Resurfacing Jigs and a Novel Customized Implant Design
Authors: Zinner Matthew , Schroeder Lennart , Pumilia Cyrus A. , Lee Eric K. , Martin Gregory
Published: July 2022

» Conventional total hip arthroplasty (THA) largely remains an unguided procedure dependent on the ability and experience of the surgeon. New technologies, such as patient-specific instrumentation and robotics, have shown promising results in improving implant positioning, which has the potential to improve patient outcomes.

» The use of off-the-shelf (OTS) implant designs, however, limits the success of the technological advances since they are unable to recreate the native anatomy of the joint. The inability to restore femoral offset and version or the presence of implant-related leg-length discrepancies often lead to suboptimal surgical results that increase the risk of dislocation, fractures, and component wear, compromising postoperative functional outcomes and implant longevity.

» A customized THA system, whereby the femoral stem is designed to restore patient anatomy, has recently been introduced. The THA system uses computed tomography (CT)-derived 3D imaging to create a custom stem, patient-specific component placement, and patient-specific instrumentation that matches the patient’s native anatomy.

» The purpose of this article is to provide information on the design and manufacturing process of this new THA implant, to illustrate the associated preoperative planning, and to describe the surgical technique; 3 surgical cases are presented.
Neonatal Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy: Single Tertiary Centre Experience
Authors: Alanazi Jawaher , AlMuqbil Mohammed , Alsaif Nada , Baarmah Duaa , Altwaijri Waleed , Alrumayyan Ahmad , Alrifai Muhammad Talal , Othman Fatmah , Alsaif Saif
Published: July 2022

Purpose
This study aimed to determine the factors associated with Neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) and its neurodevelopmental outcomes.
Methods
A case-control study of infants delivered at King Abdulaziz Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, was carried out from 2015 to 2019. Newborns with an admission diagnosis of HIE were identified, and controls were matched for the case. The electronic medical records were used to extract the clinical data for each case. The HIE cases were followed for 24 months to determine their neurodevelopmental outcomes.
Results
The sample included 60 infants diagnosed with HIE and 234 infants as controls, primarily males (56%) with mean gestational age of 38 weeks (SD 1.6). According to Sarnat staging, 36% of the HIE cases (22 patients) had stage 2 encephalopathy, while 35% of infants were at stage 3. Children with HIE were twice as likely to be born to mothers with maternal comorbidities, and more likely to have prepartum and intrapartum complications than the control group. The follow-up of neurodevelopmental outcomes at 24 months for the HIE infants indicated no delays in development of gross motor skills (76%), fine motor skills (78%), language skills (67%), and social skills (78%).
Conclusion
Maternal comorbidities and prepartum or intrapartum complications were more prevalent in the HIE group. HIE severity grade can be used as a prognostic, predictive tool for neurodevelopmental outcomes. Neurodevelopment follow up for at least 24 months is necessary to enhance care and rehabilitation of the patients.
A needle-free subunit vaccine platform inducing mucosal and systemic antibody immunity
Authors: Bern Malin , Anthi Aina , Benjakul Sopisa , Kolderup Anette , Vaage Eline , Lode Heidrun , Vaysburd Marina , Nilsen Jeannette , Nyquist-Andersen Mari , Sakya Siri , Gjølberg Torleif , Foss Stian , Moe Morten , Low Benjamin , Wiles Michael , Vaage John , Grodeland Gunnveig , Sandlie Inger , James Leo , Lund-Johansen Fridtjof , Andersen Jan Terje
Published: July 2022

While the established route for vaccines against the pandemic severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is intramuscular, it may be preferable to deliver vaccines intranasally to secure mucosal protection at the site of infection. This will limit the spread of the virus, ease administration and likely improve vaccine acceptance. Here, we report on a subunit vaccine platform, where the antigen is genetically fused to engineered human albumin. Upon intranasal delivery the subunit vaccines target the neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) and induce both local and systemic antigen-specific antibody responses at magnitudes higher than after intramuscular delivery. We provide evidence that such needle-free vaccination induces production of antibodies with neutralizing capacity against SARS-CoV-2 or influenza A. Thus, the vaccine platform is particularly well suited for design of subunit vaccines against these and other infectious respiratory diseases.
Associations between environmental tobacco smoke exposure and oral health symptoms in adolescents
Authors: Yoon Na-Young , Yun Il , Park Yu Shin , Park Eun-Cheol
Published: July 2022

Background
Oral health condition in adolescence impacts the oral well-being throughout life. This study aimed to determine the association between environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) exposure and oral health in adolescents, using nationally representative data.
Methods
Using data from the 2020 Korean Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey, we assessed self-reported data on ETS exposure and oral health symptoms in 37,591 non-smoking adolescents. The dependent variables were self-reported oral health symptoms of adolescents (tooth fracture, dental pain, and gum bleeding). ETS exposure was the primary independent variable. Chi-square tests and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to examine these relationships.
Results
ETS exposure was positively associated with oral symptoms compared to no-ETS exposure in adolescents [boys, odds ratio (OR) 1.56, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.46–1.66; girls, OR 1.50, 95% CI 1.41–1.60]; individuals with good oral health habits such as frequent tooth brushing [boys, three times or more a day, OR 1.38, 95% CI 1.24–1.53] and less soda consumption [girls, less than once a day, OR 1.73, 95% CI 1.29–2.33] had a weaker association. ETS exposure was positively associated with dental pain [boys, OR 1.55, 95% CI 1.45–1.66; girls, OR 1.50, 95% CI 1.41–1.60] and gum bleeding [boys, OR 1.43, 95% CI 1.29–1.58; girls, OR 1.32, 95% CI 1.21–1.44]; however, tooth fracture was significantly associated only in girls [OR 1.28, 95% CI 1.13–1.45].
Conclusions
ETS in various environments is negatively associated with oral health in adolescents. This association could vary depending on health habits. Sophisticated policies to protect South Korean adolescents from ETS can be developed from these findings.
Genetic parameter estimates indicate the possibility of genetic gain by selecting for reproductive traits of females from a commercial tilapia population (Oreochromis sp.)
Authors: Gonçalves Thaís Gornati , Ataides Kétuly Silva , Carvalheiro Roberto , Nova Fábio Augusto Paiva Camisa , Neto Rafael Vilhena
Published: July 2022

This study aimed to verify the possibility of obtaining genetic gain by selecting breeders based on genetic parameter estimates for reproductive performance traits of female tilapia (Oreochromis sp.) from a commercial population. The study was conducted using a database containing information on reproductive traits collected from 2009 to 2021. During the breeding period, the animals were stocked in tanks in a 1:3 male: female ratio. Eggs were collected from the mouth of the females every five days, and the collected eggs were measured in 100 mL beakers to estimate the egg volume. To estimate the variance components and genetic parameters (heritability, correlation, and repeatability), a mixed animal model was used with the fixed effects of the production cycle and breeding tanks, in addition to the additive direct genetic and permanent environmental random effects. The heritability values were 0.26, 0.18, 0.15, and 0.13 for total egg volume, average egg volume, spawning frequency, and average spawning interval, respectively, with repeatability above 0.43 for all analyzed variables, demonstrating the ability of the evaluated breeds to maintain the same production level during the different cycles. The genetic correlations among the variables were high, with a correlation of -0.99 between the total egg volume and the average spawning interval. Thus, selecting for total egg volume, which had the highest heritability, would result in animals that produce a large volume of eggs and have short spawning intervals.
Municipal Water Use Kuznets Curve
Authors: Song Zikun , Jia Shaofeng
Published: July 2022

The relationship between per capita municipal water use (PCMWU) and per capita GDP (PCGDP) (purchasing power parity, constant 2011 US $) are statistically analyzed by country in the world. The results indicate that per capita municipal water use will increase with the rising per capita GDP at the beginning, which will then decrease at a certain threshold (i.e., when per capita GDP reaches a certain level). This trend follows the rules of Water Use Kuznets Curve, i.e., an inverted U-shape curve that describes the relationship between water use and GDP. The cross-sectional analysis of the world country-specific data revealed that, the threshold of PCGDP at the peak point of Kuznets Curve is around 45000 US$. In addition, based on the time-series analysis of developed countries, it is demonstrated that the average threshold of PCGDP at the peak point of Kuznets Curve is 34769 US$. The direct reason for the existence of Municipal Water Use Kuznets Curve is that there is a ceiling of municipal water demand, while the driving forces behind include technological advancements, growth in water prices, effective environmental regulations and policies, and water-saving consciousness. Although PCMWU in most countries of the world are still in an ascending trend, experiences from developed countries present a positive signal, and provide instruments for developing countries.
Map-based cloning and WGCNA uncover the key genes controlling cold tolerance in maize introgression lines seedlings
Authors: He Ruyu , Zheng Junjun , Yang Tao , Pan Zeyang , Zhou Yang , Cheng Mingjun , Li Xiaofeng , Li Yingzheng , Yang Chunyan , Iqba Muhammad Zafar , He Jianmei , Rong Tingzhao , Tang Qilin
Published: July 2022

Summary Low-temperature chilling injury in early spring or late spring severely restricts maize production. Therefore, improving its temperature tolerance is one of the important goals of maize breeding. The wild maize relatives such as Z. perennis and T. dactyloides have strong cold tolerance and thus can be used to improve the cold tolerance of cultivated maize. In the previous study, the allohexaploid MTP ( Zea . Z. perennis and T. dactyloides ) was created as a genetic bridge material and the introgressed cross of the backbone maize inbred line to obtain the MTP-maize introgression line with strong cold tolerance. In this study, F 2:3 populations was developed of the cold-tolerant maize introgression line IB030 and the cold-sensitive maize introgression line IB021. A high-density genetic linkage map was constructed using SSR genetic markers and performed QTL mapping for related traits at 2°C, RNA-seq was performed using cold-tolerant introgression line IB030 and recurrent parent B73 (cold-sensitive) after low temperature stress at seedling stage. The key genes controlling REC, SDW and SFW of maize introgression line seedlings were located by forward genetics combined with WGCNA analysis strategy. Key genes function verification results showed that, Zm00001d037590 REC and Zm00001d012321 REC have the highest expression levels in introgression line IB030, followed by the wild type B73, and finally the EMS mutant after low temperature stress, these results initially concluded that key genes positively regulate the cold tolerance of maize, and also laid a theoretical and practical foundation for improvement of cultivated maize against low-temperature stress.
Patterns of injuries among Children visiting Gondar town public health institutes, Northwest Ethiopia, 2019
Authors: Walle Tarkie , Woretaw Ashenafi , Ayele Desalegn , Walle Tarkie
Published: July 2022

Background: Injuries have been recognized as the leading cause of death in children for nearly 40 years. However, most epidemiological studies of injuries have not been community-based and are limited either to a single type of injury, such as head injuries or burnsor to a specific cause of injury, such as consumer products.Objective: To determine patterns of injuries among children visiting Gondar town public health institutes, Northwest Ethiopia,2019.Methods: An institutional-based prospective cross-sectional study was conductedamong children visiting Gondar town public health institutes of Amhara region, Northwest Ethiopia from June 25 to September 25, 2019. A total of 385 participants were included in the study. Data were entered into Epi-info version 7.2.1 and exported to SPSS version 21.0 for analysis and descriptive statistics were presented in text, tables, charts, and graphs.Result: The majority of the pediatric trauma cases were seen in males 61.8%, (n = 238) and females comprised only 38.2% (n = 147). Stone or stick injury (29.1%) was the most common mode of trauma followed by road traffic injuries (21.0%), falls (19.0%), and burns (14.0%). The majority of injuries happened during playing (53%) and around the home (37.9%). In this study the three top most frequent sites of injuries were: lower extremity injury 167 (43.4%), upper extremity127 (33.0%), and head injury 50 (13.0%). Conclusion and recommendation: The high rate of pediatric trauma from sticks or stones, roadways, and falls highlights the need for increased supervision and identification of specific dangers when playing. In our scenario, a comprehensive trauma registry appears to be critical for developing policies to lessen the burden of pediatric trauma. Further research with large sample size and associated factors for pediatric injuries is recommended.
Possible 3D Bridge Model for Modeling of Moving Load Effect
Authors: Kotrasova Kamila , Valaskova Veronika , Melcer Jozef
Published: July 2022

The presented article deals with the numerical solution of the bridge response to the effects of moving loads. Introduces possible computational models of the vehicle. It analyzes two bridge models, a beam model, and a slab model. It derives the equations of motion in the form of differential equations and solves them numerically. It compares the results obtained for individual models and it uses the results of experimental in situ measurements to verify the numerically obtained results.
High molecular weight adiponectin as a biomarker of hypertension in children and adolescents with obesity
Authors: Cunha Warlley Rosa , Gaspar Isabella Campos , de Souza Beatriz Cazarim , Martins Bárbara Dias Lana , de Miranda Josiane Aparecida , Lanna Carla Márcia Moreira , Tanus-Santos José Eduardo Tanus-Santos , Lacchini Riccardo , Belo Vanessa de Almeida
Published: July 2022

Purpose: To investigate the association of High Molecular Weight Adiponectin (HMW), HMW/ Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) and HMW/Adiponectin (APN) ratio with hypertension in obese children and adolescents, we evaluated the concentrations of HMW and HMW/APN in the plasma of obese children and adolescents with hypertension. Methods: The 353 pediatric subjects were grouped according to weight and blood pressure. Anthropometric and biochemical parameters were evaluated. Plasma concentrations of APN and HMW were investigated by ELISA. ANOVA was used to compare study groups, and a binary logistic regression analysis was used to verify if HMW, HMW/HOMA-IR, HMW/APN, APN, APN/HOMA-IR, HOMA-IR are predictors of the development of hypertension in children and adolescents. To compare the strength and performance of each biomarker to classify individuals with and without hypertension, the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, area under the curve (AUC) and Youden index (J) were evaluated. Results: Lower HMW and HMW/HOMA-IR levels were associated with hypertension in obese children and adolescents (P<0.05). Hypertension was associated with lowest HMW, HMW/HOMA-IR, APN and APN/HOMA-IR levels, regardless of variables used to adjust the model (P<0.05). However, HOMA-IR or the HMW/APN were not significant (P>0.05). In the ROC curve analyses, the HMW and HMW/HOM-IR was more sensitive in predicting hypertension in children and adolescents with obese. Conclusion: Low levels of HMW oligomer and HMW/HOM-IR are associated with hypertension in childhood obesity. Thus, theses biomarkers that could be clinically useful in prognosing hypertension in childhood obesity.
Occupational exposure to rare earth elements in mechanic workshops
Authors: Trifuoggi Marco , Aiani Maria Rita , Pagano Giovanni , Mascagni Paolo , Borea Luigi , Tez Serkan , Oral Rahime , Guida Marco , Libralato Giovanni , Giarra Antonella , Toscanesi Maria , Ranieri Pasquale , Marano Alessandra , Gianpaolo Francesco , Galbiati Elisa , Mariani Simona , Cucco Maria Grazia , Thomas Philippe J
Published: July 2022

Rare earth elements (REEs) such as cerium and lanthanum are utilized in oil refining and as catalytic additives in the production of diesel fuel aimed at optimizing fuel combustion. Background reports from animal studies demonstrated several REE-associated adverse effects, some of which following REE inhalation of diesel exhaust particulate. This study was aimed at evaluating the occupational exposure to REEs in diesel exhaust among two groups of mechanic workers; the first group involving 20 workers from artisanal workshops lacking exhaust abatement devices in Avellino province (Italy) and the second treatment group encompassing 82 workers (controls) from two industrial industrial-shaped workshops in Como (Italy) equipped with exhaust abatement devices. The evaluated endpoints in the two donor groups were: a) urine concentrations of 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OHP), as an indicator of exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs); b) urine REE concentrations, and c) REE concentrations in scalp hair. The results showed significantly higher urine 1-OHP concentrations in the first treatment group vs. controls (0.28 ± 0.07 mg/L vs. 0.12 ± 0.35 mg/L) (p<0.05), along with significantly higher frequency of smokers in these workers cases vs. controls (47.6% vs. 11.1%;) (p<0.05), and significantly higher urine REE concentrations in the same cases vs. controls (0.14 ± 0.04 mg/L vs. 0.07 ± 0.04 mg/L; ) (p<0.001). REE concentrations in scalp hair were not significantly different between the two donor groups suggesting that REEs might not be sequestered to hair during detoxification pathways.
The upregulation and SNP of Transforming growth factor-β1 in COPD patients with or without pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Liu Jie , Li Jun , Wang Jiahui , Li Yongchun , Li Qinghai , Han Wei , Li Shuangbao , Zhu Wenjing
Published: July 2022

Background: Pulmonary fibrosis is a common pathogenic change of COPD and associated with worse outcome, however, there is a lack of research on mechanisms of COPD with pulmonary fibrosis. In our study, we studied the influence of TGF-β1 and its single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) on COPD complicated with pulmonary fibrosis. Methods: In this research, six GEO datasets were included to screen dysregulated genes in COPD patients. The dysregulated genes were detected by PCR-DNA sequencing based on 98 COPD patients and 90 healthy volunteers. Results: Five genes were upregulated in COPD patients including CDCP1, CYP1B1, PELO, RNF24 and TGF-β1. However, of the five genes, only TGF-β and CYP1B1 expression were significantly increased in COPD compared with normal group validated by R2 database. And only TGF-β1 highly expressed in 1-4 stage of COPD versus 0 stage. The expression of TGF-β in COPD patients with fibrosis was significantly higher than normal and COPD patients. Moreover, allele C of TGF-β1 +869 locus was associated with the susceptibility of COPD and airflow restriction. The genotype frequency of CC in patients with severe airflow restriction (23.1%) was significantly higher than that in patients with mild and moderate airflow restriction (6.5%). Conclusion: TGF-β1 was upregulated in the COPD patients with fibrosis, especially in patients with pulmonary fibrosis. The SNP at +869 allele C in TGF-β1 may be a genetic locus and therapeutic target for COPD with fibrosis.
Co-expression network analysis illustrates the importance of driver genes in colorectal cancer diagnosis, prevention, and therapy
Authors: Yari Amirhosein , MotieGhader Habib , Samadzadeh Anahita , Amini Mohammad , Ebadi Zahra , Gholipour Faranak , Mokhtarzadeh Ahad , Baradaran Behzad , Tabrizi-Nezhad Parinaz , Nematzadeh Sajjad , Torkamanian-Afshar Mahsa , Lanjanian Hossein , Kiani Farzad
Published: July 2022

Background
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most frequent kind of cancer globally, making it a significant public health problem. This project aims to construct a network to uncover potential biomarkers for diagnostic reasons, prospective EDCs for preventative applications, and potential drugs for therapeutic purposes in early-stage CRC.
Results
To this end, we identified driver genes linked with early-stage colorectal cancer and used the R package WGCNA to design a co-expression network. Following that, modules were chosen, and possible biomarkers were identified using the Cytoscape software and the TCGA database. Then, using the comptox database, we identified probable EDCs and created an EDC-GENE network. Finally, we introduced EDCs with a high degree of risk. The drug-gene network was then reconstructed to find viable therapies for colorectal cancer in its early stages. The co-expression network was constructed using the 1108 driver Genes’ mRNA expression values of 70 early-stage CRC and 12 healthy control samples. The clustering results show that the overlapping gene set is divided into 27 modules. Our study identified five modules (indicated in dark green, dark orange, light cyan, royal blue, and purple) according to the average linkage hierarchical clustering and Zsummary less than 2. Then we find 17 high degree genes of these modules as potential biomarkers for diagnostic issues. Moreover, we explored 25 possible high degrees of Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals that affect the main genes of each module for preventing purposes. Finally, we identified 27 potential high degree drugs that affect the primary genes of each module as treating aims. Then, these biomarkers, EDCs, and drugs that may be tested as a basis for future research were introduced.
Conclusions
This research aimed to identify potential biomarkers for diagnostic purposes, prospective EDCs for prevention, and potential therapeutic agents in colorectal cancer in its early stages. These biomarkers, EDCs, and medications will aid in diagnosing, preventing, and treating colorectal cancer in its early stages.
Oxidative stress, dysfunctional energy metabolism, and destabilizing neurotransmitters altered cerebral metabolic profile in a rat model of a simulated heliox saturation diving to 4.0 Mpa
Authors: Liu Xia , Fang Yiqun , Xu Jiajun , Yang Tao , Xu Ji , He Jia , Liu Wenwu , Yu Xuhua , Wen Yukun , Zhang Naixia , Li Ci
Published: July 2022

A better understanding of the neurological molecular mechanisms induced by an extreme environment of hyperbaric decompression could contribute to the improvement of diving procedures. The main objective of the present study was to determine metabolic profile changes in the brains of rats after simulated heliox saturated diving (HSD) to 400 meters of sea water (msw) (4.0 MPa) with heliox to 5 bar (pO2 = 50 kPa) compared to the blank controls. Alterations in the polar metabolome in the rat brain due to hyperbaric heliox saturation were investigated in cortex, hippocampus, and striatum tissue samples by applying an NMR-based metabolomic approach coupled with biochemical detection in the cortex. The reduction in glutathione and taurine levels may hypothetically boost antioxidant defenses during saturation diving, which was also proven by the increased malondialdehyde level, the decreased superoxide dismutase, and the decreased glutathione peroxidase in the cortex. The concomitant decrease in aerobic metabolic pathways and anaerobic metabolic pathways comprised downregulated energy metabolism, which was also proven by the biochemical quantification of the metabolic enzymes Na-K ATPase and LDH in cerebral cortex tissue. The significant metabolic abnormalities of amino acid neurotransmitters, such as GABA, glycine, and aspartate, decreased aromatic amino acids, including tyrosine and phenylalanine, both of which are involved in the metabolism of dopamine and noradrenaline, which are downregulated in the cortex. In particular, a decline in the level of N-acetyl aspartate is associated with neuronal damage. In summary, hyperbaric decompression of a 400 msw HSD affected the brain metabolome in a rat model, potentially including a broad range of disturbing amino acid homeostasis, metabolites related to oxidative stress and energy metabolism, and destabilizing neurotransmitter components. These disturbances may contribute to the neurochemical and neurological phenotypes of HSD.
Lung cancer relapse in total intravenous and inhaled anesthesia in video-assisted thoracic surgery
Authors: Chou Hsiu-ping , Lin Kuan-Hsun , Huang Hsu-Kai , Tsai Yuan-Ming , Kuo Yen-Shou , Wu Ti-Hui , Chen Ying-Yi , Lai Hou-Chuan , Huang Tsai-Wang
Published: July 2022

Background:: This study aimed to investigate the recurrence of lung cancer following resection with total intravenous anesthesia and volatile anesthetics.Methods: Patients who underwent surgical resection for lung cancer between January 2015 and April 2020 were analyzed for clinical data, anesthesia, surgical approaches, and outcomes.Results: Overall, 1087 patients with lung cancer were identified and grouped according to whether they received propofol or sevoflurane anesthesia based on intubation status. A total of 321 and 758 patients who received propofol and sevoflurane anesthesia were eligible for analysis, respectively. After propensity score matching, 317 patients remained in each group. Sex, tumor size, operative time, and age differed significantly between both groups. Those who received sevoflurane and propofol anesthesia had a 5-year overall survival rate of 91.2% and 95.6% (p = 0.52) and a 5-year disease-free survival rate of 83.2% and 85.3% (p = 0.711), respectively. Multivariate Cox-regressions analysis revealed that operative time and tumor size were independent factors for postoperative relapse.Conclusions: Total intravenous anesthesia can be safely administered for patients requiring surgery. Moreover, this retrospective study showed no significant difference in relapse rates between anesthesia types over the initial 5 years after surgical resection for lung cancer.Trial registration: This study is retrospectively registered in institutional review board of Tri-service general hospital (TSGHIRB B202105116).
Arrays of TiO2 nanosphere monolayer on GaN-based LED for the improvement of light extraction
Authors: Kim Dohyun , Jung Uijin , Jung Bomseumin , Kim Kyoung-kook , Park Jinsub
Published: July 2022

We report on the fabrication of TiO2 nanospheres (NSs) monolayer arrays for enhancement of light extraction quantum efficiency of GaN-based light-emitting diodes (LEDs). The fabricated TiO2 NSs monolayer arrays composed of different phases of anatase (An-) and amorphous (Am-) TiO2, the arrays were transferred onto the topmost layer of LED chips via facile icing transfer method. The LED chips covered with Am-TiO2 NSs monolayer arrays shows 3.0- times enhanced light output power intensity compared with reference LED chips at a fixed injection current of 100 mA. The enhanced light extraction of LED chips by Am-TiO2 NSs monolayer can be attributed to an high transmittance (91.1%) in visible and increased light extraction probability of photons generated in LEDs, resulting from the enhanced light coupling efficiency by reduced total internal reflection (TIR). Finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) simulation results also agreed well with the experimentally observed results. Based on the experimental and theoretical results, our suggested Am- and An-TiO2 NSs arrays can be considered as a very facile and effective method to improve the device performance of various visible LEDs chips.
Identification of Sex from Humerus of Skeletons using Discriminant Analysis: A study on Contemporary Sri Lankan Population
Authors: Selvamalai Thiraviyam , Nawarathna Lakshika S. , Nanayakkara Deepthi
Published: July 2022

This pioneering study aims to identify the significant differences between males and females in their scale of measurements and thereby determine the sex using the humerus, the long bone between the shoulder and elbow joints of the Sri Lankan population. We analysed the dimensions of maximum length, intercondylar breadth, and the vertical and transverse diameter of left and right side humerus measured in millimetres (mm) of 86 humeri (46 males and 40 females) in Sri Lankan adults. To identify the significant mean differences between the male and female dimensions of humeri, paired sample t-test and Wilcoxon signed-rank test were used. Moreover, linear and quadratic discriminant functions for each univariate and multivariate variable were considered to determine the sex. All four humeral dimensions were significantly larger for males compared to females. The univariate quadratic linear discriminant function is better than the linear discriminant function for the sex estimation with higher accuracy. Both left and right transverse diameter provide 99% accuracy using univariate quadratic discriminant functions, while the maximum length of humerus showed the lowest accuracy in determining the sex. The multivariate discriminant function provided lower accuracy than the univariate quadratic discriminant function. Therefore, the study concludes that a univariate quadratic discriminant function with either the left or right transverse diameter of the humerus would be the best way to predict sex for the contemporary Sri Lankan population.
Integrated analysis of immune- and apoptosis-related lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulatory network in Henoch-Schönlein purpura nephritis of children
Authors: Huang Lingfei , Li Yanhong , Xie Yi , Liu Fei , Mao Jianhua , Miao Jing
Published: July 2022

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play important roles in the regulation of immunological and apoptotic function. Here, we aimed to explore critical immune- and apoptosis-related lncRNAs in the occurrence and development of Henoch-Schönlein purpura nephritis (HSPN) in children. Through differentially expressed analysis, we identified differentially expressed lncRNAs, immune- and apoptosis-related mRNAs in the peripheral blood samples of children with HSPN. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses validated the immunological and apoptotic roles of the differentially expressed immune-related and apoptosis-related mRNAs. Following, we analyzed the correlations of differentially expressed lncRNAs and immune- and apoptosis-related mRNAs by Spearman’s correlation analysis, and determined 100 critical immune- and apoptosis-related lncRNAs in HSPN of children. Based on competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNA) mechanism, we constructed the immune- and apoptosis-related lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulatory network in HSPN of children, and validated the expression levels of lncRNAs in the lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulatory network. Collectively, we proposed that the immune- and apoptosis-related lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulatory network might participate in the modulation of pathogenesis of HSPN in children. In addition, the lncRNAs in the immune- and apoptosis-related lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulatory network (upregulated SNHG3, LINC00152, TUG1, GAS5, FGD5-AS1, DLEU2, and SCARNA9; downregulated SNHG1, NEAT1, DISC1-IT1, and PVT1) could become novel biomarkers for the diagnosis of HNSP in children.
Effectiveness of BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 third vaccines during pregnancy: A national observational study in Israel
Authors: Guedalia Joshua , Lipschuetz Michal , Calderon-Margalit Ronit , Cohen Sarah , Goldman-Wohl Debra , Kaminer Tali , Melul Eli , Shefer Galit , Sompolinsky Yishai , Walfisch Asnat , Yagel Simcha , Beharier Ofer
Published: July 2022

BACKGROUND
Current guidelines recommend a third dose of COVID-19 vaccine for pregnant women, although data regarding effectiveness during pregnancy are lacking.
METHODS
We conducted a national, population-based, historical cohort study of all pregnant women in Israel who delivered between August 1, 2021 and March 22, 2022. Data were analyzed by COVID-19 waves (Delta variant in the summer of 2021 and Omicron, BA.1, variant in the winter of 2022) and vaccination status of the women. We compared the third and second doses of vaccine effectiveness in preventing COVID-19-related hospitalizations during pregnancy. Time-dependent Cox proportional-hazards regression models were used to estimate the hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for COVID-related outcomes according to vaccine dose. Vaccine effectiveness was estimated as 1-HR.
RESULTS
A total of 82,659 and 33,303 pregnant women were followed during the Delta and Omicron waves, respectively. Compared with the second dose, the third dose effectively prevents hospitalization with SARS-CoV-2 infection, with estimated effectiveness of 97% (95% CI 95–99%) during the Delta period. During the Omicron period, the third dose, but not the second dose, compared to unvaccinated, significantly effectively protects against COVID-19- related outcomes with estimated effectiveness of 43% (95% CI 31–53%), 97% (95% CI 72–100%), and 94% (95% CI 43–99%) in preventing hospitalization with SARS-CoV-2 infection, significant, and severe disease, respectively.
CONCLUSIONS
A third dose of the BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 vaccine during pregnancy, given at least 5 months after the second vaccine dose, significantly enhanced protection against adverse COVID-19-related outcomes.
Dynamic Local Binary Pattern Based Feature Extraction for Satellite Image Change Detection
Authors: Asokan Anju
Published: July 2022

With the use of remote sensing imagery to model the natural phenomena such as disaster management mitigation, urban development etc., the need to assess the changes due to this phenomena is highly critical. The remote sensing data is complex in terms of the color and textural variations. Feature extraction is a crucial step in remote sensing image classification which directly affects the classification accuracy. The extraction of textural features on such images which are rich in spatial information is extremely important. There are many feature extraction techniques already available in the literature. But the main drawback of the existing techniques is the lack of obtaining the minute information embedded in the image. This is a critical stage in enhancing the change detection result. This paper presents a Dynamic Local Binary Pattern (DLBP) for textural feature extraction for satellite image change detection. The quantitative analysis of the proposed method is carried out by computing the kappa coefficient, false alarm and missed alarm.