bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How blogs support the translation of research into practice in the field of dementia palliative care: a survey of facilitators and barriers
Authors: Rukundo Aphie , Fox Siobhan , Guerin Suzanne , Kernohan George , Drennan Jonathan , O'Connor Niamh , Timmons Suzanne
Published: April 2022

Background: Blogging can help to maximise the impact of one’s work in academia and beyond by making research findings accessible for multiple knowledge users, such as healthcare professionals and the public, as well as other researchers. As part of the knowledge exchange and dissemination activities of the Model for Dementia Palliative Care Project, this study explored stakeholders’ views of blogs as a means to translate research findings.Methods: A web-based survey was developed, piloted, and revised. It was distributed electronically via key dementia and palliative care organisations websites, newsletters, social media platforms, and within the staff mailing lists of five Universities in Ireland. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and content analysis.Results: Complete responses were received from 128 participants. The majority of respondents were healthcare researchers (n=53), followed by healthcare providers (n=46). The preferred methods of reviewing research findings were scientific papers, websites and news articles. Respondents read healthcare blogs “sometimes” (39.1%), with <19% reading them “often” or “very often”. Receiving an email notification might increase the likelihood of reading a new blog post for 83% of respondents. Barriers to engaging with blogs included lack of time, preference for other media, lack of awareness regarding available blogs, and concerns about the credibility and source of information. An appropriate length and the author of the blog were key features that encouraged engagement with a blog.Conclusions: Despite respondents choosing a scientific paper as their preferred method to consume research findings, many indicated an openness to reading blogs on their area of interest. Creating concise, relevant, and credible blogs, and suitably promoting them, could increase the impact and reach of healthcare research, such as in the emerging field of dementia palliative care, and thus promote translation of research findings into practice.
Identification of necroptosis-Related subtypes,the development of a prognosis model, and characterization of tumor microenvironment infiltration in Hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Zhang Guozhi , Jia Xiangen , Qin Yuning
Published: April 2022

Purpose:Necrotizing apoptosis, known as a novel programming necrotic cell death, has been proved to be related to cancer progression. The precise functions of necrosis-related genes (NRGs) in the tumor microenvironment (TME) are, nevertheless, unknown. Our aim is to explore the various roles of NRGs in the development of liver cancer.Methods:In our study, the expression profiles and corresponding clinical characteristics of Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) samples were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases. There were two molecular subtypes identified and NRGs changes were investigated to appear association with clinicopathological features, prognosis and TME cell infiltration. The NRGs score was then created for estimating overall survival (OS), and its prediction power for HCC patients was tested. Finally, a high-precision nomogram is constructed to improve the clinical applicability of NRGs score. Results:We found that low NRGs_score was linked to higher immunological and stromal score and overall survival rate. In addition, NRGs_score chemotherapy drug sensitivity was significantly correlated. Our systematic and comprehensive analysis of NRGs confirmed their prospective function in the microenvironment of the tumor immune matrix and prognosis These findings may help us better understand NRGs in hepatocellular carcinoma, providing clues for assessing prognosis and developing more effective immunotherapy strategies.Conclusion:Our comprehensive analysis of NRGs in HCC demonstrated their potential roles in the tumor-immune-stromal microenvironment, clinicopathological features, and prognosis. These findings improve our understanding of NRGs in HCC and pave a new path for the assessment of prognosis and the development of more effective immunotherapy strategies.
Clonidine ameliorates cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury by modulating the GluN3 subunits of NMDA receptor
Authors: He Zhi , Chen Jing , Zhang Juan , Yang Dan Dan , Li Cheng Zi , Zhao Bo , Chen Yue
Published: April 2022

Clonidine is a classical alpha-2 adrenergic receptor (α2-AR) agonist that has been used clinically in the treatment of hypertension. This study aimed to investigate the protective effects of clonidine on the cerebral ischemia–reperfusion (I/R) injury and elaborate the underlying mechanisms. Adult male SD rats were divided into sham or cerebral I/R operation. Saline, clonidine and yohimbine(an α2-AR antagonist) were intraperitoneally administered each day for one week before surgery. Neurological deficit was evaluated just before decapitation. TTC staining was applied for correlation of cerebral infarction volume. HE staining was performed to observe the neuron morphology. Immunohistochemical staining was performed to detect the localization and expression of GluN3 proteins. Western blot analysis also was used to detect the expression levels of GluN3 proteins. Our data showed that clonidine ameliorated neurological deficit and reduced the cerebral infarction volume of the rats with cerebral I/R. It is worth noting that treatment with clonidine up-regulated the protein expression of GluN3 in the rats with the cerebral I/R, especially in the cell membrane. Moreover, clonidine also up-regulated the transposition from cytoplasm to cell membrane of GluN3 after cerebral I/R. In addition, yohimbine abolished the neuroprotective effects of clonidine. The results indicated that clonidine played a protective role in cerebral I/R injury via different mechanisms that could be mediated, in part, through modulation of the protein expression of GluN3 subunits of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor.
Diastolic blood pressure increases subsequent risk of breast cancer in postmenopausal women: results from the Health Examinees-Gem Study
Authors: Kang Daehee , Torre Katherine De la , Shin Woo-Kyoung , Huang Dan , Lee Hwi-Won , Shin Aesun , Lee Jong-koo , Lee Hae-Young
Published: April 2022

Epidemiological evidence suggests that hypertension is associated with breast cancer risk. However, the results of previous studies disregard blood pressure components in the healthy population. We aim to examine the relationship between systolic and diastolic blood pressure and breast cancer risk in a Korean population-based prospective cohort. A total of 73,031 women from the Health Examinees Gem Study were followed from baseline (2004 to 2013) through 2018. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure were measured by trainee physicians at baseline recruitment and then categorized based on the international guidelines for clinical hypertension. Associations between systolic and diastolic blood pressure with breast cancer overall and stratified by premenopausal and postmenopausal status were evaluated using adjusted multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression. A total of 858 breast cancer cases were recorded for a median follow-up period of 9 years. Compared with the normal diastolic blood pressure category (< 85mm Hg), the increased risk categories were positively associated with breast cancer risk in postmenopausal women (≥ 85mm Hg, HR: 1.73 95%IC 1.28–2.33) with a dose-dependent effect, but not in premenopausal women (≥ 85mm Hg, HR: 0.87 IC95% 0.56–1.35). Similar results were found when excluding all cases of self-reported hypertension. Results for systolic blood pressure did not show a significant association with breast cancer risk. The association of DBP with breast cancer suggests DBP is an important factor in cancer prevention, especially for women after menopause. Our study provides a first detailed approach to understanding the importance of diastolic blood pressure for breast cancer prevention and warrants further investigation.
Adaptive Reservoir Management by Reforming the Zone-based Hedging Rules against Multi-year Droughts
Authors: Kim Gi Joo , Kim Young-Oh , Seo Seung Beom
Published: April 2022

In this study, the zone-based hedging rule, which is the main operating policy adopted from multipurpose reservoirs in Korea is adjusted to reflect the multi-year droughts caused by climate change. Annual synthetic inflow series with different magnitudes of long memory were generated using the autoregressive fractional integrated moving average (ARFIMA) model. The generated inflow series were then disaggregated into 10-day series and utilized as input variables to derive the alternative hedging rules. The alternative hedging rules from this study were used in adaptive reservoir management by newly updated information. Finally, the performance of the suggested policy is measured in terms of frequency and magnitude under the historical inflow series. As a result, adaptive reservoir management demonstrated improvements in the following terms of the frequency of critical failures (water deficit ratio greater than 30%): 6.14% of the simulation period in the status quo (SQ) policy, and 2.99% in the adaptive management. However, the overall reliability of the reservoir during the simulation horizon was better when operated with the SQ policy (41.19%) than the results from adaptive management (26.42%). Because this result is in a good agreement with the original objective of the hedging rules, the adaptive policy suggested in this study holds promise and may be utilized in further reservoir management under drought conditions.
Depicting developing trend and core knowledge of Pigmented Villonodular Synovitis: a bibliometric and visualized analysis
Authors: He Jinshen , Chen Qi , Li Jinfei , Chen Shuyi
Published: April 2022

Background Pigmented Villonodular Synovitis（PVNS）is a subtype of Tenosynovial Giant Cell Tumor that can broadly affect the soft tissue inner layer of the joints and tendons. It has a high rate of invasiveness and recurrence, which means it has become a crucial issue. This study provides information on the present status, evolutionary path, worldwide trends, frontier research hotspots, and future research developmental trends in this field. Methods Publications from 1971 to 2021 were retrieved from the Web of Science database and analyzed using a bibliometric methodology. VOSviewer software was utilized for analysis.Results There is an increasing trend of relative research interests and the number of publications per year globally. The research institution with the highest documents and citations was Harvard University. The United States showed its dominant position in publication outputs, followed by China and Germany. Clin Orthop Relat Res and Skeletal Radiol have published the most papers in this field. The keywords can be divided into eight clusters: ‘mortality’, ‘surgical management’, ‘rehabilitation’, ‘osteoporosis’ and ‘epidemiology’. Conclusions The publications about PVNS research would be remaining at a high level in the future based on the current global trends. The key focus of PVNS has been synovectomy, joint replacement, radiation therapy, and targeted therapy. Most patients can be controlled through simple surgery, and more research needs to be conducted for patients who need comprehensive treatment.
Development and optimization of a rat Purkinje neuron culture to study paraneoplastic cerebellar degeneration
Authors: Uggerud Ida Margrethe , Krakenes Torbjorn , Hirai Hirokazu , Vedeler Christian Alexander , Schubert Manja
Published: April 2022

Background: Elucidation of the mechanisms involved in neurodegenerative disease has been hampered by the lack of robust cellular models that replicate in vivo features. Methods: We developed a refined protocol for generation of age-dependent, well-developed, and synaptically active rat Purkinje neurons in a multilayer cell network culture that can be used to study neurodegenerative diseases such as paraneoplastic cerebellar degeneration (PCD). Result: Independent of the age of the tissue from which the culture was driven, the properties of the generated rat Purkinje neuron culture are complex and robust, allowing great experimental flexibility. Using our model, we found that the application of Yo antibodies, which are associated with PCD, alters the structure of the dendritic arbour of cultured Purkinje neurons within 48h. The numbers of dendrites per branch-order, the branch-order in itself, and the dendritic length were reduced by treatment with anti-Yo. Conclusion: The here presented in vitro model is flexible and can be used to investigate disease mechanisms that disturb Purkinje neuron function and communication in a multilayer network. It proved that anti-Yo has a functional role in the pathogenesis of PCD.
Salicylic acid ameliorates cytotoxicity and genotoxicity induced by metribuzin (herbicides) in model Allium cepa plant
Authors: Fatma Firdos , Ahmad Farhan , Kamal Aisha , Pandey Ashutosh
Published: April 2022

Ideal herbicides are used to shield crop plants from weed competition without harming the non-target plants. Metribuzin is a selective triazinone herbicide applied to control broadleaf weeds, grasses, sedges. But application of metribuzin is reported to damage non-target plants besides controlling the weed emergence. The present study investigated the possible ameliorative role of salicylic acid in protecting plants from herbicide toxicity. Metribuzin treatment caused a significant decrease in root length, number of root tips and ultimately in mitotic index along with induction of different types of chromosomal abnormalities in the meristematic cells of Allium cepa roots. Exogenously salicylic acid treatment resulted in significant increase in root length, number of root tips and mitotic index and also resulted in significant reduction in chromosomal abnormalities. These results exemplify the ameliorative effect of salicylic acid under stress conditions and reveal that it is effective in alleviating the toxic stress of herbicide metribuzin at different concentrations.
Seismic Performance and Assessment of RC Framed Structure with Geometric Irregularities
Authors: MEHTA VIKAS , CHEY MIN Ho
Published: April 2022

Over the few decades, irregularly shaped structures are famous in modern times because of their architectural significance. Symmetrical plan structures often exist, although irregular plan structure is practiced in developing nations. This study investigates the effect of geometric irregularity in reinforced concrete (RC) frame structures under seismic zone IV by using the software STAAD Pro. Moreover, the time displacement on the nodes from where the geometric irregularity starts has been analyzed. Three types of 8-Storey’s frame models were considered for the dynamic behaviors, i.e., models M1, M2, and M3. Model M3 is geometrically regular in the x-y-plane, and geometric regularity is interrupted in models M1(less disturbed) and M2 (more disturbed) in the identical plane. The results showed that the time displacement is more geometrically more irregular structures. The time-frequency increases in each mode, which means the higher method has a higher frequency and more in a more geometrically rare form. The irregularity of the structures' geometricity is reflected in the irregularity shape factor (ISF). According to the finding, the rough geometrical shape significantly impacts the dynamic response of the building, and ISF of 0.26 (M2) and 0.24 (M1) greatly varies with frequency, period, velocity, acceleration, and displacements.
Luminosity distribution of fast radio bursts from CHIME/FRB Catalog 1 by the updated Macquart relation
Authors: Cui Xianghan , Zhang Chengmin , Li Di , Zhang Jianwei , Peng Bo , Zhu Weiwei , Strom Richard , Wang Shuangqiang , Wang Na , Wu Qingdong , Wang Dehua , Yang Yiyan
Published: April 2022

Fast radio bursts (FRBs) are extremely strong radio flares lasting several milliseconds and come from unidentified objects at cosmological distances, most of which are only seen once.Based on recently published data in the CHIME/FRB Catalog 1 in the frequency bands 400-800 MHz, we analyze 226 apparently singular FRBs with low dispersion measure (DM) and find that the distribution of their luminosity follows a lognormal form according to statistical tests.In our luminosity measurement, the FRB distance is estimated by using the Macquart relation which was obtained for 8 localized FRBs, and we find it still applicable for 18 sources after adding the latest 10 new localized FRBs.In addition, we test the validity of the luminosity distribution up to the Macquart relation and find that the lognormal form feature decreases as the uncertainty increases.Moreover, we compare the luminosity of these apparent non-repeaters with that of the previously observed 10 repeating FRBs also at low DM, noting that they belong to different lognormal distributions with the mean luminosity of non-repeaters being two times greater than that of repeaters.Therefore, from the two different lognormal distributions, different mechanisms for FRBs can be implied.
OCT Biomarkers Related to Subthreshold Micropulse Laser Treatment Effect in Central Serous Chorioretinopathy
Authors: Zheng Fang , He Jingliang , Su Zhitao , Liu Ye , Xu Yufeng , Liu Lei , Ye Panpan
Published: April 2022

Background: To identify the OCT biomarkers related to the anatomical outcomes in eyes with central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR) after subthreshold micropulse laser (SML) treatment.Methods: Patients with CSCR underwent SML were enrolled in this retrospective study. Only patients who underwent enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography (EDI-OCT) examination before and after SML were selected. Patients were divided into two groups based on whether subretinal fluid (SRF) absorbed or not after SML. Group 1 was the SRF resolved group, and Group 2 was the SRF non-resolved group. Factors including age and gender, duration of symptoms, CSCR history, the height of SRF at baseline, retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) /inner choroid alterations, as well as subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT) of the affected eye and the fellow eye before and after SML were recorded and compared between two groups. Longitudinal change of SFCT of a subgroup of patients were analyzed. Results: A total of 58 eyes of 58 patients were involved in this study. SRF of 31 eyes got completely absorbed, and SRF of 27 eyes was retained after SML. Logistic regression analysis revealed baseline SFCT of the affected eye (OR=1.007, 95% CI: 1.001-1.012, P=0.019) and RPE/inner choroid alterations (OR=25.229, 95% CI: 2.890-220.281, P=0.004) were correlated with SML efficacy. Thirty-three eyes of 33 patients were enrolled in the subgroup analysis. A significant difference of SFCT changes between two groups were demonstrated (P=0.001). The difference of SFCT between baseline and three months after SML was also related to SRF resolution (OR=0.952, 95% CI: 0.915-0.990, P=0.014). Conclusion: Baseline SFCT, change of SFCT after treatment, and RPE/inner choroid alterations were the OCT biomarkers related to SRF resolution after SML treatment.
High frequency of Nichols-like strains and increased levels of macrolide resistance in Treponema pallidum isolates from Buenos Aires, Argentina
Authors: Morando Nicolas , Vrbová Eliška , Melgar Asunta , Rabinovich Roberto Daniel , Šmajs David , Pando María A.
Published: April 2022

Globally, 94% of Treponema pallidum subsp. pallidum (TPA) clinical isolates belong to the SS14-like group and 6% to the Nichols-like group, with a prevalence of macrolide resistance of 90%. Our goal was to determine whether local TPA strain distribution and macrolide resistance frequency have changed significantly since our last report, which revealed that Argentina had a high frequency of Nichols-like strains (27%) and low levels of macrolide resistance (14%). Swab samples from patients with suspected syphilis were collected during 2015-2019 and loci TP0136, TP0548, TP0705 were sequenced in order to perform multilocus sequence typing. Strains were classified as Nichols-like or SS14-like. The presence of macrolide resistance-associated mutations was determined by examination of the 23S rDNA gene sequence. Of 46 typable samples, 37.0% were classified as Nichols-like and 63.0% as SS14-like. Macrolide resistance prevalence was 45.7%. Seven allelic profiles were found, five were SS14-like and two were Nichols-like. The frequency of Nichols-like strains increased between studies (26.8% vs. 37.0%, p=0.36). A dramatic increase was found in the frequency of macrolide resistant isolates between studies (14.3% vs. 45.7%, p=0.005). Our results are in agreement with international tendencies and underscore the need to pursue further TPA molecular typing studies in South America.
Spatiotemporal Pattern of Periodic Rhythms in Delayed Van der Pol Oscillators for the CPG-based Locomotion of Snake-like Robot
Authors: Xu Jian , Song Zigen , Huang Xiaojun
Published: April 2022

This is the further research on the DHCO (delayed half-center oscillato) neural system presented in our previous paper (Song, Z., Xu, J. Self-/mutual-symmetric rhythms and their coexistence in a delayed half-center oscillator of the CPG neural system. Nonlinear Dyn (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11071-022-07222-y), which is used to construct the CPG (central pattern generator) neural system to control the snake robot. In this paper, we construct a CPG (central pattern generator) neural network system to control locomotion of snake-like robot with pitch-yaw connecting configuration by using the delay-coupling Van der Pol (VDP) oscillators. To this end, we firstly give an improved model of the VDP oscillator to adjust amplitude and frequency of periodic rhythm. Employing mutually coupled delay, two VDP oscillators are connected to produce an HCO (half-center oscillator) module with time delay that is called as a DHCO (delayed HCO) model. Based on the analysis of Hopf bifurcation, periodic rhythm and spatiotemporal patterns of the DHCO are illustrated in different regions of parameters. The DHCO module presents periodic rhythms with synchronous and anti-synchronous patterns, which is used to control the joint actuators combined in the snake-like robot with pitch-yaw connecting configuration. To realize the snake-like robotic locomotion, based on the DHCO modules, we construct a chain-type of the CPG neural system combined with a new unidirectional delay in which phase difference can be regulated. Numerical simulations are illustrated that the CPG neural system can control snake-like robot to move with serpentine, rectilinear, and side-winding patterns in the forward and backward directions.
Postnatal women’s breastfeeding belief, practices, and support during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross–sectional comparative study across five countries.
Authors: Coca Kelly Pereira , Lee Eun Young , Chien Li-Yin , Souza Ana Carolina de Prima , Kittikul Punpawee , Hong Seo Ah , Chang Yan-Shing
Published: April 2022

Background: Breastfeeding is known to have many benefits and breast milk contains antibodies to protect infants against childhood illnesses, morbidity, and death. Women with COVID-19 had a lot of concerns and doubts about the safety of breastfeeding for their babies, and breastfeeding support may impact breastfeeding practice. This study aim to compare breastfeeding belief, practice, and contact methods with healthcare professionals for receiving postnatal feeding support during the COVID-19 pandemic in five countries: Brazil, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, and United Kingdom. Methods: A multi-country cross-sectional study was conducted with postnatal women in five countries. Women who were up to 6 months postpartum were invited to an online self-administered questionnaire Survey Forms about their transmission and preventive measures belief towards breastfeeding, infant feeding practices, and experiences of postnatal infant feeding support received, between July to November 2021. Student’s t-tests or one-way analysis of variance tests were performed to determine significant relations of the mean belief scores.Results: A total of 3,253 eligible response were received. The mean of the belief score were significantly different among countries (p<.0001). Women in Brazil and the UK had a higher rate of breastfeeding at breast (90.7% and 85.4% respectively) compared to the three countries in Asia (p<0.0001), while feeding with expressed breastmilk in Thailand (59.9%), Taiwan (52.6%) and South Korea (50.4%) was higher than the others (p<0.0001). Brazil and UK mothers (16.0, SD= 2.1 and 14.5, SD= 1.9, respectively) had a higher mean score of belief towards breastfeeding during the COVID-19 than the others. Those results were inversely associated with breastfeeding but positively formula feeding practice. Postnatal feeding support during the COVID-19 pandemic was mainly provided by healthcare professionals (67.1%) and peers/family by face to face personal contact (51.6%) in all countries.Conclusion: There are some differences in belief towards breastfeeding during the COVID-19 in Asian countries. A positive breastfeeding belief was associated with infant feeding at breast practice. Women from all countries received postpartum infant feeding support from health professions and peers/family through in personal contacts. Government needs to emphasize and disseminates the importance of breastfeeding safety, especially in Asian countries.
Development of shortened HIV-related stigma scales for young people living with HIV and young people affected by HIV in India
Authors: Marbaniang Ivan , Borse Rohidas , Sangle Shashikala , Kinikar Aarti , Chavan Amol , Nimkar Smita , Suryavanshi Nishi , Mave Vidya
Published: April 2022

Background: HIV-related stigma is associated with poor quality of life and poor healthcare-seeking behaviours in Young People Living with HIV (YPLHIV) and Young People Affected by HIV (YPAHIV). India has an estimated 120,000 YPLHIV and 4 million YPAHIV, but efforts to measure HIV-related stigma in them are sparse, impeded by the lack of appropriate measuring instruments. Here, we describe the development of the Pune HIV-Stigma Scale (PHSS) and modified-PHSS to measure HIV-related stigma among YPLHIV and YPAHIV, respectively, in India. Methods: Data from a mental health study for YPLHIV and YPAHIV, conducted at Byramjee Jeejeebhoy Government Medical College & Sassoon General Hospitals, Pune, India, between August 2018 and June 2021 were used. Findings from multiple confirmatory factor analyses (fit to previously published scales) and cognitive interviews were used to develop the 12-item PHSS with four subscales (personalized stigma, disclosure concerns, negative self-image, concern about public attitudes). The modified-PHSS was developed by confirming the structure of the PHSS for YPAHIV. Convergent validity with Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression (CES-D) and UCLA Loneliness scales was assessed using Spearman’s correlation coefficients. Results: Median ages of YPLHIV (n=124) and YPAHIV (n= 93) were 19 years (IQR: 15-25); 52% of YPLHIV and 44% of YPAHIV were male. Model fit indices were good for both PHSS (χ2 =65.0, df =48, p-value: 0.052; root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA): 0.054; comparative fit index (CLI): 0.980; Tucker-Lewis index (TLI): 0.972; and standardized root mean square residual (SRMR): 0.067) and modified-PHSS (χ2 = 56.9, df =48, p-value: 0.176; RMSEA: 0.045; CLI: 0.983; TFI: 0.976, and SRMR:0.078). Spearman’s correlation coefficients indicated low to moderate convergent validity (ρ: 0.03 – 0.52) across different subscales of the PHSS and modified-PHSS. Cronbach’s alpha for the PHSS was 0.82 and for the modified-PHSS 0.81. Conclusion: We developed the first scales to measure HIV-related stigma among YPLHIV and YPAHIV in India. These concise scales can facilitate measurement of HIV-related stigma more frequently in research studies. We recommend that they be tested in different Indian languages.
Robotic resection of ectopic mediastinal parathyroid adenoma with intraoperative parathyroid hormone monitoring: A case report
Authors: Iijima Yoshihito , Ishikawa Masahito , Iwai Shun , Yamagata Aika , Kishimoto Kazuhiro , Motono Nozomu , Uramoto Hidetaka
Published: April 2022

Background: Primary hyperparathyroidism is a disease caused by the secretion of excess parathyroid hormone (PTH) due to the enlargement of the parathyroid gland. Ectopic parathyroid glands exist in the mediastinum in approximately 1%-2% of cases, which is relatively rare. Intraoperative monitoring of serum PTH level is important to assess whether the source of hyperparathyroidism has been eliminated. Case presentation: A 53-year-old asymptomatic woman was diagnosed with ectopic mediastinal parathyroid adenoma. A three-port robotic partial resection of the thymus containing the tumor was attempted, but bleeding from a swollen pericardial diaphragmatic vein led to the addition of an assist port along the way. The PTH level was measured intraoperatively. After confirming that the 15-min PTH level after removal of the tumor was less than 50% of the baseline value, the operation was completed. The tumor was positive for PTH and was diagnosed as an ectopic mediastinal parathyroid adenoma. Some small ectopic parathyroid gland tissues were observed in other parts of the thymic tissue. Serum calcium and PTH levels were decreased and normalized.Conclusions: We report the usefulness of robotic resection for ectopic mediastinal parathyroid adenoma with PTH monitoring. However, histopathologically, small parathyroid gland tissues may remain in the surrounding thymus. Hense, we believe that a strict follow-up is required for parathyroid function in the future.
Comparison of retrograde intrarenal stone surgery with and without a ureteral access sheath using Kidney Injury Molecule-1 (KIM-1) levels: A prospective randomized study
Authors: ECER Gökhan , SÖNMEZ Mehmet Giray , AYDIN Arif , TOPÇU Cemile , ALALAM Haider Nihad Izaddin , Güven Selçuk , BALASAR Mehmet
Published: April 2022

ObjectiveTo compare patients who underwent retrograde intrarenal surgery with and without a ureteral access sheath (UAS) by using Kidney Injury Molecule-1 (KIM-1) levels. We also examined the difference in kidney damage between standard and dual lumen UAS.MethodsSixty patients diagnosed with kidney stones and scheduled for RIRS were randomized into three groups: RIRS without UAS (Group 1), 11Fr/13Fr Boston scientific NavigatorTM UAS (Group 2), and 11Fr/13Fr dual lumen ClearPetraTM (Group 3). Data were prospectively collected in consecutive patients. Urine KIM-1/Cr levels were measured preoperatively, at postoperative 4 hours, and on a postoperative day 14. Stone size, location, number, pre-and postoperative stent use, operation time, stone-free rate (SFR), post-ureteroscopic lesion scale (PULS) grade, hospitalization duration, and complications were recorded.ResultsThere was no significant difference in demographical parameters and preoperative KIM-1/Cr levels among the groups. Postoperative 4th-hour urine KIM-1/Cr levels were higher in patients without UAS than patients with UAS (1.86, 0.67, 0.63 Group 1,2,3 respectively). In comparing group 1 with groups 2 and 3 separately, Group 1 had a statistically significantly higher value than both groups (p=0.002, p=0.001, respectively). According to UAS type, there was no significant difference between groups 2 and 3. ConclusionThe use of UAS during RIRS has been shown to reduce kidney injury in the evaluation with KIM-1. Different UAS types on kidney injury and which one can protect the kidneys more during the procedure; will be elucidated by prospective randomized studies involving larger patient groups and UAS types.
Escherichia coli cell factories with altered chromosomal replication strategies exhibit accelerated growth and rapid biomass production
Authors: Yang Hee Jin , Kim Kitae , Kwon Soon-Kyeong , Kim Jihyun F.
Published: April 2022

Background
Generally, bacteria have a circular genome with a single replication origin for each replicon, whereas archaea and eukaryotes can have multiple replication origins in each chromosome. In Escherichia coli, bidirectional DNA replication is initiated at the origin of replication (oriC) and arrested at the 10 termination sites (terA–J).
Results
We constructed E. coli derivatives with additional or ectopic replication origins to demonstrate the relationship between DNA replication and cell physiology. The cultures of E. coli derivatives with multiple replication origins contained an increased fraction of replicating cells and the cells varied in size. Without the original oriC, E. coli derivatives with double ectopic replication origins manifested impaired growth irrespective of growth conditions and enhanced cell size, and exhibited excessive and asynchronous replication initiation. The generation time of an E. coli strain with three replication origins decreased in a minimal medium supplemented with glucose as the sole carbon source. As well as the cell growth, the introduction of additional replication origins promoted increased biomass production.
Conclusion
Balanced cell growth and physiological stability of E. coli under rapid growth condition are affected by changes in the position and number of replication origins. Additionally, we show that, for the first time to our knowledge, introduction of replication initiation sites to the chromosome promotes cell growth and increases protein production.
Calcium defeating strategy for metal stress in some submerged hydrophytes growing in aquaponics
Authors: Fouad Mai Sayed
Published: April 2022

The present work is a fetching trial providing promising insights about calcium. Calcium plays a crucial role in plant nutrition; moreover Calcium ions (Ca2+) show a versatile propensity in plant structure and function. Introducing heavy metals especially Cadmium to plant interrupts many biotic processes which ultimately lead to plant death. Herein, from submerged hydrophytes, Ceratophyllum demersum, Myriophyllum spicatum and Najas marina are examined to evaluate their tolerance against metal stress. All of them are subjected to a mixture containing different doses of cadmium with fixed doses of lead and nickel in hydroponic culture for one week. All of inspected species exhibit analogous response regarding calcium elevation level. The observed positive correlation between Cd and Ca is attributed to invigorating role of calcium in plant resistance. Calcium is incorporated in plant defense strategy to both environmental and hormonal signals. The involvement of calcium in reducing metal uptake particularly Cd influx and translocation, controlling signal transduction and alleviating oxidative damages in plant explains the reasons beyond the transit cytosolic calcium increase in all selected species.
Barriers and Facilitators to Chemotherapy Initiation and Adherence for Patients with HIV-associated Kaposi’s Sarcoma in Kenya: A Qualitative Study
Authors: McMahon Devon E. , Singh Rhea , Chemtai Linda , Semeere Aggrey , Byakwaga Helen , Grant Merridy , Laker-Oketta Miriam , Lagat Celestine , Collier Sigrid , Maurer Toby , Martin Jeffrey , Bassett Ingrid V. , Butler Lisa , Kiprono Samson , Busakhala Naftali , Freeman Esther E.
Published: April 2022

Background: Kaposi sarcoma is one of the most prevalent HIV-associated malignancies in sub-Saharan Africa and is often diagnosed at advanced stage of disease. Only 50% of KS patients who qualify for chemotherapy receive it and adherence is sub-optimal.Methods: 57 patients >18 years with newly diagnosed KS within the AMPATH clinic network in Western Kenya were purposively selected to participate in semi-structured interviews stratified by whether they had completed or not completed chemotherapy for advanced stage KS. We based the interview guide and coding framework on the situated Information, Motivation, Behavioral Skills (sIMB), in which the core patient centered IMB constructs are situated into the socioecological context of receiving care. Results: Of the 57 participants, the median age was 37 (IQR 32-41) and the majority were male (68%). Notable barriers to chemotherapy initiation and adherence included lack of financial means, difficulty with convenience of appointments such as distance to facility, appointment times, long lines, limited appointments, intrapersonal barriers such as fear or hopelessness, and lack of proper or sufficient information about chemotherapy. Factors that facilitated chemotherapy initiation and adherence included health literacy, motivation to treat symptoms, improvement on chemotherapy, prioritization of self-care, resilience while experiencing side effects, ability to carry out behavioral skills, obtaining national health insurance, and free chemotherapy.Conclusion: Our findings about the barriers and facilitators to chemotherapy initiation and adherence for KS in Western Kenya support further work that promotes public health campaigns with reliable cancer and chemotherapy information, improves education about the chemotherapy process and side effects, increases oncology service ability, supports enrollment in national health insurance, and increases incorporation of chronic disease care into existing HIV treatment networks.
Lobular carcinoma in situ within fibroadenoma: a case report and literature review
Authors: Zhou Bin , Wu Luoyan , Liu Liyuan , Zhang Zhi , Ye Minshi , Yang Ying , Wei Fangli , Zhang Guijie , Ye Dongmei , Qingwu Li
Published: April 2022

Background: Breast fibroadenoma is the most common tumor with benign biological behavior in women. It is rarely malignant. However, the imaging and clinical features of carcinoma in situ within a fibroadenoma are often similar to those of a fibroadenoma.Case presentation: This study aimed to report the case of a 38-year-old young woman with a regular painless mass in her right breast for 6 years. This tumor had a clear boundary and was composed of epithelial and mesenchymal cells. Most of the area comprised the so-called fibroadenoma structure, besides swelling and proliferation in a small part of the terminal duct and no expression of E-cadherin protein. The histological morphology and immunohistochemistry confirmed the diagnosis of a fibroadenoma with lobular carcinoma in situ. Conclusions: We need to be careful of malignant transformation within fibroadenomas and improve the understanding of lobular carcinoma in situ within fibroadenoma.
PIVKA-II Combined with Alpha-Fetoprotein for the Diagnostic Value of Hepatic Tumors in Children: A Multicenter, Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Gao Hongxiang , Xie Chenjie , Wang Jing , Ma Ji , Liu Shijian , Xie Li , Zheng Yijie , Dong Rui , Wang Shan , Fang yongjun , Wu Yurui , Zhang Xianwei , Lu Xianying , Li Yang , Li Weisong , Pan Qiuhui , Xu Min , Gu Song
Published: April 2022

Background: To investigate whether protein induced by vitamin K antagonist-II (PIVKA-II) combined with alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) can improve the diagnostic and differential diagnostic accuracy of childhood hepatic tumors. Methods: A multi-center prospective observational study was performed at nine regional institutions around China from October 1, 2018, to September 30, 2020, 257 eligible patients were enrolled. Children with hepatic mass (Group T, n=144) were divided into hepatoblastoma group (Group THB, n=98) and hemangioendothelioma group (Group THE, n=46), children with extrahepatic abdominal mass (Group C, n=113). Peripheral blood was collected from each patient prior to surgery or chemotherapy. Receiver Operating Characteristics (ROC) curves and area under the curve (AUROC) were used to evaluate the diagnostic efficiency of PIVKA-II and the combined tumor markers with AFP. Results: The mean level of PIVKA-II and AFP were both significantly higher in Group T than Group C (P=0.001, P＜0.001), in Group THB than Group THE (P=0.018, P=0.013). For the diagnosis of childhood hepatic tumors, AUROC of PIVKA-II (cut-off value 32.6 mAU/ml) and AFP (cut-off value 120ng/ml) was 0.867 vs. 0.857. The differential diagnostic value of PIVKA-II and AFP in hepatoblastoma from hemangioendothelioma were further assessed, AUROC of PIVKA-II (cut-off value 47.1mAU/ml) and AFP (cut-off value 560ng/ml) was 0.876 vs. 0.743. The combined markers showed higher AUROC (0.891, 0.895 respectively) than PIVKA-II or AFP alone. Conclusions: The serum level of PIVKA-II was significantly higher in children with hepatic tumors, especially those with malignant tumors. The combination of PIVKA-II with AFP further increased the diagnostic performance.Trial registration: Clinical Trials, NCT03645655. Registered 20 August 2018, https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03645655
A complete description of the dynamics of legal outer-totalistic affine continuous cellular automata
Authors: Wolnik Barbara , Dembowski Marcin , Augustynowicz Antonii , De Baets Bernard
Published: April 2022

This paper presents an investigation into the evolution and dynamics of the simplest generalization of binary cellular automata: Affine Continuous Cellular Automata (ACCAs), with [0,1] as state set and local rules that are affine in each variable. The focus lies on legal outer-totalistic ACCAs, an interesting class of dynamical systems that show some properties that do not occur in the binary case. A unique combination of computer simulations (sometimes quite advanced) and a panoply of analytical methods allow to lay bare the dynamics of each and every one of these cellular automata. The results show that in the class of ACCAs considered, one can observe all types of sensitivity: sensitivity to the change of the number of cells in the grid, sensitivity to slight changes in the parameters of a local rule and sensitivity to the change of a single value in an initial configuration.Mathematics Subject Classification (2020) MSC 37B15, MSC 68Q80
ANALISIS PERSEPSI MAHASISWA TENTANG ADOPSI SiMBA JURUSAN MANAJEMEN ZAKAT DAN WAKAF FAKULTAS EKONOMI DAN BISNIS ISLAM IAIN TULUNGAGUNG
Authors: Rafikasari Elok Fitriani
Published: April 2022

SiMBA merupakan teknologi sistem informasi manajemen yang dikembangkan sejak tahun 2011 untuk digunakan oleh BAZNAS dan LAZ. Sistem ini telah terintegrasi baik mulai BAZNAS pusat sampai daerah sehingga diperoleh laporan zakat yang transparan, akuntabel dan mudah diakses web melalui masing-masing BAZNAS dan LAZ. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui karakteristik pengguna SiMBA dari kalangan mahasiswa. Data diambil dari 50 mahasiswa jurusan Manajemen Zakat dan Wakaf FEBI IAIN Tulungagung yang telah dan sedang mengambil matakuliah Sistem Informasi Manajemen Zakat dan Wakaf. Hasil dari penelitian ini adalah karakteristik dan pendapat mahasiswa terkait penggunaan SiMBA.
PENINGKATAN EKONOMI MELALUI BUDIDAYA JAMUR TIRAM DENGAN PEMANFAATAN ASET TIDAK PRODUKTIF
Authors: Suselo Dedi
Published: April 2022

Upaya peningkatan ekonomi masyarakat dapat dilakukan dengan memanfaatkan asset tidak produktif, salah satunya usaha yang dapat disesuaikan dengan asset tersebut adalah budidaya jamur tiram meskipun harus melakukan sedikit modifikasi. Tujuan penelitian adalah 1) mengetahui dan mendiskripsikan kondisi asset tidak produktif pada masyarakat kec Pakel kab Tulungagung. 2) mengimplementasikan pemanfaatan aset tidak- produktif dalam budidaya jamur tiram pada masyarakat kec Pakel kab Tulungagung. 3) mengevaluasi pemanfaatan aset tidak-produktif dalam budidaya jamur tiram pada masyarakat kec pakel kab tulungagung. Metode penelitian kualitatif dengan jenis penelitian PAR (Participatory action research. Hasil penelitian asset tidak produkif dapat digunakan untuk budidaya jamur tiram dan mendorong kemandirian ekonomi dalam peningkatan pendapatan masyarakat.
Peningkatan Self-Leadership Siswa Madrasah Ibtidaiyah Melalui Experiential Learning
Authors: Laili Risqi Nur , Nisak Zeni Hafidotun
Published: April 2022

Penelitian ini membahas bagaimana penerapan experiential learning dalam meningkatkan karakter self leadership siswa Madrasah Ibtidaiyah. Penelitian tindakan kelas model Kemmis dan Mc. Taggart digunakan dengan 3 siklus untuk menerapkan empat tahap experiential learning dalam setiap siklusnya. Pengumpulan data penelitian menggunakan observasi, wawancara, kuesioner, dan tes karakter self leadership. Hasil uji independent simple t-tes siklus I adalah 0,001 dan 0,001, dan siklus II dan siklus III adalah 0,000 dan 0,000 dengan kesimpulan terdapat perbedaan yang signifikan antara hasil tes awal dan tes akhir. Hasil rata-rata uji efektifitas N Gain pada siklus I adalah 24,45%, siklus II adalah 66,83%, dan siklus III adalah 77,93%. Artinya efektifitas penerapan experiental learning mengalami peningkatan dari tidak efektif menjadi cukup efektif dan efektif dalam meningkatkan self leadership. Kunci keberhasilan penerapan experiental learning adalah pada kesiapan guru dalam memberikan pengalaman nyata kepada siswa dan melakukan pengawasan terhadap aktivitas siswa.In English: This study discusses how the application of experiential learning in improving the self-leadership character of Madrasah Ibtidaiyah students. Kemmis and Mc's model of classroom action research. Taggart is used with three cycles to implement four stages of experiential learning in each cycle. This research uses observation, interviews, questionnaires, and self-leadership character tests. The independent sample t-test in the first cycle were 0.001 and 0.001, and the second and third cycles were 0.000 and 0.000, with the conclusion that there was a significant difference between the initial test results and the final test. The average results of the N Gain effectiveness test in the first cycle were 24.45%, the second cycle was 66.83%, and the third cycle was 77.93%. This means that the application of experiential learning has increased from ineffective to quite effective and effective in increasing self-leadership. The key to the success of implementing experiential learning is the readiness of teachers to provide real experiences to students and supervise student activities.
Climate variability, water supply, sanitation and diarrhea among children under five in Sub-Saharan Africa: a multilevel analysis
Authors: Kemajou Donald Njatang
Published: April 2022

Climate variability is expected to increase the risk of diarrhea diseases, a leading cause of child mortality and morbidity in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). The risk of diarrhea is more acute when populations have poor access to improved water and sanitation. This study seeks to determine individual and joint effects of climate variation, water supply and sanitation on the occurrence of diarrhea among children under five in SSA using multilevel mixed-effect Poisson regression including cross-level interaction. We merged 57 Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) from 25 SSA countries covering the period 2000–2019 with climatic data from the DHS geolocation databases. The results of the research indicate that 77.7% of the variation in the occurrence of diarrhea in Sub-Saharan households is due to climatic differences between clusters. Also, a household residing in a cluster with a high incidence of diarrhea is 1.567 times more likely to have diarrhea cases than a household from a cluster with a low incidence. In addition, when average temperature and rainfall increase, households using unimproved sanitation or unimproved water have more cases of diarrhea. For SSA, the results of the multilevel analysis suggest the adoption at both levels; macro (national) and micro (household), of climate change adaption measures in the water sector to reduce the prevalence of diarrhea.