bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tracheostomy in Non-malignant Disorders
Authors: Liton Md Assaduzzaman , Islam Rashedul , Rifat Mahmud Asif , Osmany Husne Qumer , Ghosh Uzzal Chandra , Fakir Md Abu Yusuf
Published: March 2023

Background: Tracheostomy is a surgical procedure, often a life saving measure in a variety of clinical conditions. It is one of the commonest procedures carried out on the critically ill patient. The most common causes of non-malignant airway obstruction are head and severe facial trauma, cerebrovascular accident, coma, respiratory burn and presence of foreign bodies in airway etc. Tracheostomy is an increasingly utilised adjunct in the ICU management of patients. Effective tracheostomy management involved the multi-professional team in a coordinated approach.
Objectives: To study the indications of tracheostomy in non-malignant disorders.
Study design: Cross-sectional study.
Study setting and period: Department of Otolaryngorhinology and Head- Neck surgery (Unit- 1,2,3), General Surgery, ICU, Casualty, Neurosurgery, Thoracic surgery, Burn & Plastic Surgery and relevant OPD in Dhaka Medical College Hospitalfrom6th September 2015 to 5th March 2016.
Methods: A hospital based cross-sectional study. Fifty patients admitted to hospital, underwent tracheostomy for non-malignant factors. Purposive samplings technique was used. Detail demographic data were collected from the informant and recorded in structured case record form. Clinical examination and relevant investigation were done meticulously. All collected questionnaire checked very carefully to identify the error in the data. Data processing work consist of registration schedules, editing computerization, preparation of dummy table, analyzing and matching of data.
Result: A total of 50 patients of non-malignant pathology causing airway patency loss in different ward unit of DMCH were selected. In this study, maximum numbers of patients (36%) were between 51-70 years age groups with mean age was 47.23±11.57 years. It was observed that, frequency of non-malignant aetiology for tracheostomy gradually increases with age. Study show that, 51-70 years was most frequent age group (36%). Out of 50 cases 82% were male. Present study show that socioeconomically majority patients were poor class (52%), highest percentage of patient comprised of day labourer (30%). Head trauma (12%) and cerebrovascular accidents (9%) were the most common etiological factor trauma was the major aetilogical group (50%),followed by, central drive problems or neurological disease (38%) and elective tracheostomy was done.
Conclusion: Head and facial trauma, cerebrovascular accident, coma, respiratory burn and presence of foreign bodies etc. are common aetilogical factors. It was found that tracheostomy is safer alternative to intubation when a prolonged artificial airway is required.
Bangladesh J Otorhinolaryngol 2022; 28(2): 157-164
Prevalence of ENT Diseases in Medical College for Women and Hospital, Dhaka - Six Months Retrospective Study
Authors: Yasmeen Naseem , Shumon AM , Atikuzzaman Kazi , Hoque Farzana , Malakar Mousumi , Salam Juliana
Published: March 2023

Background: Ear, Nose, Throat (ENT) & Head Neck diseases are very common in our country. Of course, patterns of ENT diseases vary depending on geographical distribution.
Materials & methods: This retrospective study was carried out in ENT OPD in a tertiary hospital, Medical College for Women & Hospital (MCWH), Uttara, Dhaka, Bangladesh from July, 2015 to December, 2015. Total 3314 patients were selected for the study, males being 1582 & females, 1732. Cases were evaluated by local otolaryngologists by taking thorough history and clinical examination with proper and relevant investigations. Personal data included were age (1 month – 80 years) and sex. Information obtained was expressed in numbers and percentages with statistical analysis.
Results: Top 10 diseases were selected which includes Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media (CSOM) 18.14%, Chronic tonsillitis 15.67%, Acute otitis media (AOM) 9.90%, Otitis externa (OE) 8.18%, Deviated nasal septum (DNS) 7.79%, Otitis media with effusion (OME) 7.27%, Allergic rhinitis (AR) 6.40%, Wax 4.98%, Pharyngitis 4.29%, Sinusitis 2.90%. The study reveals that the most vulnerable age group was 0-18 years. 47.74% and 52.26% were male and female respectively, the ratio being 0.9:1 that is almost equal. No significant differences were found in ENT diseases between males and females. Regarding infections of specific organs, CSOM was the most common and highest in order in our context followed by Ch. Tonsillitis, AOM, OE, DNS, OME, AR, Wax, Pharyngitis and Sinusitis.
Conclusion:This study was made with an attempt to contribute to some extent to the epidemiologic profile of the common ENT & Head Neck diseases. It would probably enable the concerned personnel to enrich their knowledge and skill so that they can deal with the diseases properly.
Bangladesh J Otorhinolaryngol 2022; 28(2): 186-192
Fenomena Pernikahan Di Bawah Umur Oleh Masyarakat 5.0
Authors: Hisam Ahyani  , Asep Deni Adnan Bumaeri  , Ahmad Hapidin  , Hendi Kusnandar
Published: March 2023

The phenomenon of underage marriage by the 5.0 Society has become a necessity, where one of the economic factors and boredom to study online as it is today during the Covid-19 pandemic has made many 5.0 people in Indonesia apply for early marriage. As a result, the phenomenon of Underage Marriage by Society 5.0 today needs special education for the nation's young people in welcoming a brighter and dignified future according to the demands of the times. The results of the study show that the phenomenon of underage marriage that occurred recently by Society 5.0 is a marriage carried out before the child enters the age of 18 years, this is as stated in Law No. 16 / 2019 About Marriage. Factors that support Society 5.0 to carry out underage marriages include Economic Factors and Factors Tired of learning online, this is because today in an all-digital era like today (the era of disruption 4.0), where people called Society 5.0 feel worried about their inability in competing through artificial intelligence technology so that the concerns of today's society's economic fulfillment are threatened. Constraints faced in the practice of underage marriage by Society 5.0 are from the physical aspect, from the cognitive aspect, the language aspect, the social aspect, and the emotional aspect, where these five aspects cause disharmony and the integrity of marriage in early childhood. The solution in responding to the phenomenon of underage marriage in the 5.0 community is that it can be done through various early prevention by parents, religious leaders, and mass organizations in order to socialize about marriage to the community through the integration of technology that is adapted to the demands of the times, such as online class training for young people, especially those under the age of 18.
Perspectives : Understanding the Pathophysiology of Intraventricular Hemorrhage in Preterm Infants and Considering of the Future Direction for Treatment
Authors: Park Young Soo
Published: March 2023

Remarkable advances in neonatal care have significantly improved the survival of extremely low birth weight infants in recent years. However, intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) continues to be a major complication in preterm infants, leading to a high incidence of cerebral palsy and cognitive impairment. IVH is primarily caused by disruption of the fragile vascular network of the subependymal germinal matrix, and subsequent ventricular dilatation adversely affects the developing infant brain. Based on recent research, periventricular white matter injury is caused not only by ischemia and morphological distortion due to ventricular dilatation but also by free iron and inflammatory cytokines derived from hematoma and its lysates. The current guidelines for the treatment of posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus (PHH) in preterm infants do not provide strong recommendations, but initiating treatment intervention based on ultrasound measurement values before the appearance of clinical symptoms of PHH has been proposed. Moreover, in the past decade, therapeutic interventions that actively remove hematomas and lysates have been introduced. The era is moving beyond cerebrospinal fluid shunt toward therapeutic goals aimed at improving neurodevelopmental outcomes.
Surgical Thrombectomy for Extensive Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis after COVID-19 Vaccination : A Novel Surgical Technique and Literature Review
Authors: Chung Yuwhan , Ryu Jiwook , Choi Seok Keun
Published: March 2023

Surgical treatment of refractory and extensive cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) has limited applications. Here, we describe an open, direct sinus thrombectomy in the early phase of extensive CVST. A 49-year-old man with extensive CVST that occurred after the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination and affected the drainage of the Labbé vein presented with clinical deterioration and left temporal hemorrhagic infarction. Since the patient had extensive CVST, we determined that systemic anticoagulation and endovascular treatment were not suitable treatment options. Therefore, we decided on an emergency surgical treatment and performed direct surgical thrombectomy. We followed extended suboccipital approach and made multiple incisions on the sinuses, exposing the posterior superior sagittal sinus to the transverse sigmoid junction. Consequently, the clinical condition of the patient dramatically improved, resulting in a favorable outcome with a modified Rankin scale score of 0. Performing emergency open surgical thrombectomy was a technically feasible treatment option that recanalize obstructed sinuses. Importantly, the patient recovered with a good clinical outcome. Early maximal surgical thrombectomy can be an effective and lifesaving method to treat extensive CVST with hemorrhagic infarction.
Beyond National Reach?
Authors:   , van Slageren Jaap
Published: March 2023

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Brief Clinical Review: Non-Responding Pneumonia
Authors: Finch Simon , Chalmers James D.
Published: March 2023

A slowly resolving or non-resolving pneumonia (NRP) is a common clinical dilemma, affecting 10-20% of patients hospitalised with community-acquired pneumonia. Potential causes are many and include inadequate or inappropriate antibiotic therapy, antibiotic resistant pathogens, infectious complications, or incorrect diagnosis. Objective criteria have been described to define clinical stability and represent the best current definition of adequate treatment response. The time to clinical stability varies substantially between patients, being longer in older patients, patients with comorbidities, and patients with a higher severity of pneumonia. NRP is associated with increased mortality and requirement for intensive care unit admission, and so it is essential to identify these patients. Once non-response is recognised, patients should undergo a full re-evaluation, including microbiological testing, repeat chest X-ray and consideration of further imaging, and an increased spectrum of antibiotic therapy if drug resistant pathogens are suspected. A wide range of non-infectious disorders can masquerade as bacterial pneumonia, including pulmonary embolism, malignancy, interstitial lung diseases, alveolar haemorrhage, and vasculitis. There is no uniform recommended diagnostic or treatment approach for patients with NRP. The investigations and interventions required are determined on a case-by-case basis. The present article reviews the causes, investigation, and management of NRP, and presents an algorithm for identification and management of these patients.
Lower Pole Calyceal Stone and Lithotripsy are Issues with Clearance Fact or Reality?
Authors: Ather M. Hammad
Published: March 2023

The lower pole calyceal (LPC) stone continues to be an enigma. The complex anatomy of the lower pole collecting system, along with other factors like acute pelvi calyceal angle and narrow and long infundibulum, are some of the complicating factors affecting stone clearance. There have been many studies assessing the impact of collecting system anatomy and most conclude that the complex anatomy of the lower pole collecting system does impact the overall stone-free rate.
SMART DIGITAL LEARNING: A SNAPSHOT OF WEB-BASED LEARNING MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
Authors: Sutrisno Bejo , Yundayani Audi , Alghadari Fiki
Published: March 2023

This study aims to identify the use of Smart Digital Learning (SDL) as an alternative to web-based learning management systems (WLMS), web-based presentations, and web-based modules. The research approach used in this study is the Research and Development method. The data analysis technique uses a descriptive calculation of proportions derived from student response data, expert tests and media tests on the products produced. A total of 72 students from three different classes were included as research respondents. The results of this study found that SDL can facilitate independent learning, arouse student interest in learning, present multimodal texts, can be designed based on learning needs, can be used as a website portfolio, interaction between users must be increased, and requires a stable internet connection.
Nerve ECM and PLA-PCL based electrospun bilayer nerve conduit for nerve regeneration
Authors: Mao Xiaoyan , Li Ting , Cheng Junqiu , Tao Meihan , Li Zhiyuan , Ma Yizhan , Javed Rabia , Bao Jie , Liang Fang , Guo Weihong , Tian Xiaohong , Fan Jun , Yu Tianhao , Ao Qiang
Published: March 2023

Introduction: The porcine nerve-derived extracellular matrix (ECM) fabricated as films has good performance in peripheral nerve regeneration. However, when constructed as conduits to bridge nerve defects, ECM lacks sufficient mechanical strength.

Methods: In this study, a novel electrospun bilayer-structured nerve conduit (BNC) with outer poly (L-lactic acid-co-ε-caprolactone) (PLA-PCL) and inner ECM was fabricated for nerve regeneration. The composition, structure, and mechanical strength of BNC were characterized. Then BNC biosafety was evaluated by cytotoxicity, subcutaneous implantation, and cell affinity tests. Furthermore, BNC was used to bridge 10-mm rat sciatic nerve defect, and nerve functional recovery was assessed by walking track, electrophysiology, and histomorphology analyses.

Results: Our results demonstrate that BNC has a network of nanofibers and retains some bioactive molecules, including collagen I, collagen IV, laminin, fibronectin, glycosaminoglycans, nerve growth factor, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor. Biomechanical analysis proves that PLA-PCL improves the BNC mechanical properties, compared with single ECM conduit (ENC). The functional evaluation of in vivo results indicated that BNC is more effective in nerve regeneration than PLA-PCL conduit or ENC.

Discussion: In conclusion, BNC not only retains the good biocompatibility and bioactivity of ECM, but also obtains the appropriate mechanical strength from PLA-PCL, which has great potential for clinical repair of nerve defects.
Rapid and sensitive detection of superoxide dismutase in serum of the cervical cancer by 4-aminothiophenol-functionalized bimetallic Au-Ag nanoboxs array
Authors: Xia Ji , Chen Gao-Yang , Li You You , Chen Lu , Lu Dan
Published: March 2023

Early, efficient and sensitive detection of serum markers in cervical cancer is very important for the treatment and prognosis to cervical cancer patients. In this paper, a SERS platform based on surface enhanced Raman scattering technology was proposed to quantitatively detect superoxide dismutase in serum of cervical cancer patients. Au-Ag nanoboxs array was made by oil-water interface self-assembly method as the trapping substrate. The single-layer Au-AgNBs array was verified by SERS for possessing excellent uniformity, selectivity and reproducibility. 4-aminothiophenol (4-ATP) was used as Raman signal molecule, it will be oxidized to dithiol azobenzene under the surface catalytic reaction with the condition of PH = 9 and laser irradiation. The quantitative detection of SOD could be achieved by calculating the change of characteristic peak ratio. When the concentration was from 10 U mL−1–160 U mL−1, the concentration of SOD could be accurately and quantitatively detected in human serum. The whole test was completed within 20 min and the limit of quantitation was 10 U mL−1. In addition, serum samples from the cervical cancer, the cervical intraepithelial neoplasia and healthy people were tested by the platform and the results were consistent with those of ELISA. The platform has great potential as a tool for early clinical screening of cervical cancer in the future.
Preparation of a 3D printable high-performance GelMA hydrogel loading with magnetic cobalt ferrite nanoparticles
Authors: Shi Yiwan , Wang Zhaozhen , Zhou Xinting , Lin Chengxiong , Chen Chao , Gao Botao , Xu Weikang , Zheng Xiaofei , Wu Tingting , Wang Huajun
Published: March 2023

Osteosarcoma remains a worldwide concern due to the poor effectiveness of available therapies in the clinic. Therefore, it is necessary to find a safe and effective therapy to realize the complete resection of osteosarcoma and reconstruction of the bone defect. Magnetic hyperthermia based on magnetic nanoparticles can kill tumor cells by raising the temperature without causing the side effects of conventional cancer treatments. This research aims to design a high-performance magnetic hydrogel composed of gelatin methacrylate and highly magnetic cobalt ferrite (CFO) nanoparticles for osteosarcoma treatment. Specifically, CFO is surface functionalized with methacrylate groups (MeCFO). The surface modified CFO has good biocompatibility and stable solution dispersion ability. Afterward, MeCFO nanoparticles are incorporated into GelMA to fabricate a three-dimensional (3D) printable MeCFO/GelMA magnetic hydrogel and then photocross-linked by UV radiation. MeCFO/GelMA hydrogel has high porosity and swelling ability, indicating that the hydrogel possesses more space and good hydrophily for cell survival. The rheological results showed that the hydrogel has shear thinning property, which is suitable as a bioprinting ink to produce desired structures by a 3D printer. Furthermore, 50 μg/mL MeCFO not only decreases the cell activity of osteosarcoma cells but also promotes the osteogenic differentiation of mBMSCs. The results of the CCK-8 assay and live/dead staining showed that MeCFO/GelMA hydrogel had good cytocompatibility. These results indicated that MeCFO/GelMA hydrogel with potential antitumor and bone reconstruction functions is a promising therapeutic strategy after osteosarcoma resection.
The oral microbiota and gestational diabetes mellitus
Authors: Corrêa Jôice Dias , Faria Giovanna Araújo , Fernandes Leticia Ladeia
Published: March 2023

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is one of the most frequent endocrine conditions during pregnancy. GDM is linked to adverse pregnancy outcomes and has implications for maternal health. Studies have demonstrated the link between pathogenic periodontal bacteria, glycemic control, and the risk of diabetes. The objective of the current study is to perform a mini-review of the available literature on the potential changes in the oral microbiota of women with GDM. The review was conducted by two independent reviewers (LLF and JDC). Indexed electronic databases (PubMed/Medline, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Scopus) were searched, including articles published in English and Portuguese. A manual search was also performed to identify related articles. The oral microbial community of pregnant women with GDM is unique from that of healthy pregnant women. The majority of the alterations found in the oral microbiota of women with GDM point to a pro-inflammatory environment with high levels of bacteria associated with periodontitis (Prevotella, Treponema, anaerobic bacteria) and a depletion of bacteria associated with periodontal health maintenance (Firmicutes, Streptococcus, Leptotrichia). More well-designed studies differentiating between pregnant women with good oral health and those with periodontitis are needed to ascertain which differences are due to GDM or periodontitis.
Collagen XII mediated cellular and extracellular mechanisms in development, regeneration, and disease
Authors: Izu Yayoi , Birk David E.
Published: March 2023

Collagen XII, a fibril-associated collagen with interrupted triple helices (FACIT), influences fibrillogenesis in numerous tissues. In addition to this extracellular function, collagen XII also directly regulates cellular function. Collagen XII is widely expressed in connective tissues, particularly tendons, ligaments, and the periodontium and periosteum, where it is enriched in the pericellular regions. Mutations in the collagen XII gene cause myopathic Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (mEDS), an early-onset disease characterized by overlapping connective tissue abnormalities and muscle weakness. Patients with mEDS exhibit delayed motor development, muscle weakness, joint laxity, hypermobility, joint contractures, and abnormal wound healing. A mEDS mouse model was generated by deletion of the Col12a1 gene, resulting in skeletal and muscle abnormalities with disorganized tissue structures and altered mechanical properties. Extracellularly, collagen XII interacts with collagen I fibrils and regulates collagen fibril spacing and assembly during fibrillogenesis. Evidence for the binding of collagen XII to other EDS-related molecules (e.g., decorin and tenascin X) suggests that disruption of ECM molecular interactions is one of the causes of connective tissue pathology in mEDS. Collagen XII also has been shown to influence cell behavior, such as cell shape and cell-cell communication, by providing physical connection between adjacent cells during tissue development and regeneration. The focus of this review is on the functions of collagen XII in development, regeneration, and disease.
ATP/ADP biosensor organoids for drug nephrotoxicity assessment
Authors: Susa Koichiro , Kobayashi Kenichi , Galichon Pierre , Matsumoto Takuya , Tamura Akitoshi , Hiratsuka Ken , Gupta Navin R. , Yazdi Iman K. , Bonventre Joseph V. , Morizane Ryuji
Published: March 2023

Drug nephrotoxicity is a common healthcare problem in hospitalized patients and a major limitation during drug development. Multi-segmented kidney organoids derived from human pluripotent stem cells may complement traditional cell culture and animal experiments for nephrotoxicity assessment. Here we evaluate the capability of kidney organoids to investigate drug toxicity in vitro. Kidney organoids express renal drug transporters, OAT1, OAT3, and OCT2, while a human proximal tubular cell line shows the absence of OAT1 and OAT3. Tenofovir and aristolochic acid (AA) induce proximal tubular injury in organoids which is ameliorated by an OAT inhibitor, probenecid, without damage to podocytes. Similarly, cisplatin causes proximal tubular damage that can be relieved by an OCT inhibitor, cimetidine, collectively suggesting the presence of functional OATs and OCTs in organoid proximal tubules. Puromycin aminonucleoside (PAN) induced segment-specific injury in glomerular podocytes in kidney organoids in the absence of tubular injury. Reporter organoids were generated with an ATP/ADP biosensor, which may be applicable to high-throughput screening in the future. In conclusion, the kidney organoid is a useful tool for toxicity assessment in the multicellular context and may contribute to nephrotoxicity assessment during drug development.
Suppression of SMOC2 alleviates myocardial fibrosis via the ILK/p38 pathway
Authors: Rui Huang , Zhao Fang , Yuhua Lei , Hong Jiang
Published: March 2023

Background

Fibrosis of the myocardium is one of the main pathological changes of adverse cardiac remodeling, which is associated with unsatisfactory outcomes in patients with heart disease. Further investigations into the precise molecular mechanisms of cardiac fibrosis are urgently required to seek alternative therapeutic strategies for individuals suffering from heart failure. SMOC2 has been shown to be essential to exert key pathophysiological roles in various physiological processes in vivo, possibly contributing to the pathogenesis of fibrosis. A study investigating the relationship between SMOC2 and myocardial fibrosis has yet to be conducted.

Methods

Mice received a continuous ISO injection subcutaneously to induce cardiac fibrosis, and down-regulation of SMOC2 was achieved by adeno-associated virus-9 (AAV9)-mediated shRNA knockdown. Neonatal fibroblasts were separated and cultured in vitro with TGFβ to trigger fibrosis and infected with either sh-SMOC2 or sh-RNA as a control. The role and mechanisms of SMOC2 in myocardial fibrosis were further examined and analyzed.

Results

SMOC2 knockdown partially reversed cardiac functional impairment and cardiac fibrosis in vivo after 21 consecutive days of ISO injection. We further demonstrated that targeting SMOC2 expression effectively slowed down the trans-differentiation and collagen deposition of cardiac fibroblasts stimulated by TGFβ. Mechanistically, targeting SMOC2 expression inhibited the induction of ILK and p38 in vivo and in vitro, and ILK overexpression increased p38 phosphorylation activity and compromised the protective effects of sh-SMOC2-mediated cardiac fibrosis.

Conclusion

Therapeutic SMOC2 silencing alleviated cardiac fibrosis through inhibition of the ILK/p38 signaling, providing a preventative and control strategy for cardiac remodeling management in clinical practice.
Novel application of drug-coated balloons in coronary heart disease: A narrative review
Authors: Wang Lijin , Li Xiaokang , Li Tian , Liu Lin , Wang Haiyan , Wang Chiyao
Published: March 2023

The incidence of coronary heart disease (CAD) has soared over the years, and coronary intervention has become an increasingly important therapeutic approach. The past decade has witnessed unprecedented developments in therapeutic medical instruments. Given that drug-coated balloons bring many benefits, they are indicated for an increasing number of conditions. In this article, we review the results of current clinical trials about drug-coated balloons and summarize their safety and clinical progression in different coronary artery diseases, laying the groundwork for basic research, and clinical therapeutics of this patient population.
Sex and gender differences in myocarditis and dilated cardiomyopathy: An update
Authors: Fairweather DeLisa , Beetler Danielle J. , Musigk Nicolas , Heidecker Bettina , Lyle Melissa A. , Cooper Leslie T. , Bruno Katelyn A.
Published: March 2023

In the past decade there has been a growing interest in understanding sex and gender differences in myocarditis and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), and the purpose of this review is to provide an update on this topic including epidemiology, pathogenesis and clinical presentation, diagnosis and management. Recently, many clinical studies have been conducted examining sex differences in myocarditis. Studies consistently report that myocarditis occurs more often in men than women with a sex ratio ranging from 1:2–4 female to male. Studies reveal that DCM also has a sex ratio of around 1:3 women to men and this is also true for familial/genetic forms of DCM. Animal models have demonstrated that DCM develops after myocarditis in susceptible mouse strains and evidence exists for this progress clinically as well. A consistent finding is that myocarditis occurs primarily in men under 50 years of age, but in women after age 50 or post-menopause. In contrast, DCM typically occurs after age 50, although the age that post-myocarditis DCM occurs has not been investigated. In a small study, more men with myocarditis presented with symptoms of chest pain while women presented with dyspnea. Men with myocarditis have been found to have higher levels of heart failure biomarkers soluble ST2, creatine kinase, myoglobin and T helper 17-associated cytokines while women develop a better regulatory immune response. Studies of the pathogenesis of disease have found that Toll-like receptor (TLR)2 and TLR4 signaling pathways play a central role in increasing inflammation during myocarditis and in promoting remodeling and fibrosis that leads to DCM, and all of these pathways are elevated in males. Management of myocarditis follows heart failure guidelines and there are currently no disease-specific therapies. Research on standard heart failure medications reveal important sex differences. Overall, many advances in our understanding of the effect of biologic sex on myocarditis and DCM have occurred over the past decade, but many gaps in our understanding remain. A better understanding of sex and gender effects are needed to develop disease-targeted and individualized medicine approaches in the future.
Crosstalk attenuation for imaging of multiples based on angle gather residual moveout analysis
Authors: Gao Zihao , Zhang Shukui , Wu Han , Ren Kai , Lu Shaoping
Published: March 2023

Imaging of multiples, as a supplement to imaging of primaries, can provide a wider range of subsurface illumination. Therefore, it can provide more detailed information on subsurface structures. However, imaging of multiples suffers from crosstalk issues generated by unrelated events. Many strategies have been proposed to attenuate crosstalk, among which the angle domain Radon crosstalk attenuation algorithm achieves good application effect. In the angle domain, the true imaging is flat, while the crosstalk events have moveouts. Therefore, it is convenient to identify the crosstalk in angle gathers using the Radon transform. However, the conventional Radon transform lacks a quantitative description for crosstalk in angle gathers, which would affect the accuracy of crosstalk attenuation. In this paper, residual moveout kernels are derived with a Radon transform to attenuate crosstalk in angle gathers for imaging of multiples. First, two types of residual moveout (RMO) equations are derived based on the causality of crosstalk. A three-layer model is used to verify the correctness of the analytical solutions. Then, based on the derived equations, the two types of crosstalk can be attenuated respectively in the Radon domain. Synthetic experiments demonstrate that the derived RMO equations can effectively attenuate the crosstalk events in imaging of multiples.
Exploring the perceptions of lecturers and final year students about the infusion of inclusion in initial teacher education programmes in South Africa
Authors: Nel Mirna , Hay Johnnie , Bekker Tanya , Beyers Christa , Pylman Nicky , Alexander Gregg , Matoti Sheila
Published: March 2023

Introduction

South Africa embraced the move to inclusive education after the political transformation in 1994 by partaking in and subscribing to the international Education for All (EFA) drive initiated in 1990 at the Jomtien World Conference on Education for All, which declared that all children, youth and adults should receive a basic education. Furthermore, the Salamanca Statement of 1994 the United Nations (UN) Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) of 2006 and the Sustainable Development Goal 4 are internationally regarded as the most important influence on the transformation of education systems to become more inclusive and consequently continue to have an important influence on education policies and practices in South Africa. The key policy driving inclusive education in South Africa is Education White Paper 6 (EWP6). EWP6 affirms that teachers play a central role in implementing an inclusive education system. Therefore, training is emphasized as a key strategy to enable educators to become more inclusive in their teaching practices. The focus of this article is on Initial Teacher Education (ITE) for inclusion. Influenced by international developments to transform ITE programmes and the national endorsement of inclusive education the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) embarked on a project called the Teaching and Learning Capacity Development Improvement Project (TLCDIP). The project reported on in this article was one facet of the TLCDIP and focused specifically on teacher education for inclusion in the Foundation (Reception to Grade 3) and Intermediate Phases (Grade 4 to 6) of the Baccalaureus Educationis (B Ed) programme.

Methods

The primary research aim was: To explore the perceptions of final year students and their lecturers in ITE programmes regarding the preparation of pre-service teachers for teaching in inclusive and diverse learning environments. A qualitative research approach was employed to gain in-depth and rich data. Purposive sampling was used including final year students and their lecturers. Open questionnaires and group interviews were employed as data generation strategies.

Results

An inductive thematic analysis showed that the following themes were identified by the participants as critical to be considered in the development and implementation of ITE programmes: Understanding inclusive education, which is also linked to knowledge; the disconnect between theory and practice, the lack of knowledge and practical experience regarding inclusive teaching strategies and how inclusion is addressed in the B Ed curriculum.
Optimization of the adsorption of lead (II) by hydroxyapatite using a factorial design: Density functional theory and molecular dynamics
Authors: El Hammari L. , Hamed R. , Azzaoui K. , Jodeh S. , Latifi S. , Saoiabi S. , Boukra O. , Krime A. , Boukra A. , Saoiabi A. , Hammouti B. , Khan M. M. , Sabbahi R. , Hanbali G. , Berisha A. , Taleb M. , Dagdag O.
Published: March 2023

Hydroxyapatite (HAp) synthesized through a wet chemical procedure was used to adsorb lead (II) from an aqueous solution. HAp was characterized using Fourier transform infrared, X-ray diffraction, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller analysis, and scanning electron microscopy. The removal of Pb+2 was investigated using the factorial design approach to investigate the efficiency of different Pb+2 concentrations, adsorption contact time, and HAp mass. The greatest Pb+2 removal (98.94%) was obtained at a starting concentration of 50 mg/L, a contact period of 15 min, and a pH of 8. At 323 K, the isothermal adoption module was fitted to the Langmuir isotherms with a regression coefficient (R2) of 0.96. The thermodynamic calculations revealed that the adsorption process was exothermic, spontaneous, and predominantly dominated by chemisorption. Furthermore, the maximum adsorption capacity (Qmax) at equilibrium was 90.18 mg/g, and the adsorption kinetics was specified by a pseudo-second-order kinetic model. Density functional theory and theoretical studies showed that the results of the experiment were correlated by the observation of a much higher negative Eads value for the lead ion adsorbate molecules as they attached to the surface of the adsorbent.
Research on the impact of technical progress on the carbon productivity in China’s service industry
Authors: Wu Zhenqiu , Huang Wenying , Ge Yujin , Dai Yue , Zu Fei
Published: March 2023

The energy consumption and carbon emission of the service industry should not be ignored. In order to achieve green and low-carbon development, improving the carbon productivity of the service industry is an extremely important method, and technical progress is a key path to improving the carbon productivity of the service industry. This paper decomposes the technical progress of China’s service industry into technical progress of non-energy factors and technical progress of energy factor, and analyzes the impact and action mechanism of these two technical progress on the carbon productivity of China’s service industry respectively from the theoretical and empirical perspectives. The main conclusions of this paper are as follows: From 2003 to 2019, technical progress had a significant positive impact on the carbon productivity of China’s service industry. The influence coefficients of technical progress of non-energy factors and technical progress of energy factor are 0.285 and 0.306. In terms of the type of technical progress, the technical progress of energy factor has a greater impact. The technical progress of non-energy factors and energy factor have a significant promoting effect on the improvement of carbon productivity of service industry in all regions of China. In Eastern, central and Western China, the influence coefficients of the former are 0.318, 0.289 and 0.266, and the influence coefficients of the latter are 0.352, 0.296 and 0.273. The mechanism test finds that the technical progress of non-energy factors and energy factor directly affect the carbon productivity of China’s service industry on the one hand, and indirectly affect the carbon productivity of China’s service industry through the production efficiency and energy use efficiency of the service industry on the other hand.
A new rice identification algorithm under complex terrain combining multi-characteristic parameters and homogeneous objects based on time series dual-polarization synthetic aperture radar
Authors: Ma Hao , Wang Lihua , Sun Weiwei , Yang Songling , Gao Yanghua , Fan Li , Yang Gang , Wang Yumiao
Published: March 2023

Accurate mapping of rice-growing areas is essential to ascertain the spatial distribution of rice fields, and ensure food security. It is a challenging task to timely and accurate identify rice under the complex terrain due to its diversified land cover, small- or middle-sized rice fields with fragmented distribution. In this paper, the time series VV and VH backscatter coefficient datasets were first constructed based on 411 sentinel-1 synthetic aperture radar (SAR) images in Chongqing city with complex terrain. Then, the rice multi-characteristic parameters, including SAR backscatter features, composite features, rice phenological parameters, texture features and topographic features, were generated. On this basis, the homogeneous image objects were produced. Furthermore, a rice identification algorithm combining multi-characteristic parameters and homogeneous objects based on time series dual-polarization SAR (MPHO-DPSAR) was established. The research demonstrated that the MPHO-DPSAR algorithm can achieve accurate mapping of small and medium-sized and fragmented rice fields in regions under complex terrain according to the accuracy evaluation at three levels and the comparison with other three classical rice identification methods. The suitability and limitations of proposed MPHO-DPSAR algorithm were also discussed from the aspects of SAR data temporal and spatial resolution, rice phenology, and surface landscape complexity.
Soil resources and functional trait trade-offs determine species biomass stocks and productivity in a tropical dry forest
Authors: Caleño-Ruiz Blanca Luz , Garzón Fabian , López-Camacho René , Pizano Camila , Salinas Viviana , González-M Roy
Published: March 2023

Previous studies have shown that environmental conditions and plant attributes determine biomass stocks and productivity across multiple tropical forests. However, it is less clear how these factors act at local scales. We evaluated how the spatial variation of soil resource availability (soil nutrient and water content) and plant functional traits determine species biomass stocks and productivity in a Colombian tropical dry forest, based on spatially explicit soil sampling and an intensive plant trait characterization of 89 species in three 1-ha permanent plots with similar climate and floristic composition. Within each plot, we measured nine soil variables and ten functional traits and quantified forest biomass stocks and productivity for 10,161 individual trees in a period of 3 years. The soil resources where species were located and their functional traits had coordinated effects on the spatial distribution of forest biomass stocks across the plots. The highest biomass stocks were concentrated on nutrient-rich soils with low water availability and were dominated by conservative species with dense tissues and low hydraulic failure risk, probably because they are able to better cope with water limitation. Most of the remaining forest biomass stocks were found in nutrient-poor soils with high water availability and were dominated by acquisitive species. Sites with nutrient-rich soils and low water availability increased biomass survival but also mortality; however, the presence of conservative species in these sites also increased biomass survival, decreased mortality, and led to biomass accumulation, probably because their strong and hydraulically secure tissues are able to deal with water limitation for nutrient absorption during dry seasons. Interestingly, soil resources and functional traits had no effects on biomass recruitment. We conclude that strong coordinated effects of soil resources and functional traits determine local biomass processes of tropical dry forests with a central role of conservative trait species types, whereby these species promote community assembly and functioning but are also vulnerable to potential changes in water availability. Thus, conservation and restoration actions should pay special attention to soil and plant functional trait trade-offs to improve management practices in these threatened forests.
Genome-wide association study for Streptococcus iniae in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) identifies a significant QTL for disease resistance
Authors: Vela-Avitúa Sergio , LaFrentz Benjamin R. , Lozano Carlos A. , Shoemaker Craig A. , Ospina-Arango Jose Fernando , Beck Benjamin H. , Rye Morten
Published: March 2023

Streptococcus iniae is a problematic gram-positive bacterium negatively affecting Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), one of the main aquacultural species produced worldwide. The aim of this study was to identify the genetic architecture of survival to S. iniae and identify single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs) linked to quantitative trait loci (QTL) related to survival to S. iniae challenge. With this purpose, Nile tilapia from the Spring Genetics breeding program were sent to a controlled S. iniae challenge test where phenotypes were scored as dead for fish that died during challenge test and survivors for the fish alive at the termination of the test. Additionally, fin-clip samples from all fish in the test were collected for DNA extraction. Out of 1904 fish in the challenge test, tissue samples of 321 fish were sent for genotyping using double digest restriction site associated DNA sequencing (ddRADseq). After quality control and filtering, 9,085 SNPs were used to perform a genome-wide association study (GWAS). A significant signal in LG8 was observed indicating association with survival to S. iniae challenge, with SNPs explaining from 12% to 26% of the genetic variance. To demonstrate the usefulness of marker assisted selection (MAS) to selectively breed fish for survival to S. iniae, offspring of breeding candidates classified as “resistant” and “susceptible” based on haplotypes of the four most significant markers were sent to a controlled S. iniae challenge test. At the end of the test, the differences in mortality between the two groups were strikingly different with a final cumulative percent mortality of less than 1% and 73% for offspring from “resistant” and “susceptible” parents, respectively. These results demonstrate that MAS for improved resistance to S. iniae is feasible.
KLF4 loss in hepatocellular carcinoma: Improving prognostic prediction and correlating immune infiltrates
Authors: Chen Desheng , Zhu Qi , Li Tiewen , Fan Xuhui , Lou Yichao , Zhang Yi , Huang Kejie , Sun Hongcheng
Published: March 2023

Introduction: Although the molecular mechanisms of Krüpple-like factor 4 (KLF4) as a tumor suppressor in HCC tumorigenesis have been thoroughly examined, its clinical application in terms of precise prognostication and its influence on tumor immune microenvironment in patients with HCC require further investigation.

Methods: Bioinformatics and immunohistochemistry (IHC) were used to validate KLF4 expressions in a tissue microarray (TMA) containing HCC samples. Using Cox regression models, independent prognostic factors were identified and employed in the development of nomograms. Decision curve analysis (DCA) demonstrated the superiority of the nomograms. GO and KEGG pathway analyses were applied to the functional study of KLF4. The GSVA program explored the link between KLF4 expression and tumor-infiltrating immune cells, and CAMOIP was used to construct KLF4 expression immune scores. Changes in immune-related gene markers were also investigated in relation to KLF4 expression. The association between immune cell infiltration and KLF4 expression was validated by IHC in TMA.

Results: HCC was reported to have a notable depletion of KLF4. The absence of KLF4 was associated with advanced clinicopathological characteristics of HCC and predicted a bad prognosis for patients. Nomograms constructed using KLF4 expression, tumor differentiation, and TNM stage provided a more accurate prognostic assessment of HCC patients than TNM stage alone. KLF4 expression was associated with immunological-related functions, infiltration of macrophages, CD8+ T cells, and other immune cells, and elevation of immune checkpoints. Higher levels of CD8+ T cells and macrophage infiltration are associated with increased KLF4 expression in HCC TMA.

Conclusion: KLF4 loss in HCC is a prognostic biomarker that influences the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME).
Identification of immune biomarkers associated with basement membranes in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and their pan-cancer analysis
Authors: Fu Chenkun , Chen Lina , Cheng Yiju , Yang Wenting , Zhu Honglan , Wu Xiao , Cai Banruo
Published: March 2023

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic progressive interstitial lung disease of unknown etiology, characterized by diffuse alveolitis and alveolar structural damage. Due to the short median survival time and poor prognosis of IPF, it is particularly urgent to find new IPF biomarkers. Previous studies have shown that basement membranes (BMs) are associated with the development of IPF and tumor metastasis. However, there is still a lack of research on BMs-related genes in IPF. Therefore, we investigated the expression level of BMs genes in IPF and control groups, and explored their potential as biomarkers for IPF diagnosis. In this study, the GSE32537 and GSE53845 datasets were used as training sets, while the GSE24206, GSE10667 and GSE101286 datasets were used as validation sets. In the training set, seven immune biomarkers related to BMs were selected by differential expression analysis, machine learning algorithm (LASSO, SVM-RFE, Randomforest) and ssGSEA analysis. Further ROC analysis confirmed that seven BMs-related genes played an important role in IPF. Finally, four immune-related Hub genes (COL14A1, COL17A1, ITGA10, MMP7) were screened out. Then we created a logistic regression model of immune-related hub genes (IHGs) and used a nomogram to predict IPF risk. The nomogram model was evaluated to have good reliability and validity, and ROC analysis showed that the AUC value of IHGs was 0.941 in the training set and 0.917 in the validation set. Pan-cancer analysis showed that IHGs were associated with prognosis, immune cell infiltration, TME, and drug sensitivity in 33 cancers, suggesting that IHGs may be potential targets for intervention in human diseases including IPF and cancer.