bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rapid Implementation of a Novel Embedded Senior Medical Student Program, as a Response to the Educational Challenges of COVID-19
Authors: May Jennifer , Grotowski Miriam , Walker Tim , Kelly Brian
Published: November 2021

As with many OECD countries, graduating medical students have been choosing specialist careers at a greater rate than ever before. Generalism in the form of family (general practice) and more generalist medical specialties have been trending down resulting in distributional geographic challenges. With the advent of COVID-19 in March 2020, medical schools and in particular the Joint Medical Program situated in a regional and rural area in NSW Australia had the unique opportunity to rethink the penultimate year curriculum when the previous rapid rotation model through numerous medical specialities became untenable. The need to vision a new practical pragmatic curriculum spurred a rapid revaluation of assessment, placement length and model with a pivot to an “embedded senior student placement” agnostic of discipline and supported by a competency-based learning portfolio. This article explores the barriers and enablers and identifies the potential elements of this type of placement which can be adapted to community and smaller rural sites. The positive student and supervisor experience also enabled an employment model to be woven into the students learning and ensured on hand medical student workforce for hospitals throughout the rural footprint. The capacity of these placements to celebrate variation in experience and support students to learn on the job have now caused a revision of the penultimate year with expectation of gains in students’ satisfaction and in employability. It has also opened up options to deliver and increase the inherent value of generalist placements with likely long term workforce benefit.
Nutritive value of Lepidoptara litoralia (edible caterpillar) in in Jos Nigeria: Implication for food security and poverty alleviation
Authors:   University of Jos, Nigeria, Solomon M , N Prisca
Published: November 2021

Insects and caterpillars are traditionally important foods in many cultures in Nigeria. Their potential is seriously being considered in food security and poverty alleviation strategies. The nutrient composition of some commonly eaten insects especially in South-western Nigeria has been determined and reported. The nutritional and economic potentials of the abundant edible caterpillars in the Northern region particularly in Jos, Plateau State are yet to be ascertained and fully realised. Lepidoptara litoralia, a defoliator of Isobelinia doka, is commonly found and consumed by many indigenous ethnic groups in Jos Plateau State, Nigeria. The objective of the study was to evaluate the nutritional and economic potentials of L. litoralia as a strategy to mitigate food insecurity and alleviate poverty. The live caterpillars were hand-picked from bushes in the month of September, and processed under laboratory conditions according to local methods used by the indigenes. The processed sample was analysed for its proximate nutrient composition, amino acids and mineral profiles using standard procedures. Its commercial value was estimated through oral interviews with local women who trade the commodity with a view to popularize it as a strategy for food security and poverty alleviation among the local people. Analysis of the processed (ready-to-eat) Lepidoptara litoralia showed that they contained 59.8% crude protein, 17.0% fat, 20.2% Nitrogen Free Extract (NFE), 3.1% crude fibre, 4.3% ash and caloric value of 473.0kcal. Important mineral elements found in moderate quantities included sodium, chloride, iron, zinc, calcium and phosphorus. Magnesium and copper were found to be low. All the common amino acids with the exception of tryptophan were detected, and values ranged between 0.8g/100g protein and 12.5g/100g protein for histidine and glutamic acid, respectively. The estimated daily income from trading of the commodity by the indigenes was put at USD3 – 4/day or USD21 - 26/week. It was obvious that trading on processed L. litoralia can be a good source of additional income for families since no initial capital is invested. The nutrient composition of Lepidoptara litoralia was found to be comparable to those of conventional animal source foods such as beef and fish. It is concluded that consumption of the caterpillars could add variety and security to staple foods of the indigenous communities. When properly harnessed and large scale production and commercialization are explored, it can be a good source of livelihood for families thereby alleviating poverty.
Repérer les dynamiques de changement déjà présentes lors de demandes d’aide
Authors: Dutoit Martine
Published: November 2021

Faire une recherche sur la construction de l’expérience implique de travailler sur le mode même dont l’expérience se construit : dans son continuum, dans ses aspects micro-sociaux, dans ses transformations simultanées de l’action et de la pensée de l’action. Bref, il s’agit de construire la recherche, comme se construit l’expérience. C’est le parti pris de ce texte qui a pour objet plus particulier la première demande d’aide, enjeu pour tous les métiers de l’agir sur/avec/pour autrui. Dans l’intervention professionnelle la première demande adressée à l’intervenant est simplement considérée comme une prémisse de son intervention nécessaire pour établir le lien, mais qui n’est pas toujours constituée en ressource pour l’action auprès des personnes. Les matériaux des demandes d’aides recueillis dans le cadre d’un dispositif d’accès aux droits et de recours en santé mentale sont ici décryptés selon une approche d’analyse des activités pour repérer dès la première mise en contact les dynamiques déjà en cours, potentiellement mobilisables par les partenaires de l’échange. Les comportements révélateurs des dynamiques d’acteurs sont présents dans la manière de se présenter et de se positionner. Elles donnent à voir et à entendre les limites et les termes des compromis que les personnes en demande d’aide jugent possibles et acceptables. Considérer l’affirmation de soi, de sa volonté et de ses choix comme autant de dynamiques permet de mettre en mouvement les personnes et de transformer la situation dans laquelle elles se trouvent.
Construire une situation d’action policière après les attentats terroristes : une transformation durable des cultures d’interprétation et de l’expérience collective
Authors: Léonard Myriam
Published: November 2021

En France, les attentats terroristes de 2015 ont fortement impacté le travail policier. En patrouille, les policiers français construisent des situations d’action au moyen de cultures d’interprétation collective : ils « discernent ». Ces cultures se transforment au jour le jour. Après les attentats, elles ont évolué brutalement ; les cadres d’interprétation, les images de soi agissant, les images du public et surtout l’image de soi agissant face au public se transforment, notamment grâce à une activité de réinterprétation de la situation vécue par les policiers, ce fameux jour.
Kapitał ludzki jako czynnik skuteczności audytu wewnętrznego
Authors: Grzesiak Lena
Published: November 2021

Dlaczego audyt wewnętrzny nie zawsze osiąga swoje cele? Czy jedynym powodem może być niechęć audytowanych? A może skuteczność audytu wewnętrznego zależy także od wiedzy oraz umiejętności audytowanych i zarządzających organizacją? Jak audytowani reagują na audyt wewnętrzny? Jakie oczekiwania mają audytorzy wewnętrzni? Na te i inne pytania odpowiedzi można znaleźć w monografii.
Przyjmując za motto frazę „audyt wewnętrzny tworzą ludzie”, Autorka analizuje kwestię skuteczności audytu wewnętrznego i uwzględnia jego społeczny kontekst. Podstawą analizy są jakościowe badania empiryczne wykorzystujące różne techniki gromadzenia danych, przede wszystkim wywiady z 65 audytorami wewnętrznymi, audytowanymi oraz zarządzającymi organizacjami z sektorów publicznego i prywatnego.
W prezentowanej monografii Autorka charakteryzuje wiedzę, umiejętności, postawy oraz oczekiwania audytorów wewnętrznych, audytowanych i zarządzających organizacjami z punktu widzenia skuteczności audytu wewnętrznego. Przedstawia wyniki badań, z których wynika, że ważnymi czynnikami skuteczności audytu wewnętrznego są: wsparcie zarządzających (materialne i niematerialne) dla audytu wewnętrznego, rozumienie audytu wewnętrznego, a także relacje między grupami uczestniczącymi w audycie wewnętrznym.
Podsumowaniem publikacji może być wypowiedź jednego z badanych audytorów wewnętrznych: „skuteczny audyt wewnętrzny to są ludzie […]. To stwierdzenie tak oczywiste, że często […] zapominane przez większość zainteresowanych”.
HUBUNGAN KEGIATAN LITERASI SEKOLAH DAN MOTIVASI BELAJAR MELALUI MEDIASI KEMAMPUAN BERPIKIR KRITIS DENGAN PRESTASI BELAJAR MATEMATIKA SISWA PENDIDIKAN DASAR
Authors: Binasdevi Misbah
Published: November 2021

Abstrak

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis hubungan kegiatan literasi sekolah dan motivasi belajar melalui mediasi kemampuan berpikir kritis dengan prestasi belajar siswa di MI Darul Ulum dan SD Islamic Global School. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian korelasioal dengan pendekatan kuantitatif, pengumpulan data dilakukan dengan teknik kuesioner atau angket, tes, wawancara dan dokumentasi. Populasi berjumlah 114 orang, sampel 105 responden yang terdiri 39 siswa kelas V MI Darul Ulum dan 66 siswa kelas V SD Islamic Global School. Teknik analisis data meliputi Outer Model dan Inner Model serta Bootstrapping. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa: (1) Terdapat hubungan positif tidak signifikan kegiatan literasi sekolah dengan prestasi belajar matematika nilai p-value 0,302 > 0,05. (2) Terdapat hubungan positif signifikan motivasi belajar dengan prestasi belajar matematika nilai p-value 0,026 < 0,05. (3) Terdapat hubungan yang positif signifikan kemampuan berpikir kritis dengan prestasi belajar nilai p-value 0,000 < 0,05. (4) Terdapat hubungan positif signifikan kegiatan literasi sekolah dengan kemampuan berpikir kritis nilai p-value 0,013 < 0,05. (5) Terdapat hubungan positif signifikan motivasi belajar dengan kemampuan berpikir kritis dengan nilai p-value 0,000 < 0,05.

Kata Kunci: Kegiatan Literasi Sekolah, Motivasi Belajar, Kemampuan Berpikir Kritis, Prestasi Belajar Matematika
INVESTIGAÇÃO, DISSUASÃO E PREVENÇÃO DE FRAUDES A PSICOPATIA NO AMBIENTE CORPORATIVO
Authors: Lopes Petter Anderson
Published: November 2021

Este artigo aborda de forma sucinta a importância da avaliação de perfil no ambiente corporativo para a prevenção de comportamentos delituosos. Saber identificar o perfil do indivíduo de forma correta, auxilia no processo de contratação de colaboradores honestos. Outro ponto de grande relevância é a identificação do psicopata corporativo, ou também, o narcisista corporativo. Para efetuar uma boa contratação, é abordada também as questões referentes a Entrevista Cognitiva, que de forma adaptada, pode trazer benefícios consideráveis para o entrevistador e apoiar de forma eficiente a avaliação de presonalidades. Questões relativas a investigação, prevenção, dissuasão de fraudes, devem fazer parte do ambiente organizacional.
DIREITO CONSTITUCIONAL FINANCEIRO: BREVES CONSIDERAÇÕES SOBRE DEMOCRACIA E TRANSPARÊNCIA FISCAL
Authors: Eroud Aicha De Andrade Quintero , Maraninchi Fernando Castro da Silva
Published: November 2021

A Constituição Federal de 1988 consagra a instituição da ordem republicana e democrática, abarcando os temas pertinentes à gestão pública e à atividade financeira do Estado. Inaugura-se a publicidade como princípio constitucional, com previsão no caput do artigo 37 da Carta Magna, o qual juntamente com os demais princípios compõe a essência do Direito Financeiro. Assim, a transparência fiscal emana da publicidade com o escopo de evidenciar as atividades financeiras da Administração Pública Direta e Indireta, permitindo o acompanhamento e participação da Sociedade perante estas, fortalecendo o Estado Democrático de Direito e alentando o devido sentido ao exercício da cidadania fiscal. Com efeito, a transparência fiscal irradia direitos e deveres ao Poder Público e aos particulares.O Objetivo Geral deste trabalho consiste na verificação da importância da transparência fiscal para a concretização e fortalecimento da Democracia. Elege-se para estruturar a presente pesquisa o método indutivo, com base bibliográfica.
OS CRIPTOATIVOS, O CENÁRIO DA LAVAGEM DE DINHEIRO E O COMBATE LEGAL
Authors: Cabral Antonio Crysthiano da Silva , Lóssio Claudio Joel Brito
Published: November 2021

As novas tecnologias, como advento do blockchain e desenvolvimento de criptoativos trazem novos paradigmas e desafios ao combate à lavagem de dinheiro e sonegação fiscal. Esta escrita objetiva uma breve explanação sobre criptoativos, lavagem de dinheiro e legislação vigentes, através de pesquisa bibliográfica. Diante dos desafios, a falta de normativos específicos, as constantes mudanças e ausência de conhecimento técnico pelos legisladores e população em geral, deixam as regulamentações sempre um passo atrás dos defraudadores. Uma Lei exclusiva e constantemente atualizada é primordial para facilitar o combate e disseminar o conhecimento. A blockchain, embora senha veja como a solução para muita coisa, deve ser observada com olhos atentos para o cenário digital e as suas possibilidades, sejam estas positivas, ou negativas.
Improving the Algorithm for the Management of Patients with Viral Hepatitis Using Contrast-Free Hepatic Arterial Spin Labelling Magnetic Resonance Perfusion
Authors: Simakina E. N. , Morozova T. G.
Published: November 2021

Objective: improving the algorithm for the management of patients with viral hepatitis using contrast-free arterial spin labelling (ASL) magnetic resonance (MR) perfusion.

Material and methods. A total of 116 patients with viral hepatitis (VH) B, C and B + C were examined on the basis of Clinical hospital No. 1 (Smolensk): 75 (64.7%) men and 41 (35.3%) women, mean age 49.7 ± 2.3 years. The patients underwent instrumental diagnostic methods: ultrasound, clinical elastography, contrast-free hepatic ASL MR perfusion. Liver biopsy (n = 57) was used as the reference method.

Results. The results of ASL MR perfusion had a high correlation with the data of clinical elastography in the diagnosis of fibrotic process; the diagnostic and prognostic significance of ASL liver perfusion in the diagnosis of fibrotic process was: AUROC 0.943 (95% CI, 0.884–0.953). There was a high correlation between ASL MR perfusion with Doppler ultrasound of hepatic blood vessels in the diagnosis of arterial blood flow disorders, but in VH В + C and cirrhosis – diagnostic and prognostic significance of the method: AUROC 0.951 (95% CI 0.932–0.972).

Conclusion. ASL MR perfusion in VH patients allows to predict fibrotic changes in the hepatic parenchyma (AUROC 0.934 (95% CI 0.845–0.957)), provides information about changes in blood flow in the parenchymal structure (p < 0.005). The algorithm for the examination of VH patients should include contrast-free ASL MR perfusion at admission (AUROC 0.865 (95% CI 0.843–0.928)) and in dynamic follow-up (AUROC 0.915 (95% CI 0.881–0.946)).
Longevity Without Aging (to the 95th Anniversary of Joseph Rabkin)
Authors: Editorial Article
Published: November 2021

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Problem of Inner Competitiveness in the Process of Additional Educational Programs Introduction at the University
Authors: Pugacheva I. N. , Mukhina N. B.
Published: November 2021

The system of additional professional education is one of the most topical problems in the strategic planning of the university. Currently, the questions of stimulating attraction to the population, financial state of the university, introduction of the system of long-life learning are connected with additional professional education. In the process of additional professional education programs the administration faces the competitiveness between the university’s offices due to the crossing of thematic fields of professional programs. To overcome the problems, the strategy of monopoly in the regulation of the system of additional education in the frame of the university functioning is offered. There is presented a suggestion to form a number of departments in the Center of additional professional education while realizing the given strategy including the following functions aimed at stimulating the teachers’ work and avoiding the similarities between the professional programs: department of additional professional education (is an owner of the programs); coordinating center (including expert analytical center, financial department); office of programs’ construction and promotion (including the department of programs’ “design”, marketing and advertisement department). When cooperating during the departments’ professional activities the following tasks can be solved: the right to initiate the program, to distribute finances, legislative support, methodological basis, search for clients, development and programs combining, development of requirements to the teachers’ competence, digital assistance with the Bot. The solution of the problems is a way to create the conditions to build the system of additional professional education at the university in the context of themes crossing in professional programs and it results in decreasing the competitiveness between the university’s department.
Review on Additive Manufacturing of Multi-Material Parts: Progress and Challenges
Authors: Hasanov Seymur , Alkunte Suhas , Rajeshirke Mithila , Gupta Ankit , Huseynov Orkhan , Fidan Ismail , Alifui-Segbaya Frank , Rennie Allan
Published: November 2021

Additive manufacturing has already been established as a highly versatile manufacturing technique with demonstrated potential to completely transform conventional manufacturing in the future. The objective of this paper is to review the latest progress and challenges associated with the fabrication of multi-material parts using additive manufacturing technologies. Various manufacturing processes and materials used to produce functional components were investigated and summarized. The latest applications of multi-material additive manufacturing (MMAM) in automotive, aerospace, biomedical and dentistry field were demonstrated. Investigation on the current challenges were also carried out to predict the future direction of MMAM processes. It is concluded that the further research and development needed in the design of multi-material interfaces, manufacturing processes and material compatibility of MMAM parts are necessary.
The Impact of Retinal Configuration on the Protein-Chromophore Interactions in Bistable Jumping Spider Rhodopsin-1
Authors: Church Jonathan Richard , Olsen Jógvan Magnus Haugaard , Schapiro Igor
Published: November 2021

Bistable rhodopsins have two stable forms which can be interconverted by light. Due to their ability to act as photoswitches, these proteins are considered as ideal candidates for applica-tions such as optogenetics. In this work we analyze a recently crystalized bistable rhodopsin, namely the jumping spider rhodopsin-1 (JSR1). This rhodopsin exhibits identical absorption maxima for the parent and the photoproduct form, which impedes its broad application. We have performed hybrid QM/MM simulations to study three isomers of the retinal chromo-phore: the 9-cis, 11-cis and all-trans configurations. The main aim was to gain insight into the specific interactions of each isomer and their impact on the absorption maximum in JSR1. The absorption spectra were computed using sampled snapshots from a QM/MM molecular dy-namics trajectory and compared to experimental counterparts. The chromophore-protein in-teractions were analyzed by visualizing the electrostatic potential of the protein and projecting it onto chromophore. It was found that the distance between a nearby tyrosine (Y126) residue plays a larger role in the predicted absorption maximum than the primary counterion (E194). Geometric differences between the isomers were also noted including a structural change in the polyene chain of the chromophore as well as changes in the nearby hydrogen bond network.
A Theoretical Modeling Analysis of Adapted Composite CNT Bundle for High-Speed VLSI Interconnect
Authors: Amin Abu Bony , Shakil S M , Ullah Muhammad Sana
Published: November 2021

The aroused quest to reduce the delay at interconnect level is the main urge of this paper to come across a configuration of Carbon Nanotube (CNT) bundle namely squarely packed bundle of composite CNTs. The approach, demonstrated in this paper, adapts the composite bundle to adopt for high speed Very Large Scale Integration (VLSI) interconnect with technology sizing down. To reduce the delay of the proposed configuration of composite CNT bundle, the behavioral change of Resistance (R), Inductance (L) and Capacitance (C) has been observed with respect to both width of the bundle and diameter of the CNTs in the bundle. Consequently, the performance of the modified bundle configuration is compared with previously developed configuration namely squarely packed bundle of dimorphic MWCNTs in terms of propagation delay and crosstalk delay at local, semiglobal and global level interconnect. The proposed bundle configuration is ultimately enacted as better one for 32nmand 16nmtechnology node and suitable for 7nmas well.
Valuing the Future, Discounting in Random Environments: A Review
Authors: Masoliver Jaume , Montero Miquel , Perelló Josep , Farmer J. Doyne , Geanakoplos John
Published: November 2021

We address the process of discounting in random environments which allows to value the far future in economic terms. We review several approaches to the problem regarding different well-established stochastic market dynamics in the continuous-time context and include the Feynman-Kac approach. We also review the relation between bond pricing theory and discount and introduce the market price of risk and the risk neutral measures from an intuitive point of view devoid of excessive formalism. We provide the discount for each economic model and discuss their key results. We finally present a summary of our previous empirical studies on several countries of the long-run discount problem.
Analysis of Dynamic Efficacy Profile of Corneal Cross-Linking: Role of Oxygen and Rate Constants
Authors: Lin Jui-Teng , Lee Yi-Ze
Published: November 2021

Purpose:To explore (theoretically) the key parameters and their influence on the time profiles of photosensitizer (riboflavin), free radicals, singlet oxygen, oxygen and the efficacy of corneal collagen crosslinking (CXL)in both type-I and oxygen-mediated type-II mechanisms, specially the role of oxygen and the initiator regeneration. Methodology:Coupled kinetic equations are derived and numerically solved under the quasi-steady state condition for the 2-pathway mechanisms of CXL. The key parameters explored include (bI, V, Q', K, K',Q,P) and their influence on the time profiles of photosensitizer (riboflavin, C), radicals (R), singlet oxygen(S), oxygen (X) and efficacy (E), parameters of (K,K',Q) define the relative strength of type-I and type-II process. The oxygen depletion profile, X(t), and the associated singlet oxygen, S(t), depend on the parameters of V, Q' and the initial value of oxygen. The coupling strength given by (bI) governs almost all profiles, where b is an effective absorption parameter and I is the UV light intensity.Results:Our numerical method for CXL dynamic profiles demonstrated the following important features: (i) Type-I and type-II coexit in CXL, in the presence of oxygen. However, there is no type-II when oxygen is depleted or in a condition without oxygen. (ii) Type-I with bimolecular termination, the radical R(t) is a function of [K'(bIgC)]0.5, leading to the steady-state efficacy given by a scaling law of 1/(bI)0.5, in contract to that of type-II which is almost independent to the light intensity. (iii) The depletion rate (2 to 5 minutes) of X(t) is much faster than that of C(t) (10 to 20 minutes), (iv) Thepure type-II profile, has a transition point from straight line to saturating curve and matches the depletion point of singlet oxygen S(t). (v) Improved CXL efficacy of type-I and type-II may be achieved by external supply of photoinitiator (riboflavin) and oxygen, respectively.
Swim Bladder of Farmed Totoaba macdonaldi: A Source of Value-Added Collagen
Authors: Cruz-López Honorio , Rodríguez-Morales Sergio , Enríquez Luis M , Villarreal-Gómez Luis Jesús , True Conal , Olivera-Castillo Leticia , Silva Tiago Henriques , López Lus M
Published: November 2021

PurposeFinding strategies to use swim bladder of farmed totoaba (Totoaba macdonaldi) is of utmost need to reduce waste. Fish swim bladders are rich in collagen; hence, extracting collagen is a promising alternative with benefits for aquaculture of totoaba and the environment.MethodsThe elemental biochemical composition of totoaba swim bladders, including proximate composition and amino acid composition were determined. Acid-enzyme solubilisation (PSC) was used to extract collagen from swim bladders and its characteristics were analyzed. The alcalase and papain were used for the preparation of collagen hydrolysates.ResultsSwim bladders contained 95% protein, 2.4% fat, and 0.8% ash (dry basis). The essential amino acids content was low, but the functional amino acids content was high. The PSC yield was high, 68% (dry weight). The amino acid composition profile, electrophoretic pattern, and structural integrity analyses of the isolated collagen suggested it is typical type-I collagen with high purity. The denaturalization temperature was 34.5 °C, probably attributable to the imino acid content (205 residues/1000 residues). Papain-hydrolysates (<3 kDa) of this collagen exhibited higher radical scavenging activity than Alcalase-hydrolysates.ConclusionsSwim bladder from farmed totoaba is an ideal raw material for producing high-quality type-I collagen and a viable alternative to conventional collagen sources.Statement of NoveltyTo our knowledge, this paper is the first to examine the composition and characteristics of collagen of swim bladder from Totoaba macdonaldi. Although the processing currently wastes bladders, this study showed that they could be a potential source for producing high-quality type-I collagen.
Association Between Blood Ethylene Oxide Levels and The Prevalence of Hypertension
Authors: Wu Ningtao , Cao Wenya , Wang Yuxing , Liu Xiaoqing
Published: November 2021

The relationship of blood ethylene oxide levels with hypertension and blood pressure has not been addressed. A total of 5005 participants from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2013–2016 were enrolled. Hypertension was defined as a mean systolic blood pressure (SBP) of at least 140 mmHg, a mean diastolic blood pressure (DBP) of at least 90 mmHg, or both, and/or the self-reported use of prescription drugs for diagnosed hypertension. Generalized linear regression models and restricted cubic spline plots were performed to explore the associations of ethylene oxide levels with hypertension and blood pressure. The prevalence of hypertension in the study sample was 27.6%. After adjusting for cofounding factors, compared with the lowest quantile, the odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of hypertension across the quantiles of ethylene oxide levels were 0.80 (0.63, 1.03), 0.91 (0.71, 1.16), and 1.39 (1.06, 1.82), respectively (P for trend 0.001). Compared with the lowest quantile, the highest quantile of blood ethylene oxide levels was significantly associated with the worst DBP profile by approximately 2.67 mmHg. Blood ethylene oxide levels showed a strong nonlinear and positive association with DBP, while no significant association was observed between blood ethylene oxide levels and SBP. These results provide epidemiological evidence of elevated blood levels of ethylene oxide in relation to a higher prevalence of hypertension and higher DBP. Further study is warranted to address these issues.
Novel Pathological Predictive Factors for Extranodal Extension in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma: a Retrospective Cohort Study Based on Tumor Budding, Desmoplastic Reaction, and Tumor-infiltrating Lymphocytes
Authors: Noda Yuri , Ishida Mitsuaki , Ueno Yasuhiro , Fujisawa Takuo , Iwai Hiroshi , Tsuta Koji
Published: November 2021

Background: Extranodal extension (ENE) is a poor prognostic factor for oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Identifying ENE by clinical and/or radiological examination is difficult, thereby leading to unnecessary neck dissections. Currently, no definitive predictors are available for ENE. Thus, we aimed to determine the histological predictors of ENE by routine histopathological examination using biopsy and surgically resected specimens.Methods: This retrospective study included 186 surgically resected OSCC and 83 matched biopsy specimens. Clinical features associated with the tumor microenvironment, including desmoplastic reaction (DR), tumor budding (TB), and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), were evaluated using hematoxylin and eosin-stained primary OSCC and neck dissection specimens. These histological features were divided into two groups: DR-immature (DR-I) and DR-mature (DR-M); TB-high (TB-H) and TB-low (TB-L); and TILs-low (TILs-L) and TILs-high (TILs-H). Clinical depth of invasion (cDOI) and pathological DOI (pDOI) were adapted for biopsies and resections, respectively; DOI was evaluated as DOI >10 mm and DOI ≤10 mm. The clinicopathological relationships between these histopathological features and ENE and the independent risk factors for ENE were analyzed. The histological predictors of ENE were evaluated.Results:The histological status of DR, TILs, and TB present in biopsy and resection specimens showed high accuracy with that of ENE. DR-I, TILs-L, and TB-H were significantly associated with lymph node metastasis, cDOI, and pDOI. Bivariate and multivariate analyses revealed that TB-H and pDOI >10 mm in resections were independent factors for the presence of ENE (ENE+). The combination of TB-H/pDOI >10 mm in resection specimens showed high specificity (91%) and accuracy (83%) regarding ENE+. Although there proved to be no independent factors in biopsies, DR-I and TILs-L were significantly associated with ENE+ (p<0.001). The combination of DR-I/TILs-L/cDOI >10 mm in biopsies exhibited high sensitivity and specificity with ENE+ (70% and 77%, respectively, p<0.001). These histological predictors could detect even minor ENE (<2 mm).Conclusions:The tumor microenvironment status in primary OSCC was significantly associated with that of ENE, and TB-H was an independent risk factor for ENE. The histological status of DR-I/TILs-L/cDOI >10 mm in biopsy specimens and TB-H/pDOI >10 mm in resection specimens is a useful predictor of ENE.
Environmental quality mediates the ecological dominance of cooperatively breeding birds
Authors: Shen Sheng-Feng , Lin Yu-Heng , Chen Ying-Yu , Rubenstein Dustin , Liu Mark
Published: November 2021

Species as diverse as humans and ants are among the most abundant organisms on Earth, partly because of their ability to form cooperative societies1-3. Yet, animals form groups for many reasons4,5, and how these differences affect their ‘social conquests’2 remains unknown. Here we use a theoretical model to demonstrate that the different fitness benefits that animals receive by forming groups4,6 depend on the quality of their environment, which in turn impacts their ecological dominance and resilience to global change. Our model predicts species that group because of environmental hardships will have wider ecological niches, larger geographic ranges, and higher abundances than non-social species, whereas those that group because of intraspecific resource competition will not. As predicted, an analysis of >1500 avian species finds that cooperative breeders occurring in harsh and fluctuating environments have larger ranges and higher abundances than non-cooperative breeders, whereas cooperative breeders occurring in benign and stable environments do not. These results are consistent with our model predictions showing that species cooperating in harsh or fluctuating environments will be less vulnerable to climate change than non-social species and those cooperating against intra-specific competitors in benign or stable environments. Ultimately, by combining macroecological and sociobiological perspectives, our study helps understand and predict the past, present, and future state of social species, including our own.
E-index Method for Identifying Dynamic Growth Traits of Poplar
Authors: Wang Luman , Wang Jianxin , Qi Huiying
Published: November 2021

To detect the mechanism of growth, volume is important to uncover the genetic basis of dynamic complex quantitative traits. Unfortunately, it is difficult to construct the unique simple growth curve to accurately describe the growth process of all trees by the conventional GWAS based on the functional mapping method, which reduces the power of statistics for the growth model. To address this issue, this work adopted a novel approach about the Earliness degree index (E-index). First, it adopted the method of spline interpolation to fit the growth data to acquire the growth curves for each tree. Second, an innovative calculation model based on E-index was used to measure the earliness degree for each growth curve and to identify the potential relationship between QTL effects and traits by a series of hypothesis tests. Besides, a permutation test could be used to estimate the threshold for p values and to screen out significant QTLs from SNPs related to the growth process. To verify the validity and practicability of our model, we applied this method on the data about the volumes of 64 poplar trees chosen randomly from the progeny of two poplar species I-69 and I-45 with 156362 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Through the E-index method, 13 significant markers were identified for testcross and 10 for intercross related to the growth process. Overall, this study could help elucidate the underlying genetic mechanisms of complex dynamic traits and perform marker-assisted selection in poplar.
Determination and Dietary Intake Risk Assessment of 35 Pesticide Residues in Cowpea (Vigna Unguiculata L. Walp) from Hainan Province, China
Authors: Zhang Qun , Ma Chen , Duan Yun , Wu Xiaopeng , Lv Daizhu , Luo Jinhui
Published: November 2021

The presence of pesticide residues in cowpea raises serious health concerns. In this study, a novel, sensitive, high-performance method was developed to simultaneously analyse the residues of 35 pesticides in cowpea samples from growing areas in Hainan provinces of China, from November in 2018 and June in 2021, using modified QuEChERS sample pretreatment coupled with gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS). The limits of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) values of 35 pesticides in the cowpea matrix ranged from 0.3 µg/kg to 2.5 µg/kg and 1.0 µg/kg to 8.0 µg/kg, respectively. Twenty-seven different pesticides were detected, and twelve of them were banned pesticides on legumes in China. Residues for ten pesticides in 17.1% of the samples exceeded their MRLs with the highest exceedance of 380%, 80.8% of samples contained one or more pesticide residues, and the most frequently detected pesticide was chlorfenapyr with a detection rate of 46.3%. In addition, the pesticide triazophos was detected through different years and regions. Furthermore, the chronic dietary exposure risk (%ADI) of the detected pesticides showed less than 100% in Chinese people of different age groups, which was evaluated by the national estimated acceptable daily intake.
CD71+erythroid cells expansion in adult sepsis: potential causes and role in prognosis and nosocomial infection prediction
Authors: Zhao Guangju , Jiang Danwei , Cai Wenchao , Chen Xiaoyan , Dong Wei , Chen Longwang , Hong Guangliang , Wu Bin , Yao Yongming , LU Zhong-qiu
Published: November 2021

BackgroundImmune suppression contributes to nosocomial infections (NI) and poor prognosis in sepsis. Recent studies revealed CD71+ erythroid cells had unappreciated immunosuppressive functions. This study aimed to investigate the values of CD71+ erythroid cells in predicting NIs and prognosis among adult septic patients. The potential factors associated with the expansion of CECs were also explored.MethodsIn total, 112 septic patients and 32 critically ill controls were enrolled. The frequencies of CD71+cells, CD71+CD235a+ cells (CECs) and CD45+ CECs were measured by flow cytometry. The associations between CECs and NIs and 30-day mortality were assessed by ROC curve analysis, Cox and competing-risk regression model. Factors associated with the frequency of CECs were identified by linear regression analysis.ResultsThe percentage of CD71+cells, CECs, CD45+CECs were higher in septic patients than critically ill controls. In septic patients, the percentage of CD71+cells, CECs and CD45+CECs were associated with NI development, while CD71+cells and CECs were independently associated with 30-day mortality. Linear regression analysis showed that the levels of interleukin (IL)-6 and interferon (IFN)-γwere positively associated with the frequencies of CD71+cells, CECs and CD45+CECs, while IL-10 was negatively associated with them. Additionally, the levels of red blood cells (RBCs) were negatively associated with the percentage of CD45+ CECs.ConclusionsCECs were expanded in sepsis and can serve as independent predictors of the development of NI and 30-day mortality. Low levels of RBCs and high levels of IL-6 and IFN-γmay contribute to the expansion of CECs in sepsis.Trial registration: ChiCTR, ChiCTR1900024887. Registered 2 Augest 2019, http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=38645
A Green Protocol for the Electrochemical Synthesis of a Fluorescent Dye with Antibacterial Activity from Imipramine Oxidation
Authors: Souri Zahra , Khoram Mahmood Masoudi , Nematollahi Davood , Mazloum-Ardakani Mohammad , Alizadeh Hojjat
Published: November 2021

Electrochemical oxidation of imipramine (IMP) has been studied in aqueous solutions by cyclic voltammetry and controlled-potential coulometry techniques. Our voltammetric results show a complex behavior for oxidation of IMP at different pH values. In this study, we focused our attention on the electrochemical oxidation of IMP at a pH of about 5. Under these conditions, our results show that the oxidation of IMP leads to the formation of a unique dimer of IMP (DIMP). The structure of synthesized dimer is fully characterized by UV-visible, FTIR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR and mass spectrometry techniques. It seems that the first step in the oxidation of IMP is the cleavage of the alkyl group (formation of IMPH). After this, a domino oxidation-hydroxylation-dimerization-oxidation reaction, converts IMPH to (E)-10,10',11,11'-tetrahydro-[2,2'-bidibenzo[b,f]azepinylidene]-1,1'(5H,5'H)-dione (DIMP). The synthesis of DIMP is performed in an aqueous solution under mild conditions, without the need for any catalyst or oxidant. Based on our electrochemical findings as well as the identification of the final product, a possible reaction mechanism for IMP oxidation has been proposed. Conjugated double bonds in the DIMP structure cause the compound to become colored with sufficient fluorescence activity (excitation wave-length 535 nm and emission wave-length 625 nm). Moreover, DIMP has been evaluated for in vitro antibacterial. The antibacterial tests indicated that DIMP showed good antibacterial performance against all examined gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli and Shigella sonnei).
Thymoquinone Improves Motility, Plasma Membrane and DNA Integrity of Frozen‐Thawed Ram Semen
Authors: Inanc Muhammed Enes , Güngör Şükrü , Avdatek Fatih , Yeni Deniz , Gülhan Mehmet Fuat , Olğaç Kemal Tuna , Denk Barış , Tasdemir Umut
Published: November 2021

This study aimed to determine the protective effects of Thymoquinone (TQ), which is the most essential active compound of Nigella sativa, on the spermatological parameters of frozen‐thawed ram semen. Ejaculates were collected from five Sonmez rams. Ejaculates were extended with control (0 µg/mL TQ), 10, 25, 50 and 100 µg/mL TQ supplemented Tris-based extender. Then extended semen samples were equilibrated in a +4 °C cold cabinet for 2 h. After 2 h the samples loaded into 0.25 mL French straws. The straws were then frozen by liquid nitrogen vapour and stored in a liquid nitrogen container (-196 °C). For analyses, frozen samples were thawed in a water bath (37 oC for 30 s) and evaluated in terms of motility characteristics, plasma membrane acrosome integrity (PMAI), mitochondrial reactive oxygen spices level (MITOSOX+), lipid peroxidation level (BODIPY+), DNA damage and biochemical alterations (oxidative stress index, malondialdehide and glutathione). TQ 100 had higher total and progressive motility compared to control (P˂0.05). According to motility characteristics there were significant differences between the groups on curvilinear velocity (VCL), amplitude of lateral head displacement (ALH) and linearity (LIN; P˂0.05). The highest DNA damage was detected in control groups (P˂0.05). TQ50 had higher PMAI compared to control and TQ25 (P˂0.05). The lowest MITOSOX+ level was detected in TQ50 and TQ100 groups (P˂0.05). There were no significant differences on BODIPY+, oxidative stress index, malondialdehide and glutathione (P>0.05). According to results, it could be concluded that, supplementing 50 and 100µg/mL TQ to Tris extender that was used for ram semen cryopreservation, showed a positive effect on motility, PMAI and also decreased DNA damage and MITOSOX+.
Distinct Gut Microbiota Structure and Function of Children With Idiopathic Central and Peripheral Precocious Puberty
Authors: Huang Congfu , Liu Haiying , Yang Wei , Li Yinhu , Wu Bin , Chen Junru , Yang Zhenyu , Liao Cuifang , Liu Limei , Zhang Xiaowei
Published: November 2021

BackgroundPrecocious puberty (PP) is one of the most common endocrine diseases in children, and the pathogenesis is currently unknown. Recent studies on the gut-brain axis have shown that there is a correlation between childhood endocrine diseases and the gut microbiota (GM). However, whether there is a correlation between children’s GM with different types of PP remains unclear.ResultsTo explore the GM characteristics of children with different types of PP, we recruited 27 idiopathic central precocious puberty children (ICPP group), 18 peripheral precocious puberty children (PPP group) and 23 healthy children of the same age (HC group). Their stool samples were subjected to 16S rDNA sequencing. In this study, we found that the OTUs numbers, the annotated genera and α-diversity of GM of ICPP and PPP group were all significantly higher than that in HC group (P < 0.05). The abundance of butyrate acid producing bacteria, such as Prevotella, Lachnospiracea incertae sedis, Roseburia, Ruminococcus and Alistipes, were significantly higher in ICPP and PPP group, while Bacteroides and Faecalibacterium were significantly higher in HC group. The GM symbiosis network showed that both Bacteroides and Faecalibacterium were negatively correlated with these butyrate-acid producing bacteria. The abundances of most significantly changed genera were gradually increased from HC to PPP, and to ICPP group, while only Bacteroides was gradually decreased. After the prediction of the metabolic pathways of the GM, cell motility, signal transduction and environmental adaptation were significantly enriched in the ICPP and PPP groups (P < 0.05), while the carbohydrate metabolism pathway were significantly decreased (P < 0.001). ConclusionsOverall, this study showed that the GM composition and functional pattern of children with ICPP and PPP are different from healthy children, and PPP may be a transitional stage between ICPP and HC children, which provide a theoretical basis for clinical intervention based on GM in the treatment of PP.
ROR2 Promotes EMT and Necrosis by Hyperactivating ERK in Melanoma
Authors: Castro María Victoria , Barbero Gastón , Villanueva María Belen , Nsengimana Jérémie , Newton-Bishop Julia , Illescas Edith , Quezada María Josefina , Lopez-Bergami Pablo
Published: November 2021

PurposeReceptor tyrosine kinase-like orphan receptor 2 (ROR2) has been shown to play opposite roles in the progression of different tumor types. In melanoma, ROR2 was shown to associate with a more invasive phenotype and to contribute to experimental lung colonization. However, the underlying mechanisms regulated by ROR2 have not been elucidated. More importantly, it has not been established whether ROR2 is just a marker or a driver of melanoma aggressiveness. MethodsGain and loss-of-function experiments were applied to study the biological function of ROR2 in melanoma. Transwell assays and Western blots were used to evaluate cell migration and both expression and activation of Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) markers and signaling proteins. The role of ROR2 in vivo was assessed in xenotransplantation experiments.ResultsWe describe that ROR2 promotes EMT by inducing cadherin switch and the upregulation of the transcription factors ZEB1, Twist, Slug, Snail, and HIF1A, together with a mesenchymal phenotype and increased migration. ROR2 association with EMT is also observed in melanoma samples. ROR2 exerts these effects by hyperactivating the MAPK/ERK pathway far above the typical high constitutive activity observed in melanoma. ROR2 also promoted EMT, invasion, and necrosis in xenotransplanted mice. This important role of ROR2 translates into melanoma patient’s prognosis since patients with lymph node metastasis displaying elevated ROR2 levels have reduced overall survival and distant metastasis-free survival.Conclusions These results demonstrate that ROR2 contributes to melanoma progression by hyperactivating ERK and inducing EMT and necrosis. Thus, ROR2 can be an attractive therapeutic target for metastatic melanoma.
Hydrochemical Characteristics of Surface Waters and Their Relationships to the Kashin–Beck Disease in Longzi County, Tibet
Authors: Tian Yuan , Xiao Jianyu , Zha Xinjie , Yu Chengqun
Published: November 2021

Although previous studies have been reported between the Kashin–Beck Disease (KBD) epidemic and the hydrochemical characteristics of surface waters, the etiology of the disease remains unclear. In the present study, we investigated the relationship between the KBD and the environment by comprehensively examining the hydrochemical characteristics of surface waters in Longzi County, Tibet, and the spatial incidence of the disease. Results show that, the pH (mean = 7.27±0.30), TH (mean = 57.08±45.74 mg L–1), and TDS (mean = 67.56±44.00 mg L–1) of surface waters in KBD endemic areas are lower than for those in the non-KBD endemic areas (means of pH = 7.49±0.30; TH = 262.06±123.29 mg L–1; TDS = 253.25±100.39 mg L–1). These results suggest that long-term consumption of low TDS, essential trace elements (e.g., nickel, cobalt, iron, selenium, zinc, molybdenum, and iodine) deficient, and potential toxic elements (such as arsenic) enriched waters by humans likely causes the KBD. Environmental factors such as the geology and geomorphology may produce biogeochemical imbalance, geomorphic, vegetation types and local climatic conditions may have significant impact on food fungi toxin poisoning and water organic compound poisoning, and these are also important in the KBD occurrence.