bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Work from Home and Work Load on Work-Life Balance of Generation X and Generation Y Employees
Authors: Pasla Peter , Asepta Uki , Widyaningrum Santi , Pramesti Monike , Wicaksono Soetam
Published: December 2021

Work-Life Balance (WLB) is a situation where a person manages to balance work, family life and other responsibilities. During the COVID-19 pandemic, which began by the end of 2019, many companies have implemented a Work from Home (WFH) policy that allows a worker to spend all his time at home and with a relatively light workload.  The workforce today onward will be dominated by employees from generation X, namely people aged between 45 to 56 years and people from generation Y, who are 27-44 years of age.  Each generation has its own characteristics of how they work and respond to work situations. This research was conducted in an effort to determine the impact of WFH and workload on Generation X and Generation Y.  The population in this study were generation X and Y in Malang City, who had carried out WFH.   Using the Slovin formula, the samples were 228 male and 178 female workers of Generation X and Generation Y.  The results of this study indicated that WFH did not significantly affect the WLB of Generation X and Generation Y while workload had a significant effect on the WLB of Generation X and Generation Y.
The Work for Student Success Continues
Authors: McRorie Sally
Published: December 2021

An Introduction to the second issue of the Journal of Postsecondary Student Success by Provost Sally McRorie.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, Obesity and Melatonin: An Etiological Perspective
Authors: Başar Gökcen Büşra , Gezmen Karadağ Makbule
Published: December 2021

Although the reproductive and metabolic dysfunctions associated with polycystic ovary syndrome are clearly known, the mechanisms between these dysfunctions are still unclear. One of the hypotheses put forward for these mechanisms is related to circadian rhythm. To date, many reproductive and metabolic dysfunctions have been associated with circadian rhythm disorders. Especially in women with polycystic ovary syndrome, the relationship between melatonin rhythm, which lasts until late in the morning and starts early at night, and metabolic dysfunctions has been revealed by recent studies. When the relationship between obesity and melatonin is examined, it is clearly seen that melatonin exhibits its effect on energy expenditure rather than energy intake. This hormone affects energy expenditure through adipogenesis, thermogenesis, mitochondrial functions and adipocytokines release, and shows anti-obesity effect. It is thought that this review will shed light on further studies on the therapeutic use of melatonin in obesity associated with polycystic ovary syndrome and contribute to the development of strategies for the prevention of obesity.
FİZYOTERAPİSTLERİN KAS-İSKELET SİSTEM RAHATSIZLIKLARI İLE ERGONOMİ FARKINDALIKLARI
Authors: AKIN Fuat , TÜRK Seda
Published: December 2021

Yapılan bu araştırma ile fizyoterapistlerin kas-iskelet sistem rahatsızlıklarının ve ergonomi farkındalık düzeylerinin değerlendirilmesi amaçlanmıştır. Bu amaçla Türkiye’nin herhangi bir ilinde ve kurumunda çalışan fizyoterapistlere ulaşılmıştır. Bu çalışma nicel araştırma yöntemlerinden biri olan tarama modeli ile yürütülmüştür. Kurum ve şehir bilgisine bakılmadan 173 fizyoterapiste uygulanan anket sonucunda elde edilen veriler analiz edilmiştir. Anket olarak Cornell Kas İskelet Rahatsızlıkları ve Ergonomi Farkındalık Anketleri kullanılmıştır. Araştırma alt problemleri kapsamında fizyoterapistlerin kas-iskelet sistem rahatsızlıklarının ve ergonomi farkındalık düzeyleri arasında; cinsiyete, çalışma yılına, çalışma şekline, çalışma süresine ve aktivite yapma durumuna göre bir farklılaşma olup olmadığı araştırılmıştır. Araştırma bulguları incelendiğinde cinsiyet, çalışma şekli, çalışma süresi, kamu veya özel kurumda çalışma durumuna göre anlamlı bir farklılaşma tespit edilmemiş; aktivite yapma durumuna göre anlamlı bir farklılaşma tespit edilmiştir. Araştırma sonuçlarından hareketle araştırma ve araştırmacılara kas-iskelet sistemi rahatsızlıkları ve ergonomi bilincinin artırılmasına yönelik önerilerde bulunulmuştur.
Breastfeeding and vitamin D
Authors: Heo Ju Sun , Ahn Young Min , Kim Ai-Rhan Ellen , Shin Son Moon ,   for the Korean Society of Breastfeeding Medicine
Published: December 2021

The recent re-emergence of vitamin D deficiency (VDD) and rickets among breastfed infants without adequate sunlight exposure and vitamin D supplementation has been reported worldwide. Breastfed infants are particularly vulnerable to VDD because of the low vitamin D content of breast milk, restricted sunlight exposure, increased pollution, and limited natural dietary sources of vitamin D. The prevalence of VDD in breastfed infants differs vastly between studies and nations at 0.6%–91.1%. The recommended intake of vitamin D for lactating mothers to optimize their overall vitamin D status and, consequently, of their breast milk is 200–2,000 IU/day, indicating a lack of consensus. Some studies have suggested that maternal high-dose vitamin D supplementation (up to 6,400 IU/day) can be used as an alternate strategy to direct infant supplementation. However, concern persists about the safety of maternal high-dose vitamin D supplementation. Direct infant supplementation is the currently available option to support vitamin D status in breastfed infants. The recommended dose for vitamin D supplementation in breastfed infants according to various societies and organizations worldwide is 200–1,200 IU/day. Most international guidelines recommend that exclusively or partially breastfed infants be supplemented with 400 IU/day of vitamin D during their first year of life. However, domestic studies on the status and guidelines for vitamin D in breastfed infants are insufficient. This review summarizes the prevalence of VDD in breastfed infants, vitamin D content of breast milk, and current guidelines for vitamin D supplementation of lactating mothers and infants to prevent VDD in breastfed infants.
Luck and tactics in foraging success: the case of the imperial shag
Authors: Wilson RP , Holton MD , Neate A , Del’Caño M , Quintana F , Yoda K , Gómez-Laich A
Published: December 2021

It has been proposed that predators searching for prey acquire food according to a probabilistic framework, where success is based on ‘luck’ and the odds of success vary with prey abundance. If true, this has major ramifications for variation in the rates of energy acquisition within animal populations, which is particularly pertinent in offspring provisioning and breeding success, because smaller animals (the young) cannot starve for as long as the adults. However, despite much general speculation about rates of food acquisition, no study has measured whether food encounter is probabilistic in wild animals. We used animal-mounted cameras to document all prey captures by wild imperial shagsLeucocarbo atricepsas they hunted underwater and show that, although they mostly do not have inter-prey acquisition time distributions that accord with a ‘luck-based’ framework assuming a constant probability of finding prey over time, there is no difference in the predicted amount of food captured between models that use the empirical data or theoretical Poisson-based fits of the data. We also noted considerable inter-individual differences in foraging success that far exceeded any differences between empirical and theoretical inter-prey acquisition time distributions. The data were used in a probabilistic foraging model that made explicit the mechanistic link between random prey encounters and food-dependent breeding success, indicating that ‘less lucky’ individuals could not provision their broods at rates commensurate with normal growth while the ‘lucky’ birds could do so easily. Given the nature of food encounter in these birds, coupled with substantial inter-individual variation in foraging success, we suggest that more successful individuals are particularly choosey about when, how and where to forage, which results in them operating with higher odds of success.
Greater exposure of nearshore habitats in the Bering Sea makes fish early life stages vulnerable to climate change
Authors: Ciannelli L , Smith E , Kearney K , Hunsicker M , McGilliard C
Published: December 2021

Marine fish species with complex life cycles undergo ontogenetic changes in their physiological and habitat requirements. Therefore, predicting how warming ocean conditions are likely to impact fish populations requires size-(age-) and habitat-specific analyses. We determined the habitat exposure and scope of adaptability of 4 shelf-oriented flatfish species in the Bering Sea to projected climate-driven warming. We quantified present day and end-of-century habitat exposure based on hindcasts and forecasts of regional ocean circulation models and quantified fish adaptability based on changes in depth distribution and from published thermal tolerances of northern rock sole Lepidopsetta polyxystra, yellowfin sole Limanda aspera, Alaska plaice Pleuronectes quadrituberculatus, and flathead sole Hippoglossoides elassodon. These 4 species complete their life cycle within the Bering Sea shelf but have different depth preferences and thermal tolerances throughout ontogeny. We found that species or size ranges that occupy the inner shelf, such as northern rock sole, yellowfin sole, and Alaska plaice, are exposed to higher seasonal variability compared to outer shelf species. While these inner shelf species are likely adapted to large seasonal changes in temperature, the future range of seasonal variability was projected to exceed their thermal tolerances. Therefore, we expect species that reside inshore during part of their life cycle and have high temperature sensitivity and limited mobility to be particularly vulnerable to climate change.
Indicators of mineral bone density in male patients with osteoarthritis of knee joint of elderly and old age depending on condition of muscular system
Authors: Koroleva M. V. , Letaeva M. V. , Raskina T. A. , Malyshenko O. S. , Averkieva Y. V.
Published: December 2021

Objective. To evaluate bone mineral density (BMD) indices in elderly and old age male patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA) depending on the state of the muscular system.

Subjects and methods. The trial enrolled 32 patients with knee OA. The mean age of the patients was 68.7 (66.1; 70.3) years. The diagnosis of knee OA was established according to the diagnostic criteria of the American College of Rheumatologists (ACR, 1991). For comparative analysis, all patients with knee OA were divided into 3 groups according to muscle condition (EWGSOP, 2010: muscle mass was assessed by multispiral computed tomography, muscle strength was measured using a wrist dynamometer, muscle function was examined using a battery of short tests): the 1st – 9 patients without sarcopenia, the 2nd – 11 patients with presarcopenia, and the 3rd – 12 patients with sarcopenia. BMD was assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry in the neck and proximal femur as a whole and in the lumbar spine.

Results. Osteopenic syndrome in the study cohort was diagnosed in 23 (71,9%) patients: osteopenia – in 19 (59,4%) patients, osteoporosis – in 4 (12,5%). Normal BMD values were observed in 9 (28.1%) patients. Osteopenic syndrome was detected in patients with sarcopenia signifcantly more often compared to patients without sarcopenia (p > 0.05) and with presarcopenia (p = 0.05). BMD indices in patients with sarcopenia in the neck and proximal femur in general were statistically signifcantly lower than in patients without sarcopenia and with presarcopenia (p < 0.05). There was a direct correlation between total skeletal muscle area at the LIII level and densitometric indices of the femoral neck.

Conclusions. Sarcopenia is associated with low BMD indices in the neck and proximal femur in general in elderly and senile male patients with knee OA
PENGARUH EMOSI, MATERIALISME, LITERASI KEUANGAN, PERSEPSI RISIKO DAN PENGALAMAN KEUANGAN TERHADAP PROPENSITY TO INDEBTEDNESS (STUDI PADA NASABAH KREDIT PLUS KENDARI)
Authors: Patulak Lucia Evianti , Sarita Buyung , Hamid Wahyuniati
Published: December 2021

The research was conducted with the aim of analyzing the influence of emotions, materialism, financial literacy, risk perception and financial experience on propensity to indebtedness. Primary data was obtained through distributing 100 questionnaires to Kredit Plus Kendari customers then processed with the SPSS 25.0 software application. The results of the research that have been done state that there is an effect of emotion, financial literacy and experience on propensity to indebtedness which has a negative significant effect, the effect of materialism on propensity to indebtedness has a positive significant effect, while the risk perception of propensity to indebtedness has no significant effect.
Impact of Pseudomonas spp. on Plant Growth, Lytic Enzymes and Secondary Metabolites Production
Authors: Waghunde Rajesh R. , Sabalpara Ambalal N.
Published: December 2021

Seven strains of Pseudomonas spp. were isolated from the south Gujarat region of India. Antifungal and bacterial activities of bacterial strains were evaluated against important plant pathogens in vitro, among them, PaRS was found most effective. The indole acetic acid production was recorded in all isolated Pseudomonas spp. Seed treatment with PaRS at 6 g/kg was significantly superior over other treatments for plant growth promotion (germination, shoot and root length, shoot and root weight, vigor index, and both shoot and root colonization) under standard roll towel method and pot conditions. The maximum siderophore production was observed in PaRS and medium production in PfRB, PaNS, and PfNC. PaNS and PaRS strains recorded strong HCN production but moderate production recorded in PaWP, PaWS, and PfNC. The maximum phosphate solubalization zone (22 mm) was found in PaRS. PaRS recorded maximum chitinase, ß-1,3-glucanase activity, hydrogen cyanide, and salicylic acid production as compared to other strains.
The Effect of Ball Milling Time on the Isolation of Lignin in the Cell Wall of Different Biomass
Authors: Yang Guangrong , An Xueying , Yang Shilong
Published: December 2021

Ball milling technology is the classical technology to isolate representative lignin in the cell wall of biomass for further investigation. In this work, different ball milling times were carried out on hardwood (poplar sawdust), softwood (larch sawdust), and gramineous material (bamboo residues) to understand the optimum condition to isolate the representative milled wood lignin (MWL) in these different biomass species. Results showed that prolonging ball milling time from 3 to 7 h obviously increased the isolation yields of MWL in bamboo residues (from 39.2% to 53.9%) and poplar sawdust (from 15.5% to 35.6%), while only a slight increase was found for the MWL yield of larch sawdust (from 23.4% to 25.8%). Importantly, the lignin substructure of ß-O-4 in the MWL samples from different biomasses can be a little degraded with the increasing ball milling time, resulting in the prepared MWL with lower molecular weight and higher content of hydroxyl groups. Based on the isolation yield and structure features, milling time with 3 and 7 h were sufficient to isolate the representative lignin (with yield over 30%) in the cell wall of bamboo residues and poplar sawdust, respectively, while more than 7 h should be carried out to isolate the representative lignin in larch sawdust.
Effect of Freezing Process on the Microstructure of Gelatin Methacryloyl Hydrogels
Authors: Liu Taotao , Zhang Yuzhuo , Sun Mingyue , Jin Meiqi , Xia Wei , Yang Huazhe , Wang Tianlin
Published: December 2021

Gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) hydrogels have aroused considerable interests in the field of tissue engineering due to tunable physical properties and cell response parameters. A number of works have studied the impact of GelMA concentration, photo-initiator concentration, methacrylic anhydride (MA) concentration, cooling rate and temperature gradient on GelMA hydrogel generation, but little attention has been paid to the effect of the freezing temperatures and freezing time of GelMA prepolymer solution during preparation. In this study, GelMA hydrogels were synthesized with different freezing temperatures and time. It was found that the lower freezing temperatures and longer freezing time caused smaller pore sizes that realized higher cell viability and proliferation of MC3T3-E1 cells. The results showed that tunable microstructure of GelMA could be achieved by regulating the freezing conditions of GelMA, which provided a broad prospect for the applications of GelMA hydrogels in tissue engineering.
A Na+/K+ ATPase Pump Regulates Chondrocyte Differentiation and Bone Length Variation in Mice
Authors: Marchini Marta , Ashkin Mitchell R. , Bellini Melina , Sun Margaret Man-Ger , Workentine Matthew Lloyd , Okuyan Hamza Malik , Krawetz Roman , Beier Frank , Rolian Campbell
Published: December 2021

The genetic and developmental mechanisms involved in limb formation are relatively well documented, but how these mechanisms are modulated by changes in chondrocyte physiology to produce differences in limb bone length remains unclear. Here, we used high throughput RNA sequencing (RNAseq) to probe the developmental genetic basis of variation in limb bone length in Longshanks, a mouse model of experimental evolution. We find that increased tibia length in Longshanks is associated with altered expression of a few key endochondral ossification genes such as Npr3, Dlk1, Sox9, and Sfrp1, as well reduced expression of Fxyd2, a facultative subunit of the cell membrane-bound Na+/K+ ATPase pump (NKA). Next, using murine tibia and cell cultures, we show a dynamic role for NKA in chondrocyte differentiation and in bone length regulation. Specifically, we show that pharmacological inhibition of NKA disrupts chondrocyte differentiation, by upregulating expression of mesenchymal stem cell markers (Prrx1, Serpina3n), downregulation of chondrogenesis marker Sox9, and altered expression of extracellular matrix genes (e.g., collagens) associated with proliferative and hypertrophic chondrocytes. Together, Longshanks and in vitro data suggest a broader developmental and evolutionary role of NKA in regulating limb length diversity.
Dysregulated BMP2 in the Placenta May Contribute to Early-Onset Preeclampsia by Regulating Human Trophoblast Expression of Extracellular Matrix and Adhesion Molecules
Authors: Yi Yuyin , Zhu Hua , Klausen Christian , Chang Hsun-Ming , Inkster Amy M. , Terry Jefferson , Leung Peter C. K.
Published: December 2021

Many pregnancy disorders, including early-onset preeclampsia (EOPE), are associated with defects in placental trophoblast cell invasion and differentiation during early placental development. Bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2) belongs to the TGF-β superfamily and controls various physiological and developmental processes. However, the expression of BMP2 in the placenta and underlying molecular mechanisms of how BMP2 regulates trophoblast function remain unclear. In this study, we analyzed several publicly available microarray and RNA-seq datasets and revealed differences in expression of TGF-β superfamily members between gestational age-matched non-preeclamptic control and EOPE placentas. Importantly, BMP2 levels were significantly reduced in EOPE placentas compared with controls, and RNAscope in situ hybridization further demonstrated BMP2 expression was disrupted in EOPE placental villi. To explore the molecular mechanisms of BMP2-regulated early trophoblast differentiation, we examined BMP2 expression in first-trimester human placenta and found it to be localized to all subtypes of trophoblasts and the decidua. RNA-seq analysis on control and BMP2-treated primary human trophoblast cells identified 431 differentially expressed genes, including several canonical TGF-β/BMP signaling targets (BAMBI, ID1, INHBA, IGFBP3). Gene ontology annotations revealed that differentially expressed genes were involved in cell adhesion and extracellular matrix organization. Furthermore, we identified adhesion molecule with IgG-like domain 2 (AMIGO2) as a novel target for BMP2 that contributed to BMP2-induced trophoblast invasion and endothelial-like tube formation. Overall, our findings provide insight into the molecular processes controlled by BMP2 during early placental development that may contribute to the pathogenesis of EOPE.
Stress as a Chromatin Landscape Architect
Authors: Vertii Anastassiia
Published: December 2021

The exponential development of methods investigating different levels of spatial genome organization leads to the appreciation of the chromatin landscape's contribution to gene regulation and cell fate. Multiple levels of 3D chromatin organization include chromatin loops and topologically associated domains, followed by euchromatin and heterochromatin compartments, chromatin domains associated with nuclear bodies, and culminate with the chromosome territories. 3D chromatin architecture is exposed to multiple factors such as cell division and stress, including but not limited to mechanical, inflammatory, and environmental challenges. How exactly the stress exposure shapes the chromatin landscape is a new and intriguing area of research. In this mini-review, the developments that motivate the exploration of this field are discussed.
Differentiation of Human iPS Cells Into Sensory Neurons Exhibits Developmental Stage-Specific Cryopreservation Challenges
Authors: Li Rui , Walsh Patrick , Truong Vincent , Petersen Ashley , Dutton James R. , Hubel Allison
Published: December 2021

Differentiation of human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) generates cell phenotypes valuable for cell therapy and personalized medicine. Successful translation of these hiPSC-derived therapeutic products will rely upon effective cryopreservation at multiple stages of the manufacturing cycle. From the perspective of cryobiology, we attempted to understand how the challenge of cryopreservation evolves between cell phenotypes along an hiPSC-to-sensory neuron differentiation trajectory. Cells were cultivated at three different stages to represent intermediate, differentiated, and matured cell products. All cell stages remained ≥90% viable in a dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)-free formulation but suffered ≥50% loss in DMSO before freezing. Raman spectroscopy revealed higher sensitivity to undercooling in hiPSC-derived neuronal cells with lower membrane fluidity and higher sensitivity to suboptimal cooling rates in stem cell developmental stages with larger cell bodies. Highly viable and functional sensory neurons were obtained following DMSO-free cryopreservation. Our study also demonstrated that dissociating adherent cultures plays an important role in the ability of cells to survive and function after cryopreservation.
The Interplay of Interstitial and Substitutional Copper in Zinc Oxide
Authors: Hou Qing , Buckeridge John , Walsh Aron , Xie Zijuan , Lu You , Keal Thomas W. , Guan Jingcheng , Woodley Scott M. , Catlow C. Richard A. , Sokol Alexey A.
Published: December 2021

Cu impurities are reported to have significant effects on the electrical and optical properties of bulk ZnO. In this work, we study the defect properties of Cu in ZnO using hybrid quantum mechanical/molecular mechanical (QM/MM)–embedded cluster calculations based on a multi-region approach that allows us to model defects at the true dilute limit, with polarization effects described in an accurate and consistent manner. We compute the electronic structure, energetics, and geometries of Cu impurities, including substitutional and interstitial configurations, and analyze their effects on the electronic structure. Under ambient conditions, CuZn is the dominant defect in the d9 state and remains electronically passive. We find that, however, as we approach typical vacuum conditions, the interstitial Cu defect becomes significant and can act as an electron trap.
Bi5O7I/g-C3N4 Heterostructures With Enhanced Visible-Light Photocatalytic Performance for Degradation of Tetracycline Hydrochloride
Authors: Yang Yang , Lai Min , Huang Jialei , Li Jinze , Gao Ruijie , Zhao Ziming , Song Huatang , He Jixiang , Ma Yan
Published: December 2021

Bi5O7I/g-C3N4 p-n junctioned photocatalysts were synthesized by alcohol-heating and calcination in air. The structures, morphologies and optical properties of as-prepared samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), UV–Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS). Photocatalytic activity of the heterojunctioned composites were evaluated by degradation of Rhodamine B (RhB) and tetracycline hydrochloride (TCH) under visible light illumination. The results indicated that the composites exhibited superior efficiencies for photodegradation of RhB and TCH in comparison with pure BiOI, Bi5O7I and g-C3N4. An effective built-in electric field was formed by the interface between p-type Bi5O7I and n-type g-C3N4, which promoted the efficient separation of photoinduced electron-hole pairs. In addition, 8% Bi5O7I/g-C3N4 composite showed excellent photostability in a five-cycle photocatalytic experiment. Experiments on scavenging active intermediates revealed the roles of active species.
Drug Resistance and Novel Therapeutic Approaches in Invasive Candidiasis
Authors: Murphy Sarah E. , Bicanic Tihana
Published: December 2021

Candida species are the leading cause of invasive fungal infections worldwide and are associated with acute mortality rates of ~50%. Mortality rates are further augmented in the context of host immunosuppression and infection with drug-resistant Candida species. In this review, we outline antifungal drugs already in clinical use for invasive candidiasis and candidaemia, their targets and mechanisms of resistance in clinically relevant Candida species, encompassing not only classical resistance, but also heteroresistance and tolerance. We describe novel antifungal agents and targets in pre-clinical and clinical development, including their spectrum of activity, antifungal target, clinical trial data and potential in treatment of drug-resistant Candida. Lastly, we discuss the use of combination therapy between conventional and repurposed agents as a potential strategy to combat the threat of emerging resistance in Candida.
Lack of Association Between Helicobacter pylori Infection and the Risk of Thyroid Nodule Types: A Multicenter Case-Control Studyin China
Authors: Wang Xiao-Song , Xu Xi-Hai , Jiang Gang , Ling Yu-Huan , Ye Tian-Tian , Zhao Yun-Wu , Li Kun , Lei Yu-Ting , Hu Hua-Qing , Chen Ming-Wei , Wang Heng
Published: December 2021

The prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection is high worldwide, while numerous research has focused on unraveling the relationship between H. pylori infection and extragastric diseases. Although H. pylori infection has been associated with thyroid diseases, including thyroid nodule (TN), the relationship has mainly focused on potential physiological mechanisms and has not been validated by large population epidemiological investigations. Therefore, we thus designed a case-control study comprising participants who received regular health examination between 2017 and 2019. The cases and controls were diagnosed via ultrasound, while TN types were classified according to the guidelines of the American College of Radiology Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (ACR TI-RADS). Moreover, H. pylori infection was determined by C14 urea breath test, while its relationship with TN type risk and severity was analyzed using binary and ordinal logistic regression analyses. A total of 43,411 participants, including 13,036 TN patients and 30,375 controls, were finally recruited in the study. The crude odds ratio (OR) was 1.07 in Model 1 (95% CI = 1.03–1.14) without adjustment compared to the H. pylori non-infection group. However, it was negative in Model 2 (OR = 1.02, 95% CI = 0.97–1.06) after being adjusted for gender, age, body mass index (BMI), and blood pressure and in Model 3 (OR = 1.01, 95% CI = 0.97–1.06) after being adjusted for total cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein, and high-density lipoprotein on the basis of Model 2. Control variables, including gender, age, BMI, and diastolic pressure, were significantly correlated with the risk of TN types. Additionally, ordinal logistic regression results revealed that H. pylori infection was positively correlated with malignant differentiation of TN (Model 1: OR = 1.06, 95% CI = 1.02–1.11), while Model 2 and Model 3 showed negative results (Model 2: OR = 1.01, 95% CI = 0.96–1.06; Model 3: OR = 1.01, 95% CI = 0.96–1.05). In conclusion, H. pylori infection was not significantly associated with both TN type risk and severity of its malignant differentiation. These findings provide relevant insights for correcting possible misconceptions regarding TN type pathogenesis and will help guide optimization of therapeutic strategies for thyroid diseases.
SARS-CoV-2: Emergence of New Variants and Effectiveness of Vaccines
Authors: Singh Desh Deepak , Parveen Amna , Yadav Dharmendra Kumar
Published: December 2021

The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants may cause resistance at the immunity level against current vaccines. Some emergent new variants have increased transmissibility, infectivity, hospitalization, and mortality. Since the administration of the first SARS-CoV-2 vaccine to a human in March 2020, there is an ongoing global race against SARS-CoV-2 to control the current pandemic situation. Spike (S) glycoprotein of SARS-CoV-2 is the main target for current vaccine development, which can neutralize the infection. Companies and academic institutions have developed vaccines based on the S glycoprotein, as well as its antigenic domains and epitopes, which have been proven effective in generating neutralizing antibodies. The effectiveness of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines and other therapeutics developments are limited by the new emergent variants at the global level. We have discussed the emergent variants of SARS-CoV-2 on the efficacy of developed vaccines. Presently, most of the vaccines have been tremendously effective in severe diseases. However, there are still noteworthy challenges in certifying impartial vaccines; the stories of re-infections are generating more stressful conditions, and this needs further clinical evaluation.
Seasonal and Inter-Annual Variations of Stable Isotopic Characteristics of Rainfall and Cave Water in Shennong Cave, Southeast China, and Its Paleoclimatic Implication
Authors: Tian Ye , Zhang Haiwei , Zhang Rui , Zhang Fan , Liang Zeyuan , Cai Yanjun , Cheng Hai
Published: December 2021

Speleothem calcite stable oxygen isotope (δ18OC) is one of the most widely used proxies in paleoclimate research, and understanding its seasonal-annual variability is very significant for palaeoclimate reconstruction. Five-year precipitation and karst cave water from 2016 to 2021 were monitored in Shennong cave, Jiangxi Province, Southeast China. The local meteoric water line (LMWL) is δD = 8.20 × δ18O + 13.34, which is similar to the global meteoric water line. The stable hydrogen and oxygen isotope (δD and δ18O) characteristics of precipitation and cave water were studied. δ18O and δD of precipitation and cave water show obvious seasonal variations. Lower precipitation δ18O and δD generally occur during summer and autumn compared with higher δ18O and δD values during winter and spring. Meanwhile, low precipitation δ18O values do not only appear in June–July when precipitation is the highest of the year but also appear in August–September when precipitation is limited. The back-trajectory analysis of monsoon precipitation moisture sources shows that the moisture uptake regions vary little on inter-annual scales; the water vapor of rainfall in June–July comes from the South China Sea and the Bay of Bengal, while the moisture source in August–September is mainly from the West Pacific and local area. The El Niño-Southern Oscillation is an important factor affecting the value of δ18O by modulating the percentage of summer monsoon precipitation in the annual precipitation and moisture source. The relationship between amount-weighted monthly mean precipitation δ18O and Niño-3.4 index shows that the East Asian summer monsoon (EASM) intensifies during La Niña phases, resulting in more precipitation in monsoon season (May to September, MJJAS) and lower δ18O values, and vice versa during El Niño phases.
Association Between Self-Regulation of Learning, Forced Labor Insertion, Technological Barriers, and Dropout Intention in Chile
Authors: Sáez-Delgado Fabiola , Mella-Norambuena Javier , López-Angulo Yaranay , Olea-González Constanza , García-Vásquez Héctor , Porter Bárbara
Published: December 2021

Early dropout and retention of students are critical problems in both secondary and higher education. Existing models that predict the intention to drop out require the incorporation of complex variables strongly related to student success, such as self-regulated learning. Moreover, new possible predictors have emerged in the context of a pandemic. This study set out to validate scales that measure the phases of self-regulation of learning in Chilean secondary school students and determine the association between self-regulation, forced labor insertion, technological barrier, and intention to quit during COVID-19. An instrumental design was carried out, where 251 students participated, and a cross-sectional predictive design with a sample of 171. Results showed adequate psychometric properties in assessment scales for self-regulation. Furthermore, the logistic regression model carried out to predict the dropout intention was significant. The final model showed that external causal attributions, planning self-evaluation, forced labor insertion, and technological barriers were significant predictors, achieving a success rate of 84.8%. In conclusion, although many factors are considered in dropout intention models, this study incorporated self-regulation skills that can be promoted in students and systematically integrated into school programs to help reduce dropout rates in secondary education, therefore contributing to a successful transition to higher education.
Rural Population and COVID-19: A Model for Assessing the Economic Effects of Drop-Out in Higher Education
Authors: Guzmán Rincón Alfredo , Barragán Moreno Sandra , Cala-Vitery Favio
Published: December 2021

Higher education is one of the ways to overcome social inequalities in rural areas in developing countries. This has led states to develop public policies aimed at access, retention and timely graduation of students in those sectors, yet the high drop-out rates among the rural student population, which were catalysed by COVID-19, prevent the intrinsic and extrinsic benefits of obtaining a higher education degree from materialising. Thus, the study of the phenomenon of dropout before and after the pandemic has not sufficiently addressed the economic issues raised by this phenomenon for the different actors at the educational level. The purpose of this paper is to model the economic effects of rural student dropout at the higher education level for students and families, Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and the State, based on public policies for access to higher education, in the pandemic and post-pandemic scenario. In order to delimit the operationalisation of the proposed model, a set of undergraduate training programmes in Colombia was taken as a reference. System dynamics was used as the main modelling technique. The model was based on data from the 20 training programmes with the highest number of students enrolled in rural areas for the year 2019, by running three computational simulations. The results showed the description of the dynamic model and the financial effects of dropout for the actors of the educational level with the current policies of access to higher education, the scenario in which COVID-19 would not have occurred and the consolidation of the public policy of tuition fee exemption in public HEIs as a result of the pandemic. It was concluded that the model developed is very useful for the valuation of these economic effects and for decision-making on policies to be implemented, given that the costs of dropout are characterised by high costs for students and their families as well as for HEIs, and where it was determined that current policies are inefficient in preventing and mitigating dropout.
Clozapine Induced Disturbances in Hepatic Glucose Metabolism: The Potential Role of PGRMC1 Signaling
Authors: Cao Ting , Chen Qian , Zhang BiKui , Wu XiangXin , Zeng CuiRong , Zhang ShuangYang , Cai HuaLin
Published: December 2021

Newly emerging evidence has implicated that progesterone receptor component 1 (PGRMC1) plays a novel role not only in the lipid disturbance induced by atypical antipsychotic drugs (AAPD) but also in the deterioration of glucose homoeostasis induced by clozapine (CLZ) treatment. The present study aimed to investigate the role of PGRMC1 signaling on hepatic gluconeogenesis and glycogenesis in male rats following CLZ treatment (20 mg/kg daily for 4 weeks). Recombinant adeno-associated viruses (AAV) were constructed for the knockdown or overexpression of hepatic PGRMC1. Meanwhile, AG205, the specific inhibitor of PGRMC1 was also used for functional validation of PGRMC1. Hepatic protein expressions were measured by western blotting. Meanwhile, plasma glucose, insulin and glucagon, HbA1c and hepatic glycogen were also determined by assay kits. Additionally, concentrations of progesterone (PROG) in plasma, liver and adrenal gland were measured by a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method. Our study demonstrated that CLZ promoted the process of gluconeogenesis and repressed glycogenesis, respectively mediated by PI3K-Akt-FOXO1 and GSK3β signaling via inhibition of PGRMC1-EGFR/GLP1R in rat liver, along with an increase in fasting blood glucose, HbA1c levels and a decrease in insulin and hepatic glycogen levels. Furthermore, through PGRMC1-EGFR/GLP1R-PI3K-Akt pathway, knockdown or inhibition (by AG205) of PGRMC1 mimics, whereas its overexpression moderately alleviates CLZ-induced glucose disturbances. Potentially, the PGRMC1 target may be regarded as a novel therapeutic strategy for AAPD-induced hepatic glucose metabolism disorder.
Overweight and Obesity Are Associated With Acute Kidney Injury and Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome, but Not With Increased Mortality in Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: van Son Jamie , Oussaada Sabrina M. , Şekercan Aydin , Beudel Martijn , Dongelmans Dave A. , van Assen Sander , Eland Ingo A. , Moeniralam Hazra S. , Dormans Tom P. J. , van Kalkeren Colin A. J. , Douma Renée A. , Rusch Daisy , Simsek Suat , Liu Limmie , Kootte Ruud S. , Wyers Caroline E. , IJzerman Richard G. , van den Bergh Joop P. , Stehouwer Coen D. A. , Nieuwdorp Max , ter Horst Kasper W. , Serlie Mireille J.
Published: December 2021

Objective

To evaluate the association between overweight and obesity on the clinical course and outcomes in patients hospitalized with COVID-19.

Design

Retrospective, observational cohort study.

Methods

We performed a multicenter, retrospective, observational cohort study of hospitalized COVID-19 patients to evaluate the associations between overweight and obesity on the clinical course and outcomes.

Results

Out of 1634 hospitalized COVID-19 patients, 473 (28.9%) had normal weight, 669 (40.9%) were overweight, and 492 (30.1%) were obese. Patients who were overweight or had obesity were younger, and there were more women in the obese group. Normal-weight patients more often had pre-existing conditions such as malignancy, or were organ recipients. During admission, patients who were overweight or had obesity had an increased probability of acute respiratory distress syndrome [OR 1.70 (1.26-2.30) and 1.40 (1.01-1.96)], respectively and acute kidney failure [OR 2.29 (1.28-3.76) and 1.92 (1.06-3.48)], respectively. Length of hospital stay was similar between groups. The overall in-hospital mortality rate was 27.7%, and multivariate logistic regression analyses showed that overweight and obesity were not associated with increased mortality compared to normal-weight patients.

Conclusion

In this study, overweight and obesity were associated with acute respiratory distress syndrome and acute kidney injury, but not with in-hospital mortality nor length of hospital stay.
Analysis of Related Factors of Tumor Recurrence or Progression After Transnasal Sphenoidal Surgical Treatment of Large and Giant Pituitary Adenomas and Establish a Nomogram to Predict Tumor Prognosis
Authors: Chen Yike , Cai Feng , Cao Jing , Gao Feng , Lv Yao , Tang Yajuan , Zhang Anke , Yan Wei , Wang Yongjie , Hu Xinben , Chen Sheng , Dong Xiao , Zhang Jianmin , Wu Qun
Published: December 2021

Background

Pituitary adenoma (PA) is a benign neuroendocrine tumor caused by adenohypophysial cells, and accounts for 10%-20% of all primary intracranial tumors. The surgical outcomes and prognosis of giant pituitary adenomas measuring ≥3 cm in diameter differ significantly due to the influence of multiple factors such as tumor morphology, invasion site, pathological characteristics and so on. The aim of this study was to explore the risk factors related to the recurrence or progression of giant and large PAs after transnasal sphenoidal surgery, and develop a predictive model for tumor prognosis.

Methods

The clinical and follow-up data of 172 patients with large or giant PA who underwent sphenoidal surgery at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine from January 2011 to December 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. The basic clinical information (age, gender, past medical history etc.), imaging features (tumor size, invasion characteristics, extent of resection etc.), and histopathological characteristics (pathological results, Ki-67, P53 etc.) were retrieved. SPSS 21.0 software was used for statistical analysis, and the R software was used to establish the predictive nomogram.

Results

Seventy out of the 172 examined cases (40.7%) had tumor recurrence or progression. The overall progress free survival (PFS) rates of the patients at 1, 3 and 5 years after surgery were 90.70%, 79.65% and 59.30% respectively. Log-rank test indicated that BMI (P < 0.001), Knosp classification (P < 0.001), extent of resection (P < 0.001), Ki-67 (P < 0.001), sphenoidal sinus invasion (P = 0.001), Hardy classification (P = 0.003) and smoking history (P = 0.018) were significantly associated with post-surgery recurrence or progression. Cox regression analysis further indicated that smoking history, BMI ≥25 kg/m2, Knosp classification grade 4, partial resection and ≥3% Ki-67 positive rate were independent risk factors of tumor recurrence or progression (P < 0.05). In addition, the nomogram and ROC curve based on the above results indicated significant clinical value.

Conclusion

The postoperative recurrence or progression of large and giant PAs is related to multiple factors and a prognostic nomogram based on BMI (≥25 kg/m2), Knosp classification (grade 4), extent of resection (partial resection) and Ki-67 (≥3%) can predict the recurrence or progression of large and giant PAs after transnasal sphenoidal surgery.
Does Diabetes Mellitus Increase the Short- and Long-Term Mortality in Patients With Critical Acute Myocardial Infarction? Results From American MIMIC-III and Chinese CIN Cohorts
Authors: Chen Shiqun , Huang Zhidong , Chen Liling , Zhao Xiaoli , Kang Yu , Lai Wenguang , Lu Xiaozhao , Zhou Yang , He Yibo , Huang Haozhang , Li Qiang , Liu Jin , Liang Yan , Dong Shaohong , Tan Ning , Liu Yong , Chen Jiyan
Published: December 2021

Background

The harmful effect of diabetes mellitus (DM) on mortality in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) remains controversial. Furthermore, few studies focused on critical AMI patients. We aimed to address whether DM increases short- and long-term mortality in this specific population.

Methods

We analyzed AMI patients admitted into coronary care unit (CCU) with follow-up of ≥1 year from two cohorts (MIMIC-III, Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care III; CIN, Cardiorenal ImprovemeNt Registry) in the United States and China. Main outcome was mortality at 30-day and 1-year following hospitalization. Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox proportional hazards models were constructed to examine the impact of DM on mortality in critical AMI patients.

Results

1774 critical AMI patients (mean age 69.3 ± 14.3 years, 46.1% had DM) were included from MIMIC-III and 3380 from the CIN cohort (mean age 62.2 ± 12.2 years, 29.3% had DM). In both cohorts, DM group was older and more prevalent in cardio-renal dysfunction than non-DM group. Controlling for confounders, DM group has a significantly higher 30-day mortality (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) (95% CI): 2.71 (1.99-3.73) in MIMIC-III; aOR (95% CI): 9.89 (5.81-17.87) in CIN), and increased 1-year mortality (adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) (95% CI): 1.91 (1.56-2.35) in MIMIC-III; aHR (95% CI): 2.62(1.99-3.45) in CIN) than non-DM group.

Conclusions

Taking into account cardio-renal function, critical AMI patients with DM have a higher 30-day mortality and 1-year mortality than non-DM group in both cohorts. Further studies on prevention and management strategies for DM are needed for this population.

Clinical Trial Registration

clinicaltrials.gov, NCT04407936.
Interpretable Modeling for Short- and Medium-Term Electricity Demand Forecasting
Authors: Hirose Kei
Published: December 2021

We consider the problem of short- and medium-term electricity demand forecasting by using past demand and daily weather forecast information. Conventionally, many researchers have directly applied regression analysis. However, interpreting the effect of weather on the demand is difficult with the existing methods. In this study, we build a statistical model that resolves this interpretation issue. A varying coefficient model with basis expansion is used to capture the nonlinear structure of the weather effect. This approach results in an interpretable model when the regression coefficients are nonnegative. To estimate the nonnegative regression coefficients, we employ nonnegative least squares. Three real data analyses show the practicality of our proposed statistical modeling. Two of them demonstrate good forecast accuracy and interpretability of our proposed method. In the third example, we investigate the effect of COVID-19 on electricity demand. The interpretation would help make strategies for energy-saving interventions and demand response.
Numerical Simulation of Magnetic Dipole Flow Over a Stretching Sheet in the Presence of Non-Uniform Heat Source/Sink
Authors: Souayeh Basma , Yasin Essam , Alam Mir Waqas , Hussain Syed Ghazanfar
Published: December 2021

The main objective of current communication is to present a mathematical model and numerical simulation for momentum and heat transference characteristics of Maxwell nanofluid flow over a stretching sheet. Further, magnetic dipole, non-uniform heat source/sink, and chemical reaction effects are considered. By using well-known similarity transformation, formulated flow equations are modelled into OD equations. Numerical solutions of the governing flow equations are attained by utilizing the shooting method consolidated with the fourth-order Runge-Kutta with shooting system. Graphical results are deliberated and scrutinized for the consequence of different parameters on fluid characteristics. Results reveal that the temperature profile accelerates for diverse values of space dependent parameter, but it shows opposite behaviour for escalated integrity of temperature dependent parameter.