bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SIKAP PESIMIS REMAJA TERHADAP ORIENTASI MASA DEPAN
Authors: Faristiana Andhita Risko , Yudhistira Nurhaliza Eka
Published: August 2022

Remaja adalah manusia yang sedang melewati fase perkembangan menuju dewasa. Pada fase inilah pembentukan jiwa dan mentalnya diuji sesuai dengan kepribadiannya. Maka sering kali para remaja dituntut untuk selalu bersikap sesuai dengan kedewasaan. Oleh karena itu sifat dewasa yang ditunjukkan membuatnya merasa tidak percaya diri dan overthinking (pemikiran negatif) dengan segala hal, apalagi menyangkut masa depan yang tidak pasti. Rasa pesimis (rendah diri) akan selalu beriringan dengan segala penglihatan yang dilihatnya. Sehingga kepribadian terdalamnya keluar dan menjadikannya lemah. Fase inilah yang membuat para remaja merasa dirugikan dengan masanya. Pada perbincangan mengenai remaja saya selaku peneliti ingin membahas mengenai sikap kepribadian yang di keluarkan para remaja. Terutama kepribadian pesimis yang tumbuh dalam jiwa para remaja. Penelitian ini menggunakan kajian literatur dari berbagai sumber ilmiah. Hasilnya mengenai sifat pesimis tersebut apakah hakikat alam bawah sadar remaja atau pembentukan diri remaja itu sendiri yang sadar akan kehidupannya.
Meningkatkan Kreativitas Anak Usia Dini Melalui Metode Pembelajaran Loose Part
Authors: Farikhah Aizatul , Mar’atin Azkiyatul , Afifah Lely Nur , Safitri Riana Ayu
Published: August 2022

The beginning of the use of the loose part method was due to the lack of children's ability to be creative in expressing ideas independently without the help of the teacher. This can be seen from the lack of children in completing skills in making a free work. Because learning is still glued to books, magazines or LKA. Loose part is known as a medium of teaching materials whose usefulness in children's learning is endless. The purpose of this research is that early childhood children in Muslimat NU Bunga Harapan Kindergarten have high creativity and are able to imagine using the items that have been provided. The number of research subjects was 48 students, each class consisted of 24 children. Research data was collected by means of observation, documentation, and interviews. The results of the loose part method show that the media can increase creativity in early childhood.
Penilaian Sosial Emosional, Moral Agama AUD TK ABA 40 Brengkok Sebelum dan Saat Covid-19
Authors: Badriyah Lilis
Published: August 2022

Penilaian sistem pendidikan menjadi hal yang diduduki bahkan menempati posisi strategis dalam pembelajaran. Di antara aspek-aspek penting yang diberikan penilaian adalah aspek sosial, emosional, moral, dan agama. Semuanya membuat ukuran aktivitas belajar yang sangat berkelanjutan. Perkebunan hampir satu tahun ini akan menjadi tugas terpisah untuk mengelola lembaga pendidikan. Pandemi pasca-virus yang belum menunjukkan tingkat penurunan, perlu diberikan solusi definitif dalam sistem penilaian. Karena tentu saja sistem pembelajaran tidak bisa dilakukan secara tatap muka seperti hari-hari biasa. Hal ini juga menjadi perhatian sistem pembelajaran di TK Aisyiah Bustanul Athfal 40 Brengkok, khususnya di kelas B. Menghadapi pandemi, pendidik menganggap bahwa ada hambatan yang lebih dalam untuk penilaian peserta didik. Apa yang sebelumnya bisa dilakukan dengan lebih mudah, kali ini harus merumuskan metode baru karena kondisi yang merugikan. Di satu sisi penilaian terutama dalam empat aspek ini harus dilanjutkan, sebagai ukuran perkembangan anak. Dalam TK Aisyiyah Bustanul Athfal 40 Brengkok memberikan formula baru untuk kemudahan bagi peserta didik maupun pendidik tentunya dalam melakukan studi di masa pandemi ini. Karena kondisi seperti itu memang sesuatu yang baru di dunia pendidikan, karena kondisi seperti itu belum pernah dialami sebelumnya, tentu tidak hanya di sini, karena pandemi tidak hanya di kancah nasional bahkan kelas internasional hingga global, seluruh dunia berada pada titik pandemi covid 19. Namun, dalam hal penilaian, terobosan baru harus dilakukan dalam menanggapi kondisi saat ini.
The predictive value of the left atrial kinetic energy for atrial fibrillation recurrence
Authors: ÇAMCI Sencer , ARI Hasan , ARI Selma , MELEK Mehmet , BOZAT Tahsin
Published: August 2022

Background and Aim: Determining which patients will experience recurrence of atrial fibrillation (AF) is crucial for treatment modification. This study aimed to investigate the predictive value of left atrial kinetic energy (LAKE) in AF recurrence. Materials and Methods: A total of 120 consecutive patients who achieved sinus rhythm (SR) with electrical direct current cardioversion and met the inclusion criteria were included in the study. TTE and LAKE values were calculated on the first day after cardioversion. Rhythm control was performed with 12-lead electrocardiography in the first-month follow-up. Results: While 81 (67.5%) patients were in SR at 1 month, AF recurrence was detected in 39 (32.5%) patients. In the AF group, while AF duration, cardioversion energy, number of diabetic patients, left atrial (LA) diameter, LA pre-A volume, LA minimum volume, and pulmonary artery pressure values were found to be significantly higher than those in the SR group, mitral A velocity and LAKE values were significantly lower. In multivariate regression analysis, AF duration [OR: 1.54 [CI, 95%: 1.22–1.93]; p < 0.001], LA diameter [OR: 1.33 (CI, 95%: 1.10–1.61); p = 0.002] and LAKE [OR: 0.96 (CI, 95%: 0.94–0.99); p = 0.007) were determined to be independent predictors of AF recurrence at 1month. Conclusions: LA diameter, AF duration, and LAKE were found to be significant predictors of AF recurrence after cardioversion.NCT05231967
Digital Financial Services for Health in Support of Universal Health Coverage: Qualitative Programmatic Case Studies from Kenya and Rwanda
Authors: Wilson David Randolph , Haas Sherri , Gelder Sicco van , Hitimana Regis
Published: August 2022

Background: This document describes two programmatic case studies documenting experiences implementing digital financial systems (DFS) for health with a focus on expanding access to universal health coverage (UHC). The CBHI 3MS system in Rwanda and the i-PUSH and Medical Credit Fund programs in Kenya were selected because they represent innovative use of digital financing technologies to support UHC programs at scale.Methods: These studies were conducted from April-August 2021 using a mixed methods process evaluation approach to answer three questions: 1) what was the experience implementing the program, 2) how was it perceived to influence health systems performance, and 3) what was the client/beneficiary experience? Qualitative interviews involved a range of engaged stakeholders, including implementers, developers, and clients/users from the examined programs in both countries. Secondary data were used to describe key program trends.Results: Respondents agreed that DFS contributed to health system performance by making systems more responsive, enabling programs to implement changes to digital services based on new laws or client-proposed features, and improving access to quality data for better management and improved quality of services. Key informants and secondary data confirmed that both implementations likely contributed to increasing health insurance coverage; however, other changes in market dynamics were also likely to influence these changes. Program managers and some beneficiaries praised the utility of digital functions, compared to paper-based systems, and noted their effect on individual savings behavior to contribute to household resilience. Discussion/Conclusions: Several implementation considerations emerged as facilitators or barriers to successful implementation of DFS for health, including the importance of multisectoral investments in general ICT infrastructure, the value of leveraging existing community resources (CHWs and mobile money agents) to boost enrollment and help overcome the digital divide, and the significance of developing trust across government and private sector organizations.The studies led to the development of four main recommendations for the design and implementation of health programs incorporating DFS.
The preceding hyponatremia is a useful hallmark for the diagnosis of HHV-6 encephalitis after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Ara Takahide , Yoshida Shota , Okada Kohei , Mori Yuto , Tsukamoto Shihori , Miyashita Naoki , Kasahara Kohei , Ebata Ko , Iwasaki Junko , Takahashi Shojiro , Shigematsu Akio , Minauchi Koichiro , Kobayashi Naoki , Ogasawra Masahiro , Imamur Masahiro , Teshima Takanori , Ota Shuichi
Published: August 2022

Human herpes virus-6 (HHV-6) encephalitis is one of the life-threatening complications after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). Early diagnosis and intervention are important for the prevention of poor prognosis and sequelae. Although hyponatremia is known to be associated with HHV-6 encephalitis, it is unclear whether the preceding hyponatremia is a useful hallmark for the diagnosis of HHV-6 encephalitis. We retrospectively reviewed 134 consecutive patients who underwent allo-HSCT at our institution and evaluated the relationship between HHV-6 encephalitis and hyponatremia. Interestingly, 7 (50%) of 14 patients who developed HHV-6 encephalitis presented hyponatremia within a week before the onset of HHV-6 encephalitis. On the other hand, only 14 (11.7%) out of 120 patients without HHV-6 encephalitis developed hyponatremia. Hyponatremia, treating as a time-dependent covariate, was significantly correlated with the incidence of HHV-6 encephalitis. Moreover, the diagnostic accuracy analysis showed that the coexistence of hyponatremia and central nerve system (CNS) dysfunction strongly suggests HHV-6 encephalitis. In conclusion, our study suggests the likelihood of HHV-6 encephalitis significantly increases in the patients with CNS dysfunction following hyponatremia after allo-HSCT and this combination may help in early diagnosis and intervention of HHV-6 encephalitis after allo-HSCT.
The relationships of oxytocin receptor gene variants (rs53576 and rs2254298) and serum oxytocin levels with psychiatric symptoms and psychiatric diagnosis in adolescents with obesity
Authors: Özyurt Gonca , Çatlı Gönül , Acar Sezer , Cingöz Gülten , Özsoylu Dua , Küme Tuncay , Kızıldag Sefa , Dündar Bumin Nuri , Tufan Ali Evren , Abacı Ayhan
Published: August 2022

Objectives
We aimed to investigate the relation of oxytocin receptor (OXTR) gene variants (rs53576 and rs2254298) and serum oxytocin (OXT) levels with psychiatric symptoms in healthy Turkish adolescents and matched adolescents with obesity.
Methods
A total of 250 adolescents with obesity and age and gender-matched 250 healthy adolescents were included in this study. Attachment properties, anxiety, and depression were evaluated with self-reports while diagnoses were ascertained with KIDDIE-SADS-PL Turkish version. Serum OXT level was studied with the ELISA method, OXTR gene variants were studied by quantitative polymerase chain reaction(rs53576) and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) (rs2254298) methods.
Results
Serum OXT level was significantly lower in adolescents with obesity than in healthy controls. Self-reported symptoms of anxiety and depression were significantly elevated, especially for female adolescents with obesity while parent/ peer attachment was significantly lower. rs53576 A/A genotype was found to be significantly higher amog obese youth. 29.2% of obese youth were diagnosed with psychopathology, especially anxiety and depression. OXT levels and receptor polymorphisms were not related with self-reported symptoms, attachment and presence of psychopathology.
Conclusions
Further studies should evaluate the roles of other constructs (e.g., early adversity, parenting, social supports, coping, temperament etc.) and discern the roles of parent-child synchrony in elucidating relationships between OXT, pediatric obesity and psychopathology.
Influence factors, clinical manifestations and prognosis of left atrial thrombosis in atrial fibrillation
Authors: Yang Qian , Liu Shuang , Wang Jiang , Guo Yulong
Published: August 2022

Background: We did this study to find out the influence factors, clinical manifestation and prognosis of left atrial thrombosis and its relationship with systemic thromboembolism, hoping to find a better therapy strategy. Methods: A single-centre retrospective study enrolled patients with definite diagnosis of atrial fibrillation complicated with left atrial thrombosis. Data of general clinical information, anticoagulation medications, thromboembolism events and thrombosis prognosis were recorded and analyzed. Results: 103 patients were enrolled. Compared with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF), thrombosis outside the left atrial appendage (LAA) was much more common in valvular atrial fibrillation (VAF) with p=0.003. Total prevalence of systemic thromboembolism was 33.0%. Thrombi disappeared in 78 cases (75.7%) under anticoagulation treatment within two years. There was no significant difference between warfarin, dabigatran and rivaroxaban on thromboembolism events and thrombosis prognosis in NVAF, with p=0.740 and 0.493, respectively.Conclusions: Atrial fibrillation patients with severe LA remodeling have really high risks of LA thrombosis and systemic thromboembolism. Compared with NVAF, Patients with VAF are more likely to develop the whole LA dysfunction rather than the only LAA dysfunction, manifested as more thrombosis outside the LAA were found. Standard stroke preventing dose of anticoagulants couldn’t deplete all LA thrombi.
Cancer/testis antigen CAGE mediates Osimertinib Resistance in Non-small cell lung cancer cells and predicts poor Prognosis in Patients with Pulmonary adenocarcinoma
Authors: Yeon Minjeong , Lee Hankyu , Yeo Jeongseon , Jeong Myeong Seon , Jung Hyun Suk , Lee Hyerim , Shim Kyeonghee , Jo Hyein , Jeon Doyong , Koh Jaemoon , Jeoung Dooil
Published: August 2022

Purpose
CAGE, a cancer/testis antigen, was originally isolated from the sera of patients with gastric cancers. We have shown the role of CAGE in resistance to chemotherapy and target therapy. In this study, we wanted to investigate the possible role of CAGE in osimertinib, an inhibitor of EGFR tyrosine kinase.
Methods
The clinicopathological correlation with CAGE and autophagy flux in patients was examined using immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization. The evaluation of autophagy in osimertinib resistance was analyzed using immune-blot, Immuno-cell chemistry and immuno-histochemistry in vitro and in vivo.
Results
Here, we found that IHC showed the expression of CAGE in more than 50% of patients with pulmonary adenocarcinomas (pADCs). The expression of CAGE was increased in pADCs after the acquisition of EGFR-TKIs resistance. High expression of CAGE was correlated with shorter overall survival (OS) and progression free survival (PFS) in patients with pADCs. Thus, CAGE mediates osimertinib resistance and predicts poor prognosis in patients with pADCs. Osimertinib-resistant non-small cell lung cancer cells (PC-9/OSI) were established. Mechanistic studies of CAGE-mediated osimertinib resistance were performed. PC-9/OSI cells showed increased autophagic flux and CAGE expression compared with parental sensitive PC-9 cells. PC-9/OSI cells showed higher tumorigenic, metastatic, and angiogenic potential compared with parental PC-9 cells. CAGE CRISPR-Cas9 cell lines showed decreased autophagic flux, invasion, migration potential, and tumorigenic potential compared with PC-9/OSI cells in vitro and in vivo.
Conclusion
Collectively, our data suggest that CAGE plays a crucial role in the progression of tumorigenesis and metastasis by modulating autophagy. Furthermore, our findings propose the inhibition of CAGE as a potential therapeutic strategy for osimertinib resistance.
ABAQUS and ANSYS implementations of peridynamics-based finite element method (PeriFEM) for brittle fracture
Authors: Han Fei , Li Zhibin , Zhang Jianyu , Liu Zhiying , Yao Chen , Han Wenping
Published: August 2022

PeriFEM is a reformulation of traditional FEM for solving peridynamic equations numerically. It takes the nonlocal feature of peridynamics into account, and thus possesses the same computational framework as traditional FEM. Such advantages enable the convenient integration of peridynamics and commercial FEM software. Therefore, in the current work, we address the basics of PeriFEM within the framework of traditional FEM first, based on which, we propose a unified implementation technique for peridynamics in the commercial FEM software. And we implement the peridynamic simulation in ANSYS and ABAQUS, respectively. The implicit algorithm is used in both software, but different convergence criteria are adopted due to their own features. In ANSYS, APDL allows users to get the broken-bond information from UPFs conveniently, thus whether there are new broken bonds is adopted as the convergence criterion. In ABAQUS, it is not convenient for users to obtain the broken-bond information, thus the default convergence criterion in ABAQUS is used. The code that is integrated into ANSYS and ABAQUS are both verified through benchmark examples. The computational convergence and computational cost are compared. The results show that ABAQUS is more efficient, whereas the convergence criterion adopted in ANSYS is more robust. Finally, 3D examples are carried out to prove the ability of the proposed approach in dealing with complex engineering problems.
N6-methyladenosine-modified VGLL1 promotes ovarian cancer metastasis through HMGA1/Wnt/β-catenin signaling
Authors: Xia Jian-Chuan , Li Han , Cai Liming , Pan Qiuzhong , Jiang Xingyu , Zhao Jingjing , Xiang Tong , Tang Yan , Wang Qijing , He Jia , Weng Desheng , Zhang Yanna , Liu Zhongqiu
Published: August 2022

The main causes of death in ovarian cancer (OC) patients are invasive lesion and the spread of metastasis. Determining the biology of cancer metastasis is important to develop novel targeted therapy. The present study aimed to explore the mechanisms that might promote OC metastasis. Here, we identified that VGLL1 expression was remarkably increased in metastatic OC samples. The role of VGLL1 in OC metastasis and tumor growth were examined by cell function assays and mouse models. Mechanistically level, METTL3-mediated N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification contributed to VGLL1 upregulation in an IGF2BP2 recognition-dependent manner. Furthermore, VGLL1 directly interacts with TEAD4 and co-transcriptionally activates HMGA1. HMGA1 further activates Wnt/β-catenin signaling to enhance OC metastasis by promoting the epithelial-mesenchyme transition traits. Rescue assays indicated that upregulation of HMGA1 was essential for VGLL1-induced metastasis. Additionally, conditional silencing of VGLL1 using a doxycycline-induced knockdown system showed therapeutic potential against metastasis in OC. Importantly, the clinical relevance of IGF2BP2, VGLL1, HMGA1, and β-catenin was conformed in OC tissues. Collectively, these findings showed that m6A-induced VGLL1/ HMGA1/β-catenin axis might play a vital role in OC metastasis and tumor growth. VGLL1 might serve as a prognostic marker and therapeutic target against metastasis of OC.
The state of nursing and midwifery leadership, governance structures, and instruments in Africa
Authors: Nawagi Faith , Kneafsey Rosie , Modber Mohammed , Mukeshimana Madeline , Ndungu Cecilia , Bayliss-Pratt Lisa
Published: August 2022

Background Investment in nursing and midwifery leadership and governance are key suggested approaches by the World Health Organization (WHO) Africa Regional Office to address the shortages of the nursing health workforce. However, there are few if any studies that have investigated the existence and operationalization of the nursing leadership and governance structures in Africa. This paper fills this gap by, providing an overview of nursing and midwifery leadership, governance structures, and instruments in Africa.MethodsWe conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study of the nursing and midwifery leadership ,structures and instruments in 16 African countries using quantitative methodology. Data was analyzed using SPSS IBM 21 statistical software. Data was summarized in frequencies and percentages and presented as tables and charts. ResultsOnly(9,56.25%) of the 16 countries included had retrievable evidence of all expected governance structures while (7, 43.75%) lacked one or more of the structures. A quarter (4, 25%) of the countries did not have a department of nursing and midwifery or chief nursing and midwifery officer at their Ministry of Health (MOH). The dominant gender representation across all the governance structures was female. Only Lesotho (1, 6.25%) had all expected nursing and midwifery governance instruments while the remaining (15, 93.75%) had either one or four of these instruments missing.ConclusionsThe lack of complete nursing and midwifery governance structures and instruments in various African countries is a matter of concern. Without these structures and instruments, the strategic direction and input of the nursing and midwifery profession cannot be maximized for the public good in relation to health outcomes. Addressing the existing gaps requires a multipronged approach with the need to strengthen regional collaboration, advocacy, creating awareness, and advancing nursing and midwifery leadership training to enable nursing and midwifery governance capacity development in Africa.
Dielectric strength of nanofluid-impregnated transformer solid insulation
Authors: Pérez-Rosa Daniel , Montero Andrés , García Belén , Burgos Juan Carlos
Published: August 2022

The interest in developing new fluids that can be used as dielectric liquids for transformers has driven the research on dielectric nanofluids in the last years. A number of authors have reported promising results on the electrical and thermal properties of dielectric nanofluids. Less attention has been paid to the interaction of these fluids with the cellulose materials that constitute the solid insulation of the transformers. In the present study, the dielectric strength of cellulose insulation is investigated, comparing its behaviour when it is impregnated with transformer mineral oil and when it is impregnated with a dielectric nanofluid. The study includes the analysis of the AC breakdown voltage and the impulse breakdown voltage of the samples. Large improvements were observed on the AC breakdown voltages of the specimens impregnated with nanofluids while the enhancements were lower in the case of the impulse tests. The reasons for the increase in AC breakdown voltage were investigated considering the dielectric properties of the nanofluids used to impregnate the samples of cellulose. The analysis was completed with a finite element study that revealed the effect of the nanoparticles on the electric field distribution within the test cell, and its role in the observed enhancement.
Transcriptomic study of the cell death-related pathways of cervical cancer HeLa cells in response to Clinacanthus nutans treatment
Authors: Adum Kristine Sandra Pey , Haron Nor Hasyimah binti , Toha Zaleha binti , Arsad Hasni bin
Published: August 2022

Background
Recent years have witnessed major development of novel therapeutic agents like chemotherapy, targeted therapy and immune checkpoint inhibitors for cervical cancer. However, cervical cancer remains prevalent, leading to a large number of deaths worldwide. A better understanding of the cervical cancer biology and signaling pathways might lead to the development of targeted therapies in reducing the incidence and mortality rate.
Methods
In this study, the RNA-Seq reads of HeLa cells treated with C. nutans were compared to the untreated sample. The reads of these two sample groups were firstly aligned to the human reference genome. The results in BAM files format that were generated were then sorted before being assembled. The output of assembly which was in coverage table form was ready for downstream statistical analyses for differential expression. Differentially expressed genes were obtained and the cell-death related pathway were identified by canonical pathway, QIAGEN Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA). The verification of significant genes was carried out using qRT-PCR by including GAPDH as a housekeeping gene
Results
With this, we identified a total of 668 upregulated and 479 downregulated analysis-ready genes across observations upon cut-off setting log2FoldChange at 0.5 and P-value 0.05. A total of 28 cell-death related canonical pathways and 4 activation of cell-death related functions were identified. Upon analyses, we identified four significant genes (Casp9, KAI1, REL and FOXO4) that hold important role in promoting cell death. These findings were also verified against the quantification using qRT-PCR by including GAPDH as a housekeeping gene.
Conclusions
This study provides an insight on the potential role of DCM fraction of C. nutans in activating Casp9, KAI1, REL and FOXO4 genes in mediating apoptosis in cervical cancer cells.
Current Status and System Construction of Used- Furniture Recycling in China
Authors: Xiong xianqing , Yue Xinyi , Dong Weihang , Xu Zhenzhong
Published: August 2022

In order to promote the development of the green and low-carbon wood industry and explore the current status and trend of China’s used-furniture recycling, this paper summarizes the research status of used-furniture recycling and interprets governmental strategies, such as the development of used-furniture recycling system, the way of handling used-furniture by manufacturers, and the attitudes of customers towards used-furniture, through extensive literature reviews and market researches. From such three respects as government, furniture manufacturers, and consumers, the problems of national used-furniture recycling are analyzed, for example, imperfect system, high cost and weak awareness. Therefore, to solve the above problems, it is necessary to construct national used-furniture recycling system and methods, including, for government, the construction of recycling network, the supervise and support of entrepreneurial responsibilities, and the formulation of recycling standards; for furniture manufacturers, the improvement of the durability and recyclability of furniture, the development of new models and new technologies for furniture recycling and transportation; and for consumers, the improvement of their concepts of consuming and the environmental protection. In sum, it aims to provide both suggestions for the amelioration of the measures and methods, and support for the understanding of the change, of used-furniture recycling in China.
Association between Metabolite Cotinine and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) Serum Levels in Adults Living with HIV, HBV, or HCV: NHANES 2005–2018
Authors: Yang Jie , Zhang Hao , Lin Jin-Long , Liu Jing , Jiang Xiao-Wen , Peng Lei
Published: August 2022

Objectives: To identify the unilateral effect of VOCs on cotinine metabolism. Methods: Measurements of 13,652 participants included sociodemographic characteristics and serological indicators (VOCs and cotinine). Correlation between VOCs and cotinine and the effect of VOCs on cotinine metabolism were analyzed by Spearman analysis and multivariable logistic regression analysis. Results: Among smokers infected with HIV | HBV | HCV with the largest exposure dose to tobacco, the intensity of the association between VOCs and cotinine was the strongest. High concentrations of 1,2-Dichlorobenzene (OR: 1.101, CI: 1.069–1.134), Benzene (OR: 1.354, CI: 1.123–1.632), 2,5-Dimethylfuran (OR: 1.054, CI: 1.027–1.082) and Nitrobenzene (OR: 1.347, CI: 1.039–1.746) and low concentration of Carbon Tetrachloride (OR: 0.760, CI: 0.661–0.873) in blood might be independent risk factors leading to the increase of serum metabolite cotinine. Conclusions: The influence intensity of four VOCs (including 1,2-dichlorobenzene, benzene, carbon tetrachloride, 2,5-dimethylfuran and nitrobenzene) on serum cotinine metabolism has a dose-response relationship, that is, the higher the tobacco exposure, the stronger the influence intensity. In addition, this study used molecular epidemiology to indirectly provide new ideas and views on the harm of smoking for smokers.
Development and validation of a Fast Spine Protocol for Use in Paediatric Patients
Authors: Wu Winnie (Shu Yu) , Miller Elka , Hurteau-Miller Julie , Thipse Madhura , Kapoor Cassandra , McAuley David , Tu Albert , Webster Richard
Published: August 2022

ObjectiveConventional pediatric spine MRI protocols have multiple sequences resulting in long acquisition times. Sedation is consequently required. This study evaluates the diagnostic capability of a limited MRI spine protocol for selected common pediatric indications. MethodsAfter REB approval, records of pediatric patients under 4 years of age who underwent a spine MRI at CHEO between 2017 and 2020 were reviewed. Two neuroradiologists blindly and retrospectively reviewed the T2 sagittal sequences from the craniocervical junction to sacrum and T1 axial sequence of the lumbar spine, to answer specific questions regarding cerebellar ectopia, syrinx, level of conus, filum <2mm, fatty filum, and spinal dysraphism. The results were independently compared to previously reported findings from the complete imaging series. Results105 studies were evaluated in 54 male and 51 female patients (mean age of 19.2 months). The average combined scan time of the limited sequences was 15 minutes compared to 35 minutes for conventional protocols (delta = 20 minutes). The average percent agreement between full and limited sequences was >95% in all but identifying a filum <2mm, where the percent agreement was 87%. Using limited MR sequences had high sensitivity (>0.91) and specificity (>0.99) for the detection of cerebellar ectopia, syrinx, fatty filum, and spinal dysraphism. ConclusionThis study demonstrates that selected spinal imaging sequences allows for consistent and accurate diagnosis of specific clinical conditions. A limited spine protocol reduces acquisition time, potentially avoiding sedation. Further work is needed to determine the utility of selected imaging for other clinical indications.
Seroprevalence of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) and associated risk factors in Northern Ireland dairy cattle herds
Authors: Guta Sintayehu , Allen Adrian , Graham Jordan. , Byrne Andrew W. , Milne Georgina , Angela Lahuerta-Marin , Drummond Lindsey , McInerney Barry , Campbell Emma , Conrad Watson , Strain Sam , Skuce Robin
Published: August 2022

BackgroundJohne’s disease is a chronic granulomatous enteritis of cattle and other ruminants of economic, animal and public health significance, caused by Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis. It is endemic in UK, but there is currently limited information in Northern Ireland. To address this gap, for the first time surveillance data were used to estimate seroprevalence and explore risk factors for a cohort of herds that participate in a voluntary scheme. MethodsA Bayesian approach, Gibbs sampling was used to estimate animal-level true prevalence. The effects of test sensitivity, specificity, and true prevalence and number of animals tested and critical number of positive reactors were considered for herd test sensitivity, specificity and true prevalence estimation. Logistic regression was used to develop a model associating herd status with putative risk factors.Results46,715 cattle in 431 dairy herds were tested by ELISA between 2010 and 2019. 2138 (4.6%) animals were positive. At least one ELISA-positive case was detected in 239 herds (55.4%, 95%CI: 50.7 - 60.1) whereas, 152 herds recorded ≥2 ELISA-positives (35.2 %, 95% CI: 30.7 - 39.8). The mean true herd prevalence was estimated to be 34.7% and 43.9 % for k ≥1 and k ≥2 critical number of reactor herds respectively. The study estimated 9.5 % (95%PPI: 0.5 - 21.4), 32.8 % (95 % PPI: 17.1 - 50.8) and 98.3 % (95 % PPI: 95.6 - 99.9), median values for animal-level true prevalence, test sensitivity and specificity respectively.Herds sized ≥ 100 were between 1.8 and 5.5(95%CI: of the OR) times more likely to test MAP ELISA-positive than herds with < 100 cattle. Herds with mean animal age of ≥5 years were between 1.5 and 3.6 (95% CI: of the OR) times more likely to have MAP ELISA-positive results than herds with a mean animal age of < 5 years. ConclusionResults of this study estimated disease prevalence and identified some associated risk factors which improves understanding of the local epidemiology, and indicate the need for establishing a sustainable control programme. Further investigation is required to better understand local epidemiology and associated production and economic losses.
Eco-friendly synthesis of ZnO-nanoparticles using Phoenix dactylifera L. polyphenols: physicochemical, microstructural and functional assessment
Authors: ABDULLAH JOHAR AMIN AHMED , Jiménez-Rosado Mercedes , Guerrero Antonio , Romero Alberto
Published: August 2022

In the last few decades, nanoparticles (NPs) synthesis has evolved into a green nanotechnology field, requiring more eco-synthesis of nanoparticles due to the high costs of other chemical-physical methods. Among the most commonly used nanomaterials, ZnO-NPs are highly valuable due to their specific, thermal, optical, and electronic features. Thus, the main objective of this work was to investigate the green synthesis of ZnO-NPs employing Phoenix dactylifera L. extract, which is rich in polyphenols, as a reducing agent. In this way, the effect of the concentration of both the precursors and the reducing agent was evaluated. The NPs were compared through X-ray diffraction (XDR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier infrared transformation spectroscopy (FTIR). Additionally, we evaluated the antioxidant properties (TAC and DPPH) and antibacterial activity of these nanoparticles against Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Gram-negative Escherichia coli (E. coli) pathogenic strains. The results show that it is possible to obtain ZnO-NPs using a green reducing agent (polyphenol extract), presenting a particle size between 18.1 and 61.6 nm. In addition, this synthesis highlighted the antioxidant and antibacterial activities of these nanoparticles. In conclusion, this method could be a suitable substitute for typical toxic methods for the synthesis of metallic nanoparticles.
Effects of lipoprotein(a) in aortic dissection patients and acute myocardial infarction patients with chest pain: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Dong Qinhui , Zhang Yunyan , Zhou Kai , Zhang Hongliang
Published: August 2022

Background: Aortic dissection patients entering the hospital may suffer from chest pain and have a deviation value of lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)). In the present study, we aimed to investigate the clinical importance of Lp(a) level among aortic dissection(AD) patients, healthy control , and acute myocardial infarction(AMI) patients.Method: Acute AD patients (n=257), AMI patients (n=99) and healthy subjects (n=99) were enrolled into our research. We measured Lp(a) level at the admission. We recorded the baseline demographic data and laboratory outcomes. The endpoint was death situation in patients during one month. Then we performed statistical analysis to determine the association between lp(a) level and diseases. Student’s t-test analysis and multiple logistic regression were used to identify lp(a) level difference among groups Results: Researchers interviewed a total of 257 patients with AAD. AAD patients had higher Lp(a) level than healthy control(165(91,301.5) vs.136(68,222).p＜0.001) and lower Lp(a) level than AMI patients(165(91,301.5) vs.231(123,386).p＜0.001). In one month follow-up, the survivors have a higher Lp(a) level than the death toll. Univariate regression analysis showed that Lp(a) was a significant indicator of aortic dissection(OR 1.001, 95% Cl 1.000-1.003, p=0.039). However, after adjusted for other risk factors, an increased risk of having AAD is not observed for a high level of Lp(a)(OR,1.001;95% Cl 0.999-1.003, p=0.4).Conclusions: Serum lipoprotein(a) levels were significantly higher in AAD patients than healthy control. Moreover, the high lp(a) level was found to be independently associated with a better prognosis of AAD. Higher lipoprotein(a) may enhance vessel atherosclerosis, accelerate thrombosis process and promote inflammation response by avoiding the formation of aortic dissection.
Cardiac TNF Receptor-Associated Factor 7 Mediates the Ubiquitination of Apoptosis Signal-Regulating Kinase 1 and Aggravates Cardiac hypertrophy
Authors: Che Yan , Xia hongxia , Wang Zhao-Peng , Feng Yizhou , Liu Yuting , Yuan Yuan , Zhou Heng , Wang Sha-Sha , Tang Qizhu
Published: August 2022

Tumour necrosis receptor-associated factor 7 (TRAF7) belongs to the tumour necrosis factor receptor (TNFR)-associated factor family and plays an important role in biological processes. Previous studies have shown that TRAF7 mutations lead to congenital defects and malformations of the heart. However, the molecular mechanisms of TRAF7 in the underlying pathogenesis of pathological cardiac hypertrophy remain unknown. Here, we found that the expression of TRAF7 increased gradually during the development of hypertrophy. Accordingly, TRAF7 significantly exacerbated the phenylephrine (PE)-induced enlargement of primary neonatal Sprague Dawley rat cardiomyocytes (NRCMs), whereas TRAF7 knockdown alleviated the hypertrophic phenotype in primary cardiomyocytes. Cardiac-specific overexpression of TRAF7 accelerated hypertrophic phenotype in mice and cardiac-specific TRAF7 conditional knockout mice improved hypertrophic phenotype induced by transverse aortic constriction (TAC). Mechanistically, TRAF7 directly interacted with apoptosis signal-regulating kinase-1 (ASK1) and promoted ASK1 phosphorylation by mediating the K63-linked ubiquitination of ASK1 in response to PE stimulation, which then promoted ASK1 activation and downstream signalling during cardiac hypertrophy. Notably, the pro-hypertrophic effect of TRAF7 was largely blocked by the ASK1 inhibitor, GS4997. In summary, we identified TRAF7 as an essential regulator during cardiac hypertrophy, and modulation of the regulatory axis between TRAF7 and ASK1 could be a novel therapeutic strategy to prevent this pathological process.
The effect of haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation on comutations based on next-generation sequencing in adult acute myeloid leukemia patients with the FLT3-ITD mutation
Authors: Huang Xiao-Jun , Tang Fei-Fei , Zhao Xiao-Su , Ruan Guo-Rui , Jiang Qian , Jiang Hao , Xu Lan-Ping , Zhang Xiao-hui
Published: August 2022

The objective of this study was to investigate which comutations based on next-generation sequencing (NGS) at diagnosis affect the clinical prognosis of de novo AML patients with FLT3-ITD mutations and the effect of haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (haplo-HSCT) on the comutations. We analyzed 95 de novo AML patients with FLT3-ITD mutations from January 2018 to August 2021 based on the NGS 99-gene platform. Forty-one other types of molecular mutations were detected. The most common cooccurring mutations were NPM1 (n = 43, 45.3%) and DNMT3A (n = 21, 22.1%). NPM1 mutation status did not affect the clinical outcomes. AML patients with FLT3-ITD and DNMT3A comutations had significantly worse 3-year DFS (25.2% and 62.6%, P = 0.003) and OS rates (57.3% vs. 73.1%, P = 0.047) than those without DNMT3A mutations and the survival was significantly more favorable after haplo-HSCT than chemotherapy (3-year DFS,77.1% vs. 15.4%, P = 0.009; 3-year OS, 82.8% vs. 46%, P = 0.001, respectively). By multivariate analysis, DNMT3A mutation was a risk factor for DFS and OS, while haplo-HSCT was a protective factor. DNMT3A mutation might be a poor prognostic factor in adult AML patients with FLT3-ITD mutations and haplo-HSCT could overcome the poor prognostic of DNMT3A comutation.
Crude F4 fimbriae extracts: its feasibility to be a candidate for Escherichia coli vaccine development for the prevention of diarrhea disease caused by E. coli in piglets
Authors: Nguyet Luong Thi Yen , Ounjai Puey , Kaeoket Kampon , Ngamwongsatit Natharin
Published: August 2022

Background: Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) is one of the most important pathogens causing neonatal and post-weaning diarrhea (PWD) in piglets. The F4+ETEC is particularly problematic in pig farms. Here, we present a simple extraction for producing crude F4 fimbriae to be exploited as an antigenic determinant for effective vaccination. Results: The SDS-PAGE and LC-MS/MS analysis revealed that the crude F4 fimbriae extract contains a major band of molecular weight around 24 kDa, corresponding to the size of the major subunit (FaeG) of F4 fimbriae together with several minor bands of different molecular weights. Crude F4 fimbriae extracts (150 µg/dose) were used to immunize 3 four-weeks old piglets. The antiserum was collected and evaluated the level of F4-specific antibodies by ELISA. It was clear that the level of serum pig IgG and pig IgA antibodies against F4 were significantly higher than that against other E. coli strains (F18+ETEC, F41+ETEC and F4-F18-F41-EC) and unvaccinated control (p < 0.01). Moreover, the pig IgG antibody level against other E. coli strains was also detected at considerably higher level than that of the unvaccinated control (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Our results therefore demonstrated that the crude F4 fimbriae obtained from simple extraction not only induce specific immunity against F4+ E. coli but also stimulate cross-immunity against other E. coli strains. The result suggested that crude F4 fimbriae extract from our method can be used for future vaccine development against porcine diarrheal diseases caused by E. coli.
Biomechanical Analysis of Ovariectomized Osteoporosis Rats with Kidney Deficiency
Authors: Lin Chubin , He Xingpeng , Qiu Yuhui , Cui Shaolong , Chang Yu , Babichuk Ivan S. , Ye Tao , Li Pengfei , Yang Jian
Published: August 2022

Background: Osteoporosis patients with chronic kidney disease usually have a higher risk of bone fracture. In traditional Chinese medicine, Kidney-Yang Deficiency and Kidney-Yin Deficiency are two common syndromes for chronic kidney disease patients. You-gui pills are used as a classic prescription to treat Kidney-Yang Deficiency syndrome due to their efficiency. This study evaluated the effect of you-gui pills on biomechanical properties of femurs in Kidney-Yin and Kidney-Yang Deficiency rats.Methods: The ovariectomized female specific pathogen-free rats were divided into four groups, including Kidney-Yin Deficiency and Kidney-Yang Deficiency with and without you-gui pills. All the ovariectomized rats were sacrificed before the femurs on both sides were separated. Micro-CT analyzed the left femur, the right femur was used to perform a three-point bending test for a femoral shaft, compression and surface indentation tests for the femoral head. The obtained mechanical parameters were statistically analyzed by T-test.Results: The effects of you-gui pills on the femur of Kidney-Yin and Kidney-Yang Deficiency rats were different. You-gui pills significantly affect the bone microstructure and biomechanical properties of the femur of Kidney-Yang Deficiency rats. You-gui pills could significantly enhance bone/tissue volume, trabecular thickness and toughness of the femur in Kidney-Yang Deficiency rats.Conclusion: You-gui pills can enhance the anti-fracture ability of the femoral shaft and the anti-deforming capability of the femoral head in Kidney-Yang Deficiency rats, but have no noticeable effect on the femur of Kidney-Yin Deficiency rats. This study reports on the clinical efficacy of you-gui pills in the treatment of bone. Moreover, it presents a comprehensive narrative of the rationale of this method, highlighting its potential for treatment kidney failure, which affects bone strength.
Local buckling behavior of buried pipeline under seismic oblique-reverse fault displacement
Authors: Xu Lingyue , Cheng Xudong , Huang Runkang , Chen Wendi , Hu Wenjun
Published: August 2022

Seismic fault displacement is the main factor leading to the local buckling failure of the buried pipeline, especially crossing the oblique-reverse fault. The 3-D displacement of the oblique-reverse fault makes the local buckling behavior of the buried pipeline more complex. It may be inaccurate to evaluate the local buckling location and degree using the pipe local buckling results under the single fault displacement, affecting the monitoring and safety assessment of the pipeline. In this paper, to determine the pipe local buckling behavior (potential local buckling locations, developing process) under the oblique-reverse fault displacement, a shell and solid element nonlinear contact coupling model of the pipeline crossing oblique-reverse fault is established using ABAQUS. The results reveal two potential local buckling areas and three stages of the local buckling developing process under the oblique-reverse fault displacement. Subsequently, the potential local buckling locations and three stages in the local buckling under different operating conditions is obtained. It proves that using the results of pipe local buckling under single fault to evaluate the pipeline local buckling under composed fault is not safe enough. Consequently, local buckling behavior of the pipeline crossing oblique-reverse fault provides a reference for the preliminary pipe design, detection, and evaluation.
Dapagliflozin improves the dysfunction of HUVECs by downregulating high glucose/high fat-induced autophagy through inhibiting SGLT-2
Authors: Zhong Siyu , Xia Jie , Jiang Tao , Jiang Aihua , Huang Zhimei , Wang Jianping
Published: August 2022

Objective: To investigate the effect of Dapagliflozin (Da) on the disorders of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) induced by high glucose and high fat (HG/HF). Methods: Immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence were used to detect the SGLT-2 expression in thoracic aortic tissues. After transfected with overexpressed plasmid SLC5A2, autophagy and cell functions of HUVECs were detected with the treatment of autophagy inhibitor 3-MA (5 mM). HUVECs were exposed to mannitol (MAN), glucose/palmitate (Hg/PA), and Hg/PA/Da for 24 h, and the proliferation of HUVECs was detected by CCK-8. The protein expression levels, endothelial cell functions (cell proliferation, migration, tubular formation, apoptosis, and autophagy) in endothelial cells were evaluated. Results: The SGLT-2 expression was found in atherosclerotic human thoracic aorta tissues and HG/PA induced HUVECs (P<0.05). After the overexpression of SGLT-2 in HUVECs, the proliferation, migration and tubule formation ability of HUVECs were inhibited, and autophagy and apoptosis were increased, which were reversed by 3-MA (P<0.05). After the addition of Sodium-glucose co-transporters 2 inhibitor, Dapagliflozin, the proliferation of HUVECs, the tubule formation, autophagy, apoptosis and migration ability of cells inhibited by HG/PA were significantly improved (P<0.05). Moreover, the increased protein expression levels of autophagy and apoptosis in HG/PA induced HUVECs were also decreased by the treatment of Dapagliflozin (P<0.05).Conclusions: Dapagliflozin can improve the dysfunction of high glucose/high fat-induced human umbilical vein endothelial cells by downregulate autophagy through inhibiting SGLT-2.