bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinico-Demographic Study of Chronic Renal Disease Patients Presenting with Congestive Cardiac Failure at a Tertiary Level of Hospital in Dhaka City
Authors: Biswas Partha Protim , Amin MM Ruhul , Huq Md Ataul , Akter Suraiya , Shamima Mosammad Tanbir Nahar
Published: May 2022

Background: Heart failure (HF) is a major public health issue, and it is associated with a high rate of mortality, morbidity,

Objective: The purpose of the present study was to assess the demographic and clinical characteristics of the chronic renal disease patient with congestive cardiac failure (CCF).

Methodology: This cross-sectional study was carried out in the Department of Medicine and Department of Cardiology in Dhaka Medical College Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh for six months after approval of the protocol on patients suffering from CCF. Study population was selected in the study group based on age more than 18 years of both sex and diagnosed case of CCF.

Results: A total 100 patients were included and among them majority of the patients were aged between 51 to 60 years (32.0%). Among them 70.0% cases were male and 30.0% cases were female. About 58.0% cases were living in rural area and 46.0% cases of total subjects had a family income of 20,000-40,000 BDT. Co-morbidities of CCF patients of the study population showed that 53% had hypertension, 48% had ischemic heart disease, 34% had DM, 20.0% had dyslipidaemia, 16% had anaemia, 14.0% had asthma or COPD and rest 8% had history of atrial fibrillation. About 100.0% patients had shortness of breath along with 92.0% bilateral basal crepitation on auscultation; 80.0% had orthopnoea and 66.0% had raised JVP with 64.0% bilateral ankle edema.

Conclusion: In conclusion males with hypertension and sedentary life style suffer from kidney diseases.

Journal of Current and Advance Medical Research, January 2022;9(1):21-25
Comparison of Clinical Presentation and Per-operative Findings of Laparoscopic Assisted Vaginal Hysterectomy
Authors: Shamima Mosammad Tanbir Nahar , Begum Fatema , Begum Sheuly , Rahman Ahsan Habibur , Karmaker Anuradha , Biswas Partha Protim
Published: May 2022

Background: Laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy can be very useful surgery.

Objective: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the clinical diagnoses and preoperative findings with their histopathological results due to hysterectomy.

Methodology: This was a retrospective Observational study carried out Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Sir Salimullah Medical College & Mitford Hospital (SSMC & MH), Dhaka, Bangladesh. Patients requiring of laparoscopic assisted vaginal hysterectomy, admitted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, SSMC & MH, Dhaka. The patients having of laparoscopic assisted vaginal hysterectomy were interviewed, clinical examination was done and per operative findings and histopathological reports were recorded accordingly.

Results: The commonest indication for laparoscopic assisted vaginal hysterectomy in the series is leiomyoma uterus (26%) and dysfunctional uterine bleeding is the second most common (24.0%) indication. Commonest complaint of the patients suffering from dysfunctional uterine bleeding (DUB) was irregular bleeding. Among the 12 cases of clinically diagnosed DUB. About 11 cases had no apparent organic lesion and 10 cases were confirmed by histopathological examination to have no organic lesion. Peroperative findings were similar to clinical diagnosis in 88.0% cases and histopathological findings were similar to clinical diagnosis in 82.0% cases.

Conclusion: Clinical diagnoses in hysterectomy patients are mostly consisted with the per-operative findings and also with the histopathological findings.

Journal of Current and Advance Medical Research, January 2022;9(1):26-31
Queensland typhoid cluster linked to twelve-year carriage of Salmonella Typhi
Authors: Dalmau Marguerite
Published: May 2022

In September 2021, a household cluster of three typhoid cases was investigated by Queensland public health authorities. Through case interviews and molecular typing, the investigation revealed chronic carriage of Salmonella Typhi persisting at least 12 years in the index case. This case report summarises the investigation and highlights the complexity of chronic pathogen carriage in the control and management of typhoid disease. Our findings raise considerations for prevention and treatment guidelines in Australia and demonstrate the beneficial role of molecular typing for complex case investigations.
The effect of diabetes and prediabetes on the prevalence, complications and mortality in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Ng Cheng Han , Chan Kai En , Chin Yip Han , Zeng Rebecca Wenling , Tsai Pei Chen , Lim Wen Hui , Tan Darren Jun Hao , Khoo Chin Meng , Goh Lay Hoon , Ling Zheng Jye , Kulkarni Anand , Mak Lung-Yi Loey , Huang Daniel Q , Chan Mark , Chew Nicholas WS , Siddiqui Mohammad Shadab , Sanyal Arun J. , Muthiah Mark
Published: May 2022

Background/Aims: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is closely associated with diabetes. The cumulative impact of both diseases synergistically increases risk of adverse events. However, present population analysis is predominantly conducted with reference to non-NAFLD individuals and has not yet examined the impact of prediabetes. Hence, we sought to conduct a retrospective analysis on the impact of diabetic status in NAFLD patients, referencing non-diabetic NAFLD individuals.Methods: Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999–2018 was used. Hepatic steatosis was defined with United States Fatty Liver Index (US-FLI) and FLI at a cut-off of 30 and 60 respectively, in absence of substantial alcohol use. A multivariate generalized linear model was used for risk ratios of binary outcomes while survival analysis was conducted with Cox regression and Fine Gray model for competing risk.Results: Of 32,234 patients, 28.92% were identified to have NAFLD. 36.04%, 38.32% and 25.63% were non-diabetic, prediabetic and diabetic respectively. Diabetic NAFLD significantly increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), stroke, chronic kidney disease, all-cause and CVD mortality compared to non-diabetic NAFLD. However, prediabetic NAFLD only significantly increased the risk of CVD and did not result in a higher risk of mortality.Conclusions: Given the increased risk of adverse outcomes, this study highlights the importance of regular diabetes screening in NAFLD and adoption of prompt lifestyle modifications to reduce disease progression. Facing high cardiovascular burden, prediabetic and diabetic NAFLD individuals can benefit from early cardiovascular referrals to reduce risk of CVD events and mortality.
Fibropapillomatosis dynamics in green sea turtles Chelonia mydas over 15 years of monitoring in Akumal Bay, Quintana Roo, Mexico
Authors: Muñoz Tenería FA , Labrada-Martagón V , Herrera-Pavón RL , Work TM , González-Ballesteros E , Negrete-Philippe AC , Maldonado-Saldaña G
Published: May 2022

Fibropapillomatosis (FP) is a tumor disease that affects all sea turtle species but is mainly seen in green turtles Chelonia mydas. The pathology of FP has been described extensively, but its dynamics in populations over time have been less studied. We analyzed the dynamics of FP in a population of green turtles in Akumal Bay on the central coast of the Mexican Caribbean. A total of 475 green turtles were captured over 15 yr (2004-2018). The highest prevalence of FP was found in the largest turtles, and there was a positive relationship between FP prevalence and size of turtles. FP was first detected in 2008 at a prevalence of 1.6%, and annual prevalence increased markedly from 17.9% in 2015 to 54% by 2018. Likewise, severity of FP increased over time, with most turtles falling into moderately to severely diseased categories (tumor score 2). The average size of turtles with FP was significantly larger than the size of individuals without FP. Regression of tumors was seen in 21% of turtles, tumor score was higher in smaller individuals, and only tumor score 2 was present in the largest sea turtles. An increase in the prevalence and tumor score of FP coincided with the massive arrival of Sargassum in 2015, suggesting that altered environmental conditions may have played a role. The increased prevalence of FP in Akumal Bay prompts the need to explain what might be driving this phenomenon and how widespread it is in the Caribbean.
Chaotic EEG patterns during recall of stressful memory related to panic attack
Authors: Bob P , Kukleta M , Riečanský I , Šusta M , Kukumberg P , Jagla F
Published: May 2022

Chaotic transitions likely emerge in a wide variety of cognitive phenomena and may be linked to specific changes during the development of mental disorders. They represent relatively short periods in the behavior of a system, which are extremely sensitive to very small changes. This increased sensitivity has been suggested to occur also during retrieval of stressful emotional experiences because of their fragmentary, temporally and spatially disorganized character. To test this hypothesis we recorded EEG during retrieval of fearful memories related to panic attack in 7 patients and retrieval of anxiety-related memories in 11 healthy controls. Nonlinear data analysis of EEG records showed a statistically significant increase in degree of chaotic dynamics after retrieval of stressful memories in majority of patients as well as in control subjects. This change correlated with subjective intensity of anxiety induced during the memory retrieval. The data suggest a role of nonlinear changes of neural dynamics in the processing of stressful anxiety-related memories, which may play an important role in the pathophysiology of panic disorder.
Beneficial effects of Provinols TM: cardiovascular system and kidney
Authors: Pecháňová O , Rezzani R , Babál P , Bernátová I , Andriantsitohaina R
Published: May 2022

Red wine polyphenols have been reported to exert beneficial effects in preventing cardiovascular diseases but their molecular mechanisms of hemodynamic effects on functional cardiovascular and renal changes were studied much less. The review is focused on in vitro as well as in vivo effects of red wine extract containing polyphenolic compounds (Provinols) on cardiovascular systems and kidney in relation to the molecular and biochemical mechanisms of these compounds. This review provides the evidence that Provinols is able to produce ex vivo endothelium-dependent relaxation as a result of enhanced NO synthesis. Administration of Provinols partially prevents the development of hypertension during NO deficiency and accelerates the decrease of blood pressure in already established hypertension. The effects of Provinols include prevention and/or attenuation of myocardial fibrosis, reduction of aortic wall thickening and improvement of vascular functions. These functional and structural alterations are associated with significant augmentation of NO production, seen as the increase of NO synthase activity and eNOS protein expression. Moreover, it has been documented that Provinols decreased the oxidative stress within the cardiovascular system and kidney.
The effect of psychoemotional load on ventricular repolarization reflected in integral body surface potential maps
Authors: Kellerová E , Regecová V , Katina S , Titomir LI , Aidu EAI , Trunov VG , Szathmáry V
Published: May 2022

The aim of the present study was to investigate the reflection of psychoemotional stress in the body surface potential distribution as documented by isointegral maps of cardiac activation and recovery. In 72 young men (18.3+/- 7.3 y.) with no cardiovascular history body surface potential maps (BSPMs) at rest and during the test of mental arithmetic were recorded. The digitalized data for each point of the QRS, STT and QRST integral maps, for each subject in both situations, were processed and evaluated by methods of univariate as well as spatial mathematical and statistical modeling. The results showed during MA a significant decrease of repolarization integral values over the sternum and right precordium, which contributed to analogically localized decrements also in the QRST BSM. The decrease occurred in more than 2/3 of lead points. The most pronounced changes were observed in the right precordial area, where potentials decreased in more than in 70 % of subjects. In conclusion, the discriminative power of the difference STT and QRST integral maps was strong enough to distinguish the mental arithmetic induced changes in the superficial cardiac electric field. These adrenergic transient alterations in ventricular recovery may be of importance in subjects at risk for ventricular arrhythmias.
PENGEMBANGAN BAHAN AJAR BERBASIS PEMECAHAN MASALAH PADA MATA KULIAH ALJABAR LINEAR
Authors: Angraini Lilis Marina , Wahyuni Astri
Published: May 2022

This research aims to produce teaching materials through the learning obstacle analysis of mathematics education students in mathematical problem solving ability in Linear Algebra Courses that are practically tested. This type of research is research and development. The subjects of this study were 40 students in the Mathematics Education Study Program at the Islamic University of Riau in the third semester of 2019/2020. In this study, the data used were the results of the validation questionnaire trial data that was assessed by experts called the validator. The data obtained will be analyzed using qualitative descriptive analysis. Based on the results of the study, the percentage of overall product trial results obtained was 91.86% with a very practical category. This means that the developed learning tool is very easy to use by students in the learning process and can also overcome student learning difficulties (learning obstacle) in this case the ability to solve mathematical problems in Linear Algebra. Overall the results of the study indicate that the learning tools developed are suitable for use and can improve student learning outcomes.
Analisis Kesalahan Siswa Menyelesaikan Soal Cerita Ditinjau dari Gaya Belajar
Authors: Yofita Anisa , Rahmi Rahmi , Jufri Lucky Heriyanti
Published: May 2022

Abstrak. Penelitian ini dilatarbelakangi oleh banyaknya kesalahan yang dilakukan siswa dalam menyelesaikan permasalahan matematika dalam bentuk soal cerita. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mendeskripsikan bagaimana bentuk kesalahan siswa dalam menyelesaikan soal cerita ditinjau dari gaya belajar siswa kelas XI MIPA SMAN 2 Lubuk Basung. Metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah metode deskriptif dengan pendekatan kualitatif. Subjek penelitian dipilih secara purposive sampling yaitu adalah kelas XI MIPA 2 SMAN 2 Lubuk Basung. Instrumen yang digunakan untuk mengumpulkan data berupa tes soal cerita, wawancara dan dokumentasi. Data jenis kesalahan diperoleh berdasarkan indikator kesalahan Newman. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa Siswa yang memiliki gaya belajar visual cenderung melakukan kesalahan transformasi (transformation error). Siswa dengan gaya belajar auditorial cenderung melakukan kesalahan transformasi (transformation error) dan keterampilan proses (process skill error). Sedangkan siswa dengan gaya belajar kinestetik cenderung melakukan kesalahan transformasi (transformation error), keterampilan proses (process skill error), dan penulisan jawaban (encoding error).Kata Kunci: Jenis Kesalahan, Soal Cerita, Gaya Belajar.
Improving Teacher Work Discipline in Madrasah Through Charismatic Leadership
Authors: Muali Chusnul , Ridwan Ridwan , Huda Huda , Akbar Abdul Rozaq
Published: May 2022

This paper describes the charismatic principal in improving teacher work discipline in pesantren-based madrasah. Teacher work discipline is quite essential because departing from the work discipline of the teacher, and it can also be seen how the process and quality in the institution. This research takes place at Madrasah Aliyah Nurul Jadid Paiton, which incidentally is a pesantren-based madrasah. This study aims to contribute ideas guidelines for madrasah principals in improving work discipline. This research uses a qualitative case study approach. The informants included the head of the madrasah, deputy head, organizational builder, waka curriculum, waka student, teacher, and one student of Madrasah Aliyah Nurul Jadid Paiton, through purposive sampling. The data analysis uses Miles and Huberman's concepts, namely data reduction, data presentation, and conclusions or data verification. The research results obtained include; 1) A strong personality aura that is respected as one that affects the discipline of the teacher's work; 2) Being responsible for the main tasks and positions becomes the teacher's consideration for discipline; 3) Visionary in compiling and innovating about the future direction of the madrasah; and 4) Becoming an example in all aspects for their subordinates in the discipline.
Multicultural Based Learning Management in Early Childhood Education
Authors: Abdullah Abdullah , Nu'man Agus , Zamroni Zamroni , Wahyuni Dwi Irma , Arbaiyah Arbaiyah
Published: May 2022

This study aims to understand the management of multicultural-based learning at the level of early childhood education. The method used in this study used a qualitative descriptive approach. PAUD Hidayatul Muttaqin conducted this research. In order to get an overview of the object, the researcher made observations at the location and interviewed several components in the school, including; the principal, three teachers, and two guardians. The results showed that multicultural-based learning management was carried out by; planning for multicultural education, strengthening human resources for educators, implementing multicultural education, and evaluating multicultural cultures. The implications obtained through multicultural-based learning management can foster a sense of nationalism and care for others in students. For this reason, the management of multicultural education is a place to instill the spirit of nationalism so that it can unite the existing diversity.
Public Relations Management in Building School Image: A Case Study
Authors: Zahroh Luluk Atirotu
Published: May 2022

SDI Miftahul Huda, Kedungwaru, Tulungagung is strongly committed to developing the best educational institutions. Seeing the institution's purpose, it is understood that schools must be able to improve the quality of education and optimize the participation of the community who give good opinions for the school's image. This study aims to understand the management of public relations in building the school's image. The research method used is qualitative. The data collection technique is done by interview, observation, and documentation. Data analysis used is data reduction, data presentation, and concluding. The study results indicate that the implementation of public relations in building the school's image is carried out through internal and external work programs, where each work program has a role in building the image of SDI Miftahul Huda. Public relations strategy in building an image is carried out by evaluating public behavior, identifying policies and procedures of the organization with the public's wishes, and planning and establishing an action program so that the public can accept and understand the program held by the school.
Overview of most common diseases of vulvovaginal region
Authors: Surkichin S. I. , Mayorov R. Yu.
Published: May 2022

Vulvar dermatosis is an inﬂammatory condition that manifests itself in a variety of symptoms that cause severe discomfort to a woman and signifcantly reduce the quality of life. The main symptoms are dyspareunia, dysuria, itching, dry skin and mucous membranes in the vulva. The clinical picture may be limited only to the vulva, or associated with extragenital localization. It is diffcult to overestimate the importance of the differential diagnosis of vulvar dermatoses, since most of them are clinically very similar to each other. Not only the cure for a specifc disease depends on the correct diagnosis, but also the prevention of the development of oncology, because some nosologies can become malignant. For example, lichen planus and lichen sclerosus can develop into squamous cell carcinoma. The most common method of therapy is topical glucocorticosteroids, but in the last few years more effective and complex ones have appeared, incl. combined methods for the treatment of dermatoses of the vulva, such as CO 2 laser, Er: Yag, Prp, biorevitalization, etc.
Issues of use of hepatoprotectors in psoriasis: Indications and effectiveness
Authors: Kruglova L. S. , Rudneva N. S. , Egoyan G. G.
Published: May 2022

The pathology of the hepatobiliary system in psoriasis may be the result of taking hepatotoxic drugs, the result of a systemic inﬂammatory process. In this connection, it is necessary to consider the issue of including hepatoprotective drugs in psoriasis treatment regimens. There were 69 patients under observation, which, depending on the severity and prescribed treatment, were divided into 4 groups. In the B1A subgroup, a 75% reduction in PASI was observed in all patients, with PASI100 reaching 87.5% of patients. In subgroup 1B, a 75% decrease in PASI was observed in 87.5% of patients, while PASI100 reached 68.7% of patients. The DIQI index reduced in the 1A subgroup by 72.9%, in the 1B subgroup – by 66.3%. All patients of group 1 were diagnosed with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. After therapy, in patients of subgroup 1A (therapy included a course of phosphogliv), the number of transaminases signifcantly decreased, in subgroup 1B there was no dynamics. In subgroup 2A, a 75% decrease in PASI was observed in 90% of patients, while PASI100 reached 60.0% of patients. In subgroup 2B, a 75% decrease in PASI was observed in 70.6% of patients, while PASI100 reached 47.1% of patients. The DIQI index reduced in the 2A subgroup by 77.0%, in the 2B subgroup – by 60.2%. The inclusion of phosphogliv in the therapeutic complex can increase the effectiveness of the treatment and reduce the risk of developing druginduced liver damage against the background of the use of potentially hepatotoxic drugs.
Treatment of Acute Wounds With Recombinant Human-Like Collagen and Recombinant Human-Like Fibronectin in C57BL/6 Mice Individually or in Combination
Authors: Dong Yunqing , Zhu Weidong , Lei Xiaoxuan , Luo Xin , Xiang Qi , Zhu Xuanru , Pan Qiao , Jin Panshi , Cheng Biao
Published: May 2022

Wound repair is accomplished by the interaction between the cells involved in the repair and the extracellular matrix (ECM). Collagen is the main component of ECM, which is involved in transduction of signal, transportation of growth factors and cytokines. Fibronectin (FN) is also an important ECM, which participates in the initiation of fibroblast cell (FC) and promotes adhesion, migration, proliferation and differentiation of target cells. Compared with natural protein, the recombinant protein prepared by artificial method has the advantages of poor immunogenicity, wide range of sources, low cost and high activity. In this study, we used recombinant human-like collagen (RHC) and recombinant human-like fibronectin (rhFN) to treat acute wounds in C57BL/6 mice individually or in combination, and explored their effects on wound healing. Our study confirmed that these two recombinant proteins could effectively promote the proliferation, migration and adhesion of FCs. Meanwhile, it could positively regulate the healing speed and quality of acute wounds, re-epithelialization, collagen deposition, inflammation and angiogenesis. Moreover, we proved that the combination of the two was better than the treatment alone. Consequently, it has a good prospect as a new tissue material in the field of skin repair.
Comprehensive Analysis of the Butyrate-Metabolism-Related Gene Signature in Tumor Microenvironment-Infiltrating Immune Cells in Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Tang Gang , Guan Haochen , Du Zhiyong , Yuan Weijie
Published: May 2022

A wealth of experimental evidence has validated that butyrate is capable of inhibiting tumorigenesis, while the potential role of butyrate metabolism in the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) has been rarely explored. This study aims to explore the potential of butyrate-metabolism-related genes as prognostic biomarkers and their correlations with immune infiltrates in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) patients. Based on The Cancer Genome Atlas dataset (TCGA; n = 539), a total of 22 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) related with butyrate metabolism in ccRCC and normal samples were identified. Among them, a prognostic signature involving six butyrate-metabolism-related genes was created (Bu-Meta-GPS) in the training set (n = 271) and validation set (n = 268), and risk scores were calculated based on them. ccRCC patients with high-risk scores exhibited an unfavorable prognosis, high immunoscore, upregulated immuno-oncological targets (PD1, PD-L1, CTLA4, and CD19), and distinct immune-cell infiltration than those with low-risk scores. High-risk ccRCC patients without radiotherapy had a better survival rate than radiotherapy-treated patients. The negative regulation of cytokine production and cytokine-mediated signaling pathways was remarkably enriched in ccRCC patients with high-risk scores. A nomogram was then formulated to assess the overall survival (OS) of ccRCC patients. In summary, we illuminated the key role of butyrate metabolism in ccRCC TIME. The developed Bu-Meta-GPS was a sensitive predictive biomarker for the prognosis of ccRCC, which also provided new perspectives in improving immunotherapeutic efficacy.
Traffic Patterns of the Migrating Endothelium: How Force Transmission Regulates Vascular Malformation and Functional Shunting During Angiogenic Remodelling
Authors: Edgar Lowell T. , Park Hyojin , Crawshaw Jessica R. , Osborne James M. , Eichmann Anne , Bernabeu Miguel O.
Published: May 2022

Angiogenesis occurs in distinct phases: initial spouting is followed by remodelling in which endothelial cells (ECs) composing blood vessels rearrange by migrating against the direction of flow. Abnormal remodelling can result in vascular malformation. Such is the case in mutation of the Alk1 receptor within the mouse retina which disrupts flow-migration coupling, creating mixed populations of ECs polarised with/against flow which aggregate into arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). The lack of live imaging optionsin vivomeans that the collective EC dynamics that drive AVM and the consequences of mixed populations of polarity remain a mystery. Therefore, our goal is to present a novel agent-based model to provide theoretical insight into EC force transmission and collective dynamics during angiogenic remodelling. Force transmission between neighbouring agents consists of extrusive forces which maintain spacing and cohesive forces which maintain the collective. We performed migration simulations within uniformly polarised populations (against flow) and mixed polarity (with/against flow). Within uniformly polarised populations, extrusive forces stabilised the plexus by facilitating EC intercalation which ensures that cells remained evenly distributed. Excess cohesion disrupts intercalation, resulting in aggregations of cells and functional shunting. Excess cohesion between ECs prevents them from resolving diameter balances within the plexus, leading to prolonged flow reversals which exert a critical behaviour change within the system as they switch the direction of cell migration and traffic patterns at bifurcations. Introducing mixtures of cell polarity dramatically changed the role of extrusive forces within the system. At low extrusion, opposing ECs were able to move past each other; however, at high extrusion the pushing between cells resulted in migration speeds close to zero, forming traffic jams and disrupting migration. In our study, we produced vascular malformations and functional shunting with either excess cohesion between ECs or mixtures of cell polarity. At the centre of both these mechanisms are cell-cell adherens junctions, which are involved in flow sensing/polarity and must remodelling dynamically to allow rearrangements of cells during vascular patterning. Thus, our findings implicate junctional dysfunction as a new target in the treatment and prevention of vascular disease and AVMs.
Cardiovascular Disease Risk Modeling for Astronauts: Making the Leap From Earth to Space
Authors: Huff Janice L. , Plante Ianik , Blattnig Steve R. , Norman Ryan B. , Little Mark P. , Khera Amit , Simonsen Lisa C. , Patel Zarana S.
Published: May 2022

NASA has recently completed several long-duration missions to the International Space Station and is solidifying plans to return to the Moon, with an eye toward Mars and beyond. As NASA pushes the boundaries of human space exploration, the hazards of spaceflight, including space radiation, levy an increasing burden on astronaut health and performance. The cardiovascular system may be especially vulnerable due to the combined impacts of space radiation exposure, lack of gravity, and other spaceflight hazards. On Earth, the risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) following moderate to high radiation doses is well-established from clinical, environmental, and occupational exposures (largely from gamma- and x-rays). Less is known about CVD risks associated with high-energy charged ions found in space and increasingly used in radiotherapy applications on Earth, making this a critical area of investigation for occupational radiation protection. Assessing CVD risk is complicated by its multifactorial nature, where an individual's risk is strongly influenced by factors such as family history, blood pressure, and lipid profiles. These known risk factors provide the basis for development of a variety of clinical risk prediction models (CPMs) that inform the likelihood of medical outcomes over a defined period. These tools improve clinical decision-making, personalize care, and support primary prevention of CVD. They may also be useful for individualizing risk estimates for CVD following radiation exposure both in the clinic and in space. In this review, we summarize unique aspects of radiation risk assessment for astronauts, and we evaluate the most widely used CVD CPMs for their use in NASA radiation risk assessment applications. We describe a comprehensive dual-use risk assessment framework that supports both clinical care and operational management of space radiation health risks using quantitative metrics. This approach is a first step in using personalized medicine for radiation risk assessment to support safe and productive spaceflight and long-term quality of life for NASA astronauts.
Role of Catestatin in the Cardiovascular System and Metabolic Disorders
Authors: Zalewska Ewa , Kmieć Piotr , Sworczak Krzysztof
Published: May 2022

Catestatin is a multifunctional peptide that is involved in the regulation of the cardiovascular and immune systems as well as metabolic homeostatis. It mitigates detrimental, excessive activity of the sympathetic nervous system by inhibiting catecholamine secretion. Based on in vitro and in vivo studies, catestatin was shown to reduce adipose tissue, inhibit inflammatory response, prevent macrophage-driven atherosclerosis, and regulate cytokine production and release. Clinical studies indicate that catestatin may influence the processes leading to hypertension, affect the course of coronary artery diseases and heart failure. This review presents up-to-date research on catestatin with a particular emphasis on cardiovascular diseases based on a literature search.
Pipeline Stress Test Simulation Under Freeze-Thaw Cycling via the XGBoost-Based Prediction Model
Authors: Teng Zhen-Chao , Teng Yun-Chao , Li Bo , Liu Xiao-Yan , Liu Yu , Zhou Ya-Dong
Published: May 2022

This study conducted ten freeze-thaw cyclic tests to clarify the effect of freeze-thaw cycles on the forces acting on the buried oil pipeline. The stress evolution in the Q345 steel pipeline versus the number of freeze-thaw cycles was obtained. The test results were consistent with the COMSOL simulation of the effect of different moisture contents on the pipeline bottom stress. Besides the proposed XGBoost model, eleven machine-learning stress prediction models were also applied to 10–20 freeze-thaw cycling tests. The results showed that during the freeze-thaw process, the compressive stress at the pipeline bottom did not exceed −69.785 MPa. After eight freeze-thaw cycles, the extreme value of the principal stress of -252.437MPa, i.e., 73.17% of the yield stress, was reached. When the initial moisture content exceeded 20%, the eighth freeze-thaw cycle’s pipeline stress decreased remarkably. The XGBoost model effectively predicted the pipeline’s principal stress in each cycle of 10 freeze-thaw cyclic tests, with R2 = 0.978, MSE = 0.021, and MAE = 0.102. The above compressive stress fluctuated from −131.226 to −224.105 MPa. The predicted values well matched the experimental ones, being in concert with the “ratcheting effect” predicted by the freeze-thaw cycle theory. The results obtained provide references for the design, operation, and maintenance of buried oil pipelines.
Potential Use of Extreme Rainfall Forecast and Socio-Economic Data for Impact-Based Forecasting at the District Level in Northern India
Authors: Singhal Akshay , Raman Ashwin , Jha Sanjeev K.
Published: May 2022

Due to the increase in extreme rainfall events in India, there is an urgent need for prior communication of the expected impacts and appropriate responses in order to mitigate the losses of lives and damage to property. Extreme rainfall events cause numerous casualties, damage to property and infrastructure and vast displacement of people. Hence, the development of an approach where the rainfall forecasts are well analyzed, associated risks are identified, and the probable impacts are clearly communicated to relevant stakeholders is required. In this study, we aim to develop a framework for generating the impact-based forecasts (IBF) and associated warning matrices over the selected districts of eastern Uttar Pradesh, India, by integrating the rainfall forecasts and the socio-economic characteristics such as population, economy and agriculture. The selected districts lack proper infrastructure, have poor socio-economic conditions and have been historically prone to frequent extreme rainfall. The basic idea is to estimate the impacts that could occur over various sectors of population, economy and agriculture and suggest appropriate actions in order to mitigate the severity of the impacts. To this end, we identify the vulnerable districts based on the frequency of the number of extreme rainfall forecasts (ERFs) in the past four years (2017–2020) and the nature of socio-economic conditions. We selected three vulnerable districts based on the expected impacts, i.e., Shravasti (high category), Gorakhpur (medium category) and Jaunpur (low category) and subsequently, the corresponding IBFs are generated. Furthermore, a warning matrix is created for each district which provides updated information regarding the potential risk for a district a few days in advance. This study is significant since it identifies the different levels of potential impact over multiple sectors of society, presents a framework to generate impact-based forecasts and warnings, informs about the expected impacts, and suggests mitigation actions to reduce potential damage and losses.
Sediment Infill of Tropical Floodplain Lakes: Rates, Controls, and Implications for Ecosystem Services
Authors: Lo Edward L. , Yeager Kevin M. , Bergier Ivan , Domingos-Luz Leandro , Silva Aguinaldo , McGlue Michael M.
Published: May 2022

Shallow lakes in tropical floodplains provide significant ecosystem services that can be altered by natural and anthropogenic forces. Despite their importance, little is known about the infill patterns and timescales and the magnitude of these changes in tropical floodplain lakes. Here, we present a global meta-analysis of sediment core-derived accumulation rate data for shallow floodplain lakes in tropical lowlands to quantify the timescales of basin infill. Environmental variables (e.g., sediment accumulation rates, bathymetry, surface area) were compiled from the literature or derived from remote sensing imagery, resulting in a database (n = 76 lakes) that includes various lake morphologies. Our results show an exponential increase in sediment accumulation rates in many of these lakes over the past 50 years, which we interpret as a response to growing human populations and deforestation, particularly in topographically steep watersheds with pronounced seasonal rainfall. Over centennial periods, tropical floodplain lakes accumulate sediment faster than many other extratropical lakes. The dataset suggests that complete infill of some tropical floodplain lakes will occur in as little as a few centuries. Our findings also reveal the critical environmental and human factors that influence sediment accumulation patterns and affect ecosystem services in shallow tropical floodplain lakes. These findings have important implications for water and sediment management in low latitude watersheds, many of which are located in densely populated and/or developing nations.
Identification of Rock Properties of Rock Wall Cut by Roadheader Based on PSO-VMD-LSSVM
Authors: Qi Pengfei , Chang Jucai , Chen Xiao , Wang Tuo , Wu Mengyun
Published: May 2022

The problem of low digging efficiency and mining imbalance due to outdated digging technology and low degree of equipment intelligence has long existed in coal mine roadway excavation work. Lithology identification is the key to the intelligence of roadheading equipment. Accurate lithology identification significantly affects the automatic control of roadheader cutting conditions. Completing the identification of lithology in the process of rock wall cutting by a roadheader involved the following steps: building a tunneling experiment platform, making four rock specimens with different lithologies, completing the tunneling simulation experiments on four lithologies, obtaining current sensor data of four lithologies cutting, and finally proposing an intelligent lithology identification method of PSO-VMD-LSSVM. The research results show that the particle swarm algorithm (PSO) optimized the variational modal decomposition (VMD) with minimum envelope information entropy as the fitness function can realize the adaptive decomposition of the current signal of truncated motors. The signal reconstruction can increase the signal-to-noise ratio of the current signal by selecting the eigenmodal components according to the energy density and correlation coefficient criterion. The multi-scale fuzzy entropy is used as the eigenvector of the reconstructed current signal as the fuzzy entropy of different lithology cut-off motor currents has better differentiation at different scales. The least-squares support vector machine (LSSVM) is used to classify the feature vectors processed by custom decomposition parameter VMD and gives a recognition rate of 87.5%. The recognition rate increases to 97.5% for the feature vectors processed by PSO-VMD. The particle swarm algorithm optimizes the noise reduction via VMD to effectively improve the lithology recognition rate. The research results can provide a methodological reference for rock property recognition during rock cutting by a roadheading machine.
A Nomogram Predicting the Overall Survival and Cancer-Specific Survival in Patients with Parathyroid Cancer: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Tao Mei , Luo Shuyan , Wang Xiaoming , Jia Meng , Lu Xiubo
Published: May 2022

Purpose

This study aimed to explore a visual model for predicting the prognosis of patients with parathyroid carcinoma (PC) and analyze related biochemistries in different groups of stage.

Methods

The training dataset of 342 patients with PC was obtained from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database, and the validation dataset included 59 patients from The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed to evaluate significant independent prognostic factors. Based on those factors, nomograms and Web-based probability calculators were constructed to evaluate the overall survival (OS) and the cancer-specific survival (CSS) at 3, 5, and 8 years. The concordance index (C-index), receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, calibration curve, and decision curve analysis (DCA) were used to evaluate the nomogram in the training set and validation set. Moreover, biochemistries from the validation set were retrospectively analyzed in different groups of stage by Kruskal–Wallis test.

Results

Age, marital status, tumor size, stage, lymph node status, and radiation were identified as prognostic factors of OS. In contrast, only tumor size and stage were predictive for CSS. The nomogram was developed based on these independent factors. The C-index, ROC curve, calibration curve, and DCA of the nomogram in both training and validation sets showed that the nomogram had good predictive value, stability, and clinical benefit in predicting 3-, 5-, and 8-year OS and CSS in PC patients. Among the 59 PC patients from our hospital, lower albumin (ALB) levels and higher postoperative parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels were found in patients with distant metastasis (Distant vs. Regional ALB levels: p = 0.037; Distant vs. Local ALB levels: p = 0.046; Distant vs. Regional postoperative PTH levels: p = 0.002; Distant vs. Local postoperative PTH: p = 0.002).

Conclusion

The established nomogram application can provide accurate prognostics for patients with PC in the Chinese population, but it must be validated on prospectively collected real-world data.
Simultaneous Impact of Hollow Droplet and Continuous Dense Droplet on Liquid Film
Authors: Li Dashu , Liang Gangtao , Hua Dan
Published: May 2022

The Simultaneous impact of a hollow droplet and a continuous dense droplet on a liquid film was investigated using the coupled level set and volume of fluid (CLSVOF) method. Analyses included fluid dynamics and heat transfer characteristics in impact. Results showed that the interfacial phenomena after impact incorporates spreading, central jet between droplets, edge liquid sheet, and counter jet inside the hollow droplet. The pressure gradient is the major cause for the above phenomena. The significant parameter of impact velocity is closely related to the dynamics and heat transfer for droplets impacting on a liquid film. Droplets with higher impact velocity exhibit a greater spreading factor, central jet height, edge jet height, and counter jet height. Besides, wall heat flux increases more notably for droplets with a higher impact velocity. Compared with the continuous droplet, the hollow droplet shows a smaller spreading factor and edge jet height, a higher wall heat flux, but a narrow thermally affected region. This study provides a fundamental understanding for the application of high-pressure spray combustion.
Challenges Regionalizing Methane Emissions Using Aquatic Environments in the Amazon Basin as Examples
Authors: Melack John M. , Basso Luana S. , Fleischmann Ayan S. , Botía Santiago , Guo Mingyang , Zhou Wencai , Barbosa Pedro M. , Amaral Joao H.F. , MacIntyre Sally
Published: May 2022

Key challenges to regionalization of methane fluxes in the Amazon basin are the large seasonal variation in inundated areas and habitats, the wide variety of aquatic ecosystems throughout the Amazon basin, and the variability in methane fluxes in time and space. Based on available measurements of methane emission and areal extent, seven types of aquatic systems are considered: streams and rivers, lakes, seasonally flooded forests, seasonally flooded savannas and other interfluvial wetlands, herbaceous plants on riverine floodplains, peatlands, and hydroelectric reservoirs. We evaluate the adequacy of sampling and of field methods plus atmospheric measurements, as applied to the Amazon basin, summarize published fluxes and regional estimates using bottom-up and top-down approaches, and discuss current understanding of biogeochemical and physical processes in Amazon aquatic environments and their incorporation into mechanistic and statistical models. Recommendations for further study in the Amazon basin and elsewhere include application of new remote sensing techniques, increased sampling frequency and duration, experimental studies to improve understanding of biogeochemical and physical processes, and development of models appropriate for hydrological and ecological conditions.
Determinants of Adoption and the Type of Solar PV Technology Adopted in Rural Pakistan
Authors: Ahmar Muhammad , Ali Fahad , Jiang Yuexiang , Wang Yichu , Iqbal Kashif
Published: May 2022

The electricity crisis in Pakistan has been triggering grid power outages (load shedding) for many decades, which has not only affected the commercial and industrial sectors but also the domestic sector, specifically the livelihood of rural areas of the country. However, the extant literature advocates that renewable energy technologies (RETs), such as solar photovoltaic (PV) can be the remedy. Given the abundant availability of solar energy in Pakistan that can be converted into electrical energy using a solar PV system, this study examines the determinants of solar PV adoption in rural areas of Pakistan. Our preliminary investigations—using government/official publications—indicate that despite the huge potential of solar energy in Pakistan, the usage of solar PV systems at the household level in rural areas is still untapped, which makes this research agenda more appealing and provocative. In doing so, this study first conducts surveys, face-to-face comprehensive interviews, and questionnaires in four different districts of Pakistan and then implements a stepwise two-stage novel approach on a sample of 1,140 selected rural households. The first stage focuses on the determinants of solar PV system adoption, whereas the second stage focuses on the determinants of the type of solar PV system adopted. Using logistic regression, this study finds that age, education, children in school, income level, access to credit, gender (female), and price of a solar PV system are the factors significantly affecting the solar PV system adoption. In the second stage, we use a multivariate probit model and find that among these significant factors, the former five are significantly positive for the uptake of solar home-system, whereas the latter two are significant for both solar shed-lighting and solar panel-kit systems. In addition to these factors, landholding and access-to-road are significant for solar home systems, whereas household size, distance-to-market, and access-to-grid-electricity are significant for both solar shed-lighting and solar panel-kit systems. Since burning fossil fuels and solid biomass fuels for domestic energy needs are common in rural areas globally and cause carbon emissions and several severe health issues, the findings of this study are useful in many ways. In specific, we contribute to the literature examining the determinants of RETs in rural communities in developing countries.