bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Endothelial cell-derived exosomes promote nerve regeneration by boosting and maintaining repair-related phenotypes in Schwann cells
Authors: Huang Jinsheng , Zhang Geyi , Li Senrui , Chen Tailong , Wang Wengang , Chen Fei , Fang Mengyuan , Zhou Nan
Published: August 2022

Background:Schwann cells respond to nerve injury by transforming into a cell phenotype that promotes repair. These repair Schwann cells provide the essential signals and spatial cues to encourage axonal regeneration and induce target reinnervation. Endothelial cells (ECs), another crucial component of nerve tissue, contribute to the formation of regenerative microenvironment. Therefore, the way to control these peculiar cells, amplify their supportive functions and prevent their deterioration could be remarkable for the treatment of injured peripheral nerves. As the vital information mediators in the nervous system, exosomes have been proposed to take a significant role in regulating regeneration.Results:In the present study, we collected exosomes from media of ECs. We demonstrated that exosomes derived from ECs possessed the favorable neuronal affinity both in vitro and in vivo. Further research indicated that EC-exosomes could boost and maintain repair-related phenotypes of Schwann cells, thereby enhancing axonal regeneration, myelination of regenerated axons and neurologically functional recovery of the injured nerve. We found some highly enriched miRNAs in EC-exosomes, including let-7f-5p, miR199-5p and miR-3074-5p by the sequencing of miRNAs. In addition, miRNA sequencing in EXO-treated Schwann cells and control Schwann cells indicated that EC-exosomes significantly up-regulated the expression of miR199-5p. Furthermore, this study demonstrated that EC-exosomes drove the conversion of Schwann cell phenotypes in a PI3K/AKT/PTEN-dependent manner.Conclusion:In conclusion, our research indicates that the internalization of EC-exosomes in Schwann cells can promote nerve regeneration by boosting and maintaining the repair-related phenotypes of Schwann cells. And the mechanism may be relevant to the regulation of miRNAs and activation of PI3K/AKT/PTEN signaling pathway.
Screening eaves of houses reduces indoor Anopheles density in rural, western Kenya
Authors: Abong'o Bernard , Gimnig John E. , Omoke Diana , Ochomo Eric , Walker Edward D.
Published: August 2022

Background: Despite the scale-up of insecticide treated nets and indoor residual spraying, the bulk of malaria transmission in western Kenya still occurs indoors, late at night. House improvement is a potential long-term solution to further reduce malaria transmission in the region.Methods:We evaluated the impact of eave screening on mosquito densities in two rural villages in western Kenya. One hundred and twenty pairs of structurally similar, neighboring houses were used in the study. In each pair, one house was randomly selected to receive eave screening at the beginning of the study while the other remained unscreened until the end of the sampling period. Mosquito sampling was performed monthly by motorized aspiration method for four months. The collected mosquitoes were analyzed for species identification.Results: Compared to unscreened houses, significantly fewer femaleAn. funestus(RR=0.40, 95% CI: 0.29-0.55),An. gambiaeComplex (RR=0.46, 95% CI: 0.34-0.62) andCulexspecies (RR=0.53, 95% CI: 0.45-0.61) were collected in screened houses. No significant differences in the densities of the mosquitoes were detected in outdoor collections. Significantly fewerAn. funestuswere collected indoors from houses with painted walls (RR=0.05, 95%: 0.01-0.38) while cooking in the house was associated with significantly lower numbers ofAn. gambiaeComplex indoors (RR=0.60, 95% CI: 0.45-0.79). Nearly all house owners (99.6%) wanted their houses permanently screened, including 97.7% that indicated a willingness to use their own resources. However, 99.2% required training on house screening. The cost of screening a sigle house was estimated at 6,162.38 (US$61.62).Conclusion: Simple house modification by eave screening has potential to reduce the indoor occurrence of bothAnophelesandCulexmosquito species. Community acceptance was very high although education and mobilization may be needed for community uptake of house modification for vector control. Intersectoral collaboration and favorable government policies on housing are important missing links towards the adoption of house improvements for malaria control.
Transobturator suture application for Paravaginal Repair. a new technique
Authors: Abdalhady Hamdy Ahmed , Ibrahim Ahmed Mohamed , Gomaa Ihab Adel
Published: August 2022

Introduction and Hypothesis: Vaginal approach for paravaginal repair is technically a difficult operation so its use is limited. A new surgical technique is described in this study to apply sutures to the White line using Transobturator tape needle during Paravaginal repair in a safe and effective way. Method: this is a clinical trial 39 cases with paravaginal defect cystocele were enrolled in the study. Seven cases dropped from follow up and were excluded from the study leaving us with 32 cases. Operative time, blood loss, pop-Q were used to determine outcome of the procedure. Results: mean age for the study group was 34.28 years, parity was 2.53, 31.25% of the patients had associated midline defect. Mean blood loss was 89.12 ml. Mean Operative time for vaginal paravaginal repair was 20.65 minutes. As for POP-Q System points Aa, Ba, C significantly decreased in value after surgery Conclusion: Transobturator suture application for Paravaginal Repair offers a new approach for applying sutures to the white line easily and safely. ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT02735772. Registration date : 03/31/2016.
Percutaneous Sclerotherapy with OK-432 for Lymphocele after Pelvic or Para-aortic Lymphadenectomy: Preliminary Results
Authors: Kashiwagi Eiji , Ono Yusuke , Yano Hiroki , Kosai Shinya , Nagai Keisuke , Tanaka Kaisyu , Higashihara Daiki , Tomiyama Noriyuki
Published: August 2022

Background: Lymphoceles result from disruption of lymphatic vessels after pelvic and/or para-aortic lymphadenectomy. Percutaneous catheter drainage with sclerotherapy can be performed for the treatment of lymphoceles. OK-432 has been used to treat for benign cysts, such as lymphangioma and ranula. Therefore, we aimed to report the efficacy and safety of sclerotherapy using OK-432 for postoperative lymphoceles. This study retrospectively analyzed 16 patients who underwent sclerotherapy using OK-432 for postoperative pelvic and para-aortic lymphoceles between April 1, 2012, and March 31, 2020. All the patients underwent percutaneous drainage before sclerotherapy. The indications for sclerotherapy were persistent drainage tube output of greater than 50 mL per day and recurrent lymphoceles after percutaneous drainage. If less than 20 mL per day was drained after sclerotherapy, the tube was removed. When the drainage tube output did not decrease to less than 20 mL per day after the first sclerotherapy, the second OK-432 injection was performed 1 week later. Technical success was defined as the completion of drainage and sclerotherapy procedures. Clinical success was defined as the resolution of the patient’s symptoms resulting from lymphoceles without surgical intervention. This study also evaluated the complications of sclerotherapy and their progress after sclerotherapy.Results: The mean initial lymphocele size and drainage duration after sclerotherapy were 616 mL and 7.1 days, respectively. The technical success rate and clinical success rate were 100% and 93%, respectively. Three patients were treated by two-session sclerotherapy. Minor complications were observed in eight patients, who presented with fever. A major complication was observed in one patient, who presented with a small bowel fistula. No recurrence of lymphoceles was observed during the mean follow-up period of 17 months. Conclusion: Sclerotherapy with OK-432 is an effective therapeutic method for postoperative lymphoceles.
Virtual Cloth Try-On Using Augmented Reality - Marker Based Approach
Authors: Joglekar Prajakta , Gohokar Vinaya
Published: August 2022

The Virtual cloth Try-on is one of the biggest inventions took place in fashion industry which contributes to enhance user experience by allowing them to try out garments virtually without wearing it. Researchers are working on several technologies right from Image processing to Augmented reality (AR) to develop and deploy a stable, sustainable platform to enable virtual cloth try-on experience. In proposed system Augmented reality technique is used to create the same experience. With the help of OpenCV and Python programming, Marker based AR is designed for four types of 2D image garment datasets such as Dress, Top, Jeans and Skirt.
Comparative polymyxin B pharmacokinetics in critically ill patients with renal insufficiency and in continuous veno-venous hemodialysis
Authors: SUROVOY Yury A. , BURKIN Maksim A. , GALVIDIS Inna A. , SOBOLEV Mikhail A. , RENDE Onur Can , TSARENKO Sergei V.
Published: August 2022

The aim of this study was to assess polymyxin B pharmacokinetics (PK) in patients with varying degrees of renal dysfunction and in patients, who require continuous veno-venous hemodialysis (CVVHD). The study enrolled 37 patients with sepsis, among whom 13 patients with glomerular filtration rate below 80 ml/min and 11 patients on CVVHD. For every patient 6–8 blood samples were collected during 12-hour dosage interval. Polymyxin B serum concentration was determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. In sepsis patients with preserved renal function mean area under the curve over 24 hours (AUC0 − 24h) value reached 67.8 ± 9.8 mg*h/L, while in patients with glomerular filtration rate (GFR) below 80 ml/min mean AUC0 − 24h was 87 ± 5.8 mg*h/L. PMB PK in patients with renal insufficiency was characterized by significantly lower clearance (CL) compared to normal renal function group (2.1 ± 0.1 L/h vs 3.9 ± 0.4 L/h respectively). In patients on CVVHD mean AUC0 − 24h was 110.4 ± 10.3 mg*h/L, while CL reached 2 ± 0.23 L/h. Median recovery rate from dialysate constituted 22%. Simulation of different dosage regimens indicate fixed maintenance dose of 100 mg q12h is optimal for patients on CVVHD and no dosage increase is required. This study demonstrates decreased clearance of PMB in patients with renal insufficiency, which puts them at risk of toxicity. Therefore, patients with extremes of renal function might benefit from therapeutic drug monitoring. For patients with anuria, who require CVVHD, we suggest a fixed dose of 100 mg q12h.
Sleep disturbance as a transdiagnostic marker of psychiatric risk in children with neurodevelopmental risk genetic conditions
Authors: Chawner Samuel , Evans Alexandra , Williams Nigel , Owen Sir Michael , Hall Jeremy , Bree Marianne van den
Published: August 2022

Children with rare neurodevelopmental genetic conditions (ND-GCs) are at high risk for a range of neuropsychiatric conditions. Sleep symptomatology may represent a transdiagnostic risk indicator within this patient group. Here we present data from 629 children with ND-GCs, recruited via the United Kingdom’s National Health Service medical genetic clinics. Sibling controls (183) were also invited to take part. Detailed assessments were conducted to characterise the sleep phenotype of children with ND-GCs in comparison to controls. Latent class analysis was conducted to derive subgroups of children with a ND-GC based on sleep symptomatology. Assessment of cognition and psychopathology allowed investigation of whether sleep phenotypic subgroup was associated with neuropsychiatric outcomes. We found that children with a ND-GC, when compared to control siblings, were at elevated risk of insomnia (ND-GC = 41% vs Controls = 17%, p < 0.001) and of experiencing at least one sleep symptom (ND-GC = 66% vs Controls = 39%, p < 0.001). Insomnia was reported to have an average onset of 2.8 years in children with a ND-GC, and impacted across multiple contexts. Children in subgroups linked to high sleep symptomatology were also at high risk of psychiatric outcomes (OR ranging from 2.0 to 21.5 depending on psychiatric condition). Our findings demonstrate that children at high genetic vulnerability for neuropsychiatric outcomes exhibit high rates of insomnia and sleep symptomatology. Sleep disruption has wide-ranging impacts on psychosocial function, and indexes those children at greater neuropsychiatric risk. Insomnia was found to on average onset in early childhood, highlighting the potential for early intervention strategies for psychiatric risk informed by sleep profile.
YAP/TAZ reverse progestin resistance through PI3K-Akt pathway in endometrial carcinoma
Authors: Wei Lina , Ma Xiaohong , Hou Yixin , Zhao Tianyi , Sun Rui , Qiu Chunping , Liu Yao , Qiu Ziyi , Jiang Jie
Published: August 2022

Background:Progestin resistance is a problem for patients with endometrial carcinoma (EC) who require conservative treatment with progestin, and its underlying mechanisms remain unclear. YAP and TAZ (YAP/TAZ), downstream transcription coactivators of Hippo pathway, are highly expressed and induce aggressive phenotypes of EC. However, the role of YAP/TAZ in progestin resistance of EC is still unknown. The aim of this study is to explore the functions and underlying mechanisms of YAP/TAZ in progestin resistance of EC.Methods:The expression of YAP/TAZ in progestin resistant tissues was examined by immunohistochemistry. We developed a stable medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) resistant cell line (IshikawaPR cell). We knocked down YAP/TAZ in IshikawaPR cell, and overexpressed them in progestin sensitive Ishikawa cell for further studies. The proliferative capacity of cell was investigated by MTT, EDU and colony formation assay. Flow cytometry was used to detect the change of cell apoptosis. Transwell and wound healing assay were used to determine the change of cell metastasis ability after different concentrations of MPA treatment. The tumor xenograft experiment was performed to prove the role of YAP/TAZ inhibitor Verteporfin in progestin treatment. The next-generation sequencing (NGS) and rescue experiments were carried out to identify the mechanism involved in the process that YAP/TAZ promote progestin resistance.Results:The expression of YAP/TAZ increased remarkably in progestin resistant tissues. YAP/TAZ were upregutated in IshikawaPR cell versus Ishikawa cell. Knocking down YAP/TAZ decreased cell viability, inhibited cell migration and invasion and increased the sensitivity of IshikawaPR cell to progestin. Overexpression of YAP/TAZ conversely increased cell proliferation, metastasis and promoted progestin resistance. Verteporfin could increase sensitivity of IshikawaPR cell to progestinin vivo and in vitro.Results of the NGS revealed that knocking down YAP/TAZ inhibited PI3K-Akt pathway, which was testified by western blot. The rescue experiments further confirmed overexpression of YAP/TAZ might take part in progestin resistance of EC by upregulating PI3K-Akt pathway.Conclusions:YAP/TAZ as well as Verteporfin could reverse progestin resistance by regulating PI3K-Akt pathway in EC, which may provide ideas for clinical targeted therapy of progestin resistance.
Construction of Heterogeneous Biological Networks and Its Application
Authors: Zhang Zhihong , Luo Yingchun , Zhao Bihai , Xiong Huijun , Yan Wei , Jiang Meiping , Hu Sai
Published: August 2022

Background: Accurate annotation of protein function is the key to understanding life at the molecular level and has great implications for biomedicine and pharmaceuticals. The rapid developments of high-throughput technologies have generated huge amounts of protein-protein interaction (PPI) data, which prompts the emergence of computational methods to determine protein function. Plagued by errors and noises hidden in PPI data, these computational methods have undertaken to focus on the prediction of functions by integrating the topology of protein interaction networks and multi-source biological data. Despite effective improvement of these computational methods, it is still challenging to build a suitable network model for integrating multi-omics data. ResultsIn this paper, we constructed a heterogeneous biological network by initially integrating original protein interaction networks, protein-domain association data and protein complexes. To prove the effectiveness of the heterogeneous biological network, we applied the propagation algorithm on this network, and proposed a novel iterative model, named PHN (Propagate on Heterogeneous Biological Networks) to score and rank functions in descending order from all functional partners and selected the first L of them as candidates to annotate the target protein. Our comprehensive experimental results demonstrated that PHN outperformed six other competing approaches using cross validation. Experimental results indicated that PHN performs significantly better than competing methods and improves the AUROC (Area Under the Receiver-Operating Curve) by no less than 32%.Conclusions:We demonstrated that integrating multi-source data into a heterogeneous biological network can preserve the complex relationship among multi-omics data and improve the prediction accuracy of protein function by getting rid of the the constraints of errors in PPI networks effectively. PHN, our proposed method, is effective for protein function prediction.
The Effect of Whole Body Massage on Pain Scores of Neonates During Venous Puncture and Comparison With Oral Dextrose and Kangaroo Care, a Randomized Controlled Evaluator-blind Clinical Study
Authors: Yıldızdaş Hacer Yapıcıoglu , erdem Buket , Karahan Duygu Yıldız , OZLU FERDA , Sertdemir Yaşar
Published: August 2022

Objective: Newborns in NICUs experience many painful procedures. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of whole body massage therapy on pain scores during venipuncture and compare with oral 10% dextrose and Kangaroo care. Study Design: Newborns with gestational age ≥34 weeks were randomly enrolled to one of three groups: massage, dextrose and Kangaroo and a blinded investigator scored the pain using NIPS before and during the procedure. Results: There were 25, 26 and 23 newborns in dextrose, massage and Kangaroo care groups, respectively. Pain scores were similar before and during venipuncture in groups (p> 0.05). 36.5% of newborns (27/74) had severe pain scores. Number of newborns with no pain (score 0-2), moderate pain (score 3-4) and severe pain (score 5-7) were similar in each group. Conclusion: Massage, Kangaroo and oral 10% dextrose had similar effects on pain scores during venipuncture.
Design and Analysis of Tri-bandsTriangular Shape Fractal Antenna for Wireless Applications
Authors: raj arun , Dhubhakarya D.C. , Srivas D.K. , Tiwari Manoj K.
Published: August 2022

In this paper fractal antenna is proposed for wide band applications. Proposed Antenna is having resonance frequency of 5 GHz and it has triangular patch with 36mm base and 36mm height. This antenna design is used to obtain multiband behavior and wide band characteristics by which antenna can be cover various applications in wireless communication. Antenna has been made with 4 iterations and the result obtained for the proposed antenna is in agreement for the various efficient wireless applications. The fractal antenna here described, is basically the Sierpinski gasket with fragmented geometrical shape with various subdivisions. The proposed antenna has been designed using FR4 substrate with width and length of 4cm. In Proposed Antenna, there are three bands at frequencies 4.8-5.9 GHz, 7.1-7.4 GHz, 8.2-8.9 GHz and bandwidth percentages are 20.56%, 4.13% and 8.19%. And in final iteration there are tri bands and our proposed fractal antenna cover applications in 4.8-5.9 GHz, 7.1-7.4 GHz, 8.2-8.9 GHz. The simulated gain of antenna is 7.5dBi and the directivity of proposed antenna is simulated as 7.422 dBi. The proposed antenna has been implemented successfully using IE3D and the result has been tested successfully using vector network analyzer.
Keywords: Fractals; Fractal Antenna; Sierpinski Gasket Fractal Antenna
Risk factors for ventilator-associated pneumonia due to multi-drug resistant organisms after cardiac surgery in adults
Authors: Wang Meizhu , Xu Xi , Wu Shuo , Sun Huiying , Chang Yan , Li Meng , Zhang Xiaoxiao , Lv Xing , Yang Zhaoxu , Ti Xinyu
Published: August 2022

Background: Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is one of the most common intensive care unit (ICU)-acquired infections，which can cause multiple adverse events. Due to bacterial mutation and overuse of antimicrobial drugs, multidrug-resistant organisms (MDRO) have become an important group of VAP infections in postoperative cardiac patients. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to explore the risk factors for VAP with MDRO following cardiac surgery in adults. Methods: The clinical data of adult patients with VAP following cardiac surgery in the hospital from Jan 2017 to May 2021 were analyzed retrospectively, the patients were divided into the MDRO VAP group and the non-MDRO VAP group. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed for the risk factor for the patient with MDRO VAP. The species and drug sensitivity of pathogens isolated from the VAP patients were also analyzed. Results: A total of 61 VAP cases with 34 cases in the MDRO VAP group (55.7%) and 27 cases in the non-MDRO VAP group (44.3%) were involved in this study. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that the independent risk factors for the MDRO VAP included preoperative creatinine clearance rate (CCR) ≥86.6ml, intraoperative cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) time≥151 mins, postoperative acute kidney injury (AKI) and nasal feeding. Gram-negative bacilli were the main pathogens in VAP patients (n=54, 90.0%), with the highest rate of Acinetobacter baumannii (n=24, 40.0%). Patients with MDRO VAP had significantly longer postoperative intensive care unit (ICU) duration and higher hospitalization costs than non-MDRO VAP patients, but there was no significant difference in the 28-day mortality rate between the two groups. Conclusion: Based on implementing measures to prevent VAP, clinicians should pay more attention to patients with kidney disease, intraoperative longer CPB time, and postoperative nasal feeding to avoid MDRO infections.
Targeting PP2A-dependent autophagy enhances sensitivity to ruxolitinib in JAK2V617F myeloproliferative neoplasms
Authors: Courdy Charly , De Araujo Isabelle , Sahal Ambrine , Ducau Charlotte , Saland Estelle , Edmond Valerie , Tavitian Suzanne , Bertoli Sarah , Cougoul Pierre , Poillet Laura , Plo Isabelle , Sarry Jean-Emmanuel , manenti stephane , De Mas Véronique , Joffre Carine
Published: August 2022

The Janus kinase 2 (JAK2)-driven myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) are chronic malignancies associated with high risk of complications and suboptimal responses to JAK inhibitors such as ruxolitinib. Therefore, better understanding cellular changes induced by ruxolitinib is required to develop new combinatory therapies to improve treatment efficacy. Here, we demonstrated that ruxolitinib induced autophagy in JAK2V617F cell lines and primary MPN patient cells through the activation of protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A). Inhibition of autophagy or PP2A activity along with ruxolitinib treatment reduced proliferation and increased death of JAK2V617F cells. Accordingly, proliferation and clonogenic potential of JAK2V617F-driven primary MPN patient cells, but not of normal hematopoietic cells, were markedly impaired by ruxolitinib treatment with autophagy inhibitor or PP2A inhibitor. Finally, preventing ruxolitinib-induced autophagy with a novel potent autophagy inhibitor Lys05 improved leukemia burden reduction and significantly prolonged mice overall survival compared with ruxolitinib alone. This study demonstrated that PP2A-dependent autophagy mediated by JAK2 activity inhibition contributed to the resistance to ruxolitinib. Altogether, our data support that targeting autophagy or its newly identified regulator PP2A could enhance sensitivity to ruxolitinib of JAK2V617F MPN cells and improve MPN patient care.
Effect of the Accession to the World Trade Organization on Commercial Services Exports
Authors: GNANGNON Sèna Kimm
Published: August 2022

The literature on the trade effects of the membership in the World Trade Organization (WTO) has essentially focused on trade in goods, including goods exports. The present analysis has investigated the effect of the WTO membership on commercial services exports for 25 Article XII Members (i.e., countries that joined the WTO under Article XII of the Marrakesh Agreement establishing the WTO) over the period from 2005 to 2019. Results, based on the two-stage probit least squares estimator have revealed that the WTO membership increased significantly commercial services exports, including both modern and traditional services exports in Article XII members. The analysis has also used the two-step system generalized method of moments to investigate whether the WTO membership helped Article XII Members better perform than Non-Article XII Members in terms of commercial services exports, given that they undertook higher commitments under the General Agreement on Trade in Services than Non-Article XII Members. The findings have indicated that thanks to the WTO membership, relatively advanced countries among Article XII Members enjoyed both a higher commercial services export performance (including modern services export performance) and a higher degree of services export diversification than Non-Article XII Members. However their traditional services export performance remained, on average, the same as that of Non-Article XII Members. Less advanced economies among Article XII Members performed less than Non-Article XII Members in terms of commercial services exports, including modern and services exports, but they performed better than Non-Article XII Members in terms of traditional services exports. Meanwhile, their membership in the WTO did not result in a significant change in their level of services export concentration compared to that of Non-Article XII Members.
Novel constructed dark, bright, and rogue waves of three models of the well-known nonlinear Schrödinger equation
Authors: Khater Mostafa M. A.
Published: August 2022

In this study, three models of the nonlinear Schrödinger equation are investigated to see whether there is any novel traveling wave solutions’ structures. “The generalized Korteweg-de Vries, (2+1) dimensional Ablowitz-Kaup-Newell-Segur, and the Maccari models ”are among the systems examined. The kinetic energy operator is impacted by mass’s location and time dependence, and different representations of the kinetic energy operator in general. The innovative soliton wave solutions for the studied models are built using the generalized Riccati expansion technique. Some unique figures represent the numerical simulations of the derived solutions. Checking for accuracy and re-entering results into the models is part of validating and improving these approaches (Mathematica 13.1).
Echocardiographic follow-up after cardiac rehabilitation designed for patients with obesity
Authors: Snelder Sanne Marjolein , Uijl Iris , Sunamura Madoka , Zijlstra Felix , Hoeve Nienke ter , Dalen Bas Martijn
Published: August 2022

Aim
We hypothesized that a novel state of the art cardiac rehabilitation (CR) program designed for patients with obesity (OPTICARE XL CR) has better outcomes as compared to standard CR regarding parameters of cardiac function as measured by conventional and advanced transthoracic echocardiography.
Methods
OPTICARE XL CR is an open-label, randomized controlled trial. Inclusion criteria were: patients referred to CR with a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30 kg/m2, and age ≥ 18 years with either coronary artery disease or nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. The experimental group participated in the novel one year OPTICARE XL CR and the controls received the 6–12 weeks multi-disciplinary exercise-based standard CR program. Subjects randomized to OPTICARE XL CR underwent behavioural therapy for a healthy diet and an active lifestyle for the first 12 weeks. Also, the exercise program was designed for patients with obesity. Furthermore, a behavioural after-care program was organized with 6 meetings between weeks 13–52. Transthoracic (speckle tracking) echocardiography was performed at baseline and one-year follow-up.
Results
A total of 42 patients completed the follow-up, 21 in both groups. There was a mild but statistically significant reduction in weight over time, however, this was comparable between groups. There was no improvement observed in any of the echocardiographic parameters.
Conclusion
Cardiac function in patients with obesity did not improve one-year after a novel state of the art CR program (OPTICARE XL CR) as compared to standard CR.
Transplacental Transfer of Total Immunoglobulin G and Antibodies to Plasmodium falciparum Antigens between the 24th Week of Gestation and Term
Authors: Kayatani Alexander K. K. , Leke Rose G. F. , Leke Robert I. J. , Fogako Josephine , Taylor Diane Wallace
Published: August 2022

Full-term newborns have antibody (Ab) repertoires and levels similar to their mothers to help protect them from environmental pathogens. Unfortunately, preterm babies, especially those born < 34 weeks, have reduced levels of protective antibodies. In Africa, antibodies to Plasmodium falciparum are important in protection from malaria. This study investigated the transfer of total IgG and antibodies to 9 P. falciparum antigens and tetanus toxoid between 24 weeks and term. Paired maternal and cord samples from 166 preterm (24–37 weeks) and 154 term deliveries were used. Transfer efficiency was expressed as the ratio of Ab levels in cord to maternal plasma (CMR). At 24–25 weeks, CMR ranged from 0.31 to 0.94 for the different antigens; the rate of transfer was similar for all antigens between 24–40 weeks; resulting in median CMR of 0.49 to 0.95 at term. Babies of mothers with hypergammaglobulinemia and normal IgG levels had similar amounts of IgG, supporting data that saturation of the neonatal Fc-receptor occurs at ~ 16 mg IgG/ml. Thus, babies born prior to 34–35 weeks in Africa are likely to have reduced Ab levels to some, but not all antigens. Since IgG transfer is Fc-mediated, why differences exist in CMR among the antigens warrants further investigation.
Comparative transcriptomic analysis of early fruit development in eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) and functional characterization of SmOVATE5
Authors: Shi Suli , Li Dalu , Li Shaohang , Wang Yingying , Tang Xin , Liu Yang , Ge Haiyan , Chen Huoying
Published: August 2022

Eggplant, a solanaceous crop that has undergone a long period of domestication, is one of the most important vegetables worldwide. The shape of its fruit is an important agronomic trait and consumers in different regions have different preferences. However, a limited understanding of the molecular mechanisms regulating fruit development and shape has hindered eggplant breeding. In this study, we performed morphological observations and transcriptome analysis of long- and round-fruited eggplant genotypes to understand the molecular regulation during the early development of different fruit shapes. Morphological studies revealed that the two varieties already exhibited distinctly different phenotypes at the initial stage of fruit development before flowering, with rapid fruit enlargement beginning on the sixth day after flowering. Comparative transcriptome analysis identified phytohormone-related genes that were significantly upregulated on the day of flowering, indicating they may be involved in regulating the initial stages of fruit development. Notably, SmARF1 showed a sustained upregulation pattern in both varieties, suggesting that it may promote eggplant fruit growth. In addition, several differentially expressed genes of the SUN, YABBY, and OVATE families are potentially involved in the regulation of fruit development or fruit shape. We demonstrated that the SmOVATE5 gene has a negative regulatory function suppressing plant growth and development. In conclusion, this study provides new insights into the molecular regulatory mechanisms of eggplant fruit development, and the genes identified may provide valuable references for different fruit shape breeding programs.
Muscular Strength Predicts Phase Angle in Breast Cancer Survivors
Authors: SHORT TREVOR , TERANISHI-HASHIMOTO CHERI , YAMADA PAULETTE
Published: August 2022

Phase angle (PhA) has emerged as a prognostic indicator of survival and quality of life (QOL) in cancer patients. Identifying measures of physical fitness that correlate with PhA can provide guidance towards optimizing cancer rehabilitation programs.PURPOSE: To examine the relationship between PhA and physical fitness in breast cancer survivors. METHODS: Sixty-three breast cancer survivors (60 ± 9 years, PhA 4.59±0.52, mean±SD) completed assessments for muscular strength, muscular endurance, cardiorespiratory endurance, flexibility, and body composition. PhA and body composition were measured using bioimpedance analysis (Inbody 770) at 50 KHz. The correlations between phase angle and measures of fitness were evaluated using Pearson coefficients. Simple and multiple linear regression was used to test if measures of muscular strength, muscular endurance, and cardiorespiratory endurance significantly predict PhA.RESULTS: Linear regression analysis showed that incline bench press 1-RM alone explains 28% (r2 = 0.28) of the variance in PhA. Multiple linear regression showed that incline bench press 1-RM, chair squat test repetitions, and predicted VO2peak explain 32% (r2 =0.32) of the variance in PhA. Incline bench press-1RM remained a significant predictor of PhA after adjusting for age (p=0.0001), while muscular endurance and cardiorespiratory endurance did not.CONCLUSION: Muscular strength is suggested to be a significant predictor of PhA in breast cancer survivors, while muscular endurance and cardiorespiratory endurance are not.IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS: The prioritization of muscular strength for improving PhA in exercise based cancer rehabilitation programs may be of importance.
Effect of dapagliflozin on the prognosis of patients with acute myocardial infarction undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention
Authors: Zhu Yi , Zhang Jia-li , Yan Xue-jiao , Sun Ling , Wang Fang-fang , Ji Yuan
Published: August 2022

Background and aims: The effect of dapagliflozin (DAPA) on the prognosis of patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is unclear. The present study was conducted to evaluate the association between DAPA administration and adverse events in patients with AMI undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).Methods: This single-center retrospective analysis study included a total of 786 patients with AMI from January 2019 to August 2021 who were or were not administered DAPA at discharge. The primary endpoint was the composite of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), including overall deaths, heart failure, nonfatal MI, nonfatal stroke, and unplanned repeat revascularization (URR). Differences in the triglyceride glucose (TyG) index and the atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) both during hospitalization and 12 months after discharge (if achievable) were also compared.Results: During a median follow-up of 23 months, 130 patients had MACE (118 in the DAPA-free group and 12 in the DAPA group). Kaplan-Meier survival analyses revealed that the cumulative incidence of MACE (log-rank test, p = 0.009), heart failure (p = 0.003), nonfatal MI (p = 0.005), and URR (p = 0.031) was higher in the DAPA-free group. In addition, the multivariate Cox analysis showed that DAPA was significantly associated with the reduced risk of MACE (hazard ratio = 0.170, 95% confidence interval = 0.078–0.373, p < 0.001). Considering each specific adverse event, the DAPA-free group was associated with heart failure, nonfatal MI, and URR in multivariate Cox regression analyses. Stratification analyses suggested that DAPA has a strong protective effect in patients with AMI of advanced age with concomitant diabetes or those who are not on angiotensin receptor enkephalinase inhibitors. Furthermore, the TyG index and AIP of the patients 12 months after DAPA administration at discharge were significantly lower than those during hospitalization.Conclusions: DAPA is an independent protective factor against MACE and may provide incremental prognostic information in patients with AMI undergoing PCI.
A new fractal index to classify forest disturbance and anthropogenic change
Authors: Peptenatu Daniel , Andronache Ion , Ahammer Helmut , Radulovic Marko , Costanza Jennifer K. , Jelinek Herbert F. , Ieva Antonio Di , Koyama Kohei , Grecu Alexandra , Gruia Karina Andreea , Simion Adrian-Gabriel , Nedelcu Iulia Daniela , Olteanu Cosmin , Drăghici Cristian-Constantin , Marin Marian , Diaconu Daniel Constantin , Fensholt Rasmus , Newman Erica A.
Published: August 2022

ContextDeforestation remains one of the most pressing threats to biodiversity. Characterizing the resulting forest loss and fragmentation efficiently from remotely sensed data therefore has strong practical implications. Data are often separately analyzed for spatial fragmentation and disorder, but no existing metric simultaneously quantifies the shapes and arrangement of fragments. ObjectivesWe present a Fractal Fragmentation and Disorder Index (FFDI), which advances a previously developed fractal index by merging it with the Rényi information dimension. The FFDI is designed to work across spatial scales, and efficiently reports the fragmentation of images and spatial disorder of those fragments. MethodsWe validate the FFDI with four sets of synthetic Hierarchically Structured Random Map (HRM) multiscale images, characterized by increasing fragmentation and disorder but decreasing average size over multiple scales. We then apply the FFDI to the Global Land Analysis & Discovery Global Forest Change database satellite imagery of forest cover for 10 distinct regions of the Romanian Carpathian Mountains from 2000-2014. ResultsThe FFDI outperformed the individual use of its two components in resolving spatial patterns of disorder and fragmentation among HRM classes. It offers a clear advantage when compared to the individual use of Fractal Fragmentation Index and the Rényi information dimension, and works in an application to real data.ConclusionsThis work improves on previous characterizations of landscape patterns. With the FFDI, scientists will be able to better monitor and understand forest fragmentation from satellite imagery. The FFDI will have broad applicability to biological fields where image analysis is used.
The Determinants of Lifelong Learning in Europe
Authors: Costantiello Alberto , Laureti Lucio , Leogrande Angelo
Published: August 2022

The article affords the question of lifelong learning in Europe using data from the European Innovation Scoreboard-EIS in the period 2010-2019 for 36 countries. The econometric analysis is realized using WLS, Dynamic Panel, Pooled OLS, Panel Data with Fixed Effects and Random Effects. The results show that lifelong learning is, among other variables, positively associated to “Human Resources” and “Government procurement of advanced technology products” and is negatively associated, among others, to “Average annual GDP growth” and “Innovation Index”. A clusterization is realized using the k-Means algorithm with a confrontation between the Elbow Method and the Silhouette Coefficient. Subsequently, a Network Analysis was applied with the distance of Manhattan. The results show the presence of 4 complex and 2 simplified network structures. Finally, a comparison was made among eight machine learning algorithms for the prediction of the value of lifelong learning. The results show that the linear regression is the best predictor algorithm and that the level of lifelong learning is expected to growth on average by 1.12%.
FOX: A Fox-inspired Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Mohammed Hardi M. , Rashid Tarik A.
Published: August 2022

This paper proposes a novel nature-inspired optimization algorithm called the Fox optimizer (FOX) which mimics the foraging behavior of foxes in nature when hunting prey. The algorithm is based on techniques for measuring the distance between the fox and its prey to execute an efficient jump. After presenting the mathematical models and the algorithm of FOX, five classical benchmark functions and CEC2019 benchmark test functions are used to evaluate its performance. The FOX algorithm is also compared against the Dragonfly optimization Algorithm (DA), Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), Fitness Dependent Optimizer (FDO), Grey Wolf Optimization (GWO), Whale Optimization Algorithm (WOA), Chimp Optimization Algorithm (ChOA), Butterfly Optimization Algorithm (BOA) and Genetic Algorithm (GA). The results indicate that FOX outperforms the above-mentioned algorithms. Subsequently, the Wilcoxon rank-sum test is used to ensure that FOX is better than the comparative algorithms in s statistically significant manner. Additionally, parameter sensitivity analysis is conducted to show different exploratory and exploitative behaviors in FOX. The paper also employs FOX to solve engineering problems, such as pressure vessel design, and it is also used to solve electrical power generation: economic load dispatch problems. The FOX has achieved better results in terms of optimizing the problems against GWO, PSO, WOA, and FDO.
Botanical Scans as a Learning Aid in Plant Identification Courses
Authors: Thompson Grant L. , Haynes Cynthia L. , Lyle Samantha A.
Published: August 2022

High-resolution scans of plant cuttings were made for a plant identification course to create additional study resources. Stems, flowers, leaves, and other parts with identifiable features were cut and placed on a high-quality flatbed scanner. A framework suspended a black background cloth above the cuttings to create a dark scanning environment, and it was placed far enough away from the scanner glass so as not to appear in the scanned image. Botanical scans can be shared, manipulated, composed, and otherwise provided to students for study materials. Scans are complementary to other common study aids such as pressed herbarium samples or photography.
FACTORS AFFECTING THE ACCOUNTABILITY OF VILLAGE FUND MANAGEMENT IN PAKEL TULUNGAGUNG DISTRICT
Authors: Ananda Prisda Novia , Khoiriawati Novi
Published: August 2022

Village fund management accountability as a form of accountability of the holder of the trust to the actions, performance, and decisions of the party giving the trust. With the existence of village funds, its management is required to use aspects of good governance where one of the pillars is accountability. So it is very important to know the factors that influence the accountability of village fund management in the village in Pakel District, Tulungagung Regency. This study aims to explain the influence of the role of village officials, community participation, and the use of information technology on the accountability of village fund management. The data of this study used a questionnaire or questionnaire which was distributed to 19 villages. Sampling using simple random sampling technique with a total sample of 114 respondents. And multiple linear regression analysis method is used to prove the research hypothesis. The results of this study indicate that (1) the role of village officials has a significant positive effect on village fund management accountability, (2) society participation does not inpact the accountability of the village fund management nt, (3) technology information utilizationhas a significant positive effect on the accountabilityof the village fund management, and (4) the role of village officials, the society participation, and the technology information utilizationhas a significant positive effect on the accountability of the village fund management.
ANALYSIS OF ACCOUNTING INFORMATION SYSTEM RECEIVING AND SPENDING OF BOS IN THE COVID-19 ERA
Authors: Sari Nadia Maya
Published: August 2022

The purpose of this research were to described the management of BOS fund at MTs Islamiyah Palangka Raya in the era of the covid-19 pandemic, and analyzed the accounting information system for inflowing and expenditure BOS fund, was it according to BOS technical instructions or not. The object of this research was MTs Islamiyah Palangka Raya. The calibration was carried out by looking at the facts regarding the accounting information system for inflowing and expenditure of fund BOS in the era of the covid-19 pandemic. This research used ethnography with descriptive method. The data collection used were documentation and interview with headmaster, exchequer, and students of this school.

The results of this resarch showed, that the management of BOS funds at MTS Islamiyah in the era of the covid-19 pandemic based on the Decree of the Director General of Islamic Education No. 6572 of 2020 about Technical Guidelines of BOP and RA at madrasas for the fiscal year 2021 based on 5 principles, still not optimal yet because there was 1 principle that has not been fulfilled, namely the principle of efficiency. Afterward, the accounting information system for cash receipts and expenditure of BOS funds is quite good, although there was one indicator that has not been fulfilled,  which there was not a document flow chart at MTs Islamiyah which will be a suggestion from the researcher for MTS Islamiyah Palangka Raya. When did the resarch, it was found that there was a gap between the amount of BOS funds received and the school's needs, due to the system of determining the budget based on the number of students..

Keywords: Accounting Information System, cash receipts and disbursements, Covid-19
Suomalaiset sivulliset. Eksistentiaalisten tunteiden kertominen 1950-luvun proosassa
Authors: Nykänen Elise
Published: August 2022

Finnish Outsiders. The Narration of Existential Feelings in Prose Fiction of the 1950s This study explores the narration of existential feelings, or feelings of being in the world, in post-war Finnish prose fiction. The book presents five case studies which address modern individuals’ struggles in boundary situations of their lives. Rigorous readings of the works of Kerttu-Kaarina Suosalmi, Lassi Nummi, Marko Tapio, Tyyne Saastamoinen and Eeva-Liisa Manner all show the influence of French existentialism and its predecessors on post-war Finnish modernism for the first time in literary studies. The outsider figures and their experiences of the absurd, which have enticed the cultural imagination since ancient cults and the Book of Job, connect to the atmosphere of shared melancholy in post-war Finnish culture and society. The study participates in the rich contemporary debates on the effects of literature by focusing on less-discussed aspects of bodily feeling, affect, emotion and mood in late Finnish modernism. The book’s methodological contribution to narrative theory is that it combines a phenomenological analysis of reading with a rhetorical theory of narrative and politically informed, multidisciplinary emotion studies. The five case studies show how modernist outsider prose fiction in Finland resorts to irony, metafiction, allegory and the imaginative to generate ethically challenging narrative tension and an ambivalence of negative and positive emotion in readers. The opposing impulses of the aesthetic response produce an openness of interpretation. This openness provides us with the possibility of a more complex cultural understanding of emotion and ethics in the lives of strangers within literature and outside it.