bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interspecies chimeric conditions affect the developmental rate of human pluripotent stem cells
Authors: Brown Jared , Barry Christopher , Schmitz Matthew T. , Argus Cara , Bolin Jennifer M. , Schwartz Michael P. , Van Aartsen Amy , Steill John , Swanson Scott , Stewart Ron , Thomson James A. , Kendziorski Christina
Published: March 2021

Human pluripotent stem cells hold significant promise for regenerative medicine. However, long differentiation protocols and immature characteristics of stem cell-derived cell types remain challenges to the development of many therapeutic applications. In contrast to the slow differentiation of human stem cellsin vitrothat mirrors a nine-month gestation period, mouse stem cells develop according to a much faster three-week gestation timeline. Here, we tested if co-differentiation with mouse pluripotent stem cells could accelerate the differentiation speed of human embryonic stem cells. Following a six-week RNA-sequencing time course of neural differentiation, we identified 929 human genes that were upregulated earlier and 535 genes that exhibited earlier peaked expression profiles in chimeric cell cultures than in human cell cultures alone. Genes with accelerated upregulation were significantly enriched in Gene Ontology terms associated with neurogenesis, neuron differentiation and maturation, and synapse signaling. Moreover, chimeric mixed samples correlated within uterohuman embryonic samples earlier than human cells alone, and acceleration was dose-dependent on human-mouse co-culture ratios. The altered gene expression patterns and developmental rates described in this report have implications for accelerating human stem cell differentiation and the use of interspecies chimeric embryos in developing human organs for transplantation.
Smartphone use patterns and problematic smartphone use among preschool children
Authors: Park Jeong Hye , Park Minjung
Published: March 2021

Background

The purpose of the present study was to identify smartphone use patterns associated with problematic smartphone use (PSU) among preschool children. Little is known about PSU patterns in younger children, although the age for first smartphone use is decreasing.

Methods

We applied a cross-sectional study design to analyze data obtained from a nationwide survey on smartphone overdependence conducted in 2017 by the South Korean Ministry of Science and ICT and the National Information Society Agency. Data from 1,378 preschool children were analyzed using binomial logistic regression analysis. This study was conducted in compliance with STROBE (Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology).

Results

Seventeen percent of the sample met the criteria for PSU. The odds of PSU significantly increased with frequent smartphone use and in children who used a smartphone for more than two hours per day. Using smartphones to watch TV shows or videos for entertainment or fun significantly increased the odds of PSU, whereas using smartphones for education, games, and social networking did not.

Conclusions

The findings indicate that one of five preschool children using smartphones could experience PSU. Compared to other age groups, PSU in young children may be more associated with their caregivers. To prevent PSU in preschool children, caregivers need information about the total screen time recommended for children, smartphone use patterns associated with PSU, suggestions for other activities as possible alternatives to smartphone use, and strategies to strengthen children’s self-regulation with regards to smartphone use.
Phasic heart rate variability and the association with cognitive performance: A cross-sectional study in a healthy population setting
Authors: Hilgarter Kathrin , Schmid-Zalaudek Karin , Csanády-Leitner Regina , Mörtl Manfred , Rössler Andreas , Lackner Helmut Karl
Published: March 2021

Introduction

Sympathovagal balance measured by heart rate variability is a core component of psychophysiological research. Through the close link of physiological and psychological aspects, often a reduced heart rate variability is associated with impaired cognitive function. A better understanding of the associations between cognitive and cardiovascular dysfunctions is necessary to prevent the manifestation of diseases. Therefore, this study investigated phasic heart rate variability using rest, anticipatory, stress, and recovery periods and the association with high and low cognitive performance in a generally healthy population setting.

Methods

114 healthy individuals (40 males, 74 females) aged 20 to 70 participated in the cross-sectional study. The heart rate variability based on standard deviation of NN intervals (SDNN), and the root means square of successive differences (RMSSD), low frequency (LF), high frequency (HF) and LF/HF ratio and its association with high and low cognitive performance measured by the California Verbal Learning Task II were examined.

Results

The results of this study indicate that the paradigm was successful in producing stress and showed a significant association between phasic heart rate variability (SDNN) and verbal episodic memory performance, irrespective of age and sex.

Discussion

The results of this study suggest that a reduced heart rate variability is associated with reduced cognitive function regardless of age and sex and seem to be an early indicator of sympathovagal disbalance.

Conclusion

This leads to the conclusion that differences between high and low cognitive performance might show differences in heart rate variability at an early stage, where no diseases are yet manifest.
Radiomic features of axillary lymph nodes based on pharmacokinetic modeling DCE-MRI allow preoperative diagnosis of their metastatic status in breast cancer
Authors: Luo Hong-Bing , Liu Yuan-Yuan , Wang Chun-hua , Qing Hao-Miao , Wang Min , Zhang Xin , Chen Xiao-Yu , Xu Guo-Hui , Zhou Peng , Ren Jing
Published: March 2021

Objective

To study the feasibility of use of radiomic features extracted from axillary lymph nodes for diagnosis of their metastatic status in patients with breast cancer.

Materials and methods

A total of 176 axillary lymph nodes of patients with breast cancer, consisting of 87 metastatic axillary lymph nodes (ALNM) and 89 negative axillary lymph nodes proven by surgery, were retrospectively reviewed from the database of our cancer center. For each selected axillary lymph node, 106 radiomic features based on preoperative pharmacokinetic modeling dynamic contrast enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (PK-DCE-MRI) and 5 conventional image features were obtained. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression was used to select useful radiomic features. Logistic regression was used to develop diagnostic models for ALNM. Delong test was used to compare the diagnostic performance of different models.

Results

The 106 radiomic features were reduced to 4 ALNM diagnosis–related features by LASSO. Four diagnostic models including conventional model, pharmacokinetic model, radiomic model, and a combined model (integrating the Rad-score in the radiomic model with the conventional image features) were developed and validated. Delong test showed that the combined model had the best diagnostic performance: area under the curve (AUC), 0.972 (95% CI [0.947–0.997]) in the training cohort and 0.979 (95% CI [0.952–1]) in the validation cohort. The diagnostic performance of the combined model and the radiomic model were better than that of pharmacokinetic model and conventional model (P<0.05).

Conclusion

Radiomic features extracted from PK-DCE-MRI images of axillary lymph nodes showed promising application for diagnosis of ALNM in patients with breast cancer.
Assessing sub-regional-specific strengths of healthcare systems associated with COVID-19 prevalence, deaths and recoveries in Africa
Authors: Amadu Iddrisu , Ahinkorah Bright Opoku , Afitiri Abdul-Rahaman , Seidu Abdul-Aziz , Ameyaw Edward Kwabena , Hagan John Elvis , Duku Eric , Aram Simon Appah
Published: March 2021

Introduction

The coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) has overwhelmed the health systems of several countries, particularly those within the African region. Notwithstanding, the relationship between health systems and the magnitude of COVID-19 in African countries have not received research attention. In this study, we investigated the relationship between the pervasiveness of the pandemic across African countries and their Global Health Security Index (GHSI) scores.

Materials and methods

The study included 54 countries in five regions viz Western (16); Eastern (18); Middle (8); Northern (7); and Southern (5) Africa. The outcome variables in this study were the total confirmed COVID-19 cases (per million); total recoveries (per million); and the total deaths (per million). The data were subjected to Spearman’s rank-order (Spearman’s rho) correlation to determine the monotonic relationship between each of the predictor variables and the outcome variables. The predictor variables that showed a monotonic relationship with the outcome were used to predict respective outcome variables using multiple regressions. The statistical analysis was conducted at a significance level of 0.05.

Results

Our results indicate that total number of COVID-19 cases (per million) has strong correlations (rs >0.5) with the median age; aged 65 older; aged 70 older; GDP per capita; number of hospital beds per thousand; Human Development Index (HDI); recoveries (per million); and the overall risk environment of a country. All these factors including the country’s commitments to improving national capacity were related to the total number of deaths (per million). Also, strong correlations existed between the total recoveries (per million) and the total number of positive cases; total deaths (per million); median age; aged 70 older; GDP per capita; the number of hospital beds (per thousand); and HDI. The fitted regression models showed strong predictive powers (R-squared>99%) of the variances in the total number of COVID-19 cases (per million); total number of deaths (per million); and the total recoveries (per million).

Conclusions

The findings from this study suggest that patient-level characteristics such as ageing population (i.e., 65+), poverty, underlying co-morbidities–cardiovascular disease (e.g., hypertension), and diabetes through unhealthy behaviours like smoking as well as hospital care (i.e., beds per thousand) can help explain COVID-19 confirmed cases and mortality rates in Africa. Aside from these, other determinants (e.g., population density, the ability of detection, prevention and control) also affect COVID-19 prevalence, deaths and recoveries within African countries and sub-regions.
BC-store: A program for MGISEQ barcode sets analysis
Authors: Bulusheva Irina , Belova Vera , Nikashin Boris , Korostin Dmitriy
Published: March 2021

Here we present the devised BC-store–a program for analyzing and selecting sets of barcodes for sequencing on platforms manufactured by MGI Tech (China). The app is available as an open source in Python3 and as a desktop version. The application allows analyzing the compatibility of barcodes on a single lane of a flow cell in a set in the case of equal and arbitrary fractions. In addition, with the help of this tool barcodes can be added to an existing set with custom share options. In this paper we describe how BC-store works for different tasks and consider the effectiveness of using BC-store in sequence lab routine tasks.
Panacea: Visual exploration system for analyzing trends in annual recruitment using time-varying graphs
Authors: Yokoyama Toshiyuki T. , Okada Masashi , Taniguchi Tadahiro
Published: March 2021

Annual recruitment data of new graduates are manually analyzed by human resources (HR) specialists in industries, which signifies the need to evaluate the recruitment strategy of HR specialists. Different job seekers send applications to companies every year. The relationships between applicants’ attributes (e.g., English skill or academic credentials) can be used to analyze the changes in recruitment trends across multiple years. However, most attributes are unnormalized and thus require thorough preprocessing. Such unnormalized data hinder effective comparison of the relationship between applicants in the early stage of data analysis. Thus, a visual exploration system is highly needed to gain insight from the overview of the relationship among applicant qualifications across multiple years. In this study, we propose the Polarizing Attributes for Network Analysis of Correlation on Entities Association (Panacea) visualization system. The proposed system integrates a time-varying graph model and dynamic graph visualization for heterogeneous tabular data. Using this system, HR specialists can interactively inspect the relationships between two attributes of prospective employees across multiple years. Further, we demonstrate the usability of Panacea with representative examples for finding hidden trends in real-world datasets, and we discuss feedback from HR specialists obtained throughout Panacea’s development. The proposed Panacea system enables HR specialists to visually explore the annual recruitment of new graduates.
Maltohexaose-indocyanine green (MH-ICG) for near infrared imaging of endocarditis
Authors: Takemiya Kiyoko , Røise Joachim J. , He Maomao , Taing Chung , Rodriguez Alexander G. , Murthy Niren , Goodman Mark M. , Taylor W. Robert
Published: March 2021

Infectious endocarditis is a life-threatening disease, and diagnostics are urgently needed to accurately diagnose this disease especially in the case of prosthetic valve endocarditis. We show here that maltohexaose conjugated to indocyanine green (MH-ICG) can detect Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) infection in a rat model of infective endocarditis. The affinity of MH-ICG to S. aureus was determined and had a Km and Vmax of 5.4 μM and 3.0 X 10−6 μmol/minutes/108 CFU, respectively. MH-ICG had no detectable toxicity to mammalian cells at concentrations as high as 100 μM. The in vivo efficiency of MH-ICG in rats was evaluated using a right heart endocarditis model, and the accumulation of MH-ICG in the bacterial vegetations was 2.5 ± 0.2 times higher than that in the control left ventricular wall. The biological half-life of MH-ICG in healthy rats was 14.0 ± 1.3 minutes, and approximately 50% of injected MH-ICG was excreted into the feces after 24 hours. These data demonstrate that MH-ICG was internalized by bacteria with high specificity and that MH-ICG specifically accumulated in bacterial vegetations in a rat model of endocarditis. These results demonstrate the potential efficacy of this agent in the detection of infective endocarditis.
CXCR4 inhibition with AMD3100 attenuates amphetamine induced locomotor activity in adolescent Long Evans male rats
Authors: Mason Briana , Calhoun Corey , Woytowicz Victoria , Pina Latifa , Kanda Roshninder , Dunn Curtis , Alves Antonio , Donaldson S. Tiffany
Published: March 2021

Adolescent psychostimulant abuse has been on the rise over the past decade. This trend has demonstrable ramifications on adolescent behavior and brain morphology, increasing risk for development of addiction during adolescence and in later adulthood. Neuroimmune substrates are implicated in the etiology of substance use disorders. To add to this body of work, the current study was developed to explore the role of a chemokine receptor, CXC Chemokine Receptor 4 (CXCR4), in the development of amphetamine (AMPH) sensitization. We targeted CXCR4 as it is implicated in developmental processes, dopaminergic transmission, neuroimmune responses, and the potentiation of psychostimulant abuse pathology. To evaluate the role of CXCR4 activity on the development of AMPH sensitization, a CXCR4 antagonist (Plerixafor; AMD3100) was administered to rats as a pretreatment variable. Specifically, adolescent Long Evans male rats (N = 37) were divided into four groups: (1) AMD3100 (IP, 4.0 mg/kg) + AMPH (IP, 4.0 mg/kg), (2) saline (SAL; 0.9% NaCl) + AMPH, (3) AMD3100 + SAL, and (4) SAL + SAL. Animals were first habituated to locomotor activity (LMA) chambers, then injected with a pretreatment drug (AMD3100 or SAL) followed by AMPH or SAL every other for four days. After a one-week withdrawal period, all animals were administered a low challenge dose of AMPH (IP, 1.0 mg/kg). AMPH-injected rats displayed significantly more locomotor activity compared to controls across all testing days. CXCR4 antagonism significantly attenuated AMPH-induced locomotor activity. On challenge day, AMD3100 pre-treated animals exhibited diminutive AMPH-induced locomotor activity compared to SAL pre-treated animals. Postmortem analyses of brain tissue revealed elevated CXCR4 protein levels in the striatum of all experimental groups. Our results implicate CXCR4 signaling in the development of AMPH sensitization and may represent an important therapeutic target for future research in psychostimulant abuse.
Baseline serum angiopoietin-2 and VEGF levels predict the deterioration of the liver functional reserve during lenvatinib treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Shigesawa Taku , Suda Goki , Kimura Megumi , Maehara Osamu , Tokuchi Yoshimasa , Kubo Akinori , Yamada Ren , Furuya Ken , Baba Masaru , Kitagataya Takashi , Suzuki Kazuharu , Ohara Masatsugu , Kawagishi Naoki , Nakai Masato , Sho Takuya , Natsuizaka Mitsuteru , Morikawa Kenichi , Ogawa Koji , Sakamoto Naoya
Published: March 2021

A deteriorated liver functional reserve during systemic therapy for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) causes poor patient outcomes. We aimed to identify predictive factors associated with the deterioration of Child-Pugh score at 8 weeks after lenvatinib initiation. Patients with adequate clinical data and baseline preserved serum samples available were included. Baseline fibroblast growth factor (FGF)19 and 21, angiopoietin (ANG)2, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels were evaluated. Thirty-seven patients were included, and 6, 15, 14, and 2 experienced complete response, partial response, stable disease, and progressive disease, respectively. Twenty-four (65%) and 13 (35%) patients showed a maintained/improved and deteriorated Child-Pugh-score, respectively. While baseline clinical data, treatment response, and laboratory data were similar between these two patient groups, baseline ANG2 and VEGF levels were significantly higher (P= 0.0017) and lower (P= 0.0231), respectively, in patients with deteriorated Child-Pugh score than in those without. Based on receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, cut-off values for ANG2 and VEGF were found to be 3,108 pg/mL and 514.9 pg/mL, respectively. Among patients with low VEGF and high ANG2, 89% (8/9) exhibited a deteriorated Child-Pugh score, whereas none of the patients (0/9) with high VEGF and low ANG2 did. The deterioration of the Child-Pugh score in patients with unresectable HCC who are treated with lenvatinib may be predictable based on combined baseline serum ANG2 and VEGF levels.
Structural determinants of suicide during the global financial crisis in Spain: Integrating explanations to understand a complex public health problem
Authors: Alvarez-Galvez Javier , Suarez-Lledo Victor , Salvador-Carulla Luis , Almenara-Barrios Jose
Published: March 2021

Introduction

Suicide is a complex public health problem in contemporary societies. Macroeconomic downturns derived from the economic crisis have been found to be associated with growing suicide mortality in the United States and in Europe. The present work is aimed to assess the association between the recent economic downturns and suicide patterns using interrupted time series analysis and, particularly, adjusting this relationship by indicators of social cohesion and community values that might provide additional insights on the complex explanation of suicidal trends.

Methods

We combined suicide, social and economic data extracted from the National Statistics Institute (INE), the Eurostat database, and the World Values Survey to assess the association between the socio-economic factors and trends in suicide rates. To study the association between the financial crisis and changes in suicide rates in Spain, we used interrupted time series analysis (ITSA).

Results

Our findings confirm that suicides increased after the 2011 recession, but remained moderately constant after the 2008 economic downturn. Suicides particularly increased after the 2011 recession in the 10–14, and 45–64 years old intervals between males and females, and apparently in older groups. However, during the 2008–2011 time period suicide rates decreased during working years (specifically among 40–44, 45–49, and 55–59 years old groups). Our results highlight the importance of social protection against unemployment and, to a lesser extent, social protection in disability and family, in reducing suicides, as well as the economic prosperity of the country.

Conclusion

This result corroborates that the economic crisis has possibly impacted the growing suicide rates of the most vulnerable groups, but exclusively during the period characterised by economic cuts after the 2011 recession. This study highlights the need to implement tailored policies that protect these collectives against suicide.
Glycoprotein N-linked glycans play a critical role in arenavirus pathogenicity
Authors: Koma Takaaki , Huang Cheng , Coscia Adrian , Hallam Steven , Manning John T. , Maruyama Junki , Walker Aida G. , Miller Milagros , Smith Jeanon N. , Patterson Michael , Abraham Jonathan , Paessler Slobodan
Published: March 2021

Several arenaviruses cause hemorrhagic fevers in humans with high case fatality rates. A vaccine named Candid#1 is available only against Junin virus (JUNV) in Argentina. Specific N-linked glycans on the arenavirus surface glycoprotein (GP) mask important epitopes and help the virus evade antibody responses. However the role of GPC glycans in arenavirus pathogenicity is largely unclear. In a lethal animal model of hemorrhagic fever-causing Machupo virus (MACV) infection, we found that a chimeric MACV with the ectodomain of GPC from Candid#1 vaccine was partially attenuated. Interestingly, mutations resulting in acquisition of N-linked glycans at GPC N83 and N166 frequently occurred in late stages of the infection. These glycosylation sites are conserved in the GPC of wild-type MACV, indicating that this is a phenotypic reversion for the chimeric MACV to gain those glycans crucial for infection in vivo. Further studies indicated that the GPC mutant viruses with additional glycans became more resistant to neutralizing antibodies and more virulent in animals. On the other hand, disruption of these glycosylation sites on wild-type MACV GPC rendered the virus substantially attenuated in vivo and also more susceptible to antibody neutralization, while loss of these glycans did not affect virus growth in cultured cells. We also found that MACV lacking specific GPC glycans elicited higher levels of neutralizing antibodies against wild-type MACV. Our findings revealed the critical role of specific glycans on GPC in arenavirus pathogenicity and have important implications for rational design of vaccines against this group of hemorrhagic fever-causing viruses.
Civic activism for community access television in the US state of Maine
Authors: Davies Lyell
Published: March 2021

For almost five decades Public, Educational and Governmental (PEG) TV has been a staple of US community media, providing a forum for the cablecast of locally made content and the expression of viewpoints unheard and unseen on commercial television. But PEG TV faces existential and other threats in the face of a neo-liberal attrition of non-commercial public arenas, policy deregulation and changes to the media marketplace. In this article, the volunteer-driven advocacy campaign on behalf of PEG TV launched in Maine after one of the cable corporations operating in this state sought to disenfranchise community access television by ‘slamming’ its channels is explored. How the campaign was able to mobilize and win support for its cause, leading to an eventual victory in Maine’s state legislature, is examined. This instance served as an important illustration of a media policy advocacy effort that targeted a US state’s law, rather than federal or local law, as is more commonly the case.
Six ways alt-left media legitimatize their criticism of mainstream media: An analysis of The Canary and Evolve Politics (2015–19)
Authors: Cushion Stephen
Published: March 2021

In recent years, new alternative left-wing media sites in the United Kingdom – labelled alt-left media – have become popular sources of news. They often focus their attention on the ‘MSM’, an acronym used to pejoratively represent ‘mainstream media’. But there has been limited academic attention about how these new alternative media report mainstream media and critique professional journalism. Drawing on a highly focused dataset of 158 stories from a sample of 1284 articles, this study examined two alt-left media sites in the United Kingdom, The Canary and Evolve Politics, from 2015 to 2019, and identified six specific ways they legitimized their criticism of mainstream media. This involved the constant surveillance of mainstream media reporting, questioning editorial judgements with close textual analysis and drawing on authoritative sources to substantiate claims. It is argued that more research is needed to understand how alternative media are delegitimizing the value of professional journalism.
Intelligent Devices in Rural Wireless Networks
Authors: Fuentes Daniel , Laza Rosalía , Pereira Antonio
Published: March 2021

The rural wireless networks are increasingly in demand by associations and autarchies to expand Internet access in this type of areas. The problem of such solutions centers not only in network deployment and its maintenance, but also in the equipment installation on clients, which always has big costs. This installation and configuration must be performed by a technician on site, so that the equipment can be integrated in the infrastructure. To try to mitigate this problem, it is presented a solution that allows the clients to install, with transparency, the device at home, reducing not only the cost for the management entity but also for the clients. This way, for info-excluded people or with new technology low experience level, it is the user that integrates himself in the network, making him part of the process, fostering the network usage.In this article are specified not only the system architecture but also the way that it works and how it obtains the desirable result. The tests made to the solution show the quickness, reliability and autonomy in the execution of the tasks, making it a benefit for rural wireless networks.This solution, by its robustness and simplicity, allowed an uptake to the IT by people who never thought to do it, namely an advanced age group (elderly) who want to join the world of the new technologies
Simulation of Fermentation Pathway Using Bees Algorithm
Authors: Leong Yi Ying , Chong Chuii Khim , Chai Lian En , Deris Safaai , Illias Rosli , Omatu Sigeru , Mohamad Mohd Saberi
Published: March 2021

In this paper, we propose Bees Algorithm (BA) to enhance the performance in estimating the parameters for metabolic pathway data to simulate fermentation pathway for Saccharomyces cerevisiae. However, the parameter estimation of biological processes has always been a challenging task due to the complexity and nonlinear equations. Therefore, we present this algorithm as a new approach for parameter estimation for biological interactions to obtain more accurate parameter values. The result shows that BA outperforms other estimation algorithms as it produces the most accurate kinetic parameters, which contributes to the precision of simulated kinetic model.
Optimization of the virtual mouse HeadMouse to foster its classroom use by children with physical disabilities
Authors: Teixido Merce , Palleja Tomás , Tresanchez Marcel , Font Davinia , Moreno Javier , Fernández Alicia , Palacín Jordi , Rebate Carlos
Published: March 2021

This paper presents the optimization of a virtual mouse called HeadMouse in order to foster its classroom use by children with physical disabilities. HeadMouse is an absolute virtual mouse that converts head movements in cursor displacement and facial gestures in click actions. The virtual mouse combines different image processing algorithms: face detection, pattern matching and optical flow in order to emulate the behaviour of a conventional computer mouse. The original implementation of HeadMouse requires large computational power and this paper proposes specific optimizations in order to enable its use by children with disabilities in standard low cost classroom computers.
Moderate-Intensity Aerobic vs Resistance Exercise and Dietary Modification in Patients With Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Charatcharoenwitthaya Phunchai , Kuljiratitikal Kraisingh , Aksornchanya Ophas , Chaiyasoot Kusuma , Bandidniyamanon Wimolrak , Charatcharoenwitthaya Natthinee
Published: March 2021

INTRODUCTION:

This randomized trial aimed to compare the effects of moderate-intensity aerobic vs resistance exercise with dietary modification in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

METHODS:

Patients with NAFLD were randomly assigned (1:1) to a 12-week supervised training program of moderate-intensity aerobic or resistance exercise with dietary intervention consisting of monthly individual nutritional counseling by a dietician. Transient elastography, anthropometry, body composition, cardiorespiratory fitness, biochemistries, and glucose tolerance were measured at baseline and 12 weeks.

RESULTS:

Eighteen subjects exercised for an average of 3.35 ± 0.30 sessions a week in the aerobic group, and 17 subjects exercised an average of 3.39 ± 0.28 sessions a week in the resistance group. After completion of the training program, hepatic fat content was similarly reduced in both groups (P < 0.001). The mean relative reduction from baseline in the aerobic group was −10.3% (95% confidence interval −18.2 to −2.40) and the resistance group was −12.6% (−20.5 to −4.69). Liver steatosis (defined as controlled attenuation parameter >248 dB/m) disappeared in 9 (50%) of the aerobic group and in 9 (53%) of the resistance group. Whole-body and muscle insulin sensitivity indexes were improved, and waist circumference was reduced comparably in both exercise groups. The number of exercise sessions per week was correlated with the absolute reduction in hepatic fat content (r = 0.52; P = 0.001). Weekly exercise training ≥3 sessions substantially attenuates liver fat accumulation independent of weight loss.

DISCUSSION:

Moderate-intensity aerobic training and resistance training with dietary modification are equally effective for reducing intrahepatic fat and improving underlying insulin resistance among patients with NAFLD.
Raus aus der Komfortzone und rein in die Konfliktarenen!
Authors: Hirschl Bernd
Published: March 2021

Auf den ersten Blick sieht man bei der Energiewende große Erfolge: Atomausstieg, Paris-Ziele, Kohleausstieg und ein CO2-Preis. Auf den zweiten Blick wird klar: Die Energiewende geht viel zu langsam voran, die Politik scheut sich vor vielen Klimaschutzkonflikten, und allzu oft wird nur über Ziele debattiert und nicht gehandelt. Das muss sich ändern.
Potency of Endophytic Bacteria from Brotowali (Tinospora crispa) as Biocontrol of Sclerotium rolfsii and Plant Growth Promoting
Authors: Munif Abdul , Ma’ruf Kholil
Published: March 2021

Sclerotium rolfsii merupakan salah satu patogen penting pada kacang tanah yang dapat menyebabkan penyakit busuk pangkal batang. S. rolfsii dapat bertahan hidup di dalam tanah dan membentuk struktur dorman. Penelitian ini bertujuan mengevaluasi bakteri endofit dari tanaman brotowali yang berpotensi sebagai agens hayati yang efektif untuk mengendalikan S. rolfsii dan mengetahui pengaruhnya pada pertumbuhan tanaman kacang tanah. Bakteri endofit diisolasi dari akar dan batang tanaman brotowali dengan metode sterilisasi permukaan. Bakteri endofit yang berhasil diisolasi dari tanaman brotowali ialah 415 isolat dan 153 isolat lolos uji keamanan hayati. Sebanyak 7 isolat bakteri endofit, yaitu BBT25, BBT90, BBT102, BBT106, BBT110, BBT130, dan BSK18 berpotensi menekan S. rolfsii. Isolat BBT106 mampu menekan pertumbuhan S. rolfsii sebesar 73% secara in vitro. Isolat BBT110 dan BSK18 mampu menekan kejadian penyakit busuk pangkal batang sebesar 58% dan 67% pada penelitian di rumah kaca. Ketujuh isolat bakteri endofit brotowali mampu meningkatkan pertumbuhan tanaman kacang tanah pada percobaan di rumah kaca.
Penurunan Kadar Enzim Kolinesterase Tenaga Sprayer di Perkebunan Kelapa Sawit
Authors: Utami Titi Permatasari , Lestari Mona , Novrikasari Novrikasari , Purba Imelda Gernauli , Sitorus Rico Januar , Nandini Rizka Faliria , Fujianti Poppy
Published: March 2021

Latar belakang: Pestisida golongan organofosfat bersifat menghambat aktivitas enzim kolinesterase di dalam tubuh. Pekerja yang bertugas untuk melakukan penyemprotan pestisida memiliki risiko yang sangat tinggi terkena dampak negatif dari pajanan pestisida. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui faktor risiko penurunan kadar enzim kolinesterase tenaga sprayer di perkebunan kelapa sawit PT. X Kabupaten Musi Banyuasin.Metode: Penelitian ini menggunakan pendekatan kuantitatif dengan menggunakan rancangan penelitian cross sectional. Sampel pada penelitian ini yaitu sebanyak 113 orang. Pengukuran data dilakukan dengan menggunakan kuesioner dan pemeriksaan kadar enzim kolinesterase.Hasil: Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa terdapat 3,5% tenaga sprayer yang mengalami penurunan kadar kolinesterase. Dari hasil analisis bivariat diketahui adanya hubungan antara penggunaan Alat Pelindung Diri (APD) (p-value = 0,046) dengan penurunan kadar enzim kolinesterase tenaga sprayer. Melalui analisis multivariate diketahui bahwa penggunaan APD merupakan faktor yang paling berhubungan dengan penurunan kadar enzim kolinesterase setelah dikontrol dengan variabel arah angin.Simpulan: Dapat disimpulkan bahwa penggunaan APD berhubungan erat dengan penurunan kadar enzim kolinesterase sehingga disarankan melengkapi APD yang digunakan saat bekerja dan perlu adanya edukasi yang diberikan kepada tenaga sprayer mengenai faktor keracunan pestisida. ABSTRACT Title: The Decrease of Cholinesterase Enzyme Level in Pesticide Sprayers in Palm Oil PlantationBackground: Organophosphate pesticides are inhibiting the activity of the cholinesterase enzyme in human body.  Workers in charge of pesticide spraying have a very high risk of being negatively affected by pesticide exposure.  This study aims to determine the risk factors for cholinesterase enzyme decline in pesticide sprayers of PT.  X Musi Banyuasin Regency.Method: This study used a quantitative approach using a cross sectional study design.  The sample in this study were 113 pesticide sprayers.  Data measurements were performed using a questionnaire and examination of cholinesterase enzyme levels. Result The results showed that there was 3.5% pesticide sprayers that has decreased cholinesterase enzyme level.  From the results of bivariate analysis it is determined that there is a correlation between the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) (p-value = 0.046) and declining cholinesterase enzyme level in pesticide sprayers. Through multivariate analysis it is determined that the use of PPE is the most related factor in the decrease of cholinesterase enzyme after being controlled with wind direction variables..Conclusion: It can be concluded that the use of PPE is closely related to the decrease cholinesterase enzyme in pesticide sprayers so it is recommended for the company to provide PPE at work and to educate the sprayers about factors in pesticide poisoning.
Comparison of the Baska Mask® and Endotracheal Tube on Hemodynamic and Respiratory Parameters in Septoplasty Cases
Authors: Kuşderci Hatice Selçuk , Torun Mümtaz Taner , Öterkuş Mesut
Published: March 2021

Laryngeal mask (LM) types have been used as an airway device for an alternative to the standard endotracheal tube (ETT). One of the novel type of LM, the Baska Mask®, can be a safe alternative among the airway devices. The purpose of this study is to compare the effects of the new generation supraglottic airway device the Baska Mask® and the ETT on hemodynamic parameters (heart rate, mean arterial pressure), airway pressure and end tidal carbon dioxide (EtCO2) in patients undergoing general anesthesia. After the approval of the ethics committee, 70 patients who underwent septoplasty were included in the study. Written informed consent forms were taken from these patients. Demographic data of the patients were recorded. Hemodynamic data of patients were measured and recorded preoperative, during induction, at the time of intubation 1th, 3th and 5th minute and during extubation. Also, airway pressure and EtCO2 values of the patients were measured and recorded at the time of intubation, 1th, 3th and 5th minutes. Demographic data were similar in both groups. Mean arterial pressure, heart rate and airway pressure were lower in the group 2 (the Baska Mask® group) than in the group 1 (ETT group) and the difference was statistically significant (p<0.05). EtCO2 values were similar in both groups. No patients had tube leakage. In terms of hemodynamic and respiratory parameters the Baska Mask® is more advantageous than the ETT in short-term surgeries.
Laparoscopic Pectopexy: An Effective Procedure for Pelvic Organ Prolapse with an Evident Improvement on Quality of Life
Authors: Karslı Aybike , Karslı Onur , Kale Ahmet
Published: March 2021

It has been stated that the effectiveness of pectopexy method for the treatment of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is similar to sacrocolpopexy. We aimed to search the effects of pectopexy method to the quality of life, sexual function and urinary incontinence. Thirty-one patients who were operated for POP with the technique of laparoscopic pectouteropexy/pectocolpopexy between January 2016 and November 2017 were included the study. Exclusion criteria were pelvic inflammatory disease, suspect of malignancy, pregnancy, prior POP or continence surgery. Quality of life inventories were (P-QOL, PISQ-12, UDI-6, IIQ-7) recorded preoperatively and at the postoperative third month. Results were compared statistically. The percentage of patients with menopause was 67.7% (n=21) and with reproductive term was 32.3% (n=10). Mean prolapse related quality of life inventory (P-QOL) score was 83.45 ± 8.7 (64–98) preoperatively and 8.61 ± 6.4 (0–23) postoperatively (p<0.05). The preoperative and postoperative score of quality of life inventories for urinary symptoms were 20 (15–21) and 2 (0–9) for IIQ-7 and 13 (3–18) and 4 (0–11) for UDI-6, respectively (p<0.05). The mean PISQ-12 sexual quality of life inventory score was 29.61 ± 4.8 (14–38) preoperatively and 7.1 ± 3.2 (1–13) postoperatively. According to our results laparoscopic pectopexy offers a feasible, safe and comfortable alternative for apical prolapse surgery.
Translanguaging space in a bilingual program in New York City Chinatown middle school
Authors: Zhou Xiaodi , Fu Danling
Published: March 2021

This study explores how translanguaging pedagogy was practiced in a New York City Chinatown middle school to engage emergent bilingual students (EBs) with diverse language literacy backgrounds in their study of the grade level social studies curriculum. The data were collected over the past two decades while we worked with classroom teachers in search of effective ways to improve EBs’ school performance. We revisited this data utilizing a translanguaging lens to reconceptualize this past work and reframe our analysis to deepen understanding of translanguaging teaching praxis. Therefore, this research not only seeks possible ways to meet challenges in the education of EBs in U.S. schools but also to add to a research method that looks back at past data as an approach to looking ahead in scholarship.
Investigating genre distinctions through discourse distance and discourse network
Authors: Sun Kun , Wang Rong , Xiong Wenxin
Published: March 2021

The notion of genre has been widely explored using quantitative methods from both lexical and syntactical perspectives. However, discourse structure has rarely been used to examine genre. Mostly concerned with the interrelation of discourse units, discourse structure can play a crucial role in genre analysis. Nevertheless, few quantitative studies have explored genre distinctions from a discourse structure perspective. Here, we use two English discourse corpora (RST-DT and GUM) to investigate discourse structure from a novel viewpoint. The RST-DT is divided into four small subcorpora distinguished according to genre, and another corpus (GUM) containing seven genres are used for cross-verification. An RST (rhetorical structure theory) tree is converted into dependency representations by taking information from RST annotations to calculate the discourse distance through a process similar to that used to calculate syntactic dependency distance. Moreover, the data on dependency representations deriving from the two corpora are readily convertible into network data. Afterwards, we examine different genres in the two corpora by combining discourse distance and discourse network. The two methods are mutually complementary in comprehensively revealing the distinctiveness of various genres. Accordingly, we propose an effective quantitative method for assessing genre differences using discourse distance and discourse network. This quantitative study can help us better understand the nature of genre.
“Bad News” in Herodotos and Thoukydides: misinformation, disinformation, and propaganda
Authors: Lateiner Donald
Published: March 2021

Herodotos and Thoukydides report on many occasions that kings, polis leaders, and other politicians speak and behave in ways that unintentionally announce or analyze situations incorrectly (misinformation). Elsewhere, they represent as facts knowingly false constructs or “fake news” (disinformation), or they slant data in ways that advance a cause personal or public (propaganda,true or false). Historians attempt to or claim to acquaint audiences with a truer fact situation and to identify subjects’ motives for distortion such as immediate personal advantage, community advantage, or to encourage posterity’s better (if mistaken) opinion. Such historiographical bifocalism enhances the historian’s authority with readers (as he sees through intentional or unintentional misrepresentations) as well as sets straight distorted historical records. This paper surveys two paradigmatic Hellenic historians’ texts, how they build their investigative and analytic authority, and how they encourage confidence in their truth-determining skills. The material collected confirms and assesses the frequency of persons and governments misleading their own citizens and subjects as well as rival persons and powers. Finally, it demonstrates that these two historians were aware of information loss, information control (dissemination and suppression), and information chaos.
Machine learning studies for the effects of probes and cavity on quantum synchronization
Authors: Meng Qing-Yu , Hu Yong , Yang Qing , Zhu Qin-Sheng , Li Xiao-Yu
Published: March 2021

As an important technology of the quantum detection, the quantum synchronization detection is always used in the detection or measurement of some quantum systems. A probing model is established to describe the probing of a qubit system in the cavity field and to reveal the effect of the environment (cavity) on the quantum synchronization occurrence, as well as the interactions among environment, a qubit system, and probing equipment. By adjusting the frequency of the probe, the in-phase, anti-phase, and out-of-phase synchronization can be achieved. Simultaneously, the effect of

γ
3

${\gamma }_{3}$

which describes the interaction strength between the probe and environments for quantum synchronization is discussed under different Ohmic dissipation index
s
. Finally, the machine learning method is applied to present an optimization for classification and regression of synchronization transition dependent on
s
and

γ
3

${\gamma }_{3}$

.
The Role of Parental Input in the Early Acquisition of Japanese Politeness Distinctions
Authors: Chang Franklin , Tatsumi Tomoko , Hayakawa Hirofumi , Yoshizaki Misa , Oka Natsuki
Published: March 2021

Japanese polite language (teineigo) varies with the speaker-addressee relationship as well as social norms. Descriptive studies have found that young Japanese children use polite-speech early in development. This claim was experimentally tested in 3- to 6-year-old Japanese children and correct use of polite verb forms was found even in the youngest children. The early acquisition of these verb forms is surprising, because there is a Japanese social norm that parental speech to children is mostly not polite, so it is not clear how children acquire the knowledge of how to use polite forms. To examine this, a large scale corpus analysis of polite language was performed using a probabilistic measure of the intended addressee. We confirmed that parental speech is mostly not polite, but parents also produced a substantial amount of polite language that varied appropriately with addressees and this can help to explain the early use of polite speech in Japanese children under experimental conditions.
Mercury concentrations in fish and human health assessment in preflood phase of a hydro dam in Teles Pires River, Southern Brazilian Amazon
Authors: de Matos Liliane Stédile , Correa Anne Sthephane Arrolho Silva , da Silva Solange Aparecida Arrolho , Muniz Claumir Cesar , Ignacio Aurea Regina Alves
Published: March 2021

Ingestion of fish is considered the main pathway of human exposure to methylmercury (MeHg), particularly for riverside populations, where fish is the main source of protein. The objective of this study was to estimate concentration of MeHg based on total concentration of mercury in muscles of three species of carnivorous fish: Boulengerella cuvieri (bicuda), Serrasalmus rhombeus (piranha), and Hydrolycus armatus (cachorra), collected from Teles Pires River, Brazil. Furthermore, we calculated human health risk related to MeHg contamination caused by fish consumption. Fish were collected in 20 field campaigns from December 2011 to September 2016 at Teles Pires River, in area of influence of Colíder hydroelectric plant. Risk index (RI) related to ingestion of MeHg through fish intake was calculated considering that MeHg corresponds to around 90% of mercury in fish. There were no significant differences in average mercury concentration between all species: S. rhombeus (0.304 mg/kg–1), H. armatus (0.229 mg/kg–1), and B. cuvieri (0.199 mg/kg–1). RI calculated for sensitive groups (lactating women, breastfeeding infants and children) and RI calculated for general population presented average values, suggesting adverse health effects. This first assessment on MeHg and human exposure to people from Teles Pires River area through fish consumption suggests that mercury concentrations might be posing health adverse effects on people of this sensitive group. Further studies involving more fish specimens and considering fish biological factors are needed to fully understand health risks of mercury exposure to humans in this region.
Asymptotics for ultimate ruin probability in a by-claim risk model
Authors: Zhang Aili , Liu Shuang , Yang Yang
Published: March 2021

This paper considers a by-claim risk model with constant interest rate in which the main claim and by-claim random vectors form a sequence of independent and identically distributed random pairs with each pair obeying some certain dependence or arbitrary dependence structure. Under the assumption of heavy-tailed claims, we derive some asymptotic formulas for ultimate ruin probability. Some simulation studies are also performed to check the accuracy of the obtained theoretical results via the crude Monte Carlo method.