bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
TEACHERS’ DIGITAL COMPETENCE: BIBLIOMETRIC ANALYSIS OF THE PUBLICATIONS OF THE WEB OF SCIENCE SCIENTOMETRIC DATABASE
Authors: Aydin Mehmet Kemal , Yildirim Turgut
Published: October 2022

With the Online Emergency Remote Teaching (OERT) practices emerged during the outbreak of the pandemic, teachers’ digital competence (TDC) has gained growing attention in educational ICT research realm. In view of this context, the present review study aimed at illuminating the current state of TDCs literature by identifying the volume, growth trajectory, geographical distribution of TDC research. It also aimed at mapping highly influential TDC scholars, documents, and journals. Retrieved from the educational research category in the Clarivate Analytics Web of Science (WoS) core collection database, the metadata of 406 articles were analyzed by employing bibliometric performance and science mapping techniques in VOSwiever 1.6. The timeframe for the study was the last two decades (from 2002 to 2021). Findings illustrated that there has been a growing increase in the number of studies focusing on TDCs. This increase is more evident in the Covid-19 pandemic period, particularly in the last two years. More specifically, more than half of all studies were published in the years 2020 and 2021. Findings also illustrated that there is a dominance of Spanish scholars and organizations in TDC research since 2 out of every 3 studies were carried out by researchers affiliated to Spanish Universities. Additionally, co-citation analysis purported the intellectual structure of TDC knowledge base by identifying the most influential authors and documents. Finally, co-occurrence analysis revealed the concept analysis topical foci of TDC research. These topics are concentrated on “teachers’ digital competence”, “higher education studies”, teacher training programs”, and “ICT in education”. As a result, based on the findings of the study some recommendations were proposed that will contribute into the ICT research community by reflecting the intellectual structure of existing TDC research, thus highlighting the future research direction.
Sensation and the City: Charlotte Riddell’s George Geith and the Emergence of the Sensation Genre
Authors: Ifill Helena
Published: October 2022

Charlotte Riddell’s George Geith of Fen Court was published in 1864, just after Wilkie Collins's The Woman in White, Ellen Wood’s East Lynne, and Mary Elizabeth Braddon’s Lady Audley’s Secret seemed to initiate the sensation genre. It features adultery, bigamy, false identities, forgery, illegitimacy, and a fake pregnancy, and Riddell is often referred to as a sensation author by modern critics. However, George Geith resists easy categorisation as a sensation novel and Riddell was frequently compared with George Eliot, a respected realist author. Riddell uses sensational plots in a way that managed to avoid George Geith being castigated as a sensation novel by reviewers, but that allowed her to convey some transgressive notions about marriage and to further her agenda to make the City of London and its hardworking businessmen viable fictional subjects. In undertaking this analysis of George Geith this article suggests that one new direction for sensation studies is to reconsider why certain authors (such as Riddell) have been classed as sensational, and by doing so revisit the criteria that have been used to identify sensation fiction (including plot, tone, and reputation) then and now.
Mary Elizabeth Braddon’s and Dion Boucicault’s Sensational Re-writings across Media:The Octoroon
Authors: Palmer Beth
Published: October 2022

This article seeks to add to the conversation around transmedia practices in Victorian culture and to suggest that sensation, a particular type of storytelling that sought to affect its audiences physically and emotionally with its extreme events in contemporary settings, was significant to the development of transmedia practices in the ease with which sensationalists moved their stories across boundaries and the highly self-reflexive way in which they did so. Whilst contemporary reviewers expressed anxiety about the fractured and multiple means by which sensation could be consumed, sensation writers like novelist Mary Elizabeth Braddon and playwright Dion Boucicault highlighted their sensational productions as transmedia, often in the face of critical opprobrium. Examining both writers’ versions of The Octoroon (1861–2), a story about racial inequality set in antebellum Louisiana, we can see how offering readers and audiences sensational stories that continued, expanded or re-told other sensational stories kept Victorian consumers coming back for more. Sensation, this article suggests, was at the forefront of stimulating its audiences in new ways: bodily, intellectually, and emotionally, and that the transmedia connectedness of sensationalists’ work increased their capacity to create new sensations.
New international technical standard on interpretive strategies for lung function tests (Part 1)
Authors: Kameneva M. Yu.
Published: October 2022

An overview of the new 2022 European Respiratory Society and American Thoracic Society technical standard on interpretive strategies for routine lung function tests: spirometry, body plethysmography and diffusing capacity is presented. The fi rst part discusses general issues, the choice of reference equations, defining normal range of parameters and bronchodilator response estimation.
Correlation of left atrial strain with the recurrence of atrial fibrillation after cardioversion
Authors: Arshinova I. A. , Poltavskaya M. G. , Sedov V. P. , Bogdanova A. A. , Suvorov A. Y. , Kuchina A. Y.
Published: October 2022

Aim. To evaluate the correlation of values of left atrial (LA) strain in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) who underwent cardioversion (CV) with AF recurrence, hospitalization or death in early and late periods after cardioversion.

Material and methods. 85 patients of the University Clinical Hospital No. 1 of Sechenov University were examined: 30 men (35.3 %) and 55 women (64.7 %), the average age was 70 ± 8 years. All patients underwent speckle tracking, the parameters of LA strain and LA stiffness index were determined upon admission to the hospital after CV; after 1, 3, 6 months, a relapse of AF, the fact of hospitalization for cardiovascular reasons, and death were detected.

Results. 4 people died during the follow-up, 37 hospitalizations were registered due to a relapse of AF, 7 developed a long-term persistent/

permanent form of AF. The predictors associated with the onset of adverse events at the 3rd month were: reduction of the negative peak in the 4-chamber position (risk ratio (HR) 1.26, 95 % confidence interval (CI) 1.05, 1.51; p=0.009), reduction of LA strain in the 4-chamber position (HR 0.85, CI 0.75, 0.96; p=0.007), reduction of positive strain peaks in the 4-chamber (HR 0.44, CI 0.25, 0.77; p<0.001) position. When analyzing the data of the sixth month of observation, the predictors were: reduction of negative strain peak in 4-chamber (HR 1.33, CI 1.05, 1.69, p=0.009) and 2-chamber (HR 1.23, CI 1.01, 1.5; p=0.029) positions, reduction of global longitudinal strain LA (HR 0.83, CI 0.72, 0.95; p=0.004), high left atrial stiffness index (HR 15.3, CI 6.56, 35.9; p<0.001).

Conclusion. Evaluation of LA strain parameters during speckle- tracking may be promising in patients with AF after CV, since their decrease correlates well with the risk of adverse events in the long-term periods (3 and 6 months after CV).
Analysis of the results of the work of departments and offices of functional diagnostics
Authors: Beresten N. F. , Sobolev K. E. , Kakorina E. P.
Published: October 2022

In the Russian Federation, according to official statistics, 154.2 million functional studies were conducted in 2021, which exceeded by more than 1.5 times the level of similar studies in 2011 – 86.4 million. The analysis of studies in all areas of functional diagnostics is presented. The Covid-19 pandemic caused a short-term decline in the number of studies in 2020, with a return to previous values in 2021. There was a decrease in the number of complex studies of the cardiovascular system using stress testing and complex diagnostic studies.
Naturally Occurring Rhamnopyranosides as Anticancer Agents: Molecular Docking and ADMET Study
Authors: Islam Md. Inshaful , Sultan Sulaiman Bin , Hossain Takbir , Hasnain Md. Mohin , Islam Md. Badrul , Azad Abul K.M.S.
Published: October 2022

After heart disease, cancer continues to be the second most prevalent cause of death in the USA. Several chemotherapeutic treatments (drugs) are available for cancer that use powerful chemicals to kill the body's rapidly proliferating cells. However, recent research disclosed that many clinically viable anticancer drugs have been developed with the help of chemicals originating from plants. A number of phytochemicals isolated from plants possess rhamnopyranoses and some of them are acyl rhamnopyranoses. Encouragingly, such compounds were reported for their cell proliferation and migration inhibition activities against invasive human triple-negative breast cancer cells. In this study, four naturally occurring rhamnopyranose esters were checked against three cancer-related proteins (PDB IDs: 3TJM, 4OAR, and 5FGK) via molecular docking. Rhamnose compounds 3-6 showed better binding energy compared to the related standard drugs in use in the hospitals. Compound 6 was found highly potential against all the proteins (-8.5 to -11.3 kcal/mol). ADMET studies have also been discussed in this respect. This study indicated that natural rhamnopyranose esters could be used to stop the spreading of cancer cells like other reported sugar fatty acid esters (SFAEs).
Siberia in journalism, memoirs and letters of exiled social-democrats
Authors: Akopyants A. S.
Published: October 2022

The article reveals the significance of memoirs, letters, and journalism of exiled Social Democrats for studying the history of Siberia in the late XIX - early XX centuries. They contain important information about the living conditions, ethnography, economic development, occupations of the population, its customs and way of life, nature and ecology of places of exile and settlement, which complement special studies on this issue. Analysis of the few surviving documents and journalism shows that staying in Siberia, despite the difficult conditions, aroused great interest in its present and future. The vast expanses, natural resources and the nature of Siberia undoubtedly influenced the formation of the exiled Social-democrats, many of whom would later become leaders of the Soviet state, a more capacious and in-depth idea of Russia.
Pedagogical Utility of Science Fiction & The Neither Impossible nor Possible Universe of The Expanse
Authors: Bang Jiun
Published: October 2022

By relying on literary studies, this article distinguishes science fiction from fantasy: the former representing what has not happened, and the latter representing what could not have happened or what cannot happen. By intention, science fiction never truly severs itself from our experiential world, straddling this limbo of the not-possible and not-impossible, which I demonstrate using the fictional world of The Expanse—the shorthand for the fictional universe created by authors Daniel Abraham and Ty Franck that subsequently became a six-season TV series. In turn, I argue that despite the creeping trend in IR of examining popular culture and politics in co-constitutive ways, there is still much to be gained from utilizing popular culture for pedagogy. In order to effectively do so, we need to be more specific and explicit about what learning objectives popular culture might achieve in the classroom, such as analogical reasoning and even metacognition.
Saliva and plasma steroidome in mare during reproductive stages: A GC-MS/MS study
Authors: Goudet Ghylène , Douet Cécile , Pianos Antoine , Haddad Léna , Reigner Fabrice , Deleuze Stefan , Liere Philippe
Published: October 2022

Precision livestock farming using omics approach to acquire precise and real-time data can help farmers in individual animal management and decision making. Since steroid hormones play a key role for the regulation of reproductive functions, reproduction management could be improved by characterizing the steroidome during reproductive stages. Moreover, saliva collection is a non-invasive, painless, inexpensive and easy sampling method. Thus, this prospective study proposes a steroidomic analysis in mare saliva during reproductive stages, that could help to identify potential biomarkers to accurately detect their reproductive stage in a welfare friendly production system, for real-time decision making at the individual animal level. Correlation between saliva and plasma steroidome was also investigated. Saliva and blood samples from 6 mares were collected in anestrus, in the follicular phase 3 days, 2 days and 1 day before ovulation and the day when ovulation was detected, in the luteal phase 6 days after ovulation and in gestation 18 days after ovulation and insemination. Steroidome analysis was performed by gas chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS). We characterized 25 and 36 steroids in saliva and plasma respectively. Pregnenolone concentrations in saliva during gestation were significantly higher than during anestrus or follicular phase and tended to be higher than during luteal phase. Most of the 5α-reduced metabolites of progesterone showed higher salivary concentrations during the luteal phase 6 days post-ovulation and during gestation 18 days post-ovulation compared to anestrus and follicular phase. These steroids could be potential salivary biomarkers of the reproductive stage of the mare. Further studies with a greater number of animals are in progress to confirm the reliability of these potential candidate biomarkers and to develop field-friendly assays.
Bio-inspired polymer array vapor sensor with dual signals of fluorescence intensity and wavelength shift
Authors: Zhao Zhihao , Ge Yinghao , Xu Lingyun , Sun Xiaohan , Zuo Jing , Wang Zhenglin , Liu Hongyang , Jiang Xiangyu , Wang Dong
Published: October 2022

Organic vapor sensors based on polymer owing to their tunable molecular structures and designable functions have attracted considerable research interest. However, detecting multiple organic vapors with high accuracy and a low detection limit is still challenging. Herein, inspired by the mammalian olfactory recognition system, organic vapor sensors based on one-dimensional microfilament array structures with a wide range of sensing gases are demonstrated. By introducing aggregation-induced emission (AIE) molecules, sensors possess dual-optical sensing mechanisms of variation in fluorescence intensity and wavelength. By virtue of the synergistic effects of dual signals, superb accuracy and incredibly low detection limit are achieved for identifying analytes. In particular, the polymer/AIE microfilament array can detect acetone vapor down to 0.03% of saturated vapor pressure. In the saturated vapor of acetone, the fluorescence intensity of the sensor arrays was reduced by 53.7%, while the fluorescence wavelength was red-shifted by 21 nm. Combined with the principal component analysis (PCA) algorithm, the polymer/AIE molecular sensor arrays accomplished the classification and identification of acetone, ethanol, methylene chloride, toluene, and benzene. This bioinspired approach with dual sensing signals may broaden practical applications to high-performance gas sensors for precise molecular detection.
Decellularized fennel and dill leaves as possible 3D channel network in GelMA for the development of an in vitro adipose tissue model
Authors: Grilli Francesca , Pitton Matteo , Altomare Lina , Farè Silvia
Published: October 2022

The development of 3D scaffold-based models would represent a great step forward in cancer research, offering the possibility of predicting the potential in vivo response to targeted anticancer or anti-angiogenic therapies. As regards, 3D in vitro models require proper materials, which faithfully recapitulated extracellular matrix (ECM) properties, adequate cell lines, and an efficient vascular network. The aim of this work is to investigate the possible realization of an in vitro 3D scaffold-based model of adipose tissue, by incorporating decellularized 3D plant structures within the scaffold. In particular, in order to obtain an adipose matrix capable of mimicking the composition of the adipose tissue, methacrylated gelatin (GelMA), UV photo-crosslinkable, was selected. Decellularized fennel, wild fennel and, dill leaves have been incorporated into the GelMA hydrogel before crosslinking, to mimic a 3D channel network. All leaves showed a loss of pigmentation after the decellularization with channel dimensions ranging from 100 to 500 µm up to 3 μm, comparable with those of human microcirculation (5–10 µm). The photo-crosslinking process was not affected by the embedded plant structures in GelMA hydrogels. In fact, the weight variation test, performed on hydrogels with or without decellularized leaves showed a weight loss in the first 96 h, followed by a stability plateau up to 5 weeks. No cytotoxic effects were detected comparing the three prepared GelMA/D-leaf structures; moreover, the ability of the samples to stimulate differentiation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes in mature adipocytes was investigated, and cells were able to grow and proliferate in the structure, colonizing the entire microenvironment and starting to differentiate. The developed GelMA hydrogels mimicked adipose tissue together with the incorporated plant structures seem to be an adequate solution to ensure an efficient vascular system for a 3D in vitro model. The obtained results showed the potentiality of the innovative proposed approach to mimic the tumoral microenvironment in 3D scaffold-based models.
The relation between SARS-CoV-2 cases in Bahrain and meteorological parameters: 27 months of data
Authors: Alnaser Waheeb E. , Alnaser Naser W. , Almarabheh Amer J. , Al-Ansari Ahmed M. , Al-Aali Hala H. , Ghanem Amjad Z.
Published: October 2022

Background: There has been a belief in and strong thought about the existence of a relationship between meteorological parameters and the spread of SARS-CoV-2. Many studies have been conducted but with a short period of investigation, i.e., not more than 4 months. Therefore, the relation between 27 months of SARS-CoV-2 recorded data and meteorological parameters is reported. The aim of this study is to use this vast data to examine whether average temperature, average wind speed, and absolute humidity are clearly correlated with the number of infected SARS-CoV-2 cases in Bahrain or not, which may be applicable to countries that have similar topography.

Method: The official recorded data of SARS-CoV-2 cases in Bahrain from the first day that SARS-CoV-2 cases were detected (February 24, 2020) until May 18, 2022, along with 4 meteorological parameters (temperature, wind speed, relative humidity, and absolute humidity) were used. The data were analyzed using SPSS where a p-value less than 0.05 was considered as statistically significant.

Result: There is a negative significant correlation between new daily cases of SARS-CoV-2 and temperature, T, and absolute humidity, AH, (r = −0.290, −0.317; p < 0.001, respectively). The results also show a positive significant correlation between daily cases of SARS-CoV-2 and wind speed (V) (r = −0.110; p = 0.002). No correlation was found between daily cases of SARS-CoV-2 and relative humidity (r = −0.028; p = 0.429). An empirical relation is reported, allowing the estimation of SARS-CoV-2 cases in Bahrain as a function of three weather parameters: T, AH, and V.
New functions of C3G in platelet biology: Contribution to ischemia-induced angiogenesis, tumor metastasis and TPO clearance
Authors: Hernández-Cano Luis , Fernández-Infante Cristina , Herranz Óscar , Berrocal Pablo , Lozano Francisco S. , Sánchez-Martín Manuel A. , Porras Almudena , Guerrero Carmen
Published: October 2022

C3G is a Rap1 guanine nucleotide exchange factor that controls platelet activation, aggregation, and the release of α-granule content. Transgenic expression of C3G in platelets produces a net proangiogenic secretome through the retention of thrombospondin-1. In a physiological context, C3G also promotes megakaryocyte maturation and proplatelet formation, but without affecting mature platelet production. The aim of this work is to investigate whether C3G is involved in pathological megakaryopoiesis, as well as its specific role in platelet mediated angiogenesis and tumor metastasis. Using megakaryocyte-specific C3G knockout and transgenic mouse models, we found that both C3G overexpression and deletion promoted platelet-mediated angiogenesis, induced by tumor cell implantation or hindlimb ischemia, through differential release of proangiogenic and antiangiogenic factors. However, only C3G deletion resulted in a higher recruitment of hemangiocytes from the bone marrow. In addition, C3G null expression enhanced thrombopoietin (TPO)-induced platelet production, associated with reduced TPO plasma levels. Moreover, after 5-fluorouracil-induced platelet depletion and rebound, C3G knockout mice showed a defective return to homeostatic platelet levels, indicating impaired platelet turnover. Mechanistically, C3G promotes c-Mpl ubiquitination by inducing Src-mediated c-Cbl phosphorylation and participates in c-Mpl degradation via the proteasome and lysosome systems, affecting TPO internalization. We also unveiled a positive role of platelet C3G in tumor cell-induced platelet aggregation, which facilitated metastatic cell homing and adhesion. Overall, these findings revealed that C3G plays a crucial role in platelet-mediated angiogenesis and metastasis, as well as in platelet level modulation in response to pathogenic stimuli.
A metal–organic framework nanocomposite with oxidation and near-infrared light cascade response for bacterial photothermal inactivation
Authors: Dorma Momo Christopher , Zhou Yuan , Li Lanxin , Zhu Weisheng , Wang Luyao , Liu Xingping , Bing Wei , Zhang Zhijun
Published: October 2022

Photothermal treatment is an effective and precise bacterial disinfection method that can reduce the occurrence of bacterial drug resistance. However, most conventional photothermal treatment strategies have the problem that the photothermal response range does not match the infection area. Herein, a metal–organic framework (MOF) nanocomposite responding to the oxidation state of the bacterial infection microenvironment was constructed for near-infrared (NIR) photothermal bacterial inactivation. In this strategy, the MOF was used as a nanocarrier to load tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) and horseradish peroxidase (HPR). The high oxidation state of the bacterial infection microenvironment can trigger the enzyme-catalyzed reaction of the nanocomposite, thereby generating oxidation products with the NIR photothermal effect for bacterial disinfection. The synthesis and characterization of the nanocomposite, oxidation state (H2O2) response effect, photothermal properties, and antibacterial activities were systematically studied. This study provides a new idea for building a precision treatment system for bacterial infection.
Redox-neutral and metal-free synthesis of 3-(arylmethyl)chroman-4-ones via visible-light-driven alkene acylarylation
Authors: Ding Yan , Yu Shengjiao , Ren Man , Lu Ji , Fu Qiang , Zhang Zhijie , Wang Qin , Bai Jun , Hao Na , Yang Lin , Wei Siping , Yi Dong , Wei Jun
Published: October 2022

A metal- and aldehyde-free visible-light-driven photoredox-neutral alkene acylarylation with readily available cyanoarenes is described. A variety of 3-(arylmethyl)chroman-4-ones (i.e., homoisoflavonoids) and analogs are efficiently synthesized with good functional group tolerance. This mild protocol relies on a phosphoranyl radical-mediated acyl radical-initiated cyclization and selective radical-radical coupling sequence, and is also further highlighted by subsequent derivatization to chromone and 2H-chromene as well as its application in the three-component alkene acylarylation.
Biomass-Based Silicon and Carbon for Lithium-Ion Battery Anodes
Authors: Muraleedharan Pillai Manoj , Kalidas Nathiya , Zhao Xiuyun , Lehto Vesa-Pekka
Published: October 2022

Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are the most preferred energy storage devices today for many high-performance applications. Recently, concerns about global warming and climate change have increased the need and requirements for LIBs used in electric vehicles, and thus more advanced technologies and materials are urgently needed. Among the anode materials under development, silicon (Si) has been considered the most promising anode candidate for the next generation LIBs to replace the widely used graphite. Si cannot be used as such as the electrode of LIB, and thus, carbon is commonly used to realize the applicability of Si in LIBs. Typically, this means forming a-Si/carbon composite (Si/C). One of the main challenges in the industrial development of high-performance LIBs is to exploit low-cost, environmentally benign, sustainable, and renewable chemicals and materials. In this regard, bio-based Si and carbon are favorable to address the challenge assuming that the performance of the LIB anode is not compromised. The present review paper focuses on the development of Si and carbon anodes derived from various types of biogenic sources, particularly from plant-derived biomass resources. An overview of the biomass precursors, process/extraction methods for producing Si and carbon, the critical physicochemical properties influencing the lithium storage in LIBs, and how they affect the electrochemical performance are highlighted. The review paper also discusses the current research challenges and prospects of biomass-derived materials in developing advanced battery materials.
Subversion of host cell signaling: The arsenal of Rickettsial species
Authors: Huang Dan , Luo Jingjing , OuYang Xuan , Song Lei
Published: October 2022

Rickettsia is a genus of nonmotile, Gram-negative, non-spore-forming, highly pleomorphic bacteria that cause severe epidemic rickettsioses. The spotted fever group and typhi group are major members of the genus Rickettsia. Rickettsial species from the two groups subvert diverse host cellular processes, including membrane dynamics, actin cytoskeleton dynamics, phosphoinositide metabolism, intracellular trafficking, and immune defense, to promote their host colonization and intercellular transmission through secreted effectors (virulence factors). However, lineage-specific rickettsiae have exploited divergent strategies to accomplish such challenging tasks and these elaborated strategies focus on distinct host cell processes. In the present review, we summarized current understandings of how different rickettsial species employ their effectors’ arsenal to affect host cellular processes in order to promote their own replication or to avoid destruction.
Assessment of the oceanic channel dynamics responsible for the IOD-ENSO precursory teleconnection in CMIP5 climate models
Authors: Xu Tengfei , Yuan Dongliang , Wang Jing
Published: October 2022

Existed studies have suggested a precursory relation between Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) and El Niño and the Southern Oscillations (ENSO) with 1-year time lag. The underlying mechanisms were attributed to atmospheric bridge and/or oceanic channel processes. In this study, the oceanic channel dynamics in 23 climate models of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project phase 5 (CMIP5) are assessed by correlation analyses in comparison with observations. The results show that the lag correlations between the IOD and ENSO anomalies associated with oceanic channel are significant, suggesting important role of oceanic channel dynamics in the cross-basin teleconnection in the analyzed CMIP5 models, consistent with observational analyses. In comparison, the correlations associated with atmospheric bridge are highly dispersive among the models and generally inconsistent with the observational analyses, suggesting model deficiencies. In a single climate model, the lag correlations associated with oceanic channel dynamics are consistent among different ensemble experiments, whereas those associated with atmospheric bridge processes are dispersive.
Association of the P441L KCNQ1 variant with severity of long QT syndrome and risk of cardiac events
Authors: Lu Haoyang , Ding Wen , Xiao Hui , Dai Manyu , Xue Yangcheng , Jia Zhuoran , Guo Jie , Wu Mengzuo , Shen Bing , Zhao Ren
Published: October 2022

Dysfunction of potassium voltage-gated channel subfamily Q member 1 (KCNQ1) is a primary cause of long QT syndrome type 1 (LQT1). Here, we report a missense mutation P441L in KCNQ1 C-terminus of a 37-year-old woman with severe LQT1 phenotype. Variant P441L transporting to the plasma membrane and interacting with KCNE1 were both markedly decreased, leading to potassium efflux disorder and eventually LQT1. Mutations between the C-terminal helix A and helix B of KCNQ1 have linked with low cardiac event risk, however, we firstly find variant P441L causing a severe LQT1 phenotype with a high risk of cardiac events.
Diastolic function in heart transplant: From physiology to echocardiographic assessment and prognosis
Authors: Sciaccaluga Carlotta , Fusi Chiara , Landra Federico , Barilli Maria , Lisi Matteo , Mandoli Giulia Elena , D’Ascenzi Flavio , Focardi Marta , Valente Serafina , Cameli Matteo
Published: October 2022

Heart transplant (HTx) still represents the most effective therapy for end-stage heart failure, with a median survival time of 10 years. The transplanted heart shows peculiar physiology due to the profound alterations induced by the operation, which inevitably influences several echocardiographic parameters assessed during these patients’ follow-ups. With these premises, the diastolic function is one of the main aspects to take into consideration. The left atrium (LA) plays a key role in this matter, and that same chamber is significantly impaired with the transplant, with different degrees of altered function based on the surgical technique. Therefore, the traditional echocardiographic evaluation of diastolic function applied to the general population might not properly reflect the physiology of the graft. This review attempts to provide current evidence on diastolic function in HTx starting from defining its different physiology and how the standard echocardiographic parameters might be affected to its prognostic role. Furthermore, based on the experience of our center and the available evidence, we proposed an algorithm that might help clinicians distinguish from actual diastolic dysfunction from a normal diastolic pattern in HTx population.
Operationalizing a real-time scoring model to predict fall risk among older adults in the emergency department
Authors: Engstrom Collin J. , Adelaine Sabrina , Liao Frank , Jacobsohn Gwen Costa , Patterson Brian W.
Published: October 2022

Predictive models are increasingly being developed and implemented to improve patient care across a variety of clinical scenarios. While a body of literature exists on the development of models using existing data, less focus has been placed on practical operationalization of these models for deployment in real-time production environments. This case-study describes challenges and barriers identified and overcome in such an operationalization for a model aimed at predicting risk of outpatient falls after Emergency Department (ED) visits among older adults. Based on our experience, we provide general principles for translating an EHR-based predictive model from research and reporting environments into real-time operation.
Characterization of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in soil in a coal mining area, East China: Spatial distribution, sources, and carcinogenic risk assessment
Authors: Ren Mengxi , Zheng Liugen , Hu Jie , Chen Xing , Zhang Yanhai , Dong Xianglin , Wei Xiangping , Cheng Hua
Published: October 2022

The polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) pollution process in mining areas, particularly coal mining areas, has accelerated because of coal chemical production and gangue accumulation. In this study, PHAs concentrations in surface soil was determined via gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. The composition, spatial distribution and sources of PAHs were analyzed, and their potential carcinogenic risks were evaluated.Results showed a wide PAH concentration range (218–1548 ng g−1). The high molecular weight proportion in contaminated areas was significantly higher than in uncontaminated areas. Clear differences in PAH distribution were detected in contaminated areas, with higher concentrations in the soils near an industrial park and coal gangue piles. The results of positive matrix factorization (PMF) in contaminated area revealed that coking, oil and biomass combustion, and vehicle emissions and coal combustion, contributed 31%, 26%, 24%, and 19%, respectively, to the detected PAHs. In contrast with the 10% contribution rate of the coking source in uncontaminated areas. The Monte Carlo method was used to assess the cancer risk to residents in the study areas. The carcinogenic health risk values for adults in the contaminated areas was higher than the safety standard (2.92 × 10−6) prescribed by the United States Environmental Protection Agency at 95% confidence level. Sensitivity analysis showed that the relative exposure duration (ED) and soil surface area of skin exposure were the most significant parameters for adults, and ED and body weight for children. The cancer risk for both adults and children in contaminated areas was five times than that in uncontaminated areas.
Vertical distribution and transformation of phosphorus and iron in paddy soils during the whole growth stage of rice
Authors: Li Yun , Chen Minghong , Liu Xuanye
Published: October 2022

Paddy fields have alternating wet and dry hydrological cycles at different growth stages of rice, driving changes in soil environment and phosphorus (P) transformation and transport. In-situ measurements of dissolved oxygen (DO), iron (Fe), and P concentrations were conducted to determine the vertical distribution of these concentrations together with the hydrological and meteorological data during the whole growth stage. The results demonstrate that soil vertical DO concentrations at different growth stages were greatly influenced by the water level and temperature of the paddy field at the soil-water interface. A strong negative correlation between soil DO and DGT-labile Fe has been observed, whereas a strong positive correlation has been observed between soil Fe concentration and vertical P. In the paddy field, soil DO concentrations were lower during tillering, booting, and heading to flowering than during the other stages. Thus, soluble P fluxes from soil water interfaces (SWIs) to overlying waters were most significant during these three stages. Furthermore, soils in these three stages are capable of sustained release of P and are highly able to buffer P. Consequently, water management in paddy fields should take into account the hydrological environment during these three stages in order to minimize soil P release. The results of our study provide a valuable reference point for controlling soil P and Fe during rice growth.
Correlation between Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and polycystic ovary syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Hu Xiaojie , Chen Yuquan , Shen Yiting , Zhou Siyuan , Fei Wenting , Yang Yuxin , Que Huafa
Published: October 2022

Objective

A growing body of research suggests that patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) may be at increased risk of developing Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT), and having both conditions can make the condition worse. However, current research views are not uniform. Therefore, to explore the link between PCOS and HT, we conducted this study.

Methods

From the establishment of the database to August 2022, we searched 2 databases to study the correlation between Hashimoto’s and polycystic ovary syndrome. Two authors independently screened the articles for eligibility, and three authors extracted relevant data. Statistical analysis was performed using STATA16.0 software.

Results

A total of 20 studies were included, including 7 case-control studies and 13 cross-sectional studies. A total of 13 countries and 7857 participants were embraced. Studies have demonstrated that both PCOS patients have an increased risk of HT, and meanwhile, HT patients also have an increased risk of PCOS compared with controls. The study also incorporated that the prevalence of HT in PCOS patients in India and Turkey was higher than in other countries, and the prevalence of HT in PCOS patients in South America was higher than in Asia and Europe.

Conclusions

In conclusion, our study illustrates that there is a correlation between PCOS and HT, and it is necessary to further study the underlying mechanism between PCOS and HT. At the same time, it is of great significance to regularly screen PCOS patients for HT risk and HT patients for PCOS risk.

Systematic Review Registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD 42022351168.
The relationship between urinary iodine concentration and papillary thyroid cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zhang Xueqi , Zhang Fan , Li Qiuxian , Aihaiti Renaguli , Feng Chuyao , Chen Deshi , Zhao Xu , Teng Weiping
Published: October 2022

Background

The effect of iodine on papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) has been controversial for many years. Since urinary iodine is an effective indicator of iodine intake, some recent epidemiological studies have described the relationship between urinary iodine concentration (UIC) and PTC.

Methods

We searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science for case-control studies about UIC and PTC published before September 2022. Results are presented as the overall odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results

According to the analysis of the included studies, excessive iodine intake (UIC≥300ug/L) was positively associated with the occurrence of PTC patients compared with healthy controls (OR4.05, 95%CI 1.64-10.02, P=0.002). Meanwhile, adequate iodine exposure (100≤UIC<200ug/L) may play a protective role in the occurrence of PTC compared with healthy individuals (OR 0.36, 95%CI 0.14-0.91, P=0.03) while the difference in the prevalence of insufficient iodine intake (UIC<100ug/L) and iodine above requirements (200≤UIC<300ug/L) among the two groups were not significant (deficiency: OR 0.38, 95%CI 0.13-1.16, P=0.09; above requirements: OR 0.92, 95%CI 0.40-2.10, P=0.84). After comparing the UIC levels of PTC patients with those of other thyroid diseases, we found that there was also no significant difference in the incidence of different levels of UIC in the two groups (excessive: OR 1.25, 95%CI 0.87-1.80, P=0.22; above requirements: OR 0.93, 95%CI 0.77-1.14, P=0.49; adequate: OR 0.96, 95%CI 0.78-1.17, P=0.67; deficiency: OR 1.02, 95%CI 0.86-1.22, P=0.80). The result of this meta-analysis also did not support the relationship between UIC and the BRAF mutation and lymph node metastasis (LNM) of PTC patients. Besides, we also found that studies on the relationship between urinary iodine and PTC may be influenced by the way UIC was measured.

Conclusion

The 10 case-control included studies involved a total of 6,544 participants. The results of this meta-analysis showed excessive iodine intake, that is, UIC≥300ug/L was associated with the occurrence of PTC but not with BRAF mutation and LNM while adequate iodine intake (100≤UIC<200ug/L) may be one of the protective factors for PTC.
Season and environment modulate aquatic invertebrates’ responses to trout and indigenous fishes in three South African mountain streams
Authors: Bellingan Terence A. , Hugo Sanet , Villet Martin H. , Weyl Olaf L. F.
Published: October 2022

Introduced organisms are seen as one of the greatest threats to resource sustainability worldwide, and aquatic macroinvertebrates are regarded as good indicators of the health of water resources. To explore these two perspectives, the responses of macroinvertebrate faunas to native and introduced fishes in three headwater tributaries of the Keiskamma River system, South Africa, were examined by comparing potential indicator communities in reaches considered to be fishless, reaches invaded by introduced salmonid species, and reaches containing native fishes. Patterns in the macroinvertebrate faunal assemblage data were driven strongly by season and flow rate, and less strongly by the presence of insectivorous fishes and biotope availability, a finding in parallel with several similar studies from the region. This affirms that aquatic macroinvertebrate faunas are responsive indicators of both environmental and biotic factors and leaves room for further studies to resolve the effects of non-native fish in the Keiskamma River system and other similar systems from South Africa.
Relationship between species distribution of sandy alpine grasslands and microtopography in the source regions of Yangtze river
Authors: Zhao Peng , Xu Xianying , Tang Jinnian , Jiang Shengxiu
Published: October 2022

Dynamic of sandy alpine grasslands affect the progress and reversal of desertification in source regions of the Yangtse Rivers. To understand geomorphic driving mechanism of species distribution pattern, we examined the species compositions and delineated the most important landform factors influencing species distribution of sandy alpine grassland using two-way indicator species analysis (TWINSPAN), detrended correspondence analysis (DCA), and canonical correspondence analysis (CCA). Field survey were conducted in summer of 2016 using stratified random methods in hilly sloped lands, floodplains, foothills, and valley land of study region. In total, 29 plant species grouped into 27 genera and 16 families were identified. Leymus secalinus, Elymus dahuricus and Corispermum declinatum are the dominant species of sandy alpine grassland communities in different microtopography. The present vegetation reflected xerosere character, which indicated that desertification of alpine grassland is in progress. Standard frequency distribution of species varied with different microtopography, the proportion of dominant species was generally lower than rare species, and the vegetation community was in a highly successional stage. Seven groups were distinguished through TWINSPAN, distribution of which in the DCA ordination graph showed species with similar ecotype is clustered together. The results of the CCA ordination revealed that slope and aspect are the dominant factors among microtopography determining the species distribution of sandy alpine grassland.
PLP1 may serve as a potential diagnostic biomarker of uterine fibroids
Authors: Cai Lei , Liao Zhiqi , Li Shiyu , Wu Ruxing , Li Jie , Ren Fang , Zhang Hanwang
Published: October 2022

Objective: We aim to identify the crucial genes or potential biomarkers associated with uterine fibroids (UFs), which may provide clinicians with evidence about the diagnostic biomarker of UFs and reveal the mechanism of its progression.

Methods: The gene expression and genome-wide DNA methylation profiles were obtained from Gene Expression Omnibus database (GEO). GSE45189, GSE31699, and GSE593 datasets were included. GEO2R and Venn diagrams were used to analyze the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and extract the hub genes. Gene Ontology (GO) analysis was performed by the online tool Database for Annotation, Visualization, and Integrated Discovery (DAVID). The mRNA and protein expression of hub genes were validated by RT-qPCR, western blot, and immunohistochemistry. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate the diagnostic value.

Results: We detected 22 DEGs between UFs and normal myometrium, which were enriched in cell maturation, apoptotic process, hypoxia, protein binding, and cytoplasm for cell composition. By finding the intersection of the data between differentially expressed mRNA and DNA methylation profiles, 3 hub genes were identified, including transmembrane 4 L six family member 1 (TM4SF1), TNF superfamily member 10 (TNFSF10), and proteolipid protein 1 (PLP1). PLP1 was validated to be up-regulated significantly in UFs both at mRNA and protein levels. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) of PLP1 was 0.956, with a sensitivity of 79.2% and a specificity of 100%. Conclusion: Overall, our results indicate that PLP1 may be a potential diagnostic biomarker for uterine fibroids.
A method of large DNA fragment enrichment for nanopore sequencing in region 22q11.2
Authors: Lei Yu-Qing , Xu Liang-Pu , Cao Hua , Wang Xin-Rui
Published: October 2022

Background: 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11.2DS) is a disorder caused when a small part of chromosome 22 is missing. Diagnosis is currently established by the identification of a heterozygous deletion at chromosome 22q11.2 through chromosomal microarray analysis or other genomic analyses. However, more accurate identification of the breakpoint contributes to a clearer understanding of the 22q11.2 deletion syndrome.

Methods: In this study, we present a feasible nanopore sequencing method of 22q11.2 deletion. This DNA enrichment method—region-specific amplification (RSA)—is able to analyze the 22q11.2 deletion by specific amplification of an approximately 1-Mb region where the breakpoint might exist. RSA introduces universal primers into the target region DNA by a Y-shaped adaptor ligation and a single primer extension. The enriched products, completed by amplification with universal primers, are then processed by standard ONT ligation sequencing protocols.

Results: RSA is able to deliver adequate coverage (>98%) and comparable long reads (average length >1 Kb) throughout the 22q11.2 region. The long nanopore sequencing reads, derived from three umbilical cord blood samples, have facilitated the identification of the breakpoint of the 22q11.2 deletion, as well as by Sanger sequencing.

Conclusion: The Oxford Nanopore MinION sequencer can use RSA to sequence the target region 22q11.2; this method could also be used for other hard-to-sequence parts of the genome.
Exploring the molecular mechanisms and shared gene signatures between rheumatoid arthritis and diffuse large B cell lymphoma
Authors: Li Haoguang , Yu Le , Zhang Xiuling , Shang Jingjing , Duan Xinwang
Published: October 2022

The relationship between rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is well characterized, but the molecular mechanisms underlying this association have not been clearly investigated. Our study aimed to identify shared gene signatures and molecular mechanisms between RA and DLBCL. We selected multiple Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets (GSE93272, GSE83632, GSE12453, GSE1919) to obtain gene expression levels and clinical information about patients with RA and DLBCL. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was used to research co-expression networks associated with RA and DLBCL. Subsequently, we performed enrichment analysis of shared genes and screened the most significant core genes. We observed expression of the screened target gene, galectin 2 (LGALS2), in DLBCL patients and its impact on patient prognosis. Finally, we analyzed the molecular functional mechanism of LGALS2 and observed its relationship with the immune response in DLBCL using single-sample Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (ssGSEA). WGCNA recognized two major modules for RA and DLBCL, respectively. Shared genes (551) were identified for RA and DLBCL by observing the intersection. In addition, a critical shared gene, LGALS2, was acquired in the validation tests. Next, we found that the expression level of LGALS2 gradually decreased with tumor progression in DLBCL and that increased expression of LGALS2 predicted a better prognosis for DLBCL patients. ssGSEA revealed that LGALS2 is involved in immune-related pathways and has a significant regulatory effect on human immune responses. Additionally, we observed that LGALS2 is closely related to the sensitivity of multiple chemotherapeutic drugs. There is extremely little research on the molecular mechanism of correlation between RA and DLBCL. Our study identified that LGALS2 is a potential therapeutic target and an immune-related biomarker for patients with RA and DLBCL.