bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
LUNTURNYA SEKTOR PERTANIAN DI PERKOTAAN
Authors: Gultom Ferdi , Harianto Sugeng
Published: February 2022

The agricultural sector is an important sector for food security in Indonesia. However, the government only focused on development through the industrial sector, that agriculture faded away due to the entry of the modern sector through the central state-satellite relationship. This can be seen in the increasingly widespread conversion of agricultural land in urban areas. This study aims to describe how the decline of the agricultural sector in urban areas. This research uses a literature study approach. Data is obtained from news sources, to journals that explain the development of the industrial sector that shifts agricultural land. The data were analyzed using the Miles and Huberman model. The data are classified according to the problem formulation, then reduced to an understandable conclusion. This study uses dependency theory to help analyze the data. Dependency theory was chosen because it can explain the underdevelopment of satellite countries due to the modern sector. The results of this study indicate that the agricultural sector in urban areas is fading, due to the decrease in agricultural land, due to the widespread conversion of land for industry, infrastructure, and settlements. The regeneration of farmers has decreased, due to the lack of interest in becoming a farmer.

Keywords: Agricultural Sector, Urban, Addiction, Fade

 
Abstrak
Sektor pertanian merupakan sektor penting untuk ketahanan pangan di Indonesia. Namun demikian, pemerintah hanya berfokus pada pembangunan melalui sektor industri, sehingga pertanian luntur akibat masuknya sektor modern melalui hubungan negara pusat-satelit. Hal tersebut terlihat alih fungsi lahan pertanian yang sering terjadi di perkotaan. Penelitian ini bertujuan menggambarkan bagaimana lunturnya sektor pertanian di perkotaan. Penelitian ini menggunakan pendekatan studi kepustakaan. Data didapatkan melalui sumber berita, hingga jurnal yang menjelaskan pembangunan sektor industri yang menggeser lahan pertanian. Analisis data menggunakan menggunakan Model Miles dan Huberman. Data diklasifikasikan sesuai dengan rumusan masalah, kemudian direduksi menjadi kesimpulan yang dapat dipahami. Penelitian ini menggunakan teori ketergantungan untuk membantu menganalisis data. Teori ketergantungan dipilih sebab dapat menjelaskan keterbelakangan negara satelit dikarenakan sektor modern. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukan bahwa sektor pertanian di perkotaan semakin luntur, karena lahan pertanian yang semakin berkurang, karena maraknya alih fungsi lahan untuk industri, infrasturkur, dan pemukiman. Regenerasi petani menurun, akibat tidak ada minat menjadi petani.

Kata Kunci: Sektor Pertanian, Perkotaan, Ketergantungan, Luntur
El uso de la lengua en El Diario de Juárez y su repercusión en los lectores
Authors: Salazar Mendoza Margarita
Published: February 2022

Múltiples investigaciones han indagado sobre la relación entre pensamiento y uso de la lengua, a través del análisis de la riqueza léxica; esta es medible y explica mucho del ambiente y comportamiento social de una comunidad. Este trabajo tiene como objetivo examinar el uso de la lengua de quienes redactan en El Diario de Juárez, mediante el análisis de tres fragmentos relativos a notas periodísticas sobre el mismo asunto y de diferente autor. Asimismo, hacer hincapié en la influencia sobre el habla que este periódico, como parte de los medios de comunicación masiva, ejerce sobre el auditorio
Incorporating Collaborative Learning in an English Course Using Whatsapp
Authors: Syah Muhammad Noor Sulaiman
Published: February 2022

In this era of globalization which consists of technological generation, a mobile phone is needed in the teaching and learning process. Students make their mobile phones an inseparable part of themselves. WhatsApp, is the most favored mobile based applications among students, will be the potential application for incorporating collaborative learning. Therefore, this study aims to explore the incorporation of collaborative learning in an English course using WhatsApp and to identify the students’ perception toward that tool in an English course. This case study was conducted in the Arabic Education department of IAIN Kudus, on second semester students of 2019/2020. Two different sources of data were used to collect the information needed for answering the research questions. They were analysis of participants’ posts on the WhatsApp group platform and survey questionnaire using Likert scale. The process of teaching learning activities, including four language skills, in English course through the participants’ posts on the WhatsApp group platform are presented. The quantitative data from the response of Likert scale questionnaires is also analyzed qualitatively. Overall, the study shows that WhatsApp is a convenient tool for incorporating collaborative learning in English course and students get positive feelings and intentions regarding the potential use of WhatsApp in their learning.
Raw Material-Centric Didactics : Multi-Sensory Material Knowledge in Design Education
Authors: Temesi Apol
Published: February 2022

The raw material-centric and holistic designer attitude has become a subject of design education in recent years. This approach is expanding and has adapted itself to the full scope of advanced capitalism, including consideration of the use of raw materials, market reception, and the environmental aspects. The pedagogic roots of the new perspective, such as the DIY approach and the origins of the expressive sensory atlas, can be traced back to the Bauhaus foundation courses. Tactility is today the starting point for examining consumer behavior related to the market success of raw material developments. The pilot courses, launched in collaboration with Italian and Dutch technical and art universities, are based on the methodologies of Itten and Moholy-Nagy and examine our relationship with raw materials and their unexplored possibilities. Moholy-Nagy’s approach of seeking solutions to life’s problems not in isolation but bearing the community’s interests in mind was revived by Victor Papanek in the 1970s and has recently been renewed in Alice Rawsthorn’s expression “attitudinal design.” The raw material-centric pilot courses of the previous years have now become permanent at European art universities. This article introduces the methodological approaches to raw material-centric design, that are built on my own experiences and innovative solutions. The holistic view of these approaches combines Moholy-Nagy’s “material-form-function” unity with the motivations behind consumption and the sensory properties of materials.
Evaluation of a Pre-clinic Diabetes Assessment and Mapped Care Planning Intervention: a Multi-Centre Randomised Controlled Trial
Authors: Barnard-Kelly Katharine Katharine , Kelly Ryan Charles , Phiri Peter , Price Hermione , Ali Amar , Stratton Irene , Austin Kayleigh , Neave Alice
Published: February 2022

Introduction: Existing therapeutic interventions to treat diabetes are well known, yet the majority of people with diabetes do not consistently achieve blood glucose targets (even individual therapy targets) for optimal health, despite the large range of treatment options available. Such outcomes have remained stubbornly poor for decades with <25% adults with diabetes achieving glycaemic targets. Patient behaviour, individually supported in routine clinical care, is an important missing component to improved outcomes, in a medical healthcare model not ideally suited to supporting successful diabetes management. Participants: Adults with type 1, type 2 or pre-diabetes attending routine care outpatient appointments.Design: A multi-centre, parallel group, individually randomised trial comparing consultation duration in adults with type 1, type 2 or pre-diabetes using the Spotlight Consultations pre-clinic assessment compared to usual care in the Spotlight-AQ study.Intervention: An outpatient pre-clinic intervention delivered within one week prior to scheduled routine outpatient appointment.Sample size: 200 recruited across up to 10 sites.Primary outcome measure: Duration of routine outpatient consultation.Secondary outcome measures:· Functional health status· diabetes distress · depression· treatment satisfaction· impact on self-care behaviours· HCP burnout· HCP treatment satisfaction and burden · hypoglycaemia (time less than 70mg/dL)· hyperglycaemia (time above 180 mg/dL)· Change in weight · Change in HbA1c · Cost effectiveness of interventionEthics and dissemination: The trial was approved by the Wales REC7 Research Ethics Committee (21/WA/0020). Results will be disseminated through national and international conferences, scientific journals, newsletters, magazines and social media. Target audiences include consultants and other clinicians in diabetes, and medical professionals or scientists overall. Trial Registration: ISRCTN15511689
Factors Influencing the Elderly's Adoption of mHealth: An Empirical Study Using Extended UTAUT2 Model
Authors: Palas Jahir , Sorwar Golam , Hoque Md. , Sivabalan Achchuthan
Published: February 2022

Background: mHealth (mobile health) has a far-reaching impact on delivering health services to a low-resource and remote population, especially elderlies with regular and emergency health needs in developing nations. Even though the high usage of mobile phones in daily life in developing countries like Bangladesh, adoption, and usage of mHealth services have been significantly low among the elderly population. Hence, this study aimed to identify key factors that influence elderlies’ intention to adopt and use mHealth services by extending the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT2) model.Methods: A face-to-face structured questionnaire survey method was used to collect data from 493 elderlies (aged 60 years and above) in Bangladesh. The data were analyzed with the Structural Equations Modelling (SEM) and Fuzzy Set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (fsQCA).Results: SEM results suggested that Social Influence, Hedonic Motivation, Price Value, Habit, and Service Quality had significant impact (p<0.05) on the elderlies’ behavioral intention to adopt mHealth services. Service Quality, Quality of Life, and elderlies’ Habit were found significant in explaining the Use Behavior of mHealth services. Quality of Life did not show significant (p>0.05) effect on Behavioral Intention which is inconsistent with existing literature. In addition, fsQCA findings suggest how the intensity of the influencers may contribute to high vs low m-health behavioral outcomes.Conclusions: The findings have significant implications for theory, practice and future research as explained in the concluding section of the paper. The extension of UTUAT2 in this study would contribute in the literature of mHealth especially considering the fact that elderlies' quality of life is an important determinant of the continued mHealth use behavior. Overall, the findings may contribute to shaping appropriate policies for designing and implementing mHealth services effectively for elderlies in developing countries.
A predictive model for recurrence after upfront surgery in patients with resectable pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) by using preoperative clinical data and CT characteristics
Authors: Tian Ningzi , Wu Dong , Zhu Lei , Zeng Mengsu , Li Jianke , Wang Xiaolin
Published: February 2022

Background

The purpose of this study was to develop and validate a predictive model to assess recurrence survival risk in patients with PDAC after upfront surgery by using preoperative clinical data and CT characteristics.
Methods

The predictive model was developed based on a retrospective set of 141 pancreatic cancer patients after surgery. A separate set of 77 patients was used to validate model. Between January 2017 and December 2019, all patients underwent multidetector pancreatic CT and upfront surgery. Univariable and multivariate Cox regression was used to determine the risk factors related to recurrence and then establish a nomogram to estimate the 1-year recurrence probability. Area under curve (AUC) and calibration curve are employed in evaluating the discrimination and calibration of the model.
Results

A total of 218 patients in this retrospective cohort. A recurrence model in nomogram form was developed with predictors including tumor size, tumor density in the portal vein phase, peripancreatic infiltration, suspicious metastatic lymph node, and Neutrophils/Lymphocytes ratio (109/L). The predictive nomogram had good discrimination capability with these predictors achieved an area under the curve for 1 year of 84.2(95%CI: 77.2, 91.2) in the development set and 0.82(95% CI: 0.72, 0.92) and 0.84 (95% CI: 0.74, 0.94) in the validation set for two radiologists reading respectively.
Conclusions

The model developed based on preoperative clinical data and CT characteristics of resectable pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma patients, which can helpfully estimate the recurrence-free survival (RFS). It may be a useful tool for clinician to select optimal candidates for upfront surgery or neoadjuvant therapy.
Bayesian Parametric Modeling of Time to Tuberculosis Co-infection of HIV/AIDS Patients Under Antiretroviral Therapy Treatment at Jimma University Medical Center, Ethiopia
Authors: Umeta Abdi Kenesa , Yermosa Samuel Fikadu , Dufera Abdisa G.
Published: February 2022

Background: Tuberculosis is the most common opportunistic infection among HIV/AIDS patients, including those following Antiretroviral Therapy treatment. The risk of Tuberculosis infection is higher in people living with HIV/AIDS than in people who are free from HIV/AIDS. Many studies focused on prevalence and determinants of Tuberculosis in HIV/AIDS patients without taking into account the censoring aspects of the time to event data. Therefore, this study was undertaken with aim to model time to Tuberculosis co-infection of HIV/AIDS patients following Antiretroviral Therapy treatment using Bayesian parametric survival models. Methods: A data of a retrospective cohort of HIV/AIDS patients under Antiretroviral Therapy treatment follow-up from January 2016 to December 2020 until Tuberculosis was clinically diagnosed or until the end of the study was collected from Antiretroviral Therapy treatment center of Jimma University Medical Center, Ethiopia. In order to identify the risk factors which have association with Tuberculosis co-infection survival time, Bayesian parametric Accelerated failure time survival models were fitted to the data using Integrated Nested Laplace Approximation methodology. Results: About 26.37% of the study subjects had been co-infected with tuberculosis during the study period. Among the parametric Accelerated failure time models, the Bayesian log-logistic Accelerated failure time model was found to be the best fitting model for the data. Conclusions: Tuberculosis co-infection survival time was significantly associated with place of residence, smoking, drinking alcohol, family size, WHO clinical stages, functional status, CD4 count, BMI and hemoglobin level. The finding of this study provide timely information on the risk factors associated with TB co-infection survival time for healthy policy makers and planners.
Diagnostic Accuracy of Cardiac Computed Tomographic Angiography and Transesophageal Echocardiography in Evaluation of Patients with Prosthetic Paravalvular Leakage
Authors: Youssef Amr , Kassem Hussien Heshmat , Salem Mohamed Ali , Kandil Hossam Ibrahim
Published: February 2022

Introduction and purpose:
Computed Tomography (CT) scan has been well addressed to provide a diagnostic information for patients with prosthetic heart valve dysfunction. However, its role in the assessment of patients with prosthetic paravalvular leakage (PVL) has not been studied thoroughly. So, this study was conducted to assess the feasibility, reproducibility, and accuracy of CT for diagnosis of prosthetic PVL using surgical findings as the reference standard.
Methods and results:
This was a prospective cohort study that was conducted on 26 consecutive patients with suspected prosthetic PVL who underwent both transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) and 64-slice ECG-gated CT. The gold standard was the intraoperative findings. Surgery was performed in twenty-six patients. There was an excellent degree of agreement between CT and intraoperative findings for diagnosis, localization of prosthetic PVL. The perimeter of prosthetic PVL measured by CT was strongly correlated with echocardiographic severity of PVL by TEE (Spearman’s Correlation Coefficient, r = 0.83, P value = 0.0014).
Conclusion
This study demonstrates that cardiac CT showed comparable diagnostic accuracy to TEE and intraoperative findings for the detection, localization, and assessment of severity of prosthetic PVL. Moreover, CT was shown to be useful in detection of other findings related to prosthetic cardiac valves.
OXR1 Signaling Pathway as a Possible Mechanism of Elastase-Induced Oxidative Damage in Pulmonary Cells: The Protective Role of Ellagic Acid
Authors: Bayati Vahid , Radan Maryam , Dianat Mahin , Mansouri Zahra , Souhrabi Farzaneh
Published: February 2022

Background and objective: Oxidative stress is a process that occurs through free radicals on the cell membranes which causes damage to the cell and intracellular organelles especially mitochondria membranes. H2O2 induced oxidative stress in human cells is of interest in toxicological research since oxidative stress plays a main role in the etiology of several pathological conditions. Neutrophil Elastase (Serine proteinase) is involved in the pathology process of emphysema as a respiratory disease through lung inflammation, and destruction of alveolar walls. The present study investigated the direct oxidative stress effects of Elastase in comparison with H2O2 on human lung epithelial cells (A549 cells) in relation to the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and modulation of oxidation resistance 1 (OXR1) and its downstream pathway using the well-known antioxidant Ellagic acid as an activator of antioxidant genes. Materials and methods: The human pulmonary epithelial cells (A549) were divided into the 9 groups including: Negative control, Positive control (H2O2), Elastase (15, 30, and 60 mU/ml), Ellagic acid (10 μmol/L), and Elastase+Ellagic acid. Cytotoxicity, reactive oxygen spices generation, oxidative stress profile, level of reactive metabolites, and gene expression of OXR1 and its downstream genes were measured in all groups. Results: The obtained data demonstrated that Elastase exposure caused to oxidative stress damage in a dose-depended manner which was associated with decreases in antioxidant defense system genes. Conversely, treatment with Ellagic acid as a potent antioxidant showed improved antioxidant enzyme activity and content which was in line with the upregulation of OXR1 signaling pathway genes. Conclusions: The present findings can highlight the novel mechanism underlying the oxidative stress induces by Neutrophil Elastase through OXR1 and related genes. Moreover, the benefit of Ellagic acid on cytoprotection, resulting from its antioxidant properties was documented.
Dental Students’ Emotions, Knowledge, Awareness And Learning Intention On The Applications of Nanotechnology In Dentistry
Authors: Senocak Erdal , Sarıkaya Işıl , Hatırlı Hüseyin , Coşgun Alem
Published: February 2022

Background: Dentistry includes vast applications of nanotechnology from preventive dentistry to diagnostics. However, we have limited knowledge about dentistry students’ perceptions of the emerging applications of nanotechnology in dentistry. This study aims to reveal a group of dental students’ knowledge, emotions, awareness and learning intentions on the emerging applications of nanotechnology in dentistry. Methods: This study was carried out through a quantitative research design. A questionnaire including four parts was administered to a total of 269 dental students from different grade levels. Data were summarized using descriptive statistics and the chi-square test. All statistical analysis were done by using the SPSS Version 22.Results: Findings of the dataset indicated that most of the participants had heard some or a lot about nanotechnology. Also, they displayed positive emotions toward nanotechnology. Almost 60% of participants stated that they know what nanotechnology means, whereas more than 70% of them reported that they don’t know how nanotechnology works. Findings also showed that as the grade level increased, more students became aware of the applications of nanotechnology. In addition, the participants thought that they needed to get more information about the applications of nanotechnology in dentistry education and in future dental practices.Conclusion: The results of the study revealed that dental students were familiar with nanotechnology and displayed positive emotions towards nanotechnology. Also they desired to learn more information about the applications of nanotechnology. In addition, findings showed that as the grade level increased, more students became aware of the applications of nanotechnology.
Functional and Morphologic Dysfunctions on Airways of Rats Submitted to an Experimental Model of Obesity-exacerbated Asthma
Authors: Ferreira Sarah Rebeca Dantas , Pessoa Rayane Fernandes , Figueiredo Indyra Alencar Duarte , Lima João Pedro Moura , Moura Thayna Maria Costa Fernandes , Bezerra Cleyton Oliveira , Martins Alissa Maria Oliveira , Carvalho Leila Moreira , Madruga Marta Suely , Cavalcante Hassler Clementino , Aquino Jailane Souza , Alves José Luiz Brito , Alves Adriano Francisco , Vasconcelos Luiz Henrique César , Cavalcante Fabiana Andrade
Published: February 2022

Obesity-exacerbated asthma phenotype is characterized by more severe asthma symptoms and glucocorticoid resistance. The aimed of this study is to standardize an obesity-exacerbated asthma model by high glycemic level index (HGLI) diet and ovalbumin (OVA) sensitization and challenges in Wistar rats. Animals were divided into groups: control (CG), obese (OG), asthmatic (AG), obese asthmatic (OAG) and obese asthmatic treated with dexamethasone (OADEXAG) and in vivo and in vitro functional and morphological parameters were measured. After HGLI consumption there was an increase in body weight, abdominal circumferences, body mass index, retroperitoneal, epididymal, inguinal adipose tissues and adiposity index. Respiratory function showed reduction in pulmonary tidal and minute-volume. In isolated trachea, the cumulative concentration-response curves for carbachol showed increase in contractile efficacy in OG, AG, OAG and OADEXAG, while OAG showed the greatest contractile efficacy. Histological sections of lungs showed an increased peribronchovascular inflammatory area on OAG, smooth muscle hypertrophy and remodeling area filled by extracellular matrix, and these changes were not reversed by treatment with dexamethasone. Obesity-exacerbated asthma model was successfully established. Therefore, this model allows further molecular investigations and the search for new therapeutic alternatives for the treatment and relief of symptoms of patients of obesity-induced resistant asthma.
Effect of TiC0.4 Addition on Microstructures and Properties of Ti3SiC2 Matrix Composites
Authors: Zou Qin , Lou Zhichao , Liu Junlong , Li YanGuo , Xu Jiangbo , Li Yuanyuan , Bu Lingyu , Wang Peng , Luo Yong’an
Published: February 2022

TiC0.4-Ti3SiC2 composites were manufactured using spark plasma sintering (SPS) at 1400°C for 10 min, with an applied pressure of 40 MPa. The effect of TiC0.4 additions on microstructures and properties of Ti3SiC2 matrix composites was investigated. The addition of TiC0.4 induced the formation of TiCx (0.4༜x≤1) and promoted the decomposition of Ti3SiC2, yielding TiCx and Ti5Si3. The mechanical and tribological properties of the TiC0.4-Ti3SiC2 composite improved with the TiC0.4 content due to C vacancy present in TiC0.4, although the friction distance in the initial stage of friction test was increased. The 30 vol.% TiC0.4-Ti3SiC2 composites exhibited the highest hardness and fracture toughness of 14.87 GPa and 5.45 MPa⋅m1/2. At the same conditions, the wear rate at room temperature reached a minimum value of 4.32×10−7mm3N−1m−1, while the friction coefficient was 0.74. The friction distance in the initial friction stage of 30 vol.% TiC0.4-Ti3SiC2 was about 38 m, and the wear mechanism of the composite at room temperature was mainly adhesive wear.
On Electric Conductivity of Greases
Authors: Reddy Akepati Bhaskar , Shah Faiz Ullah , Leckner Johan , Rutland Mark , Glavatskih Sergei
Published: February 2022

The development of new lubricant systems compatible with modern e-drive conditions, including stray voltages and currents, has gained momentum in recent years. One of the strategies being widely evaluated to achieve these goals is the development of conductive lubricants. Greases, however, have a complex architecture which renders measurement and analysis of their electrical properties challenging; this has severely limited the implementation of the strategy for this class of materials. In this work, a measurement methodology implementing electrochemical impedance spectroscopy to evaluate the electrical properties of grease samples is introduced. Compared to the commonly used conductivity meters, this method, through its multi-frequency alternating current (AC) impedance measurement approach, is able to effectively distinguish the separate contributions of the bulk and the sample-electrode interface to the measured electrical response. Thus, the bulk conductivity of a range of greases with different electrical properties could be obtained independently of their interfacial behavior at the electrode. The temperature dependent bulk conductivity of lithium complex grease doped with different ionic liquids and non-ionic solids (copper and graphite) has accordingly been evaluated and the rather different conductivity mechanisms explained. Bulk ionic conductivity of neat ionic liquids has also been measured using a liquid sample specific electrochemical cell, which aids in the interpretation of the ionic liquid based greases.
Membrane transport in cell ensembles is modulated by the membrane state
Authors: Westerhausen Christoph , Färber Nicolas , Reitler Jonas , Schäfer Julian
Published: February 2022

Employing fluorescence microscopy, we measure the uptake of various fluorescent dyes into adherent HeLa cells and determine simultaneously the degree of membrane lipid chain order on a single cell level. The latter is measured by spectral analysis of the membrane-embedded dye Laurdan with different filter sets and quantified by determining the generalized polarization GP. First, we find that the mean GP value of single cells varies within a cell population in a range that is equivalent to a temperature variation of 9 K. We exploit this natural variety of lipid membrane chain order to examine the uptake of fluorescent dyes as a function of GP at constant temperature. Using this approach, we experimentally show that transport across the cell membrane quantified by uptake of fluorescent dyes correlates with the membrane phase state. Specifically, we observed higher membrane transport with increasing lipid chain order. As a result, HeLa cells that adapted to lower culture temperatures by reducing lipid membrane chain order show less rhodamine B transport than the 37°C culture. Aside from the cell intrinsic membrane phase state environmental factors have impact on the transport across the cell membrane as well. While temperature reduces lipid order, we found that locally high cell densities increase lipid order of cell membranes, and in turn leading to increased dye uptake. To demonstrate the physiological relevance of this concept, we analyzed cell phase state and transport at different stages of an in vitro wound healing process. While the uptake within a confluent cell layer is high due to the high degree of lipid chain order it decreases from the wound edge towards the wound center where the membrane lipid chain order is lowest.
Efficient autotransporter-mediated extracellular secretion of a heterologous recombinant protein by Escherichia coli
Authors: Henderson Ian , Beriotto Irene , Icke Christopher , Sevastsyanovich Yanina , Rossiter Amanda , Romagnoli Giacomo , Savino Silvana , Cole Jeffrey , Saul Allan , MacLennan Calman , Cunningham Adam , Micoli Francesca
Published: February 2022

Background: The autotransporter protein secretion system has previously been used to target the secretion of heterologous proteins to the bacterial cell surface and the extracellular milieu at laboratory scale. The platform is of particular interest for the production of “difficult” recombinant proteins that might cause toxic effects when produced intracellularly. One such protein is IrmA. IrmA is a vaccine candidate that is produced in inclusion bodies requiring refolding. Here, we describe the use and scale-up of the autotransporter system for the secretion of an industrially relevant protein (IrmA).Results: A plasmid expressing irmA was constructed such that the autotransporter platform could secrete IrmA into the culture supernatant fraction. The autotransporter platform was suitable for the production and purification of IrmA with comparable physical properties to the protein produced in the cytoplasm. The production of IrmA was translated to scale-up protein production conditions resulting in a yield of 29.3 mg/L of IrmA from the culture supernatant.Conclusions: The autotransporter platform is a viable method for the production, secretion, and purification of a “difficult” to produce protein on an industrially relevant scale. Use of the autotransporter platform could reduce the number of downstream processing operations required thus accelerating the development time and reducing costs for recombinant protein production.
Both Methanol and Water Mixture Extracts of Panax Notoginseng Flower Affect Platelet Function and Thrombus Growth by Down-Regulating PI3K/AKT and MAPKs Signaling Pathways
Authors: Zuo Xiao , Qin Nan , Mao Yu-Heng , Ma Lijuan , Li Qing , Tian Zezhong , Zhao Mingzhu , Ji Qiuhua , Chen Yiting , Wan Jian-Bo , Yang Yan
Published: February 2022

Background: Platelet dysfunction plays a central role in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). We previously found that two sapon in monomers isolated from Panax notoginseng flowers (PNF) have shown to exhibit anti-platelet activity, and here we used methanol and water extraction methods to gain two mix extracts of PNF (PNFM and PNFW) and further investigated the effects and the underlying mechanisms of PNFM and PNFW on platelet functions and thrombosis.Methods:Healthy human PRP or gel-filtered platelets were collected for in vitro assay the PNFM and PNFW on the function and activation of platelets, while FeCl3-injured thrombosis formation in mice mesenteric arteriole was applied for in vivo assessment. Western blot analysis was applied to study the mechanic pathways. Results:The results showed that both PNFM and PNFW significantly inhibited human platelet aggregation and activation stimulated with either ADP or thrombin with a dose-effect relationship, and inhibited platelet granule-secretion and spreading in vitro. Furthermore, PNFM and PNFW attenuated thrombus formation in mice. The effects might be associated with inhibition of platelet PI3K, Akt, P38, JNK and Erk phosphorylation.Conclusion:These findings suggest that PNF mixture extracts could be developed as a functional ingredient to improve cardiovascular health through inhibiting platelet hyper reaction.
Shoulder traction as a possible risk factor for C5 palsy in anterior cervical surgery: A cadaveric study
Authors: Yoon Ja-Yeong , Lee Byung-Ho , Moon Seong-Hwan , Kim Hak-Sun , Suk Kyung-Soo , Kwon Ji-Won , Lee Wonwoo , Jang Dong-Su
Published: February 2022

BackgroundMany risk factors for postoperative C5 palsy (PC5P) have been reported about “cord shift” after a posterior approach. However, there are few reports about shoulder traction as a possible risk factor of anterior cervical surgery. So, we tried to observe stretched nerve roots when shoulder traction was applied and to assess the risk factors for PC5PMethodsOne cadaver(A 72-year-old male) was chosen out of six that were available based on age and the presence of foramen stenosis. After dissecting sternocleidomastoid muscle of the cadaver, the shoulder joint was pulled with a force of 2, 5, 8, 10, 15, and 20 kg. Then, stretched length of the fifth nerve root was measured in the extra-foraminal zone. In addition, the same measurement was performed after cutting of the carotid artery to accurately identify the nerve root origin. After additional dissection was performed so that the superior trunk of the brachial plexus could be seen, the stretched length of the 5th and 6th nerve roots was measured again.ResultsIn the first experiment, the 5th nerve root began to elongate by 2 mm at 8 kg and increased to a maximum of 5 mm. Also, after carotid artery dissection, when 8 kg of traction force was applied, it was elongated by 2 mm, and increased by up to 7 mm. After the second dissection, the length of the 5th and 6th nerve roots began to increase from 8 kg, and then increased to a maximum of 6 mm and 5 mm, respectively.ConclusionAlthough this was a cadaveric experiment, it suggests that shoulder traction could be the risk factors for PC5P after anterior cervical surgery. In addition, for patients with foraminal stenosis and central stenosis, the risk would be higher. Our results suggest the possibility that shoulder traction applied in actual surgery can lead to PC5P. Therefore, the surgeon should be aware of this, and the patient will need sufficient explanation.
Identification of MARCO and PCSK6 As Key Genes Promoting Hepatic Metastasis in Pancreatic Cancer via Bioinformatics Analysis
Authors: He Hang , Liang Minrui
Published: February 2022

Background: Hepatic metastasis occurred frequently in pancreatic cancer and leads to a poor prognosis. Genes promoting hepatic metastasis would help finding out the way to improve survivals of patients. Methods and results: GSE42952 and GSE71729 out of 181 data serials from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) with samples of both hepatic metastasis and primary tumor of pancreatic cancer were chosen to generate differentially expressing genes (DEGs). 217 up-regulated and 257 down-regulated genes overlapped between the two data serials and were defined as hepatic metastasis related DEGs (H-DEGs), among which 27 up-regulated and 2 down-regulated H-DEGs were verified by both tumor tissues and cell lines of pancreatic cancer. Gene ontology (GO) and KEGG pathway analysis were performed and showed reprogramming of tumor metabolism might promote hepatic metastasis. The prognostic significance of H-DEGs were investigated. Up-regulation of MARCO and PCSK6 were both correlated to decreased overall survivals in pancreatic cancer. Immune cell infiltration analysis indicated MARCO involved in regulating tumor immune microenvironment. Gene set enrichment analysis found PCSK6 was related to activations of critical pathways and regulation of glycolysis. Conclusions: MARCO and PCSK6 might promote hepatic metastasis of pancreatic cancer via modulating tumor immune microenvironment and tumor metabolism respectively.
Review of Locking Alleviation Methods for Continuum-based ANCF Elements
Authors: Obrezkov Leonid , Mikkola Aki , Matikainen Marko
Published: February 2022

The absolute nodal coordinate formulation (ANCF) is a nonlinear finite element approach proposed for the large deformation dynamics analysis of beam- and plate/shell-type structures. In the ANCF approach, elastic forces can be defined using three-dimensional elasticity based continuum mechanics. This approach is often straightforward, and it makes it possible to use advanced material models in the ANCF framework. However, it has been pointed out in several studies that continuum ANCF-based elements with a full three-dimensional elasticity description can suffer from locking phenomena. In this study, a comparison between various combinations of locking alleviation techniques and their applicability to different ANCF beam variants is studied using numerical examples. Furthermore, the enhanced deformation gradient (EDG) technique, which has been proposed recently in finite element literature, is demonstrated for high-order ANCF beam elements. Based on the numerical tests, none of currently available techniques are suitable for all types of ANCF elements. The paper also shows that the efficiency and accuracy of the techniques are case dependent. For the ANCF beam element involving higher-order terms with respect to trapezoidal mode, however, the EDG-based techniques are preferable to reduce locking phenomena.
Use of a 3D Inkjet-Printed Model to Access Dust Particle Toxicology in the Human Alveolar Barrier
Authors: Kang Dayoon , Lee Hyomin , Jung Sungjune
Published: February 2022

Background: Fine dust particles in the air travel into our body via the airway tract and cause severe respiratory diseases. Thus, the analysis of the effects of dust particles on the respiratory system has been receiving significant research interest. However, most studies on the toxicity of dust particles involve two-dimensional (2D) cell cultures, animal models, and epidemiology. Here, we inkjet-printed an three-dimensional (3D) alveolar barrier model to study how dust particles cause respiratory diseases. The three-layered in vitro model was exposed to A2 fine test dust with varying concentrations and exposure durations. Results: The results highlighted the destruction of the tissue architecture along with apoptosis in the bioprinted alveolar barrier. The damage at the cellular level induced an increase in the amount of pro-inflammatory cytokines secreted, followed by triggering of the signal transduction pathway and activation of transcription factors. As a consequence of the release of cytokines, the extracellular matrix was degraded, which led to the collapse of the cell structure, loss of cell polarity, and a decrease in the barrier tightness. Further, the pulmonary surfactant protein-related genes in the dust-treated alveolar tissue were investigated to evaluate the possible role of dust particles in pulmonary surfactant dysfunction. Conclusions: This study demonstrated the use of 3D-printed tissue model to evaluate the physiological impact of fine dust particles on cytotoxicity, alveolar barrier rigidity, and surfactant secretion of an alveolar barrier.
Occurrences and Virulence Genes Detection of Salmonella Typhi Isolates Among Patients With Typhoid Fever
Authors: Al-Khafaji Angham Najah
Published: February 2022

in low and middle-income countries, Typhoid fever is a major public health problem globally. The intensity of Salmonella's pathogenesis is determined by the presence of numerous virulence factors expressed on Salmonella pathogenicity islands (SPIs). Study objectives included determining the occurrence of Salmonella typhi in typhoid fever by age, gender and determine the antibiogram profile against many routinely administered antibiotics. 166 samples of blood and feces were obtained from clinically suspicious patients at the Al-Najaf Public Health Department. This study took place between October 2020 and April 2021. Cultural and biochemical testing was used to identify the specimens, followed by identification using the Vitek2 system. The current work used a simple PCR technique, It was shown that genes are often associated with Salmonella typhi pathogenicity. Antibiotic sensitivity testing was performed on each isolate with the use 10 different antibiotics. A simple PCR experiment was performed to determine the presence of genes often associated with virulence in Salmonella typhi; 95(57%). This study identified two genes associated with pathogenicity (ctdB and tviA). 95 (57%) of the 166 total isolates tested positive for ctdB, but additional virulence genes were discovered in all 71 (42.7%) tviA (typhi Vi) gene isolated strains. This gene may contribute to the S. typhi strain's invasiveness. In conclusion, We demonstrated that typhoid infection is a significant public health risk, affects people of all ages, although it is more common in children aged 1-10 years. The rise of multidrug-resistant Salmonella spp. has created a significant issue for clinicians in terms of disease treatment. However, the current investigation discovered that the antibiotics Imipeneme and Cefotaxime are still effective against Salmonella spp. As a result, suitable criteria for prescribing these antibiotics should be followed to avoid multi-drug resistance concerns.
4D Flow Component Reveals Left Ventricular Function In Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Zhao Chengchen , Chen Guanzhong , Jin Chunna , Sun Jianzhong , Xiang Meixiang
Published: February 2022

Purpose: Applicating cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) 4D flow to evaluate left ventricular systolic and diastolic function in atrial fibrillation (AF).Methods: In this study, from May 2021 to October 2021, 26 AF patients and 15 healthy participants were recruited and underwent multiparametric CMR and echocardiogram scans before discharge. The CMR protocol incorporated an assessment of 4D flow, cardiac function. Notably, the AF patients maintained irregular heart rhythm during the CMR scan. The 4D flow components were compared with echocardiogram results.Results: AF patients had a lower proportion of direct flow (33.5% (8.43; 47.5) in AF vs. 69.1% (63.4; 74.4) in healthy), higher delayed ejection (24.1±12% in AF vs. 14.7±6.8% in healthy), retained inflow (32.5% (24.6; 36.9) in AF vs. 14.5% (12.5; 18.2) in healthy) and residual volume (4.73% (1.47; 15.0) in AF vs. 0.62% (0.46; 1.62) in healthy). A high correlation was observed between flow EF and CMR EF (R=0.78, P<0.001) in AF patients. The mean bias among the methods was higher for flow EF than CMR EF (24.86%). Multivariable linear regression showed that the correlation between retained inflow and E/e’ (β=0.152, P=0.048) remained significant when adjusted for confounders. Direct flow (β= -0.170, P=0.038) and retained inflow (β=0.350, P=0.024) significantly correlated with the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire score. Conclusion: CMR 4D flow component revealed a significantly different flow pattern in AF patients compared with healthy participants and provided de novo flow biomarker indicating LV systolic function (direct flow and flow EF) and diastolic function (retained inflow).
Comparison of the Reproductive Outcomes of Patients With Incomplete and Complete Uterine Septum
Authors: YANG JIAN , Li Congqing , Wang Jing , Zhu Wenjing , Xia Jingxian , He Wei , Wang Qingyuan , Wei Bing , Wang Wenyan
Published: February 2022

Purpose To evaluate the effects of transcervical resection of the septum (TCRS) for two kinds of uterine septum on reproductive outcomes among women of reproductive age.Methods In this retrospective cohort study, we evaluated the reproductive outcomes after TCRS of 57 women with incomplete uterine septum and 23 women with complete uterine septum from January 2010 to December 2018 at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University.Results In group A, the spontaneous abortion and embryo arrest rates were significantly reduced by TCRS (P<0.001), and the rate of term delivery was improved (P<0.001) after TCRS. In group B, the pregnancy rate was significantly increased (43.5% vs. 82.6%), the rate of spontaneous abortion was significantly reduced (P<0.05), and the rate of term delivery was significantly improved (P<0.001) after operation. The cesarean section rate was significantly higher in group B than in group A after operation (76.5% vs. 47.7%). The pregnancy rate was highest at approximately the 6th month in group A and at approximately the 12th month in group B after operation.Conclusion We found that in patients who underwent TCRS, the rate of spontaneous abortion decreased, and the rates of pregnancy and full-term birth increased; however, the rates of cesarean section and placenta previa increased. Considering the high miscarriage and infertility rates before operation, TCRS seems effective. An incomplete uterine septum resection can lead to an earlier pregnancy than a complete uterine septum resection after surgery, thus ensuring the best time for pregnancy is not missed.
Diagnostic Validity of Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition (K-ADOS-2) in the Korean Population
Authors: Kim So Yoon , Oh Miae , Bong Guiyoung , Song Da-Yea , Yoon Nan-He , Kim Joo Hyun , Yoo Hee Jeong
Published: February 2022

Background

Although the Korean version of the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-2 (K-ADOS-2) is widely being used to diagnose autism in South Korea, no previous study has examined the validity and reliability of all modules of K-ADOS-2 across a wide age range, particularly older children, adolescents, and adults.
Method

Data from 2,177 participants were included (mean age = 79.2 months; 73.5% male); 1480 participants with autism and 697 participants without autism (Module-T, n = 296; Module-1, n = 654; Module-2 n = 574; Module-3 n = 411; Module-4, n = 233). Participants completed a battery of tests, including the K-ADOS or K-ADOS-2 and other existing diagnostic instruments. Sensitivity, specificity, area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), Cohen’s kappa (k), and agreement with existing diagnostic instruments were computed. Cronbach’s α values were also calculated.
Results

All five modules of the K-ADOS-2 showed sufficient ranges of sensitivity 98.2–100.0%; specificity, 83.1–93.5%; area under the ROC curve, .91-.97; PPV, 88.1–97.6%; NPV, 87.3–100.0%; and k values, .83–.92. The kappa agreement with existing diagnostic instruments ranged from .20 to .90. Cronbach’s α values ranged from .83 to .90 across all modules.
Limitation

: The best-estimate clinical diagnoses made in this study were not independent of the K-ADOS-2 scores. Some modules did not include balanced numbers of participants in terms of gender and diagnostic status.
Conclusion

The K-ADOS-2 is a valid and reliable instrument in diagnosing autism in South Korea. Future studies exploring the effectiveness of the K-ADOS-2 in capturing restricted, repetitive behaviors and differentiating autism from other developmental disabilities are needed.
Microstructure Study And Linear/Nonlinear Optical Properties of Bi-Embedded PVP/ PVA Films For Optoelectronic And Optical CUT-OFF Applications
Authors: Ali H. Elhosiny , Abdel-Aziz M. , Sayed M.A. , Abd-Rabboh Hisham S.M. , Awwad Nasser S. , Algarni H. , Khairy Yasmin
Published: February 2022

Hybrid polymer films of polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP)/ polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) embedded with gradient levels of Bi-powder were prepared using a conventional solution casting process. X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic (FT-IR), and Scanning electron microscope (SEM) techniques have been used to examine the micro/molecular structural and morphological of the synthesized flexible films. The XRD peak intensity and FTIR spectra of the PVA gradually decline as Bi-metal is introduced. In addition, filler changes the microstructure surface of the pure film. The modification in the microstructure leads to an enhancement in the optical characteristic of the blend films. The indirect allowed transition energy was calculated via Tauc's and ASF models. The decrease in the hybrid film’s bandgap (\({E}_{gi}^{opt}\)) returns to the localized states in the forbidden region, as illustrated by the Urbach energy (Eu) values. The optical absorption parameters, including absorption coefficient (α) and edge (Ee), have also been evaluated. The relation between the transition energy and the refractive index (n) was studied. The rise of Bi-metal concentrations leads to an improvement in the nonlinear (χ(3)) susceptibility and (n2) refractive parameters. The optical limiting characteristics (OLC) revealed that the higher concentration dopant films reduce the light transmission intensity. The results suggest that hybrid films are promising materials in a wide range of applications, especially optical devices, and optoelectronics.