bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MADRASAH INFRASTRUCTURE MANAGEMENT BEFORE FACE-TO-FACE LEARNING IN THE PANDEMIC
Authors: Safitri Sundaniawati , Mulyati Sri , Wahyudi Wahyudi , Maftuhah Maftuhah , Zahruddin Zahruddin
Published: November 2021

This current study aimed to analyze and comprehend the management of the madrasa's facilities and infrastructure to hold face-to-face learning during the Covid-19 pandemic. This study was conducted at MI Soebono Mantofani, which is located in Ciputat, South Tangerang. The study employed a descriptive approach with qualitative methods. Data were obtained through interviews, observation, and documentation. The data analysis technique in this study followed the procedures: data reduction, data presentation, conclusion drawing, and verification. The study results highlighted the importance of needs analysis before preparing facilities and infrastructure planning policy to procure facilities and infrastructure by available safety procedures. Besides, the school management system also endorsed the principal's critical role in preparing the recipes, organizing the facilities during face-to-face learning, and holding the maintenance process accountable. This study also provided implications for managing the facilities and infrastructure amidst pandemics and hopefully shed some light on other relevant stakeholders in facing the upcoming face-to-face learning in the middle of the pandemic.
HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGEMENT IN IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF EDUCATION
Authors: Pusvitasari Rita
Published: November 2021

This study analyzes the importance of human resource management in schools by focusing its analysis on human resource management in improving the quality of education at Al-Islam Krian High School, Sidoarjo, East Java. The education system at every level relies heavily on human resources for the implementation of its programs. The success of education in schools is determined by the principal's success in fostering and developing educators and education personnel in schools to improve the quality of education. This research uses a qualitative approach with the type of case study. Data collection techniques are carried out through; observation, interviews, and documentation. The results showed that planning in improving the quality of education was carried out by analyzing human resource needs and mapping positions according to the school's vision, mission, and goals, making job descriptions and job specifications. Existing human resources are then fostered and trained to improve the quality of their resources by those targeted by educational institutions.
Estimating Customer Lifetime Value in the Gaming Industry Using Incomplete Data
Authors: Ali Ridda , Abrahams Sophie , Berryman Anna , Bleak Collin , Hamzah Nor Aishah , Khang Tsung Fei , Hjorth Poul Georg , Ng Choung Min , Tian Yu , Ward Jonathan A. , Yang Huining
Published: November 2021

We were asked by Innovation Embassy to work with a large dataset centred around gambling investment, with the task of making a predictive function for computing Customer Lifetime Value (CLV), and also to see if there are ways of detecting fraudulent financial practices and addictive gambling patterns. We had moderate success with the data as it stands, but we were partly held back for two main reasons: the ability to discern a solid definition of CLV due to highly inconsistent data and data that contained many large and incomputable gaps. Different machine learning algorithms were used to find CLV functions based on key variables. We also describe a short and explicit list of ways where the base data can be improved to support effective calculation of CLV. Our key findings suggest that the average customer's CLV is 1035 and ~80% of revenue is brought in from ~10% of the clients.
Interactive and Dynamic Effects of Rootstock and Rhizobiome on Scion Nutrition in Cacao Seedlings
Authors: Schmidt Jennifer E. , DuVal Ashley , Puig Alina , Tempeleu Alexandra , Crow Taylor
Published: November 2021

Perennial agroecosystems often seek to optimize productivity by breeding nutrient-efficient, disease-resistant rootstocks. In cacao (Theobroma cacao L.), however, rootstock selection has traditionally relied on locally available open pollinated populations with limited data on performance. Furthermore, rootstock associations with the rhizobiome, or rhizosphere microbiome, have been neglected. Better understanding of rootstock and scion effects on cacao-specific traits, particularly those involved in root-microbe interactions and nutrient acquisition, could contribute to more efficient rootstock selection and breeding. A rootstock-scion interaction study was conducted using three scion genotypes and eight rootstock populations under greenhouse conditions to better understand the relationships among rootstock and scion identities, soil fertility, and rhizobiome composition and the impacts of these factors on plant uptake of macro- and micronutrients. We show that rootstock genotype has a stronger influence than scion on nutrient uptake, bacterial and fungal diversity, and rhizobiome composition, and that the relative contributions of rootstock and scion genotype to foliar nutrient status are dynamic over time. Correlation analysis and stepwise regression revealed complex relationships of soil physicochemical parameters and the rhizobiome to plant nutrition and emphasized strong impacts of microbial diversity and composition on specific nutrients. Linear discriminant analysis effect size estimation identified rootstock-responsive taxa potentially related to plant nutrition. This study highlights the importance of considering root-associated microbial communities as a factor in cacao rootstock breeding and the need for further investigation into mechanisms underlying nutrient acquisition and microbial interactions in grafted plants.
Growth Performance and Survival Rate of Fogera and Their Crossbred Calves at Government Ranches in Ethiopia
Authors: Gessesse Tazeb , Dagnew Yohannes , Abegaz Solomon , Tesfa Assemu
Published: November 2021

The economic benefit of dairy products can be enhanced by increasing the efficiency of growth and survival rate of calves. The objective of the study was to evaluate the effects of non-genetic factors on pre- and post-weaning growth traits and mortality rate of pure Fogera and their F1 cross Fogera × Holstein Friesian calves at the Andassa and Chagni Cattle Breeding and Improvement Ranch. Retrospective types of study design and direct measurement were used to collect the data. A total of 3,626 for pre-weaning weight records and 107 for post-weaning measurements were used for analysis. Genotype, sex, dam parity, year of birth, the season of birth, and location were the considered production factors. The overall least square means (LSM ± SE) of birth weights were 22.33 ± 0.12 and 24.56 ± 0.11 kg for Fogera and their crosses, respectively. The overall LSM ± SE of weaning weights were 93.25 ± 0.85 and 111.63 ± 0.84 kg for Fogera and their cross calves, respectively. The overall post-weaning weight for Fogera and their cross calves were 101.02 ± 1.62 and 111.08 ± 2.65, respectively. All variables considered in the model, except dam parity, significantly (P< 0.05) affected post-weaning weight. The overall recorded mortality rate was 3% which was nearly the optimum that many scholars agreed to successful rearing practices.
Walking Biomechanics and Spine Loading in Patients With Symptomatic Lumbar Spinal Stenosis
Authors: Mousavi Seyed Javad , Lynch Andrew C. , Allaire Brett T. , White Andrew P. , Anderson Dennis E.
Published: November 2021

Symptomatic lumbar spinal stenosis is a leading cause of pain and mobility limitation in older adults. It is clinically believed that patients with lumbar spinal stenosis adopt a flexed trunk posture or bend forward and alter their gait pattern to improve tolerance for walking. However, a biomechanical assessment of spine posture and motion during walking is broadly lacking in these patients. The purpose of this study was to evaluate lumbar spine and pelvic sagittal angles and lumbar spine compressive loads in standing and walking and to determine the effect of pain and neurogenic claudication symptoms in patients with symptomatic lumbar spinal stenosis. Seven participants with symptomatic lumbar spinal stenosis, aged 44–82, underwent a 3D opto-electronic motion analysis during standing and walking trials in asymptomatic and symptomatic states. Passive reflective marker clusters (four markers each) were attached to participants at T1, L1, and S2 levels of the spine, with additional reflective markers at other spinal levels, as well as the head, pelvis, and extremities. Whole-body motion data was collected during standing and walking trials in asymptomatic and symptomatic states. The results showed that the spine was slightly flexed during walking, but this was not affected by symptoms. Pelvic tilt was not different when symptoms were present, but suggests a possible effect of more forward tilt in both standing (p = 0.052) and walking (p = 0.075). Lumbar spine loading during symptomatic walking was increased by an average of 7% over asymptomatic walking (p = 0.001). Our results did not show increased spine flexion (adopting a trunk-flexed posture) and only indicate a trend for a small forward shift of the pelvis during both symptomatic walking and standing. This suggests that provocation of symptoms in these patients does not markedly affect their normal gait kinematics. The finding of increased spine loading with provocation of symptoms supports our hypothesis that spine loading plays a role in limiting walking function in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis, but additional work is needed to understand the biomechanical cause of this increase.
Bioinspired Cellulase-Mimetic Solid Acid Catalysts for Cellulose Hydrolysis
Authors: Yang Guangxu , Luo Xiaolin , Shuai Li
Published: November 2021

Glucose produced by catalytic hydrolysis of cellulose is an important platform molecule for producing a variety of potential biobased fuels and chemicals. Catalysts such as mineral acids and enzymes have been intensively studied for cellulose hydrolysis. However, mineral acids show serious limitations concerning equipment corrosion, wastewater treatment and recyclability while enzymes have the issues such as high cost and thermal stability. Alternatively, solid acid catalysts are receiving increasing attention due to their high potential to overcome the limitations caused by conventional mineral acid catalysts but the slow mass transfer between the solid acid catalysts and cellulose as well as the absence of ideal binding sites on the surface of the solid acid catalysts are the key barriers to efficient cellulose hydrolysis. To bridge the gap, bio-inspired or bio-mimetic solid acid catalysts bearing both catalytic and binding sites are considered futuristic materials that possess added advantages over conventional solid catalysts, given their better substrate adsorption, high-temperature stability and easy recyclability. In this review, cellulase-mimetic solid acid catalysts featuring intrinsic structural characteristics such as binding and catalytic domains of cellulase are reviewed. The mechanism of cellulase-catalyzed cellulose hydrolysis, design of cellulase-mimetic catalysts, and the issues related to these cellulase-mimetic catalysts are critically discussed. Some potential research directions for designing more efficient catalysts for cellulose hydrolysis are proposed. We expect that this review can provide insights into the design and preparation of efficient bioinspired cellulase-mimetic catalysts for cellulose hydrolysis.
Visible Light-Activated Carbon Dots for Inhibiting Biofilm Formation and Inactivating Biofilm-Associated Bacterial Cells
Authors: Dong Xiuli , Overton Christopher M. , Tang Yongan , Darby Jasmine P. , Sun Ya-Ping , Yang Liju
Published: November 2021

This study aimed to address the significant problems of bacterial biofilms found in medical fields and many industries. It explores the potential of classic photoactive carbon dots (CDots), with 2,2′-(ethylenedioxy)bis (ethylamine) (EDA) for dot surface functionalization (thus, EDA-CDots) for their inhibitory effect on B. subtilis biofilm formation and the inactivation of B. subtilis cells within established biofilm. The EDA-CDots were synthesized by chemical functionalization of selected small carbon nanoparticles with EDA molecules in amidation reactions. The inhibitory efficacy of CDots with visible light against biofilm formation was dependent significantly on the time point when CDots were added; the earlier the CDots were added, the better the inhibitory effect on the biofilm formation. The evaluation of antibacterial action of light-activated EDA-CDots against planktonic B. subtilis cells versus the cells in biofilm indicate that CDots are highly effective for inactivating planktonic cells but barely inactivate cells in established biofilms. However, when coupling with chelating agents (e.g., EDTA) to target the biofilm architecture by breaking or weakening the EPS protection, much enhanced photoinactivation of biofilm-associated cells by CDots was achieved. The study demonstrates the potential of CDots to prevent the initiation of biofilm formation and to inhibit biofilm growth at an early stage. Strategic combination treatment could enhance the effectiveness of photoinactivation by CDots to biofilm-associated cells.
Evaluation of Residents’ Comfort in High-Rise Residential Buildings in Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Authors: Jung Chuloh , Awad Jihad , Al Qassimi Nahla
Published: November 2021

The global record of 1,700 % urban footprint growth in only 38 years made Dubai one of the fastest growing cities in the world. The density of the metropolis population is approximately 762.6 individuals/ km2, and high-rise residential buildings in Dubai have reached 581,166 units (79%) in 2020 and become a common residential type. The objective of this study is to provide basic data for the design of high-rise residential buildings in the future by evaluating the health of the residents of high-rise residential buildings in Dubai. As a methodology, the Todai Health Index, a structured health assessment tool, was used for high-rise residents’ survey. For the analysis, the health evaluation data from residents were used as the dependent variable, and the number of living floors as the architectural characteristic and the indoor temperature and humidity condition as the residential environments were analyzed as the independent variable. The result had shown that residence floor is irrelevant to overall health, changes in the health status compared to those in the previous year, and the occurrence of daily disease health evaluation by the Todai Health Index. It was statistically proven that the thermal environment has a significant correlation with the residence floor, but the effect of the thermal environment on health was not strong. However, the humidity environment has a very strong relationship with the health of residents. The humidity environment has a very close relationship not only with the occurrence of daily diseases of residents but also with the health evaluation analyzed by the Todai Health Index. There is a significant relationship between the humidity environment and both physical and mental health. It was analyzed that a slightly humid condition had a positive effect on health.
miR-92a-3p Promoted EMT via Targeting LATS1 in Cervical Cancer Stem Cells
Authors: Liu Shuangyue , Chu Liping , Xie Mingzhu , Ma Lisha , An Hongmei , Zhang Wen , Deng Jihong
Published: November 2021

miR-92a-3p (microRNA-92a-3p) has been reported to be dysregulated in several cancers, and as such, it is considered to be a cancer-related microRNA. However, the influence of miR-92a-3p on biological behaviors in cervical cancer (CC) still remains unclear. Quantitative real-time PCR was used to detect miR-92a-3p levels in CC stem cells. Here, Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK8) assay, Transwell cell invasion assay and flow cytometry assay were used to characterize the effects that miR-92a-3p and large tumor suppressor l (LATS1) had on proliferation, invasion and cell cycle transition. The luciferase reporter gene assay was used to verify the targeting relationship between miR-92a-3p and LATS1. Western Blotting was used to investigate the related signaling pathways and proteins. Data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) showed that miR-92a-3p was upregulated in CC tissues and closely associated with overall survival. miR-92a-3p promoted proliferation, invasion and cell cycle transition in CC stem cells. The luciferase reporter assay showed that miR-92a-3p bound to the 3′-untranslated region (3′-UTR) of the LATS1 promoter. LATS1 inhibited proliferation, invasion and cell cycle transition. Results measured by Western Blotting showed that LATS1 downregulated expressions of transcriptional co-activator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ), vimentin and cyclin E, but upregulated the expression of E-cadherin. Re-expression of LATS1 partly reversed the effects of miR-92a-3p on proliferation, invasion and cell cycle transition, as well as on TAZ, E-cadherin, vimentin, and cyclin E. miR-92a-3p promoted the malignant behavior of CC stem cells by targeting LATS1, which regulated TAZ and E-cadherin.
Emerging Roles of Pleckstrin-2 Beyond Cell Spreading
Authors: Wang Gengchen , Zhou Qian , Xu Yan , Zhao Baobing
Published: November 2021

Pleckstrin-2 is a member of pleckstrin family with well-defined structural features that was first identified in 1999. Over the past 20 years, our understanding of PLEK2 biology has been limited to cell spreading. Recently, increasing evidences support that PLEK2 plays important roles in other cellular events beyond cell spreading, such as erythropoiesis, tumorigenesis and metastasis. It serves as a potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarker as well as an attractive target for the treatment of cancers. Herein, we summary the protein structure and molecular interactions of pleckstrin-2, with an emphasis on its regulatory roles in tumorigenesis.
Recent Advancements in Serum Albumin-Based Nanovehicles Toward Potential Cancer Diagnosis and Therapy
Authors: Shen Xue , Liu Xiyang , Li Tingting , Chen Yin , Chen Yang , Wang Pan , Zheng Lin , Yang Hong , Wu Chunhui , Deng Shengqi , Liu Yiyao
Published: November 2021

Recently, drug delivery vehicles based on nanotechnology have significantly attracted the attention of researchers in the field of nanomedicine since they can achieve ideal drug release and biodistribution. Among the various organic or inorganic materials that used to prepare drug delivery vehicles for effective cancer treatment, serum albumin-based nanovehicles have been widely developed and investigated due to their prominent superiorities, including good biocompatibility, high stability, nontoxicity, non-immunogenicity, easy preparation, and functionalization, allowing them to be promising candidates for cancer diagnosis and therapy. This article reviews the recent advances on the applications of serum albumin-based nanovehicles in cancer diagnosis and therapy. We first introduce the essential information of bovine serum albumin (BSA) and human serum albumin (HSA), and discuss their drug loading strategies. We then discuss the different types of serum albumin-based nanovehicles including albumin nanoparticles, surface-functionalized albumin nanoparticles, and albumin nanocomplexes. Moreover, after briefly discussing the application of serum albumin-based nanovehicles used as the nanoprobes in cancer diagnosis, we also describe the serum albumin-based nanovehicle-assisted cancer theranostics, involving gas therapy, chemodynamic therapy (CDT), phototherapy (PTT/PDT), sonodynamic therapy (SDT), and other therapies as well as cancer imaging. Numerous studies cited in our review show that serum albumin-based nanovehicles possess a great potential in cancer diagnostic and therapeutic applications.
Surface Treatment and Bioinspired Coating for 3D-Printed Implants
Authors: Liu Junyi , Mohd Rafiq Nafisah Bte , Wong Lai Mun , Wang Shijie
Published: November 2021

Three-dimensional (3D) printing technology has developed rapidly and demonstrates great potential in biomedical applications. Although 3D printing techniques have good control over the macrostructure of metallic implants, the surface properties have superior control over the tissue response. By focusing on the types of surface treatments, the osseointegration activity of the bone–implant interface is enhanced. Therefore, this review paper aims to discuss the surface functionalities of metallic implants regarding their physical structure, chemical composition, and biological reaction through surface treatment and bioactive coating. The perspective on the current challenges and future directions for development of surface treatment on 3D-printed implants is also presented.
Streptococcus pneumoniae: a Plethora of Temperate Bacteriophages With a Role in Host Genome Rearrangement
Authors: Martín-Galiano Antonio J. , García Ernesto
Published: November 2021

Bacteriophages (phages) are viruses that infect bacteria. They are the most abundant biological entity on Earth (current estimates suggest there to be perhaps 1031 particles) and are found nearly everywhere. Temperate phages can integrate into the chromosome of their host, and prophages have been found in abundance in sequenced bacterial genomes. Prophages may modulate the virulence of their host in different ways, e.g., by the secretion of phage-encoded toxins or by mediating bacterial infectivity. Some 70% of Streptococcus pneumoniae (the pneumococcus)—a frequent cause of otitis media, pneumonia, bacteremia and meningitis—isolates harbor one or more prophages. In the present study, over 4000 S. pneumoniae genomes were examined for the presence of prophages, and nearly 90% were found to contain at least one prophage, either defective (47%) or present in full (43%). More than 7000 complete putative integrases, either of the tyrosine (6243) or serine (957) families, and 1210 full-sized endolysins (among them 1180 enzymes corresponding to 318 amino acid-long N-acetylmuramoyl-L-alanine amidases [LytAPPH]) were found. Based on their integration site, 26 different pneumococcal prophage groups were documented. Prophages coding for tRNAs, putative virulence factors and different methyltransferases were also detected. The members of one group of diverse prophages (PPH090) were found to integrate into the 3’ end of the host lytASpn gene encoding the major S. pneumoniae autolysin without disrupting it. The great similarity of the lytASpnand lytAPPH genes (85–92% identity) allowed them to recombine, via an apparent integrase-independent mechanism, to produce different DNA rearrangements within the pneumococcal chromosome. This study provides a complete dataset that can be used to further analyze pneumococcal prophages, their evolutionary relationships, and their role in the pathogenesis of pneumococcal disease.
Interferon Gamma-Inducible Protein 16 of Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells May Sense Hepatitis B Virus Infection and Regulate the Antiviral Immunity
Authors: Lu Yu-Qing , Wu Jing , Wu Xiang-Ji , Ma Hui , Ma Yan-Xiu , Zhang Rong , Su Meng-Nan , Wu Nan , Chen Gong-Yin , Chen Hong-Song , Pan Xiao-Ben
Published: November 2021

Interferon gamma-inducible protein 16 (IFI16) is a DNA sensor protein, which triggers interferon-beta (IFN-β) production. However, the role of IFI16 in the innate immunity against hepatitis B virus (HBV) remains controversial. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and serum specimens were collected from 20 patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) receiving Peg-IFN-α2b therapy. IFI16 mRNA/protein of PBMCs and serum IFI16 at baseline and changes during Peg-IFN-α2b treatment were detected. The interaction between IFI16 and HBV DNA in the PBMCs was analyzed using chromatin immunoprecipitation assay. Leukemic T cell line CEM-C7 and HBV-replicating HepG2.2.15 cells were used to test the effects of interferon treatment and HBV replication on IFI16 expression. Compared with healthy controls, lower levels of IFI16 mRNA but more significant expression of IFI16 protein with heterogeneous degradation were detected in PBMCs of CHB patients. Early changes in IFI16 mRNA, but not IFNB mRNA of PBMCs or serum IFI16, were correlated to HBeAg seroconversion of Peg-IFN-α2b therapy. An interaction between IFI16 and HBV DNA was detected in the PBMCs. In the cultured HepG2.2.15 and CEM-C7 cells, interferons resulted in the translocalization of IFI16 from the cytoplasm to the nucleus and inhibited IFI16 degradation. IFI16 of PBMCs may play a role in sensing HBV infection, and early change in IFI16 mRNA of PBMCs is valuable to predict HBeAg seroconversion in Peg-IFN-α2b treatment. The influences on IFI16 degradation and subcellular location may present a molecular mechanism of antiviral activity of interferon.
The Role of 6-Minute Walk Test Guided by Impedance Cardiography in the Rehabilitation Following Knee Arthroplasty: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Lin Yangyang , Hu Xingwei , Cao Yalin , Wang Xing , Tong Yao , Yao Fengjuan , Wu Peihui , Huang Huiling
Published: November 2021

Objective: To explore the effect of the 6-minute walk test (6MWT) guided by non-invasive cardiac output on the rehabilitation of patients with knee osteoarthritis following artificial total knee arthroplasty.

Methods: About 66 patients with knee osteoarthritis planned to undergo artificial total knee arthroplasty were included from March 2019 to October 2019, and randomly assigned to the intervention group or control group. Under the guidance of a clinical rehabilitation physician, orthopedic physician, and cardiologist, a home rehabilitation exercise program based on 6MWT and non-invasive cardiac output was formulated for patients with knee osteoarthritis. The participants of the intervention group conducted full rehabilitation training supervision and guidance through the WeChat platform to ensure their rehabilitation pieces of training were completed safely and effectively. As for the control group, patients were just given rehabilitation training manuals at the time of discharge and completed the training by themselves.

Results: At 6 months post-operatively, 6-minute walk distance (413.88 ± 44.61 vs. 375.00 ± 40.53 m, P < 0.05), active metabolic equivalent (4.13 ± 0.29 vs. 3.88 ± 0.27, P < 0.05), stroke volume after 6MWT (114.97 ± 12.05 vs. 98.38 ± 16.43 ml, P < 0.05), and cardiac output (11.92 ± 1.68 vs. 9.79 ± 1.82 l/min, P < 0.05) of the intervention group were significantly higher than those of the control group. The symptom evaluation scores of the intervention group were also better than those of the control group.

Conclusions: The multidisciplinary post-operative rehabilitation exercise training program is beneficial to the recovery of lower limb function and the improvement of exercise capacity after knee replacement, and it also helps to improve the non-invasive hemodynamic indicators related to the cardiac function of the patient.

Clinical Trial Registration:http://www.chictr.org.cn/index.aspx.
Circulating Biomarkers and Cardiac Structure and Function in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Kobayashi Masatake , Ferreira Maria Betânia , Costa Rita Quelhas , Fonseca Tomás , Oliveira José Carlos , Marinho António , Carvalho Henrique Cyrne , Girerd Nicolas , Rossignol Patrick , Zannad Faiez , Rodrigues Patrícia , Ferreira João Pedro
Published: November 2021

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) increases the risk for abnormalities of the cardiac structure and function, which may lead to heart failure (HF). Studying the association between circulating biomarkers and echocardiographic parameters is important to screen patients with RA with a higher risk of cardiac dysfunction.

Aim: To study the association between circulating biomarkers and echocardiographic parameters in patients with RA.

Methods: Echocardiography was performed in 355 patients with RA from RA Porto cohort and the associations between echocardiographic characteristics and 94 circulating biomarkers were assessed. These associations were also assessed in the Metabolic Road to Diastolic Heart Failure (MEDIA-DHF) [392 patients with HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF)] and the Suivi Temporaire Annuel Non-Invasif de la Santé des Lorrains Assurés Sociaux (STANISLAS) (1,672 healthy population) cohorts.

Results: In the RA Porto cohort, mean age was 58 ± 13 years, 23% were males and mean RA duration was 12 ± 10 years. After adjustment and multiple testing correction, left ventricular mass index (LVMi), left atrial volume index (LAVi), and E/e′ were independently associated with biomarkers reflecting inflammation [i.e., bone morphogenetic protein 9 (BMP9), pentraxin-related protein 3 (PTX3), tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily member 11a (TNFRSF11A)], extracellular matrix remodeling [i.e., placental growth factor (PGF)], congestion [i.e., N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), adrenomedullin (ADM)], and myocardial injury (e.g., troponin). Greater LVMi [hazard ratio (HR) (95% CI) per 1 g/m2 = 1.03 (1.02–1.04), p < 0.001], LAVi [HR (95% CI) per 1 ml/m2 = 1.03 (1.01–1.06), p < 0.001], and E/e′ [HR (95% CI) per 1 = 1.08 (1.04–1.13), p < 0.001] were associated with higher rates of cardiovascular events. These associations were externally replicated in patients with HFpEF and asymptomatic individuals.

Conclusion: Circulating biomarkers reflecting inflammation, extracellular matrix remodeling, congestion, and myocardial injury were associated with underlying alterations of cardiac structure and function. Biomarkers might be used for the screening of cardiac alterations in patients with RA.
A Model for the Prediction of Mortality and Hospitalization in Chinese Heart Failure Patients
Authors: Zhuang Bo , Shen Ting , Li Dejie , Jiang Yumei , Li Guanghe , Luo Qian , Jin Yishan , Shan Ziwei , Che Lin , Wang Lemin , Zheng Liang , Shen Yuqin
Published: November 2021

Background: Although many risk prediction models have been released internationally, the application of these models in the Chinese population still has some limitations.

Aims: The purpose of the study was to establish a heart failure (HF) prognosis model suitable for the Chinese population.

Methods: According to the inclusion criteria, we included patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) who were admitted to the Department of Cardiac Rehabilitation of Tongji Hospital from March 2007 to December 2018, recorded each patient's condition and followed up on the patient's re-admission and death. All data sets were randomly divided into derivation and validation cohorts in a ratio of 7/3. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression and Cox regression were used to screen independent predictors; a nomogram chart scoring model was constructed and validated.

Results: A total of 547 patients were recruited in this cohort, and the median follow-up time was 519 days. The independent predictors screened out by the derivation cohort included age, atrial fibrillation (AF), percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), diabetes mellitus (DM), peak oxygen uptake (peak VO2), heart rate at the 8th minute after the cardiopulmonary exercise peaked (HR8min), C-reaction protein(CRP), and uric acid (UA). The C indexes values of the derivation and the validation cohorts were 0.69 and 0.62, respectively, and the calibration curves indicate that the model's predictions were in good agreement with the actual observations.

Conclusions: We have developed and validated a multiple Cox regression model to predict long-term mortality and readmission risk of Chinese patients with CHF.

Registration Number: ChicTR-TRC-00000235.
Differential Risk of Dementia Between Patients With Atrial Flutter and Atrial Fibrillation: A National Cohort Study
Authors: Wang Hui-Ting , Chen Yung-Lung , Lin Yu-Sheng , Chen Huang-Chung , Chong Shaur-Zheng , Hsueh Shukai , Chung Chang-Ming , Chen Mien-Cheng
Published: November 2021

Objectives: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is linked to an increased risk of stroke and dementia. Atrial flutter (AFL) is also linked to an increased risk of stroke but at a different level of risk as compared to AF. Little is known about the difference in the risk of dementia between AF and AFL. This study aims to investigate whether the risk of dementia is different between AF and AFL.

Methods: Patients with newly diagnosed AF and AFL during 2001–2013 were retrieved from Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database. Patients with incomplete demographic data, aged <20 years, history of valvular surgery, rheumatic heart disease, hyperthyroidism, and history of dementia were excluded. The incidence of new-onset dementia was set as the primary outcome and analyzed in patients with AF and AFL after propensity score matching (PSM).

Results: A total of 232,425 and 7,569 patients with AF and AFL, respectively, were eligible for analysis. After 4:1 PSM, we included 30,276 and 7,569 patients with AF and AFL, respectively, for analysis. Additionally, patients with AF (n = 29,187) and AFL (n = 451) who received oral anticoagulants were enrolled for comparison. The risk of dementia was higher in patients with AF compared with patients with AFL (subdistribution hazard ratio (SHR) = 1.52, 95% CI 1.39–1.66; p < 0.0001) before PSM and remained higher in patients with AF (SHR = 1.14, 95% CI 1.04–1.25; p = 0.0064) after PSM. The risk of dementia was higher in patients with AF without previous history of stroke after PSM but the risk did not differ between patients with AF and AFL with previous history of stroke. Among patients who received oral anticoagulants, the cumulative incidences of dementia were significantly higher in patients with AF than in patients with AFL before and after PSM (all P < 0.05).

Conclusions: This study found that, among patients without history of stroke, the risk of dementia was higher in patients with AF than in patients with AFL, and CHA2DS2-VASc score might be useful for risk stratification of dementia between patients with AF and AFL.
Neuraminidase 1 Exacerbating Aortic Dissection by Governing a Pro-Inflammatory Program in Macrophages
Authors: Wang Qian , Chen Zhaoyang , Peng Xiaoping , Zheng Zeqi , Le Aiping , Guo Junjie , Ma Leilei , Shi Hongtao , Yao Kang , Zhang Shuning , Zheng Zhenzhong , Zhu Jianbing
Published: November 2021

Inflammation plays an important role in aortic dissection (AD). Macrophages are critically involved in the inflammation after aortic injury. Neuraminidases (NEUs) are a family of enzymes that catalyze the cleavage of terminal sialic acids from glycoproteins or glycolipids, which is emerging as a regulator of macrophage-associated immune responses. However, the role of neuraminidase 1 (NEU1) in pathological vascular remodeling of AD remains largely unknown. This study sought to characterize the role and identify the potential mechanism of NEU1 in pathological aortic degeneration. After β-aminopropionitrile monofumarate (BAPN) administration, NEU1 elevated significantly in the lesion zone of the aorta. Global or macrophage-specific NEU1 knockout (NEU1 CKO) mice had no baseline aortic defects but manifested improved aorta function, and decreased mortality due to aortic rupture. Improved outcomes in NEU1 CKO mice subjected to BAPN treatment were associated with the ameliorated vascular inflammation, lowered apoptosis, decreased reactive oxygen species production, mitigated extracellular matrix degradation, and improved M2 macrophage polarization. Furthermore, macrophages sorted from the aorta of NEU1 CKO mice displayed a significant increase of M2 macrophage markers and a marked decrease of M1 macrophage markers compared with the controls. To summarize, the present study demonstrated that macrophage-derived NEU1 is critical for vascular homeostasis. NEU1 exacerbates BAPN-induced pathological vascular remodeling. NEU1 may therefore represent a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of AD.
Reconstruction of Climate Changes Based δ18Ocarb on the Northeastern Tibetan Plateau: A 16.1-cal kyr BP Record From Hurleg Lake
Authors: Ma Xueyun , Wei Zhifu , Wang Yongli , Wang Gen , Zhang Ting , He Wei , Yu Xiaoli , Ma He , Zhang Pengyuan , Li Shangkun , Wei Jingyi , Fan Qiaohui
Published: November 2021

Hydroclimate evolution history and changes in the Tibetan Plateau play significant roles in depicting paleoclimate and evaluating climatic conditions in the coming future. However, the interaction of the westerlies and the Asian monsoon complicates our understanding of the mechanism of climate variation over the Tibetan Plateau. In this study, we assessed the paleoclimate of Hurleg Lake, which was previously located in the convergence area of the East Asian monsoon and westerly wind. We first reconstructed the climatic conditions based on fined-grained authigenic carbonate δ18O (δ18Ocarb), plant-derived proxies of C/N, and n-alkane-derived δ13C31. In the Hurleg Lake, δ18Ocarb was controlled by δ18O changes of the lake water and evaporation. The climate evolution since ∼16.1 cal kyr BP can be classified into three stages. The Lateglacial (16.1–11.0 cal kyr BP) was characterized by a warm-wet climate in the beginning, followed by a cold-dry climate since 12.0 cal kyr BP. Typical warm and cold phases occurred during 14.8–12.0 cal kyr BP and 12.0–11.1 cal kyr BP, which may correspond to the Bølling/Allerød (B/A) and Younger Dryas periods, respectively. The early to mid-Holocene was generally characterized by a warm-wet climate; however, notable cold-dry intervals occurred at ∼8.3 cal kyr BP. The Late Holocene (after 4.8 cal kyr BP) displayed a significantly cold-wet climate. Finally, we examined the possible mechanisms responsible for the climate variability in the study area. The results showed that the long-term warm trend in the Lateglacial and colder trend after early Holocene was controlled by insolation. The Asian summer monsoon and the westerlies played a significant role in determining moisture sources during the Lateglacial. The East Asian monsoon contributed greatly to the moisture variation from the early to mid-Holocene, whereas the westerly winds dominated during the late Holocene. Combined, our findings highlight the complex changes in hydroclimate conditions since the last glacial in the Tibetan Plateau and provide crucial implications for comprehending the hydroclimate pattern in the transition zone of westerlies and Asian monsoon.
Geochemical, Mineralogical, and Lithofacies Characterizations of Lacustrine Shale: A Case Study From the Cangdong Sag, Bohai Bay Basin, China
Authors: Zhao Xianzheng , Pu Xiugang , Zhou Lihong , Han Wenzhong , Xin Bixiao , Shi Zhannan , Tian Jinqiang
Published: November 2021

The study of lithofacies identification and its distribution characterizations of shales is essential for the geological evaluation of shale oil exploration and development. In this study, core description, optical microscope, total organic carbon (TOC) content, whole-rock X-ray diffraction (XRD), Rock-Eval pyrolysis, X-ray fluorescence (XRF), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and well logging data were used in the qualitative analyses of the geochemical and mineralogical characteristics of shales. Since the work of detailed lithofacies identification is still lacking in the previous studies, based on TOC, sedimentary structure, and ternary diagram of siliceous minerals, carbonate minerals, and clay minerals, eight predominant lithofacies were identified in the shale of the second member of the Kongdian Formation (Ek2): ① low to moderate organic matter content (referred to as “low to moderate TOC”) massive calcareous mudstone (C-1); ② low to moderate TOC laminated calcareous mudstone (C-2); ③ low to moderate TOC layered mixed calcareous mudstone (C-3); ④ moderate to high organic matter content (referred to as “moderate to high TOC”) laminated calcareous siliceous mudstone (S-1); ⑤ moderate to high TOC massive mixed siliceous mudstone (S-2); ⑥ moderate to high TOC laminated clayey siliceous mudstone (S-3); ⑦ low to moderate TOC massive mixed mudstone (M-1); ⑧ moderate to high TOC layered calcareous/siliceous mixed mudstone (M-2). The favorability of lithofacies was investigated based on TOC, pyrolysis parameters, pore structures, and specific mineral contents. S-1 was currently considered as the most favorable lithofacies with excellent hydrocarbon potential, high amount of free hydrocarbon, and abundant organic pores; S-2, S-3, and M-2 were considered as favorable lithofacies, while C-1 and M-1 were ranked as the least-promising lithofacies in the research area. The lateral distribution of the shale is quite different, and Ek23 contains the most favorable lithofacies for shale oil exploration.
Barriers to Accessing Health Care in Rural Regions by Transgender, Non-Binary, and Gender Diverse People: A Case-Based Scoping Review
Authors: Renner Janis , Blaszcyk Wiebke , Täuber Lars , Dekker Arne , Briken Peer , Nieder Timo O.
Published: November 2021

Research shows an overrepresentation of trans people in vulnerable socioeconomic situations, primarily due to experiences of discrimination. At the same time, rural or suburban living areas often lack specialized trans-related health care, which a majority of trans people rely on to some extent. Taken together, the lack of both socioeconomic resources and access to trans-related health care can exacerbate health-related distress and impairment for trans people. We illustrate this problem using case vignettes of trans people from rural and suburban areas in (Northern) Germany. They are currently participating in an e-health intervention and randomized controlled trial (RCT) called i2TransHealth, whose case vignettes provided the impetus for the scoping review. The scoping review analyzes the impact of place of residence and its intersection with barriers to accessing trans-related health care. PubMed and Web of Science Data bases were searched for relevant studies using a search strategy related to trans people and remote, rural, or suburban residences. 33 studies were selected after full-text screening and supplemented via reference list checks and study team expertise by 12 articles addressing the living conditions of remotely living trans people and describing requirements for trans-related health care. The literature on trans people living remotely reveals intersections of trans mental health with age, race, gender expression, geographic location, community size, socioeconomic status, discrimination experiences, and attitudes towards health care providers. Several structural health care barriers are identified. The role of health care professionals (HCPs) for remotely living trans people is discussed. There is no need assuming that rural life for trans people is inevitably worse for health and well-being than urban life. Nevertheless, some clear barriers and health disparities exist for trans people in remote settings. Empowering trans groups and diversity-sensitive education of remote communities in private and institutional settings are needed for respectful inclusion of trans people. Facilitating access to trans-related health care, such as through video-based e-health programs with HCPs, can improve both the health and socioeconomic situation of trans people.
Impact of Retinopathy and Systemic Vascular Comorbidities on All-Cause Mortality
Authors: Zhu Zhuoting , Shang Xianwen , Wang Wei , Ha Jason , Chen Yifan , He Jingyi , Yang Xiaohong , He Mingguang
Published: November 2021

Purpose

To assess the impact of retinopathy and systemic vascular comorbidities on the all-cause mortality in a representative U.S. sample.

Methods

A total of 5703 participants (≥40 years old) from the 2005-2008 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. The Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study grading scale was used to evaluate the retinopathy status. Systemic vascular comorbidities included diabetes mellitus (DM), high blood pressure (HBP), chronic kidney disease (CKD) and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Time to death was calculated as the time from baseline to either the date of death or censoring (December 31st, 2015), whichever came first. Risks of mortality were estimated using Cox proportional hazards models after adjusting for confounders and vascular comorbidities.

Results

After a median follow-up of 8.33 years (IQR: 7.50-9.67 years), there were 949 (11.8%) deaths from all causes. After adjusting for confounders, the presence of retinopathy predicted higher all-cause mortality (hazard ratio (HR), 1.41; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.08-1.83). The all-cause mortality among participants with both retinopathy and systemic vascular comorbidities including DM (HR, 1.72; 95% CI, 1.21-2.43), HBP (HR, 1.47; 95% CI, 1.03-2.10), CKD (HR, 1.73; 95% CI, 1.26-2.39) and CVD (HR, 1.92; 95% CI, 1.21-3.04) was significantly higher than that among those without either condition. When stratified by diabetic or hypertension status, the co-occurrence of retinopathy and CKD or CVD further increased the all-cause mortality compared to those without either condition.

Conclusions

The co-occurrence of retinopathy and systemic vascular conditions predicted a further increase in the risk of mortality. More extensive vascular risk factor assessment and management are needed to detect the burden of vascular pathologies and improve long-term survival in individuals with retinopathy.
Association of Glycosylated Hemoglobin A1c Level With Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss: A Prospective Study
Authors: Shen Ying , Zheng Zhong , Xiao Lili , Liu Chengqi , Guo Jingyi , Chen Zhengnong , Wu Yaqin , Shi Haibo , Zhang Zhen , Qian Di , Feng Yanmei , Yin Shankai
Published: November 2021

Glycosylated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) level has strong relevance to microvascular disorders, which are also thought to be the current main aspect of sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL), so we aim to elucidate the association of the HbA1c level with the severity, types, and prognosis of SSNHL. In this study, comparative analyses based on propensity score matching of the severity, types, and prognosis of SSNHL with the HbA1c level in 116 patients diagnosed as SSNHL were conducted, where they were divided into diabetes mellitus (DM) group and non-DM group. We finally found that, among patients with SSNHL, diabetic patients had a higher HbA1c level, more severe hearing loss, and poorer prognosis than non-diabetic patients. The HbA1c level was found to be significantly correlated with the severity and types of SSNHL, while no strong relevance was found between the higher HbA1c level and the poorer prognosis of SSNHL.