bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Implementasi Algoritma FP-Growth untuk Mengukur Tingkat Kemampuan Siswa dalam Prestasi Belajar
Authors: Harlan Kurnia AR  , Nurmaliana Pohan
Published: September 2022

Siswa pada sekolah menengah pertama (SMP) berasal dari berbagai sekolah dasar (SD) dengan kualitas pendidikan yang berbeda. Hal tersebut tentu menjadi salah satu faktor berprestasinya siswa dalam pendidikan. Untuk menentukan seberapa besar pengaruh asal sekolah terhadap tingkat kemampuan siswa dalam prestasi belajar perlu dilakukan suatu penelitian. Atribut yang akan diuji yaitu nilai siswa pada mata pelajaran umum, dimana pelajaran tersebut juga dipelajari pada saat SD. Dengan mengambil data nilai dari Ijazah saat lulus SD serta nilai raporttt pada saat SMP. Dengan mengambil sampel data dari siswa berprestasi pada SMP N 9 Padang yang rata-rata raportt diatas 80. Data juga dipersempit dengan hanya mengambil data nilai pada mata pelajaran Matematika, Bahasa Indonesia, dan IPA hal ini menyesuaikan dengan mata pelajaran yang ada pada ujian nasional saat SD. Maka akan didapatkan setidaknya 166 sampel. Penelitian dilakukan dengan memanfaatkan data mining dari data sampel yang telah didapatkan sehingga akan menghasilkan suatu informasi yang lebih berharga yang diperoleh dengan cara mengekstraksi dan mengenali pola yang penting atau menarik dari data yang terdapat dalam basis data. Dengan menerapkan algoritma FP-Growth akan terbentuk berbagai rules yang mencerminkan korelasi suatu atribut dengan yang lain. Tingkat korelasi tersebut dapat dilihat dari nilai support dan konfiden suatu rules. Serta dengan pemanfaatan software rapidminer dapat mempermudah dalam pemrosesan data mining pada database yang memiliki sampel yang banyak. Dari hasil penelitian, didapatkan bahwa asal sekolah memiliki dampak yang cukup signifikan dalam berprestasinya siswa di sekolah. Hal tersebut dapat dilihat dari nilai support dan nilai confident yang tinggi.
Sistem Pakar Menggunakan Forward Chaining dan Certainty Factor Untuk Diagnosa Kerusakan Smartphone
Authors: Noviardi Refli
Published: September 2022

Seiring berjalannya waktu perkembangan Smartphone semakin meningkat dan fasilitas – fasilitasnya pun semakin banyak dan berkembang, kerusakan yang terjadipun juga sering terjadi. Sehingga terjadinya kepadatan orang untuk melakukan service di berbagai tempat. Sistem pakar diagnosa dilakukan dengan tujuan agar membantu proses diagnosa kerusakan  pada smartphone agar tidak memerlukan waktu lama untuk memastikan diagnosa lebih lanjut. Dengan menggunakan metode forward chaining dan certainty factor, dimulai dengan informasi yang ada berupa data real lalu digabungkan menjadi sebuah rule untuk menghasilkan suatu kesimpulan. Hasil yang disimpulkan berdasarkan metode forward chaining dan certainty factor bisa mencapai kecocokan tingkat sebesar 73,33% dibandingkan dengan hasil yang didapatkan oleh pakar. Angka tersebut sudah menunjukkan bahwa metode ini cocok untuk membantu masyarakat.
Canabinóides como possível alternativa no tratamento de psoríase
Authors: Coimbra Beatriz Zimermano , Bertozzi João Gabriel , Borges Ericks Domiciano , Pitliuk Rubens , Fucci Tatyanny Paula Pinto da Costa Santos , Abreu Marilda Aparecida Milanez Morgado de
Published: September 2022

Com uma forte predisposição genética, traços patogênicos autoimunes e com grande relação ao meio ambiente, a psoríase é uma doença crônica, não infecciosa, que acomete pessoas de todas as idades, sem predileção por sexo. O seu tratamento tem como principal objetivo controlar a diferenciação e a proliferação dos queratinócitos. Tendo isso em vista, o objetivo desta revisão narrativa é fazer uma análise do que já está documentado na literatura, envolvendo os efeitos da Cannabis sativa no tratamento da psoríase, com enfoque na sua efetividade. Para isso, foi feita uma busca ativa sobre o tema nas bases de dados Google Acadêmico, Pubmed e LILACS. Foi verificado que os canabinoides possuem um potencial terapêutico na psoríase, principalmente em relação à proliferação dos queratinócitos e na modulação da inflamação, porém a maioria dos estudos disponíveis são in vitro. É necessário a realização de mais estudos clínicos em humanos para melhor elucidação da eficácia e segurança dos canabinoides no tratamento da psoríase.
Escolarização aberta e as práticas pedagógicas de aprendizagem articuladas com o projeto CONNECT na educação básica
Authors: Trindade Sueli Perazzoli , Camargo Rafael Augusto , Torres Patrícia Lupion , Kowalski Raquel Pasternak Glitz
Published: September 2022

Este estudo tem como objetivo desenvolver práticas pedagógicas de aprendizagem com ações científicas na perspectiva da escolarização aberta na educação básica, por meio do Projeto CONNECT. A escolarização aberta enfatiza o conhecimento científico na formação do cidadão, a partir das áreas da ciência, pesquisa e inovação, para promover a qualidade de vida e o bem-estar da sociedade, articulada com a criação de práticas pedagógicas inovadoras, interativas, integradas e inclusivas. O Projeto CONNECT apresenta sua metodologia baseada nas ações científicas: importar-se – conhecer – fazer, com foco orientado a cenários futuros. A metodologia de pesquisa qualitativa, de abordagem participativa, teve a coleta de dados em uma escola estadual de Santa Catarina e em uma ONG da Vila Torres, em Curitiba. Dos resultados obtidos, foi possível perceber que a pesquisa revela processos de ensino e aprendizagem por meio de uma prática educacional pautada na conexão entre as áreas do conhecimento, que possibilitou a construção de práticas pedagógicas diferenciadas de escolarização aberta. É importante repensar as práticas pedagógicas com ações científicas de forma significativa e inovadora, articulando com áreas do conhecimento relevantes à realidade dos estudantes. Esta investigação traz a perspectiva da escolarização aberta, que possibilita ao aluno ser protagonista e sujeito da produção científica mediante a aprendizagem baseada em projetos.
Can emotional states interfere with self-esteem and mental health during pandemic context on health students in low middle-income country?
Authors: Passos Adrielle Andrade , DeJesus Beatriz  Menezes , Santos Heitor Franco , Teixeira-Machado Lavínia
Published: September 2022

The university experience is considered a factor that increases stress and affects health of students. Studies have shown distancing measure is associated with depression in young adults. This study aimed to assess the impacts of social isolation on health students due the COVID-19 pandemic. It is a primary study sought to investigate the levels of depression, anxiety and stress by DASS-21, mental components by SF-36, and self-esteem by RSES. The 358 health students accessed the form. The average age was 23.4 years, 75.4% women, and 24.6% men. We divided the selected groups for comparative analysis between academic degree (Undergraduate student-UG/Graduate student-G), gender (Women-W/Men-M) and practitioners of physical activity (Yes-Y/No-N). Principal Component Analysis showed the DASS-21, RSES and SF-36 scales interact into two dimensions that correlate positively and negatively. The findings showed UG suffer greater pressure on mental states than G (W<7166, p-value<0.002). The practice of physical activity was not a factor of difference between any of the anxiety, stress or depression states (W=16012, p-value=0.5205) and intra-group interaction (Chi-square= 22.007, df=20 and p=0.3401) were not significant. We found a high positive correlation between mental health, vitality and social aspects, which might be related to social distancing and self-esteem aspects need answers.
Parto vaginal após cesárea: percepções da mulher
Authors: Morgueti Ana Carolina Souza , Miranda Ludmilla Laura , Zani Adriana Valongo , Ferrari Rosangela Aparecida Pimenta , Souza Silvana Regina Kissula , Bernardy Catia Campaner Ferrari
Published: September 2022

Objetivo: Compreender a experiência da mulher que vivenciou um parto normal após uma cesárea. Método: Estudo descritivo com abordagem qualitativa. A coleta de dados ocorreu entre junho e outubro de 2019. Foram entrevistadas doze mulheres que tiveram pelo menos um parto normal após uma cesariana, em maternidades que atendem exclusivamente SUS na 17ª Regional de Saúde do Paraná. Os dados foram analisados por análise temática de conteúdo proposta por Bardin. Resultados: A partir da análise foi possível apreender duas unidades temáticas que permitiram descrever a experiência da mulher com o parto vaginal após uma cesárea. A dor foi relatada como o evento mais marcante para as mulheres ao vivenciar um parto vaginal, porém, é minimizada após o nascimento do bebê gerando satisfação em relação a esse tipo de parto quando comparado com a cesárea. A percepção negativa do parto vaginal esteve relacionada ao tempo de trabalho de parto. Somente duas mulheres revelaram satisfação com a cesariana, e as demais relataram as limitações físicas e de contato com o recém-nascido, ressaltaram a necessidade de ajuda de outras pessoas para realizar os cuidados com o neonato. Considerações finais: As mulheres têm preferência pelo parto vaginal enfatizando a recuperação mais rápida e independência para cuidar do bebê.
Introduction: Cultural History and Heritage in Chinese Theme Parks
Authors: Freitag Florian , Liu Chang
Published: September 2022

Globally, one of the most significant trends in theme park development over the past decade has been the increasing focus on intellectual properties as sources of theming. While theme parks in China have also participated in this trend, cultural history in general and Chinese cultural history and heritage in particular have continued to be popular sources of theming. Chinese theme parks, whether public or private enterprises, have thus contributed to the state-led ‘heritage turn’ in China, which from the 1980s onwards has used cultural history and heritage to foster cultural nationalism. The articles gathered here examine the specific motifs and strategies of the commercial, ‘unauthorized’ heritage turn in Chinese theme parks and, by bridging the gap between English- and Chinese-language research on theme parks, seek to foster interdisciplinary and intercultural scholarly exchange in the field of theme park studies.
THE EFFECT OF REGULAR SPORTS CLIMBING ON UPPER EXTREMITY STRENGTH
Authors: GÜRER Burak , DUMAN Ahmet
Published: September 2022

The presence of upper extremity strength can positively affect athletes physically, psychologically and mentally in sports climbing. The aim of this study is to examine the effect of regular sports climbing on upper extremity strength such as handgrip, finger and arm. This thesis was designed as an experimental study involving a control group. Within this scope, the control group consisted of 12 sedentary people, while the study group consisted of 12 sports climbers with medium level sports climbing skills and at least 2-3 years of experience. Age, height and weight measurements of the study and control groups were made before the research. Upper extract of the study and control group measurements were taken before the starting point of the study and at the end of 8 weeks. The study group regularly climbed 3 times a week for 2-4 hours for 8 weeks. Athletes practiced on the 17 m high climbing wall, which has negative slopes, too. During the climbs, the researchers were present at the application area for control. Jamar brand hydraulic finger dynamometer was used for finger strength measurement, Takei Grip-D brand digital hand dynamometer was used for handgrip strength and twisted arm hanging test was performed for arm endurance. SPSS 22.0 package program was used for data analysis and descriptive information. In our thesis study, there were increases in right- and left-hand grip strength, right and left finger strength and arm endurance, and statistically significant differences was found. There were also significant differences between the pre-test and post-test dissimilarities between the study group and the control group. As a result, it was concluded that regular sport climbing had a positive effect on hand grip strength, finger strength and arm endurance.
Influence
of the number of visitors on the quality of bathing water at the Kravica Waterfall (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
Authors: Bubalo Marijana , Šumelj Ivana , Herceg Katarina , Ivanković Anita
Published: September 2022

This paper analyses the results of microbiological analyses of bathing water at the Kravica Waterfall during 2018 and 2019 and the impact of bathers on bathing water quality. The microbiological analysis of the samples was performed by the Federal Institute of Public Health in Mostar in accordance with the regulations of Directive 2006/7 EC for management of quality of bathing water. Faecal streptococci were determined using the membrane filtration method BAS EN ISO 7899-2:2003. Escherichia coli was determined using the membrane filtration method for waters with low bacterial background flora BAS EN ISO 9308-1:2015. The quality of bathing water is assessed on the basis of parameters determined by the current Directive 2006/7/EC. The number of visitors does not have a significant impact on the quality of bathing water; the reason is that of the total number of visitors there is a small percentage of bathers. During the bathing seasons in 2018 and 2019, the bathing water at the Kravica Waterfall was of excellent quality.
FAHRENHEIT 451: CONSIDERAÇÕES SOBRE O LIVRO DIDÁTICO DE MATEMÁTICA E SUA ANÁLISE À LUZ DA ABORDAGEM ANTROPOLÓGICA DO DIDÁTICO
Authors: Cavalcante José Luiz , Felipe Rodrigues Rochelande
Published: September 2022

"No presente ensaio nosso objetivo é discutir à luz da Teoria Antropológica do Didático (TAD) aspectos sobre a natureza do livro didático de Matemática e seu processo de análise tendo por escopo principal essa mesma teoria. O título do artigo faz alusão à clássica obra de ficção científica de Ray Bradbury, intitulada Fahrenheit 451. Na obra o mundo vive o dilema da busca da felicidade plena, para isso, se estabelece um regime totalitário que, dentre outras ações, promove a incineração de livros e obras clássicas da humanidade, pois são vistos como ameaças pelas mensagens e ensinamentos complexos que carregam. Essa metáfora nos serviu para discutir o papel do livro didático, ora como obra de referência para comunicar o saber matemático a ensinar, ora como instituição que pode agir sobre a cognição dos sujeitos. Para tanto, iniciamos com uma discussão teórica sobre a natureza dual dos livros didáticos. Em seguida, retomamos a questão do processo de análise dos livros didáticos, tendo por base a TAD. Esta discussão, parte da revisão do texto de Bittar (2017) que foi fundamental para construção de nossa experiência com a análise de livros didáticos, tanto durante o doutoramento dos dois autores, quanto das pesquisas que orientamos atualmente. Assim, o nosso foco foi partilhar nossa experiência com análise de livros didáticos a partir da exposição dos percursos teóricos e metodológicos que fazemos"
Антропологическая характеристика останков из фиванской гробницы ТТ 23 (Луксор, Египет)
ANTHROPOLOGICAL STUDY OF HUMAN REMAINS FROM THEBAN TOMB TT 23 (LUXOR, EGYPT)
Authors: Vasilyev S. V. , Borutskaya S. B. , Kharlamova N. V. , Ivanov S. V.
Published: September 2022

В статье приводится антропологический анализ населения Древнего Египта, останки которого были обнаружены при расчистке луксорской гробницы ТТ 23. В работе дается краниологическая характеристика древних египтян. При помощи угловой морфометрии черепа показана неоднородность группы. Описаны ряд одонтологических особенностей группы и схожесть ее по одонтометрическим данным с населением Северной Африки. При общей низкорослости женщин около половины мужчин были высокорослыми. Кости конечностей, как правило, грацильны, на большеберцовых костях отмечается уплощенность. У ряда индивидов отмечена адаптация к теплым, аридным условиям.
The article presents anthropological study of Ancient Egypt inhabitants based on the human remains found in Theban tomb TT 23 (Luxor) during archaeological survey lead by Centre for Egyptological Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences (CES RAS). Cranial morphology and craniometrics, dental metric and non‑metric traits, osteometrics and stature of the representatives of the ancient Egyptians are given. Anthropological heterogeneity is shown by the angular craniometrics data. Dental metrics is close to the North African population. While females of the sample have mainly short stature, a number of high‑stature males are found. Long bones are usually gracile, flattering of the tibias can be noted. Adaptation to the warm and dry environment can be traced on the remains of some individuals.
Botulinum Toxin in the Treatment of Cervical Dystonia: Evidence-Based Review
Authors: Hammoud Nadia , Jankovic Joseph
Published: September 2022

Cervical dystonia is the most common form of dystonia encountered in a movement disorders clinic. Botulinum toxin has been a long-established first line therapy. Several studies, including nearly two dozen randomized clinical trials, have shown that botulinum toxin is safe and effective in reducing the clinical severity of cervical dystonia. Longitudinal data have demonstrated decades of sustained benefit and safety. Although there is a potential for the development of botulinum toxin immunoresistance, this is quite rare, and partly determined by frequency of administration, cumulative dosage, and properties of the injected product. When immunoresistance does occur, switching to an alternative type of botulinum toxin (e.g., from type A to type B) usually restores the efficacy. In this evidence-based review we highlight the results of published double blind, placebo-controlled studies. We also briefly discuss injection techniques and some unmet needs, such as the development of practical assays to detect immunoresistance and longer-acting formulations of botulinum toxin.
Navigating ethical challenges in the development and translation of biomaterials research
Authors: Hunckler Michael D. , Levine Aaron D.
Published: September 2022

Biomaterials--from implanted iron teeth in the second century to intraocular lenses, artificial joints, and stents today--have long been used clinically. Today, biomaterials researchers and biomedical engineers are pushing beyond these inert synthetic alternatives and incorporating complex multifunctional materials to control biological interactions and direct physiological processes. These advances are leading to novel strategies for targeted drug delivery, drug screening, diagnostics and imaging, gene therapy, tissue regeneration, and cell transplantation. While the field has survived ethical transgressions in the past, the rapidly expanding scope of biomaterials science, combined with the accelerating clinical translation of this diverse field calls for urgent attention to the complex and challenging ethical dilemmas these advances pose. This perspective responds to this call, examining the intersection of research ethics -- the sets of rules, principles and norms guiding responsible scientific inquiry -- and ongoing advances in biomaterials. While acknowledging the inherent tensions between certain ethical norms and the pressures of the modern scientific and engineering enterprise, we argue that the biomaterials community needs to proactively address ethical issues in the field by, for example, updating or adding specificity to codes of ethics, modifying training programs to highlight the importance of ethical research practices, and partnering with funding agencies and journals to adopt policies prioritizing the ethical conduct of biomaterials research. Together these actions can strengthen and support biomaterials as its advances are increasingly commercialized and impacting the health care system.
Genetic engineering of baculovirus-insect cell system to improve protein production
Authors: Hong Minqing , Li Tingting , Xue Wenhui , Zhang Sibo , Cui Lingyan , Wang Hong , Zhang Yuyun , Zhou Lizhi , Gu Ying , Xia Ningshao , Li Shaowei
Published: September 2022

The Baculovirus Expression Vector System (BEVS), a mature foreign protein expression platform, has been available for decades, and has been effectively used in vaccine production, gene therapy, and a host of other applications. To date, eleven BEVS-derived products have been approved for use, including four human vaccines [Cervarix against cervical cancer caused by human papillomavirus (HPV), Flublok and Flublok Quadrivalent against seasonal influenza, Nuvaxovid/Covovax against COVID-19], two human therapeutics [Provenge against prostate cancer and Glybera against hereditary lipoprotein lipase deficiency (LPLD)] and five veterinary vaccines (Porcilis Pesti, BAYOVAC CSF E2, Circumvent PCV, Ingelvac CircoFLEX and Porcilis PCV). The BEVS has many advantages, including high safety, ease of operation and adaptable for serum-free culture. It also produces properly folded proteins with correct post-translational modifications, and can accommodate multi-gene– or large gene insertions. However, there remain some challenges with this system, including unstable expression and reduced levels of protein glycosylation. As the demand for biotechnology increases, there has been a concomitant effort into optimizing yield, stability and protein glycosylation through genetic engineering and the manipulation of baculovirus vector and host cells. In this review, we summarize the strategies and technological advances of BEVS in recent years and explore how this will be used to inform the further development and application of this system.
The hypoxia-related signature predicts prognosis, pyroptosis and drug sensitivity of osteosarcoma
Authors: Hu Lin , Wu Xin , Chen Dongjie , Cao Zhenyu , Li Zian , Liu Yanmin , Zhao Qiangqiang
Published: September 2022

Osteosarcoma (OS) is one of the most common types of solid sarcoma with a poor prognosis. Solid tumors are often exposed to hypoxic conditions, while hypoxia is regarded as a driving force in tumor recurrence, metastasis, progression, low chemosensitivity and poor prognosis. Pytoptosis is a gasdermin-mediated inflammatory cell death that plays an essential role in host defense against tumorigenesis. However, few studies have reported relationships among hypoxia, pyroptosis, tumor immune microenvironment, chemosensitivity, and prognosis in OS. In this study, gene and clinical data from Therapeutically Applicable Research to Generate Effective Treatments (TARGET) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases were merged to develop a hypoxia risk model comprising four genes (PDK1, LOX, DCN, and HMOX1). The high hypoxia risk group had a poor prognosis and immunosuppressive status. Meanwhile, the infiltration of CD8+ T cells, activated memory CD4+ T cells, and related chemokines and genes were associated with clinical survival outcomes or chemosensitivity, the possible crucial driving forces of the OS hypoxia immune microenvironment that affect the development of pyroptosis. We established a pyroptosis risk model based on 14 pyroptosis-related genes to independently predict not only the prognosis but also the chemotherapy sensitivities. By exploring the various connections between the hypoxic immune microenvironment and pyroptosis, this study indicates that hypoxia could influence tumor immune microenvironment (TIM) remodeling and promote pyroptosis leading to poor prognosis and low chemosensitivity.
A computational study of the structure and function of human Zrt and Irt-like proteins metal transporters: An elevator-type transport mechanism predicted by AlphaFold2
Authors: Pasquadibisceglie Andrea , Leccese Adriana , Polticelli Fabio
Published: September 2022

The ZIP (Zrt and Irt-like proteins) protein family includes transporters responsible for the translocation of zinc and other transition metals, such as iron and cadmium, between the extracellular space (or the lumen of organelles) and the cytoplasm. This protein family is present at all the phylogenetic levels, including bacteria, fungi, plants, insects, and mammals. ZIP proteins are responsible for the homeostasis of metals essential for the cell physiology. The human ZIP family consists of fourteen members (hZIP1-hZIP14), divided into four subfamilies: LIV-1, containing nine hZIPs, the subfamily I, with only one member, the subfamily II, which includes three members and the subfamily gufA, which has only one member. Apart from the extracellular domain, typical of the LIV-1 subfamily, the highly conserved transmembrane domain, containing the binuclear metal center (BMC), and the histidine-rich intracellular loop are the common features characterizing the ZIP family. Here is presented a computational study of the structure and function of human ZIP family members. Multiple sequence alignment and structural models were obtained for the 14 hZIP members. Moreover, a full-length three-dimensional model of the hZIP4-homodimer complex was also produced. Different conformations of the representative hZIP transporters were obtained through a modified version of the AlphaFold2 algorithm. The inward and outward-facing conformations obtained suggest that the hZIP proteins function with an “elevator-type” mechanism.
Greener synthesis of nanostructured iron oxide for medical and sustainable agro-environmental benefits
Authors: Poh Yan Leong , Gopinath Subash C. B. , Subramaniam Sreeramanan , Chen Yeng , Velusamy Palaniyandi , Chinni Suresh V. , Gobinath Ramachawolran , Lebaka Veeranjaneya Reddy
Published: September 2022

Nanoscale iron oxide-based nanostructures are among the most apparent metallic nanostructures, having great potential and attracting substantial interest due to their unique superparamagnetic properties. The green production of nanostructures has received abundant attention and been actively explored recently because of their various beneficial applications and properties across different fields. The biosynthesis of the nanostructure using green technology by the manipulation of a wide variety of plant materials has been the focus because it is biocompatible, non-toxic, and does not include any harmful substances. Biological methods using agro-wastes under green synthesis have been found to be simple, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective in generating iron oxide-based nanostructures instead of physical and chemical methods. Polysaccharides and biomolecules in agro-wastes could be utilized as stabilizers and reducing agents for the green production of nanostructured iron oxide towards a wide range of benefits. This review discusses the green production of iron oxide-based nanostructures through a simple and eco-friendly method and its potential applications in medical and sustainable agro-environments. This overview provides different ways to expand the usage of iron oxide nanomaterials in different sectors. Further, provided the options to select an appropriate plant towards the specific applications in agriculture and other sectors with the recommended future directions.
Nomogram based on multimodal echocardiography for assessing the evolution of diabetic cardiomyopathy in diabetic patients with normal cardiac function
Authors: Liu Yi , Lu Hao , Zhang Yan , Cai Mengjie , Guo Jia , Ruan Xiaofen
Published: September 2022

Background

Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) remains asymptomatic for many years until progression to asymptomatic left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (ALVDD), a subclinical cardiac abnormality present in early-stage DCM. Because LV function in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) may be subtly altered long before the onset of ALVDD, quantitative assessment of the risk of progression to early-stage DCM in T2DM patients with normal hearts is critical for delaying or even reversing DCM.

Objective

This study aimed to establish a nomogram with the aid of DCM characteristics revealed by multimodal echocardiography to assess the likelihood of the progression to early-stage DCM in T2DM patients with normal cardiac function.

Methods

Of the 423 T2DM patients enrolled, 302 were included in the training cohort and 121 in the validation cohort. The clinical characteristics, biochemical data, and multimodal echocardiographic parameters were collected. In the training cohort, the screened correlates of ALVDD were utilized to develop a nomogram for estimating the risk coefficient for early-stage DCM. This model was validated both in the training and validation cohorts.

Results

ALVDD was independently correlated with the number of comorbidities [with one comorbidity: odds ratio (OR) = 3.009; with two comorbidities: OR = 4.026], HbA1c (OR = 1.773), myocardial blood flow (OR = 0.841), and global longitudinal strain (OR = 0.856) (all P < 0.05). They constituted a nomogram to visualize the likelihood of DCM development in T2DM patients with normal cardiac function. The model was validated to present strong discrimination and calibration, and obtained clinical net benefits both in the training and validation cohorts.

Conclusion

We constructed and validated a nomogram to estimate the likelihood of developing early-stage DCM in T2DM patients with normal cardiac function. The alteration of the nomogram-predicted risk coefficient is expected to be proposed as a therapeutic target to slow or stop DCM progression.
Artificial intelligence in cardiac magnetic resonance fingerprinting
Authors: Velasco Carlos , Fletcher Thomas J. , Botnar René M. , Prieto Claudia
Published: September 2022

Magnetic resonance fingerprinting (MRF) is a fast MRI-based technique that allows for multiparametric quantitative characterization of the tissues of interest in a single acquisition. In particular, it has gained attention in the field of cardiac imaging due to its ability to provide simultaneous and co-registered myocardial T1and T2mapping in a single breath-held cardiac MRF scan, in addition to other parameters. Initial results in small healthy subject groups and clinical studies have demonstrated the feasibility and potential of MRF imaging. Ongoing research is being conducted to improve the accuracy, efficiency, and robustness of cardiac MRF. However, these improvements usually increase the complexity of image reconstruction and dictionary generation and introduce the need for sequence optimization. Each of these steps increase the computational demand and processing time of MRF. The latest advances in artificial intelligence (AI), including progress in deep learning and the development of neural networks for MRI, now present an opportunity to efficiently address these issues. Artificial intelligence can be used to optimize candidate sequences and reduce the memory demand and computational time required for reconstruction and post-processing. Recently, proposed machine learning-based approaches have been shown to reduce dictionary generation and reconstruction times by several orders of magnitude. Such applications of AI should help to remove these bottlenecks and speed up cardiac MRF, improving its practical utility and allowing for its potential inclusion in clinical routine. This review aims to summarize the latest developments in artificial intelligence applied to cardiac MRF. Particularly, we focus on the application of machine learning at different steps of the MRF process, such as sequence optimization, dictionary generation and image reconstruction.
Long-Term prognosis of radiofrequency catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation with different subtypes of heart failure in the era of ablation index guidance
Authors: Qiao Yu , Zhao Zhen , Cai Xiang , Guo Yulong , Fu Mingpeng , Liu Ke , Guo Jinrui , Guo Tao , Niu Guodong
Published: September 2022

Background

The long-term outcomes of ablation index (AI)-guided radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) on atrial fibrillation (AF) and different subtypes of heart failure (HF) remain unknown. The aim of the study was to evaluate the long-term prognosis of AI-guided RFCA procedures in patients with AF and concomitant HF.

Methods

We retrospectively included consecutive patients with AF and HF who underwent the initial RFCA procedure with AI guidance from March 2018 to June 2021 in our institution. The patients were categorized into two groups: HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) group and HF with mid-range ejection fraction (HFmrEF) +HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) group.

Results

A total of 101 patients were included. HFpEF and HFmrEF + HFrEF groups consisted of 71 (70.3%) and 30 patients (29.7%), respectively. During a median follow-up of 32.0 (18.2, 37.6) months, no significant difference was detected in AF recurrence between groups (21.1 vs. 33.3%) after multiple procedures, whereas the incidence of the composite endpoint of all-cause death, thromboembolic events, and HF hospitalization was significantly lower in HFpEF group (9.9 vs. 25.0%, Log-rank p = 0.018). In multivariable analysis, a history of hypertension [hazard ratio (HR) 4.667, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.433–15.203, p = 0.011], left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) < 50% (HR 5.390, 95% CI 1.911–15.203, p = 0.001) and recurrent AF after multiple procedures (HR 7.542, 95% CI 2.355–24.148, p = 0.001) were independently associated with the incidence of the composite endpoint.

Conclusion

Long-term success could be achieved in 75% of patients with AF and concomitant HF after AI-guided RFCA procedures, irrespective of different HF subtypes. Preserved LVEF was associated with a reduction in the composite endpoint compared with impaired LVEF. Patients with recurrent AF tend to have a poorer prognosis.
NLRP3 inflammasome: The rising star in cardiovascular diseases
Authors: Zheng Yidan , Xu Li , Dong Nianguo , Li Fei
Published: September 2022

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the prevalent cause of mortality around the world. Activation of inflammasome contributes to the pathological progression of cardiovascular diseases, including atherosclerosis, abdominal aortic aneurysm, myocardial infarction, dilated cardiomyopathy, diabetic cardiomyopathy, heart failure, and calcific aortic valve disease. The nucleotide oligomerization domain-, leucine-rich repeat-, and pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome plays a critical role in the innate immune response, requiring priming and activation signals to provoke the inflammation. Evidence shows that NLRP3 inflammasome not only boosts the cleavage and release of IL-1 family cytokines, but also leads to a distinct cell programmed death: pyroptosis. The significance of NLRP3 inflammasome in the CVDs-related inflammation has been extensively explored. In this review, we summarized current understandings of the function of NLRP3 inflammasome in CVDs and discussed possible therapeutic options targeting the NLRP3 inflammasome.
Functional comparison of phosphomimetic S15D and T160D mutants of myosin regulatory light chain exchanged in cardiac muscle preparations of HCM and WT mice
Authors: Kazmierczak Katarzyna , Liang Jingsheng , Gomez-Guevara Michelle , Szczesna-Cordary Danuta
Published: September 2022

In this study, we investigated the rescue potential of two phosphomimetic mutants of the myosin regulatory light chain (RLC, MYL2 gene), S15D, and T160D RLCs. S15D-RLC mimics phosphorylation of the established serine-15 site of the human cardiac RLC. T160D-RLC mimics the phosphorylation of threonine-160, identified by computational analysis as a high-score phosphorylation site of myosin RLC. Cardiac myosin and left ventricular papillary muscle (LVPM) fibers were isolated from a previously generated model of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), Tg-R58Q, and Tg-wild-type (WT) mice. Muscle specimens were first depleted of endogenous RLC and then reconstituted with recombinant human cardiac S15D and T160D phosphomimetic RLCs. Preparations reconstituted with recombinant human cardiac WT-RLC and R58Q-RLC served as controls. Mouse myosins were then tested for the actin-activated myosin ATPase activity and LVPM fibers for the steady-state force development and Ca2+-sensitivity of force. The data showed that S15D-RLC significantly increased myosin ATPase activity compared with T160D-RLC or WT-RLC reconstituted preparations. The two S15D and T160D phosphomimetic RLCs were able to rescue Vmax of Tg-R58Q myosin reconstituted with recombinant R58Q-RLC, but the effect of S15D-RLC was more pronounced than T160D-RLC. Low tension observed for R58Q-RLC reconstituted LVPM from Tg-R58Q mice was equally rescued by both phosphomimetic RLCs. In the HCM Tg-R58Q myocardium, the S15D-RLC caused a shift from the super-relaxed (SRX) state to the disordered relaxed (DRX) state, and the number of heads readily available to interact with actin and produce force was increased. At the same time, T160D-RLC stabilized the SRX state at a level similar to R58Q-RLC reconstituted fibers. We report here on the functional superiority of the established S15 phospho-site of the human cardiac RLC vs. C-terminus T160-RLC, with S15D-RLC showing therapeutic potential in mitigating a non-canonical HCM behavior underlined by hypocontractile behavior of Tg-R58Q myocardium.
NF-κB and its crosstalk with endoplasmic reticulum stress in atherosclerosis
Authors: Li Wenjing , Jin Kehan , Luo Jichang , Xu Wenlong , Wu Yujie , Zhou Jia , Wang Yilin , Xu Ran , Jiao Liqun , Wang Tao , Yang Ge
Published: September 2022

Atherosclerosis (AS) is a common cardiovascular disease with complex pathogenesis, in which multiple pathways and their interweaving regulatory mechanism remain unclear. The primary transcription factor NF-κB plays a critical role in AS via modulating the expression of a series of inflammatory mediators under various stimuli such as cytokines, microbial antigens, and intracellular stresses. Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, caused by the disrupted synthesis and secretion of protein, links inflammation, metabolic signals, and other cellular processes via the unfolded protein response (UPR). Both NF-κB and ER stress share the intersection regarding their molecular regulation and function and are regarded as critical individual contributors to AS. In this review, we summarize the multiple interactions between NF-κB and ER stress activation, including the UPR, NLRP3 inflammasome, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, which have been ignored in the pathogenesis of AS. Given the multiple links between NF-κB and ER stress, we speculate that the integrated network contributes to the understanding of molecular mechanisms of AS. This review aims to provide an insight into these interactions and their underlying roles in the progression of AS, highlighting potential pharmacological targets against the atherosclerotic inflammatory process.
Selexipag-based triple combination therapy improves prognosis in Chinese pulmonary arterial hypertension patients
Authors: Cui Xiaopei , Lu Weida , Zhang Deyuan , Qie Liangyi , Li Haijun , Li Xiao , Liu Hui , Ji Qiushang
Published: September 2022

Aim

Selexipag is an oral selective prostacyclin receptor agonist approved for treatment of patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). In the present study, we aim to assess the safety and efficacy of selexipag in triple combination therapy with endothelial receptor antagonists (ERAs) and PDE5is for Chinese PAH patients.

Methods and results

A single center retrospective study was performed on group 1 PAH patients (n = 68) initiating triple combination therapy with selexipag from 1 February 2020 to 31 August 2021 in Qilu Hospital of Shandong University (Shandong, China). Adolescents, children, and PAH patients with unrepaired congenital heart disease were excluded. The French pulmonary hypertension network (FPHN) non-invasive risk assessment, echocardiogram parameters, and clinical data, including tolerability, safety, and death/hospitalization events associated with PAH, were collected. Of the 68 patients, 31 (45.6%) patients had tolerable side effects while only a single patient discontinued selexipag due to severe diarrhea. In the analysis of the efficacy set of 62 patients, the median selexipag treatment time from selexipag initiation to last risk assessment was 27 (21, 33) weeks. Compared to baseline parameters, the percentage of WHO FC III/IV decreased from 77.4% (48) to 24.2% (15) (p = 0.000), median 6-min walk distance (6MWD) increased 82 m [from 398 (318, 450) to 480 (420, 506) m; p = 0.000], and NT-proBNP levels decreased from 1,216 (329, 2,159) to 455 (134, 1,678) pg/mL (p = 0.007). Patients who improved to three low-risk criteria increased from 9.7 to 38.7%. Right ventricular diameter (RV) diameter also decreased and was accompanied by an improved tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE). Patients transitioning from subcutaneous treprostinil to selexipag continued to show improvements in WHO FC, 6MWD (404 ± 94 vs. 383 ± 127 m) and NT-proBNP levels (2,319 ± 2,448 vs. 2,987 ± 3,770 pg/mL). Finally, the 1-year event free survival rate was 96.7% for patients initiating the triple combination therapy within 3 years of PAH diagnosis.

Conclusion

Triple combination therapy with selexipag was safe and effective in Chinese PAH patients, which was confirmed by acceptable tolerability, and improved exercise capacity, right heart function, risk assessment, and prognosis.
Reliability analysis of ground movement in tunnelling in spatially variable soil using equivalent parameters
Authors: Yang Wenyu , Liu Hui , Zheng Junjie , Cui Lan
Published: September 2022

The evaluation of the ground movement induced by tunnelling is of vital importance for the tunnel construction and the safety of the adjacent facilities. As the spatial variability of soil was widely acknowledged, more and more researches take insight into the uncertainty analysis for tunnelling. However, reliability analysis considering the spatial variability of soil is still a tough task since the accurate failure probability generally needs time-consuming calculation of random finite element/difference. Instead of conducting the direct Monte-Carlo simulation, this study utilizes a simplified framework to analyze the reliability of the ground movement of tunnelling. The main concept of this framework is adopting random variable model with equivalent parameters by producing the comparable failure probability as the results of random field model. Coupling with the variance reduction technique, the reliability analysis of tunnel ground movement considering more than one spatial variable can be addressed. Two tunnel cases are studied to explain the adaptability and accuracy of this simplified framework in tunnelling. The characteristic of the spatially variable soil is thoroughly comprehended through various parametric study, based on the robustness of the simplified framework. Results show that the simplified framework precisely predicts the tunnel reliability considering spatially variability of soil in a relatively efficient manner.
The spatio-temporal distribution and transport of suspended sediment in Laizhou Bay: Insights from hydrological and sedimentological investigations
Authors: Xie Bo , Bao Rui , Yin Dongxiao , Zhu Longhai , Hu Rijun , Cai Weiwei , Liu Tao , Lin Chaoran , Lu Pengfei
Published: September 2022

Suspended sediment transport and deposition are crucial physical processes controlling the geomorphological evolution of estuaries and bays. Specially, under the context of worldwide coastal erosion, knowledge of the spatio-temporal distribution of suspended sediment concentration (SSC) and its associated sediment load have become increasingly important for bay management. However, our understanding of the mechanisms of suspended sediment dynamics continues to be hampered by the lack of high-resolution observations. Here, we present a study of the transport mechanisms and controlling factors of suspended sediment over Laizhou Bay. For this, we conducted continuous measurements of SSC, salinity, temperature, and flow velocity at nine stations throughout Laizhou Bay for one 25-h period during each of the spring and moderate tides. Based on these data, residual current, gradient Richardson numbers, and suspended sediment flux were calculated. Our results indicate that a strong current field occurs near the Yellow River mouth, corresponding to the zone with high SSC. The overall diffusion characteristics of suspended sediment are controlled by the tidal current field. Furthermore, our findings suggest that different degrees of stratification occur in the water column, which inhibit the effective vertical diffusion of suspended sediment; Higher water temperature was the main cause of stronger water column stratification of spring tide than moderate tide. Finally, our results reveal that the type of seabed sediment is an important factor controlling SSC by influencing resuspension flux. We conclude that the primary mechanisms controlling suspended sediment transport in Laizhou Bay are advection and tidal pumping, especially advection. Our research provides both a foundational reference for the sediment source-to-sink process from the Yellow River to the sea, as well as guideline implications for coastal engineering construction and channel dredging.
Racial, skin tone, and sex disparities in automated proctoring software
Authors: Yoder-Himes Deborah R. , Asif Alina , Kinney Kaelin , Brandt Tiffany J. , Cecil Rhiannon E. , Himes Paul R. , Cashon Cara , Hopp Rachel M. P. , Ross Edna
Published: September 2022

Students of color, particularly women of color, face substantial barriers in STEM disciplines in higher education due to social isolation and interpersonal, technological, and institutional biases. For example, online exam proctoring software often uses facial detection technology to identify potential cheating behaviors. Undetected faces often result in flagging and notifying instructors of these as “suspicious” instances needing manual review. However, facial detection algorithms employed by exam proctoring software may be biased against students with certain skin tones or genders depending on the images employed by each company as training sets. This phenomenon has not yet been quantified nor is it readily accessible from the companies that make this type of software. To determine if the automated proctoring software adopted at our institution and which is used by at least 1,500 universities nationally, suffered from a racial, skin tone, or gender bias, the instructor outputs from ∼357 students from four courses were examined. Student data from one exam in each course was collected, a high-resolution photograph was used to manually categorize skin tone, and the self-reported race and sex for each student was obtained. The likelihood that any groups of students were flagged more frequently for potential cheating was examined. The results of this study showed a significant increase in likelihood that students with darker skin tones and Black students would be marked as more in need of instructor review due to potential cheating. Interestingly, there were no significant differences between male and female students when considered in aggregate but, when examined for intersectional differences, women with the darkest skin tones were far more likely than darker skin males or lighter skin males and females to be flagged for review. Together, these results suggest that a major automated proctoring software may employ biased AI algorithms that unfairly disadvantage students. This study is novel as it is the first to quantitatively examine biases in facial detection software at the intersection of race and sex and it has potential impacts in many areas of education, social justice, education equity and diversity, and psychology.