bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rejection of the Use of Thought Experiment in Physics
Authors: Soltani Abolfazl
Published: September 2022

In physics, whenever we cannot do an experiment in the real world for physical, technological, financial or ethical reasons, we use from "thought experiment" . In this letter, we prove that sometimes a thought experiment may lead us to the wrong results; and to achieve the definitive and reliable results, all experiments must be done in the real world. Here we prove that thought analysis of an experiment before performing in the real world, namely thought experiment, is a wrong work.
ESBSD: An Essay on the New Exponential Smoothing Methodology Applied to the Projection of the Population of Belo Horizonte
Authors: Pereira Daniel Henrique
Published: September 2022

Population projection is essential for the public and private sectors because it is possible to estimate the number of people that will be served by infrastructure works and services. In this paper, a mathematical model based on alternative exponential smoothing was presented, tested, and approved in thousands of real case studies in different fields of study. Using this method and after obtaining data from previous years, projections were raised for the years 2022 to 2034 for the city of Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
Menyelamatkan dan Potensi Penyelamatan Ekonomi Pasca Covid-19:
Authors: Putra Purwanto
Published: September 2022

Almost all countries in the world are facing the Covid-19 pandemic whose spread is so massive. This affects various aspects of human life and has a domino effect in various fields including the economy. Indonesia's economy worsened, recorded in the second quarter (Q2) of 2020 experiencing a contraction of 5.32 percent. The UMKM sector has a strategic role and is predicted to be the motor for economic recovery after the Covid-19 pandemic. This can be seen from the trend of the positive contribution of MSMEs to Indonesia's GDP in the pre-pandemic period which increased by around 60%. However, in this uncertain condition, ideas and innovations are needed in order to get out of the pressures and the worst possible economic crisis. This research will look at the potential for adopting digital literacy skills in the MSME sector as a strategy for post-Covid-19 economic recovery. This study uses a qualitative-descriptive approach with the application of the information literacy method, The Big 6. The application of this method is expected to be a way to build more detailed and in-depth arguments regarding the subject of research. The results showed that the idea of adopting MSME digital literacy skills was needed as an answer to the challenges regarding the possibility of innovative behavior change (behavior) in the post-Covid-19 field of MSME. The transformation of MSMEs in the field of digital literacy in all sectors (production, promotion and marketing) has the potential to support faster post-Covid-19 economic recovery.
Burger Kingâ€™s Goodvertising Campaign Analysis in the Pandemic Era
Authors: Fitrianti Nabila , Sazali Muhamad , Kinanti Dika Nanda
Published: September 2022

There are many business competitions spread around in public. In order to be the top-of-mind in the competition, brands must be able to create unique selling propositions (USP) to be remembered by the public. Several approaches are popular and able to attract peopleâ€™s attention, one of which is goodvertising, where brands emerge by communicating their concerns and attention to social issues. One brand that has recently used the goodvertising strategy is Burger King Indonesia. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic hitting the economies of many parties, Burger King launched a campaign on its Instagram @burgerking.id with the message to buy products from its competitors. It is interesting to see how the goodvertising strategy is used by Burger King Indonesia, combined with the concept of viral advertising. Through this qualitative research with a constructivist paradigm, with this case study research method, it is found that in the pandemic era, with the most significant internet users and Burger King consumers tend to be millennials, the goodvertising strategy carried out by Burger King Indonesia, combined with E-WOM and the viral advertising, provides a significantly good impact for the rise of the brand image in society. In addition, the increase in the brand image of Burger King can also be seen in the participation of the general public in voicing, sharing, and reuploading related McDonaldâ€™s campaigns with the creation of the hashtags #pesandarimcdonalds and #pesanlahdarimcdonald on Instagram. Hence, this can be seen from the increase in community involvement in their social media accounts, as well as a large number of publications on earned media such as detik.com for free
Bentuk Solidaritas Sosial dalam Kepemimpinan Transaksional
Authors: Dila Batriatul Alfa
Published: September 2022

The form of social solidarity in Yogyakarta Muhammadiyah University Library can be illustrated in the form of transactional leadership. Purpose of this study was to determine how the forms of social solidarity possessed by the Muhammadiyah University Yogyakarta library through transactional leadership. This research method used descriptive qualitative approach, the data validity is tested through triangulation techniques while the data analysis used in research is through data reduction, data presentation, and drawing conclusions. The results showed that the forms of social solidarity reflected in the Yogyakarta Muhammadiyah University library can be seen from several factors that show the form of social solidarity in transactional leadership, among others: a). Collaboration is formed from harmony, Co-optation, Bargaining, Coalition and Join venture. b) Mutual cooperation with details of solidarity and togetherness

Bentuk solidaritas sosial di Perpustakaan Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta dapat tergambarkan pada bentuk kepemimpinan transaksional. Tujuan penelitian ini untuk mengetahui bagaimana bentuk-bentuk solidaritas sosial yang dimiliki oleh perpustakaan Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta melalui kepemimpinan transaksional. Metode dalam penelitian menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif deskriptif, Adapun uji keabsahan data melalui teknik triangulasi sedangkan untuk menganalisis data melalui reduksi data, menyajikan data dan menarik kesimpulan. Hasil penelitian menunjukan bahwa Bentuk- bentuk dari solidaritas sosial yang tercerminkan di perpustakaan Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta dapat dilihat dari beberapa faktor yang memperlihatkan bentuk solidaritas sosial dalam kepemimpinan transaksional tersebut antara lain: a). Kerjasama yang terbentuk dari kerukunan, Kooptasi, Bargaining, Koalisi dan Join venture. b) Gotong Royong dengan rincian adanya kesetiakawanan dan kebersamaan.
Screen and Pleasure: Mediatisasi Pemenuhan Kebutuhan Traveling Masyarakat Indonesia melalui Aplikasi Traveloka
Authors: Irsanti Widuri Asih
Published: September 2022

Abstrak

Pada masyarakat digital, pemanfaatan media baru dalam bentuk aplikasi yang bisa diakses melalui gawai untuk memenuhi berbagai kebutuhannya, semakin dominan. Fenomena semakin tingginya intervensi teknologi dalam aktivitas keseharian masyarakat dikenal melalui konsep mediatisasi. Pada satu sisi, mediatisasi membawa banyak keuntungan bagi masyarakat karena memberi cara baru memenuhi kebutuhan dengan kemudahan, kepraktisan, dan kenyamanan yang jauh lebih menyenangkan. Namun di sisi lain, ada ideologi yang dibawa oleh mediatisasi. Artikel ini menganalisis mediatisasi aplikasi Traveloka dalam memenuhi kebutuhan masyarakat Indonesia dalam melakukan perjalanan melalui proses extension, substitution, amalgamation, dan accommodation. Selain itu, artikel ini juga mengungkap ideologi yang dibawa oleh aplikasi Traveloka.
Pelayanan Persampahan di Kabupaten Buton Utara
Authors: Samari Muljaya , Aripin Sofjan , Bustomi Thomas
Published: September 2022

Sampah menjadi persoalan yang paling menarik perhatian di Kabupaten Buton Utara. Sejak mekar menjadi Daerah Otonom Baru, persoalan sampah di Kabupaten Buton Utara belum bisa tertangani. Banyak masyarakat mengeluh terkait penanganan sampah yang belum maksimal. Berkaitan dengan hal tersebut maka penelitian ini mencoba melihat dua hal terkait permasalahan sampah di kabupaten Buton Utara yaitu terkait pelayanan sampah dan faktor penghambat pelayanan sampah. Pendekatan penelitian yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah pendekatan kualitatif. Dari 10 indikator pelayanan belum semua indikator terlaksana dengan baik. Kesederhanaan prosedur, keamanan, tanggung jawab, kedisiplinan, kemudahan akses, kesopanan dan keramahan sudah dilaksanakan dengan baik. Indikator kejelasan, kepastian waktu, akurasi produk pelayanan publik, kelengkapan sarana dan prasarana, kenyamanan belum berjalan dengan baik. Ada beberapa faktor penghambat dalam proses pelaksanaan layanan sampah di kabupaten Buton Utara. Dari 6 indikator faktor yang mempengaruhi pelayanan persampahan di Kabupaten Buton Utara, ada 3 indikator yang paling mempengaruhi pelayanan persamapahan. 3 indikator tersebut adalah kurangnya kesadaran, pendapatan pegawai yang masih rendah, dan kurangnya sarana prasarana yang digunakan dalam pelayanan persampahan.
Implementasi Kebijakan Rektor dalam Meningkatkan Mutu Pendidikan di Universitas Sulawesi Barat (UNSULBAR)
Authors: Wahidah Andi Wahidah , Rulinawaty Rulinawaty , Hakim Hamka
Published: September 2022

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui implementasi kebijakan rektor dalam meningkatkan mutu pendidikan di Universitas Sulawesi Barat. Teknik pengumpulan data melalui observasi yang dilakukan dengan mengamati secara langsung obyek yang diperlukan, dengan memperhatikan: (1) isi pengamatan, (2) mencatat pengamatan: kapan waktu pencatatan dan kapan mengamati obyek penelitian, (3) menjalin hubungan antara pengamat, wawancara, pada tahapan ini wawancara yang diterapkan adalah wawancara bebas terpimpin. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa implementasi kebijakan rektor bidang pendidikan pada aspek struktur birokrasi mengenai tata kelola organisasi, bagan, pembagian kerja dan hierarki yang merupakan mata rantai komando dalam menjalankan tugas pokok dan fungsi pada pemegang otoritas atau kewenangan mulai dari pejabat rektorat sampai pada tenaga pendidik (dosen) dan tenaga kependidikan merupakan salah satu faktor penting dalam menjalankan roda organisasi institusi.
SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19: A Narrative Review
Authors: Blann A. D. , Heitmar R.
Published: September 2022

The World Health Organisation has reported that the viral disease known as COVID-19, caused by SARS-CoV-2, is the leading cause of death by a single infectious agent. This narrative review examines certain components of the pandemic: its origins, early clinical data, global and UK-focussed epidemiology, vaccination, variants, and long COVID.
Application of deep eutectic solvents in protein extraction and purification
Authors: Bowen Hou , Durrani Rabia , Delavault André , Durand Erwann , Chenyu Jiang , Yiyang Long , Lili Song , Jian Song , Weiwei Huan , Fei Gao
Published: September 2022

Deep eutectic solvents (DESs) are a mixture of hydrogen bond donor (HBD) and hydrogen bond acceptor (HBA) molecules that can consist, respectively, of natural plant metabolites such as sugars, carboxylic acids, amino acids, and ionic molecules, which are for the vast majority ammonium salts. Media such as DESs are modular tools of sustainability that can be pointed toward the extraction of bioactive molecules due to their excellent physicochemical properties, their relatively low price, and accessibility. The present review focuses on the application of DESs for protein extraction and purification. The in-depth effects and principles that apply to DES-mediated extraction using various renewable biomasses will be discussed as well. One of the most important observations being made is that DESs have a clear ability to maintain the biological and/or functional activity of the extracted proteins, as well as increase their stability compared to traditional solvents. They demonstrate true potential for a reproducible but more importantly, scalable protein extraction and purification compared to traditional methods while enabling waste valorization in some particular cases.
Yield of the electrophysiological study in patients with new-onset left bundle branch block after transcathether aortic valve replacement: The PR interval matters
Authors: Pagnoni Mattia , Meier David , Luca Adrian , Fournier Stephane , Aminfar Farhang , Gentil Pascale , Haddad Christelle , Domenichini Giulia , Le Bloa Mathieu , Herrera-Siklody Claudia , Cook Stephane , Goy Jean-Jacques , Roguelov Christan , Girod Grégoire , Rubimbura Vladimir , Dupré Marion , Eeckhout Eric , Pruvot Etienne , Muller Olivier , Pascale Patrizio
Published: September 2022

Background

Studies suggest that performing an electrophysiological study (EPS) may be useful to identify patients with new-onset left bundle branch block (LBBB) post-TAVR at risk of atrioventricular block. However, tools to optimize the yield of such strategy are needed. We therefore aimed to investigate whether 12-lead ECG changes post-TAVR may help identify patients with abnormal EPS findings.

Materials and methods

Consecutive patients with new-onset LBBB post-TAVR who underwent EPS were included. PR and QRS intervals were measured on 12-lead ECG pre-TAVR and during EPS. Abnormal EPS was defined as an HV interval > 55 ms.

Results

Among 61 patients, 28 (46%) had an HV interval > 55 ms after TAVR. Post-TAVR PR interval and ΔPR (PR-post–pre-TAVR) were significantly longer in patients with prolonged HV (PR: 188 ± 38 vs. 228 ± 34 ms, p < 0.001, ΔPR: 10 ± 30 vs. 34 ± 23 ms, p = 0.001), while no difference was found in QRS duration. PR and ΔPR intervals both effectively discriminated patients with HV > 55 ms (AUC = 0.804 and 0.769, respectively; p < 0.001). A PR > 200 ms identified patients with abnormal EPS results with a sensitivity of 89% and a negative predictive value (NPV) of 88%. ΔPR ≥ 20 ms alone provided a somewhat lower sensitivity (64%) but combining both criteria (i.e., PR > 200 ms or ΔPR ≥ 20 ms) identified almost every patients with abnormal HV (sensitivity = 96%, NPV = 95%). Selecting EPS candidate based on both criteria would avoid 1/3 of exams.

Conclusion

PR interval assessment may be useful to select patients with new-onset LBBB after TAVR who may benefit most from an EPS. In patients with PR ≤ 200 ms and ΔPR < 20 ms the likelihood of abnormal EPS is very low independently of QRS changes.
Non-linear association of cystatin C and all-cause mortality of heart failure: A secondary analysis based on a published database
Authors: Zheng Tao , Tang A-Mei , Huang Yuan-Lei , Chen Jin
Published: September 2022

Background

Prior reports have revealed that basal Cystatin-C (CysC) is positively associated with all-cause death in patients with heart failure (HF). Yet, this positive association is not necessarily generalizable to Chinese HF patients due to methodological limitations and lack of data from Chinese patients.

Materials and methods

We performed secondary data mining based on a retrospective cohort dataset published on the internet. This dataset contains 2008 patients with HF who were admitted to a tertiary hospital in Sichuan Province, China from 2016 to 2019. The exposure variable was baseline CysC and the outcome variable was all-cause death on day 28, day 90, and month 6. Covariates were baseline measurements, including demographic data, drug use, comorbidity score, organ function status (heart, kidney), and severity of heart failure.

Results

Among 1966 selected participants, the mortality rates at 28 days, 90 days and 6 months were 1.83% (36/1966), 2.09% (41/1966) and 2.85% (56/1966) respectively. After adjustment for confounders, the non-linear associations between CysC and all-cause deaths were observed. We calculated the inflection points were about 2.5 mg/L of CysC. On the right of inflection point, each increase of 1 mg/L in CysC was associated with an increase in the risk of 28-day mortality (Relative risk [RR], 2.07; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.09 to 3.93; P = 0.0266), 90-day mortality (RR, 2.51; 95% CI, 1.38 to 4.57; P = 0.003), and 6-month mortality (RR,2.25; 95% CI, 1.37 to 3.70; P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that values about 2.5 mg/l of cystatin could be a danger threshold for the short-term risk of death in heart failure. Exceeding this threshold, for every 1 mg/L increase in CysC, the risk of all-cause mortality increased by more than one time.
“Lock to Live” for firearm and medication safety: Feasibility and acceptability of a suicide prevention tool in a learning healthcare system
Authors: Boggs Jennifer M. , Quintana LeeAnn M. , Beck Arne , Clinch Samuel , Richardson Laura , Conley Amy , Richards Julie E. , Betz Marian E.
Published: September 2022

Objective

Few patients with suicide risk are counseled on lethal means safety by health providers. This study tested the feasibility of different delivery methods for Lock to Live (L2L), a web-based decision aid of safe storage options for firearms and medications.

Methods

Patients reporting suicide ideation on the PHQ9 depression screener during outpatient health visits were included. Invitation messages to visit L2L were sent via combinations of email, text, Electronic Health Record (EHR) message, mailed letter, or provider referral, followed by a survey about storage behavior and acceptability. Provider interviews evaluated logistical considerations and acceptability.

Results

The population-based method reached 2,729 patients and the best method (EHR message plus 2 email reminders) had 11% uptake (L2L visitation rate). Provider referral had small reach (14 patients) and 100% uptake (all visited). Provider interviews identified several strategies to promote uptake including: EHR reminders, provider training, quality metrics with accountability, a clearly communicated lethal means screening/counseling policy, and strong organizational leadership support.

Conclusion

Despite the low uptake for population-based (11%), far more patients with suicide risk were engaged in the L2L tool through population-based outreach than provider-referral over the same time frame.
An improved method for improving the calculation accuracy of marine low-resistance shale reservoir parameters
Authors: Li Menglei , Zhang Chaomo
Published: September 2022

In order to accurately evaluate the shale reservoir of the Lower Carboniferous Luzhai Formation in the central Guangxi area, in view of the influence of the low resistivity of the reservoir and the complex mineral composition on the logging response, taking Well A1 as an example, a method to improve the calculation accuracy of reservoir parameters is studied. The reasons for the low resistance in the study area are analyzed from the aspects of minerals, geochemistry and geology. An improved △log R method based on borehole correction and natural gamma spectroscopy logging was proposed to calculate the total organic carbon content. A calcium-corrected HERRON method is proposed to calculate porosity. The P/S time difference ratio-density neutron log overlap difference is proposed to calculate saturation. Calculation of adsorbed gas content based on organic matter correction. The results show that the improved method greatly improves the prediction accuracy, and has high consistency with the core analysis results, and can accurately evaluate the shale reservoirs of the Lower Carboniferous Luzhai Formation in the central area of Guangxi. The improved new method has good applicability and can be further used in the evaluation of this kind of source rock reservoir.
Making sense of youth futures narratives: Recognition of emerging tensions in students’ imagination of the future
Authors: Barelli Eleonora , Tasquier Giulia , Caramaschi Martina , Satanassi Sara , Fantini Paola , Branchetti Laura , Levrini Olivia
Published: September 2022

In this era of great uncertainty, imagining the future may be challenging, especially for young people. In science education, the interest in future-oriented education is now emerging, research needs, however, to keep eyes on youngsters’ future perceptions and on the development of a future literacy. In this article, starting from a sample of individual students’ narratives about their future daily life in 2040, we aim to delineate which ways of grappling with the future can be observed in the essays and which methodological tools are suited to operationalize their identification and characterization. The analysis led to the definition of “polarization” and “complexification” attitudes that represent the ways in which the students’ narratives are positioned with respect to a bunch of dichotomies: personal–societal, functional–aesthetics oriented, good–bad, natural–artificial, and certain–uncertain. Moreover, with this study, we provide a contribution to the methodological reflection that deals with the collection and analysis of data, when students’ future perceptions need to be investigated. Discussing the limits of the current data collection tool, we introduce the design of a SenseMaker® questionnaire which contributed to feeding a collaboration with #OurFutures project, recently launched by the European Commission to collect future narratives all around Europe.
Advantages and disadvantages of distance teaching in foreign language education during COVID-19
Authors: Kruse Irina , Lutskovskaia Larisa , Stepanova Valentina V.
Published: September 2022

This article aimed to analyze the identified advantages and disadvantages of distance education in foreign language teaching in the transition to distance learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The data were collected through questionnaires and observations. A total of 298 university students participated in the research. The results of this research show that (1) the quality parameters of the changes and additions to the curriculum of foreign language teaching, (2) the final evaluation of the students in these subjects conducted in distance learning compared to the results shown in the offline form, (3) the satisfaction of the students with the electronic format of academic subjects, and (4) the formation of communicative competences under the changed learning conditions. The results are based not only on the final grades in the control sections in written and oral form but also on the emotional evaluation of the distance format teaching units in foreign languages. In addition, the results have shown that a complete transition to distance education is possible at COVID as a contingency measure. The research results will help to solve problematic issues related to the organization of the educational process and the need to comply with sanitary regulations.
Comparison of dyslipidemia incidence in Chinese early-stage breast cancer patients following different endocrine therapies: A population-based cohort study
Authors: Wang Junren , Yin Jin , Qiu Jiajun , Jiang Jingwen , Hu Yao , Zhu Kunrui , Zheng Hong , Luo Ting , Zhong Xiaorong
Published: September 2022

Background

There is lack of large-scale real-world research evidence showing the impact of endocrine therapy on blood lipids in Chinese breast cancer patients, especially those with premenopausal breast cancer. Based on a large breast cancer cohort at West China Hospital, we aimed to compare the risk of dyslipidemia between premenopausal and postmenopausal women based on the endocrine therapy used.

Methods

A total of 1,883 early-stage breast cancer (EBC) patients who received endocrine monotherapy [selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) and aromatase inhibitor (AI), with or without ovarian function suppression] with normal blood lipid levels at baseline were retrospectively included between October 2008 and April 2017. Dyslipidemia was defined as an abnormality in cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein, and total cholesterol (TC) levels. The risk accumulation function was used to calculate the incidence of dyslipidemia in order to assess the absolute risk, while the multivariate Cox regression model was used to calculate the relative risk of dyslipidemia between the groups.

Results

Patients with EBC were followed up for 60 months to monitor their blood lipid levels. The accumulated 5-year incidence of dyslipidemia in postmenopausal patients was higher than that in premenopausal patients (adjusted HR [95% confidence interval], 1.25 [1.01–1.56], 41.7% vs. 31.2%, p = 0.045). In premenopausal patients, the risk of abnormal TC was significantly higher in the OFS+AI group compared with that in the SERM group (adjusted HR [95% CI], 6.24 [3.19–12.20], p < 0.001, 5-year abnormal rates: 21.5% vs. 2.4%), and that of abnormal LDL-C level also increased (adjusted HR [95% CI], 10.54 [3.86–28.77], p < 0.001, 5-year abnormal rates: 11.1% vs. 0.9%). In postmenopausal patients, the risk of abnormal TC or LDL-C levels showed a similar trend in the AI and SERM groups.

Conclusions

In addition to postmenopausal patients, dyslipidemia is also common in premenopausal Chinese patients with EBC who received endocrine therapy. Irrespective of menopausal status, AI treatment increases the risk of TC/LDL-C dyslipidemia than SERM treatment.
Menopausal hormone therapy does not improve some domains of memory: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Chen Lin , Zheng Wei , Chen Gang , Liu Lin-Hua , Yao Jin , Chen Yan
Published: September 2022

Background

Aged women appear to be at a higher risk of developing memory impairment than men. Whether menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) could improve memory in postmenopausal women remains unclear. We thus conducted a meta-analysis to investigate the potential effect of MHT on memory, especially verbal memory, in postmenopausal women.

Methods

PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, and web of ClinicalTrials.gov were systematically searched for randomized controlled trials comparing MHT versus placebo in postmenopausal women. Our primary outcome of interest is memory function.

Results

We included 10 studies with 2,818 participants in the final analysis. There was no significant differences in immediate recall (weighted mean difference [WMD] 0.34, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.73, 1.40), delayed recall (WMD 0.99, 95% CI: -0.51, 2.48), short-delay (WMD -0.00, 95% CI: -0.37, 0.37), and long-delay (WMD -0.19, 95% CI: -0.69, 0.31) recall between WMT and placebo. WMT was associated with a lower digit span forward (mean reduction -0.20, 95% CI: -0.36, -0.03). In women within 5 years of menopause, MHT did not differ in immediate (0.45, 95% CI: -0.75, 1.65) or delayed recall (1.03, 95% CI: -0.93, 3.00), and digit span forward (-0.11, 95% CI: -0.72, 0.50), when compared with placebo.

Conclusion

This meta-analysis suggested that MHT had no effect on verbal memory in postmenopausal women, and may impair some domains of short-term memory. Current available evidence does not support MHT for improving memory in women less than 60 years, even in recently menopausal women.

Systematic Review Registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO, identifier CRD42021233255.
Diagnostic performance of C-TIRADS combined with SWE for the diagnosis of thyroid nodules
Authors: Gao Xiao-Qiang , Ma Yue , Peng Xiao-Shan , Wang Ling-Ling , Li Hai-Xia , Zheng Xiu-Lan , Liu Ying
Published: September 2022

Objective

To explore the value of the optimal parameters of shear wave elastography (SWE) to enhance the identification of benign and malignant thyroid nodules by C-TIRADS.

Methods

The two-dimensional ultrasonography images and SWE images of 515 patients with a total of 586 thyroid nodules were retrospectively analyzed. The nodules were divided into the D ≤10 mm and D >10 mm groups according to size and were graded by C-TIRADS. With the pathological results as the gold standard, the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were drawn, and the area under the curve (AUC) was calculated to compare the diagnostic performances of C-TIRADS, SWE, and the combination of the two on the benign and malignant thyroid nodules.

Results

The ROC showed that the AUC of the maximum elastic modulus (0.875) was higher than that of the mean elastic modulus (0.798) and elasticity ratio (0.772), with an optimal cutoff point of 51 kPa, which was the optimal parameter to distinguish the malignant from the benign nodules (P < 0.001). In the D ≤10 mm group, the AUC of TIRADS combined with SWE (0.955) was elevated by 0.172 compared with the application of C-TIRADS alone (0.783), and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). In the D >10 mm group, the AUC of TIRADS combined with SWE (0.904) was elevated by 0.076 compared with the application of C-TIRADS alone (0.828), and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Among all nodules, the application of C-TIRADS alone had a sensitivity of 88.14%, a specificity of 74.56%, and an accuracy of 85.50% in diagnosing benign and malignant thyroid nodules, while the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were 93.22%, 90.35%, and 92.66%, respectively, in combination with SWE.

Conclusion

The diagnostic performance of SWE in combination with TIRADS was better than that of SWE or C-TIRADS alone. Here, SWE enhanced the diagnostic performance of C-TIRADS for the benign and malignant thyroid nodules, most significantly for nodules with D ≤10 mm.
The endocrine pancreas during exercise in people with and without type 1 diabetes: Beyond the beta-cell
Authors: McCarthy Olivia , Schmidt Signe , Christensen Merete Bechmann , Bain Stephen C. , Nørgaard Kirsten , Bracken Richard
Published: September 2022

Although important for digestion and metabolism in repose, the healthy endocrine pancreas also plays a key role in facilitating energy transduction around physical exercise. During exercise, decrements in pancreatic β-cell mediated insulin release opposed by increments in α-cell glucagon secretion stand chief among the hierarchy of glucose-counterregulatory responses to decreasing plasma glucose levels. As a control hub for several major glucose regulatory hormones, the endogenous pancreas is therefore essential in ensuring glucose homeostasis. Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is pathophysiological condition characterised by a destruction of pancreatic β-cells resulting in pronounced aberrations in glucose control. Yet beyond the beta-cell perhaps less considered is the impact of T1D on all other pancreatic endocrine cell responses during exercise and whether they differ to those observed in healthy man. For physicians, understanding how the endocrine pancreas responds to exercise in people with and without T1D may serve as a useful model from which to identify whether there are clinically relevant adaptations that need consideration for glycaemic management. From a physiological perspective, delineating differences or indeed similarities in such responses may help inform appropriate exercise test interpretation and subsequent program prescription. With more complex advances in automated insulin delivery (AID) systems and emerging data on exercise algorithms, a timely update is warranted in our understanding of the endogenous endocrine pancreatic responses to physical exercise in people with and without T1D. By placing our focus here, we may be able to offer a nexus of better understanding between the clinical and engineering importance of AIDs requirements during physical exercise.
Linking human wellbeing and urban greenspaces: Applying the SoftGIS tool for analyzing human wellbeing interaction in Helsinki, Finland
Authors: leBrasseur Richard
Published: September 2022

This article reviews a study into the relationships between greenspaces and the benefits to psychological, social, and physical aspects of human wellbeing achieved through interaction in the Helsinki urban region in Finland. This relationship is theorized, analyzed, and measured through the transactional paradigm of affordance theory and is operationalized through the use of a public participation geographic information system (PPGIS) questionnaire, SoftGIS, which activated the urban greenspace–human wellbeinginteraction throughits map-based data collection. Over 1800 unique place–based relationships were statistically analyzed. Findings revealed that Helsinki’s greenspaces provided, overall, mostly physical and social wellbeing benefits; the psychological benefits such as reduction in stress and mental relaxation were not as frequent in these urban greenspace interactions. The results indicate multiple aspects of human wellbeing are supported by interaction with urban greenspaces of varying characteristics within the region but the urban greenspaces which provided the most human wellbeing benefits included large size, woodland typology, moderately maintained with loose or ‘wild’ vegetation, and few amenities such as benches and structures. The study’s implications include urban planning, public policy, and human health as well as insight into the multifunctional design and strategic management of greenspaces in urbanizing regions to provide continued and improved ecosystem services and benefits to humans and nature.
Environmental management of companies in the oil and gas markets based on AI for sustainable development: An international review
Authors: Chutcheva Yuliya V. , Kuprianova Lyudmila M. , Seregina Antonina A. , Kukushkin Sergey N.
Published: September 2022

The purpose of the article is to study the current international experience and determine the prospects for improving the environmental management of companies in the oil and gas markets based on AI in the interests of sustainable development. Relying on variation analysis and correlation analysis methods, it has been substantiated that environmental management have significant impact on companies from the perspective of social LCA, which has an impact on the competitive ability of companies. Relying on the IPAT-method, it has been proven that technology is a key factor which determines this impact. As a result, it has been proved on the example of the case experience of the largest energy companies in Russia in 2022 that the environmental management of oil and gas companies creates advantages not only for the environment but also for financial efficiency and stability (break-even operation) of these companies (implementation of SDG 8). Using the example of the international experience of energy companies (from the UAE, Sweden, the UK, the USA and Japan), it has been proved that AI can play a much greater role in the oil and gas markets, contributing not only to ensuring a deficit-free energy economy (the implementation of SDG 7) but also to environmental protection (the implementation of SDGs 13-15). The best practices of using AI in each selected sector of the oil and gas industry were studied and a quantitative and qualitative assessment of the benefits of AI was carried out. Thirdly, the most promising use of AI in the sector of environmental management for environmental economics and management is substantiated. It is proven that the options for environmental management can be different and specific to a particular object. Thanks to the results obtained in the course of the study, a systematic view of the prospects for the sustainable development of oil and gas markets has been formed, and the importance of AI for this process has been demonstrated. The theoretical significance of the study consists in expanding the existing understanding of the use of AI in the practice of environmental management of energy companies and clarifying its contribution to the implementation of the SDGs.
Reaction medium for permeable reactive barrier remediation of groundwater polluted by heavy metals
Authors: Li Hong , Liu Qingmei
Published: September 2022

Heavy metal pollution of groundwater has a serious impact on human health, which has become a key issue in the field of water resources and water environment. Permeable reactive barrier (PRB) is an in-situ remediation technology for passive groundwater pollution, with the advantages of economy and efficiency. The reaction material in the PRB wall is the key to the whole system, which can intercept or degrade heavy metals to achieve the removal of pollutants. Among a wide variety of reaction materials, PRB has been successfully used to remove various heavy metal contaminants. In this paper, reaction materials are classified into three broad categories, namely single material, mixed material, and composite material. On this basis, the action mechanism of various materials to remove heavy metal pollutants is analyzed, and the screening method of reaction medium is summarized. Finally, the deficiencies and development directions of PRB reaction medium materials in the removal of heavy metals in groundwater are pointed out, providing reference for the subsequent development and application of PRB reaction medium.
Meteorological driving factors effecting the surface area of Ebinur Lake and determining associated trends and shifts
Authors: Yao Chenglong , Wang Yuejian , Chen Yuejiao , Wang Lei , Yao Junqiang , Xia Baofei
Published: September 2022

Changes in lake water resources and regional hydrological processes in response to climate change and human activity necessitates timely and accurate access to lake change information to monitor water cycles and water security. The Ebinur Lake Basin has experienced a serious ecological crisis in recent years, which is majorly due to excess use of its water. Therefore, in this study, we used Ebinur Lake as a research object, and used Geographic Information System and remote sensing technology, Landsat, Sentinel, and MODIS images, the Google Earth Engine platform, and the water body index method to determine the changes in lake area from April to October of 2011–2020. Daily data from the Alashankou and Jinghe meteorological stations from 2011 to 2020 were collected. The center of gravity-geographically and temporally weighted regression model was used to analyze the factors changes in surface area. The results showed obvious spatial and temporal heterogeneities for the surface area. Except for 2016, which had unusual/extreme weather, in the last decade, the lake surface area generally showed a monthly decreasing trend from April to October. When Ebinur Lake is one water body, the surface area ranges between 530 and 560 km2. We concluded that the spatio-temporal characteristics of Ebinur Lake can be divided into two levels. When the southeast and northwest regions of the lake merge, it represents the largest possible surface area of Ebinur Lake; this was called the “water storage level”. Historically, Ebinur Lake has lost significant amounts of water, and there is no water body connecting the two main parts of the lake (thereby dividing the lake into two areas); this was called “water demand level”. The trajectory of the center of gravity of the lake is linear, with a slope of 45° and a direction of northwest to southeast. The lake gravity center has different aggregation states. According to the season, it can be divided into spring gathering and autumn gathering. The variation in the surface area of Ebinur Lake is highly correlated with the meteorological and hydrological variation during the year. The highest correlation was observed between lake surface area and wind speed. This study aimed to supplement other studies that explore the lake annually and provide a reference for future water resources management and planning.
Chromosome-level genome assembly of Fragaria pentaphylla using PacBio and Hi-C technologies
Authors: Sun Rui , Li Shuangtao , Chang Linlin , Dong Jing , Zhong Chuanfei , Zhang Hongli , Wei Lingzhi , Gao Yongshun , Wang Guixia , Zhang Yuntao , Sun Jian
Published: September 2022

Fragaria pentaphylla, a wild diploid quinquefoliolate species of Fragaria, is native to Southwest China. It has two morphs of red and white fruit color in nature and has characteristics of unique fragrance and resistance, which made it not only a valuable breeding material but also a potential model plant for molecular function researches. Here, we generate a high-quality chromosome-level genome assembly of a F. pentaphylla accession, BAAFS-FP039 employing a combination of PacBio Long-Read Sequencing, Illumina Short-Read Sequencing, and Hi-C Sequencing. The assembled genome contained 256.74 Mb and a contig N50 length of 32.38 Mb, accounting for 99.9% of the estimated genome (256.77 Mb). Based on Hi-C data, seven pseudo-chromosomes of F. pentaphylla-FP039 genome were assembled, covering 99.39% of the genome assembly. The genome was composed of 44.61% repetitive sequences and 29,623 protein-coding genes, 97.62% of protein-coding genes could be functionally annotated. Phylogenetic and chromosome syntenic analysis revealed that F. pentaphylla-FP039 was closely related to F. nubicola. This high-quality genome could provides fundamental molecular resources for evolutionary studies, breeding efforts, and exploring the unique biological characteristics of F. pentaphylla.
A prognostic signature of pyroptosis-related lncRNAs verified in gastric cancer samples to predict the immunotherapy and chemotherapy drug sensitivity
Authors: Wang Yanan , Chen Xiaowei , Jiang Fei , Shen Yan , Fang Fujin , Li Qiong , Yang Chuanli , Dong Yu , Shen Xiaobing
Published: September 2022

Background: Pyroptosis is a recently identified mode of programmed inflammatory cell death that has remarkable implications for cancer development. lncRNAs can be involved in cellular regulation through various pathways and play a critical role in gastric cancer (GC). However, pyroptosis -related lncRNAs (PRlncRNAs) have been rarely studied in GC.

Methods: Pyroptosis-related gene were abstracted from the literature and GSEA Molecular Signatures data resource. PRlncRNAs were obtained using co-expression analysis. LASSO Cox regression assessment was employed to build a risk model. Kaplan-Meier (KM), univariate along with multivariate Cox regression analysis were adopted to verify the predictive efficiency of the risk model in terms of prognosis. qRT-PCR was adopted to validate the expression of PRlncRNAs in GC tissues. In addition, immune cell infiltration assessment and ESTIMATE score evaluation were adopted for assessing the relationship of the risk model with the tumor immune microenvironment (TME). Finally, immune checkpoint gene association analysis and chemotherapy drug sensitivity analysis were implemented to assess the worthiness of our risk model in immunotherapy and chemotherapy of GC.

Results: We identified 3 key PRlncRNAs (PVT1, CYMP-AS1 and AC017076.1) and testified the difference of their expression levels in GC tumor tissues and neighboring non-malignant tissues (p < 0.05). PRlncRNAs risk model was able to successfully estimate the prognosis of GC patients, and lower rate of survival was seen in the high-GC risk group relative to the low-GC risk group (p < 0.001). Other digestive system tumors such as pancreatic cancer further validated our risk model. There was a dramatic difference in TMB level between high-GC and low-GC risk groups (p < 0.001). Immune cell infiltration analysis and ESTIMATE score evaluation demonstrated that the risk model can be adopted as an indicator of TME status. Besides, the expressions of immunodetection site genes in different risk groups were remarkably different (CTLA-4 (r = −0.14, p = 0.010), VISTA (r = 0.15, p = 0.005), and B7-H3 (r = 0.14, p = 0.009)). PRlncRNAs risk model was able to effectively establish a connection with the sensitivity of chemotherapeutic agents.

Conclusion: The 3 PRlncRNAs identified in this study could be utilized to predict disease outcome in GC patients. It may also be a potential therapeutic target in GC therapy, including immunotherapy and chemotherapy.
A review on the importance of miRNA-135 in human diseases
Authors: Kadkhoda Sepideh , Eslami Solat , Mahmud Hussen Bashdar , Ghafouri-Fard Soudeh
Published: September 2022

MicroRNA-135 (miR-135) is a microRNA which is involved in the pathoetiology of several neoplastic and non-neoplastic conditions. Both tumor suppressor and oncogenic roles have been reported for this miRNA. Studies in prostate, renal, gallbladder and nasopharyngeal cancers as well as glioma have shown down-regulation of miR-135 in cancerous tissues compared with controls. These studies have also shown the impact of miR-135 down-regulation on enhancement of cell proliferation and aggressive behavior. Meanwhile, miR-135 has been shown to be up-regulated in bladder, oral, colorectal and liver cancers. Studies in breast, gastric, lung and pancreatic cancers as well as head and neck squamous cell carcinoma have reported dual roles for miR-135. Dysregulation of miR-135 has also been noted in various non-neoplastic conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, atherosclerosis, depression, diabetes, Parkinson, pulmonary arterial hypertension, nephrotic syndrome, endometriosis, epilepsy and allergic conditions. In the current review, we summarize the role of miR-135 in the carcinogenesis as well as development of other disorders.
The role of virus infections in Sjögren’s syndrome
Authors: Maslinska Maria , Kostyra-Grabczak Kinga
Published: September 2022

Primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS) is an autoimmune disease with a clinical picture of not only mainly exocrine gland involvement, with dryness symptoms, but also internal organ and systems involvement. The epithelial damage and releasing of antigens, which, in some circumstances, become autoantigens, underlay the pathogenesis of pSS. The activation of autoimmune processes in pSS leads to the hyperactivation of B cells with autoantibody production and other immunological phenomena such as hypergammaglobulinemia, production of cryoglobulins, or formation of extra-nodal lymphoid tissue. Among the risk factors for the development of this disease are viral infections, which themselves can activate autoimmune reactions and influence the host’s immune response. It is known that viruses, through various mechanisms, can influence the immune system and initiate autoimmune reactions. These mechanisms include molecular mimicry, bystander activation, production of superantigens—proteins encoded by viruses—or a programming to produce viral cytokines similar to host cytokines such as, e.g., interleukin-10. Of particular importance for pSS are viruses which not only, as expected, activate the interferon pathway but also play a particular role, directly or indirectly, in B cell activation or present tropism to organs also targeted in the course of pSS. This article is an attempt to present the current knowledge of the influence specific viruses have on the development and course of pSS.