bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PENERAPAN MODEL PEMBELAJARAN TALKING STICK UNTUK MENINGKATKAN HASIL BELAJAR KOGNITIF SISWA KELAS VIII C PADA MATA PELAJARAN ILMU PENGETAHUAN SOSIAL Mts AL ISLAM BANTUR KABUPATEN MALANG
Authors: Maida Nur Al , Khoiro Widatul
Published: March 2022

Latar belakang dari penelitian ini adalah rendahnya hasil belajar kognitif siswa kelas VIII C pada mata pelajaran IPS. Hal ini diketahui dari 27 siswa kelas VIII C yang mengikuti ujian akhir semester ganjil hanya 3 siswa yang dinyatakan tuntas. Serta ketuntasan klasikal kelas VIII C hanya sebesar 11%. Hal ini menunjukkan rendahnya nilai hasil belajar kognitif siswa kelas VIII C. Penelitian dilaksanakan di sekolah MTs Al Islam pada kelas VIII C dengan jumlah 27 siswa, pada semster genap tahun ajaran 2020/2021. Model pembelajaran Talking stick diterapkan pada mata pelajaran IPS yaitu pada materi “Perubahan Masyarakat Masa Penjajahan dan Tumbuhnya Semangat Kebangsaan”. Jenis penelitian yang digunakan adalah penelitian tindakan kelas yang dilaksanakan dalam 2 siklus. Tiap siklus terdiri dari empat (4) tahap, yaitu perencanaan, pelaksanaan tindakan, observasi dan refleksi. Hasil dari penelitian yang telah dilakukan menunjukkan adanya peningkatan hasil belajar kognitif siswa pada siklus 1 yaitu dari ketuntasan klasikal yang hanya 11% menjadi 44,45% meningkat menjadi 81,48%. Dari data hasil penelitian yang telah disebutkan diatas, penelitian ini dinyatakan berhasil karena telah mencapai hasil yang optimal. Keberhasilan dalam penelitian ini dikarenakan model pembelajaran Talking Stick dapat membuat siswa aktif dan giat dalam proses pembelajaran yang berdampak baik pada hasil belajar kognitif siswa. yaitu setelah Abstrak harus ditulis dalam bahasa Indonesia. Abstrak merupakan intisari yang menggambarkan isi manuskrip. Bagian ini berisi latar belakang, tujuan, metode, hasil, dan kesimpulan dari penelitian. Abstrak ditulis menggunakan font TNR-10. Jarak antarbaris 1 spasi. Abstrak maksimal berisi 250 kata dan hanya terdiri dari 1 paragraf. Abstrak tidak memuat sitasi, rumus, tabel dan gambar.
Analisis Analisis Makna Denotatif dan Konotatif Pada Umpasa Dalam Pernikahan Adat Batak Toba
Authors: Malau Tresia Anggraini , Lestari Deffi Indah , Lubis Nuriati , Barus Frinawati
Published: March 2022

Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk mendeskripsikan makna denotatif dan konotatif didalam umpasa yang digunkan dalam adat upacara pernikahan Batak Toba. Penelitian ini menggunakan teori dari Abdul Chaer. Data yang dikumpulkan berasal dari salah satu parhata (seseorang yang paham akan adat istiadat suku batak toba) di desa Hasinggaan, Kabupaten Samosir. Teknik pengumpulan data dilakukan dengan wawancara kepada parhata. Selanjutnya di klasifikasi dan dianalisis menggunakan metode penelitian deskriptif kualitatif. Berdasarkan hasil klasifikasi penelitian dan pembahsan tetang makna denotatif dan konotatif pada umpasa tim penulis menemukan 20 data. Dimana 17 diantaranya memiliki makna konotatif. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa umpasa yang digunakan dalam upacara pernikahan dapat diklasifikasikan menjadi; 1. Umpasa dari pihak paranak (pihak dari mempelai laki-laki), 2. Umpasa dari pihak parboru (pihak dari mempelai perempuan), 3. Umpasa dari pihak hula-hula (pihak dari tulang/paman ), 4. Umpasa dari pihak oloan (khalayak yang menghadiri pesta). Dari hasil analisi umpsa yang telah dilakukan oleh tim penulis, dapat diketahui bahwaanya penggunaan kata-kata di dalam umpasa banyak memiliki makna tambahan didalamya. Perumpaan yang digunakanpun sanggat bervariasi dan menarik. Didalam umpasa juga terdapat banyak pesan doa-doa yang disampaikan dengan menggunaka kosa kata yang indah.
Menjajaki Relevansi Folklor Desa (Keraton) Domas dengan Toponimi Lima Kampung: Suatu Kajian Historis dan Struktur Tanda
Authors: Wulandari Linda Sari , Rosalina Erlyn
Published: March 2022

Desa Domas berada di Kecamatan Pontang Kabupaten Serang Provinsi Banten. Desa Domas terdiri atas lima kampung, yaitu Domas, Wanayasa, Sampang Kulon, Pepetan, dan Cerocoh.  Akan tetapi, berdasarkan folklor, Desa Domas disebut juga Keraton Domas yang berhubungan dengan kisah Prabu Saka Domas (pemimpin rakyat yang memiliki kesaktian). Namun, berdasarkan sumber lain, Desa Domas berasal dari kata sebelas ekor buaya yang hidup di rawa-rawa. Tujuan dari penelitian ini untuk menelusuri relevansi toponimi Desa Domas yang memiliki folklor sebagai Keraton Domas dengan lima kampung yang ada di dalamnya. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode kualitatif dengan pendekatan deskriptif melalui kajian historis dan struktur tanda. Peneliti melakukan studi literatur, wawancara, serta observasi. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa toponimi dari kelima kampung yang ada di Desa Domas memiliki satu kesamaan yang mengacu pada unsur alamiah, air dan hutan. Toponimi Domas yang diambil dari nama Prabu Saka Domas merupakan bentuk penghargaan rakyat atas kisah heroik Prabu Saka Domas dalam membuat sumur air tawar yang menjadi sumber penghidupan rakyatnya. Apabila dikaji dari hubungan sistem tanda, toponimi Domas tetap mengandung unsur air sehingga masih relevan dengan keempat nama kampung lainya yang mengandung unsur air dan hutan. Berdasarkan situasi geografisnya, wilayah Domas sebagian besar berupa daerah rawa dan hutan mangrove.
CURRENT PROBLEMS OF (NON-) TAXATION OF THE COLLABORATIVE ECONOMY
Authors: Simić Soňa
Published: March 2022

The presented paper is devoted to current issues of collaborative economy with a focus on its relevant tax law aspects and taxation or non-taxation. The paper analyses the possibilities of taxation of collaborative platforms income arising from sources in the territory of the Slovak Republic in the context of recent changes in Act No. 595/2003 Coll. on Income Tax, on the basis of which the institute of a permanent establishment of a digital platform and the ancillary application of the institute of withholding tax by service providers was enacted in the legal system of the Slovak Republic. In addition to the above issues, the paper also addresses selected issues of indirect taxation of the collaborative economy, in particular the taxation of peer-to-peer transactions with value added tax and answers the fundamental question of whether private individuals providing services in the collaborative economy (also referred to as “peers”) can be considered as taxable persons for the purpose of the common value added tax system.
Effect of Cu on the Microstructure of Al-8Zn-2.5Mg-xCu Alloys Fabricated by Twin roll casting
Authors: Kim Dong-Guk , Jo Yong hee , Lee Yun-Soo , Kim Yong-You , Kim Hyoung-Wook , Kim Jung-Ki
Published: March 2022

The effect of Cu content on the microstructure and mechanical properties of Al-8.0Zn-2.5Mg-xCu (x: 0, 1, 2, 3) aluminum alloys manufactured by the twin-roll casting process was investigated. The Al-8.0Zn-2.5Mg-xCu alloy showed an increase in surface defects with increasing Cu content. This is because the amount of residual liquid in the final solidification region increased from 9.6 wt.% to 18.3 wt.% as the Cu content increased from 0Cu to 3 Cu alloy. For the 3Cu alloy, as the amount of residual liquid in the final solidification region exceeded the critical point, a large number of surface defects and internal shrinkage defect were observed. The main secondary phases of the four alloys were the T(Mg32(Al, Zn)49) and η(MgZn2) phases, and their fraction increased with Cu content. These secondary phases mainly existed in the center segregation band, and a fine η(MgZn2) phase was additionally observed. In terms of mechanical properties, as the Cu content increased, the hardness of the center matrix, secondary phase, and overall hardness increased respectively. Although the yield strength increased, the tensile strength and elongation decreased because the center segregation band was widened from 684 μm to 790 μm with increasing Cu content.
An Evaluation of the Health Literacy of Patients Visiting Family Medicine Clinics and The Related Factors
Authors: Mut Hakan , Gok Balci Umut , Mergen Haluk
Published: March 2022

Aim: This study aimed to determine the level of health literacy among individuals visiting the Family Medicine Clinic in Tepecik Hospital and to reveal the relationship between health literacy and independent variables.

Methods: This study has a cross-sectional analytical design. A sample size of 141 was found to produce a two-sided 95% confidence interval and an estimated standard deviation of 6141 people who met the inclusion criteria participated in the study. The dependent variable in the study was the health literacy level determined by using the Turkish Health Literacy Scale. Student’s t-test, ANOVA, Pearson correlation analysis, and linear regression analysis were used to analyze the relationship between the dependent and independent variables.

Results: The mean Turkish Health Literacy Scale score was 28.95±5.86; 60.28% of the participants had problematic-limited health literacy, while 20.57% had insufficient, 17.02% had sufficient, and 2.13% had excellent health literacy. The health literacy score of females was 3.204 points lower than that of males. For each unit increase in household disposable income, the Turkish Health Literacy Scale score increased by 0.001 points. The Turkish Health Literacy Scale score was 1.771 points higher for those who have not been hospitalized in the last ten years. The Turkish Health Literacy Scale score increased by 1.306 points for a percent increase in the frequency of obtaining health-related information from the Internet, while it increased by 1.686 points for a percent increase in the frequency of obtaining health-related information from brochures, posters, or books.

Conclusion: This study demonstrated that health literacy was quite limited and insufficient among the participants. Determining the factors influencing health literacy, planning with these factors in mind, developing policies to improve health literacy, and increasing the health literacy of individuals and society may be critical for the improvement of public health.

Keywords: health literacy, health care, information, primary health care
Assessment of the Attitude and Knowledge About Abortion and Its Consequences in Women Attending Obstetrics Unit at A Public Hospital: A Prospective, Descriptive Survey-Based Study
Authors: Ponnusankar Sivasankaran , Vishwas Hunsur Nagendra , Kumar Siva Manoj , Balasubramaniam Viswanathan
Published: March 2022

Aim: This study aimed at assessing the attitude and knowledge about abortion and its consequences in women attending obstetrics units at a public hospital.

Methods: This was a prospective, descriptive survey-based study with a purposive sampling technique involving women above 18 years attending obstetrics and gynecology unit at a public hospital.

Results: A total of 209 females were approached, finally 127 respondents agreed to participate in the study. About 85.04% (n=108) of them knew about abortion. 61.42% (n=78) of respondents indicated that they did not know the methods of abortion, and among them, 63.75% (n=49) were aware of unsafe abortion practices; very few of the respondents preferred the traditional practice for abortion. 56.69% (n=72) of the respondents were not aware of the possible dangers of abortion; and 85.83% (n=109) of the respondents would seek advice on abortion (if necessary) from a qualified doctor.

Conclusion: The study participants demonstrated good knowledge and attitudes towards abortion and its consequences. The study also showed the maximum number of respondents who had heard about abortion but had less knowledge of the consequences of unsafe practices. The study revealed that respondents' age, number of children, religion, and educational level had no significant influence on their knowledge and attitude.

Keywords: health surveys, complications, knowledge, spontaneous abortion
Real-World Walking Speed Assessment Using a Mass-Market RTK-GNSS Receiver
Authors: Reggi Luca , Palmerini Luca , Chiari Lorenzo , Mellone Sabato
Published: March 2022

Walking speed is an important clinical parameter because it sums up the ability to move and predicts adverse outcomes. However, usually measured inside the clinics, it can suffer from poor ecological validity. Wearable devices such as global positioning systems (GPS) can be used to measure real-world walking speed. Still, the accuracy of GPS systems decreases in environments with poor sky visibility. This work tests a solution based on a mass-market, real-time kinematic receiver (RTK), overcoming such limitations. Seven participants walked a predefined path composed of tracts with different sky visibility. The walking speed was calculated by the RTK and compared with a reference value calculated using an odometer and a stopwatch. Despite tracts with totally obstructed visibility, the correlation between the receiver and the reference system was high (0.82 considering all tracts and 0.93 considering high-quality tracts). Similarly, a Bland Altman analysis showed a minimal detectable change of 0.12 m/s in the general case and 0.07 m/s considering only high-quality tracts. This work demonstrates the feasibility and validity of the presented device for the measurement of real-world walking speed, even in tracts with high interference. These findings pave the way for clinical use of the proposed device to measure walking speed in the real world, thus enabling digital remote monitoring of locomotor function. Several populations may benefit from similar devices, including older people at a high risk of fall, people with neurological diseases, and people following a rehabilitation intervention.
Blockchain in Civil Engineering, Architecture and Construction Industry: State of the Art, Evolution, Challenges and Opportunities
Authors: Plevris Vagelis , Lagaros Nikos D. , Zeytinci Ahmet
Published: March 2022

Blockchain is a technology that allows the recording of information in a way that it is difficult or practically impossible to alter, hack, or cheat. It is a new, promising technology, considered by many as a general-purpose technology (GPT). GPTs are technologies that have the potential to affect an entire economy, impacting economic growth and transforming both everyday life and the ways in which we conduct business. We present a bibliometric analysis of the relevant literature, followed by a discussion about monetary mediums and the evolution of bitcoin, as the first digital medium managing to solve the “double-spending” problem and the first successful implementation of blockchain technology. The computational operations involved in blockchain are presented, together with the cryptographic technologies associated with it, its unique characteristics, and the advantages it offers as a technology. A comprehensive literature review is provided, of the current state of the art in blockchain in the fields of civil engineering, architecture and the construction industry. Six important application areas are identified, and the relevant literature is investigated. Namely, building information modelling and computer aided design, contract management and smart contracts, construction project management, smart buildings and smart cities, construction supply chain management, and real estate. Finally, we discuss the future applications, the challenges and the opportunities that blockchain technology brings to these fields.
A Systematic Review of the Mechanisms Involved in Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors Cardiotoxicity and Challenges to Improve Clinical Safety
Authors: Rubio-Infante Nestor , Ramírez-Flores Yoel Adbel , Castillo Elena Cristina , Lozano Omar , García-Rivas Gerardo , Torre-Amione Guillermo
Published: March 2022

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are monoclonal antibodies that block CTLA-4, PD-1, or PD-L1 and induce the activation of the immune system against cancer. Despite the efficacy of ICIs, which has improved the oncotherapy for patients with a variety of malignancies, several immune-related adverse events (irAEs) have been described, including those affecting the heart. Cardiac irAEs after ICI therapies, including myocarditis, can become life-threatening, and their pathogenic mechanisms remain unclear. Here, a systematic analysis was performed regarding the potential immune mechanisms underlying cardiac irAEs based on the immune adverse events induced by the ICIs: 1) recruitment of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, 2) autoantibody-mediated cardiotoxicity, and 3) inflammatory cytokines. Furthermore, the impact of dual therapies in ICI-induced cardiac irAEs and the potential risk factors are reviewed. We propose that self-antigens released from cardiac tissues or cancer cells and the severity/advancement of cancer disease have an important role in ICI cardiotoxicity.
Differential Cellular Stiffness Contributes to Tissue Elongation on an Expanding Surface
Authors: Koyama Hiroshi , Suzuki Makoto , Yasue Naoko , Sasaki Hiroshi , Ueno Naoto , Fujimori Toshihiko
Published: March 2022

Pattern formation and morphogenesis of cell populations is essential for successful embryogenesis. Steinberg proposed the differential adhesion hypothesis, and differences in cell–cell adhesion and interfacial tension have proven to be critical for cell sorting. Standard theoretical models such as the vertex model consider not only cell–cell adhesion/tension but also area elasticity of apical cell surfaces and viscous friction forces. However, the potential contributions of the latter two parameters to pattern formation and morphogenesis remain to be determined. In this theoretical study, we analyzed the effect of both area elasticity and the coefficient of friction on pattern formation and morphogenesis. We assumed the presence of two cell populations, one population of which is surrounded by the other. Both populations were placed on the surface of a uniformly expanding environment analogous to growing embryos, in which friction forces are exerted between cell populations and their expanding environment. When the area elasticity or friction coefficient in the cell cluster was increased relative to that of the surrounding cell population, the cell cluster was elongated. In comparison with experimental observations, elongation of the notochord in mice is consistent with the hypothesis based on the difference in area elasticity but not the difference in friction coefficient. Because area elasticity is an index of cellular stiffness, we propose that differential cellular stiffness may contribute to tissue elongation within an expanding environment.
Multiple Gene Transfer and All-In-One Conditional Knockout Systems in Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells for Analysis of Gene Function
Authors: Suzuki Teruhiko , Takagi Satoko , Hara Takahiko
Published: March 2022

Mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs) are powerful tools for functional analysis of stem cell-related genes; however, complex gene manipulations, such as locus-targeted introduction of multiple genes and conditional gene knockout conditional knockout, are technically difficult. Here, we review recent advances in technologies aimed at generating cKO clones in ESCs, including two new methods developed in our laboratory: the simultaneous or sequential integration of multiple genes system for introducing an unlimited number of gene cassettes into a specific chromosomal locus using reciprocal recombinases; and the all-in-one cKO system, which enables introduction of an EGFP reporter expression cassette and FLAG-tagged gene of interest under an endogenous promoter. In addition, methods developed in other laboratories, including conventional approaches to establishment of cKO cell clones, inducible Cas9-mediated cKO generation, and cKO assisted by reporter construct, invertible gene-trap cassette, and conditional protein degradation. Finally, we discuss the advantages of each approach, as well as the remaining issues and challenges.
Active Metabolites From the Endophyte Paenibacillus polymyxa Y-1 of Dendrobium nobile for the Control of Rice Bacterial Diseases
Authors: Yi Wenshi , Chen Chao , Gan Xiuhai
Published: March 2022

Microbial bactericides have been a research hotspot in recent years. In order to find new microbial fungicides for preventing and treating rice bacterial diseases, Paenibacillus polymyxa Y-1 (P. polymyxa Y-1) was isolated from Dendrobium nobile in this study, and the optimal medium was selected by a single-factor experiment, and then eight metabolites were isolated from P. polymyxa Y-1 fermentation broth by bioactivity tracking separation. The bioassay results showed that 2,4-di-tert-butylphenol, N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine, and P-hydroxybenzoic acid have good antibacterial activity against Xanthomonas oryzae pv. Oryzicola (Xoo) and Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoc), with 50% effective concentration values of 49.45 μg/ml, 64.22 μg/ml, and 16.32 μg/ml to Xoo, and 34.33 μg/ml, 71.17 μg/ml, and 15.58 μg/ml to Xoc, respectively, compared with zhongshengmycin (0.42 and 0.82 μg/ml, respectively) and bismerthiazol (85.64 and 92.49 μg/ml, respectively). In vivo experiments found that 2,4-di-tert-butylphenol (35.9 and 35.4%, respectively), N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine (42.9 and 36.7%, respectively), and P-hydroxybenzoic acid (40.6 and 36.8%, respectively) demonstrated excellent protective and curative activity against rice bacterial leaf blight, which were better than that of zhongshengmycin (38.4 and 34.4%, respectively). In addition, after 2,4-di-tert-butylphenol, N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine, and P-hydroxybenzoic acid acted on rice, SOD, POD, and CAD defense enzymes increased under the same condition. In conclusion, these results indicated that the activity and mechanism research of new microbial pesticides were helpful for the prevention and control of rice bacterial diseases.
Vascular Inflammation in Mouse Models of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Ryan Holly , Morel Laurence , Moore Erika
Published: March 2022

Vascular inflammation mediated by overly activated immune cells is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Several mouse models to study the pathogenesis of SLE are currently in use, many of which have different mechanisms of pathogenesis. The diversity of these models allows interrogation of different aspects of the disease pathogenesis. To better determine the mechanisms by which vascular inflammation occurs in SLE, and to assist future researchers in choosing the most appropriate mouse models to study cardiovascular complications in SLE, we suggest that direct comparisons of vascular inflammation should be conducted among different murine SLE models. We also propose the use of in vitro vascular assays to further investigate vascular inflammation processes prevalent among different murine SLE models.
Diagnosis of Cardiac Amyloidosis Using a Radiomics Approach Applied to Late Gadolinium-Enhanced Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Images: A Retrospective, Multicohort, Diagnostic Study
Authors: Zhou Xi Yang , Tang Chun Xiang , Guo Ying Kun , Tao Xin Wei , Chen Wen Cui , Guo Jin Zhou , Ren Gui Sheng , Li Xiao , Luo Song , Li Jun Hao , Huang Wei Wei , Lu Guang Ming , Zhang Long Jiang , Huang Xiang Hua , Wang Yi Ning , Yang Gui Fen
Published: March 2022

Objectives

To assess the potential of a radiomics approach of late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) in the diagnosis of cardiac amyloidosis (CA).

Materials and Methods

This retrospective study included 200 patients with biopsy-proven light-chain (AL) amyloidosis. CA was diagnosed on the basis of systemic amyloidosis confirmed with evidence of cardiac involvement by imaging and clinical biomarkers. A total of 139 patients [54 ± 8 years, 75 (54%) men] in our institution were divided into training cohort [n = 97, mean age of 53 ± 8 years, 54 (56%) men] and internal validation cohort [n = 42, mean age: 56 ± 8 years, 21 (50%) men] with a ratio of 7:3, while 61 patients [mean age: 60 ± 9 years, 42 (69%) men] from the other two institutions were enrolled for external validation. Radiomics features were extracted from global (all short-axis images from base-to-apex) left ventricular (LV) myocardium and three different segments (basal, midventricular, and apex) on short-axis LGE images using the phase-sensitive reconstruction (PSIR) sequence. The Boruta algorithm was used to select the radiomics features. This model was built using the XGBoost algorithm. The two readers performed qualitative and semiquantitative assessment of the LGE images based on the visual LGE patterns, while the quantitative assessment was measured using a dedicated semi-automatic CMR software. The diagnostic performance of the radiomics and other qualitative and quantitative parameters were compared by a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. A correlation between radiomics and the degree of myocardial involvement by amyloidosis was tested.

Results

A total of 1,906 radiomics features were extracted for each LV section. No statistical significance was indicated between any two slices for diagnosing CA, and the highest area under the curve (AUC) was found in basal section {0.92 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.86–0.97] in the LGE images in the training set, 0.89 (95% CI, 0.79–1.00) in the internal validation set, and 0.92 (95% CI, 0.85–0.99) in the external validation set}, which was superior to the visual assessment and quantitative LGE parameters. Moderate correlations between global or basal radiomics scores (Rad-scores) and Mayo stage in all patients were reported (Spearman’s Rho = 0.61, 0.62; all p < 0.01).

Conclusion

A radiomics analysis of the LGE images provides incremental information compared with the visual assessment and quantitative parameters on CMR to diagnose CA. Radiomics was moderately correlated with the severity of CA. Further studies are needed to assess the prognostic significance of radiomics in patients with CA.
The RiboMaP Spectral Annotation Method Applied to Various ADP-Ribosylome Studies Including INF-γ-Stimulated Human Cells and Mouse Tissues
Authors: Singh Sasha A. , Kuraoka Shiori , Pestana Diego Vinicius Santinelli , Nasir Waqas , Delanghe Bernard , Aikawa Masanori
Published: March 2022

ADP-ribosylation is a post-translational modification that is catalyzed by the ADP-ribosyltransferase enzyme family. Major emphasis to date has been ADP-ribosylation's role in cancer; however, there is growing interest in its role in inflammation and cardiovascular disease. Despite a recent boom in ADP-ribosylation mass spectrometry-based proteomics, there are limited computational resources to evaluate the quality of reported ADP-ribosylated (ADPr) proteins. We recently developed a novel mass spectral annotation strategy (RiboMaP) that facilitates identification and reporting of ADPr peptides and proteins. This strategy can monitor the fragmentation properties of ADPr peptide-unique fragment ions, termed m-ions and p-ions, that in turn provide spectral quality scores for candidate ADP-ribosyl peptides. In this study, we leveraged the availability of publicly available ADP-ribosylome data, acquired on various mass spectrometers, to evaluate the broader applicability of RiboMaP. We observed that fragmentation spectra of ADPr peptides vary considerably across datasets; nonetheless, RiboMaP improves ADPr peptide spectral annotation across all studies. We then reanalyzed our own previously published in vitro ADP-ribosylome data to determine common responses to the pro-inflammatory cytokine, IFN-γ. We conclude that despite these recent advances in the field of ADPr proteomics, studies in the context of inflammation and cardiovascular disease still require further bench-to-informatics workflow development in order to capture ADPr signaling events related to inflammatory pathways.
Co-existing Hypertension and Hyperhomocysteinemia Increases the Risk of Carotid Vulnerable Plaque and Subsequent Vascular Event: An MR Vessel Wall Imaging Study
Authors: Li Dongye , Qiao Huiyu , Yang Xieqing , Li Jin , Dai Wei , Chen Xiaoyi , Shen Jun , Zhao Xihai
Published: March 2022

Purpose

This study sought to determine the associations of co-existing hypertension and hyperhomocysteinemia (H-Hcy) with carotid vulnerable plaque features and subsequent vascular events.

Methods

Symptomatic patients with carotid atherosclerosis were enrolled and underwent carotid magnetic resonance (MR) vessel wall imaging. The patients were divided into the following groups: co-existing hypertension and H-Hcy group; isolated hypertension group; isolated H-Hcy group; and control group. The morphological and compositional characteristics of carotid plaques were assessed on MR images and compared among different groups. Univariate and multivariate cox regressions were used to calculate the hazard ratio (HR) and corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) of co-existing hypertension and H-Hcy in predicting subsequent vascular events after at least 1-year followed-up.

Results

In total, 217 patients (mean age, 59.4 ± 11.9 years; 154 males) were recruited. Patients in co-existing hypertension and H-Hcy group had a significantly higher prevalence of carotid lipid-rich necrotic core (LRNC) than isolated H-Hcy and control group (73.2 vs. 43.3 vs. 50%, p = 0.015). During the median follow-up time of 12.2 ± 4.3 months, 61 (39.8%) patients experienced vascular events. After adjusting for baseline confounding factors, co-existing hypertension and H-Hcy (HR, 1.82; 95% CI, 1.01–3.27; p = 0.044), presence of carotid LRNC (HR, 2.25; 95% CI, 1.09–4.65; p = 0.029), and combination of co-existing hypertension and H-Hcy and carotid LRNC (HR, 2.39; 95% CI, 1.26–4.43; p = 0.007) were significantly associated with subsequent vascular events.

Conclusions

Co-existing hypertension and H-Hcy are associated with carotid vulnerable plaque features, such as LRNC. Combining co-existing hypertension and H-Hcy with carotid vulnerable plaque features has a stronger predictive value for subsequent vascular events than each measurement alone.
Uninterrupted DOACs Approach for Catheter Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation: Do DOACs Levels Matter?
Authors: Hardy Michael , Douxfils Jonathan , Dincq Anne-Sophie , Sennesael Anne-Laure , Xhaet Olivier , Mullier Francois , Lessire Sarah
Published: March 2022

Most patients present for catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (CAAF) with residual or full effect of vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) or direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs). In daily practice, it has been observed that the activated clotting time (ACT) was actually poorly sensitive to the effect of DOACs and that patients on DOACs required more unfractionated heparin (UFH) to achieve the ACT target of 300 s during the procedure, leading some authors to worry about potential overdosing. Conversely, we hypothesize that these higher doses of UFH are necessary to achieve adequate hemostasis during CAAF regardless of the residual effect of DOACs. During CAAF, thrombosis is promoted mainly by the presence of thrombogenic sheaths and catheters in the bloodstream. Preclinical data suggest that only high doses of DOACs are able to mitigate catheter-induced thrombin generation, whereas low dose UFH already do so. In addition, the effect of UFH seems to be lower in patients on DOACs, compared to patients on VKAs, explaining part of the differences observed in heparin requirements. Clinical studies could not identify increased bleeding risk in patients on DOACs compared to those on VKAs despite similar efficacy during CAAF procedures. Moreover, targeting a lower ACT was associated with an increased periprocedural thrombotic risk for both DOAC and VKA patients. Therefore, the low sensitivity of the ACT to the residual effect of DOACs should not be a major concern in its use in the interventional cardiology laboratory.
Prognostic Outcomes in Acute Myocardial Infarction Patients Without Standard Modifiable Risk Factors: A Multiethnic Study of 8,680 Asian Patients
Authors: Kong Gwyneth , Chew Nicholas W. S. , Ng Cheng Han , Chin Yip Han , Lim Oliver Z. H. , Ambhore Anand , Ng Gavin , Kong William , Poh Kian-Keong , Foo Roger , Yip James , Yeo Tiong-Cheng , Low Adrian Fatt-Hoe , Lee Chi-Hang , Chan Mark Yan-Yee , Tan Huay-Cheem , Loh Poay-Huan
Published: March 2022

Background

An increasing proportion of patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) are presenting without standard modifiable risk factors (SMuRFs) of hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, diabetes, and smoking, but with an unexpectedly increased mortality. This study examined the SMuRF-less patients presenting with AMI in a multiethnic Asian population.

Methods

We recruited patients presenting with AMI from 2011 to 2021 and compared the prevalence, clinical characteristics, and outcomes of SMuRF-less and SMuRF patients. Multivariable analysis was used to compare the outcomes of 30-day cardiovascular mortality, all-cause mortality, readmission, cardiogenic shock, stroke, and heart failure. Kaplan–Meier curves were constructed for 30-day cardiovascular mortality, with stratification by ethnicity, gender and AMI type, and 10-year all-cause mortality.

Results

Standard modifiable risk factor-less patients, who made up 8.6% of 8,680 patients, were significantly younger with fewer comorbidities that include stroke and chronic kidney disease, but higher rates of ventricular arrhythmias and inotropic or invasive ventilation requirement. Multivariable analysis showed higher rates of cardiovascular mortality (HR 1.48, 95% CI: 1.09–1.86, p = 0.048), cardiogenic shock (RR: 1.31, 95% CI: 1.09–1.52, p = 0.015), and stroke (RR: 2.51, 95% CI: 1.67–3.34, p = 0.030) among SMuRF-less patients. A 30-day cardiovascular mortality was raised in the SMuRF-less group, with similar trends in men, patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), and the three Asian ethnicities. All-cause mortality remains increased in the SMuRF-less group for up to 5 years.

Conclusion

There is a significant proportion of patients with AMI without standard risk factors in Asia, who have worse short-term mortality. This calls for greater focus on the management of this unexpectedly high-risk subgroup of patients.
Sampling Volcanic Plume Using a Drone-Borne SelPS for Remotely Determined Stable Isotopic Compositions of Fumarolic Carbon Dioxide
Authors: Tsunogai Urumu , Shingubara Ryo , Morishita Yuhei , Ito Masanori , Nakagawa Fumiko , Yoshikawa Shin , Utsugi Mitsuru , Yokoo Akihiko
Published: March 2022

Both chemical and isotopic compositions of concentrated volcanic plumes are highly useful in evaluating the present status of active volcanoes. Monitoring their temporal changes is useful for forecasting volcanic eruptions as well. Recently, we developed a drone-borne automatic volcanic plume sampler, called SelPS, wherein an output signal from a sulfur dioxide (SO2) sensor triggered a pump to collect plume samples when the SO2 concentration exceeded a predefined threshold. In this study, we added a radio transmission function to the sampler, which enabled our operator to monitor real-time SO2 concentration during flights and thus obtain more concentrated volcanic plume samples through precise adjustment of the hovering position. We attached the improved SelPS to a drone at Nakadake crater, Aso volcano (Japan), and successfully obtained volcanic plume samples ejected from the crater more concentrated than those obtained by using previous version of SelPS in 2019. Additionally, we found a significant linear correlation between the reciprocal of the concentration and isotopic ratios for the 2H/1H ratios of H2, 18O/16O ratios of CO2, and 13C/12C ratios of CO2 within the plume samples. Based on the isotopic ratios of fumarolic H2 (δ2H = −239 ± 6‰) and fumarolic CO2 (δ13C = −3.58 ± 0.85‰ and δ18O = +22.01 ± 0.68‰) determined from the linear correlations, we estimated the apparent equilibrium temperatures (AETs) with magmatic H2O simultaneously and precisely for the first time in erupting volcanoes, assuming hydrogen isotope exchange equilibrium between H2 and H2O (AETD = 629 ± 32°C) and oxygen isotope exchange equilibrium between CO2 and H2O (AET18O = 266 ± 65°C). We found that the AET18O was significantly lower than the AETD in the crater. While the temperature of the magmatic gases was originally 600°C or more, most of the gases cooled just beneath the crater to temperatures around the boiling point of water. The improved SelPS enable us to determine both AETD and AET18O in eruptive volcanoes, wherein fumaroles are inaccessible. Simultaneous and precise determination of both the AET18O and AETD can provide novel information on each volcano, such as the physicochemical conditions of magma degassing and the development of fluid circulation systems beneath each volcano.
Numerical Modeling of an Umbrella-Shaped Bolt and Its Anchorage Characteristics in Rock Engineering
Authors: Xiong Yong , Chen Hang , Cheng Yonghui , Hu Shenggang , Wang Zhaofeng , Gao Yaohui
Published: March 2022

The umbrella-shaped bolt (U-bolt) is a novel type of mechanical bolt used for rock reinforcement. It is made of a smooth steel bar, hinges, rigid rods, and sliding blocks. During installation and operation, the tension of the bolt is converted into the extrusion force on the rock mass deep in slope, so that the higher compressive strength of the rock mass is used to obtain the greater friction force and anchoring force. In this article, the structural and mechanical analysis results of the U-bolt is provided, and the relation between penetration and point normal stress is discussed. Based on these analyses, a simulation method for the U-bolt is proposed. The bolt elements are identified at first, then the penetration on the rock mass is calculated, and the tensile strength of bolt elements is increased to a reasonable value. Meanwhile, the method is applied to deep-buried rock reinforcement and a rock slope, and simulation results reveal that the U-bolt can alleviate the fracturing degree and reduce the depth and displacement of the excavation damaged zone (EDZ), and decrease the landslide distance.
Integrative Analysis of DNA Methylation and Gene Expression Identified Follicular Thyroid Cancer-Specific Diagnostic Biomarkers
Authors: Yao Yunjin , Xu Peiwei , Ying Tianxing , Wang Yue , Wang Xumeng , Shu Liqi , Mo Zhe , Chen Zhijian , Wang Xiaofeng , Wang Weibin , Teng Lisong , Lou Xiaoming
Published: March 2022

The diagnosis of follicular thyroid carcinoma (FTC) prior surgical resection remains a challenge, as routine screening methods, such as ultrasound or even FNAB, could not diagnose FTC preoperatively. Here, we performed an integrative analysis of DNA methylation and RNA array data from our own cohort (14 Follicular thyroid carcinoma vs 16 Benign thyroid lesion) to identify thyroid cancer-specific DNA methylation markers. We first identified differentially methylated and expressed genes and examined their correlations. Candidate DNA methylation sites were selected and further verified in validation set. Among all candidate methylation sites, cg06928209 was the most promising site as a molecular marker for early diagnosis, with a sensitivity of 90%, a specificity of 80% and an AUC of 0.77. Overall, our study demonstrates the potential use of methylation markers in FTC diagnosis and may boost the development of new epigenetic therapies.
Hypoglycaemia Metabolic Gene Panel Testing
Authors: Maiorana Arianna , Lepri Francesca Romana , Novelli Antonio , Dionisi-Vici Carlo
Published: March 2022

A large number of inborn errors of metabolism present with hypoglycemia. Impairment of glucose homeostasis may arise from different biochemical pathways involving insulin secretion, fatty acid oxidation, ketone bodies formation and degradation, glycogen metabolism, fructose and galactose metabolism, branched chain aminoacids and tyrosine metabolism, mitochondrial function and glycosylation proteins mechanisms. Historically, genetic analysis consisted of highly detailed molecular testing of nominated single genes. However, more recently, the genetic heterogeneity of these conditions imposed to perform extensive molecular testing within a useful timeframe via new generation sequencing technology. Indeed, the establishment of a rapid diagnosis drives specific nutritional and medical therapies. The biochemical and clinical phenotypes are critical to guide the molecular analysis toward those clusters of genes involved in specific pathways, and address data interpretation regarding the finding of possible disease-causing variants at first reported as variants of uncertain significance in known genes or the discovery of new disease genes. Also, the trio’s analysis allows genetic counseling for recurrence risk in further pregnancies. Besides, this approach is allowing to expand the phenotypic characterization of a disease when pathogenic variants give raise to unexpected clinical pictures. Multidisciplinary input and collaboration are increasingly key for addressing the analysis and interpreting the significance of the genetic results, allowing rapidly their translation from bench to bedside.
The Fundus Structural and Functional Predictions of DME Patients After Anti-VEGF Treatments
Authors: Xie Hang , Huang Shihao , Liu Qingliang , Xiang Yifan , Xu Fabao , Li Xiaoyan , Chiu Chun-Hung
Published: March 2022

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is an important complication with a high incidence of 34.6% in the diabetic populations. DR could finally lead to vision impairment without effective interventions, during which, diabetic macular edema (DME) is a key phase causing visual loss. Up to date, antivascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) therapy is the first-line treatment for DME which has achieved relatively better clinical outcomes than traditional treatments. However, there are several kinds of anti-VEGF medicines, and patients are sensitive to different anti-VEGF treatments. In addition, its effectiveness is unstable. Considering the patients’ need to accept continual anti-VEGF treatments and its price is comparatively high, it is clinically important to predict the prognosis after different anti-VEGF treatments. In our research, we used the demographic and clinical data of 254 DME patients and 2,763 optical coherence tomography (OCT) images from three countries to predict the fundus structural and functional parameters and treatment plan in 6 months after different anti-VEGF treatments. Eight baseline features combined with 11 models were applied to conduct seven prediction tasks. Accuracy (ACC), the area under curve (AUC), mean absolute error (MAE), and mean square error (MSE) were respectively used to evaluate the classification and regression tasks. The ACC and AUC of structural predictions of retinal pigment epithelial detachment were close to 1.000. The MAE and MSE of visual acuity predictions were nearly 0.3 to 0.4 logMAR. The ACC of treatment plan regarding continuous injection was approaching 70%. Our research has achieved great performance in the predictions of fundus structural and functional parameters as well as treatment plan, which can help ophthalmologists improve the treatment compliance of DME patients.
Energy Distribution Characteristics and Environmental Impact Factors in Different Regions of the Summer Monsoon Transition Zone
Authors: Ren Xueyuan , Zhang Qiang , Yue Ping , Yan Xinyang , Yang Yang
Published: March 2022

The summer monsoon transitional zone is a typical transitional ecosystem that is, also ecologically fragile. It is critical to explore the land surface energy balance and the water and heat transfer processes in this region for water resource management. However, the processes of surface water and heat transfer throughout the transition zone and the effects of environmental factors on energy distribution are understudied. Therefore, we analyzed the surface energy distribution and the environmental factors influencing it in the eastern and western transition zone from July to September, and compared the differing effects of meteorological factors and vegetation on the energy distribution between the two regions. The results show that the main consumption item of the available energy in the west of the transition zone is the latent heat flux. The same is true in the eastern region from July to August, but it changes to sensible heat flux in September. The factors influencing the Bowen ratio in the two regions were ground temperature difference, vapor pressure deficit, shallow soil water content, and drought stress index. Nevertheless, the Bowen ratio in the western region was more sensitive to water factors, whereas that in the eastern region was more sensitive to energy factors. The relationship between the Bowen ratio and the normalized difference vegetation index in the eastern region was more regular. This study provides a scientific basis for reasonably guiding agricultural production in the transition area.
Integration of Distinct Analysis Strategies Improves Tissue-Trait Association Identification
Authors: Yang Zhijian , Xu Wenzheng , Zhai Ranran , Li Ting , Ning Zheng , Pawitan Yudi , Shen Xia
Published: March 2022

Integrating genome-wide association studies (GWAS) with transcriptomic data, human complex traits and diseases have been linked to relevant tissues and cell types using different methods. However, different results from these methods generated confusion while no gold standard is currently accepted, making it difficult to evaluate the discoveries. Here, applying three methods on the same data source, we estimated the sensitivity and specificity of these methods in the absence of a gold standard. We established a more specific tissue-trait association atlas by combining the information captured by different methods. Our triangulation strategy improves the performance of existing methods in establishing tissue-trait associations. The results provide better etiological and functional insights for the tissues underlying different human complex traits and diseases.
Clinical and Genetic Characteristics of IKZF1 Mutation in Chinese Children With B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Authors: Zhang Jingying , Xu Xiao-Jun , Liu Lixia , Song Hua , Shen Heping , Xu Weiqun , Zhao Fenying , Liang Juan , Liao Chan , Wang Yan , Xia Tian , Cao Shanbo , Tang Yongmin , Qin Jiayue , Shen Diying
Published: March 2022

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is a malignancy associated with altered lymphoid precursor hyperplasia and accompanied with different genetic mutations. Few studies have been reported on the association between gene mutations and clinical features of IKZF1 mutation in children with B-cell ALL (B-ALL). We investigated clinical and genetic characteristics in 200 newly diagnosed pediatric B-ALL through multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) and targeted next-generation sequencing (NGS) method. We found that IKZF1 mutations, including large segment deletions, small insertions or deletions (InDels) and single nucleotide variations (SNVs), were detected in 22 patients with a positive mutation rate of 11.0%. IKZF1 mutation was significantly associated with higher WBC count (19.38 × 109/L vs. 5.80 × 109/L, p = 0.002). Compared with IKZF1 wild-type cases, a higher frequency of IL7R gene mutation was discovered in IKZF1 mutant cases (9.1% vs. 0.0%, p = 0.012). Patients with IKZF1 mutation were less sensitive to glucocorticoid induction than patients without IKZF1 mutation (63.6% vs. 9.0%, p < 0.001). On the 15th day of induction, minimal residual disease (MRD) > 10−3 level were higher in IKZF1 mutant patients than wild-type patients (45.5% vs. 22.3%, p = 0.018). In conclusion, our study reveals the association between genetic mutations and clinical features in Chinese children with B-ALL, which might contribute to molecular classification, risk stratification and prognosis evaluation, and provide new ideas for targeted therapy in ALL.