bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of Multiconstituent Tides on a Subterranean Estuary With Fixed-Head Inland Boundary
Authors: Yu Xiayang , Xin Pei , Shen Chengji , Li Ling 
Published: January 2021

While tides of multiple constituents are common in coastal areas, their effects on submarine groundwater discharge (SGD) and salinity distributions in unconfined coastal aquifers are rarely examined, with the exception of a recent study that explored such effects on unconfined aquifers with fixed inland freshwater input. For a large proportion of the global coastline, the inland areas of coastal aquifers are topography-limited and controlled by constant heads. Based on numerical simulations, this article examines the variation of SGD and salinity distributions in coastal unconfined aquifers with fixed-head inland boundaries at different distances from the shoreline (i.e., 50, 100, 150, and 200 m). The results showed that the fluctuation intensity of freshwater input was enhanced as the inland aquifer extent decreased, e.g., the range of tide-induced fluctuations in freshwater input increased by around 5 times as the inland aquifer extent decreased from 200 to 50 m. The frequency spectra of the fluctuations of SGD and salinity distributions showed that the coastal aquifer of a shorter inland aquifer extent smoothed out fewer high-frequency tidal constituents but enhanced interaction among different tidal constituents. The interaction among tidal constituents generated new low-frequency signals in the freshwater input and salinity distributions. Regressions based on functional data analysis demonstrated that the inland freshwater input and salinity distributions at any given moment were related to the antecedent (previous) tidal conditions weighted using the probability density function of the Gamma distribution. The influence of the antecedent tidal conditions depended on the inland aquifer extent.
The Inhibitory Effect of Curosurf® and Alveofact® on the Formation of Neutrophil Extracellular Traps
Authors: Schulz Annabell , Pagerols Raluy Laia , Kolman Jan Philipp , Königs Ingo , Trochimiuk Magdalena , Appl Birgit , Reinshagen Konrad , Boettcher Michael , Trah Julian 
Published: January 2021

BackgroundNeutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are a defense mechanism in which neutrophils cast a net-like structure in response to microbial infection. NETs consist of decondensed chromatin and about 30 enzymes and peptides. Some components, such as neutrophil elastase (NE) and myeloperoxidase (MPO), present antimicrobial but also cytotoxic properties, leading to tissue injury. Many inflammatory diseases are associated with NETs, and their final role has not been identified. Pulmonary surfactant is known to have immunoregulatory abilities that alter the function of adaptive and innate immune cells. The aim of this study was to investigate the hypothesis that natural surfactant preparations inhibit the formation of NETs.MethodsThe effect of two natural surfactants (Alveofact® and Curosurf®) on spontaneous and phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate–induced NET formation by neutrophils isolated by magnetic cell sorting from healthy individuals was examined. NETs were quantitatively detected by absorption and fluorometric-based assays for the NET-specific proteins (NE, MPO) and cell-free DNA. Immunofluorescence microscopy images were used for visualization.ResultsBoth surfactant preparations exerted a dose-dependent inhibitory effect on NET formation. Samples treated with higher concentrations and with 30 min pre-incubation prior to stimulation with phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate had significantly lower levels of NET-specific proteins and cell-free DNA compared to untreated samples. Immunofluorescence microscopy confirmed these findings.ConclusionsThe described dose-dependent modulation of NET formation ex vivo suggests an interaction between exogenous surfactant supplementation and neutrophil granulocytes. The immunoregulatory effects of surfactant preparations should be considered for further examination of inflammatory diseases.
MiRNA Polymorphisms and Hepatocellular Carcinoma Susceptibility: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis
Authors: Zhang Qimeng , Xu Xueying , Wu Mingcheng , Qin Tiantian , Wu Shaoning , Liu Hongbo 
Published: January 2021

BackgroundHepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is an intractable public health threat worldwide, representing the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality, with limited early detection and therapeutic options. Recent findings have revealed that the susceptibility of HCC is closely related to microRNA (miRNA). We performed this systematic review with a network meta-analysis to investigated four single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that most regularly reported in miRNAs, exploring their involvement in HCC susceptibility and interaction with hepatitis B virus (HBV).MethodsDatabases were reviewed for related studies published up to May 2019 to identify all studies that compared genotypes of miR-146a rs2910164, miR-149 rs2292832, miR-196a2 rs11614913, and miR-499 rs3746444 with no language and date restrictions. A pairwise meta-analysis was performed to estimate pooled odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals incorporating heterogeneity to assess the relationship between four miRNA polymorphisms and HCC. To further clarify the effect of polymorphisms on HCC, a Bayesian network meta-analysis was conducted to combine the effective sizes of direct and indirect comparisons. Calculations were performed by R version 3.6.1 and STATA 14.0. All steps were performed according to PRISMA guidelines.ResultsA total of 20 studies were enrolled in this network meta-analysis, providing 5,337 hepatocellular carcinoma cases and 6,585 controls. All included studies had an acceptable quality. Pairwise meta-analysis demonstrated that miR-196a2 rs11614913 was significantly associated with the susceptibility of HCC, while the other three SNPs were not found to have a significant association. In the analysis of HCC patients under different HBV infection status, only miR-196a2 revealed correlation of threefold risk. The network results showed no significant difference in the distribution of genotype frequencies except for miR-196a2, which appeared to have the highest superiority index when comparing and ranking four SNPs.ConclusionMiR-196a2 rs11614913 was significantly associated with the susceptibility of HCC, especially for HBV- related HCC, and that individuals with TC/CC were more susceptible. No significant association was found in the other three miRNA genes. MiR-196a2 could serve as the best predictor of susceptibility in HCC.
Highly Multiplexed Digital Spatial Profiling of the Tumor Microenvironment of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Patients
Authors: Kulasinghe Arutha , Taheri Touraj , O’Byrne Ken , Hughes Brett G. M. , Kenny Liz , Punyadeera Chamindie 
Published: January 2021

BackgroundImmune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) have shown durable and long-term benefits in a subset of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients. To identify patient-responders from non-responders, biomarkers are needed which are predictive of outcome to ICI therapy. Cues in the tumor microenvironment (TME) have been informative in understanding the tumor-immune contexture.MethodsIn this preliminary study, the NanoString GeoMx™ Digital Spatial Profiling (DSP) technology was used to determine the immune marker and compartment specific measurements in a cohort of HNSCC tumors from patients receiving ICI therapy.ResultsOur data revealed that markers involved with immune cell infiltration (CD8 T-cells) were not predictive of outcome to ICI therapy. Rather, a number of immune cell types and protein markers (CD4, CD68, CD45, CD44, CD66b) were found to correlate with progressive disease. Cross platform comparison with the Opal Vectra (Perkin Elmer) for a number of markers across similar regions of interest demonstrated concordance for pan-cytokeratin, CD8, and PD-L1.ConclusionThis study, to our knowledge, represents the first digital spatial analysis of HNSCC tumors. A larger cohort of HNSCC will be required to orthogonally validate the findings.
Emodin Inhibits the Proliferation of MCF-7 Human Breast Cancer Cells Through Activation of Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor (AhR)
Authors: Zhang Ning , Wang Jiawen , Sheng Aimin , Huang Shuo , Tang Yanyan , Ma Shitang , Hong Ge 
Published: January 2021

Natural products have proved to be a promising source for the development of potential anticancer drugs. Emodin, a natural compound from Rheum palmatum, is used to treat several types of cancers, including lung, liver, and pancreatic. However, there are few reports regarding its use in the treatment of breast cancer. Thus, the therapeutic effect and mechanism of emodin on MCF-7 human breast cancer cells were investigated in this study. Morphological observations and cell viability were evaluated to determine the anti-proliferation activity of emodin. Network pharmacology and molecular docking were performed to screen the potential targets. Western blot analysis was used to explore a potential antitumor mechanism. The results showed that emodin (50–100 μmol/L) could significantly inhibit the proliferation of MCF-7 cells in a time and dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, virtual screening studies indicated that emodin was a potent aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) agonist in chemotherapy for breast cancer. Finally, when MCF-7 cells were treated with emodin (100 μmol/L) for 24 h, the AhR and cytochrome P450 1A1 (CYP1A1) protein expression levels were significantly upregulated compared with the control group. Our study indicated that emodin exhibited promising antitumor activity in MCF-7 cells, likely through activation of the AhR-CYP1A1 signaling pathway. These findings lay a foundation for the application of emodin in breast cancer treatment.
Possible Indications of Variations in the Directionality of Beta-Decay Products
Authors: Sturrock Peter A. , Fischbach Ephraim , Piatibratova Oksana , Scholkmann Felix 
Published: January 2021

Some experiments seem to yield strong evidence of variability of beta-decay rates, but other experiments may show little or no such evidence. Some recent experiments help clarify the situation. In particular, a certain oscillation appears in neutrino measurements made at the Super-Kamiokande Neutrino Observatory and in radon beta-decay measurements made at the Geological Survey of Israel, with identical frequency (9.43 years−1), amplitude and phase, strengthening the case for an influence of neutrinos on beta decays. A review of current experimental information leads us to suggest that 1) beta-decay rates do not change, but 2) the angular distribution of decay products may be anisotropic, and 3) the angular distribution of decay products may be influenced by the ambient neutrino flux. It appears that experiments at standards laboratories tend to be insensitive to direction, and this may be the reason that they tend not to exhibit evidence of variability.
Rescuers at Risk: Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms Among Police Officers, Fire Fighters, Ambulance Personnel, and Emergency and Psychiatric Nurses
Authors: Soravia Leila M. , Schwab Simon , Walther Sebastian , Müller Thomas 
Published: January 2021

Emergency personnel and rescue workers may be at a risk of posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) due to exposure to trauma and work-related stressors. Though rescuers of different professions are often engaged in the same type of emergency, they have different tasks and responsibilities and receive different training in coping with traumatic events and stress; hence, we speculated that the salience of identified risk factors for PTSS vary across their respective professions. The present cross-sectional survey aimed to identify influencing variables on PTSS, well-being, and suicidal ideation that can act differently across professions of rescue workers and emergency personnel. In this anonymous online study, data from 1,002 rescue workers and emergency personnel in Switzerland, were collected: 499 police officers, 239 firefighters, 97 ambulance personnel, and 85 emergency and 82 psychiatric nurses. PTSS, coping strategies, well-being, suicidal ideation, previously experienced and work-related trauma, and self-efficacy were measured and analyzed using multiple regression and structural equation modeling (SEM). The prevalence of suspected posttraumatic stress disorder varied across the professions, ranged from 8% (firefighters) to 22% (psychiatric nurses), and was associated with psychological strain and suicidal ideation. The SEM showed that dysfunctional coping strategies, self-efficacy, previously experienced and work-related trauma, years on job, and female sex explained up to 78% of PTSS and that PTSS itself explained up to 68% of the psychological strain experienced in the different professions. Independent of the profession, dysfunctional coping such as alcohol use, avoidance, and distraction, as well as work-related trauma were the most robust predictors of PTSS. However, while self-efficacy was a risk factor for police officers, firefighters and ambulance personnel, it was a protective factor for emergency and psychiatric nurses. Furthermore, female sex was only a risk factor for ambulance personnel and emergency nurses. In agreement with prior research, emergency personnel and rescuers exhibited enhanced prevalence of PTSS and suspected PTSD, leading to significant psychological strain and suicidal ideation. However, risk factors varied across the professions. Thus, the development of profession-specific trainings to improve self-efficacy and coping with work-related stressors to reduce PTSS, and enhance quality of life, is needed for individuals in such high-risk professions.Clinical Trial Registration:ClinicalTrials.gov Nr. NCT03842553.
Association between Immunoglobulin M and Steroid Resistance in Children with Nephrotic Syndrome: A Retrospective Multicenter Study in Japan
Authors: Udagawa Tomohiro , Matsuyama Yusuke , Okutsu Mika , Motoyoshi Yaeko , Okada Mari , Tada Norimasa , Kikuchi Eriko , Shimoda Masuhiro , Kanamori Toru , Omori Tae , Takahashi Masaki , Imai Kohsuke , Endo Akifumi , Fujiwara Takeo , Morio Tomohiro 
Published: January 2021

Background
The prognosis of steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome (SRNS) in children is poorer than steroid-sensitive cases. Diagnosis of SRNS is made after observing the response to the initial 4-week corticosteroid therapy, which might be accompanied by side effects. However, predictive indicators at initial diagnosis remain unknown. We aimed to investigate whether selectivity index (SI) and other indicators at initial diagnosis—for example, serum IgM and total serum protein–albumin ratio (TA ratio, total serum protein level over albumin level)—can predict SRNS.

Methods
A total of 80 children were enrolled from seven hospitals in Japan between January 2008 and December 2019 (mean age, 4.7 years; 65% male). Of the children enrolled, 13 (16%, M/F=5:8) had been diagnosed as steroid resistant after initial treatment with steroids. The association between serum IgM (tertile categories: low, 24–133; middle, 134–169; and high, 169.1–510 mg/dl), SI (<0.2 or ≥0.2), and TA ratio (tertile categories: low, 1.8–2.6; middle, 2.62–3.75; and high, 3.8–15.3) at initial diagnosis and steroid resistance was evaluated with logistic regression, adjusting for age and sex.

Results
Low levels of serum IgM were significantly associated with steroid resistance (adjusted odds ratio, 6.94; 95% CI, 1.12 to 43.11). TA ratio and SI were not significantly associated with steroid resistance.

Conclusions
Low levels of serum IgM at initial diagnosis might predict steroid resistance among Japanese children with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome.
PENERAPAN MODEL ERROR CORRECTION MECHANISM: DETERMINAN PRODUKSI KOPI DI INDONESIA PERIODE 2002-2018
Authors: Safitri Zasya , Yuliana Lia 
Published: January 2021

Kopi merupakan salah satu komoditas hasil perkebunan yang mempunyai peran cukup penting dalam kegiatan perekonomian di Indonesia. Namun, produksi kopi di Indonesia mengalami kondisi yang berfluktuatif. Sementara itu, kondisi pasar kopi di dalam negeri masih cukup besar dengan diikuti peluang kopi sebagai komoditas ekspor yang semakin terbuka. Dalam jangka panjang, dikhawatirkan produksi kopi tidak dapat memenuhi pasar domestik maupun internasional. Adapun tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk menganalisis faktor-faktor yang berpengaruh dalam jangka panjang dan jangka pendek pada produksi kopi di Indonesia sebagai penentu kebijakan yang tepat untuk meningkatkan produksinya. Metode yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah Error Correction Mechanism (ECM) dengan periode penelitian mulai dari tahun 2002 sampai dengan tahun 2018. Berdasarkan hasil pembahasan, dalam jangka panjang variabel luas tanam menghasilkan dan harga kopi domestik berpengaruh signifikan terhadap produksi kopi sedangkan variabel jumlah petani kopi tidak signifikan dalam mempengaruhi produksi kopi. Selanjutnya, dalam jangka pendek hanya variabel jumlah petani kopi yang berpengaruh secara signifikan terhadap produksi kopi sedangkan variabel luas tanam menghasilkan dan harga kopi domestik tidak signifikan dalam mempengaruhi produksi kopi.
KAJIAN KARAKTERISTIK PEKERJA MISKIN
Authors: Rahman Arif , Aulia Lalu Ardani 
Published: January 2021

Fenomena kemiskinan seringkali dikaitkan dengan masalah pengangguran. Orang yang menganggur dianggap akan menambah jumlah penduduk miskin. Padahal, pada negara berkembang termasuk Indonesia, orang yang miskin akan bekerja apa saja untuk memenuhi kebutuhan hidup keluarganya. Fenomena adanya orang yang telah bekerja namun masih tergolong miskin ini disebut sebagai pekerja miskin. Pada Februari 2019, Badan Pusat Statistik (BPS) mencatat bahwa Tingkat Pengangguran Terbuka (TPT) di Kalimantan Barat sebesar 4,14 persen. Namun, di sisi lain BPS juga mencatat persentase kemiskinan di Kalimantan Barat pada Maret 2019 mencapai 7,49 persen dan menjadi yang tertinggi di Pulau Kalimantan. Fenomena tersebut mengindikasikan bahwa masalah pekerja miskin juga terjadi di Kalimantan Barat. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mendeskripsikan gambaran umum karakteristik pekerja miskin, mengetahui variabel-variabel yang berpengaruh serta menganalisis kecenderungannya terhadap status pekerja miskin di Provinsi Kalimantan Barat tahun 2019. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa secara umum, pekerja miskin di Provinsi Kalimantan Barat banyak ditemukan pada pekerja yang berjenis kelamin laki-laki, berstatus kawin/pernah kawin, berusia menengah, hanya berpendidikan maksimal sekolah dasar, tinggal di perdesaan, bekerja di lapangan pekerjaan pertanian, berstatus pekerja informal, dan pekerja penuh. Selanjutnya, variabel-variabel yang berpengaruh terhadap pekerja miskin di Provinsi Kalimantan Barat di antaranya status perkawinan, umur, tingkat pendidikan.
Comparing the Lenstar Optical Biometer and the Verion Image-Guided System for intraocular lens power calculation
Authors: Lee Mun Wai 
Published: January 2021

Introduction: This study aims to evaluate the accuracy of the measurement parameters of the new Verion Image Guided System compared with an established standard of care.
Purpose: To compare the keratometry (K) and white-to-white (WTW) measurements obtained from the Lenstar Optical Biometer (LS) with those from the Verion Image-Guided System (VR) and their effect on intraocular lens (IOL) power calculation.
Design: Prospective comparative case series.
Materials and methods: Sixty patients going for cataract surgery had biometry measurements and IOL calculation with the LS. Axial length from LS was used together with K and WTW measurements from VR for IOL calculation as well. IOL selection was done using the Barrett Universal II formula targeting emmetropia. The prediction error (PE) within 0.25 D, 0.5 D, and 1 D of refractive target and the mean absolute error (MAE) were calculated for both the LS and VR.
Results: Keratometry measurements and steep axis from the VR were closely correlated with the LS (Pearson correlation coefficient K1, r = 0.958; K2, r = 0.952; axis, r = 0.950). The WTW measurements were less so (WTW, r = 0.471). The MAE was 0.317 and 0.347 for LS and VR, respectively. PE within 0.25 D was 48.3% and 40%; within 0.5 D was 83.3% and 76.7%; and within 1 D was 98.3% and 96.7% for LS and VR, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in MAE between the LS and VR (p = 0.74)
Conclusion: Using the K and WTW measurements from the Verion Image-Guided System for IOL power calculation did provide comparable results with the Lenstar. The Lenstar had a higher proportion of eyes within 0.5 D of refractive target but the difference was not statistically significant.
Comparison of contrast sensitivity between three aspheric acrylic monofocal intraocular lenses: a prospective randomised trial
Authors: Alice Chin Chiet Ying , Gurusamy Banumathi , Andrew Lim Keat , Bastion Mae-Lynn Catherine 
Published: January 2021

Introduction: Evolution of cataract surgery and implantation of intraocular lenses (IOL) with new technological designs to optimise functional vision has been the aim of cataract surgery today. Aspherical lens design is a new lens technology to counteract spherical aberration exerted by a conventional IOL.
Purpose: To compare the contrast sensitivity after cataract surgery between aspheric IOLs with negative spherical aberration (Tecnis ZA9003TM and AcrySof IQTM) and zero spherical aberration IOLs (Akreos Adapt Advance Optic [AO]TM).
Study design: Interventional, single-blinded, randomised controlled trial.
Methods: Ninety-six patients were recruited with 32 eyes in each study arm. All patients underwent standard phacoemulsification with implantation of an aspheric acrylic IOL randomised to one of the three lens models by a single experienced surgeon. Pre- and postoperative contrast sensitivity was analysed using the CSV1000E chart under photopic and mesopic conditions with and without glare testing.
Results: All three lenses showed statistically significant improvement in contrast sensitivity postoperatively at all spatial frequencies under photopic, mesopic, and scotopic conditions with glare. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups. Tecnis ZA9003TM showed marked improvement in mesopic contrast sensitivity at 18 cycles/degree (cpd) at 12 weeks (p < 0.05). The zero aberration Akreos Adapt AOTM showed better photopic contrast sensitivity compared to mesopic contrast sensitivity (p > 0.05).
Conclusion: AcrySof IQTM, Akreos Adapt AOTM, and Tecnis ZA9003TM performed equally well in contrast sensitivity at all spatial frequencies under photopic and mesopic conditions with and without glare testing. All lenses had statistically significant improvement in contrast sensitivity after cataract surgery. The negative aberration IOL Tecnis ZA9003TM showed marked improvement in mesopic contrast sensitivity at 18 cpd at 12 weeks. The zero aberration IOL, Akreos Adapt AOTM showed better photopic contrast sensitivity compared to mesopic contrast sensitivity.