bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Potential core genes associated with COVID-19 identified via weighted gene co-expression network analysis
Authors: Wu Chao , Wu Zuowei , Chen Yang , Huang Xing , Tian Bole 
Published: December 2022

AIMS: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a novel virus belonging to the Coronaviridae family that causes coronavirus disease (COVID-19). This disease rapidly reached pandemic status, presenting a serious threat to global health. However, the detailed molecular mechanism contributing to COVID-19 has not yet been elucidated.

METHODS: The expression profiles, including the mRNA levels, of samples from patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 along with clinical data were obtained from the GSE152075 dataset in the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was used to identify co-expression modules, which were then implemented to evaluate the relationships between fundamental modules and clinical traits. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs), gene ontology (GO) functional enrichment, and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway were evaluated using R software packages.

RESULTS: A total of 377 SARS-CoV-2-infected samples and 54 normal samples with available clinical and genetic data were obtained from the GEO database. There were 1444 DEGs identified between the sample types, which were used to screen out 11 co-expression modules in the WGCNA. Six co-expression modules were significantly associated with three clinical traits (SARS-CoV-2 positivity, age, and sex). Among the DEGs in two modules significantly correlated with SARS-CoV-2 positivity, enrichment was observed in the biological process of viral infection strategies (viral translation) in the GO analysis. The KEGG signalling pathway analysis demonstrated that the DEGs in the two modules were commonly enriched in oxidative phosphorylation, ribosome, and thermogenesis pathways. Moreover, a five-core gene set (RPL35A, RPL7A, RPS15, RPS20, and RPL17) with top connectivity with other genes was identified in the SARS-CoV-2 infection modules, suggesting that these genes may be indispensable in viral transcription after infection.

CONCLUSION: The identified core genes and signalling pathways associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection can significantly supplement the current understanding of COVID-19. The five core genes encoding ribosomal proteins may be indispensable in viral protein biosynthesis after SARS-CoV-2 infection and serve as therapeutic targets for COVID-19 treatment. These findings can be used as a basis for creating a hypothetical model for future experimental studies regarding associations of SARS-CoV-2 infection with ribosomal protein function.
COVID-19 Obez Çocuklarda Daha Ağır mı Seyrediyor?
Authors: ARSLAN MADEN Aslıhan , EKEMEN KELEŞ Yıldız , KARADAG-ONCEL Eda , ÜSTÜNDAĞ Gülnihan , ŞAHİN Aslıhan , ELVAN TÜZ Ayşegül , TAŞAR Selin , MANYAS Hayrullah , KARA AKSAY Ahu , YILMAZ ÇİFTDOĞAN Dilek , DÜNDAR Bumin 
Published: December 2022

Amaç: Bu çalışmanın amacı hastanede yatan pediyatrik COVID-19 hastalarının obezite oranlarının saptanması ve COVID-19 prognozu üzerindeki etkisini araştırmaktır. Gereç ve Yöntem: Bu çalışma 1 Ocak 2021 ile 20 Kasım 2021 arasında COVID-19 tanısı ile hastaneye yatırılan çocuk hastalarda retrospektif olarak yapılmıştır. Hastaların demografik özellikleri, boy ve kilo, vücut kitle indeksi persentili (VKİ), kronik hastalık öyküsü, hastaneye yatış süresi ve klinik ciddiyetle ilişkili faktörler (yoğun bakım ünitesine [YBÜ] kabul, oksijen desteğine ihtiyaç) irdelenmiştir. Bulgular: Çalışmaya alınan 76 COVID-19 tanılı hastanın 40'ı (%52,6) kızdır; 13'ünde (%17,1) fazla kilo veya obezite saptanmıştır. Hastaların ortanca yaşları 6,2 yıldır [çeyreklikler arası aralık (IQR) 1,8-12,2 yıl]. Hastalar COVID-19’un klinik şiddeti göre değerlendirildiğinde %48,7'si hafif, %36,8'i orta, %14,5'i ağır- kritik şiddettedir. Hastaların %38,2'si oksijen desteğine ihtiyaç duymuş ve %7,6'sında yoğun bakım ünitesinde yatış ihtiyacı gelişmiştir. COVID-19 hastalığının klinik şiddeti fazla kilolu/obez çocuklar ile normal kilolu çocuklarda benzer saptanmıştır (p=0,918). Oksijen gereksinimi olan 29 hastanın 24’ünün (%82,7) ve yoğun bakımda izlem gerektiren 6 hastanın 5’inin (%83,3) normal kiloda olduğu görülürken, gruplar arasındaki fark istatistiksel olarak anlamlı değildir (her iki parametre için p&gt;0.05). Sonuç: Çalışmamızda pediyatrik hastalarda fazla kilolu/obez olma ile klinik şiddet arasında ilişki saptanmamıştır. Çalışmanın küçük örneklem büyüklüğü nedeniyle genellenebilirliği sınırlı olabilir. Çok merkezli, pediyatrik hasta popülasyonunun daha fazla olduğu çalışmalara ihtiyaç vardır.
The Impact of Hyperthyroidism on Fertility, Maternal, Foetal and Perinatal Outcomes in the Era of Iodine Fortification
Authors: Nontsikelelo Gubu-Ntaba Constance , Mpumlwana Vulikhaya , Mizpa Sotobe-Mbana Nandipha , Mayer Martha , Ogbonna Ekpebegh Chukwuma , Bitamazire Businge Charles 
Published: December 2022

Graves’ disease and nodular toxic thyroid disease are the leading causes of hyperthyroidism. Iodine fortification (IF) among mild-to-moderate iodine deficiency populations is associated with transient increase in incident thyrotoxic nodular disease that may last up to 10 years. A rise in incident Graves’ disease and other autoimmune thyroid conditions has also been associated with IF. Epidemiological studies from different geographical settings around the globe suggest increased incidence even among reproductive age groups in affected populations. Recurrent iodine deficiency in iodine replete populations in developed countries may also predispose them to a similar phenomenon. The prevalence and consequences of hyperthyroidism in pregnancy may be higher than previously reported. We intend to describe the aetiopathology and epidemiology of hyperthyroidism, the mechanisms through which hyperthyroidism predisposes to infertility; the impact of hyperthyroidism on fertility treatment, pregnancy in general and among women with infertility; as well as the effects of hyperthyroidism or agents used in the treatment of hyperthyroidism on perinatal outcomes and adult life for those exposed in utero.
Evaluation of Industrial Noise Reduction Achieved with a Green Barrier: Case Study
Authors: Cobo Dorado Martha , Rodríguez Milan Gissell , Elizabeth González Alice 
Published: December 2022

In this chapter, a case study is presented on the evaluation of acoustic performance of a tree barrier. It is a eucalyptus barrier that was planted as a visual barrier to block an industrial plant. First, the depletion law of sound pressure levels (SPL) of the source was analyzed; a linear divergence was found. A calculation scheme similar to that of ISO 9613-2 was applied. When comparing the SPL measured at a specific receiver with the results of propagating the SPL from the source without considering the existence of the barrier, an extra attenuation of 12 dB appeared, reinforcing the idea that the plantation behaves as an acoustic barrier. Four different calculations were used to obtain its insertion loss (IL), including general equations and expressions developed for green barriers. The best fit was obtained using equations for solid barriers, although it was not the expected result. This finding could be explained by the great distance between the source and the receiver. It opens the possibility of successfully using IL prediction equations for solid acoustic barriers (both thin and thick) to estimate the acoustic performance of green barriers, at least under conditions similar to those of this case study.
Pengaruh LKPD-Elektronik sistem gerak terhadap hasil belajar dan keterampilan berpikir kritis peserta didik
Authors: Mardhatilah Rizqa , Zaini Muhammad , Kaspul Kaspul 
Published: December 2022

Kemajuan teknologi menjadi salah satu potensi yang dapat dimanfaatkan pada masa pandemi COVID-19, diantaranya LKPD elektronik (e-LKPD) dalam pembelajaran biologi untuk menuntun kegiatan pembelajaran yang baik. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis pengaruh penggunaan e-LKPD pada konsep sistem gerak terhadap hasil belajar kognitif produk dan kognitif proses, serta menganalisis peningkatan kapasitas berpikir kritis peserta didik pada konsep sistem gerak. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode quasi experiment guna melakukan pengukuran terhadap hasil belajar kognitif produk dan proses, sedangkan kemampuan berpikir kritis dianalisis secara deskriptif. Pengambilan sampel untuk data kognitif produk dan kognitif proses melalui teknik purposive sampling, sedangkan keterampilan berpikir kritis menggunakan kelas perlakuan dan kelas kontrol. Teknik analisis data hasil belajar menggunakan analisis kovarian dengan aplikasi SPSS 22, sedangkan data keterampilan berpikir kritis dianalisis menggunakan uji deskriptif dengan penskoran. Hasil penelitian menjelaskan dampak penggunaan e-LKPD terhadap hasil belajar kognitif produk dan kognitif proses memperoleh signifikansi yang sama (sig. 0.000), . Rata-rata skor aspek keterampilan berpikir kritis peserta didik menggunakan e-LKPD memperoleh kategori baik. Berdasarkan temuan ini, e-LKPD dapat menjadi alternatif dalam kegiatan pembelajaran karena terbukti peserta didik memperoleh hasil belajar dan keterampilan berpikir kritis yang baik.
Abstract. Technological progress is one of the potential benefits of the COVID-19 pandemic, including electronic LKPD (e-LKPD) in biology learning to guide suitable learning activities. This study aims to analyze the effect of using e-LKPD on the motion system concept on product cognitive learning outcomes and cognitive processes, as well as the improvement of students' critical thinking capacity on the motion system concept. This study uses a quasi-experimental method to measure the cognitive learning outcomes of products and processes, while critical thinking skills are analyzed descriptively. Sampling for product cognitive data and process through purposive sampling technique, while critical thinking skills using the treatment and control classes. The data analysis technique for learning outcomes used covariance analysis with the SPSS 22 application, while the critical thinking skills data were analyzed using a descriptive test with scoring. The study's results explain the impact of using e-LKPD on product cognitive learning outcomes and cognitive processes that have the same significance (sig. 0.000). The average score of the critical thinking skills aspect of students using e-LKPD obtained a good category. These findings prove that e-LKPD students get good learning outcomes and critical thinking skills to become an alternative in online learning activities.
Impact of Price Wars on Sales Performance of Carbonated Drinks Companies in Kenya: A Case of Highlands Drinks Limited.
Authors: Waiganjo Martin N 
Published: December 2022

Purpose: This study focused on examining the impact of price wars on sales performance of carbonated drinks companies in Kenya with reference to Highlands Drinks Limited.
Methodology: The study adopted a descriptive research design that gathered both quantitative and qualitative data. The target population comprised of 300 managers from different carbonated drinks companies that sell their products in Nyeri town. After employing stratified random sampling, the sample size was 90 respondents which was 30% of the target population. The study employed a questionnaire to obtain primary data whose reliability was tested through Cronbach’s alpha in which 0.789 value was obtained which was acceptable. The questionnaire return rate was 94.44%. Quantitative data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20 and presented as figures and tables for clarity. Qualitative data was used to supplement interpretation of quantitative data.
Findings: The findings showed that the days of wild growth and huge profits for Kenya’s carbonated soft drink manufacturers could be over as price war continue to intensify due to competition pressures. It was evident that refraining from price cuts would cause sale volumes of the former duopoly (Coca-Cola and a Pepsi) to plunge even further than had been experienced, given the low per capita consumption of carbonated soft drinks in Kenya. Also, the study found out that even though price cuts are an advantage of consumers, it is a disadvantage to manufacturers as it affects their profitability, which also in turn reduces taxes to government.
Conclusion: The main competing strategy employed by majority of carbonated drinks manufacturer was pricing. Pricing is one of the important decisions that need to be made by a firm and which affects its revenue and profitability.
Recommendations: The study recommends the carbonated drinks manufacturers in Kenya to adopt non price competition strategies that can be employed by business owners and sales reps to avoid a price war. These strategies include price matching, evaluating competitors, product re-branding, increasing stockists, and creative advertising.
Efeitos da Lei Florestal em áreas com diferentes tipologias vegetais na Chapada dos Veadeiros - Goiás
Authors: Godoi Emiliano Lobo de , Sousa Nayara Pereira Rezende de , Marques Marcella Ribeiro , Mendes Thiago Augusto 
Published: December 2022

A legislação florestal brasileira, principal instrumento legal sobre proteção e restauração da vegetação natural, sofreu significativas mudanças nas últimas décadas. Tais mudanças afetam diretamente os biomas do país. Nesse contexto, o presente trabalho teve por objetivo avaliar se, com a edição da Lei Estadual nº 18.104, de 18/07/2013, houve alteração na composição da cobertura vegetal na região da Chapada dos Veadeiros – Goiás, no período de 2008 até 2018, que corresponde aos cinco anos anteriores e posteriores à promulgação da referida lei. Foi adotada uma metodologia quantitativa na qual as hipóteses são testadas a partir da coleta de dados, baseando-se em variáveis que possuem medição numérica. Buscou-se fazer uma análise estatística para configurar padrões de modo a comprovar ou refutar a hipótese de que a Lei Florestal afetou as diferentes tipologias vegetais na região da Chapada dos Veadeiros. Foi verificada uma tendência de redução das áreas de formação savânicas e campestre na região estudada e aumentos significativos das áreas cobertas por florestas plantadas, pastagens e agricultura. Não foram observadas diferenças significativas estatisticamente nas áreas com formação florestal. Esses resultados apontam que a edição da Lei nº 18.104/2013 pode ter favorecido alterações nas áreas cobertas por diferentes tipologias vegetais na região da Chapada dos Veadeiros – Goiás, reduzindo áreas de formação savânica e campestre e ampliando áreas cobertas por florestas plantadas, pastagens e agricultura.
Characteristics and usefulness of trunk muscle endurance tests on the Roman chair in healthy adults
Authors: Petrič Maja , Zaletel-Kragelj Lijana , Vauhnik Renata 
Published: December 2022

BackgroundAdequate trunk muscle endurance is considered to be an important indicator of good low back stability; therefore, its assessment is needed when determining an individual’s risk for back pain. Optimal tests to assess each trunk muscle group separately are difficult to find. The objective of this study was to verify if two groups of trunk muscle endurance tests (standard and alternative) show comparable results in terms of muscle endurance ratios, holding times and rated perceived effort to perform each test.MethodsThe study was designed as a quasi-experimental repeated-measures design. There was a single group of participants who took part in two different trunk muscle endurance testing. Sixty-eight healthy adult volunteers, aged 20–45 years (31.9 ± 7.2 years), without recent musculoskeletal injury or disorder participated in the study. All participants finished the study. Trunk muscle endurance tests as tested on the Roman chair (B tests) were compared with standard tests as suggested by McGill (A tests). Each group of tests consisted of an endurance test for trunk extensors, trunk flexors, and lateral trunk muscles for left and right side. The order of tests’ performances was randomly assigned to each participant, whereby a participant did perform A and B tests in the same order. In each test of A and B the holding time was recorded and a perceived effort in each test performance was also assessed by participants. Post testing performance the four ratios of trunk muscles endurance comparison were calculated for each group of tests to determine if there is a good or poor ratio between muscles. Results of each participant were compared for trunk muscle endurance ratio calculations, holding times and rated perceived effort for A and B tests.ResultsResults showed comparable trunk muscle endurance ratios in the three ratios observed, except for the flexors:extensors ratio (AFL:EX: 1.2 (IQR: 0.7–1.6)vs. BFL:EX: 0.6 (IQR: 0.3–0.8);p< 0.001). As compared to A tests, holding times were significantly longer in B tests for the extensors (AEX: 125.5 s (IQR: 104.8–182.8 s)vs. BEX: 284.0 s (IQR: 213.0–342.3 s);p< 0.001) and lateral trunk muscles (AL-LM: 61.0 s (IQR: 48.3–80.8 s)vs. BL-LM: 131.5 s (IQR: 95.5–158.5 s); AR-LM: 63.5 s (IQR: 45.8–77.3 s)vs. BR-LM: 113.0 s (IQR: 86.3–148.8 s);p< 0.001), both were also rated as slightly easier to perform in the extensors (ARPE-EX: 13 (IQR: 12.0–14.0) vs BRPE-EX: 11 (IQR: 10.0–13.0); pRPE-EX< 0.001) and lateral muscles testing (ARPE-LM: 14.0 (IQR: 12.3–15.8)vs. BRPE-LM: 13.0 (IQR: 12.0–15.0); pRPE-LM= 0.001).ConclusionsA and B tests are comparable in three of four trunk muscle endurance ratios, while longer holding times and lower perceived effort to perform were observed in most of the B tests. The Roman chair tests could be used as an alternative to standard tests.
Effects of Different Potting Media on the Germination and Early Growth of Newbouldia laevis. (P. Beauv.) Seem.
Authors: Anozie E. L. , Egwunatum A. E. , Ezenwenyi J. U. , Okonkwo C. I. 
Published: December 2022

The research was conducted at the screen house of the Department of Forestry and Wildlife, Faculty of Agriculture, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra state, Nigeria. The study was carried out from January to May 2021 to access the effect of different potting media on germination and early growth of Newbodia laevis.
Treatments were laid out in a Complete Randomize Design (CRD) with four replications. The germination parameters measured were days to germination, germination period and germination percentage while the growth variables measured includes plant height, collar diameter and number of leaves. The potting media used were T1 (topsoil and cow dung), T2 (topsoil and goat dung), T3 (topsoil and poultry dropping), T4(topsoil and sawdust), T5 control (topsoil only).
Data collected were subjected to R software, using the following packages: plyr, car, gvlma, one-way tests, user friendly science, ggplot. Results obtained indicated that T1 had the highest germination percentage (85%) followed by T2 and T3 with germination percentages of 82% and 80% respectively. T4 had the poorest germination percentage (60%). The results also showed that the treatment had direct effect on the seedling early growth; the highest mean collar girth was observed in T1 with 1.85 cm while the least was observed in T4 with 0.72 m. The highest mean height was observed in T2 with 22.15 cm while the least was observed in T4 with 7.23 cm. Also, the highest mean number of leaves was observed in T2 with 21leaves while the least was observed in T4 with 7 leaves. Based on the findings of these experiments it is recommended that for maximum growth and optimum germination of Newbodia laevis, T1 and T2 should be used, sawdust had poor germination and growth performance and thereby is not recommended for the early growth of Newbodia laevis seedlings.
Transforming Atrial Fibrillation Research to Integrate Social Determinants of Health
Authors: Benjamin Emelia J. , Thomas Kevin L. , Go Alan S. , Desvigne-Nickens Patrice , Albert Christine M. , Alonso Alvaro , Chamberlain Alanna M. , Essien Utibe R. , Hernandez Inmaculada , Hills Mellanie True , Kershaw Kiarri N. , Levy Phillip D. , Magnani Jared W. , Matlock Daniel D. , O’Brien Emily C. , Rodriguez Carlos J. , Russo Andrea M. , Soliman Elsayed Z. , Cooper Lawton S. , Al-Khatib Sana M. 
Published: December 2022

ImportanceOnly modest attention has been paid to the contributions of social determinants of health to atrial fibrillation (AF) risk factors, diagnosis, symptoms, management, and outcomes. The diagnosis of AF provides unique challenges exacerbated by the arrhythmia’s often paroxysmal nature and individuals’ disparate access to health care and technologies that facilitate detection. Social determinants of health affect access to care and management decisions for AF, increasing the likelihood of adverse outcomes among individuals who experience systemic disadvantages. Developing effective approaches to address modifiable social determinants of health requires research to eliminate the substantive inequities in health care delivery and outcomes in AF.ObservationsThe National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute convened an expert panel to identify major knowledge gaps and research opportunities in the field of social determinants of AF. The workshop addressed the following social determinants: (1) socioeconomic status and access to care; (2) health literacy; (3) race, ethnicity, and racism; (4) sex and gender; (5) shared decision-making in systemically disadvantaged populations; and (6) place, including rurality, neighborhood, and community. Many individuals with AF have multiple adverse social determinants, which may cluster in the individual and in systemically disadvantaged places (eg, rural locations, urban neighborhoods). Cumulative disadvantages may accumulate over the life course and contribute to inequities in the diagnosis, management, and outcomes in AF.Conclusions and RelevanceWorkshop participants identified multiple critical research questions and approaches to catalyze social determinants of health research that address the distinctive aspects of AF. The long-term aspiration of this work is to eradicate the substantive inequities in AF diagnosis, management, and outcomes across populations.