bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Shelter Dog in a One Health View. A Model Kennel in Southern Italy
Authors: D’Angelo Danila , Sacchettino Luigi , Quaranta Angelo , Visone Michele , Avallone Luigi , Gatta Claudia , Napolitano Francesco
Published: May 2022

Today, the kennel is considered one of the crucial concerns of the human-animal relationship, since it is very often regarded as animal dump where dogs exile, thus representing a burden on society. Therefore, drawing up strategies for a new “kennel conception”, as an added value for human society, environment, and dogs is still an unmet need. Here, we described the activities of a shelter dog in southern Italy, which faithfully meets criteria aimed at One Health perspective. It normally relies on an initial careful assessment by veterinary behaviorist, in order to guarantee the most suitable life conditions for the animals in the kennels, increase the chances of adoption and enroll them in projects tailored to their predispositions. Accordingly, dogs housed there are normally included in training courses to increase the skills to be used in different human social contexts, like support to the inmates, rescue in the rubble, animal-assisted interventions, as well as zooanthropology educational programs. The main strength for this groundbreaking shelter relies on the environmental protection schedule, where the purposes, employing technically and economically sustainable tools, point towards the continuous improvement and minimization of the environmental impact, promoting joint integrative projects for a sustainable One Health framework.
Differential Gene Expression Associated with Soybean Oil Level in the Diet of Pigs
Authors: Fanalli Simara Larissa , Da Silva Bruna Pereira Martins , Gomes Julia Dezen , De Almeida Vivian Vezzoni , Freitas Felipe André Oliveira , Moreira Gabriel Costa Monteiro , Silva-Vignato Bárbara , Afonso Juliana , Reecy James , Koltes James , Koltes Dawn , Regitano Luciana Correia de Almeida , Garrick Dorian J. , Baileiro Julio Cesar de Carvalho , Meira Ariana Nascimento , Freitas Luciana , Coutinho Luiz Lehmann , Fukumasu Heidge , Mourão Gerson Barreto , Alencar Severino Matias , Luchiari Filho Albino , Cesar Aline Silva Mello
Published: May 2022

The aim of this study was to identify the differentially expressed genes (DEG) from the skeletal muscle and liver samples of animal model for metabolic diseases in human. To perform the study, the fatty acid (FA) profile and RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) data of 35 samples of liver tissue (SOY1.5, n=17 and SOY3.0, n=18) and 36 samples of skeletal muscle (SOY1.5, n=18 and SOY3.0, n=18) of Large White pigs were analyzed. The FA profile of the tissues was modified by the diet, mainly those related to monounsaturated (MUFA) and polyunsaturated (PUFA) FA. The skeletal muscle transcriptome analysis revealed 45 DEG (FDR 10%), and the functional enrichment analysis identified network maps related to inflammation, immune process, and pathways associated with the oxidative stress, type 2 diabetes and metabolic dysfunction. For the liver tissue, the transcriptome profile analysis revealed 281 DEG, which participate in network maps related to neurodegenerative diseases. With this nutrigenomics study, we verified that different levels of soybean oil in the pig diet, an animal model for metabolic diseases in humans, affected the transcriptome profile of skeletal muscle and liver tissue. These findings may help to better understand the biological mechanisms that can be modulated by the diet.
Gene Expression Profile Provides Novel Insights of Fasting-Refeeding Response in Zebrafish Skeletal Muscle
Authors: Komine Ritsuko , Sugasawa Takehito , Manevich Lev , Tamai Shinsuke , Takekoshi Kazuhiro , Kanki Yasuharu
Published: May 2022

Recently, fasting has been spotlighted from a healthcare perspective. However, the de-tailed biological mechanisms and significance by which the effects of fasting confer health benefits are not yet clear. Due to certain advantages of zebrafish, as a vertebrate model widely utilized in biological studies, we used mRNA-sequencing and bioinformatics analysis to examine comprehensive gene expression changes in skeletal muscle tissues during fasting-refeeding. Our results produced a novel set of nutrition-related genes under a fasting-refeeding protocol. We found five dramatically upregulated genes in each fasting (for 24 hours) and refeeding (after 3 hours), exhibiting a rapid response to the provided conditional changes. The assessment of the gene length revealed, the gene set whose expression was elevated only after 3 hours of refeeding had a shorter length, suggesting that nutrition-related gene function is associated with gene length. Taken together, our results from bioinformatics analyses provide new insights into biological mechanisms induced by fasting-refeeding conditions within zebrafish skeletal muscle.
Incidence, Mortality, Disability-Adjusted Life Years, and Trends of Prostate Cancer in Mexico from 2000 to 2019: Results from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019
Authors: Beltran-Ontiveros Saul A. , Fernandez-Galindo Martha A. , Moreno-Ortiz Jose M. , Contreras-Gutierrez Jose A. , Madueña-Molina Jesus , Arambula-Meraz Elyakim , Leal-Leon Emir , Becerril-Camacho Delia M. , Picos-Cardenas Veronica J. , Angulo-Rojo Carla , Velazquez Diana Z. , Jimenez-Trejo Francisco , Gallardo-Vera Francisco , Diaz Daniel
Published: May 2022

In 2019, the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) estimated that prostate cancer (PC) was the 16th cause of death globally in males. In Mexico, PC epidemiology has been reported for a selected number of metrics and years, although without including the most up-to-date estimates. Herein, we describe and compare the burden and trends of PC in Mexico and its 32 states from 2000 to 2019. For this, we extracted online available data from the GBD 2019 to estimate the crude and age-standardized rate (ASR per 100,000 people) of incidence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs). In Mexico, PC caused 27.1 thousand (95% uncertainty intervals, 20.6-36.0 thousand) incident cases, 9.2 thousand (7.7-12.7 thousand) deaths, and 161.5 thousand (122.7-219.5 thousand) DALYs in males of all ages in 2019. Among states, Sinaloa had the greatest ASR of incidence and Guerrero the highest values of deaths and DALYs. The burden of PC showed an increasing trend, although the magnitude of change differed between metrics and locations. We found both an increasing national trend and subnational variation in the burden of PC. Our results confirm the need for updated and timely estimates to design effective diagnostic and treatment campaigns in locations where the burden of PC is the highest.
Fluctuation of Serum CEA in the Conventional Normal Range and The Risk of Relapse Following Curative Intent Treatment of Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Fekete Zsolt , Suteu Patricia , Gligor Laura , Todor Nicolae , Muntean Alina-Simona , Gherman Alexandra , Eniu Dan
Published: May 2022

Carcinoembriogenic antigen (CEA) is a routine marker for follow-up of colo-rectal cancers. We aimed to determine whether a CEA increase within the normal range can be linked to a recurrence risk. We included 78 consecutive patients with colo-rectal cancer, who underwent curative surgical treatment with or without chemo- or radiotherapy. As reference, we used the smallest value of the CEA during follow-up. A total of 34/78 patients (43.6%) had fluctuations of CEA of at least 1.1 ng/ml, with or without increases above 5 ng/ml. In 27/34 patients (79.4%) increases of CEA were explained either by recurrence (15/34 patients, 44.1%), adjuvant chemotherapy (7/34 patients, 20.6%) or benign pathology (5/34 patients, 14.7%). In 5 of 22 recurrences (23%) a CEA increase of at least 1.1 ng/ml, but below 5 ng/ml preceded the clinical relapse by a median of 8 months (range 3-22 months). The 4-year disease-free survival was 89% in patients with postoperative CEA <2.5 ng/ml, and 55% in patients with CEA >2.5 ng/ml. CEA increase by at least 1.1 ng/ml within the normal range, after curative treatment of colorectal cancer can be either an early sign of relapse or can be usually explained by other pathological processes.
Analysis of Perception, Reasons, and Motivations for COVID-19 Vaccination in People with Diabetes across Sub-Saharan Africa: A Mixed-Method Approach
Authors: Osuagwu Uchechukwu Levi , Langsi Raymond , Ovenseri-Ogbomo Godwin , Mashige Khathutshelo Percy , Abu Emmanuel Kwasi , Envuladu Esther Awazzi , Goson Piwuna Christopher , Ekpenyong Bernadine Nsa , Oloruntoba Richard , Chundung Miner Asabe , Charwe Deborah Donald , Timothy Chikasirimobi Goodhope , Ishaya Tanko , Amiebenomo Onyekachukwu Mary-Anne , Lim David , Agho Kingsley E
Published: May 2022

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is associated with severe COVID-19 infection and complications. This study assessed COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and hesitancy in diabetes and explored reasons for nonvaccinating. A web-based cross-sectional survey using a mixed method approach was distributed to participants aged ≥18 years with self-reported DM in 11 Sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries from March–May 2021 corresponding to the early vaccine roll out period in most SSA countries. Responses to comments were analyzed for reasons for vaccine hesitancy and facilitators for vaccine uptake. Of the 73 participants with DM, 65.8% were males, older than 35 years (86.3%), had a post-secondary education (90%) and a significant proportion were from South Africa (39.7%), Nigeria (28.8%) and Ghana (13.7%). 64.4% had COVID-19 symptoms, 46.6% were tested for COVID-19 of which 19.2% tested positive. Few participants (6.8%) had taken COVID-19 vaccination, 65.8% were willing to take the vaccine, while 26.0% either refused or hesitated to take the vaccines. The main reasons identified for not taking the vaccine were: concerns about the vaccine safety, its effects, and efficacy, mistrust of the pharmaceutical companies, the conspiracy theories around the vaccines, the process of production, and personal belief of the participants. However, participants stated they would take the vaccine if given more education about it, receive positive feedback from those vaccinated, are rewarded for taking the vaccine or if vaccination becomes a condition for travel and employment. The findings of this study showed that uptake of COVID-19 vaccine was very low in this high-risk group. It is imperative that efforts to increase uptake of vaccine such as provision of education and relevant information, are made.
Efficacy and Safety of Nutrient Supplements for Glycemic Control and Insulin Resistance in Type 2 Diabetes: An Umbrella Review and Hierarchical Evidence Synthesis
Authors: Fong Charmie , Alesi Simon , Mousa Aya , Moran Lisa , Deed Gary , Grant Suzanne , Tapia Kriscia , Ee Carolyn
Published: May 2022

Background: Nutrient supplements are widely used for type 2 diabetes (T2D) yet evidence-based guidance for clinicians is lacking. Methods: We searched the four electronic databases from November 2015–December 2021. The most recent, most comprehensive, high-ranked systematic reviews, meta-analyses and/or umbrella reviews of randomised controlled trials in adults with T2D were included. Data were extracted on study characteristics, aggregate outcome measures per group (glycemic control, measures of insulin sensitivity and secretion), adverse events, and GRADE assessments. Quality was assessed using AMSTAR-2. Results: Twelve meta-analyses and one umbrella review were included. There was very low certainty evidence that chromium, Vitamin C and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (-3 PUFAs) were superior to placebo for the primary outcome of HbA1c (MD -0.54%, -0.54% and ES -0.27 respectively). Probiotics were superior to placebo for HbA1c (WMD -0.43%). There was very low certainty evidence that Vitamin D was superior to placebo for lowering HbA1c in trials of <6 months (MD -0.17%). Magnesium, zinc, Vitamin C, probiotics and polyphenols were superior to placebo for FBG. Vitamin D was superior to placebo for insulin resistance. Data on safety was limited. Conclusions: Future research should identify who may benefit from nutrient supplementation, safety, and optimal regimens and formulations.
Calibration of PurpleAir PA-I and PA-II monitors using daily mean PM2.5 concentrations measured in California, Washington, and Oregon from 2017 to 2021
Authors: Wallace Lance Arthur , Zhao Tongke , Klepeis Neil
Published: May 2022

Large quantities of real-time particle data are becoming available from low-cost particle monitors. However, it is crucial to determine the quality of these measurements. The largest network of monitors in the United States is maintained by the PurpleAir company, which offers two monitors: PA-I and PA-II. PA-I monitors have a single sensor (PMS1003) and PA-II monitors employ two independent PMS5003 sensors. We determine a new calibration factor for the PA-I monitor and revise a previously published calibration algorithm for PA-II monitors (ALT-CF3). From the PurpleAir API site, we downloaded 83 million hourly average PM2.5 values in the PurpleAir database from Washington, Oregon, and California between January 1, 2017 and September 8, 2021. Daily outdoor PM2.5 means from 194 PA-II monitors were compared to daily means from 47 nearby Federal regulatory sites using gravimetric Federal Reference Methods (FRM). We find a revised calibration factor of 3.4 for the PA-II monitors. For the PA-I monitors, we determined a new calibration factor (also 3.4) by comparing 26 outdoor PA-I sites to 117 nearby outdoor PA-II sites. These results show that PurpleAir PM2.5 measurements can agree well with regulatory monitors when an optimum calibration factor is found.
Seepage Characteristics Study of Single Rough Fracture Based on Numerical Simulation
Authors: Wang Shidong , Zhang Qing , Zhao Li , Jin Yi , Qian Jiazhong
Published: May 2022

A single fracture is the basic unit of fracture medium, and the roughness of fracture wall surface is an important factor influencing hydraulic characteristics of the ﬂow in bedrock fracture. However, effects of the shape and density of roughness elements (various bulges/pits on rough fracture wall surfaces) on water ﬂow in a single rough fracture have not been thoroughly discovered. Thus the water ﬂow in single fracture with different shapes and densities of roughness elements was simulated by using Fluent software in this study. The results show that in wider fractures the flow rate mainly depends on fracture aperture, while in narrow and close fracture medium the surface roughness of fracture wall is the main factor of head loss of seepage; there is a negative power exponential relation between the hydraulic gradient index and the average fracture aperture, i.e. with the increase of fracture aperture, the relative roughness of fracture and the influence weight of hydraulic gradient both decrease; and in symmetrical-uncoupled fractures there is a super-cubic relation between the discharge per unit width and average aperture. Above results would help to deepen the understanding of rough fracture seepage.
The Impact of Cardiac Comorbidity Sequence at Baseline and Mortality Risk in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Retrospective Population-Based Cohort Study
Authors: Lee Sharen , Lee Teddy Tai Loy , Chou Oscar Hou In , Leung Keith Sai Kit , Wai Abraham Ka Chung , Wong Wing Tak , Liu Tong , Chang Carlin , Tse Gary
Published: May 2022

Introduction: The presence of multiple comorbidities increases the risk of all-cause mortality, but the effects of the comorbidity sequence before the baseline date on mortality remained unexplored. This study investigated the relationship between coronary heart disease (CHD), atrial fibrillation (AF) and heart failure (HF) sequence on all-cause mortality risk in type 2 diabetes mellitus. Methods: This study included patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus prescribed antidiabetic/cardiovascular medications in public hospitals of Hong Kong between January 1st, 2009 and December 31st, 2009 with follow-up until death or December 31st, 2019. Cox regression was used to identify comorbidity sequences predicting all-cause mortality in patients with different medication subgroups. Results: A total of 249291 patients (age: 66.0±12.4 years, 47.4% male) were included. At baseline, 7564, 10900 and 25589 patients had AF, HF and CHD, respectively. Over follow-up (3524±1218 days), 85870 patients died (mortality rate: 35.7 per 1000 person-years). Sulphonylurea users with CHD developed later, but insulin users with CHD developing earlier, in the disease course had lower mortality risks. Amongst insulin users with two of the three comorbidities, CHD with preceding AF (hazard ratio [HR]: 3.06, 95% CI: [2.60-3.61], p<0.001) or HF (HR: 3.84 [3.47- 4.24], p<0.001) had a higher mortality. In users of lipid-lowering agents with all three comorbidities, those with preceding AF had higher risk of mortality (AF-CHD-HF: HR: 3.22, [2.24-4.61], p<0.001; AF-HF-CHD: HR: 3.71, [2.66-5.16], p<0.001). Conclusion: The sequence of comorbidity development affects the risk of all-cause mortality to varying degrees in diabetic patients on different antidiabetic/cardiovascular medications.
Impact of Temperature and Precipitation on Solanum Tuberosum Cultivation Using Climate Scenarios to 2100
Authors: Valqui-Valqui Lamberto , Valqui Leandro , Bobadilla Leidy G. , Vigo Carmen N. , Vásquez Héctor V. , Arbizu Carlos I.
Published: May 2022

The objective was to estimate the monetary loss of potato producers up to the year 2100 as a result of temperature and precipitation impacts, taking into account the A2 and B2 scenarios of the IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change). The Pooled Production Panel Model was used, whose database was prepared taking into account climatic variables (temperature and precipitation) and agricultural variables (production, harvested area, farm-gate price) for the period 1996 - 2020, which form the independent variables of the study. The estimations used 60 observations and a total of 38 estimations were run in the econometric software EViews8, of which Equation 05 of the Production Pooled Panel Model was chosen as the best. The model obtained used temperature and precipitation forecasts from Brazil's INPE (National Institute for Space Research), validated for the study area. The results indicate a concave function between potato production (t/ha), temperature and precipitation. Finally, based on the A2 climate scenario, which is the most pessimistic and using the period 2021 - 2100, a loss for potato producers of approximately 8'927,521.48 million soles was estimated.
Radiochemotherapy-induced DNA repair promotes the biogenesis of gastric cancer stem cells
Authors: Lu Yu , Zhang Xiaobo
Published: May 2022

Background: Clinically, metastasis and recurrence occurred after routine radio-chemotherapy in dozens of cases of gastric cancer, mainly attributed to the role of cancer stem cells (CSCs). Actually, radio-chemotherapy could induce DNA damages, leading to activation of DNA repair which might be associated with acquisition of stem cell phenotype. Hitherto, the contribution made by active DNA repair to stemness induction has not been extensively explored.Methods: Cisplatin/doxorubicin treatment and X-ray exposure were conducted in gastric cancer cell lines and gastric cancer cells derived from solid tumors to model clinical therapy. Quantitative real-time PCR, western blot, tumorsphere/tumor formation assay were further used to characterize CSCs and assess activation of DNA repair. RNA-seq was performed to identify which DNA repair genes were crucial for CSC traits induction, followed by the investigation of underlying mechanism and functional significance via in vitro and in vivo experiments.Results: Here, we report a mechanism through which gastric cancer cells in response to radio-chemotherapy were reprogrammed into gastric cancer stem cells. In this mechanism, radio-chemotherapy triggers DNA damage response (DDR) accompanied by elevated levels of EID3, a typical DNA repair gene, which interacts with NAMPT to promote stemness via upregulating Wnt signaling pathway; manifested by enhanced tumorsphere/tumor formation in gastric cancer. In addition to involvement of EID3 in stemness acquisition, it also shows impacts on proliferation, cell-cycle, apoptosis and therapy resistance to maintain the characteristics of CSC populations.Conclusion: Our study indicates that gastric cancer cells can be endowed with stemness traits via EID3-NAMPT-Wnt/β-catenin Axis in response to radio-chemotherapy. Blocking this axis (i.e. targeting EID3) along with radio-chemotherapy might represent a potential strategy to sensitize cancer stem cells to radio-chemotherapy and further reinforce the anti-tumor effect of conventional treatments.
Evaluation of embryo production method on the quality of embryos produced by Nguni, Bonsmara, Boran beef cattle breeds.
Authors: Mapeka Mohleko Helen Mohleko , Pilane Cyril Mpho , Molomo Karabo , Banga Cuthberth Baldwin , Ng'ambi Jones Wilfred
Published: May 2022

The objective of this study was to compare the quality of embryos produced by in vivo and in vitro in Bonsmara, Nguni and Boran cattle. Hormonal treatment was used to produce embryos in vivo while oocytes retrieved by ovum pickup and ovary aspiration were used to produce in vitro embryos. Embryos produced by both methods in all the three breeds where evaluated for morphological structure based on the standards of the International Embryo Transfer Society. Data was analysed by ANOVA. No significant difference where observed among breeds in developmental competency of embryos produced in vivo. Development of blastocysts in vivo was significantly higher at day 8 in Bonsmara and Nguni compared to Boran. No significant difference observed between breeds at all development stages for the in vitro method. There were no significant breed differences in the number of blastocysts and blastocyst quality obtained by either the in vivo or in vitro method. Flushing and Ovum pickup produced a higher number of blastocysts compared to ovary aspiration. The number of Grade I embryos were significantly higher in flushing and OPU compared to ovary aspiration. In conclusion, the study showed that the in vivo method of embryo production is superior to the in vitro method in blastocyst development of Bonsmara, Boran and Nguni breeds.
Oral administration of iron and toltrazuril in combination improves survival rate and growth rate and reduces anaemia in piglets
Authors: Pearodwong Pachara , Tummaruk Padet
Published: May 2022

Iron is an essential element for blood production, oxygen conveyance and energy generation. The present study was performed to determine the efficacy of an oral administration of iron and toltrazuril in combination on the growth rate, survival rate and the incidence of anaemia in suckling piglets. A total of 406 piglets were randomly allocated to one of three groups: i.) CONTROL (n = 161), the piglets were administered iron dextran 200 mg intramuscularly and toltrazuril (20 mg/kg) orally at 3 days of age; ii.) NEGATIVE (n = 84), the piglets were not treated with iron until 7 days of age, and toltrazuril was given at 5 days of age and iii.) TREATMENT (n = 161), the piglets were fed with an oral suspension of iron and toltrazuril combination at 3 days of age (iron 228 mg and toltrazuril 50 mg). Blood samples were obtained by randomly sampling piglets (n = 218) at 2 (n = 56), 7 (n = 80) and 21 days (n = 82) of age. Haemoglobin, haematocrit and completed blood count were evaluated. On average, the body weight of piglets at 0, 7 and 21 days of age did not differ among groups (P > 0.05). However, ADG values during 0–7 days of age in TREATMENT and NEGATIVE groups were higher than those in the CONTROL group (177.8, 177.7 and 160.3 g/d, respectively, P < 0.05). Piglet mortality during the first 7 days postpartum in the TREATMENT group was lower than in the CONTROL group (0.62 and 3.73%, respectively, P < 0.05). The incidences of severe diarrhoea were 5.0, 2.4 and 0% in groups i), ii) and iii), respectively (P < 0.05). The haemoglobin, haematocrit and red blood cell (RBC) counts of piglets in the CONTROL and TREATMENT groups were higher than those in the NEGATIVE group at 7 days postpartum (P < 0.05). However, at 21 days of age, piglets in the CONTROL group had a higher haemoglobin, haematocrit and RBC count than piglets in the TREATMENT group (P < 0.05). In conclusion, oral administration of iron and toltrazuril in combination is a possible needleless method for the treatment of coccidiosis and the prevention of anaemia in piglets. Interestingly, the growth rate and survival rate of piglets in the needleless piglets were better than CONTROL group.
Status of pig farming and its multi-factorial assessment in the urban districts of Uttarakhand: A case study about its sustainability and ecological implications
Authors: Sahu Khusbu , Gupta Sandeep
Published: May 2022

Pig farming has a profound caste-based and cultural association in India. In Uttarakhand, pigs are raised predominantly by the specific community contributing to their livelihood. Unlike other livestock species in the State, the piggery sector is unorganised and the pig farming is not sufficient to meet the increasing demand for pork. The study aims to identify the locations of the household rearing pig and its husbandry practices in the planar (Dehradun, Haridwar and Nainital) districts where rapid urbanisation and continuous migration make us reconsider the necessity of an organise promotion of the piggery sector due to its multiple ecological implications. 28 households were reached by adopting rapid appraisals approach and interviewed by using a semi-structured questionnaire. Analysis showed that 60.7%, 10.7% and 21.4% of the household raised pig near seasonal streams (slum settlements), the residential areas within the house premises and near the forest, respectively. Moreover, 28.6% of households maintained breeding boar of feral origin and 96.94% followed a semi-intensive pig rearing system; hence human settlement is staying in close proximity with pigs (domestic and wild) and other domestic animals. The possibility of the emergence of zoonotic and non-zoonotic disease and its easy transmission to humans become more prominent in the urban setting. Before planning for a holistic piggery development program in Uttarakhand, the government may consider these findings. Lastly, the location of the pig herd and its foraging areas requires to be strictly monitored for public health benefits.
Subgroup identification using virtual twins for human microbiome studies
Authors: Koh Hyunwook
Published: May 2022

Background: Even when the same treatment is employed, some patients are cured, while others are not. The patients that are cured may have beneficial microbes in their body that can boost treatment effects, but it is vice versa for the patients that are not cured. That is, treatment effects can vary depending on the patient's microbiome. If the effects of candidate treatments are well-predicted based on the patient’s microbiome, we can select a treatment that is suited to the patient’s microbiome or can alter the patient’s microbiome to improve treatment effects. Methods: Here, I introduce a streamlined analytic method, named microbiome virtual twins (MiVT), to evaluate the interplay between microbiome and treatment. MiVT is based on the subgroup identification framework, called virtual twins, that involves a two-step algorithm, 1) treatment effect prediction through machine learning and 2) subgroup identification using a decision tree. MiVT, however, employs a new prediction method, named distance-based machine learning (dML), to improve prediction accuracy in microbiome studies and a new significance test, named bootstrap-based test for regression tree (BoRT), to test if each subgroup's treatment effect is the same with the overall treatment effect. Results: I demonstrate in silico that dML robustly reaches a high prediction accuracy and BoRT is a valid significance test with correctly controlled type I error rates. I also demonstrate the use of MiVT in praxis through the gut microbiome study on the effects of cancer immunotherapies on melanoma patients. Conclusions: The results from MiVT can serve as a useful guideline in microbiome-based personalized medicine to select the therapy that is most suited to the patient’s microbiome or to use dietary supplements or therapeutics to tune the patient’s microbiome to be suited to the treatment. MiVT can be implemented using an R package, MiVT, freely available at https://github.com/hk1785/MiVT.
Photogrammetry Versus Cephalometric Analysis in Orthodontic Diagnosis and Treatment Planning
Authors: Parveen Miliya , Muralidhar Nitin V , Kiran Jyothi , N Raghunath
Published: May 2022

OBJECTIVES: Cephalometric analysis constitutes the benchmark for diagnosing craniofacial morphology but the increasing demand for aesthetic standards rising concerns about radiation has clinicians looking for an easily reproducible, economical and low technique sensitive alternative. The study was undertaken to assess the relationship between lateral cephalograms and photographic measurements to determine whether photographs can be a substitute for conventional cephalograms.MATERIALS AND METHODS: Standardized profile photographs and lateral cephalograms were obtained from 100 patients of the age group between 12 – 28 years who had reported to the department for orthodontic treatment. Traditional cephalometric (angular and linear) measurements and corresponding photographic measurements used for sagittal and vertical assessment were correlated to draw inference.RESULTS: The reliability of the photographic technique was proven with Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) above 0.79. Highly significant correlation (P < .001) was found between all parameters. N-Sn-Pog/N’-Sn-Pog’ (0.946), SN-MP/TrN’-MP” (0.844) and FMA/FMA’ showed the highest coefficients of correlation. The photographic variable that best explained the variability of its analogous cephalometric measurement was N-SN-Pog angle (r2 = 0.895). CONCLUSION: The photographic method has proven to be a repeatable and reproducible. With a homogenous protocol, the photographic method is a practical alternative to lateral cephalograms especially in cases that require a non-invasive, low-cost option.CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This research provides a non radiographic alternative to lateral cephalometry which is more economical, easy to set up and equally accurate in producing the desired results.
Influence of the magnetic field on the melting and solidification behavior of narrow-gap laser welding with filler wire
Authors: Fu Juan , Zhao Yong , Zou Jiasheng , Liu Xin , Pan Yanfei
Published: May 2022

The influence of magnetic induction intensity on the plasma electron temperature distribution and the molten pool flow behavior is analyzed by high-speed imaging and spectral analysis. With the increase of the magnetic induction intensity, the plasma high temperature center region increases gradually, and the plasma electron temperature increases from the bottom of the groove to the edge of the groove. The magnetic field has stirring effect on the molten pool. A certain magnetic field intensity can make the molten pool more uniform and the molten pool flow more stable. Compared with the penetration depth and penetration area size of the weld with or without magnetic field, it is found that the penetration depth and penetration area of the weld under the magnetic field increases. A certain range of magnetic induction intensity can be coupled with other process parameters to achieve an ideal effect, and the weld is well formed.
Hypoglycemia is Associated with Increased In-Hospital Mortality in Patients with Liver Cirrhosis; A Nationwide Study
Authors: Obeidat Adham , Mahfouz Ratib , Kozai Landon , Mansour Mahmoud , Darweesh Mohammad , Alqam Ahmad , Shah Parthav , Murakami Traci
Published: May 2022

Aim
Cirrhosis may cause dysregulation of glucose homeostasis due to abnormalities in metabolism and responses to changes in the blood glucose level. Cirrhotic patients may be more prone to hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia is associated with poor outcomes in cirrhotic patients with sepsis and may indicate a greater severity of illness. This study aims to elucidate the effect of hypoglycemia on in-hospital mortality in cirrhotic patients.
Methods
This review was completed using the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database from 2016 to 2019. Using ICD-10-CM codes, we identified patients carrying a diagnosis of cirrhosis and hypoglycemia and gathered baseline demographic and clinical data. Odds ratios (OR) for comorbidities were calculated. Diabetic patients were excluded from the study to rule out the possibility of iatrogenic hypoglycemia.
Results
Out of 1,778,829 inpatients with cirrhosis, 31,615 had a diagnosis of hypoglycemia. Total hospital charges were significantly higher in the cirrhosis and hypoglycemia group compared to the non-hypoglycemia group. The mean length of stay (LOS) in the hypoglycemia group was significantly higher. Mortality, vasopressor usage, mechanical ventilation, cardiac arrest, and intensive care unit (ICU) admission were significantly higher in the hypoglycemia group compared to the non-hypoglycemia one.
Conclusion
In patients with cirrhosis, hypoglycemia was associated with higher in-hospital mortality and rate of critical illness as suggested by elevated rates of ICU admission, mechanical ventilation, and vasopressor use. These patients also had longer hospital LOS and higher total hospital charges. Hypoglycemia may reflect advanced liver disease or indicate early sepsis and potentially forbodes a prolonged, complicated hospital course.
Experimental Study on Compression Mechanical Characteristics of Filled Rock Joints after Multiple Pre- impacts
Authors: Chai Shaobo , Jia Yongsheng , Du Yuxiang , Hu Bo , Li Xianpeng
Published: May 2022

The prefabricated artificial filled jointed rock specimens are impacted by a self-made drop hammer impact device for many times, and the specimens with different degrees of cumulative damage characteristics are obtained. Then, the static and dynamic compression mechanical properties are studied by using universal testing machine and SHPB device. Through the static compression test, the strength and deformation characteristics of jointed rock specimens after multiple impacts are obtained, and the influence of the damage degree of jointed rock specimens characterized by wave velocity on the compressive strength of filled joints is analysed. Based on the results of SHPB impact test, the dynamic strength and deformation evolution, wave propagation law and energy dissipation law of filled joints after multiple impacts are analysed. During the SHPB test, the impact failure process of rock specimens is recorded by high-speed camera. The experimental results show that the damage degree of jointed rock samples increases nonlinearly after multiple impacts. The attenuation laws of static strength and dynamic strength of rock samples under the same damage evolution conditions are different. With the increase of impact times, the failure mode of jointed rock samples after damage is simpler and tends to compression failure.
An analytical model for optimizing the optical absorption of graphene based two-dimensional multilayer structure
Authors: Hasanirokh Kobra
Published: May 2022

Graphene is a two-dimensional (2D) material with honeycomb structure. Its unique and fantastic mechanical, physical electrical and optical properties make it to be an important industrially and economically material. In this work a simple analysis is performed for the Reflectance, transmittance, and absorption properties of multilayer thin film structure with graphene sandwiched in dielectric layers. Based on Maxwell’s electromagnetic wave theory and coupled Fresnel equations, we investigate how to get maximum absorption for a proper choice of media and graphene layers. Numerical results show this absorption is controlled with matching thicknesses of layers, number of graphene layers, wavelength and angle of incident electromagnetic wave.
Pain Inhibition - The Unintended Benefit of Electrically Elicited Muscle Strengthening Contractions
Authors: Rudolph Katherine S. , Cloutier Matthew , Stackhouse Scott
Published: May 2022

Background
Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) is effective in muscle strengthening after orthopedic injury particularly when muscle activation failure is present, but the associated pain can be a barrier. Pain itself can produce a pain inhibitory response called Conditioned Pain Modulation (CPM). CPM is often used in research studies to assess the state of the pain processing system. However, the inhibitory response of CPM could make NMES more tolerable to patients and could improve functional outcomes in people with pain, but this has not been studies previously. This study compares the pain-inhibitory effect of NMES compared to volitional contractions and noxious electrical stimulation (NxES).
Methods
Healthy participants, 18–30 years of age experienced 3 conditions: 10 NMES contractions, 10 bursts of NxES on the patella, and 10 volitional contractions on the right knee. Pressure pain thresholds (PPT) were measured before and after each condition in both knees and the middle finder. Pain was reported on an 11-point VAS. Repeated measures ANOVAs with 2 factors: site and time were performed for each condition followed by post-hoc paired t-tests, with Bonferroni correction.
Results
Pain ratings were higher in the NxES condition compared to NXES (p = .000). No differences in PPTs prior to each condition were observed but PPTs were significantly higher in the right and left knees after the NMES contractions (p = .000, p = .013, respectively) and after the NxES (p = .006, P-.006, respectively). Pain during NMES and NxES did not correlate with pain inhibition (p > .05). Self-reported pain sensitivity correlated with pain during NxES.
Conclusion
NxES and NMES produced pain inhibition in both knees but not in the finger, suggesting inhibitory mechanisms located in the spinal cord and local tissues. Pain inhibition was elicited during the NxES and NMES conditions regardless of the self-reported pain ratings. When NMES is used for muscle strengthening significant pain inhibition can also occur which is an unintended benefit of the intervention that could benefit functional outcomes in patients.
Determination of Traffic Related Air Pollution Status Using Dispersion Modeling: The Case of Megenagna, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Authors: Fetene Bimrew Bizualem , Shibeshi Nurelegne Tefera , Wakuma Kenatu Angessa , Feyisa Gudina Legese
Published: May 2022

Traffic is now the leading cause of air pollution in growing megacities in the developing world. Because of unimproved old age of the car and poor road conditions in Ethiopia's capital city (Addis Ababa), vehicles are the main cause of air pollution. Megenagna (located between Bole and Yeka sub-cities of Addis Ababa) is one of the city's key hubs squares, with six major road intersections that cause overcrowding and traffic congestion. The objective of this study was to measure and predict air pollution levels in the Megenagna area using the dispersion model (AERMOD). A 43 sampling points were selected with a sample campaign for two months (January and February) was conducted. Particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) and gaseous pollutants (SO2 and NO2) were monitored with hand-held Air-test Model-CW-HAT2005 and Aeroqual series 5000, respectively. The difference among sampling locations was statistically significant (p < 0.05), indicating that there is significant spatial variation throughout the study site. The sensitivity change of wind speed 1 m/sec and wind direction 450 in the self-monitored sample site was best fitting for the prediction, calibration, and validation of pollutants in AERMOD. Particulate matter and gaseous pollutants were predicted to vary from sight to sight, with SO2 above the standard value. This study shows that traffic-related emissions in Addis Ababa should be investigated further in terms of spatiotemporal variation.
Comparative study on the Characterization and Antioxidant properties of Bael (Aegle Marmelos) Pulp, Shell and Seed Pectin
Authors: Surolia Ragini , Singh Anuradha , Bhatnagar Tripti
Published: May 2022

The present study was focused on, extraction, characterization of pectin from different parts of Aegle Marmelos (Bael) fruit such as Pulp, Shell and Seed by using two different acids i.e. HCl and H2SO4 on dry and wet basis and the comparative analysis were also performed of various parameters. The percentage yield of the extracted pectin was found to be slightly higher by using HCl. Physicochemical properties, antioxidant activity and functional group analysis were carried out of the extracted pectin. In the present study the %yield of Bael seed pectin was found to be higher as compare to Bael pulp pectin and Bael shell pectin. The equivalent weight, methoxyl content, total AUA, degree of esterification (on dry basis) of Bael Pulp, shell and seed pectin was found to be 1119.52 ± 14.57, 1095 ± 13.94 and 1071.53 ± 13.35, 7.25 ± 0.10%, 6.77 ± 0.03% and 7.39 ± 0.07%, 56.9 ± 0.81%, 54.56 ± 0.35% and 58.43 ± 0.60%, 72.37 ± 0.03, 70.53 ± 0.22 and 71.88 ± 0.05 respectively. The moisture content and ash content of Bael Pulp, Shell and Seed pectin was found to be 10.23 ± 0.52%, 8.33 ± 2.08% and 9.9 ± 0.99% and 6.77 ± 0.5%, 7 ± 1.01% and 6.55 ± 0.83% respectively which was in the acceptance range of purity. The functional group of extracted pectin was determined by FTIR spectral analysis. Extracted Bael pulp pectin demonstrated higher antioxidant activity with IC50 10.6 µg/ml as compare to Bael seed pectin (33.47µg/ml) and Bael shell pectin (53.08µg/ml). Total phenolic content of bael pulp pectin also found to be maximum (43.5 mg GAE/g) in comparison with Bael seed pectin (33.5 mg GAE/g) and bael shell pectin (23.5 mg GAE/g). These results suggest that various parts of bael fruit is having good quality of pectin and can be utilize as functional ingredient in biomedical and nutraceutical compounds.
Experimental study and development of machine learning model using random forest classifier on shear strength prediction of RC beam with externally bonded GFRP composites
Authors: Mamari Amna Hamed Salim Al , Ghafri Rawan Said Humaid Hammad Al , Aravind N , Dhandapani Ragavesh , Hatali Eman Muhye Adeen Muhye Al , Pandian Rani
Published: May 2022

Life span of RC structures is reduced mainly because of steel reinforcement corrosion and there is a need to use alternate material. In the present study, GFRP composites are used as externally bonding shear reinforcement of the RC beams. For experimental analysis, RC beams were cast with C30 grade concrete with steel/ GFRP shear reinforcements. For the external bonding work, Chopped Strand Mat (CSM), Woven Roving (WR) GFRP composites were attached on the two sides as ‘U’ wrap on the shear zone of the RC beams. Two point loads were applied at 150 mm spacing on all the beam specimens and the experimental results of the RC beams with GFRP composites are compared with control beams. The major outcome of the present study is that, the RC beam externally bonded with GFRP WR ‘U’ wrap on full shear area performs well and the failure load is 20.93%, 6.57% and 18.94% more than that of beams externally bonded with normal ‘U’ wrap strips on shear area, sides of full shear area and strips on sides respectively. Also, theoretical analysis was carried out to determine the shear resistance of RC beams and the results are compared with experimental results. In addition to that, Random forest classifier was used for the development of Machine Learning (ML) model to predict the failure load, mid span deflection and type of failure. The predicted ML results are validated and it proved that the experimental results are well line with the developed ML model in terms of performance and accuracy.
Spectral broadening in tight-focusing geometry of a random fiber laser
Authors: SARMANI A. R. , AL-ALIMI A. W. , YUSOFF N. MOHD , MAHDI M. A.
Published: May 2022

We present a random Raman fiber laser pumped by a continuous-wave 1480nm source where neither a visible saturable absorber nor a fiber Bragg grating were incorporated. The backward pumping feedback loop allows a single direction of 1584nm wave propagation under tighter focusing of a dispersion compensating fiber (DCF). This geometry that implies a stronger Kerr-lensing effect supports two types of nonlinear broadening that were achieved in the stable output power generation. The first that agrees well to wave kinetics theory favors 1.76 to 3.53nm spectral progress. Against this flow, another type of wider broadening begun at 4.88nm before reducing gradually to 4.05nm with the increase in pump power. The former corresponds to a maximum of 6.3 times broadening ratio with respect to the pump linewidth. To date, this is the best achievement in the world at just below 1.7 W pump power level especially without utilizing pump-pulse synchronization or any external mode-locking modulations. In contrast without the tighter confinement geometry, the initiation of 4.25nm bandwidth was realized in the unstable power zone. These ascertain the double roles of dispersion compensating fiber as a stabilizing factor as well as for dispersion management.
Gene expression management in a stony coral, Acropora tenuis, depends upon identities of algal symbionts and developmental stages
Authors: Yoshioka Yuki , Yamashita Hiroshi , Suzuki Go , Shinzato Chuya
Published: May 2022

Coral recruits of a reef-building coral, genus Acropora, acquire dinoflagellate symbionts, Durusdinium and Symbiodinium, which are necessary for survival. However, among coral transcriptomic responses that occur at the commencement of symbiosis, it is unknown which occur regardless of the taxonomic identity of the alga, which are specific to each algal genus, and which represent changes in larval developmental stage. We performed two comparative transcriptomic analyses using A. tenuis to examine responses to inoculation with Durusdinium or Symbiodinium species and inoculation with a symbiotic species, D. trenchii in different coral developmental stages (planula larvae and primary polyps). While obvious gene expression changes were observed in planula larvae inoculated with Symbiodinium, few gene expression changes were elicited in planula larvae exposed to Durusdinium, whereas primary polyps showed dynamic transcriptomic changes in response to Durusdinium. We identified transcriptomic responses of A. tenuis that were common to both D. trenchii and S. microadriaticum during early life stages, such as upregulation of solute carrier (SLC) transporters and downregulation of amino acid metabolic enzymes, allowing us to determine whether algae are symbiotic or parasitic. Such changes were not observed in planula larvae inoculated with Durusdinium, suggesting that Durusdinium may not be a symbiont of planula larvae, as it is for primary polyps. Interestingly, some upregulated SLC transporters are tandemly duplicated in the A. tenuis genome, and expression of those transporters depends upon the algal symbiont and coral developmental stage, suggesting a possible genomic adaptation of coral hosts driven by gene duplication to accommodate diverse symbiotic associations.