bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Production and Characterization of Low-ash Empty Fruit Bunches (EFB) Pellets as a Solid Biofuel
Authors: Nasrin Abu Bakar , Loh Soh Kheang , Sukiran Mohamad Azri , Bukhari Nurul Adela , Aziz Astimar Abdul , Lim Joseph , Lim Stephen , Chin Eddy
Published: March 2021

Fuel quality is among the major issues encountered for commercial production and utilisation of oil palm-based biomass pellets from empty fruit bunches (EFB). In this study, a physical treatment, namely sieving and water washing, was applied to EFB prior to densification using an industrial-scale plant. The physiochemical properties of the produced EFB pellets were compared with those without physical treatment as the control. The results showed that the physical treatment process had significantly enhanced the fuel properties of EFB pellets, particularly in reducing ash content. Both the treatments; sieving alone and a combined sieving and water washing of the feedstock managed to reduce the ash content of EFB pellets to < 4 wt.% and < 2 wt.%, respectively compared to > 5 wt.% of typical commercial EFB pellets. The reduction in ash content improved the calorific value of pellets to > 17.5 MJ kg-1 which signified achieving a milestone for oil palm biomass-based heat and power generation from technical, operational, economic and environmental points of view. The findings also indicated that the combined sieving and water washing treatment method could potentially reduce further the unwanted ash-inducing elementals in EFB pellets, in particular chlorine and potassium. This study demonstrated that the employed physical treatment is an immediate and cost-effective practical commercial approach to improve the fuel properties of EFB pellets.
Development of a competency model for general practitioners in China by a modified Delphi method
Authors: Wei Yun , Wang Feiyue , Pan Zhaolu , Wang Meirong , Jin Guanghui , Liu Yanli , Lu Xiaoqin
Published: March 2021

Background.

General practitioner training in China has gradually been structured into a “5 + 3” residency training model. However, no competency model for general practitioners is implemented to evaluate the level of clinical competence attained by general practice trainees. This study was conducted to develop a consensus set of competencies for general practitioners in China.
Methods.

A modified Delphi process was deployed to develop the competency model for general practitioners in China, including two stages: (1) generation of an initial set of relevant competencies derived from a literature review, behavioral observation of GP–patient consultations, and critical incidents interview of GPs; (2) a 2-round, web-based Delphi survey of experts in general practice, selected using purposive sampling, to prioritize and gain consensus on the essential competencies of GPs.
Results.

From the literature review, behavioral observation, and critical incidents interview, 46 competencies in 7 domains were identified. After two rounds of Delphi survey of 28 participants (18 [64.3%] women; mean [SD] age, 47.9 [9.3] years) representing a range of health professionals (GPs, managers, and researchers), a consensus was reached on 50 competencies categorized into 7 domains.
Conclusion.

A consensus-based competency model for general practitioners in China has been identified that may be used to evaluate the general practitioners’ clinical competence after standardized training.
Encryption Techniques for Intelligent Transportation Systems via Deep Learning for IOV in Smart Cities
Authors: CHOUDHARY DEEPAK , Pahuja Roop
Published: March 2021

Now-a-days, there is exponential growth in the field of Wireless Sensor Networks. A connected car is an ssential element of the Internet of Vehicles(IoV) vision that is a highly attractive application of the Internet of Things (IoT).The underlying technologies include Internet of Everything (IoE), artificial intelligence,machine learning, neural networks, sensor technologies, and cloud/edgecomputing. The connectivity between vehicles is through inter communicationbetween sensors and smart devices inside the vehicles, as well as smart systems inthe environment as part of the Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS).In WSN’s security is a major concern, since most of communication happen through a wireless media hence probability of attacks increases drastically. Intrusion detection as well as prevention measures should be taken for secure communication, hence observations of intrusion detection and prevention techniques have taken immense precedence in the research field.With the help of intrusion detection and prevention systems, we can categorize the activities of user in two categories namely normal activities and suspicious activities.There is a need to design effective intrusion detection and prevention system by exploring deep learning for wireless sensor networks. This research aims to deal with proposing algorithms and techniques for intrusion prevention system using deep packet inspection based on deep learning. In this, we have proposed a deep learning model using a convolutional Neural Network classifier. The proposed model consists of two stages like intrusion detection and intrusion prevention. The proposed model learn useful feature representations from a large amount of labeled data and then classifies them. In this work, a Convolutional Neural Network is used to prevent intrusion for wireless sensor networks. To evaluate and test the effectiveness of the proposed system, a WSN-DS dataset is used, and experiments are conducted on the dataset. The experimental results show that proposed system achieves 97% accuracy and performs substantially better than the existing system. The proposed work can be used as a future benchmark for deep learning and intrusion prevention research communitiesin the smart cities now a days.
Effect of Sources and Application Times of Nitrogen Fertilizer on Wheat Yield and Nitrate Leaching in Different Soil Textures
Authors: Sharafi Saeed
Published: March 2021

Aims Nitrogen fertilizers have destructive impacts on the environment through nitrate leaching. Methods To evaluate the effects of sources and application times of nitrogen fertilizer on wheat yield and nitrate leaching in different soil textures, an experiment was conducted using the factorial arrangement of randomized complete block design (RCBD). The treatments were two sources of nitrogen fertilizer including ammonium nitrate (AN) and urea (NN), applied three different times during the year with a control treatment: total application before sowing (T1), total application in spring (T2) and application of half the amount before sowing and half the amount in spring (T3) in different soil textures (sandy loam, silty clay loam and silty clay) with three replications during three growing seasons 2015-16 (Y1), 2016-17 (Y2) and 2017-18 (Y3). Results The results indicate that the effects of different soil textures in increasing grain yield differed significantly. The soil texture of silty clay loam compared to other soil textures (sandy loam and silty clay) differed in grain yield. Interaction effects of N sources and application times were significant at the 1 percent level for the three different soil textures. The results also showed that in the soil textures of sandy loam and silty clay at T3, compared to silty clay loam, grain yield increased. Silty clay loam with T2 increased grain yield compared to other soil textures, with a yield of 6863.6 kg ha-1. The effect of nitrogen fertilizer at different application times was significant in increasing the protein content in the silty clay and sandy loam. The protein percentage in the silty clay was 10.76 at T2 and was 10.93 at T2 in the sandy loam. In addition, AN compared to NN had a greater effect on the percentage of grain protein.Conclusion Nitrogen fertilizer application times affect grain yield and protein content in different locations. Moreover, AN increases protein content compared to NN. Maximum soil nitrate concentration was obtained at 80-100 cm depth in both fertilizer treatments and in sandy loam soil, and nitrate concentration increased during the experiment.
Characterization, Optical and Conductivity Study of Nickel Oxide based nanocomposites
of Polystyrene
Authors: El-Khiyami Shimaa Saeed , Hafez Rania , Ismail Asmaa
Published: March 2021

Different concentrations of nickel oxide (NiO) nanoparticles were successfully inserted into polystyrene (PS) polymer matrix using the solution casting method. X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), high-resolution scanning electron microscope (SEM), and UV-Vis techniques are used to characterize the nanocomposites. XRD, SEM, and FT-IR results indicate that PS and NiO nanoparticles have a good interaction and a high degree of complexity. Using UV–Vis technique, the absorbance of nanocomposites is improved by increasing the nanofiller content. Both the Urbach energy (EU) and the optical energy gap (Eg) were calculated using the Urbach relation and the Tauc model. Refractive indices values of nanocomposites display raising trend with NiO content which promote PS/NiO nanocomposites for use in photonic applications and designing optical devices. Nanocomposites' electrical conductivity was also investigated. The electrical conductivity of the nanocomposites has increased significantly due to the uniform dispersion of NiO nanoparticles and by increasing its content. Conduction is achieved by correlated barrier hopping (CBH).
Interaction effects of diabetes and brain-derived neurotrophic factor on suicidal ideation in patients with acute coronary syndrome
Authors: Choi Wonsuk , Kim Ju-Wan , Kang Hee-Ju , Kim Hee Kyung , Kang Ho-Cheol , Lee Ju-Yeon , Kim Sung-Wan , Hong Young Joon , Ahn Youngkeun , Jeong Myung Ho , Stewart Robert , Kim Jae-Min
Published: March 2021

Background
Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is associated with an increased risk of suicide. Although both diabetes and the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) pathway are closely related to ACS and suicide, the effects of these factors on suicidal behavior in ACS patients have not been assessed. The aim of this study was to investigate the individual and interaction effects of diabetes and BDNF-related markers, namely the serum BDNF (sBDNF) level and the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism, on suicidal ideation (SI) in ACS patients.
Methods
The presence of diabetes was ascertained, and sBDNF levels and the presence of the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism were measured in 969 patients within 2 weeks after an ACS episode. Among these patients, 711 were followed up at 1 year after the ACS episode. SI was evaluated using the relevant items of the Montgomery–Åsberg Depression Rating Scale at baseline (acute SI) and the 1-year follow-up (chronic SI).
Results
Significant individual effects of low sBDNF levels were found on acute SI. The presence of both diabetes and a low sBDNF level or the BDNF Met/Met genotype was associated with acute SI, with multivariate logistic regression analyses revealing significant interaction effects. The highest frequency of chronic SI was seen in diabetic patients with an sBDNF level in the lowest tertile or with the BDNF Met/Met genotype, although the interaction terms were not statistically significant.
Conclusions
Combining diabetes and BDNF-related markers, such as the sBDNF level and the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism, might provide a useful predictor of acute SI in patients with ACS.
Clinical Characteristics of Venous Thromboembolism in COVID-19 Patients Admitted to intensive care unit
Authors: Abdelrahman Mohamed Mosaad , Habeb Mohamed Abdelgwad , Ali Mohamed Abderahman , Ismael Mohamed Farouk , Ibraheem Elmour Abdelrahman
Published: March 2021

Introduction: COVID-19 infection was associated with many morbid conditions, one of which is venous thromboembolism; however, this is varied in incidence and clinical characteristics, with no known definite risk predictors.Aim: To identify the incidence, clinical characteristics, and risks and outcome of venous thromboembolism in COVID-19 patients.Methods: a retrospective cohort study comparing the recorded data for two groups of patients with confirmed COVID-19 infection and admitted to the ICU in 6 months duration.Results: the incidence of venous thromboembolism was 30%, where pulmonary embolism (PE) alone was the most frequent type (68.2%), followed by, DVT with PE (15.1%), DVT alone (12.1%), cavernous sinus thrombosis alone CST (3%) and the least frequency was CST with renal artery thrombi (1.5%). Smoking and malignancy were more frequent in VTE group with more statistically significant elevation of D dimer. the pulmonary embolism was lobar in the majority of our patients (69.6%), followed by segmental (17.9%), while the least frequency was for massive pulmonary embolism (12.5%).Conclusion: VTE is a common event in COVID-19 patients, where smoking and malignancy more frequent, D dimer is significantly elevated, and more morbidity and mortality in those patients.
Impact of pollutant as selection pressure on conjugative transfer of dioxin-catabolic plasmids harbored by Rhodococcus sp. strain p52
Authors: Zhao Gang , Wu Yanan , Wang Xu , Chen Meng , Li Li
Published: March 2021

Plasmid-mediated bioaugmentation has potential application in the cleanup of recalcitrant environmental pollutants. In this study, we examined the influence of various contaminants (in different categories or different amounts) as a selection pressure on the transfer of catabolic plasmids within an activated sludge bacteria community bioaugmented with Rhodococcus sp. strain p52 harboring pDF01 and pDF02. The distinguishable genera of transconjugants were isolated under the stresses of phenanthrene, dibenzothiophene, and dibenzo-p-dioxin. The difference in genomic G + C content (5.0 ~ 27.5%) between transconjugants and strain p52 indicated the transfer of the catabolic plasmids crossing phylogenetic boundaries. The specific removal rates in activated sludge reactors for phenanthrene, dibenzothiophene, and dibenzo-p-dioxin were elevated in turn. The three contaminants exerted different degrees of influence on the activated sludge bacteria bearing the catabolic plasmids. The highest proportion of transconjugants was detected in the reactor fed with dibenzo-p-dioxin. Additionally, as dibenzo-p-dioxin from 10 to 80 mg/L was fed into the reactors, the proportion of transconjugants increased. Film mating tests demonstrated that the plasmid transfer frequency varied among recipients under the contaminant stresses of phenanthrene, dibenzothiophene, and dibenzo-p-dioxin. Our study provides a characterization of the recalcitrant contaminants as a selection pressure that can modulate catabolic plasmid transfer during genetic bioaugmentation for the removal of contaminants.
Experimental and Theoretical Characterization of Thio coumarin by NLO single crystal in DFT Calculations
Authors: KUMAR K.SAMBATH , Rajkamal N. , Venkatachalapthy M. , Gayathri R.
Published: March 2021

Experimental and theoretical electron densities in thiocoumarin have been analyzed based on the X-ray diffraction data at 90 K. These compound pack in the crystal lattice with weak C-H…O and C-H….π interactions, and variations in charge density properties and derived local energy densities have been investigated in the regions of intermolecular interactions. Theoretical charge density calculations on crystals using the B3LYP/6-311 + + G(d,p) method show remarkable agreement with the derived properties and energy densities from the experiment. The intermolecular interactions follow an exponential dependence of electron density and energy densities at the bond critical points. The Laplacian follows a “Morse-like” dependence on the length of the interaction line. Based on the set of criteria defined using the theory of “atoms in molecules”, it has become possible to distinguish between a hydrogen bond (C-H…O) and a van der Waals interaction (C-H….π). This has resulted in the identification of a “region of overlap” in terms of electron densities, energy densities, and mutual penetration of the hydrogen and acceptor atoms with respect to the interaction length. This approach suggests a possible tool to distinguish between the two types of interactions. High field indicates that this molecule exhibit considerable electrical conductivity in atomic charges.The ESP map is found to be positive throughout the backbone of the molecule. The negative charges have a tendency to drift from left to right. Thermodynamic parameters like heat capacities (Cºp,m), entropies (Sºm) and enthalpies changes (Hºm) are used for various electrical field. Theoretical FT-IR and FT-Raman spectra of the title molecule have been constructed which show good agreement with recorded spectra.
The effects of low-dose human chorionic gonadotropin for luteal phase support on pregnancy outcomes in poor ovarian responders: a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Madani Tahereh , Arabipoor Arezoo , Ramezanali Fariba , Khodabakhshi Shabnam , Zolfaghari Zahra
Published: March 2021

Purpose: The question that remains is, does changing the type of luteal phase support (LPS) improve the pregnancy outcomes in patients with poor ovarian response (POR) diagnosis?. Therefore, this study was designed to investigate and compare the efficiency of different methods of luteal phase support (progesterone alone or hCG alone and the combination of progesterone with hCG) in these patients.Methods: This randomized clinical trial evaluated three hundred seventy five patients who were diagnosed as POR on the basis of Bologna criteria undergoing intracytoplasmic sperm injection- embryo transfer (ICSI-ET) cycles at Royan institute from November 2015 to June 2019. The patients were allocated randomly into three different LPS groups on the day of oocyte pickup. In first group, 1500 IU of hCG IM on the ET day, as well as 4 days after that were administrated. In the second group, the patients received 1500 IU of hCG IM on the ET day, as well as 3 and 6 days after the ET along with vaginal suppositories 400 mg twice daily. For the third group, only vaginal suppositories twice daily was administrated from the day of oocyte pick up until the pregnancy test day.The clinical pregnancy, miscarriage and live birth rates were the main outcomes. Results: The data analysis showed that the three groups were comparable. In the following, there is no significant difference in terms of implantation, clinical pregnancy, and miscarriage and live birth rates among groups. The twin pregnancy rate in the hCG-only group was higher than those of in the other two groups, although this difference was not statistically significant (P=0.06).Conclusion: The type of LPS does not improve the pregnancy and live birth rates in POR patients. A multi-center clinical trial is warranted to confirm or refute these findings.Trial registration: The study was registered in the clinicaltrial.gov site on 14 June 2015. (NCT02798653 at www. clinicaltrials.gov, registered prospectively).
Outcome of L-DEP Regimen for Treatment of Pediatric Chronic Active Epstein-Barr Virus Infection
Authors: Ma Honghao , Zhang Liping , Wei Ang , Yang Jun , Wang Dong , Zhang Qing , Zhao Yunze , Chen Sitong , Lian Hongyun , Zhang Li , Zhou Chunju , Qin Maoquan , Li Zhigang , Wang Tianyou , Zhang Rui
Published: March 2021

Purpose We intended to investigate the clinical features of pediatric patients with chronic active Epstein-Barr virus infection (CAEBV) and effectiveness of the L-DEP regimen before HSCT (hematopoietic stem cell transplantation).Methods A retrospective analysis was performed on 35 patients with CAEBV at Beijing Children’s Hospital from January 2016 to January 2020. The efficacy and adverse events of the L-DEP regimen were evaluated.Results The median age of 35 patients was 7.0 years (range 2.5-17.5 years). 28 patients achieved clinical response (80.0%, 22 in clinical CR, 6 in clinical PR) after L-DEP. In terms of virological response, 7 patients (20%) were assessed as virological CR and 23 patients (65.7%) were virological PR. Finally, 29 patients underwent allo-HSCT. Median survival time was 18 months (2-50 months). The 3-year overall survival rates in patients treated with chemotherapy only (n=6), chemotherapy followed by HSCT (n=25) were 33.3% and 75.4%, respectively. After L-DEP 1st treatment, the amount of EBV-DNA loads in blood and plasma were significantly reduced than that before chemotherapy (median: 4.29×105 vs. 1.84×106, Mann-Whitney U：P=0.0004; 5.00×102 vs. 3.17×103, Mann-Whitney U：P=0.003). And, compared with liver and spleen size before chemotherapy, the size of liver and spleen shrank significantly after L-DEP 2nd (median 3.8cm vs. 1.9cm, P=0.003; 3.8cm vs. 0cm, P＜0.008). In addition, after L-DEP treatment, there was no difference in clinical or virological response rate whether HLH was accompanied or not (clinical response: 77.3% vs. 84.6%：P=0.689; virological response: 90.9% vs. 76.9%, P=0.337). Conclusion L-DEP regimen is an effective therapy in treating CAEBV for bridging to allo-HSCT.
Spatial-Temporal Dynamics of Disease Burden Attributable to Pm2.5 Exposure in China From 2000 to 2016
Authors: Cao Ting
Published: March 2021

In recent years, long-term exposure to ambient fine particulate matter (PM2.5) has slowly increased both morbidity and mortality for Chinese people, becoming a leading problem for public health efforts. However, spatial-temporal dynamics of disease burden attributable to PM2.5 exposure still lacks a comprehensive evaluation so as to provide inadequate supports for policy making and improvement. Here, we used the exposure-response function to derive the spatial-temporal dynamics of disease burden attributable to PM2.5 pollution in China. We found the fact that economic loss attributable to PM2.5 increased by 93% from 35 billion Chinese Yuan (95% CI: 14-52) to 536 billion Chinese Yuan (95%CI: 236-753) during the period of 16 years. Digging further, we discovered a substantiate level of regional differences, with the disease burden being the most severe in East China and the least severe in the Northwest China. Other than that, there existed a spatial aggregation of health-related economic losses among Chinese cities. Our paper made an evaluation on the spatial-temporal dynamics of health effects attributed to PM2.5, an evaluation that could provide more insights to future policy making of the air pollution control for China and other developing countries.
Determinants of digital financial inclusion in India: Evidence from the World Bank’s global findex database
Authors: Nandru Prabhakar , Chendragiri Madhavaiah , Velayutham Arulmurugan
Published: March 2021

The current study explores the determinants of digital financial inclusion (DFI) in India and also examines the influence of demographic characteristics on the accessibility and usage of digital financial inclusion. The data for this study was collected from the World Bank Global Financial Inclusion (Global Findex) database to find the determinants of digital financial inclusion from India's perspective. The study measured the accessibility and usage of digital financial inclusion in relation to selected demographic characteristics such as gender, age, income, education and employment status. The findings of the study revealed that individual’s socio-demographic factors such as gender, age, education, income and employment status have found a significant influence on the accessibility of digital financial inclusion. In addition, these factors have significant effect on usage of digital mode of financial transactions such as payments made and receipts through mobile phone or using the internet. The study provides valuable insights to the policymakers and service providers to improve the status of digital financial inclusion.
Adaptive changes of presynaptic components in hippocampal CA1 subfield after transient global cerebral ischemia
Authors: Zhang Yan , Tan Bai-Hong , Wu Shuang , Wu Cheng-Hao , Suo Jia-Le , Gui Yue , Li Yan-Chao
Published: March 2021

Transient global cerebral ischemia induces acute loss of dendritic spines of CA1 pyramidal neurons in the hippocampus. On the other hand, it is unclear how the presynaptic terminals, which had lost their postsynaptic contacts, are persistently preserved after ischemia. We modeled global cerebral ischemia with two-stage 4-vessel-occlusion in rats, and found that three postsynaptic markers, MAP2, PSD95, and F-actin, were all severely decreased in area CA1 after ischemia/reperfusion (I/R). No significant change was detected for synapsin I, a presynaptic marker, at the protein level in the CA1 region after I/R. However, the puncta size of synapsin I became slightly, but significantly reduced in the early stage of I/R. As time went on, the puncta number of synapsin I became moderately decreased, while the puncta size of synaspin I was significantly increased. Interestingly, some enlarged puncta of synapsin I were observed to terminate directly onto the dendritic shafts of CA1 pyramidal cells. Due to a severe decrease of F-actin in the dendritic spines, the ratio of synapsin I/F-actin puncta number became significantly increased after I/R. The decrease in puncta size of synapsin I in the early stage of I/R may be the result of excessive release of synaptic vesicles due to I/R-induced hyperexcitability in CA3 pyramidal cells, while the increase in puncta size of synapsin I in the later stage of I/R may reflect the disability of synaptic vesicle release due to the loss of postsynaptic contacts.
The effect of the Information-Motivation-Behavioral skills (IMB) model variables on Orthorexia Nervosa behaviors of pregnant women
Authors: Ouyaba Ayşe Taştekin , Öztürk Pınar Çiçekoğlu
Published: March 2021

Purpose This study aims to test the effect of the components of the Information-Motivation-Behavioral Skills Model on Orthorexia Nervosa (ON) behavior of pregnant women and health outcomes using a hypothetical model. Methods The study is cross-sectional research and was carried out with 350 pregnant women who had the Non-Stress Test in the obstetrics outpatient clinic of a university hospital. The participants were selected using the convenience sampling method. The data were collected with a questionnaire. Data were analyzed using the structural equation model.Results It was found that 26.6% of pregnant women had an ON tendency. Higher levels of information on healthy eating cause more ON behaviors (β=-0.25, p<.001). The higher motivation for healthy eating (β=0.71, p<.001) and a higher tendency to ON behaviors (β=-0.18, p=.001) are associated with better health outcomes.Conclusion Our findings show that high levels of information and motivation about healthy eating affect ON tendency and health outcomes. The findings are significant in that they lead and guide the interventions for the detection, prevention, and treatment of ON during pregnancy.Level of Evidence: Level V, cross-sectional study
Executive functions and quality of life in children with neurofibromatosis type 1
Authors: Roy Arnaud , Roulin Jean-Luc , Guen Christèle Gras-Le , Corbat Marie-Laure , Barbarot Sébastien
Published: March 2021

Background. To examine the impact of executive function disorders on health-related quality of life (QoL) in children with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). Prospective single-center study among 40 children with NF1 aged 812 years (mean = 9.7, SD = 1.4) and their parents, comparing them with 56 healthy control children matched for age, sex, parental education level, and handedness. We collected children’s self-reports and parents’ proxy reports of QoL with the Kidscreen-52 questionnaire, and measured executive functions by combining seven performance-based tests and a daily life questionnaire completed by parents and teachers. Results. Several QoL domains were significantly impaired in the children with NF1, compared with healthy controls, according to both their self-reports (3 out of 9 scales; Cohen’s d: .40.42) and their parents’ reports (6 out of 9 scales; Cohen’s d: .34.75), with a systematic decrease in the social support and peers and school environment domains. Executive function disorders (Cohen’s d: .641.72) significantly predicted the impairment of QoL domains as perceived by the children or their parents, regardless of the indirect indicators of learning disabilities. Conclusions. Both performance-based executive function scores and behavior ratings of executive functions in daily life by parents and teachers were associated with low QoL levels in the children with NF1. The school environment and social integration appear to be particularly affected, and should therefore be targeted in the management of the disease. 227 words
Oral Tyrosine Supplementation Facilitates Conditions for the Preferential Transport of Tyrosine Across the Blood-Brain Barrier in Anorexia Nervosa: a Case Study Series
Authors: Hart Melissa , Sibbritt David , Williams Lauren , Nunn Kenneth , Wilcken Bridget
Published: March 2021

Background: Anorexia nervosa is a severe and complex illness associated with a lack of efficacious treatment. Ongoing tyrosine administration has been proposed as a possible treatment through increasing blood tyrosine sufficiently to facilitate brain catecholamine synthesis. Saturation with the noradrenergic precursor tyrosine could alleviate noradrenergic dysregulation with subsequent reduction in dietary restraint and eating, weight and shape concern. The effects of tyrosine supplementation in adolescents with anorexia nervosa remain to be tested. This feasibility study aimed to explore whether an oral tyrosine dosage raises plasma tyrosine sufficiently in adolescents with anorexia nervosa and healthy peers and is sustained over time to allow conditions for the preferential transport across the blood-brain barrier. Case Presentation: The first stage of this study explored the pharmacological response to a single, oral tyrosine load in adolescents (aged 12-15 years) with anorexia nervosa (n=2) and healthy peers (n=2). The second stage explored the pharmacological and psychological response to ongoing tyrosine administration in adolescents with anorexia nervosa. Peak tyrosine levels occurred at approximately two-three hours and approached baseline levels by eight hours. Blood tyrosine elevation was maintained over time in participants with anorexia nervosa. Some improvements in participant psychological tests were evident. There were no measured side effects. Conclusions: The considerable blood tyrosine increase appeared sufficient to facilitate conditions for the preferential transport of tyrosine across the blood-brain barrier which has the potential to improve noradrenergic brain function in people with anorexia nervosa. Further exploration of tyrosine as an adjunct treatment in anorexia nervosa is warranted.
Association between dietary carotenoid intakes and the risk of asthma in adults: ﻿a cross sectional study of NHANES, 2007-2012
Authors: Zhang Wei , Wang Yadan , Li Weijie , Du Jie
Published: March 2021

Background: In recent years, with the popularization of Western diet, the prevalence of asthma has continued to rise; Oxidative stress is thought to be an important mechanism of asthma. Carotenoids, as antioxidants, may reduce the risk of asthma, but previous studies have been controversial. In this study, we aimed to investigate the association between dietary carotenoid intakes and asthma using data from a nationally representative sample of U.S. adults.Methods: In this cross-section study, all the data were accessed from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2007–2012. Asthma was defined by self -report questionnaires and the dietary carotenoids data were estimated from a 24-hour recall. Weighted multivariable linear regression models and the smooth curve fittings were applied to explore the association between total carotenoid intake, dietary carotenoid subgenera including (α-carotene, β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, lutein with zeaxanthin, and lycopene) and the risk of asthma. Results: The present study included a total of 13039 participants, 1784 of whom were defined as having current asthma. Intakes of all kinds of carotenoids were lower in those participants with current asthma. The odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals of dietary α-carotene, dietary β-carotene, dietary β-cryptoxanthin, total lutein with zeaxanthin, total lycopene and total carotenoid intake for individuals with current asthma after adjusting the confounders in Model 3 were 0.80(0.67-0.95), 0.65(0.55-0.77), 0.67(0.53-0.83), 0.70(0.56-0.87), 0.76(0.60-0.98) and 0.60(0.48-0.75) in the highest versus lowest quartile, respectively. The smooth curve fittings suggested a nonlinear relationship between total carotenoid intake and the risk of current asthma.Conclusions: Higher intake of a-carotene, β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, lycopene, lutein with zeaxanthin, and total carotenoid were associated with lower odds of having current asthma in the U.S. adults.
Value Chain and Market Participation of Maize in North Gondar Zone, Ethiopia
Authors: Assefa Getahun Abreham , Deresse Yordanos Sete
Published: March 2021

Background: The smallholder producers in Ethiopia generally and in North Gondar Zone specifically are price takers since they have little participation in the value chain and imperfection of the marketing system. Farmers have low bargaining power to sell their products to the market. Empirical findings on identifying actors of the value chains, and assessing determinants of farmers’ participation decision and marketed volume in the study areas in North Gondar is not found. As a result, this study examined the determinants of farmers’ participation decision and marketed volume in the study areas in North Gondar Administration Zone. Methods: Primary data was got from a total of 350 sample households and 60 maize traders who were interviewed using a pretested questionnaire. Heckman selection model was employed to identify factors that determine market participation decision and its intensity in maize markets.Results: The Heckman’s selection model result shows farming experience (P<0.079) and relative fertility of land (P<0.000) determines farmers’ maize market participation decision positively and significantly whereas rural credit access (P<0.002) affected it negatively. Variables DA visit frequency (P<0.03), distance from market (P<0.053) and Labor force (P<0.002) have positive effect and significant on marketed volume of maize. On the other hand, Farm land size (P< 0.040) and level of education (P < 0.041) are significant but they have a negative effect on it in North West Ethiopia. Conclusion: The area is a potential place to the production of maize. Even though the potential is high there are many determinants and challenges which affect the producer’s market participation status and the volume of marketed surplus. Therefore, government must check its land use proclamation and rural financial institution policies and their applications in North Gondar administration zone in Ethiopia.
PARP Inhibitor Olaparib Enhances the Efficacy of Radiotherapy on Xrcc2-deficient Colorectal Cancer Cells
Authors: Qin changjiang , Ji Zhi-Yu , Zhai Er-Tao , Xu Kai-Wu , Li Quan-Ying , Jing Hong , Zhang Yi-Jie , Song Xin-Ming
Published: March 2021

Background: Loss of XRCC2 compromises DNA damage repairs, and induced DNA damage burdens may increase the reliance on PARP-dependent DNA repairs of cancer cells to render cell susceptibility to PARP inhibitor therapy. Here, we study if XRCC2 loss sensitizes colorectal cancer(CRC) to PARP inhibitor in combination with radiotherapy (RT).Methods: The relationships between the expression of XRCC2 and PARP with patient outcome were investigated in 167 patients with locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) who received neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (neoCRT). The in vitro radiosensitizing effects of olaparib were tested in XRCC2-deficient CRC using a clonogenic survival assay, determination of γH2AX foci, and measurement of β-galactosidase activity. An in vivo mouse xenograft model was used to determine the effect of olaparib on sensitization of tumors to ionizing radiation (IR).Results: High levels of XRCC2 or PARP1 were significantly associated with poor overall survival (OS) in patients with LARC who received neoCRT, co-expression analyses found low PARP1 and low XRCC2 expression have better OS. Our in vitro experiments indicated that olaparib+IR reduced clonogenic survival, increased persistent DNA damage, and prolonged cell cycle arrest and senescence in XRCC2-deficient cells relative to wild-type cells. Furthermore, our mouse xenograft experiments indicated that RT+olaparib had greater anti-tumor effects and led to long-term remission in mice with XRCC2-deficient tumors.Conclusions: XRCC2-deficient CRC acquire high sensitivity to PARP inhibition after IR treatment. Our preclinical findings provide a rationale for the use of Olaparib as a radiosensitizer for treatment of XRCC2-deficient CRC.
Negative effects of iodine-based contrast agent on renal function in patients with moderate reduced renal function hospitalized for Covid-19
Authors: Tamm Chen , Svensson Ann Mari , Beckman Mats O. , Strand Fredrik , Sköld Magnus , Nyrén Sven , Kistner Anna
Published: March 2021

Background Kidney disease and renal failure are associated with hospital deaths in patients with Covid-19. We aimed to test if contrast enhancement (CE) affects short-term renal function in hospitalized Covid-19 patients.Methods Plasma creatinine (P-creatinine) was measured on the day of computed tomography (CT) and 24 h, 48 h, and 4–10 days after CT. CE (n = 142) and non-CE (n = 24) groups were subdivided, based on estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFR), > 60 and ≥ 30–60 ml/min/1.73 m2. Contrast-induced acute renal failure (CI-AKI) was defined as ≥ 27 µmol/L increase or a > 50% rise in P-creatinine from CT or initiation of renal replacement therapy (RRT) during follow-up. Patients with RRT were studied separately. We evaluated factors associated with a > 50% rise in P-creatinine.Results Median P-creatinine at 24–48 h and days 4–10 post-CT in patients with eGFR > 60 and eGFR ≥ 30–60 in CE and non-CE groups did not differ from basal values. CI-AKI was observed at 48 h and at 4–10 days post-CE in 24% and 36% (n = 5/14) of patients with eGFR ≥ 30–60. Corresponding figures in the eGFR > 60 CE CT group were 5%, (p < 0.037 and p < 0.001, Pearson x2 test respectively). In the former group, four of the five patients died within 30 days. Odds ratio analysis showed that CI-AKI was associated with an eGFR ≤ 60 at CE and 30-day mortality both at 48 h and 4–10 days.Conclusion Patients with Covid-19 and eGFR ≥ 30–60 had a high frequency of CK-AKI at 48 h and at 4–10 days after CE, which was associated with increased 30-day mortality. For patients with eGFR ≥ 30–60, we recommend strict indications are practiced for CE CT. CE had a modest effect in patients with eGFR > 60.
Design and Simulation of Linear All-Optical Comparator Based on Square-Lattice Photonic Crystals
Authors: Parandin Fariborz , Kamarian Reza , Jomour Mohamadreza
Published: March 2021

An optical comparator is an important logic circuit used in digital designs. Photonic crystals are among the platforms for implementing different kinds of gates and logic circuits. Photonic crystals are structures with alternating refractive indices. In digital optics, logical values “0” and “1” are defined based on the level of optical power. In this paper, an optical comparator based on square-lattice photonic crystals is designed and simulated. In the design of this comparator, a small-sized structure is used. The simulation results show that in the proposed comparator, there is a long distance between logical values ​​“0” and “1”. Due to the small size of this comparator and the adequate distance between logical values ​​“0” and “1”, this structure suits photonic integrated circuits with high accuracy.
Spread of the SARS-CoV-2 UK-variant in the South East of France: impact on COVID-19 patients age, comorbidity profiles and clinical presentation
Authors: Courjon Johan , Contenti Julie , Demonchy Elisa , Levraut Jacques , Barbry Pascal , Rios Géraldine , Dellamonica Jean , Chirio David , Bonnefoy Caroline , Giordanengo Valérie , Carles Michel
Published: March 2021

Objectives: The variant 20I/501Y.V1, associated to a higher risk of transmissibility, emerged in Nice city (South East of France, French Riviera) during January 2021. The pandemic has resumed late December 2020 in this aera. A high incidence rate together with a fast turn-over of the main circulating variants, provided us the opportunity to analyze modifications in clinical profile and outcome traits. Methods: Observational study in the University hospital of Nice from December 2020 to February 2021. We analyzed data of sequencing of SARS-CoV-2 from the sewage collector and PCR screening from all positive samples at the hospital. Then, we described the characteristics of all COVID-19 patients admitted in the emergency department (ED) (n=1247) and those hospitalized in the infectious diseases ward or ICU (n=232). Results: the UK-variant was absent in this area in December, then increasingly spread in January representing 59% of the PCR screening performed mid-February. The rate of patients over 65 years admitted to the ED decreased from 63% to 50% (p=0.001). The mean age of hospitalized patients in the infectious diseases ward decreased from 70.7 to 59.2 (p<0.001) while the proportion of patients without comorbidity increased from 16% to 42% (p=0.007). Conclusion: Spread of the UK-variant in the South East of France affects younger and healthier patients.
Novel roles of DNA variation in maintenance of AT rich genome and conserved function in rats
Authors: Zinski Amy , Wang Weimin , Michal Jennifer , Woods Leah Solberg , McLaughlin Ryan , Jiang Zhihua
Published: March 2021

Whether or not DNA variation changes genome-wide nucleotide compositions remains largely unknown. By examining 4,604,291 DNA variants between two rat strains, we observed that sequencing depth is strongly correlated with genome content as 21.41, 38.36, 44.26 and 6512.70 average reads per locus were collected for Y, X, autosomes and mitochondrial (MT) genomes; respectively (P<0.0001). The mutation rates corresponding to these four genome subsets were 0.055, 0.401, 1.733 and 4.475 variants per kb (P<0.0001), confirming the links between recombination frequencies and DNA variability. Although SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms) tend to reduce AT content, more CG deletions than CG insertions (INDELs) implies the GC content would not increase. Therefore, the SNP-INDEL interplay may play a key role in maintenance of the AT-rich genomes in rat during evolution. Formation of CpG sites appear to be hindered because genome-wide G INDELs (1.38%) with C as the 5’-nucleotide and CG INDELs (1.19%) are rare. However, the relatively high C—>G/G—>C rate in 5’UTRs (untranslated regions) and G/C INDELs in the 5’UTR and/or exonic regions highlight their importance for execution of gene function. Our study provides evidence that DNA variation does not jeopardize genome stability and functional conservation during evolution.
WITHDRAWN: Production of Intensifying Blue Light by Cherenkov Radiation Phenomena and Their Use as Power Source Applications
Authors: El-Shemy Shima , Eissa Mostafa , Arafa Aly
Published: March 2021

It is interesting to note in recent years for a large number of researchers the topic of photonic crystals (PhCs) because of their new and useful properties. In addition, there are many advantages to photonic crystals materials as a high reflectance materials as well as the high transmittance materials based on the target application. The calculations were done for Aluminum oxide and titanium oxide (Al2O3/TiO2) composite photonic crystal in one dimension, which shows a high reflectivity (~ 99 %). The chosen photonic crystal composite can be useful to reflect the Cherenkov light many times which comes out from Cherenkov radiation by using radioisotope 90Sr-90Y. The output intensified light has power 1.45 µwatt and 1.45 nwatt for 90Sr-90Y with the activity 1Ci and 1mCi respectively, that can be used for micro/nano-power source applications.
Feature Extraction and Clustering for Static Video Summarization
Authors: Sun Yunyun , Li Peng , Liu Yutong , Jiang Zhaohui
Published: March 2021

Numerous limitations of shot based and content based key frame extraction approaches have encouraged the development of cluster based methods. This work provides OTMW, Optimal Threshold and Maximum Weight clustering method, as a novel cluster based key frame extraction method. The video feature dataset is constructed by computing the color, texture and information complexity features of frame images. An optimization function is developed to compute the optimal clustering threshold. It is constrained by fidelity and ratio measure parameters. We turn to an empirical study on the proposed method in multi-type video key frame extraction tasks and compare it with popular cluster based methods including Mean-shift, DBSCAN, GMM and K-means. OTWM method achieves an average fidelity and ratio of 96.12 and 97.13, respectively. Experimental results demonstrate that OTMW can bring higher fidelity and ratio performance, while still maintaining a competitive performance over other cluster based methods. Overall, the proposed method can accurately extract key frames from multi-type videos.
Primary Central Nervous System Lymphoma of the Cerebellopontine Angle: Epidemiological Characteristics and Imaging Features May Be Helpful for Making an Accurate Preoperative Diagnosis
Authors: Zheng Jian , Zhang Buyi , Huang Zhaoxu , Ling Hui , Dou Zhangqi , Wu Jiawei , Jin Taian , Lu Danchan , Sun Chongran
Published: March 2021

Purpose Primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) of the cerebellopontine angle (CPA) is rare, thus the preoperative diagnosis is still a challenge.MethodsWe searched the database at our institution and performed a search of English literature in PubMed and Google Scholar. Keywords used were as follows: “primary central nervous system lymphoma”; “cerebellopontine angle”; “lymphoma”. Only cases in the English language that were located in the CPA and contained adequate clinical information pertinent to the analysis were included.Results297 cases of pathologically confirmed PCNSLs were recorded between January 2009 and October 2020 at our institution. 6 cases were located in the CPA, accounting for 2.0% of all PCNSLs. 26 cases meeting the above criteria were found in the literature. Including ours, a total of 32 patients were analyzed. Females were more frequently affected (F/M ratio, 2.2:1). There was a preponderance of left-sided lesions in the PCNSLs of the CPA (L/R ratio, 1.5:1). On CT, 80.0% of them presented as hyperdense lesions. On T1-weighted image, 66.7% appeared isointense. While on T2-weighted image (T2WI), 68.4% appeared isointense/hypointense. After contrast administration, 86.2% presented intense homogeneous enhancement.ConclusionPCNSL of the CPA is extremely rare, accounting for 2.0% of all PCNSLs in our study. There is a preponderance of females and left-sided lesions in this disease. Contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging with T2WI is very helpful in the preoperative diagnosis of the CPA PCNSL. Although rare, lymphoma should be included in the differential diagnosis of CPA lesions.