bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Validation of the abbreviated indicators of perceived residential environment quality and neighborhood attachment in China
Authors: Mao Yanhui , Luo Xinyi , Guo Shuangyang , Xie Mei , Zhou Jing , Huang Rui , Zhang Zhen
Published: August 2022

The purpose of this research is to utilize factor analyses to evaluate the reliability and factorial structure of an abbreviated version of the instrument that includes indicators of perceived residential environment quality (PREQ) and neighborhood attachment (NA) in Chinese urban environments. The instrument has 11 scales that measure PREQ and 1 scale measuring neighborhood attachment (NA). Architectural and urban planning aspects (three scales:Architectural and Town-planning Space, Organization of Accessibility and Roads, Green Areas), socio-relational aspects (one scale:People and Social Relations), functional aspects (four scales:Welfare Services, Recreational Services, Commercial Services, and Transport Services), and contextual aspects (three scales:Pace of Life, Environmental Health, andUpkeep and Care) are all covered by the 11 PREQ scales. A total of 1,332 people living in Chinese urban cities completed a self-report questionnaire that included these 12 scales. A calibration sample and a validation sample that were randomly split from the total sample verified the factorial structures of this instrument, and the abbreviated instrument had acceptable reliability and validity. The validated abbreviated version of the PREQ and NA instruments allowed for a more reliable and manageable tool that might lessen respondents' exhaustion of a large number of items, this also contributed to the policy-making for urban planning and practical architectural design.
Investigation of 3-year inpatient TB cases in Zunyi, China: Increased TB burden but improved bacteriological diagnosis
Authors: Chen Ling , Wang Xiaodan , Jia Xudong , Lan Yuanbo , Yi Haibo , Wang Xiaomin , Xu Peng
Published: August 2022

Background

As one of the top three high tuberculosis (TB) burden countries, China is a country where the overall TB incidence continues to decline. However, due to its large population and area, the increased TB burden exists in regional areas.

Methods

This retrospective study analyzed local inpatient pulmonary TB cases in the Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University (AHZMU) from January 2016 to December 2018 in a high TB incidence and economically-less-developed area of China. Four methods, acid-fast bacilli stain, culture, Xpert and LAMP, were used to detect Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb), while proportional method and Xpert were used to identify rifampicin-resistant TB (RR-TB). Case number, treatment history, M.tb confirmed TB and rifampicin resistant proportion were analyzed to investigate the local TB epidemic.

Results

Total 3,910 local inpatient cases with pulmonary TB were admitted to AHZMU during this study period. The annual numbers of total TB cases increased 26.4% (from 1,173 to 1,483), while new cases increased 29.6% (from 936 to 1,213) and RR-TB cases increased 2.7 times (from 31 to 84). Meanwhile, the percentage of previously treated cases declined from 20.2 to 18.2% and the M.tb confirmed TB proportion increased from 34.7 to 49.7%.

Conclusion

The elevated M.tb confirmed TB proportion and the declined percentage of previously treated cases indicated the improved TB diagnosis and treatment of AHZMU. However, the increasing number of total TB cases, new and RR-TB cases showed an upward trend and increased TB burden in a relatively underdeveloped area of China.
The intersection of disability status and rurality in American Indian/Alaskan Native communities
Authors: Mashinchi Genna M. , Hicks Emily C. , Leopold Arin J. , Greiman Lillie , Ipsen Catherine
Published: August 2022

There is a noteworthy gap in the literature regarding disability in rural American Indian/Alaskan Native (AI/AN) communities. This is significant, as many tribal lands are in rural areas and AI/AN individuals experience some of the highest prevalence rates of disability. To address this gap, we used descriptive statistics to examine the intersection of AI/AN and rurality in disability prevalence. Results indicate that rural counties have the highest prevalence of disability for both Whites and AI/ANs and that AI/ANs experience higher prevalence rates than Whites. However, further analysis indicates that county makeup (counties with high prevalence of AI/AN in the general population) moderated this relationship. Specifically, rural counties with populations of at least 5% AI/AN had lower prevalence of AI/AN disability compared to counties with populations with less than 5% AI/AN. Further analysis is needed to unpack this relationship, but results might suggest that AI/AN communities may feature resilient and protective attributes, moderating the amount of disability experienced in rural AI/AN communities.
Barnyard grass (Echinochloa crus-galli L.) as a candidate plant for phytoremediation of arsenic from arsenic-amended and industrially polluted soils
Authors: Sultana Razia , Ahmed Tamim , Islam Shah Mohammad Naimul , Uddin Md Nizam
Published: August 2022

The potentiality of barnyard grass for remediation of arsenic (As)-contaminated soil has been reported in several research works. However, the phytoremediation ability of barnyard grass from industrially polluted multimetal-contaminated soil in comparison to As-amended soil needs to be elucidated. This work investigated the As remediation potentiality of barnyard grass from As-amended and industrially polluted soils, and the fractionation of As was done in soils with plants and without plants grown. The result showed that at the highest As level in the soil, barnyard grass accumulated the highest amount of As in both the root (414.81 mg kg-1) and shoot (114.12 mg kg-1). However, barnyard grass produced the highest amount of biomass in industrially polluted soil that resulted in the highest amount of As uptake. Moreover, barnyard grass also accumulated lead (Pb) and chromium (Cr) from industrially polluted soil. The bioaccumulation factor (BF) of As was >1 in As-amended soil in all the treatments as well as in industrially polluted soil. Fractionation of As in post-harvest soil revealed that compared to soil without plants grown, As in the soil was reduced from residual As (F5); As associated with well-crystallized hydrous oxides of iron (Fe) and aluminum (Al) (F4); As associated with amorphous and poorly crystallized hydrous oxides of Fe and Al (F3), whereas a slight increase was found in non-specifically sorbed As (F1) and specifically sorbed As (F2) due to the plant’s effect. The slight increase in the concentration of As in F1 and F2 fractions contributed to the bioavailable forms of As in the rhizosphere and sustained As concentration for further plant uptake. The maximum plant growth and highest uptake of As in the industrially polluted soil revealed the potentiality of barnyard grass for remediation of multimetal-polluted soil.
Lockdown and No Lockdown: How Norwegian and Swedish Elite Athletes Managed Preparations for Tokyo 2020 and Mental Health Challenges in the Shadow of COVID-19
Authors: Lundqvist Carolina , Kristiansen Elsa
Published: August 2022

The present study explored Norwegian and Swedish Olympic aspirants' perceived challenges for the preparations of Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games (OG) and risk and protective factors for mental health. The focus for this study was the timespan between the declaration of the postponement of Tokyo 2020 and the final months before the Games. A secondary purpose was to explore experiences of both elite athletes affected by lockdown (i.e., Norwegian athletes) and elite athletes not affected by lockdown in their home country (i.e., Swedish athletes). Twelve elite athletes (Norwegian: n = 6; Swedish: n = 6; Women: n = 6; Men: n = 6) with a mean age of 28.25 (SD = 3.60) participated. Semi-structured interviews were conducted between April and June 2021. Seven athletes had qualified and five were still trying to qualify. Eight of the interviewed athletes had previous experiences with OG participation. Template analysis revealed two main themes: (a) challenges and risk-factors for mental health and (b) protective factors. The pandemic exposed athletes to several psychological strains like uncertainty and difficulties with planning and preparations for the OG and personal and social challenges (i.e., worry about physical health and risk of overtraining, social contacts, identity, and life issues). Protective factors included perceived benefits of increased recovery and time for quality training. The athletes used several coping strategies and self-care behaviors (e.g., focus on the controllable, playfulness, putting sports in perspective, daily routines, short-term goals, working or studying for personal development) and they tapped into various internal and external psychosocial resources perceived as protective for mental health, personal growth, resiliency, and adjustment to the pandemic. The holistic perspectives used contribute to an increased understanding of elite sport athletes' mental health needs in stressful and unforeseen situations such as a pandemic.
The influence on fish and seafood consumption, and the attitudes and reasons for its consumption in the Croatian population
Authors: Marinac Pupavac Sandra , Kenðel Jovanović Gordana , Linšak Željko , Glad Marin , Traven Luka , Pavičić Žeželj Sandra
Published: August 2022

Fish makes an important part of the Mediterranean diet, which has been scientifically proven to help preserve human health by protecting against major chronic and inflammatory diseases. Eating fish and seafood is very important, not only for its proven health benefits but also for its positive impact on the environment. Due to many fish and seafood significant positive effects on human health, this study aimed to investigate the socio-demographic factors associated with the consumption of fish and seafood in the population of Primorsko-goranska County in Croatia. Another aim was to determine people's attitudes, choices, and reasons for the consumption of fish and seafood. Self-reported data from 2,910 participants were used. According to the European dietary recommendations for fish consumption, the participants were divided into two groups; the very low to low fish consumption group and the moderate to high fish consumption group, in order to examine the differences in socio-demographic and lifestyle variables, and their attitudes, opinions, and reasons for fish and seafood consumption. More fish and seafood were consumed by women, the elderly, the more educated, non-smokers, and more physically active participants. Age, the highest level of education, and a diet even moderately adherent to the Mediterranean diet was found to significantly increase the likelihood of recommended fish consumption. Participants considered the best reasons to consume more fish lower prices, buy much more locally produced fishery products, and prefer to eat wild-caught fish rather than farmed fish. The study has found a slight increase in fish consumption, although still lower than the European average. It also showed significant socio-demographic associations, also the reasons and attitudes toward higher fish and seafood consumption of the Croatian population. The obtained research data are valuable for planning future public health programs in Croatia aimed at greater consumption of fish and seafood, as well as their promotion as an important part of a sustainable diet.
Prophylactic antibiotics may not be necessary for transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy
Authors: Lee Jun Sung , Kim Hee Jun , Lee Jin Seok , Yun Hyeok Jun , Lee Suji , Cheong Jae-Ho , Kim Soo Young , Kim Seok-Mo , Chang Hojin , Lee Yong Sang , Park Cheong Soo , Chang Hang-Seok
Published: August 2022

Background

With the recent advances in thyroid cancer surgery techniques and the increasing number of patients concerned about cosmetics, the use of transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy is increasing globally. The aim of this study was to determine whether transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy is truly a clean-contaminated surgery.

Methods

From September 2016 to April 2018, 20 patients with thyroid cancer underwent transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy performed by a single surgeon at Gangnam Severance Hospital. Before and after surgery, the oral cavity was swabbed to obtain culture samples, and antibiotics were administered before and after surgery each once.

Results

Of the total 20 patients, no bacteria were identified before or after surgery in eight (40%) patients. Bacteria were identified both before and after surgery in seven patients (35%). In four patients (20%), bacteria were not identified before surgery, but bacteria were identified after surgery. Bacteria were identified before surgery but not after surgery in one patient (5%). No surgical site infection was observed. All the bacteria identified were normal flora of the oral cavity and skin.

Conclusions

There was no difference between the preoperative culture and postoperative culture of the oral cavity in patients undergoing TOET, and there were no postoperative surgical site infection with prophylactic pre & post-operative antibiotics use. Considering the patient's position and surgical extent in TOET, it appears to be difficult for non-indigenous bacteria to invade the surgical site in oral cavity.
Case Report: Myomatous erythrocytosis syndrome presenting as rapid growth of an extra-uterine mass
Authors: Wang Shao-Jing , Chen Yun-An , Shih Yu-Hsiang , Chen Ming-Jer , Lu Chien-Hsing
Published: August 2022

Objective

To report a case of myomatous erythrocytosis syndrome (MES) with an extra-uterine manifestation.

Case report

A 43-year-old woman presented with progressive abdominal distension and rapid enlargement of a pelvic mass. Upon survey, a high-level of hemoglobin (19.0 g/dl) was documented. The initial impression was an ovarian malignancy, but uterine sarcoma could not be ruled out because of its rapid growth. However, during exploratory laparotomy, the pelvic mass was found to be a 31 cm broad ligament leiomyoma; which is extremely rare for its size and location. The specimen was further studied immunohistochemically, which revealed excessive expressions of erythropoietin and erythropoietin receptors in addition to the diffusely matured blood vessels in the myoma tissue. The patient’s hemoglobin level resumed to normal three months post-surgery. The diagnosis of MES was confirmed both clinically and histologically.

Conclusion

A correct preoperative diagnosis is challenging when MES manifests as an extrauterine mass. The coexistence of MES should be considered in the management of all leiomyoma with polycythemia, regardless of locations.
An approach to uncover the relationship between 17b-estradiol and ESR1/ESR2 ratio in the regulation of canine corpus luteum
Authors: Bonfim Neto Antenor Pereira , Cardoso Ana Paula Mattoso Miskulin , Silva Renata dos Santos , Sousa Liza Margareth Medeiros de Carvalho , Giometti Ines Cristina , Binelli Mario , Bauersachs Stefan , Kowalewski Mariusz Pawel , Papa Paula de Carvalho
Published: August 2022

The canine corpus luteum (CL) is able to synthetise, activate and deactivate 17b-estradiol (E2) and also expresses nuclear estrogen receptors in a time-dependent manner during diestrus. Nevertheless, we are still missing a better comprehension of E2 functions in the canine CL, especially regarding the specific roles of estrogen receptor alpha (ERa) and ERb, encoded by ESR1 and 2, respectively. For that purpose, we analyzed transcriptomic data of canine non-pregnant CL collected on days 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60 of diestrus and searched for differentially expressed genes (DEG) containing predicted transcription factor binding sites (TFBS) for ESR1 or ESR2. Based on biological functions of DEG presenting TFBS, expression of select transcripts and corresponding proteins was assessed. Additionally, luteal cells were collected across specific time points during diestrus and specificity of E2 responses was tested using ERa and/or ERb inhibitors. Bioinformatic analyses revealed 517 DEGs containing TFBS, from which 67 for both receptors. In general, abundance of predicted ESR1 targets was greater in the beginning, while abundance of ESR2 targets was greater in the end of diestrus. ESR1/ESR2 ratio shifted from an increasing to a decreasing pattern from day 30 to 40 post ovulation. Specific receptor inhibition suggested an ERa-mediated positive regulation of CL function at the beginning of diestrus and an ERb-mediated effect contributing to luteal regression. In conclusion, our data points toward a broad spectrum of action of E2 and its nuclear receptors, which can also act as transcription factors for other genes regulating canine CL function.
Owner assessed outcomes following elbow arthroscopy with or without platelet rich plasma for fragmented medial coronoid process
Authors: Matos Cruz Alyssa M. , Mason David R.
Published: August 2022

Objective

Document the outcomes of bilateral arthroscopic subtotal coronoidectomy for the fragmented medial coronoid process, quantify persistent lameness that required additional treatment (PRP), and document the outcomes of dogs that followed up with PRP injections.

Study design

Retrospective study.

Sample population

Overall, 115 dogs underwent arthroscopy alone and 31 received PRP at least 6 weeks after arthroscopy. The owner's response rate was ~50% (73 dogs).

Methods

Collected data included signalment, unilateral or bilateral clinical signs, intra-articular chondroprotective injection during the procedure, if PRP intra-articular injection was received postoperatively, and if it was received, the time from the initial surgery to administration was recorded. Outcomes were assessed via standardized owner questionnaires using the Liverpool Osteoarthritis in Dogs (LOAD) score, the Canine Brief Pain Inventory (CBPI) score, and the overall quality of life (QOL) assessment.

Results

Approximately 20% of the patients received PRP post-operatively due to persistent lameness following surgery. Similar pain scores were found between the two groups with an average of 11–13 LOAD score, 13–15 CBPI score, and good quality of life. Older animals at the time of surgery and those that received pain-relieving medications after the procedure were more painful and affected their functional outcome. PRP as an adjunctive therapy achieved a perceived good to excellent quality of life in ~90% of pets in this population.

Conclusion

Arthroscopy and subtotal coronoidectomy followed by PRP, if needed, seemed to decrease pain, and improve lameness in the long term.

Clinical significance

PRP should be considered as adjunctive therapy in dogs with the limited response to arthroscopy alone.
Protective and detoxifying effects conferred by selenium against mycotoxins and livestock viruses: A review
Authors: Fang Manxin , Hu Wei , Liu Ben
Published: August 2022

Animal feed can easily be infected with molds during production and storage processes, and this can lead to the production of secondary metabolites, such as mycotoxins, which eventually threaten human and animal health. Furthermore, livestock production is also not free from viral infections. Under these conditions, the essential trace element, selenium (Se), can confer various biological benefits to humans and animals, especially due to its anticancer, antiviral, and antioxidant properties, as well as its ability to regulate immune responses. This article reviews the latest literature on the antagonistic effects of Se on mycotoxin toxicity and viral infections in animals. We outlined the systemic toxicity of mycotoxins and the primary mechanisms of mycotoxin-induced toxicity in this analysis. In addition, we pay close attention to how mycotoxins and viral infections in livestock interact. The use of Se supplementation against mycotoxin-induced toxicity and cattle viral infection was the topic of our final discussion. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, which is currently causing a health catastrophe, has altered our perspective on health concerns to one that is more holistic and increasingly embraces the One Health Concept, which acknowledges the interdependence of humans, animals, and the environment. In light of this, we have made an effort to present a thorough and wide-ranging background on the protective functions of selenium in successfully reducing mycotoxin toxicity and livestock viral infection. It concluded that mycotoxins could be systemically harmful and pose a severe risk to human and animal health. On the contrary, animal mycotoxins and viral illnesses have a close connection. Last but not least, these findings show that the interaction between Se status and host response to mycotoxins and cattle virus infection is crucial.
Suspension-Type of Flywheel Energy Storage System Using High Tc Superconducting Magnetic Bearing (SMB)
Authors: Komori Mochimitsu , Kato Hirohisa , Asami Ken-ichi
Published: August 2022

In this paper, a new superconducting flywheel energy storage system is proposed, whose concept is different from other systems. The superconducting flywheel energy storage system is composed of a radial-type superconducting magnetic bearing (SMB), an induction motor, and some positioning actuators. The SMB is composed of a superconducting stator and a flywheel rotor. The flywheel rotor is suspended by the superconducting stator, whose one end is fixed to a stable and heavy base. Free-run experiments in the case of the unfixed stator are performed. The natural rotation decay curve, displacement at the upper position of the rotor and displacement at a lower position of the rotor are measured. Moreover, free-run experiments in the case of the fixed stator are performed, and the same dynamic characteristics of the unfixed stator are measured. Especially, impulse responses for the rotor in the case of an unfixed stator are very different from those in the case of a fixed stator. The experimental results discuss some important characteristics of the superconducting flywheel energy storage system, whose rotor is suspended by the superconducting stator.
Using Reinforcement Learning to Improve Airspace Structuring in an Urban Environment
Authors: Ribeiro Marta , Ellerbroek Joost , Hoekstra Jacco
Published: August 2022

Current predictions on future drone operations estimate that traffic density orders of magnitude will be higher than any observed in manned aviation. Such densities redirect the focus towards elements that can decrease conflict rate and severity, with special emphasis on airspace structures, an element that has been overlooked within distributed environments in the past. This work delves into the impacts of different airspace structures in multiple traffic scenarios, and how appropriate structures can increase the safety of future drone operations in urban airspace. First, reinforcement learning was used to define optimal heading range distributions with a layered airspace concept. Second, transition layers were reserved to facilitate the vertical deviation between cruising layers and conflict avoidance. The effects of traffic density, non-linear routes, and vertical deviation between layers were tested in an open-source airspace simulation platform. Results show that optimal structuring catered to the current traffic scenario improves airspace usage by correctly segmenting aircraft according to their flight routes. The number of conflicts and losses of minimum separation was reduced versus using a single, uniform airspace structure for all traffic scenarios, thus enabling higher airspace capacity.
KAT2B Gene Polymorphisms Are Associated with Body Measure Traits in Four Chinese Cattle Breeds
Authors: Lin Xiaoding , Li Bo , Chen Yuhan , Chen Hong , Liu Mei
Published: August 2022

Identifying molecular markers related to growth characteristics or meat quality is significant for improving beef cattle breeds. K(lysine) acetyltransferase 2B (KAT2B) is a transcriptional co-activator regulating the acetylation modification of histones, which may be involved in the development and metabolism of muscle and adipose. However, investigations of KAT2B genetic variations in Chinese native cattle are still limited. This study aimed to identify crucial single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) influencing the body measurements of Chinese native cattle. Biological evolution and conservation analysis showed that KAT2B was highly conserved among the ruminants. By qPCR assay, KAT2B gene expression was found to be spatiotemporally specific in bovine tissues such as adipose and liver. By the RFLP-PCR method, three SNPs of KAT2B (g.T61908C, g.T62131C, and g.C73406T) were identified in 827 individuals of four Chinese cattle breeds, including Qinchuan (n = 658), Fu (n = 52), Yak (n = 48), and Chaidam (n = 69) cattle. Association analysis between these KAT2B polymorphisms and the body measurements of Chinese native cattle revealed significant observations. The genetic effects of g.T61908C, g.T62131C, and g.C73406T on the associated phenotypes were illustrated in each breed. In Qinchuan cattle, g.T62131C was significantly associated with better body height, chest width, hip width, and withers height, for which TC and/or TT were the advantageous genotype. In Fu cattle, TT genotype of g.T61908C was associated to better body length, while individuals with TT or CC of g.T62131C showed higher circumference of cannon bone than those with TC genotype. In Yak, individuals with TT genotype of g.C73406T had heavier body weight. In Chaidam cattle, TC genotype of g.C73406T was associated to superior body weight, while CC genotype of g.C73406T was associated to superior chest girth and circumference of cannon bone. These findings suggest that KAT2B gene polymorphisms can be used as the molecular markers for the early molecular marker-assisted selection in beef cattle breeding programs.
Rate of Penetration Prediction Method for Ultra-Deep Wells Based on LSTM–FNN
Authors: Liu Hongtao , Jin Yan , Song Xianzhi , Pei Zhijun
Published: August 2022

The drilling process is complex, especially for ultra-deep wells, which face the problems of high temperature, high pressure and poor drilling resistance in their formation. In order to establish an ROP (the Rate of Penetration) prediction model for ultra-deep wells, the characteristics of ultra-deep well drilling operations, such as formation temperature and formation pressure, are fully considered in the process of parameter optimization. Combined with the drilling mechanism and mutual information correlation coefficient, the final input parameters are determined. The powerful nonlinear fitting ability of the artificial intelligence method is very suitable for predicting the ROP. Considering the time sequence of multi-source data, this paper combines the powerful timing information-based mining ability of the LSTM (Long Short-Term Memory Neural Network) with the nonlinear fitting ability of FNN (Fully Connected Neural Network), and establishes an intelligent prediction model of the ROP based on a LSTM–FNN. The results show that the average relative error and R2 of the LSTM–FNN model on the data of well 1 and well 2 are better than the FNN and LSTM models. In addition, the accuracy of the LSTM–FNN model on the data of adjacent wells is reduced by only 5%, which further verifies the good mobility of the model.
Acoustic Roughness Measurement of Railway Tracks: Laboratory Investigation of External Disturbances on the Chord-Method with an Optical Measurement Approach
Authors: Mauz Florian , Wigger Remo , Wahl Tobias , Kuffa Michal , Wegener Konrad
Published: August 2022

For acoustic roughness monitoring of the railway network at train travelling speed, new direct measurement methods are required. Common direct measurement methods need the blocking of track sections, as they are based on manually operated devices. Indirect measurement methods such as accelerometer or microphone measurements can be installed on the train, but require a conversion of the obtained measurement data to rail roughness. Optical measurement methods allow a direct measurement from the moving train, even at higher speeds, due to the contact-free nature of the measurement. This paper investigates the influence of various disturbances on the measurement result, which are expected on the train. The frequently used chord method deploying laser triangulation sensors is used. Four sensors are integrated into the setup, thus providing the possibility to combine the results from four chord methods. The measurements of the optical system are compared with a tactile measurement of METAS (Swiss Federal Institute of Metrology) on a test bench equipped with a reference rail segment. It is shown that dust and water on the rail have a significant influence in the range of small wavelengths. Displacements and tilting of the sensor array, as well as vibrations, can be compensated to a certain level by the chord method, while a single sensor is significantly disturbed. The combination of four different chord lengths and selection of the theoretically optimal method for each one-third octave band shows an improvement of the measurement result. Based on the observations made, recommendations for practical tests on the train are concluded.
Radiotherapy and Immunotherapy, Combined Treatment for Unresectable Mucosal Melanoma with Vaginal Origin
Authors: Rebegea Laura , Firescu Dorel , Stoleriu Gabriela , Arbune Manuela , Anghel Rodica , Dumitru Mihaela , Mihailov Raul , Neagu Anca Iulia , Bacinschi Xenia
Published: August 2022

Gynecologic melanomas are uncommon and malignant mucosal melanomas with vaginal origin are extremely rare, treatment strategies are limited and extrapolated from those of cutaneous melanoma. A better understanding of the vulvovaginal melanoma’s biology and its risk factors is needed. Therapeutic strategies include surgery, systemic therapy and radiotherapy. For vulvovaginal melanoma, surgery is selected as the primary treatment. Immunotherapy and target treatment have recently enhanced the systemic therapy for cutaneous melanoma (CM). Immunotherapy and new target agents demonstrated a better survival of melanoma and might be considered as treatment of vulvovaginal melanoma. Radiotherapy is included in the therapeutic arsenal for mucosal melanoma and may be performed on selected patients who may receive concurrent checkpoints and inhibition neoadjuvant radiotherapy with the purpose of reducing morbidity and mortality.
Seismic Imaging of Complex Velocity Structures by 2D Pseudo-Viscoelastic Time-Domain Full-Waveform Inversion
Authors: Alaei Niloofar , Soleimani Monfared Mehrdad , Roshandel Kahoo Amin , Bohlen Thomas
Published: August 2022

In the presented study, multi-parameter inversion in the presence of attenuation is used for the reconstruction of the P- and the S- wave velocities and the density models of a synthetic shallow subsurface structure that contains a dipping high-velocity layer near the surface with varying thicknesses. The problem of high-velocity layers also complicates selection of an appropriate initial velocity model. The forward problem is solved with the finite difference, and the inverse problem is solved with the preconditioned conjugate gradient. We used also the adjoint wavefield approach for computing the gradient of the misfit function without explicitly build the sensitivity matrix. The proposed method is capable of either minimizing the least-squares norm of the data misfit or use the Born approximation for estimating partial derivative wavefields. It depends on which characteristics of the recorded data—such as amplitude, phase, logarithm of the complex-valued data, envelope in the misfit, or the linearization procedure of the inverse problem—are used. It showed that by a pseudo-viscoelastic time-domain full-waveform inversion, structures below the high-velocity layer can be imaged. However, by inverting attenuation of P- and S- waves simultaneously with the velocities and mass density, better results would be obtained.
Cytokines, Chemokines, Insulin and Haematological Indices in Type 2 Diabetic Male Sprague Dawley Rats Infected with Trichinella zimbabwensis
Authors: Silas Ekuyikeno , Tshilwane Selaelo Ivy , Mukaratirwa Samson
Published: August 2022

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disease induced by the inability to control high blood glucose level. Helminth-induced immunomodulation has been reported to prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), which, in turn, ameliorates insulin sensitivity. Therefore, there is a need to understand the underlying mechanisms utilized by helminths in metabolism and the induction of immuno-inflammatory responses during helminthic infection and T2DM comorbidity. This study aimed at using a laboratory animal model to determine the cytokines, chemokines and haematological indices in diabetic (T2DM) male Sprague Dawley (SD) rats infected with Trichinella zimbabwensis. One hundred and two male SD rats (160–180 g) were randomly selected into three experimental groups (i. T2DM-induced group (D) ii. T. zimbabwensis infected + T2DM group (TzD) and iii. T. zimbabwensis-infected group (Tz)). Rats selected for the D group and TzD group were injected with 40 mg/kg live weight of streptozotocin (STZ) intraperitoneally to induce T2DM, while animals in the Tz and TzD group were infected with T. zimbabwensis. Results showed that adult T. zimbabwensis worm loads and mean T. zimbabwensis larvae per gram (lpg) of rat muscle were significantly higher (p < 0.001) in the Tz group when compared to the TzD group. Blood glucose levels in the D group were significantly higher (p < 0.001) compared to the TzD group. An increase in insulin concentration was observed among the TzD group when compared to the D group. Liver and muscle glycogen decreased in the D when compared to the TzD group. A significant increase (p < 0.05) in red blood cells (RBCs) was observed in the D group when compared to the TzD and Tz groups. An increase in haematocrit, haemoglobin, white blood cells (WBCs), platelet, neutrophils and monocyte were observed in the D group when compared to the TzD group. TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-10 and IL-13 concentrations were elevated in the TzD group when compared to the D and Tz groups, while IL-6 concentration showed a significant reduction in the Tz when compared to the D and the TzD groups. A significant increase in CCL5 in the D and TzD groups was observed in comparison to the Tz group. CXCL10 and CCL11 concentration also showed an increase in the TzD group in comparison to the Tz and the D groups. Overall, our results confirm that T. zimbabwensis, a parasite which produces tissue-dwelling larvae in the host, regulates T2DM driven inflammation to mediate a positive protective effect against T2DM outcomes.
Error Characteristic Analysis of Satellite-Based Precipitation Products over Mainland China
Authors: Fu Hanjia , Zhu Li , Nzabarinda Vincent , Lv Xiaoyu , Guo Hao
Published: August 2022

Satellite-based precipitation products (SPPs) provide valuable precipitation information for various applications. Their performance, however, varies significantly from region to region due to various data sources and production processes. This paper aims to evaluate four selected SPPs (Precipitation Estimation from Remotely Sensed Information using Artificial Neural Networks Climate Data Record (PERSIANN-CDR), Multi-Source Weighted-Ensemble Precipitation (MSWEP), Gauge-adjusted Global Satellite Mapping of Precipitation (GSMAP-gauge), and Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM)) over mainland China from 2016 to 2019. Both conventional statistical indicators (e.g., correlation coefficients (CC), root mean square error (RMSE), mean absolute error (MAE), relative bias (RB), and Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE)) and categorical indicators (probability of detection (POD), probability of true detection (POTD), false-alarm rate (FAR), and critical success index (CSI)) are used for quantitative analysis. The results show that: (1) GSMAP-gauge and GPM perform best in reproducing the spatial distribution pattern of precipitation over mainland China, whereas SPPs generally underestimate summer precipitation with a high frequency of no-rain cases. (2) MSWEP has the best capability for recording precipitation events, although some parts of northern China exhibit abnormal overestimations for winter precipitation. (3) All SPPs, especially the PERSIANN-CDR, significantly underestimate the precipitation in the mountainous areas of southwestern China. (4) The GSMAP-gauge and GPM outperformed the other two of the four SPPs, in terms of the probability density function of daily precipitation for cases (PDFc) and the probability density function of daily precipitation for volume (PDFv). Generally, PERSIANN-CDR shows the poorest performance when compared to the other three products. The product’s algorithm for estimating heavy precipitation and mountainous precipitation needs further improvement.
Symbiotic Evolution of Digital Twin Systems and Dataspaces
Authors: Usländer Thomas , Baumann Michael , Boschert Stefan , Rosen Roland , Sauer Olaf , Stojanovic Ljiljana , Wehrstedt Jan Christoph
Published: August 2022

This paper proposes to combine the concept of digital twins with the concept of dataspaces to fulfill the original expectation that a digital twin is a comprehensive virtual representation of physical assets. Based upon a terminological and conceptual discussion of digital twins and dataspaces, this paper claims that a systemic approach towards digital twin Systems is required. The key conceptual approach consists of a Reference Model for Digital Twin Systems (DTS-RM) and a hypothesis regarding a symbiotic evolution. The DTS-RM distinguishes between a digital twin back-end platform comprising the access and management of comprehensive digital twin instances and digital twin-related services, and digital twin front-end services that are tailored to the demands of applications and users. The main purpose of the back-end platform is to decouple the digital twin’s generation and management from the usage of the digital twin for applications.
Genetic Modifications to Alter Blood Pressure Level
Authors: Ohara Hiroki , Nabika Toru
Published: August 2022

Genetic manipulation is one of the indispensable techniques to examine gene functions both in vitro and in vivo. In particular, cardiovascular phenotypes such as blood pressure cannot be evaluated in vitro system, necessitating the creation of transgenic or gene-targeted knock-out and knock-in experimental animals to understand the pathophysiological roles of specific genes on the disease conditions. Although genome-wide association studies (GWAS) in various human populations have identified multiple genetic variations associated with increased risk for hypertension and/or its complications, the causal links remain unresolved. Genome-editing technologies can be applied to many different types of cells and organisms for creation of knock-out/knock-in models. In the post-GWAS era, it may be more worthwhile to validate pathophysiological implications of the risk variants and/or candidate genes by creating genome-edited organisms.
MicroRNAs in Learning and Memory and Their Impact on Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Wang I-Fang , Ho Pei-Chuan , Tsai Kuen-Jer
Published: August 2022

Learning and memory formation rely on the precise spatiotemporal regulation of gene expression, such as microRNA (miRNA)-associated silencing, to fine-tune gene expression for the induction and maintenance of synaptic plasticity. Much progress has been made in presenting direct evidence of miRNA regulation in learning and memory. Here, we summarize studies that have manipulated miRNA expression using various approaches in rodents, with changes in cognitive performance. Some of these are involved in well-known mechanisms, such as the CREB-dependent signaling pathway, and some of their roles are in fear- and stress-related disorders, particularly cognitive impairment. We also summarize extensive studies on miRNAs correlated with pathogenic tau and amyloid-β that drive the processes of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Although altered miRNA profiles in human patients with AD and in mouse models have been well studied, little is known about their clinical applications and therapeutics. Studies on miRNAs as biomarkers still show inconsistencies, and more challenges need to be confronted in standardizing blood-based biomarkers for use in AD.
Variational Mode Decomposition Weighted Multiscale Support Vector Regression for Spectral Determination of Rapeseed Oil and Rhizoma Alpiniae Offcinarum Adulterants
Authors: Bian Xihui , Wu Deyun , Zhang Kui , Liu Peng , Shi Huibing , Tan Xiaoyao , Wang Zhigang
Published: August 2022

The accurate prediction of the model is essential for food and herb analysis. In order to exploit the abundance of information embedded in the frequency and time domains, a weighted multiscale support vector regression (SVR) method based on variational mode decomposition (VMD), namely VMD-WMSVR, was proposed for the ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectral determination of rapeseed oil adulterants and near-infrared (NIR) spectral quantification of rhizoma alpiniae offcinarum adulterants. In this method, each spectrum is decomposed into K discrete mode components by VMD first. The mode matrix Uk is recombined from the decomposed components, and then, the SVR is used to build sub-models between each Uk and target value. The final prediction is obtained by integrating the predictions of the sub-models by weighted average. The performance of the proposed method was tested with two spectral datasets of adulterated vegetable oils and herbs. Compared with the results from partial least squares (PLS) and SVR, VMD-WMSVR shows potential in model accuracy.
Sensitivity Detection of Uric Acid and Creatinine in Human Urine Based on Nanoporous Gold
Authors: Shang Keshuai , Wang Shuangjue , Chen Siyu , Wang Xia
Published: August 2022

Given the significance of uric acid and creatinine in clinical diagnostic, disease prevention and treatment, a multifunctional electrochemical sensor was proposed for sensitive detection of uric acid and creatinine. The sensitive detection of uric acid was realized based on the unique electrochemical oxidation of nanoporous gold (NPG) towards uric acid, showing good linearity from 10 μM to 750 μM with a satisfactory sensitivity of 222.91 μA mM−1 cm−2 and a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.06 μM. Based on the Jaffé reaction between creatinine and picric acid, the sensitive detection of creatinine was indirectly achieved in a range from 10 to 2000 μM by determining the consumption of picric acid in the Jaffé reaction with a detection sensitivity of 195.05 μA mM−1 cm−2 and a LOD of 10 μM. For human urine detection using the proposed electrochemical sensor, the uric acid detection results were comparable to that of high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), with a deviation rate of less than 10.28% and the recoveries of uric acid spiked in urine samples were 89~118%. Compared with HPLC results, the deviation rate of creatinine detection in urine samples was less than 4.17% and the recoveries of creatinine spiked in urine samples ranged from 92.50% to 117.40%. The multifunctional electrochemical sensor exhibited many advantages in practical applications, including short detection time, high stability, simple operation, strong anti-interference ability, cost-effectiveness, and easy fabrication, which provided a promising alternative for urine analysis in clinical diagnosis.
Estimating the Effect of Vibration Mixing Process on Air Pore Size Distributions in Concrete Using Digital Image Analysis
Authors: Yang Fa , Yao Yunshi , Wei Jin , Wang Xinxin , Feng Zhongxu
Published: August 2022

Concrete is a typical porous material, in which the air voids entrained or entrapped during the mixing process have a significant impact on the material’s strength and durability. An automatic methodology based on digital image analysis was used to examine the influence of a novel mixing process with vibration on the entrapped air pore size and distribution of concrete in this paper. The volume of permeable spaces and porosity in hardened concrete are found to be greatly reduced when using the vibration mixing process compared to the reference concrete. Meanwhile, the quantity of air pores and their specific surface area are positively associated with the vibration acceleration, while the average equivalent pore diameter decreases. The findings of the analysis of variance (ANOVA) reveal that the population means for porosity, quantity, and pore size are significantly different when utilizing the vibration or non-vibration mixing processes. Furthermore, the pore size distribution curves show that the vibration mixing process significantly modified the pore structure by reducing the number of larger size pores and increasing the amount of small size pores. This may be attributed to a series of changes in the bubbles during the vibration mixing process. In addition, the findings of freeze-thaw resistance and water penetration resistance reveal that, owing to the vibration mixing process, the impermeability and durability of the concrete are significantly improved.
The Effects of Affective Trust and Suspicion in New Product Development Projects
Authors: Kyriazis Elias , Johnson Lester W. , Couchman Paul
Published: August 2022

Relationships between functional specialists working on NPD projects can lack trust, resulting in poor communication, low levels of co-operation, and, in the extreme, the political sabotage of projects. We empirically test a hypothesized model of managerial perceptions of motives and intentions, negative project politics, and affect-based trust, as well as their effect on dysfunctional conflict and defensive behaviors, with their subsequent effect on collaboration and NPD project success. Data were from 184 projects from the technically trained manager perspective, and 145 projects were from the marketing manager perspective. We find that, despite all of the NPD process improvement and use of integration methods, NPD managerial level interactions are still fundamentally relationally-based, where the strongest effects on cross-functional managerial behavior are from perceptions of negative motives, leading to defensive behaviors and politics interfering with collaboration and NPD success. On a positive note, while evident affect-based trust leads to collaboration and NPD success, it is far more important for technically trained managers. The implications for top management lie in structuring organizational processes that are trust-rich, in order to avoid the opportunity for distrust and suspicion to arise.
Amperometric Biosensor Based on Laccase Enzyme, Gold Nanoparticles, and Glutaraldehyde for the Determination of Dopamine in Biological and Environmental Samples
Authors: Santos Anderson M. , Wong Ademar , Fatibello-Filho Orlando , Moraes Fernando C.
Published: August 2022

The present work reports the development and application of an amperometric biosensor based on carbon paste electrode modified with laccase enzyme, glutaraldehyde, and gold nanoparticles (Lac-Glu-AuNPs/CPE) for the determination of the neurotransmitter dopamine (DA). The materials were characterized morphologically and chemically using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and cyclic voltammetry. Optimization studies were performed in order to determine the optimal amount of enzyme and pH level that can yield the best conditions of analysis. The application of the biosensor in optimal conditions using the amperometric technique yielded a linear concentration range of 8.0 × 10−7–6.2 × 10−5 mol L−1 with a limit of detection of 6.0 × 10−8 mol L−1. The proposed biosensor was successfully applied for the determination of DA in biological and environmental samples. In addition, the application of the biosensor for the conduct of electrochemical measurements showed that the sensing device has good repeatability and stability, and it does not suffer from matrix interference effects. The proposed biosensor exhibited an analytical signal of 85% after 10 days of consecutive use.