bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Global evidence of rapid urban growth in flood zones since 1985
Authors: Rentschler Jun , Avner Paolo , Marconcini Mattia , Su Rui , Strano Emanuele , Hallegatte Stephane
Published: March 2022

As countries urbanize, human settlements are rapidly expanding into hazardous flood zones. This study provides a global analysis of spatial urbanization patterns and the evolution of flood exposure between 1985 and 2015. Using high-resolution annual data, it shows that settlements across the world grew by 85 percent to over 1.28 million square kilometers. In the same period, settlements exposed to the highest flood hazard level increased by 122 percent. In many regions, risky growth is outpacing safe growth, particularly in East Asia, where high risk settlements have expanded 60 percent faster than safe ones. Developing countries are driving the recent growth of flood exposure: 82 percent of the 36,500 square kilometers of settlements built in the world’s highest-risk zones since 1985 are in low- and middle-income countries. In comparison, recent growth in high-income countries has been relatively slow and safe. These results document a divergence in countries’ exposure to flood hazards. Rather than adapting their exposure to climatic hazards, many countries are actively increasing their exposure.
A familial 16p11.2 microdeletion associated with mental retardation, scoliosis, and genital tract malformation
Authors: Zhang Zhi-Jun , Deng Chun-Lei , Li Yan , Wang Man , He Yun , Zhang Juan-Juan , Xiong Ping-An , Wang Chao-Yun , Wu Jin-Hua , Gong Qi , Zhou Xiao-Hong , Guo Chong
Published: March 2022

Objectives: In this study, we aimed to identify the family members carried the same microdeletion and to discover the symptoms of a familial 16p11.2 microdeletion were greatly different. Case Report: The son, a 6-years-old boy, displayed scoliosis, mental retardation, and language retardation. The mother displayed mild mental retardation, but no scoliosis or language retardation or genital tract malformation. Pedigree research revealed that the mother, her son, and her fetus carried the same 16p11.2 microdeletion through CNV-sequencing, Whole Exon Sequencing, and PCR, but the father was normal. And her fetal displayed no scoliosis by ultrasound. After birth, the baby displayed genital tract malformation, but no scoliosis or mental retardation.Conclusions: This finding uncovered that the symptoms of 16p11.2 microdeletion syndrome are greatly different, even in the same segment microdeletion.
Pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic modelling and simulation of ustekinumab for inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Kimura Koji , Yoshida Atsushi
Published: March 2022

Ustekinumab (UST) therapy is effective for induction and maintenance therapy for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Although there are differences in dosage regimen among countries and indications, and the differences have implications for efficacy, the implications have yet to be analysed by a model-informed approach. The aim of this study is to evaluate the implications for efficacy of the different dosage regimens of UST for IBD using our pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) model. We constructed a PK/PD model based on an indirect response model with an effect compartment and simulated the sequential changes of therapeutic effect following various dosage regimens. Sequential changes in the therapeutic effect obtained with our model were in good agreement with the observed values following repeated administration of UST for IBD patients. The simulation indicated the importance of an initial intravenous administration of UST for IBD patients. Furthermore, the dose interval of maintenance therapy at every 8 weeks was marginally more effective than at every 12 weeks, though there was almost no difference in the fluctuation range, and a stable therapeutic effect was obtained by both dosage regimens. The results showed that the presented PK/PD model is capable of predicting sequential changes in the therapeutic effect of UST for IBD, and the implications for efficacy of the different dosage regimens could be evaluated by simulation with various dosage regimens.
Primary Sebaceous Carcinoma of Esophagus: The First Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Zhou Jing , Cheng Na , Zhao Chang , Zhang Yiwang , Wang Jiani , Zhang Nana
Published: March 2022

Background：Sebaceous carcinoma (SC) is an uncommon neoplasm that usually occur in the skin of head and neck region with a predilection of periocular sites. This tumor is thought to arise from sebaceous glands in the skin and thus may arise anywhere on the body where these glands exist. However, the noncutaneous SC in where the sebaceous glands are anatomically absent have also been reported sporadically, and the pre-existing ectopic sebaceous glands are speculated to be the basis of its origination. Though ectopic sebaceous glands are not uncommon in esophagus, primary SC in esophagus has not been reported thus far. Aims: To report for the first time one primary esophageal SC in a 66-year-old man, investigated its clinicopathological features, diagnostic points and differential diagnosis from other malignancy. Methods：Clinical and radiological data were collected; the tumor morphology and immunohistochemical pattern were analyzed. Related literatures were reviewed. Results：The tumor cells diffusely expressed P40, CK5/6, AR and P53, and EMA staining highlighted the sebocytes with a foam-like pattern in cytoplasm. With the auxiliary immunohistochemical staining, we finally made an unequivocal diagnosis of SC. Conclusions：SC is a rare entity in esophagus which have not been reported before and may bring up diagnostic puzzles to pathologists. The tumor morphology is complex and with a similar immunohistochemical expression profiles just like SC reported in other sites. This unique tumor occur in esophagus extends the spectrum of extraocular, extracutaneous SC from existing case reports.
The D-model for GDP nowcasting
Authors: Degiannakis Stavros
Published: March 2022

The paper provides a disaggregated mixed frequency framework for the estimation of GDP. The GDP is disaggregated into components that can be forecasted based on information available at higher sampling frequency; i.e. monthly, weekly or daily. The model framework is applied for Greek GPD nowcasting. The results provide evidence that the more accurate nowcasting estimations require i ) the disaggregation of GDP, ii ) the use of a multilayer mixed frequency framework, iii ) the inclusion of financial information on a daily frequency. The simulation study provides evidence in favor of the disaggregation into components despite the inclusion of multiple sources of forecast errors.
A Comprehensive Voltammetric Characterization of In Vivo Histamine Dynamics Reveals Critical Modulatory Roles of This Elusive Messenger
Authors: Berger Shane , Baumberger Beatrice , Samaranayake S , Hersey M , Mena Sergio , Bain Ian , Duncan W , Reed M C , Nijhout F , Best J , Hashemi Parastoo
Published: March 2022

Histamine is well known for mediating peripheral inflammation, however, histamine is found in high concentrations in the brain where amongst other roles, this amine is a neuromodulator. Histamine modulation is critical for brain function, yet dynamic histamine chemistry is very difficult to measure and thus several fundamental aspects of the mechanisms that control the extracellular and modulatory behavior of this messenger remain undefined. In this work we undertake an in-depth characterization of in vivo histamine dynamics using fast-scan cyclic voltammetry at carbon fiber microelectrodes. We measure electrically evoked histamine in the mouse hypothalamus and find that histamine release is sensitive to pharmacological manipulation of synthesis, packaging, autoreceptor control of release, and metabolism. We find two breakthrough aspects of histamine modulation. First, there are differences in H3 receptor regulation of histamine between sexes showing that histamine release in female mice is more much tightly regulated than in male mice under H3 or inflammatory drug challenge. We hypothesize that this finding may contribute to hormone-mediated neuroprotection mechanisms in female mice. Second, we find that a high dose of a commonly available antihistamine, the H1 receptor antagonist diphenhydramine, rapidly decreased serotonin levels. This high dose is considered overdose; however, this finding highlights the sheer significance of better consideration of the modulatory nuances of histamine on serotonin when studying/designing histamine targeting pharmaceuticals. We, thus, present the first in depth in vivo characterization of fast histamine dynamics and presents two breakthrough regulatory aspects of this elusive modulator.
Zhongfeng capsule protects against cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury via mediating PI3K/Akt and TLR4/NF-κB signal pathway regulated neuronal apoptosis and inflammatory reaction
Authors: Yan Chunlu , An Fangyu , Wang Jiayu , Shi Yao , Yuan Lingqing , Lv Donghui , Zhao Yanzhen , Liu Yongqi , Wang Yongfeng
Published: March 2022

Inflammation reactions and neuronal apoptosis are the major pathophysiological mechanism of cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury (CI/RI). Zhongfeng capsules
(ZFCs), composed of panax notoginseng, hirudo, red ginseng, eupolyphaga,
pangolin scales, rhubarb, and radix salviae miltiorrhizae. It has been reported that
composition of ZFCs has a definite curative effect on CI/RI. Thus far, the specific
molecular mechanisms of ZFCs remain unclear. This article would set rats model
of middle cerebral artery occlusion(MCAO) to research the probable mechanisms
of ZFCs underlying inflammation reactions and neuronal apoptosis signaling
pathways. Our analyses revealed that in the ZFCs treatment group, there was an
obvious decrease in neurologic impairment, as well as alleviation of the area of
cerebral infarction, cerebral edema, histopathologyrats and neuronal apoptosis were
also alleviated. The IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α were found to be down-regulated
expression in the ZFC treatment group as well as the expression of Bcl-2, p-PI3K,
p-Akt, and I-κBα was increased and the expression level of TLR4, NF-κB, Bax,
caspase-3 was tended to decrease. The results indicated that ZFCs was effective in
protecting the brain against CI/RI. One of their neuro-protective mechanisms may be
associated with TLR4/NF-κB signalling, and they may negatively regulate the
transcriptional activity of NF-κB and the secretion of downstream inﬂammatory
factors. Another of their neuro-protective mechanisms may occur by regulating the
expression of Bcl-2-Bax proteins of PI3K/Akt pathway. Our findings could facilitate
that the suppressing PI3K/Akt signal pathway-mediated neuronal apoptosis,
suppressing TLR4/NF-κB signal pathway-mediated inflammatory reaction were the
potential mechanisms for the regulations, activation of PI3K/Akt pathway can inhibit
the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines, which may be another functional
mechanism of ZFCs against CI/RI.
A Risk Assessment Model for Prognosis Prediction: The Ferroptosis-related Gene Signature Based on Thyroid Cancer Mechanism Exploration from Multiple Perspectives
Authors: Fan Xin , Zhong Yun , Fan Yating , Zhang Lingling , Xie Fei , Zhang Zhi-yuan
Published: March 2022

Background: Ferroptosis is an iron-dependent, new type of programmed cell death different from apoptosis, necrosis, and autophagy. At present, ferroptosis has been confirmed to be closely related to the prognosis and treatment of cancer. However, the relationship between ferroptosis and the progression and prognosis of different types of thyroid cancer (THCA) is unclear.Methods: First, we performed differential expression analysis on the data of the two databases to obtain differentially expressed ferroptosis-related genes (DE-FRGs). Through differential expression, univariate Cox and lasso regression analysis, we identified 14 prognostic-related differently expressed ferroptosis-related genes (PR-DE-FRGs) for building risk assessment models. Subsequently, various validation methods are used to test the performance of the model. Then, we explored the mechanism of ferroptosis in the development and prognosis of THCA from the aspects of gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA), tumor microenvironment (TME), high frequency gene mutation, cell stemness and AL928654.4/miR-1287-5p/GPX4 regulatory axis. Finally, we verified the promising clinical application of the model.Results: ANGPTL7, DRD4, SRXN1, TXNRD1, CDKN2A, MIOX, PGD and TFRC (HR>1) were identified as prognostic risk factors, whereas CAPG, GPX4, ARNTL, ISCU, BID and DPP4 (HR<1) were the opposite. Immunohistochemical (IHC) images and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) data validated differential expression of 7 and 12 PR-DE-FRGs, respectively. Through the study of the tumor microenvironment, we obtained the immune landscape of THCA and revealed to us that ferroptosis may influence the prognosis of THCA patients by affecting anti-tumor immunity. Subsequently, we found that the predicted and validated AL928654.4/miR-1287-5p/GPX4 regulatory axis may play an important role in regulating cancer cell apoptosis and ferroptosis. Finally, immunophenoscore, chemotherapeutic drug sensitivity analysis, ICIs related genes, and Nomogram were performed to prove the good clinical application prospects of the risk assessment model.Conclusion: The risk assessment model can effectively predict the treatment effect and prognosis of THCA patients, and achieve the effect that can guide clinical treatment. Ferroptosis may be involved.
Rectourethral Fistula After External Beam Radiotherapy for Prostate Cancer in a Patient With Thromboangiitis Obliterans: a Case Report
Authors: Ohira Keiichi , Konishi Kenta , Aramaki Shuhei , Kokubo Ryo , Wakabayashi Kouhei , Hirata Masanori , Imai Michiko , Nakamura Katsumasa
Published: March 2022

Background: Thromboangiitis obliterans (TAO) is a rare disease of unknown cause that causes segmental vasculitis in peripheral blood vessels. It is uncertain whether its presence is a cause of serious adverse events in patient receiving external beam radiotherapy.Case presentation: A 73-year-old Japanese man with prostate cancer underwent external beam radiotherapy. After the completion of radiotherapy, pain in his fingertips occurred and led to the diagnosis of TAO. The patient was instructed to stop smoking but was unable to do so. Nine months after the completion of radiotherapy, fecaluria appeared, and a rectourethral fistula was diagnosed by contrast enema. The patient's TAO was poorly controlled, and the patient died from aspiration pneumonia at 33 months after the completion of the radiotherapy regimen. No tumor recurrence was observed during this process, and there were no risk factors which may form a rectourethral fistula other than TAO.Conclusion: This is the first report on rectourethral fistula caused by external beam radiotherapy for prostate cancer in which TAO was suspected to be involved. Although little is known about the relationship between TAO and radiotherapy, it should be noted that radiotherapy itself may increase the risk of normal tissue toxicity in patients with TAO.
The effect of posterior pericardiotomy after thoracic aortic surgery
Authors: Maze Yasumi , Tokui Toshiya , Murakami Masahiko , Yamaguchi Daisuke , Inoue Ryosai , Hirano Koji , Nakamura Bun , Itou Hisato
Published: March 2022

BackgroundPostoperative atrial fibrillation is a common complication of cardiovascular surgery. We aimed to examine the effectiveness of posterior pericardiotomy in reducing the incidence of postoperative atrial fibrillation after thoracic aortic surgery.MethodsThe study included 201 patients who underwent thoracic aortic open surgery between January 2014 and November 2021. We compared surgical outcomes between patients who underwent posterior pericardiotomy and those who did not. We also compared the preoperative characteristics and surgical outcomes between patients who showed postoperative atrial fibrillation and those who did not. Multivariate analysis was performed to determine the risk factors for postoperative atrial fibrillation.ResultsThe group that did not undergo posterior pericardiotomy had significantly longer mechanical ventilation duration than the group who did in the overall (p=0.005) and propensity-matched cohorts (p=0.001). The lengths of intensive care unit and hospital stays were significantly longer in the group that did not undergo posterior pericardiotomy than in the group that did in the overall and propensity-matched cohorts. Postoperative atrial fibrillation occurrence did not differ significantly between the two groups. Late pericardial tamponade occurred significantly more frequently in the group that did not undergo posterior pericardiotomy than in the group that did in the overall (p=0.03) and propensity-matched cohorts (p=0.03). Advanced age was independent predictors of postoperative atrial fibrillation. ConclusionsPosterior pericardiotomy has no effect on reducing postoperative atrial fibrillation after thoracic aortic surgery. Posterior pericardiotomy reduced the occurrence of late pericardial tamponade, length of ICU stay, length of hospital stay, and mechanical ventilation duration after surgery.
Clinical and procedural implications of ommaya reservoirs implantation in cystic brain metastases followed by radiosurgery treatment
Authors: Han Weidong , Lv Junhui , Wu Zhuoxuan , Wang Kun , Wang Yirong , Yang Shuxu
Published: March 2022

Background: The therapy to large or deep cystic brain metastases is a troublesome problem in clinical department. Stereotactic cyst aspiration combined with Gamma Knife radiosurgery can be an effective treatment for cystic brain metastases. However, there is still a possibility that reaccumulation of cystic fluid may lead to poor efficacy or even reoperation.Case presentation: We present a case of a 67-year-old man who diagnosed with brain metastasis of lung cancer. The intracranial lesion represented in imaging appeared to be cystic and located deep in the brain with the patient’s limb dysfunction. The patient did not respond well to chemotherapy and underwent cyst aspiration with ommaya reservoir implantation. Although turbid fluid may lead to postoperative tube blockage, we still implanted an ommaya reservoir. Repeated cystic fluid reaccumulation and exacerbation of symptoms occurred during treatment. Fortunately, the ommaya reservoir is not blocked. We performed repeated aspiration via ommaya reservoir to cope with such a situation and combined with radiotherapy. During the follow-up period of 14 months, the intracranial tumor was effectively and satisfactorily controlled.Conclusions: We highlight that an ommaya reservoir implantation during stereotactic cyst aspiration is necessary to prevent fluid reacclumulation avoiding the need for a second surgical procedure.
Changes in Thrombosis-Related Parameters After AstraZeneca COVID-19 Vaccination in A Male Volunteer: A Case Report
Authors: Hong Sae-Yong , Jun Sang-Sin , Seo Sang-Wook , Park Jeong-Rae , Im Joung-Il
Published: March 2022

Background
We speculated that subclinical thrombosis may occur frequently through crosstalk between immune/inflammatory reactions and hemostasis after corona virus disease-2019 (COVID-19) vaccination. To test this hypothesis, we measured thrombosis-related parameters after COVID-19 vaccination in a male volunteer for 21 days.
Case presentation:
The following parameters were measured a day before vaccination and on days 1, 3, 7, 14, and 21 after vaccination (AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine: ChAdOx1-S/nCoV-19, CTMAV563): complete blood count, platelet indices, thrombin receptor activating peptide-induced platelet aggregation, prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, D-dimer, thrombin–antithrombin III complex(TAT), plasmin-α2 antiplasmin complex (PAP), von Willebrand factor (vWF) antigen and activity, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), protein C and protein S antigen and activity, lupus anticoagulant, fibrinogen-degradation product, and plasminogen.TAT increased significantly from 0.7 ng/mL (baseline) to 21.7 ng/mL (day 1).There was a transient increase in the PAI-1 level from 7.2 ng/mL (baseline) to 10.9 ng/mL (day 3), followed by a decreased PAP level from 0.9 µg/mL (baseline) to 0.3 µg/mL (day 7), suggesting that plasmin generation is suppressed by PAI-1.
Conclusions
Increased thrombotic factors (such as decreased protein S) and decreased fibrinolytic activity due to increased PAI-1 were potential factors causing thrombogenesis after COVID-19 vaccination. Sequential measurement of platelet indices, TAT, PAP, protein C, protein S, vWF, D-dimer, and PAI-1 following COVID-19 vaccination was informative.
Gas distribution and optimal PEEP with lowest transpulmonary driving pressure (without esophageal pressure) during a PEEP trial. A post hoc analysis in patients with acute respiratory failure.
Authors: Grivans Christina , Stenqvist Ola
Published: March 2022

Background: A protective ventilation strategy should be based on assessment of lung mechanics and transpulmonary pressure (PTP), as this is the pressure that directly “hits” the lung. Protective ventilation with tidal volumes of 6 ml/kg ideal body weight is generally accepted, but there is no consensus on selection of optimal PEEP. We have shown that the change in end-expiratory lung volume (ΔEELV) is determined by the size of the PEEP step and the elastic properties of the lung (only), ΔEELV/ΔPEEP. Consequently, lung elastance (EL) can be determined as ΔPEEP/ΔEELV.The aim was to determine the PEEP level with lowest (least injurious) transpulmonary driving pressure and to identify what signifies high or low PEEP response.Methods: In ten patients with acute respiratory failure, global and ventral-dorsal tidal volume and ΔEELV were determined by inspiratory tidal volume calibrated EIT during a PEEP step procedure from 0 to 16 cmH2O. As the lung pressure/volume (P/V) curve coincides with the line connecting the end-expiratory airway P/V points, a complete lung P/V curve can be obtained for the whole lung or by combination with EIT, for the ventral and dorsal lung separately. Results: Global lung P/V curves showed marked individual variation with overall lung elastance of 7.0 – 23.2 cmH2O/L. Optimal PEEP level was 12.9 cmH2O (10-16) with ΔPTP of 4.1 cmH2O (2.8-7.6). The ratio of ΔPTP to airway driving pressure (ΔPAW), ΔPTP/ΔPAW, varied between patients and changed with changes of PEEP, making ΔPAW a less suitable surrogate for ΔPTP in individual patients. The two patients with highest EL were non-responders to PEEP with increasing global, ventral and dorsal lung elastance at high PEEP levels, indicating non-dependent over-distension. In patients with lower lung elastance, there was positive response to PEEP with successively lower lung elastance when increasing PEEP, especially in dorsal (dependent) lung. Conclusion: Only a two PEEP step up-down procedure is required for obtaining a full best-fit lung P/V curve, from which the PEEP level with the lowest transpulmonary driving pressure could be calculated. High PEEP response is signified by low lung elastance, which increases at high PEEP levels both globally and in dorsal lung.
“Compared to COVID, HIV is nothing”: exploring how onshore international students in an Australian City navigate COVID-19 versus BBV/STI risk
Authors: Okeke Sylvester Reuben
Published: March 2022

BackgroundThis study explored how the COVID-19 pandemic may be shaping BBV/STI risk and protective practices among international students. MethodsThis qualitative study interviewed 16 international university students in Sydney. Generated data were processed using NVivo and analysis was guided by reflexive thematic analysis.ResultsParticipants experienced elevated mental health distress because of the COVID-19 pandemic and some reported engaging in casual sexual hook-ups as a strategy to seek relief from the mental health distress they experienced. Some of those sexual hook-ups were condomless partly because COVID-related disruptions impacted condom accessibility during lockdowns. Also, the preventive practices of some participants who reported being sexually active during the lockdowns were focused on preventing COVID-19 while BBV/STI got lesser attention.ConclusionThis study indicates a need for comprehensive public health response to the near-endemic COVID-19 situation, that focuses on preventing the spread of COVID-19 and the sexual spread of BBVs and infections.
Willingness and motivations towards volunteering during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional survey among final year medical students in Lagos, Nigeria
Authors: Adejimi Adebola Afolake , Okunade Kehinde Sharafadeen , Odukoya Olukemi Ololade , Roberts Alero Ann , Odugbemi Babatunde Adeniran , Osibogun Akin
Published: March 2022

Introduction: Increasing manpower capacity to meet the demands in the healthcare system is important during health emergencies. Medical students have roles to play during a pandemic but their involvement in these duties should be voluntary. The objective of this study was to assess the willingness and motivations of final year medical students in Lagos, Nigeria towards volunteering during the COVID-19 pandemic.Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among medical students in their sixth (final) year of study at the two public Universities in Lagos, Nigeria using total population sampling technique. A web-based questionnaire was used for data collection and data were analysed using SPSS. Logistic regression analysis was used to predict the willingness to volunteer.Results: The mean age of the respondents was 23.4years±2.6SD and 62.6% were female. About 65.9% of the medical students were willing to volunteer. Motivational factors which include self-rated good health status [OR: 2.1(95%CI: 1.16-3.6)], self-rated competence to work as a COVID-19 volunteer [OR: 6.5(95%CI: 3.61-11.54)] and availability of adequate protection and personal protective equipment [OR: 3.3(95%CI: 1.74-6.33)] significantly increased the odds of willingness to volunteer after controlling for other variables. Respondents’ opinions on settings where medical students can serve as volunteers during the COVID-19 pandemic include case management (21.7%) and telemedicine (85.8%).Conclusion: Medical students are willing to volunteer during the COVID-19 pandemic. There is a need to prepare and motivate the final year medical students by developing their skills to improve their competence and by providing adequate protection for the willing students to function as volunteers.
Bioinspired extremotolerant glycerogels
Authors: Mredha Md. Tariful Islam , Lee Yoonseong , Varma Adith Varma Rama , Gupta Tanish , Wadu Rumesh Rangana Manimel , Jeon Insu
Published: March 2022

Inspired by the “tun formation” of tardigrades, the hardest species on the planet, a new class of extremotolerant glycerogels with well-modulated polymer structure, functions, and properties was developed. Glycerogels comprising extremoprotected intra- and inter-molecular networks were fabricated by smooth replacement of water in predesigned hydrogels with glycerol, followed by thermal annealing. Four different glycerogels were fabricated as proofs-of-concept using different crosslinkers and polymers; they exhibited a wide range of stiffness, strength, stretchability, and toughness, as well as elasticity, plasticity, hysteresis, self-recoverability, thermal-shock-absorption capability (150°C), and prolonged stability over an extremely wide temperature range (-50–80°C). The self-weldability of glycerogels, stretchable electrical patterns on glycerogels, and glycerogel-based electrolytes and supercapacitors demonstrate the complex 3D designability and facile functionalization capability of glycerogels. The variety of functional glycerogels developed herein offers opportunities to design diverse extremotolerant, flexible, and stretchable devices for bio, electrical/electronic, and soft robotic applications.
Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes in Those with Primary Extrahepatic Malignancy and Malignant Ascites
Authors: Alshuwaykh Omar , Cheung Amanda , Goel Aparna , Kwong Allison , Dhanasekaran Renumathy , Ghaziani T.Tara , Ahmed Aijaz , Daugherty Tami , Dronamraju Deepti , Kumari Radhika , Nguyen Mindie , Kim Ray , Kwo Paul
Published: March 2022

Background: Malignancy-related ascites accounts for approximately 10% of causes of ascites. Our AIM was to characterize the ascites fluid and correlate clinical outcomes in those with extrahepatic malignancy and ascites. Results:241 subjects with extrahepatic solid tumors and ascites were reviewed from 1/1/2000 to 12/31/2019, 119 without liver metastasis and 122 with liver metastasis. Ascites fluid consistent with peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC) was most common, 150/241 (62%), followed by fluid reflecting the presence of portal hypertension (PH), 69/241 (29%). 22/241 (9%) had low SAAG and low ascites fluid total protein, with evidence of PC on cytology and or imaging in 20/22. Lung cancer was the most common malignancy in subjects with ascites due to PC at 36/150 (24%), pancreatic cancer was the most common in subjects with ascites with features of PH at 16/69 (23%). Chemotherapy or immunotherapy alone was the most common management approach. Significantly higher 5-year, 3-year and 1-year mortality rate were noted in subjects with evidence of PC on cytology/imaging versus subjects with no evidence of PC, and in subjects with liver metastasis compared to subjects without liver metastasis. Subjects with pancreatic cancer and evidence of PC on cytology/imaging had higher 1 and 5-year mortality rates compared to subjects without PC.Conclusion:Ascites in solid tumor malignancy is most commonly due to PC. We also observed ascites fluid with characteristics of PH in 29 % of subjects. Higher mortality rates in subjects with peritoneal carcinomatosis and liver metastasis were noted. These findings may help inform prognosis and treatment strategies.
Development of a prognostic nomogram and risk stratification system for upper thoracic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Lin Yu , Zheng Binglin , Chen Junqiang , Huang Qiuyuan , Ye Yuling , Yang Yong , Chen Yuanmei , Chen Bijuan , You Mengxing , Xu Yuanji , Wang Qifeng
Published: March 2022

Background: The study aimed to develop a nomogram model to predict overall survival (OS) and construct a risk stratification system of upper thoracic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Methods: Newly diagnosed 568 patients with upper ESCC at Fujian Medical University Cancer Hospital were taken as a training cohort, and additional 155 patients with upper ESCC from Sichuan Cancer Hospital Institute were used as a validation cohort. A nomogram was established using Cox proportional hazard regression to identify prognostic factors for OS. The predictive power of nomogram model was evaluated by using 4 indices: concordance statistics (C-index), time-dependent ROC (ROCt) curve, net reclassification index (NRI) and integrated discrimination improvement (IDI).Results: In this study, multivariate analysis revealed that gender, clinical T stage, clinical N stage and primary gross tumor volume were independent prognostic factors for OS in the training cohort. The nomogram based on these factors presented favorable prognostic efficacy in the both training and validation cohorts, with concordance statistics (C-index) of 0.622, 0.713, and area under the curve (AUC) value of 0.709, 0.739, respectively, which appeared superior to those of the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) staging system. Additionally, net reclassification index (NRI) and integrated discrimination improvement (IDI) of the nomogram presented better discrimination ability to predict survival than those of AJCC staging. Furthermore, decision curve analysis (DCA) curve of the nomogram exhibited greater clinical performance than that of AJCC staging. Finally, the nomogram fairly distinguished the OS rates among low, moderate, and high risk groups, whereas the OS curves of clinical stage could not be well separated among clinical AJCC stage. Conclusions: We built an effective nomogram model for predicting OS of upper ESCC, which may improve clinicians’ abilities to predict individualized survival and facilitate to further stratify the management of patients at risk.
Implication Of High Variance In Germplasm Characteristics
Authors: Yu Ju-Kyung , Chang Sungyul , Han Gyung Deok , Kim Seong-Hoon , Ahn Jinhyun , Park Jieun , Kim Yoonha , Kim Jaeyoung , Chung Yong Suk
Published: March 2022

The beauty of conserving germplasm is the securement of genetic resources with numerous important traits, which could be utilized whenever they need to be incorporated into current cultivars. However, it would not be as useful as expected if the proper information was not given to breeders and researchers. In this study, we demonstrated that there is a large variation, both among and within germplasm, using a low-cost image-based phenotyping method; this could be valuable for improving gene banks’ screening systems and for crop breeding. Using the image analyses of 507 accessions of buckwheat, we identified a wide range of variations per trait between germplasm accessions and within an accession. Since this implies a similarity with other important agronomic traits, we suggest that the variance of the presented traits should be checked and provided for better germplasm enhancement.
A novel PM2.5 concentrations probability density prediction model combines the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator with quantile regression
Authors: Yang Shaomei , Wu Haoyue
Published: March 2022

PM2.5 has a significant negative impact on human health and atmospheric quality, and accurate prediction of its concentration is necessary. PM2.5 concentration is influenced by a combination of factors from both meteorological conditions and air quality. It is essential to identify the significant factors influencing PM2.5 concentrations in the prediction process. To address this issue, this paper proposes the quantile regression neural network (QRNN) model based on the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO), combined with kernel density estimation (KDE) for probabilistic density prediction of PM2.5 concentrations. The model uses LASSO regression to select the influential factors, and then the quartiles of daily PM2.5 concentrations obtained using the QRNN model are imported into the KDE model to obtain the probability density curves of PM2.5 concentrations. In this paper, empirical analysis is performed with the data sets of Beijing, China, and Jinan, China, and assesses the accuracy and robustness of the model using evaluation indicators in both point and interval forecasting.The simulation reveals that the LASSSO-QRNN-KDE model performs excellent in the interval prediction and has a higher accuracy than the traditional prediction models and the currently used research models, which can provide a novel and effective PM2.5 concentration prediction tool for relevant policy makers.
Effect of Tillage System and Planting Date on the Growth and Yield of Transplanted Tomato
Authors: Drost D.T. , Price H.C.
Published: March 2022

Growth and fruit yield of `UC 82' tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) transplanted into no-tillage wheat mulch (WNT) or rye mulch (RNT) on three dates were compared to responses in conventional tillage (CT) following rye. Plant height was unaffected by tillage system. No tillage (NT) reduced the number of flower trusses by 25% when compared to CT. Planting date had no lasting effect on plant height, but late planting (2 June) led to fewer flower trusses than early planting (7 May). Yields of ripe or rotted fruits were unaffected by tillage system. Late planting reduced the number of ripe and rotted fruit and yields but increased weight per fruit compared to earlier plantings (7 or 19 May). Soil moisture and temperature in all tillage systems were similar and did not influence plant growth or fruit yield.
Light Intensity Influences Growth and Leaf Physiology of Aucuba japonica `Variegata'
Authors: Andersen Peter C. , Knox Gary W. , Norcini Jeffrey G.
Published: March 2022

Leaf physiology and growth parameters of Aucuba japonica (Thunb.) cv. Variegata were assessed under conditions of full sun (photosynthetic photon flux = 1531 to 2073 μmol·m-2·s-1) and under shadecloth (light transmittance of 69%, 47%, and 29% full sun) over 2 years. Two days after treatment initiation, net CO2 assimilation (A) was proportional to light level, although stomata1 conductance to water vapor (gs) was not influenced by shading. Subsequently, A, gs, transpiration rate, and water use efficiency of 100% sun-grown plants were often <50% that of shade-grown plants. After 1 month of exposure to 100% sun, leaves were chlorotic and necrotic; plant appearance was normal for plants grown under shadecloth. The growth index and total, leaf, stem, and root dry weights were inversely related to light level. Relative water content and chlorophyll concentration in leaves that had expanded before treatment initiation were reduced with increasing levels of irradiance, but these variables were not altered in leaves produced after treatment initiation. Plants from all treatments experienced dieback when transplanted to the field under conditions of full sun. We conclude that A. japonica is shade obligate, performing best with exposure to 47% of full sunlight.
Microwave Digestion of Plant Samples for Boron Analysis
Authors: Pennington H. Dale , Finch Calvin R. , Lyons Calvin C. , Littau Sara A.
Published: March 2022

The closed vessel microwave procedure developed requires less than 2 hours to produce 12 digested 0.50-g samples ready for B analysis by plasma emission spectrometry. The predigestion procedure uses nitric acid and hydrogen peroxide. The predigested samples are then each microwaved for 2.25 minutes (12 samples, 27 minutes). With this procedure, B concentration levels are statistically the same as the value determined for dry ash-digested materials. Recovery levels of known quantities of B were above 989%. Boron and S concentrations could be obtained from the same plant digest. This method produced results for four samples each of citrus, tomato, and peach leaves with SD of 0.596, 0.824, and 0.350 μg B/g, respectively.
Stability of the Organosilicone Surfactant Silwet L-77 in Growth Regulator Sprays
Authors: Knoche Moritz , Tamura Hiroto , Bukovac Martin J.
Published: March 2022

The stability of the organosilicone surfactant Silwet L-77 (L-77) was investigated in growth regulator solutions representative of those frequently used as foliar sprays in horticultural research and production. Surfactant stability was followed by measurement of surface tension at selected time intervals after addition of the surfactant. Time-course studies revealed that surface tension of Ethrel (2.08 ml·liter) and Pro-Gibb (3.13 ml·liter) solutions made up with deionized water with 0.01% L-77 increased immediately after preparation. A lag phase of constant surface tension was observed at a higher (0.1'%) L-77 concentration. The rate of increase in surface tension was higher for the more acidic Ethrel solution (pH 2.5) than for the Pro-Gibb solution (pH 3.8). The water source used for preparation of the spray solution significantly affected surfactant stability. Surface tension of Ethrel solutions (2.08 ml·liter 0.1% L-77) prepared with well water remained constant over 4 hours, whereas surface tension increased when rain or deionized water was used. Surface tension increased in Pro-Gibb spray solutions prepared with deionized water at concentrations typical for low- (1/10 x), but not high- (1x), volume spray applications or when solutions were prepared with well water. In all experiments, pH of the spray solution was the only factor that affected L-77 stability. Chemical names used: (2-chloroethyl) phosphoric acid (Ethrel); gibberellin A (Pro-Gibb); polyalkyleneoxide modified polydimethylsiloxane copolymers (Silwet L-77).
Inheritance of Resistance to Beet Western Yellows Virus in Lactuca virosa L.
Authors: Maisonneuve Brigitte , Chovelon Véronique , Lot Hervé
Published: March 2022

Beet western yellows virus (BWYV), a member of the Luteovirus group, causes severe losses in many lettuce-growing areas. Attempts to identify complete resistance to BWYV in lettuce cultivars (Lactuca sativa L.) or in L. serriola L. and L. saligna L. were unsuccessful. Among three accessions of L. virosa tested, one, IVT 280, appeared to be extremely resistant to BWYV. Heredity of this resistance was studied in crosses with susceptible L. virosa IVT 1398. The results were compatible with the hypothesis of one gene, with resistance being dominant. The symbol Bw for Beet western is proposed for this gene.
Iʿdād Mawād Taʿlīmīyah Tatakayyaf maʿa al-Jāʾiḥah: Wijhāt Naẓr min Muḥāḍirī al-Lughah al-ʿArabīyah fī Iḥdá al-Jāmiʿāt al-Islāmīyah al-Ḥukūmīyah bi-Indonesia
Authors: Mukroji Mukroji
Published: March 2022

The Covid-19 epidemic has altered the entire educational system. Teachers must provide instruction and learning materials remotely using electronic learning mediums. This study aims to explore Arabic lecturers' perception of pandemic-sensitive learning material development using semi-structured online interviews with five Arabic language instructors at an Islamic University in Central Java, followed by email interviews. The findings showed two primary strategies for developing pandemic-adaptive materials, including harnessing one's creativity and resources and student collaboration. Additionally, the lecturers reported problems in developing teaching materials due to limited time and learning resources.
Penerapan Ilmu Manajemen Bisnis Guna Pendampingan Mitra Usaha Kecil Menengah “Djamoe Sarongge” di Desa Ciputri
Authors:   Universitas Prasetiya Mulya, Kampus BSD, BSD City Kavling Edutown I.1, Jl. BSD Raya Utama No.1, BSD City, Kec. Pagedangan, Kabupaten Tangerang, Banten 15339, Yachya Nadia , Dabi Angtoni ,   Universitas Prasetiya Mulya, Kampus BSD, BSD City Kavling Edutown I.1, Jl. BSD Raya Utama No.1, BSD City, Kec. Pagedangan, Kabupaten Tangerang, Banten 15339, Putrilla Wirya Deborah ,   Universitas Prasetiya Mulya, Kampus BSD, BSD City Kavling Edutown I.1, Jl. BSD Raya Utama No.1, BSD City, Kec. Pagedangan, Kabupaten Tangerang, Banten 15339, Mike Tjakra Jonathan Dikke ,   Universitas Prasetiya Mulya, Kampus BSD, BSD City Kavling Edutown I.1, Jl. BSD Raya Utama No.1, BSD City, Kec. Pagedangan, Kabupaten Tangerang, Banten 15339, Kurnia William ,   Universitas Prasetiya Mulya, Kampus BSD, BSD City Kavling Edutown I.1, Jl. BSD Raya Utama No.1, BSD City, Kec. Pagedangan, Kabupaten Tangerang, Banten 15339, Michaela Clarimond ,   Universitas Prasetiya Mulya, Kampus BSD, BSD City Kavling Edutown I.1, Jl. BSD Raya Utama No.1, BSD City, Kec. Pagedangan, Kabupaten Tangerang, Banten 15339, Natawidjaja Chrystian ,   Universitas Prasetiya Mulya, Kampus BSD, BSD City Kavling Edutown I.1, Jl. BSD Raya Utama No.1, BSD City, Kec. Pagedangan, Kabupaten Tangerang, Banten 15339, Iswaldi Ihsan ,   Universitas Prasetiya Mulya, Kampus BSD, BSD City Kavling Edutown I.1, Jl. BSD Raya Utama No.1, BSD City, Kec. Pagedangan, Kabupaten Tangerang, Banten 15339
Published: March 2022

This activity aims to improve the capability of running a business independently for the owner of small to medium enterprise Djamoe Sarongge. In which it produces varieties of traditional healthy drinks. The owner had problems regarding four business system: operational, marketing, human resource management, and financial. All these problems are present on the absence of education, the nonexistent entrepreneurship capability that looks forward for opportunity. In the future, this activity should be able to increase the production quantity, increase product penetration to potential customers, increasing the capability of owner to run the business, and shaping the owner to be able to financially manage the business. There are some methods used in this activity such as qualitative observation, mentoring, and field practice which those methods occur at Ciputri. This activity resulted an increase in the quality of the products from the composition to the extended shelf life, knowledge to perform offline and online selling through social media, brochures as marketing media, new packaging, knowledge to perform business and the systems, standard operating procedure for production process, and the ability to make financial report. Aside from that, the activity also produces new product line to the business. With the variation provided through the products and the added knowledge about 4 business systems, an increase in product sales as much as 70 units and market penetration throughout Ciputri area
Implementasi Penatausahaan Keuangan Desa di Kecamatan Kalasan, Kabupaten Sleman: Evaluasi Praktik Akuntabilitas
Authors:   Balai Diklat Keuangan Yogyakarta, Lestyowati Jamila
Published: March 2022

This study aims to analyze the implementation of village financial administration in four villages in Kalasan sub-district, Sleman namely Purwomartani, Selomartani, Tamanmartani, and Tirtomartani. Village financial administration includes recording and administering revenue and expenditure activities carried out by the village treasurer both manually and use financial applications. The research method used a descriptive qualitative approach by taking respondents with purposive sampling. Collecting data was conducted by in-depth interviews, documentation, and observation with the village treasurer and village finance committee. The analytical method used a comparative analysis between villages based on Ministry of Internal Affairs Regulation No. 113 of 2014. The results of this study showed that village financial administration has been carried out through the Village Finance System (Siskeudes) application. Not all administrative activities carried out by village financial managers, some are carried out by village companions. There are several obstacles in the implementation of village financial administration, i.e. human resources, lack of understanding of regulations, lack of supervision and infrastructure facilities.