bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Metadta: A Stata Command for Meta-analysis and Meta-regression of Diagnostic Test Accuracy Data – A Tutorial.
Authors: Nyaga Victoria Nyawira , Arbyn Marc
Published: July 2021

BackgroundAlthough statistical procedures for pooling of several epidemiological metrics are generally available in statistical packages, those for meta-analysis of diagnostic test accuracy studies including options for multivariate regression are lacking. Fitting regression models and the processing of the estimates often entails lengthy and tedious calculations. Therefore, packaging appropriate statistical procedures in a robust and user-friendly program is of great interest to the scientific community. Methodsmetadta is a statistical program for pooling of diagnostic accuracy test data in Stata. It implements both the bivariate random-effects and fixed-effects model, allows for meta-regression, and presents the results in tables, a forest plot and/or summary receiver operating characteristic (SROC) plot. For a model without covariates, it also quantifies heterogeneity using an I2 statistic that accounts for the mean-variance relationship, and correlation between sensitivity and specificity, a typical characteristic of diagnostic data. To demonstrate metadta, we applied the program on two published meta-analyses on: 1) the sensitivity and specificity of cytology and other markers including telomerase for primary diagnosis of bladder cancer; and 2) the accuracy of human papillomavirus testing on self-collected versus clinician-collected samples to detect cervical precancer.ResultsWithout requiring a continuity correction, metadta generated a pooled sensitivity and specificity of 0.77 [95% CI: 0.70, 0.82] and 0.91 [95% CI: 0.75, 0.97] respectively of telomerase for the diagnosis of primary bladder cancer. metadta allowed to assess the relative accuracy of human Papilloma virus (HPV) testing on self- versus clinician-taken specimens in matched studies taking into account two covariates. Under the condition of using assays based on target-amplification, HPV tests were similarly sensitive to detect cervical pre-cancer, irrespective of clinical setting. ConclusionThe metadta program implements state of art statistical procedures in an attempt to close the gap between methodological statisticians and systematic reviewers. With metadta, we hope to popularize even further, the use of appropriate statistical methods for diagnostic meta-analysis.
A Novel BCAA-catabolism Related Gene Signature for Overall Survival Prediction of Pancreatic Carcinoma
Authors: Jiang Ziting , Zheng Jiajie , Liu Jianqiang , Yang Xiujiang , Chen Ke
Published: July 2021

Background

Branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) metabolism plays an important role in the pancreatic carcinogenesis, but its mechanism remains unclear. Hence, this study was performed to investigate comprehensively the value of genes related to BCAA catabolism in pancreatic cancer.
Methods

The online GEO, TCGA, and ICGC datasets were searched for bioinformatic analysis. Univariate Cox and Lasso regression were applied to construct a predictive model. Human cancer cell lines and tissue microarray (TMA) were applied for validation.
Results

From the 48 BCAA-catabolism enzyme (BCE) genes, a 5-gene risk-score (ABAT, ACAT1, BCAT1, BCAT2, and DBT) was constructed. Patients in high-risk and low-risk groups stratified by risk-score, indicated significantly different OS (for TCGA, 1.62 years vs. 1.90 years, p = 0.02; for ICGC, 1.25 years vs. 1.87 years, p = 0.01; for GEO, 1.49 years vs. 2.63 years, p = 0.01). Given the clinical parameters, the risk-score was independent predictor for prognosis [for TCGA, hazard ratio (HR) = 3.16, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.63–6.12, p < 0.01; for ICGC, HR = 3.16, 95% CI = 1.04–2.35, p = 0.03]. Among the five genes, ABAT and BCAT2 were hub genes with favorable prognosis value, which validated by TMA immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining. Immune infiltration analysis indicated high-risk group enriched macrophage, and decreased positive cell density of stromal CD68+ macrophage in TMA was observed for BCAT2 with low-expression than high-expression cases (p < 0.05).
Conclusion

A risk-score involving five BCE genes was proposed to predict the poor prognosis of pancreatic cancer. Based on the immune infiltration analysis, the underlying mechanism might be BCAT2 associated stromal macrophage infiltration.
Electron-LO-phonon Intrasubband Scattering Rates in a Hollow Cylinder Under the Influence of a Uniform Axial Applied Magnetic Field
Authors: Masale Monkami , Tshipa Moletlanyi
Published: July 2021

Scattering rates arising from the interactions of electrons with bulk longitudinal optical (LO) phonon modes in a hollow cylinder are calculated as functions of the inner radius and the uniform axial applied magnetic field. Now, the specific nature of electron-phonon interactions mainly depends on the character of the energy spectrum of electrons. As is well known, in cylindrical quantum wires, the application of a parallel magnetic field lifts the double degeneracy of the non-zero azimuthal quantum number states; m≠0; irrespective of all electron's radial quantum number l states. In fact, this Zeeman splitting is such that the m < 0 electron's energy subbands initially decrease with the increase of the parallel applied magnetic field. In a solid cylinder, the lowest-order; {l = 1; m = 0} subband is always the ground state. In a hollow cylinder, however, as the axial applied magnetic field is increased, the electron's energy subbands take turns at becoming the ground state; following the sequence {m=0,-1,-2...-N} of azimuthal quantum numbers. Furthermore, in a hollow cylinder, in general, the electron's energy separations between any two subbands are less than the LO phonon energy except for exceptionally high magnetic fields, and some highest-order quantum number states. In view of this, the discussion of the energy relaxation here is focused mainly on intrasubband scattering of electrons and only within the lowest-order {l = 1; m = 0} electron's energy subband. The intrasubband scattering rates are found to be characterized by shallow minima in their variations with the inner radius, again, for a fixed outer radius. This feature is a consequence of a balance between two seemingly conflicting effects of the electron's confinement by the inner and outer walls of the hollow cylinder. First; increased confinement of the charge carriers generally leads to the enhancement of the rates. Second; the presence of a hole in a hollow cylinder leads to a significant suppression of the scattering rates. The intrasubband scattering rates also show a somewhat parabolic increase in their variations with the applied magnetic field; an increase which is more pronounced in a relatively thick hollow cylinder.
Practice of Public Health Interventions Collaboration and Integrated in Macau SAR and Zhuhai to Response to Pandemic of COVID-19
Authors: Yin Xiling , Xiao Songjian , Zhang Xuebao , Chen Long , Ni Xihe , Huang Sicheng , Mei Wenhua , Ruan Feng
Published: July 2021

BackgroundIn 2020, the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area (GBA) was in proximity to the second epicenter of COVID-19 in China, where Macau and Zhuhai are located. Both cities communicated, cooperated, and coordinated under different backgrounds to play a "cocity" effect in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.ResultsIn 2020, Macau and Zhuhai had a total of 46 and 112 confirmed cases of COVID-19, respectively. Ten and 98 confirmed cases in two cities that were imported from mainland China or were the result of local infection caused by imported cases of patients who recovered and were discharged during the first period (January 1 to March 14), respectively. During the second period (March 15 to December 31), both of the cities mainly disposed of imported cases (36 and 14 cases in Macau and Zhuhai) from abroad. In the third period (July 15 to December 31), the two cities gradually returned to normal work and life and economic recovery. Under dynamically adjusted prevention and control measures, the two cities have adopted a series of border control measures based on domestic and abroad changes in the COVID-19 epidemic situation. They had closely cooperated and shared information in terms of epidemic information docking, traffic control, patient care, and material guarantees. The prevention and control policies and measures are basically the same in the two cities and different in the 3 time periods. Health QR code exchange was the basis of mobility of residents between the two cities.ConclusionsBoth cities had zero tolerance for COVID-19 cases and adopted a suppression strategy to accurately grasp the changing epidemic situation at any time. There was no community transmission of local cases, and the control effect with resumption of work and personnel turnover was very obvious in the two cities. These characteristics provide a suitable example for other countries and cities to better understand the effectiveness of control measures to address the possible long-term existence of COVID-19.
Towards an Entrepreneurial University Model: Evidence from the Palestine Polytechnic University
Authors: Awad Ibrahim M , Salaimeh Meera Kh.
Published: July 2021

This study aims to introduce a proposed model for transforming the Palestine Polytechnic University (PPU) towards an entrepreneurial university. Toward that end, a quantitative approach using statistical techniques of t-test, ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis test, and Pairwise comparisons supported by explanatory and qualitative discussions were utilized. The main findings show that the applicability of entrepreneurship at PPU was relatively fair for the aspects of the compatibility of curricula with the labor market needs, community relations and partnerships, academic exchange, entrepreneurship culture, entrepreneurial education, and university internationalization. Entrepreneurship as a policy objective was moderately acceptable for university policies and regulations, scientific research and innovation, and university leadership, but the university environment was less than moderate. The findings also show that the university leadership acknowledges the importance of achieving entrepreneurship, while they pay insufficient attention to the academic exchange. Offering other supportive funding resources can accelerate entrepreneurship. Given that, this study is likely to provide a proposed model to transform PPU into an entrepreneurial university and effectively achieve the University's pioneering vision that contributes to the University's development and presents this model to the decision-makers.
Risk Stratification of Cirrhotic Patients Undergoing Esophagectomy for Esophageal Cancer: A Single-Centre Experience
Authors: Grass Julia K. , Küsters Natalie , Kemper Marius , Tintrup Jan , Piecha Felix , Izbicki Jakob R. , Perez Daniel , Melling Nathaniel , Bockhorn Maximilian , Reeh Matthias
Published: July 2021

Concomitant liver cirrhosis is a crucial risk factor for major surgeries. However, only few data are available concerning cirrhotic patients requiring esophagectomy for malignant disease. From a prospectively maintained database of esophageal cancer patients, who underwent curative esophagectomy between 01/2012 and 01/2016, patients with concomitant liver cirrhosis (LCP) were compared to non-cirrhotic patients (NLCP).Of 170 patients, 14 cirrhotic patients with predominately low MELD scores (≤ 9, 64.3%) were identified. Perioperative outcome was significantly worse for LCP, as proofed by 30-day (57.1% vs. 7.7, p<0.001) and 90-day mortality (64.3% vs. 9.6%, p<0.001), anastomotic leakage rate (64.3 vs. 22.3%, p=0.002) and sepsis (57.1 vs. 21.5%, p=0.006). Even after adjustment for age, gender, comorbidities, and surgical approach, LCP revealed higher odds for 30-day and 90-day mortality compared to NLCP. Moreover, 5-year survival analysis showed a significantly poorer long-term outcome of LCP (p=0.023). For risk stratification, none of the common cirrhosis scores proved prognostic impact, whereas components as Bilirubin (auROC 94.4%), INR (auROC=90.0%), and preoperative ascites (p=0.038) correlated significantly with the perioperative outcome. Curative esophagectomy for cirrhotic patients is associated with a dismal prognosis and should be evaluated critically. While MELD and Child score failed to predict perioperative mortality, Bilirubin and INR proofed excellent prognostic capacity in this cohort.
Improving Intraocular Lens Calculation in Fuchs Endothelial Dystrophy According To Preoperative Degree of Corneal Edema
Authors: Gargallo-Martinez Beatriz , Ortiz-Gomariz Amanda , Gomez-Ramirez Ana Maria , Gutiérrez-Ortega Angel Ramon , Garcia-Medina Jose Javier
Published: July 2021

Fuchs endothelial dystrophy (FED) is a bilateral, asymmetric, progressive corneal endothelium disorder that causes corneal edema. Resolution of corneal edema is only possible by corneal transplantation. Cataract surgery is a common surgery that replaces the natural lens of the eye by an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). The IOL-power calculation depends mainly on the anterior corneal keratometry and the axial length. In patients with FED, anterior keratometry may be affected by corneal edema and calculations may be less accurate. Therefore, the aim of this study is to establish the theorical postoperative refractive error due to corneal edema resolution after Descemet stripping endothelial keratoplasty combined with cataract surgery and IOL implantation. For this, anterior keratometry was measure preoperatively with edematous cornea and postoperatively after corneal edema resolution. Both keratometries were compared and used to calculate the respective theorical IOL-powers. The difference between target IOLs was used to establish the theorical refractive error due to corneal edema resolution. The results showed that corneal edema resolution induces a change in anterior keratometry, which affects IOL-power calculations and causes a hyperopic shift. The patients with moderate-to-severe preoperative corneal edema had higher theorical refractive error so their target selection should be adjusted for additional − 0.50D.
Cash Transfers for Improved Maternal and Child Health Data: A Pilot Study Supporting Health Management Information System in Malawi
Authors: Ouedraogo Mariame O. , Tolani Madalitso , Mambulasa Janet , McLaughlin Katie , Bassani Diego G. , McKinnon Britt
Published: July 2021

Background

The health management information system (HMIS) is an integral component of a strong health care system. Despite its importance for decision-making, the quality of HMIS data remains of concern in low- and middle-income countries. To address challenges with the quality of maternal and child health (MCH) data gathered within Malawi's HMIS, we designed a pilot study consisting of performing regular cash transfers to district-level HMIS offices. We hypothesized that providing regular cash transfers to HMIS offices would empower staff to establish strategies and priorities based on local context, consequently obtaining and maintaining accurate, timely, and complete MCH data.
Methods

The pilot intervention was implemented in Mwanza district, while Chikwawa, Neno, and Ntchisi districts served as control sites. The intervention consisted of providing cash transfers to Mwanza's HMIS office following the submission of detailed budgets and lists of planned activities with their respective targets and outputs. In the control districts, we performed regular interviews with the HMIS officers to track the HMIS-related activities. We evaluated the intervention by comparing data quality between the post-intervention and pre-intervention periods in the intervention and control districts. Additionally, we conducted interviews with Mwanza's HMIS office staff to determine the acceptability and appropriateness of the intervention.
Results

Following the 10-month intervention period, we observed improvements in MCH data quality in the intervention district (Mwanza). The availability and completeness of MCH data collected in the registers increased by 22% and 18%, respectively. The consistency of MCH data between summary reports and electronic HMIS improved from 73–94%. The qualitative interviews confirmed that, despite some challenges, the intervention was well received by the participating HMIS office. Participants preferred our strategy to other conventional ways of supporting HMIS that fail to give HMIS offices the independence to make decisions.
Conclusions

This pilot intervention demonstrated an alternative approach to support HMIS offices in their daily efforts to improve data quality. Given the Ministry of Health (MoH)'s interest in strengthening its HMIS, our intervention provides a strategy that the MoH and local and international partners could consider to rapidly improve HMIS data with minimal oversight.
A Fuzzy Method for Joint Resource Allocation and Stable Pairing in D2D Communications with Applications in COVID-19 Patient Information Management
Authors: Pourmoslemi Alireza , Rajabi Siavash , Salimi Mehdi , Ferrara Massimiliano
Published: July 2021

In this paper, a device-to-device (D2D) communication multiple-metric scenario for resource allocation and pairing is proposed. To improve the stability of the D2D connection, a fuzzy method based on the data-rate and battery levels of potential D2D pairs is studied so that the set of D2D transmitters is considered as a fuzzy set. A single-cell scenario with a cellular user and some co-channel D2D nodes consisting of D2D receivers and transmitters is considered. A stable fuzzy pairing criterion is proposed for the selection of the best D2D transmitter. The proposed method is compared to three other pairing methods: maximum sum-rate, constant, and random pairing methods. The simulation results show that the proposed pairing method outperforms the other three methods in terms of stability and fairness criteria and follows the maximum sum-rate method from the sum-rate criteria point of view.
Greater Medial Meniscus Extrusion Seen on Ultrasonography Indicates the Risk of Posterior Root Tear in Non-radiographic Knee Osteoarthritis Population
Authors: Chiba Daisuke , Sasaki Tomoyuki , Ishibashi Yasuyuki
Published: July 2021

Purpose: To elucidate the association between medial meniscus extrusion measured on ultrasonography (MMEUS) and the prevalence of medial meniscus posterior root tear detected on magnetic resonance imaging (MMPRTMRI). Methods: We recruited 127 patients (135 knees) in this cross-sectional study. All participants had medial knee pain without a knee trauma or surgery history. Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) severity was evaluated using Kellgren-Lawrence grade (KLG) scores. Patients with KLG scores 0-1 and ≥2 were classified in non-radiographic (non-ROA) and radiographic KOA (ROA) groups, respectively. MMEUS was measured with patients in the supine position. Based on T2*-weighted images, MMPRTMRI was defined as the presence of “Ghost meniscus sign” and “Creft/truncation sign”, indicating an abnormal high signal intensity of a disrupted posterior root. MMEUS was compared between MMPRT+ and MMPRT– patients using a non-paired t-test. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to determine the optimal cut-off MMEUS to predict MMPRT+.Results: The prevalence of MMPRT+ was 31.3% (25/80 knees) and 29.1% (16/55 knees) in the non-ROA and ROA groups. The MMEUS of MMPRT+ patients were significantly greater than that of MMPRT– patients in both the non-ROA (5.9±1.4 mm vs. 4.4±1.0 mm, P<0.001) and ROA (7.8±1.3 mm vs. 6.3±1.3 mm, P<0.001) groups. ROC curves demonstrated that 5-mm and 7-mm MMEUS were the optimal cut-off values in non-ROA (adjusted odds ratio: 6.280; area under the curve [AUC]: 0.809; P<0.001) and ROA (adjusted odds ratio: 15.003; AUC: 0.797; P=0.001) groups.Conclusions: In early non-radiographic KOA stages, a greater MMEUS was associated with a higher MMPRTMRI prevalence.Level of evidence: III, Cross-sectional cohort study
Activating the Role of Digital Volunteering in Early Detection of Unhealthy Behavior on University Campus in the Era of Covid 19 Crisis
Authors: Alarnous Razan , Albasalah Aida , Alshawwa Samar
Published: July 2021

BackgroundThe current study aims to identify unhealthy behaviors among university students, establish means of detecting them as well as identify obstacles to digital volunteering and also explore the relationship between volunteer preferred style of volunteering and the obstacles to volunteering. MethodsData for the study was gathered by administering unstructured, anonymous questionnaire to 207 female university students and staff. The survey design included questions about socio-demographic characteristics, views on different facets of volunteering, unhealthy behaviors and correlation between volunteering and unhealthy behaviors.ResultsThe result revealed unhealthy behavior detected by the respondents (51.7%). Twenty-eight (13.5%) of the 207 respondents reported to use social media in detecting women with offending behavior. The value of Pearson’s R is 0.245; thus is considered a weak or no correlation. There is hence no correlation between how respondents preferred volunteer work and the obstacle to volunteering. There is no much of difference in the obstacles to volunteering faced by respondents despite their preferred style of volunteering.Conclusion The findings reveal that digital volunteering is effectively gaining ground in detection and management of unhealthy behaviors among university students. Much more could be achieved through digital volunteering if more awareness is created and volunteering programs are designed to be more interesting and less time consuming to give more students the opportunity to participate.
Plasma Lipidomic Profiles of Kidney, Breast, and Prostate Cancer Patients Differ from Healthy Controls
Authors: Wolrab Denise , Jirásko Robert , Peterka Ondřej , Idkowiak Jakub , Chocholoušková Michaela , Vaňková Zuzana , Hořejší Karel , Brabcová Ivana , Vrána David , Študentová Hana , Melichar Bohuslav , Holčapek Michal
Published: July 2021

Early cancer screening is one of the unmet needs in clinical medicine. The peripheral blood analysis is a preferred method for efficient population screening as blood collection is well embedded in clinical practice and minimally invasive for patients. Lipids are important biomolecules, and variations in lipid concentrations may reflect pathological disorders. The lipidomic profiling by ultrahigh-performance supercritical fluid chromatography hyphenated to mass spectrometry of human plasma for distinguishing samples obtained from breast, kidney, and prostate cancer patients and healthy controls is investigated. The mean sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of the new lipidomic profiling approach were 85%, 95%, and 92% for kidney cancer; 91%, 97%, and 94% for breast cancer; and 87%, 95%, and 92% for prostate cancer. No association of statistical models with tumor stage is observed. The statistically most significant lipid species for differentiation of studied cancer types are CE 16:0, Cer 42:1, LPC 18:2, PC 36:2, PC 36:3, SM 32:1, and SM 41:1.
The Feasibility of a Strategy for the Remote Recruitment, Consenting and Assessment of Recent Referrals: A Protocol for Phase 1 of the on-line Parent Training for the Initial Management of ADHD Referrals (OPTIMA).
Authors: Kostyrka-Allchorne Katarzyna , Ballard Claire , Byford Sarah , Cortese Samuele , Daley David , Downs Johnny , French Blandine , Glazebrook Cristine , Goldsmith Kimberley , Groom Madeleine JJ , Hall Charlotte L , Hedstrom Ellen , Ibrahim Zina , Jarvis Christine , Kovshoff Hanna , Kreppner Jana , Lean Nancy , Morris Anna , Gutierrez Walter Muruet , Sayal Kapil , Shearer James , Simonoff Emily , Thompson Margaret , Zalewski Lukasz , Sonuga-Barke Edmund J. S.
Published: July 2021

Background: In the UK, children with high levels of hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattention referred to clinical services with possible attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) often wait a long time for specialist diagnostic assessment. Parent training (PT) has the potential to support parents during this difficult period, especially regarding the management of challenging and disruptive behaviours that often accompany ADHD. However, traditional face-to-face PT is costly and difficult to organise in a timely way. We have created a low-cost, easily accessible PT programme delivered via a phone app, Structured E-Parenting Support (STEPS), to address this problem. The overall OPTIMA programme will evaluate the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of STEPS as a way of helping parents manage their children behaviour while on the waiting list. To ensure the timely and efficient evaluation of STEPS in OPTIMA, we have worked with children’s health services to implement a remote strategy for recruitment, screening, and assessment of recently referred families. Part of this strategy is incorporated into routine clinical practice and part is OPTIMA specific. Here we present the protocol for Phase 1 of OPTIMA – a study of the feasibility of this remote strategy, as a basis for a large-scale STEPS randomised controlled trial (RCT). Methods: This is a single arm observational feasibility study. Parents of up to 100 children aged 5-11 years with high levels of hyperactivity/impulsivity, inattention and challenging behaviour who are waiting for assessment in one of five UK child and adolescent mental health or behavioural services. Recruitment, consenting and data collection will occur remotely. The primary outcome will be the rate at which the families, who meet inclusion criteria, agree in principle to take part in a full STEPS RCT. Secondary outcomes include acceptability of remote consenting and online data collection procedures; the feasibility of collecting teacher data remotely within the required timeframe, and technical difficulties with completing online questionnaires. All parents in the study will receive access to STEPS. Discussion: Establishing the feasibility of our remote recruitment, consenting and assessment strategy is a pre-requisite for the full trial of OPTIMA. It can also provide a model for future trials conducted remotely. Trial registration: N/A
Research on Payment Settlement Mode in Cross-border Business Trade Based on Blockchain Technology
Authors: Wang Xiaoyan
Published: July 2021

Cross-border commerce trade is an important part of economic development, and its payment and settlement mode has received widespread attention. This paper mainly introduced blockchain, analyzed its characteristics and composition and the possibility of its application in cross-border business trade, and took the Ripple payment settlement mode as an example for a case study. The analysis found that the model had smaller time and capital costs, greater transparency and security of transactions, and simple and convenient processes than the traditional payment and settlement mode, which can be further promoted and applied in practice.
Heat Transfer Performance of Cosine-Shaped Runners
Authors: Huang Ping , Huang Wei , Lin Xiajun , Shu Chi-Min
Published: July 2021

To optimize the heat transfer performance of heat exchangers, this study explored the flow properties and heat transfer of cosine-wave-shaped runners with different structural parameters (wave amplitude, focal distance, and circle radius). The effects of the changes in these structural parameters on the flow and temperature fields of specially shaped channels were analyzed. The partial synergy angles of cosine runners were obtained using user-defined programs in CFD software. The synergy of the entire channel was evaluated using the average field synergy angle as an evaluation index. This study investigated the problem of distribution nonuniformity of the temperature differences during the medium flowing process to provide a theoretical foundation and guidelines for optimally designing the structural parameters of specially shaped channels.
SARS-CoV-2 spike protein 13-mer subdomain corresponds to the drug-binding domain of 3 glutamyl-propyl-tRNA synthetase 1 and is targetable by halofuginone
Authors: Benoit Lora , Shenoy Vinayak , Meykler Simon , Mohseni Ali
Published: July 2021

Since its emergence, SARS-CoV-2 has been the subject of intense investigation. Early sequence analysis identified a unique 13 amino acid region (13-mer) nested within the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the spike protein that directly interacts with the ACE2 receptor. Blasting with the 13-mer identified a highly conserved segment in propyl-tRNA synthetase enzymes. Comparison with the human analogue, glutamyl-propyl-tRNA synthetase 1, showed a high level of identity with its drug binding domain, which is targeted by halofuginone, a drug recently shown to block SARS-CoV-2 infection in vitro. In silico experiments predicted a high affinity interaction between halofuginone and the 13-mer. In vitro addition of halofuginone effectively inhibited binding of recombinant S1 monomer to ACE2. Accordingly, it appears that halofuginone inhibits viral infection by preventing correct interactions between spike protein and ACE2. These findings indicate that viral entry can potentially be drug-targeted and support the application of halofuginone in mitigation of COVID-19.
Identification of Social and Occupational Risk Factors Associated with CKDu Patients in an Agricultural Community in Kebithigollewa, Sri Lanka
Authors: Lowe Chamodika , Kumarasinghe Nishantha
Published: July 2021

Aim: To identify the social and occupational risk factors associated with CKDu patients living in an agricultural community in Kebithigollewa, Sri Lanka.Methods: A three months community based cross sectional study was done involving 30 CKDu diagnosed patients who were attending the CKDu Ayurvedic Clinic at Kebithigollewa, North Central Province (NCP), Sri Lanka and 30 controls were taken from the same region. Socioeconomic and socio-demographic data was collected from the participants with the use of an interview administered questionnaire. Heights and weights were the anthropometric data measured for the study. Blood samples were collected as biochemical data which was later analysed using an automated blood analyser. Data collected was computerized and analysed using software Graphpad Prism 8 and SPSS version 20.Results: All the participants of the research were active residents living in the North Central Province (NCP) since birth. 83.34% of the CKDu affected individuals were from the 4th to 7th decade of life and 70% of them were males. 86.66% of the affected population carried out agricultural practices as their main source of income with chena and paddy cultivation being the common practice followed. 96.66% of the affected were from low income families who earned 0-20000 LKR per month. 40% of the affected have had only up to five years of school education. 63.33% of the CKDu patients were overweight. A significant correlation of 0.642218 was shown by Cramer’s V square test between Number of working hours/day and serum creatinine, indicating a strong association, but did not have a significant nominal logistic regression.Conclusion: Serum creatinine was high in farmers and laborers indicating that occupation impacts CKDu occurrence and progression. It was also high in age group 31-50yrs showing a significant relationship with serum creatinine which indicates the social impact on CKDu occurrence. A statistically significance of P<0.05 was shown by number of working hours and BMI.
Biclonal Multiple Myeloma- A Case Series
Authors: Roy Somnath , Khaddar Satvik , Agrawal Amit , Rathnakumar Geeta , Nayak Lingaraj , Kapoor Akhil
Published: July 2021

Multiple myeloma is a prototype of plasma cell dyscrasias characterized by monoclonal abnormal proliferation of immunoglobulin secreting plasma cell in the bone marrow ; resulting in production of monoclonal (M) protein (IgG,IgA,IgM,IgD) and or light chain concentrations (kappa or lamda) identified by protein electrophoresis and or immunofixation of serum or urine. The term biclonal multiple myeloma are defined by coexistence of two different M components, which could be either from a single clone or two separate clones producing two distinct bands in electrophoresis and or immunofixation of serum or urine. Biclonal gammopathy is a rare entity with upto 1% of newly diagnosed case of multiple myeloma have two M component in serum immunofixation electrophoresis. Here we share our experience of four cases of biclonal myeloma successfully diagnosed and treated with standard chemotherapy with satisfactory clinical outcome from a single tertiary care centre.
Machine Learning-Assisted Identification of Bioindicators Predicts Medium-Chain Carboxylate Production Performance of An Anaerobic Mixed Culture
Authors: Liu Bin , Sträuber Heike , Saraiva Joao Pedro , Harms Hauke , Silva Sandra Godinho , Kasmanas Jonas Coelho , Kleinsteuber Sabine , Rocha Ulisses
Published: July 2021

Background: The ability to quantitatively predict ecophysiological functions of microbial communities provides an important step to engineer microbiota for desired functions related to specific biochemical conversions. Here, we present the quantitative prediction of medium-chain carboxylate production in two continuous anaerobic bioreactors from 16S rRNA gene dynamics in enriched communities. Results: By progressively shortening the hydraulic retention time (HRT) from 8 days to 2 days with different temporal schemes in two bioreactors operated for 211 days, we achieved higher productivities and yields of the target products n -caproate and n ‑caprylate. The datasets generated from each bioreactor were applied independently for training and testing machine learning algorithms using 16S rRNA genes to predict n -caproate and n ‑caprylate productivities. Our dataset consisted of 14 and 40 samples from HRT of 8 and 2 days, respectively. Because of the size and balance of our dataset, we compared linear regression, support vector machine and random forest regression algorithms using the original and balanced datasets generated using synthetic minority oversampling. Further, we performed cross validation to estimate model stability. The random forest regression was the best algorithm producing more consistent results with median of error rates below 8%. More than 90% accuracy in the prediction of n -caproate and n -caprylate productivities was achieved. Four inferred bioindicators belonging to the genera Olsenella, Lactobacillus, Syntrophococcus and Clostridium IV suggest their relevance to the higher carboxylate productivity at shorter HRT. The recovery of metagenome-assembled genomes of these bioindicators confirmed their genetic potential to perform key steps of medium-chain carboxylate production. Conclusions: Shortening the hydraulic retention time of the continuous bioreactor systems allows to shape the communities with desired chain elongation functions. Using machine learning, we demonstrated that 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing data can be used to predict bioreactor process performance quantitatively and accurately. Characterising and harnessing bioindicators holds promise to manage reactor microbiota towards selection of the target processes. Our mathematical framework is transferrable to other ecosystem processes and microbial systems where community dynamics is linked to key functions. The general methodology used here can be adapted to data types of other functional categories such as genes, transcripts, proteins or metabolites.
Contribution to the Selection of Blackberry Through Fruit Physical Variables
Authors: de Oliveira Job Teixeira , de Oliveira Rubens Alves , Silva Priscilla Andrade , Teodoro Paulo Eduardo
Published: July 2021

To contribute to commercial classification, this work sought to evaluate correlations between fruit mass and other physical characteristics of blackberry fruit, indicating direct and indirect effects of morphology and physical characteristics on blackberry fruit mass. The variables evaluated were the total mass of the blackberry fruit along with its physical components: fruit length, greater transverse diameter, smaller transverse diameter, fruit area, fruit perimeter, and fruit volume. Results of our analyses show that an increase in fruit length, fruit perimeter, and fruit volume reflects an increase in the total mass of the blackberry fruit. Indirectly, greater values of fruit length, greater transverse diameter, and smaller transverse diameter reflect an increase in the perimeter and volume of the blackberry fruit, thus contributing to larger, more attractive fruit.
Weed Control and Tigernut Response to Preemergence Herbicides Applied at Transplanting
Authors: Besançon Thierry E. , Carr Baylee L. , Ayeni Albert
Published: July 2021

Tigernut (Cyperus esculentus var. sativus) is a type of sedge that is quickly becoming popular as a superfood. As demand for tigernut continues to increase, more information is needed to develop weed management strategies for the crop to maximize tuber yield and quality. However, no herbicide is currently labeled for use with tigernut. Experimental trials were conducted in 2017 and 2018 to assess crop safety and control of economically important weeds with preemergence herbicides for transplanted ‘NG3’ and ‘OG’ tigernut. Oxyfluorfen applied alone or mixed with pendimethalin provided excellent control (>85%) of smooth pigweed (Amaranthus hybridus), carpetweed (Mollugo verticillata), and large crabgrass (Digitaria sanguinalis), and it did not cause any tigernut injury, stunting, or yield reduction compared with the weed-free control. However, none of the treatments controlled hairy galinsoga (Galinsoga quadriradiata) satisfactorily 2 months after herbicide application. Bensulide alone or associated with oxyfluorfen caused 14% to 25% stunting of tigernut. Bensulide alone only provided short-term control of broadleaf weeds. Increased weed competition and tigernut phytotoxicity associated with bensulide resulted in a 39% reduction in tuber yield compared with oxyfluorfen alone. Finally, S-metolachlor caused up to 78% stunting and a 68% reduction in vegetative tigernut biomass (on average) compared with the weed-free control. Tuber yield was reduced 55% to 97% after S-metolachlor was applied at transplanting. Oxyfluorfen would provide effective weed control up to 8 weeks after treatment in fields where hairy galinsoga is not a weed of concern and fulfill the requirement of a weed-free period without affecting tuber yield of quality.
Efficiency and persistence of insecticides with different action mechanisms applied on wheat stored pest sitophilus zeamais
Authors: Magano Deivid Araújo , Carvalho Ivan Ricardo , Doberstein Ana Paula , Louro Murilo Vieira , Bubans Valeria , Drebes Lucas , Guedes Jerson Vanderlei Carus , Lautenchleger Francine , Ferreira Luiz Leonardo , Boller Walter
Published: July 2021

Sitophilus zeamais is the most important insect-plague among stored grain pests. The method of chemical control based on phosphine is the most used for its control, however, this method presents some inconveniences, being a costly method in labor and dangerous to the operators from the toxicological point of view. Thus, the use of preventive control, which consists of the application of liquid insecticides on the mass of grains, during the loading of the warehouse, appears as an alternative against the attack of the pests that tend to settle in the mass of grains. Thus, the objective of this work was to evaluate the efficiency and persistence of insecticides with different mechanisms of action on S. zeamais on stored wheat, simulating ideal storage conditions. An experiment was performed composed of the active ingredients: abamectin, spinosad, lambda-cyhalothrin + chlorantraniliprole, bifenthrin as a positive control, and the negative control was distilled water. The experimental design was a completely randomized block design with four replicates. The wheat was stored in Gerbox containing 250 grams, all samples being treated directly in these containers by spraying the liquid on the wheat grains. After spraying, the samples were homogenized and infested with 15 adult individuals of S. zeamais and deposited in an air conditioned room at 30 ± 1 °C and relative humidity of 30 ± 2%, in order to provide conditions of high biological activity of the insects. The active ingredients spinosad and abamectin promoted a 100% control of S. zeamais up to 120 days of conduction of this assay. Regarding biological persistence, the active ingredients lambda-cyhalothrin + chlorantraniliprole and bifenthrin had control effects up to 60 days after application while the active principles abamectin and spinosad persisted until the end of the bioassay observations
Active packaging using Scenedesmus sp. and agar delays maturity and maintains post-harvest quality of 'Paluma' guavas
Authors: Oliveira Ágda Malany Forte de , Araújo Railene Hérica Carlos Rocha de , Alves Kalinny Araújo , Sousa Francisco de Assis de , Teodosio Albert Einstein Mathias Medeiros , Onias Elny Alves , Ferreira Ana Paula Nunes , Barbosa Luana da Silva , Mendonça Vander , Neta Alzira Maria de Sousa Silva , Ferreira Kaikí Nogueira , Mendonça Luciana Freitas de Medeiros
Published: July 2021

The use of new technologies is important for the preservation of guava, especially in reaching long-distance markets, being indispensable to associate storage techniques to increase the durability of fresh fruit. We evaluated the efficiency of edible coatings based on agar and Scenedemus sp. on the quality and post-harvest conservation of 'Paluma' guava. The experiment consisted of a randomized design with four replicates. The treatments (T) were composed of mixing concentrations between agar and Scenedesmus sp.: A: (0% + 0%); B: (0% + 0.5%); C: (0% + 1%); D: (0% + 2%); E: (3% + 0%); F: (3% + 0.5%); G: (4% + 0%) and H: (4% + 0.5%) applied by immersion. At the end of 11 days of storage at 10 °C ± 2ºC and 65% ± 5% RH, the fruit was analyzed. There was a significant effect (P < 0.05) of the coating based on Scenedesmus sp. on the brightness (L*) of the peel and pulp of guava, hue (°h) and chromaticity (C*) of the peel, loss of fresh mass, firmness of the pulp, ascorbic acid, titratable acidity, pH, SS/AT ratio, and total sugars. We observed a lower maturation and maintenance of the post-harvest quality of 'Paluma' guava with the active packages corresponding to treatments F and H. This included the maintenance of the indexes L*, C* and h of peel color, retention in the loss of fresh mass, in the firmness and maintenance of organic acids
Alteration of dry matter accumulation under soil moisture fluctuation stress in rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Ichsan Cut Nur , Basyah Bakhtiar , Zakaria Sabaruddin , Efendi Efendi
Published: July 2021

Drought-flood abrupt alterations (DFAA) is a condition in drought season when sudden rain inundate rice plants. These events are due to the high frequency of extreme climate events that might pose a threat to rice productivity. DFAA causes cumulative stress on rice which affects crop growth and alters dry matter accumulation. This study aims to understand the effect of DFAA to dry matter accumulation by assessing six rice varieties under DFAA. Three treatments were provided such as continuously irrigated as non-water stress (NS) as a control; drought to water stress -35 kPa (DFAA1) followed by sudden flood; drought to severe water stress -70 kPa (DFAA2) followed by abrupt floods; repeated until harvest. The study found that the alteration of dry matter accumulation was determined by root length, root weight, shoot length and shoot weight. Only varieties that are able to increase root depth under water stress fluctuation will be able to maintain the yield. The results of study showed that root depth was positively correlated with shoot length (r = 0.68), shoot weight (r = 0.62), root weight (r = 0.57), percentage of filled grain (r = 0.55) and number of filled grain per hill (r = 0.49). Shoot length was positively correlated with shoot weight (r = 0.83), root weight (r = 0.75) and the number of filled grain (r = 0.62), while shoot weight was only positively correlated with root weight (r = 0.88). This means that only root depth and shoot length can increase the seed setting rate and the number of filled grains per hill. Furthermore, at DFAA2, the percentage of filled grain was highest in Sipulo followed by Bo Santeut, Sanbei, Towuti and Situ Patenggang, which mean that varieties with deeper and heavier root dry weight can maintain higher yields than shallow and low root dry weight. The result of the study may allow to select rice varieties that are resistant to multilevel water-stress and able to maintain the potential yield, by looking at root depth, root dry weight, and through their grain yield in general. These traits could become key indicators for resistance to DFAA stress in rice. It is also necessary to pay attention to the fluctuation of soil water content in critical phases, especially in the reproductive phase and grain filling
New Economic Policy – Practical Experience of Creating a New Socio-Economic Model
Authors: Kovnir V. N. , Kuznetsova O. D.
Published: July 2021

The article describes the stages and main activities carried out in the framework of the new economic policy (19211927) are considered. The place and role of NEP in the economic history of Russia, despite the past 100 years, are still following discussion issues. In particular, the question of the impact of a new economic policy on the formation of a mixed economy in developed capitalist countries in the second half of the 20th century was relevant. In the 1920s, an economic system was built in Russia in Russia, which can be developed as a mixed economy, which has proven its flexibility and effectiveness in solving the most complicated economic tasks. The article analyzes the experience of NEP based on the use of the methodology of institutional theory. The activities of the authorities during this period were aimed at the adaptation of old institutes, skills, mentality of the population in the conditions of a tight deficit of all resources to new requirements, primarily in the economy. The importance of the tasks facing the tasks and the limited time released by history to their decision determined the choice of a rigid totalitarian style of economic management and society, which did not allow to reveal the potential capabilities of the ECAP economic mechanism.
The Model for Supporting Decision-Making During Designing Programs of Innovation Development at Enterprises of Electro-Technical Industry of Machine-Building
Authors: Anisimov V. G. , Anisimov E. G. , Chernysh A. Ya. , Melnik D. A.
Published: July 2021

Electro-technical industry takes a specific place in economy of the Russian Federation. It is connected with its serious contribution to building-up favorable conditions for developing actually all industries of economy, social and household fields, comfortable living and working conditions of people. Provision of sustainability of electro-technical industry functioning is an essential foundation for power security of the country. At the same time sustainability and competitiveness of these enterprises depend on the quality of programs for their innovation development. The goal of the research is to work out the mathematic model for supporting decision-making during designing programs of innovation development at electro-technical enterprises. Cost minimization is a criterion of decision optimality in the model. One specific feature of the model is taking into account the uncertainty in estimation of possible costs connected with development and implementation of projects, included in the program. To resolve the problem the author put forward the iteration algorithm of successive shaping of expedient version of the program that takes into consideration specific features of the model. The model and algorithm can serve as a foundation to design concrete methods of innovation development program optimization. Introduction of such methodology could provide an opportunity to raise the quality of innovation development management at enterprises of electrotechnical industry of machine-building.