bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Preliminary Study of the Value of Personality Assessment in Medical School Admissions within the United States
Authors: Eveland Peter , Wilhelm Sabrina , Wong Stephanie , Prado Lissett G. , Barsky Sanford H.
Published: March 2022

Background: Allopathic medicine faces a daunting challenge of selecting the best applicants because of the very high applicant / matriculant ratio. The quality of graduates ultimately reflects the quality of medical practice. Alarming recent trends in physician burnout, misconduct and suicide raise questions of whether we are selecting the right candidates. The United States lags far behind the United Kingdom and Europe in the study of non-cognitive tests in medical school admissions. Although more recently, medical schools in both the United Kingdom, Europe and the United States have begun to use situational judgement tests such as CaSPER and the SJT, recently developed by the AAMC and that these tests are, in a sense non-cognitive in nature, direct personality tests per se have not been utilized. Although personality is one indelible component of the human condition, we have historically used, in the admissions process within the US, knowledge, reasoning and exam performance, all of which can be improved with practice.Methods: A popular personality measurement used over the past two decades within the US in business and industry, but not medical school has been the NEO-PI-R Test. This test has not been utilized in allopathic medicine probably because of the paucity of exploratory retrospective and validating prospective studies. The hypothesis which we tested was whether NEO-PI-R traits exhibit consistency between two institutions and whether their values show promise in predicting academic performance. Results: Our retrospective findings indicated both interinstitutional consistencies and both positive and negative predictive values for certain traits whose correlative strengths exceeded traditional premed metrics (MCAT, GPA, etc.) for early academic performance.Conclusions: Our exploratory studies should catalyze larger and more detailed confirmatory studies designed to validate the importance of personality traits not only in predicting early medical school performance but also later performance in one’s overall medical career.
Prevalence of Psychological Khat Dependency and It’s Associated Factors Among Mettu University Students, Southwest Ethiopia, 2021
Authors: Efrem Mesfin , Mulat Haregewoyn , Kassew Tilahun , Minichil Woredawu
Published: March 2022

Introduction: It is estimated that 5 to 10 million people worldwide chew Khat, the majority of whom live in the Horn of Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, particularly Ethiopia, Somalia, and Yemen. Chewing khat is a part of life for a vast majority of the people in these countries. Excessive and long-term khat use has the potential to cause psychological dependency with a prominent feature akin to amphetamine-type stimulant dependence. The goal of this study was to determine the prevalence of psychological khat addiction and the factors that contribute to it among Mettu University students. Methods: institution based cross-sectional study was conducted from April 01/2021 – April 29/,2021at Mettu University. The study sample was recruited through Stratified multistage sampling technique (n = 1046). Structured English version self-administered questionnaire were used to collect data on socio-demographic factors, habit of khat use and other variables. The data were edited, cleaned, coded and entered in to Epi-data version 4.6.02 then it was exported to Stata/SE 14.0. Binary and multivariable logistic regressions were used to identify sociodemographic factors and other substance-use related factors that are associated with psychological khat dependency. Results were interpreted and presented in the form of table, figures & chart. Result: Among the original 1046 participants 1001 of them were clearly fill and respond the questionnaire but only157 of current khat chewer were included in the analysis process since the target of the study was to study dependency on khat. The results of the other 1001 respondents were simply reported descriptively through table and diagram. Among 157 current khat chewers 47.7% (95% CI: 39.9–55.6) of them were found dependent on khat based on SDS score whether the left 52.23% respondents were not khat dependent. Among those found dependent the amount of khat chewed each session (AOR; =6.72, 95% CI’ =2.17–20.78), duration of chewing khat in each session (AOR; =4.2, 95% CI; =1.43–12.73), days chewing khat per week (AOR; =4.2, 95% CI; =1.39–12.96), depression (AOR; =4.08, 95% CI; =1.40–11.9), cigarrete smoking (AOR; =3.5, 95% CI; =1.0032–12.37), poor social support (AOR; =4.4, 95% CI; =1.34–14.43) and 4th year and above (AOR; =3.65, 95% CI; =1.07–12.49) were show significance association with khat dependency both in bivariate and multivariate analysis. Conclusion: khat chewing has a psychological dependence effect on those who use khat for prolonged time, chewing large amount of khat and those who chew khat frequently, Therefore, it calls for a strong multi sectorial involvement including local administrative bodies, health services providers, and non-governmental organizations.
Mapping Of Intragastric Balloon Use: A Guide To The Activity Of Institutions Through Bibliometry
Authors: Stelmach Veroniki , Semertzidou Eleni , Efstathiou Alexandros , Tzikos Georgios , Papakostas Pyrros , Panidis Stavros , Gkarmiri Sofia , Fyntanidou Barbara , Shrewsbury Anne D , Grosomanidis Vasilis , Stavrou George , Kotzampassi Katerina
Published: March 2022

Background: Bibliometric analysis is an effective method for measuring scientific contributions in a variety of fields. It enables the numerical analysis of publications in a specific field and period of time, as well as the relationships between these publications. The present bibliometric analysis of publications relating to obesity treatment by means of intragastric balloons aimed to identify the bariatric centers using intragastric balloons, through the publications relating to their productivity; and furthermore, to reveal collaborations, types of balloons used, number of patients involved and authors’ productivity and favored journals.Method: The PubMed and Scopus database were used to retrieve only original articles presenting the results in body weight reduction.Results: Bibliographic research identified 164 publications for the period 2000-2021. Italy was ranked first with 37 publications; USA participated as collaborator with 9 different countries; the fluid-filled Orbera balloon is featured in 126 publications; the journal Obesity Surgery hosted 86 publications; Brazil reported the greatest number of patients with 5874 cases; Lorenzo M, and Genco A, co-authors from Italy, authored 14 and 12 publications, respectively, and the most cited article was that of Genco et al [2007] with 441 citations.Conclusions: Bibliometric analysis gave us the opportunity to identify the centers through their scientific publications and to classify them in relation to their productivity in articles, in collaborations, in number of cases reported and in the number of citations gained.
Understanding Necrosol pedogenetical processes in post-Roman burials developed on dunes sands
Authors: García-López Zaira , Cortizas Antonio Martínez , Álvarez-Fernández Noemi , López-Costas Olalla
Published: March 2022

Interaction between human remains and sediments starts after inhumation, leading to physico-changes and the development of a Necrosol, a type of soil seldom considered in archaeological research. In this study we analysed for physical (grain size, colour) and chemical (pH; LOI; elemental composition: FTIR-ATR, XRF, C and N) properties of soil samples from i) two graves from the post-Roman funerary area of A Lanzada (NW Spain) and ii) samples of a paleosol (coeval with the burials) from a nearby pedo-sedimentary sequence. The aim was to characterize Necrosol composition and pedogenesis and compare them with a reference soil.
Principal component analysis of the dataset enabled to identify five pedogenetical processes: decalcification, melanization, acidification, neoformation of secondary minerals and enrichment in phosphorus. Overall, Necrosol pedogenesis was found to be of lower intensity than that of the reference soil (differing between burials), but some processes seem to be specific of the Necrosol formation (i.e., enrichment in phosphorous). Our results allow a proper description of the Necrosol and the funerary ritual followed by post-Roman inhabitants of A Lanzada. The characteristic Necrosol pedogenesis makes this soil a valuable archive that provides complementary information for the study of skeletal remains.
Hospital variation in admissions for low back pain following an emergency department presentation: a retrospective study
Authors: Ferreira Giovanni E. , Lobo Marina , Richards Bethan , Dinh Michael , Maher Chris
Published: March 2022

Background
One in 6 patients with low back pain (LBP) presenting to emergency departments (EDs) are subsequently admitted to hospital each year, making LBP the ninth most common reason for hospital admission in Australia. No studies have investigated and quantified the extent of clinical variation in hospital admission following an ED presentation for LBP.
Methods
We used routinely collected ED data from public hospitals within the state of New South Wales, Australia, to identify presentations of patients aged between 18 and 111 with a discharge diagnosis of LBP. We fitted a series of random effects multilevel logistic regression models adjusted by case-mix and hospital variables. The main outcome was the hospital-adjusted admission rate (HAAR). Data were presented as funnel plots with 95% and 99.8% confidence limits. Hospitals with a HAAR outside the 95% confidence limit were considered to have a HAAR significantly different to the state average.
Results
We identified 176,729 LBP presentations across 177 public hospital EDs and 44,549 hospital admissions (25.2%). The mean (SD) age was 51.8 (19.5) and 52% were female. Hospital factors explained 10% of the variation (ICC = 0.10), and the MOR was 2.03. We identified marked variation across hospitals, with HAAR ranging from 6.9–65.9%. After adjusting for hospital variables, there was still marked variation between hospitals with similar characteristics.
Conclusion
We found substantial variation in hospital admissions following a presentation to the ED due to LBP even after controlling by case-mix and hospital characteristics. Given the substantial costs associated with these admissions, our findings indicate the need to investigate sources of variation and to determine instances where the observed variation is warranted or unwarranted.
Multilayer Network Analysis of FMD Transmission and Containment Among Beef Cattle Farms
Authors: Yi Chunlin , Yang Qihui , Scoglio Caterina M.
Published: March 2022

As a highly contagious livestock disease, foot-and-mouth disease poses a great threat to the beef-cattle industry. Direct animal movement is always considered as a major route for between-farm transmission of FMD virus. Sharing contaminated equipment and vehicles have also attracted increasing interests as an indirect but considerable route for FMD virus transmission. With the rapid development of communication technologies, information-sharing techniques have been used to control epidemics. In this paper, we built a farm-level time-series three-layer network to simulate the between-farm FMD virus transmission in southwest Kansas by cattle movements (direct-contact layer) and truck visits (indirect-contact layer) and evaluate the impact of information-sharing techniques (information-sharing layer) on mitigating the epidemic. Here, the information-sharing network is defined as the structure that enables the quarantine of farms that are connected with a link to an infected farm. When a farm is infected, its infection status is shared with the neighboring farms in the information-sharing network, which in turn become quarantined. The results show that truck visits can enlarge the epidemic size and prolong the epidemic duration of the FMD outbreak by cattle movements, and that the information-sharing technique is able to mitigate the epidemic. The mitigation effect of the information-sharing network varies with the information-sharing network topology and different participation levels. In general, an increased participation leads to a decreased epidemic size and an increased quarantine size. We compared the mitigation performance of three different information-sharing networks (random network, contact-based network, and distance-based network) and found the outbreak on the network with contact-based information-sharing layer has the smallest epidemic size under almost any participation level and smallest quarantine size with high participation. Furthermore, we explored the potential economic loss from the infection and the quarantine. By varying the ratio of the average loss of quarantine to the loss of infection, we found high participation results in reduced economic losses under the realistic assumption that culling costs are much greater than quarantine costs.
Existence theory for a third-order ordinary differential (equation, inclusion) with non-separated multi-point and nonlocal Stieltjes boundary conditions
Authors: Alsulami Mona
Published: March 2022

This research develop the existence of solutions for a nonlinear third order ordinary differential equation with non-separated multi-point and nonlocal Riemann-Stieltjes boundary conditions. Standard tools of fixed point theorems are applied to prove the existence and uniquness results for the problem at hand. We used fixed point theorem due to Bohnenblust-Karlin to discussed the existence of solutions for the multi-valued case. We derive some examples to clarify our results.
Morphological and anatomical characterization of colchicine induced polyploids in watermelon
Authors: Khan Md. Noor-E-Azam , Hassan Jahidul , Biswas Md. Sanaullah , Khan Haider Iqbal , Sultana Hasina , Suborna Maksuratun Nahar , Rajib Md. Mijanur Rahman , Akter Jiasmin , Gomasta Joydeb , Anik Abdullah Al Mamun
Published: March 2022

This study aimed to elucidate the effective colchicine concentration induced polyploidization distinction based on morphological and anatomical features in watermelon. Watermelon seeds were soaked in different colchicine concentrations (0.05, 0.1, 0.5%) for several durations (24, 48, 72h) to induce polyploidization. Putative polyploids were evaluated regarding the morphological and anatomical traits compared to the diploid one (control). Colchicine @ 0.5% for 72h revealed the lowest germination percentage with high mortality in putative polyploids compared to diploids. Morphological traits revealed in vigorous growth in putative tetraploids with slower germination speed whereas the putative octoploid exerted suppressed growth compared to tetraploids and diploids. Besides, in respect of the reproductive biology, the petal number (6), pollen size and viability were remarkably higher in induced polyploids that confirmed the successful tetraploid induction by 0.5% colchicine treatment in seed for 72h. Similarly, the bigger stomatal size with lower density was also noticed in induced tetraploids compared to the diploid one using the same treatment after anatomical analyses. Meanwhile, PCA and correlation matrix illustrated that among the 20 variables polyploid induction efficiency% (PIE), leaf length (LL), guard cells distance (GCD), pollen viability% (PV) were recognized as the most effective morphological and anatomical indicators for successful polyploid induction confirmation with colchicine in watermelon. The present findings would be the basis for distinguishing colchicine induced polyploids as improved genetic resources to enhance the seedless triploid breeding in watermelon.
Effect of Psychological First Aid Program on Stress Level and Psychological Well-Being Among Caregivers of Older Adults with Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Shoukr Eman Mahmoud Mohammed , Mohamed Abeer Abd El-Rahman , Ashry Ayman Mohamed El , Mohsen Heba Ahmed
Published: March 2022

Older adults with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) experience drastic changes in their physical and mental abilities. AD patients became heavily dependent on their caregivers for everyday functions, which have significant implications not only for them but also for their caregivers. So, many ADcaregivers experiencedan increased level of depression and anxiety symptoms, lower perceived control, and higher burden compared to non-AD caregivers.Therefore, psychological first aid (PFA) and educational interventions are designed to enable those caregivers to meet the daily requirements of their patient care and to cope with its challenges.Aim: determine the effect of psychological first aid program on stress level and psychological well-being among caregivers of older adults with Alzheimer's disease. Design a quasi-experimental research design (one group pre-test post-test)was followed. Subjects:A convenience sample of one hundred (100) caregivers of older adults with AD.Setting: all online groups concerned with the care of Alzheimer’s disease patients on Facebook. Tools: Socio-demographic and clinical data of older adults with Alzheimer's disease and their caregivers’questionnaire,Alzheimer's disease knowledge scale, Kingston caregiver stress scale, and authentic identity measures (AIM) scale of psychological well-being. Results: the psychological first aid program has highly statistically significant effect on the AD caregivers’ knowledge, stress level and psychological well-being as (t=-30.707, P= 0.000, t=8.500, P= 0.000 & t= -4.763, P=0.000 respectively).Conclusion: psychological first aid program is considered an effective intervention in decreasing the AD caregivers’ stress and increasing their psychological wellbeing and knowledge regarding delivering care for AD patients.
CMT inversion for small-to-moderate earthquakes applying to dense short-period OBS array at off Ibaraki region
Authors: Yamaya Lina , Mochizuki Kimihiro , Akuhara Takeshi , Takemura Shunsuke , Shinohara Masanao , Yamada Tomoaki
Published: March 2022

We conducted centroid moment tensor (CMT) inversion for small-to-moderate aftershocks in the off Ibaraki region of the 2011 off the Pacific coast of Tohoku earthquake. In this study, we used high-frequency (0.4–1.0 Hz) seismograms from a dense array of short-period ocean bottom seismometers (OBSs) and a reliable three-dimensional (3-D) seismic velocity model. Higher-frequency analysis and dense OBS arrays offer CMT solutions with high spatial resolutions. Since our OBS array observed aftershocks occurring immediately following the 2011 off the Pacific coast of Tohoku earthquake, we determined 536 CMT solutions for small-to-moderate aftershocks in the off Ibaraki region (JMA-scale magnitudes of 2.5–4.0). According to our CMT solutions, characteristics of the aftershock activities in the off Ibaraki region are classified into five groups: (1) thrust earthquakes, which are considered as interplate earthquakes, separated by the large slip area of the 2011 Ibaraki-oki earthquake (the largest [[EQUATION]] 7.6 aftershock of the 2011 off the Pacific coast of Tohoku earthquake) and the tectonic tremors; (2) intraslab strike-slip earthquakes located at the north of the fault area of the 2011 Ibaraki-oki earthquake; (3) intraslab normal-fault earthquakes, which suggest a tensional stress field within the subducting Pacific Plate due to the plate bending by the overriding Philippine Sea Plate; (4) various mechanisms above a subducting seamount, which suggest the 3-D complex fracturs; and (5) normal-fault earthquakes shallower than the interplate earthquakes, which were possibly caused by the heterogeneity of the subducting seamount.
Effect of 4R stewardship based potassium fertilization on the harvest index of iron, zinc and copper in wheat
Authors: Vijayakumar S , Kumar Dinesh , Shivay Y S , Sharma D K , Varatharajan T
Published: March 2022

Two-year field experiments were conducted at the research farm of ICAR–Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, to study the effect of 4R nutrient stewardship based potassium (K) fertilization on the uptake and translocation of Zn, Fe & Cu in wheat. Results from the study revealed that the rate of K application and its time of application have a significant role in the uptake and translocation of Fe, Cu, and Zn in wheat. The source of K fertilizer had a non-significant effect. Interestingly the concentration of Fe, Cu, and Zn in grain improved with increasing the dose of K application upto 60 kg K2O/ha. Similarly, two split applications of 60 kg K2O/ha recorded higher grain nutrient concentration (Fe, Zn & Cu) than basal application. In the absence of top dressing of K fertilizer, the foliar application of 2.5% K recorded a statistically equal effect to that of top dressing. The harvest index of Zn (52.3–57.4%), Fe (21-26.5%) and Cu (27.5–31.3%) shows more than 1/2th, 1/5th and 1/3th of the absorbed Zn, Fe and Cu is remobilized to grain respectively. The remobilization of Zn, Fe, and Cu from straw to grain is enhanced by the best potassium fertilization management. Thus, Fe, Zn & Cu bio-fortification through balanced application of potassium fertilizer based on 4R nutrient stewardship is an effective approach to fight hidden hunger/ malnutrition.
An antibacterial compound Pyrimidomycin produced by Streptomyces sp. PSAA01 isolated from soil of Eastern Himalayan foot-hill
Authors: Mandal Sukhendu , Das Prasenjit , Kundu Shampa , Maiti Pulak Kumar , Sahoo Prithidipa
Published: March 2022

Selective isolation of soil Actinobacteria was undertaken to isolate a new class of antibiotics and bioactive molecules. A Streptomyces sp. PSAA01 (MTCC 13157), isolated from soil of Eastern Himalaya foot-hill was cultivated on a large scale for the production of the antimicrobials SM02. It has been found that the maximum amount of SM02 produced while PSAA01 was grown in ISP-2 medium (pH 7.0) for 7 days at 30oC. A significant zone of inhibition against Staphylococcus aureus has been found with the crude cell-free culture media (50 µL) of 7 days grown PSAA01. After the purification and chemical structural characterization, we found that SM02 is a new class of antibiotic having 747 dalton molecular weight. The compound SM02 contains pyrimidine moiety in it and is produced by a species of Streptomyces and thus we have named this antibiotic pyrimidomycin. The antimicrobial spectrum of SM02 has been found to be restricted in Gram-positive organisms with a MIC of 12 µg/mL. SM02 was found active against Mycobacterium sp. and also multi-drug resistant Gram-positive bacteria with similar potency and found to disrupt the bacterial cell wall. SM02 also showed significant impairment in the biofilm formation by S. aureus. Furthermore, SM02 showed synergy with the most used antibiotic like ampicillin, vancomycin and chloramphenicol. SM02 did not have cytotoxicity towards human cell lines indicating its activity is limited within bacteria.
Effects of nitrogen fertilization on soil fauna in a global meta-analysis
Authors: Corredor Bibiana Betancur , Lang Birgit , Russell David
Published: March 2022

Soil fauna plays an essential role in agricultural productivity as it mediates nutrient cycling and soil organic matter dynamics, alters soil physicochemical properties and supports plant growth. Nitrogen fertilization may have a positive or negative influence on soil fauna in a manner that alters ecosystem functioning, but these links have not yet been quantified in a generalized manner. We present the results of a global meta-analysis of available literature data on the effects of nitrogen fertilization on taxonomic and ecological groups of soil fauna. Our results show that nitrogen fertilization increases the abundance of nematodes (+36%), springtails (+29%), mites (+35%), and the biomass of earthworms (+15%) compared to when no fertilizer is applied. The meta-analysis for different nematode feeding groups and life-form groups of springtails, mites and earthworms showed that organic fertilization has an overall positive effect on most taxonomic groups as opposed to inorganic fertilization, which has neutral or negative effects on most taxonomic groups. Additional meta-analyses showed that the effects of nitrogen fertilization on soil fauna depend on the intensity of the fertilization regime, on soil physicochemical properties as well as on climatic conditions. Our findings suggest that the adoption of less intense farming practices such as organic fertilization combined with site-specific nitrogen fertilization regimes is a suitable strategy for protecting and enhancing functional communities of soil fauna.
Solid tumor target-immunotherapy with novel biomimetic immuno- chemotherapy composite mesoporous silica nanoparticles coated by the CD80 modified cell membranes
Authors: Wo Jin , Zhang Renwen , Zhu Haoran , Yi Xinfeng , Fu Qianqian , Fu Yuanyue , Liu Yang , Huang Zerong , Zhu Kairui , Hou Huige , Sun Chenghong , Zhong Cheng , Liu Wei , Li Zhizhong , Wang Baocheng
Published: March 2022

New strategies enhancing both cellular immune response and targetability of tumor immunomodulator remain a major challenge for the immunotherapy in the solid tumor. In this research, a novel biomimetic immuno-chemotherapy composite nanoparticle system was designed as a breast tumors targeted drug. The cell membranes were modified by the glycosyl-phosphatidylinositol (GPI) anchored anti-HER2 single chain variable fragment (scFv) and the GPI anchored co-stimulatory molecule CD80; and the membranes was coated on mesoporous silica nanoparticles loaded with Doxorubicin (DOX). The effects of as-prepared therapeutic system in initiating both tumor targetability and cellular immune response were investigated through in vitro and in vivo experiments. The results showed that therapeutic system greatly promoted the CD8+ T-cell activation and the cytokine production; and reduced the myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) levels in tumors. This novel biomimetic therapeutic system can significantly promote immunomodulatory and antitumor activity in vitro and in vivo experiments.
Sex-Specific Effect on Accumulated Oxygen Deficit During Short and Middle-Distance Swimming Performance
Authors: Massini Danilo A. , Almeida Tiago A. F. , Macedo Anderson G. , Espada Mário A. C. , Reis Joana F. , Alves Francisco J. B. , Fernandes Ricardo J. P. , Filho Dalton M. Pessôa
Published: March 2022

This study assessed the accumulated oxygen deficit (AOD) during 50, 100, and 200 m front-crawl performances to compare the responses between sexes and analyse the effect of lean body mass (LBM). Twenty swimmers (16.2 ± 2.8 years, 61.6 ± 7.8 kg, and 48.8±11.2 kg LBM) performed 50, 100, and 200 m to determine accumulated oxygen uptake (V̇O2Ac). The swimmers also performed an incremental test from which five submaximal steps were selected to estimate the oxygen demand (V̇O2demand) from the V̇O2 vs velocity adjustment. V̇O2 was sampled using a gas analyser coupled with a respiratory snorkel. AOD was the difference between V̇O2demand and V̇O2Ac, and LBM was assessed by dual-energy absorptiometry. A two-way ANOVA evidenced an AOD increase with distance for both sexes: 19.7 ± 2.5 vs 24.9 ± 5.5, 29.8 ± 8.0 vs 36.5 ± 5.8, and 41.5 ± 9.4 vs 55.2 ± 11.9 ml×kg−1, respectively for 50, 100, and 200 m (with highest values for females, P < 0.01). Inverse correlations were observed between LBM and AOD for 50, 100, and 200 m (r = -0.60, -0.38 and − 0.49, P < 0.05). AOD increased from 50 to 200 m distances for both sexes. However, females presented higher AOD values, which probably relates to the effect of reduced LBM on increasing the rate of oxygen deficit (i.e., anaerobic energy demand).
Vibration monitoring and analysis of strip rolling mill based on the digital twin model
Authors: Zhang Yang , Wang Weizhong , Zhang Huan , Li Haichao , Liu Cuirong , Du Xiaozhong
Published: March 2022

This paper presents a monitoring method of strip rolling mill based on the digital twin model. Compared with the traditional monitoring methods, this method effectively reduces structure complexity and test cost of the monitoring system. In this paper, the coupling vibration mechanism model of the dynamic characteristics of roll system and bearings of four-high mill was established, and the digital twin model of strip rolling mill vibration was built based on the mechanism model. Consequently, the traditional monitoring test of the rolling mill was carried out to verify the accuracy of the digital twin model. Through analyzing the test results, it can be found that when the rolling force fluctuation is more obvious, the rolling mill roll system vibration becomes more intense. According to this phenomenon, the measures were put forward to suppress rolling mill vibration. In conclusion, the rolling mill vibration monitoring theory based on digital twin model provides technical support and theoretical basis for improving equipment operation stability, reducing test cost and improving product quality.
In vitro colonic fermentation of ultrasonicated blackberry (Rubus fruticosus) residues cv. Tupy
Authors: Zafra-Rojas Quinatzin Yadira , Cruz-Cansino Nelly del Socorro , Cervantes-Elizarrarás Alicia , Ariza-Ortega José Alberto , Hernández-Hernández Hilda María , Díaz-Batalla Luis , Olloqui Enrique J. , Ramírez-Moreno Esther
Published: March 2022

The objective of present study was evaluated non fermented residue (NFR), disappeared organic matter (DOM), bacteria acid lactic (LAB), short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), flavonoids and the microstructure during in vitro colonic fermentation of ultrasonicated blackberry residues (pulp, peel and seeds). Results showed that ultrasonicated blackberry residues (US-BR) presented low NFR (6.30 ± 1.27 mg) and a high percentage of DOM (93.70 ± 1.27%) in comparison with blackberry residues (BR), indicating high fermentability of the sample. The same behavior in the other parameters was observed, since had an increase in LAB (6.97 ± 0.08 log CFU/mL), total SCFA (409.49 mg/L), individual fatty acids such as acetic and propionic acid (387.65 ± 3.60 and 20.17 ± 0.15 mg/L, respectively). Also total flavonoids were high in US-BR (1.3 mg/100 g) where flavonoids myricetin and quercetin were identified. The microstructure of the fermented US-BR had a reduction of particle size and less fibrous matrix compared with the fermented BR. The use of ultrasound improves the properties of the fibrous matrix of blackberry residues available for intestinal microbiota, obtaining final products of fermentation with possible health benefits.
Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells facilitate diabetic wound healing through the restoration of epidermal cell autophagy via the HIF-1α/TGF- β1 /SMAD pathway
Authors: Yang Ronghua , Shi Yan , Wang Shang , Zhang Weiwei , Zhu Yihan , Fan Zhiqiang , Huang Yuesheng , Li Furong
Published: March 2022

Background: The biological activity and regenerative medicine of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) have been focal topics in the broad fields of diabetic wound repair. However, the molecular mechanisms are still largely elusive for other cellular processes that are regulated during BMSC treatment. Our previous studies have shown that hypoxia is not only a typical pathological phenomenon of wounds but also exerts a vital regulatory effect on cellular bioactivity. In this study, the beneficial effects of hypoxia BMSCs on the cellular behaviors of epidermal cells and diabetic wound healing were investigated.Method: The viability and secretion ability of hypoxic BMSCs were detected. The autophagy, proliferation and migration of HaCaT cells cultured with hypoxic BMSCs-derived conditioned medium were assessed by estimating the expression of autophagy-related proteins, MTS, EdU proliferation and scratch assays. And the role of the SMAD signaling pathway during hypoxic BMSC-evoked HaCaT cell autophagy were explored through a series of in vitro gain- and loss-of-function experiments. Finally, the therapeutic effects of hypoxic BMSCs were evaluated using full-thickness cutaneous diabetic wound model.Results: First, we demonstrated that hypoxic conditions intensify HIF-1α-mediated TGF-β1 secretion by BMSCs. Then, the further data revealed that BMSC-derived TGF-β1 was responsible for the activation of epidermal cell autophagy, which contributed to the induction of epidermal cell proliferation and migration. Here, the SMAD signaling pathway was identified as downstream of BMSC-derived TGF-β1 to regulate HaCaT cell autophagy. Moreover, the administration of BMSCs to diabetic wounds increased epidermal autophagy and the rate of re-epithelialization, leading to accelerated healing, and these effects were significantly attenuated, accompanied by the downregulation of Smad2 phosphorylation levels due to TGF-β1 interference in BMSCs. Conclusion: In this report, we present evidence that uncovers a previously unidentified role of hypoxic BMSCs in regulating epidermal cell autophagy. The findings demonstrate that BMSC-based treatment by restoring epidermal cell autophagy could be an attractive therapeutic strategy for diabetic wounds and that the process is mediated by the HIF-1α/TGF-β1/SMAD pathway.
Patient-Derived Intrafemoral Orthotopic Xenografts of Peripheral Blood or Bone Marrow from Acute Myeloid and Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Patients: Clinical Characterization, Methodology, and Validation
Authors: Bi Lintao , Li Jun , Chen Hongkui , Zhao ShiZhu , Wen Danyi
Published: March 2022

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) are malignant clonal diseases of the hematopoietic system with an unsatisfactory overall prognosis. The main obstacle is the increased resistance of AML and ALL cells to chemotherapy. The development and validation of new therapeutic strategies for acute leukemia require preclinical models that accurately recapitulate the genetic, pathological, and clinical features of acute leukemia. A patient-derived xenograft (PDX) model is established by transplanting patient tumor tissue or cells into immunocompromised or humanized mice. They closely resemble human tumor progression and microenvironment and are more reliable translational research tools than other models. A patient-derived orthotopic xenograft (PDOX) model that transplants tumor cells into the corresponding anatomical site in mice better recapitulates human tumor behavior than subcutaneous or intravenous xenografts. In this study, we established bone marrow and peripheral blood cell models of AML and ALL patients, characterized their pathology, cytology, and genetics, and compared the model's characteristics and drug responsiveness with those of the corresponding patients.
MiR-17-5p/RRM2 Regulated Gemcitabine Resistance in Lung Cancer A549 Cells
Authors: Ma Xuan , Fu Tian , Ke Zhi-Yin , Du Shen-Lin , Wang Xue-Chun , Zhou Ning , Liu Yong-Jun , Liang Ai-ling
Published: March 2022

Background
To investigate the roles of miR-17-5p/RRM2 in A549/G+.
Methods
Cell survival was analyzed by CCK8 kit and clone formation experiment; The mRNA expression level was detected by qRT-PCR, and the protein level was compared by Western blotting; And flow cytometry for cell cycle detection; The target gene of miR-17-5p was verified by double luciferase activity experiment.
Results
CCK8 assay displayed that miR-17-5p’s overexpression can let A549/G + cells turn into sensitive ones; in turn, in the case of inhibition of expression, miR-17-5p can make A549/G- cells turn into resistance ones. And similar results were obtained in cell clone formation experiment. Cell cycle analysis showed that miR-17-5p’s overexpression increased the number of G1 phase cells and reduced the number of S phase cells in A549/G + cells; Conversely, lowing expression level of miR-17-5p yielded the opposite results in A549/G- cells. Western blot results showed that when miR-17-5p was expressed highly, the expression levels of cell cycle related proteins, CCNE1, CCNA2 and P21 decreased in A549/G + cells; Conversely, inhibition of miR-17-5p expression yielded the opposite results too in A549/G- cells. Western blot analysis of signal pathway proteins and the results showed that PTEN and PI3K expressed higher, but p-PTEN expressed lower in A549/G + cells. After miR-17-5p overexpressed in A549/G + cells, the level of p-PTEN increased, and the level of p-AKT decreased; when miR-17-5p expressed low in A549/G-cells, the expression of p-PTEN and p-AKT were opposite. The dual-luciferase experiment demonstrated that RRM2 was the target gene of miR-17-5p. The restorative experiments of RRM2 verified it.
Conclusion
This article suggested that the miR-17- 5p/RRM2 axis could adjust gemcitabine-resistance in A549 cells and might associate with p-PTEN/PI3K/AKT signal pathway.
Evaluation of the residual efficacy and physical durability of five long-lasting insecticide- treated nets (LLINs) in Senegal
Authors: Diouf El Hadji , Diouf Mbaye , Dieme Constentin , Swamidoss Isabel , Ngom El hadji M. , Senghor Massila W. , Mbaye Modou , Konaté Abdoulaye , Coulibaly Youssouph , Dome Tine , Dia Ibrahima , Dotson Ellen M. , Faye Ousmane , Konaté Lassana
Published: March 2022

Background
The preventive and curative strategies of malaria are based on promoting the use of long-lasting insecticidal bed nets (LLINs) and treating confirmed cases with artemisinin-based combination therapies. These strategies have led to a sharp decline in the burden of malaria, which remains a significant public health problem in sub-Saharan countries. The objective of this study was to determine and compare the residual efficacy of LLINs recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO).
Methods
The study was conducted in six villages in two sites in Senegal located in the Sahelo-Sudanian area of the Thiès region, 70 km from Dakar and in Mbagame, a semi-urban zone in the Senegal River Valley. A census was conducted of all sleeping places in each household to be covered by LLINs. Five brands of LLIN were distributed, and every six months, retention rates, net use, maintenance, physical integrity, insecticide chemical content, and biological efficacy were examined for each type of LLIN.
Results
A total of 3012 LLINs were distributed in 1249 households in both sites, with an average coverage rate of 94% (95% CI 92.68–95.3). After 36 months, the average retention rate was 12.5% and this rate was respectively 20.5%, 15.1%, 10%, 7%, and 3% for Olyset Net®, Dawa Plus® 2.0, PermaNet® 2.0, NetProtect® and Life Net®, respectively. The proportion of LLINs with holes and the average number of holes per mosquito net increased significantly during each follow-up, with a large predominance of size 1 (small) holes for all types of LLINs distributed. During the three-year follow-up, bioassay mortality rates of a susceptible strain of insectary reared Anopheles coluzzii decreased in the following net types: in Dawa Plus® 2.0 (100–51.7%), PermaNet® 2.0 (96.6–83%), and Olyset Net® (96.6–33.3%). Mortality rates remained at 100% in Life Net® over the same time period. After 36 months, the average insecticide content per brand of LLIN decreased by 40.9% for Dawa Plus® 2.0, 31% for PermaNet® 2.0, 39.6% for NetProtect® and 51.9% for Olyset Net® and 40.1% for Life Net.
Conclusions
Although some net types retained sufficient insecticidal activity, based on all durability parameters measured, none of the net types survived past two years.
Effect of Aqueous Leaf Extract of Hamelia patens jacq. On Some Biochemical Parameters in Alloxan- Induced Diabetic Albino Rats
Authors: Caleb Nwaogwugwu Joel
Published: March 2022

Aim: Effect of aqueous leaf extract of Hamelia patens jacq. on some biochemical parameters in alloxan-induced diabetic albino rats was determined.Method: The experimental animals (male Albino rats) were divided randomly into six groups of eight animals each. The test groups (2-6) were starved overnight followed by intraperitoneal administration of alloxan at 160mg/kg body weight. Treatment with the plant extract was for fourteen days. Group 1 was the normal control, group 2; diabetic untreated animals, group 3 received the standard drug gliclazide at 58mg/ml, groups 4, 5 and 6 were the extract treated groups at 400mg/kg body weight, 800mg/kg body weight and 1200mg/kg body weight respectively.Results/discussion: The mean lethal dose of the plant extract was above 5000mg/kg body weight. Total protein increased significantly (P<0.05) in the extract treated groups while, aspartate amino transferase (AST), alanin transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) had significant decreases (P<0.05) when compared to group 2. Malondialdehyde (MDA), decreased significantly (P<0.05) in the group that received the standard drug alongside the extract treated groups when compared to group 2, while Glutathione (GSH) and Superoxide dismutase had a significant decrease in groups 2 and 3 at (P<0.05) and was non significant in the extract treated groups at (P>0.05). The C-peptides increased significantly (P<0.05) in groups 4 to 6 when compared to the group 2 that had a higher significant increase (P<0.05).Conclusion: The results show that aqueous leaf extract of Hamelia patens may possess anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, antihepatotoxic, antianemic, antioxidant and antilipidemic properties at the tested doses.
Evaluation of Enlarged Laminectomy with Lateral Mass Screw Fixation in Relieving Nerve Root Symptoms and Correcting Kyphosis for Cervical Myelopathy and Radiculopathy
Authors: Fang Zhao , Xu Tiantong , Li Yuqiao , Luo Gan , Yang Houzhi , Wang Ziqi
Published: March 2022

Purpose
This study aimed to compare the surgical efficacy of enlarged laminectomy with lateral mass screw fixation (EL-LMSF) and anterior cervical corpectomy decompression and fusion (ACCF) for multilevel cervical myelopathy and radiculopathy (CMR) related to kyphosis.
Methods
We retrospectively analyzed 75 patients treated with either EL-LMSF or ACCF surgery for multilevel CMR in the study. Operative time, blood loss, the incidence of surgical complications, and the magnitude of the regional sagittal Cobb angle were compared. According to the Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) Scores, Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores for the neck, radiological parameters and clinical function scores pre- and postoperatively were compared in each patient to analyze the surgical efficacy of EL-LMSF and ACCF.
Results
The JOA score, VAS score for neck pain and C2-C7 angle before the operation were not significantly different between the ACCF group and the EL-LMSF group. The ACCF group was performed over a mean of 2.39 levels (range, 2–3 levels) and all patients were followed up for more than 1 year after surgery. Analysis of the follow-up data showed a shorter operation time (103 ± 22 min vs. 125 ± 37 min, P = 0.000) and less blood loss (78 ± 15 ml vs. 226 ± 31 ml, P = 0.000) in the ACCF group than the EL-LMSF group. Patients treated with EL-LMSF indicated lower VAS scores for the neck (1.3 ± 1.7 vs. 3.3 ± 1.3, P = 0.003) and better cervical lordosis (10.7 ± 4.2° vs. 8.5 ± 3.5°, P = 0.013) than the ACCF group.No difference in the JOA score (14.1 ± 1.7 vs. 13.5 ± 2.1, P = 0.222) was noted between the two groups. During the follow-up period, 15.2% of patients in the ACCF group had complications, including 2 cases with transient dysphagia, 1 case with C5 palsy, 1 case with axial symptoms, and 1 with screw pullout. In the EL-LMSF group, only 9.5% of cases experienced complications, including 3 cases of axial pain and 1 case of epidural hematoma.
Conclusions
EL-LMSF for the treatment of multilevel CMR is an effective and safe strategy for relieving nerve root symptoms and restoring cervical curvature. However, high-quality, large-scale clinical trials with long-term follow-up are urgently warranted.
A radiomics-based machine learning pipeline to distinguish between metastatic and healthy bone using lesion-center-based geometric regions of interest
Authors: Naseri Hossein , Skamene Sonia , Tolba Marwan , Faye Mame Daro , Ramia Paul , Khriguian Julia , Patrick Haley , Andrade Aixa X , David Marc , Kildea John
Published: March 2022

Radiomics-based machine learning classifiers have shown potential for detecting bone metastases (BM) and for evaluating BM response to radiotherapy (RT). However, current radiomics pipelines require large datasets of images with expert-segmented 3D regions of interest (ROIs). Full ROI segmentation is time consuming and oncologists often outline just RT treatment fields in clinical practice. This presents a challenge for real-world radiomics research. As such, a method that simplifies BM identification but does not compromise the power of radiomics is needed. The objective of this study was to investigate the feasibility of a radiomics pipeline for BM detection using lesion-center-based geometric ROIs. The simulation-CT images of 170 patients with non-metastatic lung cancer and 189 patients with spinal BM were used. The point locations of 631 BM and 674 healthy bone (HB) regions were identified by experts. ROIs with various geometric shapes were centered and automatically delineated on the identified locations, and 107 radiomics features were extracted. Various re-sampling techniques, feature selection methods, and machine learning classifiers were evaluated. Our point-based radiomics pipeline was successful in differentiating BM from HB. This approach greatly simplifies the process of preparing images for use in radiomics studies and avoids the bottleneck of full ROI segmentation.
Should Anti-thymocyte Globulin be Added in Post-transplant Cyclophosphamide Based Matched Unrelated Donor Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Transplantation for Acute Myeloid Leukemia? A Study on Behalf of the Acute Leukemia Working Party of the EBMT
Authors: Spyridonidis Alexandros , Labopin Myriam , Brissot Eolia , Moiseev Ivan , Cornelissen Jan , Choi Goda , Ciceri Fabio , Vydra Jan , Reményi Péter , Rovira Montserrat , Meijer Ellen , Labussière-Wallet Hélène , Blaise Didier , Gorkom Gwendolyn , Kröger Nicolaus , Koc Yener , Giebel Sebastian , Bazarbachi Ali , Savani Bipin , Nagler Arnon , Mohty Mohamad
Published: March 2022

Background: Post-transplant cyclophosphamide (PTCY) is increasingly used for allogeneic peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (allo-PBSCT) from an HLA-matched unrelated donor (MUD) as an alternative to the standard anti-thymocyte globulin (ATG) graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) prophylaxis. Following the demonstration that the use of PBSC haploidentical grafts results in more GvHD than bone marrow grafts, groups have attempted to reduce GvHD in haploidentical-PBSCT by adding ATG to PTCY. The experience of combined PTCY+ATG in the MUD allo-PBSCT is minimal and whether ATG brings any added value when PTCY is used in this setting is still unclear. Methods: In this registry-based study, we compared outcomes of 421 patients with PTCY and 151 patients with PTCY+ATG who underwent a first MUD allo-PBSCT for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in complete remission. Results: Characteristics of PTCY and PTCY+ATG patients were well balanced, including the number of additional immunosuppressive drugs, with the only significant difference between the two cohorts being the median year of transplant, and the follow-up period (19.6 versus 31.1 months, respectively, p<0.0001). Engraftment failure was low in both groups. Overall, two-year survival was 69.9% vs 67.1% in PTCY and PTCY+ATG, respectively, with deaths related to relapse (39% vs 43.5%), infection (21.9% vs 23.9%) or GvHD (17.1% vs 17.4%) not differing between groups. On univariate comparison, a significantly lower rate of extensive chronic GvHD was found when ATG was added (9.9% vs 21%, p=0.029), a finding which was not confirmed in the multivariate analysis. The Cox proportional-hazards model showed no difference between PTCY+ATG and PTCY alone with respect to acute and chronic GvHD of all grades. In univariate and multivariate analyses, no statistical differences were observed for non-relapse mortality, relapse, leukemia-free survival, overall survival, and GvHD-free, relapse-free survival between study cohorts. Conclusions: To date, the question of the best combination of GvHD-preventing drugs in the MUD-PBSCT setting remains unanswered. Our results highlight that in PTCY-based MUD-PBSCT for AML, the addition of ATG does not provide any extra benefit in terms of further GvHD reduction, better GRFS or better survival.