bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The interplay between grape ripening and weather anomalies in Northern Italy – A modelling exercise
Authors: Meggio Franco
Published: June 2022

Current climate change is increasing inter- and intra-annual variability in atmospheric conditions leading to grapevine phenological shifts as well as altered grape ripening and composition at ripeness.This study aims to i) detect weather anomalies within a long-term time series, ii) model grape ripening revealing altered traits in time to target specific ripeness thresholds for four Vitis vinifera cultivars, and iii) establish empirical relationships between ripening and weather anomalies with forecasting purposes. The Day of the Year (DOY) to reach specific grape ripeness targets was determined from time series of sugar concentrations, total acidity and pH collected from a private company in the period 2009–2021 in North-Eastern Italy. Non-linear regression models were fitted over a time series of ripening parameters on a calendar time basis and assessed for modelling efficiency (EF) and error of prediction (RMSE) in four grapevine cultivars (Merlot, Cabernet-Sauvignon, Glera and Garganega). For each vintage and cultivar, advances or delays in DOY to target specified ripeness thresholds were assessed with respect to the average ripening dynamics. A thirteen years’ long meteorological series monitored at a ground weather station using hourly air temperature and rainfall data was analysed. Climate statistics were obtained and for each time interval (month, bimester) weather anomalies were identified. A linear regression analysis was performed to assess correlations between ripening and weather anomalies. For each cultivar, ripeness advances or delays expressed in the number of days to target the specific ripening threshold were assessed in relation to registered weather anomalies and the specific reference time interval in the vintage. Precipitation of the warmest month and temperature anomalies during late spring (May–June) and during the warmest month (August) we found to be important to understanding the effect of climate change on sugar ripeness. Maximum and minimum temperatures of the May–June bimester and maximum temperatures of the warmest month best correlate with altered total acidity evolution and pH increment during the ripening process. A new modelling framework is presented using historical data that supports management decisions by better understanding past impacts and forecasting for the future.
Towards a regional mapping of vine water status based on crowdsourcing observations
Authors: Pichon Leo , Brunel Guilhem , Zhang Yulin , Tisseyre Bruno
Published: June 2022

Monitoring vine water status is a major challenge for vineyard management because it influences both yield and harvest quality. It is also a challenge at the regional scale for identifying periods of high-water restriction or zones regularly impacted by water stress and changes of these impacts over the years. This information is interesting for defining collective strategies, anticipating harvest logistic issues or applying for irrigation authorisation. At this spatial scale, existing tools and methods for monitoring vine water status are few and often require strong assumptions and/or parameters to be defined exhaustively (e.g. water balance model). This paper proposes to consider a collaborative collection of observations by winegrowers and wine industry stakeholders (crowdsourcing) as an interesting alternative. Indeed, it allows the collection of a large number of field observations while pooling the collection effort. However, the feasibility of such a project and its interest in monitoring vine water status at regional scale has never been tested.The objective of the article is to explore the possibility of making a regional map of vine water status based on crowdsourcing observations. It is based on the free mobile application ApeX-Vigne, which allows the collection of observations of vine shoot growth. This information is easy to collect and can be considered, under certain conditions, as a proxy for vine water status. Nearly 5,000 observations were collected by winegrowers and wine industry stakeholders during 2019, 2020 and 2021 seasons. Vine shoot growth maps were derived from this dataset at regional scale and its ability to monitor temporal evolution of these maps was studied. This article also proposes an analysis of the factors that favoured the number of observations collected. These results open up new perspectives for monitoring vine water status at the regional scale, they also provide references for other crowdsourcing projects in viticulture.
Creative Robot Contests for Decommissioning as Conceived by College of Technology or KOSEN Educators
Authors: Doi Tomoharu , Shimaoka Mitsuyoshi , Suzuki Shigekazu ,   Osaka Metropolitan University College of Technology 26-12 Saiwai-cho, Neyagawa, Osaka 572-8572, Japan,   National Institute of Technology, Nara College 22 Yada-cho, Yamatokoriyama, Nara 639-1080, Japan,   National Institute of Technology, Fukushima College 30 Nagao, Kamiarakawa, Taira, Iwaki, Fukushima 970-8034, Japan
Published: June 2022

This paper’s theme “Creative Robot Contest for Decommissioning (hereinafter, this Creative Robot Contest)” may be called a contest that would never have been planned in the absence of the Great East Japan Earthquake on March 11, 2011 and the core meltdown accident at Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant of Tokyo Electric Power Company. When it was decided to decommission the nuclear reactors, their decommissioning was immediately put in hand, which, however, met with a high barrier of high radiation doses unconquerable even by the modern science and technologies. In order to advance the stagnating decommissioning work and in hopes of some creative breakthrough ideas from KOSEN students, this Robot Contest, first held in 2016, has been held by KOSEN teams who have shown their willingness to participate in it as a venue useful to address any difficulties they will face in the real world or as teaching material for them to consider social problems. This Robot Contest, sponsored by the Japan Atomic Energy Agency and the Council of Technical Colleges for Human Resource Development for Decommissioning, is planned and managed by the Executive Committee of Creative Robot Contest for Decommissioning (hereinafter, the Executive Committee) with its secretariat at National Institute of Technology, Fukushima College (hereinafter, Fukushima KOSEN) in Fukushima Prefecture where Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant is located. In this paper, teachers at Osaka Metropolitan University College of Technology (hereinafter, Osaka Metropolitan University KOSEN) and at Nara National College of Technology, Nara College (hereinafter, Nara KOSEN), whose respective teams have participated in this Robot Contest every year from the first one, and teachers at Fukushima KOSEN who organize and manage the executive committee describe their own views on this Robot Contest based on their viewpoints as KOSEN educators. In the first half, this paper reviews this Robot Contest and outlines the robots of Osaka Metropolitan University KOSEN which participated in it in FY2016 and FY2017 and of Nara KOSEN which did in FY2016. In the latter half, this paper describes the views of the KOSEN teachers who educate engineers in the framework of robot contests from the viewpoints of the teachers who have instructed the teams of Osaka Metropolitan University KOSEN and Nara KOSEN who have participated in this Robot Contest up to the sixth one and who have held this Robot Contest.
Design and Fabricate of Reconnaissance Robots for Nuclear Power Plants that Underwent Accidents
Authors: Kobayashi Yohei ,   National Institute of Technology, Maizuru College 234 Shiroya, Maizuru, Kyoto 625-8511, Japan, Kanai Shunsuke , Kikumoto Chihiro , Sakoda Kohtaro
Published: June 2022

This paper presents a robot developed for reconnaissance at a nuclear power plant that had an accident. When an accident occurs, such as the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant disaster, rubble is scattered on the premises, increasing the radiation dose. Consequently, it is nearly impossible for humans to enter the plant and assess the situation. Therefore, a robot that performs reconnaissance is required. In this study, we designed and fabricated a reconnaissance robot to be used in a nuclear power plant that has undergone an accident. The inaccessibility of the scattered on-site rubble and high radiation dose can be addressed by employing an airship-type design that does not use electronic devices.
Research on Debris Removal Robot
Authors: Kobayashi Yohei , Morita Kenta , Suzuki Shigekazu ,   National Institute of Technology, Maizuru College 234 Shiroya, Maizuru, Kyoto 625-8511, Japan,   National Institute of Technology, Fukushima College 30 Nagao, Kamiarakawa, Taira, Iwaki, Fukushima 970-8034, Japan
Published: June 2022

This study developed a debris removal robot for the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant. The creative robot contest for decommissioning the nuclear reactors of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station is an annual competition based on problem-based learning. It aims to stimulate students’ interest in decommissioning nuclear reactors while simultaneously imparting problem-solving skills. The development of our debris removal robot started with this contest. The proposed robot can travel in a pipe, has a 3 m telescopic arm, and is equipped with a debris removal device known as a spiral catcher. This report provides an overview of this robot. We expect that complex robot development will be achieved by putting forth several ideas from various fields and fostering advanced problem-solving skills by encouraging students to address difficult tasks. Therefore, we successfully fostered the social implementation skills of students and developed a debris removal robot.
Development of a Real-Time Simulator for a Semi-Autonomous Tele-Robot in an Unknown Narrow Path
Authors: Pinrath Nattawat ,   Faculty of Functional Control Systems, Shibaura Institute of Technology 3-7-5 Toyusu, Kotu-ku, Tokyo 135-8548, Japan, Matsuhira Nobuto
Published: June 2022

This study proposes a teleoperation system for assistive controlling of the movement of a mobile robot in a narrow path. The teleoperation system is created by combining data from real and virtual devices. In CoppeliaSim we applied the Braitenberg algorithm and the open motion planning library module (OMPL). The Braitenberg algorithm is a sensor-based automatic motion designed to aid the robot operator in maneuvering through the narrow path. While the OMPL is used to create a path for the operator to control the robot in narrow paths or intersections within a narrow path, the simulation uses a virtual proximity sensor to fulfill the Braitenberg algorithm requirement. With dynamic simulation a laser rangefinder obtains the environmental data and displays it on the simulation screen. The simulation scene is subjected to the virtual proximity sensor and the Braitenberg algorithm is applied to the simulation scene. Afterward, simulation scripts are written to incorporate the linear and angular velocities into a robot operating system for real-time robot control. The results showed that the system was capable of combining real-time dynamic simulation with the real world. Furthermore, the proposed system could aid the operator in narrow path environments while avoiding collision.
Hidden trap behind the dominance of googling in learning: A study on high school students in Yogyakarta
Authors: Hendrastomo Grendi , Supraja Muhammad , Ikhwan Hakimul
Published: June 2022

This study seeks to see how students use search engines in learning and uncover the side effects of googling for students during a pandemic. This study combines a phenomenological approach to explore the condition of students while using a search engine and digital ethnography by looking at historical search data. The researcher conducted interviews with high school students in Yogyakarta from various backgrounds and traced the digital footprint of their search accounts. The research results show that googling for students changes learning activities into searching for information. During the pandemic, googling replaces the role of the teacher and becomes a student’s study buddy. Learning becomes an individual activity, “Do It Yourself” becomes a jargon for learning, and the easiest way to learn is to use a search engine. However, googling has hidden dangers that slowly reduce learning abilities, stunting students’ critical thinking. Behind the ease of googling, there are side effects of using search engines that are not realized: (1) Googling eliminates long-term memory, (2) makes students indolent to read in-depth, (3) increases academic dishonesty and (4) reduced critical thinking.
Acceptability and feasibility of continuous glucose monitoring in people with diabetes: protocol for a mixed-methods systematic review of quantitative and qualitative evidence
Authors: Brown Jennifer Valeska Elli , Ajjan Ramzi , Siddiqi Najma , Coventry Peter A
Published: June 2022

BackgroundGood glycaemic control is a crucial part of diabetes management. Traditional assessment methods, including HbA1c checks and self-monitoring of blood glucose, can be unreliable and inaccurate. Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) offers a non-invasive and more detailed alternative. Availability of this technology is increasing worldwide. However, there is no current comprehensive evidence on the acceptability and feasibility of these devices. This is a protocol for a mixed-methods systematic review of qualitative and quantitative evidence about acceptability and feasibility of CGM in people with diabetes.MethodsWe will search Medline, Embase, CINAHL, CENTRAL for qualitative and quantitative evidence about the feasibility and acceptability of CGM in all populations with diabetes (any type) using search terms for “continuous glucose monitoring” and “diabetes”. We will not apply any study-type filters. Searches will be restricted to studies conducted in humans and those published from 2011 onwards. We will not restrict the search by language. Study selection and data extraction will be carried out by two reviewers independently using Rayyan and Eppi Reviewer, respectively, with disagreements resolved by discussion. Data extraction will include key information about each study, as well as qualitative evidence in the form of participant quotes from primary studies and themes and subthemes based on the authors’ analysis. Quantitative data relating to acceptability and feasibility including data loss, adherence, and quantitative ratings of acceptability will be extracted as means and standard deviations or n/N as appropriate. Qualitative evidence will be analysed using framework analysis informed by the Theoretical Framework of Acceptability. Where possible, quantitative evidence will be combined using random effects meta-analysis, otherwise a narrative synthesis will be performed. The most appropriate method for integrating qualitative and quantitative findings will be selected based on the data available. DiscussionOngoing assessment of the acceptability of interventions has been identified as crucially important to scale-up and implementation. This review will provide new knowledge with the potential to inform a programme theory of CGM as well as future roll-out to potentially vulnerable populations, including those with severe mental illness. RegistrationPROSPERO registration: CRD42021255141 (19th November 2021).
Osteosclerotic Change as a Therapeutic Response to Gefitinib in Symptomatic Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Bone Metastasis
Authors: Miyagi Michihito , Katagiri Hirohisa , Murata Hideki , Wasa Junji , Takahashi Toshiaki , Murakami Haruyasu , Harada Hideyuki , Mori Keita , Takahashi Mitsuru
Published: June 2022

BackgroundDespite improvement in the overall survival of patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) harboring epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation, the effects of EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor (EGFR-TKI) treatment on bone metastasis remain unclear. This study investigated radiological responses to gefitinib regarding bone metastasis in the patients.MethodsWe treated 260 patients with NSCLC and symptomatic bone metastasis. Thirty-seven patients harboring EGFR mutation were treated with gefitinib for more than 30 days and followed up for more than 3 months (GEF group). We performed a retrospective control study by selecting 36 cases with no EGFR-TKI treatment, at least 3 months of follow-up, and at least two radiological evaluations as the control group. We determined the radiological best overall response, interval from treatment initiation to appearance of a radiological response, and the local response maintenance rate. ResultsThe best effect in the GEF group was 98% partial response or better, which was significantly higher than the 57% observed in the control group (p<0.001). The GEF and control groups maintained 83% and 42% local response maintenance rate at one year, respectively (p<0.001). In the GEF with radiotherapy group, the local response maintenance rate was maintained at 92% at 1 year, while in the GEF without RT group, there was a decrease in the local response maintenance rate from 270 days. ConclusionGefitinib treatment for bone metastases in patients harboring EGFR mutation resulted in beneficial osteosclerotic change in most patients. Combined gefitinib and radiotherapy provides long-lasting local control of bone metastases.
Regional hypertrophy: the role of exercise resistance profile in trained women
Authors: Zabaleta-Korta Aitor , Fernández-Peña Eneko , Torres-Unda Jon , Francés Maider , Zubillaga Asier , Santos-Concejero Jordan
Published: June 2022

Purpose
The aim of the present study was to analyse the role of exercises' resistance profile in regional hypertrophy.
Methods
39 healthy women completed a 9-week resistance training program consisting of either 4 sets of 12 repetitions of inclined bicep curls (INC group) or preacher curls (PREA group) three times per week to muscle failure. Pre- and post-intervention muscle thickness was measured using B-mode ultrasound imaging with a linear-array transducer. Scan acquisition sites were determined by measuring the 50%, 60% and 70% of the distance between the posterior crest of acromion and the olecranon.
Results
No region of the INC group grew when comparing pre- to post-intervention. The 70% region of the PREA-group grew (Muscle thickness increased from 2.7 ± 0.43 to 2.94 ± 0.44). We found no growth differences between regions when analysing per group (p = 0.274), region (p = 0.571) or group*region (p = 0.367).
Conclusion
This study shows that regional hypertrophy is affected by the resistance profile of an exercise. Different regions of a muscle will grow in response to exercises that place the highest difficulty in specific points of the range of motion. Our results show that the distal region of the arm grows in response to exercises that place the highest amount of strain in the part of the range of motion in which the arm muscles are more elongated.
Correlation between accuracy in computer guided implantology and peri-implant tissue stability: a prospective clinical and radiological pilot study
Authors: Poli Pier Paolo , Manfredini Mattia , Maiorana Carlo , Beretta Mario
Published: June 2022

Purpose The present pilot study was designed to fill this gap in the literature, hypothesizing a possible correlation between lack of accuracy in implant placement and deterioration of peri-implant hard and soft tissue health. Methods a total of 5 male and female patients were enrolled. Patients underwent computer-guided implant surgery and full arch immediate load between 2013 and 2014. After a follow-up of 5 years, all patients treated with the computer-guided implant placement technique and undergoing evaluation of the accuracy of computer-guided implant placement by postoperative CBCT were recalled for a clinical-radiographic evaluation of peri-implant health status. Accuracy of implant placement was then related to peri-implant hard and soft tissue health variables such as marginal bone resorption, amount of keratinized tissue, recession and plaque and bleeding. Results: Mean linear deviation was 0.57 ± 0.23 mm at implant head and 0.69 ± 0.26 mm at implant apex, while mean angular deviation of the long axis was 2.88° ± 1.22°. A mean MBL of 1.16 ± 0.94 mm and 2.01 ± 1.76 mm was observed after 1 and 5 years of follow-up, respectively. At 5 years, mean PPD was 4.09 ± 1.44 mm, 66.6% of the evaluated implants showed BOP, KM was < 2 mm in 48.4% of cases, REC ≥ 1 mm was assessed in 45.4% of the included implants, plaque accumulation occurred in 66.6% of cases. A negative correlation was observed between bucco-palatal/lingual linear inaccuracy and MBL, PPD, BOP and KM. Conclusions: with the limit of a pilot study, it can be observed that the accuracy of computer-guided implant surgery as described here, obtained satisfactory results. A reduction in accuracy leading to the placement of an implant in an excessively vestibular position may be the cause of peri-implant hard and soft tissue suffering in terms of marginal bone resorption, amount of keratinized mucosa and bleeding on probing.
Optimization of residual stress field and improvement of fatigue properties of thin-walled pipes by filling laser shock peening
Authors: Yu Kun , Wang Lingfeng , Zhao Tianxiao , Shu Song , Zhou Liucheng
Published: June 2022

In present work, a kind of filling laser shock peening (LSP) method is put forward and applied to thin-walled pipe. Specimens are experimentally and numerically investigated to identify the residual stress field and fatigue properties of pipe with and without LSP treatment. Numerical simulation indicates that the residual compressive stress increases first and subsequently drops as the laser power density increased, and the extent of influence of the stretching wave reflected from the lower surface on the unloaded area increases with the spot diameter causing surface tensile stress in the unloaded area. By filling the guided wave material within the pipe, the residual stress field of the pipe treated by LSP is optimized, and the influence of the stress wave reflection on the residual stress field is effectively decreased. The surface residual stress of the filled guided wave material is -326MPa, improving by 57.6% as compared with unfilled guided wave materials pipe. The fatigue life of the pipe with filled waveguide material treated by LSP is extended by 48.9% as compared with untreated pipe.
Combined phacoemulsification surgery and intravitreal triamcinolone injection versus stand-alone surgery in patients with type 2 diabetes: A prospective randomized trial
Authors: Addeen Sarah Zaher , Shaddoud Iyad
Published: June 2022

Background
We would assess the efficacy of intravitreal injection of triamcinolone acetonide IVTA combined with standard phacoemulsification on the central subfield macular thickness (CSMT), the progression of diabetic retinopathy (DR), and the corrected distant visual acuity (CDVA) in type 2 diabetic patients.
Methods
In this prospective single-blinded randomized clinical trial we recruited patients with type 2 diabetes who were eligible for cataract surgery. The patients were randomly assigned to two groups. The case group received an intravitreal IVTA at the end of phacoemulsification, and the control group had routine surgery. CSMT, progression of DR, CDVA, IOP, and adverse events including endophthalmitis were compared between the groups preoperatively and at 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively.
Results
Among a total of 66 patients that were treated within the study period, 50 patients were included in the final analysis. The case group comprised 21 eyes, and the control group included 29 eyes. Regression models and corrected ANOVA test for repeated measures showed a significant reduction in CSMT at 3 and 6 months postoperatively, which was most significant when the preoperative CSMT was no less than 300 µm, with a cut-off value of 347.3 µm in the case group (p < 0.000). DR progression was halted in the case group at 6 months with 52.38% of patients having their DR classified as moderate (P = 0.012). CDVA was significantly improved from baseline 6/60 (logMAR 1.0) pre-op to 6/6 (logMAR 0.00) at 6 months post-op in the case group, and from baseline 6/120 (logMAR 1.3) pre-op to 6/12 (logMAR 0.3) at 6 months post-op in the control group. The gain in visual acuity was significantly higher in the case group at all study points (p < 0.001). No significant rise in IOP was observed at any study point in both groups (p = 0.23 > 0.05). No endophthalmitis was recorded.
Conclusions
Diabetic patients benefit significantly from cataract surgery. This study supports IVTA injection at the end of phacoemulsification in diabetic patients. Triamcinolone is an affordable (which is of particular importance in low-income countries as per our setting), and relatively safe “phaco-enhancer”.
Trial registration:
NCT05413330. Initial release 10/06/2022. Unique Protocol ID: UDMS-Opthal-01-2022.
Isoenzyme and Molecular Characterization of Larval Stage of the Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato Based on the Host Variation in Iran
Authors: Dousti Majid , Sadjjadi Seyed Mahmoud , Solgi Rahmat , Vafafar Arghavan , Radfar Amirhossein , Hatam Gholamreza
Published: June 2022

Background: Simultaneous isoenzyme and molecular characterization of Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato have not been investigated in Iran. The present study aims to investigate the isoenzyme pattern of the larval stage of Echinococcus spp. genotypes based on their host types in Iran.Methods and Results: A total of 32 samples, including 8 human and 24 animal hydatid cyst isolates, were collected from May 2018 to December 2020. The protoscolices were removed from the cyst, and their genotypes were determined by the molecular method followed by isoenzyme electrophoresis. The activities of five enzymatic systems including glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), malate dehydrogenase (MDH), malic enzyme (ME), nucleoside hydrolyse 1 (NH1) and isocitrate dehydrogenase (ICD) were evaluated. Sequence analysis of the samples showed the specimens as E. granulosus sensu stricto (G1) 24 (75%), and E. canadensis (G6) 8 (25%) genotypes. The isoenzyme pattern of ICD of both the strains produced a six-band pattern, with different Relative Factors (RF). The G6PD produces two bands with different relative migration in both genotypes. The MDH and NH1 systems revealed two-band pattern in the E. granulosus sensu stricto strain, while it produced only one band in the ME enzyme. Furthermore, in the E. canadensis strain the MDH and NH1 enzymes showed one band and the ME enzyme represented a two-band pattern.Conclusion: The finding of the present study revealed that the entirely different isoenzyme patterns in the systems of NH1, G6PD, MDH and ME may be used for differentiation of E. granulosus sensu stricto and E. canadensis strains.
Association between MTHFR C677T Variant and Risk for Conotruncal Heart Defects in Egyptian Children: A Meta-analysis based on 217 cases and 213 controls
Authors: Esmaiel Nora nassef , Ashaat Engy A. , AlEttribi G M , Fayez Alaaeldin , Alsaiedi Sonia A. , Ruby Mona O. El
Published: June 2022

Stratification analysis studies showed that ethnicity has a significant association regarding MTHFR C677T variant and congenital heart diseases (CHDs) risk, and many published studies have controversial conclusions toward this association. A total of 3 case-control studies in the Egyptian population published before 2021 were included in this meta-analysis, besides new 186 participants to evaluate the association between the MTHFR C677T variant and the risk for CHDs. The association was assessed by the odds ratio (OR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) based on 217 cases and 213 controls. The overall meta-analysis showed a significant association between MTHFR C677T variant and CHDs risk in Egyptian children with heterogeneity (Heterogeneity = 0.001) in all the genetic models with the highly significant association in T vs. C allele (pooled OR 1.85, 95% CI: 1.41–2.43; p-value < 0.0001). The limitation of the analysis was detected by Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (HWE) in two studies that demonstrated statistical significance. Our results support the MTHFR − 677T allele as a susceptibility factor for CHDs in the Egyptian pediatric population.
Transcriptomic signatures in trophectoderm and inner cell mass of human blastocysts with different expectations of pregnancy
Authors: Kai Yoshiteru , Mei Hailiang , Kawano Hiroomi , Nakajima Naotsuna , Takai Aya , Kumon Mami , Inoue Azusa , Yamashita Naoki
Published: June 2022

Selection of high-quality embryos is important to achieve successful pregnancy in assisted reproductive technology (ART). Recently, it has been debated whether RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) should be applied to ART to predict embryo quality. However, the information on which genes can serve as markers for pregnant expectancy is limited. Furthermore, there is no information on which transcriptome of trophectoderm (TE) or inner cell mass (ICM) is more highly correlated with pregnant expectancy. Here we performed RNA-seq analysis for TE and ICM, respectively, in human blastocysts of which the expectation of pregnancy was retrospectively determined by the clinical outcomes of 1,890 cases of frozen-thawed blastocyst transfer. We identified dozens of genes that were correlated with the expected pregnancy rate in ICM and TE, respectively, with a larger number of genes identified in TE. Importantly, downregulated genes in TE of blastocysts that were estimated to have lower expectation of pregnancy included tight junction-related genes, such as CXADR, CLDN10, and ATP1B1, which were implicated in peri-implantation development. Additionally, we showed that aneuploidy estimation by RNA-seq datasets does not correlate with pregnancy expectation. Our study thus provides an expanded list of candidate genes for prediction of pregnancy in human blastocyst embryos.
Surgical Correction of Total Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Return in an Adult Patient
Authors: Bae Yohan , Jang Woo Sung , Song Kyungsub
Published: June 2022

Background: Total anomalous pulmonary venous return (TAPVR) is rare congenital heart disease. Most TAPVRs require surgical corrections in the neonatal period and survival to adulthood without surgical correction is extremely rare. Most untreated patients with large atrial septal defects and no pulmonary venous obstruction have pulmonary vascular damage from pulmonary over circulation.Case presentation: 44-year-old TAPVR patient admitted to our medical center. A snowman-shaped heart, including cardiomegaly and an increase in pulmonary blood flow, was seen in the chest X-ray. A large-sized (around 3 cm) atrial septal defect (ASD) with dilated right atrium, right ventricle, and pulmonary artery was detected on echocardiography. Heart computed tomography was performed for further evaluation, and supra-cardiac type TAPVR without any obstructive lesion was identified.Conclusions: TAPVR in an adult patient is extremely rare, and this patient was treated successfully with surgical correction and is doing well. A sinus rhythm and mild mitral valve regurgitation have remained during 2.5 years of outpatient follow-up.
Assamese Dialect Identification System Using Deep Learning
Authors: Das Hem Chandra , Bhattacharjee Utpal
Published: June 2022

The goal of a dialect Identification is to label speech in an audio file with dialect labels. This paper presents a method for automatically identifying four Assamese dialects: Central Assamese, Eastern Assamese dialect, Kamrupi dialect, and Goaplari dialect, using Convolution Neu-ral Networks (CNN). In this study, utterances of four major regional dialects of the Assamese language, namely Central Assamese spoken in and around Nagaon district, Eastern Assamese dialect spoken in the Sibsagar and its neighboring districts, Kamrupi dialect spoken in Kam-rup, Nalbari, Barpeta, Kokarajhar and some parts of Bongaigaon district and Goaplari dialect spoken in the Goaplara, Dhuburi and part of Bon-gaigaon district were used. The classifier was trained on audio samples from each of the four dialects that lasted 2 hours. The CNN uses Mel spectrogram images created from two to four seconds divisions of raw audio input with varied audio quality. The performance of the system is also examined as a function of train and test audio sample durations. When compared to machine learning models, the suggested CNN model obtains an accuracy of 90.82 percent, which may be considered the best.
Identification of Growth Hormone (GH) Gene Polymorphisms and Their Association with Growth Traits in European Sea Bass (Dicentrarchus labrax)
Authors: Gökçek Emel Özcan , ISIK RAZIYE , Karahan Bilge , Gamsız Kutsal
Published: June 2022

The growth hormone (GH) gene has an important regulatory roles in postnatal somatic growth, metabolism and development of vertebrates and fish. The aim of this study was to identify the genetic variation of the GH gene and its associations with growth traits by DNA sequencing in 200 European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) individuals. Ten novel SNPs were identified as g.1557 A > T, g.1611 T > C, g.1663 C > G, g.1799 T > C, g.1824 T > C, g.1912 T > A, g.2052 G > C in the 1st partial intron, 2nd exon, 2nd intron and 3rd partial exon of GH gene in European sea bass. The genotypes of GH g.1611 T > C locus were found associated with total weight, fillet weight and head length (p < 0.05). Association between the genotypes of GH g.1557A > T and pre-anal length, abdominal length were found statistically significant (p < 0.05). Similarly, the genotypes of GH g.1799 T > C locus which caused the amino acid change from Leucine to Serine (L8S) were found related to body length and abdominal length (p < 0.05). This amino acid change also caused the 3D tertiary structure of the GH peptide. Thus, these SNPs have an effect on the growth traits of European sea bass and could be used for genomic selection in European sea bass breeding.
Preservation of Cultural Heritage of Thanjavur – The Cultural Hub of Tamil Nadu
Authors: M Sona
Published: June 2022

Cultural heritage is the legacy of physical artefacts and intangible attributes of a group or society that are inherited from past generations, maintained in the present and bestowed for the benefit of future generations. Thanjavur, one of the cultural hubs of Tamil Nadu is the house to indigenous art and craft forms, developed through the Chola period and Maratha period. With time, the artists involved in performance arts have moved away from the city in search of a better livelihood. The artists involved in fine arts, although continued to live in the city, have started to pursue other modes of occupation for the same reason. The study aims at preserving the culture of Thanjavur, in the present-day working context, by envisioning it as a living entity that interacts with its tourists for a wholesome experience. It focusses on the idea of a cultural experience centre that integrates the tangible and intangible elements of the cultural heritage of Thanjavur.
Methylene blue dosing strategies in critically ill adults with shock – a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Sari-Yavuz Sibel , Heck-Swain Ka-Lin , Keller Marius , Magunia Harry , Feng You-Shan , Haeberle Helene A. , Wied Petra , Schlensak Christian , Rosenberger Peter , Koeppen Michael
Published: June 2022

Background: Shock increases mortality in the critically ill and the mainstay of therapy is the administration of vasopressor agents to achieve hemodynamic targets. In the past, studies have found that the NO-pathway antagonist methylene blue improves hemodynamics. However, the optimal dosing strategy remains elusive. Therefore, we investigated the hemodynamic and ICU outcome parameters of three different dosing strategies for methylene blue. Methods: We performed retrospective cohort study of patients in shock treated with methylene blue. Shock was defined as norepinephrine dose > 0.1 µg/kg/min and serum lactate level > 2 mmol/l at the start of methylene blue administration. Different demographic variables, ICU treatment, and outcome parameters were evaluated. To compare the differences in the administration of vasopressors or inotropes, the vasoactive inotropic score (VIS) was calculated at different time points after starting the administration of methylene blue. Response to methylene blue or mortality at 28 days were assessed. Results: 262 patients from July 2014 to October 2019 received methylene blue. 209 patients met the inclusion criteria. Three different dosing strategies were identified: bolus injection followed by continuous infusion (n=111), bolus injection only (no continuous infusion; n=59) or continuous infusion only (no bolus prior; n=39). The groups did not differ in demographics, ICU scoring system, or comorbidities. In all groups, VIS decreased over time, indicating improved hemodynamics. Cardiogenic shock and higher doses of norepinephrine increased the chance of responding to methylene blue, while bolus only decreased the chance of responding to methylene blue treatment. 28-day mortality increased with higher SAPSII scores and higher serum lactate levels, while bolus injection followed by continuous infusion decreased 28-day mortality. No severe side effects were notedConclusions: Methylene blue as a bolus injection followed by continuous infusion decreases 28-day mortality in patients with shock. Clinicians should consider the administration of methylene blue in patients with refractory shock, regardless of the cause.
Magnetic resonance Diffusion-Weighted Imaging (DWI) analysis of the anatomical distribution characteristics and the imaging of lateral retropharyngeal lymph nodes
Authors: Li Shaoming , Pan Bingcan , Li Xiaoyi , Jin Zhongmin , Liu Hongxia , Mao Chunying
Published: June 2022

Purpose: The characteristics of lymph node distribution in the normal lateral retropharyngeal lymph nodes and the quantitative analysis of ADC value were explored by magnetic resonance imaging, which provides a reference for clinical identification of lymph node lesions in the lateral retropharyngeal lymph nodes.Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed in our hospital from January 1, 2019 to January 1, 2021. A total of 920 patients were randomly selected for 1.5T MRI scans and they were divided into groups based on age and gender. The following analysis was performed：(1) Lymph node size and anatomical location in the retropharyngeal group; (2) Differences between gender and age; (3) Quantification of ADC values.Results: A total of 3017 lateral retropharyngeal lymph nodes were counted, which were oval and irregular triangles, isointense on T1WI, high signal on T2WI, FS-FLAIR-T2WI, and DWI (b = 1 000), and measured on ADC map, which can be unilateral or bilateral, with one or more lymph nodes. (1) The average value of the longest and short-axis diameters of lymph nodes in the retropharyngeal group was larger in children and adolescents (group A) than in adults (group B) and in female than in male; (2) The average number of lymph nodes in children and adolescents was higher than that in adults. Compared with the same age, there are more females than males. The comparison between the left and right position arrays showed no difference (p = 0.645); (3) The number of lateral retropharyngeal lymph nodes with the longest diameter ≥ 10 mm was highest in the children and adolescent female group (B1), followed by children and adolescent male group (A1), adult male group (A2), adult female group (B2) and the difference was statistically significant (p < 0.001); (4) There was no statistical significance between the groups of lymph nodes with short-axis diameter ≥ 10 mm; (5) When b = 1000 s/mm2, the ADC values of lateral retropharyngeal lymph nodes were (0.789 ± 0.179) × 10-3 mm2/s to (0.819 ± 0.150) × 10-3 mm2/s, the difference between groups was not statistically significant.Conclusions: The number and size of lateral retropharyngeal lymph nodes are related to age and gender. There is no significant difference in the distribution of left and right positions. When b=1 000 s/mm2, the ADC values are different among the groups, but it is not statistically significant, which can be used as a basis for judging the nature of lymph nodes by magnetic resonance imaging.
Association between Serum Apolipoprotein A1 and Atrial Fibrillation: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Zhong Xia , Jiao Huachen , Zhao Dongsheng , Yang Mengqi , Teng Jing
Published: June 2022

Background: The relationship between apolipoprotein A1(APOA1) and atrial fibrillation (AF) is not known. Therefore, we sought to investigate the associations between APOA1 and AF by sex in the Chinese population. Methods: This case-control study included 950 patients with AF (29-83 years old, 50.42 % male) who were hospitalized consecutively between January 2019 and September 2021. Controls with sinus rhythm and without AF were matched (1:1) to cases by sex and age. Pearson correlation analysis was performed to investigate the correlation between APOA1 and blood lipid profiles. Multivariate regression models were used to explore the association between APOA1 and AF. Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve was constructed to examine the performances of the APOA1. Results: Low APOA1 in male and female patients with AF patients was significantly associated with AF (OR=0.261, 95% CI:0.162-0.422, P＜0.001), regardless of statin use. Pearson correlation analysis indicated serum APOA1 was positively correlated with total cholesterol (TC) (r=0.456, p＜0.001), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (r=0.825, p＜0.001), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (r=0.238, p＜0.001) , and apolipoprotein B(APOB) (r=0.083, p=0.011). ROC curve analysis showed APOA1 levels=1.105 g/L in men and APOA1 levels=1.205 g/L were the most optimal cut-off values for predicting AF.Conclusion: Low APOA1 in male and female patients is significantly associated with AF in the Chinese population. APOA1 may be a potential biomarker for AF and contribute to the pathological progress of AF along with low blood lipid profiles. The potential mechanisms remain to be further explored.
Cardiac neural crest lineage diversity and underlying gene regulatory networks revealed by multimodal analysis
Authors: Iwase Akiyasu , Uchijima Yasunobu , Seya Daiki , Kida Mayuko , Higashiyama Hiroki , Matsui Kazuhiro , Izumi-Taguchi Akashi , Yamamoto Shogo , Fukuda Shiro , Nomura Seitaro , Kohro Takahide , Shukunami Chisa , Akiyama Haruhiko , Seki Masahide , Suzuki Yutaka , Wada Youichiro , Aburatani Hiroyuki , Kurihara Yukiko , Miyagawa-Tomita Sachiko , Kurihara Hiroki
Published: June 2022

Neural crest cells (NCCs), a multipotent stem cell population, contribute to cardiac development as a source of the outflow septum, vascular smooth muscle and semilunar valves. However, genetic programs underlying lineage diversification of cardiac NCCs remain largely unknown. Using single-cell (sc) and spatial transcriptomics, we demonstrate multiple NCC subpopulations with distinct gene expression signatures; smooth muscle(-like), non-muscle mesenchymal, and Schwann cell progenitor/melanoblast-like cells. Integrative scRNA-seq and scATAC-seq analyses predict lineage trajectories starting from immature NCCs, which bifurcate into smooth muscle(-like) and non-muscle mesenchymal lineages in association with hierarchical transcription factor networks. Combinatory analyses with Cre-mediated genetic lineage tracing characterize intermediate NCCs at the bifurcation as Sox9+/Scx+ tendon and cartilage progenitor-like cells with genetic programs, some of which are common to skeletal tissues whereas others are unique to cardiac NCCs. These findings provide a basis for understanding the roles of NCCs in cardiac development and pathogenesis particularly associated with calcification.
Absence of a framework challenges group-based education to adults with type 1 diabetes – A qualitative study
Authors: Cairns Sophie Rodebjer , Sjöström Elisabeth Stoltz
Published: June 2022

Background: Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder characterized by hyperglycaemia. The condition is treated with insulin therapy and involves self-administrating multiple daily doses of insulin, adjusted based on glucose, exercise, carbohydrate- and food intake. Dietitians in diabetes offer specialist evidence-based advice to patients and provide education in either individual or group settings. The purpose of this study was to explore dietitians’ perception of, and role in, group-based education as well as prospects for development. The study also focuses on the framework for group-based patient education. Methods: This was a qualitative descriptive study conducted in Sweden using a strategic sampling of dietitians working in adult diabetes care. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with participants and data were analysed using a content analysis approach. Results: This study included ten dietitians with a median experience of 14.5 years in diabetes care. The informants were all appreciative of patient education and how it benefited the patients being part of group processes, but the informants did also suggest that there were challenges for their personal and professional role. The main challenges reported was to adjust the level of depth and complexity to the information provided and the lack of possibility to individualize the education-sessions in a heterogenic group. None of the dietitians reported performing pre-assessment or follow-up audits on the group-based patient education. Conclusions: This study addresses the requirement of a patient-centred approach to deliver a diabetes care that is equal, cost-effective and outcome driven. There was a great optimism and engagement from the informants to evolve group-based education to adults with T1DM, but the informants experienced a lack of framework that addressed the challenges suggested in this study, and of making group-based education a part of systematic and standardised care. Still, there were many examples of patient-centred care, and patients benefiting from group-based education regarding T1DM.
The molecular epidemiology, genotyping, and clinical manifestation of prevalent Adenovirus infection during the epidemic keratoconjunctivitis, South of Iran
Authors: Afrasiabi Vahid-Reza , Ghojoghi Rozita , Hosseini Seyed Younes , Sarvari Jamal , Nekooei Fatemeh , Joharinia Negar , Hadian Sahar , Gholami Mohammad , Nejabat Mahmood
Published: June 2022

Purpose
Adenoviral mediated keratoconjunctivitis is among the emergency diseasees of ophthalmology with long-term sequels. The role of adenovirus infection, ocular-related genotypes, and association with ocular symptoms needs to be investigated for epidemiological as well as clinical purposes.
Methods
The affected patients from two close keratoconjunctivitis epidemics were included in the study. The swab samples were taken from patients; total DNA was extracted and then was introduced into an in-house Real-Time PCR reaction. Besides, partial Hexon genes of 11 adenovirus positive samples were amplified and submitted to sanger sequencing. Moreover, they were finally evaluated by phylogenetic analysis.
Results
Of the 153 patients, 92 (60.1%) were males and 47 cases (30.7%) had a history of eye infection in the family or colleagues. A Real-time PCR test of 126 samples (82.4%) was positive for adenovirus, and all eleven cases that underwent sequencing analysis were determined to be serotype 8 (HAdV-D8). Adenovirus infection has a significant relationship with infection among family or colleagues (p = 0.048), membrane formation (p = 0.047), conjunctival bleeding (p = 0.046), and pain.
Conclusions
The results indicated that Adenovirus is the major cause of keratoconjuctivitis and HAdV-D8 was the most common genotype in the area. There were some clinical manifestations associated with Adenovirus infection of the conjunctiva.