bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identifying a Whole-brain Connectome-based Model in Drug-naïve Parkinson’s Disease for Predicting Motor Impairment
Authors: Wu Haoting , Zhou Cheng , Guo Tao , Wu Jingjing , Bai Xueqin , Liu Xiaocao , Chen Jingwen , Wen Jiaqi , Guan Xiaojun , Gao Ting , Gu Luyan , Huang Peiyu , Xu Xiaojun , Zhang Baorong , zhang Min-Ming
Published: August 2021

Background
The functional alternation of distinct brain networks contribute to motor impairment in Parkinson’s disease (PD) remains unclear. Identifying a whole-brain connectome-based predictive model (CPM) in drug-naïve patients and verifying its predictability among drug-managed patients would be helpful to detect generalizable brain-behavior association and reflect intrinsic functional underpinning of motor impairment.
Methods
Resting-state functional data of 47 drug-naïve patients were enrolled to construct a predictive model by using the CPM approach, which was subsequently validated in 115 drug-managed patients. The severity of motor impairment was assessed by calculating Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale part III (UPDRS III) scores. Predictive performance was evaluated with the correlation coefficient(rtrue) and the mean squared error (MSE) between observed and predicted scores.
Results
A CPM for predicting individual motor impairment in drug-naïve PD was identified with significant performance (rtrue=0.845, p < 0.001, MSE = 137.57). Two connection patterns were recognized according to the correlation coefficients between the connections’ strength and motor impairment severity. The negative motor-impairment-related network contained more within-network connections in the motor, visual-related, and default mode networks, while the positive motor-impairment-related network was constructed mostly with between-network connections coupled motor-visual, motor-limbic, and motor-basal ganglia networks. The predictability of constructed model was further confirmed in drug-managed patients (r = 0.209, p = 0.025, MSE = 182.96), suggesting generalizability in PD patients with lasting dopaminergic medication influence.
Conclusions
This study identified a whole-brain connectome-based model that could predict the severity of motor impairment for PD. The connection patterns generated from the model reflected that functional segregation of motor, visual-related, and default mode networks play an important role in PD motor impairment, and higher connections coupling motor and non-motor regions might demonstrate a compensatory mechanism to overcome motor impairment.
Sensitivity of Sensor Locations in a Wearable IMU-based Human Activity Recognition System
Authors: Ejtehadi Mehdi , Nasrabadi Amin M. , Behzadipour Saeed
Published: August 2021

Background: The advent of Inertial measurement unit (IMU) sensors has significantly extended the application domain of Human Activity Recognition (HAR) systems to healthcare, tele-rehabilitation & daily life monitoring. IMU’s are categorized as body-worn sensors and therefore their output signals and the HAR performance naturally depends on their exact location on the body segments. Objectives: This research aims to introduce a methodology to investigate the effects of misplacing the sensors on the performance of the HAR systems. Methods: The properly placed sensors and their misplaced variations were modeled on a human body kinematic model. The model was then actuated using measured motions from human subjects. The model was then used to run a sensitivity analysis. Results: The results indicated that the transverse misplacement of the sensors on the left arm and right thigh and the rotation of the left thigh sensor significantly decrease the rate of activity recognition. It was also shown that the longitudinal displacements of the sensors (along the body segments) have minor impacts on the HAR performance. A Monte Carlo simulation indicated that if the sensitive sensors are mounted with extra care, the performance can be maintained at a higher than 95% level.Conclusions: Accurate mounting of the IMU’s on the body impacts the performance of the HAR. Particularly, the transverse position and rotation of the IMU’s are more sensitive. The users of such systems need to be informed about the more sensitive sensors and directions to maintain an acceptable performance for the HAR.
Anti-Reflection Mechanism of the Coalmass under the Liquid Carbon Dioxide Phase Change Gas Explosion and the Experimental Study
Authors: Lei Yun
Published: August 2021

The problems of high efficient coal and gas simultaneous extraction of the low-permeability and high-gas coal seams in deep mines are major problems that restrict the sustainable development of China’s coal industry. In order to solve the scientific permeability problem of the high gassy coal seams with low permeability under deep and complex geological conditions, a technology of liquid carbon dioxide phase change gas explosion for cracking and antireflection is proposed. The formation mechanism of the coalmass fracture circle resulting from liquid carbon dioxide phase change gas cracking coal is analyzed theoretically and a mathematical model within the range of fracture circle is established. Numerical simulation analysis shows that a blasting crushing zone with a radius of 1.0 m formed around the blasting hole. The radius of the secondary expansion zone caused by the explosion gas to promote coalmass formation is 2.0 m, and the limit extension length of the explosion fracture is 2.3 m. The gas phase change gas explosion is determined by the coal roadway driving face based on the gas content index and the analytical index of coal shavings to be able to reduce the pre-drainage time of coal roadway from 30 days to 15 days and 16 days. The comparison experiment also reaches a conclusion that the initial gas emission is increased by 3.7 times from the 100-meter borehole in the original coalmass after coalbed gas explosion anti-reflection. The results of the theoretical analysis are verified by underground experiments in the coal mine.
If It Has To Be Done, It Has To Be Done: A Qualitative Study of Clinical Biobank Donation Experience and Motives
Authors: Antonova Natalia A. , Eritsyan Ksenia Y.
Published: August 2021

Background

The success of biobanking is directly linked to the willingness of people to donate their biological materials for research and storage. Ethical issues related to patient consent are an essential component of the current biobanking agenda. The majority of data available are focused on population-based biobanks in western countries. The donation decision process and its ethical applications in clinical populations and populations in countries with other cultural contexts are very limited. This study aimed to evaluate the decision-making experience of the clinical biobank donors, as well as psychological and social motivators and deterrents of this decision and associated ethical risks.
Methods

Semi-structured interviews were conducted in two medical institutions, in St Petersburg (Russia), in 2016–2017, among 13 donors of a clinical biobank (pregnant women, cardiac patients, and patients with multiple sclerosis) and three donation organisers — medical specialists involved in recruiting donors for a clinical biobank. Analysis of interview data was based on qualitative content analysis.
Results

Donors of a clinical biobank express beliefs in the absence of risks associated with the donation. The primary motivators for donating to the biobank were: prosocial, indirect reciprocity (response to or anticipation of an act in kind by a third party), intrinsic motivation (to enhance their self-esteem and satisfying their curiosity about the donation process), and comparability with personal values. A high level of trust in biomedical research and the particular physician can contribute to a favourable decision. The integration of biobank donation decision-making in the process of medical care might prompt patient to donate to biobank without proper consideration. The specific type of therapeutic misconception - the presence of unrealistic hope that donation could provide a direct benefit for a third person in need was discovered.
Conclusions

Patients recruited to a clinical biobank in Russia have virtually no concerns as to the storage of their biomaterials. The donation decision is mainly motivated by prosocial attitudes and other factors that are similar to the motivating factors of blood donation. The fact of going through inpatient treatment and poor differentiation between donation for other people's benefit and for research purposes can make the process of obtaining consent more ethically problematic.
Observer Based Region Tracking Control for Underwater Vehicles Without Velocity Measurement
Authors: Liu Xing , Zhang Mingjun , Yao Feng , Chu Zhenzhong
Published: August 2021

This paper addresses the problem of region tracking control for underwater vehicles without velocity measurement in marine environment. For this case, an improved region tracking control strategy is proposed based on a Nussbaum state observer. In the proposed method, a Nussbaum state observer is developed to estimate the unmeasured velocity of the vehicle. And then an improved region tracking control strategy is presented by incorporating the estimated results of the state observer, such that the tracking errors satisfy the requirement of the prescribed boundaries. In addition, a RBF neural network is applied to approximate the unknown dynamics of the vehicle. It is verified that the estimated error and the tracking error are uniformly ultimately bounded. Finally, the proposed observer-based region tracking control strategy is applied on an underwater vehicle to perform simulation studies and compared with a traditional backstepping controller and a traditional region tracking controller based on a high-gain observer. The comparative simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed region tracking control strategy.
Rhizosphere Priming Effects On Soil Extracellular Enzymatic Activity And Microbial Abundance During The Low-Temperature Dormant Season In A Northern Hardwood Forest
Authors: Nakayama Masataka , Tateno Ryunosuke
Published: August 2021

PurposePlant roots alter nutrient cycling within the soil surrounding them (rhizosphere). Recent studies have focused on nutrient uptake by plants in low-temperature seasons. This study aimed to reveal the nutrient dynamics in rhizosphere during low-temperature seasons in a northern hardwood forest in Japan.MethodsThe potential extracellular enzymatic activity, bacterial, fungal, and archaeal abundances, and soil chemical properties in the rhizosphere of canopy trees and understory vegetation and non-rhizosphere bulk soil were measured at the beginning of the dormant season (November), end of the dormant season (April and May), and middle of the growing season (August) in a northern hardwood forest in Japan.ResultsThe abundance of fungi and the activity of nitrogen- and phosphorus-degrading enzymes were higher in the rhizosphere than in non-rhizosphere bulk soil regardless of the season. The concentration of extractable organic and inorganic N was higher in the rhizosphere than in the non-rhizosphere bulk soil at the beginning and end of the dormant season, but this trend was not observed in the middle of the growing season. ConclusionSince the concentration of nutrients in the rhizosphere is determined by the balance between nutrient uptake by fine roots and root-induced acceleration of decomposition, our results suggest that plant roots would accelerate N and P cycles during the dormant season, even though the amount of nutrient uptake by plants was lower during the season.
Association Between Urine Uranium and Asthma Prevalence: NHANES 2007-2016
Authors: Huang Dongdong , Wang Saibin
Published: August 2021

Background: Previous studies showed that urine uranium (U) is associated with asthma prevalence in adults. However, the association between them among the general population is unclear. Therefore, this study aimed at exploring this unclear association. Methods: The data of the participants were collected from the 2007-2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) performed in the United States. Continuous variables with skewed distribution were analyzed using Ln-transformation. The association between urine U and asthma prevalence was analyzed by multiple regression analysis, and the linear association between them was evaluated by the smooth curve fitting. The subgroup analysis was performed by the hierarchical multivariate regression analysis.Results: A total of 13,581 participants were included in our analysis. The multivariate regression analysis showed that LnU was independently and positively correlated with asthma prevalence in the general population (OR=1.12; 95% CI:1.04,1.20; P=0.002). The subgroup analysis revealed that the College Graduate or above showed the stronger association between LnU and asthma prevalence (<9th Grade: OR=0.84; 95% CI: 0.61, 1.14; 9-11th Grade: OR=1.23; 95% CI: 0.99,1.52; High School Grade: OR=1.00; 95% CI: 0.84, 1.19; College: OR=1.04; 95% CI: 0.91,1.19; ≥College Graduate: OR=1.32; 95% CI: 1.11, 1.57; P for interaction=0.0389). Conclusions: Our research suggested that urinary U levels are positively correlated with asthma prevalence in the general population of the United States, and the association is especially strong among people with high level of education.
Return to Sports Activity After Opening Wedge High Tibial Osteotomy in Elderly Patients
Authors: Otoshi Akio , Kumagai Ken , Yamada Shunsuke , Nejima Shuntaro , Fujisawa Takahiro , Miyatake Kazuma , Inaba Yutaka
Published: August 2021

Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate return to sports (RTS) after opening wedge high tibial osteotomy (OWHTO) in elderly patients and associated factors affecting RTS.Methods: Seventy-four patients (mean age 68 years) who underwent OWHTO were enrolled. Clinical outcomes were evaluated using the Knee Society Score (KSS). Patients were asked regarding types of sports activities and their levels of participation within preoperative 1 year and postoperative 1 year. Levels of participation in sports and recreational activities were examined using the Tegner activity scale. The outcomes were compared between two age groups (≥70 years vs <70 years).Results: Of the 74 patients overall, 59 participated in at least one sport preoperatively, and 55 returned to sports postoperatively (RTS 93%). The KSS knee score and function score were significantly improved after surgery in both age groups (P<0.05), but no significant differences were found between the age groups. The Tegner activity scales for ≥70 years and <70 years were 2.9±1.1 and 4.0±1.9 preoperatively (P<0.01) and 2.7±1.2 and 3.3±1.4 postoperatively (P=0.16), respectively. RTS was reported by 24 of 25 (96.0%) in the age <70 years group and 31 of 34 (91.2%) in the age ≥70 years group. Of the patients who reported RTS, 66.7% in the age <70 years group and 77.4% in the age ≥70 years group could return to the same or higher level.Conclusions: The rate of RTS after OWHTO was high in elderly patients. OWHTO is a preferred surgical option for elderly patients who desire RTS.
COVID-19 Outbreak After 100 Days Without Community Transmission: Epidemiological Analysis of Factors Associated With Death
Authors: Duc Nguyen Tran Minh , Abozaid Ali Ahmed-Fouad , Truong Le Van , Hung Nguyen Bao , Linh Dao Khanh , Dung Nguyen Hoang , Voong Teresa Pham , Huy Nguyen Tien
Published: August 2021

Background: The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has cost millions of deaths and lifelong consequences since December 2019. We attempted to evaluate the incidence, distribution, and risk factors associated with death after applying the social distance strategy to the second wave of SARS-CoV-2 in the Danang outbreak (July 2020), Vietnam. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the online Danang Hospital reports, gathering the epidemiological history of confirmed SARS-CoV-2 patients. We then conducted a descriptive analysis of Fisher's Phi Coefficient and Cramer's, along with multiple logistic regression models to test the effects of symptomatology and control measures performed by the Vietnamese government on transmission dynamics. The last report we examined was on August 29, 2020.Results: 389 SARS-CoV-2 confirmed cases related to the Danang outbreak are included in our analysis with a mean age of 47.1 (SD = 18.4), involving 154 men and 235 women, 34 cases of death, and 355 were alive. The study showed significant results related to age, quarantine measures, previous negative SARS-CoV-2 test, and a range of symptoms, including shortness of breath and myalgia (p-value < 0.05). Our multiple-variable analysis suggested the significant risk of death was related to age, severe symptomology, undetected SARS-CoV-2 test results, and prior quarantined SARS-CoV-2 history.Conclusions: Vietnamese authorities had implemented successful quarantine practices to control the SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks. However, this virus has shown dynamic spread beyond the ability of the country to control its transmission. Adequate screening, social distancing, and adequate care of the elderly and healthcare workers can lower the risk of future outbreaks.
Epicardial adipose tissue, inflammation, fibrosis and coronary artery diseases
Authors: Fantin Francesco , Gloria Mazzali , Vanni Rizzatti , Elena Zoico , Andrea Rossi , Giuseppe Faggian , Francesco Onorati , Francesco Santini , Mauro Zamboni
Published: August 2021

Purpose: Accumulation of epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) is associated with severity and progression of coronary artery disease (CAD). The aim of this study was to compare EAT fibrosis, inflammation, Hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (HIF1-α) and caveolin-1 (CAV-1) between subjects with and without CAD.Methods and Results: Body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), glucose, insulin, homeostasis model assessment index, serum leptin and adiponectin were evaluated in EAT of patients with and without CAD undergoing elective surgery. Biopsies were collected from EAT. Immunohistochemistry for macrophages CD68, CD11c, CD163, HIF1-α and CAV-1 was performed and Masson Trichrome staining to define the degree of fibrosis.A total of 22 male patients (age range from 51-80 years), were studied: 12 CAD and 10 non-CAD undergoing elective surgery.Fibrosis, HIF1-α, number of total CD68, CD163 and CD11c were higher in CAD than in non-CAD patients, whilst serum adiponectin and CAV-1 significantly lower. In 4 patients with CAD, but in none in those without, macrophages aggregated in crown like structure were found. Fibrosis correlated with HIF1-α and M1 pro-inflammatory CD11c (+) macrophages; HIF1-α with total, M1 pro-inflammatory CD11c (+) and M2 anti-inflammatory CD163 (+) macrophages; Caveolin-1 positively correlated with serum adiponectin.Conclusions: CAD patients displays a dysfunctional EAT characterized by greater inflammation, fibrosis, HIF1-α and lower CAV. Our results seem to suggest that adiponectin may decline CAD risk even by determining an increase of CAV-1. Level of evidence: III cross-sectional study.
Measuring the “weight” of human in vivo bio-inertia by legendary Galileo falling body experiments on a commercial 10m diving platform and gravitationally inversion of Newton's Three Laws of Motion into the Basic Laws of Evolution
Authors: Lai Yi Yu
Published: August 2021

Mutations of legendary Galileo falling bodies experiment with non-living objects in a non-isolated environment demonstrate that the recoverable internal motions of falling bodies can bind and polarize gravity over conventional Newtonian mass inertia. Bio quantum path experiments further interpret the binding mechanism and reveal the isolated logic restriction of Einstein’s equivalence principle. Mutations of the Cavendish experiment unveil 109 levels of gravitational differences between living and dead states. Mutations of the Galileo falling body experiments for living beings confirmed that such differences come from recoverable internal motion surface tension gravitational binding that can be calibrated as a measurable bio-inertia. We then calibrated the falling height difference for human in vivo bio-inertia on a commercial 10m diving platform and verified 98% of populations on Earth can safely be tested in this way with enough preparation training. In vivo lifetime gravitational binding curve that governs all biological parameters and reveals life evolutionary mechanisms becomes technologically feasible. These results, along with various facts, modulate the gravitational multi-surface tension region resonating model of in vivo bio quantum path inversion superposition. Photoelectric effect, PCR, GPCR, ancient CSF-ligament human Kungfu training systems, music harmonics, and board observations physically sustain this model. Newtonian Third Laws of motion are therefore evolved into Basic Laws of Evolution originates from surface tension non-unitary time inversion superposition that is different from the mathematical superposition in quantum mechanics; original memory negentropy is also disciplinarily integrated.
A Novel Strain of Stenotrophomonas Acidaminiphila Produces Super-active Alkaline Protease During Cassava Effluent Fermentation: Process Optimization, Kinetic Modeling and Scale-up
Authors: Asitok Atim , Ekpenyong Maurice George , Takon Iquo , Antai Sylvester , Ogarekpe Nkpa , Antigha Richard , Edet Philomena , Antai Agnes , Essien Joseph
Published: August 2021

PurposeMicrobial fermentations for value-added metabolites production are exploited for efficient bioconversion of agro-industrial wastes for the dual purposes of pollution abatement and cost-effectiveness.MethodsIn the present study, the regular 2-level factorial design was employed to screen fermentation parameters that enhance production of a novel alkaline protease by a strain of Stenotrophomonas acidaminiphila using cassava processing effluent as substrate. Data from randomized experiments of central composite rotatable design for improved enzyme activity, guided by path of steepest ascent experiments, were modeled and optimized by response surface methodology (RSM). Shake flask kinetics of production under optimized conditions was modeled by logistic and modified Gompertz models and determinations of maximum specific growth rate, µmax, maximum volumetric rate of substrate consumption, rsm, maximum volumetric rate of biomass formation, rxm and specific yield of product, Yp/x were made.ResultsLogistic model poorly fitted RSM-generated product formation and substrate consumption data. However, biomass formation was accurately fitted (adjusted r2 >99%), with µmax of 0.471 h-1. The modified Gompertz model, on the contrary, more accurately fitted all three major response data with minimal mean squared error. Potential for scale-up of bioprocess evaluated in 5-L bioreactor satisfactorily revealed 8.5-fold more substrate consumption in bioreactor than in shake flask. The 86.76-fold aqueous two-phase system-purified protease had a specific activity of 1416.73 Umg-1 which improved with increasing surfactant concentration.ConclusionThese results suggest significant bioprocess potential for sustainable cassava effluent management and concomitant commercial production of alkaline protease for industrial detergent application.
Study on Double-sided Impedance Matching of Spherical Focusing Transducer in Ultrasonic Abrasive Flow Polishing System
Authors: Wei Li , Li Hua , Wei Dong
Published: August 2021

The impedance matching of ultrasonic focusing spherical transducer is one of the primary factors affecting its work efficiency in ultrasonic focusing flow polishing system. To realize the efficient utilization of the vibration energy of the transducer, there are different requirements for the front and rear matching structure of the transducer. That is, the front matching structure should have high transmittance, and the rear matching structure should have high reflectivity. Based on the acoustic impedance matching theory and Kirchhoff's theory, the Influence of the front & back impedance matching structure of spherical focusing ultrasonic transducer to the focus sound pressure is studied theoretically and experimentally. The new matching structure for spherical focusing transducer is proposed based on above research. The experimental result shows that the focus sonic pressure with the new matching structure is increased by 72.03% compared with the traditional structure.
Left Supraclavicular (Virchow’s) Node Metastasis Detected Before Diagnosis of the Primary Infradiaphragmatic Tumor
Authors: Mochizuki Yumi , Tsuchiya Maiko , Oyama Jun , Wada Akane , Kugimoto Takuma , Kuroshima Takeshi , Hirai Hideaki , Tomioka Hirofumi , Harada Hiroyuki , Ikeda Toru , Akashi Takumi
Published: August 2021

Background and Purpose: Malignant infradiaphragmatic tumors that metastasize to the left supraclavicular (Virchow’s) node are relatively rare. Since Virchow's time, the survival rates of cancer patients have improved because of dramatic research advances in the epidemiology of cancer and the development of screening technologies and treatment methods. However, when metastasis is detected in the left supraclavicular node in patients with head and neck carcinoma, locating the primary cancer remains a difficult and time-consuming challenge. We report three cases of malignant infradiaphragmatic tumors diagnosed following the initial finding of left supraclavicular node (LSN) metastasis after surgery for tongue squamous cell carcinoma (follow-up period, range 18–62 months).Methods: In these cases, adenocarcinoma was diagnosed based on LSN biopsies, and a second primary tumor was found, including cholangiocarcinoma, bladder carcinoma, and prostate carcinoma.Results: CA19-9 and alpha-fetoprotein levels helped to diagnose cholangiocarcinoma. In the bladder carcinoma case, immunopathological examination of the metastatic LSN and bladder lesion showed GATA 3(+), and the tongue squamous cell carcinoma showed GATA 3(-). GATA 3 staining aided in the diagnosis of urothelial bladder cancer with LSN metastasis. In the prostate carcinoma case, PSA levels and weak FDG-PET/CT uptake aided the diagnosis process. This patient underwent bilateral orchiectomy and adjuvant hormonal therapy and survived for 47 months after the diagnosis of LSN metastasis. The other patients died within 1 year.Discussion and Conclusions: These cases suggest that the prognosis of malignant infradiaphragmatic tumors after LSN metastasis depends on the tumor characteristics and that rapid diagnosis is important for providing appropriate treatment.
Ultra-Selective Polyamide Membrane from Metal Organic Framework Assembly Regulated Interfacial Polymerization for Desalination and Water Reuse
Authors: Wen Yue , Dai Ruobin , Li Xuesong , Zhang Xingran , Cao Xingzhong , Wu Zhichao , Lin Shihong , Tang Chuyang , Wang Zhiwei
Published: August 2021

While reverse osmosis (RO) is the leading technology to address the challenge of water scarcity through desalination and potable reuse of wastewater, current RO membranes still fall short in rejecting certain harmful constituents from seawater (e.g., boron) and wastewater (e.g., N-nitrosodimethylamine, or NDMA). In this study, we develop an ultra-selective polyamide (PA) membrane via enhancing interfacial polymerization using amphiphilic metal-organic framework (MOF) nanoflakes. In this process, MOF nanoflakes horizontally aligned at the water/hexane interface to accelerate the transport of diamine monomers across the interface and conserve gas bubbles and heat of reaction near the interface. These mechanisms synergistically led to the formation of a crumpled PA nanofilm with an ultrathin intrinsic thickness of ~ 5 nm and a high cross-linking degree of ~ 97%. The resulting PA membrane delivered excellent desalination performance that is beyond the existing upper-bound of perm-selectivity, and exhibited very high rejection (> 90%) of boron and NDMA unmatched by state-of-the-art RO membranes.
Failure threats of insurance companies: A case study of financial environments of Jordan
Authors: Mohammad Salameh Hussein
Published: August 2021

Insurance firms are known to have unique financial failure characteristics that affect the financial environment of the countries. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to assess the validity of the model used in predicting the financial failures of insurance companies. The model is believed to help in stabilizing the financial environment of the countries by predicting any collapses in the insurance sector. A discriminate regression technique was used to test 28 indicators chosen from 11 financial failure model parameters. 11 parameters of the model are the following: solvency, profitability, operational capabilities, structural soundness, capital expansion capacity, capital adequacy, reinsurance and actuarial issues, management soundness, capital expansion capacity, earnings and profitability, and liquidity. The results of the study proved that 22 variables from 11 parameters were significant; the study also validated the use of the financial failure model as a stable predictor of the financial failure of ASE insurance firms. The stability of the insurance industry is interpreted through the minimum deviation between the real and measured performances. The deviation was present in 3 out of 95 observations, and it affected only 3 firms out of 19, 1 firm out of 3 turned out to be affected by the risker deviation which is the type II error distorted observation. To conclude, the study by mentioning that insurance firms are not threatened by failure or distress and the financial failure model is a valid prediction model.
Serological survey of epizootic hemorrhagic disease in European bison in Poland in 2017-2018
Authors: DIDKOWSKA ANNA , PTAK MARCIN , OPAŁCZYŃSKA KATARZYNA , ORŁOWSKA BLANKA , GAŁĄZKA MARTA , OLECH WANDA , ANUSZ KRZYSZTOF
Published: August 2021

The European bison (Bison bonasus) is an endangered species whose restitution requires systematic health monitoring. The most practical way to test clinical material from large wildlife is by serological methods. Recently, the most serious health hazard faced by the European bison population was tuberculosis. However, climate change and globalization have resulted in the arrival of more exotic diseases, one of which is epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD), caused by the epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus (EHDV). EHD is an arthropodtransmitted viral disease noted mainly in ungulates, especially ruminants. Clinical signs vary depending on the virus serotype and host. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of EHD in European bison by serological testing for antibodies to EHDV. Serum samples were collected from 90 European bison living in different regions of Poland and tested with PrioCHECK™ EHDV Ab Serum Kit (Thermofisher, US). One of the bison (from the Knyszyńska Forest) had a positive result. It cannot be excluded, however, that the result was a false positive. There is a need for further EHDV serology monitoring in European bison and other wildlife, particularly in the Knyszyńska Forest.
Possible effect of thymoquinone on mast cell number and chymase, IL-4, IFN-γ expression in rat spleen
Authors: ERTUĞRUL TUĞRUL , TUTUNCU ŞERIFE , OZDEMIR BENGUL , DELICE NURCAN
Published: August 2021

Thymoquinone (TQ) has been widely used in traditional medicine for the treatment of many diseases, to support the circulatory and immune system and to protect general health. Moreover, it is used as a nutritional supplement for preventive and therapeutic purposes in the respiratory, digestive and urinary systems. Secretion granules in the cytoplasm of mast cells contain primary mediators such as histamine, neutral proteases such as tryptase and chymase, and cytokines such as interleukin-4 (IL-4) and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ). 35 Sprague Dawley adult female rats were used as the study material. The rats were randomly assigned to five groups. First group: 1 ml/kg dose and second group: 2 ml/kg dose of TQ prepared at 1/1 (v/v) of ethanol and saline was intraperitoneally injected regularly in the rats daily for 42 days. Third group: 10 mg/kg dose and fourth group: 20 mg/kg dose of TQ was administered orally with the aid of a gavage probe. Fifth group was the control group in which no intervention was made. The lowest number of mast cells was detected in the group administered TQ at a dose of 20 mg/kg by oral gavage. It was determined that the numbers of mast cells in the control group and the group treated with TQ at a dose of 1 ml/kg intraperitoneally were close to each other. It was concluded that the increase or decrease between groups in the distribution of mast cells, chymase, IL-4, and IFN-γ cytokine expression may be partially effected in the spleen tissue by substances such as TQ.
Las estrategias de campaña ‘online’ de los partidos y candidatos políticos
Authors: Dader José Luis
Published: August 2021

El activismo digital y la analítica de datos aplicados en las elecciones presidenciales estadounidenses de 2008, 2012 y 2016 han consolidado la “gestión computacional de campañas” como un recurso estratégico que implica un cambio de paradigma en la concepción de la comunicación política electoral. La incorporación de esas mismas herramientas y prácticas de movilización y búsqueda del voto a los comicios nacionales españoles de 2015 y 2016 demuestra que la campaña ‘online’ también adquiere un rol creciente en otras democracias de desarrollo tecnopolítico todavía menor. Los principales cambios del nuevo paradigma son: la microsegmentación y geolocalización de sectores muy particularizados de electores para el posterior envío de mensajes ajustados a cada microperfil, el papel decisivo de los simpatizantes como intermediarios del contacto electoral en una “influencia en dos pasos digital” y la generación por los grupos políticos de un discurso llamativo para las redes sociales con el objetivo de esquivar su dependencia ante los hegemónicos medios de comunicación de masas. Entre las transformaciones más profundas que se perciben se identifica el “tecnocabildeo”, o práctica del clientelismo propio de los pequeños grupos, las comunidades primitivas y el siglo XIX, a través de herramientas del siglo XXI.
The challenges of predicting pipe failures in clean water networks: a view from current practice
Authors: Barton N. A. , Hallett S. H. , Jude S. R.
Published: August 2021

Pipe failure models can aid proactive management decisions and help target pipes in need of preventative repair or replacement. Yet, there are several uncertainties and challenges that arise when developing models, resulting in discord between failure predictions and those observed in the field. This paper aims to raise awareness of the main challenges, uncertainties, and potential advances discussed in key themes, supported by a series of semi-structured interviews undertaken with water professionals. The main discussion topics include data management, data limitations, pre-processing difficulties, model scalability and future opportunities and challenges. Improving data quality and quantity is key in improving pipe failure models. Technological advances in the collection of continuous real-time data from ubiquitous smart networks offer opportunities to improve data collection, whilst machine learning and data analytics methods offer a chance to improve future predictions. In some instances, technological approaches may provide better solutions to tackling short term proactive management. Yet, there remains an opportunity for pipe failure models to provide valuable insights for long-term rehabilitation and replacement planning.
Dual Inhibition of Parasitic Targets: A Valuable Strategy to Treat
Malaria and Neglected Tropical Diseases
Authors: Previti Santo , Di Chio Carla , Ettari Roberta , Zappalà Maria
Published: August 2021

:

Despite the countless efforts made in the last decades, malaria and neglected
tropical diseases remain a high-impact health problem in developing countries. Malaria is
one of the most severe parasitic diseases, with over 200 million cases and 400,000 deaths
in 2019. Parasitic diseases caused by trypanosomatidae, namely Human African Trypanosomiasis,
Chagas disease, and leishmaniasis, register the highest rates of mortality
amongst all the neglected tropical diseases. In this scenario, chemotherapy remains the
first strategy, which aims to control and eliminate these diseases. However, the use of
outdated, unsafe, and poorly effective drugs, together with the onset of resistance,
prompted the researchers to identify new and valid targets. The innovative idea, aimed at
the development of multi-target ligands addressing two different targets playing key roles
in parasite survival, could represent a valuable strategy. Thanks to this approach, the wellknown
limitations characterizing the antiparasitic drugs, such as toxicity, rapid resistance
onset and narrow spectrum of action, could be overcome. In this review, we now describe
the most recent multi-target ligands endowed with antiparasitic effects reported in the literature,
focusing our attention on their binding with the targets, inhibitory activities, and
potential therapeutic applications.
PCSK9 and Inflammation: Their Role in Autoimmune Diseases, with
a Focus on Rheumatoid Arthritis and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Ministrini Stefano , Carbone Federico
Published: August 2021

Despite a clear epidemiological link between autoimmune disease and cardiovascular
(CV) risk exists, pathophysiological explanations are extremely complex and far
from being elucidated. Dysregulation of metabolic pathways and chronic low-grade inflammation
represent common pathways, but CV risk still remains underestimated in patients
with autoimmune diseases. Among different candidate mediators, pro-protein convertase
subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) is attracting growing attention, due to a combined
effect on lipid metabolism and inflammatory response. Studies on PCSK9 inhibitors have
established a clear benefit on CV outcome without an established effect on inflammation.
Conversely, evidence from sepsis and HIV infection strongly supports a pro-inflammatory
role of PCSK9. Still, the role of PCSK9 in autoimmune diseases is uncertain. So far, reported
clinical findings are controversial and likely reflect the poor knowledge of PCSK9
activity on monocyte/macrophage migration and activation. The complex signaling network
around PCSK9 synthesis and metabolism may also have a role, especially concerning
the involvement of scavenger receptors, such as CD36. Such complexity in PCSK9
signaling seems particularly evident in autoimmune disease model. This would also potentially
explain the observed independency between lipid profile and PCSK9 levels, the
so-called “lipid paradox”. In this narrative review, we will summarize the current
knowledge about the complex network of PCSK9 signaling. We will focus on upstream
and downstream pathways with potential implication in autoimmune disease and potential
effects of PCSK9 inhibiting strategies.
Another Look at Dietary Polyphenols: Challenges in Cancer Prevention
and Treatment
Authors: Arrigoni Roberto , Ballini Andrea , Santacroce Luigi , Cantore Stefania , Inchingolo Angelo , Inchingolo Francesco , Di Domenico Marina , Quagliuolo Lucio , Boccellino Mariarosaria
Published: August 2021

Cancer is a pathology that impacts in a profound manner all over the world.
The election strategy against cancer often uses chemotherapy and radiotherapy, which,
more often than not, can present many side effects and are not always considered reliable
efficacy. By contrast, it is widely known that a diet rich in fruit and vegetables has a protective
effect against cancer insurgence and development. Polyphenols are generally believed
to be responsible for those beneficial actions, at least partially. In this review, we
highlight the metabolic interaction between polyphenols and our metabolism and discuss
their potential for anticancer prevention and therapy.
Recent Advances in Lung Cancer Therapy Based on Nanomaterials: A
Review
Authors: Gholami Leila , Ivari Jalil Rouhani , Nasab Niloofar Khandan , Oskuee Reza Kazemi , Sathyapalan Thozhukat , Sahebkar Amirhossein
Published: August 2021

Lung cancer is one of the commonest cancers with a significant mortality rate
for both genders, particularly in men. Lung cancer is recognized as one of the leading
causes of death worldwide, which threatens the lives of over 1.6 million people every day.
Although cancer is the leading cause of death in industrialized countries, conventional anticancer
medications are unlikely to increase patients' life expectancy and quality of life
significantly. In recent years, there are significant advances in the development and applications
of nanotechnology in cancer treatment. The superiority of nanostructured approaches
is that they act more selectively than traditional agents. This progress led to the
development of a novel field of cancer treatment known as nanomedicine. Various formulations
based on nanocarriers, including lipids, polymers, liposomes, nanoparticles and
dendrimers have opened new horizons in lung cancer therapy. The application and expansion
of nano-agents lead to an exciting and challenging research era in pharmaceutical
science, especially for the delivery of emerging anti-cancer agents. The objective of this
review is to discuss the recent advances in three types of nanoparticle formulations for
lung cancer treatments modalities, including liposomes, polymeric micelles, and dendrimers
for efficient drug delivery. Afterward, we have summarized the promising clinical
data on nanomaterials based therapeutic approaches in ongoing clinical studies.
When you are talking to yourself, is anybody listening? The relationship between inner speech, self-awareness, wellbeing, and multiple aspects of self-regulation
Authors: Verhaeghen Paul , Mirabito Grazia
Published: August 2021

This correlational study of 433 adults (260 college students and 173 Mechanical-Turk workers) examined how the selfreported functions and experienced phenomenology of habitual inner speech (action guidance, problem solving/search, memory/attention regulation, emotion regulation, evaluate/motivate, other voices, inner dialogue, condensed speech) relate to self-awareness (self-reflection and controlled sense-of-self in the moment), potentially influence high-level aspects of self-regulation (self-preoccupation, self-compassion, wisdom, and the moral foundations of individualizing and binding), and psychological wellbeing. Hierarchical regression analysis revealed partial and mutual mediation between inner speech variables and self-awareness variables. Self-awareness was more consistently associated with self-regulation. The only inner speech variables associated with self-regulation in a beneficial way were memory/attention regulation (for wisdom about the self and the individualizing moral foundation) and evaluate/motivate (for the binding moral foundation). These findings suggest that, with the exception just described, inner speech (with the present dependent variables, and in adults) is easiest understood as an epiphenomenon.
Isolated primary Hydatid cyst of kidney: A case report of asymptomatic patient
Authors: Gavit Sangita M. , Ahirrao Bhagyashri M. , Ahirrao Mahesh H. , Dravid Nandkumar V.
Published: August 2021

We report an isolated primary hydatid cyst of kidney in a pregnant asymptomatic woman. We also present salient diagnostic feature of asymptomatic patients of hydatid cyst.
Первопринципные расчеты магнитной анизотропии пленок Fe и Co, разделенных прослойкой немагнитных металлов
Authors: Мамонова М.В. , Макеев М.Ю. , Калинин Д.С. , Зенова А.А.
Published: August 2021

This paper presents the results of numerical calculations of the magnetic characteristics of Co and Fe monolayer films on Cu and Pt surfaces using the VASP software package. The values ​​of the difference between the total energies of the antiferromagnetic and ferromagnetic configurations are calculated depending on the convergence parameters and the thickness of the nonmagnetic material. The values ​​of the magnetic anisotropy and magnetic moment of atoms in the structures of Co / Cu / Co, Fe / Pt / Fe, Co / Pt / Co, Pt / Co / Cu / Co / Pt are determined depending on the orientation of the surface face. For the (110) and (111) faces, the phenomenon of reorientation in the Co / Cu / Co structure is confirmed, when the anisotropy of the cobalt films parallel to the surface plane is replaced by the perpendicular anisotropy due to the introduction of an ultrathin platinum film into the structure.
Влияние структурного состояния и оксидного покрытия на механостабильность титана ВТ1-0 при его циклическом нагружении
Authors: Бетехтин В.И. , Кадомцев А.Г. , Нарыкова М.В. , Амосова О.В. , Колобов Ю.Р. , Sklenicka V. , Dvorak J.
Published: August 2021

It was found that the fatigue properties of submicrocrystalline titanium are significantly higher than those for its coarse-grained state. The application of the oxide coating leads to a slight increase in these properties for titanium with a submicrocrystalline and coarse-grained structure. Some features of fatigue fracture of submicrocrystalline and coarse-grained titanium are analyzed.
User Experience, Engagement, and Popularity in Mental Health Apps: Secondary Analysis of App Analytics and Expert App Reviews (Preprint)
Authors: Kaveladze Benjamin T , Wasil Akash R , Bunyi John B , Ramirez Veronica , Schueller Stephen M
Published: August 2021

BACKGROUND

User experience and engagement are critical elements of mental health apps’ abilities to support users. However, work examining the relationships among user experience, engagement, and popularity has been limited. Understanding how user experience relates to engagement with and popularity of mental health apps can demonstrate the relationship between subjective and objective measures of app use. In turn, this may inform efforts to develop more effective and appealing mental health apps and ensure that they reach wide audiences.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to examine the relationship among subjective measures of user experience, objective measures of popularity, and engagement in mental health apps.

METHODS

We conducted a preregistered secondary data analysis in a sample of 56 mental health apps. To measure user experience, we used expert ratings on the Mobile App Rating Scale (MARS) and consumer ratings from the Apple App Store and Google Play. To measure engagement, we acquired estimates of monthly active users (MAU) and user retention. To measure app popularity, we used download count, total app revenue, and MAU again.

RESULTS

MARS total score was moderately positively correlated with app-level revenue (Kendall rank [T]=0.30, P=.002), MAU (T=0.39, P<.001), and downloads (T=0.41, P<.001). However, the MARS total score and each of its subscales (Engagement, Functionality, Aesthetics, and Information) showed extremely small correlations with user retention 1, 7, and 30 days after downloading. Furthermore, the total MARS score only correlated with app store rating at T=0.12, which, at P=.20, did not meet our threshold for significance.

CONCLUSIONS

More popular mental health apps receive better ratings of user experience than less popular ones. However, user experience does not predict sustained engagement with mental health apps. Thus, mental health app developers and evaluators need to better understand user experience and engagement, as well as to define sustained engagement, what leads to it, and how to create products that achieve it. This understanding might be supported by better collaboration between industry and academic teams to advance a science of engagement.