bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Industrial Ecology and Knots Solid Waste of a Pulp Mill
Authors: Thiagoramos ThiagoSR , S. Santos Fernando , M. Ramos Hamilton
Published: November 2021

Os rejeitos de nós são inevitáveis durante a conversão da madeira em polpa dentro do digestor contínuo no processo kraft. No estágio de cozimento ocorre impregnação parcial e consequentemente perda de fibras, assim como danos ambientais. Este trabalho analisa a viabilidade da mistura dos nós com cavacos virgens na alimentação do digestor, aumentando a vida útil do aterro industrial, provendo ganho econômico e ambiental, com base nos princípios da ecologia industrial e produção mais limpa. O sistema de reuso proporcionou um ganho de 781.87 quilogramas por hora de fibras, demonstrando a viabilidade para o reuso dos nós.
Financial Performance of Telecommunication Sector Companies Before And During The Covid-19 Pandemic
Authors: Jauzaa Alifa , Hirawati Heni
Published: November 2021

This research aims to analyze the financial performance of telecommunications sektor companies judging from profitability ratios which unclude ROA, ROE, and NPM period  before and during the Covid-19 pandemi. Covid-19 has an impact on the weakening of various sektors of the economy. Nevertheless, there are still some sektors that are able togrow. One of them is the telecommunications sektor. The internet plays a big role in community activities that are generally carried out online, causing an increase in the performance of telecommuniciation issuers. The data used in this study is the financial statements of telecommunication companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange quarter 2 of 2019-quarter 1 of 2021 and analyzed using descriptive methods. The results showed that the financial performance of telecommunications sektor companies was guided by the average value of profitability ratios that include ROA, ROE, and NPM obtained results that during the covid-19 pandemi were first confirmed, overall, the average financial performance of telecommunications sektor companies has increased. Assesment with the analysis of Hotteling’s T2 test also provided results that there was no difference in financial performance in terms of the profitability ratio between before and during the covid-19 pandemi
Study on the Kinetics of a Special Particle Swarm
Authors: Guo Tao
Published: November 2021

For randomly-moving-particle swarm, the past researches only focused on its whole behavior and few people have studied the special particle swarm formed in it, which leading to the phenomenon and reasons for the spontaneous aggregation of particles in the special particle swarm being still unknown. For such a special particle swarm, we have previously studied the causes of its special relativity phenomenon. Here we show the causes of spontaneous aggregation of “randomly moving” particles. The diffusion kinetics of particles in a special circumstance (that is, in a moving reference frame $\mathcal{R}_u$ relative to the stationary reference frame $\mathcal{R}_0$) are studied theoretically. For the first time, the effects of the location aggregation and velocity direction aggregation of randomly moving particles on the diffusion coefficient are considered, and the corresponding generalized diffusion equation is deduced employing concise mathematical logic and Mathematica software.
Gravitational Fields and Gravitational Waves
Authors: Yuan Tony
Published: November 2021

The relative velocity between objects with ﬁnite velocity aﬀects the reaction between them. This eﬀect is known as general Doppler eﬀect. The Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO) discovered gravitational waves and found their speed to be equal to the speed of light c. Gravitational waves are generated following a disturbance in the gravitational ﬁeld; they aﬀect the gravitational force on an object. Just as light waves are subject to the Doppler eﬀect, so are gravitational waves. This article explores the following research questions concerning gravitational waves: What is the spatial distribution of gravitational waves? Can the speed of a gravitational wave represent the speed of the gravitational ﬁeld (the speed of the action of the gravitational ﬁeld upon the object)? What is the speed of the gravitational ﬁeld? Do gravitational waves caused by the revolution of the Sun aﬀect planetary precession? Can we modify Newton’s gravitational equation through the inﬂuence of gravitational waves?
Safety of Cerebrolysin for Neurorecovery After Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Twelve Randomized-Controlled Trials
Authors: Strilciuc Stefan , Vécsei László , Boering Dana , Pražnikar Aleš , Kaut Oliver , Riederer Peter , Battistin Leontino
Published: November 2021

We performed a systematic search and meta-analysis of available literature to determine the safety profile of Cerebrolysin in acute ischemic stroke, filling existing safety information gaps and inconsistent results. We searched EMBASE, PubMed and Cochrane Databases of Systematic Reviews and Clinical Trials up to the end of February 2021. Data collection and analysis was conducted using methods described in the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. All safety outcomes were analyzed based on risk ratios (RR) and their 95% confidence intervals. The meta-analysis pooled 2202 patients from twelve randomized clinical trials, registering non-statistically significant (p>0.05) differences between Cerebrolysin and placebo throughout main and subgroup analyses. The lowest rate of Serious Adverse Events (SAE), as compared to placebo, was observed for the highest dose of Cerebrolysin (50 mL), highlighting a moderate reduction (RR = 0.6). We observed a tendency of superiority of Cerebrolysin regarding SAE in high dose treatment courses for moderate-severe ischemic stroke, suggesting some effect of the agent against adverse events. This comprehensive safety meta-analysis confirms the safety profile for patients treated with Cerebrolysin after acute ischemic stroke, as compared to placebo.
Uncertainty, Complexity and Constraints: How do We Robustly Assess Biological Responses Under a Rapidly Changing Climate?
Authors: Rangwala Imtiaz , Moss Wynne , Wolken Jane , Rondeau Renee , Newlon Karen , Guinotte John , Travis William Riebsame
Published: November 2021

How robust is our assessment of impacts to ecosystems and species from a rapidly changing climate during the 21st century? We examine the challenges of uncertainty, complexity and constraints associated with applying climate projections to understanding future biological responses. This includes an evaluation of how to incorporate the uncertainty associated with different greenhouse gas emissions scenarios and climate models, and constraints of spatiotemporal scales and resolution of climate data into impact assessments. We describe the challenges of identifying relevant climate metrics for ecological models and evaluate the usefulness and limitations of different methodologies of applying climate change to both quantitative and qualitative ecological response models. We discuss the importance of incorporating extreme climate events and their stochastic tendencies in assessing ecological impacts and transformation, and provide recommendations for better integration of complex climate-ecological interactions at relevant spatiotemporal scales. We further recognize the compounding nature of uncertainty when accounting for our limited understanding of the interactions between climate and biological processes. Given the inherent complexity in ecological processes and their interactions with climate, we recommend integrating quantitative modeling with expert elicitation from diverse disciplines and experiential understanding of recent climate-driven ecological processes to develop more robust understanding of ecological responses under different scenarios of future climate change. Inherently complex interactions between climate and biological systems also provide an opportunity to develop wide-ranging strategies that resource managers can employ to prepare for the future.
Time and Causality: A Thermocontextual Perspective
Authors: Crecraft Harrison
Published: November 2021

The Thermocontextual Interpretation (TCI) is proposed here as an alternative to existing interpretations of physical states and time. Prevailing interpretations are based on assumptions rooted in classical mechanics. Logical implications include the determinism and reversibility of change, and an immediate conflict. Determinism underlies causality, but causality implies a distinction between cause and effect and an arrow of time, conflicting with reversibility. Prevailing interpretations also fail to explain the empirical irreversibility of wavefunction collapse without untestable and untenable metaphysical implications. They fail to reconcile nonlocality and relativity without invoking superdeterminism or unexplained superluminal correlations. The Thermocontextual Interpretation defines a system’s state with respect to its actual surroundings at a positive ambient temperature. The TCI bridges existing physical interpretations and thermodynamics as special cases, which define states either with respect to an absolute-zero reference or with respect to a thermally equilibrated reference. The TCI defines system time as a complex property of state spanning both reversible mechanical time and irreversible thermodynamic time, and it distinguishes between system time and the reference time of relativity and causality, as measured by an observer’s clock. And, the TCI provides a physical explanation for nonlocality, consistent with relativity, without hidden variables, superdeterminism, or “spooky action.”
Cancer Diagnosis of Microscopic Biopsy Images Using Social Spider Optimization Tuned Neural Network
Authors: Balaji Prasanalakshmi , Chidambaram Kumarappan
Published: November 2021

One of the most dangerous diseases that threaten people is Cancer. Cancer if diagnosed in earlier stages can be eradicated with its life threatening consequences. In addition, accuracy in prediction plays a major role. Hence, developing a reliable model that contributes much towards the medical community in early diagnosis of Biopsy images with perfect accuracy come to the scenario. The article aims towards development of better predictive models using multi-variate data and high-resolution diagnostic tools in clinical cancer research. This paper proposes the social spider optimization (SSO) algorithm tuned neural network to classify microscopic biopsy images of cancer. The significance of the proposed model relies on the effective tuning of the weights of the NN classifier by the SSO algorithm. The performance of the proposed strategy is analysed with the performance metrics, such as accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and MCC measures, and are attained to be 95.9181%, 94.2515%, 97.125%, and 97.68% respectively, which shows the effectiveness of the proposed method in effective cancer disease diagnosis.
P22 Phage Shows Promising Antibacterial Activity Under Pathophysiological Conditions
Authors: Gildea Logan , Ayariga Joseph , Villafane Robert
Published: November 2021

The prevalence of multidrug resistant bacterial diseases is a major global health risk. Multidrug resistant bacterial diseases are prevalent, and the need for novel methods of treatment is essential to the preservation of public health. Annually foodborne pathogens cause 1.35 million infections and 26,500 hospitalizations in the United States alone. Foodborne pathogens such as Salmonella spp. are a major threat to public health. Bacteriophages offer a unique method for the treatment of these multidrug resistant bacteria. We studied the infection dynamics of a potential mono-phage therapy of Salmonella typhimurium under various pathophysiological conditions. Furthermore, we determined the resistance dynamics of Salmonella typhimurium against P22 phage treatment. We also determined synergy with antibiotics such as ampicillin and kanamycin. This research helps to further define and show the versatility of bacteriophages as potential novel treatment methods.
Hydrogen Delocalization in an Asymmetric Biomolecule: The Curious Case of alpha-Fenchol
Authors: Medel Robert , Springborn Johann R. , Crittenden Deborah L. , Suhm Martin A.
Published: November 2021

Rotational microwave jet spectroscopy studies of the monoterpenol α-fenchol have so far failed to identify its second expected torsional conformer, despite computational predictions that it is only very slightly higher in energy than the most stable conformer. Vibrational FTIR and Raman jet spectroscopy investigations reveal unusually complex OH and OD stretching spectra compared to other alcohols. Via modelling of the torsional states, observed spectral splittings are explained by delocalization of the hydroxy hydrogen atom through quantum tunneling between the two non-equivalent but accidentally near-degenerate conformers separated by a low and narrow barrier. The energy differences between the torsional states are determined to be only 16(1) and 7(1) cm$^{−1}hc$ for the protiated and deuterated alcohol, respectively, which further shrink to 9(1) and 3(1) cm$^{−1}hc$ upon OH or OD stretch excitation. Comparisons are made with the more strongly asymmetric monoterpenols borneol and isopinocampheol as well as with the symmetric, rapidly tunneling propargyl alcohol. Assigned are also for α-fenchol the third – in contrast localized – torsional conformer and the most stable dimer, as well as for propargyl alcohol the two most stable dimers.
Changes of Dynamics in Local Productive Systems Based on the Iberian Pig Transformation Industry in Western Sierra Morena (Spain)
Authors: Pizarro-Gómez Antonio , Šadeikaitė Giedrė , García-Delgado F. Javier
Published: November 2021

Local Productive Systems (hereinafter LPS) based on agro-food industries constitute alternative models of development in peripheral rural areas that are subject to internal and external dynamics and processes. The main objective of the research is to investigate the processes and their consequences on four SPLs based on the Iberian Pig Transformation Industry (hereinafter LPS-IPTI) in SW Spain: Fregenal de la Sierra, Higuera la Real, Cumbres Mayores and Jabugo. Using secondary data, a comparison is made between 2002 and 2020 to establish the changes, causes and consequences on the LPS-IPTI studied. The results obtained indicate (1) business and territorial concentration of LPS-IPTI; (2) productive and territorial specialisation in standardised products and quality products; (3) simplification of industrial processes; (4) loss of employment, especially female; (5) external control of companies in the sector which, accordingly, results in the loss of prominence of local actors in favour of foreign companies, reduced social capital and the progressive loss of ownership of the LPS.
First Observation of Unicellular Organisms Concentrating Arsenic in ACC Intracellular Inclusions
Authors: Martignier Agathe , Filella Montserrat , Jaquet Jean-Michel , Coster Mathieu , Ariztegui Daniel
Published: November 2021

In unicellular organisms, intracellular inclusions of amorphous calcium carbonate (ACC) have been initially described in cyanobacteria and, later, in unicellular eukaryotes of Lake Geneva (Switzerland/France). Inclusions in unicellular eukaryotes ‒named micropearls‒ consist of hydrated ACCs, frequently enriched in Sr or Ba, displaying internal oscillatory zonations due to variations in the Ba:Ca or Sr:Ca ratios. The analysis of our database consisting of 1597 micropearl analyses from Lake Geneva and 34 from Lake Titicaca (Bolivia/Peru) has shown that a certain number of Sr and Ba-enriched micropearls from these lakes contain As in amounts measurable by EDXS. A Q-mode statistical analysis has confirmed the existence of five geochemically distinct morpho-chemical groups of As-bearing micropearls, among which a new category identified in Lake Geneva, where As is often associated with Mg. This new type of micropearl is possibly produced in a small (7-12 m size) bi-flagellated organism. Micropearls from Lake Titicaca, which contain Sr, are found in an organism very similar to Tetraselmis cordiformis, observed in Lake Geneva. Lake Titicaca micropearls contain higher As concentrations which can be explained by the high As concentration in the water of this lake. The ubiquity of the biomineralization process observed points to the need for better understanding of the role of amorphous or crystalline calcium carbonates in As cycling in surface waters.
Bounding Greybody and Deflection Angle of Improved Schwarzschild Black Hole
Authors: Javed Wajiha , Aqib Muhammad , Övgün Ali
Published: November 2021

We explore the deflection angle in the framework of improved Schwarzschild Black hole utilizing the most advance geometrical path adopted by Gibbon-Werner. To investigate deflection angle of the photon ray by weak gravitational lensing for this black hole, we derive the optical curvature and perform the application of Gauss-Bonnet theorem on the optical metric. Moreover, we study the impacts of the plasma medium in context of the weak gravitational lensing in relate to this black hole. Further, we also study the graphical analysis of the deflection angle in both the plasma and non-plasma mediums. Also, we find the rigorous bound base upon the greybody factor for improved Schwarzschild black hole. A while later, we contrast our conclusions about deflection angle with the deflection angles of Schwarzschild black hole within plasma and non-plasma mediums.
A multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase ii trial of intravenous inflammasome inhibitor (NuSepin) for the treatment of COVID-19 patients
Authors: Seong Seung-Yong , Lee Seunghwa
Published: November 2021

Purpose

Here we evaluated whether a novel inflammasome inhibitor targeting GPCR19 (NuSepin) provides greater benefit than placebo in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia.
Methods

We conducted a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled phase ii trial of intravenous NuSepin, which is an NLRP3 inflammasome inhibitor targeting GPCR19, in adults who were hospitalized with COVID-19 pneumoniae in Romania from September 2020 to March 2021. The primary outcome was the time to clinical improvement, defined as a decline of two ordinal scales (OS) from randomization on a six-category OS that ranges from 1 (discharged with normal activity) to 6 (death) (=TTCI_P). In addition, clinical improvement was also assessed by aggregated National Early Warning Score 2 (NEWS2), and TTCI_S was defined by time to NEWS2=0 from randomization, which is maintained for 24 h.
Results

TTCI_P was different between groups numerically, but not statistically. The median difference in TTCI_S was 3.5 d between the NuSepin group and the placebo group (p = 0.016) in moderate-to-severe patients (with baseline NEWS2 ≥ 5) of the PP set [recovery rate ratio = 2.7, p = 0.02], which favored improved recovery in the NuSepin group. The overall recovery rate ratio was 3.4, which favors the NuSepin group in terms of recovery rate (p = 0.0026) when the effects of covariates (use of anti-viral drugs and baseline NEWS2 ≥ 5) were adjusted. Serious adverse events were reported in a patient who received 0.2 mg/kg NuSepin (4.5%), but this was found to be unrelated to NuSepin treatment.
Conclusion

Considering that NuSepin has a favorable and tolerable safety profile, clinical improvement of hospitalized moderate-to-severe patients might be achieved with 0.2 mg/kg NuSepin significantly faster than placebo.
Cardiac and Other Presentation and Clinical Outcomes of COVID-19 Pandemic among Different Ethnic and Religious Populations in The City of Jerusalem
Authors: Asher Elad , Samuel Tal , Yagel Oren , Wolak Arik , Farkash Rivka , Durst Ronen , Ben-Chetrit Eli , Helviz Yigal , Tvito Ariella , Nir-Paz Ran , Amir Offer , Glikson Michael
Published: November 2021

Background: The COVID‑19 pandemic is an ongoing global pandemic. Jerusalem with its 919,400 inhabitants has a wide variety of populations, of which 62% are Jews (36% ultra-orthodox; 64% non-ultraorthodox) and 38% Arabs which were largely affected by the pandemic. The aim of our study was to understand the different presentations, course and clinical outcomes in these different ethnical and cultural groups in Jerusalem in the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: We performed a cohort study of all COVID-19 patients admitted between March 9 - July 16, 2020 to the two university medical centers in Jerusalem. Patients were divided according to their religion and ethnicity into 3 main groups: 1) Ultra-Orthodox Jews; 2) other (non-Ultra-Orthodox) Jews and 3) Arabs. Results: Six hundred and two patients comprised the study population. Of them the 361 (60%) were Ultra-Orthodox Jews; 166 (27.5%) non-Ultra-Orthodox Jews and 75 (12.5%) Arabs. The Arab patients were younger than the Ultra-Orthodox Jews and the non-Ultra-Orthodox Jews (51±18 year-old vs. 57±21 and 59±19, respectively, p<0.01), but suffered from significantly more co-morbidities. Moreover, hemodynamic shock, ischemic ECG changes and pathological chest x-ray were all more frequent in the Ultra-Orthodox patients as compared the other groups of patients. Being an Ultra-Orthodox was independently associated with significantly higher rate of Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events (MACE) [OR=1.96; 95% CI (1.03-3.71), p<0.05]. Age was the only independent risk factor associated with increased mortality rate [OR=1.10; 95% CI (1.07 - 1.13), p<0.001]. Conclusions: The COVID-19 first phase in Jerusalem, affected different ethnical and cultural groups differently, with the Ultra-Orthodox Jews mostly affected by admission rates, presenting symptoms clinical course and MACE (Acute coronary syndrome, shock, cerebrovascular event or venous thromboembolism). It is conceivable that vulnerable populations need special attention and health planning in time of pandemic, to prevent rapid distribution and severe morbidity.
Performance of a Novel Risk Model for Deep Sternal Wound Infection after Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting
Authors: Orlandi Bianca Maria Maglia , Mejia Omar Asdrubal Vilca , Sorio Jennifer Loría , Silva Pedro Barros e , Oliveira Marco Antonio Praça , Nakazone Marcelo Arruda , Tiveron Marcos Gradim , Campagnucci Valquíria Pelliser , Lisboa Luiz Augusto Ferreira , Zubelli Jorge , Normand Sharon-Lise , Jatene Fabio Biscegli
Published: November 2021

Clinical prediction models for deep sternal wound infections (DSWI) after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery exist, although they have a poor impact in external validation studies. We developed and validated a new predictive model for 30-day DSWI after CABG (REPINF) and compared it with the Society of Thoracic Surgeons model (STS). The REPINF model was created through a multicenter cohort of adults undergoing CABG surgery (REPLICCAR II Study) database, using least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) logistic regression, internally and externally validated comparing discrimination, calibration in-the-large (CL), net reclassification improvement (NRI) and integrated discrimination improvement (IDI), trained between the new model and the STS PredDeep, a validated model for DSWI after cardiac surgery. In the validation data, c-index = 0.83 (95% CI 0.72–0.95). Compared to the STS PredDeep, predictions improved by 6.5% (IDI). However, both STS and REPINF had limited calibration. Different populations require independent scoring systems to achieve the best predictive effect. As the STS, the REPINF external validation across multiple centers it’s important to guide healthcare professionals as a quality improvement tool in the prevention of DSWI after CABG surgery.
Bioconversion of Crude Glycerol to Hydrogen and Methane in Three-Stage Horizontal Anaerobic Fixed-Bed Reactors (HARFB)
Authors: Adames Luan Vieira , Jacobus Ana Paula , Sakamoto Isabel , Lázaro Carolina Zampol , Pires Lorena Oliveira , Maintinguer Sandra Imaculada
Published: November 2021

The anaerobic conversion of residual glycerol from biodiesel production is an excellent option for producing clean energy at a low cost. Crude glycerol (CG) is an excellent carbon source for microorganisms in Anaerobic Digestion (AD) process; however, it is a nutrient-limited waste. On the other hand, domestic Sewage (DS) is wastewater containing macronutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorus. Therefore, feeding bioreactors with a blend of both wastes is an exciting approach. The objective of this study was to operate a system consisting of three horizontal anaerobic series reactors (HARFB) with fixed bed (R1, R2, and R3), fed with a mixture of crude glycerol and domestic sewage to evaluate the start-up strategy and best organic loading rate (OLR) to improve biogas production (H2 e CH4) as well as to analyze the dynamic changes in the anaerobic microbial consortium during the operation of the HARFB. The highest hydrogen generation was 10.3 moles H2 (m3 d-1) in reactor R1, and the highest methane yield was 312.0 and 283.9 L CH4 (m3 d-1) in R2 and R3, respectively. The three-stage system showed high efficiency in removing crude glycerol and Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), with consumptions of 99.9%. In addition, there was a change in the relative abundance of microorganisms amongst R1, R2, and R3 and a considerable decrease in the diversity index in the fermentation reactor (R1). The results have shown the potential of applying HARFB reactors for energy recovery and alternative waste disposal.
Efficacy of Early Respiratory Physiotherapy and Mobilization After on-pump Cardiac Surgery: a Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Afxonidis Georgios , Moysidis Dimitrios V. , Papazoglou Andreas S. , Tsagkaris Christos , Loudovikou Anna , Tagarakis Georgios , Karapanagiotidis Georgios T. , Alexiou Ioannis A. , Foroulis Christoforos , Anastasiadis Kyriakos
Published: November 2021

Objective: This randomized controlled trial aimed to investigate the influence of physical activity and respiratory physiotherapy on zero postoperative day on clinical, hemodynamic and respiratory parameters of patients undergoing cardiac surgeries under extracorporeal circulation.Methods: 78 patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) or/and valvular heart disease surgeries were randomly assigned into active physiotherapy group (APG; n=39) and conventional physiotherapy group (CPG; n=39). Treatment protocol for APG included ≤3 Mets of physical activity and respiratory physiotherapy on zero post-operative day and an extra physiotherapy session during the first three post-operative days, whereas CPG was treated with usual physiotherapy care after the first post-operative day. The length of hospital and intensive care unit (ICU) stay were set as the primary study outcomes, while pre- and post-intervention measurements were also performed to assess the oxymetric and hemodynamic influence of early mobilization and physiotherapy. Results: Participants’ mean age was 51.86 ±13.76 years. Of them 48 (61.5%) underwent CABG. Baseline and peri-procedural characteristics did not differ between the 2 groups. The total duration of hospital and ICU stay were significantly higher in the CPG compared to the APG (8.1±0.4 versus 10.2±0.6 days and 32.1±1.7 versus 23.2±0.6 hours, p<0.001, respectively). Statistically significant differences in pre-intervention oxygen saturation, and post-intervention PO2 and lactate levels were also observed between the 2 groups (p=0.022, 0.027 and 0.001, respectively). Conclusion: In on-pump cardiac surgery, early and active post-procedural physical activity (≤3 METS) can prevent prolonged ICU stay and decrease the duration of hospitalization whilst ameliorating post-operative hemodynamic and oxymetric parameters.
Gene Co-Expression Network Characterizing Microenvironmental Heterogeneity and Intercellular Communication in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma: Implications of Prognostic Significance and Therapeutic Target
Authors: Wu Chengsi , Liu Yizhen , Cai Kun , Tao Li , Wei Dianhui , Jing Tiantian , Wang Boshi
Published: November 2021

Background: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is characterized by intensive stroma involvement and heterogeneity. Pancreatic cancer cells interplay with surrounding tumor micro-environment (TME), leading to exacerbated tumorigenesis, dismal prognosis and tenacious therapy resistance. Herein, we aim to ascertain a gene-network indicative of vicious features of TME, then find a vulnerability for pancreatic cancer. Methods: Single cell RNA sequencing data was processed by Seurat package, retrieving the cell component marker genes (CCMGs). Correlation networks/modules of CCMGs were determined by WGCNA algorithm in a combined PDAC mRNA expression dataset. The gene modules that statistically associate with prognosis were chosen for classifying TME subgroups, constructing neural network and designing the risk score system. Cell-cell communication analysis was achieved by NATMI software. The tumor suppressive effect of ITGA2 inhibitor was evaluated in vivo by using a KrasG12D-driven murine pancreatic cancer model. Results: WGCNA analysis categorized cell component marker genes into eight co-expression networks. From gene modules with the maximum and minimum hazard ratio, we stratify PDAC samples based on TME gene patterns, resulting in two main TME subclasses with contrasting survival periods. Furthermore, we generated a neural network model and a risk score model which robustly predict prognosis and therapeutic outcomes. The hub genes in both gene modules were also gathered for functional enrichment analysis, elucidating a crucial role of cell communication-mediating integrins in TME associated PDAC malignancy. To perform a confirmatory experiment underpinning the significance of hub gene targeting, the mice with spontaneously developed pancreatic cancer were orally treated with an integrin inhibitor. The in vivo assays unraveled that pharmacologically inhibiting ITGA2 counteracts cancer-promoting micro-environment, and ameliorates pancreatic lesions. Conclusions: By recapitulating gene-network across various cell types, we exploited novel PDAC prognosis-predicting strategies. Medically interfering ITGA2, a key factor guiding cellular reciprocal interaction, attenuated tumor development. These findings may open new avenue about PDAC targeting therapy.
Zinc Borate Composites Based on Recycled PVC Wastes Via Comparing Melt Mixing and Casting Procedures Under the Effect of Electron Beam Irradiation
Authors: Fathy E.S. , Elnaggar Mona , Raslan Heba A. , Hassan Medhat M.
Published: November 2021

With the remarkable increase in whether heat in many countries, many scientific researchers aim to deal with this problem by developing polymeric materials that have good mechanical and thermal properties and are resistant to heat and fire. Polyvinyl chloride is used for decoration and construction materials. This article goals to the usage of waste polyvinyl chloride (WPVC) as based polymer composites containing zinc borate particles (ZnB) prepared via two different techniques equipped by melt mixing WPVC/ZnB (M) and casting WPVC/ZnB (C). The fabricated composites by the two methods were irradiated in an electron beam accelerator (EB) at 30 kGy. A comparative study of the mechanical, and thermal properties, as well as the rate of heat burning for the two methods, has been performed. Furthermore, activation energy calculation, FTIR, and XRD have been considered. The observed improvement in the mechanical, thermal, and flammability behavior of the samples was reached by the incorporation of ZnB particles and EB irradiation. Also, composites films prepared by melt mixing reveal superior properties than those equipped by casting for the most investigated factors.
Melatonin differences between day and night milk in primiparous holstein friesian and jersey dairy cattle
Authors: Boztepe Saim , KESKIN İsmail , SEMACAN Ahmet , AKYUREK Fikret , AYTEKIN İbrahim , SAHIN Ozcan
Published: November 2021

This study was conducted to determine the levels of melatonin in the day and night milk of Holstein and Jersey cows. In the study, samples of daytime milk produced from 27 head of Holstein and 27 head of Jersey cows in the first lactation, which were raised in a private dairy cattle enterprise in the Kaşınhanı neighborhood of Meram district of Konya city Turkey, and night milk samples taken from the same cows that were blackened for one (1) week were used. Melatonin levels in milk samples taken from day and night milk were determined separately for Holstein and Jersey cows with the help of Bovine Melatonin (MLT) Elisa Kit. In the study, it was determined that the ratio of melatonin in day and night milk in Holstein cows was 2.912 pg/ml and 11.314 pg/ml, respectively, and the ratio of melatonin in Jersey cows was 2.924 pg/ml and 6.954 pg/ml in the same order. The difference between the melatonin levels of the day and night milk of Holstein and Jersey cows was found to be statistically significant (p<0.01). At the end of the study, it can be stated that night milk can be used for medical purposes and a new production source may arise for producers since there is a significant difference in melatonin between day and night milk.
Effect of N-cadherin on Chondrogenic Differentiation of Bone Marrow Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells through Wnt Signaling Pathway
Authors: Feng Qu , Xuezhen Shen , Haipeng Li , Jingbin Zhou , Bangtuo Yuan , Chunbao Li , Wei Qi , Liu Yujie , Mingzhu Zhang
Published: November 2021

Objective: To compare and analyze the effect of N-cadherin on chondrogenic differentiation of bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) and to explore the related mechanism, so as to provide a novel theoretical basis for the clinical work of articular cartilage injury regeneration and repair.Methods: The experimental animals were clean grade SD rats (aged 5-6 weeks, weighing 180-250g). Alcian blue staining was carried out to observe the induced chondrogenesis following N-cadherin inhibition. The specific role of N-cadherin in Wnt signaling pathway and chondrogenic differentiation of BMSCs was detected by Western blot; while the effect of N-cadherin on the molecular level changes of β-catenin in cytoplasm was evaluated by fluorescence quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). In addition, immunocoprecipitation (IP) was used for the verification of the interaction between N-cadherin and β-catenin.Results: Under the light microscope, 90% of the BMSCs at the third generation, 90% of the cells were fused. Alcian blue staining showed that the green staining area in BMP2 induction group was large and dense, while that in N-cadherin inhibition group and blank control group was small and sparse. Western blot revealed that N-cadherin and SOX9 were significantly developed in BMP2 induction group, but Wnt3a was not significantly developed. While in N-cadherin inhibition group, the development of Wnt3a was obvious, yet without evident development of N-cadherin and SOX9. qRT-PCR indicated that the relative mRNA expression of Wnt3a was significantly increased in N-cadherin inhibition group (P<0.05). However, no obvious difference was observed in the mRNA expression of β-catenin between BMP2 induction group and N-cadherin inhibition group (P>0.05). Western blot indicated that in BMP2 induction group, there existed the development of β-catenin, significant development of phos-GSK-3β and total GSK-3β, but no obvious development of Wnt3a. In N-cadherin inhibition group, there were significantly enhanced development of Wnt3a and β-catenin than that before, blurred development of phos-GSK-3β than that before, and also obvious development of total GSK-3β with little change from before. N-cadherin promoted the expression of β-catenin mostly in the cell membrane, but only a few in the cytoplasm and nucleus. Additionally, verification by IP showed that N-cadherin and β-catenin were developed on N-cadherin and β-catenin bands, suggesting an interaction between N-cadherin and β-catenin. Conclusion: To sum up, N-cadherin can inhibit Wnt signaling pathway by inhibiting hub factors of this pathway. Wnt signaling pathway can inhibit chondrogenic differentiation of BMSCs. Collectively, N-cadherin can ultimately promotes chondrogenic differentiation of BMSCs by inhibiting Wnt signaling pathway.
Risk Factors for Multiple Implant-Related Complications (MIRC) with Growing-Rod for Early-Onset Scoliosis
Authors: Jiang Haijun , Hai Junrui Jonathan , Hai Yong , Yin Peng , Su Qingjun , Zhou Lijin , Zhu Shiqi , Pan Aixing , Wang Yunsheng , Liu Ziyang
Published: November 2021

Study design: A retrospective single center study.Objective：To identify risk factors for multiple implant-related complications with growing-rod for early-onset scoliosis.Background: High incidence of implant-related complications in the treatment of early-onset scoliosis with traditional growing rod. The risk factors for multiple implant-related complications (MIRC) have not been adequately studied.Methods: Data of 59 early-onset scoliosis patients who had been underwent growing rod surgery at Beijing Chao-yang Hospital from September 2007 to December 2017 were reviewed. All patients had complete clinical and radiographic data. Patients were divided into groups with or without MIRC. The univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were performed to identify the risk factors associated MIRC.Results: The average age of insertion was 8.9 years and mean follow-up was 51.91 months. 234 implantation or expansion surgeries were performed and the average operation interval was 11.4 months. A total of 60 implant-related complications occurred. Ultimately, MIRC developed in 20 (33.9%) of 59 patients. Number of surgery procedure > 3 times , follow-up time ³50 months , preoperative thoracic kyphosis > 50°, postoperative thoracic kyphosis >50°, postoperative lumbar lordosis >50°, postoperative sagittal vertical axial >40mm are potential risk factors for MIRC (P<0.1). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that Number of surgery procedure > 3 times, postoperative thoracic kyphosis >50°, postoperative lumbar lordosis >50°are independent risk factors for MIFRC (P<0.05), Among them, patients with postoperative thoracic kyphosis >50°had an 18.647 times higher risk of MIFRC than postoperative thoracic kyphosis angle <50°.Conclusions: Traditional growing rod in the setting of EOS has excellent clinical and radiographic outcomes but a high multiple implant-related complications. Number of surgery procedure > 3 times, postoperative thoracic kyphosis >50°, postoperative lumbar lordosis >50° are independent risk factors for MIRC.
Liquid Biopsy Using Ascites and Pleural Effusion Supernatant for Genomic Profiling in Gastrointestinal and Lung Cancers
Authors: Wu Hui-Ta , Ji Hao-Nan , Yang Wen-Hui , Zhang Min , Guo Yi-Fang , Li Bang-Kai , Wang Jia-Yin , Chen Rong-Rong , Chen Yuan , Wang Xin
Published: November 2021

Background: Precision medicine highlights the importance of incorporating molecular genetic testing into standard clinical care. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) can detect cancer-specific gene mutations, and molecular targeted drugs can be designed to be effective for one or more specific gene mutations. For patients with special site metastasis, it is particularly important to use appropriate samples for genetic profiling test.Methods: Tissues, plasma, ascites (ASC) supernatants, pleural effusion (PE) samples from gastrointestinal (GI) patients with peritoneal metastasis and lung cancer patients with pleural metastasis were collected for comprehensive genomic profiling. The sample were performed on next-generation sequencing (NGS) using 59 or 1021 cancer-relevant genes panel. Results: The study enrolled 156 tissues, 188 plasma, 45 ascites supernatants, and 1 pleural effusion in 304 GI group and 446 pleural effusion supernatants, 122 tissues, 389 plasma, 45 pleural effusion sediments in 407 lung cancer group. The MSAF were significantly higher in ASC and PE supernatant than plasma ctDNA (50.18% ± 32.03% vs 12.31% ± 19.90%, p < 0.0001 and 33.74% ± 28.34% vs 6.28% ± 12.17%, p < 0.0001, respectively). ASC supernatant had a higher actionable mutation rate than plasma. ASC supernatant accounts for more actionable alterations than plasma ctDNA in 26 paired samples. PE supernatant had higher total actionable mutation rate than plasma (80.3% vs 48.4%, p < 0.05). PE supernatant had a higher frequency of uncommon variations than plasma no matter had distant organ metastasis. Conclusion: ASC and PE supernatants could be better alternatives when tumor tissues are not available in the real world, especially in patients who have only peritoneal or pleural metastases.
Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy For Stage II–III Breast Cancer: A Single-Center Experience
Authors: Zaher Haidi Abd El , Fathy Hamada , Abozeid Mohamed , Faisal Mohammed
Published: November 2021

Introduction: We conducted this study to reflect a single-center experience with the use of neoadjuvant systemic chemotherapy for the management of women with operable breast cancer.Methods: We conducted a retrospective chart review on all women presenting with operable, stage II-III, breast cancer and were scheduled for neoadjuvant systemic chemotherapy at Suez Canal University Hospital. The primary outcome of this study was to estimate the proportion of patients with operable breast cancer who become eligible for breast conservative surgery (CBS) after neoadjuvant systemic chemotherapy.Results: A total of 147 patients were included. Before the initiation of chemotherapy, only 66 (44.9%) patients were indicated for breast conservative surgery (CBS). A total of 40 (50.6%) new patients, out of the 81 patients who were ineligible before chemotherapy, became eligible for breast conservative surgery after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (95% CI 39.3 – 61.9%). On the other hand, nine (13.6%) patients became ineligible for breast conservative surgery after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Out of the 98 eligible patients for breast conservative surgery after chemotherapy, 72 (73.5%) patients underwent the surgery and the remaining 26 patients chose total modified radical mastectomy (MRM). A total of 55 (76.4%) patients achieved pathological complete response pCR. One woman (0.1%) experienced relapse at the 3rd year of follow-up and three women (2%) experienced relapse at the 5th year of follow-up. The difference between patients who underwent breast conservative surgery and total mastectomy was not statistically significant (p =0.22 and 0.07, respectively).Conclusion: Neoadjuvant chemotherapy can play a crucial role in increasing the rate of eligibility for breast conservative surgery among women with operable, stage II-III, breast cancer.
Ethics in Financial Service Industry as Panacea for Organizational Performance in Osogbo and Iree Metropolis, Osun State, Nigeria
Authors: Adewale Omotayo Vincent , Adeyinka Adewole Joseph , Adesewa Arinola Rebecca
Published: November 2021

The study investigates the argument and counterargument within the scientific discussion on ethics as the panacea to organizational performance in the financial service industry using ethical leadership, organizational ethical culture and public perception on ethics to measure organizational performance. The objective of this study is to examine the relationship between ethical leadership and organizational performance in Osogbo and Iree United Bank of Africa. Secondly, this study aimed at determining the relationship between organizational ethical culture and organizational performance in Osogbo and Iree United Bank of Africa. Thirdly, the study intends to establish the relationship between public perception of organizational ethics and organizational performance in Osogbo and Iree United Bank of Africa. The research questions formulated to guide this study are: What is the effect of ethical leadership on organizational performance in Osogbo and Iree United Bank of Africa; How does organizational ethical culture impacts organizational performance in Osogbo and Iree United Bank of Africa? What is the relationship between public perception of organizational ethics and organizational performance in Osogbo and Iree United Bank of Africa? This study adopted the survey research design and obtained its data from primary sources. The primary data were obtained through a questionnaire administered on 100 respondents of United Bank for Africa Plc, Iree and Osogbo branches. A simple random sampling technique was also used to conduct a personal interview on 50 customers of the bank. Regression analysis was used to test the hypotheses at a 0.05 level of significance. The study showed a positive and significant relationship between ethical leadership and organizational performance, organizational ethical culture and organizational performance, and public perception of ethics and organizational performance. The study, therefore, recommends that management should not only communicate organizational ethical values to employees in words but also in action; they should lead by example, proper attention should be placed on organization’s culture to ensure that it is ethical as employees are willing to do more in an organization with ethical culture and also, service industries in Nigeria must ensure that their organizations are managed in a way that will enhance a positive public perception.
Relevance of Social Responsibility in the Pandemic Era − An Indian Perspective
Authors: Kurian George Abraham
Published: November 2021

As the world’s largest democracy and the second most populated country globally, India has had a relatively severe adverse impact of the pandemic than most other countries. This research paper highlights key pandemic implications on India’s socially responsible initiatives and how these affect citizens. This once-in-a-century global health disaster turned out to be a sustainable development crisis for most nations. Due to pandemic ramifications, the worldwide progress on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted in 2015 in its current form, has recorded reversal in several critical indices, despite the limitations of underestimating due to lack of latest or reliable data. While the pandemic has posed serious challenges to attaining country-specific SDGs, it also provided opportunities to demonstrate socially responsible behavior amidst the crisis. This paper deliberates on the individual roles and the interplay between four pillars of socially responsible behavior, meaning the government, corporate sector, social sector, and the civil society at large comprising of individuals, groups, and communities operating outside of the government and for-profit and NGO entities. The study delves in depth into key SDGs that suffered setbacks due to disruptions and health emergencies that assumed higher priority. The authorities were compelled to change course from plans. The priorities planned through Government policies had to be modified on an urgent basis, as government was also taken unawares and had to safeguard the lives and livelihood of the population. Benchmarking of SDGs was done at a country and state level. It reflects the gaps in what was attained at the highest and lowest level by various states and union territories and likely areas of improvement.