bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Climate Change Analysis for Bangladesh Using CMIP5 Models
Authors: Bosu Himel , Rashid Towhida , Mannan Abdul , Meandad Javed
Published: July 2021

Using the Coupled Model Inter-comparison Project phase 5 (CMIP5) global climate modeling predictions, the study analyzes the distribution of rainfall and temperature in Bangladesh in recent years (1981–2005) and in three future periods (2025–2049, 2050–2074 and 2075–2099) considering RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5 scenarios. In the historical period, all three CMIP5 models (MPI-ESM-LR, MPI-ESM-MR and NorESM1-M) mostly underestimated the observed mean rainfall data collected from Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD), but for temperature the result is found almost similar between models and observation. The CMIP5 models simulation reveal biases in monthly mean rainfall and temperature over Bangladesh in the past, so bias-correction is performed for future data. Quantile mapping bias-correction reduces significant amount of biases from the projection data of rainfall and temperature. By the end of the twenty-first century, the multi-model ensemble annual mean rainfall averaged over Bangladesh is projected to change between -2% to 9% and -3% to 15% under RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5, respectively. The changes in spatial patterns of annual rainfall indicate a decrease in rainfall over a major portion in the west and the northwestern and an increase in the southeast, east, and the northeastern part of the country. The multi-model ensemble projection reveals a continuous increase in the annual mean temperature and shows a larger increase over the northwestern part and west-central part of Bangladesh. By the end of the twenty-first century, the annual mean temperature over Bangladesh is projected to increase by 1.9 (0.9-2.8) °C and 4 (2.8-4.6) °C under the RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5 scenarios respectively, relative to the reference climate (1981-2005).

The Dhaka University Journal of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Vol. 9(1), 2020, P 1-12
Impacts of Prolonged Waterlogging on Educational Continuity at Schools in Peri-Urban Areas of Dhaka, Bangladesh
Authors: Kabir Md Humayun , Ahmed Iftekhar , Meding Jason Von , Forino Giuseppe , Ghosh Amit Kumar
Published: July 2021

The purpose of the paper is to explore the massive impediments and challenges to continuing school education posed to school stakeholders due to protracted waterlogging in the peri-urban areas of Dhaka, Bangladesh. The primary data were collected through direct field observation, in-depth interviews, Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and Key Informant Interviews in three academic institutions (primary school, high school, and higher secondary school/college) located in different peri-urban areas of Dhaka City. The research revealed that students, teachers, and families experience severe problems due to waterlogging every year. Academic activities are significantly interrupted and discontinued for long spells almost every year. In addition, students suffer from different types of diseases such as cold and fever, and water-borne and skin diseases. Books, clothes, and other belongings of students are often badly damaged. Ensuring Comprehensive School Safety (CSS), maintaining proper drainage system in and around the schools, and raising playgrounds, roads and plinths of buildings are some of the key steps that can contribute to better educational continuity in Dhaka’s schools.

The Dhaka University Journal of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Vol. 9(1), 2020, P 13-23
Diversity and Paleoenvironmental Signature of Benthic Foraminifera of St. Martin’s Island, Bangladesh
Authors: Shemu Tamanna Meheran , Saha Subrota Kumar
Published: July 2021

The present research is concerned with the investigations of the paleoenvironment of the benthic foraminifera and their diversity in St. Martin’s Island, Bangladesh. About 300 specimens of foraminifera were collected from three sampling sites of the island. Among them 44 species, 39 genera and 25 families were identified which were mostly benthic in origin. Astrorhiza, Elphidium, Cyclammina, Cibicides, and Eponoide were the most abundant genera all over the island based on their relative abundance and frequency of occurrence. Among the three sections, Uttar Para can be designated as Astrorhiza- Elphidium assemblage zone, Maddhya Para as Astrorhiza- Elphidium assemblage zone and Dakkhin para as Astrorhiza-Cibicides assemblage zone. The relative abundance chart of foraminifera and its correlation with the Saraswati and Srinivasan (2016) model diagram indicates that the paleoenvironment signature of the island belongs to the inner shelf to the middle shelf region. The plot of shell-type ratios on Murray’s ternary diagram also suggests the same paleoenvironment. Gibson’s index of oceanity was 2% which indicates a shelf environment where the diversity of benthic foraminifera is high. Murray’s index of diversity for all three sections was above the range V, which indicates the normal salinity of the ocean.

The Dhaka University Journal of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Vol. 9(1), 2020, P 25-30
Inequality in Household Resources and Amenities in Dhaka City: The Case of Dhanmondi, Pallabi, and Kallayanpur
Authors: Baser Shahadat , Nahar Shamsun , Rahman M Maksudur
Published: July 2021

This Paper examines the existing spatial inequalities in residential areas of Dhaka City, the megacity of Bangladesh on the basis of household resources and amenities. The empirical data has been collected through a detailed semi-structured questionnaire from 180 purposively selected respondents in Dhanmondi and Mirpur residential area and Kallayanpur slum area. . The results clearly indicate that there exist significant differences and variations of household resource and amenity indicators, particularly household and housing characteristics, sanitation facilities, water, electricity, and gas supplies, etc. More specifically, the finding reveals that there is a huge gap in tenure systems, income-expenditure, occupational, education and social status, utilities, and physical developments, and these are the prime issues for creating massive inequality in slum area from other residential areas. Furthermore, the slum dwellers are more deprived and neglected from all kinds of urban facilities though they play significant role in informal economy of urban areas as well as in GDP of Bangladesh. Hence, the findings suggest that policymakers should take proper initiatives to address multi-dimensional issues of slum areas to ensure a sustainable environment among residential areas of Dhaka City.

The Dhaka University Journal of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Vol. 9(1), 2020, P 49-62
Histopathological Study of Pathological Specimens of Various Organs in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Bangladesh
Authors: Parveen Monira , Asafudullah SM , Ali Md Nowshad , Khatun M Rokeya , Khanom Khadiza , Sultana Arefa
Published: July 2021

This retrospective study of histopathological specimens was done at the Department of Pathology of Rajshahi Medical College, Bangladesh, from July 2019 to June 2020, emphasizing challenges and diagnosis outcomes. Data obtained from their case notes included age at admission, the site from where the specimens were collected, and histopathological diagnosis.  Out of the 2026 histopathology samples, chronic cervicitis constitutes about 50% of the cases. Serous cystadenoma (about 1/4th cases) was common among ovarian pathology. 54.16% of the breast pathology exhibited Invasive ductal carcinoma. Reactive follicular hyperplasia and lymphoma constitute 49.44% of the lymph node pathology. About 80% of the gall bladder pathology was chronic cholecystitis, and metastatic adenocarcinoma was the commonest pathology involving the liver. Squamous cell carcinoma constitutes about 40% of the skin pathology. Osteosarcoma, osteochondroma, and giant cell tumor were the common pathologies involved in bones. Transitional cell carcinoma constitutes about 45% of urinary bladder pathology, and renal cell carcinomas were the commonest pathology of the kidney. Adenocarcinoma constitutes about 45 % of stomach pathology, 28% of small intestine pathology, and 14% of large intestine pathology.  Histopathological specimens at the pathology Rajshahi Medical College department with a wide range of pathologies are a major problem. From this study necessity of screening programs for early cancer detection appeared as a time-demanding issue.

TAJ 2021; 34: No-1: 16-25
Evaluation of Delorme’s Procedure in the Treatment of Complete Rectal Prolapse- A Comparison with Abdominal Rectopexy (Well’s procedure)
Authors: Suman Md Ariful Alam , Sarkar Md Habibullah , Ahmed Istiak , Abedin Sulatanul , Islam Md Shohidul , Islam Syeda Nafisa
Published: July 2021

Background: There are versatile operative techniques for treating complete rectal prolapse. Every procedure has some advantages and disadvantages. Delorme’s procedure and abdominal rectopexy (Well’s procedure) have gained more popularity. But to determine which approach is better, it is needed to evaluate the functional outcome of both procedures.

Objective: To compare the outcome of Delorme’s procedure and abdominal rectopexy to treat complete rectal prolapse.

Methodology: A randomized control trial was conducted in 25 patients with complete rectal prolapse in the department of Surgery, RMCH. They were divided into two groups by randomization. Fifteen patients included in Group-I underwent Delorme’s procedure, and ten patients included in group-II underwent abdominal rectopexy (Well’s procedure). The outcome of both procedures was compared postoperatively.  Results: In group-1, we have found uneventful outcomes of 10 (66.66%) patients, and hemorrhage, minor incontinence, and retention of urine were found in 2(13.3%), 1(6.66), and 4(26.66%) patients, respectively. In group-2 patients, 5(50%) patients recovered uneventfully, whereas hemorrhage, surgical site infection, retention of urine, bladder dysfunction, and constipation were found in 2(20%), 1(10%), 1(10%), 1(10%) and 2(20%) patients respectively. The mean operation time in group-I was 92.86 min and in Group 2 was 124.00 min with a p-value of 0.001. The average post-operative hospital stay after Delorme’s procedure was <4 days in 4 patients and 4-6 days in the rest 11 patients. But the hospital stay is a little lengthier in the case of abdominal rectopexy (Well’s procedure), where seven patients were discharged within 4-6 days, and three patients were discharged after the 5th day of operation. In group I, expenditure was <7000 taka in 10 (66.66%) patients, whereas in group-2 , the cost was 10000-15000 in 7(70%) patients with a p-value of 0.001.

Conclusion: We can conclude that Delorme’s procedure is comparatively safer and cost-effective than Well’s procedure, considering different vital parameters.

TAJ 2021; 34: No-1: 40-46
Association of Serum Sex-Hormone-Binding Globulin in Pregnant Women with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Sharmin Asma , Khan Mohammad Reza Hossain , Jahan Jesmin , Md Shameem - , Afruza Shahzadi , Keya Summi Leunard
Published: July 2021

Background & objective: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a common pregnancy complication and is associated with increase maternal and neonatal morbidity. Circulating Sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) levels are inversely associated with insulin resistance, and insulin resistance is the hallmark of GDM. This study was carried out to investigate SHBG level in pregnancy and to analyze the association of SHBG with GDM.

Materials & Methods: This case-control study was carried out in the antenatal clinic of the department of obstetrics & gynecology, BSMMU, Shahbag, Dhaka, over a period of 12 months between August 2017 to July 2018. Participants were 80 in number, aged between 18 to 35 years, having singleton pregnancy with 24 to 28 weeks of gestation. 40 GDM cases were enrolled as the case, and 40 non-GDM cases were enrolled as the control. Pregnant women with overt diabetes/diabetes in pregnancy, previous history of GDM, pre-eclampsia, gestational/chronic hypertension, known case of liver disease, thyroid disorder, acute or chronic renal disease, congenital fetal anomaly, multiple pregnancies, smoking, H/O polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) was excluded from the study. Comparison of means made by using Student t-test and categorical data were analyzed by Chi-square Test, and Pearson's correlation was utilized between serum sex-hormone binding globulin level nmol/L with fasting plasma glucose (mmol/L) and 2-hour after 75g glucose (mmol/L). Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.

Results: The median value of serum SHBG was 245.0nmol/L (195.8-278.1) in the case group and 390.1nmol/L (310.2-465.3) in the control group. Women with GDM were found to have significantly lower levels of SHBG compared to the controls (p<0.05). There was a moderate negative significant correlation (r=-0.621; p=0.001) between fasting plasma glucose (mmol) with serum SHBG (nmol/l) in GDM patients. On the other hand, there was a weak negative but not significant correlation (r=-0.229; p=0.155) was found between 2 hours after plasma glucose with serum SHBG in the GDM group.

Conclusion: A significantly lower SHBG level is associated with GDM.

TAJ 2021; 34: No-1: 80-85
Role of HRCT Scan of Chest in the Evaluation of COVID-19 Pneumonia
Authors: Rahman Md Hafizur , Amir Nashid , Rahman Md Anisur , Islam AHM Tohurul , Islam Md Saiful , Huda Md Durrul , Chowdhury Md Sharif , Hossain ASM Zakir
Published: July 2021

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pneumonia emerged in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. It is a highly contagious viral disease spreading worldwide, with a rapid increase in the number of cases & deaths. COVID-19 pneumonia is characterized by fever, fatigue, dry cough, and dyspnea with other systemic features such as diarrhea, altered sensorium, stroke & multi-organ failure. HRCT chest is one of the most sensitive modalities for early detection of COVID-19 pneumonia & monitor the outcome of these patients. It is an important complement to the reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) tests. HRCT shows high specificity & sensitivity in detection of COVID-19 pneumonia being 90.7% & 70.8% respectively. In this pandemic situation, proper diagnosis & management of COVID-19 positive cases largely depends on HRCT findings & severity scoring.

TAJ 2021; 34: No-1: 109-114
¿Cómo se puede reducir el impacto del cambio climático en la preservación de edificios patrimoniales?
Authors: Muñoz González Carmen Mª , Jaramillo Jonathan Ruiz
Published: July 2021

Los edificios históricos se diseñaron y construyeron originalmente considerando las condiciones ambientales propias del lugar donde se construían. Esas características climáticas y su respuesta arquitectónica determinan para un emplazamiento y momento dados las condiciones interiores inherentes al edificio. En la actualidad, la preservación de esta arquitectura histórica y, sobre todo, de su contenido artístico, presenta muchas incertidumbres, debido al calentamiento global del planeta.

El texto anticipa propuestas de mejora y soluciones de innovación tecnológica y digital.
In silico evaluation of interactions between antibiotics in aquaculture and nuclear hormone receptors
Authors: Song C , Wu Q , Sun J , Zhang R , Chen J , Wang X , Fang L , Liu Z , Shan X , Yin Y
Published: July 2021

Antibiotics have been commonly used as antimicrobial agents in the process of aquaculture worldwide. However, very few studies are available on the endocrine disruption-related health risks brought about by antibiotic residues from human consumption of aquatic products. Nuclear hormone receptors (NHRs) could mediate many endocrine-disrupting activities. Therefore, in the present study, a reverse docking method was used to predict the direct binding interactions between 16 NHR conformations and 15 common antibiotics in aquaculture, thereby determining their potential endocrine-disrupting risks. To reach a compromise between the extremely scarce experimental data and an urgent need for distinguishing antibiotics of high concern with potential food-borne endocrine-disrupting risks in aquaculture, a risk-ranking system was then developed based on a comprehensive risk score for each category of antibiotics, which was the sum of the products of endocrine-disrupting potential coefficients and annual usages of antibiotics in aquaculture. The results indicated that 15% of 224 docking simulations showed a relatively high probability of binding. Sulfonamides seemed to possess the greatest endocrine-disrupting potential. The antagonistic conformation of the androgen receptor was the most susceptible NHR conformation. The rank orders of the endocrine-disrupting risk of different categories of antibiotics varied greatly from country to country, which were significantly affected by the annual usage. These findings pose questions regarding public health and safety associated with human consumption of antibiotic-containing aquatic products. In addition, we provide an approach to rank antibiotics for a specific country or region, with respect to their potential endocrine-disrupting activity, that can be used to inform regulation and prioritize experimental verification.
A novel mark-recapture-recovery survey using genetic sampling for polar bears Ursus maritimus in Baffin Bay
Authors: Atkinson SN , Laidre KL , Arnold TW , Stapleton S , Regehr EV , Born EW , Wiig Ø , Dyck M , Lunn NJ , Stern HL , Paetkau D
Published: July 2021

Changes in sea-ice dynamics are affecting polar bears Ursus maritimus across their circumpolar range, which highlights the importance of periodic demographic assessments to inform management and conservation. We used genetic mark-recapture-recovery to derive estimates of abundance and survival for the Baffin Bay (BB) polar bear subpopulation—the first time this method has been used successfully for this species. Genetic data from tissue samples we collected via biopsy darting were combined with historical physical capture and harvest recovery data. The combined data set consisted of 1410 genetic samples (2011-2013), 914 physical captures (1993-1995, 1997), and 234 harvest returns of marked bears (1993-2013). The estimate of mean subpopulation abundance was 2826 (95% CI = 2284-3367) in 2012-2013. Estimates of annual survival (mean ± SE) were 0.90 ± 0.05 and 0.78 ± 0.06 for females and males age ≥2 yr, respectively. The proportion of total mortality of adult females and males that was attributed to legal harvest was 0.16 ± 0.05 and 0.26 ± 0.06, respectively. Remote sensing sea-ice data, telemetry data, and spatial distribution of onshore sampling indicated that polar bears were more likely to use offshore sea-ice habitat during the 1990s sampling period compared to the 2010s. Furthermore, in the 1990s, sampling of deep fjords and inland areas was limited, and no offshore sampling occurred in either time period, which precluded comparisons of abundance between the 1993-1997 and 2011-2013 study periods. Our findings demonstrate that genetic sampling can be a practical method for demographic assessment of polar bears over large spatial and temporal scales.
Intervertebral Disk Degeneration: The Microenvironment and Tissue Engineering Strategies
Authors: Dou Yiming , Sun Xun , Ma Xinlong , Zhao Xin , Yang Qiang
Published: July 2021

Intervertebral disk degeneration (IVDD) is a leading cause of disability. The degeneration is inevitable, and the mechanisms are complex. Current therapeutic strategies mainly focus on the relief of symptoms, not the intrinsic regeneration of the intervertebral disk (IVD). Tissue engineering is a promising strategy for IVDD due to its ability to restore a healthy microenvironment and promote IVD regeneration. This review briefly summarizes the IVD anatomy and composition and then sets out elements of the microenvironment and the interactions. We rationalized different scaffolds based on tissue engineering strategies used recently. To fulfill the complete restoration of a healthy IVD microenvironment, we propose that various tissue engineering strategies should be combined and customized to create personalized therapeutic strategies for each individual.
Prediction of Inflammatory Breast Cancer Survival Outcomes Using Computed Tomography-Based Texture Analysis
Authors: Song Sung Eun , Seo Bo Kyoung , Cho Kyu Ran , Woo Ok Hee , Ganeshan Balaji , Kim Eun Sil , Cha Jaehyung
Published: July 2021

Background: Although inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) has poor overall survival (OS), there is little information about using imaging features for predicting the prognosis. Computed tomography (CT)-based texture analysis, a non-invasive technique to quantify tumor heterogeneity, could be a potentially useful imaging biomarker. The aim of the article was to investigate the usefulness of chest CT-based texture analysis to predict OS in IBC patients.

Methods: Of the 3,130 patients with primary breast cancers between 2006 and 2016, 104 patients (3.3%) with IBC were identified. Among them, 98 patients who underwent pre-treatment contrast-enhanced chest CT scans, got treatment in our institution, and had a follow-up period of more than 2 years were finally included for CT-based texture analysis. Texture analysis was performed on CT images of 98 patients, using commercially available software by two breast radiologists. Histogram-based textural features, such as quantification of variation in CT attenuation (mean, standard deviation, mean of positive pixels [MPP], entropy, skewness, and kurtosis), were recorded. To dichotomize textural features for survival analysis, receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to determine cutoff points. Clinicopathologic variables, such as age, node stage, metastasis stage at the time of diagnosis, hormonal receptor positivity, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 positivity, and molecular subtype, were assessed. A Cox proportional hazards model was used to determine the association of textural features and clinicopathologic variables with OS.

Results: During a mean follow-up period of 47.9 months, 41 of 98 patients (41.8%) died, with a median OS of 20.0 months. The textural features of lower mean attenuation, standard deviation, MPP, and entropy on CT images were significantly associated with worse OS, as was the M1 stage among clinicopathologic variables (all P-values < 0.05). In multivariate analysis, lower mean attenuation (hazard ratio [HR], 3.26; P = 0.003), lower MPP (HR, 3.03; P = 0.002), and lower entropy (HR, 2.70; P = 0.009) on chest CT images were significant factors independent from the M1 stage for predicting worse OS.

Conclusions: Lower mean attenuation, MPP, and entropy on chest CT images predicted worse OS in patients with IBC, suggesting that CT-based texture analysis provides additional predictors for OS.
How Reliable are 11- to 13-Year-Olds’ Self-Ratings of Effort in Noisy Conditions?
Authors: Visentin Chiara , Prodi Nicola
Published: July 2021

Performing a task in noisy conditions is effortful. This is especially relevant for children in classrooms as the effort involved could impair their learning and academic achievements. Numerous studies have investigated how to use behavioral and physiological methods to measure effort, but limited data are available on how well school-aged children rate effort in their classrooms. This study examines whether and how self-ratings can be used to describe the effort children perceive while working in a noisy classroom. This is done by assessing the effect of listening condition on self-rated effort in a group of 182 children 11–13 years old. The children performed three tasks typical of daily classroom activities (speech perception, sentence comprehension, and mental calculation) in three listening conditions (quiet, traffic noise, and classroom noise). After completing each task, they rated their perceived task-related effort on a five-point scale. Their task accuracy and response times (RTs) were recorded (the latter as a behavioral measure of task-related effort). Participants scored higher (more effort) on their self-ratings in the noisy conditions than in quiet. Their self-ratings were also sensitive to the type of background noise, but only for the speech perception task, suggesting that children might not be fully aware of the disruptive effect of background noise. A repeated-measures correlation analysis was run to explore the possible relationship between the three study outcomes (accuracy, self-ratings, and RTs). Self-ratings correlated with accuracy (in all tasks) and with RTs (only in the speech perception task), suggesting that the relationship between different measures of listening effort might depend on the task. Overall, the present findings indicate that self-reports could be useful for measuring changes in school-aged children’s perceived listening effort. More research is needed to better understand, and consequently manage, the individual factors that might affect children’s self-ratings (e.g., motivation) and to devise an appropriate response format.
Exogenous LIN28 Is Required for the Maintenance of Self-Renewal and Pluripotency in Presumptive Porcine-Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
Authors: Chakritbudsabong Warunya , Chaiwattanarungruengpaisan Somjit , Sariya Ladawan , Pamonsupornvichit Sirikron , Ferreira Joao N. , Sukho Panithi , Gronsang Dulyatad , Tharasanit Theerawat , Dinnyes Andras , Rungarunlert Sasitorn
Published: July 2021

Porcine species have been used in preclinical transplantation models for assessing the efficiency and safety of transplants before their application in human trials. Porcine-induced pluripotent stem cells (piPSCs) are traditionally established using four transcription factors (4TF): OCT4, SOX2, KLF4, and C-MYC. However, the inefficiencies in the reprogramming of piPSCs and the maintenance of their self-renewal and pluripotency remain challenges to be resolved. LIN28 was demonstrated to play a vital role in the induction of pluripotency in humans. To investigate whether this factor is similarly required by piPSCs, the effects of adding LIN28 to the 4TF induction method (5F approach) on the efficiency of piPSC reprogramming and maintenance of self-renewal and pluripotency were examined. Using a retroviral vector, porcine fetal fibroblasts were transfected with human OCT4, SOX2, KLF4, and C-MYC with or without LIN28. The colony morphology and chromosomal stability of these piPSC lines were examined and their pluripotency properties were characterized by investigating both their expression of pluripotency-associated genes and proteins and in vitro and in vivo differentiation capabilities. Alkaline phosphatase assay revealed the reprogramming efficiencies to be 0.33 and 0.17% for the 4TF and 5TF approaches, respectively, but the maintenance of self-renewal and pluripotency until passage 40 was 6.67 and 100%, respectively. Most of the 4TF-piPSC colonies were flat in shape, showed weak positivity for alkaline phosphatase, and expressed a significantly high level of SSEA-4 protein, except for one cell line (VSMUi001-A) whose properties were similar to those of the 5TF-piPSCs; that is, tightly packed and dome-like in shape, markedly positive for alkaline phosphatase, and expressing endogenous pluripotency genes (pOCT4, pSOX2, pNANOG, and pLIN28), significantly high levels of pluripotent proteins (OCT4, SOX2, NANOG, LIN28, and SSEA-1), and a significantly low level of SSEA-4 protein. VSMUi001-A and all 5F-piPSC lines formed embryoid bodies, underwent spontaneous cardiogenic differentiation with cardiac beating, expressed cardiomyocyte markers, and developed teratomas. In conclusion, in addition to the 4TF, LIN28 is required for the effective induction of piPSCs and the maintenance of their long-term self-renewal and pluripotency toward the development of all germ layers. These piPSCs have the potential applicability for veterinary science.
A Machine Learning Model to Predict Drug Transfer Across the Human Placenta Barrier
Authors: Di Filippo Juan I. , Bollini Mariela , Cavasotto Claudio N.
Published: July 2021

The development of computational models for assessing the transfer of chemicals across the placental membrane would be of the utmost importance in drug discovery campaigns, in order to develop safe therapeutic options. We have developed a low-dimensional machine learning model capable of classifying compounds according to whether they can cross or not the placental barrier. To this aim, we compiled a database of 248 compounds with experimental information about their placental transfer, characterizing each compound with a set of ∼5.4 thousand descriptors, including physicochemical properties and structural features. We evaluated different machine learning classifiers and implemented a genetic algorithm, in a five cross validation scheme, to perform feature selection. The optimization was guided towards models displaying a low number of false positives (molecules that actually cross the placental barrier, but are predicted as not crossing it). A Linear Discriminant Analysis model trained with only four structural features resulted to be robust for this task, exhibiting only one false positive case across all testing folds. This model is expected to be useful in predicting placental drug transfer during pregnancy, and thus could be used as a filter for chemical libraries in virtual screening campaigns.
Towards Computational Screening for New Energetic Molecules: Calculation of Heat of Formation and Determination of Bond Strengths by Local Mode Analysis
Authors: Christopher Imogen L. , Michalchuk Adam A. L. , Pulham Colin R. , Morrison Carole A.
Published: July 2021

The reliable determination of gas-phase and solid-state heats of formation are important considerations in energetic materials research. Herein, the ability of PM7 to calculate the gas-phase heats of formation for CNHO-only and inorganic compounds has been critically evaluated, and for the former, comparisons drawn with isodesmic equations and atom equivalence methods. Routes to obtain solid-state heats of formation for a range of single-component molecular solids, salts, and co-crystals were also evaluated. Finally, local vibrational mode analysis has been used to calculate bond length/force constant curves for seven different chemical bonds occurring in CHNO-containing molecules, which allow for rapid identification of the weakest bond, opening up great potential to rationalise decomposition pathways. Both metrics are important tools in rationalising the design of new energetic materials through computational screening processes.
Bioinformatics Analysis Reveals the Potential Diagnostic Biomarkers for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
Authors: Xie Xinsheng , Wang En ci , Xu Dandan , Shu Xiaolong , Zhao Yu fei , Guo Daqiao , Fu Weiguo , Wang Lixin
Published: July 2021

Objectives: Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) are associated with high mortality rates. The genes and pathways linked with AAA remain poorly understood. This study aimed to identify key differentially expressed genes (DEGs) linked to the progression of AAA using bioinformatics analysis.

Methods: Gene expression profiles of the GSE47472 and GSE57691 datasets were acquired from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. These datasets were merged and normalized using the “sva” R package, and DEGs were identified using the limma package in R. The functions of these DEGs were assessed using Cytoscape software. We analyzed the DEGs using Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analysis. Protein–protein interaction networks were assembled using Cytoscape, and crucial genes were identified using the Cytoscape plugin, molecular complex detection. Data from GSE15729 and GSE24342 were also extracted to verify our findings.

Results: We found that 120 genes were differentially expressed in AAA. Genes associated with inflammatory responses and nuclear-transcribed mRNA catabolic process were clustered in two gene modules in AAA. The hub genes of the two modules were IL6, RPL21, and RPL7A. The expression levels of IL6 correlated positively with RPL7A and negatively with RPL21. The expression of RPL21 and RPL7A was downregulated, whereas that of IL6 was upregulated in AAA.

Conclusions: The expression of RPL21 or RPL7A combined with IL6 has a diagnostic value for AAA. The novel DEGs and pathways identified herein might provide new insights into the underlying molecular mechanisms of AAA.
Contemporary Trends and Risk Factors of Hemodynamic and Myocardial Mechanics Derived by the Pressure Recording Analytical Method After Pediatric Cardiopulmonary Bypass
Authors: Lou Xiaobin , Liu Yingying , Cui Yanqin , Li Jianbin , Li Lijuan , Ma Li , Zou Minghui , Chen Xinxin , Li Jia
Published: July 2021

Objective: Adverse factors of postoperative hemodynamic and myocardial performance remain largely unexplored in children with congenital heart disease following cardiopulmonary bypass due to technical limitations. Pressure recording analytical method (PRAM) is a continuous hemodynamic and myocardial performance monitoring technique based on beat-to-beat arterial pressure waveform. Using PRAM, we examined the temporal trends and adverse factors, in clinical management, of these performances.

Methods: We monitored blood pressure, cardiac index, cardiac cycle efficiency (CCE), dP/dTmax, and systematic vascular resistance index in 91 children (aged 186 ± 256 days) during their first 48 h after cardiopulmonary bypass. Above parameters, inotropic and vasoactive drug dosages, and serum lactate were recorded 3-hourly. NT-proBNP was measured daily.

Results: CCE and dP/dTmax gradually increased (Ps < 0.0001), while systematic vascular resistance index, diastolic blood pressure and inotrope dosages decreased (Ps < 0.0001) over time. Cardiac index, systolic blood pressure, and heart rate did not change significantly (Ps ≥ 0.231). Patients undergoing deep hypothermic circulatory arrest had significantly higher heart rate and lower CCE (Ps ≤ 0.006) over time. Multivariate analyses indicated that epinephrine dose significantly correlated with systolic blood pressure, cardiac index, CCE, and dP/dTmax after polynomial transformation, with the peak ranging from 0.075 to 0.097.

Conclusions: Systemic hemodynamic and myocardial performance gradually improved in the first 48 h after cardiopulmonary bypass without the “classic” nadir at 9–12 h. Deep hypothermic circulatory arrest and higher epinephrine doses were adversely associated with these performances. CCE, rather than cardiac index or other common-used parameters, was the most sensitive and consistent indicator.
Pulmonary Rehabilitation Accelerates the Recovery of Pulmonary Function in Patients With COVID-19
Authors: Zhu Pengfei , Wang Zhengchao , Guo Xiaomi , Feng Zhiyong , Chen Chaochao , Zheng Ai , Gu Haotian , Cai Yu
Published: July 2021

Objectives: To evaluate the effect of in-hospital pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) on short-term pulmonary functional recovery in patients with COVID-19.

Methods: Patients with COVID-19 (n = 123) were divided into two groups (PR group or Control group) according to recipient of pulmonary rehabilitation. Six-min walk distance (6MW), heart rate (HR), forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (DLCO), and CT scanning were measured at the time of discharge, 1, 4, 12, and 24 weeks.

Results: At week one, both PR group and Control group showed no significant changes in pulmonary function. At 4 and 12 weeks, 6MW, HR, FVC, FEV1, and DLCO improved significantly in both groups. However, the improvement in the PR group was greater than the Control group. Pulmonary function in the PR group returned to normal at 4 weeks [FVC (% predicted, PR vs. Control): 86.27 ± 9.14 vs. 78.87 ± 7.55; FEV1 (% predicted, PR vs. Control) 88.76 ± 6.22 vs. 78.96 ± 6.91; DLCO (% predicted, PR vs. Control): 87.27 ± 6.20 vs. 77.78 ± 5.85] compared to 12 weeks in the control group [FVC (% predicted, PR vs. Control): 90.61 ± 6.05 vs. 89.96 ± 4.05; FEV1 (% predicted, PR vs. Control) 94.06 ± 0.43 vs. 93.85 ± 5.61; DLCO (% predicted, PR vs. Control): 91.99 ± 8.73 vs. 88.57 ± 5.37]. Residual lesions on CT disappeared at week 4 in 49 patients in PR group and in 28 patients in control group (p = 0.0004).

Conclusion: Pulmonary rehabilitation could accelerate the recovery of pulmonary function in patients with COVID-19.
Utility of Human Immune Responses to GAS Antigens as a Diagnostic Indicator for ARF: A Systematic Review
Authors: Salie M. Taariq , Rampersadh Kimona , Muhamed Babu , Engel Kélin C. , Zühlke Liesl J. , Dale James B. , Engel Mark E.
Published: July 2021

Background: Previous studies have established that streptococcal antibody titer is correlated with a diagnosis of acute rheumatic fever (ARF). However, results vary in the usefulness of GAS antibodies, particularly anti-streptolysin-O (ASO) and anti-DNase B, in confirming a recent GAS infection. Therefore, we sought to provide, from published studies, an evidence-based synthesis of the correlation of streptococcal serology to establish the usefulness of immunological data in aiding the diagnosis of ARF. These findings are anticipated to have implications where echocardiography is not freely available, especially where ARF is rampant.

Methods: We conducted a comprehensive search across a number of databases. Applying a priori criteria, we selected articles reporting on studies, regardless of study design, that evaluate the levels of antibodies against GAS-specific antigens in ARF subjects against control values or a published standard. Data were extracted onto data extraction forms, captured electronically, and analyzed using Stata software. Risk of bias was assessed in included studies using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS).

Results and Conclusion: The search strategy yielded 534 studies, from which 24 met the inclusion criteria, reporting on evaluation of titers for SLO (n = 10), DNase B (n = 9), anti-streptokinase (ASK) (n = 3) amongst others. Elevation in titers was determined by comparison with controls and upper limit of normal (ULN) antibody values as determined in healthy individuals. Meta-analysis of case-controlled studies revealed moderate odds ratio (OR) correlations between ARF diagnosis and elevated titers for SLO (OR = 10.57; 95% CI, 3.36–33.29; 10 studies) and DNAse B (OR = 6.97; 95% CI, 2.99–16.27; 7 studies). While providing support for incorporating SLO and DNase B in the diagnosis of ARF, we present the following reflections: an elevation in SLO and DNase B levels are not consistently associated with an ARF diagnosis; increasing the number of GAS proteins in the test is warranted to improve sensitivity; paired (acute and convalescent) samples could provide a more accurate indication of a rising titer. Use of community-based controls as a standard is not a reliable marker by which to gauge recent GAS infection.
Major and Trace Element Geochemistry of the Permian-Triassic Boundary Section at Meishan, South China
Authors: Dudás Francis Ö. , Zhang Hua , Shen Shu-Zhong , Bowring Samuel A.
Published: July 2021

We report extensive major and trace element data for the Permian-Triassic boundary (PTB) at Meishan, China. Analyses of 64 samples from a 2.5 m section span the last 75 kyr of the Permian and the first 335 kyr of the Triassic, from beds 24 to 34. We also report data for 20 acetic acid extracts that characterize the carbonate fraction. Whole rock major element data reflect the change of lithology from carbonate in the Permian to mudstone and marl in the Triassic, indicate an increase of siliciclastic input and MgO in and above the extinction interval (beds 24f–28), and silica diagenesis in carbonates below the extinction horizon. Above bed 27, enrichment factors calculated with respect to Al and Post-Archean Australian Shale (PAAS) are ∼1 for most trace elements, confirming that siliciclastic input dominates trace element distributions in the Triassic. Within the extinction interval, beds 24f and 26 show increases in As, Mo, U and some transition metals. V, Cr, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Pb, and Ba are variably enriched, particularly in bed 26. Below the extinction interval, the top of bed 24d shows enrichment of V, Cr, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Pb, and Ba in a zone of diagenetic silicification. Trace elements thus reflect siliciclastic input, diagenetic redistribution, and responses to redox conditions. Trace element patterns suggest either a change in provenance of the detrital component, or a change in the proportion of mechanical to chemical weathering that is coincident with the beginning of the extinction in bed 24f. Ba, Zr, and Zn behave anomalously. Ba shows little variation, despite changes in biological activity and redox conditions. The enrichment factor for Zr is variable in the carbonates below bed 24f, suggesting diagenetic Zr mobility. Zn shows a sharp drop in the extinction horizon, suggesting that its distribution was related to phytoplankton productivity. Rare earth element content is controlled by the siliciclastic fraction, and carbonate extracts show middle rare earth enrichment due to diagenesis. Ce and Eu anomalies are not reliable indicators of the redox environment at Meishan.
The Impacts of Global Research and International Educational Experiences on Texas A&M University System LSAMP Participants
Authors: Preuss Michael , Merriweather Samuel , Avila John , Butler-Purry Karen , Watson Karan , Walton Shannon , Obiomon Pamela , Pezold Frank , Murry Jasmine , Roth Michele , Kelley Judy , Lamm Harriet , Alves Maria , Garcia Sonia ,   for the Texas A&M University System Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation
Published: July 2021

The Texas A&M University System was one of the first six Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (LSAMP) awardees. All current members of the Alliance are part of the Texas A&M University System. Many high impact practices (HIP) have been emphasized in the Alliance’s 30 years of programming with Diversity/Global Learning as a focus in the last 14 years. Diversity/Global Learning has been supported in two formats on the Alliance campuses, through traditional study abroad programming and a College of Engineering initiative. Data presented were derived from a number of sources, project evaluation information regarding student perspectives and outcomes, survey research conducted by an independent party, and institutional data and online platforms accessed to assess student outcomes. Triangulation was completed between data sets. Results indicate both forms of programming were efficacious for underrepresented and first-generation students. Outcomes reported were substantial increases in awareness of and interest in graduate school, increases in cultural learning, confidence in travel outside the United States, learning relevant to major, commitment to continuing involvement with research, interest in another similar experience, and willingness to consider employment outside the U.S. Participants reported statistically significant growth in personal, professional, and research skills. They persisted, participated in additional study abroad experiences, and graduated at higher rates than their institutional peers with approximately 90% of informants indicating intention to consider graduate school in the future, over 40% indicating intent to attend immediately following undergraduate study, and 39.4% of 2007–2014 participants enrolling in graduate school by the spring of 2021. Programming described is replicable at and likely to be efficacious for a wide variety of institutions of higher education.
Sustainability, Spread, and Shift: Developing a Professional Learning Program for Out-of-School Educators With Scale-Up in Mind
Authors: Peterman Karen , Robertson Evia Jane , Allen Sue , Byrd Scott C. , Nickerson Brittney , Kastelein Kate
Published: July 2021

This case study describes the iterative process used to develop a virtual coaching program for out-of-school-time (OST) educators, particularly those who work in afterschool and library settings. The program, called ACRES (Afterschool Coaching for Reflective Educators in STEM), used a design-based implementation research (DBIR) approach to consider issues related to scale-up. Afterschool and library settings are complex systems that include supports and barriers that require adaptation for implementation. Throughout the design process, program developers worked to identify the essential elements of the program that should be maintained across contexts, while attending to the diverse needs of individual OST settings. Survey and interview data were collected from the full range of stakeholders throughout the implementation process to verify the importance of the essential elements to the professional learning model, and to gather early indicators of the program’s potential related to three key concepts for successful scale-up of programs: sustainability, spread, and shift. Conclusions are shared in relation to how these types of results support the scale-up of programs, and the strengths and gaps in the process used to apply the DBIR approach in our work.
Can CO2 Emission Reduction and Economic Growth Be Compatible? Evidence From China
Authors: Zhang Zhuang , Chen You-Hua , Wang Chien-Ming
Published: July 2021

The influence of low-carbon energy on economic development is a vital issue. Using the provincial panel data in China from 2000 to 2017, this work investigated the aggregate effects of low-emission electricity. The results showed that 1) when the ratio of low-emission electricity to total electricity increases by 1%, the GDP per capita will increase by 0.16% and CO2 emissions will decrease by 0.848%. In other words, low-emission electricity can achieve the goal of low-carbon economic development; 2) the self-supply of low-emission electricity, rather than trade and efficiency, is the main reason for China’s boosted economic growth; and 3) low-emission electricity increases the regional economic gap in China. The effects of pollution inhibition and economic promotion on low-emission electricity in developed areas are significantly greater than those in less developed areas. Thus, the low-emission electricity policy in China should benefit the economy and avoid the excessive economic gap among regions. Policymakers should vigorously promote the low-emission electricity revolution and pay attention to the inclination of energy policy to the central and western regions.
Desulfurization of Vulcanized Rubber Particles Using Biological and Couple Microwave-Chemical Methods
Authors: Valdés C. , Hernández C. , Morales-Vera R. , Andler R.
Published: July 2021

Currently, recycling or degradation treatments for tires are an enormous challenge. Despite efforts to dispose of or recycle it, rubber waste is increasing year by year worldwide. To create a rubber-recycling system, several researchers have proposed tire desulfurization. In this study, we compare two methods: one biological, using Acidobacillus ferroxidans in shake 250 ml flask experiments, and one chemical using, for the first time, microwaves and an aqueous solution. The results of these methods were analyzed through sulfate quantification, cross-linking differences, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy with energy disperse spectroscopy (SEM-EDS). We observed that the amount of sulfates generated by the chemical system was 22.40 (mg/L)/g of rubber, which was 22-times higher than the biological system, which generated 1.06 (mg/L)/g of rubber. Similarly, after cross-linking studies, a 36% higher decrease after the chemical treatment was observed. When using FTIR analysis, the disappearance of characteristic bands corresponding to functional groups containing sulfur bonds and metal oxides were observed by treating the sample with both desulfurization methods. Morphological changes on the rubber surface structure was also demonstrated by SEM-EDS analysis with the appearance of holes, cracks and changes in the porosity of the material. This work analyzed two different non-aggressive desulfurization approaches that might be used as methods for rubber recycling processes.