bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Awareness, Uptake and factors associated with NHIF uptake in Western Kenya. A case of 4 counties - Busia, Trans Nzoia, Vihiga and Siaya
Authors: Mwaura Grace Wandia , Kamano Jemima H. , Mwangi Ann W. , Lusimbo Lilian , Mugo Richard , Too Kenneth , Andale Thomas , Itsura Peter , Kibachio Joseph , Gathecha Gladwell , Aruasa Wilson
Published: May 2021

Background

Kenya is in the process of implementing universal health care whose success and sustainability will be determined by its funding mechanism and by uptake of National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) by its populace. Unfortunately, NHIF enrollment is currently voluntary hence geared to those in formal employment who represent only 16.4% of the population. To improve the voluntary uptake of the scheme, it is important to have increased awareness as well as implement strategies that address factors that currently affect NHIF uptake.
Methods

This was a cross sectional community-based survey conducted in Busia, Trans Nzoia, Vihiga and Siaya counties between October and December 2018. It utilized multistage stratified sampling technique. Interviewer assisted questionnaires were used to collect socio-demographic, socio-economic, Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) knowledge, NHIF awareness and uptake data. Descriptive statistical analysis and multiple logistic regression were conducted using STATA version 15.
Results

Out of a representative sample of 3597 participants interviewed, NHIF awareness was noted to be 81.5%, with low uptake in the four counties ranging between 21–25%. Being older than 69 years, having a low level of education and income status as well as lower health risk were significantly associated with low rates of NHIF uptake.
Conclusion

Despite high rates of NHIF awareness noted in this study, there is still very low uptake to this scheme in rural western Kenya especially among those with low socioeconomic status and risk of chronic illnesses. There is need for further qualitative studies to explore contextual factors affecting NHIF uptake.
An Integrated Liquid Approach To The Synthesis of CdSxSe1-x@ZrSiO4 Ceramic Pigments For Commercial Ink-Jet Printing
Authors: LIU Huafeng , Zeng Xiaojun , ZHANG Xiaozhen , LIU Runyuan , LIU Wei , CHEN Renhua , CHANG Qibing
Published: May 2021

Cadmium selenide sulfide (CdSxSe1-x) encapsulated by zirconium silicate (ZrSiO4) (CdSxSe1-x@ZrSiO4) has been widely considered in ceramic pigments for ink-jet printing but suffer from big particle size and dark hue troubles. Herein, an integrated liquid approach was developed, which gives CdSxSe1-x@ZrSiO4 pigment a uniform size, bright and pure red hue, and good wear resistance. This new strategy can effectively control the grain size of the encapsulated pigment from the dispersibility of the sol system, the ratio of material, the sintering conditions, and the selection of raw materials. The developed pigment has been successfully used in ink-jet printing and commercialized. This study paves an integrated liquid approach to improve the compatibility of wear-resistant and bright red CdSxSe1-x@ZrSiO4 pigments in ceramic ink-jet printing.
Synthesis of Bioactive Glasses SiO2-Al2O3-MgO-K2CO3-CaO-MgF2 -CNT: Structural, Mechanical and Biological Properties
Authors: Gautam chandkiram , . Shweta , Dey Krishna Kishor , Ghosh Manasi , Prakash Ravi , Sharma Kriti , Singh Divya
Published: May 2021

Six glass compositions were synthesized using a melt quenching technique reinforced with different concentrations of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) from 0.1 to 0.7% in the glassy system SiO2-Al2O3-MgO-K2CO3-CaO-MgF2. Density and molar volumes were estimated by employing a liquid displacement method. In the present study, the reinforcement effect of CNTs was explained using several spectroscopic techniques i.e. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis), Raman, and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy respectively. Based on Tauc plots of the UV-Vis spectra, the energy band gap was determined and their values decreased from 4.33 to 3.9 eV. Contact angle measurements were performed to check the wettability of the glasses. 29Si-MAS-NMR spectroscopic study showed the random distribution of two dissimilar Ca2+ and Mg2+ ions within these glasses which lead to structural and topological frustration. To check the cell viability, MTT and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) assay were also performed. Owing to outstanding stability in various fluids like saline water, distilled water, and hydrochloric acid, the synthesized glasses exhibited functional activities with an adequate proliferation of rat calverail osteoblast (ROB) cell. Consequently, based on the various characterization techniques such as mechanical, tribological, and biological activities, the fabricated bioactive glassy material can be used for biomedical and multifunctional applications.
Platelet soluble NOX2 as a new biomarker in patients with sepsis
Authors: Mai Li , Xiong Yuan , Deng Guilin , Huang Yong , Chen Weixian , Wang Bo
Published: May 2021

Background
Substantial evidence supports the view that NOX2 may function as a pivotal regulator in various physiological and pathological processes. However, to date, the interplay between platelet soluble NOX2 levels and sepsis remains unclear. The overall aim of this work is to obtain a better insight into whether or not platelet NOX2 is involved in sepsis.
Methods
The levels of platelet soluble NOX2, from 31 patients diagnosed with Gram-positive sepsis, 36 patients with Gram-negative sepsis and 45 healthy individuals, were measured with sandwich ELISA kits that we developed.
Results
In this work, we showed that platelet NOX2 concentrations were significantly lower in healthy individuals compared to patients with sepsis (P < 0.01), and that platelet NOX2 values were significantly correlated with the platelet activation markers, including soluble CD40L and soluble P-selectin. Interestingly, we also found that platelet NOX2 values in patients with Gram-positive sepsis were higher than those in patients with Gram-negative sepsis.
Conclusions
Platelet NOX2 levels maybe an important indicator of the pathogenesis of sepsis-induced platelet activation.
The voltage-gated proton channel Hv1 promotes microglia-astrocyte communication and neuropathic pain after peripheral nerve injury
Authors: Peng Jiyun , Yi Min-Hee , Jeong Heejin , McEwan Przemyslaw Peter , Zheng Jiaying , Wu Gongxiong , Ganatra Shashank , Ren Yi , Richardson Jason R , Oh Seog Bae , Wu Long-Jun
Published: May 2021

Activation of spinal cord microglia contributes to the development of peripheral nerve injury-induced neuropathic pain. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying microglial function in neuropathic pain are not fully understood. We identified that the voltage-gated proton channel Hv1, which is functionally expressed in spinal microglia, was significantly increased after spinal nerve transection (SNT). Hv1 mediated voltage-gated proton currents in spinal microglia and mice lacking Hv1 (Hv1 KO) display attenuated pain hypersensitivities after SNT compared with wildtype (WT) mice. In addition, microglial production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and subsequent astrocyte activation in the spinal cord was reduced in Hv1 KO mice after SNT. Cytokine screening and immunostaining further revealed that IFN-γ expression was compromised in spinal astrocytes in Hv1 KO mice. These results demonstrate that Hv1 proton channel contributes to microglial ROS production, astrocyte activation, IFN-γ upregulation, and subsequent pain hypersensitivities after SNT. This study suggests Hv1-dependent microglia-astrocyte communication in pain hypersensitivities and identifies Hv1 as a novel therapeutic target for alleviating neuropathic pain.
Nomogram for Prediction of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Prognosis
Authors: Yang Shuai , Zhang Jiangang , Wang Jingchun , Yu Kun , Xu Yanquan , Zhao Huakan , Lei Juan , Zhou Yu , Chen Yu , Wu Lei , Zhou Mingyue , Li Dingshan , Wang Enwen , Li Yongsheng
Published: May 2021

Background
A reliable nomogram for predicting prognosis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) is lacking, and the cause of poor outcome still remains unclear. It is urgently to prolong the anticipation of overall survival (OS) time of HCC by exploring new therapeutic targets.
Methods
Different expression genes were calculated in R packages, hub genes defined as overlapped candidates across five datasets and estimated in Oncomine database. A prognostic nomogram constructed on multivariate Cox analysis and evaluated by receiver operating characteristic curve and concordance index analysis. The fraction of TME cell types were estimated by xCell, a gene signatures enriched method. Hypoxia scores were calculated by single sample gene set enrichment analysis upon the 15 hypoxia signatures. Statistically significance and correlation analyses were processed in R program, co-expression interaction plotted in Cytoscape.
Results
We screened 11 hub genes from five dataset across multi-platform datasets and covering main risk factors to HCC. Compared with two other prognostic models (AUC of 0.65, 0.65 respectively), we established a prognostic nomogram based on multivariate Cox analysis in the training set (AUC of 0.71). The nomogram performed robustly by evaluating in internal validation set (AUC of 0.72) and external cohorts (GSE144269, AUC of 0.70). With further analyze, we found the risk scores of the prognostic model were positively correlated with the fraction of T helper 2 cell (Th2), a kind of T helper cells, which had been approved to be a promising target for curing cancer. On the contrary, and the proportions of hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) and endothelial cell (EC) decreased in RiskHigh group and acted as good prognostic factors. However, signaling pathways analyses shown that formation and growth of angiogenesis were actively in RiskHigh group, accompanied with the increasing proliferation of EC. Taken together, EC played bidirectional roles in biological process of HCC. In addition, HIF1A related hypoxia status was identified as a feature of HCC providing a novel therapeutic target.
Conclusions
We constituted a robust prognostic nomogram for predicting OS time of HCC. Upon the model, Th2 and HIF1A related hypoxia signaling pathway may be the novel promising therapeutic targets for prolonging survival time in HCC.
LPI-EnEDT: An Ensemble Framework with Extra Tree and Decision Tree Classifiers for Imbalanced lncRNA-protein Interaction Data Classification
Authors: Peng Lihong , Yuan RuYa , Shen Ling , Gao Pengfei , Zhou Liqian
Published: May 2021

Background: Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have dense linkages with various biological processes. Identifying interacting lncRNA-protein pairs contributes to understand the functions and mechanisms of lncRNAs. Wet experiments are costly and time-consuming. Most computational methods failed to observe the imbalanced characterize of lncRNA-protein interaction (LPI) data. More importantly, they were measured based on a unique dataset, which produced the prediction bias. Results: In this study, we develop an Ensemble framework (LPI-EnEDT) with Extra tree and Decision Tree classifiers to implement imbalanced LPI data classification. First, five LPI datasets are arranged. Second, lncRNAs and proteins are separately characterized based on Pyfeat and BioTriangle and concatenated as a vector to represent each lncRNA-protein pairs. Finally, an ensemble framework with Extra tree and decision tree classifiers is developed to classify unlabeled lncRNA-protein pairs. The comparative experiments demonstrate that LPI-EnEDT outperforms four classical LPI prediction methods (LPI-BLS, LPI-CatBoost, LPI-SKF, and PLIPCOM) under cross validations on lncRNAs, proteins, and LPIs. The average AUC values on the five datasets are 0.8480, 0,7078, and 0.9066 under the three cross validations, respectively. The average AUPRs are 0.8175, 0.7265, and 0.8882, respectively. Case analyses suggest that there are underlying associations between HOTTIP and Q9Y6M1, NRON and Q15717. Conclusions: Fusing diverse biological features of lncRNAs and proteins and exploiting an ensemble learning model with Extra tree and decision tree classifiers, this work focus on imbalanced LPI data classification as well as interaction information inference for a new lncRNA (or protein).
Pathogenic Genetic Variants From Highly Connected Cancer Susceptibility Genes Confer the Loss of Structural Stability
Authors: Reza Mahjerin Nasrin , Ferdous Nadim , Emon Md. Tabassum Hossain , Islam Md. Shariful , Mohiuddin A. K.M. , Hossain Mohammad Uzzal
Published: May 2021

Genetic polymorphisms in DNA damage repair and tumor suppressor genes have been associated with increasing the risk of several types of cancer. Analyses of putative functional single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in such genes can greatly improve human health by guiding choice of therapeutics. In this study, we selected nine genes responsible for various cancer types for gene enrichment analysis and found that BRCA1, ATM, and TP53 were more enriched in connectivity. Therefore, we used different computational algorithms to classify the nonsynonymous SNPs which are deleterious to the structure and/or function of these three proteins. Our study demonstrated that V1687G and V1736G variants of BRCA1, I2865T and V2906A variants of ATM, V216G and L194H variants of TP53 are major mutations with pathogenic impact and are likely to have a greater impact on destabilizing the proteins. To stabilize the high-risk SNPs, we performed mutation site-specific molecular docking analysis and validated using molecular dynamics (MD) simulation and molecular mechanics/Poisson Boltzmann surface area (MM/PBSA) studies. Additionally, SNPs of untranslated regions of these genes affecting miRNA binding were characterized. Hence, this study will assist in developing precision medicines for cancer types related to these polymorphisms.
Compilation Method of CNC Lathe Cutting Force Spectrum Based on Kernel Density Estimation of G-SCE
Authors: Wang Shengxu , He Jialong , Li Guofa , Hao Qingbo , Huang Hao
Published: May 2021

The cutting force spectrum of the CNC lathe is the basic data for the reliability design, reliability test and reliability evaluation of the CNC lathe and its components. Due to the complex and changeable turning conditions and different cutting processes, the cutting load presents multi-peak characteristic. In order to compile the CNC lathe cutting force spectrum accurately, a compilation method based on kernel density estimation (KDE) of goodness-smoothness comprehensive evaluation (G-SCE) is proposed. According to the measured dynamic cutting force, the KDE is used to establish the dynamic cutting force distribution of the CNC lathe. For the rule of thumb method (ROT) based on the mean integrated square error and the least squares cross-validation method (LCV) based on the integrated square error does not take into account the influence of different bandwidths on the goodness estimation and the smoothness of the estimated curve. The estimation accuracy test method based on multiple goodness-of-fit tests, and the smoothness test method based on the envelope curve are proposed. The entropy method is used to comprehensively calculate the estimated goodness index and the smoothness index to determine the optimal bandwidth. The case analysis shows that the method proposed can solve the problem of too large estimation error of parameter distribution for multimodal distribution. At the same time, it can better comprehensively evaluate the KDE under different bandwidths. In short, a new method of optimal bandwidth selection is proposed in the original method.
Global, Regional, and National Burden of Kidney, Bladder, and Prostate Cancers and Their Attributable Risk Factors, 1990-2019
Authors: Zi Hao , Leng Xie-Yuan , Xu Xiao-Feng , Huang Qiao , Weng Hong , He Shao-Hua , Zhu Cong , Li Lu-Yao , Gu Jia-Min , Li Xu-Hui , Ming Dao-Jing , Li Xiao-Dong , Yuan Shuai , Wang Xing-Huan , He Da-Lin , Zeng Xian-Tao
Published: May 2021

Background: To investigate the burden and attributable risk factors for three genitourinary cancers in 204 countries and territories during 30 years.Methods: We extracted data of kidney, bladder, and prostate cancers from the Global Burden of Disease 2019 database, including incidence, mortality, disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs), and the attributable risk factors from 1990 to 2019. Estimated annual percentage changes (EAPC) were calculated to assess the changes in age-standardized incidence rate, age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR), and age-standardized DALYs rate (ASDR). The associations between cancers burden and socio-demographic index (SDI) were also analyzed.Results: Compared with 1990, the global incident cases of kidney, bladder, and prostate cancers have increased by 154.78%, 123.34%, and 169.11% in 2019. The ASMR and ASDR of bladder cancer (EAPC = -0.68 for ASMR, EAPC = -0.83 for ASDR) and prostate cancer (EAPC = -0.75 for ASMR, EAPC = -0.71 for ASDR) showed a downward trend, but kidney cancer increased (EAPC = 0.35 for ASMR, EAPC = 0.12 for ASDR). Of all cancers, incidence, mortality, and DALYs were higher in the high-level SDI regions and countries. The burden of bladder cancer and prostate cancer was mainly distributed among older men, while the burden of kidney cancer increases among younger men. Smoking related mortality and DALYs decreased, but high body-mass index and high fasting plasma glucose related mortality and DALYs increased among kidney, bladder, and prostate cancers between 1990 and 2019.Conclusions: Kidney, bladder, and prostate cancers remain the major global public health challenge until 2019. We suggest the 204 countries and territories to take positive cancer prevention and intervention strategies, especially the urologists and urological related academic associations.
Comparing two data collection methods to track vital events in maternal and child health via community health workers in rural Nepal
Authors: Choudhury Nandini , Tiwari Aparna , Wu Wan-Ju , Bhandari Ved , Bhatta Laxman , Bogati Bhawana , Citrin David , Halliday Scott , Khadka Sonu , Marasini Nutan , Pandey Sachit , Ballard Madeleine , Rayamazi Hari Jung , Sapkota Sabitri , Schwarz Ryan , Sullivan Lisa , Maru Duncan , Thapa Aradhana , Maru Sheela
Published: May 2021

Background: Timely tracking of health outcomes is difficult in low- and middle-income countries without comprehensive vital registration systems. Community health workers (CHWs) are increasingly collecting vital events data while routinely delivering care in communities in low-resource settings. It is necessary, however, to assess whether routine programmatic data collected by CHWs are sufficiently reliable for timely monitoring and evaluation of health interventions. To study this, we assessed the consistency of vital events data recorded by CHWs using two methodologies – routine data collected while delivering an integrated maternal and child health intervention, and data from a birth history census approach at the same site in rural Nepal. Methods: We linked individual records from routine programmatic data from June 2017 to May 2018 with those from census data, both collected by CHWs at the same site using a mobile platform. We categorized each vital event over a one-year period as “recorded by both methods,” “census alone,” or “programmatic alone.” We further assessed whether vital events data recorded by both methods were classified consistently. Results: We identified a total of 713 unique births (from maternal records only) and 746 births (collectively from maternal and child records) from June 2017 to May 2018 in one or both data collection methods. About three-fourths (n=526) of total births (from maternal records only), and (n=572) of total births (collectively from maternal and child records) were identified by both methods. Among births from maternal records identified by both methods, there was high consistency in birth location classification. Programmatic data captured more births (from mothers and children combined) than census data (723 versus 595). Most infants were consistently classified as “living” in both methods, while infant deaths and stillbirths were largely classified inconsistently or recorded by only one method. Programmatic data identified five infant deaths and five stillbirths not recorded in census data. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that data collected by CHWs from routinely tracking pregnancies, births, and deaths over time are promising for timely program monitoring and evaluation despite some limitations, and may be more effective than cross-sectional census surveys asking women to recall these events.
Synthesis, Characterization and Thermal Behavior of Poly(Vinyl) Chloride Reinforced by Folic Acid-modified Titanium Dioxide
Authors: LU Yiheng , Lu Yi-heng , Chen Zong-li , Lu Yu-wei
Published: May 2021

To improve the environmental friendliness of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and inhibit the agglomeration of nanotitanium dioxide, a PVC composite film reinforced by folic acid-modified titanium dioxide was synthesized and characterized using X-ray powder diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis coupled with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The average grain size of the folic acid-modified titanium dioxide particles decreased by 1.3 nm, indicating that the cohesiveness of nanoparticles decreased. The induction period of hydrogen chloride release for PVC pyrolysis at 195°C was much higher than that of the control sample. After reinforcement with modified TiO2, the lowest temperature for 1.0% thermal decomposition of PVC was 230.0°C, which is higher than the temperatures of the control sample. During the first decomposition stage, the peak temperature was 309.5°C, and the degradation progressed to the high-temperature zone. The decomposition rate at this peak temperature is 39.6% lower than that of the control sample. Energy spectrum analysis shows that after adding modified TiO2, the stability of the PVC improved due to an increased number of surface oxygen atoms and a lower number of surface chlorine atoms, as well as the formation of intermolecular hydrogen bonds. Infrared spectroscopic analysis shows that after modification, the vibration peak intensities of ester groups 1264, 1736 and 1106 cm-1 from the plasticizer decreased significantly. The enhanced PVC film suppressed the release of CO2, and the strongest vibration peak at 1264 cm-1 was 17.2% lower than that of the blank sample, indicating that the decomposition of plasticizer was inhibited by additives.
Phylogenetic Analysis and Assessment of the Pathogenic Potential of Avian Influenza Virus H9N2 in Wild Waterfowl, Wild Birds, and Lagoon Water in Tunisia
Authors: LARBI IMEN , Ghedira Kais , Butcher Gary D , Rego Natalia , Arbi Marwa , Naya Hugo , Tougorti Halima , Behi Imen El , Nsiri Jihene , Lachheb Jihene , Ghram Abdeljelil
Published: May 2021

H9N2 avian influenza viruses (AIV) have been isolated from various species of wild birds and domestic poultry worldwide. They have been described to not only infect mammals directly, but also provide gene segments to generate novel but lethal human reassortants. H9N2 AIV has circulated in Tunisian commercial poultry since 2009 and poses a serious threat to the poultry industry. In the present study, we investigate five H9N2 viruses isolated from greater flamingoes (GF) (Phoenicopterus roseus), gray-headed gull (GHG) (Chroicocephalus crirrocephalus), black-winged stilt (BWS) (Himantopus himantopus), and lagoon water (EN) from Maamoura Lagoon, Korba Lagoon, and Kuriat Island in Tunisia from 2014–2018. Full-length genome sequences of AIV H9N2.Viral sequence analyses showed several amino acid changes related to viral adaptation to mammals. Phylogenetic analyses demonstrated that the five isolates belonged to the same sublineage G1and were close to AIV H9N2 poultry strains isolated in North Africa, West Africa, and the Middle East. At the hemagglutinin (HA) cleavage site, viruses (GF/120/15), (BSW/119/18), (GHG/216/18), and (EN/117/18) had the 335RSSR/GLF341 motif. However, (GF/121/14) undergo punctual substitutions at the HA1/HA2genesand acquires the dibasic pattern 335KSSR/GLF341.All Tunisian viruses carried in their hemagglutinins the human-like marker 226L, which is important for avian-to-human viral transmission. The neuraminidase (NA) of the five viruses showed S372A and R403W substitutions previously detected in H9N2 from Asia and the Middle East and in H3N2 and H2N2 strains reported in human pandemics. Many mutations associated with mammalian infections have been detected in internal proteins. Chicken experiments (IPIV) show that the five Tunisian viruses displayed low pathogenicity, causing mild symptoms in chickens. The virus could not kill mice, and merely replicated when administrated to mice. To our knowledge, this is the first study to address the evolution, pathogenicity, and transmission of the H9N2 viruses isolated from wild birds, waterfowl, and lagoon water in North Africa. Our results indicate that we should pay greater attention to H9N2 AIV surveillance in wilds birds. These results provide new insights into the measures that need to be undertaken regarding the role of wild birds in AIV introduction and persistence in Tunisia.
Impact of the preoperative prognostic nutritional index as a predictor for postoperative complications after resection of locally recurrent rectal cancer
Authors: Paku Masakatsu , Uemura Mamoru , Kitakaze Masatoshi , Fujino Shiki , Ogino Takayuki , Miyoshi Norikatsu , Takahashi Hidekazu , Yamamoto Hirofumi , Mizushima Tsunekazu , Doki Yuichiro , Eguchi Hidetoshi
Published: May 2021

Background
Local recurrence is common after curative resections for rectal cancer. Surgical intervention is among the best treatment choices. However, achieving a negative resection margin often requires extensive pelvic organ resections; thus, the postoperative complication rate is quite high. Recent studies have reported that the inflammatory index could predict postoperative complications. This study aimed to validate the correlation between clinical factors, including inflammatory markers, and severe complications after surgery for local recurrent rectal cancer.
Methods
This retrospective study included 99 patients that underwent radical resections for local recurrences of rectal cancer. Postoperative complications were graded according to the Clavien-Dindo classification. Grades ≥ 3 were defined as severe complications. Risk factors for severe complications were identified with univariate and multivariate logistic regression models and assessed with receiver-operating characteristic curves.
Results
Severe postoperative complications occurred in 38 patients (38.4%). Analyses of correlations between inflammatory markers and severe postoperative complications revealed that the strongest correlation was found between the prognostic nutrition index and severe postoperative complications. The receiver-operating characteristic analysis showed that the optimal prognostic nutrition index cut-off value was 42.2 (sensitivity: 0.790, specificity: 0.508). In univariate and multivariate analyses, a prognostic nutrition index ≤ 44.2 (Odds ratio: 3.007, 95%CI:1.171–8.255, p = 0.02) and a blood loss ≥ 2850 mL (Odds ratio: 2.545, 95%CI: 1.044–6.367, p = 0.04) were associated with a significantly higher incidence of severe postoperative complications.
Conclusions
We found that a low preoperative prognostic nutrition index and excessive intraoperative blood loss were risk factors for severe complications after surgery for local recurrent rectal cancer.
Aggregate Excess Demand on Wall Street
Authors: Han Qingyuan , Keen Steve
Published: May 2021

The rational investor behavior and news triggered price change assumed by the Efficient Market Hypothesis (EMH) could not explain most of asset price variances, suggesting the need for an alternative theory. The Behavioral Finance Theory advocates that economic judgments and decisions in markets are often irrational because of systematic and predictable psychological bias. However, due to the lack of measurable investment behaviors, proponents of the efficient market hypothesis (EMH) argue that irrational behavior could not be reliably identified and predicted. Here we show that the price-takers behavior gauged by the normalized excess demand (NED) can be measured and the results explain most of the variances of SP500 daily returns over eight years of available data, the remaining variances are due to price-makers behavior, an influence abstracted out by the Walrasian general equilibrium theory. The interactions between behaviors of price-takers and price-makers drive market price fluctuations. For short-term prediction, we demonstrate that detected market makers' inventory positions often lead to intraday and daily market reversals. For long-term forecasting, feedback analyses of NED and SP500 data reveal signals of looming plunges and recovery processes in 2000, 2008, and 2020 market crises.
Selected ‘Starter Kit’ energy system modelling data for Cote d'Ivoire (#CCG)
Authors: Allington Lucy , Cannone Carla , Pappis Ioannis , Barron Karla Cervantes , Usher Will , Pye Steve , Brown Edward , Howells Mark , Walker Miriam Zachau , Ahsan Aniq , Charbonnier Flora , Halloran Claire , Hirmer Stephanie , Taliotis Constantinos , Sundin Caroline , Sridha Vignesh , Ramos Eunice , Brinkerink Maarten , Deane Paul , Gritsevskyi Andrii , Moura Gustavo , Rouget Arnaud , Wogan David , Barcelona Edito , Rogner Holger , Cronin Jen
Published: May 2021

Energy system modelling can be used to assess the implications of different scenarios and support improved policymaking. However, access to data is often a barrier to starting energy system modelling in developing countries, thereby causing delays. Therefore, this article provides data that can be used to create a simple zero order energy system model for Cote d'Ivoire, which can act as a starting point for further model development and scenario analysis. The data are collected entirely from publicly available and accessible sources, including the websites and databases of international organizations, journal articles, and existing modelling studies. This means that the dataset can be easily updated based on the latest available information or more detailed and accurate local data. These data were also used to calibrate a simple energy system model using the Open Source Energy Modelling System (OSeMOSYS) and three stylized scenarios (Fossil Future, Least Cost and Net Zero by 2050) for 2020–2050. The assumptions used and results of these scenarios are presented in the appendix as an illustrative example of what can be done with these data. This simple model can be adapted and further developed by in-country analysts and academics, providing a platform for future work.
Selected ‘Starter Kit’ energy system modelling data for Eswatini (#CCG)
Authors: Allington Lucy , Cannone Carla , Pappis Ioannis , Barron Karla Cervantes , Usher Will , Pye Steve , Brown Edward , Howells Mark , Walker Miriam Zachau , Ahsan Aniq , Charbonnier Flora , Halloran Claire , Hirmer Stephanie , Taliotis Constantinos , Sundin Caroline , Sridha Vignesh , Ramos Eunice , Brinkerink Maarten , Deane Paul , Gritsevskyi Andrii , Moura Gustavo , Rouget Arnaud , Wogan David , Barcelona Edito , Rogner Holger , Cronin Jen
Published: May 2021

Energy system modelling can be used to assess the implications of different scenarios and support improved policymaking. However, access to data is often a barrier to starting energy system modelling in developing countries, thereby causing delays. Therefore, this article provides data that can be used to create a simple zero order energy system model for Eswatini, which can act as a starting point for further model development and scenario analysis. The data are collected entirely from publicly available and accessible sources, including the websites and databases of international organizations, journal articles, and existing modelling studies. This means that the dataset can be easily updated based on the latest available information or more detailed and accurate local data. These data were also used to calibrate a simple energy system model using the Open Source Energy Modelling System (OSeMOSYS) and three stylized scenarios (Fossil Future, Least Cost and Net Zero by 2050) for 2020–2050. The assumptions used and results of these scenarios are presented in the appendix as an illustrative example of what can be done with these data. This simple model can be adapted and further developed by in-country analysts and academics, providing a platform for future work.
The Effect of Daily Light Integral, Ethephon, and Node Position of Impatiens ×hybrida Stock Plants on Flowering of the Harvested Unrooted Cuttings
Authors: Vargo Mary , Faust James E.
Published: May 2021

Herbaceous stock plant production and cutting harvest methods affect the performance of cuttings harvested from those stock plants. Specifically, the effect of daily light integral (DLI), ethephon spray applications, and the stock plant node position (NPSP) of hybrid impatiens (Impatiens ×hybrida) ‘Compact Electric Orange’ stock plants on the flowering of the harvested cuttings was examined. The DLI treatments were grouped in ranges of low (5.1–5.5 mol·m–2·d–1), medium (7.6–8.8 mol·m–2·d–1), and high (10.3–12.0 mol·m–2·d–1) levels. The stock plants were treated weekly with 0, 50, 100, 200, or 300 mg·L–1 ethephon. Cuttings were harvested from six NPSP, which refers to the location on the stock plants from which the cuttings were harvested. Time to flower of the harvested cuttings decreased as DLI increased from 5.1 to 12.0 mol·m–2·d–1, as ethephon concentrations decreased from 300 to 0 mg·L–1, and as NPSP moved from lower to upper positions within the stock plant canopy. Time to flower was highly correlated with the node position on the cutting (NPC) where the first flower appeared. For example, when flowers appeared in the lowest NPC on the shoot (NPC 1), the first flower opened 2.5 weeks after sticking the unrooted cuttings in propagation, while flowers that appeared in NPC 7, the seventh-oldest node from the base of the cutting, opened at 9.0 weeks. The results demonstrate how stock plant management practices can be manipulated to produce cuttings that allow growers to produce flowering plants on different schedules, i.e., production time can be shortened from conventional production schedules, which may allow hybrid impatiens to be marketed like bedding plant species such as impatiens (Impatiens walleriana).
Observation of Embryo Abortion Characteristics of Ziziphus jujuba Mill. ‘Zhongqiusucui’
Authors: Shao Fengxia , Wang Sen , Zhang Saiyang , Chen Juan , Feng Can
Published: May 2021

The embryo abortion rate of Ziziphus jujuba Mill. ‘Zhongqiusucui’ is high, which hinders cross-breeding. Research to identify the causes of embryo abortion is urgently required. To determine the embryo abortion pattern and create a foundation for further research, the embryo abortion characteristics of Z. jujuba Mill. ‘Zhongqiusucui’ were observed during this study. The results indicated that Z. jujuba Mill. ‘Zhongqiusucui’ was a cultivar with a high embryo abortion rate. Furthermore, there were some differences in the embryo abortion rates of jujube fruits in different batches. There was no significant difference between the first and second batches of jujube fruits. Large jujube fruits had a relatively low embryo abortion rate. Small jujube fruits had a relatively low kernel content rate and high embryo abortion rate. Most of the jujube fruits contained a single kernel, and some contained double kernels. The third batch of jujube fruits differed greatly from the first and second batches. The third batch had the highest degree of embryo abortion and all contained kernels were single. The embryo abortion degree of jujube fruits on the lignified bearing shoot was higher than that on the nonlignified bearing shoot, and the probability of jujube fruit with double kernels on the nonlignified bearing shoot was higher than that of the fruit on the lignified bearing shoot. The embryo abortion rates of jujube fruits with a smaller fruit shape index and larger fruit shape index were lower, and that of the medium (fruit shape index range, 1.30–1.60) was higher. The embryo abortion rates of globose, oblong globose, and long cylinder jujube fruits were lower, whereas that of cylindrical fruits was higher. Cracked jujube fruits did not contain normal seed kernels and their embryo abortion rate was 100%.
Sodium Retrieval from Sap May Permit Maintenance of Carbohydrate Reserves in Mature Xylem Tissues of a Salt-tolerant Hybrid Pistachio Rootstock Exposed to 100 mm NaCl
Authors: Godfrey Jessie M. , Ferguson Louise , Zwieniecki Maciej A.
Published: May 2021

Salinity’s many stresses may not kill a relatively salt-tolerant perennial in one season, but they can still deplete or modify nonstructural carbohydrate (NSC) pools. Any change to the quantity or quality of NSC reserves may have detrimental effects on phenology and reproduction, as well as yield, in tree crops. This study integrates salinity’s infringement on the energy margins of pistachio rootstock ‘UCB-1’ (an interspecific hybrid of Pistacia atlantica and P. integerrima) at senescence by measuring sugar and starch pools in wood, bark, and roots after treatment with ≈100 days of moderate to high salinity (50–100 mm NaCl and 10–20 mm CaCl2). Supported by a second experiment using sodium orthovanadate (NaOV) to block active xylem retrieval in the same hybrid pistachio rootstock, we conclude that retrieval of Na+ from xylem sap may allow for the preservation of NSC pools (particularly, starch) in mature xylem tissues by limiting the demand for carbon-based osmoticum (sugars). In contrast, younger growing tissues (bark and fine roots) were found to counteract salinity by degrading carbon-dense starch into osmotically active sugars at the expense of total NSC reserves, suggesting a physiological shift toward protection/isolation from environmentally pervasive but potentially toxic salts in these tissues.
Influence of freezing on changes in the structure of black currant fruits
Authors: Osokina Nina , Kostetska Kateryna , Herasymchuk Olena , Tkachenko Hennadii , Podpriatov Hryhorii , Pusik Ludmila , Falendysh Nataliy , Bobel Inna , Belinska Kristina
Published: May 2021

Object of research: frozen fruits of black currant varieties Bilorus Sweet, Minai Shmyrev.

Investigated problem: substantiation of the influence of the method, the duration of freezing on changes in the structure of black currant fruits of different degrees of maturity and pomological varieties.

The main scientific results: the advantages of fast freezing of black currant fruits in a fast freezing chamber with forced air circulation at a speed of 1.5–2.5 m/s at a temperature of -30 …- 32 °C compared to slow freezing in " Calex " freezers were established at a temperature of -20 …- 22 °C. Rapid freezing forces cooling, freezing and freezing due to a decrease in the temperature of initiation of ice formation, an increase in the rate of heat extraction and an increase in the temperature of freezing.

The area of practical use of the research results: food industry enterprises specializing in the freezing of plant products.

An innovative technological product: the technology of freezing black currant fruits, which allows to extend the period of consumption of high-quality fruits with a preserved structure.

Scope of application of an innovative technological product: nutrition of the population.
Chemical composition and seasonal variation of the essential oils of leaves of Garcinia gardneriana (Planchon & Triana) Zappi (Clusiaceae)
Authors: Fernandez Carla Maria Mariano , Lorenzetti Fabiana Brusco , Iwanaga Camila Cristina , Bernuci Karine Zanoli , Simões Ludmila Pini , Andrade João Paulo Pinguello de , Bortolucci Wanessa de Campos , Gonçalves José Eduardo , Cortez Diógenes Aparício Garcia , Gazim Zilda Cristiani , Filho Benedito Prado Dias
Published: May 2021

The seasonal factors have influence upon the secondary metabolism of plants in adaptive response to the environmental variation, leading to the biosynthesis of different compounds. Thus, the aim of the present paper was to characterize the chemical composition of the essential oil (EO) from leaves of Garcinia gardneriana (Clusiaceae), in function of the seasonality, in the period throughout the year (from January to December of 2016). The EO was obtained from fresh leaves by hydrodistillation in a modified Clevenger apparatus and analyzed using a gas chromatograph coupled to a mass spectrometer. Thereafter, the chemical constituents of the EO were evaluated by principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA). The EO yield varied differently throughout the year with the highest yield in January (0.38%) and the lowest one in August (0.19%). The EO composition was sesquiterpene hydrocarbons (84.78 - 99.07%) and oxygenated sesquiterpenes (0.45 - 13.80%). The major compounds found were α-cedrene, for the months of January to November, and α-trans-bergamotene for December. PCA and HCA analyses showed that the development stage of the plant may have altered the chemical composition of the EO, since in the flowering period the compounds α-trans-bergamotene and γ-muurolene were higher, which are responsible for attracting pollinators and for the plant’s defense. Moreover, in the fructification period, the production of compounds of the oxygenated sesquiterpenes class, namely (Z)-caryophyllene, spathulenol and caryophyllene oxide increased, what is probably related to the protection of the fruit. Thus, the EO of “bacupari” leaves had high chemical variability, which is likely related to the developmental cycle of the plant
Effects of composted swine manure on nutrient content in grains of Panicum miliaceum L.
Authors: Muraro Dionei Schmidt , Abrantes Fabiana Lima , Basso Claudir José , Aguiar Adalin Cezar Moraes de , Carvalho Ivan Ricardo , Pozebon Henrique , Gabriel Marcia , Sá Marco Eustáquio de , Kulczynski Stela Maris
Published: May 2021

The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of different doses of composted swine manure on protein and macronutrient contents of proso millet grains and in nutrient export by the crop. The experiment was carried out in the years 2013 and 2014 in a randomized block design, with four replications and five treatments, composed of four doses of composted swine manure (0, 4.0, 8.0 and 12.0 Mg ha-1) and one dose of mineral fertilization (NPK 100-60-40 kg ha-1). Compost and mineral fertilizers were applied manually in each plot after the sowing of the crop, according to the established doses. After the harvesting, grain samples were taken to determine protein, N, P, K, Ca, Mg and S contents, as well as the amount of macronutrients exported by the crop. The data were submitted to analysis of variance. The means of the variables related to the compost doses were compared to the control plot (absence of fertilization) and to the mineral fertilization plot using the Tukey’ test (P≤0.05), and the effects of CSM doses were assessed by regression analysis, adopting as selection criteria the model and the magnitude of the regression coefficients at 5% of significance. The export of nutrients from the field by P. miliaceum grains at the dose of 4.0 Mg ha-1 of compost was equal to the mineral fertilization recommended for the crop, justifying the use of swine manure as a substitute for mineral fertilization. The use of compost provides protein content in P. miliaceum grains similar to the use of mineral fertilizer
Sustainable optimization of nitrogen uses in oat at sowing and top-dressing stages
Authors: Reginatto Douglas C. , Silva José Antonio Gonzalez da , Carbonera Roberto , Bianchi Cleusa Adriane Menegassi , Libardoni Felipe , Kraisig Adriana Roselia , Carvalho Ivan Ricardo , Rosa Juliana Aozane da , Peter Cibele Luisa , Basso Natiane Carolina Ferrari , Berlezi Júlio Daronco , Porazzi Felipe Uhde
Published: May 2021

The most efficient nitrogen management by adjusting the nutrient dose at sowing and top-dressing with the supply period can increase the oat yield with greater sustainability. Considering the main cereal succession systems in Brazil and independent of the agricultural year condition, the objective of the study was to propose combination of nitrogen adjusted dose at sowing and at top-dressing with the most adequate moment of supply over the biomass and oat grain yield. The experiment was conducted in the years 2015, 2016 and 2017, in Augusto Pestana, RS, Brazil. The experimental plot was a randomized block design with four replicates, in a 4 x 4 factorial model, and four nitrogen rates at sowing (0 - control sample, 10, 30 and 60 kg ha-1), changing the top-dressing dose at total of 70 and 100 kg ha-1 in soybean / oat succession system and maize / oats, respectively. Expecting 4000 kg ha-1 of grain yield, with top-dressing supply in four periods (0, 10, 30 and 60 days after the emergency). The nitrogen management in oat, the combination of the adjusted dose at sowing and at top-dressing with the supply season shows the need to combine the technical recommendations of fertilization with the meteorological conditions of cropping. The absence of nitrogen at sowing and total dose applied at top-dressing, 30 to 35 days after emergence, increased the biomass and grains yield, regardless of condition of the agricultural year and succession system
Influence of periods of coexistence of weeds on organic okra production
Authors: Santos Raimundo Nonato Viana , Santos Luciana Lins Oliveira , Marques Luiz Junior Pereira , Rodrigues Antônia Alice Costa , Correa Maria José Pinheiro , Mesquita Mário Luiz Ribeiro , Silva Maria Rosângela Malheiros
Published: May 2021

Weed management in okra grown in organic system minimizes crop yield losses. Thus, the objective of this study was to determine the period prior to weed interference in okra grown in organic system during the rainy and dry seasons in the state of Maranhão, northeastern Brazil. Experiments were conducted in the rainy and dry seasons in randomized block design with seven treatments and four replications. The treatments were T1 = weeds coexistence with okra for 7 days; T2 = coexistence for 14 days; T3 = coexistence for 21 days; T4 = coexistence for 28 days; T5 = coexistence for 35 days; T6 = coexistence for 42 days and, T7 = coexistence for 74 days). In addition to these treatments, we kept a control treatment with weed free until harvest to obtain maximum yield. At the end of each period of weed coexistence with the crop, three weed samples were collected in 0.25 m² to evaluate density, dry mass and to analise phytosociological parameters. The main weeds in both seasons were Commelina benghalensis, Cynodon dactylon, Eleusine indica, Alternanthera tenella and Amaranthus spinosus. The coexistence of weeds with the crop until harvest caused losses of 51% in the rainy season and 67% in the dry season compared to weed free control. In the rainy season, the period before weed interference (PBI) on okra crop of organic system was 12 days after emergence (DAE). In the dry season, 5% yield loss was observed 4 days after transplanting (DAT). Weed management in organic okra should be carried out earlier in the dry season than in the rainy season to avoid high yield losses