bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Supplementation of Fermented Yeast Culture on Hormones and Their Receptors on Exposure to Higher Temperature and on Production Performance after Exposure in Nicobari Chickens
Authors: Nidamanuri A. L. , Leslie Leo Prince Lawrence , Yadav S. P. , Bhattacharya T. K. , Konadaka S. R. R. , Bhanja S. K.
Published: August 2021

Heat stress (HS) affects the production performance in chickens and causes economic loss to the producers. Most of the studies have been conducted on and for the welfare of broilers. We still lack information on the physiological parameters being affected during chronic heat stress in layers. To fill this gap, the present study evaluated the effect of heat stress (induced in the chamber) during the prelaying period (21–23 weeks) on plasma levels of the hormones leptin and ghrelin and GH and expression of the respective receptors and heat stress markers. Three groups were considered, one at room temperature (CR) and the other two groups (SH and CH) subjected to heat stress at 39°C for four hours for three weeks (21–23 weeks of age). The SH group (SH) feed was supplemented with fermented yeast culture (FYC, 700 mg/kg), whereas the CH group was devoid of it. After that, all the groups were shifted to shed under natural ambient conditions till 31 weeks of age. Studies were restricted to production performance only. Feed offered without yeast culture (CH group) had a smaller concentration of plasma hormones (

P
<
0.01

) and increased expression fold of the hormone receptors (

P
<
0.01

). Further, the group also presented higher liver AMP kinase enzyme, plasma MDA (malondialdehyde), and cholesterol concentrations. These changes likely explained the decrease in feed intake and the CH group’s body weight and further reduced the production performance during the laying period. Supplementation with FYC to birds had an opposite effect on the above-mentioned parameters, reducing HS effects. In summary, supplementation with FYC (700 mg/kg) maintained physiological parameters as in the CR group under HS conditions and negated adverse effects on parameters both before and during laying periods.
Bioinformatic Analysis of Prognostic and Immune-Related Genes in Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Li Ziang , Hu Chang , Yang Zhiqiang , Yang Minlan , Fang Jiayu , Zhou Xuhong
Published: August 2021

Pancreatic cancer (PC) is a malignant tumor with poor prognosis. The poor effect of surgery and chemotherapy makes the research of immunotherapy target molecules significant. Therefore, identifying the new molecular targets of PC is important for patients. In our study, we systematically analyzed molecular correlates of pancreatic cancer by bioinformatic analysis. We characterized differentially expressed analysis based on the TCGA pancreatic cancer dataset. Then, univariate Cox regression was employed to screen out overall survival- (OS-) related DEGs. Based on these genes, we established a risk signature by the multivariate Cox regression model. The ICGC cohort and GSE62452 cohort were used to validate the reliability of the risk signature. The impact of T lymphocyte-related genes from risk signature was confirmed in PC. Here, we observed the correlation between the T lymphocyte-related genes and the expression level of targeted therapy. We established a five-mRNA (LY6D, ANLN, ZNF488, MYEOV, and SCN11A) prognostic risk signature. Next, we identified ANLN and MYEOV that were associated with T lymphocyte infiltrations (

P
<
0.05

). High ANLN and MYEOV expression levels had a poorer prognosis in decreased T lymphocyte subgroup in PC. Correlation analysis between ANLN and MYEOV and immunomodulators showed that ANLN and MYEOV may have potential value in pancreatic cancer immunotherapy.
Machine Learning Model for Group Activity Recognition Based on Discriminative Interaction Contextual Relationship
Authors: Kulkarni Smita S. , Jadhav Sangeeta
Published: August 2021

This paper represents the recognition of group activity in public areas, considering personal actions and interactions between people from the field of computer vision. Modeling the interaction relationships between multiple people is essential for recognizing group activity in the video scene. In artificial intelligence applications, identifying group activities based on human interaction is often a challenging task. This paper proposed a model that formulates a group action context (GAC) descriptor. The descriptor was developed by integrating the focal person action descriptor and interaction joint context descriptor of nearby people in the video frame. The model used an efficient optimization principle based on machine learning to learn the discriminative interaction context relations between multiple persons. The proposed novel group action context descriptor is classified by support vector machine (SVM) to recognize group activity. The proposed technique effectiveness is evaluated for group activity recognition by performing experiments on a publicly available collective activity dataset. The proposed approach infers a group action class when multiple persons are together in the video sequence, especially when the interaction between people is confusing. The overall group action recognition model is interrelated with a baseline model to estimate the performance of interaction context information. The experimental result of the proposed group activity recognition model is comparable and outperforms the previous methods.
Revisiting Apathy in Alzheimer’s Disease: From Conceptualization to Therapeutic Approaches
Authors: Teixeira Antonio L. , Gonzales Mitzi M. , de Souza Leonardo Cruz , Weisenbach Sara L.
Published: August 2021

Apathy is a neurobehavioral syndrome characterized by impaired motivation for goal-directed behaviors and cognitive activity, alongside blunted affect. Apathy is a common neuropsychiatric syndrome in Alzheimer’s disease (AD), with a 5-year prevalence over 70%. Apathy also serves as a prognostic indicator, correlating with the progression of AD. Despite advances in its conceptualization and understanding of its neural basis, there is very limited empirical evidence to support the available strategies for the treatment of apathy in AD. Given its complex pathophysiology, including distinct substrates for different apathy dimensions (affective, cognitive, and behavioral), it is unlikely that a single pharmacological or nonpharmacological strategy will be effective for all cases of apathy in AD. High-quality evidence research is needed to better understand the role of specific strategies aiming at a personalized approach.
Long-Term Performances and Technoeconomic and Environmental Assessment of Al2O3/Water and MWCNT/Oil Nanofluids in Three Solar Collector Technologies
Authors: HARRABI Intissar , HAMDI Mohamed , HAZAMI Majdi
Published: August 2021

Bringing together nanofluids and solar collectors has been widely discussed without any major advance or long-term study being carried out. In this context, this paper provides a useful feasibility study to help future decisions in using nanofluids in Solar Water Heating Systems (SWHSs) in different locations. The performances of SWHSs using the nanofluid-based flat plate solar collector (FPSC), evacuated tube collector (ETC), and compound parabolic collector (CPC) under the Mediterranean, arctic, and desert climate conditions are presented and discussed. The analysis is carried out using a transient-based numerical approach, solving energy balance equations for different systems. Various performance factors such as energy saving, solar fractions, and environmental impacts of auxiliary energy supplies are evaluated to feasibly assess the use of nanofluids in such devices. Simulation results demonstrate that the use of nanofluids increases the solar heater performance which reduces considerably the payback period (

P

P

) of the investment in solar heating systems up to 3.34 years in Tunisian climate. Under Quebec’s climate region, the annualized solar return of the ETC system increases from 4874.65 US$ to 9785.93 US$ by adding 0.06 v% Al2O3 in water. Also, the use of nanofluids in solar collectors with electric auxiliary heaters reduces harmful CO2 emissions up to 0.49 tons/year.
Fatigue Assessment of Monopile Supported Offshore Wind Turbine under Non‐Gaussian Wind Field
Authors: Li Bing , Rong Kang , Cheng Haifeng , Wu Yongxin
Published: August 2021

The vibration of offshore wind turbines caused by external loads is significant, which will cause fatigue damage to offshore wind turbines. Wind load is the main load during the operation period of the wind turbine, and available studies have shown that the external wind field often exhibits certain non‐Gaussian characteristics. This article aims to obtain the fatigue assessment of the monopile foundation of the wind turbine under the non‐Gaussian wind fields. A 5 MW wind turbine is selected in this article, and OpenFAST is applied to simulate the wind load. By comparing the Mises stress time histories of the pile foundation at a different depth, the fatigue analysis of the critical spots of the pile foundation is obtained. In the analysis of fatigue damage, the rain flow counting method is adopted, and the two‐segment S‐N curve is selected to analyze the fatigue life of the critical spots. The results show that, by taking the non‐Gaussian characteristic of the wind field into account, the fatigue life of the monopile foundation decreases. Therefore, attention should be paid to the influence of non‐Gaussian characteristics of wind fields on the fatigue life of monopile‐supported wind turbines.
Associations between Childhood Abuse, Resilience, Mindfulness, and Waterpipe Smoking: Implications for Cessation Interventions
Authors: Naghavi Mohammadreza , Nakhaee Nouzar , Ward Kenneth
Published: August 2021

Introduction. Recent research has established a link between childhood abuse and later drug abuse. For waterpipe smoking (WPS), such a role has not been adequately clarified. Aims. To explore the mediating effect of resilience and mindfulness on the association between childhood abuse and current WPS among college students. Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted among a consecutive sample (n = 776) of college students in Kerman, Iran. The Adverse Childhood Experiences Abuse Short Form, the 14-item Resilience Scale, and the Freiburg Mindfulness Inventory were used. Structural equation modeling was used to examine the complex associations between variables. Results. Nearly 95% of participants were aged between 18 and 27 years, and the mean (SD) age of students was 22.2 (3.1). Most of them were single (84.4), and 52.7% were female. Prevalence of lifetime and current WPS among students was 49.6% and 33.4%, respectively. Less than one-third (n = 228) of lifetime users first tried smoking by the age of 18. The risk of current WPS was significantly higher in males than females (β = 0.25, P < 0.001). Childhood abuse was directly associated with current WPS (β = 0.20, P < 0.001) and resilience (β = −0.12, P < 0.05). Adverse childhood experiences were also indirectly (mediated by the effect of the resilience, path coefficient = 0.06, P < 0.001) associated with the risk of WPS. No relationship was seen between trait mindfulness and current WPS (β = −0.02, P = 0.393). Resilience was negatively associated with current WPS (β = −0.47, P < 0.001). Conclusion. The study revealed the potential importance of childhood abuse and low resilience as risk factors precipitating the onset of WPS. Further studies are warranted to examine the implications of this study for quitting WPS.
Effects of Fluorine on Neutrophil Extracellular Trap Formation through Regulating AMPK/p38 Signaling Pathway
Authors: Song Yanyan , Zhang Yue , Zhang Peijun , Yu Peng , Shang Xinchi , Lu Yuting , Li Yuehong , Gao Hang
Published: August 2021

Fluorine is an important trace element that is widely dispersed, and studies showed that fluorine could cause severe toxicity to fish. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of fluorine on neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) formation in common carp and clarify the possible mechanism. The neutrophils were isolated and exposed to 0.25, 0.5, or 1 mM sodium fluoride (NaF). The results showed that NaF could induce the formation of NETs which exhibited a DNA‐based network structure modified with histones and myeloperoxidase (MPO). Furthermore, NaF led to the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in neutrophils. Western blot results showed that NaF significantly increased the phosphorylation of AMPK and p38. In addition, our results showed that NaF‐induced NET formation could be inhibited by an AMPK or p38 inhibitor. In conclusion, our results showed that NaF induced NET formation in neutrophils through regulation of the AMPK/p38 signaling pathway.
Optimization of Caving Technology in an Extrathick Seam with Longwall Top Coal Caving Mining
Authors: Yang Liu , Li Lianghui , Wei Weijie
Published: August 2021

The optimization of top coal caving technology is an efficient method to improve the recovery ratio in longwall top coal caving (LTCC). In extrathick coal seams, the conventional single‐opening sequential caving technology (SOSCT) shows the following problems: low recovery ratio, high rock mixed ratio, and poor drawing balance. For these problems, this research verifies the applicability of multiopening caving technology (MOCT) in extrathick coal seams theoretically. However, different drawing sequences have a great effect on the drawing mechanism. Based on the progressive drawing sequence of cluster‐group‐support, this paper firstly proposes a systematic naming method for the top coal caving technology. Furthermore, an independent cluster‐group caving technology (ICGCT) is given, meaning that all supports are divided into several clusters, a cluster is divided into several groups, and clusters extract top coal in positive order while groups are in reverse order in the drawing process. By establishing an experimental model by the discrete element method PFC2D, the drawing mechanism is investigated under different caving technologies. The results show that ICGCT significantly improves the recovery ratio of the panel and mainly increases the drawing volume of top coal in the middle and upper end of the panel. The shape of the top coal boundary reflects the drawing efficiency. Due to the effect of drawing sequence in ICGCT, the generation and disappearance processes of coal ridge greatly decrease the residual top coal in the middle of the panel. The drawing body shape has a direct influence on the recovery ratio. Multiple complete drawing bodies exist in ICGCT, and the dispersion coefficient of drawing volume changes periodically in the range of 0.5–1.7, which is conducive to the management of drawing processes. In addition, discussing ICGCT and the dependent cluster‐group caving technology (DCGCT), it is found that the recovery ratio of DCGCT has a slight increase, which enlarges the maximum drawing range of top coal at both panel ends, shortening the total drawing time of the panel. In summary, ICGCT provides a new approach for improving the recovery ratio and drawing balance in LTCC with an extrathick coal seam.
Efficacy of Auricular Acupressure in Prevention and Treatment of Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting in Patients with Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Chen Lichan , Wu Xiaohong , Chen Xisui , Zhou Chunjiao
Published: August 2021

Background. More than 40% of patients with cancer have reported that chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) remained the most debilitating side effects of treatment even in the era of new antiemetics. Objective. The purpose of this review was to systematically evaluate the clinical effect of auricular acupressure (AA) in prevention and treatment of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. Methods. The following databases were searched: PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, the Web of Science, Chinese Biological Medicine (CBM), Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang, and VIP (from database inception to April 2020). Eligible randomized controlled trials of auricular acupressure in treating CINV were collected, including crossover randomized design study. The meta-analysis was carried out by RevMan software (5.3). Results. Totally 19 RCTs with 1449 patients met the inclusion criteria. Compared with control groups, the relief efficiency of overall CINV was enhanced by AA combined with antiemetics (RR = 1.31, CI 1.22 to 1.41,

p

 ≤ 0.001). Although the therapeutic effect on acute nausea and vomiting was not obvious, AA still played an important role in reducing delayed nausea and vomiting (delayed nausea frequency: RR = 0.68, CI −1.01 to −1.35,

p

 ≤ 0.001; delayed vomiting frequency: RR = 0.91, CI −1.22 to −0.61,

p

 ≤ 0.001). The likelihood of adverse reactions related to antiemetics was reduced by AA combined with antiemetics (RR = 0.62, CI 0.53 to 0.74,

p

 ≤ 0.001). Statistically significant association was found between AA and incidence of constipation, diarrhea, and tiredness, while there was no statistically significant association between AA and abdominal distension or headache. Conclusion. Auricular acupressure supplementation benefited delayed chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting as well as constipation, diarrhea, and tiredness. AA alone or AA supplementation has little effect on acute nausea and acute vomiting. There is no conclusion on whether AA alone is superior to antiemetics in the management of delayed CINV. Further studies are needed to confirm the efficacy of auricular acupressure alone in delayed CINV and anticipatory CINV. The results of this review provided the basis for further research with more rigorous study designs, adequate sample sizes, and standardized implementation to confirm the efficacy of auricular acupressure.
Clinical Outcomes after Mix-and-Match Implantation of Extended Depth of Focus and Diffractive Multifocal Intraocular Lenses
Authors: Lee Jae Hyuck , Chung Ho Seok , Moon Su Young , Park So Young , Lee Hun , Kim Jae Yong , Tchah Hungwon
Published: August 2021

Purpose. To evaluate the clinical outcomes after bilateral mix-and-match cataract surgery using extended depth of focus (EDOF) and diffractive multifocal (DMF) intraocular lenses (IOLs). Setting. Asan Medical Center, Seoul, South Korea. Design. Prospective clinical study. Methods. Thirty-seven patients underwent TECNIS Symfony EDOF IOL (ZXR00) implantation in the dominant eye, and TECNIS +3.25 DMF IOL (ZLB00) implantation in the nondominant eye. Patients were followed up for 3 months; uncorrected and corrected distance visual acuity (UDVA and CDVA), uncorrected intermediate and near visual acuity (UIVA and UNVA), contrast sensitivity, defocus curves, stereopsis, and patient satisfaction were assessed. Results. At 3 months, the mean logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) of UDVA was 0.07 ± 0.09 in EDOF IOL eyes, 0.12 ± 0.11 in DMF IOL eyes, and 0.02 ± 0.05 in both eyes. UIVA was 0.11 ± 0.11 in EDOF IOL eyes, 0.16 ± 0.12 in DMF IOL eyes, and 0.04 ± 0.07 in both eyes. UNVA was 0.25 ± 0.15 in EDOF IOL eyes, 0.22 ± 0.16 in DMF IOL eyes, and 0.13 ± 0.13 in both eyes. Thirty patients (81.1%) were more than satisfied with near vision, and 8 patients (21.6%) complained of severe glare and halo. Spectacle independence for near vision was achieved in 34 patients (91.9%), and 31 patients (83.8%) had better than a 50-second arc of stereopsis. Conclusion. Mix-and-match cataract surgery with EDOF and DMF IOL implantation provided good visual outcomes for all distances. Additionally, excellent patient satisfaction was achieved with a high level of spectacle independence and acceptable photic phenomena.
Prevalence and Antimicrobial Resistance of Campylobacter Species in Diarrheal Patients in Mymensingh, Bangladesh
Authors: Rahman Md. Ashikur , Paul Priyanka Rani , Hoque Nazmul , Islam Sk Shaheenur , Haque A. K. M. Ziaul , Sikder Mahmudul Hasan , Matin Aminul , Yamasaki Shinji , Kabir S. M. Lutful
Published: August 2021

Campylobacter enteritis is the leading cause of gastroenteritis in humans worldwide including Bangladesh. The objectives of this study were to estimate the prevalence and antimicrobial‐resistance status of Campylobacter spp. in human diarrheal samples collected from Surya Kanta Hospital, Mymensingh, Bangladesh. In this study, we evaluated a total of 330 clinical samples for the presence Campylobacter spp. via cultural and biochemical tests and molecular assays. Furthermore, antimicrobial susceptibility testing for Campylobacter species was accomplished by the standard agar disc diffusion technique against eight commercially available antimicrobial agents. A pretested semistructured questionnaire was used to capture the data on socioanthropological factors from the diarrheal patients. Pearson’s chi‐square test was performed, and a p value of <0.05 was considered for the level of significance. Nearly one in three diarrheal patients admitted in this hospital were infected with Campylobacter spp. Overall prevalence of Campylobacter spp. was estimated to be 31.5% (104/330) that comprised the prevalence of C. jejuni, 21.8% (n = 72), and C. coli, 9.6% (n = 32). Among the positive cases, the prevalence of Campylobacter was higher in the age group 0‐5 years (52%) followed by 6‐18 years (42.7%), 19‐40 years (34.0%), 41‐60 years (25.4%), and >60 years (10.5%). Age, family level’s personal hygiene, and involvement with animal husbandry were captured as potential determinants to be associated with the Campylobacter positive status. Among the isolates, 27.3% (n = 20) of C. jejuni and 31.2% (n = 10) of C. coli demonstrated as multidrug‐resistant (MDR) to three or more antimicrobial agents. The present study shows that Campylobacter spp. is most prevalent among the hospital‐admitted diarrheal patients, and proper measures should be taken to reduce the burden focusing on the potential determinants.
Acute Effects of Low- and High-Speed Resistance Exercise on Cognitive Function in Frail Older Nursing-Home Residents: A Randomized Crossover Study
Authors: Coelho-Júnior Hélio J. , Aguiar Samuel da Silva , Calvani Riccardo , Picca Anna , Carvalho Denise de Azevedo , Zwarg-Sá Juliana da Costa , Audiffren Michel , Marzetti Emanuele , Uchida Marco Carlos
Published: August 2021

Aim. The present study investigated the acute effects of low- and high-speed resistance exercise on the cognitive function of frail older women living in nursing home. Materials and Methods. Ten institutionalized frail older women were recruited. Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test and Stroop test were performed before, immediately after, 1 h after, and 24 h after the end of the experimental session. Participants randomly performed low- and high-speed resistance exercise and a control session. Exercise sessions were composed of 4 resistance exercises with 4–8 sets of 4–10 repetitions at moderate intensity. Results. Results indicated that the performance of Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test was similarly increased immediately after both low- and high-speed resistance exercises. However, only improvements elicited by low-speed resistance exercise remained significant 1 h after the end of the exercise session. No acute effects of resistance exercise were observed on Stroop performance. Conclusion. Our findings indicated that both low- and high-speed resistance exercises acutely increased episodic memory in frail older women, whereas no changes on Stroop were observed.
Navigation Switching Strategy‐Based SINS/GPS/ADS/DVL Fault‐Tolerant Integrated Navigation System
Authors: Li Weiqi , Zhang Rui , Lei Hongjie
Published: August 2021

Considering the conventional federated filtering‐based fault‐tolerant integrated navigation system is difficult to be implemented by serial data processing circuits, this paper presents navigation switching strategy‐based SINS/GPS/ADS/DVL fault‐tolerant integrated navigation system to guarantee the reliability of integrated navigation system under sensor faults. When sensor failure appears, SINS and fault‐free sensors are selected successively to form an integrated navigation system, such that reliable navigation parameters can be obtained. The simulation tests are implemented to verify that the SINS/GPS/ADS/DVL integrated navigation system can provide reliable navigation parameters when ADS and DVL are disabled.
Malicious Encryption Traffic Detection Based on NLP
Authors: Yang Hao , He Qin , Liu Zhenyan , Zhang Qian
Published: August 2021

The development of Internet and network applications has brought the development of encrypted communication technology. But on this basis, malicious traffic also uses encryption to avoid traditional security protection and detection. Traditional security protection and detection methods cannot accurately detect encrypted malicious traffic. In recent years, the rise of artificial intelligence allows us to use machine learning and deep learning methods to detect encrypted malicious traffic without decryption, and the detection results are very accurate. At present, the research on malicious encrypted traffic detection mainly focuses on the characteristics’ analysis of encrypted traffic and the selection of machine learning algorithms. In this paper, a method combining natural language processing and machine learning is proposed; that is, a detection method based on TF-IDF is proposed to build a detection model. In the process of data preprocessing, this method introduces the natural language processing method, namely, the TF-IDF model, to extract data information, obtain the importance of keywords, and then reconstruct the characteristics of data. The detection method based on the TF-IDF model does not need to analyze each field of the data set. Compared with the general machine learning data preprocessing method, that is, data encoding processing, the experimental results show that using natural language processing technology to preprocess data can effectively improve the accuracy of detection. Gradient boosting classifier, random forest classifier, AdaBoost classifier, and the ensemble model based on these three classifiers are, respectively, used in the construction of the later models. At the same time, CNN neural network in deep learning is also used for training, and CNN can effectively extract data information. Under the condition that the input data of the classifier and neural network are consistent, through the comparison and analysis of various methods, the accuracy of the one-dimensional convolutional network based on CNN is slightly higher than that of the classifier based on machine learning.
Plant Tissue Culture Research and Development in Ethiopia: A Case Study on Current Status, Opportunities, and Challenges
Authors: Abebaw Yemisrach Melkie , Tobiaw Dagmawit Chombe , Abate Birhan Addisie , Eshete Beza Kinfe , Seymour Sydney K. , Tesfaye Kassahun
Published: August 2021

Plant tissue culture (PTC) is one of the well-adapted and practiced biotechnology tools in Ethiopia. After the initial success of tissue culture at the Ethiopian Institute of Agriculture Research and Addis Ababa University, the technology spread its roots to most of the research institutes and universities across the country. Consequently, the technology continues to extend at the commercial level. However, there is a lack of information at the national level on the capacity of national institutes in terms of available infrastructure and skilled human power, the potential of the laboratories for tissue culture-related activities, and existing challenges that hinder tissue culture research and development. This study aimed to assess the status of tissue culture research and development in Ethiopia and identify gaps that hinder its application in various economic sectors. The primary data were collected from 19 tissue culture laboratories across the country using questionnaires and physical observation. Accordingly, the results of the study revealed that Jimma Agricultural Research Center from the federal research institute and Amhara Regional Agriculture Research Institute, Bahir Dar Laboratory, from the regional research institute are relatively well equipped with facilities and equipment for tissue culture R&D activities. Among the commercial laboratories, Tigray Biotechnology Center is well equipped and has the highest production capacity with 40 million seedlings per year. Besides, the assessment revealed that a total of 54 plant species have been under in vitro protocol optimization and development process across all PTC laboratories. Nevertheless, tissue culture application in public and private sectors in Ethiopia is limited by several technical, administrative, and financial constraints. Therefore, to exploit the maximum benefit of PTC technology in the existing facilities, further intervention is critical in solving the identified challenges.
Immunoglobulin G4-Hepatopathy with Acute Hepatitis-Like Onset and Marked Centrilobular Necrosis: Clinicopathologically Unique Pattern of Hepatic Injury Related to Immunoglobulin G4-Related Disease
Authors: Mukai Kaori , Nishida Tsutomu , Adachi Shiro , Matsumoto Kengo , Osugi Naoto , Sugimoto Aya , Nakamatsu Dai , Yamamoto Masashi , Fukui Koji , Tamura Hiromi , Inada Masami
Published: August 2021

A 69-year-old man presented with jaundice and appetite loss. Blood analyses showed elevated aminotransferase levels, hyperbilirubinemia, positivity for antinuclear antibody, elevated immunoglobulin (Ig) G4 levels, and negativity for hepatitis virus markers. Additionally, computed tomography revealed a focal enlargement of the pancreatic body and enhancement of the peripheral bile ducts. Liver biopsy showed interface hepatitis, supporting a clinical diagnosis of autoimmune hepatitis (AIH). Immunohistochemistry revealed that IgG4-bearing plasma cells accounted for more than 60% of the IgG-bearing plasma cells in the portal area. Then, we started oral prednisolone therapy. After tapering, serum transaminase levels became elevated again, and we had to adjust the dose. Azathioprine maintenance therapy was necessary to prevent relapse. We herein report a case of IgG4-hepatopathy with a clinical course similar to that of AIH with acute onset.
Treatment and Outcomes of Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer in Elderly Patients
Authors: Jung Hyun Ae , Han Bo Ram , Kim Ho Young , Kim Hyo Jung , Zang Dae Young , Jung Joo Young
Published: August 2021

Background and Aims: Although pancreatic cancers are common in older age-groups, the prognosis remains poor due to limited studies on treatment approaches and outcomes in a given population. We aimed to examine treatment patterns and their outcomes in older patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer in a real-world context. Materials and Methods: We conducted a retrospective study including 167 patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer (aged ≥70 years and male/female: 78/89) between January 2010 and July 2015. Patients’ retrieved data from medical records were analyzed according to treatment types, followed by a review of clinicopathologic variables and treatment outcomes. Results: Of the 167 eligible patients for the study, only 21.6% (n = 36) received palliative chemotherapy. The median age of the chemotherapy group was 74.0 years and 78.6 years for the supportive care group. The median survival of the chemotherapy group was 9.2 months (range: 1.0–24.9 months), compared with that of the supportive care group, which was 2.3 months (range: 0.1–31.8 months). Among the patients in the chemotherapy group, 50% (n = 18) received gemcitabine-based double therapy, and 30% patients (n = 9) received second-line chemotherapy. Conclusions: Our results showed that older patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer were less likely to receive chemotherapy. However, the survival benefit from chemotherapy was comparable to that of younger patients’ counterpart. Thus, further study involving identification of older patients who would benefit from cytotoxic chemotherapy is needed.
The Association between Sarcopenia as a Comorbid Disease and Incidence of Institutionalisation and Mortality in Geriatric Rehabilitation Inpatients: REStORing health of acutely unwell adulTs (RESORT)
Authors: Pacifico Jacob , Reijnierse Esmee M. , Lim Wen Kwang , Maier Andrea B.
Published: August 2021

Introduction: Sarcopenia is associated with poor health outcomes and highly prevalent in individuals with age-related diseases. This study aimed to determine whether sarcopenia as a comorbid disease is associated with the incidence of institutionalisation and mortality in geriatric rehabilitation inpatients. Methods: REStORing health of acutely unwell adulTs (RESORT) includes geriatric rehabilitation patients assessed for sarcopenia (the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People [EWGSOP, 2010], EWGSOP2 [2018], and the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia [AWGS 2019]), multimorbidity, disease severity, and specific diseases (Charlson Comorbidity Index and Cumulative Illness Rating Scale) at admission. The incidence of institutionalisation and mortality was recorded 3 months after discharge. Logistic regressions were adjusted for age and sex with “low morbidity and no sarcopenia” as the reference group. Results: In 549 included patients (median age was 82.2 [77.4–87.7] years, 58.3% female), sarcopenia prevalence was 37.9, 18.6, and 26.1% according to EWGSOP, EWGSOP2, and AWGS 2019, respectively. Sarcopenia as a comorbid disease with high multimorbidity, dementia, diabetes mellitus, and renal impairment had higher odds of institutionalisation incidence. Sarcopenia as a comorbid disease with high multimorbidity, high disease severity, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, osteoporosis, and renal impairment had higher odds of mortality. Conclusion: Sarcopenia as a comorbid disease is associated with a higher incidence of institutionalisation and mortality in geriatric rehabilitation inpatients. This highlights the need for in-hospital sarcopenia diagnostics and interventions.
Major Depressive Disorder Enhances Th2 and Th17 Cytokines in Patients Suffering from Allergic Rhinitis and Asthma
Authors: Oyamada Hugo A.A. , Cafasso Marcos Octávio S.D. , Vollmer Carolina M. , Alvim Fabianna , Lopes Lana M. , Castro Camilla , Sacramento Priscila M. , Sales Marisa C. , Kasahara Taissa M. , Linhares Ulisses C. , Bento Cleonice A.M.
Published: August 2021

Introduction: Major depressive disorder (MDD) can impact the severity of allergic rhinitis (AR) and asthma (AA). Here, we evaluated the cytokine production by T-cells from AR and AA patients with or without MDD. The effect of serotonin on the in vitro T-cell response was also evaluated. Methods: The cytokines produced by activated T-cells were measured by Luminex and flow cytometry. In some cell cultures, serotonin was added. Results: MDD not only enhanced the production of Th2- and Th17-related cytokines, but also, the levels of interleukin (IL)-5 and IL-17 were directly correlated with the severity of depression and anxiety symptoms. As compared with AR, the levels of IL-17 were higher and the release of IL-10 was lower in activated T-cell cultures from AA patients, mainly those with MDD. In AA/MDD patients, the severity of anxiety symptoms and lung disease was directly correlated with Th17-like and hybrid Th2/Th17 cells, but inversely correlated with IL-10-secreting CD4+ T-cells. Finally, the addition of serotonin reduced the production of Th2- and Th17-related cytokines, but elevated IL-10 secretion in cell cultures from both AR and AA patients. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that not only the occurrence of MDD but also the severity of anxiety symptoms, may adversely affect the outcome of allergic reactions by favoring the production of cytokines implicated in the pathogenesis of AR and AA, a phenomenon that was attenuated by serotonin.
A Quantitative Systems Pharmacology Framework for Optimal Doxorubicin Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor Regimens in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Paredes Bonilla Rosalba Vivian , Nekka Fahima , Craig Morgan
Published: August 2021

Introduction: To mitigate the risk of neutropenia during chemotherapy treatment of triple-negative breast cancer, prophylactic and supportive therapy with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) is administered concomitant to chemotherapy. The proper timing of combined chemotherapy and G-CSF is crucial for treatment outcomes. Methods: Leveraging our established mathematical model of neutrophil production by G-CSF, we developed quantitative systems pharmacology (QSP) framework to investigate how modulating chemotherapy dose frequency and intensity can maximize antitumour effects. To establish schedules that best control tumour size while minimizing neutropenia, we combined Gompertzian tumour growth with pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic models of doxorubicin and G-CSF, and our QSP model of neutrophil production. Results: We optimized a range of chemotherapeutic cycle lengths and dose sizes to establish regimens that simultaneously reduced tumour burden while minimizing neutropenia. Our results suggest that cytotoxic chemotherapy with doxorubicin 45 mg/m2 every 14 days provides effective control of tumour growth while mitigating neutropenic risks. Conclusion: This work suggests future avenues for optimal regimens of chemotherapy with prophylactic G-CSF support. Importantly, the algorithmic approach that we developed can aid in balancing the anticancer and the neutropenic effects of both drugs, and therefore contributes to rational considerations in clinical decision-making in triple-negative breast cancer.
Who Are the Engineers? Solar Geoengineering Research and Justice
Authors: Táíwò Olúfẹ́mi O. , Talati Shuchi
Published: August 2021

Solar geoengineering research is a small but growing field as concerns arise that reducing emissions will not be sufficient to limit severe climate impacts. With this increasing attention, ensuring that the field advances equitably and inclusively is of immense importance. This commentary is a response to arguments that advocate for abandoning solar geoengineering research altogether because it perpetuates colonialism and promotes injustice. We find, however, that this brand of argument is itself performatively colonial and recommend a more inclusive framework for solar geoengineering governance that integrates existing research on relevant structures.
Tracing the Historical Culture of Spalting in Spain to Its Potential Influence on Peru
Authors: Vega Gutiérrez Patricia , Robinson Seri C.
Published: August 2021

In Europe, from the fifteenth to the eighteenth century, intarsia and marquetry woodworks relied heavily on the use of spalted wood (wood colored by fungi) especially the blue-green stained wood from the Chlorociboria species. Although the use of spalted wood is well documented in Italy, Germany, Switzerland, and England, little is known about how guild traditions migrated from Spain during European colonization. This research sought to determine if the techniques or woodworks of the time moved to the viceroyalty of Peru. While numerous examples of spalted marquetry have previously been found in Spain, all were made by German artisans and imported to the country. For this research, only one piece of spalted furniture was found in Peru, and it was of English origin. Noting Spain’s lack of production of spalted woodworks and the few pieces found in Peru, it is likely that this niche product did not move to Peru with Spanish colonists and may have instead come over later with English colonists in the 1800s when spalted wood was popular in that region.
Amanita submelleialba sp. nov. in section Amanita from northern Thailand
Authors: LIU YUAN S. , LIU JIAN-KUI , MORTIMER PETER E. , LUMYONG SAISAMORN
Published: August 2021

Amanita submelleialba sp. nov. in section Amanita, is described from northern Thailand based on both multi-gene phylogenetic analysis and morphological evidences. It is characterized by having small to medium-sized basidiomata; a yellow to yellowish pale pileus covering pyramidal to subconical, white to yellow white volval remnants; globose stipe base covered conical, white to yellow white volval remnants; fugacious subapical annulus; and absent clamps. Multi-gene phylogenetic analyses based on partial nuclear rDNA internal transcribed spacer region (ITS), partial nuclear rDNA larger subunit region (nrLSU), RNA polymerase II second largest subunit (RPB2), partial translation elongation factor 1-alpha (TEF1-α) and beta-tubulin gene (TUB) indicated that A. submelleialba clustered together with A. elata and A. mira, but represented as a distinct lineage from other extant species in section Amanita. The detailed morphological characteristics, line-drawing illustration and comparisons with morphologically similar taxa are provided.
Polygala guilanica (Polygalaceae), a new species from Guilan Province, N Iran
Authors: SARVI ALI , BEYGOM FAGHIR MARZIEH , SHAHI SHAVVON ROBABEH
Published: August 2021

A new species, Polygala guilanica (Polygalaceae), is described from Kooh-Roubar, Gasht-Roodkhan protected area in W Guilan province, N Iran. The new species is distinguished based on its prostrate stem; small, lanceolate, ovate and rhombic, sessile leaves; tiny pink-white flowers in lax terminal racemes; 6 or 8 stamens with sessile anthers, a filiform style and brownish seed with 3-lobed caruncle. Detailed morphological description of the new species, photographs and distribution map are provided. Polygala guilanica is compared with the morphologically closest species: P. kurdica, P. hohenackeriana and P. anatolica. An updated identification key is provided for the Iranian species.
Taxonomic revision of Teleogryllus mitratus (Burmeister, 1838) and T. occipitalis (Serville, 1838) in India, with the description of Teleogryllus rohinae Jaiswara & Jain sp. nov. and a key for Teleogryllus species from India (Orthoptera: Gryllidae)
Authors: JAISWARA RANJANA , DESUTTER-GRANDCOLAS LAURE , JAIN MANJARI
Published: August 2021

The genus Teleogryllus is known from 52 species distributed worldwide, of which India is home to 11 species. We update Teleogryllus diversity by describing a new species, T. rohinae Jaiswara & Jain sp. nov., from Kerala, India. In addition, we revise the description of the two widespread Teleogryllus species, i.e., T. mitratus (Burmeister, 1838) and T. occipitalis (Serville, 1838) and describe their female genital structures for the first time. Finally, we provide updated identification keys for all Indian Teleogryllus species.
Relationship Between Recent Change of Anhedonia and Suicidal Ideation Taking Into Account the Severity and the Acuteness of Suicidal Ideation As Well As the Specific Roles of Loss of Pleasure and Loss of Interest in People: A Study on Medical Students
Authors: Solibieda Alice , Rotsaert Marianne , Loas Gwenolé
Published: August 2021

The aim of the study was to explore the relationships between recent changes of anhedonia or particular symptoms of recent changes of anhedonia and suicidal ideation taking into account the severity of suicidal ideations. In a group of 173 medical students, scores of the anhedonia subscale (ANH-BDI) of the BDI-II (i.e. 4 anhedonia items: loss of pleasure, loss of interest, loss of energy and loss of interest in sex) were compared between 95 subjects without suicidality, 24 subjects with life-time suicidal ideation, 28 subjects with recent suicidal ideation and 26 planners. Analyses of covariance (ANCOVA) were performed referring to groups as independent variables, the cognitive-affective subscale (CA-BDI) of the BDI-II as a covariate, the ANH-BDI and each of the four anhedonia items as dependent variables. High levels of loss of interest characterized planners when compared to the other three groups. Loss of interest could be associated with recent and severe suicidal ideation.
Inhibitory action of halogen-free fire retardants on combustion and volatile emission of bituminous components
Authors: Xia Wenjing , Fan Suying , Xu Tao
Published: August 2021

The objective of this study is to quantitatively evaluate inhibitory action of halogen-free fire retardants (HFR) on combustion properties and volatile emission of such bituminous components as saturates, aromatics, resins, and asphaltenes (SARA). Thermogravimetry-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (TG-FTIR) tests were performed on SARA fractions containing matched fire retardants, respectively, and thermal kinetics parameters based on TG curves and functional and structural indices from FTIR spectra were calculated, respectively. The selected fire retardants have not affected the combustion process of SARA fractions, but the combustion temperature intervals are elevated and combustion progresses are retarded. Also, the char yields of SARA fractions are obviously increased by the matched fire retardants, improving their heat stability. The activation energy is elevated because of the added fire retardants, indicating combustion resistance of SARA fractions become larger. Additionally, the matched fire retardants inhibit the toxic gas emission in the combustion process of SARA fractions, but have few effects on gaseous product constituents. H2O and CO2 are identified as two typical released gases in various combustion phases of each SARA fraction. Finally, the added hydroxide play a role of fire retardants through cooling, dilution, adsorption, and neutralization, and the generated active oxide facilitates the expandable graphite (EG) and matrix to form densified and thick carbon layer. These suppress the volatile emission, and hinder the heat conduction and oxygen supply. Fire retardant composite exhibits the synergistic effect of fire retardancy and smoke inhibition in the combustion process of SARA fractions.
False cue influence on motion cue quality for 10 motion cueing algorithms
Authors: Pham Duc-An , Nguyen Duc-Toan
Published: August 2021

Motion simulators are becoming increasingly popular for many applications in which human sensation is important to replicate and optimize target motions. For the emulation of the perceived human acceleration, motion cueing algorithms (MCAs) have been proposed in the literature that mimics the motion sensation by a combination of actual acceleration and tilted gravity effects, termed g-force or specific force. However, their relative performance has not yet been analyzed. This paper reviews existing families of MCAs and compares their performance for a simple offline S-shaped planar test trajectory featuring only lateral acceleration. The comparison is carried out both numerically using two previously published objective measures, the “performance indicator” of Pouliot, Gosselin, and Nahon, and the “good criterion” of Schmidt, as well as subjectively by a preliminary passenger rating on a real motion platform—Robocoaster testbed. The results show that (a) the novel optimizing MCA group exploits more effectively the workspace of the motion platform than the traditional MCA group for reducing false cue with small scale error and shape errors, (b) path-dependent tuning of MCA parameters may improve motion sensation, (c) average subjective ratings can be made to correlate well with the “good criterion” when expanded with a penalty for false angular velocity cues, and (d) the scale error of specific force seems to play the most important role to the evaluation of test subject on the motion cue quality. However, still a strong variance in subjective ratings was observed, making further research necessary.