bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Asociación entre mortalidad e índice framo positivo en pacientes adultos mayores del Centro Médico Naval "Cirujano Mayor Santiago Távara"
Authors:   , Shepherd Silva Pierina Maria , Sarmiento Chambi Kelly Fiorella
Published: November 2022

Antecedentes y Objetivo: En el año 2007, se desarrolló el Fracture and Mortality Index (FRAMO) para predecir fácilmente el riesgo de fractura de cadera y mortalidad general a los dos años. El objetivo del estudio es evaluar la utilidad de este índice como predictor de mortalidad en gerontes peruanos con el fin de brindar a la población geriátrica del Perú medidas preventivas de calidad que permitan disminuir la mortalidad a largo plazo en dicho grupo etario. Materiales y Métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional, analítico, de tipo cohorte retrospectiva, que consistió en el análisis secundario de una base de datos. Se analizó la información de pacientes adultos mayores atendidos ambulatoriamente en el Servicio de Geriatría del Centro Médico Naval (Callao, Perú). Mediante la regresión de Cox se calcularon los hazard ratios (HR) de las variables estadísticamente significativas y sus intervalos de confianza al 95%. Resultados: Se incluyeron a 1816 participantes, con edad promedio de 78.39 ± 8.61 años, en su mayoría varones (58.97%). Se encontró que la positividad del índice FRAMO aumenta el riesgo de mortalidad en 1.37 veces, y ajustándolo a las variables sexo, estado civil, comorbilidades médicas y síndromes geriátricos, el riesgo de mortalidad en individuos con índice FRAMO positivo aumenta en 1.42 veces. Conclusiones: Hemos encontrado que el riesgo de muerte es casi 2 veces mayor en aquellos individuos con un índice FRAMO de alto riesgo, por lo que es una herramienta para predecir adecuadamente la mortalidad en adultos mayores peruanos.
Fragilidad y depresión como predictores de mortalidad en adultos mayores del Centro Médico Naval, 2010 - 2015
Authors:   , Vasquez Goñi Gabriel Antonio Jose , Papuico Romero Basilio Manuel
Published: November 2022

Introducción: La fragilidad y depresión pueden coexistir, denominándose síndrome depresivo frágil y siendo de utilidad para la evaluación integral del adulto mayor y prevención de desenlaces adversos. El objetivo del presente estudio fue evaluar el rol de la fragilidad, depresión y síndrome depresivo frágil como factores de riesgo para mortalidad en adultos mayores del Centro Médico Naval (CEMENA) del Perú durante el 2010-2015. Material y métodos: Realizamos un análisis secundario de datos de una cohorte prospectiva que incluyó a adultos mayores (60 años a más) atendidos en el servicio de Geriatría del CEMENA entre los años 2010- 2015. Se definió la fragilidad mediante la presencia de tres o más criterios del fenotipo de Fried y la depresión mediante un puntaje de tres o más en la escala ultracorta de Yesavage. La presencia de ambas condiciones se definió como el síndrome depresivo frágil. Además, se incluyeron características sociodemográficas, antecedentes médicos, personales y medidas basadas en ejecución. Realizamos modelos crudos y ajustados de regresión de Cox para evaluar la asociación de interés y estimar Hazard Ratios (HR) con sus respectivos intervalos de confianza al 95% (IC95%). Resultados: Se incluyeron en el análisis a 946 adultos mayores, con una media de edad de 78,0 ± 8,5 y 559 (59,1%) eran varones. Se halló que 148 (15,6%) eran frágiles, 231 (24,4%) tenían sintomatología depresiva, 105 (11,1%) tenían síndrome depresivo frágil y 79 (8,3%) participantes murieron durante el seguimiento. En el análisis de regresión de Cox ajustado, se halló que el síndrome depresivo frágil (HR=3,53; IC95%: 2,07-6,00; p<0,001) y la fragilidad (HR=2,68; IC95%: 1,58-4,54; p<0,001) fueron factores de riesgo para mortalidad en adultos mayores...
Análisis crítico de resoluciones del Indecopi en materia de publicidad medioambiental engañosa -greenwashing-
Authors:   , Moron Vera Portocarrero Andrea , Hernandez Ruiz Nelly Cristina
Published: November 2022

El green marketing es un valor agregado para productos o servicios, debido a que ayuda a la empresa a ser más competitiva en el mercado, por esa razón, algunas engañan deliberadamente a los consumidores sobre su rol ambiental o las ventajas de sus productos o servicios para el medio ambiente. La presente investigación busca determinar si en la actualidad la Ley de Represión de la Competencia Desleal (en adelante “LRCD) es suficiente para regular la publicidad ambiental engañosa. Para ello, se analizará resoluciones emitidas en primera instancia por la Comisión de Fiscalización de la Competencia Desleal (en adelante “CCD”) y en segunda instancia por la Sala Especializada en Defensa de la Competencia (en adelante “SDC”)del Tribunal del Instituto Nacional de Defensa de la Competencia y de la Protección de la Propiedad Intelectual (en adelante “Indecopi”), desde el 2005 hasta la actualidad que resuelvan controversias que versen sobre publicidad ambiental engañosa - greenwashing- ,y de ser el caso, se brindarán recomendaciones en el marco de lo investigado.
Redes privadas virtuales (VPN) para la gestión de seguridad de la información de catalogación en la agencia de compras de las fuerzas armadas
Authors:   , Calderon Rangel Jean Javier Martin
Published: November 2022

Las Redes Privadas Virtuales (VPN) permiten el intercambio de datos a través de internet donde los datos viajan encriptados y se realiza de una red netamente local a una red pública. El objetivo del presente estudio tuvo como propósito Implementar redes (VPN) para gestionar la seguridad de datos e información correspondiente a la catalogación perteneciente a Institución encargada de las compras del sector defensa del Perú (ACFFAA). El estudio investigativo fue de diseño pre-experimental y de tipo Aplicativo con enfoque cuantitativo, con pre-test y post-test de un solo grupo. La muestra fue de 30 colaboradores que fueron los especialistas de seguridad de información de las diferentes Fuerzas Armadas (FF.AA.), a quienes se les aplicaron dos instrumentos que contaron con validez y confiabilidad. Para probar la hipótesis se llegó a emplear la prueba estadística de Wilcoxon y también la de T que es para muestras relacionadas, se halló un positivo nivel de significancia igual a 0,000 y menor a 0.05, en la variable dependiente y sus dimensiones, se concluye, por lo tanto, que el implementar Redes Privadas Virtuales tiene un impacto muy relevante en la administración de seguridad de datos e información del sistema de catalogación de la ACFFAA.
RETRACTED: Fault diagnosis of control system based on neural network data fusion
Authors: Li Cuicui , Huang Ying , Hou Changrui
Published: November 2022

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Conductance and Influence-Capital: Modeling and Empirically Measuring Online Social Influence
Authors: Ram Rohit , Rizoiu Marian-Andrei
Published: November 2022

Social influence pervades our everyday lives and lays the foundation for complex social phenomena, such as the spread of misinformation and the polarization of communities. In a crisis like the COVID-19 pandemic, social influence can determine whether life-saving information is adopted, public health measures are observed, or immunization campaigns meet their targets. Existing literature studying online social influence suffers from several drawbacks. First, a disconnect appears between psychology approaches, which are generally performed and tested in controlled lab experiments, and the quantitative methods, which are usually data-driven and rely on network and event analysis. The former are slow, expensive to deploy, and typically do not generalize well to topical issues (such as an ongoing pandemic); the latter often oversimplify the complexities of social influence and ignore psychosocial literature. This work begins to bridge this gap and presents three contributions towards modeling and empirically quantifying online influence. The first contribution is a data-driven Generalized Influence Model that incorporates two novel psychosocial-inspired mechanisms: the conductance of the diffusion network and the influence-capital distribution. The second contribution is a framework to empirically rank users' social influence using a human-in-the-loop method combined with crowdsourced pairwise influence comparisons. We build a human-labeled ground truth, calibrate our generalized influence model and perform a large-scale evaluation of influence. We find that our generalized model outperforms the current state-of-the-art approaches and corrects the inherent biases introduced by the widely used follower count. As the third contribution, we apply the influence model to discussions around COVID-19. We quantify users' influence and content veracity, tabulating it against their professions. We find that executives, media, and the military are more influential than pandemic-related experts such as life scientists and healthcare professionals. Worryingly, by leveraging existing COVID-19 misinformation datasets, we show that some of the most influential occupations also spread the most misinformation. These findings raise questions about the effectiveness of information dissemination by experts in situations of crisis.
A new novel prognostic model for the establishment and validation of pyroptosis-related lncRNAs in patients with lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Wu Ronghuo , Wen Qiuli , Jiang Jiawen , Xie Jingfu , Li Shanshan , Wang Xiaomin
Published: November 2022

Background: Lung adenocarcinoma is the most common fatal disease and has a poor prognosis. Pyroptosis regulates tumour cell proliferation, invasion, and metastasis, thereby affecting the prognosis of cancer patients. However, the role of pyroptosis-related lncRNAs in Lung adenocarcinoma remains unclear. The study seeks to identify potential biomarkers to predict prognosis and provide precision medication to improve conditions.
Methods: Firstly, this study searched lung adenocarcinoma transcriptome data from The Cancer Genome Atlas and pyroptosis-related genes from GeneCards. Pyroptosis-related prognostic lncRNAs were identified by coexpression analysis and univariate Cox regression. Then, we constructed a prognostic model of pyroptosisrelated lncRNAs in the training set using least absolute shrinkage, selection operator penalty Cox regression analysis, and multivariate Cox regression analysis. Finally, Kaplan–Meier analysis, time-dependent receiver operating characteristics, univariate Cox regression, multivariate Cox regression, nomograms, calibration curves, and clinical grouping were performed to validate and assess the model. lncRNA enrichment analysis, principal component analysis , immune analysis, and prediction of the half-maximal inhibitory concentration in the risk group were also analysed.
Results: We constructed a model containing 6 pyroptosis-related lncRNAs. In the model, we found good agreement between the calibration plots and the prognosis prediction. The 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year overall survival of the area under the ROC curve were 0.725, 0.705, and 0.717, respectively. Because the IC50 differs significantly between risk groups, risk groups could be used as a guide for treatment. The results of this study demonstrated that pyroptosis-related lncRNAs can predict prognosis to improve the treatment of individuals with Lung adenocarcinoma.
Home-Pulmonary Rehabilitation Programme for Patients with Chronic Respiratory Diseases in Malaysia: A Mixed Method Feasibility Study
Authors: Chan Soo Chin , Engkasan Julia Patrick , Nathan Jayakayatri Jeevajothi , Sekhon Jaspreet Kaur , Hussein Norita , Suhaimi Anwar , Hanafi Nik Sherina , Pang Yong Kek , Yatim Saari Mohamad , Habib GM Monsur , Pinnock Hilary , Khoo Ee Ming
Published: November 2022

Introduction
Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) could improve health outcomes for the increasing number of people with chronic respiratory diseases (CRDs), but programmes need to be adapted to low-resource settings and, in the context of a pandemic, to home-based delivery.
Aim
To assess the feasibility of delivering a home-PR programme for patients with CRDs in Malaysia.
Methods
We recruited patients with CRDs from two hospitals in Klang Valley, Malaysia to a Home-PR programme. Following Centre-based assessment, patients performed the exercises at home (five sessions/week for 8 weeks (total 40 sessions)). We monitored the patients via weekly telephone calls and asked about adherence to the programme. We measured functional exercise capacity (6-Minutes walking test (6MWT)) and Health-Related Quality-of-Life (HRQOL: COPD Assessment Test (CAT)) at baseline and post- PR at 9 weeks. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 12 purposively sampled participants to explore views and feedback on the Home-PR programme. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically.
Results
30 patients participated; two withdrew due to hospitalisation. Although 28 (93%) adhered to the full programme, only 11 (37%) attended the post- PR assessment because COVID-19 movement restrictions in Malaysia at that time prevented attendance at the centre. Four themes emerged from the qualitative analysis: (1) involvement of family and caregivers, (2) barriers to Home-PR programme, (3) interactions with peers and healthcare professionals, and (4) programme enhancement.
Conclusion
Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the Home-PR programme proved feasible to be delivered remotely, although Centre-based post-PR assessments were not possible. Family involvement played an important role in the Home-PR programme. The delivery of this programme can be further improved to maximise the benefit obtained.
Monitoring of changes in bioactive properties and phenolic compounds of sonicated elaeagnus parts (seed, leaf, flesh and peel) and mineral contents
Authors: özcan mehmet , uslu nurhan
Published: November 2022

The total carotenoid contents of raw (control) elaeagnus parts abd the total carotenoid amounts of sonicated-elaeagnus parts varied between 0.17 (peel) and 236.26 µg/g(leaf) to 0.36(peel) and 393.84 µg/g(leaf), respectively. Total phenolic values of raw (control) and sonicated elaeagnus parts were identified between 34.98 (flesh) and 214.68 µg/g (leaf) to 35.14(flesh) and 278.81 mgGAE/100g(leaf),respectively.The total flavonoid contents of of raw (control) elaeagnus parts changed 44.17 mg/100g (flesh) and 1225.24 mg/100g (leaf), while the total flavonoid amounts of the sonicated-elaeagnus parts are reported between 44.40 mg/100g(flesh) and 1627.14 mg/100g(leaf). The catechin amounts of the raw (control) and the sonicated-elaeagnus parts of the elaeagnus parts detected between 17.04 (peel) and 153.65 mg/100g(leaf) to 20.27 (flesh) and 250.36 mg/100g(leaf),respectively. P,K,Ca,Mg andS were abundant minerals in elaeagnus fruit parts and plant leaf. P and K values of elaeagnus parts changed between 398.84(peel) and 654.64 mg/kg(flesh) to 3548.15 (seed) and 7494.79 mg/kg (flesh),respectively.
The coupling coordination development between green finance and environmental governance in China: Measurement and spatial-temporal analysis
Authors: Peng Geng , Wang Tiantian , Ruan Lijuan , Tian Kaiyou
Published: November 2022

To direct financial resources for achieving the goal of environmental governance, the Chinese government has devoted increasing efforts to developing green finance. However, few studies explored the relationship between green finance and environmental governance. Thus, this paper first theoretically discusses the interactive connection between green finance and environmental governance. Then we construct two comprehensive indicator systems and use entropy method to calculate green finance index (GFI) and environmental governance index (EGI) for 30 provinces of China from 2004 to 2020. Using the data of GFI and EGI, the coupling coordination degree of green finance and environmental governance (CCDGE) is measured by coupling coordination model. The findings of spatial-temporal analysis show that GFI has grown more rapidly than EGI, but the development of green finance still lags behind environmental governance because of its short history. Although CCDGE is increasing steadily, it has been hovering in the moderate coupling coordination stage for a long time, and still has a great distance to the high coupling coordination level. The relationship between green finance and environmental governance are still in a state of disorderly development that restricts each other. Additionally, there are obvious regional differences in GFI and EGI and the interactive effect between green finance and environmental governance. Specifically, GFI and EGI in eastern China are highest, while CCDGE presents with a ladder decline status of ‘eastern region > central region > northeast region > west region’.
Optimal Time Interval Between Neoadjuvant Platinum-based Chemotherapy and Interval Debulking Surgery in High-grade Serous Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Andrikopoulou Angeliki , Liontos Michalis , Apostolidou Kleoniki , Theofanakis Charalampos , Markellos Christos , Fiste Oraianthi , Kaparelou Maria , Koutsoukos Konstantinos , Thomakos Nikolaos , Haidopoulos Dimitrios , Rodolakis Alexandros , Dimopoulos Meletios-Athanasios , Zagouri Flora
Published: November 2022

BACKGROUND
There is limited data on the optimal time interval between the last dose of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) and interval debulking surgery (IDS) in high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HGSC).
METHODS
We retrospectively identified patients with stage IIIC/IV HGSC who received NACT followed by IDS during a 15-year period (January 2003-December 2018) in our Institution that is certified by the European Society of Gynecologic Oncology (ESGO) as a center of excellence for the treatment of ovarian cancer.
RESULTS
Overall, 115 patients with HGSC stage IIIC/IV were included. Median age of diagnosis was 62.7 years (IQR: 14.0). 76.5% (88/115) of patients were diagnosed with IIIC HGSC and 23.5% (27/115) with IV HGSC. Median PFS was 15.7 months (95% CI: 13.0–18.5) and median OS was 44.7 (95% CI: 38.8–50.5). Patients were categorized in groups according to time interval from NACT to IDS (< 4 weeks (group A); 4–5 weeks (group B); 5–6 weeks (group C); >6 weeks (group D). Patients with a time interval IDS to NACT ≥ 4 weeks had significantly shorter PFS (p = 0.004) and OS (p = 0.002). Median PFS was 26.6 months (95% CI: 24–29.2) for patients undergoing IDS < 4 weeks after NACT versus 14.4 months (95% CI: 12.6–16.2) for those undergoing IDS later (p = 0.004). Accordingly, median OS was 66.3 months (95% CI: 39.1–93.4) versus 39.4 months (95% CI: 31.8–47.0) in the < 4 week versus > 4 week time interval NACT to IDS groups (p = 0.002). On multivariate analysis, short time interval (< 4 weeks) from NACT to IDS was an independent factor of PFS (p = 0.004) and OS (p = 0.003).
CONCLUSION
We have demonstrated that performing IDS within 4 weeks after NACT may be associated with better survival outcomes. Multidisciplinary coordination of ovarian cancer patients is required to avoid any unnecessary delays.
A continuum structural topology optimization method considering frequency constraints and the effect of self-weight
Authors: Rong Jianhua , Song Yingjie , Rong Xuanpei , Zhao Lei , Yi Jijun , Zhou Quan
Published: November 2022

This work proposes a method for optimizing the continuum structural topology under multiple load cases considering frequency constraints and the effect of self-weight. An improved Solid Isotropic Material with Penalization (SIMP) model is proposed to avoid the parasitic effect. At the same time, new matching smooth penalty functions on the element stiffness, volume and mass are constructed to greatly reduce the number of low-order pseudo-modes in the optimized structure. And low-order pseudo-mode identification and deletion measures are introduced to solve the pseudo-mode problem. The Heaviside three-field mapping scheme and two varied volume constraints are introduced to obtain a clear 0/1 distribution. Moreover, a volume change rate constraint measure of low-physical density elements is proposed to greatly improve optimization computation efficiency for the structural topology problem considering both frequency constraints and the effect of self-weight. It is concluded from examples that the proposed method is effective and robust for generating an optimal topology.
The Role of Anti-Mullerian Hormone and Other Correlates in Patients with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Authors: Moursi Moaz O. , Ibrahim Ayman R. , Salem Haya , Marzouk Sandy , Al-Meraghi Sara , Al-Ajmi Maha , Al-Naimi Alreem , Khan Mohammad , Alansari Lolwa
Published: November 2022

Background
Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) has recently emerged as a promising biomarker for the detection of polycystic ovarian morphology. In polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), an elevated level of AMH has been suggested to add value to the Rotterdam criteria in cases of diagnostic uncertainty. In this study we evaluated the correlation between AMH and PCOS, and the potential role of AMH in PCOS diagnosis.
Methods
A case-control study was performed on a total of 200 females, 100 of which were diagnosed with PCOS as per Rotterdam revised criteria (2003) and 100 as the control (non-PCOS group). Patient medical records were therefore retrieved for clinical, biochemical and ultrasound markers for PCOS diagnosis. Sensitivity, specificity, area under receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) curve, and multivariate linear regression models were applied to analyze our data.
Results
Mean serum levels of LH and AMH, and LH/FSH ratio were significantly different between compared groups. In the PCOS group, the mean serum AMH level was 6.78 ng/mL and LH/FSH ratio was 1.53 while those of controls were 2.73 ng/mL and 0.53, respectively (p < 0.001). The most suitable compromise between 81% specificity and 79% sensitivity was obtained with a cut-off value of 3.75 ng/mL (26.78 pmol/L) serum AMH concentration for PCOS prediction, with an AUROC curve of 0.9691.
Conclusion
Serum AMH cut-off level of 3.75 ng/mL was identified as a convenient gauge for the prediction of PCOS and an adjuvant to the Rotterdam criteria.
Prognostic value of KRAS exon 2, exon 3 and exon 4 mutations in colorectal cancer patients
Authors: Asako Kentaro , Hayama Tamuro , Hashiguchi Yojiro , Miyata Toshiya , Fukushima Yoshihisa , Shimada Ryu , Kaneko Kensuke , Nozawa Keijiro , Matsuda Keiji , Fukagawa Takeo
Published: November 2022

The clinical significance of many RAS-family mutations in colorectal cancer (CRC) remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship of mutations on an exon basis (i.e., mutations in KRAS exons 2, 3 and 4 and in NRAS) with clinicopathological features and prognosis in CRC. We performed a retrospective cohort study of the medical records and frozen tissue samples of 268 consecutive patients with stage I-III CRC who underwent curative resection at a single institution in 2014–2018. The RAS mutation rate was significantly associated with age and histology. Patients with KRAS exon 2 mutations exhibited shorter RFS compared to those with KRAS wild-type, KRAS exon 3 mutations, KRAS exon 4 mutations and NRAS mutations (73.0% vs. 85.5%, 86.7%, 85.7%. p = 0.031). Age and histology were independent risk factors for RAS mutations. RAS mutations were independent prognostic factors with respect to RFS in patients with stage I–III CRC. In stage I–III CRC patients, KRAS exon 2 mutations have the worst prognosis, while RAS wild type, RAS exon 3 mutations, RAS exon 4 mutations and NRAS mutations have better prognoses.
Application and characterization of a novel PVDF-HFP/PVP polymer composite with MoO3 nanowires as a protective coating for wood
Authors: Žigon Jure , Centa Urška Gradišar , Remškar Maja , Humar Miha
Published: November 2022

The coatings on wood must sometimes give aesthetic and basic protection to wooden elements and prevent the development and transmission of microorganisms. Several polymers containing different nanoparticles have already been offered to day for this purpose. A present research presents a novel poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene (PVDF-HFP)/polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) polymer composite with MoO3 nanowires with the ability to form coating films on wood. The films of the developed coating exhibit elastic behaviour, which depends on the coating film thickness (tested wet film thicknesses 90 µm, 180 µm and 360 µm). The developed coating showed the ability to interact well with the surface of common beech (Fagus sylvatica L.), in terms of wetting (contact angles of 15.6°), fast spilling on the surface, good penetration of the coating in wood structure, formation of up to 40 µm-thick films with excellent pull-off adhesion strength (6 MPa). An increased roughness of wood coated with C + MoO3 was a consequence of wood etching by the dimethylformamide solvent present in the coating. Moreover, the presence of C + MoO3 on wood made it considerably more hydrophobic, with contact angle of water droplets raising to 123° from initially 46° measured on uncoated wood. The irradiation of wood surfaces with ultra-violet light resulted in colour changes on both uncoated and coated wood, visible to the naked eye. The wood samples coated with C + MoO3 has a good resistance to water, alcohol and dry heat (grade 3 to 4). The antimicrobial testing showed that the presence of MoO3 in the developed coating plays an important role in the resistance of the coated wood blue-stain fungi and mould development. The developed PVDF-HFP/PVP/MoO3 coating has an excellent ability to interact with the wood surface and has the potential to be used as a protective coating for wood in sensitive environments.
National survey on clinical and genetic characteristics of patients with hereditary angioedema in Latvia
Authors: Kanepa Adine , Nartisa Inga , Rots Dmitrijs , Gailite Linda , Farkas Henriette , Kurjane Natalja
Published: November 2022

Background
Hereditary angioedema (HAE) is a rare and life-threatening inborn error of immunity. HAE is mostly caused by pathogenic variations in the serine protease inhibitor gene 1 (SERPING1), leading to deficient or dysfunctional C1-inhibitor (C1-INH), overproduction of bradykinin, and development of recurrent subcutaneous and/or submucosal oedema. We aimed to describe the clinical features and genetic spectrum of hereditary angioedema with C1-INH deficiency (C1-INH-HAE) in Latvia.
Methods
All patients from Latvia diagnosed with HAE (types I/II) from 2006 to March 2022 were included in the study. Laboratory tests and clinical data were analysed, and genetic tests with Sanger sequencing and whole genome sequencing were performed.
Results
The study identified 10 C1-INH-HAE patients (nine females, one male) from eight families. Of all patients, seven (70%) had HAE type I and three (30%) had HAE type II. The median age of patients was 54 years and the median age at onset of symptoms was 15 years. A significant delay (20.5 years) until diagnosis was observed, and 60% of patients had a positive family history of angioedema. All HAE patients have been hospitalised a median two times during their lifetime. Skin (100%), abdominal (80%), and airway (80%) oedema were the most frequent symptoms. Triggering factors (60%) and prodromal symptoms (90%) were referred. Attacks were severe in 50% of patients, moderate in 10%, and mild in 40%. Pathogenic variations of SERPING1 were identified in eight patients (six families), confirming the diagnosis molecularly. In two patients (two families), no pathogenic variations in the genes were found even after whole genome sequencing.
Conclusions
Current data shows a significant delay and clear underdiagnosis of HAE in Latvia. Higher awareness and better information and communication between doctors would improve the diagnosis and management of HAE; as would screening of family members, patients with recurrent angioedema unresponsive to antihistamines and glucocorticoids, and patients with recurrent episodes of severe, unexplained abdominal pain.
Cost-effectiveness of intraoperative radiation therapy versus intensity-modulated radiation therapy for the treatment of early breast cancer: A disinvestment analysis
Authors: Muñoz-Montecinos Carlos , González-Browne Catalina , Maza Felipe , Carreño-Leiton Diego , González Pablo , Chahuan Badir , Quirland Camila
Published: November 2022

Background
Adjuvant radiotherapy represents a key component in curative-intent treatment for early-stage breast cancer patients. In last years, two accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI) techniques are preferred for this population in our organization: electron-based Intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT) and Linac based External Beam Radiotherapy, particularly Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT-APBI). Recently published long-term follow-up data evaluating these technologies have motivated a health technology reassessment of IORT compared to IMRT.
Methods
We developed a Markov model to simulate health-state transitions from a cohort of women with early-stage breast cancer, after lumpectomy and adjuvant APBI using either IORT or IMRT techniques. The cost-effectiveness from a private health provider perspective was assessed from a disinvestment point of view, using life-years (LYs) and recurrence-free life-years (RFLYs) as measure of benefits, along with their respective quality adjustments. Expected costs and benefits, and the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) were reported. Finally, a scenario analysis was performed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness if equipment maintenance costs are removed.
Results
IORT technology was dominated by IMRT in all cases (i.e., less benefits with greater costs), except when benefits were estimated as LYs, where no differences were found and therefore the ICER was undefined. Despite small differences were found regarding benefits, costs were considerably higher for IORT. In the scenario analysis without equipment maintenance costs, IORT was still dominated by IMRT.
Conclusions
For this cohort of patients, IMRT was, at least, non-inferior to IORT in terms of expected benefits, with considerably lower costs. As a result, IORT disinvestment should be considered, favoring the use of IMRT in these patients.
Screening of bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genotypes resistance to yellow rust along with grain yield
Authors: Olana Abera
Published: November 2022

Yellow rust caused by Puccinia striiformis f.sp tritici is one of the main diseases of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in the world, causing up to 50–100% of yield losses under favorable environmental conditions. Developing resistant cultivars is an efficient, economical, environmentally friendly and simple approach in combating wheat yellow rust. This study was carried out to evaluate spring bread wheat genotypes for their reaction to yellow rust under field conditions. Two hundred and forty spring bread wheat genotypes and seven check varieties were evaluated for their reaction to yellow rust disease under field conditions in non-replicated trials, using an augmented design. Collected data were analyzed using ANOVA. The genotypes were classified as resistant, moderately resistant, moderately susceptible and susceptible based on the percentage disease severity scored. Up to 90% disease severities were recorded from susceptible check kubsa and the other 23 genotypes. There was a significant difference of yellow rust severity, Coefficient of infections, AUDPC, yield and yield component values among genotypes, based on these parameters we identified 19 genotypes low disease severity and grain yield.
Recommendation of New Design Spectra for Iran Using Modified Newmark Method
Authors: Moghaddam Hassan , Darbani Mohammadali Sanagar , Sadrara Ali , Hajirasouliha Iman
Published: November 2022

The Newmark design spectra are commonly adopted in seismic codes to calculate design spectra, while these spectra generally differ from the statistically driven ones. This study aims to re-construct the Iranian design spectra by implementing a modified Newmark method on an extensive database of previous earthquakes in Iran. To this end, three sets of earthquakes recorded at three different sites are considered. The effects of parameters such as source-to-site distance, the magnitude of ground motion, and the shear wave velocity are evaluated. Subsequently, the amplification factors are obtained through a statistical approach, and the spectral bounds are calculated for three site categories and two types of earthquake magnitudes. As a result, for the first time, the coefficients of the site design spectrum of Iran are presented as a function of ground motion’s magnitude for the aforementioned site categories. The calculated coefficients can be used to modify the Newmark spectral values in displacement, velocity, and acceleration-sensitive regions to obtain suitable design spectra. Finally, a comprehensive statistical study is conducted on earthquake parameters to assess the characteristics of the earthquakes in Iran from statistical perspective. The proposed design spectra can address most shortcomings of 4th edition of the Iranian seismic design code, and it is recommended to include them in the next revision.
Characterization of nitrocellulose (NC)-ammonium dinitramide (ADN) based composite fibers prepared by electrospinning
Authors: Wang Qiong , Chang Hai , Deng Chong-qing , Yao Er-gang , Zhu Yi-ju , Pang Wei-qiang
Published: November 2022

The fluffy fibers based on nitrocellulose (NC)/ammonium dinitramide (ADN) with high explosives have been fabricated by electrospinning technique. The morphology, thermal stability, combustion behaviors and mechanical sensitivity of NC/ADN-based composite fibers were characterized by means of scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), differentialscanning calorimetry (DSC), gas pressure measurement of thermostatic decomposition, laser ignition and sensitivity test, respectively. The results showed that the prepared fibers with fluffy 3D macrostructure were constructed by the overlap of mirco/nanofibers with the energetic particles imbedded in NC matrix. The addition of ADN can accelerate the thermal decomposition with the peak temperature (Tp) decrease by 10.1 oC and the pressure rise time moving forward. Furthermore, ADN can decrease the ignition delay time of NC-based fibers under atmosphere at room temperature from 33 ms to 9 ms, and enhance the burning strength of NC-based fibers under normal pressure. In addition, the impact sensitivities were reduced from 100–56% for NC-based fibers containing CL-20 and from 88–56% for NC-based fibers containing RDX; the friction sensitivities were reduced from 100–64% for NC-based fibers containing CL-20 and from 84–60% for NC-based fibers containing RDX, respectively.
Simultaneous Hydrodistillation of Cedrus atlantica Manetti and Salvia rosmarinus Spenn: Optimization of anti-wood-decay fungal activity using mixture design methodology
Authors: Annemer Saoussan , zoubi Yassine Ez , Satrani Badr , Stambouli Hamide , Assouguem Amine , Bouayoun Taoufik , Farah Abdellah
Published: November 2022

Chemical fungicides are often harmful to people and the environment because of their toxicity. The wood protection industry places a high priority on replacing them with natural products. Therefore, this investigation focused on developing a formulation of a binary combination of Salvia rosmarinus Spenn and Cedrus atlantica Manetti obtained by Simultaneous hydrodistillation to protect the wood from decay using a mixture design methodology. The chemical composition of EOs was identified by Gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC/MS), and their anti-wood-decay fungal activity was assessed using the macrodilution method against four fungi responsible for wood decay: Coniophora puteana, Coriolus versicolor, Gloeophyllum trabeum, and Poria placenta. The results of GC/MS identified myrtenal as a new component appearing in all binary combinations. The optimum anti-wood-decay fungal activity was observed in a combination of 60% S. rosmarinus and 40% C. atlantica essential oils, providing an effective concentration for 50 percent of maximal effect (EC50) value of 9.91 ± 1.91 and 9.28 ± 1.55 µg/mL for C. puteana and C. versicolor, respectively. The highest anti-wood-decay fungal activity for G. trabeum and P. placenta was found in the combination of 55% of S. rosmarinus and 45% of C. atlantica essential oils, with an EC50 value of 11.48 ± 3.73 and 22.619 ± 3.79 µg/mL, respectively. Combined simultaneous hydrodistillation improved the antifungal effect of these essential oils. These results could be used to improve antifungal activity and protect wood against wood-decay fungi.
Information combination and transformation (or propagation): a paradox and its resolution
Authors: Huang Hening
Published: November 2022

In his recent paper (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.measen.2022.100416), Willink showed two contradictory theoretical solutions to the problem of combining and transforming two sets of information about the same quantity. Each set of information is represented by a probability density function (PDF), and the transformation function is non-linear. We refer to Willink’s contradictory result as “Willink paradox”. The same potential contradiction can exist in measurement uncertainty analysis that involves combining and propagating information. The two operations: (a) information combination and (b) information transformation (or propagation) are both mathematically valid according to probability theory. Therefore, the two contradictory solutions are both theoretically correct. In practice such as measurement uncertainty analysis, however, we cannot use both solutions; we must choose one or the other. We propose an entropy metric for choosing the preferred solution, which resolves the Willink paradox. Four examples are presented to illustrate the Willink paradox and its resolution.
The development of a droplet digital PCR for accurate detection of SARS-CoV- 2 by simultaneous determination of dual gene targets
Authors: Zhang Juanmei , Han Jingru , Liang Yixuan , Bai Chunyang , Liu Wenhua , Wang Xiaoyan , Liao Ziqian , Guo Jianghao , Zhu Qingguo , Liu Hongliang , Bao Dengke , Zhang Yijie
Published: November 2022

Real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR is considered as the gold standard for diagnosing COVID-19 worldwide now. But RT-PCR which could yield semi-quantitative results only, and the sensitivity of this method is usually not sufficient to discriminate patients in early stages of infection or with a very low viral load. So, the false-negative phenomenon often brings difficulties to epidemic prevention and diagnosis. More accurate and robust determine method are required for accurate SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis. To offer an attractive platform for SARS-CoV-2 RNA quantification, we report a droplet digital PCR technique for efficient, accurate, and quantitative detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA. Two pairs of primer and two double-quenched probes targeting the region of ORF1ab and N protein coding genes of SARS-CoV-2 were designed to develop ddPCR assay. The sensitivity, specificity, repeatability, and reproducibility were tested by standard cDNAs and clinical specimens. First, we found the optimal annealing temperature was 53.6℃, the optimal primer concentration was 500 nM per reaction. When both probes of ORF1ab and N protein are applied simultaneously, their concentrations are100 nM and 50 nM, respectively. The optimal concentration of SARS-CoV-2 standard cDNA ranged from 1×103 to 1×104 copies/µL. And under this condition, the trend line for the measured concentration is Y = 0.9978x-0.4435. Further, the ddPCR were approximately 10 folds greater sensitivity than RT-qPCR assay. The established ddPCR assay with both probes showed to be a highly effective, accurate and reliable method for the sensitive detection of SARS-CoV-2. And the ddPCR method is the most potential and valuable method for clinical detection of SARS-CoV-2 virus.
Design and properties of alginate/gelatin/cellulose nanocrystals interpenetrating polymer network composite hydrogels based on in situ cross-linking
Authors: Li Zhengyue , Liao Yuqing , Li Dongze , Wang Hongcai , Sun Xiuying , Chen Xiuqiong , Yan Huiqiong , Lin Qiang
Published: November 2022

Alginate (Alg) hydrogels have attracted extensive attention in the biomedical field due to their biocompatibility. However, single Alg hydrogels exhibit weak mechanical strength, poor stability and cell adhesion, which severely restricts their biomedical application. For this reason, we designed alginate/gelatin/cellulose nanocrystals (Alg/G/CNCs) composite hydrogels by combining interpenetrating network (IPN) technology, cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) reinforcement and in situ cross-linking method to improve the functional defects of Alg hydrogels. The structure and properties of the resultant Alg/G/CNCs composite hydrogels were comprehensively evaluated by FT-IR, TGA, XRD, swelling and degradability measurements, and cytocompatibility experiments. Alg/G/CNCs composite hydrogels with regular three-dimensional porous network (3D) structures was successfully fabricated through the ionic cross-linking of alginate and the covalent cross-linking of gelatin, followed by the reinforcement of colloidal cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) that were prepared by sulfuric acid hydrolysis of microcrystalline cellulose (MCC). The addition of CNCs could generate interaction force with the polymer in the IPN matrix, which was able to regulate the physicochemical properties of the composite hydrogel to a certain extent. Moreover, with the increase of gelatin (G) content, the compressive strength of Alg/G/CNCs composite hydrogels gradually increased, while the swelling property decreased gradually. Meanwhile, Alg/G/CNCs composite hydrogels exhibited good cell adhesion, proliferation and differentiation properties. In particular, Alg/0.5G/CNCs composite hydrogels displayed the best cell proliferation effect, while Alg/2G/CNCs composite hydrogels revealed the most significant cell differentiation effect. Therefore, Alg/G/CNCs composite hydrogels could exhibit good mechanical properties and biocompatibility, which possessed great application potential in the field of tissue engineering.
Analysis of Clinical Efficacy and Quality of Life of Braun Anastomosis in Gastrointestinal Reconstruction in Totally Laparoscopic Distal Gastrectomy: A Single-center Retrospective Study
Authors: Fu Yayan , Ren Jun , Ma Yue , Zhou Jiajie , Shao Wenzhe , Sun Guowei , Sun Qiannan , Wang Daorong
Published: November 2022

Objective
This study aimed to compare the clinical efficacy and quality of life of B-IIB( Billroth-II with Braun anastomosis) and B-II (Billroth-II anastomosis) in the alimentary tract reconstruction postoperative totally laparoscopic distal gastrectomy (TLDG) for gastric cancer.
Methods
From February 2016 to January 2022, 158 patients underwent totally laparoscopic distal gastrectomy and D2 lymphadenectomy in Northern Jiangsu People’s Hospital, with Billroth-II with Braun anastomosis for 93 patients and Billroth-II anastomosis for 65 patients. The patients’s data were collected prospectivly and reviewed retrospectively.
Results
In this study, the post-op hospital stay for B-IIB group were shorter than for B-II group (12.70 ± 3.08 days in the B-IIB group versus 14.12 ± 4.90 days in the B-II group, p < 0.05) and the first post-op anal wind time for the B-IIB group were shorter than for B-II group (3.49 ± 1.02 days versus 4.08 ± 1.85 days, p < 0.05). Two groups did differ significantly in hemoglobin on postoperative 3 months, albumin at 3 months after operation and serum sodium on postoperative 3 days and 3 months (p < 0.05), and the B-IIB had an advantage; the incidence of complications of Clavien-Dindo grade II or higher in the B-IIB group and B-II were 10.75% and 29.23%, respectively. There being a statistical difference between the two groups. The B-IIB group and the B-II group both had different degrees of weight loss at 3 months after operation compared with preoperative weight. The weight of Billroth-II combined with Braun reconstruction group was 4.04 ± 1.33 kg, which was less than 8.08 ± 1.47kg of Billroth-II reconstruction group.The difference was statistically significant (p < 0.05). According to the PGSAS ( Postgastrectomy Syndrome Assessment Scale), the score of the Billroth-II with Braun reconstruction group is lower than that of the Billroth-II reconstruction group for esophageal reflux gastritis, dyspepsia and dumping syndrome group (1.84 ± 0.92 VS 2.15 ± 0.85, P = 0.031; 1.86 ± 1.10 VS 2.22 ± 0.91, P = 0.034; 1.98 ± 1.06 VS 2.32 ± 0.94, P = 0.037, respectively).
Conclusion
Totally laparoscopic distal gastrectomy with Billroth-II Braun reconstruction is a safe and technically feasible method for gastric cancer patients, which can reduce the incidence of postoperative reflux esophagitis and dumping syndrome. Compared with Billroth-II reconstruction,it has advantages in maintaining postoperative nutritional status and electrolyte balance and improving quality of life.
Research on the construction and functions of intelligent food safety supervision systems
Authors: Wang Guanzhao , Liu Shijia , Cao Jing , Wang Yajie , Ren Pingping , Wu Yongning , He Qinghua
Published: November 2022

This study investigated the existing problems and the optimal solutions in the construction of intelligent food safety supervision systems globally. Through browsing manually and searching by keywords about systems using the Internet as a medium, a total of 35 intelligent systems were collected and analyzed from the aspects of the servers, system performance, user groups, client construction, main functions, and characterized functions. The results showed that the current situation was a lack of unified data standards, the food safety risk early-warning model, sufficient system functional design and food safety professionals' participation, and systematic rules and regulations for system operation. Therefore, improvement measures including developing unified data standards, strengthening the cooperation and sharing of data resources, improving the information-sharing mechanism, building the multi-step dynamic risk early-warning models, and optimizing and improving the subfunctions and characteristic functions should be taken in the future.
Dietary phytoestrogen, diosgenin interrupts metabolism, physiology and reproduction of the Swiss albino mice: possible mode of action as an emerging environmental contaminant, endocrine disruptor and reproductive toxicant
Authors: Khushboo Maurya , Sanjeev Sanasam , Murthy Meesala Krishna , Sunitadevi Maibam , Dinata Roy , Bhanushree Baishya , Bidanchi Rema Momin , Nisa Nisekhoto , Lalrinzuali Sailo , Manikandan Bose , Saeed Ahmed-Laskar , Abinash Giri , Pori Buragohain , Arati Chettri , Roy Vikas Kumar , Gurusubramanian Guruswami
Published: November 2022

Dietary phytoestrogens are the main sources of environmental contamination because of their estrogen-mimic and endocrine-disrupting effects and pose a threat to microbial, soil, plant and animal health. Diosgenin, a phytosteroid saponin, is being used as nutraceuticals, dietary supplements, contraceptive, and in the hormone replacement therapy against numerous diseases and disorders. Due to the lack of research on the safety and probable adverse side effects of diosgenin, this work aimed to evaluate the endocrine disrupting and reproductive toxicity of diosgenin in the albino mice with respect to acute toxicity (OECD-423), repeated dose 90 days oral toxicity (OECD-468), and F1 extended one generation reproductive toxicity (OECD-443) studies. Diosgenin is a slightly toxic compound and LD50 for male and female mice is 546.26 and 538.72 mg/kg, respectively. Chronic exposure of diosgenin (10, 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg) generated oxidative stress, depleted antioxidant enzymes, disturbed homeostasis of the reproductive hormones, and interrupted steroidogenesis, germ cell apoptosis, gametogenesis, sperm quality, estrous cycle and reproductive performance in the F0 and F1 offspring. Long-term oral exposure of diosgenin to the mice interrupted the endocrine and reproductive functions, and triggered the transgenerational reproductive toxic effects in F0 and F1 offspring, validating the possible mode of action as an emerging environmental contaminant, endocrine disruptor and reproductive toxicant in Swiss albino mice.