bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Representation of the Universe as a Dendrogramic Hologram Endowed With Relational Interpretation
Authors: Khrennikov Andrei , Shor Oded , Benninger Felix
Published: April 2021

proposal for a fundamental theory is described in which classical and quantum physics as a representation of the universe as a gigantic dendrogram are unified. The latter is the explicate order structure corresponding to the purely number-theoretical implicate order structure given by p-adic numbers. This number field was zero-dimensional, totally disconnected, and disordered. Physical systems (such as electrons, photons) are sub-dendrograms of the universal dendrogram. Measurement process is described as interactions among dendrograms; in particular, quantum measurement problems can be resolved using this process. The theory is realistic, but realism is expressed via the the Leibnitz principle of the Identity of Indiscernible. The classical-quantum interplay is based on the degree of indistinguishability between dendrograms (in which the ergodicity assumption is removed). Depending on this degree, some physical quantities behave more or less in a quantum manner (versus classic manner). Ideologically, our theory is very close to Smolin’s dynamics of difference and Rovelli’s relational quantum mechanics. The presence of classical behavior in nature implies a finiteness of the Universe-dendrogram. (Infinite Universe is considered to be purely quantum.) Reconstruction of events in a four-dimensional space type is based on the holographic principle. Our model reproduces Bell-type correlations in the dendrogramic framework. By adjusting dendrogram complexity, violation of the Bell inequality can be made larger or smaller.
SARS-CoV2 Variants and Vaccines mRNA Spikes Fibonacci Numerical UA/CG Metastructures
Authors: Perez Jean-Claude
Published: April 2021

In this paper, we suggest a biomathematical numerical method analysing mRNA nucleotides sequences based on UA/CG Fibonacci numbers proportions. This method is used to evaluate then compare the spike genes related to the main SARS-CoV2 VARIANTS circulating presently within the world. The 8 main results proposed to be reproduced by peers are: 1/ SARS-CoV2 genome and spike evolution in one year 2020-2021. 2/ SARS-CoV2 Origins. 3/ Comparing 11 reference variants spikes. 4/ analysing 32 CAL.20C california variant patients spikes. 5/ Toward a meta mRNA Fibonacci gene end message code. 6/ analysing S501 UK, S484 South Afrika and 2 mutations IINDIA variants. 7/ Suggesting a possible variants spike mRNA palindrome symmetry metastructure improving mRNA stability then infectuosity. 8/ Analysing Fibonacci Metastructures in the mRNA coding for the vaccines PFITZER and MODERNA. Particularly, we suggest the following conjecture at mRNA folding level: CONJECTURE of SARS-CoV2 VARIANTS: The growth of long Fibonacci structures in the shape of podiums for almost all of the variants studied (UK, California, South Afrika, India, etc.) suggests the probable folding of the Spike mRNA in the form of a hairpin, which can strengthen the cohesion and the lifespan of this mRNA. Finally, we show that this kind of Fibonacci matastructures disapears TOTALLY analysing the published mRNA sequences of PFITZER and MODERNA vaccines.
The Perro de Presa Canario: Growth and development analysis and the assessment of mental predispositions in puppies
Authors:   Institute of Animal Science and Fisheries, Siedlce University of Natural Sciences and Humanities, Bolesława Prusa 14, 08-110 Siedlce, Poland, Horoszewicz Elżbieta , Galas Justyna ,   Institute of Animal Science and Fisheries, Siedlce University of Natural Sciences and Humanities, Bolesława Prusa 14, 08-110 Siedlce, Poland
Published: April 2021

The Perro de Presa Canario is still an unexplored and underrated breed of dogs. The breed had been used in dog fighting and to protect human dwellings for ages. An analysis of biometric traits conducted between the birth and the age of 6 months has shown a harmonious and rapid puppy growth. Zoometric measurements and conformation indices in both dogs and bitches were found to be comparable. At age one week the reported body weight of the bitches was 498 g, and the dogs were heavier by 57 g. At six months of age, the bitches weighed approximately 16.35 kg, whereas the dogs were on average 2.15 kg heavier. Gender has been found to affect weight gains (P ≤ 0.01) and the development of pectoral girdle (P ≤ 0.05). The PAT and the Campbell tests results have clearly shown that the Perro de Presa Canario breed is very dominant. Besides, it appears to be stubborn, intelligent and committed.
Data Lake Ecosystem Workflow
Authors: Salter R. , Dong Quyen , Coleman Cody , Seale Maria , Ruvinsky Alicia , Walker LaKenya , Bond W.
Published: April 2021

The Engineer Research and Development Center, Information Technology Laboratory’s (ERDC-ITL’s) Big Data Analytics team specializes in the analysis of large-scale datasets with capabilities across four research areas that require vast amounts of data to inform and drive analysis: large-scale data governance, deep learning and machine learning, natural language processing, and automated data labeling. Unfortunately, data transfer between government organizations is a complex and time-consuming process requiring coordination of multiple parties across multiple offices and organizations. Past successes in large-scale data analytics have placed a significant demand on ERDC-ITL researchers, highlighting that few individuals fully understand how to successfully transfer data between government organizations; future project success therefore depends on a small group of individuals to efficiently execute a complicated process. The Big Data Analytics team set out to develop a standardized workflow for the transfer of large-scale datasets to ERDC-ITL, in part to educate peers and future collaborators on the process required to transfer datasets between government organizations. Researchers also aim to increase workflow efficiency while protecting data integrity. This report provides an overview of the created Data Lake Ecosystem Workflow by focusing on the six phases required to efficiently transfer large datasets to supercomputing resources located at ERDC-ITL.
Disruptive Technologies in the Agri-food Sector: A Knowledge Synthesis
Authors: Leader Joelena , Shantz Ben
Published: April 2021

The agri-food sector in Canada is entering an “age of disruption” where the rapid expansion of technology, like IoT, genetic advancements, and robotics, has potential to fundamentally reshape the futureof work and the development of rural communities across Canada. This presentation reports on the firstphase of a multi- phased project that assesses the impacts of disruptive technologies in the agri-food sector, including the scope of technologies that could disrupt traditional production practices and the future of work. An overview of the project and the findings from our initial research and knowledgesynthesis is presented along with the planned future phases and next steps. Using technology assessment,key informant interviews and comparative case studies, this research aims to identify disruptive technologies and companies, assess their social and spatial implications, and explore how regional stakeholders are responding to these impacts. This research aims to assist local and provincial policymakers in designing and assessing new policies and programs to respond to the impacts of disruptive technologies in the agri-food sector.
Evolution of a complex early Permian coarse-grained shoreline along a rift basin margin
Authors: Dillinger Antoine , George Annette D. , Vaucher Romain
Published: April 2021

Tectonic activity in extensional basins has a profound control on accommodation and sediment supply through the interplay between footwall uplift and hanging-wall subsidence, and thus largely influences the three-dimensional architecture of syn-rift sequences. This is emphasized in areas close to major rift-border faults, where steep coastal reliefs and fluvial gradients produce compound facies zonation and stratigraphic styles with strong lateral variability. The lower Permian High Cliff Sandstone was deposited in an array of shallow marine environments along the margin of the northern Perth Basin during a protracted late Paleozoic rifting episode in Western Australian basins. The formation is composed of fluvio-deltaic and nearshore strata sharply overlying a thick succession of offshore mudstone that was deposited during a phase of tectonic quiescence. This basal contact likely reflects submarine erosion and is, therefore, interpreted as a regressive surface of marine erosion generated in response to forced regression. The facies arrangement consisting of interbedded sandstone, conglomerate, and heterolithic facies chiefly records the evolution of a low- to high-gradient paleoshoreline punctuated by coastal streams, steep sea cliffs, and back-barrier lagoons. Extraformational outsized clasts were probably emplaced by the erosion of exhumed basement and older sedimentary rocks through fluvial incision, wave sapping, or landsliding. The along-strike variability between low- and high-gradient shoreline deposits indicates a dynamic depositional setting with a complex tectonic influence. The basal regressive surface of marine erosion is attributed to footwall uplift during the early reactivation stage of basin-bounding normal faults and, therefore, records the initiation of a new syn-rift phase in the northern Perth Basin.
Clinical relevance of impaired consciousness in accidental hypothermia: A Japanese multicenter retrospective study
Authors: Fukuda Masahiro , Nozawa Masahiro , Okada Yohei , Morita Sachiko , Ehara Naoki , Miyamae Nobuhiro , Jo Takaaki , Sumida Yasuyuki , Okada Nobunaga , Watanabe Makoto , Tsuruoka Ayumu , Fujimoto Yoshihiro , Okumura Yoshiki , Kitamura Tetsuhisa , Matsuyama Tasuku
Published: April 2021

Background
This study aimed to investigate the association between level of impaired consciousness and severe hypothermia less than 28°C among accidental hypothermia. Severe accidental hypothermia (AH) is a life-threatening condition, and early identification can enable transport to an appropriate medical facility. The Swiss staging system has been used to classify patients with AH, but little is known regarding the association between the level of impaired consciousness and core body temperature (BT) in AH. This study aimed to clarify the association between level of impaired consciousness and core BT and determine whether the level of impaired consciousness could be used to predict severe hypothermia and in-hospital mortality among patients with AH.
Results
The study included 505 of 572 patients in the J-point registry. Relative to mildly impaired consciousness (Glasgow coma scale (GCS) 13–15), the adjusted odds ratios for severe hypothermia were moderate (GCS9-12) 3.26 (95% CI: 1.69–6.25) and severe (GCS < 9) 4.68 (95% CI: 2.40–9.14) for severely impaired consciousness. Relative to mildly impaired consciousness (GCS 13–15), the adjusted odds ratios for in-hospital mortality were moderate (GCS9-12) 1.65 (95% CI: 0.95–2.88) and severe (GCS < 9) 2.10 (95% CI: 1.17–3.78).
Conclusions
The level of impaired consciousness in patients with accidental hypothermia may predict severe hypothermia and in-hospital mortality.
In situ lower crustal accretion by melt sill injection revealed by seismic layering
Authors: Guo Peng , Singh Satish , Vaddineni Venkata , Grevemeyer Ingo , Saygin Erdinc
Published: April 2021

Oceanic crust is formed at mid-ocean spreading centres by a combination of magmatic, tectonic and hydrothermal processes. The crust formed by magmatic process consists of an upper crust generally composed of basaltic dikes and lava flows and a lower crust presumed to mainly contain homogeneous gabbro whereas that by tectonic process can be very heterogeneous and may even contain mantle rocks. Although the formation and evolution of the upper crust are well known from geophysical and drilling results, those for the lower crust remain a matter of debate. Using a full waveform inversion method applied to wide-angle seismic data, here we report the presence of layering in the lower oceanic crust formed at the slow spreading Mid-Atlantic Ridge, ~7-12 Ma in age, revealing that the lower crust is formed mainly by in situ cooling and crystallisation of melt sills at different depths by the injection of magma from the mantle. These layers are 400-600 m thick with alternate high and low velocities, with ± 100-200 m/s velocity variation, and cover over a million-year old crust, suggesting that the crustal accretion by melt sill intrusions beneath the ridge axis is a stable process. We also find that the upper crust is ~400 m thinner than that from conventional travel-time analysis. Taken together, these discoveries suggest that the magmatism plays more important roles in the crustal accretion process at slow spreading ridges than previously realised, and that in-situ lower crustal accretion is the main process for the formation of lower oceanic crust.
Activated carbon from agave wastes (agave tequilana) for supercapacitors via potentiostatic floating test
Authors: Rangel-Heredia Isi Keyla , Torres-González Luis Carlos , Sánchez-Cervantes Eduardo Maximiano , Garza-Tovar Lorena Leticia
Published: April 2021

To prepare an efficient supercapacitor, an activated carbon from agave wastes was prepared and their electrochemical performance was evaluated as a novel electrode for supercapacitor. The carbon was prepared by two thermal pyrolysis processes under nitrogen atmosphere. The first pyrolysis was achieved at 500°C until the charring of the bagasse, in the second pyrolysis step, the char was impregnated with different mass ratios of KOH (1:2 − 1:4) and thermally treated at 800 or 900°C, for 1 h under N2 flow. The textural analysis showed that the activated carbon had a specific surface area of 1462 m2 g− 1 and depicted a type I isotherm (IUPAC) characteristic of a microporous carbon. Raman spectroscopy and XRD measurements confirm that the activated carbon contains a small graphitization degree and a disordered structure. The electrochemical study of the symmetric carbon supercapacitor was carried out in 1M Li2SO4 solution as the electrolyte. The electrochemical performance of the coin cell supercapacitor was evaluated under an accelerated ageing floating test consisting of potentiostatic steps at different voltages (1.5, 1.6 and 1.8 V) for 10 h followed by galvanostatic charge/discharge sequences, the overall procedure summarized a floating time up to 200 h. The highest capacitance was observed at a floating voltage of 1.5 V, with a large initial specific capacitance of 297 F g− 1.
Benefit Of Vitrectomy And Internal Limiting Membrane Peeling In The Treatment Of Resistant Diabetic Macular Edema
Authors: Altun Ahmet , Atmaca Fatih , Kanar Hatice Selen , Arsan Aysu Karatay , Hacisalihoglu Aynur , Kale Banu , Ozay Turgay , Durdu Ali , Sonmez Kenan
Published: April 2021

Background: To investigate the results of internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling in patients with resistant diabetic macular edema (DME). Methods: In this randomized, controlled and prospective clinical study, the patients with resistant DME due to proliferative diabetic retinopathy were divided into two groups. Both groups underwent 23 gauge pars plana vitrectomy (PPV). Additionally ILM peeling was performed only to the cases in Group 2. During follow-ups, complete ophthalmological examinations, optical coherence tomography and fundus fluorescein angiography were performed. After PPV, intravitreal dexamethasone implant injection was performed for DME treatment when necessary. The patients were followed for 1 year. Results: A total of 40 eyes of 37 patients were included in the study. The average age was 57.5 ± 5.4 and 56.9 ± 5.8 years, and the ratio of male:female was 9:11 and 6:14 in Group 1 and Group 2, respectively (p >0.05). The improvement level in BCVA was more evident especially in the first and third months postoperatively in both groups (p <0.01). Improvement in BCVA in the first and third months postoperatively was statistically more significant in Group 2 than Group 1 (p <0.05) Conclusion:PPV is beneficial in the management of resistant DME, and ILM peeling seems to be useful for macular function and may accelerate improvement in visual acuity.
The influence of landscape context on the production of cultural ecosystem services
Authors: Zoeller Kim Christie , Gurney Georgina G. , Cumming Graeme S.
Published: April 2021

Context: Recent efforts to apply sustainability concepts to entire landscapes have seen increasing interest in approaches that connect socioeconomic and biophysical aspects of landscape change. Evaluating these connections through a cultural ecosystem services lens clarifies how different spatiotemporal scales and levels of organisation influence the production of cultural benefits. Currently, however, the effects of multi-level and multi-scale ecological variation on the production of cultural benefits have not yet been disentangled.Objectives: To quantify the amount of variation in cultural ecosystem service provision by birds to birders that is due to landscape-level attributes.Methods: We used data from 293 birding routes and 101 different birders in South African National Parks to explore the general relationships between birder responses to bird species and environmental conditions, bird-related observations, the biophysical attributes of the landscape and their effect on bird-related cultural benefits.Results: Biophysical attributes (particularly biome, vegetation type, and variance in elevation) significantly increased the percentage of variance explained in birder benefits from 57–65%, demonstrating that birder benefits are derived from multi-level (birds to ecosystems) and multi-scale (site to landscape) social and ecological interactions.Conclusions: Landscape attributes influence people’s perceptions of cultural ecosystem service provision by individual species. Recognition of the complex, localised and inextricable linkage of cultural ecosystem services to biophysical attributes can improve our understanding of the landscape characteristics that affect the supply and demand of cultural ecosystem services.
Ultrafast Parallel LiDAR with Time-encoding and Spectral Scanning: Breaking the Time-of-flight Limit
Authors: Zang Zihan , Li Zhi , Luo Yi , Han Yan-Jun , Liu Xuanyi , Fu H.Y.
Published: April 2021

Light detection and ranging (LiDAR) has been widely used in autonomous driving and large-scale manufacturing. Although state-of-the-art scanning LiDAR can perform long-range three-dimensional imaging, the frame rate is limited by both round-trip delay and the beam steering speed, hindering the development of high-speed autonomous vehicles. For hundred-meter level ranging applications, a several-time speedup is highly desirable. Here, we uniquely combine fiber-based encoders with wavelength-division multiplexing devices to implement all-optical time-encoding on the illumination light. Using this method, parallel detection and fast inertia-free spectral scanning can be achieved simultaneously with single-pixel detection. As a result, the frame rate of a scanning LiDAR can be multiplied with scalability. We demonstrate a 4.4-fold speedup for a maximum 75-m detection range, compared with a time-of-flight-limited laser ranging system. This approach has the potential to improve the velocity of LiDAR-based autonomous vehicles to the regime of hundred kilometers per hour and open up a new paradigm for ultrafast-frame-rate LiDAR imaging.
The clinical significance of preoperative serum fibrinogen levels and platelet counts in patients with Gallbladder carcinoma
Authors: Cao Peng , Jiang Lei , Zhou Liang-Yi , Chen Yan-ling
Published: April 2021

Background: Gallbladder carcinoma (GBC) was the most common malignancy of biliary tract. Patients with malignancies frequently present with activated coagulation pathways, which mightpotentially related to tumor progression and prognosis. The purpose of the study was to investigate the clinical significance of preoperative serum fibrinogen levels and platelet counts in GBC patients.Methods: The preoperative fasting serum fibrinogen levels and platelet counts of 58 patients with GBC were measured by AUV2700 automatic biochemical analyzer, as well as 60 patients with cholesterol polyps and 60 healthy volunteers. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis was applied to show the correction between fibrinogen levels and outcome after surgery.Results: The fibrinogen levels of patients with GBC were significantly higher than healthy gallbladder and cholesterol polyp of gallbladder (p<0.001 and p<0.001,respectively). In GBC, fibrinogen levels were associated with tumor depth (p=0.001), lymph node metastasis (p=0.002), distant metastasis (p<0.001) and Tumor Node Metastasis (TNM) stage (p<0.001).The levels in TNM stage Ⅳ disease were significantly higher than stage Ⅲ or stage Ⅰ+Ⅱ disease（p=0.048 and p<0.001, respectively）, and in TNM stage Ⅲ disease were significantly higher than stageⅠ+Ⅱ disease（p=0.002）.Furthermore, the overall survival was better in low fibrinogen level group than in high fibrinogen level group (p<0.001).However, thrombocytosis was not significantly associated with overall survivals(p>0.05) in univariate analysis.Conclusion: The preoperative serum fibrinogen levels and platelet counts might be reliable biomarkers for the occurance of disease, tumor depth, lymph node metastasis, distant metastasis and advanced TNM stage in patients with GBC. The serum fibrinogen levels might be a prognostic factor to predict outcome for GBC patients suffering from surgery treatment. Anticoagulation therapy might be considered to control cancer progression in future studies.
Time-Varying Associations Between an Exposure History and a Subsequent Health Outcome: A landmark Approach to Identify Critical Windows.
Authors: Wagner Maude , Grodstein Francine , Leffondre Karen , Samieri Cécilia , Proust-Lima Cécile
Published: April 2021

Background: Long-term behavioral and health risk factors constitute a primary focus of research on the etiology of chronic diseases. Yet, identifying critical time-windows during which risk factors have the strongest impact on disease risk is challenging. To assess the trajectory of association of an exposure history with an outcome, the weighted cumulative exposure index (WCIE) has been proposed, with weights reﬂecting the relative importance of exposures at diﬀerent times. However, WCIE is restricted to a complete observed error-free exposure whereas exposures are often measured with intermittent missingness and error. Moreover, it rarely explores exposure history that is very distant from the outcome as usually sought in life-course epidemiology.Methods: We extend the WCIE methodology to (i) exposures that are intermittently measured with error, and (ii) contexts where the exposure time-window precedes the outcome time-window using a landmark approach. First, the individual exposure history up to the landmark time is estimated using a mixed model that handles missing data and error in exposure measurement, and the predicted complete error-free exposure history is derived. Then the WCIE methodology is applied to assess the trajectory of association between the predicted exposure history and the health outcome collected after the landmark time. In our context, the health outcome is a longitudinal marker analyzed using a mixed model.Results: A simulation study ﬁrst demonstrates the correct inference obtained with this approach. Then, applied to the Nurses’ Health Study (19,415 women) to investigate the association between body mass index history (collected from midlife) and subsequent cognitive decline (evaluated after age 70), the method identiﬁed two major critical windows of association: long before the ﬁrst cognitive evaluation (roughly 24 to 12 years), higher levels of BMI were associated with poorer cognition. In contrast, adjusted for the whole history, higher levels of BMI became associated with better cognition in the last years prior to the ﬁrst cognitive interview, thus reﬂecting reverse causation (changes in exposure due to underlying disease).Conclusions: This approach, easy to implement, provides a ﬂexible tool for studying complex dynamic relationships and identifying critical time windows while accounting for exposure measurement errors.
Screening and optimization of submerged fermentation of aspergillus species for kojic acid production
Authors: Badar Rehana , Yaqoob Samiya , Ahmed Asma , Shaoor Qurat Ul Aan
Published: April 2021

Kojic acid is organic acid obtained from numerous species of Aspergillus through fermentation.This is among most demanding substances in cosmetic industries as an alternate to carcinogenic Hydroquinone and has grabbed a vital position in Pharmaceuticals, Food and Agriculture industries. Current experimental approach was designed for production and purification of Kojic acid crystals from A. flavusand A.oryzae and measured the effects of pH, temperature, static and non-static (shaker) condition on Kojic acid yield in submergedfermentation. Significant yield of Kojic acid crystal was obtained by A. flavusas compared to A. oryzae. Optimized conditions were pH 4.5 for (A. flavus) and 3.5 for (A. oryzae) at 30 0Cwith 20 days of incubation. High yield of Kojic acid crystals were produced under static condition (16 g/L in A. flavusand 11 g/L in A.oryzae) in contrast to non- static (shaker) conditions (6 g/L in A. flavusand 5 g/L in A. oryzae). Quantitative estimation of Kojic acid was done through Bentley’s colorimetric method followed by TLC, FTIR and HPLC. This analysis was found successful after achieving the high yield of Kojic acid under optimized conditions.
Impact Imposed by Urbanization on Soil Heavy Metal Content of Lake Wetland and Evaluation of Ecological Risks in East Dongting Lake in China
Authors: Lin Yang , Luo Kai , Su Zilin , Wu Yang , Xiao Wei , Qin Mingxun , Lin Jing , Zhang Shijie , Zhang Yi , Jiang Yuqi , Peng Bojin , Guo Yujing , Wang Xuan
Published: April 2021

The urbanization is regarded as the major factor related to human activities that may interfere with the natural ecosystem. In this study, we have selected the wetland of East Dongting Lake as the research area. We have collected 180 soil samples (within the range of 0–20 cm, and 20cm-40cm), and we have measured the contents of their physicochemical properties (including salinity, pH value, soil particle composition, soil organic carbon, nitrate nitrogen and rapidly available phosphorus) as well as heavy metal elements (including As, Hg, Cd, Pb, Ni and Cr). We have adopted the methods of multivariate statistical analysis and inverse distance weighted (IDW) interpolation, so as to to reveal the sources and distribution characteristics of heavy metal content in soil in the research area. By adopting the potential ecological risk index (PERI) method proposed by Hakanson, we intend to assess the PERI values of heavy metals. Our research findings have shown that: (1) 8 sorts of heavy metals have shown positive correlation with each other. As, Hg and Zn have shown a significantly positive correlation with SOC (P < 0.01); As, Ni, Cr and Zn have shown a significantly positive correlation with AP (P < 0.01); As and Pb have shown a significantly positive correlation with Clay (P < 0.01); whereas Hg and Zn have shown a significantly negative correlation with Silt (P < 0.01); As and Pb have shown a significantly negative correlation with Sand (P < 0.01). (2) During urbanization, the elements of Cd, Ni, As, Hg and Pb might be enriched due to agricultural and industrial activities, whereas the use of fertilizers and pesticides constitute one of the major factors contributing to the increase of Cd and Pb contents in soil. (3) Influenced by the varying land patterns and with exception to Cu, the Fe-normalized concentrations have shown significant variations among different types of land use (P < 0.05). Specifically, there is a significantly higher level of Cd, Zn, Pb and Hg contents in the agricultural land than other types of land use, whereas there is a slightly higher level of heavy metal content in the mudflats than that in the grassland. In addition, the content of heavy metals in woodland remains relatively stable, and with exception to As, the content of heavy metals in woodland is the lowest among the five types of land. (4) The average value of the comprehensive PERI in heavy metals amounts to 555.03, representing a strong degree of ecological risks. Specifically, the proportion of sampling points of Cd that have a high level of ecological risks amounts to 36.51%, which is the primary element contributing to heavy metal pollution in the region, especially in the agricultural land.
Development and evaluation of a novel flex sensor-based glenohumeral subluxation degree assessment for wearable shoulder sling
Authors: Huang Shuangyuan , Zhou Jiaming , Yang Yude , Chen Zhonghua , He Shiman , Chen Lilin , Zheng Haiqing , Liang Zhenhong , Xie Longhan
Published: April 2021

Background: Glenohumeral subluxation (GHS) is reported in as many as 81% of patients with stroke, which presents considerable challenges for individuals involved in stroke rehabilitation. During rehabilitation, the joint head of the glenohumeral joint was maintained in the socket by wearing a GHS shoulder sling. To ensure that the glenohumeral joint head is in the socket, an orthosis is required to automatically adjust the degree of orthosis according to the degree of GHS. However, there is currently no wearable method for assessing the degree of GHS. This study aims to develop a GHS assessment method for patients with stroke that has the potential to be integrated into a wearable shoulder sling.Methods: To that end, we developed a GHS assessment method for patients with stroke based on a ﬂex sensor, which has the potential to be integrated into a wearable shoulder sling. Seventeen patients with stroke in a diverse degree of GHS were recruited for the study. The curvature diﬀerence of the aﬀected shoulder in the subluxation and reduction states was collected by ﬂex sensor to calculate the degree of GHS (AGTD). Meanwhile, the GHS degree, calculated as the acromion–greater tuberosity distance di.ﬀerence (AGTD) of the aﬀected and unaﬀected shoulder, was measured by the gold-standard radiographic assessment.Results: The GHS degree measurement by ﬂex sensor and radiographic assessment has strongly correlated (r = 0.92, p < 0.01). The relationship of GHS degree measured by radiographic assessment (AGTD) and ﬂex sensor (AGHS) is linear according to an interpolating curve with an equation: AGHS = 0.767AGTD + 1.781 (R2 = 0.84, RMSE = 1.61). The method has excellent reliability with R = 0.87, CI = 95% for assessment of GHS degrees.Conclusions: The proposed method demonstrates good performance, is wearable, easy to use, and allows automatic measurements, so as to be a valuable method to assessment of GHS.
Effect of Short-Term Exposure to Fine Particulate Matter and Temperature on Acute Myocardial Infarction in Korea
Authors: Shin Jiyoung , Oh Jongmin , Kang In Sook , Ha Eunhee , Pyun Wook Bum
Published: April 2021

Background/Aim: Previous studies have suggested that the short-term ambient air pollution and temperature are associated with myocardial infarction. In this study, we aimed to conduct a time-series analysis to assess the impact of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and temperature on acute myocardial infarction (AMI) among adults over 20 years of age in Korea by using the data from the Korean National Health Information Database (KNHID).Methods: Daily data of 197,940 AMI cases in Seoul were collected from the nationwide, population-based KNHID from 2005 to 2014. Monitoring data of ambient PM2.5 from the Seoul Research Institute of Public Health and Environment were also collected. A generalized additive model (GAM) that allowed for a quasi-Poisson distribution was used to analyze the effects of PM2.5 and temperature on the incidence of AMI.Results: The models with PM2.5 lag structures of lag 0 and 2-day averages of lag 0 and 1 (lag 01) showed significant associations with AMI (Relative risk [RR]: 1.011, CI: 1.003–1.020 for lag 0, RR: 1.010, CI: 1.000–1.020 for lag 01) after adjusting the covariates. Stratification analysis conducted in the cold season (October–April) and the warm season (May–September) showed a significant lag 0 effect for AMI cases in the cold season only.Conclusions: In conclusion, acute exposure to PM2.5 was significantly associated with AMI morbidity at lag 0 in Seoul, Korea. This increased risk was also observed at low temperatures.
Development of a high temperature CO2 sorbent based on hydrotalcite for a H2-rich syngas production from biomass.
Authors: LALAUT Arno , COURSON Claire , GALLUCCI Katia
Published: April 2021

In order to adapt hydrotalcite based sorbents (LDO) to high temperature CO2 sorption and suitable temperature for tar steam reforming, the addition of CaO was investigated, maintaining their structure to keep porosity and accessibility but mostly assure the CO2 sorption stability during sorption/desorption cycles. In co-precipitation synthesis, various interlayer anions with different sizes and valences (carbonate, oxalate, and stearate) and various pH values were studied for different Mg/Ca ratios. The characterization of these sorbents (LDO) by TGA, XRD, N2 adsorption, SEM, sorption capacity, and sorption/desorption stability (cyclic TGA) permitted to understand the effect of the various synthesis conditions and to highlight the interest of oxalate use as interlayer anion. Typical LDH sand roses were formed with carbonate and oxalate anions after calcination until Mg/Ca/Al ratio = 1/2/1. For carbonate, this optimal ratio reached the highest sorption capacity and CaO sites accessibility at 600°C, better than pure CaO. However, the best stability during cycles was obtained with the sorbent from oxalate and Mg/Ca/Al ratio = 1.5/1.5/1 at pH 10 for which sorption results were almost the best values observed. For these two samples, the observed macroporosity were associated to the highest specific surface area and pore volume.Statement of NoveltyIn hydrotalcite structure, a width interlayer space permits to integrate various anions (CO32-, SO4-2, or NO3-) in order to modify CO2 sorption kinetics and capacity. The spheroidal “sand rose” morphology observed with CO32- anions explained the large BET surface area and the better CO2 sorption capacity. Stearate (and longer molecules) exchange was extensively studied as long-carbon-chain organic anion and allowed a better CO2 capture performance.This work focuses on another interlayer anion (oxalate) with the same valence of carbonate (2), a shape and valence different to stearate (1), and not yet reported in the literature. The novelty is to demonstrate that oxalate can replace carbonate as interlayer anion and moreover stearate by a less toxic one.
Protective effect of Moringa oleifera Lam. leaf extract against carbon tetrachloride-induced neuroinflammation in a mouse model of hepatic encephalopathy
Authors: Fathy Samah M. , Mohammed Mohammed S.M.
Published: April 2021

Background
Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a neuropsychiatric disorder associated with acute or chronic liver injury. Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) is usually used as an experimental model for HE. The present study aimed to assess the neuroprotective impacts of Moringa oleifera Lam. leaf ethanolic extract (MOLE) against neurotoxicity in CCl4-induced mouse model of HE.
Methods
High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis was used for the detection of marker compounds; rutin and β-sitosterol. Animals were divided into four groups; vehicle group, CCl4 treated group, MOLE treated group, and (CCl4 + MOLE) group treated with MOLE for 14 days before inducing neurotoxicity by CCl4.
Results
Pretreatment with MOLE decreased alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), corticosterone, and ammonia levels in serum as well as it improved the antioxidant status of CCl4 treated mice in the tissue of hippocampus (HC) and cerebral cortex (CC). It reduced the expression of toll-like receptor (TLR)4, TLR2, myeloid differentiation primary response 88 (MYD88), and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) genes and the protein levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokines in the selected brain regions. MOLE also exhibited anti-apoptotic effect as revealed by the reduced expression of caspase3, and prevented histological deteriorations caused by CCl4 treatment. Furthermore, CCl4-induced anxiety and depression-like behavioral changes were attenuated by MOLE preadministration.
Conclusions
Taken together, the current results suggest significant anxiolytic and antidepressant effects of MOLE via modulation of neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, TLR4/2-MyD88/NF-κB pathway, and apoptosis in HE experimental model.
Simvastatin impairs myoblast proliferation and myotube formation of C2C12 myoblasts and in mouse skeletal muscle
Authors: Sanvee Gerda M , Bouitbir Jamal , Kraehenbuehl Stephan
Published: April 2021

Statins reduce cardiovascular complications in patients with high LDL-cholesterol but are associated with myopathy. We investigated the possibility that statins impair skeletal muscle regeneration by assessing simvastatin toxicity on C2C12 myoblasts and myotubes and mouse skeletal muscle. Simvastatin increased plasma membrane permeability and decreased the cellular ATP content in both myoblasts and myotubes, but with a stronger effect on myoblasts. While insulin prevented cytotoxicity up to 8 hours after addition of simvastatin to myotubes, prevention in myoblasts required simultaneous addition. Mevalonate and geranylgeraniol also prevented simvastatin-associated cytotoxicity on myoblasts and myotubes. Simvastatin impaired the phosphorylation of the insulin receptor (IR β), Akt ser473 and S6rp, and increased phosphorylation of AMPK thr172 in both myotubes and myoblasts, which was prevented by insulin and mevalonate. Simvastatin impaired oxygen consumption and increased superoxide production by myoblasts and myotubes and induced apoptosis via cytochromc c release. In addition, simvastatin impaired proliferation and fusion of myoblasts to myotubes by inhibiting the expression of the nuclear transcription factor MyoD and of the metalloprotease ADAM-12. Decreased expression of the proliferation factor Ki-67 and of ADAM-12 were also observed in gastrocnemius of mice treated with simvastatin. In conclusion, myoblasts were more susceptible to the toxic effects of simvastatin and simvastatin impaired myoblast proliferation and myotube formation. Impaired muscle regeneration represents a new mechanism of statin myotoxicity and may be important in statin-associated myopathy.
Serum creatinine/cystatin C ratio as a surrogate marker for sarcopenia in patients with gastric cancer
Authors: Sun Jing , Yang Hui , Cai Wentao , Zheng Jingwei , Shen Ningzhe , Yang Xinxin , Pan Bujian , Zhang Weiteng , Chen Xiaodong , Shen Xian
Published: April 2021

Background: Sarcopenia is an age-related syndrome that may have negative impact on surgical outcomes and long-term survival of patients with gastric cancer. Serum creatinine/cystatin C (Cr/CysC) ratio has attracted attention as a surrogate marker for sarcopenia but has not been adequately studied in patients with gastric cancer. The purpose of this study was to investigate the validity of serum Cr/CysC ratio as a predictor of sarcopenia, evaluate a statistical cut-off value, and assess the relationship between Cr/CysC ratio and prognosis of patients with gastric cancer.Methods: We retrospectively studied 269 patients who underwent surgery for gastric cancer from June 2009 to October 2017. The skeletal muscle mass index was calculated using computed tomography (CT).We determined the relevance of serum Cr/CysC ratio as a surrogate maker for sarcopenia by comparing it with various biomarkers. The C-index was calculted to measure whether the Cr/CysC ratio can prognosis of patients with gastric cancer.Results: Serum Cr/CysC was significantly correlated with with Skeletal Muscle Index(SMI) (r=0.269, p<0.001) and Skeletal Muscle Area(SMA)(r=0.277, p<0.001). The area under the curve for sarcopenia was significantly larger for serum Cr/CysC ratio than for other biomarkers (Cr/CysC: 0.665, CysC: 0.441, Cr: 0.572). Patients in the high-Cr/CysC group have longer survival time than that in low-Cr/CysC group, defined by the cutoff value 0.67. The C-index of both Cr/CysC ratio and SMI with OS was 0.63.Conclusions:Serum Cr/CysC ratio can be used accurately, inexpensively, and easily to evaluate sarcopenia in male patients with gastric cancer. Our study shows that patients with Cr/CysC below 0.67 had possibility of sarcopenia and would be poor prognosis.
Limit of detection in different matrices of nineteen commercially available rapid antigen tests for the detection of SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Kontogianni Konstantina , Edwards Thomas , Wooding Dominic , Buist Kate , Thompson Caitlin R. , Williams Christopher T. , Patterson Edward I , Hughes Grant , Baldwin Lisa , Escadafal Camille , Sacks Jilian A. , Adams Emily R. , Atienzar Ana I Cubas
Published: April 2021

In the context of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic there has been an increase of the use of antigen-detection rapid diagnostic tests (Ag-RDT). The performance of Ag-RDT vary greatly between manufacturers and evaluating their analytical limit of detection (LOD) has become high priority. Here we describe a manufacturer-independent evaluation of the LOD of 19 marketed Ag-RDT using live SARS-CoV-2 spiked in different matrices: direct culture supernatant, a dry swab, and a swab in Amies. Additionally, the LOD using dry swab was investigated after 7 days’ storage at -80°C of the SARS-CoV-2 serial dilutions. An LOD of ≈ 5.0 x 102 pfu/ml (1.0 x 106 genome copies/ml) in culture media is defined as acceptable by the World Health Organization. Fourteen of nineteen Ag-RDTs (ActiveXpress, Espline, Excalibur, Innova, Joysbio, Mologic, NowCheck, Orient, PanBio, RespiStrip, Roche, Standard-F, Standard-Q and Sure-Status) exceeded this performance criteria using direct culture supernatant applied to the Ag-RDT. Six Ag-RDT were not compatible with Amies media and a decreased sensitivity of 2 to 20-fold was observed for eleven tests on the stored dilutions at -80°C for 7 days. Here, we provide analytical sensitivity data to guide appropriate test and sample type selection for use and for future Ag-RDT evaluations. 201/200
Acute effects of ambient air pollution on lower respiratory infections in Guangzhou children of China
Authors: Zhong Huawen , Yang Linlin , Qiang Wei , Zhou Yongxian , Wei Lintong , He Miao
Published: April 2021

Background Daily concentrations of air pollution are associated with lower respiratory diseases. This study investigated the short-term association of ambient air pollution with daily hospital admissions due to pneumonia among children aged 0–17 in Guangzhou city of China.Methods Daily ambient air pollution concentrations were extracted from the databases of the Chinese Environmental Monitoring Center. Children hospital admission counts for pneumonia during 2013–2018 were sourced from the Guangdong Maternal and Child Healthcare Hospital. Associations between outdoor air pollution levels and hospital admissions were estimated for time lags of zero up to seven days using Quasi-Poisson regression models, adjusted for seasonal variations, meteorological variables, day of week and holidays. The associations between clinical pathogenic microorganism inspection results for pneumonia and air pollutants were calculated using Lasso regression models.Results Ambient air pollutants were all positively associated with children hospital admissions due to pneumonia of all ages. Significant associations were found for air pollutants except for inhalable particulate matter (PM) \(\le\)10 µm in aerodynamic diameter (PM10) in children aged 0–17 years. Increments of an interquartile range (IQR) (279.10µg/m3 and 28.42µg/m3, respectively) in the 7-day-average level of carbon monoxide (CO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) were associated with a 26.17% (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.40%-56.98%) and 25.09% (95%CI 0.54%-55.64%) increase in pneumonia hospitalizations for children aged 6–17, respectively. An IQR increase in CO concentrations (279.10µg/m3) was associated with a 15.15% (95%CI 4.34%-27.08%) increase in pneumonia hospitalizations for children aged 1–5. Estimates for CO were statistically significant among children aged 1–5 years in summer. The associations remained stable in two-pollutant models. Daily cases of microbial detection for pneumonia were positively associated with daily NO2 concentration. The pneumonia hospitalizations due to Mycoplasma pneumonia, Flu A virus and Flu B virus, the predominant pathogenic microorganisms detected in children aged 0–5 are apparently associated with levels of PMs, CO, NO2 and O3.Conclusions Strong associations among hospital admissions for lower respiratory infections, pathogenic microorganisms and daily levels of air pollution confirm the urgent need to adopt sustainable improving ambient air quality policies in Guangzhou city to protect children's health.
Identification of reference genes for studies of quantitative gene expression in male and female quail tissues.
Authors: Macario Maise dos Santos , Nascimento C. S. , Sousa F. C. B. , Oliveira I. R. S. , Vesco A. P. D. , Barbosa L. T. , Sousa K. R. S.
Published: April 2021

This study aimed to evaluate stability and recommend reference genes for quantitative real-time PCR in different tissues from male and female broiler quails. The stability of 10 housekeeping genes (GAPDH, RPL5, MRPS27, MRPS30, TFRC, HMBS, EEF1, LDHA, B2M and UBC) was analyzed in heart, thigh muscle, brain and spleen, by means Bestkeeper, NormFinder, GeNorm softwares with ∆Cq method. The most stable housekeeping genes were MRPS30, TFRC and HMBS in heart; MRPS30, EEF1 and HMBS in thigh muscle; B2M, GAPDH and UBC in brain; and EEF1, LDHA and HMBS in spleen. It is recommended to be used as reference genes for gene expression studies of male and female quails.
Effects of Hoof Trimming on Feed Consumption, Milk Yield, Oxidant and Antioxidant System in Dairy Cows with Hoof Deformities
Authors: Yakan Selvinaz
Published: April 2021

In this study is objectived to reveal the importance of hoof trimming (HT) in cows by determining the changes in feed consumption, milk yield, oxidant, and antioxidant parameters in the days before and after HT in cows with hoof deformities. This research was conducted on 12 female Brown Swiss dairy cows mid to late lactation period that had healthy hooves showing symptoms lameness due to hoof deformities. Daily feed consumption and milk yield findings were recorded on days the 1,7 (before HT), 13 (on the day of HT), 19,25, and 31 (after HT) of the study. Total oxidant capacity (TOC) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) tests for determination of oxidative stress index, for the evaluation of antioxidant potential; glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzyme, Vitamin E, A, and C levels were measured in blood samples taken on the experiment days. According to the findings of this study, after HT increased feed consumption and milk yield in cows ( P < 0.05). After HT, TOC decreased ( P < 0.05), TAC ( P < 0.05), GSH-Px ( P < 0.05, P < 0.001), GSH ( P < 0.05, P < 0.001), SOD ( P < 0.05, P < 0.001), Vitamin E ( P < 0.05, P < 0.001) and Vitamin C ( P < 0.05) levels increased significantly, Vitamin A ( P > 0.05) levels did not change significantly. Results of this study showed that HT, the oxidant system was suppressed and the antioxidant system was supported in dairy cows with hoof deformities dad healthy hooves.