bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gene expression profiling after exposure to a chemical carcinogen, Pentabrominated Diphenyl Ether, at different life stages
Authors: Shockley Keith R. , Dunnick June K.
Published: January 2023

Exposure to environmental hazards occurs at different stages of our lifetime–infant, child, adult. This study integrates recently published toxicogenomics data to examine how exposure to a known rat chemical carcinogen (pentabrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE)) upregulated liver transcriptomic changes at different life cycle stages (PND 4, PND 22, adult). We found that at all three life cycle stages PBDE exposure induced hepatocellular transcriptomic changes in disease pathways including cancer, metabolic, membrane function, and Nrf2 antioxidant pathways, pathways all characteristics of chemical carcinogens. In addition, in the adult rat after a 5-day exposure to the chemical carcinogen, there was upregulation of members of the Ras oncogenic pathway, a specific pathway found to be activated in the PBDE-induced tumors in rats in a previous hazard identification cancer study. The findings of liver transcript changes characteristic of carcinogenic activity after early life exposures and after short-term adult exposures provides data to support the use of transcriptomic data to predict the apical cancer endpoints in model studies. Using data from gene expression profiling studies after neonatal, young, or adult short-term chemical exposure helps to meet the 21st century toxicology goal of developing study designs to reduce, refine, and replace the use of traditional 2-year rodent cancer studies to provide hazard identification information. The studies reported here find that key transcripts associated with carcinogenesis were elevated in neonate (PND 4), young (PND 22) and adult animals after short-term exposure to PBDE, a known experimental chemical carcinogen in model systems.
Evaluation of the efficacy of a cannabidiol and cannabidiolic acid rich hemp extract for pain in dogs following a tibial plateau leveling osteotomy
Authors: Klatzkow Sarah , Davis Garrett , Shmalberg Justin , Gallastegui Aitor , Miscioscia Erin , Tarricone Jason , Elam Lindsay , Johnson Matthew D. , Leonard Katelyn M. , Wakshlag Joseph J.
Published: January 2023

Objective

To determine the impact of a cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) rich hemp product on acute post-operative pain in dogs following a tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO), and to evaluate for changes in early bone healing, serum chemistry profiles, and complete blood counts.

Methods

In this randomized, placebo controlled, blinded clinical trial, 44 client-owned dogs were assigned to receive either a CBD/CBDA product dosed at 2–2.5 mg/kg PO every 12 h or a placebo for 4 weeks following a TPLO. Variables evaluated before (week 0), and at 2 and 4 weeks post-operatively included standardized veterinary assessments for pain score, weight-bearing, and lameness, the Canine Brief Pain Inventory (pain interference score–PIS, pain severity score–PSS), and serum biochemistry. Complete blood counts were performed at weeks 0 and 4. Additionally, orthogonal radiographs evaluating the degree of healing were taken at week 4. A mixed model analysis, analyzing changes of variables of interest from enrollment baseline to all other time points was utilized, with a p-value ≤ 0.05 considered significant.

Results

Of the 44 enrolled patients, 3 were lost to follow up and excluded from analysis. No significant differences were noted between placebo (n = 19) and CBD/CBDA (n = 22) groups at any point in pain score, degree of lameness, degree of weight-bearing, PIS, PSS, or radiographic healing of the osteotomy. A significant finding of elevation of ALP above normal reference range in the treatment group was identified (p = 0.02) and eosinophil count was affected by treatment (p = 0.01), increasing from baseline in placebo and decreasing in treatment groups. Finally, a significant difference (p = 0.03) was noted at 2 weeks post-operatively where 4 patients in the placebo group and no treatment patients received trazodone to facilitate activity restrictions.

Clinical significance

Use of a CBD/CBDA rich hemp product dosed at 2–2.5 mg/kg PO every 12 h did not have a significant impact on pain or delay early bone healing. A statistically significant increase in ALP, decrease in eosinophils, and reduced use of trazodone was identified in the treatment group.
Case report: Toceranib as adjuvant chemotherapy in a dog with incompletely resected combined hepatocellular-cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Kim Sang-Won , Choi Ju-Won , Kim Jeon-Mo , Yoon Hun-Young , Bae Kieun , Yoon Kyong-Ah , Kim Jung-Hyun
Published: January 2023

An 11-year-old intact female mixed breed dog was presented with abdominal distention and elevated hepatic enzyme levels. Computed tomography revealed a multicystic hepatic mass at the left medial lobe adjacent to the diaphragm and caudal vena cava. The mass was surgically removed with partial hepatectomy, but it could not be removed completely because of adhesion to the diaphragm. The tissue was submitted for histopathologic evaluation, and the patient was diagnosed with stage IIIA combined hepatocellular-cholangiocarcinoma (cHCC-CC). Considering the residual tumor tissue from incomplete surgical excision, adjuvant chemotherapy was recommended. Tumor tissue obtained from the patient was assessed using an anticancer drug response prediction test, and the results showed that toceranib phosphate was the most effective chemotherapeutic agent for this patient. Toceranib was initiated (3.1 mg/kg, PO, q48 h), and routine adverse effect assessment, including systemic blood pressure measurement, complete blood count, serum biochemical evaluations, and urinalysis were performed at two-week intervals for the first 2 months and every 2 months thereafter. Radiography and ultrasonography were conducted at one-month intervals for the first two months and then every 2 months subsequently. Concurrent hyperadrenocorticism was managed with trilostane (1 to 5 mg/kg, PO, q12h). The patient showed no critical adverse effects of chemotherapy, obvious recurrence, or metastasis. The response to toceranib was assessed as a partial response, and the patient is still alive over 23 months after tumor excision. This is the first case report describing chemotherapy for a dog with cHCC-CC.
Covering the Crisis: Evolution of Key Topics and Actors in COVID-19 News Coverage in Switzerland
Authors: Ort Alexander , Rohrbach Tobias , Diviani Nicola , Rubinelli Sara
Published: January 2023

Objectives: The goal of this study is to map the share of COVID-related news articles over time, to investigate key subtopics and their evolution throughout the pandemic, and to identify key actors and their relationship with different aspects of the discourse around the pandemic.

Methods: This study uses a large-scale automated content analysis to conduct a within-country comparison of news articles (N = 1,171,114) from two language regions of Switzerland during the first 18 months of the pandemic.

Results: News media coverage of the pandemic largely mirrors key epidemiological developments in terms of the volume and content of coverage. Key actors in COVID-related reporting tend to be included in news articles that relate to their respective area of expertise.

Conclusion: Balanced news coverage of the pandemic facilitates effective dissemination of pandemic-related information by health authorities.
Ruch prostego języka w Polsce w latach 2012–2022
Authors: Skaryszewska Anna
Published: January 2023

A decade ago, in 2012, a social campaign titled “Citizen-friendly plain language” was announced and the First Congress of Official Language was held. Since then the idea of plain language has been developing in Poland – in both public administration and business. It consists in formulating communications such that they can be read quickly and understood when being read for the first time. This article aims to compile and describe the major entities, intiatives, and actions concerned with simplification of communication (plain language) in Poland.
Keywords: plain language – simplifying communication – “Citizen-friendly plain language”
campaign – plain language declaration – Congress of Official Language.
A Short-Term Supplementation with a Polyphenol-Rich Extract from Radiata Pine Bark Improves Fatty Acid Profiles in Finishing Lambs
Authors: Vera Nelson , Suescun-Ospina Sandra Tatiana , Allende Rodrigo , Gutiérrez-Gómez Constanza , Junod Tania , Williams Pamela , Fuentealba Cecilia , Ávila-Stagno Jorge
Published: January 2023

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a short-term supplementation with a polyphenol-rich extract from radiata pine bark (PBE) on animal performance, blood parameters, and fatty acid (FA) profiles in finishing lambs. Twenty-seven Suffolk lambs (4 months old) fed a finishing diet were randomly assigned to one of the following treatments: diet without PBE or diet supplemented with PBE on a 1 or 2% dry matter (DM) basis, for 35 d (14 d adaptation and 21 d of experimental period). Data were compared using Tukey’s test and orthogonal and polynomial contrasts. The results indicated that the supplementation with PBE increased (p = 0.008) relative growth rate (RGR) and improved (p = 0.003) protein conversion (CPC), whereas weight gain, carcass characteristic, and blood parameters were unaffected (p ≥ 0.106). Total mono- and polyunsaturated FAs, conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), and vaccenic and oleic acids were linearly increased (p ≤ 0.016) by PBE supplementation. In contrast, total saturated FAs (ΣSFA), Σn-6/Σn-3 ratio, atherogenicity index (AI), thrombogenic index (TI), and the proportion of elaidic acid were linearly decreased (p ≤ 0.018). In conclusion, the supplementation with 1 or 2% DM of PBE improves subcutaneous FA profiles by increasing CLA and reducing ΣSFA, Σn-6/Σn-3 ratio, AI, and TI. Additionally, PBE supplementation has the potential to improve RGR and CPC, with unaffected intake, growth performance, blood parameters, or carcass characteristics.
Genomic Analysis of Heterosis in an Angus × Hereford Cattle Population
Authors: Hay El Hamidi , Roberts Andy
Published: January 2023

Crossbreeding is widely used in the beef cattle industry to exploit its several benefits. This study evaluated the effects of heterozygosity on growth traits in an Angus × Hereford cross-population. Moreover, a genome wide association study was conducted to detect regions in the genome with significant dominance effects on growth traits contributing to heterosis. A total of 1530 animals comprising of pure Line 1 Hereford, Angus and Angus × Line 1 Hereford cross. Growth phenotypes included birth weight, weaning weight and yearling weight. All animals were genotyped with GeneSeek GGP LD 50k. Significant effects of genomic heterozygosity on growth traits were detected. These effects were 0.03 kg (0.006), 5.13 kg (0.04), 6.02 kg (0.08) on birth weight, weaning weight and yearling weight, respectively. Genome wide association study revealed several SNP markers with significant heterotic effects associated with birth weight, weaning weight and yearling weight. These SNP markers were located on chromosomes 1, 2, 6, 21, 14, 19, 13 and 12. Genes in these regions were reported to be involved in growth and other important physiological mechanisms. Our study revealed several regions associated with dominance effects and contributing to heterosis. These results could be beneficial in optimizing crossbreeding.
Evaluation of Rainfall Erosivity in the Western Balkans by Mapping and Clustering ERA5 Reanalysis Data
Authors: Micić Ponjiger Tanja , Lukić Tin , Wilby Robert L. , Marković Slobodan B. , Valjarević Aleksandar , Dragićević Slavoljub , Gavrilov Milivoj B. , Ponjiger Igor , Durlević Uroš , Milanović Miško M. , Basarin Biljana , Mlađan Dragan , Mitrović Nikola , Grama Vasile , Morar Cezar
Published: January 2023

The Western Balkans (WB) region is highly prone to water erosion processes, and therefore, the estimation of rainfall erosivity (R-factor) is essential for understanding the complex relationships between hydro-meteorological factors and soil erosion processes. The main objectives of this study are to (1) estimate the spatial-temporal distribution R-factor across the WB region by applying the RUSLE and RUSLE2 methodology with data for the period between 1991 and 2020 and (2) apply cluster analysis to identify places of high erosion risk, and thereby offer a means of targeting suitable mitigation measures. To assess R-factor variability, the ERA5 reanalysis hourly data (0.25° × 0.25° spatial resolution) comprised 390 grid points were used. The calculations were made on a decadal resolution (i.e., for the 1990s, the 2000s, and the 2010s), as well as for the whole study period (1991–2020). In order to reveal spatial patterns of rainfall erosivity, a k-means clustering algorithm was applied. Visualization and mapping were performed in python using the Matplotlib, Seaborn, and Cartopy libraries. Hourly precipitation intensity and monthly precipitation totals exhibited pronounced variability over the study area. High precipitation values were observed in the SW with a >0.3 mm h−1 average, while the least precipitation was seen in the Pannonian Basin and far south (Albanian coast), where the mean intensity was less than an average of 0.1 mm h−1. R-factor variability was very high for both the RUSLE and RUSLE2 methods. The mean R-factor calculated by RUSLE2 was 790 MJ mm ha−1·h−1·yr−1, which is 58% higher than the mean R-factor obtained from RUSLE (330 MJ mm ha−1·h−1·yr−1). The analysis of the R-factor at decadal timescales suggested a rise of 14% in the 2010s. The k-means algorithm for both the RUSLE and RUSLE2 methods implies better spatial distribution in the case of five clusters (K = 5) regarding the R-factor values. The rainfall erosivity maps presented in this research can be seen as useful tools for the assessment of soil erosion intensity and erosion control works, especially for agriculture and land use planning. Since the R-factor is an important part of soil erosion models (RUSLE and RUSLE2), the results of this study can be used as a guide for soil control works, landscape modeling, and suitable mitigation measures on a regional scale.
Decreased Aircraft Takeoff Performance under Global Warming
Authors: Wang Kun , Peng Xianghua , Dan Bo , Liu Haiwen , Cheng Shanjun , Fu Ning , Fu Hongli , Liu Cong
Published: January 2023

With global warming, extreme high temperatures become more frequent and are an important factor affecting aircrafts’ takeoff performance. Using Community Earth System Model version 1 (CESM1) and Boeing Performance Software (BPS), the influence of increasing temperature on aircrafts’ maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) and takeoff distance is evaluated quantitatively in this study. The results show that the distribution of summer daily maximum temperature shifts obviously to higher temperature at all the chosen airports and the variation in temperature is larger at four airports (Jinan, Shanghai, Lhasa, and Urumqi) during 2071−2080 under the RCP8.5 scenario than that in the historical run (1991−2000). The warming air leads to the MTOW reducing and takeoff distance increasing. Taking the Boeing 737–800 aircraft as an illustration, the number of weight-restriction days increases significantly across the airports, which can influence airlines’ economic benefit and flight operations in the future. It is also found that the takeoff distance does not change linearly with temperature, but shows a stronger increase with higher temperature. The takeoff distance increases about 6.2% on average during 2071−2080 compared to 1991−2000 for the low-altitude airports, calling for an additional 113−222 m takeoff distance in future summers.
Simulation of Cloud-to-Ground Lightning Strikes to Wind Turbines Considering Polarity Effect Based on an Improved Stochastic Lightning Model
Authors: Bian Xiaoyan , Wu Yong , Zhou Qibin , Jiang Ruijiao , Zhang Yao , Chen Lyuwen , Qi Qi , Lyu Weitao
Published: January 2023

The accurate determination of the annual lightning flash number to a wind turbine is essential for designing proper lightning protection measures. However, the method to assess the lightning risk of wind turbines recommended by the IEC is not associated with the actual lightning attachment process. Additionally, there is little research on positive cloud-to-ground (+CG) lightning. In this study, a lightning risk assessment method correlated with wind turbines on the basis of an improved stochastic lightning model is proposed. Based on the model, the influence of the lightning current amplitude, wind turbine heights and blade rotations on lightning strike risk are quantitatively analyzed. Moreover, the development and distribution characteristics of negative cloud-to-ground (−CG) lightning and +CG lightning are discussed. Finally, a more accurate calculation method of lightning strike risk is proposed considering the polarity effect. The results show that the effect of blade rotations on lightning risk cannot be ignored when the lightning current is large or when the wind turbine is tall. The −CG lightning has more bifurcation, but the dispersity of its development path and the lightning strike point are both small. The +CG lightning has scattered lightning strike points, and the development paths are tortuous, and. According to the verification calculation, the results calculated in this paper are in better agreement with the observation data than the results calculated by the IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) recommended method.
The Explainable Potential of Coupling Metaheuristics-Optimized-XGBoost and SHAP in Revealing VOCs’ Environmental Fate
Authors: Jovanovic Luka , Jovanovic Gordana , Perisic Mirjana , Alimpic Filip , Stanisic Svetlana , Bacanin Nebojsa , Zivkovic Miodrag , Stojic Andreja
Published: January 2023

In this paper, we explore the computational capabilities of advanced modeling tools to reveal the factors that shape the observed benzene levels and behavior under different environmental conditions. The research was based on two-year hourly data concentrations of inorganic gaseous pollutants, particulate matter, benzene, toluene, m, p-xylenes, total nonmethane hydrocarbons, and meteorological parameters obtained from the Global Data Assimilation System. In order to determine the model that will be capable of achieving a superior level of performance, eight metaheuristics algorithms were tested for eXtreme Gradient Boosting optimization, while the relative SHapley Additive exPlanations values were used to estimate the relative importance of each pollutant level and meteorological parameter for the prediction of benzene concentrations. According to the results, benzene levels are mostly shaped by toluene and the finest aerosol fraction concentrations, in the environment governed by temperature, volumetric soil moisture content, and momentum flux direction, as well as by levels of total nonmethane hydrocarbons and total nitrogen oxide. The types of conditions which provided the environment for the impact of toluene, the finest aerosol, and temperature on benzene dynamics are distinguished and described.
Assessment of Climate Change Impact on Maize Production in Serbia
Authors: Petrović Gordana , Ivanović Tatjana , Knežević Desimir , Radosavac Adriana , Obhođaš Ibrahim , Brzaković Tomislav , Golić Zorica , Dragičević Radičević Tatjana
Published: January 2023

Climate factors have an impact on plant life cycle, yield, productivity, economy and profitability of agricultural production. There are not a lot of studies on understanding of influence of climate factors variation on maize yield in agro-ecological conditions of Serbia. The aim of this paper is analysis of variation of climatic factors over a long-time period, as well as assessment of impact of the examined climate parameters on maize yield in two localities in the Republic of Serbia. For the analysis of climatic factors (temperature, precipitation, sunshine, humidity) in the region of Central Serbia and Vojvodina, the data of meteorological stations Kragujevac and Sombor during two thirty-year periods (1961–1990 and 1991–2020) were used. In order to determine the existence and strength of the relationship between the observed climatic factors and maize yield, a correlation analysis of these indicators for the period 2005–2020 years, was performed. In the period 1991–2020, the average values of temperature were annually increased for 0.046 °C in Kragujevac and for 0.05 °C in Sombor, and in the same period the average value of sunshine on an annual level was increased for 1.3 h in Kragujevac and for 5.01 h in Sombor, 2020 in comparison to average values in period of 1961–1990. The humidity was decline annually for 1.3 in Kragujevac and for 3.4 in Sombor in period 1991–2020 in comparison to average humidity in period of 1961–1990. The results of the correlation analysis showed that the maize yield was significantly lower in the years with expressed high temperatures and precipitation deficit. Based on these studies, established effect of climate change on maize yield and that this demand developing adaptation agricultural practice through creating maize hybrids and varieties with greater adaptability and improvement of agrotechnic measure.
Predicted Hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) and Perfluorocarbon (PFC) Emissions for the Years 2010–2050 in the Czech Republic
Authors: Rošková Zuzana , Schneider Julieta , Štengel Martin
Published: January 2023

Hydrofluorocarbons and perfluorocarbons (F-gases) play a substantial role in global warming via the greenhouse effect and thus have been under increased investigation recently. EU member states, including the Czech Republic, already have measures limiting F-gas use based on their GWP such as EU regulation No. 517/2014. This manuscript explains the current status of F-gas emissions and describes a methodology of their estimation for the years 2010 to 2050. The computational method is based on the IPCC 2006 Guidelines. Currently available data, distribution of F-gases and active policies are crucial parameters for standard greenhouse gas emission estimates as well as for long-term projections. The outcomes demonstrate the effectiveness of the regulations implemented and provides a prediction scenario for how F-gas emissions will develop. According to these projections, a total F-gas emission decline is expected in the Czech Republic. For F-gas applications in refrigeration and air-conditioning, the predicted downward trend is more significant compared to the other F-gas application sectors, as they are currently some of the biggest contributors in the actual state of emissions.
Evaluation of Different Cannulation Strategies for Aortic Arch Surgery Using a Cardiovascular Numerical Simulator
Authors: De Lazzari Beatrice , Capoccia Massimo , Cheshire Nicholas J. , Rosendahl Ulrich P. , Badagliacca Roberto , De Lazzari Claudio
Published: January 2023

Aortic disease has a significant impact on quality of life. The involvement of the aortic arch requires the preservation of blood supply to the brain during surgery. Deep hypothermic circulatory arrest is an established technique for this purpose, although neurological injury remains high. Additional techniques have been used to reduce risk, although controversy still remains. A three-way cannulation approach, including both carotid arteries and the femoral artery or the ascending aorta, has been used successfully for aortic arch replacement and redo procedures. We developed circuits of the circulation to simulate blood flow during this type of cannulation set up. The CARDIOSIM© cardiovascular simulation platform was used to analyse the effect on haemodynamic and energetic parameters and the benefit derived in terms of organ perfusion pressure and flow. Our simulation approach based on lumped-parameter modelling, pressure–volume analysis and modified time-varying elastance provides a theoretical background to a three-way cannulation strategy for aortic arch surgery with correlation to the observed clinical practice.
A Transient Inflammatory Response Induced by Lipopolysaccharide Infusion Lowers Markers of Endogenous Cholesterol and Bile Acid Synthesis in Healthy Normocholesterolemic Young Men
Authors: Mashnafi Sultan , Baumgartner Sabine , Mensink Ronald P. , Perlee Desiree , van Vught Lonneke A. , Lütjohann Dieter , Plat Jogchum
Published: January 2023

Inflammation is associated with changes in plasma lipids, lipoproteins, and cholesterol efflux capacity (CEC). It is unknown if the changes in lipids and lipoproteins during inflammation are related to changes in cholesterol absorption, synthesis, and bile acid synthesis. We, therefore, examined the effects of acute lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced transient systemic inflammation on lipids, lipoproteins, CEC, and markers of cholesterol metabolism. We also evaluated whether markers for cholesterol metabolism at baseline predict the intensity of the inflammatory response. Eight healthy young subjects received LPS infusion, and blood was sampled for the following 24 h. In addition to lipids, lipoproteins, and CEC, we also measured markers for cholesterol absorption and synthesis, bile acid synthesis, and inflammation. Compared with baseline, plasma total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and CEC decreased, while triglycerides increased in the 24 h following LPS infusion. TC-standardized levels of cholesterol synthesis markers (lathosterol, lanosterol, and desmosterol) and a bile acid synthesis marker (7α-OH-cholesterol) also decreased, with no changes in cholesterol absorption markers (campesterol, sitosterol, and cholestanol). Baseline TC-standardized levels of desmosterol and 7α-OH-cholesterol were positively correlated with concentrations of various inflammatory markers. Changes in TC-standardized desmosterol and 7α-OH-cholesterol were negatively correlated with concentrations of inflammatory markers. LPS infusion reduced endogenous cholesterol synthesis and bile acid synthesis in healthy young men.
The Biomechanical Characteristics of Swallowing in Tracheostomized Patients with Aspiration following Acquired Brain Injury: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Han Xiao-Xiao , Qiao Jia , Meng Zhan-Ao , Pan Dong-Mei , Zhang Ke , Wei Xiao-Mei , Dou Zu-Lin
Published: January 2023

Objectives: Investigate the biomechanical characteristics in tracheostomized patients with aspiration following acquired brain injury (ABI) and further explore the relationship between the biomechanical characteristics and aspiration. Methods: This is a single-center cross-sectional study. The tracheostomized patients with aspiration following ABI and age-matched healthy controls were recruited. The biomechanical characteristics, including velopharynx (VP) maximal pressure, tongue base (TB) maximal pressure, upper esophageal sphincter (UES) residual pressure, UES relaxation duration, and subglottic pressure, were examined by high-resolution manometry and computational fluid dynamics simulation analysis. The penetration–aspiration scale (PAS) score was evaluated by a videofluoroscopic swallowing study. Results: Fifteen healthy subjects and fifteen tracheostomized patients with aspiration following ABI were included. The decreased VP maximal pressure, increased UES residual pressure, and shortened UES relaxation duration were found in the patient group compared with the control group (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the subglottic pressure significantly decreased in patients (p < 0.05), while no significant difference was found in TB maximal pressure between groups (p > 0.05). In addition, in the patient group, VP maximal pressure (rs = −0.439; p = 0.015), UES relaxation duration (rs = −0.532; p = 0.002), and the subglottic pressure (rs = −0.775; p < 0.001) were negatively correlated with the PAS score, while UES residual pressure (rs = 0.807; p < 0.001) was positively correlated with the PAS score (p < 0.05), the correlation between TB maximal pressure and PAS score (rs = −0.315; p = 0.090) did not reach statistical significance. Conclusions: The biomechanical characteristics in tracheostomized patients with aspiration following ABI might manifest as decreased VP maximal pressure and subglottic pressure, increased UES residual pressure, and shortened UES relaxation duration, in which VP maximal pressure, UES relaxation duration, subglottic pressure, and UES residual pressure were correlated with aspiration.
Suicidal Offenders and Non-Offenders with Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders: A Retrospective Evaluation of Distinguishing Factors Using Machine Learning
Authors: Machetanz Lena , Lau Steffen , Habermeyer Elmar , Kirchebner Johannes
Published: January 2023

Patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSD) have an elevated risk of suicidality. The same has been found for people within the penitentiary system, suggesting a cumulative effect for offender patients suffering from SSD. While there appear to be overlapping characteristics, there is little research on factors distinguishing between offenders and non-offenders with SSD regarding suicidality. Our study therefore aimed at evaluating distinguishing such factors through the application of supervised machine learning (ML) algorithms on a dataset of 232 offenders and 167 non-offender patients with SSD and history of suicidality. With an AUC of 0.81, Naïve Bayes outperformed all other ML algorithms. The following factors emerged as most powerful in their interplay in distinguishing between offender and non-offender patients with a history of suicidality: Prior outpatient psychiatric treatment, regular intake of antipsychotic medication, global cognitive deficit, a prescription of antidepressants during the referenced hospitalisation and higher levels of anxiety and a lack of spontaneity and flow of conversation measured by an adapted positive and negative syndrome scale (PANSS). Interestingly, neither aggression nor overall psychopathology emerged as distinguishers between the two groups. The present findings contribute to a better understanding of suicidality in offender and non-offender patients with SSD and their differing characteristics.
Effects of Motivational and Behavioral Factors on Job Productivity: An Empirical Investigation from Academic Librarians in Pakistan
Authors: Shahzad Khurram , Khan Shakeel Ahmad , Iqbal Abid , Shabbir Omer
Published: January 2023

The major objective of the current study was to find out the impact of motivational factors on the job outcomes of librarians working in HEC-recognized university libraries in Pakistan. A survey research method followed by predictive correlational design was applied to test the constructed hypotheses in this study. The population of the study was library professionals working in the university libraries of Lahore, Pakistan. There were 13 public sector universities and 21 private sector universities. The census sampling technique was used to collect data from the respondents of the 34 universities. Data were collected with the help of a questionnaire. Out of 225 respondents, 189 completed questionnaires were received. Hence, the response rate was 84%. The gathered data were analyzed through SPSS software. Descriptive and inferential statistical tests were applied to find out the impact of motivational and behavioral factors on the job outcomes of information professionals. The findings of the study showed that different types of motivation influenced information professionals to carry out innovative and value-added services in the workplace. Rewards, a sense of honor, an amicable work environment, and autonomy were the key categories of motivation that encouraged information professionals to undertake efficient job performance. Recommendations provided through a framework based on the findings of the study will prove to be a benchmark for policymakers, human resource managers, and heads of institutions in order to formulate such techniques that might motivate information professionals for the implementation of user-centric services.
Bending Strength of Connection Joints of Prestressed Reinforced Concrete Pipe Piles
Authors: Tang Mengxiong , Ling Zao , Qi Yuliang
Published: January 2023

The connection joint of prestressed concrete pipe piles is a typical steel–concrete structure, and its bending strength has evolved into a critical factor affecting the safety of supporting structures in underground engineering. Based on full-scale bending tests of five specimens of large-diameter prestressed reinforced concrete (PRC) pipe piles and connection joints, as well as the corresponding finite element numerical simulation, the bending bearing and deformation characteristics of connection joints of PRC pipe piles were analyzed, together with the effects of concrete strength, precompression stress, and connection mode of joints. The results showed that the crack resistance of the welded joint of PRC pipe piles was equivalent to that of the pipe pile shaft, but the ultimate bending moment of the joint was about 58–87% of that of the pile shaft. The bending failure mode of the pipe pile joint was mainly manifested in the end plate yielding into a drum shape, with the tension side of the pile hoop and the end plate clearly separated from the pipe pile, and crushed concrete at the upper edge of the pile hoop. The bending strength of the joint can be improved by increasing the bonding strength between the end plates of the joint or embedding Rachel reinforcement in concrete. In addition, synchronously increasing the strength grade and reinforcement ratio of concrete or strengthening the precompression stress of concrete are favorable measures.
Experimental and Numerical Study on Unreinforced Brick Masonry Walls Retrofitted with Sprayed Mortar under Uniaxial Compression
Authors: Huang Dawei , Albareda Albert , Pons Oriol
Published: January 2023

The use of shotcrete or sprayed mortar is a common construction alternative to retrofit unreinforced brick masonry (URM), and extensive research has already been carried out in this area. However, most studies have been conducted on lateral strength, for example, eccentric compression or seismic forces. On the other hand, there are few studies about uniaxial compression, and the results of most studies confirm a strong relationship between the thickness of the retrofitting layer and whether it is a double-sided retrofitting section. However, most studies are exclusively experimental, with few samples, and lack numerical analysis; therefore, deeper research is required on this issue. In this sense, this paper combined experiments and finite element (FE) simulations to further study the uniaxial compression. A series of cyclic uniaxial compression experiments on URM retrofitting with sprayed mortar were performed. The experimental results were used to calibrate the FE model. Using these calibrated FE models, more variable parameters were run so that more reference results could be obtained. Moreover, the resulting damageable model of FE will be useful for studying the behavior in the inelastic phase. Results found that the compression strength of most composite walls retrofitted with sprayed mortar increases with the thickness of the sprayed layer and can improve the construction defects of the masonry itself. An over-thin sprayed layer reduces the range of the elastic phase of the composite wall. This phenomenon tends to stabilize with increasing thickness. The ultimate strength of the composite masonry is generally positively correlated with the overall increase in the thickness of the sprayed mortar but may cause a negative contribution to the ultimate strength of the composite masonry when the sprayed layer is too thin. The contribution of double-sided spraying to the ultimate strength of the composite wall was not as large as expected, but the contribution to the improvement of the elastic modulus of the wall was significant.
Non-Destructive Evaluation of Preload Loss of Bolted Spherical Joints Based on Time Reversal Acoustics: A Numerical Simulation
Authors: Huang Zheng , Gu Zhengyu , Pan Zuanfeng , Zhang Zhitao , Yang Yichao
Published: January 2023

Bolted spherical joints are widely used in space grid structures. However, the preload loss, which may arise from fabrication error, insufficient twist of the screw and some other unknown reasons can undermine the structural integrity and even lead to the collapse of the whole structure. Therefore, a method for evaluating the preload status of bolted spherical joints is vital to the structural health monitoring of the space grid structures. To this end, a non-destructive evaluation of the preload loss of bolted spherical joints based on time reversal acoustics (TRA) is presented. In this method, an excited signal generated by a lead zirconate titanate (PZT) patch at the bolted sphere is reconstructed after the signal recorded by another PZT patch at the bar is time-reversed and re-emitted. The deviation of the reconstructed signal from the initial signal allows identification of preload loss of the bolted spherical joint. This method is demonstrated to be effective by a finite element simulation. Furthermore, the effect of preload loss of the bolted spherical joint on its ultimate flexural capacity is studied, which highlights the necessity for the non-destructive evaluation.
Oligometastatic Prostate Cancer Treated with Metastasis-Directed Therapy Guided by Positron Emission Tomography: Does the Tracer Matter?
Authors: Lanfranchi Francesco , Belgioia Liliana , Marcenaro Michela , Zanardi Elisa , Timon Giorgia , Riondato Mattia , Giasotto Veronica , Zawaideh Jeries Paolo , Tomasello Laura , Mantica Guglielmo , Piol Nataniele , Borghesi Marco , Traverso Paolo , Satragno Camilla , Panarello Daniele , Scaffidi Claudio , Romagnoli Andrea , Rebuzzi Sara Elena , Coco Angela , Spina Bruno , Morbelli Silvia , Sambuceti Gianmario , Terrone Carlo , Barra Salvina , Fornarini Giuseppe , Bauckneht Matteo
Published: January 2023

The superior diagnostic accuracy of [68Ga]Ga-prostate-specific membrane antigen-11 (PSMA) ([68Ga]Ga-PSMA-11) compared to [18F]F-Fluorocholine Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography (PET/CT) in Prostate Cancer (PCa) is established. However, it is currently unclear if the added diagnostic accuracy actually translates into improved clinical outcomes in oligometastatic PCa patients treated with [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-11 PET-guided metastasis-directed therapy (MDT). The present study aimed to assess the impact of these two imaging techniques on Progression-Free Survival (PFS) in a real-world sample of oligometastatic PCa patients submitted to PET-guided MDT. Thirty-seven oligometastatic PCa patients treated with PET-guided MDT were retrospectively enrolled. MDT was guided by [18F]F-Fluorocholine PET/CT in eleven patients and by [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT in twenty-six. Progression was defined as biochemical recurrence (BR), radiological progression at subsequent PET/CT imaging, clinical progression, androgen deprivation therapy initiation, or death. Clinical and imaging parameters were assessed as predictors of PFS. [18F]F-Fluorocholine PET-guided MDT was associated with significantly lower PFS compared to the [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-11 group (median PFS, mPFS 15.47 months, 95% CI: 4.13–38.00 vs. 40.93 months, 95% CI: 40.93–40.93, respectively; p < 0.05). Coherently, the radiotracer used for PET-guided MDT resulted in predictive PFS at the univariate analysis, as well as the castration-resistant status at the time of MDT and the PSA nadir after MDT. However, in the multivariate analysis, castration resistance and PSA nadir after MDT remained the sole independent predictors of PFS. In conclusion, in the present proof-of-concept study, [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-11 provided higher PFS rates than [18F]F-Fluorocholine imaging in oligometastatic PCa patients receiving PET-guided MDT. Although preliminary, this finding suggests that enlarging the “tip of the iceberg”, by detecting a major proportion of the submerged disease thanks to next-generation imaging may favourably impact the oncological outcome of oligometastatic PCa treated with MDT.
APESTNet with Mask R-CNN for Liver Tumor Segmentation and Classification
Authors: Balasubramanian Prabhu Kavin , Lai Wen-Cheng , Seng Gan Hong , C Kavitha , Selvaraj Jeeva
Published: January 2023

Diagnosis and treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma or metastases rely heavily on accurate segmentation and classification of liver tumours. However, due to the liver tumor’s hazy borders and wide range of possible shapes, sizes, and positions, accurate and automatic tumour segmentation and classification remains a difficult challenge. With the advancement of computing, new models in artificial intelligence have evolved. Following its success in Natural language processing (NLP), the transformer paradigm has been adopted by the computer vision (CV) community of the NLP. While there are already accepted approaches to classifying the liver, especially in clinical settings, there is room for advancement in terms of their precision. This paper makes an effort to apply a novel model for segmenting and classifying liver tumours built on deep learning. In order to accomplish this, the created model follows a three-stage procedure consisting of (a) pre-processing, (b) liver segmentation, and (c) classification. In the first phase, the collected Computed Tomography (CT) images undergo three stages of pre-processing, including contrast improvement via histogram equalization and noise reduction via the median filter. Next, an enhanced mask region-based convolutional neural networks (Mask R-CNN) model is used to separate the liver from the CT abdominal image. To prevent overfitting, the segmented picture is fed onto an Enhanced Swin Transformer Network with Adversarial Propagation (APESTNet). The experimental results prove the superior performance of the proposed perfect on a wide variety of CT images, as well as its efficiency and low sensitivity to noise.
Algorithm-Based Risk Identification in Patients with Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Nascimben Mauro , Lippi Lorenzo , de Sire Alessandro , Invernizzi Marco , Rimondini Lia
Published: January 2023

Background: Breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) could be one consequence of breast cancer (BC). Although several risk factors have been identified, a predictive algorithm still needs to be made available to determine the patient’s risk from an ensemble of clinical variables. Therefore, this study aimed to characterize the risk of BCRL by investigating the characteristics of autogenerated clusters of patients. Methods: The dataset under analysis was a multi-centric data collection of twenty-three clinical features from patients undergoing axillary dissection for BC and presenting BCRL or not. The patients’ variables were initially analyzed separately in two low-dimensional embeddings. Afterward, the two models were merged in a bi-dimensional prognostic map, with patients categorized into three clusters using a Gaussian mixture model. Results: The prognostic map represented the medical records of 294 women (mean age: 59.823±12.879 years) grouped into three clusters with a different proportion of subjects affected by BCRL (probability that a patient with BCRL belonged to Cluster A: 5.71%; Cluster B: 71.42%; Cluster C: 22.86%). The investigation evaluated intra- and inter-cluster factors and identified a subset of clinical variables meaningful in determining cluster membership and significantly associated with BCRL biological hazard. Conclusions: The results of this study provide potential insight for precise risk assessment of patients affected by BCRL, with implications in prevention strategies, for instance, focusing the resources on identifying patients at higher risk.
Anti-Ischemic Effect of Leptin in the Isolated Rat Heart Subjected to Global Ischemia-Reperfusion: Role of Cardiac-Specific miRNAs
Authors: Polyakova Ekaterina , Mikhaylov Evgeny , Minasian Sarkis , Galagudza Mikhail , Shlyakhto Evgeny
Published: January 2023

Background: Leptin is an obesity-associated adipokine that has been implicated in cardiac protection against ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI). In this study, concentration-dependent effects of leptin on myocardial IRI were investigated in the isolated rat heart. In addition, we analyzed myocardial miRNAs expression in order to investigate their potential involvement in leptin-mediated cardioprotection. Methods: The effect of leptin on IRI was examined in Langendorff-perfused rat hearts preconditioned with two leptin concentrations (1.0 nM and 3.1 nM) for 60 min. The hearts were subjected to 30 min global ischemia and 120 min reperfusion with buffer containing leptin in the respective concentration. Heart function and arrhythmia incidence were analyzed. Infarct size was assessed histochemically. Expression of miRNA-144, -208a, -378, and -499 was analyzed in the ventricular myocardium using RT-PCR. Results: The addition of 1.0 nM leptin to the buffer exerted an infarct-limiting effect, preserved post-ischemic ventricular function, and prevented reperfusion arrhythmia compared to 3.1 nM leptin. Myocardial expression of miRNA-208a was decreased after heart exposure to 1.0 nM leptin and significantly elevated in the hearts perfused with leptin at 3.1 nM. Conclusion: Acute administration of leptin at low dose (1.0 nM) results in cardiac protection against IRI. This effect is associated with reduced myocardial expression of miRNA-208a.
Usefulness of the Global E Factor as a Tool to Compare Different Catalytic Strategies: Four Case Studies
Authors: Antenucci Achille , Dughera Stefano
Published: January 2023

The global E factor (EG factor) has recently been introduced, in the context of asymmetric organocatalysis, as a new green chemistry metric to take into consideration the synthesis of the catalyst in the overall economy of the synthetic process of a given chiral molecule in optically pure form. Herein, its further usefulness in comparing diverse catalytic systems, even different from organocatalysts, is shown by the analysis of four case studies.
Synthesis of Mn-Doped ZnO Nanoparticles and Their Application in the Transesterification of Castor Oil
Authors: Zahid Afifa , Mukhtar Zahid , Qamar Muhammad Azam , Shahid Sammia , Ali Syed Kashif , Shariq Mohammad , Alathlawi Hussain J. , Hasan Mohd Abul , Khan Mohd Shakir , Islam Saiful , Patil Bhagyashree R. , Al Ansari Mohammed Saleh , Nawaz Zahid , Sher Mudassar
Published: January 2023

Alarming environmental changes and the threat of natural fuel resource extinction are concerning issues in human development. This has increased scientists’ efforts to phase out traditional energy resources and move on to environmentally friendly biofuels. In this study, non-edible castor oil was transesterified with methanol using a manganese-doped zinc oxide (Mn-doped ZnO) nanocatalyst. A heterogeneous nanocatalyst was prepared by means of the the sonochemical method. X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used to characterize these nanocatalysts. The transesterification reaction was studied under different temperature conditions, different ratios of methyl alcohol to castor oil, and different amounts of the catalyst to identify optimum conditions in which the maximum yield of biodiesel was produced. The maximum biodiesel yield (90.3%) was observed at 55 °C with an oil-to-methanol ratio of 1:12, and with 1.2 g of nanocatalyst. The first-order kinetic model was found to be the most suitable. Several thermodynamic parameters were also determined, such as activation energy, enthalpy, and entropy. We found that this transesterification was an endergonic and entropy-driven reaction. The results showed that the Mn-doped ZnO nanocatalyst could be a suitable catalyst for the heterogeneous catalytic transesterification process, which is essential for biodiesel production.