bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Trans-ophthalmic Arterial Ethanol Embolotherapy for Arteriovenous Malformations: A Single Centre Experience
Authors: Li Xin-yu , Yang Xi-tao
Published: October 2021

Background and purposeArteriovenous malformations (AVMs) derived ophthalmic artery (OphA) branches are not common, however, their management is very challenging. We aimed at evaluating the safety and efficacy of Trans OphA ethanol embolotherapy for these lesions.Materials and methodsWe retrospectively reviewed 26 patients with AVMs fed by OphA, who underwent transOphA embolization using ethanol from February, 2015 to December, 2019. Sixty-six transOphA embolotherapy procedures (range, 1-4 procedures; mean, 2.5 procedures) were performed. Degree of devascularization, visual field, visual acuity, and quality-of-life outcomes were compared and analyzed at follow ups (mean, 32.6 months; month range 10-60). Complications were recorded.ResultsTwenty of the 26 patients (77%) reported complete or >90% AVM devascularization while six patients (23%) showed >70% devascularization. Eleven patients (42%) presented with visual acuity impairments with 4 complete relief, 6 improvements. Eight patients (42%) presented visual field defects with 4 complete relief, 3 with improvements. Ten patients (38.4%) presented with diplopia and exophthalmos with 2 complete relief, 6 major improvements. Bleeding was controlled in all cases (100%). All patients (100%) exhibited cosmetic deformities with 17 being completely relieved. Moreover, all patients (100%) exhibited impaired daily life, which was resolved in 21 patients with 5 patients reporting major improvements. No vision loss, death, or permanent disability in all patients.Conclusions﻿TransOphA ethanol embolotherapy was found to be efficacious, safe and it achieved symptomatic resolution or improvement of AVMs fed by OphA with acceptable complications without the risk of visual impairment.
Dural Sinus Thrombosis after Resection of Vestibular Schwannoma using Suboccipital Retrosigmoid Approach - Thrombosis Classification and Management Proposal.
Authors: Krystkiewicz Kamil , Wrona Dawid , Tosik Marcin , Birski Marcin , Szylberg Łukasz , Morawska Anna , Furtak Jacek , Wałęsa Cezary , Stopa Konrad , Harat Marek
Published: October 2021

ObjectiveDural sinus thrombosis is one of the complications after posterior fossa surgery. However, that topic is not described well with regard to vestibular schwannoma surgery using the unique suboccipital retrosigmoid approach.MethodsWe analyzed retrospectively medical records and radiological investigations of 116 patients. The including criteria were: histopathologically confirmed vestibular schwannoma operated on using the retrosigmoid approach, preoperative and postoperative contrast enhanced MRI, at least 1-year follow-up. ResultsThe patient group included 36% males, 64% females. The average age was 47.3±13.9 years. 60% of tumors were classified as T4b according to the Hannover scale and their mean volume was 13.73±10.28 cm3. There were no signs of thrombosis preoperatively. In 26 (22%) cases, postoperative changes in the dural sinuses were found. In 7 (27%) cases there was an external compression by the hemostatic agent, in 19 (73%) cases a thrombus was visualized in the sinus lumen. The size of the sinus, age, tumor size were not risk factors for thrombosis, whereas an intraoperative sinus injury was a statistically significant risk factor (p=0.0012). All of the patients diagnosed with thrombosis were in good clinical condition in distant follow-up (mRankin=0). Complete recanalization was observed in 58% of cases after 1-year follow-up.ConclusionsPostoperative changes in the dural venous sinuses are a frequent finding after vestibular schwannoma surgery using the suboccipital retrosigmoid approach. Intraoperative dural injury is a risk factor for thrombosis. Thrombosis in that group of patients is usually asymptomatic and does not influence the prognosis.
A Quantum System Control Method Based on Enhanced Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Liu Wenjie , Wang Bosi , Fan Jihao , Ge Yebo , Zidan Mohammed
Published: October 2021

The design of quantum system control is a key task to a powerful quantum information technology. In practical, traditional quantum system control methods often face different constraints, and are easy to cause both leakage and stochastic control errors under the condition of limited resources. Reinforcement learning has been proved as an efficient way to complete the quantum system control task. So a quantum system control method based on enhanced reinforcement learning (QSC-ERL) is proposed. A satisfactory control strategy is obtained through enhanced reinforcement learning so that the quantum system can be evolved accurately from the initial state to the target state. According to the number of candidate unitary operations, the three-switch control is used for simulation experiments. Compared with other methods, the QSC-ERL can achieve high fidelity learning control of quantum systems and improve the efficiency of quantum system control.
Sex Specific Effects of PET-MPs On Drosophila Lifespan
Authors: Shen Jie , Liang Boying , Zhang Dake , Ding Sitong , Li Yan , Tang Hao
Published: October 2021

In recent years, as an emerging pollutant, microplastic pollution is gradually becoming a research hotspot. Microplastics are ubiquitous in the entire ecological environment. Organisms can be exposed to microplastics via inhalation or ingestion. In view of the widespread of microplastics pollution, the impact of microplastics on biology should be further investigation. In previous experiments, we have conducted research on the physiology of Drosophila exposed to PET Microplastics (PET-MPs). However, under long-term exposure, will PET-MPs affect the lifespan of Drosophila? Our experimental results indicate that for ANOVA analysis, there are significant differences between males and females (F (1, 895) =68.19, p<0.001), between PET-MPs concentration (F (3, 895) = 8.11, p<0.001). There are also significant interactions between sex and Microplastic concentration (F (3, 895) = 4.00, p<0.01). For Cox and log rank test, 1g/L of PET-MPs prolongs the lifespan of male flies. The reason of this phenomenon may be the hormesis effect.
Computational Binding Analysis of Ethyl 3,3,5,5-tetracyano-2-hydroxy-2-methyl-4,6-diphenylcyclohexane-1-carboxylate in Calf Thymus DNA
Authors: Kurbanova Malahat , Kurbanova Malahat Musrat , Saravanan Kandasamy , Ahmad Sajjad , Sadigova Arzu , Askerov Rizvan , Magerramov Abel , Bakri Youness El
Published: October 2021

In the present paper, several computational binding analysis were performed on Ethyl 3,3,5,5-tetracyano-2-hydroxy-2-methyl-4,6-diphenylcyclohexane-1-carboxylate which was newly synthesized by three-component condensation of benzaldehyde with ethyl acetoacetate and malononitrile in the presence of trichloroacetic acid and the structure was finally proved by X-ray analysis. The visualization of molecular interaction was carried out through Hirshfeld surface analysis and ESP. The atomic charges, HOMO, LUMO and electrostatic potential were also studied to explore the insight of the molecule deeper and then, natural bonding orbitals (NBO) and nonlinear optical properties (NLO) were calculated to reveal the interactions that happen to be between the filled and vacant orbitals. Afterwards, Molecular docking studies predicted the compound binding mode fits in the minor groove of DNA and remained interacts via stable bonding as validated by molecular dynamics simulations. The binding energy estimation also affirmed domination van der Waals and electrostatic energies. Lastly, the compound was found as good drug like molecule and had good pharmacokinetic profile with exception of toxic moieties.
Host Tau Genotype Specifically Regulates and Designs Tau Seeding and Spreading Following Intracerebral Injection of Identical Tau AD Inoculum
Authors: Andrés-Benito Pol , Carmona Margarita , Jordán Mónica , Rio José Antonio del , Ferrer Isidro
Published: October 2021

Background: Several studies have demonstrated the capacity for seeding and spreading of tau-enriched fractions of brain homogenates from AD and other human and mouse tauopathies following intracerebral inoculation into transgenic mice bearing human tau or mutant human tau and into WT mice. However, little attention has been paid about the importance of host tau in tau seeding. Methods: The brains of four adult murine genotypes expressing different forms of tau—WT (murine 4Rtau), P301S (human 4Rtau expressing the P301S mutation), hTau (homozygous transgenic mice knock-out for murine tau protein and heterozygous expressing human forms of 3Rtau and 4Rtau proteins), and mtWt (homozygous transgenic mice knock-out for murine tau protein)—were analyzed following unilateral hippocampal inoculation of sarkosyl-insoluble tau fractions from the same AD case. Results: No tau deposits were identified in inoculated mtWT mice. Involvement of CA1 neurons was higher and that of oligodendrocytes lower in inoculated hTau when compared with inoculated WT and P301S mice. tau-P Ser422, PHF1, and MAP2-P immunoreactivity was moderate or weak in WT and P301S, but strong in inoculated hTau mice. p38-P and SAPK/JNK-P were observed in recruited phospho-tau deposits in inoculated WT, P301S, and hTau mice. However, CK1-δ, GSK-3β-P Ser9, AKT-P Ser473, PKAα/β-P Tyr197, and CLK1 were identified in neurons with tau deposits only in inoculated hTau. Finally, 3Rtau deposits predominated in inoculated WT and P301S, and 4Rtau deposits in hTau transgenic mice. Conclusions: Our results reveal that a) host tau is mandatory for tau seeding and spreading following tau inoculation; b) tau seeding and spreading is characterized by major genotype-dependent biochemical changes linked to post-translational tau modifications including tau phosphorylation and tau nitration at different sites, c) it is accompanied by genotype-dependent activation of various kinases thus pointing to a complex molecular response in the receptive host cells; d) tau seeding and spreading is accompanied by modifications in tau splicing with variable expression of new 3Rtau and 4Rtau isoforms; e) selective regional and cellular vulnerabilities, and different molecular compositions of the deposits are dependent on the host tau genotypes injected with identical AD tau inoculum.
Resveratrol Alleviates Pyraclostrobin Induced Lipid Peroxidation, Oxidative Stress, and DNA Damage in Rats
Authors: NAVRUZ FAHRIYE ZEMHERI , INCE Sinan , ARSLAN-ACAROZ Damla , ACAROZ Ulaş , DEMIREL Hasan Hüseyin , DEMIRKAPI Ezgi Nur
Published: October 2021

Pyraclostrobin (Pyra) is a fungicide in the strobilurin class and has proven to be very toxic to aquatic species. Resveratrol (Res) is a phytoalexin that exhibits multiple bioactivities as antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, cardiovascular protective, and anti-aging in animals and is found in plant species such as mulberry, peanut, and grape. This study aimed to determine the protective effect of Res against Pyra-induced oxidative stress in rats. For this purpose, a total of 48 male rats divided into 6 groups − 8 in each group - were exposed to 30 mg/kg Pyra by oral gavage once a day for 4 weeks and to 3 different concentrations of Res (5, 10 and 20 mg/kg) together with Pyra. It was observed that, in groups administered with Pyra, malondialdehyde (MDA) levels increased whereas glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) levels decreased. It was observed that, in the group administered with Pyra, expression levels of CYP2E1 gene, which is associated with increased cancer risk, pro-apoptotic BAX gene, apoptotic caspase-3, caspase-8 and caspase-9 genes, NFκB gene, which is a pro-inflammatory transcription factor, and p53 gene, which plays a regulatory role in the cell, increased whereas expression level of anti-apoptotic bcl-2 gene decreased. It was determined that Res administrations improved Pyra-induced oxidative damage, histopathological changes and expression levels of various genes. According to the ssDNA analysis obtained from the DNA isolated from the blood; when DNA damage and histopathological damage in tissues were examined, it was observed that the highest damage was in the group administered with Pyra and the damage decreased depending on the increase in dose of Res. Consequently, it was observed that Res, known for its antioxidant protective properties, exhibited a protective effect against oxidative stress caused by Pyra.
Outcomes and Hemodynamic Performances of Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement With Two Generations of Self-expanding Transcatheter Aortic Valves
Authors: Kuo Chia-Cheng , Chang Hsiao-Huang , Leu Hsin-Bang , Chen I-Ming , Chen Po-Lin , Lin Su-Man , Chen Ying-Hwa
Published: October 2021

The aim of this study was to investigate the hemodynamic and clinical performance of the Evolut R compared with its direct predecessor, CoreValve, in Taiwanese population. This study included all consecutive patients who underwent TAVR with either the CoreValve or Evolut R between March 2013 to December 2020. Thirty-day Valve Academic Research Consortium-2 (VARC-2)-defined outcomes and hemodynamic performances were investigated. There were no significant differences in baseline demographic characteristics between patients receiving CoreValve (n= 117) or Evolut R (n=117). Aortic valve-in-valve procedures for failed surgical bioprosthesis and procedures under conscious sedation were performed significantly more often with Evolut R. Pre-dilatation was performed significantly more often and contrast media volume was significantly higher with CoreValve. Stroke (0% vs 4.3%, p = 0.024) and the need for emergent conversion to open surgery (0% vs 5.1%, P = 0.012) were significantly lower in Evolut R than CoreValve recipients. Evolut R significantly reduce 30-day composite safety endpoint (4.3% vs 15.4%, p = 0.004). In conclusion, advancements in transcatheter valve technologies have resulted in improved outcomes for patients undergoing TAVR with self-expanding valves. With new-generation Evolut R, device success was high and significantly reduced 30-day composite safety endpoint after TAVR compared with CoreValve.
Two Cases of Anomalous Origin of Left Coronary Artery From The Pulmonary Artery
Authors: Juan Zhao , Chunbo Zou
Published: October 2021

Coronary artery originating from pulmonary artery is a rare congenital vascular malformation, which generally presents corresponding clinical symptoms with the growth of patients' age. Coronary CTA and angiography are important methods for diagnosis of this disease, and provide evidence for treatment strategies of patients.
Prognostic Value of Tumor Deposits in Colorectal Cancer: A Population-based Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Wu Wenhao , Zeng Shun , Zhang Xianbin , Liu Peng , Qiu Tong , Li Shulin , Gong Peng
Published: October 2021

BackgroundThe role of tumor deposits (TDs) in TNM staging of colorectal cancer is controversial, especially the relationship with distant metastasis.PurposeThe aim of this study was to determine the effect of TDs on the survival of colorectal cancer and the occurrence of distant metastasis, and to determine whether TDs (+) patients behaved similarly to stage IV patients.MethodsRetrospective analysis of CRC patients from two large independent cohorts from the Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database (n=58775) and the First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University (n=742).ResultsUnivariate logistic analyses revealed that TDs as an independent predictor of liver metastasis [p<0.001; odds ratio (OR): 5.738; 95% confidence interval (CI): 3.560-9.248] in the The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University’s patients. Meanwhile, TDs was also an independent predictor of isolated organ metastasis [p<0.001; odds ratio (OR): 3.028; 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.414 - 3.79; multiple organ metastases [p<0.001; odds ratio (OR): 4.778; 95% confidence interval (CI): 4.109 - 5.556]; isolated liver metastasis [p<0.001; odds ratio (OR): 4.395; 95% confidence interval (CI): 4.099 - 4.713] and isolated lung metastasis [p<0.001; odds ratio (OR): 5.738; 95% confidence interval (CI): 3.560-9.248] in the SEER database. Multivariate analyses suggested TDs were an independent poor prognostic factor for distant metastasis (p<0.001).ConclusionsOur results have shown that compared with patients with negative TDs, CRC patients with positive TDs are more likely to develop distant metastasis. Patients who categorized T4aN2bM0 TDs (+) and T4bN2M0 TDs (+) have similar prognosis as those with stage IV, and these patients should be classified as stage IV.
Could miR34a be as a Potential Biomarker for Doxorubicin Induced Cardiotoxicity?
Authors: Yildirim Eda Caliskan , Gedik Emre , Gunaydin Gurcan , Coteli Cem , Ozer Necla , Uner Aysegül , Yüce Deniz , Turker Alev
Published: October 2021

No biomarker is currently available for early detection of anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity. The purpose of this study was to assess whether the plasma levels of microRNA34a (miR34a) could predict cardiotoxicity in breast cancer patients who received anthracycline-based chemotherapy.Forty-four breast cancer patients who received anthracycline-based chemotherapy for the first time were included in the study. Before and after taking chemotherapy, patients were examined for cardiac troponin-I, miR34a, and precursor miR34a levels, and echocardiographic strain analyses were performed. There was a statistically significant increase in troponin-I, miR34a, and pre-miR34a levels after treatment with anthracyclines. The mean increase in miR34a and pre-miR34a was 2.5 and 2.3 fold, respectively. Echocardiographic analysis of patients showed a significant decrease in global longitudinal strain (GLS) measurements compared to the baseline after anthracycline treatment. An increase in the levels of miR34a/pre-miR34a was detected in patients who were estimated to have cardiac damage according to GLS change, but this increase was not statistically significant. After doxorubicin treatment, an increase in miR34a level in plasma was demonstrated without correlation with cTn-I and GLS. A higher miR34a/pre-miR34a ratio was detected in patients with myocardial deformation than in those without myocardial deformation, but it was not statistically significant.
Chemometrics, Health Risk Assessment and Probable Sources of Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons in Atmospheric Rainwater in Rivers State, Nigeria.
Authors: Omokpariola Daniel , Nduka John , Kelle Henrietta , Mgbemena MaryAnn , Iduseri Emily
Published: October 2021

Total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPHs)-(aliphatic and aromatic) were analysed for in atmospheric rainwater between April- June; July – August; September–October depicting early, mid, late rain of 2019. Sampling at Rumuodomaya/ Rumuodome and Ogale in Rivers State using basins fastened to a table 2 M above ground and 120 M from high features, Rainwater was analysed after treatment using Agilent GC-FID. Results show cumulative TPHs at R/R were 56.6551mg/L, 39.5201mg/L and 7.2283mg/L, Ogale: 9.1217mg/L, 59.4923mg/L and 21.9825mg/L. Aliphatic hydrocarbons: C5 – C8 were < 1, low contamination, other carbon aggregates (C9 – C16, C17– C35, and C36 – C40) indicate high contamination. Chemometric assessment showed high contamination. TPHs aggregates at Rumuodomaya/ Rumuodome were- C8 – C11 (1.034 and 1.005) early rain, C18 – C25 and C26 – C33 has Carbon preference index of 1.287 and 1.630 (mid-rain), C26 – C33 has CPI of 1.288 (late-rain), Ogale area, C26–C33 has CPI of 1.732 (early-rain), mid-rain C8 – C11 (2.768) and C12–C17 (5.368). Pristane/phytane ratio indicated biogenic and pyrogenic sources. Average carbon length of TPHs for odd n-alkanes were C9 – C11 (9.446) and C35 – C39 (38.980), C9 – C11(10.238), C35 – C39 (36.510); C9 – C11 (10.240) and C35 – C39 (36.934). Average daily intake depicted possible health issues for children and adults as hazard index > 1 for aromatics.
Consistent Trait-Temperature Interactions Drive Butterfly Phenology in Both Incidental and Survey Data
Authors: Larsen Elise A. , Belitz Michael W. , Guralnick Robert P. , Ries Leslie
Published: October 2021

Data availability limits phenological research at broad temporal and spatial extents. Butterflies are among the few taxa with broad-scale occurrence data, from both incidental reports and formal surveys. Incidental reports have observation biases that are challenging to address, but structured surveys are often limited seasonally and may not span full flight phenologies. Thus, which data source is more useful for phenological analyses is unclear. We use parallel analyses of incidental and survey data to determine how traits and climate drive phenological patterns for common butterflies. One workflow aggregated “Pollard” surveys, where sites are visited multiple times per year; the other aggregated incidental data from online portals: iNaturalist and eButterfly. For 40 routinely observed resident species, we estimated early (10%) and mid (50%) flight period metrics, and compared the spatiotemporal patterns and drivers of phenology across species and between datasets. Results were similar between datasets. Inter-annual variability was best explained by temperature, and seasonal emergence was earlier for resident species that overwinter at more advanced stages. Other traits had mixed or no impacts. The consistency in results suggests that data integration can improve phenological research, and leveraging traits may predict phenology in poorly studied species.
Does Immunohistochemically CD5 Positivity Matter In Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma Patients? Turkish Multicenter Study
Authors: Demirci Ufuk , Kırkızlar Hakkı Onur , Ümit Elif Gülsüm , Gürsoy Vildan , Pınar İbrahim Ethem , Özkalemkaş Fahir , Güven Zeynep Tuğba , Kaynar Leylagür , Karadağ Fatma Keklik , Saydam Güray , Ekinci Ömer , Merter Mustafa , Aras Merih Reis , Albayrak Mustafa , Gülsaran Sedanur Karaman , Baş Volkan , Aydın Berrin Balık , Beköz Hüseyin Saffet , Can Ferda , D İmdat , Mehtap Özgür , Öztürk Erman , Şimşek Bengü Çöbanoğlu , Yıldırım Murat , Aylı Meltem , Ataş Ünal , Salim Ozan , Ayer Mesut , Ateşoğlu Elif Birtaş , Akay Olga Meltem , Yüksel Meltem Kurt , Paydaş Semra , Korkmaz Selçuk , Puyan Fulya Öz , Demir Ahmet Muzaffer
Published: October 2021

Background: Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common sub-type of Non-Hodgkin lymphomas (NHL) and it is a very heterogeneous group of diseases. CD5 positivity is profound in a substantial patient population in DLBCL. In this population, female patient distribution is higher, LDH elevation, extra nodal involvement, bone marrow involvement, ECOG (Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group) performance score elevation and high international prognostic score (IPI> 2) are more frequent for CD5 - DLBCL. Also, it was observed that prognosis of CD5 + DLBCL was worse than CD5 - DLBCL. We aimed to determine the frequency of CD5 positivity in DLBCL in Turkey with this multicenter study.Methods: The study, in order to get the overall parts from Turkey, including from each geographical area, 16 center and 9 cities were included. Each center retrospectively scanned the diagnostic pathology reports of DLBCL patients between January 2015-2021.Results: Two thousand four hundred sixty-nine DLBCL patients were screened retrospectively. CD5 positivity was detected in 169 patients (6.84%). The average age was 59 and 55.7% of the patients were male. Overall survival was 29.8 months. When evaluated with historical data in this group of patients, poor prognostic factors were found to be more common than CD5 - DLBCL patients.Conclusion: Due to its prognostic effect, immunohistochemically, the presence of CD5 in pathological samples of all DLBCL patients should be checked. The effect on prognosis in this patient group should not be forgotten while treatment and follow-up.
Prone Positioning May Increase Lung Overdistension in COVID-19-Induced ARDS
Authors: Otáhal Michal , Mlček Mikuláš , Borges João Batista , Alcala Glasiele Cristina , Hladík Dominik , Kuriščák Eduard , Tejkl Leoš , Amato Marcelo , Kittnar Otomar
Published: October 2021

Background: Real-time effects of changing body position and positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) on regional lung overdistension and collapse in individual patients remain largely unknown and not timely monitored. The aim of this study was to individualize PEEP in supine and prone body positions seeking to reduce lung collapse and overdistension in mechanically ventilated patients with coronavirus disease (COVID-19)-induced acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). We hypothesized that prone positioning with bedside titrated PEEP would provide attenuation of both overdistension and collapse.Methods: In this prospective observational study, patients with COVID-19-induced ARDS under mechanical ventilation were included. We used electrical impedance tomography (EIT) with decremental PEEP titration algorithm (PEEPEIT-titration), which provides information on regional lung overdistension and collapse, along with global respiratory system compliance, to individualize PEEP and body position. PEEPEIT-titration in supine position straightaway followed by PEEPEIT-titration in prone position were performed. Immediately before each PEEPEIT-titration, the same lung recruitment maneuver was performed: 2 min of PEEP 24 cmH2O and driving pressure of 15 cmH2O.Results: Forty-two PEEPEIT-titration were performed in ten patients (21 pairs supine and prone positions). We have found larger % of overdistension along the PEEP titration in prone than supine position (P = 0.042). A larger % of collapse along the PEEP titration was found in supine than prone position (P = 0.037). A smaller respiratory system compliance was found in prone than supine position (P < 0.0005).Conclusions: In patients with COVID-19-induced ARDS, prone body position, when compared with supine body position, decreased lung collapse at low PEEP levels, but increased lung overdistension at PEEP levels greater than 10 cm H2O.Trial registration number: NCT04460859
On Small-Sample Inference in Multiphase Stepped Wedge Cluster Randomized Trial (MSW-CRT) With Binary Outcomes
Authors: Peng Jing , Shoben Abigail , Zhang Pengyue , Westgate Philip M. , Fernandez Soledad
Published: October 2021

BackgroundThe stepped wedge cluster randomized trial (SW-CRT) design is now preferred for many health- related trials because of its flexibility on resource allocation and clinical ethics concerns. However, as a necessary extension of studying multiple interventions, multiphase stepped wedge designs (MSW-CRT) have not been studied adequately. Since estimated intervention effect from Generalized estimating equations (GEE) has a population-average interpretation, valid inference methods for binary outcomes based on GEE are preferred by public health policy makers.MethodsWe form hypothesis testing of add-on effect of a second treatment based on GEE analysis in an MSW-CRT design with limited number of clusters. Four variance-correction estimators are used to adjust the bias of the sandwich estimator. Simulation studies have been used to compare the statistical power and type I error rate of these methods under different correlation matrices.Results We demonstrate that an average estimator with t(I-3) can stably maintain type I error close to the nominal level with limited sample sizes in our settings. We show that power of testing the add-on effect depends on the baseline event rate, effect sizes of two interventions and the number of clusters. Moreover, by changing the design with including more sequences, power benefit can be achieved. ConclusionsFor designing the MSW-CRT, we suggest using more sequences and checking event rate after initiating the first intervention via interim analysis. When the number of clusters is not very large in MSW-CRTs, inference can be conduct using GEE analysis with an average estimator with t(I-3) sampling distribution.
Molecular Analysis of The First Reported Hereditary Lymphedema-Distichiasis Case in Bangladesh
Authors: PARVEZ NAHID , RAHMAN MD. LUTFAR , RAHMAN MD. MOSTAFIZUR , ALI MOHAMMAD , UDDIN A.F.M HELAL , AYUB MUSTAK IBN
Published: October 2021

BackgroundLymphedema–distichiasis syndrome (LD, OMIM 153400) is a hereditary primary lymphedema with autosomal dominant nature of inheritance and variable expression. LD is characterized by late childhood or pubertal onset of lower limb lymphedema and an aberrant second row of eyelashes (distichiasis) arising from the meibomian glands. Underlying molecular causes include mutations in the FOXC2 gene, which codes for a forkhead transcription factor involved in the development of the lymphatic and vascular system. ResultsIn this study, we report the first case of LD from Bangladesh with classical lymphedema–distichiasis syndrome who carries an eight-base-pair deletion in the FOXC2 -gene. ClinVar accession code for this deletion is RCV000007679.3. Although most other mutations of this gene are unique among different families, literature survey indicates this 8 bp deletion has been reported multiples times in independent studies for families from different geographical regions. ConclusionFOXC2 protein is 501 amino acid long. This deletion of 8 bp (ACGCCGCC) causes frameshift of codons after amino acid number 304. The frameshift creates an altered truncated protein with 154 newly amino acids after codon 304. We assume that these changes in the protein may affect its function contributing to the disease manifestations. Further research may confirm these assumptions.
A Cost Benefit Analysis for Distribution of Threatened Species Based on Climate Change
Authors: Kesavan R. Nandhi , K Latha
Published: October 2021

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Qualitätssicherung für wissenschaftliche Veröffentlichungen
Authors: Stollfuß Sven , Schindler Christoph , Rummler Klaus , Missomelius Petra , Hug Theo
Published: October 2021

Zentrale Forderungen

Die Bewertung wissenschaftlicher Leistungen (etwa bei Drittmittelanträgen, Berufungen oder Evaluationen) muss auf der Basis der Inhalte selbst und nicht entlang intransparenter und wenig aussagekräftiger (Publikations-)Kennzahlen erfolgen.
Wir appellieren an alle Beteiligten im Wissenschaftsbetrieb, in der Hochschul- und Forschungsförderpolitik, die Offenheit fachlich diverser Veröffentlichungstraditionen und -kulturen anzuerkennen und gleichwertig zu berücksichtigen.
Für eine offene Diskussion der Bedeutung von heterogenen Publikationskulturen im Wissenschaftsbetrieb fordern wir die Einrichtung interdisziplinärer Reformkommissionen mit Vertreterinnen und Vertretern geistes-, kultur- und sozialwissenschaftlicher Fachgesellschaften, der Hochschulleitungen, der zuständigen Ministerien und des Wissenschaftsrats.
Particle identification with the PANDA Barrel DIRC and the GlueX DIRC
Authors:   , Ali Ahmed
Published: October 2021

Next-generation DIRC detectors, like the PANDA Barrel DIRC, with improved optical designs and better spatial and timing resolution, require correspondingly advanced reconstruction and PID methods. The investigation of the PID performance of two DIRC counters and the evaluation of the reconstruction and PID algorithms form the core of this thesis. Several reconstruction and PID approaches were developed, optimized, and tested using hadronic beam particles, experimental physics events, and Geant simulations. The near-final design of the PANDA Barrel DIRC was evaluated with a prototype in the T9 beamline at CERN in 2018. The analysis finds excellent agreement between the experimental data and the Geant simulations for all reconstruction algorithms. The best PID performance of up to $5.2 \pm 0.2$ s.d. $\pi$/K separation at 3.5 GeV/c, was obtained with a time imaging PID method. The PANDA Barrel DIRC simulation, as well as the reconstruction and PID algorithms, were evaluated using experimental data from the GlueX DIRC as part of the FAIR Phase-0 program. The performance validation was carried out using physics events of the GlueX experiment and simulations. The initial analysis results of the commissioning dataset show a $\pi$/K separation power of up to 3 s.d. at a momentum of 3.0-3.5 GeV/c, obtained using a geometric reconstruction algorithm.
Co-Constructing tele-presence by embodying avatars: evidence from Let’s Play Videos
Authors: Schmidt Axel , Marx Konstanze
Published: October 2021

In so called Let’s Plays, video gaming is presented and verbally commented by Let's players on the internet for an audience. When only watched but not played, the most attractive features of video games, immersion and interactivity, get lost – at least for the internet audience. We assume that the accompanying reactions (transmitted via a so-called facecam) and verbal comments of Let's Players on their game for an audience contribute to an embodiment of their avatars which makes watching a video game more attractive. Following an ethnomethodological conversation analytical (EMCA) approach, our paper focusses on two practices of embodying avatars. A first practice is that Let’s Players verbally formulate their actions in the game. By that, they make their experiences and the 'actions' of avatars more transparent. Secondly, they produce response cries (Goffman) in reaction to game events. By that, they enhance the liveliness of their avatars. Both practices contribute to a co-construction of a specific kind of (tele?)presence.
Co-constructing presence between players and non-players in videogame interactions
Authors: Baldauf-Quilliatre Heike , Colón de Carvajal Isabel
Published: October 2021

Playing videogames is a popular social activity; people play videogames in different places, on different me­dia, in different situations, alone or with partners, online or offline. Unsurprisingly, they thereby share space (physically or virtually) with other playing or non-playing people. The special issue investigates through different contexts and settings how non-players become participants of the gaming interaction and how players and non-players co-construct presence. The introduction provides a problem-related context for the individual contributions and then briefly presents them.
Performance of Seven Tea Accessions in North-central Florida: Correlations between Potential Yield and Growth Parameters over 2 Years
Authors: Orrock James M. , Richter Brantlee Spakes , Rathinasabapathi Bala
Published: October 2021

Tea (Camellia sinensis) is a promising new specialty crop for production in Florida. However, few data exist on the establishment phase of tea plantings in this environment and on how early growth parameters may predict yield potential. We tested seven accessions of tea grown under field conditions in north-central Florida for leaf yield and growth parameters—namely, pruned biomass, trunk diameter, trunk height, trunk width, trunk height × width, and canopy area—in the second and third years after planting. Our analyses indicated that the accession Fairhope performed best overall. Pruned biomass and trunk diameter were the best predictors for leaf yield. The harvested leaves produced good-quality black tea, with caffeine levels comparable to commercially available tea. These data indicate that nondestructive measurements of growth can be useful to assess yield potential of tea, and that regionally adapted tea accessions can be identified during the establishment stage.
Thinking Process of Secondary Level Students in Constructing Proof by Mathematical Induction in Terms of Their Attitude toward Mathematics
Authors: Laili Nurul , Siswono Tatag Yuli Eko
Published: October 2021

This research aims to describe secondary-level students' thinking processes in terms of their attitude toward mathematics in constructing proof by mathematical induction. This qualitative research involved two students who were selected from 30 students of  second grade of senior high school that categorized into two groups, namely the students who have a positive and negative attitude toward mathematics by using Attitude Toward Mathematics Inventory (ATMI) questionnaire. One student from each category was selected to be given a proving test and interviewed. Students’ process of proving test and interview recording were collected and analyzed to identify their thinking process. This research points out that both students who have positive and negative attitudes towards mathematics can recall the information in their memory regarding the characteristics and steps to prove using mathematical induction. However, the student who has negative attitudes towards mathematics tends to experience some difficulties in processing information, especially in the induction step, caused by panic, depression, and insecurity. The student who has a positive attitude towards mathematics also experiences some difficulties in the proving process, namely understanding what to prove and compiling the induction steps. However, she keeps trying and believes that she would be able to solve it. Hence, she can solve the proof completely.
Audit opinion and earnings management: Empirical evidence from Vietnam
Authors: Nga Doan Thanh , Trang Ta Thu , Cuong Pham Duc , Soa Nguyen La , Nam Tran Hoai
Published: October 2021

This paper aims to explore the interaction between earnings management and audit opinions in the context of Vietnam – an emerging country. For this purpose, two regressions were developed with sample consists of 1,294 firm-years in the period from 2018 to 2020. The first regression model uses Audit Opinion as dependent variable, Discretionary Accruals (DA) as independent variable, and other 8 controlling variables. The results demonstrate that the Discretionary Accruals influence audit opinion, significantly at 0.1 level in the study year. This means the auditor’s probability of issuing modified opinion is positively associated with earnings management and with the attendance of a Big 4 audit companies. Another regression model tests influence of auditor size (measured by Opinion of Auditor) on the interaction between management of earnings and audit opinion (measured by Discretionary Accruals) as independent variable, and other 10 controlling variables. Surprisingly, this model is not statistically significant and this confirms that the appearance of a Big 4 audit companies does not significantly affect the nexus between profit management and audit opinion in the case of Vietnamese listed companies. The results suggest that Big 4 audit firms tend to have higher requirements for the true-and-fair information on the client’s financial statements and often have a tendency to issue modified opinions when the financial statements have material errors, or it is impossible to collect sufficient audit evidence. This finding may enhance the decision-making process of users in various circumstances.
AcknowledgmentsThis paper is funded by the National Economics University (NEU), Vietnam. The authors thank anonymous reviewers for their contributions and the NEU for supporting this study.
Habilidades relacionadas con la comprensión lectora en lectores iniciales que crecen en contextos de pobreza
Authors: Ferroni Marina
Published: October 2021

El presente trabajo se propuso analizar la contribución de la comprensión de lenguaje oral y la velocidad y la precisión en la lectura de palabras en la comprensión lectora en lectores iniciales del español que crecen en contextos de pobreza urbana. Para ello, se evaluó a 31 niños de 3er grado que crecían en barrios socialmente vulnerables de la provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina, mediante pruebas de comprensión lectora, precisión y velocidad lectora, vocabulario y procesamiento morfosintáctico. Los resultados de la muestra total indican que la medida de comprensión lectora se asoció a las medidas de vocabulario, procesamiento de lenguaje oral, y velocidad y precisión en la lectura. En contraposición a resultados obtenidos en otras lenguas de ortografía transparente, el análisis de una regresión indicó que la comprensión lectora estuvo mayormente explicada por la medida de precisión y no de velocidad en la lectura de palabras. A fin de enriquecer el análisis de los datos, a partir de los resultados en la prueba de comprensión de textos se conformaron dos grupos de niños con diferente nivel de comprensión lectora: un grupo de niños con un nivel de comprensión lectora cercano a la media obtenida (21 sujetos) y un grupo de niños cuyo desempeño se ubicó en un desvío por debajo de la media en la medida de comprensión (10 sujetos). Los resultados de una prueba de comparación de medias mostraron que entre grupos de niños con diferente nivel de comprensión lectora las habilidades que se diferenciaron fueron las relacionadas al procesamiento morfosintáctico.
Prevalencia y factores asociados al trastorno de estrés postraumático en personas desplazadas en Colombia
Authors: Morales Mesa Santiago Alberto , Agudelo Martínez María Alejandra , Berbesi Fernández Dedsy Yajaira
Published: October 2021

Introducción: el trastorno por estrés postraumático (TEPT) es un síndrome que sobreviene después de que una persona experimenta un acontecimiento traumático extremo como la violencia en sus diversas manifestaciones: doméstica, sexual, política o armada. Objetivo: determinar la prevalencia del TEPT, los factores demográficos y las condiciones del desplazamiento asociadas en población desplazada por la violencia producto del conflicto armado, en tres ciudades de Colombia: Bogotá, Medellín y Buenaventura. Método: estudio observacional, analítico con diseño cross-sectional, medición transversal, mediante disponibilidad de datos retrospectivos. La población objeto de estudio se compone de 1 026 registros de personas víctimas del conflicto armado, con edades entre 13 y 65 años, participantes del estudio primario “Salud mental en víctimas de desplazamiento forzado por la violencia en Colombia. El caso de Bogotá, Medellín y Buenaventura”. Resultados: la prevalencia de vida del TEPT es de 9,9 %, siendo superior en la ciudad de Buenaventura; el trastorno presenta una asociación estadísticamente significativa con variables como la ocupación, el estado civil y la forma como se llevó a cabo el desplazamiento. Conclusiones: resaltan aspectos como la falta de ocupación, las características del desplazamiento y el bajo apoyo social como posibles factores que desencadenan o intensifican el TEPT.
Psychometric Properties of the Psychological Well-Being Scale for Adults (BIEPS-A) in a Mexican Sample
Authors: Figuerola-Escoto Rosa Paola , Luna David , Lezana-Fernández Miguel Angel , Meneses-González Fernando
Published: October 2021

Introduction: Psychological well-being favors the functioning of personal and social life. Valid and reliable instruments are necessary for its evaluation that allow deciding and assessing the actions necessary to promote it. Objective. To evaluate the psychometric properties of the Scale of Psychological Well-being for Adults (BIEPS-A) in a Mexican sample. Methods: The BIEPS-A scale and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES) were administered to 188 university students and 94 participants from the general population. Results: A parallel analysis detected a single factor in the BIEPS-A scale, structured by exploratory factor analysis (main components, oblique rotation) that retained 9 items and explained 54% of the variance. Internal consistency ranged from acceptable (Cronbach's α = .78) to high (ordinal alpha = .90). ROC curve analysis identified a cut-off point equivalent to the median (AUC = .72, p <.01) and another to the 75th percentile (AUC = .80, p <.01). The latter identified as a woman, between 18 and 25 years old with a low or slight level of self-esteem as predictors of a low level of psychological well-being. The BIEPS-A scale showed concurrent (r = .57) and predictive (β = .63) validity with the EAR. Discussion and conclusions: The BIEPS-A scale is a valid and reliable instrument to assess psychological well-being in the Mexican population. However, the differences with respect to its original structure indicate the need for a psychological well-being scale designed specifically for the Mexican population.
Combined Effect of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles and Low Electric Field in
Growth Suppression of Some Free-living Pathogens
Authors: Shawki Mamdouh M. , Eltarahony Marwa M. , Moustafa Maisa E.
Published: October 2021

Background:

The re-emergence of infectious diseases and the increasing rate of the appearance
of many antibiotic-resistant strains are major public health concerns. Zinc oxide nanoparticles
(ZnO-NPs) have a great antibacterial effect. Few reports stated the antibacterial effect of low
electric field (LEF).

Objective:

The paper aimed to study the antibacterial effect of LEF at low frequency and investigate
the antibacterial effectiveness of using LEF in synergy with ZnO-NPs.

Methods:

Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus were examined as models for Gramnegative
and Gram-positive bacteria, respectively. The bacterial suspension was exposed to different
concentrations of Zn-NPs ranging from 100-1600 μg/ml or 2 V/cm, 500 Hz AC electric field for 5
min. ZnO-NPs were prepared and characterized by UV-Vis spectroscopy, XRD, FTIR, TEM, and
SEM. The combined effect of LEF exposure with each ZnO-NPs concentration was assessed.

Results:

1600 μg/ml ZnO-NPs cause 41.93% and 48.15% death, LEF produces 20.88% and 28.03%
death, and the synergetic effect causes 50.41% and 70.27% death for P. aeruginosa and S. aureus,
respectively. The death percentages were correlated with DNA concentration and deformation, reactive
oxygen species concentration, and ultrastructure changes.

Conclusions:

LEF has antibacterial properties and can be used in combination with ZnO-NPs to
increase its lethal effect.
Design, Synthesis, and Apoptosis-Promoting Effect Evaluation of Chalcone Derivatives
Containing Aminoguanidine Units
Authors: Liu Dachuan , Wang Ying , Li Longzhu , Ma Tao , Cheng Xiu
Published: October 2021

Background:

Chalcones are precursors of flavonoids or isoflavonoids, and they are abundant in edible
plants. Chalcones constitute an important group of natural and synthetic products with a wide range of pharmacological
activities.

Objective:

To determine the seeds of the anti-tumor agents, we focused on the potential bioactive materials obtained
from chalcone derivatives.

Method:

Two series of chalcone derivatives containing aminoguanidine or bis-chalone were designed, synthesized,
and screened for their cytotoxicity, proliferation inhibition, and apoptosis-promoting activity in vitro against a panel of
human tumor cell lines.

Result:

Among the various compounds studied in this work, 2-((E)-4-((E)-3-oxo-3-(p-tolyl)prop-1-en-1-
yl)benzylidene)hydrazine-1-carboximidamide (5f) was the most potent, with IC50 values of 7.17 μM and 3.05 μM antiproliferative
activity in vitro against human hepatocarcinoma HepG2 cells and SMMC-7721 cells, respectively. This
result showed that the compound possessed a certain degree of selectivity for human hepatocarcinoma cells, especially
for SMMC-7721. Then, Annexin V/PI flow cytometry assay was used to investigate different concentrations of compound
5f to demonstrate the ability of compound 5f in inducing apoptosis of SMMC-7721 cells in a concentrationdependent
manner. Finally, these results were further verified by Western blot analysis.

Conclusion:

Based on the collective results, compound 5f may be a promising anti-cancer compound, and may play a
significant role in subsequent research.