bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Percutaneous radiofrequency ablation of hepatocellular carcinoma in a recent cohort at a tertiary cancer center: incidence and factors associated with major complications and unexpected hospitalization events
Authors: Jo Min Geun , Lee Min Woo , Ahn Soohyun , Kang Tae Wook , Song Kyoung Doo , Cha Dong Ik , Min Ji Hye , Rhim Hyunchul
Published: May 2022

Purpose: This study aimed to assess the incidence of and factors associated with major complications, delayed discharge, and emergency room (ER) visits or readmission after percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for single hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) <3 cm in a recent cohort at a tertiary cancer center.Methods: A total of 188 patients with treatment-naïve single HCCs <3 cm who underwent RFA between January 2018 and April 2021 were included in the analysis. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify the factors associated with major complications, delayed discharge, and ER visits or readmission. Local tumor progression (LTP) and overall survival were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox proportional-hazards regression analysis.Results: Major complications occurred in 3.2% (6/188) of the patients. The longest diameter of the ablation zone was significantly larger in patients with major complications (P=0.023). Delayed discharge occurred in 5.8% (9/188) of the patients, for which albumin-bilirubin grade 3 was identified as an important determinant. No variables other than major complications were significantly associated with ER visits or readmission, which occurred in 7.0% (13/188) of the patients. Major complications, delayed discharge, and ER visits or readmission were not substantially related to the post-treatment outcomes of LTP and overall survival.Conclusion: This study confirmed RFA as a highly safe procedure for single HCCs <3 cm, despite the rapidly changing RFA techniques in the most recent cohort. A large ablation zone and poor liver function were predictors of major complications and delayed discharge, respectively.
Estudio descriptivo de anomalías congénitas encontradas en rumiantes en la región de Elazig en Turquía
Authors: Polat E.
Published: May 2022

Las malformaciones  congénitas son anomalías de estructura, formación o función observables al nacer que provocan grandes pérdidas económicas en  la industria ganadera.. En este estudio, se investigó la incidencia de las principales anomalías congénitas encontradas en el último año (junio de 2020-junio de 2021) en rumiantes en la región de Elazig. según especie, raza, edad,  sexo, número de preñeces, examen rectal y método de concepción empleado . Se evaluaron un total de 79 anomalías congénitas encontradas en 73 animales . De 73 animales con anomalías congénitas,  la mayoría  eran terneros (84, 93%) y  machos (68,49%). Se determinó que el tipo de anomalía más común en los terneros fue la hernia umbilical (21,51%) mientras que en corderos y cabritos fue la atresia anal.  La mayoría de estas anomalías  se formaban principalmente en los órganos de la pared abdominal y órganos del sistema gastrointestinal (46,84%). . Las anomalías congénitas en terneros y corderos eran más frecuentes cuando provenían de las  madres de primera preñez , mientras que en los cabritos cuando las madres tenían su segunda preñez La mayoría de los rumiantes menores con anormalidades congénitas provenían de madres con gestaciones múltiples. El examen rectal realizado en las vacas durante los primeros estadios de la gestación, fue probablemente uno de los factores predisponentes para la formación de malformaciones congénitas en esta especie. Se requieren más estudios que incluyan la participación de laboratorios de diagnóstico para mejorar la caracterización de las anormalidades congénitas y contribuir a la implementación de medidas de prevención y control en los rodeos de estas especies en nuestra región.
Inducing the Skinned-oriented Asymmetrical Nanofiltration Membranes via Controlled Evaporation Times in Dry/Wet Phase Inversion Process
Authors: Mohd Safari Nurul Hannan , Rozali Sabariah , Hassan Abdul Rahman , Osman Roseley
Published: May 2022

The effect of evaporation time on the fabrication of fine skinned asymmetric polyethersulfone nanofiltration membrane was studied. Nanofiltration experiment and modeling data revealed that the variation of the evaporation time during dry/wet phase inversion process was found to significantly affect the membrane performance and properties. The evaporation times (5 to 25 s) were found to improve the performance and characteristics of the membrane. As good separation performance was achieved, modeling data and morphological analysis discovered that the optimum evaporation time was found to be at 20 s. At these optimal settings, the fabricated membranes demonstrated the finest structural details and morphologies, and the best key properties (rp, Δx/Ak and ζ), which were within the ranges of commercial nanofiltration membranes.
El mínimo vital como límite al deber de contribuir en Colombia
Authors: Bolaños Bolaños Lucía del Carmen , Ordoñez Castaño Iván Andrés
Published: May 2022

Este artículo aborda la conceptualización teórica del deber de contribuir con los gastos e inversión del Estado en el marco del principio constitucional de justicia tributaria y en amparo del mínimo vital como límite de la imposición, en cumplimiento del Estado constitucional y la realización efectiva del Estado Social de Derecho en Colombia. Para ello se realiza un análisis teórico, doctrinal y jurisprudencial desde el Derecho Comparado español y colombiano, dadas las raíces, evolución y la adopción legislativa que Colombia ha retomado del ordenamiento jurídico español. En este contexto se extractan algunos criterios jurídicos que se derivan del mínimo vital para la configuración legislativa de un sistema tributario con mayor grado de equidad y justicia deseable y posible.
Comparison of braking properties of selected vehicle with different methods
Authors: Gogola Marián , Ondruš Jan , Kubalak Stanislav , Turiak Pavol
Published: May 2022

The aim of this article was to perform a practical measurement of the braking properties of a selected Škoda Yeti vehicle on a wet and dry asphalt road and then evaluate and compare the measured data using a decelerograph and a mobile application mSTK. It is a new application for measuring driving dynamics, which was developed for the needs of technical inspection stations in Slovakia. The subject was the intensive braking of a Škoda Yeti passenger car with a fully compressed service brake from different velocities and on different surfaces. A total of 18 measurements were performed, of which 9 on the dry and 9 on the wet surface. This is a new alternative method for recording vehicle driving dynamics. The developed application in conjunction with modern smartphones can thus compete with the current decelographer, both in terms of technical parameters, measurement accuracy (total average deviation 2.11%) and ease of use. The results and data processed in this way are presented in the final part of the paper.
The comparison of the risks and forwarding company performance compared to average performance in selected EU markets
Authors: Kubanova Jaroslava , Kubasakova Iveta , Poliak Miloš
Published: May 2022

Forwarding companies are an integral part of supply chains and an intermediary between the carrier and the customer. The aim of the article is to provide information on the forwarder's position in the transport market. In connection with the procurement of transport, we focus on comparing transport performance in selected European countries. We take a closer look at the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on transport performance in France. The transport of goods is a risk area that has various negative effects on transport companies. In this article, we provide an overview of criminal activity in France, focusing on the specific types of risk involved. As the frequency of each potential risk occurrence is an important factor, it is necessary to make a codification of the overall threats facing the company, their consequences and the likelihood of their occurrence. These risks can be prevented by making the right decisions. For the carrier, the easiest risk prevention is route planning. The effect of choosing a safer transport route on the size of the risk is described in the article.
Kinetics of Nano-zinc Oxide in Desert Calcareous Soils
Authors: Alenzy Ahmed F.M. , Al-Hadethi Akram A.H.
Published: May 2022

A laboratory experiment was carried out to study the kinetics reaction of zinc added to calcareous soils from different fertilizer sources and extracted by DTPA solution. Where two types of fertilizers were added, the first, nano-zinc fertilizers in the form of nano-metallic zinc oxide (ZnnO), nano-chelated zinc (ZnnDTPA), and nano-zinc humate (ZnnHA), while the second type was the same fertilizer sources, but in their regular form (ZnO, ZnDTPA and ZnHA). All of them were added at a concentration of 100 mg kg-1 and the nano and regular zinc sources were incubated after they were added to the soil to know their physical and chemical behavior during different incubation periods of 0, 5, 10, 20, 40, 80, 120 and 160 days, with two replications for each incubation period. After the end of each period, zinc was extracted by DTPA, and the data of extracted zinc were subjected to five kinetic equations to reach the best equation describing the behavior of zinc release. The results showed a rapid decrease in the concentration of zinc extracted at the incubation period of 0 days for all fertilizer sources and the continuation of the decrease in concentration with the length of the incubation period gradually until the end of the period after 160 days. The percentage of decrease in nano-zinc fertilizer was less than that of regular fertilizers. The ZnnDTPA chelated zinc source was superior among the regular and nano fertilizer in giving the highest concentration of zinc throughout the incubation period. The second-order equation was the most efficient in describing the behavior and reaction of zinc kinetics in soil from its different sources. The behavior and kinetics reaction of zinc in soil from its different sources.
The Role of CXCR3 in Cardiovascular Disease Patients in Thi-Qar Province, Iraq
Authors: Attia Eltfat T. , Salman Ali N.
Published: May 2022

The present study was carried out in the Labs of Al-Hussein Teaching Hospital in Nassiriya city, during period from December 2020 to end July of 2021. The immune status investigates for patients with cardiovascular diseases by measuring the levels of chemokine receptor (CXCR3) in serum using a technique enzyme-linked immune Sorbent adsorptive (ELISA). The study included 65 subjects with (38) mele, (27) female and (25) were healthy control. The statistical analysis showed that a high significant increase (P ≤0.001) in serum the rate of concentration of CXCR3 in patients (1.15±3.143pg/ml) compared to the control group (1.68±5.025pg/ml) with significant difference (0.001). These results revealed that the excessive presence of chemokines might play a role in cardiovascular diseases in Nassryain population.
Student Academic Writing Knowledge and Skills or Student Academic Writing Competence in Indonesia
Authors: Sunaiyah Salma , Siswanto Wahyudi , Dermawan Taufik , Hasanah Muakibatul
Published: May 2022

This study discusses academic writing in terms of competence. Knowledge and skills are elements of competence. Revised Bloom's educational taxonomy written by Lorin W. Anderson and David W. Krathwohl used to discuss academic writing knowledge. Objective tests are used to capture students' knowledge of academic writing. Interviews were used to capture students' academic writing skills. Factual knowledge was found: students can mention the contents of the bibliography based on the elements that have been determined by various styles of writing. Conceptual knowledge: students can recognize the requirements for choosing a topic, categorized students can recognize the requirements for choosing a topic. Procedural knowledge: students can carry out bibliography writing procedures based on various versions categorized students can carry out bibliography writing procedures based on various styles, namely APA style, ASA style, Chicago style and MLA Style. Metacognitive knowledge: students can use mnemonic strategies to memorize the contents of the bibliography based on the elements that have been determined by various writing styles. ASA style, Chicago style and MLA Style.
In Vivo Testing of Coated Nanoparticles as Medication Delivery and Liver Integrity Monitoring in Mice's
Authors: Al-hadede Lamees Thamer , AL-Sadoon Taghreed H. , Jasim Basma A. , Akaar Huda Khmees
Published: May 2022

The study's goal is to assay the effect of using therapeutic nanoparticles on the liver. The study involves the estimation of aminotransferase ALT, AST and alkaline phosphate ALP levels in patients before and after using nanoparticles. Gold nanoparticles (Gnps) were created using a chemical method, then coated with polyethylene glycol (Peg), followed by Ultra violet spectrophotometry, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and surface charge studies to determine their sizes, then were investigate the effect of using therapeutic nanoparticles on the liver. The results show that before coating with Peg, the size of Gnps was 22.65 and 23.82 nm, while after coating with Peg, the size of Gnps was 76.50 and 80.15 nm. The maximum absorption was at 515.5 nm and became 530.5 nm when using UV, and it was -29.65 and became -9.4 when using zeta potential, experiments are ongoing for (60) days. The result revealed that the liver enzymes (AST and ALT) has a significant effect when injecting Gnps. While the effect was less on both liver enzymes (AST and ALT) when injecting Gnps + Peg.
Relationship and effect of miR-1-3p expression and BDNF level in patients with primary hypertension complicated with depression
Authors: Ding Jihong , Jiang Chunyu , Yang Le , Wang Xianyan
Published: May 2022

This experiment was designed to explore the relationship and effect of miR-1-3p expression and BDNF level in patients with primary hypertension complicated with depression. The subjects of the study were 145 patients with hypertension with a small fluctuation range of blood pressure in recent three months. Within 48 hours after admission, patients were evaluated with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD). After fasting for 12 hours, enrolled subjects were subject to blood collection (5 ml) in the morning for detecting blood lipid levels, miR-1-3p expression and BDNF by using an automatic biochemical analyzer, real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), respectively. Results showed that compared with the normal control group, while miR-1-3p expression increased obviously in patients with hypertension, while the level of BDNF decreased significantly; and compared with patients with simple hypertension, the expression of miR-1-3p in hypertension patients with depression was significantly increased, while BDNF level was decreased evidently (All P < 0.05). miR-1-3p expression in patients with hypertension complicated with depression was negatively correlated with serum BDNF level (r=-0.302, P < 0.05). In relative to the normal control population, the area under the curve (AUC) of ROC produced by serum miR-1-3p and BDNF in patients with primary hypertension complicated with depression was 0.971 (95% CI = 0.945-0.998, P < 0.0001) and 0.875 (95% CI = 0.808-0.942, P < 0.0001); and in relative to primary hypertension patients without depression, the AUC of ROC produced by serum miR-1-3p and BDNF in patients with primary hypertension with depression was 0.957 (95% CI = 0.925-0.989, P < 0.0001) and 0.883 (95% CI = 0.821-0.944, P < 0.0001), respectively. HADS-D score, HAMD score, course of the disease, miR-1-3p expression and BDNF level showed statistical differences in primary hypertension patients with and without depression (All P < 0.05). It was concluded that there are high miR-1-3p expression and low serum BDNF levels in patients with primary hypertension complicated with depression. miR-1-3p has a negative correlation with BDNF, and it may play a role by negatively regulating the expression of BDNF. Detecting miR-1-3p and BDNF in patients with primary hypertension can indicate the occurrence of depression to some extent.
Effects of miR-145-5p on cardiomyocyte proliferation and apoptosis, GIGYF1 expression and oxidative stress response in rats with myocardial ischemia-reperfusion
Authors: Liang Changzai , Wang Shen , Zhao Lijing , Han Yalei , Zhang Meng
Published: May 2022

This study aimed to investigate the effects of miR-145-5p on cardiomyocyte proliferation and apoptosis, GIGYF1 expression, inflammation, and oxidative stress in rats with myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI). For this purpose, SPF male SD rats were used for IRI modeling. Experimental animals were subjected to specimen sampling and myocardial HE staining. The relative expression of miR-145-5p was detected by qRT-PCR; the protein expressions of GIGYF1, p-AKT, p53, Bax, p38MAPK, and ERK1/2 were detected by Western blot. Mouse embryonic cardiomyocytes H9C2 were used for H/R modeling, which was then subjected to cell transfection according to different grouping protocols. The target of miR-145-5p was confirmed to be GIGYF1 by dual-luciferase reporter assay. Further experiments were performed to detect the survival rate of transfected cells, the apoptosis of transfected cells, SOD activity determination, as well as IL-1β and IL-6 concentrations. The results showed that the expression level of miR-145-5p was downregulated in H2C2 cells (P < 0.05). After 24h of transfection, there was a significant increase in the expression of miR-145-5p in the H/R+miR-145-5p mimic group (P < 0.05), but an evident decrease in the H/R+miR-145-5p inhibitor group (P > 0.05). Compared with the H/R+NC inhibitor group, the H/R+miR-145-5p mimic group had significantly increased cell proliferation, improved release of SOD, and upregulated expressions of ERK1/2 and p-AKT; but downregulated concentrations of IL-1β and IL-6, and decreased expressions of P38MAPK, p53, and Bax (all P < 0.05). Also, the IRI+miR-145-5p agomir group had significantly upregulated expression of miR-145-5p and improved injury degree of heart tissue improved; a significant increase in the protein expressions ERK1/2 and p-AKT, but downregulated protein expressions of P38MAPK, p53, and Bax (all P < 0.05). Dual-luciferase reporter assay identified that GIGYF1 was the target gene of miR-145-5p. Furthermore, through the stimulated overexpression of miR-145-5p, there were significantly increased cell proliferation, improved release of SOD, and upregulated expressions of ERK1/2 and p-AKT; but downregulated concentrations of IL-1β and IL-6, and decreased expressions of P38MAPK, p53, and Bax (all P < 0.05), while the above trends were reversed following the simultaneous upregulation of miR-145-5p and GIGYF1 (all P < 0.05). In general, our study confirmed a decreased expression of miR-145-5p and increased expression of GIGYF1 in the IRI or H/R model in vivo and in vitro. Overexpression of miR-145-5p can downregulate the expression of GIGYF1, further promote cell proliferation, inhibit cell apoptosis, alleviate inflammation and oxidative stress, and hence exert a protective role in myocardial infarction IRI.
Down-regulation of miR-19b-3p enhances IGF-1 expression to induce osteoblast differentiation and improve osteoporosis
Authors: Yu Yifan , Cai Wei , Xu Yong , Zuo Wenshan
Published: May 2022

This research was conducted in order to investigate the role of miR-19b-3p in the development of osteoporosis (OP) in rats and the associated mechanisms. This study measured the expression levels of miR-19b-3p and IGF-1 in clinical OP patients and ovariectomy-induced OP rats by qRT-PCR. The osteoprotegerin levels in OP patients were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The binding site of miR-19b-3p to IGF-1 was predicted by three prediction sites: Target Scan, miRDB and starbase. Experiments were conducted in vitro and in vivo using bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) and OP rats, respectively, to verify the regulatory relationship between miR-19b-3p and IGF-1 and explore the role of miR-19b-3p in the development of OP. Results showed that the expression of miR-19b-3p was elevated in OP patients and rats, while IGF-1 expression was decreased (***p<0.001). The ELISA assay found that osteoprotegerin levels were inversely correlated with miR-19b-3p and positively correlated with IGF-1. The predictive analysis identified binding sites for miR-19b-3p to IGF-1. The potential regulatory relationship between miR-19b-3p and IGF-1 was validated by in vitro and in vivo experiments. Moreover, the important role of miR-19b-3p in the regulation of OP was further demonstrated. It was concluded the inhibition of miR-19b-3p has a suppressive effect on the development of OP and the function of miR-19b-3p in OP is likely to be achieved by regulating the expression of the IGF-1 gene.
Effect of miRNA-146a-mediated TLR4 Signal Pathway on the Pain of Lumbar Disc Herniation
Authors: Jing Xiaowei , Gong Zhiyuan , Li Fangcai , Zhang Ning , Xu Zhengkuan , Chen Qixin
Published: May 2022

The current experiment was carried out to explore the effect of the miR-146a-mediated TLR4 signaling pathway on the lumbar disc herniation pains. For this aim, a total of 32 rats were divided randomly into 4 groups – the blank group (Group C), Model group (M), miR-146a overexpression group (agomiR-146a group) and negative control group (NC group), with 8 rats in each group. Rats in Group M were prepared for the construction of lumbar disc herniation models, while those in the agomiR-146a group or NC group, in addition to the model construction, would receive the intrathecal injection of agomiR-146a or agomiRNA-146a NC. Thereafter, a series of tests were performed for rats, including the mechanical pain test and heat pain test to measure the pain threshold, RT-PCR to detect the expression of miR-146a, and the transcription of TLR4, IRAK1, TRAF6, IL-6 and TNF-α, Western blot to determine the expression of IRAK1 and TRAF6 and ELISA to determine the expression of IL-6 and TNF-α. Results showed that as compared to the blank group, rats in Group M were more sensitive to the pains, presenting with declines in the thresholds in the pain, and upregulation in the TRL4 signaling pathway (TLR4, IRAK1 and TRAF6) and pro-inflammatory factors, including IL-6 and TNF-α. In comparison with Group M, intrathecal injection of agomiR-146a relieved the pains, with significant upregulation of miR-146a and downregulation of TLR4, IRAK1, TRAF6, IL-6 and TNF-α. Then upregulation of miR-146a could reduce the activity of the TLR4 signaling pathway and the release of pro-inflammatory factors, which may be a potential strategy for the treatment of lumbar disc herniation.
INWERSJA TEMPERATURY POWIETRZA W TATRACH W LATACH 1995–2020
Authors: GRAJEK ZOFIA , SZYGA-PLUTA KATARZYNA
Published: May 2022

This paper concerns the characteristics of the multi-annual, seasonal and daily variability of thermal inversion in the Tatra Mountains in 1995–2020. The analysis was performed on the basis of hourly measurements taken at the Institute of Meteorology and Water Management National Research Institute (IMGW-PIB) station in Kasprowy Wierch and Zakopane. The types of atmosphere circulation were determined found when the inversion was most frequent. The concentration of PM10 during the inversion and its intensity were analyzed and indicated that the number of inversion cases was growing. The analysis confirmed that inversions were most frequent in the cold season in the evening hours during anticyclonic circulation. Strong inversions occurred in the cold season. Winter inversions were associated with an increase in PM10 concentration.
Results of a SARS-CoV-2 virus genome detection external quality assessment round focusing on sensitivity of assays and pooling of samples
Authors: Buchta Christoph , Camp Jeremy V. , Jovanovic Jovana , Puchhammer-Stöckl Elisabeth , Strassl Robert , Müller Mathias M. , Griesmacher Andrea , Aberle Stephan W. , Görzer Irene
Published: May 2022

Objectives

Results of earlier external quality assessment (EQA) rounds suggested remarkable differences in the sensitivity of SARS-CoV PCR assays. Although the test systems are intended to detect SARS-CoV-2 in individual samples, screening is often applied to sample pools to increase efficiency and decrease costs. However, it is unknown to what extent these tests actually meet the manufacturer’s specifications for sensitivity and how they perform when testing sample pools.

Methods

The sensitivity of assays in routine use was evaluated with a panel of positive samples in a round of a SARS-CoV-2 virus genome detection EQA scheme. The panel consisted of samples at or near the lower limit of detection (“weakly positive”). Laboratories that routinely test sample pools were asked to also analyze the pooled EQA samples according to their usual pool size and dilution method.

Results

All participants could detect a highly positive patient-derived sample (>106 copies/mL). Most (96%) of the test systems could detect at least 1,000 copies/mL, meeting the minimum acceptable benchmark, and many (94%) detected the vRNA in a sample with lower concentration (500 copies/mL). The false negative ratio increased to 16 and 26% for samples with 100 and 50 copies/mL, respectively.

Conclusions

The performance of most assays met or exceeded their specification on sensitivity. If assays are to be used to analyze sample pools, the sensitivity of the assay and the number of pooled samples must be balanced.
Validation of steroid ratios for random urine by mass spectrometry to detect 5α-reductase deficiency in Vietnamese children
Authors: Tran Thi Chi Mai , Tran Thi Ngoc Anh , Le Hoang Bich Nga , Nguyen Viet Hoa , Tran Minh Dien , Vu Chi Dung , Greaves Ronda F.
Published: May 2022

Objectives

The 5α-reductase-type-2 deficiency (5ARD2) is a rare autosomal recessive 46,XY disorder of sex development caused by the mutated 5α-reductase type 2 (SRD5A2) gene. In this disease, defective conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone leads to variable presentations of male ambiguous genitalia during fetal development. We aimed to examine characteristics of patients presenting with 5ARD2 over a 4 year period.

Methods

Random urine samples of control and patients with suspected 5ARD2 were collected and urine steroidomic metabolites were measured by Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) in the period from 2017 to 2021 at National Children’s Hospital, Hanoi Vietnam. 5α- to 5β-reduced steroid metabolite ratio, 5a-tetrahydrocortisol to tetrahydrocortisol (5α-THF/THF), was reviewed by receive operator characteristics (ROC) curve analysis. Molecular testing was offered to 25 patients who were diagnosed with 5ARD2 by GC-MS urinary steroid analysis.

Results

Urine steroidomic profiling was conducted for 104 male controls and 25 patients between the ages of 6 months and 13 years old. Twelve of the twenty-five 5ARD2 patients agreed to undertake genetic analysis, and two mutations of the SRD5A2 gene were detected in each patient, confirming the diagnosis. All patients showed a characteristically low ratio of 5α-THF/THF. There was no overlap of 5α-THF/THF ratio values between control and 5ARD2 groups. The ROC of 5α-THF/THF ratio at 0.19 showed 100% sensitivity and 100% specificity for boys between 6 months and 13 years of age.

Conclusions

Analysis of the urine steroid metabolome by GC-MS can be used to assist in the diagnosis of 5ARD2. We recommend consideration of random urine steroid analysis as a first-line test in the diagnosis of 5ARD2.
Time series with infinite-order partial copula dependence
Authors: Bladt Martin , McNeil Alexander J.
Published: May 2022

Stationary and ergodic time series can be constructed using an s-vine decomposition based on sets of bivariate copula functions. The extension of such processes to infinite copula sequences is considered and shown to yield a rich class of models that generalizes Gaussian ARMA and ARFIMA processes to allow both non-Gaussian marginal behaviour and a non-Gaussian description of the serial partial dependence structure. Extensions of classical causal and invertible representations of linear processes to general s-vine processes are proposed and investigated. A practical and parsimonious method for parameterizing s-vine processes using the Kendall partial autocorrelation function is developed. The potential of the resulting models to give improved statistical fits in many applications is indicated with an example using macroeconomic data.
Intramuscular hydatid cyst of thigh masquerading as a soft tissue tumour diagnosed by fine needle aspiration cytology
Authors: Amita K , Rajini T , Sanjay M , Abhishek MG , Prashantha K
Published: May 2022

Introduction. Hydatid cyst, caused by Echinococcus granulosa, occurs rarely in the musculoskeletal region. Most of the time, clinically and radiologically it is diagnosed as a soft tissue tumor, benign or malignant. There are a few case reports of hydatid cyst presenting as an intramuscular thigh mass, which has been diagnosed at fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC). Accurate pre-operative diagnosis is essential in view of specific therapeutic options for this disease. Here we report a case of hydatid cyst occurring in an unusual location (thigh) and masquerading as a soft tissue tumour, diagnosed at FNAC. Case Report. 56-year-old male patient presented with gradually increasing swelling of the left thigh since 3 years. On examination, there was a firm non-tender 25 × 20 cm swelling on the posterior aspect of left thigh extending from the gluteal region to five cm above the knee joint. An ultrasound diagnosis of a soft tissue tumor was made. At FNAC, fluid was aspirated and smears showed granulomas along with multiple hyaline acellular membrane-like fragments, few showing vague laminations. A diagnosis of hydatid cyst was made at FNAC which was corroborated at histopathology. Conclusion. Intramuscular hydatid cyst of the thigh is a very rare manifestation. The possibility of hydatid cyst should be considered while aspirating any soft tissue mass lesion, especially when fluid is obtained and microscopy shows acellular hyaline membrane-like material, even when fewer laminations are noted.
Fabrication of CsPb1−x
Mn
x
Br3−2x
Cl2x
(x = 0–0.5) quantum dots for near UV photodetector application
Authors: Tran Ba-Duc , Tran Phuong-Nam , Bui Xuan-Thanh , Nguyen Duy-Hung , Duong Thanh-Tung
Published: May 2022

In this study, CsPb1–x
Mn
x
Br3–2x
Cl2x
(x = 0–0.5) nanoparticles were synthesized directly in toluene solvents at high temperature. This approach results in small-size nanoparticles, which can be used in photoelectric components without adding a filtration process to eliminate high-temperature solvents such as octadecene. The high content Mn2+-incorporated CsPb(Cl/Br)3 host is observed by strongly wideband emission at 592 nm of manganese d-states spin and orbital forbidden transition. After infiltration into mesoporous TiO2, the Mn2+ ion receives energy from the CsPb(Cl/Br)3 host (irradiated 405 nm light-emitting diode source) and effectively transfers to the TiO2 scaffold layer. As a result, a metal/semiconductor/metal planar structure photodetector with m-TiO2/CsPb1–x
Mn
x
Br3–2x
Cl2x
(x = 0–0.5) composite showed several figures of merit compared to bare m-TiO2 and m-TiO2/CsPbBr3 such as on/off ratio of 104 times, responsivity of 1.67 A·W−1, and detectivity of 4.42 × 109 Jones. The key factors contributing to the growth of the on/off ratio include the decreasing dark current and enhancing exciton energy and transportation due to the infiltration of CsPb1–x
Mn
x
Br3–2x
Cl2x
(x = 0–0.5) perovskite quantum dots into mesopores of the m-TiO2 scaffold layer.
Metal-exchanged phosphotungstate nanoparticles with improved acidity as the catalyst for esterification of glycerol with acetic acid
Authors: Ertaş Mert Can , Akbay Elif
Published: May 2022

A series of metal-exchanged phosphotungstate salts, Fe-TPA, Cr-TPA, Cu-TPA, and Ni-TPA were synthesized by sonication and tested for glycerol esterification with acetic acid to obtain biofuel additives. A systematic, chemical, structural, and morphological characterization and determination of acidity were used by various analytical techniques. XRD and FT-IR studies confirmed the Keggin structure of all metal exchanged phosphotungstate salts with no impurities coming from metal nitrate salts. The incorporation of metal cations in phosphotungstic acid leads to decreased crystallite size as seen from XRD diffractograms. N2 adsorption-desorption analysis showed that the Type II isotherms were obtained for all metal exchanged phophostungstate salts, characteristic of non-porous or macroporous materials. SEM images of metal exchanged phosphotungstate salts displayed well-shaped crystalline particles. SEM-EDX analysis showed that the calculated tungsten metal ratios are in good agreement with the theoretical ratios of those for all the metal exchanged salts, verified by XRF results. The exchange of protons by the metal cations improved the thermal stability observed in the TGA analysis. The acidity strengths, from NH3-TPD analysis, were found in the following order; TPA > Fe-TPA > Cr-TPA > Cu-TPA. Additionally, pyridine-FTIR gives that the exchanging of transition metal into the phosphotungstic acid decreased the Brønsted acidity while increasing the Lewis acidity and this mostly affects the efficiency of the esterification reaction. The activity of metal exchanged salts was in the given order; Fe-TPA > Cr-TPA > Cu-TPA > Ni-TPA. Among these Fe-TPA salt, having a good ratio of Brønsted and Lewis acidity, have the selectivity for di- and triacetin (68 and 10%), with the highest conversion (96%). The iron phosphotungstate salts are a promising catalyst with sustainable Bronsted acidity during the reaction, high desired product selectivity at low temperature, easy synthesizability, inexpensive, and environmentally friendly.
First record of polydactyly for a European bat, Myotis daubentonii (Chiroptera, Vespertilionidae)
Authors: Torrent Laura , Apoznański Grzegorz , Kokurewicz Tomasz , Mitrus Cezary , De Maegdt Maya , Juste Javier
Published: May 2022

Despite being one of the most common congenital hand abnormalities in humans, polydactyly remains extremely rare in bats. To date, it has been observed only in two insectivorous families in North America (Molossidae and Vespertilionidae) and a single case for the New World fruit bats (Phyllostomidae). We report the first case of polydactyly in a European bat – a Myotis daubentonii (Vespertilionidae), with eight toes. The bat was found alive, hibernating in the Natura 2000 site (PLH080003 “Nietoperek”) in Poland.
‘Maybe if you talk to her about it’: intensive mothering expectations and heritage language maintenance
Authors: Torsh Hanna Irving
Published: May 2022

Maintaining heritage languages is frequently desired by migrants to continue cultural and social connections to family and identity. However, in imagined monolingual nations such as Australia, efforts to transmit minority languages are seen as a private matter and largely unsupported. Transmission of culture and language is also frequently seen as women’s work (Heller, Monica & Laurette Lévy. 1992. Mixed marriage: Life on the linguistic frontier.Multilingua11(1). 32). This article seeks to explore how linguistically intermarried heterosexual couples orient to the task of heritage language maintenance along gender lines. It draws on a qualitative interview-based study into 22 couples living in Sydney. For the English-speaking background parents in the study, pressure to raise bilingual children arising out of a discourse ofintensive mothering(Hays, Sharon. 1996.The cultural contradictions of motherhood. New Haven: Yale University Press) was experienced in more negative ways by mothers than fathers. The analysis points to the effects of the non-migrant partner’s first language and their gender on heritage language efforts in linguistically intermarried families, and their impact on the (dis)continuation of linguistic diversity.
The Garden: blending in the semiotics of songs
Authors: Brandt Per Aage , Cronquist Ulf
Published: May 2022

After giving some contextual information, we propose an analysis of music and meaning in the song “The Garden,” as performed by the rock group Einstürzende Neubauten in the official video from the 1996 release of the album Ende Neu. We present a semiotic blending model of the narrative content of the song and of its imagery, partly determined by the structure and character of the music. Finally, we add a view of the apocalyptic perspective of some comparable creations.
The coherence function and its information content for optical metrology
Authors: Bergmann Ralf B. , Fischer Andreas , Bockelmann Carsten , Dekorsy Armin , Garcia-Ortiz Alberto , Falldorf Claas
Published: May 2022

The coherence function offers new possibilities for optical metrology that are not available with conventional wave field sensing. Its measurement involves a spatio-temporal sampling of the wave fields modulated by the object under investigation. Temporal sampling is well known e. g. by means of White Light Interferometry (WLI) and spatial sampling can e. g. performed by Computational Shear Interferometry (CoSI). The present paper describes an approach that combines both temporal and spatial sampling using a robust common-path setup. While the evaluation of the coherence function is more elaborate than approaches that either sample the temporal or the spatial domain, an information theoretical treatment shows that it also delivers more information about the object under investigation. Our approach is based on the mutual information that represents the reduction of uncertainty about the object as a consequence of the measurements performed. Using a simplified measurement case, we calculate the mutual information for different measurement situations and demonstrate that spatio-temporal sampling of the coherence function results in a higher mutual information as compared to classical approaches. Based on the proposed approach, we identify further open research tasks for an efficient information extraction from the coherence function to surpass current limitations of optical metrology.
EEG Signals Index a Global Signature of Arousal Embedded in Neuronal Population Recordings
Authors: Johnston Richard , Snyder Adam C. , Schibler Rachel S. , Smith Matthew A.
Published: May 2022

Electroencephalography (EEG) has long been used to index brain states, from early studies describing activity in the presence and absence of visual stimulation to modern work employing complex perceptual tasks. These studies have shed light on brain-wide signals but often lack explanatory power at the single neuron level. Similarly, single neuron recordings can suffer from an inability to measure brain-wide signals accessible using EEG. Here, we combined these techniques while monkeys performed a change detection task and discovered a novel link between spontaneous EEG activity and a neural signal embedded in the spiking responses of neuronal populations. This “slow drift” was associated with fluctuations in the subjects’ arousal levels over time: decreases in prestimulus α power were accompanied by increases in pupil size and decreases in microsaccade rate. These results show that brain-wide EEG signals can be used to index modes of activity present in single neuron recordings, that in turn reflect global changes in brain state that influence perception and behavior.
Responses to Song Playback Differ in Sleeping versus Anesthetized Songbirds
Authors: Bottjer Sarah W. , Le Moing Chloé , Li Ellysia , Yuan Rachel
Published: May 2022

Vocal learning in songbirds is mediated by a highly localized system of interconnected forebrain regions, including recurrent loops that traverse the cortex, basal ganglia, and thalamus. This brain-behavior system provides a powerful model for elucidating mechanisms of vocal learning, with implications for learning speech in human infants, as well as for advancing our understanding of skill learning in general. A long history of experiments in this area has tested neural responses to playback of different song stimuli in anesthetized birds at different stages of vocal development. These studies have demonstrated selectivity for different song types that provide neural signatures of learning. In contrast to the ease of obtaining responses to song playback in anesthetized birds, song-evoked responses in awake birds are greatly reduced or absent, indicating that behavioral state is an important determinant of neural responsivity. Song-evoked responses can be elicited during sleep as well as anesthesia, and the selectivity of responses to song playback in adult birds is highly similar between anesthetized and sleeping states, encouraging the idea that anesthesia and sleep are similar. In contrast to that idea, we report evidence that cortical responses to song playback in juvenile zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata) differ greatly between sleep and urethane anesthesia. This finding indicates that behavioral states differ in sleep versus anesthesia and raises questions about relationships between developmental changes in sleep activity, selectivity for different song types, and the neural substrate for vocal learning.
Hypothalamic TRH Mediates Anorectic Effects of Serotonin in Rats
Authors: Chávez Jorge , Alcántara-Alonso Viridiana , García-Luna Cinthia , Soberanes-Chávez Paulina , Grammatopoulos Dimitris , de Gortari Patricia
Published: May 2022

Among the modulatory functions of thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH), an anorectic behavior in rodents is observed when centrally injected. Hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) neurons receive serotonergic inputs from dorsal raphe nucleus and express serotonin (5HT) receptors such as 5HT1A, 5HT2A/2C, 5HT6, which are involved in 5HT-induced feeding regulation. Rats subjected to dehydration-induced anorexia (DIA) model show increased PVN TRH mRNA expression, associated with their decreased food intake. We analyzed whether 5HT input is implicated in the enhanced PVN TRH transcription that anorectic rats exhibit, given that 5HT increases TRH expression and release when studiedin vitro. By using mHypoA-2/30 hypothalamic cell cultures, we found that 5HT stimulated TRH mRNA, pCREB, and pERK1/2 levels. By inhibiting basal PKA or PKC activities or those induced by 5HT, pCREB or pERK1/2 content did not increase suggesting involvement of both kinases in their phosphorylation. 5HT effect on TRH mRNA was not affected by PKA inhibition, but it diminished in the presence of PKCi suggesting involvement of PKC in 5HT-induced TRH increased transcription. This likely involves 5HT2A/2Cand the activation of alternative transduction pathways than those studied here. In agreement with thein vitrodata, we found that injecting 5HT2A/2Cantagonists into the PVN of DIA rats reversed the increased TRH expression of anorectic animals, as well as their decreased food intake; also, the agonist reduced food intake of hungry restricted animals along with elevated PVN TRH mRNA levels. Our results support that the anorectic effects of serotonin are mediated by PVN TRH in this model.
AI-TAM: a model to investigate user acceptance and collaborative intention inhuman-in-the-loop AI applications
Authors: Baroni Ilaria , Re Calegari Gloria , Scandolari Damiano , Celino Irene
Published: May 2022

More and more frequently, digital applications make use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) capabilities to provide advanced features; on the other hand, human-in-the-loop approaches are on the rise to involve people in AI-powered pipelines for data collection, results validation and decision-making.Does the introduction of AI features affect user acceptance? Does the AI result quality affect people willingness to use such applications? Does the additional user effort required in human-in-the-loop mechanisms change the application adoption and use?This study aims to provide a reference approach to answer those questions. We propose a model that extends the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) with further constructs explicitly related to AI (user trust in AI and perceived quality of AI output, from XAI literature) and collaborative intention (willingness to contribute to AI pipelines).We tested the proposed model with an application for car damage claim reporting with AI-powered damage estimation for insurance customers. The results showed that the XAI related factors have a strong and positive effect on the behavioural intention, the perceived usefulness and the ease of use of the application. Moreover, there is a strong link between the behavioural intention and the collaborative intention, indicating that indeed human-in-the-loop approaches can be successfullyadopted in final user applications.
Anastomosis término-terminal yeyunal revestida con colgajo mesentérico en equinos
Authors: Delgado C. Alfredo , Gavidia César M. , García B. Cristina , Mendoza E. Jierson , Ampuero C. Jeam J. , Aguinaga S. Zaida , Giron G. Eduardo , Chavera C. Alfonso , Aguilar G. Ceesar N.
Published: May 2022

Las complicaciones posoperatorias tras la anastomosis intestinal siguen siendo la principal preocupación en la cirugía abdominal en equinos. El objetivo del presente estudio fue describir una anastomosis término-terminal yeyunal con técnica de recubrimiento de colgajo mesentérico y sus características macroscópicas e histológicas posoperatorias. Esta técnica se fundamenta en un refuerzo a la cirugía convencional realizada con patrón de sutura simple interrumpida para prevenir complicaciones posoperatorias. Cinco equinos previamente premedicados con xilacina 0.5 mg/kg, acepromacina 0.03 mg/kg y tramadol 2 mg/kg fueron inducidos a anestesia general con diazepam 0.25 mg/kg y ketamina 2.2 mg/kg. La anestesia general se mantuvo con una concentración alveolar mínima de 1.4 ± 0.2% de isofluorano. Se hizo un abordaje de la pared abdominal por línea media. Se seleccionó un segmento yeyunal de 10 cm para resección y anastomosis término-terminal. Se cortó un colgajo mesentérico lo suficientemente grande y proporcional al perímetro de la línea de sutura para recubrir el área anastomótica, fijándose a la serosa intestinal con sutura discontinua no perforante simple. Dos animales fueron sometidos a relaparotomía en los días 7 y 30 posoperatorios para describir las características macroscópicas e histopatológicas del área anastomótica. En la evaluación macroscópica no se observaron adherencias y el recubrimiento mesentérico estaba bien adherido a la línea anastomótica, sin contracción ni desplazamiento. Los hallazgos histopatológicos evidenciaron un proceso de curación y adaptación del colgajo mesentérico a un tejido conectivo laxo, que incluía fibrocitos, colágeno y un ligero edema. Esta técnica resultó ser eficaz y podría ser útil en los casos en que sea necesaria la anastomosis de resección intestinal equina.