bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of Five m6A-Relevant mRNAs Signature and Risk Score for The Prognostication of Gastric Cancer
Authors: Sun Dongwei , Hang Xiaorong , Ren Jun , Sun Qiannan , Liu Zhu , Wang Yong , Wang Daorong
Published: May 2021

Introduction: N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most abundant form of methylation modification in eukaryotic cell mRNA. However, the role of m6A in gastric cancer is unclear, which is one of the most common gastrointestinal malignancies. The m6A-relevant mRNA signatures and risk scores are determined to predict the prognosis of gastric cancer in this study.Methods: The expression profiles and clinical information of 367 patients were downloaded from the Cancer Genome. Cluster analysis and univariate Cox analysis were used to identify the regulatory factors of RNA methylation associated with gastric cancer prognosis. The co-expression network was constructed by the WGCNA package in R. Then, the correlations between module eigengenes and clinical traits were calculated to identify the relevant modules. We used univariate Cox analysis to screen for genes that were significantly associated with prognosis in the module (P < 0.01 was considered significant). We identified hub genes by LASSO and multivariate analysis, and developed a Cox prognostic model. Finally, the hub gene expression values weighted by the coefficients from the LASSO regression generated a risk score for each patient, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) and Kaplan-Meier curves were used to assess the prognostic capacity of the risk scores.Results: HNRNPC was shown as P<0.05 and HR>1 in the TCGA gastric cancer data set, which might be a pathogenic factor affecting the prognosis of gastric cancer. The results indicated that AARD, ASPN, SLAMF9, MIR3117 and DUSP1 were hub genes affecting the prognosis of gastric cancer patients, and the m6A methylation of these mRNAs might be regulated by HNRNPC. The risk score = − (0.166195281×AARD + 0.016850602×ASPN + 0.591607997×SLAMF9 + 0.591607997×MIR3117 + 0.00276337×DUSP1), and our results indicated a bad performance of the five-gene signature for survival prediction (P < 0.05).Conclusion: HNRNPC (a m6A RNA methylation regulator) can participate in the serious progression of gastric cancer by regulating the m6A of AARD, ASPN, SLAMF9, MIR3117 and DUSP1, which may be used for prognosis stratification and treatment strategy formulation.
A Plant-Based Meal Reduces Postprandial Oxidative and Dicarbonyl Stress in Men with Diabetes or Obesity more than an Energy- and Macronutrient-Matched Conventional Meal in a Randomized Crossover Study
Authors: Malinska Hana , Klementova Marta , Kudlackova Michaela , Veleba Jiri , Hoskova Eva , Oliyarnyk Olena , Markova Irena , Thieme Lenka , Hill Martin , Pelikanova Terezie , Kahleova Hana
Published: May 2021

Background: Increased oxidative/dicarbonyl stress and chronic inflammation are considered key pathological mediators in the progression of complications in type 2 diabetes (T2D) and obesity. Lifestyle and diet composition have a major impact. In this study, we tested the effects of a vegan (V) and a conventional meat containg (M) meal, matched for energy and macronutrients, on postprandial oxidative and dicarbonyl stress, inflammatory markers and appetite hormones. Methods: A randomised crossover design was used to evaluate T2D, obese and control participants (n=20 in each group), with serum concentrations of analytes determined at 0, 120 and 180 minutes. Repeated-measures ANOVA was used for statistical analysis.Results: Postprandial glucose, triglycerides and free fatty acid responses were similar after both meals. After the V-meal consumption, we observed decreased postprandial concentrations of oxidised glutathione (p˂0.001) and increased glutathione peroxidase activity (p=0.045) compared with the M-meal in T2D subjects. In obese participants, V-meal consumption increased postprandial concentrations of reduced glutathione (p=0.041) and decreased methylglyoxal concentrations (p=0.023). There were no differences in postprandial secretion of TNFa, MCP-1 or ghrelin, but we did observe higher postprandial secretion of leptin after the V-meal in T2D subjects (p=0.002) compared with the M-meal. Conclusions: The results show that a plant-based meal is efficient in ameliorating the postprandial oxidative and dicarbonyl stress compared to a conventional energy- and macronutrient-matched meal, indicating the therapeutic potential of plant-based nutrition in improving the progression of complications in T2D and obese patients.Registered under ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier No. NCT02474147.
Study of Wind Flow Patterns and Heavy Gas Pollutants Dispersion Under Isolated Building Terrain
Authors: Fan Yuyan , Gao Hong
Published: May 2021

Experiment and simulation were used to study the dispersion characteristics of heavy gas pollutants represented by carbon dioxide in isolated building terrain. Wind tunnel experiment and laser particle tracing technology were used to characterize the features of wind flow and the dispersion of pollutants. The influences of the distance from the building to the release source and the size of the building were explored. The results show that the height of the building has a significant effect on the wind speed and turbulence intensity on the windward and leeward sides of the building, and the side width of the building has a slightly weaker effect. The area of the recirculation region on the leeward side of the building and the barrier effect on pollutants are dominated by the windward area of the building, that is, the larger the windward area, the larger the recirculation region and the lower the concentration of pollutants on the leeward side. At the same time, the decline rate of pollutants on the windward side increases with the increase of the windward area. The heavy gas pollutants tend to spread around the building side with the wind flow, unless the distance from the building to the source is too short or the building is too long. And when the pollutants climb to the top of the building, the dispersion of them will slows down as the width of the building side increases. The RNG k-ε model was used for simulation to provide a visible result for wind flow, and its applicability and accuracy were verified.
Comprehensive Evaluation of the Toxicity of the Flame Retardant (decabromodiphenyl ether) in a Bioindicator Fish (Gambusia affinis)
Authors: Iglesias Juan Manuel Pérez , Gonzalez Patricia Silvia , Calderon Mirian Roxana , Natale Guillermo Sebastian , Almeida Cesar Americo
Published: May 2021

In recent years, polybrominated diphenyl ethers or PBDE have been identified as the new emerging pollutants. These pollutants are derived from e-waste and their adverse effect on biota has been proven. In this work, the adverse effects of BDE-209 on mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis) were evaluated. Acute toxicity bioassays were carried out with daily renewal of solutions, using different concentrations of environmental relevance ranged between 10 and 100 µg.L− 1 of BDE-209. After 48 and 96 h of exposure, mortality, individual activity (swimming), biochemical activity (catalase; thiobarbituric acid reactive substances; and acetylcholinesterase), and cytotoxic responses (micronucleus frequencies) were studied. In addition, integrated biomarker response and multivariate analyses were conducted to study the correlation of biomarkers. The calculated lethal concentrations 50 remained constant after all exposure times (24 to 96 h), and the corresponding value was 27.79 µg.L− 1 BDE-209. Furthermore, BDE-209 induced effects on the swimming activity of this species in relation to acetylcholine, since BDE-209 increased, produced oxidative damage at the biochemical level and genotoxicity after 48 h of sublethal concentrations (10 and 25 µg.L− 1 BDE-209) of exposure. The results show that BDE-209 has biochemical, cytotoxic, neurotoxic and genotoxic potential on G. affinis. In addition, mosquitofish can be used as a good bioindicator to evaluate environmental stressors and flame retardants could be a risk factor to Neotropical species.
Adjuvant Immunotherapy Recommendations For Stage III Melanoma: Physician And Nurse Interviews.
Authors: Livingstone Ann , Dempsey Kathy , Stockler Martin R. , Howard Kirsten , Long Georgina V. , Carlino Matteo S. , Menzies Alexander M. , Morton Rachael L.
Published: May 2021

BackgroundAdjuvant immunotherapy is revolutionising care for patients with resected stage III and IV melanoma. However, immunotherapy may be associated with toxicity, making treatment decisions complicated. This study aimed to identify factors physicians and nurses considered regarding adjuvant immunotherapy for melanoma.MethodsIn-depth interviews were conducted with physicians (medical oncologists, surgeons and dermatologists) and nurses managing patients with resected stage III melanoma between July 2019 and March 2020. Factors considered regarding adjuvant immunotherapy were explored. Recruitment continued until data saturation and thematic analysis was undertaken. ResultsTwenty-five physicians and nurses, aged 28-68 years, 60% females, including eleven (44%) medical oncologists, eight (32%) surgeons, five (20%) clinical nurse consultants, and one (4%) dermatologist were interviewed. Over half the sample managed five or more new resected stage III patients per month who could be eligible for adjuvant immunotherapy. Three themes about adjuvant immunotherapy recommendations emerged: (1) clinical and patient factors, (2) treatment information provision, and (3) individual physician/nurse factors. Melanoma sub-stage and an individual patient's therapy risk/benefit profile were primary considerations. Secondary factors included uncertainty about adjuvant immunotherapy's effectiveness and their views about treatment burden patients might consider acceptable.ConclusionsPatients' disease sub-stage and their treatment risk versus benefit drove the melanoma health care professionals' adjuvant immunotherapy endorsement. Findings will aid clinical communication with patients and facilitate clinical decision-making about management options for resected stage III melanoma.
Mechanical Performance Under Various Conditions of 3D Printed Polylactide Composites With Natural Fibers
Authors: Mazur Karolina E. , Borucka Aleksandra , Kaczor Paulina , Gądek Szymon , Kuciel Stanislaw
Published: May 2021

In the study, polylactide-based (PLA) composites modified with natural particles (wood, bamboo, and cork) and with different levels of infilling (100%, 80%, and 60%) obtained by additive methods were tested. The effect of type fiber, infill level and crystallization rate on the mechanical properties were investigated by using tensile, flexural, and impact tests. The materials were subjected to mechanical tests carried out at 23 and 80 °C. Furthermore, hydrothermal degradation was performed, and its effect on the properties was analyzed. The addition of natural fillers and different level of infilling result in a similar level of reduction in the properties. Composites made of PLA are more sensitive to high temperature than to water. The decrease in Young's modulus of PLA at 80 °C was 90%, while after 28 days of hydrodegradation ~ 9%. The addition of fibers reduced this decrease at elevated temperatures. Moreover, the impact strength has been improved by 50% for composites with cork particles and for other lignocellulosic composites remained at the same level as for resin.
Long Non-Coding RNA SNHG19 Promotes Breast Cancer Progression by Regulating miR-299-5p
Authors: Lu Hongquan , Jiang Zhenjia
Published: May 2021

Background: Accumulating evidence has suggested that long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) played crucial roles in the development of human malignances including breast cancer. SNHG19 is a newly identified lncRNA which exerted oncogenic function in non-small cell lung cancer, but whether SNHG19 was involved the development of other cancer, such as breast cancer still unclear. Methods: qRT-PCR was performed to examine the expression of SNHG19 and miR-299-5p in breast cancer tissues and cell lines. Cell proliferation was measure using CCK-8 and colony formation assay. Cell migration and invasion ability was detected by wound healing assay and transwell invasion assay. Bioinformatics analysis, dual luciferase reporter assay, RIP assay and Pull down assay were used to verify the direct binding between SNHG19 and miR-299-5p. The xenotransplantation mouse model was established to explore the effect of SNHG19 on breast cancer tumor growth in vivo.Results: We found that SNHG19 expression level was up-regulated in breast cancer tissues and cell lines, while miR-299-5p expression was down-regulated in breast cancer tissues and it was negatively correlated with SNHG19 expression. Silence of SNHG19 inhibited breast cancer cells proliferation, migration and invasion in vitro. Moreover, SNHG19 knockdown suppressed tumor growth of breast cancer cells in vivo. Mechanistically, SNHG19 acted as a ceRNA (competitive endogenous RNA) to sponge miR-299-5p. Finally, the rescue assays further confirmed that miR-299-5p inhibitor reversed the inhibitory effects of SNHG19 knockdown on breast cancer cell proliferation, migration and invasion.Conclusions: In conclusion, our findings proved that SNHG19 promoted breast cancer progression via sponging miR-299-5p and might function as promising prognostic indicator and therapeutic target for breast cancer.
Profile of Oncological Patients Needing Rehabilitation by Dental and Bucomaxillofacial Prostheses in a Brazilian Subpopulation
Authors: Garcia Cristiane Loreda , Gialain Ivan Onone , Volpato Maria Carmen Palma Faria , Volpato Luiz Evaristo Ricci
Published: May 2021

Purpose: This study aimed to identify the profile of cancer patients in need of rehabilitation with oral and/or buccomaxillofacial prostheses, as well as to evaluate the possible reasons for not concluding the rehabilitation.Materials & Methods: This is a retrospective observational study carried out at the Dentistry Department of the Mato Grosso Cancer Hospital, Cuiabá, MT, Brazil, through the evaluation of the medical records of patients attended from April 2017 to November 2019.Results: The study population comprised 256 patients who met the research inclusion criteria. It was found that 30.90% of the patients were elderly, 65.6% were men, 70.3% brown, 27.3% retired, 49.2% married and 52% coming from municipalities of the interior of the state of Mato Grosso. From the total of patients, 67.23% reported smoking and 53.9% alcohol consumption. As for the location of the tumor, 57.4% had it in the head and neck region, 55.1% of which were epidermoid carcinoma and in 28.9% of cases the disease stage was IV. Most of the patients (60.2%) completed prosthetic rehabilitation, with total prostheses predominating. The main reasons for not completing the rehabilitation were the patient's death and weakness.Conclusions: Patients who started treatment in more advanced stages of cancer had a greater chance of not completing the prosthetic rehabilitation, and the incompletion of rehabilitation treatment was directly related to the patients’ death and the state of weakness.
Design and Parametric Analysis of Wideband Micro-Strip Patch Antenna With CPW-FED
Authors: Tiwari Rahul , BAGWARI ASHISH , kushwah Vivek
Published: May 2021

A design and parametric analysis of patch antennas (MPA) with coplanar waveguide (CPW-Fed) for wideband application. It is analyzed a compact coplanar waveguide patch antenna that has dimensions of 35 mm x 39 mm. Compact Inverted U-slotted-shaped antenna uses the material with a dielectric constant of 4.3 and the height of the antenna is h =1.6 mm. This paper analysis of different parameters of antenna dimensions and designs compact CPW-fed patch antennas for the range from 3.20GHz to 7.94 GHz. The main purpose of the parametric analysis of proposed antennas is to achieve higher impedance bandwidth for wideband applications.
Sub-Ambient Radiative Cooling Realized Using CaCO3 Microparticle-Based Single Layer Without Metal Reflector for Entire Day
Authors: Lim Hangyu , Chae Dongwoo , Son Soomin , Ju Sucheol , Ha Jisung , Lee Heon
Published: May 2021

Conventional cooling systems, that is, air conditioners, should be replaced because they consume a substantial amount of energy and cause environmental pollution. In this context, radiative cooling systems, which perform cooling without consuming any energy or causing environmental pollution, are emerging as an alternative. However, most of the radiative coolers explored thus far include metals, such as silver, that are used as solar reflectors, thereby entailing problems in terms of practicality, mass production, cost, and light pollution. Herein, we propose calcium carbonate (CaCO3) micro-particle-based radiative cooling, which utilizes the high-energy band gap of CaCO3 for high-performance radiative cooling. As the cooler has only a single layer of a CaCO3 composite without any metal reflector, it is mass-producible, cheap, and does not cause light pollution. To demonstrate the cooling performance of CaCO3, optical properties and temperature changes are measured and compared with those of commercial white paint. As a result, it is demonstrated that the CaCO3-based radiative cooler has cooling power 93.1 W/m2 in calculation and can be cooled 6.52 ℃ and 3.38 ℃ under ambient temperature in daytime and nighttime respectively. Thus, it can perform as radiative cooler in entire day.
Absence of Right Pulmonary Artery With Pulmonary Valve Stenosis and Partial Connection of Descending Aorta：A Case Report
Authors: Jiang wenlong , Cheng Jing , Cheng Fangzhou
Published: May 2021

Background:Unilateral absence of pulmonary artery is a rare congenital disorder that can remain asymptomatic until adulthood. Absence of right pulmonary artery (ARPA) has been reported in two-thirds of this patient population.It may be isolated, but it is more often associated with other congenital cardiac defects such as aortic coarctation, tetralogy of Fallot, atrial septal defect and patent ductus arteriosus.Case presentation: We are the first to introduce an adult case of ARPA with pulmonary valve stenosis（PVS） and associated with partial connection of descending aorta.We investigated the condition by right heart catheterization,right ventricle angiography, pulmonary arteriography and aorta angiography. According to the above results，we suggest that surgical treatment should be positively consideredConclusions: The case remind that echocardiography combined with detailed imaging examination is very important for the diagnosis of complex congenital heart disease and provide the basis for the selection of the best treatment.
Morphological, Cytochemical and Ultrastructural Aspects of Blood Cells in Freshwater Stingray Species in the Middle Rio Negro Basin, Amazonian, Brazil
Authors: de Oliveira Adriano Teixeira , Lemos Jefferson Raphael Gonzaga , Santos Marcio Quara Carvalho , Pantoja-Lima Jackson , Aride Paulo Henrique Rocha , Araújo Maria Lúcia Góes , Tavares-Dias Marcos , Marcon Jaydione Luiz
Published: May 2021

Examined the morphology, dimensions, cytochemical staining reactions and ultrastructure of blood cells from three freshwater stingray species, Potamotrygon wallacei, Potamotrygon motoro and Paratrygon aiereba, living in the waters of the middle Rio Negro basin (Barcelos, Amazonas, Brazil). We identified erythrocytes, erythroblasts, thrombocytes and four types of leukocyte (basophils, heterophils, lymphocytes and monocytes) in the blood of these stingray species. In all the freshwater stingrays studied, the shape and dimensions of these cells were similar to those of marine elasmobranchs. A positive PAS reaction occurred in heterophils and thrombocytes, and a weak reaction in lymphocytes and monocytes, while a metachromasia reaction only occurred in basophils. Sudan black staining was positive for thrombocytes and lymphocytes, and only a weak reaction occurred in heterophils. Basophils and heterophils were the only cells stained with bromophenol blue, while no peroxidase reaction was observed in any leukocyte type. This is the first study to establish the dimensions and cytochemical staining reactions of blood cells in Amazonian stingray species. Since these elasmobranch species are exported as ornamental fish to countries worldwide, this study can contribute towards establishing standards for blood constituents that may be helpful in assessing the health and welfare of these fish in artificial systems.
Interfacial Quality Prediction Model for Al/Steel Sheets During Friction Stir Assisted Double-Sided Incremental Forming with Synchronous Bonding
Authors: Wu Renhao , Li Meng , Liu Xinmei , Yang Zhiyun , Chen Jun
Published: May 2021

The widely investigated Al/steel laminated structures are challenged with subsequent plastic deformation due to the existence of interfacial brittle intermetallic compound layer. To overcome this drawback, a newly proposed thermomechanical forming technology as friction stir assisted double-sided incremental plastic forming with synchronous solid-state interfacial bonding is utilized to fabricate laminated structures, which can meet requirement of plastic deformation of laminates. Typical interfacial bonding performances produced by a series of experiments classified as sound bonding, de-bonding, over-thinning, penetration and crack are assessed. Local working peak temperature and maximum forming force in loading area are recorded and evaluated during stable bonding-forming stage. Considering heat-force coupling effect, a pressure-strain-temperature based prediction model is modified to assess process quality, which is conformed to experimental results. This work can help obtain proper process window to fabricate Al/steel laminated parts and shall also inspire to build guidance of related thermomechanical joining-with-forming processes to achieve high interfacial performance.
Evolution of the Angiopoietin-Like Gene Family and Their Role in Lipid Metabolism in Pigs
Authors: Zheng Zibin , Lyu Wentao , Hong Qihua , Yang Hua , Li Ying , Zhao Shengjun , Ren Ying , Xiao Yingping
Published: May 2021

Background: Lipid metabolism is closely associated with various metabolic diseases, such as obesity, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer. More importantly, it also affects the carcass quality of animals. Angiopoietin-like protein (Angiopoietin-like, ANGPTL) family members are encoded by 8 genes and play an important role in lipid metabolism and angiogenesis. In this study, we first systematically described the phylogenetic characteristics of pig ANGPTL family genes and identified the critical roles of ANGPTL3, ANGPTL4 and ANGPTL8 in the lipid metabolism of pigs.Methods: The amino acid sequence analysis, phylogenetic analysis, and chromosome adjacent gene analysis were performed to identify the ANGPTL gene family in pigs. Furthermore, according to the body weight data from 60 Jinhua pigs, different tissues of 6 pigs with average body weight were used to determine the expression profile of ANGPTL1-8. The ileum, subcutaneous fat, and liver of 8 pigs with distinct fatness were selected to analyze the gene expression of ANGPTL3, ANGPTL4, and ANGPTL8. Results: Results showed the sequence length of ANGPTLs in pigs was between 1186 and 1991 bp, and the pig ANGPTL family members shared common features with human homologous genes, including the high similarity of the amino acid sequence and chromosome flanking genes. Amino acid sequence analysis showed that ANGPTL1-7 had a highly conserved domain except for ANGPTL8. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the ANGPTL homologues identified from 6 species could be divided into two categories. Each ANGPTL homologous gene was clustered with other mammalian sequences, away from other vertebrates. RT-qPCR analysis showed that ANGPTL family members had different expression patterns in different tissues. ANGPTL3 and ANGPTL8 were mainly expressed in the liver, while ANGPTL4 was expressed in many other tissues, such as the intestine and subcutaneous fat. The expression levels of ANGPTL3 and ANGPTL4 in Jinhua pigs with low propensity for adipogenesis were significantly higher than those of high propensity for adipogenesis. Conclusions: These results increase our knowledge about the biological role of the ANGPTL family in this important economic species. In addition, it will also help to better understand the role of ANGPTL3, ANGPTL4 and ANGPTL8 in lipid metabolism of pigs, and provide innovative ideas for develop strategies to improve pig carcass quality.
The Determinants of Infant Mortality and Public Policies in Brazil 2004-2015: A Descriptive Study
Authors: Bugelli Alexandre Hamilton , Silva Roxane Borgès Da , Dowbor Ladislau , Sicotte Claude
Published: May 2021

BackgroundInfant mortality as a relevant indicator of population's health, social inequalities and living conditions has been fairly documented in the literature as it still represents a major challenge for emerging countries such as Brazil. While infant mortality rates have decreased in the last 30 years, some macro-regions of the country present great variability of infant mortality rates. These disparities, together with a rise in infant mortality and under-five mortality rates, and after the country experienced a political-economic crisis, draw attention to social determinants of health. MethodWe conducted a descriptive analysis of the determinants of infant mortality in Brazil between 2004 and 2015, based on the World Health Organization’s Commission on Social Determinants of Health conceptual framework aiming at analyzing the evolution of these determinants to understand the behavior of the infant mortality rate observed in recent years in the country.ResultsResults suggested that there is a correlation between infant mortality and structural determinants such as income, the Bolsa Família Program, education and employment, and intermediary determinants such as the number of livebirths by prenatal visits, the number of physicians and nurses per thousand inhabitants, fertility rate, safe water, and sewage service coverage rates.ConclusionResults suggest that inequalities in infant mortality observed among macro-regions in Brazil are related to disparities in the distribution of Social Determinants of Health such as income, Bolsa Família Program coverage, education attainment, employment, fertility rate and of health-related determinants such as quality of and accessibility to healthcare and water supply, as well as sewage services. These disparities impose different dynamics between the structural and intermediary determinants of health that likely limit further reductions in infant mortality, which would probably explain both the slowdown in the reduction and the tendency of IMR to remain at a relatively high level. Results also suggest that the increase of infant mortality rate in 2016 is attributable to the deterioration in one or more of those determinants, such as a fall in employment rate due to the economic crisis, may be pointed out as one of the causes of interruption on the trend of decline in infant mortality.
Lung Shunt Fraction Calculation Using 99mTc-MAA SPECT/CT Imaging for 90Y Microsphere Selective Internal Radiation Therapy of Liver Tumors
Authors: Georgiou Michalis , Kuker Russ A , Studenski Matthew , Ahlman Preeti P , Witte Megan , Portelance Lorraine
Published: May 2021

Background99m Tc-macroaggregated albumin ( 99m Tc-MAA) scintigraphy is utilized in treatment planning for Yttrium-90 ( 90 Y) Selective Internal Radiation Therapy (SIRT) of liver tumors to evaluate hepatopulmonary shunting by calculating the lung shunt fraction (LSF). The purpose of this study was to evaluate if LSF calculation using SPECT/CT instead of planar gamma camera imaging is more accurate and if this can potentially lead to more effective treatment planning while avoiding excessive pulmonary irradiation. ResultsLSF calculation was obtained using two different methodologies in 85 cases from consecutive patients intended to receive 90Y SIRT. The first method was based on planar gamma camera imaging in the anterior and posterior views with geometric mean calculation of the LSF from regions of interest of the liver and lungs. The second method was based on segmentation of the liver and lungs from SPECT/CT images of the thorax and abdomen. The differences in planar imaging versus SPECT/CT derived LSF values along with the estimated absorbed lung mean dose (LMD) were evaluated. The LSF values were higher in planar imaging versus SPECT/CT in 81/85 cases, with a mean value of 8.5% vs. 4.6% respectively; the difference was statistically significant using a paired t-test (alpha = 0.05). In those patients who received SIRT, the estimated absorbed LMD calculated with planar imaging was significantly higher than with SPECT/CT (t-test, P<0.005). Repeated phantom experiments using an anthropomorphic torso phantom with variable 99m- Tc activity concentrations for the liver and lungs were performed with the standard patient protocol, demonstrated improved accuracy of the LSF calculation based on SPECT/CT than planar imaging (mean overestimated value of 6% vs. 26%).ConclusionsThis study demonstrates that LSF calculation using planar imaging can be significantly overestimated while calculation using SPECT/CT imaging and appropriate segmentation tools can be more accurate. A lower calculated LSF could allow for a higher dose prescription which can potentially lead to more effective treatments for hepatic tumors.
Single-site laparoscopic treatment of pathological intussusception secondary to heterotopic pancreas in an 11-month old infant
Authors: Jing Yulei , Wang Dafeng , Zhu Xiaomin , Cai Yijin , li Xia , Shi Yingzuo
Published: May 2021

Background: Intussusception in children is mostly idiopathic, while intestinal intussusception in infancy is uncommon. Specially, intussusception caused by isolated ileal heterotopic pancreas, the abnormal localization of a well-differentiated pancreatic tissue in the ileal serosa, is relatively rare. Early recurrence of intussusception would suggest the presence of pathological lead point and the possibility of surgical exploration. Case presentation: An 11-month-old boy, diagnosed with recurrent intussusception caused by ileal heterotopic pancreas, was admitted to our hospital. After admission, the baby was resuscitated with normal saline and received air edema twice, but both failed. Given the presence of pathological intussusception, the boy was sent to operating theater and received a single-site laparoscopically assisted surgery. The patient recovered successfully and got a satisfactory cosmetic result.Conclusions: Due to its minimally invasive and diagnostic advantages, laparoscopy proves to be a safe and attractive alternative, especially for emergency patient with stable hemodynamics but no definite radiological diagnosis. Meanwhile, we emphasize the importance of paying essential attention to the condition that recurrent intussusception of extreme age should always be taken into consideration.
Five-year Surveillance of Malaria in Hotspot and Ivermectin Mass-drug Administration Zone of Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia
Authors: Yenew Chalachew , Mulatu Sileshi , Alamneh Asaye
Published: May 2021

Objectives: Evaluate the five-year surveillance of malaria in the hotspot and Ivermectin mass-drug administration Zone of Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia.Methods: - A descriptive prevalence study design was employed and incorporated 25 study health institutions into the survey using the purposive sampling technique. Data were obtained by the standard format of systematic evaluation of four surveillance units from January to August 2020 through observation, document review, and interviewing surveillance officers and focal persons using a semi-structured Survey and generated the statistical analysis, tabular, and graphical output using the open-source statistical program R. Results: - Average report fullness and aptness were 97.9% and 96% subsequently. The average annual malaria incidence rate declined in terms of place and time, from the year 2015 to 2019 with an average reduction rate of 5.5% and the average annual parasitic incidence rate was 52%. The study identifies high endemicity of malaria due to no program-specific supportive supervision of public health emergency management and no routine data analysis.Conclusions: This result revealed that the malaria incidence rate showed a remarkable decline. However, the annual parasitic incidence rate remains constant. The study also indicated that ivermectin did not affect malaria elimination. Hence, the districts and sub-city health offices should conduct regular surveillance data analysis, perform supportive supervision, avail budgets, and further laboratory investigations to investigate the effect of ivermectin on the parasites under laboratory conditions.
Molecular characterization of a novel secretory phospholipase A2 as coding gene from venom glands of Iranian Scorpio maurus (Arachnida: Scorpionidae)
Authors: Soltan-Alinejad Parisa , Alipour Hamzeh , Soltani Aboozar , Asgari Qasem , Ramezani Amin , Mehrabani Davood , Azizi Kourosh
Published: May 2021

Background

Scorpions as a venomous arthropod can defend and capture the prey by secretion of venom into their venomic sacs. The venom is a mixture of a variety of compounds with specific biological activities, such as phospholipase A2 (PLA2) enzyme to be present in scorpion venom. This study is the first investigation of structural and molecular characterization of PLA2 from Iranian scorpion, S. maurus that can be added to the literature when targeting molecular characterization of PLA2 coding gene from venom glands of Iranian S. maurus.
Results

S. maurus PLA2 with 432 base pair (bp) nucleotide length encoded a protein of 144 amino acid residues and 16.34 kilodaltons (kDa). According to DiANNA 1.1 web server prediction, this protein had 5 disulfide bridges. The deposited PLA2 in GenBank (MW241004) was very similar to S. maurus (MF347455.1) with 95.14% identity. The phylogenetic analysis indicated that our PLA2 had a close relationship with insect PLA2. Our PLA2 had 38.83% identity with bee venom PLA2 according to SWISS-MODEL prediction and 100% confidence and 39% identity with insect phospholipase A2 family, which was predicted by Phyre2. Our PLA2 was similar to chain A of bee venom PLA2. Conserved domains on target PLA2 contained 17–118 amino acid in length and 45–52 amino acids in the active site. There was no signal peptide.
Conclusions

In the light of our results, the coding sequence of characterized PLA2 was a member of the PLA2 superfamily. According to the three-dimensional structure prediction, the target PLA2 with five disulfide bonds has a very high similarity to the structure of phospholipase A2 belonged to the group III subfamily. Interestingly, the active site residue of target PLA2 also has the His-Asp acid pair and the effective amino acid in catalytic domain of it was\({\text{H}\text{i}\text{s}}^{49}\).
Two Novel, Simple-Structured and Easy-Synthesized Acceptors Based on Fluorene or Carbazole for Non-Fullerene Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Weng Fubiao , Shen Songping , Zheng Peijin , Xu Gengbiao , Qiu Zhiwei , Chen Jianhao , Chen Yongtao , peng shengming , Liao Junxu , Zhao Hongbin
Published: May 2021

Two novel D-π-A-π-D type non-fullerene acceptors (FPTC and CPTC) composed of fluorene or carbazole as acceptor unit, benzene as intermediates and 2-(6-oxo-5,6-dihydro-4H-cyclopenta[c] thiophen-4-ylidene) malononitrile (TC) as terminal groups are synthesized through only two procedures. Also, their electrochemical behavior, photophysical properties and photovoltaic performance are systematically characterized and thoroughly studied. In consequence, the FPTC has better performance than C PTC, and the PCE of this device based on FPTC: PTB7-Th is nearly 1% higher than that of CPTC: PTB7-Th device, reaching up to 1.09% with a V OC of 0.71 V, a J SC of 3.42 mA cm − 2 . The higher PCE of the device based on FPTC is attributed to the fact that this molecular has a wider absorption spectrum and a higher molar extinction coefficient nearly four times than that of CPTC, a higher initial oxidation potential, and a lower onset reduction potential. Also, the higher electron mobility rate and hole mobility rate contribute to the device based on FPTC better performances. Compared with carbazole, the fluorene as the acceptor unit provides potential possibilities for the construction of high-performance organic solar cells.
Methane emission from different rice cultivation systems in Bangladesh: A model based approach
Authors: Saha Milton , Mia Shamim , Biswas AKM Abdul Ahad , Sattar Md. Abdus , Dijkstra Feike A.
Published: May 2021

Globally, a large amount of methane (CH4) emission is generated from agricultural systems including rice farming in many Asian countries including Bangladesh. However, a reliable estimate of CH4 emission from rice cultivation is not available, particularly considering the different rice types (i.e., local land races, high yielding varieties (HYV), and hybrid varieties) grown under diverse conditions. Here, we estimated current and future CH4 emission (both rate and amount) from different rice farming systems in Bangladesh using the IPCC Tier1 method. Model based estimates were validated with a pilot survey and with other studies. Across all rice types grown in different seasons, (i.e., Aus from March to August, Aman from July to December and Boro from December to June), the estimated CH4 emission in 2020 was at 2348 Gg CH4 yr− 1 (95% CIs of 799–5628 Gg CH4 yr− 1) while a slightly higher CH4 emission was estimated at 2376 Gg CH4 yr− 1 for the year 2060 after considering a 0.5 % cultivable rice land migration to non-agricultural activities. We also found significant differences in CH4 emission rates among types of rice cultivation and growing season. Average across all seasons, the highest CH4 emission was from hybrid varieties (225 kg CH4 ha− 1 yr− 1), while the lowest (128 kg CH4 ha− 1 yr− 1) from local land races. In contrast, the same local land races showed the highest emission rates when normalized against yield. Across all rice types, the largest CH4 emission was during Aman season accounting 61% of the total annual emission. Our model-based estimates reasonably compare with survey-based estimates (r2 = 0.94, p < 0.01) and fall within one standard deviation of a log-normal distribution of measurement based CH4 emissions. Our findings, therefore, provide a deeper insight into CH4 emissions from rice cultivation systems.
Genotyping and sero-virological characterisation of hepatitis B virus-infected blood donors in Central Eritrea
Authors: Hamida Mohammed Elfatih , Raja Saud Mohammed , Petros Yodahi , Elkhidir Isam Mohammed , Wahab Munir , Achila Oliver Okoth , Tekle Freweini , Berhane Isayas Yohannes
Published: May 2021

Aim

To determine serological markers and genotypes profiles of HBV isolates in Central Eritrea.
Materials & methods

A total of 191 HBsAg sero-positive samples were randomly selected for the study from 23,232 screened blood donors from 2015 to 2017. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to perform HBV serological markers screening, while genotypes were determined using type-specific primer-based multiplex-nested PCR.
Results

The median age of infected blood donors was 28.9 ± 10.26 years. Of 191 HBsAg reactive serum samples, 77.5% (148/191) were sero-positive for HBcAb-total, among which 99.3% (147/148) and 0.7% (1/148) were sero-positive for HBsAg and HBsAb, respectively. Interestingly, among 147 HBcAb-total/HBsAg reactive samples, 16 (10.9%) and 131 (77.9%) were sero-positive for HBeAg and HBeAb, respectively. For genotyping, 73 HBV isolates were successfully amplified and genotyped, with 59 (80.8%) had a mono-genotype and 14 (19.2%) had a mixed-genotype infection. Among HBV isolates with mono-genotypes: 39 (53.4%) D; 10 (13.7%) E; 6 (8.2%) A and 4 (5.5%) C. While five mixed-genotypes comprised: 6 (8.2%) C/D; 3 (4.1%) C/D/E; 2 (2.7%) each with genotype A/D and D/E; and 1 (1.4%) genotype B/D.
Conclusion

HBV genotype D is the predominant genotype, either as a HBV mono- or mixed-genotype infection, among blood donors in Eritrea.
FastPacket: Towards Pre-trained Packets Embedding based on FastText for next-generation NIDS
Authors: Jallad Khloud Al
Published: May 2021

New Attacks are increasingly used by attackers every day but many of them are not detected by Intrusion Detection Systems as most IDS ignore raw packet information and only care about some basic statistical information extracted from PCAP files. Using networking programs to extract fixed statistical features from packets is good, but may not enough to detect nowadays challenges. We think that it is time to utilize big data and deep learning for automatic dynamic feature extraction from packets. It is time to get inspired by deep learning pre-trained models in computer vision and natural language processing, so security deep learning solutions will have its pre-trained models on big datasets to be used in future researches. In this paper, we proposed a new approach for embedding packets based on character-level embeddings, inspired by FastText success on text data. We called this approach FastPacket. Results are measured on subsets of CIC-IDS-2017 dataset, but we expect promising results on big data pre-trained models. We suggest building pre-trained FastPacket on MAWI big dataset and make it available to community, similar to FastText. To be able to outperform currently used NIDS, to start a new era of packet-level NIDS that can better detect complex attacks
Celebrating the 100th Anniversary of UrSMU Mineral Processing Department
Authors: Kozin Vladimir Z.
Published: May 2021

UrSMU Mineral Processing Department celebrates its 100th anniversary (1921–2021). During this period the department trained 4,601 mineral processing engineers providing technical personnel for concentrating mills all over the country. There are 2 Heroes of Socialist Labour, 21 Doctors of Science, 169 PhDs, 14 State Prize laureates, Heads of mining and processing works and concentrating mills among the graduates of the department. Professors of the department prepared and published textbooks and manuals for all the courses and developed new educational courses (“Information processing methods”, “Hydrochemical processing methods”, “Mineral sampling”, “The theory of the mineral separation”, “The theory of engineering experiment”, “Modern concentrating mills”, etc.). The laboratory of the department is equipped with the full set of equipment allowing students to carry out experiments when taking any course, as well as do individual studies on ore washability. The department holds an annual international conference “Scientific basis and practice of ore and technogenic material treatment”. The department received the delegates of the Plaksin Readings twice and took part in the International Mineral Processing Congress 2018 in Moscow.
Investigating the effects of different cationic charge flocculation polymers on municipal wastewater sludge dewatering
Authors: Abrahams Megan , Aziz Mujahid , Kasongo Godwill
Published: May 2021

The minimization of sludge produced by municipal wastewater treatment plants (MWWTPs) is critical as its handling accounts for approximately 50% of the total operating cost. The challenges in predicting dewatering performance can be overcome by optimizing the sludge treatment process, especially conditioning and dewatering. This study aimed to investigate sludge dewaterability at four different MWWTPs, using a gravity drainage test unit and a bench-scale press. The effect of differently treated effluent used as a solvent to mix the flocculation polymers was observed during dewatering. The membrane bioreactor (MBR) treated effluent yielded the highest filtrate volume in the lowest amount of time, with the least polymer flocculant dosage. The Box Behnken Design model fitted the data and proved a relationship between polymer dosage, cake solids concentration, and cake height during the bench-scale press tests.
The impact of turbulence models on the simulation of residence time distribution in a multichamber ozone contactor
Authors: Peng Shijian , Deng Baoqing , Wu Jiming , Xu Liangtian
Published: May 2021

The flow and tracer transport in an ozone contactor is simulated by using computational fluid dynamics. The standard k- model, RNG k- model, realizable k- model and SST k- model are used to describe turbulence. A step change method is used to simulate the residence time distribution. The residence time and cumulative residence time are compared with laboratory experiments. All turbulence models can capture the feature of the residence time distribution and cumulative residence time distribution. The residence time distribution in the initial period is sensitive to the used turbulence model, which can affect the value of Morrill dispersion index. The standard k- model behaves better among four turbulence models.
Działalność Rzecznika Praw Obywatelskich na rzecz rodziny w latach 2010-2015
Authors: Winny Łukasz
Published: May 2021

Rodzina stanowi podstawową i naturalną komórkę społeczną tworzącą państwo. Konstytucja Rzeczypospolitej Polskiej nakazuje bezpośrednią ochronę i opiekę nad rodziną przez wszystkie organy administracji publicznej w szczególności zaś, w przypadkach, kiedy rodzina z pewnych względów znajduje się w gorszej sytuacji materialnej lub jest rodziną niepełną. Instytucją stojącą na straży przestrzegania praw i sygnalizującą przypadki stanowiące ingerencję i zagrażające dobru rodziny jest Rzecznik Praw Obywatelskich. Ze względu na swoje konstytucyjne umocowanie Rzecznik angażuje się w wiele spraw związanych z dobrem rodziny – w artykule przedstawiono m.in. sukcesy dot. problemów z dostępem do świadczeń rodzinnych, praw osób z niepełnosprawnościami, problemów mieszkaniowych, czy także trud-ności rodzin polskich mieszkających za granicą. W wielu przypadkach interwencja Rzecznika skutkowała modyfikacją praktyki organów administracji publicznej lub zmianami legislacyjnymi. Rzecznik choć z ograniczonym wachlarzem kompetencji pozostaje zasadniczym elementem struktury organizacyjnej państwa, prawidłowo wypełniając swoją konstytucyjną rolę.
Pozytywne doświadczenie porodowe w odniesieniu do wybranych czynników związanych z przebiegiem porodu
Authors: Marciniak Mariola , Szymusik Iwona , Marciniak Marta , Zawadzka Zuzanna , Baranowska Barbara , Stępkowska Justyna
Published: May 2021

Celem pracy była ocena, jak kobiety postrzegają swój poród i jakie czynniki wpływają na ich opinie. Badanie on-line o charakterze ilościowym przeprowadzono w okresie styczeń - luty 2019 roku metodą sondażu diagnostycznego. Narzędziem badawczym był autorski kwestionariusz ankiety składający się z 13 pytań, rozpowszechniony z wykorzystaniem internetu, głównie na portalach społecznościowych. Kryterium włączenia do badania było urodzenie żywego dziecka w okresie ostatnich 5 lat. Wyniki przedstawiono za pomocą statystyki opisowej, analizy dokonano za pomocą testów statystycznych: Chi-kwadrat, Anova, korelacji Spearmana, Testu Tukey’a HSD w programie SPSS. Istotność statystyczną przyjęto na poziomie p<0,05. Analizie poddano odpowiedzi udzielone przez 239 kobiet. Co trzecia (n=85, 35,6%) spośród badanych oceniła swoje doświadczenie porodowe jako pozytywne. Na ocenę doświadczenia miała wpływ droga porodu. Kobiety rodzące drogami natury pozytywniej oceniały doświadczenie porodowe (42,8%) względem kobiet rodzących drogą cięcia cesarskiego (20,9%). Zaufanie swojemu instynktowi, który wyznacza rytm przebiegu porodu jest czynnikiem bezpośrednio wpływającym na doświadczenie porodowe. Jako ważne czynniki brane pod uwagę w ocenie doświadczenia badane wymieniały: obecność osoby towarzyszącej, opiekę personelu medycznego oraz dostęp do informacji o przebiegu porodu oraz stanie dziecka. Wnioski: (1) Tylko co trzecia kobieta ocenia swój poród pozytywnie zaś prawie połowa ocenia to wydarzenie jako ambiwalentne. (2) Kobiety rodzące drogami natury częściej oceniają swój poród jako wydarzenie pozytywne. (3) Czynnikiem, który wg kobiet wpływa na ocenę doświadczenia porodowego jest obecność partnera przy porodzie. Jednakże w niniejszym badaniu zależność między obecnością partnera a oceną doświadczenia porodowego okazuje się nieistotna statystycznie.