bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Feature compensation based on independent noise estimation for robust speech recognition
Authors: Lü Yong , Lin Han , Wu Pingping , Chen Yitao
Published: June 2021

In this paper, we propose a novel feature compensation algorithm based on independent noise estimation, which employs a Gaussian mixture model (GMM) with fewer Gaussian components to rapidly estimate the noise parameters from the noisy speech and monitor the noise variation. The estimated noise model is combined with a GMM with sufficient Gaussian mixtures to produce the noisy GMM for the clean speech estimation so that parameters are updated if and only if the noise variation occurs. Experimental results show that the proposed algorithm can achieve the recognition accuracy similar to that of the traditional GMM-based feature compensation, but significantly reduces the computational cost, and thereby is more useful for resource-limited mobile devices.
Starch extracted from pineapple (Ananas comosus) plant stem as a source for amino acids production
Authors: Chu Pei Hsia , Jenol Mohd Azwan , Phang Lai Yee , Ibrahim Mohamad Faizal , Prasongsuk Sehanat , Bankeeree Wichanee , Punnapayak Hunsa , Lotrakul Pongtharin , Abd-Aziz Suraini
Published: June 2021

Background

Pineapple plant (Ananas comosus) is one of the largest productions in Asia and its increasing production has generated a huge amount of pineapple wastes. Pineapple plant stem is made up of high concentration of starch which can potentially be converted into value-added products, including amino acids. Due to the increasing demand in animal feed grade amino acids, especially for methionine and lysine, the utilisation of cheap and renewable source is deemed to be an essential approach. This study aimed to produce amino acids from pineapple plant stem hydrolysates through microbial fermentation by Pediococcus acidilactici Kp10. Dextrozyme was used for hydrolysis of starch and Celluclast 1.5 L for saccharification of cellulosic materials in pineapple plant stem.

Results

The hydrolysates obtained were used in the fermentation to produce methionine and lysine. Pineapple plant stem showed high starch content of 77.78%. Lignocellulosic composition of pineapple plant stem consisted of 46.15% hemicellulose, 31.86% cellulose, and 18.60% lignin. Saccharification of alkaline-treated pineapple plant stem gave lower reducing sugars of 13.28 g/L as compared to untreated, where 18.56 g/L reducing sugars obtained. Therefore, the untreated pineapple plant stem was selected for further process. Starch hydrolysis produced 57.57 g/L reducing sugar (100% hydrolysis yield) and saccharification of cellulosic materials produced 24.67 g/L reducing sugars (56.93% hydrolysis yield). The starch-based and cellulosic-based of pineapple plant stem were subjected as carbon source in methionine and lysine production by P. acidilactici Kp10.

Conclusions

In conclusion, higher methionine and lysine production were produced from starch-based hydrolysis (40.25 mg/L and 0.97 g/L, respectively) as compared to cellulosic-based saccharification (37.31 mg/L and 0.84 g/L, respectively) of pineapple plant stem.

Graphical Abstract
Pilot study of an internet-based pain coping skills training program for patients with systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Allen Kelli D. , Beauchamp Tyler , Rini Christine , Keefe Francis J. , Bennell Kim L. , Cleveland Rebecca J. , Grimm Kimberlea , Huffman Katie , Hu David G. , Santana Andres , Saxena Beem Shruti , Walker Julie , Sheikh Saira Z.
Published: June 2021

Background

Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) often experience pain and other symptoms that negatively impact quality of life. Interventions that enhance the use of behavioral and cognitive coping strategies may lead to improved outcomes among patients with SLE. Pain coping skills training (PCST) programs have been shown to improve outcomes among patients with other rheumatic conditions, but there have been no trials of PCST among patients with SLE. This study was a preliminary assessment of the feasibility and efficacy of painTRAINER, an automated, internet-based PCST program, among patients with SLE.

Methods

Participants (n = 60) with SLE from one health care system were randomly assigned with equal allocation to painTRAINER or a wait list control group. PainTRAINER involves 8 modules; participants were instructed to complete one module weekly, along with practice activities for each cognitive or behavioral coping skill. Outcome measures were assessed at baseline and 9-week follow-up, including the Pain Catastrophizing Scale, PROMIS Subscales (Pain Interference, Physical Function, Sleep Disturbance, Anxiety, Depression, Fatigue and Participation), and the LupusPRO questionnaire. Mean changes in outcomes from baseline to follow up and Cohen’s d effect sizes were computed.

Results

Effect sizes for the painTRAINER group (relative to the wait list group) were small, with changes being greatest for the PROMIS Depression score (d = − 0.32). Among those randomized to the painTRAINER group, 50% accessed the program (“painTRAINER users”). Most of those who did not access the program stated that they did not receive instructions via email. Effect sizes for “painTRAINER users” (relative to wait list) were larger than for the whole painTRAINER group: Pain Catastrophizing d = − 0.60, PROMIS Pain Interference d = − 0.3., PROMIS Depression d = − 0.44, LupusPRO Health-Related Quality of Life d = 0.30.

Conclusions

PainTRAINER users reported meaningful improvements in multiple physical and psychological outcomes, supporting the potential of PCST programs to benefit individuals with SLE. However, strategies are needed to improve engagement with the program and tailor content to comprehensively address key SLE symptoms and challenges.

Trial registration

NCT03933839, May 1, 2019.
Multiple functions of the vacuole in plant growth and fruit quality
Authors: Jiang Yu-Tong , Yang Lu-Han , Ferjani Ali , Lin Wen-Hui
Published: June 2021

Vacuoles are organelles in plant cells that play pivotal roles in growth and developmental regulation. The main functions of vacuoles include maintaining cell acidity and turgor pressure, regulating the storage and transport of substances, controlling the transport and localization of key proteins through the endocytic and lysosomal-vacuolar transport pathways, and responding to biotic and abiotic stresses. Further, proteins localized either in the tonoplast (vacuolar membrane) or inside the vacuole lumen are critical for fruit quality. In this review, we summarize and discuss some of the emerging functions and regulatory mechanisms associated with plant vacuoles, including vacuole biogenesis, vacuole functions in plant growth and development, fruit quality, and plant-microbe interaction, as well as some innovative research technology that has driven advances in the field. Together, the functions of plant vacuoles are important for plant growth and fruit quality. The investigation of vacuole functions in plants is of great scientific significance and has potential applications in agriculture.
PRODIGY: A Phase III Study of Neoadjuvant Docetaxel, Oxaliplatin, and S-1 Plus Surgery and Adjuvant S-1 Versus Surgery and Adjuvant S-1 for Resectable Advanced Gastric Cancer
Authors: Kang Yoon-Koo , Yook Jeong Hwan , Park Young-Kyu , Lee Jong Seok , Kim Young-Woo , Kim Jin Young , Ryu Min-Hee , Rha Sun Young , Chung Ik Joo , Kim In-Ho , Oh Sang Cheul , Park Young Soo , Son Taeil , Jung Mi Ran , Heo Mi Hwa , Kim Hark Kyun , Park ChoHyun , Yoo Chang Hak , Choi Jin-Hyuk , Zang Dae Young , Jang You Jin , Sul Ji Young , Kim Jong Gwang , Kim Beom Su , Beom Seung-Hoon , Cho Sang Hee , Ryu Seung Wan , Kook Myeong-Cherl , Ryoo Baek-Yeol , Kim Hyun Ki , Yoo Moon-Won , Lee Nam Su , Lee Sang Ho , Kim Gyunji , Lee YeonJu , Lee Jee Hyun , Noh Sung Hoon
Published: June 2021

PURPOSE

Adjuvant chemotherapy after D2 gastrectomy is standard for resectable locally advanced gastric cancer (LAGC) in Asia. Based on positive findings for perioperative chemotherapy in European phase III studies, the phase III PRODIGY study (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01515748 ) investigated whether neoadjuvant docetaxel, oxaliplatin, and S-1 (DOS) followed by surgery and adjuvant S-1 could improve outcomes versus standard treatment in Korean patients with resectable LAGC.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients 20-75 years of age, with Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status 0-1, and with histologically confirmed primary gastric or gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma (clinical TNM staging: T2-3N+ or T4Nany) were randomly assigned to D2 surgery followed by adjuvant S-1 (40-60 mg orally twice a day, days 1-28 every 6 weeks for eight cycles; SC group) or neoadjuvant DOS (docetaxel 50 mg/m2, oxaliplatin 100 mg/m2 intravenously day 1, S-1 40 mg/m2 orally twice a day, days 1-14 every 3 weeks for three cycles) before D2 surgery, followed by adjuvant S-1 (CSC group). The primary objective was progression-free survival (PFS) with CSC versus SC. Two sensitivity analyses were performed: intent-to-treat and landmark PFS analysis.

RESULTS

Between January 18, 2012, and January 2, 2017, 266 patients were randomly assigned to CSC and 264 to SC at 18 Korean study sites; 238 and 246 patients, respectively, were treated (full analysis set). Follow-up was ongoing in 176 patients at data cutoff (January 21, 2019; median follow-up 38.6 months [interquartile range, 23.5-62.1]). CSC improved PFS versus SC (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.52 to 0.95; stratified log-rank P = .023). Sensitivity analyses confirmed these findings. Treatments were well tolerated. Two grade 5 adverse events (febrile neutropenia and dyspnea) occurred during neoadjuvant treatment.

CONCLUSION

PRODIGY showed that neoadjuvant DOS chemotherapy, as part of perioperative chemotherapy, is effective and tolerable in Korean patients with LAGC.
Central Insulin Modulates Dopamine Signaling in the Human Striatum
Authors: Kullmann Stephanie , Blum Dominik , Jaghutriz Benjamin Assad , Gassenmaier Christoph , Bender Benjamin , Häring Hans-Ulrich , Reischl Gerald , Preissl Hubert , la Fougère Christian , Fritsche Andreas , Reimold Matthias , Heni Martin
Published: June 2021

Objective

Activity in the dopaminergic pathways of the brain is highly sensitive to body weight and metabolic states. Animal studies show that dopamine neurons are important targets for the metabolic hormone insulin with abolished effects in the insulin-resistant state, leading to increases in body weight and food intake. In humans, the influence of central acting insulin on dopamine and effects of their interplay are still elusive.

Research Design and Methods

We investigated whether central administered insulin influences dopaminergic activity in striatal regions and whole-brain neural activity. Using a positron emission tomography (PET)/magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) hybrid scanner, we simultaneously performed [11C]-raclopride-PET and resting-state functional MRI in 10 healthy normal-weight men after application of intranasal insulin or placebo on 2 separate days in a randomized, placebo-controlled, blinded, crossover trial.

Results

In response to central insulin compared with placebo administration, we observed greater [11C]-raclopride binding potential in the bilateral ventral and dorsal striatum. This suggests an insulin-induced reduction in synaptic dopamine levels. Resting-state striatal activity was lower 15 and 30 minutes after nasal insulin compared with placebo. Functional connectivity of the mesocorticolimbic circuitry associated with differences in dopamine levels: individuals with a stronger insulin-induced effect on dopamine levels showed a stronger increase in functional connectivity 45 minutes after intranasal insulin.

Conclusions

This study indicates that central insulin modulates dopaminergic tone in the striatum, which may affect regional brain activity and connectivity. Our results deepen the understanding of the insulin-dopamine interaction and the complex network that underlies the regulation of whole-body metabolism.
Interleukin-6 Is an Early Plasma Marker of Severe Postoperative Complications in Thoracic Surgery: Exploratory Results From a Substudy of a Randomized Controlled Multicenter Trial
Authors: Neff Thomas A. , Braun Julia , Rana Dhanu , Puhan Milo , Filipovic Miodrag , Seeberger Manfred , Stüber Frank , Neff Simona B. , Beck-Schimmer Beatrice , Schläpfer Martin
Published: June 2021

BACKGROUND:

Postoperative complications in surgery are a significant burden, not only for the patients but also economically. While several predicting factors have already been identified, it is still not well known if increased levels of inflammatory markers in the immediate perioperative phase correlate with a higher incidence of postoperative complications. This study aimed to evaluate which patient characteristics and intraoperative parameters correlate with increased plasma values of monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1) and interleukin 6 (IL-6) of thoracic surgery patients. A second goal was to explore whether MCP-1 and IL-6 are associated with the incidence of postoperative complications. We hypothesized that there is a positive association between inflammatory markers and the occurrence of complications within 6 months after surgery.

METHODS:

This is a substudy of a recent randomized controlled trial, which defined the effect of desflurane versus propofol anesthesia on morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing thoracic surgery. MCP-1 and IL-6 were determined in plasma obtained before and 30 minutes after 1-lung ventilation, 6 hours after surgery, and on postoperative days 1 and 2. Complications were recorded for 6 months. Mixed linear models were used to examine factors associated with MCP-1 and IL-6 levels. Logistic regression models and receiver operating characteristic curves were used to determine the association between MCP-1 and IL-6 and postoperative complications.

RESULTS:

In the original study, 460 patients were included, MCP-1 and IL-6 levels were determined in 428 patients. MCP-1 was positively associated with the duration of surgery (P = .016), whereas IL-6 levels increased with both the length (P < .001) and invasiveness of lung surgery (thoracoscopic wedge resection or lobectomy versus open lobectomy, P = .005; thoracoscopic wedge resection or lobectomy versus pneumonectomy, P = .021). In an exploratory approach, elevated IL-6 plasma peaks were associated with the occurrence of severe complications defined as Clavien-Dindo score grade ≥IVa during the postoperative phase up to 6 months after thoracic surgery (P = .006).

CONCLUSIONS:

In summary, this substudy reveals factors, which correlate with high MCP-1 and IL-6 values. Moreover, higher IL-6 seems to be associated with postoperative severe complications. Perioperative IL-6 monitoring might be helpful for risk estimation in the perioperative setting of patients after lung surgery.
Decolonizing Critical Theory?
Authors: Bhambra Gurminder K.
Published: June 2021

Theorists working within the Frankfurt School tradition of critical theory have not been immune to calls to “decolonize” that have been circulating in and beyond the academic world. This article asks what it means to seek to decolonize a tradition of thought that has never explicitly acknowledged colonial histories. What is needed, instead, this article suggests, is consideration of the very implications of the “colonial modern”—that is, an acknowledgement of the colonial constitution of modernity—for Frankfurt School critical theory's idea of historical progress. The issue is more extensive than simply acknowledging the substantive neglect of colonialism within the tradition; rather, this article suggests that its categories of critique and their associated normative claims are also necessarily implicated by this neglect and require transformation. Acknowledgment of colonial histories requires material reparations for the substantive inequalities bequeathed as legacies of the past, but these reparations also require a transformation of understandings and a recognition of “epistemological justice.”
Long-term follow-up of oxaliplatin-induced liver damage in patients with colorectal cancer
Authors: Cha Dong Ik , Song Kyoung Doo , Ha Sang Yun , Hong Jung Yong , Hwang Jeong Ah , Ko Seong Eun
Published: June 2021

Objectives:

To report the long-term follow-up data including computed tomography (CT) findings of oxaliplatin-induced liver damage in patients with colorectal cancer.

Methods:

Three hundred and fifty-six patients who underwent surgery followed by oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy (OBC) for colorectal cancer between January 2013 and December 2014 were included. Abdominal CT images and laboratory results (serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), albumin, total bilirubin, and platelet counts) were reviewed immediately before (as baseline), during, and after adjuvant OBC. Abdominal CT images were reviewed to assess the heterogeneous liver parenchyma, increase in size of the spleen, development of acute portosystemic shunts during OBC, and imaging findings of chronic portal hypertension.

Results:

During OBC, 90.2% (321/356) of the patients developed parenchymal heterogeneity. Increase in the spleen size during the OBC period was seen in 62.4% (225/356) of patients. The overall rate of development of acute portosystemic shunts during OBC was 23.9% (85/356). These findings were resolved after cessation of OBC except in 1.4% (5/356) of the patients in whom chronic portal hypertension persisted even after completion of OBC. Serum AST, ALT, and total bilirubin levels increased and platelet counts decreased during OBC and returned to normal after completion of OBC; however, they did not reach the pre-OBC levels.

Conclusion:

Although most changes associated with liver damage reversed to normal range after completion of OBC, some parameters did not reverse to the pretreatment level, and chronic portal hypertension developed in a small number of patients.

Advances in knowledge:

Chronic, persistent oxaliplatin-induced liver damage was not an infrequent complication after oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy for patients with colorectal cancer. It may cause non-cirrhotic portal hypertension and associated complications such as variceal bleeding.
Radical collaboration during a global health emergency: development of the RDA COVID-19 data sharing recommendations and guidelines
Authors: Pickering Brian , Biro Timea , Austin Claire C. , Bernier Alexander , Bezuidenhout Louise , Casorrán Carlos , Crawley Francis P. , David Romain , Engelhardt Claudia , Mitrea Geta , Mochmann Ingvill Constanze , Nagrani Rajini , O'Brien-Uhlmansiek Mary , Parker Simon , Wang Minglu , Castro Leyla Jael , Cournia Zoe , Dharmawardena Kheeran , Diallo Gayo , Dillo Ingrid , Gonzalez-Beltran Alejandra , Gururaj Anupama , Gutam Sridhar , Harrower Natalie , Jonnagaddala Jitendra , McNeill Katherine , Mietchen Daniel , Pienta Amy , Polydoratou Panayiota , Tovani-Palone Marcos Roberto
Published: June 2021

Background:The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) global pandemic required a rapid and effective response. This included ethical and legally appropriate sharing of data. The European Commission (EC) called upon the Research Data Alliance (RDA) to recruit experts worldwide to quickly develop recommendations and guidelines for COVID-related data sharing.

Purpose:The purpose of the present work was to explore how the RDA succeeded in engaging the participation of its community of scientists in a rapid response to the EC request.

Methods:A survey questionnaire was developed and distributed among RDA COVID-19 work group members. A mixed-methods approach was used for analysis of the survey data.

Results:The three constructs of radical collaboration (inclusiveness, distributed digital practices, productive and sustainable collaboration) were found to be well supported in both the quantitative and qualitative analyses of the survey data. Other social factors, such as motivation and group identity were also found to be important to the success of this extreme collaborative effort.

Conclusions:Recommendations and suggestions for future work were formulated for consideration by the RDA to strengthen effective expert collaboration and interdisciplinary efforts.
“Science Teaching and Science Teachers” from Students’ Point of View
Authors: Ucak Esra
Published: June 2021

The current study investigated the opinions of secondary school students taking the science course from different science teachers about the science course and science teachers. The current study was conducted with the participation of 32 students instructed by different science teachers and attending different secondary schools in the fall term of 2018-2019 academic year. The data of the current study were collected by means of semi-structured interviews. In the analysis of the data, the descriptive analysis technique was used. The findings of the current study have revealed that high majority of the students love their science classes and science teachers, that in science classes, lecturing, question-answer and note-taking are methods widely employed, that if there is a smart board in the class, then Okulistik or EBA computer program is on, that the assignments given are from the textbook, that the most frequently adopted behavior by the teachers in the face of any discipline problem is warning and that informal learning environments are not used much. Moreover, it was found that projects are rarely assigned to students and the projects assigned are given as homework. A great majority of the students expect their teachers to be entertaining, they want their lessons to be instructed through games and experiments, and they do not want to write a lot in their classes.
Spectroscopy of excised skin patches exposed to THz and far-IR radiation
Authors: Lajevardipour Alireza , Vilagosh Zoltan , Appadoo Dominique , Davis Jeffrey , Juodkazis Saulius , Wood Andrew
Published: June 2021

Applications of far infrared (Far-IR) and terahertz (THz) radiation in areas such as healthcare and security are fast-growing. As a consequence, humans and the environment are becoming more exposed to mm-wave and Far-IR radiation than previously. We examined typical skin-care and sunscreen ingredients and propitiatory products with transmission FTIR, ATR-FTIR and THz-time domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS) methods using fresh and dehydrated toad and fresh human skin samples for their absorption properties in these frequency ranges. The skin hydration compounds glycerol and sorbitol have comparable absorption characteristics to physiological bulk water. Products containing these and similar hydrating compounds have significant Far-IR absorption characteristics. The sunscreen ingredients ZnO (20 micron), TiO2 (mesh 325), and graphene platelet demonstrate a generally poor Far-IR absorbance, with TiO2 displaying some frequency-specific absorption in the 3-6 THz and 12 THz regions. The Far-IR absorbance of proprietary sunscreens was, however, shown not to be significant. The absorption properties of melanin, collagen, bound water, and other constituents are significant in dehydrated skin samples but are not of the same order of importance as the hydrating agents examined.
Rapid chemically selective 3D imaging in the mid-infrared
Authors: Potma Eric O. , Knez David , Chen Yong , Davydova Yulia , Durkin Amanda , Fast Alexander , Balu Mihaela , Norton-Baker Brenna , Martin Rachel W. , Baldacchini Tommaso , Fishman Dmitry A.
Published: June 2021

The emerging technique of mid-infrared optical coherence tomography (MIR-OCT) takes advantage of the reduced scattering of MIR light in various materials and devices, enabling tomographic imaging at deeper penetration depths. Because of challenges in MIR detection technology, the image acquisition time is, however, significantly longer than for tomographic imaging methods in the visible/near-infrared. Here we demonstrate an alternative approach to MIR tomography with high-speed imaging capabilities. Through femtosecond nondegenerate two-photon absorption of MIR light in a conventional Si-based CCD camera, we achieve wide-field, high-definition tomographic imaging with chemical selectivity of structured materials and biological samples in mere seconds.
Strain variation in Bacillus cereus biofilms and their susceptibility to extracellular matrix-degrading enzymes
Authors: Lim Eun Seob , Baek Seung-Youb , Oh Taeyoung , Koo Minseon , Lee Joo Young , Kim Hyun Jung , Kim Joo-Sung
Published: June 2021

Bacillus cereus is a foodborne pathogen and can form biofilms on food contact surfaces, which causes food hygiene problems. While it is necessary to understand strain-dependent variation to effectively control these biofilms, strain-to-strain variation in the structure of B. cereus biofilms is poorly understood. In this study, B. cereus strains from tatsoi (BC4, BC10, and BC72) and the ATCC 10987 reference strain were incubated at 30°C to form biofilms in the presence of the extracellular matrix-degrading enzymes DNase I, proteinase K, dispase II, cellulase, amyloglucosidase, and α-amylase to assess the susceptibility to these enzymes. The four strains exhibited four different patterns in terms of biofilm susceptibility to the enzymes as well as morphology of surface-attached biofilms or suspended cell aggregates. DNase I inhibited the biofilm formation of strains ATCC 10987 and BC4 but not of strains BC10 and BC72. This result suggests that some strains may not have extracellular DNA, or their extracellular DNA may be protected in their biofilms. In addition, the strains exhibited different patterns of susceptibility to protein- and carbohydrate-degrading enzymes. While other strains were resistant, strains ATCC 10987 and BC4 were susceptible to cellulase, suggesting that cellulose or its similar polysaccharides may exist and play an essential role in their biofilm formation. Our compositional and imaging analyses of strains ATCC 10987 and BC4 suggested that the physicochemical properties of their biofilms are distinct, as calculated by the carbohydrate to protein ratio. Taken together, our study suggests that the extracellular matrix of B. cereus biofilms may be highly diverse and provides insight into the diverse mechanisms of biofilm formation among B. cereus strains.
Burden of osteoporosis in Vietnam: An analysis of population risk
Authors: Hoang Duy K. , Doan Minh C. , Mai Linh D. , Ho-Le Thao P. , Ho-Pham Lan T.
Published: June 2021

Purpose

To estimate the proportion of men and women aged 50 years and older who would be classified as "high risk" for fracture and eligible for anti-fracture treatment.

Methods

The study involved 1421 women and 652 men aged 50 years and older, who were recruited from the general population in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Fracture history was ascertained from each individual. Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured at the lumbar spine and femoral neck by DXA (Hologic Horizon). The diagnosis of osteoporosis was based on the T-scores ≤ -2.50 derived from either femoral neck or lumbar spine BMD. The 10-year risks of major fractureand hip fracture were estimated from FRAX version for Thai population. The criteria for recommended treatment were based on the US National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF).

Results

The average age of women and men was ~60 yr (SD 7.8). Approximately 11% (n = 152) of women and 14% (n = 92) of men had a prior fracture. The prevalence of osteoporosis was 27% (n = 381; 95% CI, 25 to 29%) in women and 13% (n = 87; 95% CI, 11 to 16%) in men. Only 1% (n = 11) of women and 0.1% (n = 1) of men had 10-year risk of major fracture ≥ 20%. However, 23% (n = 327) of women and 9.5% (n = 62) of men had 10-year risk of hip fracture ≥ 3%. Using the NOF recommended criteria, 49% (n = 702; 95% CI, 47 to 52%) of women and 35% (n = 228; 95% CI, 31 to 39%) of men would be eligible for therapy.

Conclusion

Almost half of women and just over one-third of men aged 50 years and older in Vietnam meet the NOF criteria for osteoporosis treatment. This finding can help develop guidelines for osteoporosis treatment in Vietnam.
DNAH11 compound heterozygous variants cause heterotaxy and congenital heart disease
Authors: Xia Hong , Huang Xiangjun , Deng Sheng , Xu Hongbo , Yang Yan , Liu Xin , Yuan Lamei , Deng Hao
Published: June 2021

Heterotaxy (HTX), a condition characterized by internal organs not being arranged as expected relative to each other and to the left-right axis, is often accompanied with congenital heart disease (CHD). The purpose was to detect the pathogenic variants in a Chinese family with HTX and CHD. A non-consanguineous Han Chinese family with HTX and CHD, and 200 unrelated healthy subjects were enlisted. Exome sequencing and Sanger sequencing were applied to identify the genetic basis of the HTX family. Compound heterozygous variants, c.3426-1G>A and c.4306C>T (p.(Arg1436Trp)), in the dynein axonemal heavy chain 11 gene (DNAH11) were identified in the proband via exome sequencing and further confirmed by Sanger sequencing. Neither c.3426-1G>A nor c.4306C>T variant in the DNAH11 gene was detected in 200 healthy controls. The DNAH11 c.3426-1G>A variant was predicted as altering the acceptor splice site and most likely affecting splicing. The DNAH11 c.4306C>T variant was predicted to be damaging, which may reduce the phenotype severity. The compound heterozygous variants, c.3426-1G>A and c.4306C>T, in the DNAH11 gene might be the pathogenic alterations resulting in HTX and CHD in this family. These findings broaden the variant spectrum of the DNAH11 gene and increase knowledge used in genetic counseling for the HTX family.
Thermal imaging ruled out as a supplementary assessment in patients with fibromyalgia: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Sempere-Rubio Nuria , Aguilar-Rodríguez Marta , Inglés Marta , Izquierdo-Alventosa Ruth , Serra-Añó Pilar
Published: June 2021

Background

The diagnosis of fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) syndrome is often complicated and relies on diagnostic criteria based mostly on the symptoms reported by patients. Implementing objective complementary tests would be desirable to better characterize this population.

Objective

The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to compare the skin temperature at rest using thermography in women with FMS and healthy women.

Methods

Eighty-six women with FMS and 92 healthy controls volunteered to participate. The temperature of all participants was measured by infra-red thermography, registering the skin surface temperature (minimum, maximum and average) at rest in different areas: neck, upper and lower back, chest, knees and elbows. In order to analyze the differences in the skin temperature between groups, inferential analyses of the data were performed using Mann-Whitney U test.

Results

The results showed no significant difference in skin temperature between groups in the neck, upper back, chest and elbows (p>0.05). The lower back and knees areas showed significant differences between groups (p<0.05), although these differences did not reach a minimum of clinically detectable change.

Conclusions

Women with fibromyalgia presented no clinically meaningful reduction or difference in skin temperature at rest when compared with a group of healthy women. The infra-red thermography is not an effective supplementary assessment tool in women with fibromyalgia.
NleB2 from enteropathogenic Escherichia coli is a novel arginine-glucose transferase effector
Authors: Giogha Cristina , Scott Nichollas E. , Wong Fok Lung Tania , Pollock Georgina L. , Harper Marina , Goddard-Borger Ethan D. , Pearson Jaclyn S. , Hartland Elizabeth L.
Published: June 2021

During infection, enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) and enterohaemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC) directly manipulate various aspects of host cell function through the translocation of type III secretion system (T3SS) effector proteins directly into the host cell. Many T3SS effector proteins are enzymes that mediate post-translational modifications of host proteins, such as the glycosyltransferase NleB1, which transfers a single N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) to arginine residues, creating an Arg-GlcNAc linkage. NleB1 glycosylates death-domain containing proteins including FADD, TRADD and RIPK1 to block host cell death. The NleB1 paralogue, NleB2, is found in many EPEC and EHEC strains but to date its enzymatic activity has not been described. Using in vitro glycosylation assays combined with mass spectrometry, we found that NleB2 can utilize multiple sugar donors including UDP-glucose, UDP-GlcNAc and UDP-galactose during glycosylation of the death domain protein, RIPK1. Sugar donor competition assays demonstrated that UDP-glucose was the preferred substrate of NleB2 and peptide sequencing identified the glycosylation site within RIPK1 as Arg603, indicating that NleB2 catalyses arginine glucosylation. We also confirmed that NleB2 catalysed arginine-hexose modification of Flag-RIPK1 during infection of HEK293T cells with EPEC E2348/69. Using site-directed mutagenesis and in vitro glycosylation assays, we identified that residue Ser252 in NleB2 contributes to the specificity of this distinct catalytic activity. Substitution of Ser252 in NleB2 to Gly, or substitution of the corresponding Gly255 in NleB1 to Ser switches sugar donor preference between UDP-GlcNAc and UDP-glucose. However, this switch did not affect the ability of the NleB variants to inhibit inflammatory or cell death signalling during HeLa cell transfection or EPEC infection. NleB2 is thus the first identified bacterial Arg-glucose transferase that, similar to the NleB1 Arg-GlcNAc transferase, inhibits host protein function by arginine glycosylation.
Historia del Arte y Tiempo Presente: otra historiografía desde la contemporaneidad
Authors: Albarrán Diego Juan
Published: June 2021

Desde hace varias décadas, la Historia del Arte, como disciplina pretendidamente científica, viene mostrando una enorme incapacidad a la hora de estudiar las prácticas artísticas contemporáneas. Atrincherada en viejos criterios metodológicos, los historiadoresdel arte desechan cualquier objeto de estudio del que no nos separe una distancia temporal considerable. Ese problema, al que la Historia ha dado respuesta desde lo que se ha dado en llamar Historia del tiempo presente, parece convertirse en un escollo insalvableen el caso de la Historia del Arte. En este artículo, pretendemos plantear las posibilidades metodológicas de una Historia del Arte del presente mostrando cómo las prácticas artíticas actuales pueden ayudarnos a repensar algunos de los dogmas metodológicos sobre los quese asienta la disciplina.
Prehistoria e Historia Antigua de Arribes del Duero a propósito de Trabanca. Perspectivas y problemas de la Arqueología en el entorno rural
Authors: Hidalgo Rodríguez David
Published: June 2021

El presente trabajo asume el desafío, a partir de un caso de estudio como es Trabanca, de ofrecer una serie de respuestas y preguntas al debate tejido entorno a la crítica situación en la que hace tiempo se ve inmersa no la disciplina de conocimiento histórico en sí misma y en su totalidad (pues no es el caso), sino la propia historiografía peninsular. Invita al joven investigador, en el cual reside la misión de esa necesaria renovación disciplinar y es protagonista de este congreso, a amplificar su área de trabajo principal, a diversificarsus objetos y métodos de análisis, lo cual le permitirá comprometerse con los debates reales de su disciplina en base a la experiencia científica de la investigación. Gracias a ellos conseguirá,como ejemplifica este breve ensayo histórico, trazar los grandes caracteres que definirán a Arribes del Duero durante milenios. Para llegar a la conclusión, finalmente, de que en el pasado residen las explicaciones que demanda el presente y se encierran las claves queya están forjando el futuro. ¿Habrá porvenir para nuestra historiografía sin vincularse a las mismas?
Comparative Cost Effectiveness of Reflux-Based and Reflux-Independent Strategies for Barrett's Esophagus Screening
Authors: Sami Sarmed S. , Moriarty James P. , Rosedahl Jordan K. , Borah Bijan J. , Katzka David A. , Wang Kenneth K. , Kisiel John B. , Ragunath Krish , Rubenstein Joel H. , Iyer Prasad G.
Published: June 2021

INTRODUCTION:

Minimally invasive tests for Barrett's esophagus (BE) detection have raised the prospect of broader nonreflux-based testing. Cost-effectiveness studies have largely studied men aged 50 years with chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms. We evaluated the comparative cost effectiveness of BE screening tests in GERD-based and GERD-independent testing scenarios.

METHODS:

Markov modeling was performed in 3 scenarios in 50 years old individuals: (i) White men with chronic GERD (GERD-based); (ii) GERD-independent (all races, men and women), BE prevalence 1.6%; and (iii) GERD-independent, BE prevalence 5%. The simulation compared multiple screening strategies with no screening: sedated endoscopy (sEGD), transnasal endoscopy, swallowable esophageal cell collection devices with biomarkers, and exhaled volatile organic compounds. A hypothetical cohort of 500,000 individuals followed for 40 years using a willingness to pay threshold of $100,000 per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) was simulated. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) comparing each strategy with no screening and comparing screening strategies with each other were calculated.

RESULTS:

In both GERD-independent scenarios, most non-sEGD BE screening tests were cost effective. Swallowable esophageal cell collection devices with biomarkers were cost effective (<$35,000/QALY) and were the optimal screening tests in all scenarios. Exhaled volatile organic compounds had the highest ICERs in all scenarios. ICERs were low (<$25,000/QALY) for all tests in the GERD-based scenario, and all non-sEGD tests dominated no screening. ICERs were sensitive to BE prevalence and test costs.

DISCUSSION:

Minimally invasive nonendoscopic tests may make GERD-independent BE screening cost effective. Participation rates for these strategies need to be studied.
Sustentabilidad asociada al traspaso generacional en un tambo
Authors: NOVAIRA Bruno I. , GIMENEZ Gustavo , MARINI Pablo R.
Published: June 2021

El enfoque de un sistema productivo tanto en la dinámica económica-productiva, socio-cultural y ambiental de la sustentabilidad brinda una mirada integral de las problemáticas estableciendo las limitantes y potencialidades con las que cuenta el sistema, las cuales tienen un impacto directo sobre la productividad. La continuidad de un emprendimiento a lo largo de las generaciones presenta dificultades desde el punto de vista empresarial y sistémico. Los desafíos humanos y técnicos traen aparejados conflictos de difícil resolución que en muchas ocasiones terminan con la disolución de la empresa o una fuerte modificación en su dirección para mejorar los resultados en los pilares mencionados.
Building Energy System Design and Planning: The Universidad de Santander Case
Authors: Suárez I.D. Serna , Gonzalez A. Martínez , Contreras S. Urbano
Published: June 2021

Renewable generation is gaining more thrust as the time passes, however, the growth rate of such production has been faster than the rate of the electrical grid modernization. This growth comes with great opportunities and challenges for building energy system (BES) design and planning. In this respect, this paper presents the experience and lessons learned from the design and planning of the BES of the “Universidad de Santander” (UDES) central campus. This BES renewable generation is composed of a rooftop PV system distributed across the campus buildings. The system started with 30 kWp of installed capacity (100 kWh/day on average) and now is ready to deliver near 300 kWh/day thanks to 70 kWp of extra capacity installed. In general, the implementation has been a success that now is being replied in other UDES’ campuses, and the decision taking involved highlighted the importance of a proper energy efficiency policy and electrical regulation analysis.
Innovative Water Management at the Environmental Campus Birkenfeld
Authors: Helling Klaus , Bölsche Dorit Schumann
Published: June 2021

Sustainable water management has a high relevance for universities and this paper describes the innovative water management system at the Environmental Campus Birkenfeld (ECB), which belongs to Trier University of Applied Sciences. The ECB is called the "greenest university" in Germany. Not without reason, because in the GreenMetric Ranking 2018 and 2019 the ECB took sixth place worldwide and was No. 1 in Germany. Ever since the foundation of the ECB, sustainable development and circular economy have been the main focus of all activities of the university. In the sustainability strategy, a holistic approach following the German Sustainability Code is pursued, which includes teaching, research, knowledge transfer and university operation. In 2019 the Environmental Campus achieved in the GreenMetric category water, the full score of 1000 points. As part of an integrated zero emissions concept ECB ́s water management system is based on a meticulously planned water conservation program which includes technological- and management-based solutions to achieve sustainable water resource use at ECB. Within the ECB ́s wastewater reduction and resource recovery initiative a research project on “Zero Emission Water Management and Nutrient Mining” is converting an existing dormitory in such a way that the separate collection and discharge of the partial streams grey and black water is possible.
BIM-Based Energy Optimization – Case study of High-Rise Building in Pakistan
Authors: Hasan Irbaz , Safdar Gardez Syed Shujaa , Hussain Usman
Published: June 2021

The current work analyses the energy performance of a building at the early design and planning stage for sustainability. A multistory facility has been simulated in a virtual (3D) environment using the Building Information Modelling process. Energy analysis was performed using Autodesk Insight360 in terms of kWh/m2 /yr. Sixteen (16) story building, has been assessed at its proposed location, at 8° clockwise w.r.t true North. The study observed an annual consumption of 267 kWh/m2 /yr which was further optimized by adopting different construction innovations. It has been highlighted that using virtual technology at the design stage of buildings can help to achieve an average annual energy saving of more than 50% thus supporting the goal for a sustainable future by accessing energy requirements at the early stage of design inception.
Hábitat sustentable, diseño integrativo y complejidad: una aproximación multifactorial
Authors: Yory Carlos Mario , Forero-La-Rotta Augusto , Ángel-Peña John Anderson , Casas-Matiz Elvia Isabel , Moreno-Sierra Andrés , Páez-Calvo Angelo , Castellanos-Gómez Luis Alfonso
Published: June 2021

The conceptualization of the notions of sustainable habitat, integrative design and complexity raises the need to address the questions, how to contribute to the habitat sustainable from transdisciplinary processes? What is the responsibility of design in the current context? Moreover, how to face the complexity of thinking and responding to the urban, architectural and technological phenomena? These approximations are built from three perspectives: cultural and comprehensive management of the territory; technology, environment and sustainability; and integrative design, habitat and project. For this, it begins with a reflection on the meaning of design in relation to way, and how this is understood as a meta-discipline that integrates the voice of experts with that of people who live, enjoy or suffer from design objects. Subsequently, the relation between the notions of integrative design, habitat and complexity, in light of transdisciplinarityFrom this framework, it deepens the link among governance, resilience and urban reconversion, in times of neoliberal and hypercompetitive globalization, based on ecological ethics, civic participation and co- responsibility. On another scale, the connection among technology, environment and sustainability, from a vision of the future based on the use of energy; resource consumption; waste recycling, among others. As closure, addresses the matter of project research from an epistemological reflection that compromises the relationship between processes, maps and territories, to establish strategic notes for research-creation. As a conclusion, the commitment to reflection and the exercise of a responsible and integrative design.
Aproximaciones estratégicas para el diseño interdisciplinar participativo
Authors: Díaz-Osorio Myriam Stella , Páez-Calvo Angelo , Ovalle-Garay Jairo , López-Ortego Ana María , Pava-Gómez Andrea Julieth , Castellanos-Gómez Luis Alfonso , Durand-Baquero Patrick
Published: June 2021

From the disciplinary encounter of architecture and urbanism, as well from the interventions in the environments of the popular habitat –especially those of the city outskirts– several discussions have been raised in order to define models, methodologies, strategies and concrete operations to carry out within the territory. However, a better look at the conditions of those territories suggests that the approaches are not the result of a specific formula and, therefore, this vision must be diversified and expanded. This book is the compendium of different reflections from the discipline of architecture and urbanism which advocate for an understanding of the complexity of the territory and its occupation processes, allowing considering alternatives for a concrete intervention of the city outskirts contexts. Through the understanding of participatory design theories, the need for interaction with professionals from other disciplines and other actors in the process is suggested as an alternative for the systematization of participatory design. Thus, generate the necessary tools for the consolidation of interventions and its efficient manifestation. This is how the systematic proposals for reading the territory are highlighted at the time the conceptual intervention intentions and the methodology are presented with the toolbox. In that way, they work as inputs to explore in a concrete way the participatory interdisciplinary design in city outskirts areas stand out.
Recurrent Waves of Jailbreak in Nigeria: The Imperatives of Prison Intelligence and Dynamic Security Strategies in Managing the Nigerian Correctional Facilities
Authors: Abiodun Dr. Temitope Francis , Akinlade Marcus Temitayo
Published: June 2021

This paper painstakingly addresses the phenomenon of rising waves of prison or jailbreak in Nigeria. And as generally observed according to the dictates of Nigerian law, jail or prison break remains an illegal or unlawful act under which a prisoner forces his or her way out of the prison in a state. This phenomenon of jailbreaks has in one way or the other impacted negatively on the society and posed dangerous threats to national peace and security. The paper in its objectives endeavours to: highlight the series of jailbreaks that have taken place in Nigeria and the various techniques employed by the escapees; interrogate the causal factors of jailbreaks in the country; and also examine the roles of prison intelligence and dynamic security in curtailing the menace. The study makes use of the regulatory capture theory to explain the bane of the phenomena while descriptive and content-analysis techniques are adopted. With the aid of primary and secondary data, the paper is able to reveal that; corruption, ineffective Correctional Service Arms Squad and Intelligence Unit, lack of prison intelligence and dynamic security, among others have weakened the Nigerian Correctional facilities’ security and led to incessant jailbreaks in Nigeria. The paper, however, recommended; putting in place a very sensitive nature of prison information and intelligence; establishing a prison intelligence management board; adopting a multi-agency approach security strategy; and training of prison-based intelligence officers for intelligence gathering and information sharing as strategies of curtailing the rising spate of jailbreaks in Nigeria.