bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Research on Seismic Dynamic Response Characteristics of Weak Surrounding Rock Slope With Double-Arch Tunnel
Authors: Jiang Xueliang , Qian Yonghui , Zhang Jiqi , Liu Yong , Deng RiWe , Huang Li , Lai GuoJie
Published: June 2021

Through the shaking table test, Wenchuan wave (WC) was used as the excitation wave of the shaking table test. The vibration was excited in three directions: horizontal (x), vertical (z), and horizontal and vertical (xz) and the dynamic response characteristics of rock slopes was studied. The results show:(1) The acceleration amplification factor of each measuring point of the slope shows a nonlinear increasing trend with the increase of the slope height.The slope changes the frequency spectrum of the loaded seismic wave.The slope has a filtering effect on the high frequency band of the seismic wave.(2) Under the unidirectional cyclic loading of Wenchuan wave, the slope acceleration amplification factor increases with the increase of the peak value of the seismic wave. Under the bi-directional excitation of Wenchuan wave, the slope acceleration amplification coefficient generally decreases with the increase of the peak value of the seismic wave.The slope acceleration amplification factor presents the characteristics of first increasing and then decreasing with the increase of the relative height of the slope.(3) The dynamic displacement response characteristics of the tunnel slope with double-arch tunnel are mainly affected by the seismic wave in the same direction and the peak value of the dynamic displacement response increases with the increase of the seismic wave peak value.(4) The peak dynamic displacement response of the double-arch tunnel slope shows a non-linear change trend with the increase of slope height. The dynamic displacement peak growth rate is slower below the rock interface and the dynamic displacement peak increases rapidly above the interface and Maximum displacement occurred at the top of the slope.
Finite Element Analysis of Springback of High-Strength Metal SCGA1180DUB While U-Channeling, According to Wall Angle and Die Radius
Authors: Karabulut Samet , Esen İsmail
Published: June 2021

Springback is a problem as important as tearing or thinning, while forming high-strength sheets. Springback is an undesirable situation and it is the form difference between the desired form of a part in theory and the form obtained due to mechanical characteristics and process inputs of the material after die forming. It affects operations in shearing, punching or bending dies in subsequent operations in forming die sets. If the part is not within the desired tolerance range, it creates problems during assembly. In order for cost effective production plans for automotive parts to be made, suitable sheet forming simulations are needed. Waste of time and failures during die construction are minimized by defining accurate parameters by finite element analyses and minimizing periods of trial-and-error. In this study, the material SCGA1180DUB in sheet thickness of 0.8 mm from multi-phase steel sheet group was U-channeled, using Autoform sheet forming analysis program, according to appropriate process conditions having wall angles of 7°,10°,12° and die radius values of R3, R5, R8 and the springback values were estimated. The results obtained were compared through the finite element program and suitable wall angle and die radius values for the material SCGA1180DUB for forming advanced high-strength sheets were determined. As the die radii increased at the same wall angles, the amount of spring back increased significantly. In particular, due to high yield and tensile strength of multi-phase high strength sheet, springback values were observed to be high. Negative springbacks were observed in the roof of the part. In the same die radii, under the same process conditions, as wall angles increase, springback values decreased. In the literature, it is interesting that there are few studies regarding forming, springback of high-strength sheets SCGA1180DUB. This study will contribute to the literature. Autoform program was used for Finite Element Analysis.
Enhancement of Anticorrosive Performance of Renewable Cardanol Based Polyurethane Coatings by Incorporating Magnetic Hydroxyapatite Nanoparticles
Authors: Asif Afzal Haq , Mahajan Mahendra s , Sreehar Nagaraja , Gite Vikas , Dhubiab Bandar , Kaliyadan Feroze , Nanjappa Shivakumar H , Meravanigeg Girish , Aleyadhy Dalal Mishary
Published: June 2021

The present investigation demonstrates renewable cardanol based polyol for the formulation of nanocomposite polyurethane (PU) coatings. The functional and structural features of cardanol polyol and nanoparticles were studied by FT-IR and 1H NMR spectroscopic techniques. The magnetic hydroxyapatite nanoparticles (MHAP) were dispersed in PU formulations to develop nanocomposite anticorrosive coatings. The amount of MHAP in PU formulations was varied from 1-5%, increase the percentage of MHAP increases the anticorrosive performance as examined by immersion and electrochemical methods. The nanocomposite PU coatings shows good coating properties viz., gloss, pencil hardness, flexibility, cross-cut adhesion and chemical resistance. Additionally, the coatings also studied for surface morphology, wetting, and thermal properties by scanning electron microscope (SEM), contact angle, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), respectively. The hydrophobic nature of PU coatings increased by addition of MHAP and optimum result (1050) was observed in 3% loading. The developed coatings revealed hydrophobic nature with excellent anticorrosive performance.
Molecular and FISH analysis of 45S rDNA on BAC molecule of Saccharina Japonica
Authors: Liu Peng-Fei , Bi Yan-Hui , Liu Li , Zhou Zhi-Gang
Published: June 2021

IGS is abundant in polymorphism, which is widely used in the analysis of intraspecific genetic diversity and phylogenetic relationships among geographical populations. In this study, the 45S rDNA repeat unit of Saccharina japonica was obtained for the first time by BAC clone sequencing. The total length of 45S rDNA repeat unit of S. japonica was 8995 bp, including 5420 bp of 18s-5.8s-25s rDNA and 3575 bp of IGS (Intergenic Spacer), with the GC content of 51.4%. IGS was composed of 465 bp 3’-outer transcribed spacer (ETS), 874 bp 5’-ETS, and 2236 bp non transcribed spacer (NTS), with the GC content of 50.1%.Fiber-FISH (fiber-fluorescence in situ hybridization, fiber-FISH) analysis of 45S rDNA on the BAC molecule of female gametophytes of S. japonica illustrated that each fiber had at least five continuous moniliform hybridization signal points, indicating the distribution of 45S rDNA repeat unit on the bacterial artificial chromosome. This study provided a new candidate molecular marker for detecting intraspecific polymorphisms of S. japonica, and the successful fiber-FISH analysis of 45S rDNA on BAC molecule would contribute to the construction of the physical map and Map-based cloning of this kelp.
Sediment Phosphorus Release in Boreal Lakes: The Role of Trophic State and Humic Substances
Authors: Tammeorg Olga , Nürnberg Gertrud , Nõges Peeter , Niemistö Juha
Published: June 2021

Coloured lakes are often productive. While their increased productivity can be the consequence of internal recycling of phosphorus (P), the impact of humic substances on these interactions is largely unexplored. Here we elucidated the spatial variations in sediment P release by diffusion in four Finnish lakes with high trophic state. For further insights regarding possible implications of humic substances on sediment P release, we extended our analysis to lakes worldwide using data from the scientific literature. Variations in sediment P release rates (RR) in four Finnish lakes were largely explained by trophic state and mixing state of the water column. P release by diffusion was positively correlated with the iron-bound P fraction, but negatively with the organic-P fraction in surface sediment. Furthermore, the diffusive flux of P correlated positively with the RR predicted from a published model based on total P concentration (positive effect) and organic matter content (negative effect) in surface sediments. Analysis of the worldwide data confirmed the importance of humic substances in internal P recycling. While dissolved organic carbon (DOC) in water correlated positively with RR in oligotrophic lakes, the correlation was negative in lakes of higher trophic state. The implications for internal P loading and primary production, however, are not so straightforward. In a multiple-stressor world (climate change, eutrophication), response of internal P load in boreal lakes to changes in DOC is particularly unpredictable. This is because the variables relevant to internal P loading, i.e. RR and anoxic factor, may be affected in a reverse direction.
Aging Regulates Post-Viral Asthmatic Airway Pathology
Authors: Hazan Guy , Eubanks Anna , Gierasch Carrie , Atkinson Jeffrey , Fox Carolyn , Hernandez-Leyva Ariel , Rosen Anne , Kau Andrew , Agapov Eugene , Alexander-Brett Jennifer , Steinberg Deborah , Kelley Diane , White Michael , Byers Derek , Wu Kangyun , Keeler Shamus , Zhang Yong , Koenitzer Jeffrey , Holtzman Michael , Haspel Jeffrey
Published: June 2021

Asthma is a common chronic disease of childhood, but for unknown reasons disease activity sometimes subsides as children mature. To understand why, we exposed mice across a range of ages to viral and allergic triggers of asthma exacerbations and airway pathology. We found that pathology induced by Sendai virus (SeV) or influenza A virus (IAV) occurred selectively in juvenile mice in a microbiome-independent manner, while the same phenotypes induced by allergens were insensitive to age. Age-specific responses to SeV included a juvenile bias towards type-2 airway inflammation that emerged early in infection and was lost with maturation. With aging, we observed progressive transcriptional changes to alveolar macrophages (AMs) including the acquisition of high-level MHC-II expression. Importantly, depleting AMs canceled the protective effects of maturity on post-viral airway pathology. Thus, aging of the lung-immune microenvironment influences chronic outcomes of respiratory viral infection and may help to explain childhood asthma remission.
Anti-Ri-related Possible Autoimmune Encephalitis may Cause Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities in Pediatric Patients: A Case Report
Authors: Zhang Zhijie , Wu Jing , Xu Danfen , Zhao Shennan , Lian Di , Zhang Dandan , Li Ling
Published: June 2021

Objective: To describe two rare pediatric cases in which anti-Ri autoantibody-positive (Type II anti-neuronal nuclear antibody; ANNA-2-positive) autoimmune encephalitis occurred with intellectual and development disabilities.. Case presentation: We presented the clinical manifestations, etiological evaluation, and intellectual assessment of two ANNA-2-positive children and the clinical improvement after empirical immunotherapy. A 2-year-old girl with hyperactivity, agitation, and hand tremors and a 6-month-old boy who had dystonia were both diagnosed with intellectual and development disability. Both children tested positive for ANNA-2 and the serological inflammatory markers. Considering possible Ri antibody associated autoimmune encephalitis, empirical immunotherapy was done for both patients, intellectual disability of them improved to some extent. Conclusions: Although ANNA-2 has been mostly reported in adults with paraneoplastic syndrome, we report two ANNA-2-positive pediatric cases diagnosed as possible autoimmune encephalitis due to viral infections. These cases suggested that disruption of the immune system due to viral infection may lead to ANNA-2 positive status and contribute to intellectual and development disability in pediatric cases.
An Adsorption Study of Removal of Heavy Metals Using Enivironment Friendly Agro Based Materials
Authors: viswanathan Jaisankar , Aswini K , Deepa K , Suganya N , Jaisankar V
Published: June 2021

The tremendous increase in the usage of heavy metals over the past few decades resulted in an increased flux of metallic substances in the aquatic environment which requires special concern because of their persistency. The investigation illustrates the removal of heavy metals from waste water by coconut husk based polymer/graph The method of graphene oxide (GO) synthesis involves the single-step reforming of Coconut husk agricultural waste material by oxidation under muffled atmosphere condition.ene oxide composites (CHGO) which is expected to act as good adsorbent materials. The graphene oxide (CHGO) and the corresponding composites PVP/CHGO and PEG/CHGO were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), X-ray Diffraction Analysis (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis. The adsorption study of Coconut husk Graphene oxide (CHGO) and its composites viz., Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)/ Coconut husk Graphene oxide nanocomposite (PVP/CHGO) and Polyethyleneglycol (PEG)/ Coconut husk Graphene oxide nanocomposite (PEG/CHGO) was carried out for the removal of heavy metals from simulated waste water and results were compared. The performance analysis was carried out as a function of various operating parameters, such as initial concentration of metal ion, adsorbent dosage, contact time, and pH. The studies revealed that materials are effective in removal of heavy metals. The Pseudo-first, Pseudo-second order and Elovich kinetic Models were used to analyse the adsorption equilibrium.
Patient-reported Quality of Life Before and After Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Prospective Multicentre Cohort Study
Authors: Chang Jinghui , Fu Manru , Cao Peihua , Ding Changhai , Wang Dong
Published: June 2021

Background: To identify patients’ self-reported health-related quality of life (HRQoL) before and after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and determine factors contributing to any heterogeneity in HRQoL. Methods: This prospective multicentre study included 404 patients with knee osteoarthritis who underwent TKA between 1 April and 30 December 2019 and in whom HRQoL was assessed preoperatively and at 7 days and 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively. Sociodemographic characteristics were assessed using a general information questionnaire; disability, using the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score; pain, using the visual analogue scale (VAS) score; and HRQoL, using the European Quality of Life Five Dimension Five Level (EQ-5D-5L) score. Potential heterogeneity and factors influencing longitudinal changes in HRQoL were analysed using a growth mixture model.Results: The mean EQ-5D-5L score improved from 0.69 preoperatively to 0.90 at 6 months postoperatively. Two types of longitudinal heterogeneity were identified: (1) a group of patients with a small and slow improvement in HRQoL and (2) a group of patients who showed marked and rapid improvement in HRQoL. The main characteristics of the latter group were a monthly family income >2000 yuan, exercising for approximately 30 min daily, and better knee function at baseline. Baseline knee function and change in knee function were significantly associated with the percentage change in HRQoL.Conclusions: HRQoL improved considerably after TKA. However, there was some heterogeneity in the changes in HRQoL depending on certain patient characteristics. Targeted interventions should focus on these differences to optimise the outcomes of TKA.
Global DNA Methylation Profiles of Buffalo (Bubalus Bubalis) Preimplantation Embryos Produced by Handmade Cloning and in Vitro Fertilization
Authors: Malpotra Shivani , Goel Pallavi , Shyam Songyukta , Singh Manoj Kumar , Palta Prabhat
Published: June 2021

Somatic cell nuclear transfer technique (SCNT) has proved to be an outstanding method of multiplication of elite animals but accompanied with low efficiency and live birth rate of cloned animals. Epigenetic alterations of DNA has been one of the culprits behind this issue. Cloned embryos are found to deviate slightly from regular pattern of demethylation and re-methylation at the time of nuclear reprogramming and embryonic development when compared with embryos produced by in vitro fertilization (IVF). Thus, the present study was aimed at evaluating global DNA methylation profiles of cloned embryos at 2-cell, 8-cell and blastocyst stages and compare it with corresponding stages of embryos produced by IVF by using MeDIP-Sequencing on Illumina-based platform. We found out that cloned embryos exhibited significantly different DNA methylation pattern as compared to IVF embryos with respect to distribution of differentially methylated regions in different components of genome, CpG islands distribution and methylation status, gene ontological profiles and pathways affected throughout the developmental stages. The data generated from MeDIP-Seq was validated at blastocyst stage cloned and IVF embryos by bisulfite-sequencing PCR on five randomly selected gene regions.
Changes in Testicular Biometry, Steroid Hormones and Receptor Expression in the Peripubertal Period of Indigenous Tenyi-vo Male Pigs of North-eastern Himalayan Region in India
Authors: Patra Manas Kumar , Kent Yhuntilo , Ngullie Ebibeni , Ngullie Lily , Borkotoky Debojyoti , Singh Vidya , Mishra Girish Kumar , Krishnaswamy Narayanan , Govindasamy Kadirvel
Published: June 2021

Present study was conducted to characterize the testicular changes in the peripubertal period in Tenyi-vo, a miniature size pig of North-eastern Himalayan (NEH) region of India. A total of twenty-four male pigs were randomly selected and categorised for castration at different age groups, G1 (Days 30-45), G2 (Days 60-65), G3 (Days 80-100) and G4 (Days 150-160), n=6 each category. Paired testes and epididymis were used for the assessment of biometry, cauda epididymal spermiogram, testicular histology and relative expression of the androgen receptor (AR), estrogen receptors (ERα and ERβ), aromatase (CYP19A1), and insulin like growth factor-1β receptor (IGF-1R) in qPCR. Plasma testosterone (T), estradiol (E2), tri-iodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), and cortisol concentrations were estimated on the day of castration in each group of male using commercial ELISA kits. In pigs of G2, a greater testicular weight, volume, epididymis weight was observed relative to G1. The presence of live spermatozoa at 1240.9±304.2×106/mLconcentration with 0.65% proximal droplets was recorded as early as day 60. The concentration of T increased steadily over the age of G1 to G4 and a significantly higher concentration was observed in G4 relative to the other categories. Among the transcripts analysed in the testis, the relative fold change of AR was 10.8 fold in G2, which was subsequently reduced in G3 and then down-regulated in G4. CYP19A1 was abundantly expressed in the testis and the fold change ranged from 41-54 fold, although it did not differ significantly from 60-150 days of age. Further, the presence of well-developed seminiferous tubules was evident in the Tenyi-vo male from day 60 onward with a body weight as low as 4.28 kg. The study concluded that the male of Tenyi-vo pig attained puberty at the earliest age of 60 days.
USP7 Inhibition Induces Apoptosis in Glioblastoma by Stabilizing ARF4
Authors: Pan Tingzheng , Li Xuetao , Tao Zhennan , Yao Hui , Wu Yue , Chen Guangliang , Zhang Kai , Zhou Youxin , Huang Yulun
Published: June 2021

Background: Glioblastomas (GBMs) are grade IV central nervous system tumors characterized by a poor prognosis and a median overall survival of 15 months. The glioblastoma cell population is more genetically unstable, resistant to chemotherapy, more angiogenic, and more malignant. Because ubiquitin-specific proteases (USPs) remove ubiquitin from oncogenic protein substrates, effective inhibition of ubiquitin-specific protease 7 (USP7), which is highly expressed in GBMs, is a potentially critical therapeutic approach. Methods: Immunohistochemistry and Western blotting were used to detect high expression of USP7 in GBM. in vitro studies were performed by Western blotting, immunofluorescence, and flow cytometry to detect apoptosis following inhibition of USP7. Anti-apoptotic substrates of USP7 were defined by Co-IP and TMT proteomics. Nude mouse intracranial xenograft models were constructed to verify whether inhibition of USP7 inhibited the proliferation rate of tumours.Results: USP7 is significantly upregulated in glioblastoma samples. Interfering with USP7 in GBMs induced significant apoptosis, which also occurred after treatment with P5091, a novel small molecule inhibitor of USP7. Mechanistically, apoptosis of GBMs after interference with USP7 function is achieved by stabilizing a key anti-apoptotic protein, ADP-ribosylation factor 4 (ARF4).Furthermore, USP7 interacts directly with ARF4 and catalyzes the removal of the K48-linked polyubiquitinated chain that binds to ARF4, thereby stabilizing the protein. In in vivo experiments, P5091 significantly inhibited tumor growth and promoted the expression of apoptotic genes. Conclusion: Targeted inhibition of USP7 enhances the ubiquitination of ARF4 and ultimately mediates the apoptosis of GBM cells. In a clinical sense, P5091 as a specific inhibitor of USP7 may be an effective approach for the treatment of GBM.
Differentiating ability of haematological indicators: comparative blood test of sympatric rodent species of the subfamily Arvicolinae (Clethrionomys glareolus, Clethrionomys rutilus, and Craseomys rufocanus)
Authors: Orekhova Natali , Davydova Yu A. , Smirnov G. Yu.
Published: June 2021

Among the representatives of the subfamily Arvicolinae the interspecific differences (Clethrionomys glareolus, Clethrionomys rutilus, and Craseomys rufocanus) in the respiratory capacity of red blood and the immune status are presented in conjunction with the basal metabolic rate, the level of sociality and eurybionism, and thermoregulatory function. The degree of differentiation of voles in terms of haematological parameters has corresponded to the level of phylogenetic relationships between species. Correct conduct of interspecific comparisons of haematological parameters of voles is possible only within the same reproductive-age groups.
What is the Value and Impact of the Adaptation Process on Quality Indicators for Local Use? A Scoping Review
Authors: Zhu Siyi , Wu Tao , Leese Jenny , Li Linda C. , He Chengqi , Yang Lin
Published: June 2021

Background: Quality indicators (QIs) are designed for improving quality of care, but the development of QIs is resource intensive and time consuming. This study sought to describe and identify the impact and potential attributes of the adaptation process for the local use of existing QIs. Methods: EMBASE, MEDLINE, CINAHL and grey literature were searched for literature operationalizing or implementing QIs that were developed in a different jurisdiction from the place where the QIs were use. Two reviewers independently extracted and mapped data on study and participant characteristics, the adaptation process of QIs, aims and key findings of studies, from which the attributes of the adaptation process was analysed. The quality assessment was done with the SQUIRE tool.Results: Of 7704 citations identified, 10 out of 33 articles were included. All studies were assessed as high quality and most were from Europe. Our results revealed a lack of definition and conceptualization for a systematic adaptation processes in which an existing set of QIs was applied. Four out of ten studies involved a consensus process (e.g., Delphi or RAND process) to determine the suitability of QIs for local use. QIs for chronic conditions in primary and secondary settings were mostly used for adaptation. Of the ones that underwent a consensus process, 56.3 to 85.7% of original QIs were considered valid for local use, and 2 to 21.8% of proposed QIs were newly added. Combining all findings, four attributes should be included in a systematic approach of adaptation: 1) identification of areas/conditions for QIs adaptation and operationalization; 2) intermediate process with considerations of issues risen from adaptation; 3) introduction of a set of proposed QIs for local use; 4) operationalizing QIs and evaluating the applicability.Conclusion: The existing QIs, although serving as a good starting point, were poorly adapted before for use in a different jurisdiction from their origin. Adaptation of QIs under a systematic approach is critical. Therefore, we propose that a systematic adaptation approach including at least four attributes found by this study should be formulated to inform future research planning for QIs adaptation and potentially establishing a new pathway for healthcare improvement. Trial registration: PROSPERO (CRD42018096844).
Assessing Antibiotic Stewardship Program (ASP) Implementation: Psychometric Properties of Survey measures based on the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR)
Authors: Butler Jorie Michaela , Childs Ellen , Barlam Tamar F. , Drainoni Mari-Lynn , Reardon Caitlin , Zhang Yue , Damschroder Laura , Taber Peter , Madaras-Kelly Karl , Goetz Matthew Bidwell , Stenehjem Eddie , Shen Jincheng , Samore Matthew
Published: June 2021

Background: Antibiotic stewardship programs (ASPs) are crucial to prevent the emergence of antibiotic resistance and to improve outcomes for patients. Few measurement instruments examine ASP implementation. A validated instrument rooted in implementation science theory will increase our understanding of ASP implementation and enable comparisons across studies. Methods: We used the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) to guide development of ASP implementation measures. Survey questions were developed by infectious disease and survey design experts to assess 22 potential determinants of implementation across five domains of the CFIR. Survey items were reviewed by CFIR experts for face and content validity. Antibiotic stewards (infectious disease pharmacists and physicians) were recruited from 154 Veterans Affairs (VA) hospital and Intermountain Healthcare (IH) sites to complete the survey. Survey responses were aggregated by site, and results were determined at the site level. We conducted confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) to assess structural validity of measures and evaluated inter-item consistency. Results: A total of 182 stewards completed the survey (155 VA and 27 IH responses). At least one response was obtained from 126 hospitals (81.8%). CFAs for most CFIR constructs exhibited good fit (CFI > .90; TLI > .90; RMSEA< .05, SRMR < .08). Scale reliabilities ranged from .54-.96 indicating low to strong inter-item consistency. Determinants that were rated highly present at the sites (across site means ³ 4.0 or above) included Self-Efficacy, Engaging, Evidence Strength and Quality and Relative Advantage, indicating stewards found ASP evidence compelling and felt their personal involvement was effective in engendering positive results for the ASP. Conclusions: Psychometric properties measured via CFA indicate validity of our CFIR-based measure of determinants for ASP implementation outcomes. This is the first validated set of measures based on the CFIR for ASP implementation and the first to include measures for 4 out of five CFIR domains. These validated measures will help to provide much needed understanding of barriers and facilitators of ASP implementation. Research and quality improvement teams can use these measures to identify contextual determinants of ASP implementation and use this information to guide selection of strategies and compare results across multiple studies.
Evaluation of Climate Change Impacts and Adaptation Options Using Risk-Based Hydro-Economic Model in Ajichay Basin, Iran
Authors: sani fatemeh , Dashti Ghader , Majnooni Abolfazl , Hosseinzad Javad
Published: June 2021

Climate change is one of the main issues in the 21st century and has been felt in many regions of world such as the Ajichay basin. The greatest impact of climate change is on the water resource sector. Projected changes in precipitation, temperature and river runoff will largely affect the water cycle and hydrological systems with important results for economic sector. Therefore, the current study aims to investigate the impact of climate and water management scenarios on water resources, cropping patterns, yields, and profits of farmers using a hydro-economic model. Quadratic risk programming was used for economic modeling, and WEAP-MABIA was applied for hydrological modeling. The necessary data were collected from questionnaires completed by 210 farmers selected by stratified random sampling during 2018. The HadCM3 model and LARS-WG downscaling were used to generate daily climatic data under the emissions of A2, B1, and A1B scenarios. The results showed that climate change could reduce the profit and employment rate in the agricultural sector and cause a shift in cropping patterns to crops with low water requirements. In addition to the efficient use of allocated water, the application of increasing irrigation efficiency scenario could raise farmers' profits, providing them with a better situation than the agricultural water reduction scenario. Overall, the findings of the current study revealed that without changing the management strategies there will be a considerable reduction in water resource and crop yield in near future.
The Landscape of Immune Cell Infiltration in the Glomerulus of Diabetic Nephropathy: Evidence Based on Bioinformatics
Authors: ZHOU Wei , LIU Yaoyu , HU Qinghong , ZHOU Jiuyao , LIN Hua
Published: June 2021

BackgroundIncreasing evidence suggests that immune cell infiltration contributes to the pathogenesis and progression of diabetic nephropathy (DN). We aim to unveil the immune infiltration pattern in the glomerulus of DN and provide potential targets for immunotherapy. MethodsInfiltrating percentage of 22 types of immune cell in the glomerulus tissues were estimated by the CIBERSORT algorithm based on three transcriptome datasets mined from the GEO database. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified by the “limma” package. Then immune-related DEGs were identified by intersecting DEGs with immune-related genes (downloaded from Immport database). The protein-protein interactions of Immune-related DEGs were explored using the STRING database and visualized by Cytoscape. The enrichment analyses for KEGG pathways and GO terms were carried out by the gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) method. Results9 types of immune cell were revealed to be significantly altered in the glomerulus tissues of DN (Up: B cells memory, T cells CD4 naive, Macrophages M2, Dendritic cells resting, Mast cells resting, Mast cells activated; Down: NK cells resting, Monocytes, Neutrophils). Correlation analysis revealed that immune infiltration act as a complicated and tightly regulated network, among which T cells gamma delta and T cells CD4 naive show the most synergistic effect (r = 0.58, p ＜ 0.001); meanwhile, T cells CD8 and T cells CD4 memory resting show the most competitive effect (r = - 0.67, p ＜ 0.001). Several pathways related to immune were significantly activated. Moreover, 6 hub genes with a medium to strong correlation with renal function (eGFR) were identified (ALB, EGF, FOS, CXCR1, CXCR2, CCL2). ConclusionIn the glomerulus of DN, the immune infiltration pattern changed significantly. A complicated and tightly regulated network of immune cells exists in the pathological of DN. The hub genes identified here will facilitate the development of immunotherapy.
A Combined Prediction Model for Biliary Tract Cancer using the Prognostic Nutritional Index and Pathological Findings: A Single-center Retrospective Study
Authors: Kitada Koji , Tokunaga Naoyuki , Kato Takamitsu , Narusaka Toru , Hamano Ryosuke , Miyasou Hideaki , Tsunemitsu Yousuke , Otsuka Shinya , Inagaki Masaru , Utsumi Masashi
Published: June 2021

Background: The prognostic nutritional index, a marker of nutritional status and systemic inflammation, is a known biomarker for various cancers. However, few studies have evaluated the predictive value of the prognostic nutritional index in patients with biliary tract cancer. Therefore, we investigated the prognostic significance of the prognostic nutritional index and developed a risk-stratification system to identify prognostic factors in patients with biliary tract cancer.Methods: Between July 2010 and March 2021, 117 patients with biliary tract cancer were recruited to this single-center retrospective study. The relationship between clinicopathological variables, including the prognostic nutritional index and overall survival, was analyzed using univariate and multivariate analyses. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results: The median age was 75 (range, 38–92) years. Thirty patients had intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma; 29, gallbladder carcinoma; 28, distal cholangiocarcinoma; 16, ampullary carcinoma; and 13, perihilar cholangiocarcinoma. R0 resection was achieved in 99 patients. In univariate analysis, the prognostic nutritional index (< 42), lymph node metastasis, carbohydrate antigen 19-9 level (> 20 U/mL), preoperative cholangitis, tumor differentiation, operation time (≥ 360 minutes), and R1–2 resection were significant risk factors for overall survival. The prognostic nutritional index (P = 0.007), lymph node metastasis (P = 0.024), and tumor differentiation (P = 0.008) were independent prognostic factors in the multivariate analysis. A combined score of the prognostic nutritional index and pathological findings outperformed each marker alone, in terms of discriminatory power.Conclusions: The prognostic nutritional index, lymph node metastasis, and tumor differentiation were independent prognostic predictors after surgical resection in patients with biliary tract cancer. A combined prediction model using the prognostic nutritional index and pathological findings accurately predicted prognosis and can be applied as a novel prognostic indicator for patients with biliary tract cancer.
Analysis of Capability, Motivation and Opportunity to Prevent Substance Abuse in Sensation Seeking Students on the Outskirts of a City in Eastern Iran: A Qualitative Study Using a Focus Group Discussion
Authors: Mahmoodabad Seyed Saeed Mazloomy , Majd Hssein Mazhari , Mahmoodabadi Hassan Zareei , Miri Mohammad Reza
Published: June 2021

Background: Usually, substance abuse begins in adolescence. The prevalence of alcohol use among Iranian adolescents (15 to 18 years old) is 15%, opium use is 3.1%, and ecstasy use is 5.6%. Young people who score high on the sensation-seeking trait tend to be more prone to substance abuse and an early experience in using. In this respect, environmental factors also act as a mediator or moderator.According to the COM_B model (Capability (C), Opportunity (O), Motivation (M), Behavior (B)), substance abuse can be observed in situations where a person has the necessary physical and mental abilities, the necessary opportunities, and competing motivations.Methods: To better understand substance abuse preventions' capability, motivation, and opportunities, we conducted a focus group discussion with 18 participants (high school male students) from the outskirts of Birjand, who received a positive score from the Zuckerman Sensation Seeking Questionnaires' summary form. The group discussion was conducted using a guide to semi-structured questions based on COM-B model constructs. Results: Students' knowledge of substance cognition, side effects, and consequences of addiction were incomplete. Some students believed that substance use was a way to control or vent emotions and that smoking was a sedative, and private spaces and uncrowded public places were physical environments that students cited for engaging in substance use.Conclusions: In order to achieve more precise prevention interventions against adolescents' tendency for substance abuse and to have a more significant impact on their behaviors, it is beneficial to study the three identified factors in some of the target individuals before intervention.
Anomalous Origin of the Right Coronary Artery With Interarterial Course: Red Flag or Innocent Bystander?
Authors: Albuquerque Francisco , Gonçalves Pedro De Araújo , Marques Hugo , Ferreira António M. , Freitas Pedro , Lopes Pedro , Gonçalves Mariana , Dores Hélder , Cardim Nuno
Published: June 2021

Purpose: Anomalous origin of the right coronary artery from the opposite sinus (right-ACAOS) with interarterial course (IAC) has been associated with increased risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD). Widespread use of coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) has led to increasing recognition of this condition, even among healthy individuals. Our study sought to examine the prevalence, anatomical characteristics and outcomes of right-ACAOS with IAC in patients undergoing CCTA for suspected coronary artery disease (CAD).Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of consecutive patients referred for CCTA at one tertiary hospital from January 2012 to December 2020. Right-ACAOS with IAC patients were analyzed for cardiac symptoms and long-term occurrence of first MACE (SCD, non-fatal myocardial infarction (MI) or revascularization of the anomalous vessel). CCTAs were reviewed for anatomical high-risk features and concomitant CAD. Results: Among 10928 patients referred for CCTA, 28 patients with right-ACAOS with IAC were identified. Mean age was 55 ± 17 years, 64% were male and 11 (39.3%) presented with stable cardiac symptoms. Most patients had at least one high risk anatomical feature. During follow-up, there were no CV deaths or aborted SCD episodes and only 1 patient underwent surgical revascularization of the anomalous vessel.Conclusions: Right-ACAOS with IAC is an uncommon finding (prevalence of 0.26%). In a contemporary population of predominantly asymptomatic patients who survived this condition well into adulthood, most patients were managed conservatively with a low event rate. Additional studies are needed to support medical follow-up as the preferred option in this setting.
Micro-CT Mineral Density Profile as Reference Standard for Early Carious Lesion Activity Assessment.
Authors: Hoxie Adam Michael , Neves Aline de Almeida , Moss Kevin , de Vasconcellos Adalberto Bastos , Ferreira-Zandona Andrea , Ribeiro Apoena Aguiar
Published: June 2021

A challenging and crucial component to clinical caries diagnosis is diagnosing the activity of early lesions because it may have a significant impact on treatment decisions. This study aims to utilize microtomographic (micro-CT) scans of the enamel smooth surface layer to serve as a reference standard for future ex vivo caries activity assessment validation studies. Sound and non-cavitated (ICDAS 1-3) smooth surfaces (n=59) of extracted permanent teeth were examined for caries activity by calibrated individuals via visual-tactile examination. Each surface was scanned via micro-CT and line plot analysis generated plots of the mineral density against lesion depth, where the AUC was calculated. AUC thresholds were established to classify sound, remineralized, and demineralized surfaces against the gold standard examiner’s ICCMS assessment of sound, inactive, and active lesions, respectively. Diagnostic thresholds were associated with caries ICCMS activity classification using AUC mineral density values of the most external 96 μm of enamel. The established thresholds demonstrated 76.3% agreement with the ICCMS assessment in identifying demineralized lesions (k=0.45), with high sensitivity (0.73) and specificity (0.77). This study demonstrates quantifiable differences among demineralized, remineralized lesions, and sound surfaces, which contributes to the establishment of micro-CT as a reference standard for caries activity that may be used to improve clinical and technological caries examinations.
Investigation of Job Satisfaction Amongst Voluntary, Counseling and Testing Centers and Health centers in Iran
Authors: Heydari Mohammadreza , faghih Marjan , Karimzadeh Yasaman , Joulaei Hassan , SeyedAlinaghi SeyedAhmad , Miri Mohammad Reza , Pirmadah Farzane , Amini Wali , Meshkati Marjan , Kazerooni Parvin Afsar , Mehraeen Morteza , Qhiasi Fariba , Dadmanesh Negin , Hosseini Farzane , Yeilaghi Soloman
Published: June 2021

Background: Job satisfaction is the persons’ feeling about their job and if personnel haven't good feel to his work, can destroy all plans, intentionally or unintentionally. The present research aims to investigate and compare job satisfaction in the employees and therapists of Voluntary, Counseling and Testing Centers vs. Health centers in 9 provinces of Iran. Methods: All employees of Voluntary, Counseling and Testing Centers were included from Fars, Bushehr, Tehran, Isfahan, South Khorasan, Kurdistan, Kermanshah, Kerman, and Yazd provinces as case group and 103 staffs of similar Health centers selected with the same ratio as the staffs of Voluntary, Counseling and Testing Centers as control samples and answered to Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire (MSQ). Results: 50.5% of Health centers employees and 54% of Voluntary, Counseling and Testing Centers employees had high job satisfaction. Other than age and subscale management style no one of data had significant difference between 2 groups. Conclusion: According to the findings, in the Iranian treatment centers, the employees’ satisfaction will be at the same level regardless of their position and workplace. Also, the eastern and western regions of the country reported higher satisfaction than the southern and central regions.
“The Relative Impact of Barriers to Care Among Military Health Services Personnel: Exploring Differences Using Context Specific Scenarios”
Authors: Born Jennifer , Frank Christine
Published: June 2021

Background: Military health care providers often under access both physical and mental health care, yet research has predominantly focused on barriers to mental health care. This study explored a comprehensive set of barriers using hypothetical scenarios to quantify barrier impact on access to both mental and physical health care. Methods: Canadian military health services personnel (N = 1033) completed one of two electronic surveys (assessing either physical health or other mental health barriers) that captured participant’s demographics, health, endorsement of barriers, intent to seek care, and whether the respondent would access care in different health scenarios (pneumonia, back injury, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder). Logistic regression was used to calculate odds of not accessing care (versus accessing care) for each of the four health scenarios.Results: All barrier factors independently predicted increased odds of not accessing care for all four scenarios. When entered into an adjusted model none of the barrier factors significantly predicted accessing care in the physical health scenarios. Staffing and workload resources and Intention to self-treat were significant predictors of accessing care in the mental health scenarios. Weak general intentions to access care was the strongest predictors of not accessing care across all four scenarios.Conclusions: The impact of barriers on simulated accessing care behaviour differs depending on the context for which one is accessing care, with access to resources and intent to self-treat driving mental health care seeking. Intent appears to be the most impactful predictor of accessing care potentially mediating the effect of other barrier types on care seeking.
Physical Activity and Its Determinants Among Senior Residents of Podlasie, A Green Region of Poland, Based on the National PolSenior Study
Authors: Rowiński Rafał , Kowalska Grażyna , Kozakiewicz Mariusz , Kornatowska Kornelia , Kornatowski Maciej , Hawlena Joanna , Rowińska Karolina
Published: June 2021

Background: Physical activity (PA) is essential at all stages of life, and particularly so in the later years. The aim of the present work was to evaluate the PA of seniors, aged 65 years and older, living in the area of the Podlaskie voivodeship (Podlasie), Poland.Methods: The study was performed as part of the national PolSenior project, whose aim was to evaluate various aspects of aging in Poland. The physical activity of a group of 186 randomly-selected people aged 65 years and above, 94 men and 92 women, was evaluated by questionnaire. The analysis included participants who took part in physical activity at least several times a week. Results: Although all participants reported a decline in PA with age, the men remained physically active for longer. Among the respondents, 68.3% of women and 62.7% of men took short walks around the house as the main form of exercise, with working on the allotment or garden being another frequent activity; however, this was more common among men (53.9%) than women (34.7%). In addition, men were nearly twice as likely to take part in cycling (31.5%) than women (13.1%). The greatest motivation for physical activity given by the respondents was health, as noted by 73.8% of the men and 77.7% of the women. Conclusion: The physical activity (PA) of seniors in Podlasie is unsatisfactory and does not fulfil the WHO recommendations regarding the prophylaxis and prevention of chronic illness. This level does not, however, significantly differ from that reported in the nationwide PolSenior study or in other European countries in the Eurobarometer study. The decline in PA with age highlights the need for its greater promotion among seniors by local authorities. Such initiatives will help maintain the physical fitness and independence of this age group and contribute to a greater quality of life.
Model-free Adaptive Control Design for Chaotic Systems Via Type-2 Recurrent Wavelet Fuzzy Brain Emotional Learning Networks
Authors: Zou Xiaohua , Yang Qingfeng , He Feng , Ling Mingsheng , Dai Jianping
Published: June 2021

This paper introduces an optimal model named Self-Organizing Type-2 Recurrent Wavelet Fuzzy Brain Emotional Learning Network controller (SET2RWFBELNC) with self-evolving algorithm to gain optimal structure from zero initial rule, which merges Interval Type-2 Recurrent Wavelet Fuzzy System and Brain Emotional Learning Network(BELN). As an ideal controller, SET2RWFBELNC not only solves the problem of less information between master and slave systems, but also reduces the influence of external disturbance on synchronization of chaotic systems. Consequently, one model-free adaptive sliding mode controller based on SET2RWFBELNC, sliding model theory, and the asymptotic stability of the synchronization error is realized by robust compensation, in which the strong compensation used for the compensation of the network error. Besides, the Lyapunov function improves the stability of the model. Finally, simulation results of the chaotic system presented in this paper show the superiority of this method. INDEX TERMS Type-2 recurrent wavelet fuzzy system, Sliding mode control, Brain Emotion Learning Network, Model-free adaptive control,Chaotic system.