bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Texture Analysis of Myometrium-Derived T2WI in the Evaluation of Placenta Increta: An Observational Retrospective Study
Authors: Dong Lishan , Lei Zhiyi , Zhang Jiangong , Sun Zongqiong , Li Yonggang
Published: July 2021

Background: To develop an objective and quantitative measurement based on texture analysis of myometrium-derived T2WI to differentiate placenta accreta from increta.Methods: Participants with MRI and clinical or histopathological diagnosis of placenta increta were included. Texture analysis of T2WI was implemented on normal myometrium and placenta increta by MaZda software. Parameter selection and reduction was automatically done with Fisher discriminant method. Multivariate analysis was used for the comparison of response variables between two groups. Profile analysis was used to compare the contours of multivariable average vectors. Two-step clustering was performed to evaluate the importance of parameters.Results: Multivariate analysis showed that nine second-order parameters between normal myometrium and placenta increta were statistically significant(P﹤0.05). The t-test showed that there were two parameters (Skew and Kurtosis) that had no statistical significance. Profile analysis showed that the profiles of seven parameters were neither parallel(P﹤0.05) nor coincident(P﹤0.05). The results of two-step cluster indicated that Mean, Percentile 90% and Percentile 99% were important (predictor importance﹥0.8).Conclusion: The study showed statistically significant differences for Mean, Percentile 90% and Percentile 99% between normal myometrium and placenta increta. Texture analysis of myometrium-derived T2WI may be a useful add-on to MRI in diagnosing placenta increta.Trial registration: Registration number: ChiCTR2000038604 and name of registry: Evaluation of diagnostic accuracy of MRI multi-parameter imaging combined with texture analysis for placenta accreta spectrum disorders (PAD).
Clinical Utility of aVR Lead T-Wave in Electrocardiogram of Patients With ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Kazemi-Arbat Babak , Sadat-Ebrahimi Seyyed-Reza , Ranjbar Abdolmohammad , Akbarzadeh Fariborz , Sadaie Mohammad Reza , Safaei Naser , Zadeh-Saboor Mehdi Esmaeil , Sohrabi Bahram , Ghaffari Samad
Published: July 2021

Background

aVR lead is often neglected in routine clinical practice largely because of its undefined clinical utility specifications. Nevertheless, positive T-wave in aVR lead has been reported to be associated with poor clinical outcomes in some cardiovascular diseases. This study aimed to prospectively investigate the prognostic value and clinical utility of T-wave amplitude in aVR lead in patients with acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).
Methods

A total of 340 STEMI patients admitted to a tertiary heart center were consecutively included. Patients were categorized into four strata, based on T wave amplitude in aVR lead in their admission ECG (i.e. < -2, -1 to -2, -1 to 0, and ≥ 0 mV). Patients’ clinical outcomes were also recorded and statistically analyzed.
Results

In-hospital mortality, re-hospitalization, and six-month-mortality significantly varied among four T wave strata and were higher in patients with a T wave amplitude of ≥ 0 mV (p-values, 0.001 to 0.002). As the T wave amplitude in aVR increased, there was a progressive increase in relative risk (RR) of in-hospital mortality (RRs = < 0.01, 0.07, 1.00, 2.30 in four T wave strata, respectively). T wave amplitude in the cutoff point of -1 mV exhibited a sensitivity and specificity of 95.83 (95% CI, 78.88–99.89) and 49.68 (95% CI, 44.04–55.33).
Conclusion

Our study demonstrated a significant association of positive T wave in aVR lead and adverse clinical outcomes in STEMI patients. Nevertheless, the clinical utility of T-wave amplitude at aVR lead is limited by its low discriminative potential toward prognosis of STEMI.
Study on a New Process and its Kinetics of Iron Recovery and Glass-ceramics Preparation from Desulfurization Slag
Authors: Tong Zhibo , sun jingting , Liu ShiChang , Zhang Wei , Kuang MeiLing
Published: July 2021

The melting point and phase of slag was calculated with Factsage thermodynamics software, and base on this, taking desulfurization slag as the main raw material, which is leached by ammonium chloride as pretreatment. The composition of target slag system was adjusted with high aluminum powder coal ash and glass cullet, and then the reducing slag and metallic iron were separated by high temperature carbon thermal reaction. The prepared glass-ceramics with main crystal phases of diopside and nepheline were obtained by heat treatment, which shows that the new process is feasible. The crystallization activation energy was calculated by using Kissinger, Ozawa and Augis-Bennett method base on the differential heat curve. The results show that the crystallization activation energy is relatively high, and the crystal growth index n are all less than 3, which means that the crystallization capacity of the glass-ceramics is low. At the heating rate of 5 K/min, the n value of sample No. 3 is the largest, which is 2.7, and the mode of volumetric crystallization changes from two-dimensional to one-dimensional with the increase of heating rate, therefore, nucleating agent is needed in the preparation of glass-ceramics.
Effects of Land Use/Cover Change On Atmospheric Humidity in Three Urban Agglomerations in The Yangtze River Economic
Authors: Li Baoni , Xiong Lihua , Zhang Quan , Chen Shilei , Yang Han , Guo Shuhui
Published: July 2021

Land use/cover change (LUCC) affects regional climate not only through its direct changes of land surface properties, but also through its further modifications of land-atmosphere interactions. Urban land expansion is a typical case of LUCC in highly populated areas, and has been widely discussed about its impacts on regional air temperature, notably known as urban heat island (UHI) effects. Besides air temperature, atmospheric humidity, as another key variable in hydrometeorology and climate, would be inevitably affected by LUCC as well. However, the impacts of LUCC on atmospheric humidity seem to have not been investigated as much as on temperature. We examined atmospheric humidity changes by trend analyses of humidity indicators in three representative urban agglomerations in the Yangtze River Economic Belt (YREB), China during 1965-2017, and found the evident urban dry island (UDI) effects which are characterized by significant humidity decrease and vapor pressure deficit increase. In different urban cores, the severity levels of UDI are different. Furthermore, strong positive correlations between humidity and evapotranspiration, and between evapotranspiration and leaf area were detected during 2001-2017 when cities entered the accelerated stage of land expansion, indicating that LUCC affects regional climate through an ecohydrological way. We speculated that the UDI effect will not appear until urban land expands to a certain scale. Besides, the UHI effect emerged in the early stage of urban expansion, about 5 years earlier than the UDI effect, and has not performed prominently in recent years. This implies that urbanization-induced LUCC may exert a larger influence on UDI than on UHI in the current later period of urban expansion.
Mobile Health Applications Interventions For Prediabetic State: Protocol of Systematic Review
Authors: Jeem Yaltafit Abror , Nabila Refa , Emelia Dwi Ditha , Lazuardi Lutfan , Josef Hari Kusnanto
Published: July 2021

Background: Individuals with prediabetic state are much more likely to develop Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus (TD2M) 4 times greater than those with normal glucose tolerance. Lifestyle changes such as daily physical activity and healthy diets can decrease the risk of prediabetic state . Mobile applications intervention could be one of the solutions to improve self-management awareness and compliance of prediabetic state intervention. There are no studies in systematic reviews of mobile phone applications intervention to prevent prediabetic state yet. Therefore, the objective of this study was to collect and summarize the evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) exploring the effectiveness of mobile phone applications for intervention in prediabetic state patients.Methods: This protocol was prepared in accordance with the preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analysis protocols (PRISMA-P) statement. The database that will be used includes PubMed, ProQuest and EBSCO with date restriction between January 2007 and July 2019 in English language only. Identification of articles will be done independently by three reviewers through the title of the articles, reviewing the abstract, and then the full-text-article. Any disagreement will be resolved by consensus. The quality assessment and possible risk of bias will be evaluated using forms adapted from the Jadad score. Extraction and content analysis will be performed systematically. Quantitative data will be presented graphically via forest plot with 95% confidence intervals. Where possible we will explore the heterogeneity and continue to conduct meta-analysis using RevMan software package. Discussion: Changes in lifestyle, such as daily physical activity and a nutritious diet, can help to reduce the risk of prediabetes. Mobile phone applications, including health-related applications, is demonstrated to have a lot of promise in terms of providing tailored medical recommendations. Conclusion: The proposed systematic review and meta-analyses will allow us to obtain the evidence exploring the effectiveness of mobile phone applications for intervention in prediabetic state patients.Systematic review registration: This protocol has been registered in the Prospective Registry of Systematic Review (PROSPERO) database (CRD42021243813).
A Stochastic SIS Epidemic Model with Ornstein-Uhlenbeck Process and Brown Motion
Authors: Chen Xingzhi , Tian Baodan , Xu Xin , Yang Ruoxi , Zhong Shouming
Published: July 2021

This paper studies a stochastic differential equation SIS epidemic model, disturbed randomly by the mean-reverting Ornstein-Uhlenbeck process and Brownian motion. We prove the existence and uniqueness of the positive global solutions of the model and obtain the controlling conditions for the extinction and persistence of the disease. The results show that when the basic reproduction number Rs0 < 1, the disease will extinct, on the contrary, when the basic reproduction number Rs0 > 1, the disease will persist. Furthermore, we can inhibit the outbreak of the disease by increasing the intensity of volatility or decreasing the speed of reversion ϑ, respectively. Finally, we give some numerical examples to verify these results.
A Categorial Equivalence for Semi-Nelson Algebras
Authors: Cornejo Juan Manuel , Gallardo Andrés , Viglizzo Ignacio Darío
Published: July 2021

We present a category equivalent to that of semi-Nelson algebras. The objects in this category are pairs consisting of a semi-Heyting algebra and one of its filters. The filters must contain all the dense elements of the semi-Heyting algebra and satisfy an additional technical condition. We also show that the category of dually hemimorphic semi-Nelson algebras is equivalent to that of dually hemimorphic semi-Heyting algebras.
The Effect of Thyroid Hormone Withdrawal, Performed to Evaluate the Success of I-131 Ablation, On Quality of Life in Female Patients With Low-Risk Differentiated Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Kupik Osman , Şen Bayram , Arpa Medeni , Akça Levent , Avcı Uğur , Eren Gülnihan , Gündoğdu Hasan , Kalcan Süleyman , Güçer Hasan , Akın Şafak , Tuncel Murat
Published: July 2021

Objective: There is a need to evaluate the treatment response in patients who have undergone radioiodine treatment (RIT) for differentiated thyroid cancerDiagnostic tests that are used for this purpose include radioiodine whole body scan (sWBS) and serum thyroglobulin (Tg) measurement which are most accurate during thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) stimulation. However temporary discontinuation of thyroid hormone therapy to increase TSH (withdrawal) may be associated with the morbidity of hypothyroidism The aim of our study was to show the effects of thyroid hormone withdrawal (THW), on quality of life and psychological symptoms in female patients with low-risk, well-differentiated papillary thyroid cancer. Methods: We applied the short form-36 (SF-36) and Symptom Checklist-90-R (SCL-90-R) questionnaires to the patients in the euthyroid state who were referred a median of 9 months (6-13 months) after RIT, to perform a dWBS and to evaluate stimulated Tg. We applied the same questionnaire again when thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) was > 30 μIU/mL 4 weeks after THW (hypothyroid state). We evaluated the changes in questionnaire scores using the paired-samples t test or the Wilcoxon signed rank test. Results: Our study included 52 patients (median age 48 years, range 23-65 years) with differentiated cancer. Forthy –two (%) of these patients received 3700 MBq I-131 wheras 7 (%) patients received 1850 MBq. . Ablation success based on the dWBS only was 96.2%, based on Tg only was 98% and based on thyroglobulin antibodies (TgAb) only was 88.5%. There was statistically significant worsening in anxiety, psychosis, additional items and general symptom index symptoms with the SCL-90-R questionnaire, and physical functioning, role limitation due to physical health, energy/fatigue, emotional well-being, social function, general health and health change with the SF-36 questionnaire. Conclusions: THW worsened the patients’ psychological symptoms and quality of life. Our findings show that stimulated Tg and the dWBS may have side effects that outweigh benefits in patients with low-risk differentiated thyroid cancer without TgAb interference and access to ultrasonography.
S = ½ Heterospin Frustration in a Metal‒Fullerene-Bonded Semiconductive Antiferromagnet
Authors: Shen Yongbing , Cui Mengxing , Takaishi Shinya , Tsumuraya Takao , Otsuka Akihiro , Kwon Eunsang , Yoshida Takefumi , Hoshino Norihisa , Kawachi Kazuhiko , Kasama Yasuhiko , Akutagawa Tomoyuki , Yamashita Masahiro
Published: July 2021

Lithium-ion-encapsulated fullerenes (Li+@C60) are 3D superatoms with rich oxidative states. However, no current studies have reported Li+@C60 as ligands. Here, we report a conductive and magnetically frustrated metal–fullerene-bonded framework {[Cu4(Li+@C60)(L)(py)4](NTf2)(hexane)n (1) prepared from redox-active dinuclear metal complex Cu2(L)(py)4 and lithium-ion-encapsulated fullerene salt (Li+@C60)(NTf2−), where ligand L denotes 1,2,4,5-tetrakis(methanesulfonamido)benzene, py pyridine, and NTf2− the bis(trifluoromethane)sulfonamide anion. Electron donor Cu2(L)(py)2 bonds to acceptor Li+@C60 via eight Cu‒C bonds. Cu–C bond formation stems from spontaneous charge transfer (CT) between Cu2(L)(py)4 and (Li+@C60)(NTf2−) by removing the two-terminal py molecules, yielding triplet ground state [Cu2(L)(py)2]+(Li+@C•‒ 60), evidenced by absorption and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectra, magnetic properties, and quantum chemical calculations. Moreover, Li+@C•‒ 60 radicals (S = ½) and Cu2+ ions (S = ½) interact antiferromagnetically in triangular spin lattices in the absence of long-range magnetic ordering up to 1.8 K; thus, compound 1 is a potential candidate for an S = ½ quantum spin liquid.
Priority micronutrient density in foods
Authors: Beal Ty , Ortenzi Flaminia
Published: July 2021

Background: Despite concerted efforts to improve diet quality and reduce malnutrition, micronutrient deficiencies remain widespread globally, especially in low- and middle-income countries and among population groups with increased needs, where diets are often inadequate in iron, zinc, folate, vitamin A, calcium, and vitamin B12. There is a need to understand the density of these micronutrients and their bioavailability across diverse foods and the suitability of these foods to help meet requirements for populations with high burdens of micronutrient malnutrition.Objective: We aimed to identify the top food sources of these commonly lacking micronutrients, which are essential for optimal health, to support efforts to reduce micronutrient malnutrition among various populations globally.Methods: We built an aggregated global food composition database and calculated recommended nutrient intakes for five population groups with varying requirements. An approach was developed to rate foods according to their density in each and all priority micronutrients for various population groups with different nutrient requirements.Results: We find that the top sources of priority micronutrients are organs, small fish, dark green leafy vegetables, bivalves, crustaceans, beef, goat, eggs, milk, cheese, and canned fish with bones. Lamb, mutton, goat milk, and pork are also good sources, and to a lesser extent, yogurt, fresh fish, pulses, and teff.Conclusions: The results provide insight into which foods to prioritize to fill common micronutrient gaps and reduce undernutrition.
Ramet specialization allows similar performance of the invasive macrophyte Hedychium coronarium under different light and intraspecific competition levels
Authors: Costa Rosane Oliveira , Batisteli Augusto Florisvaldo , Almeida Renata Vilar , de Castro Wagner Antônio Chiba , Espindola Evaldo Luiz Gaeta , Matos Dalva Maria da Silva
Published: July 2021

Invasive species can affect ecosystems functioning by forming dense monospecific stands and outcompeting native plants. However, the performance of the invader depends on its plastic responses to abiotic attributes of invaded communities. Understanding the interplay between intraspecific competition and environmental conditions is important to elucidate the domain and aggressive potential of invasive species. Here, we assessed the performance of the invasive Hedychium coronarium in two levels of intraspecific competition created through rhizome density under full light and partial shade. We tested the influence of light, density and their interaction on ramet length and number of ramets during the first three months after planting (phase 1) and after 22 months (phase 2), and on rhizome dry weight and the ramet/rhizome biomass ratio in phase 2. In both phases, ramets were longer under shade and the number of ramets was higher under low rhizome density indicating lower intraspecific competition. In phase 2, there was a negative effect of rhizome density on ramet length, but it was restricted to shade, probably due to the aggravation of competition for light. Rhizome dry weight was greater under shade conditions and it was not affected by rhizome density, and ramet/rhizome ratio did not differ between treatments. Our results supported a large phenotypic plasticity of H. coronarium ramets, which allowed similar performances despite variations in environmental conditions and population densities. We suggest that this mechanism of energy allocation enhances the success of this invasive plant in varied habitats, such as open and closed, forested sites.
Menstrual Hygiene Practice among Adolescent Girls in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Sahiledengle Biniyam , Atlaw Daniel , Kumie Abera , Tekalegn Yohannes , Woldeyohannes Demelash , Agho Kingsley Emwinyore
Published: July 2021

Background: Adolescent girls face several challenges relating to menstruation and its proper management. Lack of adequate sanitary products, inadequate water supply, and privacy for changing sanitary pads continue to leave adolescent girls with limited options for safe and proper menstrual hygiene in many low-income settings, including Ethiopia. These situations are also compounded by societal myths, stigmas surrounding menstruation, and discriminatory social norms. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to estimate the pooled proportion of safe menstrual hygiene management among adolescent girls in Ethiopia using the available studies. Methods: We searched PubMed, Google Scholar, African Journal Online (AJOL), Hinari, Science Direct, ProQuest, Direct of Open Access Journals, POPLINE, and Cochrane Library database inception to May 31, 2021. Studies reporting the proportion of menstrual hygiene management among adolescent girls in Ethiopia were considered. The Cochrane Q test statistics and I2 tests were used to assess the heterogeneity of the included studies. Since the included studies revealed considerable heterogeneity, a random effect meta-analysis model was used to estimate the pooled proportion of safe MHM. Results: Of 1,045 identified articles, 22 studies were eligible for analysis (n=12,330 participants). The overall pooled proportion (PP) of safe MHM in Ethiopia was 52.69% (95%CI: 44.16, 61.22). The use of commercial menstrual absorbents was common 64.63% (95%CI: 55.32, 73.93, I2 99.2%) followed by homemade cloth 53.03% (95%CI: 22.29,83.77, I2 99.2%). Disposal of absorbent material into the latrine was the most common practice in Ethiopia 62.18% (95%CI:52.87,71.49, I298.7%). One in four girls reported missing one or more school days during menstruation (PP: 32.03%, 95%CI: 22.65%, 41.40%, I2 98.2%). Conclusion: This study revealed that only half of the adolescent girls in Ethiopia had safe MHM practices. To ensure that girls in Ethiopia can manage menstruation hygienically and with dignity, strong gender-specific water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facilities along with strong awareness creation activities at every level are needed.
Gut Dysbiosis and Hemodynamic Changes as Links of the Pathogenesis of Complications of Cirrhosis
Authors: Maslennikov Roman , Ivashkin Vladimir , Efremova Irina , Poluektova Elena , Shirokova Elena , Ivashkin Konstantin , Kudryavtseva Anna , Krasnov George Biology V.A.Engelgardt
Published: July 2021

Background. Hemodynamic changes (hyperdynamic circulation) and gut dysbiosis are observed in cirrhosis. It was suggested that gut dysbiosis contributes to the development of hyperdynamic circulation, which aggravates the course of cirrhosis. The aim is to test this hypothesis.Methods. The cross-sectional observational study included 47 patients with cirrhosis. Stool microbiome was assessed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Echocardiography with a simultaneous assessment of blood pressure and heart rate was performed. Hemodynamic parameters were calculated. Results. Hyperdynamic circulation was found in 34% of patients. Patients with hyperdynamic circulation had higher incidences of clinically significant ascites (p=0.018), overt hepatic encephalopathy (p=0.042), hypoalbuminemia (p=0.011), hypoprothrombinemia (p=0.019), systemic inflammation (p=0.002), and severe hyperbilirubinemia (p=0.042) than patients without hyperdynamic circulation. The abundance of Proteobacteria (p=0.012), Enterobacteriaceae (p=0.008), Bacilli (p=0.027), Streptococcaceae (p=0.044), Lactobacillaceae (p=0.034), Enterococcaceae (p=0.046), and Fusobacteria (p=0.026) increased and the abundance of Bacteroidetes (p=0.049) and Erysipelotrichia (p=0.029) decreased in the gut microbiome of patients with hyperdynamic circulation compared to patients without hyperdynamic circulation. The systemic vascular resistance value negatively correlated with the abundance of Proteobacteria (r=-0.423; p=0.003), Enterobacteriaceae (r=-0.417; p=0.004), and Fusobacteria (r=-0.401; p=0.005). Heart rate was negatively correlated with the abundance of Bacteroidetes (r=-0.453; p=0.001). The cardiac output value was positively correlated with the abundance of Proteobacteria (r=0.402; p=0.003), Enterobacteriaceae (r=0.424; p=0.003), Fusobacteria (r=0.281; p=0.049), and Bacilli (r=0.314; p=0.031), and negatively correlated with the abundance of Bacteroidetes (r=-0.313; p=0.032) and Erysipelotrichia (r=-0.329; p=0.024). Conclusion. Gut dysbiosis is associated with hyperdynamic circulation, which is associated with a number of complications of cirrhosis.
Improved Neural Network Adaptive Control for Compound Helicopter with Uncertain Cross-Coupling in Multimodal Maneuver
Authors: Zheng Fengying , Xiong Bowei , Zhang Jingyang , Zhen Ziyang , Wang Feng
Published: July 2021

The main goal of this study was to create a robust control system that could guide or replace the pilots in tracking of commanded velocity and attitude in multimodal maneuver, while complex dynamics and uncertain aerodynamic cross-coupling among control surfaces of compound helicopter are considered. To this end, a Pi-Sigma neural network (PSNN) adaptive controller is proposed based upon the certainty-equivalence (CE) principle, where a novel Lyapunov-based weight self-tuning algorithm augmented with e-modification is designed to realize efficient uncertainty approximation and guarantee robustness of convergence process. Compared with traditional neural networks in control field, stronger generalization ability of PSNN must be balanced against weaker stability, which leads to inevitable parameters perturbation. Therefore, an incremental nonlinear dynamic inversion (INDI) framework is established to decouple original overactuated system and reject parameters perturbation in PSNN. Meanwhile, by incorporating Lagrang- multiplier method into allocation, an original incremental allocation method is designed to get globally ideal control input according to time-varying working capability of each surface. In terms of Lyapunov theorem, it is demonstrated that the closed-loop augmented system driven by the proposed control scheme is semi-global uniformly ultimately bounded (SGUUB). Finally, the simulation result validates the effectiveness of proposed control scheme.
Shining Like Gold and New: The Emergence of Brass North of the Alps Around the Turn of the Era.
Authors: Bursák Daniel , Danielisová Alžběta , Magna Tomáš , Pajdla Petr , Míková Jitka , Rodovská Zuzana , Strnad Ladislav , Trubač Jakub
Published: July 2021

Ancient brass (aurichalcum) was a valued commodity in the Antiquity, notably because of its gold-like appearance. After mastering brass fabrication using the cementation procedure in the 1st century BC in the Mediterranean, this material became widely used by the Romans for coins, jewellery and other objects. Because of its visual qualities, it is believed that since this period, brass played an important role in diplomatic and economic contacts with indigenous communities, notably Celtic and Germanic tribes north of Danube and west of Rhine. To test this hypothesis, we performed for the first time the archaeometric and advanced statistical multivariate analysis of a suite of late Iron Age and Early Roman period (1st century BC – 1st century AD) brass and other copper-alloy objects from the territory of Bohemia to constrain their provenance. The new results for brass objects from this early phase of the massive occurrence of Roman aurichalcum in the Barbarian territories point to the ore deposits in the western Mediterranean or the Massif Central area in Gaul, consistent with historical events. These new findings underscore the great economic and political importance of the new and rich mineral resources in the Transalpine Gaul acquired due to Caesar's military campaigns
Evaluation of Rain Water Harvesting Systems for coping water shortage in the Upper Blue Nile Basin, North West Ethiopia
Authors: genet Amare Tsige , Abebe Ataklite , Tewabe Dires , Enyew Alebachew
Published: July 2021

Background

The applicability of rainwater harvesting structure is very poor while the intended purpose is achievable in the Blue Nile basin. Therefore, this research was initiated to evaluate the performance of a rainwater harvesting structure and put possible strategies for dry season challenges. The study carried out for three years in the North West Ethiopia.
Methods

The data were analyzed using daily water balance model and other performance indicators (number of water day, relative irrigation supply, runoff storage efficiency and marginal rate of return).
Results

At the inception, it was established that the existing rain water harvesting system performs very low, runoff storage efficiency below 46%, no zero water day above 50%, relative irrigation supply below 27 % and marginal rate of return from 12 to 65%. However the greater the volume of the rain water harvesting structure the higher runoff storage efficiency, higher relative irrigation supply, and lower no water day under different irrigation technique was achieved.
Conclusions

For attaining household irrigation water demand in the dry season, the user should adopt storage capacity of 630m3 in Nitisol and 361m3 in Vertisol for double cropping and 273 m3 in Rigosol for supplemental irrigation. Hence, applying rainwater harvesting technologies with efficient water management technique enhance the net benefit of the system.
Effect of Shenling Baizhu San on Lipid Metabolism and Intestinal Barrier of UC with Spleen Deficiency
Authors: Lian Ziyu , Liu Yajun , Hu Jingyi , Cheng Cheng , Zhu Lei , Shen Hong
Published: July 2021

Background: Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease and spleen-deficiency (SD) is considered as the common Chinese medicine syndrome of UC. However, the mechanism of Shenling Baizhu San (SLS) on UC with spleen-deficiency has not been clarified. The aim of this study was to explore the influence of SD on lipid metabolism and intestinal barrier in UC mice and reveal the underlying mechanism of SLS on UC mice with spleen-deficiency. Methods: The male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into control group, Dextran Sulfate Sodium (DSS) group, DSS+SD group and SLS group. The data of disease activity index, body weight and length of colon were recorded to evaluate the colitis, the spleen and thymus weight were recorded to evaluate the spleen-deficiency, the serum metabolites were detected by untargeted metabolomics, the tight junction and intestinal mucus barrier were evaluated by Alcian Blue-Periodic acid Schiff staining and immunochemical, the activity of ATPase were detected by spectrophotometer, the proinflammatory factors and the copy number of mitochondrial DNA were detected by RT-PCR, the relative expression of Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γcoactivators-1α (PGC-1ɑ) and Mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFMA) were detected by RT-PCR and western blot. Results: The mice treated by compound method showed decreased spleen and thymus weight as well as more serious intestinal inflammation than DSS group. Compared with DSS+SD group, SLS improved intestinal inflammation and spleen deficiency, ameliorated lipid metabolism and intestinal barrier as well as promoted expression of SIRT1, PGC-1ɑ and TFMA in UC mice with spleen-deficiency. Conclusion: SLS could be considered as an effective treatment for spleen-deficiency in UC and its underlying mechanism might be related to improve lipid metabolism and intestinal barrier through mediating SIRT1/PGC-1ɑ pathway.
NLRP3 Inflammasome Up-Regulates Major Histocompatibility Complex Class I Expression and Promotes Inflammatory Infiltration in Polymyositis
Authors: Xia Ping , Shao Yu-Quan , Yu Cong-Cong , Xie Yu , Zhou Zhi-Jie
Published: July 2021

Backgrounds: This study was designed to investigate the role of the nucleotide-binding-domain (NBD)-and leucine-rich repeat (LRR)-containing (NLR) family, pyrin-domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome in the pathogenesis of polymyositis (PM). Results: We found that the percentage of CD68+ cells, and the expression levels of NLRP3, caspase-1 and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) in the muscle tissue were elevated in 27 PM patients. LPS/ATP treatment in the Raw 264.7 macrophages resulted in activation of NLRP3 inflammasome and secretion of IL-1β as well as interferons (IFNs) and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1). Meanwhile, LPS/ATP challenged activation of NLRP3 inflammasome induced overexpression of major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC-I), a key molecular to develop to PM, in the co-cultured C2C12 cells. Genetic knockdown of NLRP3 inflammasome using siRNA or pharmacological inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome using MCC950 effectively suppressed MHC-I overexpression in the co-cultured C2C12 cells. Certain levels of IL-1β rather than IFNs showed the effect of up-regulating MHC-I expression in C2C12 cells. IL-1β blockade using neutralizing IL-1β monoclonal antibody or siRNA of IL-1β suppressed MHC-I overexpression. In vivo, NLRP3 inflammasome inhibition using MCC950 reduced the expression of NLRP3, IL-1β and MHC-I in the muscle tissue of PM modal rats. Also, it attenuated the intensity of muscle inflammation as well as the CRP, CK, and LDH levels in the serum. Conclusions: Collectively, these results suggested that NLRP3/caspase-1/IL-1β axis may play an important role in the development of PM. Inhibition of NLRP3 activation may hold promise in the treatment of PM.
Duplication of Spiralian-Specific TALE Genes And Evolution of The Blastomere Specification Mechanism In The Bivalve Lineage
Authors: Phuangphong Supanat , Tsunoda Jumpei , Wada Hiroshi , Morino Yoshiaki
Published: July 2021

Background Despite the conserved pattern of the cell-fate map among spiralians, bivalves display several modified characteristics during their early development, including early specification of the D blastomere by the cytoplasmic content, as well as the distinctive fate of the 2d blastomere. However, it is unclear what changes in gene regulatory mechanisms led to such changes in cell specification patterns. Spiralian-TALE (SPILE) genes are a group of spiralian-specific transcription factors that play a role in specifying blastomere cell fates during early development in limpets. We hypothesised that the expansion of SPILE gene repertoires influenced the evolution of the specification pattern of blastomere cell fates.Results We performed a transcriptome analysis of early development in the purplish bifurcate mussel and identified 13 SPILE genes. Phylogenetic analysis of the SPILE gene in bivalves and limpets suggested that extra duplications of SPILE genes occurred in the bivalve lineage. We examined the expression patterns of the SPILE gene in mussels and found that some SPILE genes were expressed in quartet-specific patterns, as observed in limpets. Furthermore, we found that several SPILE genes that had undergone gene duplication were specifically expressed in the D quadrant, C and D quadrants or the 2d blastomere. These expression patterns were distinct from the expression patterns of SPILE in their limpet counterparts. Conclusions These results suggest that, in addition to their ancestral role in quartet specification, bivalve SPILE genes contributed to the specification of C and D quadrants. We propose that the expansion of SPILE genes in the bivalve lineage created extra SPILE genes that underwent expression pattern and functional divergence, thereby resulting in the evolution of a unique cell-fate specification pattern in bivalves.
Clinical Implication of N6-Methylandenosine-Related lncRNAs in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Xiao Wenjing , Geng Wei , Xu Juanjuan , Huang Qi , Fan Jinshuo , Tan Qi , Yin Zhengrong , Li Yumei , Yang Guanghai , Jin Yang
Published: July 2021

Background: Non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) represents the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide and is highly heterogeneous. The N6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA, a vital contributor to the outcomes of cancer, can modify long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), thereby influencing the transcript stability, gene expression, and serving a wide array of biological functions. However, the role of m6A-related lncRNAs in NSCLC remains largely unknown. Methods: We identified a group of m6A-related lncRNAs (m6ARLncRNAs) by using co-expression analysis in 1835 NSCLC patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) (N=1145) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) (N=690) datasets. We employed consensus unsupervised clustering analysis to explore molecular patterns based on the expression of m6ARLncRNAs. Then we filtered m6ARLncRNAs by Cox regression and LASSO regression to construct a m6ARLncRNAs signature (m6ARLncSig) and further evaluated m6ARLncSig with external and experimental validation by using qRT-PCR. We analyzed the correlation between m6ARLncSig scores groups with clinical features, chemotherapeutic sensitivity and radiotherapeutic response. Finally, we established a nomogram for prognosis prediction in patients with LUAD and validated it in the testing set and the entire TCGA dataset. Results: We constructed a m6ARLncSig for prognosis prediction of patients consisting of 12 m6ARLncRNAs. The m6ARLncSig divided patients into a high-risk group and a low-risk one, which had significantly different OS and could independently predict the prognosis of patients. Meanwhile, we revealed that patients in the high- and low-risk groups differed in tumor-infiltrating immune cells, and chemotherapeutic sensitivity, and biological pathways. Of note, we found that m6ARLncSig was associated with age, tumor stage, and radiotherapeutic response, indicating they were clinically relevant. Conclusions: Our study demonstrated that m6ARLncSig could act as a potential biomarker for evaluating the prognosis and therapeutic efficacy in NSCLC patients.
Construction of Novel Nanohybrids(Fe3O4/HAp/Au) With Multifunctional Structure for Efficient Photocatalytic Application
Authors: Wu Rui , Ji Xiaohui , Xia Donghui , Xiong Haitao , Lu Jiufu
Published: July 2021

The controlled synthesis of nanohybrids with magnetic metal oxides (Fe3O4), noble metals Au, and hydroxyapatite (HAp, hydroxyapatite) have received considerable attention for applications in photocatalysis, molecular imaging, drug delivery. Green and multifunctional Fe3O4/HAp/Au composite nanoparticles (NPs) with biocompatibility and magnetism for photocatalyst was developed by a facile method. The overall architecture of nanocomposites is one of the most important factors dictating the physical and chemical properties of nanohybrids with significant advances and various functions. The improvement performance of the Fe3O4/HAp/Au in photocatalysis was evaluated by degradation of organic pollutant (methylene blue, MB) under visible light irradiation. The results showed that the hybrid Fe3O4/HAp/Au NP displayed high photocatalytic activity due to surface plasmon resonance (SPR) of Au, the combination of magnetic NPs and HAps with adsorption, also the mechanism was discussed in detail. The efficient magnetic composite nanoparticles can be separated with target and recover, as well as recycle processes. It proposed novel NPs and methodology to design and fabrication of multifunctional NPs with high quality for application of photocatalysis. Furthermore, it is expected that the safe, green and multifunctional composite NPs will provide an interesting platform not only for photocatalysis, but also for developing molecular imaging probe and drug delivery with target, as well as Raman detection.
An Evaluation System Based on AHP Method for Preserve Situation in Guangyuan Thousand-Buddha Grotto of Tang Dynasty in Sichuan, China
Authors: Yao Xue , Zhao Fan
Published: July 2021

Guangyuan thousand-buddha grotto is of great value in researching Buddhism spread in China. By joint effect of various factors, the grottos have developed serious diseases, which threaten the long-term preservation. To date, the existing study can neither reveal the contribution each disease makes to nor the grottos’ preserve situation in a quantized way. Therefore, establishing a scientific evaluation system to explore the effection of each disease and assess grottos’ preserve situation degree has been a significant topic for grotto’s conservation. In this research, the authors selected 11 grottos of middle Tang dynasty in Guangyuan thousand-buddha grotto as survey objects, traditional diseases investigation was taken and analytic hierarchy process (AHP method) was applied to build a system to calculate weight of 15 diseases and evaluate grottos’ preserve situation. The result shows, 15 diseases can be classified as two risk categories, and every disease has its own weight on effecting grotto’s preserve situation. AHP method is suitable for heritage assessment with complex structure.
Effect of Cryogenic Treatment on Cyclic Fatigue of Nickel-titanium Rotary Files
Authors: Karkehabadi Hamed , Farmani Abbas , Pakseresht Zahra , Sedaghat Faraz , Niya Saber Yavari
Published: July 2021

Objective: This study sought to assess the effect of cryogenic treatment on cyclic fatigue of Neoniti and Reciproc nickel-titanium (NiTi) rotary files. This in vitro, experimental study was performed on 48 Neoniti and Reciproc NiTi rotary files (#25, 6% taper) in two subgroups with and without cryogenic treatment. The files in cryogenic subgroups were stored in liquid nitrogen chamber at -196°C for 24 h. Next, they were placed at room temperature (25°C) to gradually warm up. Stainless steel (SS) blocks were used to standardize the degree of rotation of the files. The SS blocks simulated a root canal with the negative pattern of gutta-percha with 0.08 taper, #25 tip size, and 45° canal curvature. Each endodontic file was rotated in this canal until fracture. The time until fracture was recorded by a digital chronometer. Time to fracture was used to calculate the number of rotations before file fracture as the cyclic fatigue scale. Results: The mean cyclic fatigue resistance of both Neoniti and Reciproc rotary files in cryogenic subgroups was significantly higher than that in non-cryogenic control subgroups (P<0.05). Cryogenic treatment can significantly increase the cyclic fatigue resistance of Neoniti and Reciproc NiTi rotary files.
Study of the influence of the composition of mold and starter microflora on the formation of organoleptic characteristics of soft-ripened cheeses
Authors: Sviridenko G. M. , Mordvinova V. A. , Ostroukhova I. L.
Published: July 2021

The article presents the results of a study of the characteristics of growth, incl. joint, mold cultures of Penicillium camembеrti and yeast-like fungi of Geotrichum candidum on a dense nutrient medium and the regularities of changes in the organoleptic, physicochemical and microbiological characteristics of Camembert-type cheeses in the process of production, ripening and storage, depending on the combinations of bacterial and mold starter microflora. The objects of the study were the cultures of Penicillium camembеrti and Geotrichum candidum, cheeses with white mold, made according to the type of “Camembert” cheese, produced from cow’s milk with mesophilic and thermophilic fermenting microflora, mold cultures of Penicillium camembеrti and yeast-like fungi of Geotrichum candidum. The study of cheeses was carried out in the process of ripening and storage after 15, 30, 60 days from the date of manufacture. It was found that when Penicillium camembеrti and Geotrichum candidum were co-cultivated on Petri dishes, visual assessment showed a symbiotic effect of culture development, which manifests itself in the stimulating effect of yeast-like fungi on the growth of mold fungi compared to the cultivation of each culture separately. Under the conditions of the experiment carried out, the main mold culture influencing the organoleptic characteristics of the cheese was the mold culture of Penicillium camemberti. The combination of mold cultures did not affect the improvement of the organoleptic characteristics of the cheeses. It is shown that the composition of the main acid-forming starter microflora, both mesophilic and thermophilic, has a significant effect on the lactic acid process and flavoring of Camembert-type cheese. The cheeses produced on the basis of mesophilic starter microflora were distinguished by an accelerated ripening process and less storage capacity due to deeper proteolysis. At the same time, cheeses produced on the basis of thermophilic fermenting microflora retained quality stability for up to 60 days. Thus, the use of various combinations of starter cultures will make it possible to create a flavor line of cheeses with white mold, depending on consumer preferences with different storage capacity.
Returnable baking waste — a new type of raw materials for distillates production (Part III. Distillation stage)
Authors: Krikunova L. N. , Dubinina E. V. , Makarov S. Yu.
Published: July 2021

The distillation stage is a key step in distillate-based alcoholic beverage technology. The use of a new non-traditional type of raw materials to obtain distillates requires comprehensive research. The purpose of this work was to study the processes at the distillation stage of the discharged wort from the recyclable baking waste, in identifying significant factors and determining the optimal technological values of these factors. The objects of the study served 9 samples of fermented wort from various types of recyclable baking waste, distillate fractions and samples of distillates. The distillation was performed on the installation of direct distillation “KOTHE DESTILLATIONSTECHNIK” (Germany). In the objects of the study, the volume, the volume fraction of ethyl alcohol and the mass concentration of the main volatile components were determined. The composition and concentration of basic volatile components were determined using gas chromatography on the device “Thermo Trace GC Ultra” (Thermo, United States). The wide range of variation of the mass concentration of the main volatile components, depending on the composition of the initial raw materials, is revealed. It has been established that the nature of the distribution of volatile components according to distillate fractions does not depend on the physicochemical composition of the fermented wort from different types of recyclable baking waste. It is shown that the nature of the distribution of volatile components according to fractions in obtaining a distillate from the recyclable baking waste has certain differences from their distribution in the preparation of cognac and fruit distillates. A comparative assessment of distillates obtained by single fractionated distillation and double distillation showed the advantage of the first alcohol output and the composition of volatile components. It has been established that the distillation rate with a direct fractionated has a significant effect on the dynamics of the distribution of the main volatile components and the output of the distillate for anhydrous alcohol. With an optimal distillation rate (5.9 cm3 / min), an anhydrous alcohol output increases, on average, by 4% and reduced the losses of valuable aroma-forming volatile components with head and tail fractions.
Functional strawberry and red beetroot jelly candies rich in fibers and phenolic compounds
Authors: Ali M. R. , Mohamed R. M. , Abedelmaksoud T. G.
Published: July 2021

Jelly candies have a poor nutritional value due to their primary ingredients, which include gelling agents and sugar. In comparison to commercial jelly candy, the aim of this study is developing a natural and healthy jelly candy using fresh fruit comparing with commercials. Three types of jelly candies were prepared (T1: 75% strawberry + 25% beetroot; T2: 50% strawberry + 50% beetroot; T3: 25% strawberry + 75% beetroot). Physico-chemical, phytochemical, microbial, and sensorial profiles of jelly candy were evaluated. The results showed the superior recipe was T1, which recorded the highest values of bioactive compound content. Therefore, it also had the highest antioxidant activity 52.55%. Otherwise, T2 was considered the most favorable recipe for sensory evaluation, which recorded the highest value of overall acceptability and other sensory properties. Decreasing moisture content in all treatments compared with control had a great effect of preventing microbial growth in all samples except control. Therefore, this study creates a new healthier alternative product with the same sensory parameters of commercial jelly candy for all consumer types, especially children. ACKNOWLEDGMENT: All authors are thankful to the Food Science Department and Food Processing Technology Program at the Faculty of Agriculture, Cairo University, Egypt for helping them for conducting a few practical experiments in their laboratories.