bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preparation and Characterization of Ecofriendly food Packaging Material by Smooth Hound Skin Gelatin Films/TiO2
Authors: Salem Ali , Abdelhedi Ola , Sebii Haifa , Fakhfakh Nahed , Jr Mourad , Kechaou Hela , Nasri Moncef , Debeaufort Frederic , Zouari Nacim
Published: February 2022

The effect of TiO2 on structural properties of gelatin films, obtained by solution casting method, was investigated. The results showed that TiO2 incorporation improved the UV barrier efficacy and increased the films opacity. The formation of new interactions between gelatin matrix and TiO2 particles were confirmed by FTIR analysis. A decrease in elongation at break was observed for gelatin-based film when TiO2 content increased, whereas the tensile strength increased. The microstructure analysis revealed heterogeneous structure due to the presence of a small aggregate with increasing the TiO2 ratio. The addition of TiO2 increased the contact angles, which could be related to the hydrophobic nature of the TiO2 incorporated films proved by the low swelling capacity of these films. In addition, incorporation of TiO2 particles into gelatin matrix improved barrier properties of gelatin films making it able to be used in water-soluble food or pharmaceutical packaging as a UV protective.
Optimization of Aspergillus niger NRC1ami pectinase using citrus peel pectin, purification, and thermodynamic characterization of the free and modified enzyme
Authors: Esawy Mona A. , Gamal Amira A. , Kamel Zeinat , Esawy Mona A
Published: February 2022

Enzyme cost and stability are the main problems facing industrial applications. Consequently, Aspergillus nigerNRC1ami was isolated from rotten orange and recorded a promising pectinase activity (13.8 U/ml). The enzyme was optimized using citrus peel pectin as the sole carbon source and recorded (40 U/ml). It was purified by two steps purifications and recorded 632 purification folds. The pure enzyme showed 14.7% carbohydrate content and consists of 15 amino acids. Glutamic acid was the major (22%) followed by leucine (10.67%) and threonine was the minor (2.70%). A. niger NRC1ami pectinase was conjugated by covalent coupling to sodium periodate (NaIO4) activated polysaccharides. Galactomannan showed the highest recovered activity (85%) and 94.34% reduction in viscosity. The optimum temperature for the pure enzyme shifted from 40°C to 45°C after the conjugation process. Also, the free enzyme showed its optimum activity at pH 5 compared to pH 4, 5 in the conjugated form case. The thermal stability of the free enzyme greatly improved after the modification process. The conjugated process reduced the activation energy to 36%, prolonged the enzyme half-life 5.6-fold at 60°C, and increase the deactivation energy (Ed) by about 19% in comparison to the free form. The D value of the conjugated enzyme increased to 13.2-fold at 50°C in compared to the free form. Gibbs's free energy (ΔG) of the enzyme increased after the modification process, while the enthalpy (ΔH) and entropy (ΔS) decreased. Na+ and Zn2+ had a stimulating effect on both enzyme forms.
Groundwater vulnerability mapping in formerly glaciated areas in Central Estonia using a modified DRASTIC method
Authors: Männik Magdaleena , Karro Enn , Marandi Andres , Polikarpus Maile , Ani Tavo , Rosentau Alar
Published: February 2022

Developing accurate groundwater vulnerability maps is necessary for environmental planning and protection of groundwater resources. The DRASTIC method is one of the most widely used groundwater vulnerability assessment techniques. In formerly glaciated areas, where aquifers are covered with an extra layer of sediments, a further modification of the DRASTIC method is required to achieve a more precise vulnerability estimation. In such areas, the thickness of sediments can vary from thin layers with a high pollution potential to thick Quaternary layers making the groundwater protected against contamination. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to modify the DRASTIC method to be successfully applied in the areas characterized by a layer of diverse Quaternary sediments, which remarkably influence the nature of the infiltration conditions. First, the D-, S-, and I-parameters were modified, considering the nature of the Quaternary layer. To help the process, a model was created, which takes as input all necessary files for vulnerability assessment and creates a map using all parameters with weights assigned to them. Later, both the original and the modified DRASTIC methodology was applied in an area with glacial sediments located in Central Estonia. For the validation of methods, the comparison of results from existing vulnerability maps, which were produced by methodology specifically developed for local geological conditions, was used. In conclusion, the results generated by the modified DRASTIC method showed significantly more similarities with the existing maps than the original DRASTIC method. Thus, the modified DRASTIC method is successfully applicable in formerly glaciated areas.
Investigation of Electronic Structure, Optical Properties, Molecular Electrostatic Potential maps (EPM) and Aquatic toxicity of HfO2, Hf0.88Si0.12O2, Hf0.88Ge0.12O2 and Hf0.88Sn0.12O2 by computational methods
Authors: Chakma Unesco , Kumer Ajoy , Hossain Tomal , Hossain Md. Sayed , Alam Md. Monsur , Islam Md. Shariful , Shaikh Rubel , jony Ismat Jahan , Islam Jahedul
Published: February 2022

This research work conveys the computationally investigation of Hafnium (IV) oxide and its doped crystals by Si, Ge and Sn atom replacing on the oxygen atom in HfO2. As Hafnium (IV) oxide has been used in power-electronics devices of MOSFETs and electronics as RRAM due to wide band gap which makes a vast problems creating high resistance. Regarding this case, the Hafnium (IV) oxide has selected and inputs how the band gap has reduced after doping the large surface area of atoms, such as Si, Ge and Sn. The lattice parameters and bandgaps were calculated with the Perdew-Burke-Ernzerhof (PBE), Revised Perdew-Burke-Ernzerhof (RPBE), Perdew Wang (PW91), Wu-Cohen (WC), and Perdew-BurkeErnzerhof for solids (PBEsol) non-local functionals of the generalized gradient approximations (GAA). The Perdew-Burke-Ernzerhof (PBE) functional provided better result which is similar to the reference value of mother crystal, HfO2. This first principle method in view of density functional theory (DFT) focuses the structural geometry, electronic structure and optical properties employing conventional calculations pertaining to HfO2 executing the computational tools of the CASTAP code from material studio 8.0. The band gap was recorded by 4.340 eV, 2.033 eV, 1.686 eV and 3.210 eV for HfO2, Hf0.88Si0.12O2 Hf0.88Ge0.12O2 and Hf0.88Sn0.12O2 crystals through the Generalized Gradient Approximation (GGA) with Perdew Burke Ernzerhof (PBE). Secondly, it had also justified doing further investigations by GGA with RPBE, GGA with PW91, GGA with WC and GGA with PBESOL, the band gap for HfO2, Hf0.88Si0.12O2, Hf0.88Ge0.12O2 and Hf0.88Sn0.12O2 were at 4.427 eV, 2.093 eV, 1.744 eV, and 3.262 eV, respectively using GGA with WC, 4.333 eV, 2.032 eV, 1.675 eV and 3.172 eV, respectively using GGA with PW91, 4.252 eV, 2.002 eV, 1.632eV and 3.086 eV, respectively using GGA with WC 4.245 eV, 2.001 eV, 1.629 eV, and 3.076 eV, respectively using GGA with PBESOL. Moreover the DFT and PDOS were simulated for evaluating the nature of 6s2, 5p6, 4f14, 5d2 orbital for a Hf atom, 3s2, 2p6 orbital for Si atom, and 4s2, 3p6, 3d10 orbital for Ge atom, 4d10, 5s2, 5p2 for Sn atom and 2s and 2p orbital for O atom of Hf0.88Ge0.12O2 and Hf0.88Sn0.12O2 crystals. The optical properties, for instance, absorption, reflection, refractive index, conductivity, dielectric function, loss function, electrostatic potential map and aquatic toxicity were calculated.
Steroid Hormones as Modulators of Emotional Regulation in Male Urogenital Cancers
Authors: Faviana Pinuccia , Boldrini Laura , Gronchi Lisa , Galli Luca , Erba Paola Anna , Gentile Carlo , Lippolis Piero Vincenzo , Marchetti Elio , Stefano Iosè Di , Sammarco Enrico , Chapman Alex D. , Bardi Massimo
Published: February 2022

Purpose: Tumors develop within an organism operating in a specific social and physical environment. Cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) are involved in both emotional regulation and the tumor progression. Methods: This study assessed the quality of life of urogenital cancer male patients. It was hypothesized that patients with a better quality of life would have higher levels of the DHEA/cortisol ratios. Results: We found that the quality of life was positively related to DHEA, but not cortisol levels. Negative mood changes were related to lower levels of DHEA. Logistic regression of the predictors of metastases indicated three main independent factors involved: DHEA, age, and cortisol. In other words, the higher the DHEA levels in comparison to cortisol levels, controlling for age, the lower the probability of metastases. Conclusion: Our results appear to support the hypothesis that emotional dysregulation mediated by DHEA/cortisol activity is a key factor in cancer development.
Prevalence of depression and associated factors among heart failure patients at cardiac follow-up clinics in government teaching hospital at Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; A cross sectional study
Authors: Alemayehu Kassahun , Ayalew Yohannes , Habte Teshome
Published: February 2022

Objective
This study aimed to assess prevalence of depression and associated factors among heart failure patients at cardiac follow-up clinics.
Methods
Health care institution based cross-sectional study design was employed to assess the prevalence of depression and associated factors among 424 heart failure patients who were selected by using a systematic random sampling method from January 1 to 30, 2021 at four public hospitals, and the sample was proportionally allocated for each study hospital and then data were collected by using structured-interview questionnaires. Bivariate and Multivariate logistic regression analysis was done to examine the possible predictors and variables with the statistical association of P-value of < 0.05 and a 95% confidence interval were considered.
Result
Data were gathered from heart failure in cardiac follow clinic with 100% response rate. The mean and standard deviation of the age of respondents was 52.68 and17.471years respectively. The prevalence of depression in this study was 59%. According to NYHA class III and IV is highly associated with depression [(AOR:12.8(2.2--71.6),95%CI, P=0.004, (AOR:19.2(1.9-189.9), 95% CI, P=0.011)] respectively, poor self-care behaviours[(AOR: 9.1(2.4-34.6), 95%CI, P=0.001)], alcohol use[(AOR:17.7(4.14-35.65),95% CI,P=0.001)], poor social support[( AOR: 4.6(1.2-16.7),95%CI,P=0.020)], poor knowledge level [(AOR:5.1(1.3-20.6), 95%CI, P=0.020), were associated with Depression and statistically significant.
Conclusion
The evidence from this study indicates that depression is highly prevalent among heart failure patients and age of respondent, alcohol intake, self-care behaviour, social support, knowledge level, and co-morbidity was associated with depression and statistically significant. Therefore, all institutions of cardiac centre should work on screening of depression in heart failure patients, and consult psychiatrists and psychologists for early detection and measures.
Health Seeking Behaviour Among Care-givers for Children Under-five Years in Zambia - a Comparative Analysis of 2015 and 2018 Malaria Indicator Survey.
Authors: Hanyinza Sara , Chilyabanyama Rodgers , Hamainza Busiku , Shawa Shaila T , Sitali Lungowe
Published: February 2022

Fever is one the most reported out-patient complaint and predictor for malaria illness in regions were the disease is endemic. The capacity for care-givers of febrile children under 5 years to recognise fever early is very important in the control of malaria. There has been a decline in health seeking-behaviour among care-givers of febrile children under-5 years in Zambia, from 36% in 2015 to 26% in 2018 as reported by the Malaria Indicator Surveys (MIS) in Zambia. The study identified and compared the proportion and factors associated with health-seeking behaviour among care-givers of febrile children suspected to have malaria between the 2015 and 2018 MIS in Zambia.MethodsThis was a comparative cross-sectional analysis of the 2015 and 2018 MIS data in Zambia. Analysis of factors associated with health-seeking behaviour among care-givers of children was undertaken using logistic regression with STATA software version 16 SE.Of the total 4272 respondents, 67% were children in the 2015 MIS, 50.6% were males and 58.5% were less-than 24 months old. At adjusted logistic regression in the 2015 MIS; age less-than 12 months compared to 12-59 months was not associated with health-seeking behaviour (AOR 1.6;95% CI 0.8 to 3.1; p=0.117). Middle wealth quintiles compared to children in other quintiles were more likely to seek prompt health-care after onset of fever, (OR=3.08; CI 95% 1.26 - 7.56; p 0.014). While in 2018, children less 12 months compared to 12 months-59 months (OR 0.58; 95% CI 0.24 -1.39; p=0.220) was not associated with health-seeking behaviour. Residence: rural compared to urban (OR= 5.47; 95% CI 1.06 - 28.05; p<0.05) was associated with care-givers’ promptness to seek health-care for children under 5 years.ConclusionEarly health-seeking behaviour among febrile children was associated with wealth status and rural residence in both the 2015 and 2018 surveys. Furthermore, there was a significant difference in health-seeking behaviour between the two years. It is critical that strengthened socio behavior change communication is on the importance of prompt health-seeking among care-givers of children under 5 years. Provision of health services as close to the family as possible is important as it enhances health-seeking as time taken and distance health facilities are reduced.
Insilico analysis of role played by CD3D gene in the pathogenesis of Multiple sclerosis
Authors: THANGAPANDIAN JANANI
Published: February 2022

The Neuro degenerative disease multiple sclerosis (MS) is characterized by the progressive demyelination of cells in the Central nervous system. The damage in the myelin is caused by the patient’s own autoimmunity. The immune cells for some unknown reasons find this protective coating of the neuronal cells as their target and degrades it. The T cells such as Th1, Th17 and Treg cells influences the pathogenesis and progression of the disease. In order to find out the likely cause for the abnormality in antigen recognition and in the characteristics of T cells, the Insilico genomic analysis using the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) is conducted on the microarray database. The genes such as PDPK1, CD40LG and CD3D were found to be differently expressed. Amongst which the CD3D (CD3δ) gene is focused as the target gene for its effective contribution in TCR signaling. In this study, the detailed analysis of pathways that included CD3D gene, using Bioinformatic tools and databases is conducted. The CD3D (CD3δ) gene plays a vital role in the signal transduction by TCR-CD3 complex and there by influences in the selection and differentiation of T cells. Therefore, this study suggests that any defect in CD3D remains as the potential cause for the pathogenesis of Multiple sclerosis.
How Well Do CMIP6 Models Simulate the Influence of the West African Westerly Jet on Sahel Precipitation?
Authors: MAKINDE AKINTUNDE Israel , Abiodun Babatunde J. , James Rachel , Washington Richard , Dyer Ellen , Webb Tom
Published: February 2022

The West African westerly jet (WAWJ) plays a crucial role in Sahel precipitation, yet there is no information on how well climate models simulate the jet and its contribution to Sahel precipitation. This study examines the capabilities of Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (version six; CMIP6) models in simulating the WAWJ and its influence on Sahel precipitation. For the study, we combine the Climate Research Unit (CRU) observation with the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecast (ECMWF) Atmospheric Reanalysis (ERA5) to evaluate 26 CMIP6 simulation datasets. Defining the WAWJ as a low-level westerly jet over the eastern Atlantic and the West African coast, we extracted the characteristics of the WAWJ in the CMIP6 simulations and compared them with those from the ERA5 reanalysis. The results show that the majority of the CMIP6 models agree with ERA5 on the structure and location of the jet, except the jet forms earlier and are stronger in CMIP6 models than in ERA5. While most of the CMIP6 simulations capture the link between the jet and temperature distribution over West Africa, they struggle to reproduce the relationship between the jet and precipitation distribution over the sub-continent, especially over the Sahel. Most simulations failed to replicate the increase in the moisture transport (i.e., the eastward and north-eastward transports) associated with the stronger WAWJ as shown by ERA5. Some simulations capture the increased moisture transport but do not translate it to increased precipitation over the Sahel. This study contributes towards better simulations of Sahel precipitation in climate models.
Synovial Tissue Lymphoid Aggregates Are Associated With Response To Rituximab Therapy In Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients
Authors: Turk Matthew A , Low Candice , Orr Carl , Conway Richard , Murray Kieran , Young Francis , Molloy Eamonn , Mongey Anne Barbara , Fearon Ursula , Veale Douglas J.
Published: February 2022

Background: To evaluate the clinical and laboratory factors associated with long-term responses to rituximab therapy in patients with RA. Methods: One hundred fourteen RA patients received intravenous Rituximab between 2003-2016. Prior to treatment, arthroscopy and synovial biopsy was performed on a subgroup of this cohort who had active knee arthritis. Demographic, clinical, and outcome data were collected prospectively and immunohistology was performed on synovial tissue biopsies.Results: In the overall cohort, 89% of patients were seropositive for either RF (rheumatoid factor) or ACPA (anti-citrullinated protein antibodies). At baseline, median disease duration was 13.5 years. Seventy-four percent of patients had received a csDMARD and two thirds had received a bDMARD before rituximab. Rituximab monotherapy was used in 34 patients, while 80 patients received rituximab-csDMARD combination therapy. Twenty-six of the 68 patients in remission (38%) received rituximab monotherapy and 42/68 (62%) received combination therapy with a csDMARD. Twenty-four of 39 (62%) biologic naïve patients achieved remission on treatment with rituximab. Forty-four patients underwent an arthroscopy and synovial biopsy prior to treatment. Synovial tissue lymphoid aggregates (LA) were observed in 21 subjects, of which 17 (81%) showed complete or partial remission in response to treatment with rituximab. The presence of LA was significantly associated with rituximab-induced remission in these patients (p=0.007, OR=7.286 [1.737-30.555]). Conclusion: In this real world series, patients with RA demonstrate long-term, high response rates to rituximab therapy and synovial biopsy B-cell rich lymphoid aggregates are associated with a higher rate of good response.
A Columnar Liquid Quasicrystal – Honeycomb with Triangular, Square and Trapezoidal Cells
Authors: Zeng Xiangbing , Glettner Benjamin , Baumeister Ute , Chen Bin , Ungar Goran , Liu Feng , Tschierske Carsten
Published: February 2022

Quasicrystals are intriguing structures, having long-range positional correlations but no periodicity, typically with rotational symmetries that are “forbidden” in normal crystals. Here we present the discovery of a two-dimensional columnar liquid quasicrystal with dodecagonal symmetry. Unlike previous dodecagonal quasicrystals based on random tiling, this one has a honeycomb structure based on strictly quasiperiodic tessellation of tiles. The structure consists of dodecagonal clusters made up of triangular, square and trapezoidal cells that are optimal for local packing. To maximize the presence of such dodecagonal clusters, the system abandons periodicity but adopts a quasiperiodic structure following strict packing rules. This demonstrates that quasicrystal stability may rest on energy minimization alone, or with only minimal entropic intervention. This work paves the way to designing other, more complex non-random nanoscale quasicrystals by self-assembly.
Impact of Osseodensification in the Increase of Ridge Thickness and in the Prevention of Buccal Peri-implant Defects: an Animal Randomized Split Mouth Study
Authors: Frizzera Fausto , Spin-Neto Rubens , Padilha Victor , Nicchio Nicolas , Ghiraldini Bruna , Bezerra Fábio José Barbosa , Marcantonio Elcio
Published: February 2022

Backgroud: Implant installation with conventional drilling (i.e. with surgical cutting burs) can create buccal bone defects in areas of limited ridge thickness. Implant installation with osseodensification may aid preventing buccal bone defects in these limit situations. This ex vivo study evaluated the impact of osseodensification in the increase of alveolar ridge thickness and on the prevention of buccal peri-implant defects. Methods: Ten fresh pig mandibles, with limited bone thickness were selected to be used in an experimental randomized split mouth study. Two site-preparation protocols were used: conventional drilling with cutting burs (CTL, n=10) and osseodensification with Densah® burs (OD, n=10). After bone ridge perforation, twenty implants (4.5 x 10 mm) were placed in the prepared sites and the insertion torque was recorded. Clinical and photographic analysis evaluated ridge thickness and the extent (height, width, and area) of bone defects in the buccal and lingual bone walls following implant placement. Three-dimensional measurements were performed using STL files to analyze the increase in buccal ridge thickness following site preparation and implant placement. The height of the buccal bone defect was considered as the primary outcome of this study. Defect width, area and quantity, implant insertion torque, and linear buccal ridge increase after implant site preparation and installation was also assessed. Non-parametric evaluations were carried out with the Mann-Whitney test to verify intergroup differences. Results: There was no statistically significant difference between groups in the baseline ridge thickness. OD presented statistically significant higher insertion torque, associated with reduced buccal and lingual bone defect width in comparison to CTL. Conclusions: The increase in buccal ridge thickness after site preparation and implant placement was statistically higher in OD, compared to CTL. Osseodensification increased the ridge thickness through expansion and reduced buccal bone defects after implant installation.
A Novel Hybrid Learning Paradigm with Feature Extraction for Carbon Price Prediction Based on Bi-Directional Long and Short Term Memory Networks Optimized by an Improved Sparrow Search Algorithm
Authors: Zhou Jianguo , Xu Zhongtian , Wang Shiguo
Published: February 2022

A sustainable carbon trading market can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the fight against global warming, and accurate carbon price forecasting is key for its efficient operation. Previous carbon price prediction models have been trained in a traditional one-way neural network. Prediction is always propagated sequentially in a time series, which results in not fully exploiting the intrinsic characteristics of the data. This paper proposes a novel hybrid learning paradigm for deep feature exploration of carbon prices through optimized bi-directional long and short-term memory (BiLSTM) networks. Firstly, wavelet packet decomposition (WPD) algorithm decomposes the carbon price in deep and reconstructs it to obtain multiple components. Then the input features of the prediction model are filtered with random forest to select the best input features for the prediction model. Finally, the BiLSTM model optimized by the improved sparrow search algorithm (ISSA) is used to deeply explore the characteristics of carbon prices and make full use of the internal connection of the past and future data of carbon prices. The results demonstrate the superiority and robustness of the WPD-ISSA-BiLSTM model in comparison with other models by simulating carbon price data time series under two scenarios with slight and severe fluctuations.
Research on Carbon Emission Strategies and Blockchain Inputs for Different Dual-Channel Supply Chains
Authors: Jiang Yongchang , Liu Chang
Published: February 2022

Based on the consideration that consumers have low-carbon sensitivity and channel preference, a Stackelberg game model dominated by manufacturer was constructed to study the joint strategies of low-carbon emission reduction and blockchain input of supply chain members under three models: traditional retailer dual channel, manufacturer online direct sales dual channel and third-party e-commerce distribution dual channel. The interaction of different levels of emission reduction and blockchain inputs in different dual-channel models was verified through the calculation and simulation analysis on the optimal decision of the supply chain members. The research results showed that the optimal emission reduction of manufacturers and the blockchain input level of retailers under different dual-channel models are different, and manufacturers have the highest emission reduction under the dual-channel model of direct online sales; when manufacturers invest the same amount of emission reduction, the profit of adopting the traditional dual-channel model is the highest, and the profit of the dual-channel of third-party e-commerce distribution is the lowest; the ratio of technology gain to cost input in the supply chain determines the initiative of low-carbon input. Meanwhile, emission reduction investment is driven by the manufacturer's profit, and the more the manufacturer's channel accounts for the higher the emission reduction tends to be.
A 20-Year Bibliometric Analysis of Fuchs Endothelial Corneal Dystrophy: From 2001 to 2020
Authors: Lin Feng , Zhang Luoli , Wang Yimin , Fu Dan , Wang Yuliang , Zhou Xingtao
Published: February 2022

Purpose: To identify the research trend and focus in the research field of Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD).Methods: A bibliometric analysis based on the Web of Science Core Collection was conducted. All publications related to FECD from 2001 to 2020 were extracted and analyzed. VOSviewer v.1.6.17 was used to construct the visualization map and evaluate the trend and focus in the FECD research field.Results:A total of 1,041 publications were extracted. Global publications have steadily increased. The United States has the most publications (461), the most citations (18757), and the highest H index (69). Melles GRJ published the most papers (60), and Price FW had the most citations (4,154 citations) in the FECD research field. The journal “Cornea” had the most publications (279). Keywords were classified into four clusters: (1) corneal transplantation surgery, (2) surgical techniques and instruments, (3) corneal parameter measurement, and (4) genetic and molecular pathomechanisms. The average appearing years (AAYs) of the keywords were evaluated. “Tcf4 gene (AAY of 2018.3),” “ctg18.1 (AAY of 2017.2),” “trinucleotide repeat expansion (AAY of 2018.3),” “rock inhibitor (AAY of 2017.4),” and “descemetorhexis (AAY of 2017.4)” were recently appearing keywords.Conclusions:The United States has a dominant position in the FECD research field. Though corneal transplantation surgery has been the mainstream in the FECD research field for a long time, gene mutations such as the Tcf4 gene mutant, nonsurgical interventions such as rho-associated kinases inhibitor, and newer surgical methods such as descemetorhexis without endothelial keratoplasty are potential research hotspots.
Optimizing the Tumor Shrinkage Threshold for Evaluating Immunotherapy Efficacy for Advanced Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Du Wei , Chen Chen , Luo Lin-feng , He Li-na , Wang Yixing , Zhang Xuanye , Zhou Yixin , Lin Zuan , Hong Shaodong
Published: February 2022

Purpose: The rise of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in recent years has coincided with unusual clinical response patterns. Modification of the sum of longest diameters (SLD)-based threshold that reflecting dynamic change of the tumor burden and predicting response to ICIs, may markedly improve current treatment regimens.Methods: The baseline and post-treatment SLD of target lesion was recorded and the maximum percent change of the SLD from baseline was designated as SLD-change score. The optimal cut-off value was obtained by using the X-tile program. The relationship between SLD-change score and survival outcome (PFS,OS) was evaluated.Results: 10% cut-off value of SLD-change score was found to be most distinctive for PFS. Responders defined according to this cut-off value showed a significant improvement for PFS and OS. Bone metastasis and brain metastasis were also two independent prognostic factors of PFS and OS, respectively.Conclusions: 10% SLD change score could discriminate for ICIs treatment response, which holds great promise in promoting the development of precise immunotherapeutic strategy.
Neural-Signature Methods for Structured EHR Prediction
Authors: Vauvelle Andre , Creed Paidi , Denaxas Spiros
Published: February 2022

Models that can effectively represent structured Electronic Healthcare Records (EHR) are central to an increasing range of applications in healthcare. Due to the sequential nature of health data, Recurrent Neural Networks (RNNs) have emerged as the dominant component within state-of-the-art architectures. The signature transform represents an alternative modelling paradigm for sequential data. This transform provides a non-learnt approach to creating a fixed vector representation of temporal features and has shown strong performances across an increasing number of domains, including medical data. However, the signature method has not yet been applied to structured EHR data. To this end, we follow recent work that enables the signature to be used as a differentiable layer within a neural architecture enabling application in high dimensional domains where calculation would have previously been intractable. Using a heart failure (HF) prediction task as an exemplar, we provide an empirical evaluation of different variations of the signature method and compare against state-of-the-art baselines. This first application of neural-signature methods in real-world healthcare data shows a competitive performance when compared to strong baselines and thus warrants further investigation within the health domain.
How Childhood Maltreatment Links to Labor Values? The Mediating Role of Moral Competence and Prosocial Normative Tendency
Authors: Gu Yuliang , Chao Xiaomei
Published: February 2022

Background: Labor values are important for the individual value system. Especially in China, labor values are regarded as one of the most important values of an individual. In the study of values, childhood maltreatment is considered to have an important influence on the formation of individual values. However, previous studies have no research on the relationship between childhood maltreatment and labor values. The mechanism of childhood maltreatment on labor values is less understood but requires futher study.Methods: This study intended to investigate the relationship between childhood maltreatment and labor values, and further to explore whether moral competence and prosocial normative tendency mediated this correlation. Therefore, 2691 participants were recruited from primary and secondary school, who completed Labor Values Scale, Childhood Trauma Questionnaire, Moral Competence subscale and Prosocial Norms subscale. Results: Results revealed the negative correlation between childhood maltreatment and labor values. Importantly, childhood maltreatment also indirectly impacted labor values through moral competence and prosocial normative tendency. It indicated that both moral competence and prosocial normative tendency played a significant mediating role in this relationship. Our findings are valuable for understanding the underlying mechanism between early trauma and values. Conclusions: Childhood maltreatment has important implications for labor values. Moral competence and prosocial normative tendency mediate between childhood maltreatment and labor values. This reminds us to pay attention to the important influence of childhood maltreatment in the cultivation of individual labor values. Also pay attention to the role of moral competence and prosocial normative tendency.
Evidence that trees do not shift carbon allocation from stem support to foliage under competition
Authors: Dean Thomas J , Harrington Constance A. , D’Amato Anthony W. , Palik Brian J.
Published: February 2022

Do trees adjust support costs to the stem in order to maintain or boost allocation to foliage to compete for light? This question was addressed with data collected from three, long-term studies investigating the growth effects of controlled levels of competition for Alnus rubra, Pseudotsuga menziesii, and Pinus resinosa. Costs and benefits of marginal height were defined as the stem volume and foliage added when trees grew 1 m in height, respectively. Effects of competition effects on the distribution of these variables within tree populations were evaluated with growth dominance indexes (Gdv/dh and GdAl/dv, respectively). Competition effects on the distribution of relative height growth (Gdg) were also evaluated to verify mode of competition. The hypothesized simple tradeoff between marginal height cost and marginal height benefit was not supported with these data. Instead, Gdv/dh and GdAl/dh were linearly related for all three species. The values of Gdh were generally positive for all species supporting asymmetric competition within these plots. The strength of support for this hypothesis varied by species, however, with the shade intolerant A. rubra providing the strongest support and the more shade tolerant P. menziesii providing the least support. The age-adjusted values of P. menziesii of Gdh were only significantly greater than zero in the unthinned, control plots. The results suggest that competition effects on marginal height benefit translate to marginal height cost through biomechanical relationships between crown size and structure and stem dimensions. Competitive effects on stand dynamics can therefore be linked to a basic tree morphology that scales with height. Realized additions of stem volume and foliage per growing season are subsequently determined by the distribution of relative height growth.
Meta-Analysis of Neonicotinoid Insecticides in Global Surface Waters
Authors: Wang Jianqiao , Yin Ru , Liu Yilin , Wang Beijia , Wang Nana , Xiao Pengfei , Xiao Tangfu , Hirai Hirofumi
Published: February 2022

Neonicotinoids (NEOs) are a class of insecticides that have high insecticidal activity and are extensively used worldwide. However, increasing evidence suggests their long-term residual in the environment and toxic effects on nontarget organisms. NEO residues are frequently detected in water and consequently have created increasing levels of pollution and pose significant risks to humans. Many studies have conducted surveys of NEO concentrations in water; however, few studies have focused on global systematic reviews or meta-analyses of NEO concentrations in water. In the present study, 43 published papers from 10 countries were indexed for a meta-analysis of the global NEO distribution in water. Among these studies, most focus on eastern Asia and North America, which are involved in intensive agricultural activities. The order of mean concentrations is identified as imidacloprid (119.542 ± 15.656 ng L−1) > nitenpyram (88.076 ± 27.144 ng L−1) > thiamethoxam (59.752 ± 9.068 ng L−1) > dinotefuran (31.086 ± 9.275 ng L−1) > imidaclothiz (24.542 ± 2.906 ng L−1) > acetamiprid (23.360 ± 4.015 ng L−1) > thiacloprid (11.493 ± 5.095 ng L−1). Moreover, the relationship between NEO concentrations and some environmental factors is analyzed. NEO concentrations increase with temperature, oxidation-reduction potential and the percentage of cultivated crops but decrease with stream discharge, pH, dissolved oxygen and precipitation. NEO concentrations show no significant relations to turbidity and conductivity. The purpose of this review is to conduct a meta-analysis on the concentration of NEOs in global waters based on published detections from several countries to extend knowledge on the application of NEOs.
Dynamic Changes in Tooth Displacement and Bone Morphometry in Orthodontic Tooth Movement in Rats: A 3D Analysis
Authors: Zong Chen , Dessel Jeroen Van , Velde Greetje Vande , Willems Guy , de Llano-Pérula maria Cadenas
Published: February 2022

This study used a novel 3D analysis to longitudinally evaluate orthodontic tooth movement (OTM) and bone morphometry. Twelve-week-old male Wistar rats were subjected to OTM by applying a constant orthodontic force (OF) of 25cN between one of the upper first molars and a mini-screw. In vivo micro-CTs were taken before and after 10, 17, 24 and 31 days of force application, and superimposed by a novel and rigid voxel-based registration method. Then the tooth and alveolar bone segment at different time points became comparable in the same coordinate system, which facilitated the analysis of their dynamic changes in 3D. By comparison between time points and between OF and no OF sides, this study showed that the OTM rate was not constant through time, but conformed to a ‘V’ shape changing pattern. Besides, OF induced displacement of both loaded and unloaded teeth, and the latter mirrored the former in a delayed manner. In addition, bone morphometric changes synchronized with OTM rate changes, implying that a higher OTM rate was concomitant with more alveolar bone loss. The pressure and tension areas might not be in two opposite sides, but actually adjacent and connected. These findings might provide instructive evidence for both clinical, translational and basic research in orthodontics.
Simulated trends in surface sensible heat flux on the Tibetan Plateau and the possible causes
Authors: Wang Shuzhou , Liu Yuxin , Ma Yaoming
Published: February 2022

Characteristics of spatial distribution and variation of surface sensible heat (SH) flux on the Tibetan Plateau (TP) were studied using the simulation results from the Noah-MP land surface model for the period of 1985-2015. The inter-annual variations and possible causes were also analyzed. It is found that, the western and central TP witnessed much larger 31-yr mean SH fluxes than the eastern TP. Meanwhile, the inter-annual variations of SH fluxes on the central and western TP were larger than that on the eastern TP. All the regions showed a decreasing trend in SH flux from mid-1980s, but an increasing trend since the beginning of the 21st century. However, the eastern TP got the increasing trend later than the western and central TP. On the whole, the increasing trend began from about 2002. The western and central TP had larger values of Ts–Ta (difference between ground and air temperature) than the eastern TP. Overall, the trends of mean Ts–Ta and SH flux were similar to each other. The changes of mean Ts–Ta were the main causes of the decreasing and increasing trends in SH flux on the TP. Meanwhile, the changes of wind speed and heat transfer coefficient CH are not as important as Ts–Ta.
Perinatal Outcomes Of Ursodeoxycholic Acid Treatment In Twin Pregnancies With Intrahepatic Cholestasis: A Five-Year Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Zhang Qianwen , Xu Yu , Gong Yunhui , Liu Xinghui
Published: February 2022

Background: Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy is one of the common complications during pregnancy, and ursodeoxycholic acid has been recommended as the first-line drug. However, if ursodeoxycholic acid could improve the perinatal outcomes of multiple pregnancies is unclear, we aimed to investigate perinatal outcomes in twin pregnancies with intrahepatic cholestasis by assisted reproductive technology or spontaneous conception. Methods: From January 2014 to January 2019, we retrospectively analysed the clinical data of twin pregnant women with intrahepatic cholestasis, excluding those who did not receive ursodeoxycholic acid treatment. In total, 864 women were included, among whom 500 conceived by assisted reproductive technology and 364 conceived by spontaneous conception. The primary assessment for perinatal outcomes included premature birth, meconium-stained amniotic fluid, low Apgar score, neonatal intensive care unit and still birth, and secondary indicators were serum bile acid and liver enzymes level during medication, so we also finished subgroup analysis based on different elevated bile acid level and drug usage. The statistical analysis was performed by SPSS 22.0.Results: The study demonstrated that compared to spontaneous conception, assisted reproductive technology conceived twin pregnancies diagnosed as intrahepatic cholestasis earlier (p=0.003), and lower birth weight(p=0.001), less incidence of preterm delivery(p=0.000) and neonatal intensive care unit admission (p=0.001), but the rate of meconium-stained amniotic fluid, low Apgar score and still birth have no statistic differences. Moreover, the subgroup analysis showed no significant difference in elevated bile acid levels and medication between assisted reproductive technology and spontaneous conception groups.Conclusions: Assisted reproductive technology may increase the risk of early-onset intrahepatic cholestasis in twin pregnancies, but it does not seem to increase adverse effects on bile acid levels and perinatal outcomes. Regardless of the use of ursodeoxycholic acid alone or combination, ursodeoxycholic acid for bile acid reduction and improving perinatal outcomes in twin pregnancies is limited. Our conclusions still need more prospective randomized controlled studies to confirm.
Characteristics of undergraduate, second speciality and sub-speciality mental health programmes in Peru: a scoping review
Authors: García-Serna Jackeline , Zafra-Tanaka Jessica Hanae , Huarcaya Jeff , Vilela-Estrada Ana Lucia , Almeida-Huanca Guillermo , Villarreal-Zegarra David
Published: February 2022

Background: Peru has a deficit in mental health care with 10,051 mental health workers per 100,000 inhabitants. The aim of this study was to characterise the offer of undergraduate and second speciality mental health programmes in Peru.Method: We conducted a scoping review of mental health training offered by Peruvian universities. We searched for programmes in the University Information System database and on the universities' websites. We extracted the name of the university, the name of the programme, the target population, the duration, the cost, the learning environment, the region, and the type of institution where they are offered. We collated the information and used descriptive statistics to analyze the data.Results: We found a total of 252 undergraduate and 63 second speciality programmes, with 43% and 54% of the programmes respectively offered in the capital city. Undergraduate mental health programmes last between 3 and 7 years and cost between US$ 55.71 and US$ 6,952.03 in private universities for the first semester. As for second speciality programmes, the total cost of the programme varies from US$ 729.26 to US$ 12,140.17, where the latter offers more practical training for physicians and nurses. Conclusions: In Peru, there are few undergraduate programmes oriented towards social work and medical technology (focused on occupational therapy and speech therapy), as well as a few second speciality programmes for psychologists. This affects the possibility of having multidisciplinary teams trained in mental health. We believe that to improve the competencies of professionals to manage mental health problems, institutions involved in health and education should develop policies to decentralise programmes, make them more accessible to low-income people, respond to mental health issues, and ensure the quality of all programmes.
Integrating ART Adherence Support Technologies in the Care of Pregnant and Postpartum Women With HIV: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Rendell Sara , Schmidt Harald , Neergaard Rebecca , Nkwihoreze Hervette , Barbati Zoe , Short William R. , Rana Aadia I. , Sheth Anandi N. , Scott Rachel K. , Sethi Sonia , Momplaisir Florence M.
Published: February 2022

Background: We have a limited understanding on how to best integrate technologies to support antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence in routine HIV care. Methods: We conducted semi-structured interviews with multidisciplinary providers caring for pregnant and postpartum women with HIV and asked providers about their perspectives on utilising adherence support technologies such as text messages, video check-ins with providers or automated with facial recognition for directly-observed-therapy, signaling pill bottle, and signaling pill to support ART adherence. Each approach generated an adherence report. The interview instrument was guided by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research and included questions on the implementation climate, barriers and facilitators to the clinical integration of the adherence approach and strategies that could be used to maximize this integration. The order of adherence support technologies was randomized to minimize bias. We used a modified grounded theory to develop the coding structure and two coders applied the codebook to the transcripts after establishing strong inter-rater reliability with 20% of interviews (kappa = 0.82).Results: Between March and December 2020, we conducted 26 in-depth, semi-structured interviews with providers who weighed several factors when considering each approach, including the approach’s effect on patient-provider interaction in and outside of the clinic visit, timing for and duration of the approach’s utility, threat of disclosing status, and added burden to providers (e.g., needing to act on generated information) or to patients (e.g., needing to hide the signaling pills, responding to text messages). Providers’ most preferred approach was text-messages, and the least preferred was the signaling pill. Barriers to acceptability varied by approach and included perceived surveillance, violation of privacy, added time demand for providers, potential inaccuracy of the adherence data generated, and negative impact on the patient-provider relationship, particularly if the approach was perceived as coercive. Payers anticipated regulatory hurdles with unfamiliar approaches, particularly the signaling pill and signaling pill bottle. Facilitators included strengthened therapeutic alliance, predictable reminder mechanisms, and options for customization according to patient preference.Conclusions: Our study elucidates barriers and facilitators to integrating technology-based adherence support approaches in clinical care to support adherence of pregnant and postpartum women with HIV.