bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simulated Fishing to Untangle Catchability and Availability in Fish Abundance Monitoring
Authors: Tobias Vanessa
Published: June 2021

In fisheries monitoring, catch is assumed to be a product of fishing intensity, catchability, and availability, where availability is defined as the number or biomass of fish present and catchability refers to the relationship between catch rate and the true population. Ecological monitoring programs use catch per unit of effort (CPUE) to standardize catch and monitor changes in fish populations; however, CPUE is proportional to the portion of the population that is vulnerable to the type of gear that is used in sampling, which is not necessarily the entire population. Programs often deal with this problem by assuming that catchability is constant, but if catchability is not constant, it is not possible to separate the effects of catchability and population size using monitoring data alone. This study uses individual-based simulation to separate the effects of changing environmental conditions on catchability and availability in environmental monitoring data. The simulation combines a module for sampling conditions with a module for individual fish behavior to estimate the proportion of available fish that would escape from the sample. The method is applied to the case study of the well-monitored fish species Delta Smelt (Hypomesus transpacificus) in the San Francisco Estuary, where it has been hypothesized that changing water clarity may affect catchability for long-term monitoring studies. Results of this study indicate that given constraints on Delta Smelt swimming ability, it is unlikely that the apparent declines in Delta Smelt abundance are due to an effect of changing water clarity on catchability.
The Eukaryotic Last Common Ancestor Was Bifunctional for Hopanoid and Sterol Production
Authors: Francis Warren
Published: June 2021

Steroid and hopanoid biomarkers can be found in ancient rocks and may give a glimpse of what life was present at that time. Sterols and hopanoids are produced by two related enzymes, though the evolutionary history of this protein family is complicated by losses and horizontal gene transfers, and appears to be widely misinterpretted. Here, I have added sequences from additional key species, and re-analysis of the phylogeny of SHC and OSC indicates a single origin of both enzymes among eukaryotes. This pattern is best explained by vertical inheritance of both enzymes from a bacterial ancestor, followed by widespread loss of SHC, and two subsequent HGT events to ferns and ascomycetes. Thus, the last common ancestor of eukaryotes would have been bifunctional for both sterol and hopanoid production. Later enzymatic innovations allowed diversification of sterols in eukaryotes. Contrary to previous interpretations, the LCA of eukaryotes potentially would have been able to produce hopanoids as a substitute for sterols in anaerobic conditions. Without invoking any other metabolic demand, the LCA of eukaryotes could have been a facultative aerobe, living in unstable conditions with respect to oxygen level.
Solid Waste Management Practices and Challenges in Seven Cities of Nepal Before and During Lockdown Against COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Adhikari Bikash , Koirala Saroj , Khadka Nitesh , Koirala Nitesh
Published: June 2021

The nationwide lockdown imposed to control the spread of novel coronavirus induced dramatic alterations in different sectors of the Nepalese governance, including Solid Waste Management (SWM) practices. The study identifies SW collection gaps in seven major cities of Nepal and highlights the municipal and public households on SW management practices before and during the lockdown to emphasize the linkage between COVID-19 and SWM. It includes information on solid waste status, collection frequency and coverage, workers safety practices, types of vehicles operated for collection and alternative methods adopted by households to manage SW during the lockdown. For this, 1329 households survey and key informant interviews were conducted in seven cities of Nepal during the lockdown. It was found that although the coverage of the collection service was similar during the pandemic, there was a drastic decrease in the collection frequency leading to a collection gap of around 570 tons/day. More than 50% of the surveyed households adopted no proper alternative measures as they claimed that they stored solid waste with proper management so that municipal authorities can take it. The study reveals poor occupational health and safety practices among the solid waste workers due to the unavailability of safety gears and equipment despite being aware of the modes of transmission of the virus. The pandemic exacerbated the challenges of smooth SWM as it is an essential and needy service. This study highlights the need for a timely strategic management framework to be developed by the government to continue the smooth SWM practices during the lockdown.
Understanding PITX2-dependent Atrial Fibrillation Mechanisms through Computational Models
Authors: Bai Jieyun , Lu Yaosheng , Zhu Yijie , Wang Huijin , Yin Dechun , Zhang Henggui , Franco Diego , Zhao Jichao
Published: June 2021

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common arrhythmia. Better prevention and treatment of AF are needed to reduce AF-associated morbidity and mortality. Several major mechanisms cause AF in patients, including a genetic predisposition to develop AF. Genome-wide association studies have identified genetic variants associated with AF populations, with the strongest hits clustering on chromosome 4q25, close to the gene coding for the homeobox transcription PITX2. Because of the inherent complexity of the human heart, experimental and basic research on PITX2-dependent AF is not sufficient for understanding atrial functional proprieties. Linking PITX2 to ion channels, cells, tissues, atria and the whole heart, computational models are necessary for achieving a quantitative understanding of atrial structure and function in PITX2-dependent AF. Computational approaches are used to capture all that we know about PITX2-dependent AF and to develop improved therapies. In the present review, we discuss advances in atrial modelling and focus on the mechanistic links between PITX2 and AF. Challenges in applying models for improving patient health are described, as well as a summary of future perspectives.
Cholinesterase Activity in the Eye?
Authors: Durán Cristiano Sandra Carolina
Published: June 2021

The visual system is regulated by the nervous through neurotransmitters, which play an important role in visual and ocular functions. One of those neurotransmitters is acetylcholine, a key molecule that plays a diversity of biological functions. On the other hand, acetylcholinesterase, the enzyme responsible for the hydrolysis of acetylcholine, is implicated in cholinergic function. However, several studies showed that in addition to their enzymatic functions, Acetylcholinesterase exerts non-catalytic functions. In recent years, the importance of evaluating all possible functions of acetylcholine-acetylcholinesterase has been evidenced. Nevertheless, there is evidence that suggests cholinesterase activity in the eye can regulate some biological events both in structures of the anterior and posterior segment of the eye and therefore in the visual information that is processed in the visual cortex. Hence, the evaluation of cholinesterase activity could be a possible marker of alterations in cholinergic activity not only in ocular disease but also in systemic diseases.
The impact of Probability Density Functions Assessment on Model Performance for Slope Stability Analysis
Authors: Volpe Evelina , Ciabatta Luca , Salciarini Diana , Camici Stefania , Cattoni Elisabetta , Brocca Luca
Published: June 2021

The development of forecasting models for the evaluation of potential slope instability after rainfall event represents an important issue for the scientific community. This topic has received considerable impetus due to climate change effect on the territory [1, 2] as several studies demonstrate that the increase in global warming can significantly influence the landslide activity and stability conditions of natural and artificial slopes [3]. A consolidated approach in evaluating rainfall induced landslide hazard is based on the integration of rainfall forecasts and physically based (PB) predictive models through deterministic laws. However, considering the complex nature of the processes and the high variability of the random quantities involved, probabilistic approaches are recommended in order to obtain reliable predictions. A crucial aspect of the stochastic approach is represented by the definition of appropriate probability density functions (pdfs) to model the uncertainty of the input variables as this may have an important effect on the evaluation of the probability of failure (PoF). The role of the pdf definition on reliability analysis is discussed through a comparison of PoF maps generated using Monte Carlo (MC) simulations performed over a study area located in the Umbria Region of central Italy.
The Brain Microbiota as It Relates to the Orch OR Theory of Consciousness
Authors: Ruggiero Marco
Published: June 2021

I propose to incorporate the concepts of brain microbiota and microbial consciousness in the Orch OR theory of human consciousness with the goal of increasing its explanatory and predictive powers. If consciousness arises from quantum computations in cytoskeletal structures inside human neurons, there is no theoretical impediment at hypothesizing that it might also occur in the cytoskeletal structures of the microbes resident in our brains. If the concept of the brain microbiota could be integrated in a general Orch OR theory, its explanatory and predictive powers would be vastly increased.
Development of a Fuzzy Variable Rate Irrigation Control System Based on Remote Sensing Data to Fully Automate Center Pivots
Authors: Mendes Willians Ribeiro , Er-Raki Salah , Heeren Derek M. , Dutta Ritaban , Araújo Fábio M. U.
Published: June 2021

Growing agricultural demands for the global population are unlocking the path to developing innovative solutions for efficient water management. Herein, an intelligent variable rate irrigation system (fuzzy-VRI) is proposed for rapid decision-making to achieve optimized irrigation in various delimited zones. The proposed system automatically creates irrigation maps for a center pivot irrigation system for a variable-rate application of water. Primary inputs are spatial imagery on remotely sensed soil moisture (SSM), soil adjusted vegetation index (SAVI), canopy temperature (CT), and nitrogen content (NI). To eliminate localized issues with soil characteristics, we used the crop nitrogen content map to provide a focused insight on issues related to water shortage. The system relates these inputs to set reference values for the rotation speed controllers and individual openings of each central pivot sprinkler valve. The results showed that the system can detect and characterize the spatial variability of the crop and further, the fuzzy logic solved the uncertainties of an irrigation system and defined a control model for high-precision irrigation. The proposed approach is validated through the comparison between the recommended irrigation and actual irrigation at two field sites, and the results showed that the developed approach gives an accurate estimation of irrigation with a reduction in the volume of irrigated water of up to 27% in some cases. Future research should implement the fuzzy-VRI real-time during field trials in order to quantify its effect on irrigation use, yield, and water use efficiency.
Inhibition of Semaphorin 4D/Plexin-B1 Signal Inhibits the Subchondral Bone Loss in Early-Stage Osteoarthritis of Temporomandibular Joint
Authors: Zhang Zhaoyichun , Lu Lei , Ye Tao , Yu Shibin , Zhang Jing , Zhang Mian , He Feng , Liu Qian , Feng Jianying , Yang Hongxu
Published: June 2021

Subchondral bone loss is an important pathological feature of early-stage temporomandibular joint (TMJ) osteoarthritis (OA). Previous studies focused mainly on the bone resorption by osteoclasts in early-stage OA, but the bone formation feature has not drawn enough attention. Sema4D/Plexin-B1 is a pair of molecules expressed by osteoclast/osteoblast, which is capable of inhibiting bone formation by osteoblasts. The present study found that subchondral bone loss in early-stage TMJ OA was accompanied by up-regulated expression of Sema4D in cartilage and subchondral bone and Plexin-B1 in subchondral bone. Reducing Sema4D level could inhibit the subchondral bone loss and cartilage degeneration of early-stage TMJ OA. In vitro, results revealed that Sema4D could reduce the expression of osteocalcin (OCN) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and increase the migrating capability of Plexin-B1-positive osteoblasts. Our results revealed that elevated Sema4D expression in early-stage TMJ OA might decrease the bone formation activity of osteoblasts in the subchondral bone by binding to Plexin-B1 expressed by osteoblasts. Inhibiting Sema4D/Plexin-B1 signaling in the early-stage OA holds promise as a strategy for new therapeutic approaches to osteoarthritis.
Gross Trunnion Failure of a Type 1 Taper After Metal-on-Polyethylene Total Hip Arthroplasty
Authors: Pagani Nicholas R. , LeRoy Taryn E. , Menendez Mariano E. , Stoker Geoffrey E. , Lococo Daniel V. , Nairus James G.
Published: June 2021

Case:

We describe 2 cases of gross trunnion failure (GTF) in males with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Class 3 obesity 10 years after metal-on-polyethylene total hip arthroplasty (THA) with a titanium-alloy femoral stem and Type 1 taper. One patient received a large diameter cobalt-chromium femoral head, whereas the other received a smaller diameter head, both with high-offset femoral stems.

Conclusion:

This is the first report of GTF involving the Echo Bi-Metric femoral stem after metal-on-polyethylene THA, and surgeons should consider the potential complication of GTF when using this specific femoral stem with metal heads in obese male patients.
Pemberdayaan Kelompok Tenun Nari-Nari Melalui Pewarnaan Benang Menggunakan Ekstrak Kayu Kuning Dan Kayu Mahoni
Authors: R Ruslan , Wiraningtyas Agrippina , Sandi Ahmad , Nasir Muhammad
Published: June 2021

The "Nari-Nari" Weaving Village in Rabadompu Timur Village, Bima City, is a community group engaged in the weaving industry which has been carried on for generations. During this time, Bima woven fabric products use yarn raw material that has been colored using synthetic dyes. Yarn with synthetic dyes has a more diverse color, the fabric coloring process is easier and the cost is cheap, but synthetic dyes are carcinogenic and harmful to the environment. The solution to the problems faced by using natural dyes obtained from plants. This activity aims to train the Nari-Nari weaving group in yarn coloring using natural dyes. The method used is training through several stages of the activity namely the stage of socialization of activities; the training stage of yarn dyeing and woven fabric production. The dyes used are yellow wood extract and mahogany wood. The results obtained in this activity are the colored yarn has a different color based on the extract of the dye and fixation material. In yellow wood obtained with a maroon red color on alum, black on tunjung and reddish beige on lime. In mahogany wood is obtained beige on alum, black gray on tunjung and beige on lime.
Implementasi Hypnotherapy dalam Meningkatkan Motivasi
Authors: Sunarsi Denok , Maddinsyah Ali , Ahidin Udin , Roswendi Achmad Setya , Supriadi Dedi
Published: June 2021

Modern hypnotherapy methods have a greater role to 'open' awareness in knowing the main problem and helping to heal or solve the problem by himself. someone becomes more comfortable with his condition and can accept his condition, so it does not interfere with activities or daily activities. Lack of motivation can reduce self-confidence where every individual, be it an employee, teacher, student, housewife or entertainer desperately needs self-confidence in all fields. The purpose of this community service is to train the participants in applying hypnosis and hypnotherapy and to change the mindset of the participants towards that knowledge. The method used is the presentation of material through seminars and frequently asked questions and simulations both individually and in groups. The result of devotion is that the participants are able to implement hypnosis and hypnosis for the needs of increased motivation, treatment and self-development both for themselves and to help others who experience constraints of confidence and improve performance. The next activity the community service team will conduct hypnoteaching training for teachers and hypomotivation for students.
Pemanfaatan Techno-Pest Control Berbasis IoT Untuk Membasmi Hama Padi di Area Persawahan Pondok Condongcatur
Authors: Ratnawati Dianna , Setuju  , Zamroni  , Purnomo Sigit , Ahsan Moh
Published: June 2021

Planthopper and grasshopper pests that attack rice plants in the Padukuhan Pondok rice fields, Condongcatur have an impact on decreasing productivity of rice farmers. The objectives of this community service are: (1) to produce an IoT-based techno-pest control device by utilizing solar cells as power supply; (2) increasing the skills of farmers in using efficient technology that is economical, modern and environmentally friendly. The methods used include experimentation, socialization and training. This community service activity is the manufacture of IoT-based techno-pest control tools and tool dissemination. The dissemination activity was successfully held and attended by 50 participants from the farmer's group of culinary sources, the participants actively asked questions and were enthusiastic in practicing the operation of the tools. 85% of participants can operate the equipment in groups. Techno-pest control tools can eradicate planthoppers and grasshoppers at a radius of 6m within 4 hours via 40kHz ultrasonic waves. This tool is integrated on the internet to monitor the situation of rice fields by accessing the website http://pkm.ptm.ustjogja.ac.id.
Implementasi E-Commerce untuk Pengembangan Market Produk Kewirausahaan Mahasiswa
Authors: Budianto Alexius Endy , Iswahyudi Didik , Dianawati Eris
Published: June 2021

The development of student entrepreneurship at the University of Kanjuruhan Malang is starting to show results. This is very supportive of government programs in their development in line with increasing economic growth. Furthermore, it has an impact on student entrepreneurial actors to be more creative and innovative in effective marketing strategic planning. Most entrepreneurial students have difficulty developing because they do not understand how to market a product effectively, display product packaging attractively so that it has high selling value and manages their business well. On this occasion, we aim to provide solutions through the Entrepreneurship Development Program of the University of Kanjuruhan Malang which collaborates with micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Malang City and Regency, in the form of a digital marketing strategy, namely e-commerce. The method we use in this activity is conducting workshops by forming student groups according to their target products and market reach, and providing assistance to these student groups. The investment that we provide is in the form of e-commerce applications. The results of the investment show a significant change in marketing among entrepreneurial students at Kanjuruhan University of Malang.
Disrupted fronto-temporal function in panic disorder: a resting-state connectome study
Authors: Wu Yun , Zhong Yuan , Zheng Gang , Liu Ya , Pang Manlong , Xu Huazhen , Ding Huachen , Wang Chun , Zhang Ning
Published: June 2021

Recent neuroimaging studies have identified altered activations and connectivity among many brain regions as potential biomarkers for panic disorder. However, little was known about how topological properties would change in panic disorder. Therefore, a graph-theoretical approach was applied in this study to construct functional networks of patients and healthy controls to discover topological changes in panic disorder. 31 patients and 33 matched healthy controls underwent resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging. Brain network of each participant was structured using the Anatomical Automatic Labeling template as nodes and connectivity matrixes as edges. Then, topological organizations of networks were calculated. Network-based statistic analysis was conducted and global and nodal properties were compared between patients and controls. Patients with panic disorder showed small-world attribute, which was lower than that in controls. Patients revealed decreased nodal efficiency in superior and middle frontal gyrus, right superior temporal gyrus and left middle temporal gyrus. Decreased functional connectivity was found in panic disorder between right middle temporal gyrus and extensive temporal regions. Results indicated decreased function of global and regional information transmission in panic disorder, highlighted the disrupted “top-down” processing in fronto-temporal regions and emphasized the role of temporal regions in the pathology of panic disorder.
Does a one-week health program promote well-being among caregiving parents? A quasiexperimental intervention study in Germany
Authors: Hetzel Christian , Alles Torsten , Holzer Michael , Koch Erich , Froböse Ingo
Published: June 2021

Aim: The effect of a legally funded, one-week health program offered by the Social Insurance for Agriculture, Forestry and Horticulture (SVLFG) on the well-being of the participating caregiving parents is determined. Secondary outcome measures are stress and behavior theory-based characteristics.Subject and methods: In a controlled panel study (intervention group n=23, comparison group n=33, allocation not randomized) the WHO-5 index and other measures were collected at several measurement points. Statistical methods are fixed effects panel regressions under control of time-varying characteristics (external conditions, period effects).Results: At the start of the intervention 70 percent of the intervention group are at the threshold of clinically relevant depressiveness. After a very clear initial effect, the level remains above the baseline level for up to 15 weeks after the intervention (under stable conditions). A sinking below the initial level is prevented until at least 26 weeks even with significantly increasing external conditions. The main drivers appear to be sustained increases in acceptance of the care situation, institutional support, and recreational behavior.Conclusion: In view of the high initial burden of the participants, the sustainability of the prevention-oriented intervention is considerable. The intervention is unique for the social insurance system in Germany. The design allows a causal interpretation despite the small number of cases.
Generation of germ-free common marmosets
Authors: Inoue Takashi , Okahara Norio , Okahashi Nobuyuki , Sato Kenya , Ueda Masahiro , Atarashi Koji , Isayama Jun , Yoshimasa Aoto , Kawashima Yusuke , Lee Chia-Ying , Ueno Masami , Nozu Ryoko , Kurotaki Yoko , Mineshige Takayuki , Yurimoto Terumi , Itaya Kaori , Tanoue Takeshi , Nakahata Tatsutoshi , Shiota Atsushi , Arita Makoto , Honda Kenya , Sasaki Erika
Published: June 2021

Recent studies using germ-free mice have demonstrated that microbiota have functional roles in host homeostasis1,2. However, the phylogenetic distance between rodents and humans translates into differences in their metabolism, immune response, neural function and microbiota colonisation abilities. Hence, translational research using nonhuman primates (NHPs) is important for bridging the gap between rodent studies and human medicine3. Although several attempts to produce germ-free NHPs were made more than 50 years ago4,5, currently none are available. Here, we generated germ-free common marmosets suitable for rearing and handling under sterile conditions and maintained them with no culturable bacteria/fungi, for 22 months. The faecal microbiota composition and metabolome in conventional marmosets are more similar to those in humans than to those in mice. The transplantation of a bacterial consortium isolated from humans6 into marmosets and mice resulted in a significantly steadier bacterial colonisation in the former than that in the latter. Germ-free marmosets exhibited low levels of faecal short-chain fatty acids, bile acid metabolites, plasma and faecal immunoglobulins, and enlarged caecum in contrast-enhanced X-ray. These stable germ-free marmosets can serve as novel models that enable the development of therapeutics that target gut microbiota and elucidation of their interaction with higher-order brain function.
The Monk Parakeet (Myiopsitta Monachus) as a Potential Pest for Agriculture in the Mediterranean Basin
Authors: Castro Jorge , Sáez Carmen , Molina-Morales Mercedes
Published: June 2021

The monk parakeet (Myiopsitta monachus) has been introduced in the last decades to many cities of the Mediterranean basin. For most of this time it has been restricted primarily to urban areas, but it is starting to spread to rural habitats. It is considered a pest for agriculture in its native range, consuming a wide variety of crops such as grains, fruits, and vegetables. However, there is very little information about its potential role as a pest for agriculture in the areas where it is exotic. Here we conducted an experimental survey of the impact of the monk parakeet on corn in SE Spain using camera traps. The monk parakeet was the animal that produced the highest damage, being responsible for 98.6% of the time employed by all animals consuming kernels. The percentage of cobs damaged ranged from 36.8–100% depending on the cultivar, whereas the crop loss (measured as the length of the cob consumed with respect to the total length of the cob) ranged from 17.7–71.1%. The results suggest that the monk parakeet may be a serious pest for agriculture in the Mediterranean basin if their populations continue growing.
Women’s Decision-Making Autonomy In Maternal Health Service Utilization And Associated Factors Among Reproductive Age Women In Southern, Ethiopia
Authors: Eshetu Kirubel , Gelaw Belete , Lankrew Tadele , Assefa Andualem , Demeke Tsegaye
Published: June 2021

Background: Women autonomy is the ability of women to make self-regulating decisions to meet their requirements without any one initiation. Women who can autonomously decide about their health utilized maternal health care is poor, even though a lot of effort has been made. Only less than 32% of developing countries, women have decision making power to visit maternal health service. Objective: To assess the women’s decision making autonomy in their maternal health service utilization and its associated factors among reproductive age group women in southern Ethiopia, from March1, 2019 to March 30, 2019.Methods and material: A cross-sectional study design was conducted. Data were analysed using descriptive statistical tests and binary logistic regression was used. All independent variables with p- value of < 0.25 at bivariate analysis were included in multivariate models to determine the predictors of the outcome variable, and to control the confounding factors. For all statistical tests, a P value of <0.05 was a cut off point for statistical significant. Results: Prevalence of women decision making autonomy in their maternal health service utilization was 58.2% [(AOR= 58.2% (95 %CI (54.2 – 62.0). Number of family size 2.2 [AOR (95% CI) =2.2, 95% CI (1.3-3.72)], occupation, 4.3 [AOR (95% CI) =4.3 95% CI (1.10-9.3)] economic status, 2.2[AOR (95% CI) =2.2, 95% CI (1.3-.3.72)] respondent age above 35 4.8[AOR(95%CI=4.8,95%CI(2.3-10)] were the factors significantly associated with decision making autonomy. Conclusion: prevalence of women’s decision making autonomy in their maternal health service utilization was 58.2% which were found to be low. Decision making autonomy was more common with low income, large family size, respondent age and lack women occupation. Improved the women’s decision making by giving Health education on the importance of maternal health services and gender equality recommended to reduce the problem.
Unlocking coherent control of ultrafast plasmonic interaction
Authors: Bahar Eyal , Arieli Uri , Stern Maayan Vizner , Haim Suchowski
Published: June 2021

Striking a metallic nanostructure with a short and intense pulse of light excites a complex out-of-equilibrium distribution of electrons that rapidly interact and lose their mutual coherent motion. Due to the highly nonlinear dynamics, the photo-excited nanostructures may further emit energetic photons beyond the spectrum of the incident beam, where the shortest pulse duration is traditionally expected to induce the greatest nonlinear emission. Here, we coherently control these photo-induced extreme ultrafast dynamics by spectrally shaping a sub-10 fs pulse within the timescale of coherent plasmon excitations. Contrary to the common perception, we show that stretching the pulse to match its internal phase with the plasmon-resonance increases the second-order nonlinear emission by > 25%. The enhancement is observed only when shaping extreme-ultrashort pulses (< 20 fs), thus signifying the coherent electronic nature as a crucial source of the effect. We provide a detailed theoretical framework that reveals the optimal pulse shapes for enhanced nonlinear emission regarding the nanostructures’ plasmonic-resonances. The demonstrated truly-coherent plasma control paves the way to engineer rapid out-of-equilibrium response in solids state systems and light-harvesting applications.
Gastrointestinal Cancers: Racial and Ethnicity Differences
Authors: Singh Maharaj , Konduri Santhi , Datta Samit , Papenfuss Wesley , Belini Geoffrey , Chevinsky Aaron , Weese James
Published: June 2021

Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine race and ethnicity for overall survival (OS) and percent survival after 5- and 10-years for patients diagnosed with one of the gastrointestinal (GI) cancers.Method: We used national data for 12 types of GI cancers (esophagus, stomach, gallbladder, intrahepatic bile duct, extrahepatic bile duct, liver, pancreas, small intestine, colon, rectosigmoid, rectum, and anal) for the years 2004-2016. Results: A total of 2,249,213 patients diagnosed with one of the GI tract cancers with median age of 67 years were included in this study. There were 55% male, 77% non-Hispanic White (NHW), 12% were non-Hispanic Black (NHB), 6% were Hispanic, and the rest were classified as ‘Other’ race (4%). OS was higher for the Hispanics, followed by the ‘Other’, NHW and NHB (P <0.001). After adjusting for sex, income, insurance status, grade differentiation, age, and for Charlson-Dayo index, Hispanics and ‘Other’ race category had lower mortality compared to NHW (HR=0.93, 0.92-0.94, p <0.001; HR=0.92, 0.91-0.93, p <0.001), whereas NHB had higher risk compared to NHW (HR=1.09,1.08-1.09 p <0.001). Hispanics had lower mortality than NHW for 11 or 12 types (except esophagus), and ‘Other’ race category had lower risk for 10 of 12 types (except anal and small intestine). Five- and 10-year survival rates were higher for Hispanic patients (47%, 36%) followed by ‘Other’ (42%, 31%), NHW (40%, 28%), and for NHB (38%, 28%).Conclusion: Hispanics and the patients from ‘Other’ race category diagnosed with one of the GI cancers had longer survival probability and lower risk of mortality compared to NHW and NHB.
Next-Generation Sequencing Facilitates Genetic Diagnosis And Improves The Management Of Patients With Hearing Loss In Clinical Practice
Authors: Liu Chang , Huang Yanlin , Zhang Yan , Ding Hongke , Yu Lihua , Zeng Yukun , Liu Ling , Wang Anshi , Liu Yuan , Qi Yiming , Li Fake , Wu Jing , Du Li , Wang Yunan , Mai Fei , Zhang Qi , Wang Xingwang , Yin Aihua
Published: June 2021

Background: Hearing loss (HL) is a prevalent sensorineural disorder, and is among the most etiologically heterogeneous disorders. With the advent of next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies, hundreds of candidate genes can be analyzed simultaneously in a cost-effective manner. Methods: 94 patients from 87 families diagnosed with non-syndromic or syndromic hearing loss were enrolled. A custom-designed HL panel and clinical exome sequencing (CES) were applied to explore molecular etiology in the cohort, and the efficacy of the two panels was examined. Results: The etiologic diagnosis for hearing loss has been arrived at 40 out of 94 patients (42.6%), 28 with an autosomal recessive (AR) inheritance pattern and 12 with an autosomal dominant (AD) pattern. Candidate variants in 19 different genes were identified in the study cohort, 11 with AR inheritance pattern and 8 with AD pattern. 14 of the variants identified in the study were novel. Compared with CES, the custom-designed HL panel has comparatively higher diagnostic yield (61.5% vs. 29.1%), less expensive price, similar turn-around time, and can be used as an efficient diagnostic tool for hearing loss in the clinical practice. Conclusions: Next-generation sequencing facilitates genetic diagnosis and improves the management of patients with hearing loss in the clinical practice.
Diffusion Adaptive Filtering Algorithm Based on the Fair Cost Function
Authors: Guan Sihai , Cheng Qing , Zhao Yong , Biswal Bharat
Published: June 2021

To better perform distributed estimation, this paper, by combining the Fair cost function and adapt-then-combine scheme at all distributed network nodes, a novel diffusion adaptive estimation algorithm is proposed from an M-estimator perspective, which is called the diffusion Fair (DFair) adaptive filtering algorithm. The stability of the mean estimation error and the computational complexity of the DFair are theoretically analyzed. Compared with the RDLMS, DNLMM, DGCLD, and DPLMS algorithms, the simulation experiment results show that the DFair algorithm is more robust to input signals and impulsive interference. In conclusion, Theoretical analysis and simulation results show that the DFair algorithm performs better when estimating an unknown linear system in the changeable impulsive interference environments.
Seasonal and spatial distribution of heavy metals in an industrially affected river sediment and evaluation of ecological risk, health risk & pollution source
Authors: Jolly Yeasmin Nahar , Rabby Atahar , Hasan Mehedi , Mamun Khan Mohammad , Akter Shirin , Kabir Jamiul , Rahman Mohammad Safiur , Bhuiyan Taseen Jubair , Chowdhury Abdullah Mohammad Sarwaruddin
Published: June 2021

Present study sketched to quantify heavy metals (Cr, Mn, Ni, Cu, Zn, Pb, Cd, As) in sediment samples (Dry and Rainy season) of an industrially affected river namely Shitalakshya by Energy Dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) technique. Different geochemical indices and multivariate statistical analysis were applied to define the accumulation, source and level of metal pollution in the sediment samples and probabilistic health risk implications due to dermal contact of sediment was also evaluated. Study revealed mean heavy metal (HM) concentrations in a sequence of Mn > Zn > Cu > Cr > Ni > Pb > As > Cd for both the seasons and almost all the elements were found within the suggestive standard value by various agencies with an exception of Cd and As. Enrichment factor (EF), geo-accumulation index (Igeo), contamination factor (CF) and pollution load index (PLI) indicated a high level of contamination by HM and a moderate level of Ecological risk was assessed for both the season. Hazard Index (HI), known as non-carcinogenic health risk for all the elements studied found bellow 1, indicating no harm for health and total carcinogenic risk also revealed the safe range. Results of multivariate statistical analysis indicates, the possible sources are mostly anthropogenic which may be owing to discharge of untreated wastes from various industries, metal and waste dumping sites, oil and refinery industries, glass and ceramic industries as they are located closely to the sampling sites of the Shitalakshya river.
Clinical And Epidemiologic Profile of Breast Cancer Differences In Mexico: A Retrospective Cohort Study From Guerrero.
Authors: Ocampo-Bárcenas Azucena , Ley Marlon De Ita , Morrugares-Ixtepan Martín , Bautista-Escutia Abril , Hernández-Morales Ricardo , Sierra Eloisa Ibarra , Jiménez-López Marco Antonio
Published: June 2021

Background: The regional disparities in Mexico impact the incidence and mortality of breast cancer (BC). Despite Guerrero state has a high grade of economic marginalization, it presents mortality lower than the national average. Clinical, pathological, and epidemiological assessment will help to understand the source of these differences.Objective: Describe the clinical, pathological, and overall survival of patients with BC from Guerrero and compare them with other reports from the Mexican population.Materials and Methods: Kaplan-Meier method was used to estimate overall survival time over a retrospective cohort of breast cancer patients treated at the Instituto Estatal de Cancerología “Dr. Arturo Beltrán Ortega (IECan) during 2010-2020. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to determine the prognosis factors.Results: A total of 923 women were included. 3.5% and 37.9% of patients were classified as Stage I and II; for locally advanced stages III and IV, it has been observed 36.1% and 14.3% of patients respectively. The most frequent histological type was ductal carcinoma (82.7%). The molecular subtype percentage found were HR+/HER2- (35.1%), HR±/HER2- (15.9%), HR±/HER2+ (14.4%), HR-/HER2+ (13.5%) and HR-/HER2 - (21%). The median follow-up was 49 months. Five-year survival for the entire cohort was 78% (95% CI, 73-82%), and 31% for metastatic disease (95% CI, 26.7-37.1%).Conclusion: The Guerrero state shares epidemiological parameters with other regions of Mexico; despite this, presents frequently one of the most aggressive molecular subtypes of breast cancer; so, the understanding of its lower mortality requires further analysis.
A Study on the Correlation Between Functional Motivation and Professional Identity in Nursing Volunteers
Authors: juan xu , wenjun hao , hui yang , xuanxuan li
Published: June 2021

Objective To understand the status quo of functional motivation and professional identity of nursing volunteers and explore the correlation.Methods 3375 nursing volunteers were investigated by using occupational identity scale and volunteer functional motivation scale.Results a total of 3,375 questionnaires were issued and 3,330 were recovered, with an effective recovery rate of 99.82%.The overall scores of occupational cognitive evaluation, occupational social support, occupational social skills, occupational frustration coping and occupational identity of nurses were (32.17±6.62), (22.77±3.74), (21.31±4.09), (22.78±3.79), (11.32±2.03) and (110.31±18.71), respectively.The total score of functional motivation was (157.12±29.92).Occupational cognitive evaluation, occupational social support, occupational social skills, occupational frustration coping, and occupational self-reflection were positively correlated with the total score of functional motivation (R values were 0.044,0.035, 0.034,0.035,0.042, respectively).P < 0.05).Conclusion The functional motivation and professional identity of nursing volunteers in Shanxi Province are in the middle level in China.Therefore, it is necessary to enhance nursing staff's professional identity, carry out multi-channel and multi-form volunteer service projects, stimulate the enthusiasm of nursing staff to participate in, and give back nursing professional skills to the society better.
Investigation of Basin Characteristics: Implications for Sub-basins Level Flood Peak and Vulnerability Assessment
Authors: Ranjan Rajeev , Dhote Pankaj R. , Thakur Praveen K. , Aggarwal Shiv P.
Published: June 2021

Flood vulnerability is a significant component in assessing the probable degree of damage to various exposures in hazard conditions. In this study, a semi-distributed event-based hydrological model and indicator-based method were applied to evaluate the sub-basin level flood vulnerability using the Geographical Information System (GIS). The flood peak discharge of each sub-basin corresponding to the 2014 extreme flood of the Jhelum river was related with different sub-basins characteristics (terrain, hydrological, land use and soil) using a theoretical framework under an indicator-based method. The calibrated (2014) and validated (1992, 1997) hydrological model showed Nash-Sutcliffe Efficiency (NSE) of 0.98 and (0.99, 0.99) at relatively upstream gauging station Sangam against optimized Curve Number (CN) scaling factor of 0.98. The Anantnag and Kulgam districts, exhibiting multiple sub-basins contributing to the Sangam gauging station, are falling into a highly vulnerable category located in the Jhelum basin's southern part, Greater Himalayan Range. It was also revealed that sub-basins at the upstream of the Jhelum basin are more vulnerable compared to downstream area, where sub-basin W810 (Greater Himalayan), Anantnag district draining at Sangam gauging site is found as most vulnerable among the all other sub-basins. However, hydrological characteristics control the most vulnerable sub-basin peak discharge rather than other characteristics such as terrain, soil, or Land Use. Outcomes of the study will be helpful in prioritizing the flood mitigation planning not only with respect to the hydrological boundary (sub-basin level) but also with administrative district boundaries. The proposed method is generic and can be applied to any flood-prone river basin.
Clinical Evaluation of High-Resolution MRI Combined With DWI In Identifying Vulnerable Carotid Plaque
Authors: Wang Xinyi , Li Jing , Wang Xin , Gao Jialu , Jing Hongyan , Xing Ying
Published: June 2021

Objective: High-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (HR-MRI) combined with diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) is used to identify Vulnerable plaques (VP) and their characteristic components, and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) correlation analysis with serum inflammatory markers to assess plaque vulnerability.Methods: Into eligible 60 patients, including vulnerable plaques group (VP group) of 29 cases and the non-vulnerable plaques group (N group) of 31 cases, measure the two groups of the average ADC, serum levels of inflammatory markers [high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), myeloperoxidase (MPO) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) ], compared the VP plaque characteristics of different components and the level of blood vessel walls of ADC, assessment of patients with serum levels of inflammatory markers plaques ADC average correlation. Results: The results showed that the ADC mean value of the plaques in the VP group was significantly lower than that in the N group, and the levels of hs-CRP and MPO were correlated with the ADC mean value of the plaques. Conclusion: The ADC value of plaque measured by HR-MRI combined with DWI sequence can quantify the identification of vulnerable plaque and its characteristic components, reflect the inflammation of plaque to a certain extent, and thus prevent and treat stroke and other adverse outcomes more effectively.
Preferences of psychotherapists for blended mental health interventions in Germany: a discrete choice experiment
Authors: Phillips Elena , Himmler Sebastian , Schreyögg Jonas
Published: June 2021

Objectives: Digital treatment formats are emerging within mental health care. Evidence suggests that mental health care providers and recipients prefer a combination of digital and traditional elements within psychotherapy treatment formats, also called blended care (BC), over standalone digital formats. We examined the attitudes and preferences of licensed psychotherapists in Germany regarding such BC applications.Methods: We fielded a survey among psychotherapists, including questions about attitudes, previous experiences, and expectations regarding BC, as well as a discrete choice experiment. Attributes for the experiment were developed using a stepwise qualitative approach. A Bayesian D-efficient design was used to generate the choice tasks. The choice data were analyzed by applying mixed logit models.Results: The survey was completed by 200 psychotherapists. Attitudes towards BC were mainly positive, with strong reported intentions to use BC formats. In the choice experiment, recommendation from a professional society for a BC online component was the most important characteristic. Greater effectiveness and a larger share of face-to-face vs. online time were also desired features, while a financial incentive to use BC was less relevant.
Protective Effects of Lyophilized Exosomes Derived from Porcine Liver Against Acetaminophen Damage on HepG2 Cells
Authors: Tassinari Riccardo , Cavallini Claudia , Olivi Elena , Taglioli Valentina , Chiara Zannini , Ferroni Orlando , Ventura Carlo
Published: June 2021

Background. Recently, extracellular vesicles have come to the fore following their emerging role in cell communication, thanks to their ability to reach cells into the human body without dissipating their cargo, transferring biological active molecules, such as proteins, nucleic acids, lipids, etc. They appear as a promising tool in medicine, because of their capability to modulate cellular response in recipient cells. Moreover, a considerable number of publications suggests that exosome uptake is selective but not specific, and it can cross species and cell-type boundaries. This study aims to explore the potential role of porcine liver derived extracellular vesicles, exosomes in particular, to protect human cells from acute damage induced by acetaminophen. Methods. Extracellular vesicles were isolated from porcine lyophilized liver using polymer-based precipitation and a further enrichment was performed using affinity beads. The effects of obtained fractions, total extracellular vesicles and enriched extracellular vesicles, were assessed on human liver derived HepG2 cells. Cell growth and survival were tested, with MTT and area coverage analysis designed by us, as well as protein expression, with immunofluorescence and Western blot. Oxidative stress in live cells was also measured with fluorogenic probes.Results. After proving that porcine extracellular vesicles did not have a toxic effect on HepG2, quite the contrary total extracellular vesicle fraction improved cell growth, we investigated their protective capability with a preconditioning strategy in APAP-induced damage. EVs displayed not only the ability to strongly modulate cell survival responses, but they also were able to boost cell cycle progression.Conclusions. Extracellular vesicles derived from farm animal food derivatives are able to modulate human hepatic cell metabolism, also improving cell survival in a damaged context.