bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fabricating Lattice Structures via 3D Printing: The Case of Porous Bio-Engineered Scaffolds
Authors: Kantaros Antreas , Piromalis Dimitrios
Published: May 2021

Over time, the fabrication of lattice, porous structures has always been a controversial field for researchers and practitioners. Such structures could be fabricated in a stochastic way, thus, with limited control over the actual porosity percentage. The emerging technology of 3D printing, offered an automated process that did not require the presence of molds and operated on a layer-by-layer deposition basis, provided the ability to fabricate almost any shape through a variety of materials and methods under the umbrella of the ASTM terminology “additive manufacturing”. In the field of biomedical engineering, the technology was embraced and adopted for relevant applications, offering an elevated degree of design freedom. Applications range in the cases where custom-shaped, patient-specific items have to be produced. Scaffold structures were already a field under research when 3D printing was introduced. These structures had to act as biocompatible, bioresorbable and biodegradable substrates, where the human cells could attach and proliferate. In this way, tissue could be regenerated inside the human body. One of the most important criteria for such a structure to fulfil is the case-specific internal geometry design with a controlled porosity percentage. 3D printing technology offered the ability to tune the internal porosity percentage with great accuracy, along with the ability to fabricate any internal design pattern. In this article, lattice scaffold structures for tissue regeneration are overviewed, and their evolution upon the introduction of 3D printing technology and its employment in their fabrication is described.
Whole Transcriptome Analysis: Implication to Estrous Cycle Regulation
Authors: An Xiaopeng , Zhang Yue , Li Fu , Wang Zhanhang , Yang Shaohua , Cao Binyun
Published: May 2021

Estrous cycle is one of the placental mammal characteristics after sexual maturity, including estrus stage (ES) and diestrus stage (DS). Estrous cycle is important in female physiology and its disorder may lead to diseases, such as polycystic ovary syndrome, ovarian carcinoma, anxiety, and epilepsy. In the latest years, effects of non-coding RNAs and messenger RNA (mRNA) on estrous cycle have started to arouse much concern, however, a whole transcriptome analysis among non-coding RNAs and mRNA has not been reported. Here, we report a whole transcriptome analysis of goat ovary in estrus and diestrus periods. Estrus synchronization was conducted to induce the estrus phase and on day 32, the goats shifted into the diestrus stage. The ovary RNA of estrus and diestrus stages was respectively collected to perform RNA-sequencing. Then, the circular RNA (circRNA), microRNA (miRNA), long non-coding RNA (lncRNA), and mRNA databases of goat ovary were acquired, and the differential expressions between estrus and diestrus stages were screened to construct circRNA-miRNA-mRNA/lncRNA and lncRNA-miRNA/mRNA networks, thus providing potential pathways that are involved in the regulation of estrous cycle. Differentially expressed mRNAs, such as MMP9, TIMP1, 3BHSD, and PTGIS, and differentially expressed miRNAs that play key roles in the regulation of estrous cycle, such as miR-21-3p, miR-202-3p, and miR-223-3p, were extracted from the network. Our data provided the miRNA, circRNA, lncRNA, and mRNA databases of goat ovary and each differentially expressed profile between ES and DS. Networks among differentially expressed miRNAs, circRNAs, lncRNAs, and mRNAs were constructed to provide valuable resources for the study of estrous cycle and related diseases.
The Dynamics of Subunit Rotation in a Eukaryotic Ribosome
Authors: Freitas Frederico Campos , Fuchs Gabriele , de Oliveira Ronaldo Junio , Whitford Paul Charles
Published: May 2021

Protein synthesis by the ribosome is coordinated by an intricate series of large-scale conformational rearrangements. Structural studies can provide information about long-lived states, however biological kinetics are controlled by the intervening free-energy barriers. While there has been progress describing the energy landscapes of bacterial ribosomes, very little is known about the energetics of large-scale rearrangements in eukaryotic systems. To address this topic, we constructed an all-atom model with simplified energetics and performed simulations of subunit rotation in the yeast ribosome. In these simulations, the small subunit (SSU; ∼1 MDa) undergoes spontaneous and reversible rotation events (∼8∘). By enabling the simulation of this rearrangement under equilibrium conditions, these calculations provide initial insights into the molecular factors that control dynamics in eukaryotic ribosomes. Through this, we are able to identify specific inter-subunit interactions that have a pronounced influence on the rate-limiting free-energy barrier. We also show that, as a result of changes in molecular flexibility, the thermodynamic balance between the rotated and unrotated states is temperature-dependent. This effect may be interpreted in terms of differential molecular flexibility within the rotated and unrotated states. Together, these calculations provide a foundation, upon which the field may begin to dissect the energetics of these complex molecular machines.
Measuring the Emergence of Specific Abilities in Young Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders: The Example of Early Hyperlexic Traits
Authors: Solazzo Stefania , Kojovic Nada , Robain François , Schaer Marie
Published: May 2021

The presence of a restricted interest in written materials, including an early ability to name and recognize letters and numbers, is regularly reported in preschoolers with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). There is, however, scarce information on this early ability akin to emerging hyperlexic traits in preschoolers with ASD younger than 3 years old. Here, we defined a measure of early naming and recognition of letters and numbers in 155 preschoolers with ASD using a sliding window approach combined with a 90th percentile threshold criterion, and subsequently compared the profiles of children with ASD with and without early hyperlexic traits. Using this measure, we found that 9% of children with ASD showed early hyperlexic traits. The early ability to name and recognize letters and numbers was associated with a higher level of restricted and repetitive behaviors yet more social-oriented behaviors at baseline and with better expressive and written communication at baseline and one year later. This study contributes to a better definition of the profile of children with ASD with an early ability in letters and numbers akin to emerging hyperlexic traits, a skill that is associated with promising social strengths and language abilities in this subgroup of children.
Of Criteria and Men—Diagnosing Atypical Parkinsonism: Towards an Algorithmic Approach
Authors: Cozma Liviu , Avasilichioaei Mioara , Dima Natalia , Popescu Bogdan Ovidiu
Published: May 2021

Diagnosing atypical parkinsonism can be an error-exposed undertaking in the context of elaborate criteria coupled with time restraints on their comprehensive application. We conducted a retrospective, descriptive study of diagnostic accuracy among physicians at two tertiary neurology centers in Romania and developed an algorithmic tool for comparison purposes. As many as 90 patients qualified for inclusion in the study, with 77 patients actually complying with atypical parkinsonism criteria. Overall, physician-established diagnoses may be incorrect in about one-fourth of cases. The reasons for this finding span a wide range of possibilities, from terminology-related inaccuracies to criteria sophistication. A Boolean-logic algorithmic approach to diagnosis might decrease misdiagnosis rates. These findings prepare the ground for the future refinement of an algorithmic application to be fully validated in a prospective study for the benefit of patients and health professionals alike.
Narrative Review: Quantitative EEG in Disorders of Consciousness
Authors: Wutzl Betty , Golaszewski Stefan M. , Leibnitz Kenji , Langthaler Patrick B. , Kunz Alexander B. , Leis Stefan , Schwenker Kerstin , Thomschewski Aljoscha , Bergmann Jürgen , Trinka Eugen
Published: May 2021

In this narrative review, we focus on the role of quantitative EEG technology in the diagnosis and prognosis of patients with unresponsive wakefulness syndrome and minimally conscious state. This paper is divided into two main parts, i.e., diagnosis and prognosis, each consisting of three subsections, namely, (i) resting-state EEG, including spectral power, functional connectivity, dynamic functional connectivity, graph theory, microstates and nonlinear measurements, (ii) sleep patterns, including rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, slow-wave sleep and sleep spindles and (iii) evoked potentials, including the P300, mismatch negativity, the N100, the N400 late positive component and others. Finally, we summarize our findings and conclude that QEEG is a useful tool when it comes to defining the diagnosis and prognosis of DOC patients.
A Nomogram Predicting Progression Free Survival in Patients with Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor Receiving Sunitinib: Incorporating Pre-Treatment and Post-Treatment Parameters
Authors: Chang Yau-Ren , Huang Wen-Kuan , Wang Shang-Yu , Wu Chiao-En , Chen Jen-Shi , Yeh Chun-Nan
Published: May 2021

The present study aimed to construct a prognostic nomogram incorporating pre-treatment and post-treatment factors to predict progression-free survival (PFS) after use of sunitinib in patients with metastatic gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) following imatinib intolerance or failure. From 2007 to 2018, 109 metastatic GIST patients receiving sunitinib at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taiwan, were enrolled. A prognostic nomogram to predict PFS was developed. Sixty-three male and forty-six female metastatic GIST patients, with a median age of 61 years (range: 15–91 years), received sunitinib. The median PFS for 109 patients is 9.93 months. For pre-treatment factors, male gender, body mass index more than 18.5 kg/m2, no sarcopenia status, higher lymphocyte count, lower platelet/lymphocyte ratio, good performance status, higher sunitinib dose, and non-liver metastasis were significantly associated with favorable PFS. For post-treatment factors, adverse events with hypertension, hand–foot skin reaction, and diarrhea were significantly associated with favorable PFS. However, only eight clinicopathological independent factors for PFS prediction were selected for prognostic nomogram establishment. The calibration curve for probability of PFS revealed good agreement between the nomogram prediction and actual observation. High risk patients will experience the lowest PFS. A prognostic nomogram integrating eight clinicopathological factors was constructed to assist prognostic prediction for individual patients with advanced GIST after sunitinib use.
DNA Methylation Signatures and the Contribution of Age-Associated Methylomic Drift to Carcinogenesis in Early-Onset Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Joo Jihoon E. , Clendenning Mark , Wong Ee Ming , Rosty Christophe , Mahmood Khalid , Georgeson Peter , Winship Ingrid M. , Preston Susan G. , Win Aung Ko , Dugué Pierre-Antoine , Jayasekara Harindra , English Dallas , Macrae Finlay A. , Hopper John L. , Jenkins Mark A. , Milne Roger L. , Giles Graham G. , Southey Melissa C. , Buchanan Daniel D.
Published: May 2021

We investigated aberrant DNA methylation (DNAm) changes and the contribution of ageing-associated methylomic drift and age acceleration to early-onset colorectal cancer (EOCRC) carcinogenesis. Genome-wide DNAm profiling using the Infinium HM450K on 97 EOCRC tumour and 54 normal colonic mucosa samples was compared with: (1) intermediate-onset CRC (IOCRC; diagnosed between 50–70 years; 343 tumour and 35 normal); and (2) late-onset CRC (LOCRC; >70 years; 318 tumour and 40 normal). CpGs associated with age-related methylation drift were identified using a public dataset of 231 normal mucosa samples from people without CRC. DNAm-age was estimated using epiTOC2. Common to all three age-of-onset groups, 88,385 (20% of all CpGs) CpGs were differentially methylated between tumour and normal mucosa. We identified 234 differentially methylated genes that were unique to the EOCRC group; 13 of these DMRs/genes were replicated in EOCRC compared with LOCRCs from TCGA. In normal mucosa from people without CRC, we identified 28,154 CpGs that undergo ageing-related DNAm drift, and of those, 65% were aberrantly methylated in EOCRC tumours. Based on the mitotic-based DNAm clock epiTOC2, we identified age acceleration in normal mucosa of people with EOCRC compared with normal mucosa from the IOCRC, LOCRC groups (p = 3.7 × 10−16) and young people without CRC (p = 5.8 × 10−6). EOCRC acquires unique DNAm alterations at 234 loci. CpGs associated with ageing-associated drift were widely affected in EOCRC without needing the decades-long accrual of DNAm drift as commonly seen in intermediate- and late-onset CRCs. Accelerated ageing in normal mucosa from people with EOCRC potentially underlies the earlier age of diagnosis in CRC carcinogenesis.
Assessing the Anti-Inflammatory Activity of the Anxiolytic Drug Buspirone Using CRISPR-Cas9 Gene Editing in LPS-Stimulated BV-2 Microglial Cells
Authors: Thomas Broome Sarah , Fisher Teagan , Faiz Alen , Keay Kevin A. , Musumeci Giuseppe , Al-Badri Ghaith , Castorina Alessandro
Published: May 2021

Buspirone is an anxiolytic drug with robust serotonin receptor 1A (Htr1a) agonist activities. However, evidence has demonstrated that this drug also targets the dopamine D3 receptor (Drd3), where it acts as a potent antagonist. In vivo, Drd3 blockade is neuroprotective and reduces inflammation in models of Parkinson’s disease. To test if buspirone also elicited anti-inflammatory activities in vitro, we generated stable Drd3−/− and Htr1a−/− BV2 microglial cell lines using CRISPR-Cas9 technology and then tested the effects of buspirone after lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge. We found that LPS exposure had no effect on cell viability, except in Htr1a−/− cells, where viability was reduced (p < 0.001). Drug treatment reduced viability in Drd3−/− cells, but not in WT or Htr1a−/− cells. Buspirone counteracted LPS-induced NO release, NOS2, IL-1β and TNF-α gene expression in WT cells, whereas it exerted limited effects in Drd3−/− or Htr1a−/− microglia. In summary, our findings indicate that buspirone attenuates microglial polarization after LPS challenge. These results also highlight some major effects of Drd3 or Htr1a genetic ablation on microglial biology, raising important questions on the complex role of neurotransmitters in regulating microglia functions.
Advancing Diabetic Retinopathy Research: Analysis of the Neurovascular Unit in Zebrafish
Authors: Middel Chiara Simone , Hammes Hans-Peter , Kroll Jens
Published: May 2021

Diabetic retinopathy is one of the most important microvascular complications associated with diabetes mellitus, and a leading cause of vision loss or blindness worldwide. Hyperglycaemic conditions disrupt microvascular integrity at the level of the neurovascular unit. In recent years, zebrafish (Danio rerio) have come into focus as a model organism for various metabolic diseases such as diabetes. In both mammals and vertebrates, the anatomy and the function of the retina and the neurovascular unit have been highly conserved. In this review, we focus on the advances that have been made through studying pathologies associated with retinopathy in zebrafish models of diabetes. We discuss the different cell types that form the neurovascular unit, their role in diabetic retinopathy and how to study them in zebrafish. We then present new insights gained through zebrafish studies. The advantages of using zebrafish for diabetic retinopathy are summarised, including the fact that the zebrafish has, so far, provided the only animal model in which hyperglycaemia-induced retinal angiogenesis can be observed. Based on currently available data, we propose potential investigations that could advance the field further.
A New Proximal Femur Reconstruction Technique after Bone Tumor Resection in a Very Small Patient: An Exemplificative Case
Authors: Zoccali Carmine , Careri Silvia , Attala Dario , Florio Michela , Milano Giuseppe Maria , Giordano Marco
Published: May 2021

For patients too young to be fitted with an expandable prosthesis, limb salvage surgery requires other strategies. The main problems are related to the impossibility of implanting an expandable prosthesis to the residual bone growth that is much too big in relation to the bone size, with the precocious implant loosening and/or the residual absence of bone growth, as well as the problem of limb length and shape difference. In this paper, we report a possible reconstruction solution using a composite prosthesis for an Ewing’s sarcoma of the proximal femur in an infant patient. After resection, a femoral stem was cemented into the distal third of a homoplastic humerus; a carbon fiber plate was used to stabilize the bone/homograft interface. At the one-year follow-up, the patient was free of disease and able to walk with only a slight limp. This case report describes a possible solution for very small patients. An adult humerus is of the right size to replace a child’s lower limb segments, and the distal humerus can be shaped, maintaining a cortex stiff enough to support a prosthesis. Very young patients might obtain a faster osteointegration of the graft than adults, due to their higher biological activity and, in this case, the diapasonal shape of the allograft might also have contributed to accelerated fusion. Moreover, the use of a graft to fit the prosthesis avoids loosening issues due to canal widening, hypothetically providing more growing time before system failure and revision surgery. However, although this technique is promising, further studies are necessary to confirm our findings and to verify if this procedure allows easier future prosthesis implantation.
The Synergistic Effects of a Complementary Physiotherapeutic Scheme in the Psychological and Nutritional Treatment in a Teenage Girl with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus, Anxiety Disorder and Anorexia Nervosa
Authors: Tsakona Pelagia , Dafoulis Vaios , Vamvakis Anastasios , Kosta Konstantina , Mina Styliani , Kitsatis Ioannis , Hristara-Papadopoulou Alexandra , Roilides Emmanuel , Tsiroukidou Kyriaki
Published: May 2021

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is a chronic disease that can affect the physical and mental health of children and adolescents, often leading to anxiety disorders with chronic activation of the hypothalamic axis (HPA). Moreover, a great proportion of adolescents with T1DM also demonstrate anorexia nervosa (AN), due to the increased preoccupation with food and the need to have an acceptable body image. Herein is described the first case study of an adolescent patient diagnosed with T1DM, anxiety disorder (AD), and AN. A 14-year-old girl with T1DM since the age of 12 years presented weight loss at age 13 years and 3 months and low body mass index (BMI), which did not improve despite dietary recommendations and adequate disease control. Additionally, she presented menstrual disorders at the age of 12 years and 11 months (menstrual age 12 years and 1 month). A psychological evaluation of the teenager was conducted using a semi-structured interview that assessed perceived stress, health status, quality of life, and depression. AD and AN were diagnosed and the patient initiated an intervention focusing on psychological health and nutrition and which incorporated physiotherapeutic relaxation sessions and breathing exercises. After 3 months of treatment, the patient’s BMI was increased, and a normal menstrual cycle was apparent. These results have since remained consistent. Stress leads to the appearance of AN and menstrual disorders. Therefore, physiotherapeutic programs could reduce stress and effectively ameliorate AN and AD.
Surgical Approaches to Neuroblastoma: Review of the Operative Techniques
Authors: Fati Federica , Pulvirenti Rebecca , Paraboschi Irene , Martucciello Giuseppe
Published: May 2021

Neuroblastoma (NB) is the most commonly occurring soft-tissue malignancy of childhood. Surgery plays an important role in multidisciplinary treatment and its principal aim is a local control of the disease, respecting the integrity of the surrounding structures. There is no unanimous consensus on the best surgical technique, and the operative approach largely depends on the anatomical location and the extension of the mass. To have a complete overview of the different type of treatment, we made a review of the literature from the last twenty years of all the surgical approaches applied for NBs resection, accordingly to the anatomical site.
Obesity and Metabolic Care of Children of South Asian Ethnicity in Western Society
Authors: Sivasubramanian Ramya , Malhotra Sonali , Fitch Angela K. , Singhal Vibha
Published: May 2021

South Asians constitute one-fourth of the world’s population and are distributed significantly in western countries. With exponentially growing numbers, childhood obesity is of global concern. Children of South Asian ancestry have a higher likelihood of developing obesity and associated metabolic risks. The validity of commonly used measures for quantifying adiposity and its impact on metabolic outcomes differ by race and ethnicity. In this review we aim to discuss the validity of body mass index (BMI) and other tools in screening for adiposity in South Asian children. We also discuss the prevalence of overweight and obesity amongst South Asian children in western countries and the differences in body fat percentage, adiposity distribution, and metabolic risks specific to these children compared to Caucasian children. South Asian children have a characteristic phenotype: lower lean mass and higher body fat percentage favoring central fat accumulation. Hence, BMI is a less reliable predictor of metabolic status in these children than it is for Caucasian children. Furthermore, the relatively lower birth weight and rapid growth acceleration in early childhood of South Asian children increase the risk of their developing cardiometabolic disorders at a younger age than that of Caucasians. We emphasize the need to use modified tools for assessment of adiposity, which take into consideration the ethnic differences and provide early and appropriate intervention to prevent obesity and its complications.
Electrospun Sericin/PNIPAM-Based Nano-Modified Cotton Fabric with Multi-Function Responsiveness
Authors: Li Jia , Wang Bo-Xiang , Cheng De-Hong , Liu Zhi-Mei , Lv Li-Hua , Guo Jing , Lu Yan-Hua
Published: May 2021

There is a significant interest in developing environmentally responsive or stimuli-responsive smart materials. The purpose of this study was to investigate multi-function responsive cotton fabrics with surface modification on the nanoscale. Three technologies including electrospinning technology, interpenetrating polymer network technology, and cross-linking technology were applied to prepare the multi-function sericin/poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)/Poly(ethylene oxide) nanofibers, which were then grafted onto the surfaces of cotton textiles to endow the cotton textiles with outstanding stimuli-responsive functionalities. The multi-function responsive properties were evaluated via SEM, DSC, the pH-responsive swelling behavior test and contact angle measurements. The results demonstrate that with this method, multi-function responsive, including thermo- and pH-responsiveness, cotton fabrics were fast formed, and the stimuli-responsiveness of the materials was well controlled. In addition, the antimicrobial testing reveals efficient activity of cotton fabrics with the sericin/PNIPAM/PEO nanofiber treatments against Gram-positive bacteria and Gram-negative bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The research shows that the presented strategy demonstrated the great potential of multi-function responsive cotton fabrics fabricated using our method.
Effect of Mineral Admixtures on the Performance of Low-Quality Recycled Aggregate Concrete
Authors: Dosho Yasuhiro
Published: May 2021

To improve the application of low-quality aggregates in structural concrete, this study investigated the effect of multi-purpose mineral admixtures, such as fly ash and ground granulated blast-furnace slag, on the performance of concrete. Accordingly, the primary performance of low-quality recycled aggregate concrete could be improved by varying the replacement ratio of the recycled aggregate and using appropriate mineral admixtures such as fly ash and ground granulated blast-furnace slag. The results show the potential for the use of low-quality aggregate in structural concrete.
Diagnostic Three Slides Pap Test Compared to Punch Biopsy and Endocervical Curettage in Confirmed HSIL+ Diagnosis
Authors: Rubeša-Mihaljević Roberta , Vrdoljak-Mozetič Danijela , Dinter Morana , Verša Ostojić Damjana , Štemberger-Papić Snježana , Klarić Marko
Published: May 2021

Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate the accuracy of the diagnostic Pap test (DPT) on three slides and punch biopsy and endocervical curettage (PB/ECC) compared with the final biopsy material in the detection of high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL). Materials and methods: Patients treated with conization after previous DPT and PB/ECC were analyzed. The findings of the DPT and PB/ECC as well as of the endocervical brush cytology and ECC were compared with the final conus histology. Results: 150 patients were analyzed, and final histology verified 145 cases of HSIL and 3 cancers. The percentage of confirmed HSIL cytology was 97%, while for PB/ECC it was 79% with 30/145 false negative results. The correlation between Pap test and PB/ECC showed that the diagnostic accuracy of DPT is significantly higher (p < 0.0001). Endocervical brush cytology confirmed HSIL+ in the endocervical canal in 83% and ECC in 35% of cases (p < 0.0001). Conclusion: The DPT on three slides enables better detection of HSIL compared to PB/ECC, particularly for lesions localized in the endocervical canal sampled with a cytobrush. A high quality DPT could represent a surrogate for PB/ECC and open the possibility of direct access to therapeutic procedure.
Can Pre-Treatment Inflammatory Parameters Predict the Probability of Sphincter-Preserving Surgery in Patients with Locally Advanced Low-Lying Rectal Cancer?
Authors: Partl Richard , Lukasiak Katarzyna , Stranz Bettina , Hassler Eva , Magyar Marton , Stranzl-Lawatsch Heidi , Langsenlehner Tanja
Published: May 2021

There is evidence suggesting that pre-treatment clinical parameters can predict the probability of sphincter-preserving surgery in rectal cancer; however, to date, data on the predictive role of inflammatory parameters on the sphincter-preservation rate are not available. The aim of the present cohort study was to investigate the association between inflammation-based parameters and the sphincter-preserving surgery rate in patients with low-lying locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC). A total of 848 patients with LARC undergoing radiotherapy from 2004 to 2019 were retrospectively reviewed in order to identify patients with rectal cancer localized ≤6 cm from the anal verge, treated with neo-adjuvant radiochemotherapy (nRCT) and subsequent surgery. Univariable and multivariable analyses were used to investigate the role of pre-treatment inflammatory parameters, including the C-reactive protein (CRP), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) for the prediction of sphincter preservation. A total of 363 patients met the inclusion criteria; among them, 210 patients (57.9%) underwent sphincter-preserving surgery, and in 153 patients (42.1%), an abdominoperineal rectum resection was performed. Univariable analysis showed a significant association of the pre-treatment CRP value (OR = 2.548, 95% CI: 1.584–4.097, p < 0.001) with sphincter preservation, whereas the pre-treatment NLR (OR = 1.098, 95% CI: 0.976–1.235, p = 0.120) and PLR (OR = 1.002, 95% CI: 1.000–1.005, p = 0.062) were not significantly associated with the type of surgery. In multivariable analysis, the pre-treatment CRP value (OR = 2.544; 95% CI: 1.314–4.926; p = 0.006) was identified as an independent predictive factor for sphincter-preserving surgery. The findings of the present study suggest that the pre-treatment CRP value represents an independent parameter predicting the probability of sphincter-preserving surgery in patients with low-lying LARC.
Assessment of Online Environment and Digital Footprint Functions in Higher Education Analytics
Authors: Pozdeeva Elena , Shipunova Olga , Popova Nina , Evseev Vladimir , Evseeva Lidiya , Romanenko Inna , Mureyko Larisa
Published: May 2021

The article is devoted to learning analytics problems associated with the digital culture development in the university educational space and with the student activity control in the vocational training process. The empirical basis of the study was a series of surveys conducted by the Center for Sociological Research of the Peter the Great Polytechnic University in 2018–2020. To systematize the information on the traces of students’ activity in the digital space, the method of constructing a personal mental map, reflecting the cognitive characteristics of the student’s interactive actions in the network, was used. Because of the analysis of the mental maps, the general structure of the personal digital footprint was identified, which is significant for analytics of the student’s academic history and self-assessment of his activities in professional development. In conclusion, the constructive role of digital technology in assessing and modeling the educational process is emphasized. The study of students’ digital footprints on the university platforms, supplemented by the study of their activity in social networks, allows the development of educational modeling aimed at creating a more adequate set of competencies and soft skills of the graduate.
Electronically Tunable Full Wave Precision Rectifier Using DVCCTAs
Authors: Raj Niranjan , Sagar  , Ranjan Rajeev Kumar , Priyadarshini Bindu , Bizon Nicu
Published: May 2021

This work presents a voltage mode scheme of a full-wave precision rectifier circuit using an analog building block differential voltage current conveyor transconductance amplifier (DVCCTA) including five NMOS transistors. The proposed design is essentially suited for low voltage and high-frequency input signals. The operation of the proposed rectifier design depends upon the region of operation of NMOS transistors. The output waveform of the presented rectifier design can be made electronically tunable by controlling the bias voltage. The functional correctness and verification of the presented design are performed using 0.25-µm TSMC technology under the supply voltage of ±1.5 V. The absence of a resistor leads to a minimal parasitic effect. To obtain further insight on the robustness of the circuit, a Monte Carlo simulation and corner analysis are also presented. The circuit is verified experimentally by incorporating a breadboard model with the help of commercially available ICs CA3080 (operational transconductance amplifier) and AD844AN (current feedback operational amplifier) and offers remarkable compliance with both theoretical and simulation outcomes. The presented design has been laid out on Cadence virtuoso, which consumes a chip area of 9044 µm2.
Three-Dimensional Indoor Visible Light Positioning with a Tilt Receiver and a High Efficient LED-ID
Authors: Xu Haixin , An Futong , Wen Shangsheng , Yan Zihong , Guan Weipeng
Published: May 2021

Nowadays, indoor visible light positioning (VLP) is one of the hottest technologies in the field of positioning; as a result, a number of algorithms for VLP have been proposed. However, unfortunately, few algorithms can be applied to the case that the receiver is tilted. In order to solve this problem, we developed a three-dimensional indoor VLP algorithm which can work effectively and accurately when the lens is tilted. When the lens is far away from the LED, the image of the LED is approximately regarded as an ellipse, and the distance between the two is obtained through the geometric relationship, and we finally achieve the positioning of the camera by the triangulation algorithm. The quantitative results show an average error of 6.74 cm when the tilt angle is estimated to be within 30°. At the same time, we propose an ID allocation scheme, which can effectively reduce the demand for ID.
Growth and Photosynthetic Responses of Seedlings of Japanese White Birch, a Fast-Growing Pioneer Species, to Free-Air Elevated O3 and CO2
Authors: Kitao Mitsutoshi , Agathokleous Evgenios , Yazaki Kenichi , Komatsu Masabumi , Kitaoka Satoshi , Tobita Hiroyuki
Published: May 2021

Plant growth is not solely determined by the net photosynthetic rate (A), but also influenced by the amount of leaves as a photosynthetic apparatus. To evaluate growth responses to CO2 and O3, we investigated the effects of elevated CO2 (550–560 µmol mol−1) and O3 (52 nmol mol−1; 1.7 × ambient O3) on photosynthesis and biomass allocation in seedlings of Japanese white birch (Betula platyphylla var. japonica) grown in a free-air CO2 and O3 exposure system without any limitation of root growth. Total biomass was enhanced by elevated CO2 but decreased by elevated O3. The ratio of root to shoot (R:S ratio) showed no difference among the treatment combinations, suggesting that neither elevated CO2 nor elevated O3 affected biomass allocation in the leaf. Accordingly, photosynthetic responses to CO2 and O3 might be more important for the growth response of Japanese white birch. Based on A measured under respective growth CO2 conditions, light-saturated A at a light intensity of 1500 µmol m−2 s−1 (A1500) in young leaves (ca. 30 days old) exhibited no enhancement by elevated CO2 in August, suggesting photosynthetic acclimation to elevated CO2. However, lower A1500 was observed in old leaves (ca. 60 days old) of plants grown under elevated O3 (regulated to be twice ambient O3). Conversely, light-limited A measured under a light intensity of 200 µmol m−2 s−1 (A200) was significantly enhanced by elevated CO2 in young leaves, but suppressed by elevated O3 in old leaves. Decreases in total biomass under elevated O3 might be attributed to accelerated leaf senescence by O3, indicated by the reduced A1500 and A200 in old leaves. Increases in total biomass under elevated CO2 might be attributed to enhanced A under high light intensities, which possibly occurred before the photosynthetic acclimation observed in August, and/or enhanced A under limiting light intensities.
Phenolic Compounds Profile and Antioxidant Capacity of Pitahaya Fruit Peel from Two Red-Skinned Species (Hylocereus polyrhizus and Hylocereus undatus)
Authors: Tang Wanpei , Li Wu , Yang Yuzhe , Lin Xue , Wang Lu , Li Congfa , Yang Ruili
Published: May 2021

Pitahaya peel is a good source of bioactive polyphenols. However, the bound phenolics and their antioxidant activity remain unclear. The bound phenolics of pitahaya peel from two red-skinned species with red pulp (RP) and white pulp (WP) were released with different methods (acid, base, and composite enzymes hydrolysis). The results revealed that base hydrolysis was the most efficient method for releasing the bound phenolics from RP (11.6 mg GAE/g DW) and WP (10.5 mg GAE/g DW), which was 13.04-fold and 8.18-fold for RP and 75.07-fold and 10.94-fold for WP compared with acid hydrolysis and enzymatic hydrolysis, respectively. A total of 37 phenolic compounds were identified by UPLC-TOF/MS with most chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, ferulic acid and p-coumaric acid in RP, whereas chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, ferulic acid, rutin and isoquercitrin were the main compounds in WP. Regardless of the hydrolysis method, the extracts having the highest phenolic content showed the strongest antioxidant activities. The work shows that hydrolysis methods have a significant effect on the release of phenolics, and the contents of major characteristic bound phenolic compounds are related to the ecological type of pitahaya.
The Impact of Severe ME/CFS on Student Learning and K–12 Educational Limitations
Authors: Newton Faith R.
Published: May 2021

Children with ME/CFS who are severely ill are bedbound and homebound, and oftentimes also wheelchair-dependent. Very seriously affected children are often too sick for doctor’s office visits, let alone school attendance. The most recent data estimate that 2–5% of children may be severely affected or bedridden. However, there is no recent research that confirms these numbers. The severely ill receive little help from their schools, and are socially isolated. This article outlines several suggestions for the type of education that students with ME/CFS should be receiving and develops a preliminary sketch of the web of resources and emergent techniques necessary to achieve these outcomes.
Identifying and Managing Suicidality in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Authors: Chu Lily , Elliott Meghan , Stein Eleanor , Jason Leonard A.
Published: May 2021

Adult patients affected by myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) are at an increased risk of death by suicide. Based on the scientific literature and our clinical/research experiences, we identify risk and protective factors and provide a guide to assessing and managing suicidality in an outpatient medical setting. A clinical case is used to illustrate how information from this article can be applied. Characteristics of ME/CFS that make addressing suicidality challenging include absence of any disease-modifying treatments, severe functional limitations, and symptoms which limit therapies. Decades-long misattribution of ME/CFS to physical deconditioning or psychiatric disorders have resulted in undereducated healthcare professionals, public stigma, and unsupportive social interactions. Consequently, some patients may be reluctant to engage with mental health care. Outpatient medical professionals play a vital role in mitigating these effects. By combining evidence-based interventions aimed at all suicidal patients with those adapted to individual patients’ circumstances, suffering and suicidality can be alleviated in ME/CFS. Increased access to newer virtual or asynchronous modalities of psychiatric/psychological care, especially for severely ill patients, may be a silver lining of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Impacts of Climate Change on Irrigation Water Management in the Babai River Basin, Nepal
Authors: Mishra Yogendra , Babel Mukand Singh , Nakamura Tai , Mishra Bhogendra
Published: May 2021

The diminishing spring discharge in the Middle Mountain Zone (MMZ) in Nepal is a matter of concern because it directly affects the livelihoods of low-income farmers in the region. Therefore, understanding the impacts of changes in climate and land-use patterns on water demand and availability is crucial. We investigated the impact of climate change on streamflow and environmental flow, and the demand for spring-fed river water for irrigation using the limited meteorological data available for the Babai River Basin, Nepal. SWAT and CROPWAT8.0 were used to respectively calculate present and future streamflow and irrigation water demand. Three general circulation models under two representative concentration pathways (RCPs 4.5 and 8.5) for the periods of 2020–2044, 2045–2069, and 2070–2099 were used to investigate the impact of climate change. Results indicate that the catchment is likely to experience an increase in rainfall and temperature in the future. The impact of the increment in rainfall and rise in temperature are replicated in the annual river flow that is anticipated to increase by 24–37%, to the historical data of 1991–2014. Despite this increase, projections show that the Babai River Basin will remain a water deficit basin from January to May in future decades.
Surgical Reconstruction of Nonunion after Iatrogenic Scarf Osteotomy
Authors: Ortiz-Romero Mercedes , Cicchinelli Luke D. , Fernández-Garzón Álvaro , Gordillo-Fernández Luis M.
Published: May 2021

We present the case of a young patient, 32 years old, with nonunion in the diaphysis of the first metatarsal after scarf osteotomy for correction of hallux valgus. After removal of the failed osteosynthesis material and preparation of the bone fragments, a calcaneal bone autograft, previously extracted from the patient, was placed in the nonunion area. The new physiological position of the first metatarsal in the three planes was checked intraoperatively, and autograft and fragment fixation was performed using a combination of a low-profile plate with six screws and two interfragmentary screws. The advantage of using an autogenous graft is that it provides corticocancellous bone and great osteogenic capacity with little antigenic capacity. This makes it an excellent option in many situations in foot and ankle surgery. Regarding the fixation method, we used the two most commonly used techniques for osteosynthesis of bone grafts in cases of bone nonunion, combining plates with locking screws and two interfragmentary screws. This provides greater stability of the bone fragments in the three planes and makes it possible to bring forward when the patient starts postsurgical loading.
Wastewater-Based Epidemiology as an Early Warning System for the Spreading of SARS-CoV-2 and Its Mutations in the Population
Authors: Mackuľak Tomáš , Gál Miroslav , Špalková Viera , Fehér Miroslav , Briestenská Katarína , Mikušová Miriam , Tomčíková Karolína , Tamáš Michal , Butor Škulcová Andrea
Published: May 2021

New methodologies based on the principle of “sewage epidemiology” have been successfully applied before in the detection of illegal drugs. The study describes the idea of early detection of a virus, e.g., SARS-CoV-2, in wastewater in order to focus on the area of virus occurrence and supplement the results obtained from clinical examination. By monitoring temporal variation in viral loads in wastewater in combination with other analysis, a virus outbreak can be detected and its spread can be suppressed early. The use of biosensors for virus detection also seems to be an interesting application. Biosensors are highly sensitive, selective, and portable and offer a way for fast analysis. This manuscript provides an overview of the current situation in the area of wastewater analysis, including genetic sequencing regarding viral detection and the technological solution of an early warning system for wastewater monitoring based on biosensors.
The Effect of Dietary Intake and Nutritional Status on Anthropometric Development and Systemic Inflammation: An Observational Study
Authors: Martin-Hadmaș Roxana Maria , Martin Ștefan Adrian , Romonți Adela , Mărginean Cristina Oana
Published: May 2021

(1) Background: Daily caloric intake should aim to reduce the risk of obesity or poor anthropometric development. Our study objective was to analyze the association between food consumption, inflammatory status and anthropometric development; (2) Methods: We performed a prospective observational analytical research during September 2020 and April 2021 on a group of 160 healthy subjects, aged between 6 and 12 years old, by analyzing food ingestion, the basal metabolic rate, anthropometric development and the inflammatory status; (3) Results: IL-6 was significantly correlated to the sum of skinfolds, along with both serum proteins and triglycerides. The skin folds were significantly correlated with the caloric intake and with total fat intake, next to saturated and trans fats. Unlike the skin folds, the body weight was significantly correlated with the caloric intake along with some vitamins, such as Vitamin A and Vitamin B12. Inactive mass increased with excessive folic acid, Vitamin E, Vitamin K and saturated fat intake; (4) Conclusions: The inflammatory status was influenced by the ingestion of micronutrients, total serum lipids and proteins. The anthropometric development was associated with the ingestion of carbohydrates, energy balance and energy intake. We can conclude that daily menu and nutrition imbalances can influence both the risk of obesity and the inflammatory status.
Effect of Acupuncture on Timeliness of Male Shoulder Joint Endurance
Authors: Wang I-Lin , Hu Rui , Chen Yi-Ming , Chen Che-Hsiu , Wang Jun , Ho Chun-Sheng
Published: May 2021

Acupuncture as a traditional and commonly used treatment has been used to improve the performance of athletes. In the improvement of female shoulder joint explosive force and muscle endurance also has an immediate effect. However, whether the effect of acupuncture therapy can be maintained after improving athletic performance still worth further discussion. The purpose of this study was to explore the timeless of the physical neurophysiological response induced by acupuncture at specific acupoints in improving endurance performance. Seventeen healthy male participants completed six groups of shoulder joint isokinetic exercises. The isokinetic exercise completed in the first group was taken as the baseline. After acupuncture for 15 min, the following 5 isokinetic experiments were completed. Acupuncture acupoints included Binao (LI14), Jianliao (SJ14), Naohui (SJ13), Zhongfu (LU1), Xiabai (LU4), Tianfu (LU3) and Xiaoluo (SJ12). The results show that acupuncture can improve physical performance for 10–20 min. After acupuncture, the maximum torque, average power, average work and total work values significantly increased (p < 0.05). Stimulation of acupoints can effectively improve the performance of periarticular muscle endurance around the shoulder, but this improvement is limited by time.
Beyond the Pandemic: COVID-19 Pandemic Changed the Face of Life
Authors: Khalifa Shaden A. M. , Swilam Mahmoud M. , El-Wahed Aida A. Abd , Du Ming , El-Seedi Haged H. R. , Kai Guoyin , Masry Saad H. D. , Abdel-Daim Mohamed M. , Zou Xiaobo , Halabi Mohammed F. , Alsharif Sultan M. , El-Seedi Hesham R.
Published: May 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic is a serious challenge for societies around the globe as entire populations have fallen victim to the infectious spread and have taken up social distancing. In many countries, people have had to self-isolate and to be confined to their homes for several weeks to months to prevent the spread of the virus. Social distancing measures have had both negative and positive impacts on various aspects of economies, lifestyles, education, transportation, food supply, health, social life, and mental wellbeing. On other hands, due to reduced population movements and the decline in human activities, gas emissions decreased and the ozone layer improved; this had a positive impact on Earth’s weather and environment. Overall, the COVID-19 pandemic has negative effects on human activities and positive impacts on nature. This study discusses the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on different life aspects including the economy, social life, health, education, and the environment.