bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hidden Blood Loss of Total Knee FVIII Prophylaxis in Hemophilia Arthritis : An Analysis of Influencing Factors
Authors: Shen ShaoNing , Wu DongXiao , Lv ShuaiJie , Tong PeiJian
Published: January 2022

BackgroundTotal knee arthroplasty is the leading way to treat hemophilia arthritis. At present, there is a lack of research on the influencing factors of blood loss in total knee arthroplasty for hemophilia arthritis. This study comprehensively explores the definite factors affecting the hidden blood loss in total knee arthroplasty for hemophilia patients.Materials and methodsNinety-two hemophilia A patients who underwent total knee arthroplasty in our center were included. Demographic characteristics, laboratory data, surgical data, and complications were collected. The Gross equation and Sehat equation were used to calculate the estimated value of hidden blood loss. Multivariate stepwise linear regression analysis was used to determine the influencing factors of hidden blood loss.ResultThe hidden blood loss of hemophilia patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty was 1069.51±341.99mL, and the age was positively correlated with the hidden blood loss (P<0.001), while tranexamic acid, FVIII prophylaxis, and incremental invivo recovery were negatively correlated with the hidden blood loss (P<0.001, P=0.008, P=0.017).ConclusionElderly patients have a greater risk of blood loss, and additional preventive measures can be appropriately added. Intraoperative intra-articular injection of tranexamic acid is recommended to reduce hidden blood loss, FVIII prophylaxis is recommended for every patient. We recommend that all HA patients measure the incremental invivo recovery and develop a personalized coagulation factor infusion regimen.
Assessment of Deep Convolutional Neural Network Models for Species Identification of Forensically-Important Fly Maggots Based on Images of Posterior Spiracles
Authors: Apasrawirote Darlin , Boonchai Pharinya , Muneesawang Paisarn , Nakhonkam Wannacha , Bunchu Nophawan
Published: January 2022

Forensic entomology is the branch of forensic science that is related to using arthropod specimens found in legal issues. Fly maggots are one of crucial pieces of evidence that can be used for estimating post-mortem intervals worldwide. However, the species-level identification of fly maggots is difficult, time consuming, and requires specialized taxonomic training. In this work, a novel method for the identification of different forensically-important fly species is proposed using convolutional neural networks (CNNs). The data used for the experiment were obtained from a digital camera connected to a compound microscope. We compared the performance of four widely used models that vary in complexity of architecture to evaluate tradeoffs in accuracy and speed for species classification including ResNet-101, Densenet161, Vgg19_bn, and AlexNet. In the validation step, all of the studied models provided 100% accuracy for identifying maggots of 4 species including Chrysomya megacephala (Diptera: Calliphoridae), Chrysomya (Achoetandrus) rufifacies (Diptera: Calliphoridae), Lucilia cuprina (Diptera: Calliphoridae), and Musca domestica (Diptera: Muscidae) based on images of posterior spiracles. However, AlexNet showed the fastest speed to process the identification model and presented a good balance between performance and speed. Therefore, the AlexNet model was selected for the testing step. The results of the confusion matrix of AlexNet showed that misclassification was found between C. megacephala and C. (Achoetandrus) rufifacies as well as between C. megacephala and L. cuprina. No misclassification was found for M. domestica. In addition, we created a web-application platform called thefly.ai to help users identify species of fly maggots in their own images using our classification model. The results from this study can be applied to identify further species by using other types of images. This model can also be used in the development of identification features in mobile applications. This study is a crucial step for integrating information from biology and AI-technology to develop a novel platform for use in forensic investigation.
Prediction of the Occurrence of Leprosy Reactions Based on Bayesian Networks
Authors: Rodrigues Rafael Saraiva de Andrade , Heise Eduardo Ferreira José , Hartmann Luis Felipe , Rocha Guilherme Eduardo , Olandoski Marcia , Stefani Mariane Martins de Araújo , Latini Ana Carla Pereira , Soares Cleverson Teixeira , Belone Andrea , Rosa Patrícia Sammarco , Pontes Maria Araci de Andrade , Gonçalves Heitor de Sá , Cruz Rossilene , Penna Maria Lúcia Fernandes , Carvalho Deborah Ribeiro , Fava Vinicius Medeiros , Bührer-Sékula Samira , Penna Gerson Oliveira , Moro Claudia Maria Cabral , Nievola Julio Cesar , Mira Marcelo Távora
Published: January 2022

Background: Leprosy reactions (LR) are severe episodes of intense activation of the host inflammatory response, of uncertain etiology, today the leading cause of permanent nerve damage in leprosy patients. Several genetic and non-genetic risk factors for LR have been described; however, there are limited attempts to combine this information in order to estimate the risk of a leprosy patient to develop LR. Here we present an artificial intelligence (AI)-based system able to estimate risk of LR using clinical, demographic and genetic data.Methods: The study includes four datasets from different regions of Brazil, totalizing 1,450 leprosy patients followed prospectively for at least two years to assess the occurrence of LR. Data mining using WEKA software was performed following a two-step protocol to select the variables included in the AI system, based on Bayesian Networks and developed using the NETICA software.Results: Analysis of the complete database resulted in a system able to estimate LR-risk with 82.7% accuracy, 79.3% sensitivity, and 86.2% specificity. When using only databases for which host genetic information associated with LR was included, the performance increased to up to 87.7% accuracy, 85.7% sensitivity, and 89.4% specificity.Conclusion: We produced an easy-to-use, online, free-access system that allows the identification of leprosy patients at high risk of developing LR. Risk assessment of LR for individual patients may detect candidates close monitoring, with potential positive impact upon the prevention of permanent disabilities, the quality of life of the patients, as well as upon leprosy control programs.
The Risk of Esophageal Food Impaction In Eosinophilic Esophagitis Patients; The Role of Clinical And Socioeconomic Factors
Authors: Alhmoud Tarik , Ghazaleh Sami , Ghanim Marcel , Redfern Roberta
Published: January 2022

Background: Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) patients present with dysphagia and often suffer from esophageal food impaction (EFI). EFI can lead to life-threatening perforation, and requires emergent endoscopic intervention. The aim of this study is to evaluate the risk factors for EFI in EoE patients.Methods: This is a retrospective study performed at a tertiary health care system. Medical records and endoscopy images of EoE cases were reviewed. Clinical characteristics and outcomes including EFIs were documented. We used Zip-code median household income as a surrogate for patients’ socioeconomic status.Results: 291 EoE cases were included, mean age was 42 years. Most patients (65%) had classic EoE endoscopic findings including linear furrows and/or concentric rings, however, a significant proportion (47%) had findings suggestive of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), such as the presence of erosive-esophagitis, a hiatal hernia or Schatzki’s ring. 48 patients (16%) developed one or more esophageal food impaction (EFI). The risk of EFI was less likely in the absence of furrows and/or rings; odds ratio (OR) = .28, 95%CI (0.11, 0.72) [P = .008]. Females had less EFI risk; OR = 0.42, 95%CI (0.19, 0.95) [P = .04]. The type of medical insurance and socioeconomic status was not associated with EFI risk.Conclusion: EFI risk is higher in EoE patients with esophageal furrows and/or rings and in men. Aggressive treatment might be required in this population. GERD and EoE can coexist in many patients. Further studies are required to examine the role of the socioeconomic status in EoE complications.
The Efficacy of Transdiagnostic Cognitive Behavioral Therapy on Migraine Headache: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Soleimanian-Boroujeni Forouzandeh , Badihian Negin , Badihian Shervin , Shaygannejad Vahid , Gorji Yousef
Published: January 2022

Introduction: Psychological interventions are shown to be effective in migraine, but not utilized routinely yet. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of transdiagnostic cognitive behavioral therapy (TCBT) on people with migraine (PwM). Method: This study was conducted on 40 PwM aged 20-50 years. We randomly assigned participants to two groups of intervention, receiving 10 sessions of TCBT, and control. Days with headache, headache severity, migraine-related disability and effects on daily life, number of pain-relivers taken for headache, depression, and anxiety were assessed pre-intervention, post-intervention (three-month follow-up), and one-month after TCBT termination (four-month follow-up).Results: Thirty-five participants suffering moderate to severe migraine completed the study (16 and 19 in TCBT and control groups, respectively). TCBT improved all measured items between study time-points (p<0.05) in the intervention group, while such an improvement was not observed in the control group. Between group comparisons revealed superiority of TCBT group compared to the control group in most measured items at three- and four-month follow-ups (p<0.05).Conclusion: Ten sessions of TCBT improved migraine severity, associated disability, anxiety, and depression in PwM, with persistent effects after one month of therapy termination. TCBT is an affordable, practical, and feasible intervention to be utilized for PwM.Protocol registration: The study protocol was registered in clinicaltrial.gov (NCT03701477) prior to enrollment.
Optimization of Nitrogen Demand in Vegetables by Different Impacts on Autotrophic and Heterotrophic Nitrification
Authors: Dan Xiaoqian , Meng Lei , He Mengqiu , He Xiaoxiang , Zhao Chang , Chen Shending , Zhang Jinbo , Cai Zucong , Müller Christoph
Published: January 2022

Aims The understanding of the interactions between N transformations and N uptake by plants in greenhouse soils with large N accumulation is still not clear. The aim is to understand the plant- soil interactions (vegetables) on N transformations with respect to N supply. Methods 15N tracing studies were conducted in two greenhouse soils to simultaneously quantify soil gross N transformation and plant N uptake rates using the Ntraceplant tool. Results There were significant feedbacks between vegetable N uptake and soil gross N transformation rates, whether soil N accumulation occurred or not. Plant NO3– uptake rates (UNO3) were higher than the NH4+ uptake rates (UNH4), which is consistent with the NO3–-preference of the vegetable plants studied. While UNH4 was still responsible for 6-49% of total N uptake rates, significantly negative relationships between UNH4 and NH4+ immobilization rate and autotrophic nitrification rate (ONH4) were observed. ONH4 was significantly inhibited in the presence of plants and decreased with time. ONH4 (1.11 mg N kg-1 d-1) was much lower than UNO3 (8.29 mg N kg-1 d-1) in the presence of plants. However, heterotrophic nitrification rate (ONrec), which ranged from 0.10 to 8.11 mg N kg-1 d-1 was significantly stimulated and was responsible for 5-97% of NO3– production in all plant treatments, providing additional NO3– to meet N requirements of plants and microorganisms.Conclusions The management of organic N fertilizers should be improved to stimulate inorganic N production via heterotrophic nitrification in greenhouse cultivation.
A Plasmonic Structure of Fano Resonance in the MIM Waveguide with r-Shaped Resonator for Refractive Index Sensor
Authors: Rohimah Siti , Tian He , Wang Jinfang , Chen Jianfeng , Li Jina , Liu Xing , Cui Jingang , Xu Qiang , Hao Yu
Published: January 2022

A plasmonic structure of metal-insulator-metal (MIM) waveguide consisting of a single baffle waveguide and an r-shaped resonator is designed to produce Fano resonance. The finite element method uses the finite element method to analyze the transmission characteristics and magnetic field distributions of the plasmonic waveguide distributions. The simulation results exhibit two Fano resonances that can be achieved by the interference between a continuum state in the baffle waveguide and a discrete state in the r-shaped resonator. The Fano resonances can be simply tuned by changing geometrical parameters of the plasmonic structure. The value variations of geometrical parameters have different effects on sensitivity. Thus, the sensitivity of the plasmonic structure can achieve 1333 nm/RIU, with a figure of merit of 5876. The results of the designed plasmonic structure offer high sensitivity and nano-scale integration, which are beneficial to refractive index sensors, photonic devices at the chip nano-sensors, and biosensors applications.
Hepatitis B, C and Human Immunodeficiency Virus Knowledge Among the General Greek Population: Results from Τηε Hprolipsis Nationwide Survey
Authors: Kaskafetou Sylvia , Karakosta Argiro , Sypsa Vana , Kalpourtzi Natasa , Gavana Magda , Vantarakis Apostolos , Rachiotis George , Chlouverakis Grigoris , Trypsianis Grigoris , Voulgari Paraskevi V. , Alamanos Yannis , Papatheodoridis George , Touloumi Giota
Published: January 2022

Background: Although several studies on hepatitis B (HBV), C (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection have been conducted in Greece, little is known on the knowledge level of the Greek population towards these three infections. Our aim was to assess the knowledge level of the adult Greek general population about the HBV, HCV and HIV.Methods: Data were derived from the first general population Health Survey, Hprolipsis. The sample was selected by multistage stratified random sampling. A standardized questionnaire was administered by trained interviewers during home visits. A knowledge score was constructed based on responses to 17 per infection selected items and categorized in three levels; high (12-17 correct replies) medium (6-11) and low (0-5). Among 8,341 eligible individuals, 6,006 were recruited (response rate:72%) and 5,878 adults (≥18 years) were included in the analysis. Results: Only 30.4%, 21.6%, and 29.6% of the participants had a high overall knowledge level of HBV, HCV and HIV, respectively. These low percentages were mainly attributed to the high levels of misconception about transmission modes (65.9%, 67.2%, and 67.9%, respectively). Results showed that increasing age and living out of the big metropolitan cities were associated with decreased odds of having higher knowledge. Female gender, higher education level, higher monthly family income, higher medical risk score, history of testing and being born in Greece or Cyprus, were associated with increased odds of having higher knowledge. Conclusions: There are significant knowledge gaps in the Greek general population regarding modes of transmission, preventive measures and treatment availability for HBV, HCV and HIV. There is an urgent need for large scale but also localized awareness activities targeted to less privileged populations, to fill the gaps in knowledge and increase population engagement in preventive measures.
Clinicopathological Characteristics of Extrahepatic Biliary Neuroendocrine Neoplasms in the Gallbladder, Extrahepatic Biliary Tract, and Ampulla of Vater: A Single-Center Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Park Young Mok , Seo Hyung Il , Noh Byeong Gwan , Kim Suk , Hong Seung Baek , Lee Nam Kyung , Kim Dong Uk , Han Sung Yong , Lee So Jeong
Published: January 2022

BackgroundSignificant changes were made in the grading and staging systems for neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) in 2017. Therefore, a clinical report to comprehensively update the clinicopathological characteristics, therapeutic approaches, and prognosis of these patients should be drafted.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed a database of 16 patients who developed NENs or mixed endocrine non-endocrine neoplasms (MiNENs) after curative resection. Among them, eight had ampulla of Vater (AoV) tumors, and eight had non-AoV tumors. One patient had NEN Grade 1, five had NEN Grade 2, and five had NEN Grade 3 (G3); all had poorly differentiated neuroendocrine carcinoma. Five patients had MiNEN or combined carcinoma.ResultsThe mean age was 57.88 years. The overall survival rates after curative surgery at 1, 3, and 5 years were 87.1, 80.4, and 71.4%, respectively. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year disease-free survival rates were 87.1%, 79.8%, and 71.8%, respectively. In univariate analysis, age >65 years, mitotic count (>20/10 high-power fields), Ki-67 index >20%, and presence of stones were significant prognosticators, whereas only the mitotic count was statistically significant in the multivariate analysis. Age >65 years (p=0.039), a Ki-67 index >20% (p=0.03), presence of stones (p=0.021), G3 stage disease, MiNEN (p=0.002), or perineural invasion (p<0.001) were more frequently observed in the non-AoV group than in the AoV group.ConclusionHigh mitosis count had a greater effect on extrahepatic biliary NEN than the tumor-node-metastasis staging system. Patients with AoV tumors had better prognostic predictor factors compared to those with non-AoV tumors.
Analytically-Supported Hybrid Photonic-Plasmonic Crystal Design Using Artificial Neural Networks
Authors: Peralta-Ángeles Jorge-Alberto , Reyes-Esq Jorge-Alejandro
Published: January 2022

An analytical and numerical study of hybrid photonic-plasmonic crystals is presented. The proposed theoretical model describes a system composed of a dielectric photonic crystal on a metallic thin film. To show the validity and usefulness of the model, four particular structures are analyzed, a one-dimensional crystal and three lattices of two-dimensional crystals. The model can calculate the photonic band structure of photonic-plasmonic crystals as a function of structural characteristics, showing two partial bandgaps for a square lattice, and complete bandgaps for triangular lattices. Furthermore, using a particular high-symmetry path, a full bandgap emerges in rectangular lattices, even with a small index of refraction contrast. Using the analytical model, a dataset is generated to train an artificial neural network to predict the center and width of the bandgap, that is, the forward design. In addition, an artificial neural network is trained to tune the optical response, that is, to perform the inverse design. The analytical results are consistent with the physics of the system studied and are supported by numerical simulations. Moreover, the prediction accuracy of the artificial neural networks is better than 95%. Overall, this paper reports a useful tool for tuning the optical properties of hybrid photonic-plasmonic crystals with potential applications in waveguides, nanocavities, mirrors, etc.
Biofilm Accumulation and Sucrose Rinse Modulate the Calcium and Fluoride Bioavailability in the Saliva of Children with Early Childhood Caries
Authors: Crescente Camila Lopes , de Sousa Emerson Tavares , Lima-Holanda Aline Tavares , Steiner-Oliveira Carolina , Nobre-dos-Santos Marinês
Published: January 2022

This quasi-experimental study aimed at investigating the combined effect of biofilm accumulation and 20% sucrose rinse on the modulation of calcium (Ca2+), phosphate (Pi), and fluoride (F-) bioavailability in saliva of children with early childhood caries (ECC). In-that, fifty-six preschoolers of both genders were evaluated according to caries experience and activity: caries-free (CF, n=28) and with ECC (n=28) and then, submitted to biofilm intervention (biofilm accumulation or no biofilm accumulation). In each situation, saliva samples were collected before and five minutes after a 20% sucrose rinse to determine the concentrations of Ca2+, Pi, and F−. Calcium concentration was significantly lower in the biofilm accumulation situation compared to the situation of biofilm mechanical control, except for children CF after sucrose rinse. Biofilm accumulation increased salivary calcium concentration in children with ECC after sucrose rinse, whereas mechanical biofilm control reduced it in both groups. The phosphate concentration was influenced by mechanical control of the biofilm in CF children. The fluoride bioavailability was reduced by sucrose rinse and biofilm accumulation in CF and ECC children. In conclusion, the combined effect of biofilm accumulation and sucrose rinse modifies the bioavailability of calcium and fluoride in the saliva of children with early childhood caries.
Targeting Tumor Associated Antigens For The Development of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Treatment.
Authors: Dutta Sthiti Porna , Alam Anis
Published: January 2022

DBN possess the ability to induce bladder tumor as well as in the liver, and oesophagus when it is administered in the body.Exposure to DBN can happen by different modes such as by ingestion,inhalation as well through dermal contact.In the present investigation an attempt has been done to identify ,isolate as well to purify he TAA from the liver mitochondria of the mice which was exposed to DBN. It was found that mitochondrial membrane surface protein of DBN-exposed animals exhibited differential expression when compared with the control animals. A low molecular weight (~14 kDa) protein was found to be over expressed on liver mitochondrial membrane upon DBN exposure in mice as compared with the normal control and identified as TAA, showing the sign that some of the proteins could be used as TAA for further study.These identification and molecular characterization of TAAs will provide the basis for the development of cancer vaccines targeting TAAs.
Handgrip Strength Weakness and Asymmetry Together are Associated with Cardiovascular Outcomes in Elderly Outpatients: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Lin Siyang , Wang Fang , Huang Yanjie , Yuan Yin , Huang Feng , Zhu Pengli
Published: January 2022

Background: The evaluations of handgrip strength (HGS) weakness and asymmetry have implications for the comprehensive geriatric assessment. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of HGS weakness and asymmetry on cardiovascular outcomes in elderly outpatients. Methods: This was a prospective observational cohort study of 364 geriatrics outpatients aged ≥ 60 years, in which all participants performed HGS tests at baseline. Patients with HGS < 28 kg for men and < 18 kg for women were diagnosed as HGS weakness, and HGS ratio < 0.90 or > 1.10 were diagnosed as HGS asymmetry. Primary outcomes defined as the major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE) and composite endpoints were assessed during 21-month median follow-up.Results: Among 364 participants, 155 (42.6%) demonstrated HGS weakness, and 160 (44.0%) demonstrated HGS asymmetry. HGS weakness was associated with MACE (HR: 2.763, 95%CI: 1.217-6.272) and composite endpoints (HR: 2.842, 95%CI: 1.399-5.774). However, no significant correlation between HGS asymmetry and cardiovascular outcomes was observed. Compared with the normal and symmetric HGS group, older adults with HGS weakness and asymmetry together had a higher risk of MACE (HR: 5.229, 95%CI: 1.559-17.542) and composite endpoints (HR: 4.002, 95%CI: 1.558-10.277). Conclusion: HGS weakness and asymmetry together may increase the risk of cardiovascular outcomes in elderly outpatients. HGS asymmetry offers complementary information to HGS weakness when making a comprehensive assessment of HGS.
IPC Prediction of Patent Documents Using Neural Network with Attention for Hierarchical Structure
Authors: Hoshino Yuki , Utsumi Yoshimasa , Matsuda Yoshiro , Tanaka Yoshitoshi , Nakata Kazuhide
Published: January 2022

International patent classifications (IPCs) are assigned to patent documents; however, since the procedure for assigning classifications is manually done by the patent examiner, it takes a lot of time and effort to select some IPCs from about 70,000 IPCs. Hence, some research has been conducted on patent classification with machine learning. However, patent documents are very voluminous, and learning with all the claims (the part describing the content of the patent) as input would run out of the necessary memory. Therefore, most of the existing methods learn by excluding some information, such as using only the first claim as input. In this study, we propose a model that considers the contents of all claims by extracting important information for input. We also propose a new decoder that considers the hierarchical structure of the IPC. Finally, we evaluate the model using an evaluation index that assumes the actual use of IPC selection for patent documents.
Smooth Descent: a Ploidy-Aware Algorithm To Improve Linkage Mapping In The Presence of Genotyping Errors
Authors: Navarro Alejandro Thérèse , Bourke Peter M. , de Weg Eric van , Arens Paul , Finkers Richard , Maliepaard Chris
Published: January 2022

Linkage mapping is an approach to order markers based on recombination events. Mapping algorithms cannot easily handle genotyping errors, which are common in high-throughput genotyping data. To solve this issue, strategies have been developed, aimed mostly at identifying and eliminating these errors. One such strategy is SMOOTH (van Os et al. 2005), an iterative algorithm to detect genotyping errors. Unlike other approaches, SMOOTH can also be used to impute the most probable alternative genotypes, but its application is limited to diploid species and to markers heterozygous in only one of the parents. In this study we adapted SMOOTH to expand its use to any marker type and to autopolyploids with the use of identity-by-descent probabilities, naming the updated algorithm Smooth Descent (SD). We applied SD to real and simulated data, showing that in the presence of genotyping errors this method produces better genetic maps in terms of marker order and map length. SD is particularly useful for error rates between 5% and 20% and when error rates are not homogeneous among markers or individuals. Moreover, the simplicity of the algorithm allows thousands of markers to be efficiently processed, thus being particularly useful for error detection in high-density datasets. We have implemented this algorithm in the R package SmoothDescent.
Kochia (Bassia Scoparia) Growth and Fecundity As Influenced By Crop Competition and Weed Density
Authors: Lim Charlemagne Ajoc , Dyer Alan T. , Jha Prashant
Published: January 2022

Kochia [Bassia scoparia (L.) A. J. Scott] represents one the most troublesome weeds in crop production systems in the North American Great Plains. The development of herbicide-resistant B. scoparia populations further exacerbated this problem. More ecologically driven approaches to its control are necessary. This study examined the competitive effects of four crops (sugar beet, soybean, barley, and corn) in combination with B. scoparia densities (3, 13, 24, 47, 94, and 188 plants m-2) on B. scoparia development and seed production across 2 years. Corn and barley had the greatest impact on B. scoparia growth and fecundity. B. scoparia biomass was 87 and 82% lower and seed production was 98 and 96% lower (p<0.001) in corn and barley, respectively, relative to fallow. Corn had greatest effect in reducing B. scoparia biomass and seed production. Barley had greatest effect in delaying B. scoparia flowering which occurred 113 days after B. scoparia emergence (p<0.001). Soybean and sugar beet had the least effect reducing B. scoparia biomass by 70 and 65% and seed production by 84 and 80% (p<0.001), respectively, relative to fallow. Increasing B. scoparia densities resulted in reductions in B. scoparia width, number of primary branches, biomass plant-1, and seeds plant-1 but increased B. scoparia height, biomass m-2, and seeds m-2 (p<0.001) under all cropping treatments except corn. Barley represents the greatest opportunity to impact B. scoparia through reduced fecundity and delayed flowering, with the latter providing a window of opportunity for post-harvest control. The effects observed here were isolated from differences in herbicide practices that are associated with each of these crops, differences that have a dramatic effect on B. scoparia in their own right.
A Recycling Alternative for Expanded Polystyrene Residues Using Natural Esters
Authors: García-Barrera Luisa V. , Ortega-Solís Dafne L. , Soriano-Giles Gabriela , López Nazario , Romero-Romero Fernando , Reinheimer Eric , Varela-Guerrero Victor , Ballesteros-Rivas María F.
Published: January 2022

The objective of this research is to provide a new recycling method for one of the most consumed plastics today, since it is used for the manufacture of a wide variety of industrial products, which leads to an environmental problem caused by incorrect handling and final disposal.The dissolution of expanded polystyrene waste (WEP) was evaluated by using natural esters for its post treatment and recovery. The use of omega-3 as a natural solvent creates an opportunity to take advantage of natural biomass, since it can be obtained from the residues from the fishing activity, this being an economic advantage for obtaining raw material and also friendly with the environment.For the development of this research, expanded polystyrene containers were used, as well as omega-3 and glyceryl tributyrate as natural solvents and ethyl butyrate as synthetic solvent, methanol and isopropanol for recovery and cleaning of the polystyrene. The characterization of the recovered material was carried out with thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) techniques. The experimental data obtained indicated that the use of these esters is a good alternative for the recycling of expanded polystyrene.
Validating A Smartphone-Based Biomarker Tool Lyfas in Screening Anxiety Disorders
Authors: Chattopadhyay Subhagata , Das Rupam , Gaur Shalini
Published: January 2022

Lyfas is a smartphone-based biomedical application that captures the cardiovascular autonomic biomarkers (CVb), surrogating for mental health attributes. SD1/SD2 biomarker assesses the sympathovagal balance and is considered to be a potential indicator of Lyfas anxiety score (LAS). A total of 1837 males and 973 females took Lyfas (hypersensitivity-checked) and Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A) self-scoring tests. LAS has been statistically validated by Linear regressions, one-way ANOVA, t-stat, correlations (r), and Bland Altman agreement assessment with respect to HAM-A. Sensitivity, specificity, precision, accuracy, Fscore, and Youden’s index (j-stat) are computed. Results show that (i) Lyfas is not a very hypersensitive instrument (mean-variance is 0.6). (ii) It can predict HAM-A with 94.7% accuracy (R2) and is a statistically significant model (p <0.05). (iii) LAS and HAM-A are positively correlated by 97%, the t-stat value of 5.38 for the population indicates that the two instruments have a significant mean difference. (iv) Bland Altman test showcases the overall agreement of 12.95% due to different modes and scales of measurements. (v) on average, LAS is 87.78% accurate, 86.82% precise, and its’ 65.2% j-stat value proves that Lyfas is a novel industry-standard smartphone biomarker application that can be used to accurately screen anxiety disorders.
Standardized Forearm Angiography Increases Procedural Success Rates of Coronary Angiography and PCI: A Retrospective Analysis of an All-Comers Patient Cohort
Authors: Roeschl Tobias , Jano Anas , Fochler Franziska , Maier Lars S. , Grewe Mona M. , Wacker Marlis , Meier Kirstin , Schmidt Christian , Grewe Peter H.
Published: January 2022

Background: There is a consensus, that transradial-access (TRA) for coronary procedures should be preferred over transfemoral-access (TFA). Previously, forearm-artery-angiography was mainly performed when difficulties during the advancement of the guidewire were encountered. We explored the implication of a standardized forearm-angiography (SFA) on procedural success rates of TRA.Methods: 1191 consecutive cases were assessed retrospectively. Primary TFA rates, crossover to TFA, reasons for forearm-artery-access (FAA) failure, the prevalence of kinking at the level of the forearm and the occurrence of vascular complications were analyzed.Results: Primary FAA access was attempted in 97.9%. Crossover to TFA after a primary or secondary FAA attempt was necessary in 2.8%. Severe kinking was the most frequent cause of FAA failure and occurred in 3.0%. A second or third FAA attempt to avoid TFA was successful in 81%. Severe kinking at the level of the forearm was reported in 1.8%.Conclusion:This is the first study to provide detailed success rates of a primary FAA strategy combined with SFA. While severe kinking proved to be a rare but relevant challenge for FAA success, the prevalence of arterial spasm was marginal. Multiple attempts of FAA to avoid TFA might be safe possibly due to collateral blood supply.
The Oncogenic Role of γ-Aminobutyrate Aminotransferase in Human Tumor: A Pan-Cancer Analysis
Authors: Wang Xinyu , jie Yi , Li Zhe , Yu Hui , Dong Anqin
Published: January 2022

Emerging evidence supports the correlation between γ-aminobutyrate aminotransferase (ABAT) and tumors, but few research groups used pan-cancer analysis to verify it previously. Therefore, this study used the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database and the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) to obtain information about the correlations between ABAT and tumor development, and to explore its potential effectiveness for genetic alterations in tumor prognosis. The reduced expression level of ABAT in a majority of tumors is significantly associated with the poor prognosis. The genetic alteration of ABAT seems linked to the favorable prognosis of Uterine Corpus Endometrial Carcinoma (UCEC). Immune infiltration analysis showed a significantly positive correlation between ABAT and cancer-associated fibroblasts in the majority of tumors, but a highly negative correlation with Kidney renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC), Kidney Renal Papillary cell carcinoma (KIRP), and Prostate adenocarcinoma (PRAD). Enrichment analysis showed that cell junction organization, amino acids metabolism, and neuronal system-involved behaviors might affect the pathogenesis or etiology of cancer. This study is the first pan-cancer analysis that offers a detailed, comprehensive study of the process of the oncogenic roles of ABAT across different human tumors.
Individualized Growth Hormone Treatment - Using Two Different Prediction Models in a Clinical Setting
Authors: Ly Helena-Jamin , Lindberg Anders , Fors Hans , Dahlgren Jovanna
Published: January 2022

BackgroundDiagnosing growth hormone deficiency (GHD) can be challenging; hence, prediction models on growth outcome from growth hormone (GH) treatment have shown to be useful. We aim to compare the accuracy of the more readily available KIGS (Pfizer International Growth Study) prediction model to the previously clinically validated Gothenburg model.MethodsPrepubertal children with GHD who started GH treatment at Queen Silvia Children’s Hospital between 2004 and 2016 were considered for the study. Exclusion criteria were short stature due to syndrome, chronic disease, oncology disease, or known bad adherence. Growth predictions were made according to the Gothenburg model and the KIGS model. Growth data from birth until one year after start of GH treatment were collected from medical charts. Predicted height and observed height were then compared. ResultsA total of 123 children, 47 girls (38%) and 76 boys (62%) were included, with a mean age of 5.71 (±1.81 SD) years at start of GH treatment. The Pearson correlation of predicted first-year growth versus growth outcome were r = 0.990 for the Gothenburg model and r = 0.991 for the KIGS model. Studentized residuals were 0.10 ± 0.81 SD and 0.03 ± 0.96 SD, respectively, for the models. The comparison between the two models showed r = 0.995.ConclusionThe Gothenburg model and the KIGS model are equally accurate at predicting height outcome from GH treatment for our study cohort. We therefore promote the use of either model in clinical settings.
Biodiversity Conservation Potential of Forests and Trees On Farms In the Agricultural–Forest Mosaic Landscape of Catacamas, Honduras
Authors: Bieng Marie Ange Ngo , Delgado-Rodríguez Diego , Vilchez Sergio , López-Sampson Arlene , García Edwin , Sepúlveda Norvin , Somarriba Eduardo
Published: January 2022

Biodiversity decline in the tropics requires the implementation of comprehensive landscape management where agricultural systems are necessarily an integral element of biodiversity conservation. This study evaluates the potential for biodiversity conservation within an intensive livestock-agricultural-forest mosaic landscape in Catacamas, Honduras. Tree sampling was performed in 448 plots set up within different forest and agricultural land uses: secondary forests, agroforestry coffee plantations, agriculture, pastures, live fences and riparian forest. All trees with a minimum diameter at breast height of 10 cm were identified and measured. We characterized their tree structure and diversity, and compared tree diversity between the different uses. The results indicate a high degree of tree species diversity: 375 species identified, belonging to 74 families among the 15,096 trees inventoried across 84.2 hectares, including many rare species (40% of the species registered three individuals or fewer). Biodiversity indices for agroforestry coffee were found equivalent to those for natural secondary forests in the Catacamas landscape. Combining biodiversity conservation and agricultural production is possible in human-pressured tropical landscapes through tree cover maintenance. Enrichment practices combining local producers and technical knowledge may improve tree diversity in agricultural landscapes by prioritizing a mix of forest and introduced tree species (rare and with multiple uses).
A Novel Protective Mechanism for Melatonin Against Acute Lung Injury: Preserving Mitochondrial Dynamic Equilibrium of Lung Epithelial Cells Through SIRT3-Dependent Deacetylation of SOD2
Authors: Ning Li , Rui Xiong , Guorui Li , Tinglv Fu , Donghang Li , Chenzhen Xu , Xiaojing Wu , Geng Qing
Published: January 2022

Mitochondrial dynamic equilibrium of lung epithelial cells is disturbed during sepsis, which contributes to abnormal mitochondrial function and acute lung injury (ALI). Melatonin is one primary hormone secreted by the pineal gland, displaying favorable antioxidative actions in sepsis and cardiopulmonary disease. However, the potential roles and molecular basis of melatonin in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated lung epithelial cells have not been explored and reported. Herein, we investigated whether melatonin could protect against sepsis-induced ALI and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated lung epithelial cells through mitochondrial dynamic equilibrium as well as its possible molecular targets. Wild type and Sirt3 knockout mice were instilled with LPS intratracheally for 12 hours to construct an in vivo ALI model. And A549 lung epithelial cells were used to explore the possible roles of melatonin in vitro by incubating with small interfering RNA (siRNA) against Sirt3. To figure out the involvement of melatonin receptor, si Mtnr1b and luzindole were used in cells and mice. Melatonin pretreatment significantly inhibited pathological injury, inflammatory response, oxidative stress and apoptosis in LPS-treated lung tissues and LPS-treated lung epithelial cells. Meanwhile, melatonin also shifted the dynamic course of mitochondria from fission into fusion in LPS-treated lung epithelial cells in vivo and in vitro. However, SIRT3 inhibition abolished the protective roles of melatonin in ALI. Mechanistically, we found that melatonin increased the activity and expression of SIRT3, which further promoted the deacetylation of SOD2 at K122 and K68. More importantly, melatonin exerted pulmonary protection by activating MTNR1B but not MTNR1A in ALI. Collectively, melatonin could preserve mitochondrial dynamic equilibrium of lung epithelial cells through the deacetylation of SOD2 in a SIRT3-dependent manner, which eventually alleviated LPS-elicited injury, inflammation, oxidative stress, apoptosis. Thus, melatonin may serve as a promising candidate against ALI in the future.
Optical Sensor Assembly On Knee Brace For Continuous Knee Monitoring Application
Authors: Salim Ghassan Maan , Zawawi Mohd Anwar
Published: January 2022

Knee joint is an important part of human body. People with poor knee condition generally have limited physical movement, rendering to mental stress and agony. Knee pain can be categorized into three groups, known as acute injury, chronic injury and medical condition. Current technology to support the knee diagnosis and treatment procedures are limited to the use of manual goniometer, x-ray and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Alternative devices with continuous measurement capability for knee monitoring are minimum at this time, mainly due to the difficulties to cover the wide angle of the knee flexion. X-ray and MRI technologies are useful to have some insight on the knee problem, but they are not applicable for continuous monitoring. Aside from being expensive for general use of MRI, x-ray on the other hand can cause short-term side effects due to radiation exposure. The aim of this paper is to demonstrate the use of optical sensor integrated with mechanical gear system as a knee monitoring device. A plastic compartment, made by using 3D printer is used to place the sensor and the gear system. The design of the overall device allows direct attachment on a knee brace for easy placement on the knee. Based on current study, the proposed sensor has a range of motion between 0 deg. to 160 deg., 0.08 deg. resolution as well as support continuous monitoring of the knee. The sensor performance has been demonstrated for gait motion, ascending and descending stairs, sit-to-stand movement and maximum knee flexion applications.
The Decline, Fall, and Rise of a Large Urban Colonising Bird
Authors: Hall Matthew Joshua , Martin John , Burns Alicia , Hochuli Dieter Fritz
Published: January 2022

ContextThe process of urbanisation results in dramatic landscape changes with long-lasting and sometimes irreversible consequences for the biota. Urban sensitive species can be eliminated from the landscape, while urban tolerant species can persist in or colonise the changed environment. ObjectivesHere we used historical atlas data to examine the changing distribution of the Australian Brush-turkey, a recent urban colonising species, at continental and city scales, and the changing land use in urban areas occupied by the species. MethodsWe assessed changes at the continental scale from 1839-2019. We then assessed colonisation of the cities of Sydney and Brisbane, located 900 km apart, over the period 1960-2019. At the city scale, we quantified the changing land use within Brush-turkey occupied areas over time using classification of satellite imagery. ResultsThe Brush-turkey range has shifted over the last century, with the species receding from the western and southwestern proportions of their range, while expanding in the northwest. Areas occupied in both cities have expanded, with recently colonised areas containing less vegetation and more developed land. ConclusionsOur results confirm that Brush-turkeys are successfully colonising urban areas, including major cities, and are likely to continue moving into urban areas, despite declines elsewhere in their natural range. This study highlights that species which were locally extirpated from urban areas and thought to be an unlikely candidate for recolonisation can adapt to human modified habitats; successful expansion is likely to be associated with urban greening and legal protection from human persecution.
Effects of Late Surfactant Treatment Delivered After a Recruitment Maneuver on Respiratory Outcomes in Extremely Low Gestational Age Newborns: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Trial – LATE-REC-SURF Trial.
Authors: Lio Alessandra , Tirone Chiara , Tana Milena , Aurilia Claudia , Blandino Rita , De Tomaso Davide , Fusco Francesca , Paladini Angela , Nobile Stefano , Perri Alessandro , Cota Francesco , Pastorino Roberta , Vento Giovanni
Published: January 2022

Background
Mechanical ventilation is still needed in most preterm newborns, even in the non-invasive ventilation era. Ventilator-induced lung injury is one of the known pathogenetic factors of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in preterm newborns. Lung injury has several patterns including surfactant dysfunction. Some recent trials have showed that a late surfactant administration can improve respiratory outcome in preterm babies still on invasive ventilation after the first week of life. Unfortunately, these results are still not conclusive. Moreover, giving surfactant after a recruitment manoeuvre in High Frequency Oscillatory Ventilation (HFOV) was shown to be safe and to reduce mortality in extremely preterm infants in a recent RCT. Our aim is to test the hypothesis that endotracheal administration of poractant-alfa preceded by a recruitment manoeuvre in HFOV in preterm infants still requiring mechanical ventilation at 7-10 days of life could facilitate extubation.
Methods/Design:
This will be an unblinded monocentric pilot trial that will be conducted in a III level Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Fondazione Policlinico Agostino Gemelli IRCCS in Rome - Italy. Preterm newborns with a gestational age < 28 weeks still requiring invasive mechanical ventilation at 7-10 days of life with a fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) of more than 0.30 and/or an oxygenation index of 8 or more for at least 6 hours will be eligible for the study. Patients will be randomly assigned to intervention or to standard care. Intervention group infants will receive up to 4 doses of Poractant-alfa every 12 hours, each dose preceded by a recruitment manoeuvre in HFOV, until extubation. Primary endpoint will be the first successful extubation.
Discussion
Surfactant therapy is nowadays recommended in case of RDS in the first days of life but little is known about its effects in ventilator-dependant preterm newborns. Late administration of surfactant could help healing the lung of preterm babies in which RDS is evolving in a chronic pulmonary insufficiency of prematurity. The findings of this pilot trial will permit evaluation of the study design for a full-scale RCT.
Trial registration:
Clinicaltrials.gov – ID NCT04825197. Registered 12 April 2021, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/home
A Simplified Formula for the Determination of the Fundamental Period of Mixed Structures with Vertical Combination of Different Seismic Resisting Systems
Authors: Saadatkhah Amir , Chenaghlou Mohammad Reza , Poursha Mehdi
Published: January 2022

Vertical combination of different seismic resisting systems, permitted in the seismic design codes such as ASCE/SEI 7-16, is an effective choice for the structural design of mid- and high-rise buildings. In the seismic analysis of structures, according to the seismic codes, an estimate of the fundamental period of vibration is needed. On other hand, there is no simplified equation to compute the fundamental period of vibration of mixed buildings with vertical combination of different seismic resisting systems. In this study, by using the Rayleigh’s method, a simplified equation for determining the fundamental period of this type of structures is proposed. This equation is verified by the eigenvalue analysis of the mathematical model of the 11 building frames with different seismic characteristics along their height. Furthermore, two different mixed structures composed of steel and reinforced concrete moment resisting frame (MRF) structures as well as of steel (concentrically braced frame) CBF and reinforced concrete MRF structures are examined in this paper. The results indicate that the proposed formula results in the fundamental period of mixed structures with satisfactory accuracy. The largest and average errors in the fundamental period of the buildings under consideration, obtained by the proposed formula, are less than 10% and 6%, respectively, compared to the eigenvalue analysis.