bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Under Age Five Children Survival Times in Nigeria: A Bayesian Spatial Modelling Approach
Authors: Egbon Osafu Augustine , Bogoni Mariella Ananias , Babalola Bayowa Teniola , Louzada Francisco
Published: November 2021

Background: Nigeria is among the top five countries in the world with the highest under-five mortality rates. In addition to the general leading causes of under-five mortality, studies have shown that disparities in sociocultural values and practices across ethnic groups in Nigeria influence child survival, thus there is a need for scientific validation. Methods: The approach commonly adopted in multilevel modeling of the under-five mortality rate in Nigeria is to consider child death status as a binary outcome variable. In this manner, information about the time localization of mortality risk is lost in the process. This study quantified the impact of socioeconomic and demographic factors, proximate and biological determinants, and environmental factors on the risk of under-five mortality in Nigeria using a Bayesian hierarchical hazard model with time to death outcomes. The Exponential, Gamma, Log-normal, Weibull, and Cox hazard models in a mixed effect framework with spatial components were considered, and the best model was selected for inference. In addition, the Kaplan Meier survival curve, Nelson Aalen hazard curve, and components survival probabilities were estimated. Results: Findings show that gender, maternal education, household wealth status, source of water and toilet facility, residence, mass media, frequency of antenatal and postnatal visits, marital status, place of delivery, multiple births, who decide healthcare use, use of bednet are significant risk factors of child mortality in Nigeria. The mortality risk is high among the maternal age group below 24 and above 44years, and birth weight below 2.5Kg and above 4.5Kg. The under-five mortality risk is severe in Kebbi, Kaduna, Jigawa, Adamawa, Gombe, Kanu, Kogi, Nasarawa, Plateau, Sokoto states in Nigeria. Conclusions: This study accentuates the need for special attention for the first two months after childbirth as it is the age group with the highest expected mortality. A practicable way to minimize death in the early life of children is to improve maternal health care service, promote maternal education, encourage delivery in healthcare facilities, positive parental attitude to support multiple births, poverty alleviation programs for the less privileged, and a prioritized intervention to Northern Nigeria.
Conventional Fluoroscopy-Guided vs Zero-Fluoroscopy Catheter Ablation of Supraventricular Tachycardias
Authors: Kalinšek Tine Prolič , Šorli Jernej , Jan Matevž , Šinkovec Matjaž , Antolič Bor , Klemen Luka , Žižek David , Pernat Andrej
Published: November 2021

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of zero-fluoroscopy (ZF) catheter ablation (CA) for supraventricular tachycardias (SVT).Methods: 584 consecutive patients referred to our institution for CA of SVT were analysed. Patients were categorised into two groups; zero-fluoroscopy (ZF) group and conventional fluoroscopy (CF) group. The ZF group was further divided into two subgroups (adults and paediatric). Patient characteristics, procedural information, and follow-up data were compared. Results: The ZF group had a higher proportion of paediatric patients (42.2% vs 0.0 %; p < 0.001), resulting in a younger age (30.9 ± 20.3 years vs 52.7 ± 16.5 years; p < 0.001) and lower BMI (22.8 ± 5.7 kg/m2 vs 27.0 ± 5.4 kg/m2; p < 0.001). Procedure time was shorter in the ZF group (94.2 ± 50.4 min vs 104.0 ± 54.0 min; p = 0.002). There were no major complications and the rate of minor complications did not differ between groups (0.0% vs 0.4%; p = 0.304). Acute procedural success as well as the long-term success rate when only the index procedure was considered did not differ between groups (92.5% vs 95.4%; p = 0.155; 87.1% vs 89.2%; p = 0.422). When repeated procedures were included, the long-term success rate was higher in the ZF group (98.3% vs 93.5%; p = 0.004). The difference can be partially explained by the operators' preferences.Conclusion: The safety and efficacy of ZF procedures in adult and paediatric populations are comparable to that of CF procedures.
The Influence of Childhood Emotional Abuse On Adult Obesity
Authors: Zhang Hongwei , Liu Ziqi , Zheng Hui , Xu Ting , Liu Lin , Xu Tao , Yuan Ti-Fei , Han Xiaodong
Published: November 2021

Background: Early life stress induces long-lasting changes in adulthood, such as psychiatric and metabolism abnormality. The prevalence of childhood emotional abuse in clinical obese subjects remains unclear.Method: A set of questionnaires, including the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and Eating Disorder Inventory (EDI) was sent out. Clinical data from 37 obese subjects (Age: 29.65±5.35, Body Mass Index (BMI): 37.59±6.34) and 37 healthy subjects with normal body weight (Age: 31.35±10.84, BMI: 22.16±3.69) came into the investigation. Multiple mediation analysis was performed with BMI as the outcome variable, childhood trauma as the predictive variable. Depression, anxiety, and bulimia as the mediating variables.Result: Obese group reported higher childhood emotional abuse (t=2.157, p=0.034), worse mood state (anxiety: t=5.466, p<0.001; depression: t=2.220, p=0.030), and increased bulimia (t=3.400, p=0.001), when compared to healthy group. Childhood emotional abuse was positively associated with BMI (β = 1.312, 95% CI = 0.482−2.141). Anxiety and bulimia showed multiple mediating roles in the relationship of childhood emotional abuse and obesity (indirect effect = 0.739, 95% CI = 0.261−1.608), accounting for 56.33% of the total effect.Conclusion: Childhood emotional abuse may contribute to adulthood obesity, potentially mediated by anxiety and bulimia.
Open-source, Adaptable, All-in-one Smartphone-based System for Quantitative Analysis of Point-of-care Diagnostics.
Authors: Schary Weronika , Paskali Filip , Rentschler Simone , Ruppert Christoph , Wagner Gabriel , Steinmetz Ivo , Deigner Hans-Peter , Kohl Matthias
Published: November 2021

Point-of-care (POC) diagnostics, in particular lateral flow assays (LFA), represent a great opportunity for rapid, precise, low-cost and accessible diagnosis of disease. Especially with the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, rapid point-of-care tests are becoming everyday tools for identification and prevention. Using smartphones as biosensors can enhance POC devices as portable, low-cost POC platforms for healthcare and medicine, food and environmental monitoring, improving diagnosis and documentation in remote, low-income locations. We present an open-source, all-in-one smartphone-based system for quantitative analysis of LFAs. It consists of a 3D-printed photo box, a smartphone for image acquisition, and an R Shiny software package with modular, customizable analysis workflow for image editing, analysis, data extraction, calibration and quantification of the assays. This system is less expensive than commonly used hardware and software, so it could prove very beneficial for diagnostic testing in the context of pandemics, as well as in low-resource countries.
Cryptic subterranean diversity in Collembola indicates that Hot Spot in ferruginous rock may have serious implications in Brazilian conservation policy.
Authors: Zeppelini Douglas , Oliveira João Victor L. C. , Lima Estevam C. A. , Brito Roniere A. , Ferreira Aila S. , Stievano Luis C. , Brito Nathan P. , Oliveira-Neto Misael A. , Lopes Bruna C. H.
Published: November 2021

A super diverse hot spot of subterranean Collembola in ferruginous rock caves and Mesovoid Shallow Substratum is revealed by the analysis of cryptic diversity. The diversity is accessed by detailed description of chaetotaxy and slight variation in morphology of 11 new species of Trogolaphysa Mills, 1938 (Collembola, Paronellidae, Paronellinae) and the 49 previously recorded species of springtails from caves, using optical and electronic microscopy. When combined with recent subterranean surveys, our results show an important reservoir of cave diversity in the Mesovoid Shallow Substratum, contrasting with the conservation policy for subterranean fauna in metallogenic areas in Brazil which prioritizes the caves instead the cave species, which may be extremely detrimental to the fauna in the shallow subterranean habitats not accessible to humans.
Comparative Tribological Study of NiTi Diffusion Coated Titanium with Pure Titanium
Authors: Khosravi G. , Sohi M. Heydarzadeh , Ghasemi HM. , Karazmoudeh N. Jalalian
Published: November 2021

Dry tribological behaviors of commercial pure (Cp) titanium and Cp titanium diffusion coated with equiatomic NiTi intermetallic layer were studied and compared at room temperature. Wear tests were performed by a pin on disk tribometer using 52100 steel pins, under various normal loads of 10, 20, and 40 N. worn surfaces were examined by scanning electron microscope, equipped with EDS analyzer. The wear rates of the coated materials were lower than those of the Cp titanium at all loads. This was mainly attributed to the higher hardness of the NiTi intermetallic layer compared to that of the untreated titanium. Furthermore, under an applying load of 10 N, a tribological layer was formed which could protect the surface from severe wear. The results also demonstrated a lower coefficient of friction in the treated specimens compared to those of the Cp materials.
Omega-3 in The Treatment of Mood and Sleep Disorders Induced by Hormone Therapy in Women with Breast Cancer: A Randomized, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Nourosi Behzad , Naghsh Erfan , zadeh Sahar Esmaeil , Mehrzad Valiollah , Darakhshandeh Ali , Moghaddas Azadeh
Published: November 2021

Purpose

This study was performed to investigate the effect of omega-3 on the treatment of mood and sleep disorder induced by menopausal complications due to hormone therapy in patients with breast cancer.
Methods

A placebo, double-blind and controlled trial was designed in oncology-hematology outpatient’s clinic of Omid Hospital, Isfahan, Iran. First, sixty patients were screened by hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS) for any baseline mood disorders and then divided into either intervention group who had received 2 grams’ omega-3 daily for 4 weeks or identical placebo. Then, the patients were considered to assess by center for epidemiological studies-depression scale (CES-D), profile of mood states (POMS), and Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) questionnaires at the baseline and after 4-week follow-up.
Results

Findings showed that the mean scores of CES-D (P = 0.002), POMS (P = 0.03), and PSQI (P = 0.04) were significantly lower in the intervention group than the control group. In the intervention group, mean scores of CES-D (P <0.001), POMS (P <0.001), and PSQI (P = 0.003) were significantly lower in post-intervention than pre-intervention. Mean changes in scores of CES-D (P = 0.01), POMS (P = 0.001), and PSQI (P = 0.02) were significantly higher in the intervention group than the control group.
Conclusion

Our findings revealed that omega-3 supplementation have the potential to reduce mood disorders as well as to improve sleep quality in terms of subjective sleep quality, delay in falling asleep, sleep delay, and sleep disturbance in patients with breast cancer.
Deformation Mechanism Analysis of Three-Roller Continuous and Synchronous Calibration Process of Straightness and Roundness For LSAW Pipes
Authors: Huang Xueying , Yu Gaochao , Wang Chunge , Zhao Jun
Published: November 2021

Continuous and synchronous calibration process of straightness and roundness for LSAW (Longitudinally Submerged Arc Welding, LSAW) pipes with three rollers is a bidirectional reciprocating bending process that includes axial and circumferential directions. It is particularly important to reveal the deformation mechanism, which provides theoretical support for the calibration process to be applied to actual production. Based on this, through the combination of references, theoretical analysis and numerical simulation, the deformation mechanism is analyzed in this paper. The whole deformation process of pipe is modeled and then numerically simulated with FEM software of ABAQUS. The results show that reciprocating bending can eliminate the difference of initial curvature, so that the axial curvature and circumferential curvature are unified to the same direction and value respectively. The synergy between the axial reciprocating bending straightening process and the circumferential reciprocating bending rounding process realizes the calibration process of LSAW pipes. The simulation results support the theoretical results, and the deformation is mainly caused by axial stress and circumferential stress.
Divergent Effect of Birinapant, BV6 SMAC Mimetic on TNFα induced NF-κB Signaling and Cell Viability in Activated Hepatic Stellate Cell
Authors: Sharma Sachin , Ghufran Shaikh Maryam , Ghose Sampa , Biswas Subhrajit
Published: November 2021

Background: Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα) is a pleiotropic cytokine involved in nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) mediated cell survival as well as cell death. High serum TNFα levels correlate with liver fibrosis and participate in enhancing hepatic stellate cell (HSC) viability. However, the regulatory role of cellular inhibitor of apoptosis-1/2 (cIAP1/2) in TNFα induced NF-κB signaling in activated HSCs is largely unknown. Methods and Results: Activated HSCs treated with cIAP1/2 inhbitior SMAC mimetic BV6 and Birinapant in presence of TNFα and macrophage secretome. TNFα cytokine increased cIAP2 expression in activated HSCs and enhanced cell viability through canonical NF-κB signaling in activated HSCs. cIAP2 inhibition via BV6 decreased the TNFα induced canonical NF-κB signaling and reduced cell viability in activated HSCs. SMAC mimetic, Birinapant alone did not affect the cell viability and was incompetent in inducing cell death. However, pre-treatment of TNFα sensitized HSCs and Birinapant was capable in inducing cell death. Birinapant mediated cIAP2 ablation was unable to decrease the TNFα induced canonical NF-κB signaling in comparison to BV6. Secreted TNFα from M1 polarized macrophages sensitized activated HSCs to BV6 or Birinapant mediated cell death. However, M2 polarized macrophages rescued the activated HSCs from BV6 and Birinapant mediated cytotoxicity. Conclusions: In this study, we describe regulatory role of cIAP2 in TNFα induced NF-κB signaling in activated HSCs. Targeting cIAP2 may be a promising approach for liver fibrosis treatment via modulating NF-κB signaling in activated HSCs.
Clues to Mortality Trends and Their Related Factors in IgG4-related Disease: a Japanese Single-center Retrospective Study
Authors: Kawahara Hiroyuki , Mizushima Ichiro , Tsuge Shunsuke , Shin Seung , Yoshinobu Takahiro , Hoshiba Ryohei , Nishioka Ryo , Zoshima Takeshi , Hara Satoshi , Ito Kiyoaki , Kawano Mitsuhiro
Published: November 2021

Background: Few observations on the long-term prognosis have been conducted in immunoglobulin G4-related disease (IgG4-RD) patients with various organ involvement, not limited to autoimmune pancreatitis. Especially, mortality and its related factors in patients with IgG4-RD with various organ involvement are not well known. This study aimed to clarify mortality trends and its related factors in IgG4-RD with various organ involvement.Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients with IgG4-RD at a single center in Japan. We calculated the crude mortality rate and the standardized mortality ratio (SMR) using national Japan mortality statistics and investigated the cause of death. We performed Cox regression analyses to assess mortality-related factors.Results: A total of 179 patients with IgG4-RD were included and the median follow-up from diagnosis was 47 months (IQR 19-96). Ten patients (5.6%) in our cohort died during the follow-up period. The crude mortality rate was 11.1 per 1,000 person-years. According to national Japan mortality statistics, 11.6 age- and sex-matched deaths would have been expected to occur within the follow-up period, resulting in an SMR of 0.86 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.41-1.59). Univariate Cox regression analyses indicated that the number of affected organs at diagnosis (hazard ratio [HR] 1.45, 95% CI 1.02-2.05), eGFR <45 mL/min/1.73m2 at diagnosis (vs. ≥45, HR 8.48, 95% CI 2.42-29.79), and the presence of malignancy during the clinical course (HR 3.93, 95% CI 1.10-14.02) had a significant impact on the time to death.Conclusions: Our findings suggested that IgG4-RD does not significantly affect long-term patient survival. On the other hand, multi-organ involvement and renal dysfunction as well as malignancy might be associated with higher mortality trends in IgG4-RD. Early detection and appropriate management of risk factors may improve the long-term prognosis of IgG4-RD.
Comparative Complete Chloroplast Genome of Nine Species in Litsea (Lauraceae) and Uncover Evolutionary Dynamic Patterns
Authors: Song Weicai , Chen Zimeng , Feng Qi , Ji Chuxuan , Wei Chengbo , Shi Chao , Engel Michael S. , Wang Shuo
Published: November 2021

Background: Litsea, Lauraceae, is a group of evergreen trees or shrubs that widely distributed in tropical and subtropical countries, such as Asia and America. Species in Litsea are spontaneously distributed at a maximum altitude of 2,700 m from sea level. Pants and its extractions from Litsea species cover a wide range of medicinal and industrial values. The aromatic oil extracted from Litsea is of great value with citral as its main component. At present, studies related to gene resources of Litsea are limited in the morphological analysis, while studies at the genetic level are insufficient. We therefore firstly assembled and annotated the complete chloroplast genome of nine species in Litsea, carried out a serious of comparative analysis, and completed the construction of phylogenetic tree within genus Litsea. Results: The genome length ranged from 152,051 to 152,717 bp. A total of 128 genes were identified, including 84 protein-coding genes, 36 rRNA genes and 8 tRNA genes. High consistency of codon bias, repeats, divergent analysis, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) and insertions and deletions (InDels) revealed highly conserved chloroplast phenotypes in species within the genus Litsea. Changes in gene length and the present of pseudogene ycf1Ψ that caused by IR contraction and expansion were reported. The non-coding regions, especially atpF - atpH and ndhC - trnV-UAC presented high gene divergence. PsbJ - psbE regions showed remarkably high nucleotide diversity (Pi) values. Furthermore, we constructed two phylogenetic trees, demonstrating two dominant clades within genus Litsea. And the differences between trees constructed by full chloroplast (cp) genome and protein-coding genes were revealed. Conclusion: Overall, the evolutionary pattern of Litsea species regarding structural features, repeats sequences and variations presented high consistency. Valuable genomic resources and theoretical basis were also provided for further research of taxonomic discrepancies, molecular marker-assisted breeding and phylogenetic relationships of Litsea and other angiosperm species.
Longitudinal bidirectional relationships between maternal depressive/anxious symptoms and children’s tic frequency in early adolescence
Authors: Yagi Tomoko , Ando Shuntaro , Usami Satoshi , Yamasaki Syudo , Morita Masaya , Kiyono Tomoki , Hayashi Noriyuki , Endo Kaori , Iijima Yudai , Morimoto Yuko , Kanata Sho , Fujikawa Shinya , Koike Shinsuke , Kano Yukiko , Hiraiwa-Hasegawa Mariko , Nishida Atsushi , Kasai Kiyoto
Published: November 2021

Background: Previous studies have revealed an association between maternal depressive/anxious symptoms and children’s tics. However, the longitudinal relationships between these symptoms remain unclear. We examined the longitudinal relationships between maternal depressive/anxious symptoms and children’s tic frequency in early adolescence with a population-based sample.Methods: The participants consisted of 3,171 children and their mothers from the Tokyo Teen Cohort (TTC) study, a population-representative longitudinal study that was launched in Tokyo in 2012. Maternal depressive/anxious symptoms and children’s tics were examined using self-report questionnaires at the ages of 10 (time 1, T1) and 12 (time 2, T2). A cross-lagged model was used to explore the relationships between maternal depressive/anxious symptoms and children’s tic frequency.Results: Higher levels of maternal depressive/anxious symptoms at T1 were related to an increased children’s tic frequency at T2 (β = .06, p < .001). Furthermore, more frequent children’s tics at T1 were positively related to maternal depressive/anxious symptoms at T2 (β = .06, p < .001).Conclusions: These findings suggest a longitudinal bidirectional relationship between maternal depressive/anxious symptoms and children’s tic frequency in early adolescence that may exacerbate each other over time and possibly create a vicious cycle. When an early adolescent has tics, it might be important to identify and treat related maternal depressive/anxious symptoms.
Significance of N-Terminal pro brain natriuretic peptide as a diagnostic and screening tool for premature ventricular contractions in patients with preserved left ventricular function
Authors: Ambreen Shazadi , khan Humaira Fayyaz , Hayat Azmat , Ali Shazia
Published: November 2021

ObjectiveThe study was aimed to evaluate the levels of NT-proBNP in mild, moderate and frequent Premature Ventricular Contractions (PVCs) burden in patients with preserved left ventricular function.Material and methodsA case control study was conducted in Islamic International Medical College (IIMC) in collaboration with Armed Forces Institute of Cardiology (AFIC) after approval from ethical review committee (ERC) of Riphah University (Ref #Riphah/IIMC/ERC/17/0230). The study comprised of 160 participants which included 120 Premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) patients with 40 patients in each group of mild (<10%), moderate (10-20%) and frequent (>20%) PVCs burden. 40 healthy subjects with no PVCs were taken as a control group. NT-proBNP levels were measured in all groups and statistical analysis was done by applying ANOVA and Pearson correlation test to evaluate its association with PVCs burdenResultsNT-proBNP levels were found to be raised in all PVCs burden of <10%, 10-20% and >20% as compare to control group with p value of 0.039*, 0.02* and 0.009* respectively. p value of ≤0.05 was considered significant. PVCs patients show higher NT-proBNP levels as compared to control group whether they were symptomatic or asymptomatic with p-value of 0.002* and 0.04*.Conclusion It is concluded that NT-proBNP levels are raised in patients of PVCs. This finding can be helpful for diagnostic and screening purposes of PVCs in a population.
Outlining the causes and effects of Algae bloom at Ghana’s West Coast
Authors: Lamptey Benjamin Lantei , Sackey Anthony Djaba , Kpabitey Kenneth Matey
Published: November 2021

The first incidence of algal bloom within Ghana’s west coast was recorded in 1993, however many years down the line, the growth is still persistent in her territorial waters. A lasting solution is yet to be found. This has therefore led to several social, economic and environmental problems in the affected regions. The study outlined the possible causes and effects of algal bloom within Ghana’s West Coast. The perception of the local people with regards to the causes was also investigated. The method used was by direct observation and use of questionnaires following a case study approach in the Half Asini District. This was to address the pertinent question of what the people think is the cause of the bloom. The study found that the growth of Algae was alarming, with a newer breed having a much negative consequence on the economic livelihood of the people and environment. It was also found that current studies on the issue were minimal— with less than necessary attention being given by stakeholder. However, scientific investigations were underway, though a preliminary report suggested it is a migration of Sargasso Sea species. Recommendations included the need for consented government efforts to investigate, device a control measure to curtail its spread, and continuous public education as a control measure was recommended as well.
Health Impacts of Air Pollution in Chinese Coal-Based Clean Energy Industry: LCA-Based and WTP-Oriented Modeling
Authors: Zhang Boling , Yang Xiaoyi , Tong Ruipeng
Published: November 2021

The evolution of energy system occupies an important position in economic development and quality of life. Influenced by the energy endowment in China, developing the coal-based clean energy industry has been regarded as a guaranteed path to realizing the clean and efficient use of coal resources. However, an evaluation paradigm could systematically assess the health impacts of airborne pollution in this industry is still lack, which is our concern. Combining with life cycle analysis, probabilistic risk models, and health impacts models, this study proposes a series of models which are consistent enough to unite pollutant concentration, health risk, and health impact, and equip assessment results with more intuitive significance using life and economic loss. Further, case studies for three typical coal-based clean energy processing, namely, coal mining, coal-fired power generation, and coal liquefaction are presented to verify the reliability of these models. It is proved that this evaluation paradigm can help to find out the worksite, substage, and airborne pollutant with the most severe impact, and more importantly, the application of evaluation indicators with life and economic meaning is more profitable to provide references for minimizing or eliminating the health impacts, moreover, explicit the developing directions of the national energy industry.
Emission from Human Skin in the Sub THz Frequency Band
Authors: Betzalel Noa , Ishai Paul Ben , Puzenko Alexander , Feldman Yuri
Published: November 2021

Recently published Radiometric measurements of human subjects in the frequency range 480-700 GHz, demonstrate the emission of blackbody radiation from the body core, rather than the skin surface. We present a detailed electromagnetic simulation of the dermis and epidermis, taking into account the presence of the sweat duct. This complex structure can be considered as an electromagnetic bio-metamaterial, whereby the layered structure, along with the topology of the sweat duct, reveals a complex interference pattern in the skin. The model is capable of accurately representing the skin greyness factor as a function of frequency and this is confirmed by radiometry of living human skin.
Simultaneous Identification of Number, Location, and Release History of Groundwater Contamination Sources
Authors: Li Jiuhui , Lu Wenxi , Wu Zhengfang , He Hongshi
Published: November 2021

In previous studies, a 0-1 mixed integer nonlinear programming optimization model (0-1MINLPOM) could only identify the location and release intensity for groundwater contamination sources (GCSs), and the location of each GCS was regarded as a 0-1 integer variable, selected from several locations determined in advance. However, in actual situations, the locations usually cannot be accurately isolated to a few GCSs and the number of GCSs is often unknown, so 0-1MINLPOM was improved in this study. Based on the estimation that there is a maximum of three GCSs in the study area, an improved 0-1 MINLPOM was established to simultaneously identify the number of GCSs (treated as 0-1 integer variable), the location (treated as integer variable) and release history of GCS (treated as continuous variables). The simulation model was constructed as an equality constraint embedded improved 0-1 MINLPOM. In the improved 0-1 MINLPOM solution process, repeatedly calling the simulation model would have incurred a massive computational load and taken a long time. Thus, a surrogate model based on kriging and extreme learning machine (ELM) was established respectively for the simulation model to avoid this shortcoming. The results show that the accuracy of the kriging surrogate model (Krig-SM) was higher compared with the ELM surrogate model (ELM-SM). The improved 0-1 MINLPOM could identify the number, location, and release history of GCSs simultaneously. The accuracy of identifying the number of GCSs was 100%, and the accuracies of identifying the locations and release history were above 91.67% and 90.14%, respectively.
A Cluster-randomized Trial of a Complex Intervention to Encourage Deprescribing Antidepressants in Nursing Home Residents With Dementia: a Study Protocol.
Authors: Hølmkjær Pernille , Holm Anne , Overbeck Gritt , Rozing Maarten Pieter
Published: November 2021

Background: The effectiveness of psychotropic medication on behavioral and psychological symptoms in dementia (BPSD) is limited, while associated with a higher risk of adverse events. Non-pharmacological treatment of BPSD is advocated as treatment of first choice. However, many general practitioners (GPs) find it difficult to initiate deprescribing and when attempting to discontinue psychotropic medication in nursing home residents, they face many barriers. Therefore, we hypothesize that an intervention aimed at improving communication with and involvement of nursing home staff, relatives, and patients by GPs can optimize the pharmacological treatment of BPSD. The aim is to reduce the use of antidepressants in nursing home residents with dementia without increasing morbidity or mortality. Objective: The primary outcome is reduction of antidepressant. Secondary outcomes include difference in use of other psychotropic medication, mortality, morbidity, and severity of BPSD. Method: The study is a cluster-randomized controlled trial based in general practices in Denmark. We aim to include 22 practices, each of which will recruit up to 15 patients with dementia living in nursing homes. The intervention period is three months, and the total study period is one year. Randomization is 1:1 to intervention and control group by computer algorithm. Both groups receive education on BPSD and its evidence-based treatment. The intervention includes three tailored components; 1) teaching material and training to be used by the GP to educate nursing home staff on BPSD, 2) a pre-visit reflection tool to encourage nursing home staff to evaluate symptoms and reflect on relatives involvement in the discontinuation process and 3) a dialogue tool to facilitate shared decision making on optimization of BPSD treatment during the visits at the nursing home. The control group includes enhanced care as usual. The primary and secondary outcomes will be assessed at the end of the study period. An evaluation process will be conducted to assess the implementability. Discussion: We anticipate that the intervention will optimize the treatment of BPSD with antidepressants for nursing homes residents and enhance compliance with reduction of medication. The process evaluation should provide insights into the barriers and facilitators to changing the current practice of deprescribing.Trial registration: Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT04985305. Registered 30 July 2021. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04985305
Characterization of Potential Driver Genes Involved in Human Breast Cancer in Maysan Province, Iraq
Authors: Allami Zainab Zamil gataa , Dragh Maytham A
Published: November 2021

Background: Breast cancer is a heterogeneous disease regarding its morphology, invasive behaviour, metastatic capacity, hormone receptor expression and clinical outcome. There are many risk factors for breast cancer, including genetic factors that account for 25-30% of the incidence; from this percentage, only 15-30% of the heritable component of breast cancer is due to known familiar highly penetrating genes, and the others are sporadic.Methods: This study was the first to include amplified genes as PCR templates to determine the relationship between their polymorphism and breast cancer incidence using RAPD of amplified genes. The study was designed first to evaluate the association of ABCG2, ABCB1 and BRCA1 gene polymorphisms in addition to miRNA-152 and ER-a using the RAPD technique with breast cancer incidence in Maysan Province women and second to use those genes as indicators for breast cancer prediction and diagnosis. The study included 100 patients with breast cancer and 30 healthy control women, and then all samples were amplified by conventional PCR with specific F and R primers for ABCG2, ABCB1, BRCA1, ER-α, and miRNA-152 genes. Then, the best PCR product (20) was chosen as the template for the RAPD technique.Results: The results revealed that all RAPD primers showed polymorphisms with higher values and more specific bands in patient samples. Our study proved the relationship between genetic polymorphisms of breast cancer-related genes and a higher incidence of cancer.Conclusion: The current study recommends employing these results for the future prediction and diagnosis of breast cancers.
The Effect of Pedaling At Different Cadence On Attentional Resources
Authors: Akaiwa Mayu , Iwata Koki , Saito Hidekazu , Shibata Eriko , Sasaki Takeshi , Sugawara Kazuhiro
Published: November 2021

Research aim: We investigated the relationship between attentional resources and pedaling cadence using electroencephalography (EEG) to measure P300 amplitudes and latencies. Methods: Twenty-five healthy volunteers performed the oddball task while pedaling on a stationary bike or relaxing (no pedaling). We set them four conditions: 1) performing only the oddball task (control), 2) performing the oddball task while pedaling at optimal cadence (optimal), 3) performing the oddball task while pedaling faster than optimal cadence (fast), and 4) performing the oddball task while pedaling slower than optimal cadence (slow). Results: P300 amplitudes at Cz and Pz electrodes under optimal, fast, and slow conditions were significantly lower than that under control conditions. P300 amplitudes at Pz under fast and slow conditions were significantly lower than that under the optimal condition. No significant changes in P300 latency at any electrode were observed under any condition. Conclusion: Our findings revealed that pedaling at non-optimal cadence results in less attention being paid to external stimuli compared with pedaling at optimal cadence.
Artificial Phylloplanes Resembling Physicochemical Characteristics of Selected Fresh Produce and Their Use in Bacteria Attachment/Removal Studies
Authors: Palma-Salgado Sindy , Ku Kang-Mo , Juvik John A. , Nguyen Thanh H. , Feng Hao
Published: November 2021

The recurrence of food-borne illness outbreaks caused by consumption of fresh produce highlights the importance of developing a good understanding of the bacteria-leaf-surfaces interactions. In this study, we proposed and developed a new method to fabricate artificial phylloplanes that mimic the topographical and epicuticular characteristics of fresh produce, to be used as a platform for the development of food safety interventions for fresh produce. Romaine lettuce and spinach were selected to create phylloplane replicas using a double-cast procedure. The surface hydrophobicity of the artificial phylloplanes made from polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) was modified by adding a non-ionic surfactant with different hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) values to match the hydrophobicity of produce leaves. Key epicuticular wax compounds identified from the natural spinach and lettuce leaves were coated on the leaf replica to mimic the chemical composition of natural leaf surfaces. These surrogate surfaces were used to study the attachment Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Listeria innocua. In addition, these surfaces are reusable, and have surface hydrophobicity, surface roughness values and epicuticular wax compositions similar to fresh produce. The artificial phylloplanes of fresh produce can be used as a platform for studying the interactions between human pathogens with produce surfaces and for developing new sanitation strategies.
Downscaling Winter Daily PM2.5 Concentrations From Large-Scale Meteorological Dataset -a Case Study for a City in North China
Authors: Liu Yonghe , Li Yang , Wang Mingshi , Wang Hailing , Wang Xiyue
Published: November 2021

Winter air pollution in North China becomes a serious environmental problem in recent years, which has aroused a widespread concern. Estimating PM2.5 concentration is necessary for the government to take actions in leading times, or to reproduce the historical values. In this study, we attempt to construct statistical downscaling (SD) models based on large-scale meteorological variables, to estimate the PM2.5 in Jiaozuo, a city in the heavy-pollution area of North China. Predictors were screened from large-scale meteorological variables, by selecting the grid boxes with the values highly correlated to the PM2.5 in Jiaozuo. Correlation maps show that PM2.5 is usually related to comparatively low pressure and high relative humidity at the lower atmosphere and comparatively high pressure at the upper atmosphere, high air temperature in all the troposphere and weak winter monsoonal winds. After training the SD models with the winter samples during 2014-2017, the daily PM2.5 is simulated with correlation coefficients of 0.607 (mean) and 0.548 (maximum) to the observation, by the logarithmic transformed PM2.5 values. The SD models can roughly reflect the daily variation of PM2.5. Compared to the PM2.5 model based on the local meteorological data, larger correlations are obtained (0.57 versus 0.51-0.53, without logarithmic transformation). In the days of “APEC Blue Sky” and the “SCO Blue Sky” with emissions largely reduced by strict controls on industry and traffic in surrounding areas, low PM2.5 is indeed observed, however, the SD models without considering any change of emissions also produced low PM2.5 simulations, implying that the large-scale circulation plays a main role in the daily variation of air pollution. Similar effects were obtained for the traffic-control month and the Chinese Spring festival with massive fireworks burning. Basing on the large-scale reanalysis variables and assuming the same emission level as that in the model training period, the downscaled winter PM2.5 has a significant decreasing trend during 1979-2017.
Negative air ion exposure ameliorates depression-like behaviors induced by chronic mild stress in mice
Authors: Hu Yunqing , Niu Tingting , Xu Jianming , Peng Li , Sun Qinghua , Huang Ying , Zhou Ji , Ding Yuqiang
Published: November 2021

The presence of negative air ions (NAI) is suggested to be a good factor in improving psychological status and used in treating depression as an alternative approach. However, the biological explanation for effects of NAI on alleviating depression symptoms has less been explored. In this study, the chronic mild stress (CMS) protocol was used to induce transcriptional depressive-like behaviors in mice, and the effects of NAI exposure on CMS-induced depression-like behaviors were examined. Thirty-day NAI exposure prevented the CMS-induced depression-like behaviors as shown by the restoration of sucrose preference and reduced immobility time in the suspension test. In addition, the elevation of serous corticosterone was present in CMS-treated mice but not existed in those with the NAI exposure. Furthermore, we observed a shifted balance between the cytokines secreted by type 1 T helper (Th1) cells and type 2 T helper (Th2) cells. In conclusion, NAI intervention is able to ameliorate CMS-induced depression-like behaviors in mice, and this effect is associated with the alteration of corticosterone and functional rebalance between Th1 and Th2 cells.
Priming With The Green Leaf Volatile (Z)-3-Hexeny-1-yl Acetate Enhances Drought Resistance in Wheat Seedlings
Authors: Li Ximei , Ji Yuan , Sheng Yuting , Sheng Linshan , Guo Weiwei , Wang Huifang , Zhang Yumei
Published: November 2021

It was reported that green leaf volatiles play vital roles in multiple plant biotic and abiotic stresses, however, their functions in drought resistance have not been determined. The present study was to investigate the possible role of (Z)-3-hexeny-1-yl acetate (Z-3-HAC), a kind of green leaf volatile, in alleviating wheat drought stress and the underlying physiological mechanisms governing this effect. Seedlings of a drought-resistant variety were primed with 100 μM Z-3-HAC at the four-leaf stage before drought treatment. Morphological analysis showed that the primed seedlings grew better and possessed higher biomass accumulation in both shoot and root under drought stress. Additionally, exogenous Z-3-HAC significantly increased the total root length, total root surface area, and total root volume of the seedlings under drought stress. Physiological measurements showed that the primed seedlings possessed higher relative water content (RWC), net photosynthetic rate (Pn), stomatal conductance (Gs), transpiration rate (Tr), maximal photochemical efficiency of photosystem II (PSII) (Fv/Fm), photochemical activity of PSII (Fv′/Fm′), total chlorophyll content, activities of the antioxidant enzymes, and osmolyte accumulation under drought conditions. Furthermore, relative electrolyte conductivity (REC), intercellular CO2 concentration (Ci), reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, and malondialdehyde (MDA) content were significantly lower than in non-primed seedlings. Lastly, principal component analysis (PCA) indicated that Z-3-HAC protects wheat seedlings against damage from drought stress mainly through antioxidant and osmoregulation systems.
The Impact of Spatial Variation of Westerlies On Comprehensive And Extreme Precipitation Over Iran
Authors: Mirzaei Nabi , Alijani Bohloul , Hejazizadeh Zahra , Darand Mohammad , Naserzadeh Mohammad Hossein
Published: November 2021

This study analyzed the impact of spatial variation in westerlies on widespread and heavy precipitation over Iran using the sinuosity index. Four groups of datasets were used for the period from 1979 to 2020, containing the gridded geopotential height, specific humidity, precipitation data, and the Arctic Oscillation (AO) and North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) teleconnection patterns. The results demonstrate that the trend in sinuosity variation has been decreased during the 1979-1999 sub period but increased from 2000 to 2020. The analysis of the trend in cumulative sinuosity for the above two sub periods indicates that sinuosity rate has been greater in the latter than in the former all over the year except in October. The overall trend in sinuosity variation exhibits an increase by 0.0018, significantly. Maximum sinuosity can be observed in January, March, and December, and minimum sinuosity is seen in October. The relationship between heavy precipitation and sinuosity suggests that daily precipitation has increased by 3 mm with a rise of 0.2 in the value of sinuosity, monthly precipitation by 10 mm, and the annual value by 38 mm. Thus, the rate of correlation between sinuosity and precipitation over Iran equals to 0.74. Sinuosity increase in the 0-70° E range indicates an increase in wave depth and the occurrence of a cut off low. The most important factor in the persistence of widespread extreme precipitation has been the formation of these lows in the 20-40°E and 20-35°N ranges.
In-vitro & In-vivo Investigation of the Silicon Nitride Ceramic Hip Implant’s Safety and Effectiveness Evaluation
Authors: Kong Xiangpeng , Hu Xiaosu , Chai Wei
Published: November 2021

Background: With regard to the ceramic hip joint implant, given the concerns in ceramic about the alumina brittleness and zirconia instability, is there any alternative material solution for the orthopaedic implant? Beyond the metastable oxide ceramics, along the echelon of advanced technical ceramics, looking at the non-oxide ceramic, the silicon nitride could be an excellent candidate for the joint implant’s application. The purpose of this study is to investigate the safety, effectiveness and to demonstrate the potential of this silicon nitride hip implant. Methods: According to the related ISO (International Organization for Standardization) standards, a series of in-vitro (nine) & in-vivo (five) tests, which had been accomplished for the aforementioned aim. Especially, the total hip replacement in pigs had been achieved, as per the authors’ knowledge, this is the first time to apply the THA (Total Hip Arthroplasty) in the big animal. Results: Refer to the ISO 6474-2, in comparison with the current monopolized German product, this silicon nitride ceramic hip implant has high strength, high hardness, excellent fracture toughness, lower density, better wear resistance, good biocompatibility, inherent stability, corrosion resistance and bioactivity, bone integration capability. Conclusions: This silicon nitride ceramic will be an admirable alternative solution with superior comprehensive property that can withstand the toughest conditions in the most demanding applications like in orthopedic and beyond.
A Bacterial Genome And Culture Collection of Gut Microbial in Weanling Piglet
Authors: Dong Bo , Lin Xiaoqian , Jing Xiaohuan , Hu Tongyuan , Zhou Jianwei , Chen Jianwei , Xiao Liang , Wang Bo , Chen Zhuang , Liu Jing , Hu Yiyin , Liu Guilin , Liu Shanshan , Liu Junnian , Wei Wenkang , Zou Yuanqiang
Published: November 2021

Background: The microbiota hosted in the pig gastrointestinal tract are important to health of this biomedical model. However, the individual species and functional repertoires that make up the pig gut microbiome remain largely undefined. Results: Here we comprehensively investigated the genomes and functions of the piglet gut microbiome using culture-based and metagenomics approaches. A collection included 266 cultured genomes and 482 metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) that were clustered to 428 species across 10 phyla was established. Among these clustered species, 333 genomes represent potential new species. Less matches between cultured genomes and MAGs revealed a substantial bias for the acquisition of reference genomes by the two strategies. Glycoside hydrolases was the dominant category of carbohydrate-active enzymes. 445 secondary metabolite biosynthetic genes were predicted from 292 genomes with bacteriocin being the most. Pan genome analysis of Limosilactobacillus reuteri uncover the biosynthesis of reuterin was strain-specific and the production was experimentally determined. Conclusions: A total of 266 isolated bacterial genomes and 482 MAGs were obtained and investigated their functional repertoires. This study provides a comprehensive view of the microbiome composition and the function landscape of the gut of weanling piglets and a valuable bacterial resource for further experimentations.
Confirmation of New Crapemyrtle Bark Scale (Acanthococcus lagerstroemiae) Hosts (Spiraea and Callicarpa) through DNA Barcoding
Authors: Xie Runshi , Wu Bin , Gu Mengmeng , Jones Stacey R. , Robbins James , Szalanski Allen L. , Qin Hongmin
Published: November 2021

Crapemyrtle bark scale (CMBS; Acanthococcus lagerstroemiae Kuwana) is an invasive insect that was first discovered in the United States in 2004. The polyphagous feeding habit of CMBS has allowed it to infest a wide range of plant species beyond its primary host, Lagerstroemia. Using molecular approaches, we studied the genetic relationships between CMBS specimens and their hosts from different geographic locations. Naturally occurring CMBS infestations were confirmed on American beautyberry (Callicarpa americana L.), a native plant species in the United States, and spirea (Spiraea L.). The new infestation of CMBS found on Spiraea raises the alarm that other economically important crops in the Amygdaloideae subfamily (subfamily under Rosaceae) might be susceptible to CMBS attacks.