bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
“It Was a Mistake, but We Knew That Something Might Happen”: Narratives of Teenage Girls' Experiences With Unintended Teenage Pregnancy
Authors: Nkala-Dlamini Busisiwe
Published: November 2021

It has been over a quarter of a century since the sexual reproductive health of young people came under the spotlight. The upsurge in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections spurred on an era of intense development of services and strategies to ensure people's reproductive health rights were attainable, including the right to choose when to fall pregnant and have a baby. The statistics on teenage pregnancy are more than just numbers, but a represent stark reality for some girls in South African schools. Given that pregnancy in the teenage years is largely unintentional, prevention strategies need to extend beyond addressing risky sexual behavior; gaining deeper insights into teenagers' experiences and the events leading up to pregnancy would serve to better inform pregnancy prevention programs. This study explored the experiences of teenage mothers and pregnant teenagers, with the objective of acquiring a broader understanding of alternative approaches to preventing unintended pregnancy. A qualitative study was conducted in Ekurhuleni's township in the east of Johannesburg, South Africa. Fifteen narrative interviews with girls aged 13–19 years were conducted between July 2015 and July 2016, and were analyzed chronologically through narrative analysis. The findings revealed that participants who had engaged in socio-sexual and romantic relationships had no intention of falling pregnant and were familiar with existing strategies to prevent pregnancy. Social-sexual relationships were presented as an important aspect of their lives and demonstrated their ability to create spaces and opportunities to spend time with their social sexual partners and engage in sexual activity. Focusing on how teenage girls evaluate their sexual activity against the consequences of their actions is critical. However, sexual and reproductive health programs should refrain from representing young people's sexual behavior as a pathological condition, framing it instead as an integral component of creative sexual development. Programs should include relevant practical advice in relation to sexual engagement and be considered an extension of the State's existing Road to Health program.
An Indirect Approach Based on Long Short-Term Memory Networks to Estimate Groundwater Table Depth Anomalies Across Europe With an Application for Drought Analysis
Authors: Ma Yueling , Montzka Carsten , Bayat Bagher , Kollet Stefan
Published: November 2021

The lack of high-quality continental-scale groundwater table depth observations necessitates developing an indirect method to produce reliable estimation for water table depth anomalies (wtda) over Europe to facilitate European groundwater management under drought conditions. Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) networks are a deep learning technology to exploit long-short-term dependencies in the input-output relationship, which have been observed in the response of groundwater dynamics to atmospheric and land surface processes. Here, we introduced different input variables including precipitation anomalies (pra), which is the most common proxy of wtda, for the networks to arrive at improved wtda estimates at individual pixels over Europe in various experiments. All input and target data involved in this study were obtained from the simulated TSMP-G2A data set. We performed wavelet coherence analysis to gain a comprehensive understanding of the contributions of different input variable combinations to wtda estimates. Based on the different experiments, we derived an indirect method utilizing LSTM networks with pra and soil moisture anomaly (θa) as input, which achieved the optimal network performance. The regional medians of test R2 scores and RMSEs obtained by the method in the areas with wtd ≤ 3.0 m were 76–95% and 0.17–0.30, respectively, constituting a 20–66% increase in median R2 and a 0.19–0.30 decrease in median RMSEs compared to the LSTM networks only with pra as input. Our results show that introducing θa significantly improved the performance of the trained networks to predict wtda, indicating the substantial contribution of θa to explain groundwater anomalies. Also, the European wtda map reproduced by the method had good agreement with that derived from the TSMP-G2A data set with respect to drought severity, successfully detecting ~41% of strong drought events (wtda ≥ 1.5) and ~29% of extreme drought events (wtda ≥ 2) in August 2015. The study emphasizes the importance to combine soil moisture information with precipitation information in quantifying or predicting groundwater anomalies. In the future, the indirect method derived in this study can be transferred to real-time monitoring of groundwater drought at the continental scale using remotely sensed soil moisture and precipitation observations or respective information from weather prediction models.
Laser Ablation Ionization Mass Spectrometry: A Space Prototype System for In Situ Sulphur Isotope Fractionation Analysis on Planetary Surfaces
Authors: Riedo Andreas , Grimaudo Valentine , Aerts Joost W. , Lukmanov Rustam , Tulej Marek , Broekmann Peter , Lindner Robert , Wurz Peter , Ehrenfreund Pascale
Published: November 2021

The signatures of element isotope fractionation can be used for the indirect identification of extant or extinct life on planetary surfaces or their moons. Element isotope fractionation signatures are very robust against the harsh environmental conditions, such as temperature or irradiation, which typically prevail on solar system bodies. Sulphur is a key element for life as we know it and bacteria exist, such as sulphur reducing bacteria, that can metabolize sulphur resulting in isotope fractionations of up to −70‰ δ34S. Geochemical processes are observed to fractionate up to values of −20‰ δ34S hence, fractionation exceeding that value might be highly indicative for the presence of life. However, the detection of sulphur element isotope fractionation in situ, under the assumption that life has existed or still does exist, is extremely challenging. To date, no instrument developed for space application showed the necessary detection sensitivity or measurement methodology for such an identification. In this contribution, we report a simple measurement protocol for the accurate detection of sulphur fractionation δ34S using our prototype laser ablation ionization mass spectrometer system designed for in situ space exploration missions. The protocol was elaborated based on measurements of five sulphur containing species that were sampled at different Mars analogue field sites, including two cave systems in Romania and the Río Tinto river environment in Spain. Optimising the laser pulse energy of our laser ablation ionization mass spectrometer (LIMS) allowed the identification of a peak-like trend of the 34S/32S ratio, where the maximum, compared to internal standards, allowed to derive isotope fractionation with an estimated δ34S accuracy of ∼2‰. This accuracy is sufficiently precise to differentiate between abiotic and biotic signatures, of which the latter, induced by, e.g., sulphate-reducing microorganism, may fractionate sulphur isotopes by more than −70‰ δ34S. Our miniature LIMS system, including the discussed measurement protocol, is simple and can be applied for life detection on extra-terrestrial surfaces, e.g., Mars or the icy moons like Europa.
Travel Time Reliability-Based Rescue Resource Scheduling for Accidents Concerning Transport of Dangerous Goods by Rail
Authors: Liu Lanfen , Yang Xinfeng
Published: November 2021

The characteristics of railway dangerous goods accidents are very complex. The rescue of railway dangerous goods accidents should consider the timeliness of rescue, the uncertainty of traffic environment and the diversity of rescue resources. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to confront the rescue resources scheduling problem of railway dangerous goods accident by considering factors such as rescue capacity, rescue demand and response time. Based on the analysis of travel time and reliability for rescue route, a multi-objective scheduling model of rescue resources based on travel time reliability is constructed in order to minimize the total arrival time of rescue resources and to maximize total reliability. The proposed model is more reliable than the traditional model due to the consideration of travel time reliability of rescue routes. Moreover, a two-stage algorithm is designed to solve this problem. A multi-path algorithm with bound constraints is used to obtain the set of feasible rescue routes in the first stage, and the NSGA-II algorithm is used to determine the scheduling of rescue resources for each rescue center. Finally, the two-stage algorithm is tested on a regional road network, and the results show that the designed two-stage algorithm is valid for solving the rescue resource scheduling problem of dangerous goods accidents and is able to obtain the rescue resource scheduling scheme in a short period of time.
Growth Performance, Eating Behavior, Digestibility, Blood Metabolites, and Carcass Traits in Growing-Finishing Fat-Tailed Lambs Fed Different Levels of Dietary Neutral Detergent Fiber with High Rumen Undegradable Protein
Authors: Mirzaei-Alamouti Hamidreza , Beiranvand Azam , Abdollahi Arman , Amanlou Hamid , Patra Amlan Kumar , Aschenbach Jörg R.
Published: November 2021

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of decreasing concentrations of dietary neutral detergent fiber (NDF) at high rumen undegradable protein (RUP) on performance, digestibility, chewing activity, blood attributes, and carcass characteristics in 32 weaned male Afshari lambs (90 days of age; 26 kg initial body weight; BW). Dietary metabolic energy (ME) was increased from 10.6–11.5 and 11.8 MJ/kg dry matter (DM) by replacing alfalfa hay with grain to achieve NDF concentrations of 270, 245, and 220 g/kg DM, respectively, at 66.6 g/kg DM of RUP. The control (CON) diet contained 10.9 MJ/kg ME, 270 g/kg NDF and 59.6 g/kg RUP on DM basis. Rations containedsimilar concentrations of crude protein (CP, 160 g/kg DM). Lambs were slaughtered after a 56-d feeding period. The increase in dietary RUP had no effect on BW and average daily gain (ADG) but tended to decrease apparent digestibility of CP and DM, significantlydecreasedplasma urea concentration, and increased carcass CP content. Other body or carcass characteristics were unchanged. Decreasing dietary fiber at high RUP did not result in adverse effects on BW, ADG, body length, withers height, apparent digestibility of DM and CP, and BFT, but decreased DM intake (1539 vs. 1706 g/d) and feed conversion ratio (FCR; 4.33 vs. 5.39) compared with CON. Gradual reduction in NDF and physically effective NDF did not affecteating, ruminating or chewing times. Plasma glucose concentration was greater for NDF220 than for the three other treatments (p = 0.015).Slaughtering traits were not affected by dietary treatment except for hot carcass weight, which increased in NDF220 and NDF245 compared with NDF270 (p = 0.021). The concentration of meat CP increased in NDF270 versus CON (167 vs. 152 g/kg). Quadratic effects occurred for meat ether extract concentration (highest in NDF220) and fat-tail weight (highest in NDF245). In conclusion, the results showed that increasing the proportion of RUP within dietary CP improves carcass protein accretion. Decreasing dietary NDF to 220 g/kg DM at high RUP does not impair eating behavior and improves FCR in 3-month-old fat-tailed lambs.
Resource Recovery from Synthetic Nitrified Urine in the Hydroponic Cultivation of Lettuce (Lactuca sativa Var. capitata L.)
Authors: Jurga Anna , Janiak Kamil , Wizimirska Anna , Chochura Piotr , Miodoński Stanisław , Muszyński-Huhajło Mateusz , Ratkiewicz Krzysztof , Zięba Bartosz , Czaplicka-Pędzich Marta , Pilawka Tomasz , Podstawczyk Daria
Published: November 2021

The application of hydroponic cultivation fertilized with biologically nitrified synthetic urine can produce nitrate-rich fertilizer for lettuce (Lactuca sativa var. capitata L.). The mounting water crisis and depletion of natural resources makes nitrogen recovery from human urine a practical option. Nitrified urine can be used in indoor vertical hydroponic cultivation and is characterized by a high degree of element recovery. Because of its high ammonium content, hydrolyzed fresh urine may be toxic. A nitrification sequencing batch reactor with suspended activated sludge biomass ensured urine stabilization and biological conversion into nitrate-rich fertilizer. The diluted nitrate-rich fertilizer was then supplied for soilless cultivation. The results show that diluted nitrified urine is an excellent source of bioavailable nitrogen and phosphorus and, with proper enrichment with microelements, could replace commercial fertilizers in hydroponic systems. The yield and quality parameters of lettuce cultivated with enriched urine were comparable to those obtained with a commercial fertilizer. The mass balance calculation showed that industry-scale lettuce production can be based on urine fertilizer collected from a few hundred people for a single unit.
Focused Cardiac Ultrasound Examination as a Tool for Diagnosis of Infective Endocarditis and Myocarditis in Dogs and Cats
Authors: Szaluś-Jordanow Olga , Stabińska-Smolarz Marta , Czopowicz Michał , Moroz Agata , Mickiewicz Marcin , Łobaczewski Andrzej , Chrobak-Chmiel Dorota , Kizerwetter-Świda Magdalena , Rzewuska Magdalena , Sapierzyński Rafał , Grzegorczyk Michał , Świerk Anna , Frymus Tadeusz
Published: November 2021

Symptoms of infective endocarditis (IE) and myocarditis are usually nonspecific and include fever, apathy, and loss of appetite. This condition can lead to severe heart failure with ascites or/and fluid in the thoracic cavity or/and in the pericardial sac. We describe infective endocarditis and myocarditis in 3 dogs and 4 cats. In all animals, the initial diagnosis was performed on the basis of a focused cardiac ultrasound examination performed by a general practitioner after a training in this technique. The initial findings were confirmed by a board-certified specialist in veterinary cardiology. Post mortem positive microbiological results from valves were obtained in 4 of 7 patients. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus was confirmed in 2 cases and Staphylococcus epidermidis was confirmed in 2 cases, one of which included Enterococcus sp. coinfection. Histopathological examination confirmed initial diagnosis in 5 of 7 animals. In the remaining 2 patients, the time elapsed from the onset of clinical symptoms to death was about 1 month and no active inflammation but massive fibrosis was found microscopically. This is, to our best knowledge, the first report of IE and myocarditis diagnosed in small animals using focused cardiac ultrasound examination. Therefore, we conclude that common usage of this technique by trained general veterinarians may increase the rate of diagnosed patients with these conditions.
MnTnHex-2-PyP5+, Coupled to Radiation, Suppresses Metastasis of 4T1 and MDA-MB-231 Breast Cancer via AKT/Snail/EMT Pathways
Authors: Shin Sung-Won , Choi Changhoon , Kim Hakyoung , Kim Yeeun , Park Sohee , Kim Shin-Yeong , Batinic-Haberle Ines , Park Won
Published: November 2021

Tumor migration and invasion induced by the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) are prerequisites for metastasis. Here, we investigated the inhibitory effect of a mimic of superoxide dismutase (SOD), cationic Mn(III) ortho-substituted N-n-hexylpyridylporphyrin (MnTnHex-2-PyP5+, MnHex) on the metastasis of breast cancer in cellular and animal models, focusing on the migration of tumor cells and the factors that modulate this behavior. Wound healing and Transwell migration assays revealed that the migration of mouse mammary carcinoma 4T1 cells was markedly reduced during the concurrent treatment of MnHex and radiation therapy (RT) compared with that of the control and RT alone. Bioluminescence imaging showed that MnHex/RT co-treatment dramatically reduced lung metastasis of 4T1 cells in mice, compared with the sham control and both single treatments. Western blotting and immunofluorescence showed that MnHex treatment of 4T1 cells reversed the RT-induced EMT via inhibiting AKT/GSK-3β/Snail pathway in vitro, thereby decreasing cell migration and invasion. Consistently, histopathological analyses of 4T1 tumors showed that MnHex/RT reduced Snail expression, blocked EMT, and in turn suppressed metastases. Again, in the human metastatic breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cell line, MnHex inhibited metastatic potential in vitro and in vivo and suppressed the RT-induced Snail expression. In addition to our previous studies showing tumor growth inhibition, this study demonstrated that MnHex carries the ability to minimize the metastatic potential of RT-treated cancers, thus overcoming their radioresistance.
Sentinel Lymph Node Metastasis on Clinically Negative Patients: Preliminary Results of a Machine Learning Model Based on Histopathological Features
Authors: Fanizzi Annarita , Lorusso Vito , Biafora Albino , Bove Samantha , Comes Maria Colomba , Cristofaro Cristian , Digennaro Maria , Didonna Vittorio , Forgia Daniele La , Nardone Annalisa , Pomarico Domenico , Tamborra Pasquale , Zito Alfredo , Paradiso Angelo Virgilio , Massafra Raffaella
Published: November 2021

The reported incidence of node metastasis at sentinel lymph node biopsy is generally low, so that the majority of women underwent unnecessary invasive axilla surgery. Although the sentinel lymph node biopsy is time consuming and expensive, it is still the intra-operative exam with the highest performance, but sometimes surgery is achieved without a clear diagnosis and also with possible serious complications. In this work, we developed a machine learning model to predict the sentinel lymph nodes positivity in clinically negative patients. Breast cancer clinical and immunohistochemical features of 907 patients characterized by a clinically negative lymph node status were collected. We trained different machine learning algorithms on the retrospective collected data and selected an optimal subset of features through a sequential forward procedure. We found comparable performances for different classification algorithms: on a hold-out training set, the logistics regression classifier with seven features, i.e., tumor diameter, age, histologic type, grading, multiplicity, in situ component and Her2-neu status reached an AUC value of 71.5% and showed a better trade-off between sensitivity and specificity (69.4 and 66.9%, respectively) compared to other two classifiers. On the hold-out test set, the performance dropped by five percentage points in terms of accuracy. Overall, the histological characteristics alone did not allow us to develop a support tool suitable for actual clinical application, but it showed the maximum informative power contained in the same for the resolution of the clinical problem. The proposed study represents a starting point for future development of predictive models to obtain the probability for lymph node metastases by using histopathological features combined with other features of a different nature.
Assessment of Agricultural Water Requirements for Semi-Arid Areas: A Case Study of the Boufakrane River Watershed (Morocco)
Authors: El Hafyani Mohammed , Essahlaoui Ali , Fung-Loy Kimberley , Hubbart Jason A. , Van Rompaey Anton
Published: November 2021

This work was undertaken to develop a low-cost but reliable assessment method for agricultural water requirements in semi-arid locations based on remote sensing data/techniques. In semi-arid locations, water resources are often limited, and long-term water consumption may exceed the natural replenishment rates of groundwater reservoirs. Sustainable land management in these locations must include tools that facilitate assessment of the impact of potential future land use changes. Agricultural practices in the Boufakrane River watershed (Morocco) were used as a case study application. Land use practices were mapped at the thematic resolution of individual crops, using a total of 13 images generated from the Sentinel-2 satellites. Using a supervised classification scheme, crop types were identified as cereals, other crops followed by cereals, vegetables, olive trees, and fruit trees. Two classifiers were used, namely Support vector machine (SVM) and Random forest (RF). A validation of the classified parcels showed a high overall accuracy of 89.76% for SVM and 84.03% for RF. Results showed that cereal is the most represented species, covering 8870.43 ha and representing 52.42% of the total area, followed by olive trees with 4323.18 ha and a coverage rate of 25%. Vegetables and other crops followed by cereals cover 1530.06 ha and 1661.45 ha, respectively, representing 9.4% and 9.8% of the total area. In the last rank, fruit trees occupy only 3.67% of the total area, with 621.06 ha. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) free software was used to overlay satellite data images with those of climate for agricultural water resources management in the region. This process facilitated estimations of irrigation water requirements for all crop types, taking into account total potential evapotranspiration, effective rainfall, and irrigation water requirements. Results showed that olive trees, fruit trees, and other crops followed by cereals are the most water demanding, with irrigation requirements exceeding 500 mm. The irrigation requirements of cereals and vegetables are lower than those of other classes, with amounts of 300 mm and 150 mm, respectively.
Progress and Summary of Photodarkening in Rare Earth Doped Fiber
Authors: Sun Tianran , Su Xinyang , Zhang Yunhong , Zhang Huaiwei , Zheng Yi
Published: November 2021

In this paper, we summarize the research on photodarkening in optical fibers. The causes of photodarkening in fiber, the influence of photodarkening on fiber laser, the experimental device of photodarkening, and the mathematical model used to study the phenomenon of photodarkening are described in detail. At the end of the paper, we summarize the means and methods to suppress photodarkening.
MovieDIRec: Drafted-Input-Based Recommendation System for Movies
Authors: An Hyeonwoo , Kim Daeyeol , Lee Kwangkee , Moon Nammee
Published: November 2021

In a DNN-based recommendation system, the input selection of a model and design of an appropriate input are very important in terms of the accuracy and reflection of complex user preferences. Since the learning of layers by the goal of the model depends on the input, the more closely the input is related to the goal, the less the model needs to learn unnecessary information. In relation to this, the term Drafted-Input, defined in this paper, is input data that have been appropriately selected and processed to meet the goals of the system, and is a subject that is updated while continuously reflecting user preferences along with the learning of model parameters. In this paper, the effects of properly designed and generated inputs on accuracy and usability are verified using the proposed systems. Furthermore, the proposed method and user–item interaction are compared with state-of-the-art systems using simple embedding data as the input, and a model suitable for a practical client–server environment is also proposed.
Bidding Better Online in Belgium: The Value of Auction House Expertise during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Kalbermatten Syra , Rausch Christoph
Published: November 2021

In this article, we present our analysis of how one of Belgium’s largest auction houses has creatively dealt with the forced transition to online auctions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on in-depth qualitative interviews and participant observation conducted at Bernaerts Auctioneers in Antwerp over a period of three months between February and April 2021, we show how the auction house has succeeded at maintaining relations with its clients and the public while exclusively moving its sales online. Our specific focus was on the mediation of expertise. Drawing on recent publications from the fields of economic sociology and anthropology, we analyzed how expert narratives of origin, authenticity, and uniqueness are communicated online to affect an object’s auction value. Based on our empirical research, which also includes narrative analyses of Bernaerts Auctioneers’ internet publication Prelude, as well as content shared online via social media, we argue that expert knowledge and practices of expertise are resilient and—contrary to what neoclassical economic theory might suggest—that they continue to be central to negotiations of value, as well as in online auctions.
Sugarcane Yield Forecast in Ivory Coast (West Africa) Based on Weather and Vegetation Index Data
Authors: Pignède Edouard , Roudier Philippe , Diedhiou Arona , N’Guessan Bi Vami Hermann , Kobea Arsène T. , Konaté Daouda , Péné Crépin Bi
Published: November 2021

One way to use climate services in the case of sugarcane is to develop models that forecast yields to help the sector to be better prepared against climate risks. In this study, several models for forecasting sugarcane yields were developed and compared in the north of Ivory Coast (West Africa). These models were based on statistical methods, ranging from linear regression to machine learning algorithms such as the random forest method, fed by climate data (rainfall, temperature); satellite products (NDVI, EVI from MODIS Vegetation Index product) and information on cropping practices. The results show that the forecasting of sugarcane yield depended on the area considered. At the plot level, the noise due to cultivation practices can hide the effects of climate on yields and leads to poor forecasting performance. However, models using satellite variables are more efficient and those with EVI alone may explain 43% of yield variations. Moreover, taking into account cultural practices in the model improves the score and enables one to forecast 3 months before harvest in 50% and 69% of cases whether yields will be high or low, respectively, with errors of only 10% and 2%, respectively. These results on the predictive potential of sugarcane yields are useful for planning and climate risk management in this sector.
Relativistic B-Spline R-Matrix Calculations for Electron Scattering from Thallium Atoms
Authors: Wang Yang , Du Hai-Liang , Zhu Xi-Ming , Zatsarinny Oleg , Bartschat Klaus
Published: November 2021

The Dirac B-spline R-matrix (DBSR) method is employed to treat low-energy electron collisions with thallium atoms. Special emphasis is placed on spin polarization phenomena that are investigated through calculations of the differential cross-section and the spin asymmetry function. Overall, good agreement between the present calculations and the available experimental measurements is found. The contributions of electron exchange to the spin asymmetry cannot be ignored at low impact energies, while the spin–orbit interaction plays an increasingly significant role as the impact energy rises.
Advances in Parkinson’s Disease Drugs
Authors: Di Stefano Antonio , Marinelli Lisa
Published: November 2021

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative age-related disorder worldwide after Alzheimer’s disease [...]
Liver Fibrosis and 8-Year All-Cause Mortality Trajectories in the Aging Cohort of the Salus in Apulia Study
Authors: Zupo Roberta , Castellana Fabio , De Nucci Sara , De Pergola Giovanni , Lozupone Madia , Bortone Ilaria , Castellana Marco , Sborgia Giancarlo , Lampignano Luisa , Giannelli Gianluigi , Panza Francesco , Sardone Rodolfo
Published: November 2021

Age is a major contributor to the liver fibrosis rate and its adverse health-related outcomes, including mortality, but older populations are still under-explored. We investigated multimorbidity and inflammatory biomarkers in relation to the increasing liver fibrosis risk to delineate 8-year all-cause mortality trajectories in 1929 older adults from the population-based Salus in Apulia Study. Liver fibrosis risk was assumed using the fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) score, assigned to three liver fibrosis risk groups (low, intermediate, high). In the secondary analyses, the APRI score was also calculated to allow for comparisons. Male subjects (prevalence difference: −13.49, 95% confidence interval (CI): −18.96 to −8.03), a higher multimorbidity burden (effect size, ES: −0.14, 95% CI: −0.26 to −0.02), a higher prevalence of physical frailty (ES: 6.77, 95% CI: 0.07 to 13.47), and a more pronounced inflammatory pattern as indicated by tumor growth factor-α circulating levels (ES: −0.12, 95% CI: −0.23 to −0.01) were significantly more common in the highest-risk FIB-4 score group. Liver function characterized by lipid profile and platelet levels worsened with increasing FIB-4 risk score. The 8-year risk of death was nearly double in subjects in the highest-risk FIB-4 score group, even after controlling for possible confounders. Furthermore, a steeper mortality curve was clearly observed for FIB-4 scores as compared with the APRI scoring system with respect to liver fibrosis risk. In conclusion, using a scoring tool based on simple routine biomarkers to detect liver fibrosis risk may enhance biological knowledge of age-related outcomes of chronic liver disease and be helpful in the clinical setting to identify subjects at risk for adverse health-related outcomes, including mortality.
CSF Heavy Neurofilament May Discriminate and Predict Motor Neuron Diseases with Upper Motor Neuron Involvement
Authors: Simonini Cecilia , Zucchi Elisabetta , Bedin Roberta , Martinelli Ilaria , Gianferrari Giulia , Fini Nicola , Sorarù Gianni , Liguori Rocco , Vacchiano Veria , Mandrioli Jessica
Published: November 2021

Objective: To assess whether phosphorylated neurofilament heavy chain (pNfH) can discriminate different upper motor neuron (UMN) syndromes, namely, ALS, UMN-predominant ALS, primary lateral sclerosis (PLS) and hereditary spastic paraparesis (hSP) and to test the prognostic value of pNfH in UMN diseases. Methods: CSF and serum pNfH were measured in 143 patients presenting with signs of UMN and later diagnosed with classic/bulbar ALS, UMNp-ALS, hSP, and PLS. Between-group comparisons were drawn by ANOVA and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed. The prognostic value of pNfH was tested by the Cox regression model. Results: ALS and UMNp-ALS patients had higher CSF pNfH compared to PLS and hSP (p < 0.001). ROC analysis showed that CSF pNfH could differentiate ALS, UMNp-ALS included, from PLS and hSP (AUC = 0.75 and 0.95, respectively), while serum did not perform as well. In multivariable survival analysis among the totality of UMN patients and classic/bulbar ALS, CSF pNfH independently predicted survival. Among UMNp-ALS patients, only the progression rate (HR4.71, p = 0.01) and presence of multifocal fasciculations (HR 15.69, p = 0.02) were independent prognostic factors. Conclusions: CSF pNfH is significantly higher in classic and UMNp-ALS compared to UMN diseases with a better prognosis such as PLS and hSP. Its prognostic role is confirmed in classic and bulbar ALS, but not among UMNp, where clinical signs remained the only independent prognostic factors.
State-of-the-Art Challenges and Perspectives in Multi-Organ Cancer Diagnosis via Deep Learning-Based Methods
Authors: Ali Saqib , Li Jianqiang , Pei Yan , Khurram Rooha , Rehman Khalil ur , Rasool Abdul Basit
Published: November 2021

Thus far, the most common cause of death in the world is cancer. It consists of abnormally expanding areas that are threatening to human survival. Hence, the timely detection of cancer is important to expanding the survival rate of patients. In this survey, we analyze the state-of-the-art approaches for multi-organ cancer detection, segmentation, and classification. This article promptly reviews the present-day works in the breast, brain, lung, and skin cancer domain. Afterwards, we analytically compared the existing approaches to provide insight into the ongoing trends and future challenges. This review also provides an objective description of widely employed imaging techniques, imaging modality, gold standard database, and related literature on each cancer in 2016–2021. The main goal is to systematically examine the cancer diagnosis systems for multi-organs of the human body as mentioned. Our critical survey analysis reveals that greater than 70% of deep learning researchers attain promising results with CNN-based approaches for the early diagnosis of multi-organ cancer. This survey includes the extensive discussion part along with current research challenges, possible solutions, and prospects. This research will endow novice researchers with valuable information to deepen their knowledge and also provide the room to develop new robust computer-aid diagnosis systems, which assist health professionals in bridging the gap between rapid diagnosis and treatment planning for cancer patients.
First-Line Treatment of Metastatic Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma: What Are the Most Appropriate Combination Therapies?
Authors: Vano Yann-Alexandre , Ladoire Sylvain , Elaidi Réza , Dermeche Slimane , Eymard Jean-Christophe , Falkowski Sabrina , Gross-Goupil Marine , Malouf Gabriel , Narciso Bérangère , Sajous Christophe , Tartas Sophie , Voog Eric , Ravaud Alain
Published: November 2021

The development of antiangiogenic treatments, followed by immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI), has significantly changed the management of metastatic clear cell renal cell cancer. Several phase III trials show the superiority of combination therapy, dual immunotherapy (ICI-ICI) or ICI plus tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) of the vascular endothelium growth factor (VEGF) over sunitinib monotherapy. The question is therefore what is the best combination for a given patient? A strategy based on the International Metastatic Database Consortium (IMDC) classification is currently recommended with pembrolizumab + axitinib, cabozantinib + nivolumab, and lenvatinib + pembrolizumab (for all patients) or nivolumab + ipilimumab (for patients with intermediate or poor risk), which are the first-line treatment standards of care. However, several issues remain unresolved and require further investigation, such as the PD-L1 status, the relevance of possible options based on the patient’s profile, and consideration of second-line and subsequent treatments.
Characterisation of Collagen Re-Modelling in Localised Prostate Cancer Using Second-Generation Harmonic Imaging and Transrectal Ultrasound Shear Wave Elastography
Authors: Ageeli Wael , Zhang Xinyu , Ogbonnaya Chidozie N. , Ling Yuting , Wilson Jennifer , Li Chunhui , Nabi Ghulam
Published: November 2021

Prostate cancer has a poor prognosis and high mortality rate due to metastases. Extracellular matrix (ECM) re-modelling and stroma composition have been linked to cancer progression, including key components of cell migration, tumour metastasis, and tissue modulus. Moreover, collagens are one of the most significant components of the extracellular matrix and have been ascribed to many aspects of neoplastic transformation. This study characterises collagen re-modelling around localised prostate cancer using the second harmonic generation of collagen (SHG), genotyping and ultrasound shear wave elastography (USWE) measured modulus in men with clinically localised prostate cancer. Tempo-sequence assay for gene expression of COL1A1 and COL3A1 was used to confirm the expression of collagen. Second-harmonic generation imaging and genotyping of ECM around prostate cancer showed changes in content, orientation, and type of collagen according to Gleason grades (cancer aggressivity), and this correlated with the tissue modulus measured by USWE in kilopascals. Furthermore, there were clear differences between collagen orientation and type around normal and cancer tissues.
Acetylation in Mitochondria Dynamics and Neurodegeneration
Authors: Waddell Jaylyn , Banerjee Aditi , Kristian Tibor
Published: November 2021

Mitochondria are a unique intracellular organelle due to their evolutionary origin and multifunctional role in overall cellular physiology and pathophysiology. To meet the specific spatial metabolic demands within the cell, mitochondria are actively moving, dividing, or fusing. This process of mitochondrial dynamics is fine-tuned by a specific group of proteins and their complex post-translational modifications. In this review, we discuss the mitochondrial dynamics regulatory enzymes, their adaptor proteins, and the effect of acetylation on the activity of fusion and fission machinery as a ubiquitous response to metabolic stresses. Further, we discuss the role of intracellular cytoskeleton structures and their post-translational modifications in the modulation of mitochondrial fusion and fission. Finally, we review the role of mitochondrial dynamics dysregulation in the pathophysiology of acute brain injury and the treatment strategies based on modulation of NAD+-dependent deacetylation.
Therapeutic Implications of miRNAs for Muscle-Wasting Conditions
Authors: Yedigaryan Laura , Sampaolesi Maurilio
Published: November 2021

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, non-coding RNA molecules that are mainly involved in translational repression by binding to specific messenger RNAs. Recently, miRNAs have emerged as biomarkers, relevant for a multitude of pathophysiological conditions, and cells can selectively sort miRNAs into extracellular vesicles for paracrine and endocrine effects. In the overall context of muscle-wasting conditions, a multitude of miRNAs has been implied as being responsible for the typical dysregulation of anabolic and catabolic pathways. In general, chronic muscle disorders are associated with the main characteristic of a substantial loss in muscle mass. Muscular dystrophies (MDs) are a group of genetic diseases that cause muscle weakness and degeneration. Typically, MDs are caused by mutations in those genes responsible for upholding the integrity of muscle structure and function. Recently, the dysregulation of miRNA levels in such pathological conditions has been reported. This revelation is imperative for both MDs and other muscle-wasting conditions, such as sarcopenia and cancer cachexia. The expression levels of miRNAs have immense potential for use as potential diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic biomarkers. Understanding the role of miRNAs in muscle-wasting conditions may lead to the development of novel strategies for the improvement of patient management.
Trans-Ned 19-Mediated Antagonism of Nicotinic Acid Adenine Nucleotide—Mediated Calcium Signaling Regulates Th17 Cell Plasticity in Mice
Authors: Nawrocki Mikołaj , Lory Niels , Bedke Tanja , Stumme Friederike , Diercks Björn-Phillip , Guse Andreas H. , Meier Chris , Gagliani Nicola , Mittrücker Hans-Willi , Huber Samuel
Published: November 2021

Nicotinic acid adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NAADP) is the most potent Ca2+ mobilizing agent and its inhibition proved to inhibit T-cell activation. However, the impact of the NAADP signaling on CD4+ T-cell differentiation and plasticity and on the inflammation in tissues other than the central nervous system remains unclear. In this study, we used an antagonist of NAADP signaling, trans-Ned 19, to study the role of NAADP in CD4+ T-cell differentiation and effector function. Partial blockade of NAADP signaling in naïve CD4+ T cells in vitro promoted the differentiation of Th17 cells. Interestingly, trans-Ned 19 also promoted the production of IL-10, co-expression of LAG-3 and CD49b and increased the suppressive capacity of Th17 cells. Moreover, using an IL-17A fate mapping mouse model, we showed that NAADP inhibition promotes conversion of Th17 cells into regulatory T cells in vitro and in vivo. In line with the results, we found that inhibiting NAADP ameliorates disease in a mouse model of intestinal inflammation. Thus, these results reveal a novel function of NAADP in controlling the differentiation and plasticity of CD4+ T cells.
The Effects of Ionising and Non-Ionising Electromagnetic Radiation on Extracellular Matrix Proteins
Authors: Tuieng Ren Jie , Cartmell Sarah H. , Kirwan Cliona C. , Sherratt Michael J.
Published: November 2021

Exposure to sub-lethal doses of ionising and non-ionising electromagnetic radiation can impact human health and well-being as a consequence of, for example, the side effects of radiotherapy (therapeutic X-ray exposure) and accelerated skin ageing (chronic exposure to ultraviolet radiation: UVR). Whilst attention has focused primarily on the interaction of electromagnetic radiation with cells and cellular components, radiation-induced damage to long-lived extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins has the potential to profoundly affect tissue structure, composition and function. This review focuses on the current understanding of the biological effects of ionising and non-ionising radiation on the ECM of breast stroma and skin dermis, respectively. Although there is some experimental evidence for radiation-induced damage to ECM proteins, compared with the well-characterised impact of radiation exposure on cell biology, the structural, functional, and ultimately clinical consequences of ECM irradiation remain poorly defined.
Does Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis Affect the Course of Legg–Calvé–Perthes Disease? A Case-Control Study with a Mean Follow-Up of 8 Years
Authors: Roß Julien , Foeldvari Ivan , Krajewski Kara L. , Butscheidt Sebastian , Beil Frank Timo , Stücker Ralf , Spiro Alexander S.
Published: November 2021

Background: This study aimed to determine the clinical and radiological course in children who had Legg–Calvé–Perthes disease (LCPD) associated with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). Methods: In a retrospective chart review between 2007 and 2019, eight consecutive JIA patients diagnosed with concomitant LCPD were identified and compared with a case-control group of 10 children with LCPD only. Results: LCPD was diagnosed at a mean age of 8.1 years (3.0–14.7) in children with JIA as compared to 6.1 years (2.9–10.0) in controls. According to the modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), four children with JIA and all controls had an excellent result. Regarding the fragmentation severity and the duration of each stage, we found no differences using the lateral pillar and modified Elizabethtown classification. Five hips were classified as Stulberg I/II, two hips as Stulberg III, and one hip as Stulberg V with no evidence of hip dysplasia or severe overcoverage in either group. Conclusions: The radiological outcome of LCPD did not differ between both groups, while the clinical outcome was slightly better in controls. Physicians should be aware that children with LCPD may have JIA too. In suspicious cases, further investigations are recommended, and patients should be referred to pediatric rheumatologists.
Effects of Dynamic Suit Orthoses on the Spatio-Temporal Gait Parameters in Children with Cerebral Palsy: A Systematic Review
Authors: Belizón-Bravo Natalia , Romero-Galisteo Rita Pilar , Cano-Bravo Fatima , Gonzalez-Medina Gloria , Pinero-Pinto Elena , Luque-Moreno Carlos
Published: November 2021

Dynamic suit orthoses (DSO) are currently used as a complementary treatment method in children with Cerebral Palsy (cwCP). The aim of this review was to assess the effects of interventions with DSO on the altered spatio-temporal gait parameters (STGPs) in cwCP. An electronic search was conducted in the Web of Science, Scopus, PEDro, Cochrane Library, MEDLINE/PubMed, and CINAHL databases up to July 2021. We included a total of 12 studies, which showed great heterogeneity in terms of design type, sample size, and intervention performed (two employed a Therasuit, three employed the Adeli suit, three employed Theratogs, one employed elastomeric tissue dynamic orthosis, one employed a full-body suit, one employed external belt orthosis, and one employed dynamic orthosis composed of trousers and T-shirt). The Cochrane collaboration’s tool and the Checklist for Measuring Study Quality were used to assess the risk of bias and the methodological quality of the studies. It was variable according to the Checklist for Measuring Study Quality, and it oscillated between eight and 23. The studies of higher methodological quality showed significant post-intervention changes in walking speed (which is the most widely evaluated parameter), cadence, stride length, and step length symmetry. Although the evidence is limited, the intervention with DSO combined with a programme of training/physical therapy seems to have positive effects on the STGPs in cwCP, with the functional improvements that it entails. Despite the immediate effect after one session, a number of sessions between 18 and 60 is recommended to obtain optimum results. Future studies should measure all STGPs, and not only the main ones, such as gait speed, in order to draw more accurate conclusions on the functional improvement of gait after the use of this type of intervention.
Environmental Impact Assessment of Agricultural Production Using LCA: A Review
Authors: Alhashim Rahmah , Deepa Raveendranpillai , Anandhi Aavudai
Published: November 2021

Life cycle impact assessment (LCA) provides a better understanding of the energy, water, and material input and evaluates any production system’s output impacts. LCA has been carried out on various crops and products across the world. Some countries, however, have none or only a few studies. Here, we present the results of a literature review, following the PRISMA protocol, of what has been done in LCA to help stakeholders in these regions to understand the environmental impact at different stages of a product. The published literature was examined using the Google Scholar database to synthesize LCA research on agricultural activities, and 74 studies were analyzed. The evaluated papers are extensively studied in order to comprehend the various impact categories involved in LCA. The study reveals that tomatoes and wheat were the major crops considered in LCA. The major environmental impacts, namely, human toxicity potential and terrestrial ecotoxicity potential, were the major focus. Furthermore, the most used impact methods were CML, ISO, and IPCC. It was also found that studies were most often conducted in the European sector since most models and databases are suited for European agri-food products. The literature review did not focus on a specific region or a crop. Consequently, many studies appeared while searching using the keywords. Notwithstanding such limitations, this review provides a valuable reference point for those practicing LCA.
Condition Assessment of Solar Modules by Flash Test and Electroluminescence Test
Authors: Bodnár István , Matusz-Kalász Dávid , Boros Rafael Ruben , Lipták Róbert
Published: November 2021

The Hungarian society and the Hungarian state are constantly increasing their solar capacity. More and more solar power plants are being put into operation. The largest of these has a 100 MW peak capacity. Such power plants do not require constant maintenance. However, in the case of low productivity, a conditional assessment is required. The reason for production loss can also be manufacturing, installation, and operational errors. A flying drone was used for finding failures by thermographic scouting. Furthermore, electroluminescent (EL) and flash tests give a comprehensive view of the real state of the modules in a mobile laboratory. We had the opportunity to summarize these test results of more than a thousand modules operating in a solar power plant. The report on the power plant shows that a significant part of the modules became unusable in a short time. After four years, 10% of the 260 Wp modules suffered a performance reduction of more than 10%.