bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dynamic single-molecule sensing via nanoparticle micromanipulation for rapid and ultrasensitive biomarker detection
Authors: Zeng Qiang , Zhou Xiaoyan , Yang Yuting , Sun Yi , Wang Jingan , Zhai Chunhui , Li Jinghong , Yu Hui
Published: October 2021

The ability to measure many single molecules simultaneously in larger and complex samples is critical to the translation of single-molecule sensors for practical applications in biomarker detection. The challenges lie in the limits imposed by mass transportation and thermodynamics, resulting in long assay time and/or insufficient sensitivity. Here, we report an approach called Sensing Single Molecule under MicroManipulation (SSM3) to circumvent the above limits. In SSM3, the transportation rate of analyte molecules and the kinetics of molecular interaction are fine-tuned by the nanoparticle micromanipulation. The heterogeneous lifetime of molecular complexes is quantified to discriminate specific binding from nonspecific background noise. By the highly-specific digital counting of single molecules, we demonstrate 15-minute assays for direct detection of microRNAs and amyloid-β proteins via electrical or magnetic micromanipulation, with the limit of detection at the subfemtomolar level. The presented approach could inspire more practical applications of single molecule sensors.
Evaluating The Relationship Between Dermatoglyphics and Mandibular Third Molar Impaction - A Cross-Sectional study
Authors: Kapoor Ashish , Premalatha Shetty , Sameep Shetty , Srik N , Nancy Agarwal , Yash Merchant , Seyed Riahi Mohammed
Published: October 2021

Introduction:

Dermatoglyphics may be of clinical significance to segregate those individuals who are at an increased risk for the presence of an impacted tooth. Dermatoglyphics seems to be promising as a non-invasive diagnostic tool to forecast the presence/absence of an impacted tooth.
Objective

The study aimed to analyze the most common pattern of dermatoglyphics present in an individual with/without impacted tooth and find a dermatoglyphic marker if any.
Methods

A cross-sectional study comprising of 180 subjects (90 cases and 90 control) was conducted. Blue duplicating ink was applied on the fingertips using the rolling impression technique and recorded.
Results

In individuals predisposed to the presence of impacted teeth, there was an increase in the frequency of WHORL-PLAIN pattern in right hand ring finger (60%) and left hand little finger (33.3%) with a p-value of 0.028 and 0.009 respectively, and LOOP-ULNAR in the right hand middle finger (74.4%) with a p-value of 0.024. Forward stepwise binary logistic regression analysis showed the left hand little finger to be the most predictive for impaction.
Conclusion

Dermatoglyphics could serve as a non-invasive marker to forecast the presence/absence of an impacted tooth. Its utility lies in early diagnosis to curtail the surgical complications associated with symptomatic removal of an impacted tooth.
Foliar Nutrient Supplementation with Micronutrient-Embedded Fertilizer Increases Biofortification in Eggplant Fruit and Soil Biological Activity While Enhancing Plant Productivity
Authors: Bana Ram Swaroop , Jat Gograj Singh , Grover Minakshi , Bamboriya Shanti D. , Singh Deepak , Bansal Ruchi , Choudhary Anil K. , Kumar Vipin , Laing Alison M , Godara Samarth , Bana Ramesh Chand , Kumar Hement , Kuri Bhola Ram , Yadav Achchhelal , Singh Teekam
Published: October 2021

Micronutrient malnutrition or hidden hunger remains a major global challenge for human health and wellness. The problem results from soil micro- and macro-nutrient deficiencies combined with imbalanced fertilizer use. Micronutrient-embedded NPK (MNENPK) complex fertilizers have been developed to overcome the macro- and micro-element deficiencies to enhance the yield and nutritive value of key crop products. We investigated the effect of foliar applications of an MNENPK fertilizer containing N, P, K, Fe, Zn & B in combination with traditional basal NPK fertilizers in terms of eggplant yield, fruit nutritive quality and on soil biological properties. Applying a multi-element foliar fertilizer improved the nutritional quality of eggplant fruit, with a significant increases in the concentration of Fe (+26%), Zn (+34%), K (+6%), Cu (+24%), and Mn (+27%), all of which are essential for human health. Increasing supply of essential micronutrients during the plant reproductive stages increased fruit yield, as a result of improved yield parameters. The positive effect of foliar fertilizing with MNENPK on soil biological parameters (soil microbial biomass carbon, dehydrogenase, alkaline phosphatase) also demonstrated its capacity to enhance soil fertility. This study suggests that foliar fertilizing with a multi-nutrient product such as MNENPK at eggplant flowering and fruiting stages, combined with the recommended-doses of NPK fertilizers is the optimal strategy to improve the nutritional quality of eggplant fruits and increase crop yields, both of which will contribute to reducing micronutrient malnutrition and hunger globally.
Is renal impairment predictor of future diabetic peripheral neuropathy? A 6-year follow-up cohort study
Authors: Wang Chi-Sheng , Pai Yen-Wei , Lin Ching-Heng , Lee I-Te , Chang Ming-Hong
Published: October 2021

The relationship between renal impairment and diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) remains inconclusive. We aim to investigate the risk factors for the occurrence of DPN in Taiwanese adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and focus on renal impairment. A hospital-based cohort study was conducted from 2013 to 2019 and 552 Taiwanese people who had T2DM without DPN at baseline were enrolled. DPN was diagnosed using the Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument. Potential risk factors were recorded, including patient’s sociodemographic factors, current medication usage and biochemical markers. As of 2019, 73 developed DPN and 479 had no DPN. The cumulative incidence during the 6-year period was 13.22%. A multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that lower estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (odds ratio [OR] 0.98, p=0.008), higher serum creatinine concentration in people under the age of 65 (OR 5.25, p=0.013), advanced age (OR 1.06, p=0.001), increased body weight (OR 1.04, p=0.018), duration of DM (OR 1.05, p=0.036) and male gender (OR 3.69, p=0.011) were significantly associated with future DPN. In conclusion, this is the first large scaled cohort study to investigate risk factors for DPN in Taiwanese. Lower eGFR, higher serum creatinine concentration, particularly in people under the age of 65, advanced age, increased body weight, duration of DM and male gender are predictors of future DPN. Our study not only confirms the association between renal impairment and future DPN but also provides a commonly available assessment to predict the future DPN.
New Short RNA Motifs Potentially Relevant in the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Genome
Authors: Fuertes Miguel Angel , Alonso Carlos
Published: October 2021

As time passes, identifying new pharmacological targets is becoming more difficult. Shortly, it will be necessary to devise new strategies to tackle the problem. The coronavirus disease outbreak caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 , represents a threat to human health serving as example from what we just said. The present study was aimed to collect a set of short RNA motifs with potential biological impact, most of which have not been observed heretofore. Categorizing RNA triplets by their gross-composition, the study collected 88 short RNA motifs, shared by most coronavirus genera independent on the percent identity between genomes. Selected motifs contain all nearest-neighbours of the triplets A, T, G and A, C, G. The high percent identity between severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus genomes makes it difficult these peptides to be found by current methods. The results provide 50 motifs in the 1a polyprotein-encoding orf, 27 in the 1b polyprotein-encoding orf, 5 in the spike-encoding orf and 6 in the nucleocapsid-encoding orf. They also provide insights about the validity of the procedure, confirming some motifs interspersed or attached to known relevant functional fragments of the genome, although most of them have not yet been associated to any known function. The high level of preservation of these motifs in most coronavirus genera suggest they might have potential to be used for diagnostic, in vaccines, or as substrate for protease inhibitors.
PPP2R3A Affects the Function and Mechanism of Heterogeneous Fibroblasts in Pulmonary Fibrosis
Authors: Shi Xiaoni , Yang Shaoqi , Luo Wei , Wang Sha , Huang Jie , Chen Mengling , Wang Jing , Cheng Yusi , Zhang Xinxin , Chao Jie
Published: October 2021

Background: Fibroblasts have important roles in the synthesis and remodeling of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins during pulmonary fibrosis. However, the spatiotemporal distribution of heterogeneous fibroblasts during disease progression remains unknown. Methods: Physiological saline and silica were used to generate a chronic pulmonary fibrosis model in mice, and single-cell sequencing, spatial transcriptome sequencing, real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR, immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence were performed to identify fibroblast subtypes. Small interfering RNA was used to specifically knockdown the target protein, and western blotting, bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU), Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) and wound healing assays were used to detect the role of GREM1/PPP2R3A in a newly identified fibroblast subtype. Results: Fibroblasts of the new subtype were mainly located in the lesion area and coexpressed inflammation- and proliferation-related genes; they were termed inflammatory-proliferation fibroblasts. Grem1 was the most highly expressed gene in this subtype, as confirmed in HPF-a cells after TGF-β1 treatment. We characterized the downstream mechanism of GREM1/PPP2R3A: these factors mediated the increases in cell viability, proliferation and migration induced by TGF-β1 in fibroblasts. Conclusion: This new subtype of inflammatory, proliferative fibroblasts plays a pivotal role during pulmonary fibrosis, and PPP2R3A, as a downstream regulatory target of GREM1, is involved in pulmonary fibrosis, providing new insights for the prevention and treatment of silicosis.
The Correlation of Atherosclerosis and Triglyceride Glucose Index: A Secondary Analysis of a National Cross-Sectional Study of Japanese
Authors: yang xingping , Gao Zhao , Huang Xuming , Zhang Mingxing , Shi Yihua , Chen Zhuoming
Published: October 2021

Background: The triglyceride/glucose index (TyG index) has been suggested as a simple and reliable surrogate insulin resistance (IR) marker for years. However, the association between the TyG index and arterial stiffness in adults is controversial. Therefore, we evaluated this relationship, as measured based on the brachial ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV), in Japanese adults.Methods: This study selected a total of 912 participants from the NAGALA (NAfld in Gifu Area, Longitudinal Analysis) study conducted from 2004 to 2012.The relationship between TyG index and baPWV was estimated through a logistics model. Subgroup analyses by gender, age, body mass index (BMI), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and fatty liver were performed. The formula for TyG index was ln [½fasting triglyceride level (mg/dL) × fasting plasma glucose level (mg/dL)].Results: After adjusting for underlying confounders, a linear relationship between TyG and baPWV was discovered. After adjusting for gender, age, body mass index, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, fatty liver, and eGFR, TyG, as a continuous variable, was related to an increased risk of baPWV (adjusted odds ratio [adj OR], 1.57; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.14–2.18). Compared with the the TyG index in the first tertile, the probabilities of subjects in the third tertile that developed to baPWV were 1.78-fold higher (adj OR 1.78, 95% CI 1.08–2.95; P for trend 0.024). Stable associations were also observed between the TyG index and baPWV in different variables through subgroup analyses.Conclusions: The TyG index was positively and linearly related to subclinical atherosclerosis in Japanese adults and may be valuable as a predicted marker.
Correlations Between Visual Acuity, Presenting Symptoms and Histopathological Findings in Enucleated Eyes with Uveal Melanoma
Authors: Asplund Elin , Pansell Tony , Brautaset Rune , Nilsson Maria , Stålhammar Gustav
Published: October 2021

Visual outcomes after treatment of uveal melanoma have been investigated repeatedly. In this paper, we evaluate the correlation between visual acuity (VA) prior to enucleation, presenting symptoms and findings upon histopathological examination of eyes and tumors. Sixty nine patients were included. Their mean best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) prior to enucleation was LogMAR 0.80 (SD 0.70). Patients that reported low VA or blurry vision did not have lower BCVA upon refraction (p=0.34). Patients with low BCVA had tumors with greater apical tumor thickness (p=0.027), basal diameter (p=0.012) and stage (p=0.014). The experience of a shadow in the visual field correlated with presence of vasculogenic mimicry in the tumor (p<0.001). In multivariate Cox regressions with tumor thickness and diameter as covariates, tumor cell type and infiltration of the optic nerve head were associated with increased hazard for melanoma-related mortality (3.2 and 3.6, respectively). We conclude that patients that report low VA do not necessarily have worse BCVA. The latter do however have tumors with larger dimensions, at more advanced stage. A shadow in the VF correlates with presence of vasculogenic mimicry, which is an independent predictor for poor prognosis along with tumor infiltration of the optic disc and tumor cell type.
Knowledge of Alzheimer's disease among healthcare providers and medical students in Sudan
Authors: Babiker Ismat , Elnaeim Awab , Elnaeim Mohamed , Saad Awab
Published: October 2021

Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess knowledge of Alzheimer's disease among medical students and healthcare providers in Sudan. Methods: In this cross-sectional study conducted in Sudan from July to De­cember 2020, we used Google forms to collect data from 212 medical students and healthcare provid­ers using Alzheimer's Disease Knowledge Scale (ADKS). ADKS is a widely used validated instrument that measures what people know about Alzheimer's disease using a 30-item true/false questionnaire across seven critical knowledge domains: risk factors, symptoms, assessment and diagnosis, disease trajectory, life impact, treatment, and management, and caregiving. Results: Our studied population consisted of doctors (n=106), medical students (n=23), Nursing staff (n=09), and other hospital staff (n=74). 76.9% were females. When rating their knowledge from 0-10, our participants' mean value was 5.3 ± 2.1. Regarding ADKS, the mean knowledge score (out of 30) is 20.6 ± 2.8. Regarding ADKS domains, the best average scores were treatment and management 86.8%, followed by life impact 78.3%, assessment, and diagnosis 72.4%, course 71.5%, symptoms 62.7%, caregiving 59.2%, and risk factors 59%. We did not detect any significant association between the average overall score, occupation, source of infor­mation, or having a relative with Alzheimer's disease. Conclusion: Specific knowledge deficits were observed in domains focusing on risk factors, symptoms, and caregiving for Alzheimer's disease.
An Immune-Related lncRNA Model for Predicting Prognosis, Immune Landscape and Chemotherapeutic Response in Bladder Cancer
Authors: Hou Jian , Liang Songwu , Xie Zhimin , Qu Genyi , Xu Yong , Yang Guang , Tang Cheng
Published: October 2021

Objective: Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) participate in cancer immunity. Herein, we characterized the clinical significance of immune-related lncRNA model and its associations with immune infiltrations and chemosensitivity in bladder cancer.Methods: Transcriptome data of bladder cancer specimens were employed from The Cancer Genome Atlas. Dysregulated immune-related lncRNAs were screened via Pearson correlation and differential expression analyses, followed by recognition of lncRNA pairs. Then, a LASSO regression model was constructed. Receiver operator characteristic curves of one-, three- and five-year survival were plotted. Akaike information criterion (AIC) value of one-year survival was determined as the cutoff of high- and low-risk subgroups. The differences in survival, clinical features, immune cell infiltrations and chemosensitivity were compared between subgroups.Results: Totally, 90 immune-related lncRNA pairs were selected, 15 of which were put into the prognostic model. The area under the curves of one-, three- and five-year survival were 0.806, 0.825 and 0.828, confirming the favorable predictive performance of this model. According to the AIC value, we clustered subjects into high- and low-risk subgroups. High-risk score indicated unfavorable outcomes. This risk model was in relation to survival status, age, stage and TNM. In comparison to conventional clinicopathological characteristics, the risk model displayed higher predictive efficacy and was an independent predictor. Also, it could well characterize immune cell infiltration landscape and predict immune checkpoint expression and sensitivity to cisplatin and methotrexate.Conclusion: This model conducted by paring immune-related lncRNAs regardless of expressions exhibited a favorable efficacy in predicting prognosis, immune landscape and chemotherapeutic response in bladder cancer.
Convolutional Neural Networks for High Spatial Resolution Remote Sensing Image Classification
Authors: P Rajagopal T K , G Sakthi , J Prakash
Published: October 2021

Hyperspectral remote sensing based image classification is found to be a very widely used method employed for scene analysis that is from a remote sensing data which is of a high spatial resolution. Classification is a critical task in the processing of remote sensing. On the basis of the fact that there are different materials with reflections in a particular spectral band, all the traditional pixel-wise classifiers both identify and also classify all materials on the basis of their spectral curves (or pixels). Owing to the dimensionality of the remote sensing data of high spatial resolution along with a limited number of labelled samples, a remote sensing image of a high spatial resolution tends to suffer from something known as the Hughes phenomenon which can pose a serious problem. In order to overcome such a small-sample problem, there are several methods of learning like the Support Vector Machine (SVM) along with the other methods that are kernel based and these were introduced recently for a remote sensing classification of the image and this has shown a good performance. For the purpose of this work, an SVM along with Radial Basis Function (RBF) method was proposed. But, a feature learning approach for the classification of the hyperspectral image is based on the Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs). The results of the experiment that were based on various image datasets that were hyperspectral which implies that the method proposed will be able to achieve a better performance of classification compared to other traditional methods like the SVM and the RBF kernel and also all conventional methods based on deep learning (CNN).
Cross-Sectional Geometry Predicts Failure Location in Maize Stalks
Authors: Stubbs Christopher J , McMahan Christopher , Tabaracci Kaitlin , Kunduru Bharath , Sekhon Rajandeep S. , Robertson Daniel J
Published: October 2021

Background: Stalk lodging (breaking of agricultural plant stalks prior to harvest) is a multi-billion dollar a year problem. Stalk lodging occurs when high winds induce bending moments in the stalk which exceed the bending strength of the plant. Previous biomechanical models of plant stalks have investigated the effect of cross-sectional morphology on stalk lodging resistance (e.g., diameter and rind thickness). However, it is unclear if the location of stalk failure along the length of stem is determined by morphological or compositional factors. It is also unclear if the crops are structurally optimized, i.e., if the plants allocate structural biomass to create uniform and minimal bending stresses in the plant tissues. The purpose of this paper is twofold: (1) to investigate the relationship between bending stress and failure location of maize stalks, and (2) to investigate the potential of phenotyping for internode-level bending stresses to assess lodging resistance. Results: 868 maize specimens representing 16 maize hybrids were successfully tested in bending to failure. Internode morphology was measured, and bending stresses were calculated. It was found that bending stress is highly and positively associated with failure location. A user-friendly computational tool is presented to help plant breeders in phenotyping for internode-level bending stress. Phenotyping for internode-level bending stresses could potentially be used to breed for more biomechanically optimal stalks that are resistant to stalk lodging. Conclusions: Internode-level bending stress plays a potentially critical role in the structural integrity of plant stems. Equations and tools provided herein enable researchers to account for this phenotype, which has the potential to increase the bending strength of plants without increasing overall structural biomass.
Kinematics of the viscous filament during the droplet breakup in air
Authors: Broboana Diana , Bratu Ana-Maria , Magos Istvan , Patrascu Claudiu , Balan Corneliu
Published: October 2021

The dripping regime in the vicinity of droplet breakup is analyzed concerning the evolution of the filament’s neck and its corresponding thinning velocity. Three flow regimes are observed as the relative time decreases: (i) a monotonous increase of the neck’s thinning velocity, where inertia and capillarity are balanced, (ii) a transition region characterized by the equilibrium between inertia, capillarity, and viscous forces, where the thinning velocity varies non-monotonically with the relative time and (iii) the final pinch-off regime, where velocity decreases or oscillates around a constant value. Based on the correlation between experimental data and numerics, the distribution of the zeta - coefficient (defined as the non-dimensional second invariant of the velocity gradient) on the droplet’s profile is used to quantify the ratio between elongation and rotation of the fluid at the interface. The regions dominated by extension, where pure elongation is located at zeta = 1 , are determined. One main result of this study is the confirmation that distribution of the zeta - coefficient is a relevant parameter to analyze and to quantify the breakup process. This result has the potential of developing novel techniques and more precise procedures in determining the interfacial rheology of viscous and complex fluids.
Development and External Validation of the 3D U-Net Algorithm for Segmentation of Pelvic Lymph Nodes On Diffusion-Weighted Images
Authors: Liu Xiang , Sun Zhaonan , Han Chao , Cui Yingpu , Huang Jiahao , Wang Xiangpeng , Zhang Xiaodong , Wang Xiaoying
Published: October 2021

Background: The 3D U-Net model has been proved to perform well in the automatic organ segmentation. The aim of this study is to evaluate the feasibility of the 3D U-Net algorithm for the automated detection and segmentation of lymph nodes (LNs) on pelvic diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) images.Methods: A total of 393 DWI images of patients suspected of having prostate cancer (PCa) between January 2019 and December 2020 were collected for model development. Seventy-seven DWI images from another group of PCa patients imaged between January 2021 and April 2021 were collected for external validation. Segmentation performance was assessed using the Dice score, positive predictive value (PPV), true positive rate (TPR), and volumetric similarity (VS) with manual annotation of pelvic LNs as the reference. The accuracy with which the suspicious metastatic LNs (short diameter > 0.8 cm) were detected was evaluated using the area under the curve (AUC) at the patient level, and the precision, recall, and F1-score were determined at the lesion level. The consistency of LN staging on an external dataset between the model and radiologist was assessed using Cohen’s kappa coefficient.Results: In the testing set used for model development, the Dice score, TPR, PPV, and VS for the segmentation of suspicious LNs were 0.85, 0.82, 0.80 and 0.86, respectively. The precision, recall, and F1-score for the detection of suspicious LNs were 0.97, 0.98 and 0.97, respectively. In the external validation dataset, the AUC of the model for identifying PCa patients with suspicious LNs was 0.963 (95% CI: 0.892-0.993). High consistency of LN staging (Kappa = 0.922) was achieved between the model and expert radiologist.Conclusion: The 3D U-Net algorithm can accurately detect and segment pelvic LNs based on DWI images.
Prognostic Parameters on Baseline and Interim F-18-FDG-PET/CT in Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma Patients
Authors: Czibor Sándor , Carr Robert , Redondo Francisca , Gorospe Charity , Auewarakul Chirayu , Cerci Juliano , Paez Diana , Fanti Stefano , Györke Tamás
Published: October 2021

Purpose FDG-PET/CT is a widely used imaging method in the management of diffuse large B-cell lymphomas (DLBCL). Our aim was to investigate the prognostic performance of different PET-biomarkers in a multicentre setting. Methods We investigated baseline volumetric values (MTV and TLG, also normalized for body weight) segmented with three different methods (>SUV4 [glob4]; 41% isocontour [41pc], and a gradiant-based lesion growing algorithm [grad]) and interim parameters (Deauville-score, ΔSUVmax, modified qPET, and rPET) alongside clinical parameters (stage, R-IPI), using 24-month progression-free survival as the clinical endpoint. Receiver operating characteristics analyses were performed to define optimal cut-off points for the continous PET-parameters.Results 107 DLBCL patients were included (54 women; mean age: 53.7 years). MTV and TLG calculations showed good correlation among glob4, 41pc and grad methods, however, optimal cut-off points were markedly different. Significantly different PFS was observed between low- and high-risk groups according to baseline MTV, bwaMTV, TLG, bwaTLG, as well as interim parameters Deauville-score, ΔSUVmax, mqPET, and rPET. Univariate Cox-regression analyses showed hazard ratios lowest for bwaMTVglob4 (HR=2.3) and highest for rPET (HR=9.09). In a multivariate Cox-regression model, rPET was shown to be an independent predictor of PFS (p=0.041; HR=9.15). A combined analysis showed that ΔSUVmax positive patients with high MTV formed a group with distinctly poor PFS (35.3%).Conclusion Baseline MTV and TLG values and optimal cut-off points achieved with different segmentation methods varied markedly and showed limited prognostic impact. Interim PET/CT parameters provided more accurate prognostic information with semiquantitative „Deauville-like” parameters performing best in the present study.
Correlation analysis between language gene polymorphism and geography/society parameter from twenty-six countries
Authors: Liu Zongxuan , Xia Wei , Sun Bo , Guo Changlu , Zhang Zhizhou
Published: October 2021

Human language diversity, as a biological phenotype, shall be genetically linked with language gene polymorphism. Meanwhile, this phenotype is historically shaped by local geographical/social factors. But how many language gene polymorphisms have direct correlations with some geography/society characteristics during the long-run evolution of human languages is an interesting question and largely remains uninvestigated. This study selected a series of geography/society factors (including 13 geographical factors and 21 social factors) from 26 countries and 111 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) randomly selected from 13 language genes. Principal component analysis (PCA) was performed to explore their potential correlations. Preliminary but interesting results were obtained as follow. (1) Most geographical parameters are concentrated into one cluster in the PCA diagram. The cluster contains 12 parameters that are positively correlated with each other; (2) PCA diagrams divide social parameters into four clusters, among which exist positive and negative correlations; (3) The strongest positive correlations were observed at one of ATP2C2 gene SNPs (ATP-1: rs78371901); the strongest negative correlations were found at one of NFXL1 gene SNPs (NFX-6: rs1440228); and the least correlations with language gene SNPs were observed at four geography/society factors: aash (Annual average rainfall), fore (Forest coverage), pden (Population density of the country) and rway (Runway traffic mode).
Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction assay for the detection of COVID-19 from clinical samples in low-and middle-income countries: Protocol
Authors: Babafemi Emmanuel Oladipo
Published: October 2021

Background: COVID-19 has spread globally since its discovery in Hubei province, China in December 2019 and became pandemic in 2020. COVID-19 is a new betacoronavirus and a variant of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARA- CoV-2). Rapid, accurate and reliable diagnosis of COVID-19 will prevent the spread and allow for appropriate management. The main objective of this systematic review is to identify, appraise and summarise the published evidence on the diagnostic performance and effectiveness of SARS-CoV-2 virus in the diagnosis of current or previous COVID-19 using real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay in low-and middle-income countries (LMICs). Methods: We will search MEDLINE/PubMed, EMBASE, BIOSIS, LILACS, Cochrane Infectious Diseases Group Specialised Register (CIDG SR), Global Health, and CINAHL for published studies for the diagnosis of COVID-19 using real-time polymerase chain reaction assay in LMICs There will be no restriction regarding the language, date of publication, and publication status. We will include retrospective, cross-sectional and cohort observational studies will be included in the review. Selection of studies, data extraction and management, assessment of risk of bias, and quality of evidence will be performed by two independent reviewers (EB and BC). A third researcher (GM) will be consulted in case of discrepancies. Depending on the availability and quality of the data, a meta-analysis will be performed. Otherwise, findings will be qualitatively reported. Discussion: To our knowledge, this is the first systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the uptake of RT-PCR assay for SARS-CoV-2 detection from clinical samples in human in LMICs. This review will make available evidence on the uptake, accuracy, approach, and interpretation of results of this assay in the context of COVID-19 diagnosis which will meet an urgent need, considering the diagnostic challenges of RT-PCR assay for COVID-19 diagnosis in humans. Systematic review registration: PROSPERO CRD42021271894
The prognostic value and immune microenvironment association of androgen receptor in HER2 positive early breast invasive ductal carcinoma
Authors: Zhou Danyang
Published: October 2021

BackgroundThe prognosis of HER2+ early breast cancer is heterogeneous. AR, as an indicator of prognosis and treatment, is uncertain in HER2+ subtypes. We aimed to investigate the prognostic value of AR and the relationship between AR expression and immune microenvironment in HER2+ early breast invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC).MethodsHER2+ early breast IDC patients diagnosed by pathology who underwent surgery at Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center from 2016 to 2017 were the main population. All patients included performed AR test and their clinicopathological data were collected. The disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were evaluated by the Kaplan–Meier method and Cox proportional hazards model. AR+ and AR- breast IDCs were matched 1:1 according to age, T stage and N stage for immune infiltration analysis.ResultsA total of 554 patients with HER2+ early breast cancer were included in this retrospective study, regardless of HR status. Taking 10% as the cutoff values of AR, 81.6% of patients were AR positive and 18.4% were AR negative. ER+ (P<0.001) and PR+ (P<0.001) had significant relations with the positive expression of AR. Kaplan-Meier survival curves analysis suggested that AR had close links with OS (P=0.001), not DFS (P=0.051). Eliminating the potential impact caused by HR, AR also predicted a longer OS (P=0.014) and AR was an independent impact factor for OS by multivariate analysis (P=0.036) in HER2+HR- early breast IDC patients. In AR+ and AR- matched HER2+HR- patients, TILs (P=0.043) and PD-L1 (P=0.027) is significantly low in AR+ patients. The strongest negative correlation was observed between AR and PD-L1 (Pearson’s r =-0.299, P=0.001). AR+ seemed to trend a favorable clinical survival in HER2+HR- IDCs with low TILs or positive PD-L1.ConclusionsAR+ were markedly related to the better OS in HER2+HR- early breast cancer, while the negative correlation was observed between AR and PD-L1/TILs. We provided new insights for the prognostic value and immune microenvironment association of AR to optimize treatment strategies in HER2+ early breast IDCs.
Synthesis and study of the extraction properties ofnew phosphorus-containing extractants of heavy metals
Authors: Bishimbayeva G K. , Nalibayeva A. M. , Saidullayeva S. A. , Zhanabaeva A. K. , Bold A. , Abdikalykov Y. N.
Published: October 2021

Abstract: The metallurgical industry is one of the cornerstones of contemporary chemical science and industry and it is developing rapidly in many countries. The widespread introduction of metal extraction, concentration and separation as the most productive methods entails the need to search for and create new effective metal extractants. Among the compounds, suitable for use as extractants, the most widespread are organic phosphites and phosphates, which allow performing extraction processes with good selectivity and efficiency. The purposes of this article include finalizing the optimal synthesis conditions and developing larger batches of 4,5-dimethyl-2-(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)-1,3,2-dioxaphospholane and 5,5-dimethyl-2-(2,2,3,3,4,4,5,5- octafluoropentoxy)-1,3,2-dioxaphosphorinane, and study of the extraction properties of the obtained phosphorus- containing heterocyclic compounds in the separation of uranium from the commercial desorbate. The synthesis of new representatives of the indicated polyfluoroalkylated five- and six-membered heterocyclic phosphorus compounds was conducted using the interaction of 2-chloro-1,3,2-dioxaphospholane with trifluoroethanol and the substitution–cyclization reaction of polyfluoroalkylated dichlorophosphite with 2,2-dimethyl- 1,3-propanediol. Reactions easily proceed in triethylamine–hexane or pyridine–diethyl ether systems at temperatures ranging between minus ten to room temperature, with the output of target heterocycles of 53–57%. The studies of extraction properties of synthesized poly-fluorinealkylated dioxaphospholane and dioxaphosphorinane show that the use of these phosphorus-containing heterocyclic compounds as extractants allows extracting a technically valuable metal up to 12.4 and 15.2%, respectively. Nitric and sulfuric acid solutions of commercial desorbate of hydrometallurgical production in Kazakhstan were used as feedstock in the extraction process.
Dynamics of macronutrients during short-term germination of flax seeds
Authors: Minevich I. E. , Nechiporenko A. P. , Goncharova A. A. , Sitnikova V. E.
Published: October 2021

Abstract: Germination is an environmentally friendly and convenient approach to enhancing the biochemical potential of food plant raw materials. The nutritional value of raw materials and the functional properties of protein contained therein can be significantly improved by activatying the inherent enzyme system. Bioactivation not only increases the amount of water-soluble protein fractions, but also promotes accumulation of free amino and fatty acids and easily soluble reducing sugars. We used flax seeds as a source of essential polyunsaturated fatty acids, dietary fibres, complete protein, polypeptides and lignans to support the most important physiological functions of the human body. The aim was to study the dynamics of macronutrients in the process of short-term germination of flax seeds by chemical and spectroscopic methods. Flax seeds were germinated in laboratory conditions in special trays at a temperature of 18–20 ºС for 5 days with periodic moistening. Visual changes occurring in flax seeds at all stages of short-term germination are demonstrated. The periodicity of changes in the main macronutrients of flax seeds is shown. It is concluded that, during the studied period of germination, the principal hydrolytic decomposition of seed storage proteins was incomplete, leading to a permanent decrease, first of all, in the content of proteins and protein nitrogen. Based on the changes in the lipid content and acid number, the intensity of the peaks associated with functional groups in the lipid region, in particular, the band at 1748 cm-1 assigned to stretching vibrations of C=Ogroups of fatty acids, no degradation of storage lipids at an early stage of germination was assumed. The accumulation of soluble substances during the studied germination period is demonstrated, including watersoluble protein compounds, as well as water-soluble polysaccharides and products of their hydrolytic degradation. Sprouted flax seeds are a valuable ingredient for producing healthy foods.
Synthesis and study of oligohexamethyleneguanidine hydroiodide as a radiopaque substance
Authors: Ochirov O. S. , Stelmakh S. A. , Grigor’eva M. N. , Okladnikova V. O. , Mognonov D. M.
Published: October 2021

Abstract: Diagnosis of complex injuries, such as splinter fractures and wounds, skull injuries accompanied by internal injuries that are inaccessible to visual control, presents the greatest difficulties during X-ray examination. Therefore, it is relevant to develop a drug that can help localize the site of a pathological lesion with high accuracy, relying only on the results of an X-ray study, which is possible when a reference point (substance) is applied to the patient’s skin. A radiopaque contrast compound based on an iodinated polymeric matrix with iodine as the contrasting component and polyguanidine as the carrier has been proposed to be used as a reference point substance. The choice of this class of polymers stemmed from the fact that a positive charge is localized to a greater extent on the carbon atom of the guanidine group, which allows loading iodine anions into it. Protonation of pure guanidine with hydroiodic acid has helped obtain guanidine hydroiodide. This finding was confirmed by IR spectroscopy methods (a decrease in the intensity of bands in the region of 1,380, 880 cm−1 in comparison with guanidine, as well as broadening of the band of stretching vibrations of amino groups characteristic of guanidine salts) and X-ray phase analysis. Polyhexamethylene guanidine hydroiodide was synthesized based on hexamethylenediamine and iodine-containing guanidine salt using melt polycondensation. The results show that the aqueous solutions of samples under study absorb X-radiation and are the X-ray-positive substances (exposure radiation dosage E = 0.04 mSV).
Antibiotics in the environment: status and problems
Authors: Timofeeva S. S. , Gudilova O. S.
Published: October 2021

Scientists all over the world are working on the problem of pollution of environmental objects with antibiotics, which entails serious consequences for human health. The aim of the study is to review domestic and foreign literature data on the distribution of antibiotics in environmental objects and the sources of their formation. A negative impact on humans was noted due to the uncontrolled intake of antibiotics into the environment. In the world, even before the outbreak of the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, there was an extremely serious problem in the form of antibiotic resistance of microorganisms. The analysis showed that there are many sources of antibiotics entering the environment: they are widely used not only in medicine, but also in veterinary medicine and agriculture. It is concluded that modern technologies for the ecological rehabilitation of contaminated areas and a change in legislation are needed to change the situation towards improving safety.
A Proposal to Facilitate Mandatory Bridge Load Tests with Artificial Neural Network Analyses Using a Digital Data Aggregation Platform
Authors: OWERKO Piotr , KAŁUŻA Jerzy , WAZOWSKI Marek
Published: October 2021

The paper presents an innovative concept of digital aggregation of data related to mandatory in-situ load tests of bridge structures. The proposed approach allows to manage various types of information regarding those experiments, in a way which is consistent with current good practises in BIM technology and digitalisation of construction industry. The proposed web platform will allow for vast improvements in decision-making process regarding admission of a given bridge for service, in proper analyses and even predictions of bridges mechanical response. Initial architecture of the system is introduced along with an appropriate literature review and the identification of key actors and their roles in the described information management process. To highlight the potential of the solution, two examples are shown. In both cases key advantages of digital aggregation are emphasised: the possibility to learn from previous analogical in-situ experiments, and the possibility to utilise modern machine learning algorithms and state-of-the-art open-source solutions.
Implementation to Industry and Municipal Sector the Compact Trickle Bed Bioreactors Technology to Odor and Vocs Removal
Authors: PARZENTNA-GABOR Anita , BARBUSIŃSKI Krzysztof , KASPERCZYK Damian
Published: October 2021

Biotrickling filters are one of the most effective methods of air bio-purification, this bioremediation process if of high efficiency in pollution reduction. It is an eco-friendly process and economically viable. The technology of biotrickling filters includes Compact Trickle Bed Bioreactors (CTBB), which are currently used in an increasingly wide range. The aim of this work will be an objective assessment of the implementation potential of the CTBB technology to various industries, including the municipal sector. The paper briefly discusses the characteristics and operating parameters of biotrickling filters, a review of their applications as an effective method of VOC and odor removal including sources of their emissions, as well as the characteristics of CTBB and implementation possibilities to various industries. It was concluded that CTBB are promising solution for the future, as it combines the high degradation efficiency of a wide range of pollutants with cost-effectiveness and ecology. According to the analyzed data and results, this technology can be successfully used to remove VOCs and odors from various industries.
Deep Learning in Product Manufacturing Record System
Authors: Wang Wenjing , Zhao Li
Published: October 2021

Deep learning based data analysis techniques are investigated in the context of product production record systems, using CNN, STACK LSTM, GRU, INCEPTION, ConvLSTM and CasualLSTM techniques to design network models and to study the processing of temporal data. Three network models are proposed for the problem of predicting the pass rate of upcoming product inspection records, namely CNN-STACK LSTM, INCEPTION-GRU and INCEPTION-Casual LSTM, and the structure of each network model follows the learning of local-global features. The experimental results show that the INCEPTION-GRU network model works best among the three models. Based on the prediction results, it is possible to correct in advance the operation of the shop technicians who do not regulate the debugging of the product, so that the initial production efficiency of the product can be improved.
Design and Analysis of a Robotic Arm for a Commercial Flight Simulator
Authors: Haifa El-Sadi , Connolly John
Published: October 2021

This study is an elementary design and analysis of a novel flight simulator design. The simulator is positioned at the end of a large 5-axis robotic arm. The robot was designed in three configurations for different implementations, the principal application being a Boeing 747 simulator. The main purpose of this design is to give pilots an accurate experience with a wide range of motion up to 2g of acceleration.

This paper describes the design objectives and the methodology to accomplish the goals. It includes preliminary designs and detailed CAD models. To validate the safety of the design, stress analysis was conducted under gravity loading and maximum dynamic loading.
RACISMO ESTRUTURAL E A VIOLÊNCIA CONTRA A JUVENTUDE NEGRA NO BRASIL
Authors: De Freitas e Souza Maciana , Vieira de Souza Junior Francisco
Published: October 2021

Este estudo propõe-se, refletir sobre o racismo estrutural e a questão da violência contra a juventude negra no Brasil.  Para tanto, além de proceder à revisão da literatura, estamos ancorados nos dados organizados pelo Fórum Brasileiro de Segurança. Diante disso, nota-se a atuação do Estado na manutenção do racismo como também na efetivação dos mecanismos de controle social.
RESTRIÇÃO À LIBERDADE NO ÂMBITO CRIMINAL
Authors: Ferreira Pinto Fernando Wallace
Published: October 2021

Este trabalho tem o escopo de analisar os limites de intervenção na liberdade individual em face da aplicação dos institutos jurídicos da prisão preventiva e prisão após segunda instância. A problemática de tais medidas jurídicas é atual, sobretudo tendo em vista os casos de cerceamento da liberdade dos ex-presidentes da República Federativa do Brasil: Michel Temer e Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. A Constituição da República Federativa do Brasil de 1988 engendrou relevo na proteção aos direitos fundamentais, com o direito de liberdade positivado de modo analítico, assegurando a todos o direito de liberdade e permitindo, apenas excepcionalmente, sua supressão antes da condenação definitiva. Em tais circunstâncias, surge a imperiosa necessidade de uma abordagem dogmática em torno do direito de liberdade e seus limites diante de sua flexibilização pelo Estado, utilizando-se, para tanto, de uma metodologia hipotético indutiva, com abordagens concretas e considerações em torno de tais institutos.
A CRIMINOLOGIA MIDIÁTICA COMO UM ARAUTO DA GUERRA ÀS DROGAS
Authors: De Sousa Alcântara Filipe
Published: October 2021

O presente artigo investiga a criminologia produzida pelos telejornais brasileiros, a chamada Criminologia Midiática, com enfoque nas discussões em torno do tráfico de drogas, delineando o conteúdo e a forma do discurso apresentado pelo programa Brasil Urgente, transmitido pela Rede Bandeirantes de Televisão. As edições do programa foram escolhidas de maneira aleatória entre os meses de setembro de 2017 e janeiro e março de 2018, para abarcar o máximo de variedade. Para o recorte específico foram escolhidas as matérias referentes a supostos delitos de tráfico de drogas, artigo 33 da Lei nº 11.343 de 2006. Dessa forma, foi possível perceber a formação de um contexto de “guerra”, a partir construção da figura de inimigo acerca do traficante de drogas, signo este construído a partir dos ditos e não ditos no programa Brasil Urgente, de maneira a violar garantias fundamentais, como a presunção de inocência, espetacularizando o processo penal.