bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Studying of Energy and Environmental Characteristics of Municipal Solid Waste From Shymkent City Polygon
Authors: Abilmagzhanov Arlan , Ivanov Nikolay , Kholkin Oleg , Adelbayev Iskander
Published: September 2022

Purpose
Study of solid household waste in large cities of Kazakhstan with the determination of the possibility of creating solid fuels based on them for heat and electricity generation. The article presents the results of studies of the morphological composition, physical and chemical parameters and the energetical potential of municipal solid waste (MSW) from the garbage landfill of the city of Shymkent.
Methods
For research, 10 samples were taken from the landfill of the city of Shymkent, which were sorted to extract the combustible fraction from each sample. Subsequently, the combustible fraction of each sample was subjected to averaging and grinding to compile point samples. Water extracts for microbiological studies were taken from three samples containing food waste.
Results
The volume-mass parameters of the samples were determined; the average density was 145.4 kg/m3. The morphological composition of the merged sample is as follows: food waste 11.07%, paper and cardboard 6.67%, polymers 30.23%, glass 2.27%, ferrous metals 6.42%, non-ferrous metals 2.52%, textiles 17.01%, wood 0.12%, hazardous waste 0.2%, leather, bones, rubber 8.8%, municipal waste residue after removal of all other components 14.66%. The humidity of the combustible fraction of samples varies from 0.3% to 2.3%. The average humidity is 1.51%.
The average ash content of the combustible fraction of the samples was determined, its value ranges from 5.9% to 33.3%, the average value is 18.4%. The yield of volatile substances was determined, the average value per the dry state was 78.7%. The gross calorific value was determined and the net calorific value was calculated, the average value of which is 24.15 MJ/kg.
The content of macro-elements in solid residues after ashing was determined. O, Na, Mg, Al, Si, P, K, Ca, Mn, Fe were found in the samples. A high content of Si, Ca, and Al was found: 3.6%, 2.0%, and 1.2% in terms of the mass of the combustible fraction, respectively.
Conclusion
10 spot and combined samples of municipal solid waste from the landfill of the city of Shymkent were studied. Physical and chemical characteristics were determined and it was found, that the average density of MSW is at the level of values, ​​typical for developed countries. Parameters of humidity, ash content of volatile substances and net calorific value are at the world average level. A microbiological study showed that bacterial microflora predominated in the samples of water extracts.
Peri-operative use of ketamine infusion versus dexmedetomidine infusion for analgesia in obese patients undergoing bariatric surgery: A double-blinded three-armed randomized controlled trial
Authors: Khalil Belal , Elderh Maha , Khaja Mohamed , Ewees Bahaa , El-shaer Ahmed , Taeimah Mohamed
Published: September 2022

Background: The development of different techniques in bariatric surgeries has required the development of novel anesthetic techniques to reduce the incidence of complications and improve post-operative patient outcomes. Ketamine and dexmedetomidine have been used for their peri-operative analgesic profiles in different studies.
Methods: Ninety patients were studied and randomized equally into three groups. The Ketamine group received a bolus dose (0.3 mg/kg) of ketamine over 10 min followed by an infusion (0.3 mg/kg/h). The Dexmedetomidine group received a bolus dose (0.5 mcg/kg) of dexmedetomidine over 10 min followed by an infusion (0.5 mcg/kg/h). The control group received normal saline infusion. The total morphine dose was the primary outcome ,and intra-operative fentanyl requirements, time to extubation, post-operative nausea and vomiting (PONV), Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) scores, and Modified Observer’s Agitation/Sedation Scale (MOASS) scores were secondary outcomes of the study.
Results: The Dexmedetomidine group showed decreased intra-operative fentanyl requirements (160.000 ± 42.345 µcg), less time to extubation (3.700 ± 0.925 min), and better scores on MOASS than the other groups. Post-operative NRS scores and the morphine requirement in the Ketamine group (1.867 ± 2.921 mg) were lower than in the other groups. The Dexmedetomidine group showed the lowest scores for PONV.
Conclusions: The Dexmedetomidine group showed lower total fentanyl doses, a significantly shorter time to extubation, better MOASS scores, and lower PONV. The Ketamine group showed significantly lower NRS scores and morphine doses than the other two groups. Dexmedetomidine was effective on the reduction of intraoperative fentanyl requirement with early extubation, and ketamine was effective on the reduction of postoperative pain.
Trial Registration: this trail has been registered on clinicaltrials.gov registry (NCT04576975) since 06/10/2020
Outcomes of using INTRABEAM mobile intraoperative radiotherapy system to treat locally advanced pancreatic cancer: case series and literature review
Authors: Du Bingqing , Li Hang , Deng Wujian , Liang Huihong , Song Xiaodong , Yang Xuewei , Han Menling , Huang Zejun , Shao Zili , Jiang Xiaofeng
Published: September 2022

BACKGROUND
Intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT) has been used to control local tumor progression and release cancer pain in locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC).
AIM
To evaluate the feasibility, safety,and effectiveness of the application of the INTRABEAM system for LAPC patients.
METHODS
From 2017 to 2020, all patients with LAPC underwent IORT with an INTRABEAM system and surgical resection at The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University. Patient data included perioperative management,pathologic analysis, postoperative adjuvant therapy, and follow-up.
RESULTS
A total of 10 LAPC patients who underwent IORT were identified from 2017 to 2020. All patients had no metastasis but had a vascular invasion.Among them, 9 patients (9/ 10,90.0%) had artery invaded, and 1( 1/ 10, 10.0%) patient had vein invaded.Among 10 patients who underwent surgery, 2 (2/ 10,20.0%) faced Grade B pancreatic fistula (CD II) and 3(3/ 10,30.0%) faced surgical incision infection (CD I).Severe complications (CD III-IV) and death up to 30 days were not found. Only 2 (2/ 10,20%) patients accepted postoperative adjuvant therapy; one received chemotherapy due to local recurrence, and the other received radiofrequency ablation due to liver metastasis. The median follow-up time was 16.0 months (range, 5.0–20.0 months).Kaplan–Meier analysis indicated that the 1-year survival and cumulative PFS rates were70% and 40%.The median survival time was 15 months(95% CI: 10.3– 19.6months).
CONCLUSION
INTRABEAM system was safe, personalized, and effective for treating patients with LAPC in IORT.
Determinants of the number of children born in Ethiopia, evidenced from 2019 miniEDHS: Using zero-truncated count regression models
Authors: Worku Getahun , Tadesse Getachew , Arega Amsalu , Tesfaw Dejen
Published: September 2022

Background

In many countries, deferring first births and increasing the interval between births has played an important role in lowering fertility rates. Any country's fertility rate is a key demographic indicator, and it has always been important to closely monitor changes in the pattern of births to determine how many children are being conceived. Any country's fertility rate is a key demographic indicator, and it has always been important to closely monitor changes in the pattern of births to determine how many children are being conceived. The primary goal of this study is to apply zero-truncated regression models to estimate the number of children ever born per mother in Ethiopia from the MiniDHS 2019.

Mothods

The data collection was carried out by the Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI) in collaboration with the Central Statistical Agency (CSA) and the Federal Ministry of Health. Zero truncated count regression models were used to identify the determinant of the number of children ever born from Ethiopian mothers.

Results

The response variable (children ever born) has a range of 1–15. There were 5,753 observations in this study, with the mean and standard deviation of the response variable being 4.04 and 2.48, respectively. According to AIC and BIC model selection criteria and over-dispersed parameter in zero-truncated negative binomial assured the appropriateness of zero-truncated Poisson regression model for this dataset.

Conclusion

The number of children ever born increases with the age group of mothers, but it decreases as mothers' education levels rise. Similarly, region, religion, wealth index, residence area, number of living children, the number of births in the last five years, age at first birth all had a significant impact on the number of children ever born.
Characteristics of Category Natural Deduction for Language Propositional Logic System (CCND) for (LPLS)
Authors: Al-Odhari Adel Mohammed
Published: September 2022

In this paper, we introduce the third system which is called category of natural deduction (CND) for propositional logic system (LPLS), it's essential different in its form and ways form truth -table and truth-tree for (LPLS), even its pick out (or select) the same symbolic language like that used in system of truth-table and truth- tree for (LPLS). Anyway, with regarding to truth -table and truth-tree for (LPLS) ,there is a terminology which is called algorithm due to mathematician Muhammed ibn Musa al-khwarizmi (780–850), from meaning of algorithm, that is there are some mechanical procedures, that we commit to it leading us to right judgment relative to arguments. In this paper we make a new presentation method for (CND) for (LPLS)), the principle of system of natural deduction is based on Garhard Gentzen, how investigated and published his work in 1934 and 1935 about it. In this article, we represent natural deduction as a category natural deduction for language propositional logic system and study characteristics of arguments in (CND) and investigates valid and invalid arguments, types of formulas and relations between formulas and inconsistence sets.
Social media use among the least influential factors in adolescent mental health: Results from a panel network analysis
Authors: Panayiotou Margarita , Black Louise , Carmichael-Murphy Parise , Qualter Pamela , Humphrey Neil
Published: September 2022

There is growing concern about the role of social media use in the documented increase of adolescent mental health difficulties. However, the current evidence remains complex and inconclusive. While increasing research on this area of work has allowed for significant progress, the impact of social media use within the complex systems of adolescent mental health and development is yet to be examined. The current study addresses this conceptual and methodological oversight by applying a panel network analysis to explore the role of social media on the interacting systems of mental health, wellbeing, and social life of 12,041 UK adolescents. We find that across time, social media is one of the least influential factors of adolescent mental health with other factors (e.g. bullying, lack of family support) deserving greater attention. Our findings suggest that the current depiction of social media use as the culprit of adolescent mental health difficulties is unwarranted and highlight the need for social policy initiatives that focus on the home and school environment to foster resilience.
Natural regeneration of drylands and associated pathways to human health outcomes: perspectives from rural households
Authors: Murage Peninah , Asenga Ayoub , Tarimo Angelina , Njung'e Tabby , Zaan Thijs van der , Chiwanga Faraja
Published: September 2022

Land degradation and climate change are intertwined global challenges, their implications on human health is driven by unsustainable use of natural resources which results to loss of vital ecosystem services. Although exploitation of natural resources has benefited human-wellbeing, it has also resulted to catastrophic degradation of landscapes, acutely affecting populations living in the most fragile ecosystems. Landscape restoration is widely advocated to reverse degradation, however, implementation has outpaced research on impact, particularly with regards to human-health outcomes. This study documents perspectives of rural communities living in dryland and demonstrates a novel application of ecosystem services framework to conceptualise the pathways to health. The analysis of group discussions show how Farmer Managed Natural Regeneration (FMNR) can reverse decades of land degradation with cascading benefits on climate change resilience and multiple health outcomes linked to heat adaptation, sustained food and nutritional security, improved air and water quality, income diversification and gender equality.
Spatial and temporal variations in b-value of earthquake magnitude–frequency distributions and crustal stress in north part of the Zagros region
Authors: Mousavian Samira , Mostafazadeh mehrdad
Published: September 2022

In this paper, high-resolution map of the Gutenberg–Richter b-value and differential stress field and stress drop are provided for the north part of the Zagros region. This region is important because more than 10 earthquakes with magnitude greater than 6 occurred in this region in the past. In order to understand tectonic stress pattern of the region, the catalogue of seismicity between 1900 and 2020 was used (most of the events that could be used in this region) in order to explore the spatial and temporal variations of the b-value, which corresponds to the slope of the frequency-magnitude distribution of the earthquakes. We estimate the differential crustal stress from the b-value using a relationship published by Scholz (GeophytsRes Lett 42:1399–1402, 2015) and focused on estimating b-value first in the whole north of Zagros belt and then in 3 sub regions. For entire north of Zagros and sub regions, the average content of Mc is 4.0 (Based on Kijko-Sellevoll (Bull Seism Soc Am 79(3):645–654, 1989)) and content of b-value in this regions is around 1.03 to 1.12 and the b-value is gradually have lower value, from west to the East of Zagros. In all earlier studies, b-value was estimated for the entire of the Zagros but in this study, we estimated the b-value based on tectonic units of the region. In temporal variation of b-value, one minimum in the diagram of b-value in MFF region can be seen exactly before 12 Nov. 2017Ezgeleh earthquake (Mw=7.3) and another minimum in diagram is related to the 18 August 2014 Mormori earthquake (Mw=6.2). The stress drop was estimated from M0for north part of the Zagros and compared this value in time period before and after Ezgele earthquake. The stress drop value before and after Ezgeleh earthquake, around the epicenter was changed between 0.024–0.03 before earthquake to 0.13–0.261 MPa after the earthquake respectively. Finally we are calculated the differential stress value in time period before and after Ezgele Earthquake, around the epicenter, and it is changed between 300–322 MPa before earthquake to 238–295 MPa after the earthquake respectively. Also it seems that stress transmitted from north part of the Zagros to the central part of it.
A novel in silico Nuss procedure for pectus excavatum patients
Authors: Lim Beop-Yong , Ryu Dongman , I Hoseok , Lee Chiseung
Published: September 2022

The purpose of this study is to suggest a novel in silico Nuss procedure that can predict the results of chest wall deformity correction. 3D geometric and finite element model of the chest wall were built from the 15-year-old male adolescent patient’s CT image with pectus excavatum of the mild deformity. A simulation of anterior translating the metal bar (T) and a simulation of maintaining equilibrium after 180-degree rotation (RE) were performed respectively. A RE simulation using the chest wall finite element model with intercostal muscles (REM) was also performed. Finally, the quantitative results of each in silico Nuss procedure were compared with those of postoperative patient. Furthermore, various mechanical indicators were compared between simulations. This confirmed that the REM simulation results were most similar to the actual patient's results. Through two clinical indicators that can be compared with postoperative patient and mechanical indicators, the authors consider that the REM of silico Nuss procedure proposed in this study is best simulated the actual surgery.
Associations of Bone Mineral Density, Trabecular Bone Score and Hepatic/Pancreatic Iron Overload Evaluated by Quantitative T2* MRI
Authors: Zhang Zaizhu , Hou Bo , Du Guiying , Sun Pengtao , Guan Wenmin , Lin Qiang , Han Bing , Yu Wei
Published: September 2022

Background
Iron-overloaded patients are recognized as presenting an increased risk of osteoporosis. However, studies on the correlation between osteoporosis and organ iron overload are controversial or scarce. The aim of this study is to assess bone mineral density (BMD) and trabecular bone score (TBS) in correlation with hepatic and pancreatic iron overload.
Methods
Forty-one patients diagnosed with hemoglobinopathies, were studied. BMDs of the lumbar spine (LS), femoral neck (FN), and total hip (TH) were analyzed by Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scan. LS bone quality was derived from each spine DXA examination using the TBS analysis. Hepatic and pancreatic iron overload were obtained with a multi-echo gradient echo T2* technique.
Results
Abnormal microarchitecture and abnormal bone mass were observed in 19/41 (46.3%) and 9/41 (22.0%) patients, respectively. For 26 males, BMD, T-score and Z-score of LS were significantly lower among subjects with moderate-severe hepatic iron-overload than their counterparts, as it is between no- and pancreatic iron-overload groups. For 15 females, patients with moderate-severe hepatic iron-overload had significantly lower BMD and T-score of FN and TH, and patients with pancreatic iron-overload had significantly lower BMD, T-score of FN, and lower BMD, T-score and Z-score of TH than their counterparts. Moreover, pancreatic T2*-value was positively correlated with BMD and T-score at all analyzed sites and Z-score at TH.
Conclusion
These data showed lower bone mass in patients with organ iron overload, particularly for LS in males, FN and TH in females. TBS may well represent a complementary tool for the evaluation of bone quality and the risk of fracture in iron-overloaded patients.
An intercultural analysis of the websites and tourist destinations profiles on social networks, from the perspective of digital accessibility and inclusive communication. Case study for Andalusia and Northern Morocco.
Authors: Montero Alexander Aguirre , Sales Lola Hernández Sales Hernández , Idrissi Mohammed Youbi , Sánchez José Antonio López
Published: September 2022

Tourists with disabilities, representing approximately 15% of the world's population, especially need everything planned for their tourist experiences. Therefore, the contents and level of digital accessibility are vital and significantly impact the final decision to travel to one destination. This work aims to analyse the digital accessibility content developed by destinations in Andalusia and Northern Morocco from the perspective of web accessibility and inclusive communication in social media. The method used is multidisciplinary, carrying out a series of analyses through the statistical language R, TAW as an online tool to analyse the website's accessibility and synthesise guidelines for communicating inclusively in social networks. The main results show the scarce involvement of public bodies to communicate inclusively designing content from the universal design perspective. There is no substantial difference between the two regions studied, by identifying that European legislation and national regulatory framework in Andalusia's case do not favour a better level of web accessibility, although this is a mandatory aspect. Furthermore, we have found very few differences in analysing the performance level of destinations under the umbrella of Smart Tourism Destinations when accessibility is fundamental in their conceptualisation. Finally, this research can be identified as state-of-the-art in tourism marketing as a conceptual approach and a starting point for measuring inclusive communication in social networks. Nowadays, accessible tourism is an opportunity to be placed at the centre of recovery plans in the post-Covid 19 eras. Therefore, let us facilitate more inclusive societies, using tourism as a lever to achieve this goal.
Transposable elements derived microRNA expression patterns in TCGA dataset and evolutionary analysis for 10 species
Authors: Lee Chan-Mi , Jin Sang Woo , Jang Byunghyun , Ko Young Kyung , Gim Jeong-An
Published: September 2022

Background
miRNA acts as a disease regulator. An evolutionary approach to disease could discover factors such as diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis prediction. Therefore, the expression level and expression pattern of each cancer type of transposable elements (TEs)-related disease-related miRNAs were identified, and their evolutionary patterns were identified.
Methods
The 34 miRNAs were compared by stage survival, and tumor status in 33 carcinomas of TCGA. The expression levels were compared by t-test, and presented as differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs). For DEMs showing statistically specific expression patterns for a total of three conditions (normal and cancer, early and advanced stage, and survival), interactions with related genes in a total of 10 species including humans were compared. The enrichment term was discovered for the gene-miRNA interaction.
Results
In 18 of the 33 carcinomas, at least one miRNA was retrieved by p < 0.05 and |fold change| > 0.05 conditions. A total of 128 DEMs for 9 miRNAs were presented. Based on the TargetScan database, interactions between miRNAs and genes in a total of 10 species including the human were confirmed. The evolutionarily best conserved miR-130a was observed in all 10 species, whereas miR-151a was observed only in the human. GO terms of related genes were selected for miRNAs commonly found in each species.
Conclusions
Evolutionary analysis of TE-derived disease-associated miRNAs was performed, and the evolutionarily conserved miR-130a-related carcinomas were renal and thyroid cancers. Human and rhesus monkey-specific miR-625 was associated with a variety of carcinomas.
Efficacy of three sputum specimens for the diagnosis of Mycobacterium avium complex pulmonary disease
Authors: Urabe Naohisa , Sakamoto Susumu , Masuoka Marie , Kato Chiaki , Yamaguchi Asuka , Tokita Nozomi , Homma Sakae , Kishi Kazuma
Published: September 2022

Background: In Mycobacterium avium complex pulmonary disease (MAC-PD), diagnosis requires a positive culture from at least two separate expectorated sputum specimens. The optimal number of sputum examinations remains unclear.
Objective: This study sought to elucidate the diagnostic yield of acid-fast bacilli in MAC-PD using 3 sputum specimens and to clarify the clinical characteristics of patients with MAC-PD diagnosed using 3 sputum specimens. Furthermore, we investigated the correlation between increased number of sputum specimens and diagnostic yield.
Methods: We reviewed the medical records of 153 patients with MAC-PD diagnosed at Toho University Omori Medical Center for whom at least three sputum specimens were examined before treatment from November 2014 through June 2021. Patients were classified into the 3-sputum diagnosed and the non-3 sputum diagnosed groups based on diagnostic procedure; clinical and radiological characteristics were compared. We also assessed diagnostic yield with the increased number of sputum specimens.
Results: Diagnostic yield with 3 sputum specimens was 19% (29/153). The 3-sputum diagnosed group had a lower body mass index (18.0±2.3 vs. 19.7±3.0 kg/m2; p=0.002) and higher chest CT score (10.7±4.9 vs. 7.2±4.0; p=0.001) including cavitary lesions (51.7% vs 20.2%; p=0.002) compared with the non-3 sputum diagnosed group. When the number of sputum specimens was increased to 6, the diagnostic yield increased to 26.1% (40/153).
Conclusion: Diagnostic yield with 3 sputum specimens was 19%. Patients diagnosed using 3 sputum specimens had more severe chest CT findings including cavitary lesions. Increasing the number of sputum specimens to 6 improved diagnostic yield by 7.1%.
Surgical Bleeding in Patients Undergoing Posterior Lumbar Inter body Fusion Surgery: A Randomized Clinical Trial Evaluating the Effect of Two Mechanical Ventilation Mode Types
Authors: Hajijafari Mohammad , Ziloochi Mohammad Hossein , Salimian Manoochehr , Fakharian Esmaeil
Published: September 2022

Background The purpose of the study was to compare the effect of using Volume-Controlled Ventilation (VCV) versus Pressure-Controlled Ventilation (PCV) on blood loss in patients undergoing Posterior Lumbar Inter body Fusion (PLIF) surgery. Methods In a randomized, single-blinded, parallel design, 78 patients candidate for PLIF surgery were randomly allocated into two groups of 39 to mechanically ventilated using VCV or PCV mode. All the patients were operated in prone position by one surgeon. Amount of intraoperative surgical bleeding, transfusion requirement, surgeon satisfaction, hemodynamic parameters, heart rate, and blood pressure were measured as outcomes. Results PCV group showed slightly better outcomes than VCV group in terms of mean blood loss (431 cc vs. 465 cc), transfusion requirement (0.40 vs. 0.43 unit), and surgeon satisfaction (82.1% vs. 74.4%); however, the differences were not statistically significant. Diastolic blood pressure 90 and 105 min. after induction were significantly lower in PCV group (P = 0.043 & 0.019 respectively); however, blood pressure in other times, hemoglobin levels, and mean heart rate were similar in two groups. Conclusions In patients undergoing Posterior Lumbar Inter body Fusion surgery, mode of ventilation cannot make significant difference in terms of blood loss; however, some minor benefits in outcomes may lead to the selection of PCV rather than VCV. More studies with larger sample size, and investigating more factors may be needed.
Acute gastroenteritis outbreaks caused by human astrovirus, 1978-2021: a systematic review
Authors: Fu Jiamei , Yu Fan , Li Hanning , Shen Lingyu , Tian Yi , Gao Zhiyong
Published: September 2022

Background: Human astrovirus (HAstV) is one of the main pathogens that causes sporadic cases of acute gastroenteritis, sometimes leading to outbreaks. This study aimed to understand the epidemiological and etiological characteristics of HAstV outbreaks worldwide.
Methods: The literature on HAstV outbreaks published before January 2022 was retrieved from China National Knowledge Infrastructure, WanFang, WeiPu, PubMed, and Web of Science databases and the date, region, population, setting, transmission modes, clinical symptoms, and etiological characteristics of the outbreaks were collected and analyzed.
Results: Twenty-one articles on 21 HAstV outbreaks reported from November 1978 to November 2017 were included. Up to three outbreaks were reported per year, with most having been reported in autumn (8/20, 40.00%). Outbreaks were primarily distributed in the northern hemisphere, with China reporting the most, and mainly occurred in childcare centers/kindergartens (6/21, 28.57%), hospitals (5/21, 23.81%), and schools (4/21, 19.05%). Virus genotypes were identified during 15 outbreaks, and HAstV-1 was the predominant (8/15, 53.33%). Abdominal pain and diarrhea were the most common symptoms.
Conclusions: Although HAstV outbreaks are not frequently reported, it is necessary to consider HAstV of norovirus-negative gastroenteritis outbreaks. In addition, local Centers for Disease Control and Prevention should have the capacity to handle HAstV outbreaks and identify the pathogen.
PROSPERO 2022: CRD42022334636
Systematic benchmarking of bulk and single-cell RNA-seq statistical methods to assess differential expression of circular RNAs
Authors: Buratin Alessia , Bortoluzzi Stefania , Gaffo Enrico
Published: September 2022

Background

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are transcripts with covalently joined 3' and 5' ends. They play critical regulatory roles, are involved in disease and cancer mechanisms, and are promising biomarkers. CircRNA differential abundance in high-throughput sequencing transcriptomics (RNA-seq) studies is commonly analysed using differential expression assessment methods (DEMs) devised for bulk RNA-seq. However, circRNA expression data from RNA-seq have a high proportion of small and zero counts that might hamper commonly used DEMs. Importantly, DEMs' performance has never been evaluated on circRNA data.

Results

We compared 38 DEM pipelines on circRNA expression data, exploring DEMs' parameter configurations conceived for small counts. We also evaluated single-cell RNA-seq (scRNA-seq) and metagenomics DEMs designed to handle sparse data. In general, the DEMs performed poorly on data sets of typical size. Widely used bulk RNA-seq DEMs, such as DESeq2, edgeR, and Limma-Voom, gave scarce results, unreliable predictions, or even contravened the expected behaviour with some parameter configurations. Limma-Voom achieved the most consistent performance throughout different benchmark data and, as well as SAMseq, reasonably balanced false discovery and recall rates. A few scRNA-seq DEMs obtained results comparable to the best performing bulk RNA-seq tools. Almost all DEMs' performance improved when increasing the number of replicates.

Conclusions

CircRNA expression data have particular characteristics distinguished from traditional bulk RNA-seq, requiring careful study design, choice of DEM, and DEM configuration. This study can guide scientists in selecting the appropriate tools for circRNA comparative RNA-seq analyses.
Effect of Breathing Pattern and Posture on Abdominal Muscle Activation and Intra-abdominal Pressure
Authors: Kawabata Masashi , Shima Norihiro
Published: September 2022

We aimed to examine the association between several breathing patterns and postures on abdominal muscle activation and intra-abdominal pressure (IAP). Fourteen healthy men performed four active breathing tasks: quiet nasal breathing (Q-Bre), nasal diaphragmatic breathing (Dia-Bre), completely forced expiration (Forced-Expi), and exertional nasal inhalation with abdominal muscles in isometric contraction (Exertion-Inspi) in the elbow-toe and supine posture. Breathing volume, IAP, and transverse abdominis-internal oblique muscle (TrA-IO) and external oblique muscle (EO) activity were recorded. Abdominal muscle activity and IAP were significantly associated with breathing pattern and postures during the expiratory phase. In the inspiratory phase, TrA-IO activity were significantly associated with breathing pattern and EO activity with posture. TrA-IO activity significantly increased in Forced-Expi in the supine posture (47.6% of the maximum voluntary contraction) and Exertion-Inspi in the elbow-toe posture (35.7%), while no differences were found for Dia-Bre or Q-Bre (<20%). EO activity increased in the elbow-toe posture (22.5–30.6%) compared with that in the supine posture (<5%) for all breathing tasks. IAP values were low for all tasks (<15%) except Forced-Expi (24.9%). Breathing pattern, including posture, is a crucial element for determining abdominal muscle activity in exercise instruction.
The validity and reliability of a Direct Observation of Procedural Skills assessment tool: assessing knee joint mobilization skills of physical therapy students both on-site and off-site
Authors: Hou Yu-Jen , Liu Wen-Yu , Hsieh Ming-Ju , Lien Hen-Yu , Wang Tzyy-Jiuan , Cheng Chih-Hsiu , Yau Sze-Yuen , Lin Yang-Hua
Published: September 2022

Background: There is a need to validate the reliability and validity of Direct Observation of Procedural Skills (DOPS) of knee joint mobilization for providing immediate feedback on the procedure. Additionally, it is crucial to examine whether the tools developed for on-site use can be applied off-site to prepare for future practice. The purpose of this study is to describe the implementation and clinimetric properties of a DOPS for knee joint mobilization evaluation (DOPSknee) on-site and off-site and to determine the pre-clinical competencies of physical therapy (PT) students at school.
Methods: After the DOPSknee had been developed, 42 pre-clinical students from a single PT program were videotaped performing knee joint mobilization. Their performance was assessed in the standard manner by two clinical instructors using the DOPSknee. Assessments were conducted on-site and then off-site using the recorded videos after a time gap ranging from 1.5 months to 4.5 months.
Results: The DOPSknee demonstrated a good level of on-site inter-rater reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] = 0.78). It had a poor level of off-site inter-rater reliability (ICC = 0.37) and a poor to good level of intra-rater reliability between on-site and off-site evaluations (evaluator 1: ICC = 0.42; evaluator 2: ICC = 0.88). However, the DOPSknee was shown to have good reliability average measures between the on-site and off-site evaluations (average on-site vs. average off-site: ICC = 0.84). Average total DOPSknee scores were significantly correlated with the average global rating scores on-site and off-site (r= 0.47 and 0.75) and in cross-over conditions (r = 0.54 and 0.71). The cut-off score for the DOPSkneewas determined to be 14 points, and the construct validity analysis of both on-site and off-site evaluations from the average DOPSknee total scores demonstrated that the average global rating scores of the students who passed were significantly higher (p< 0.05).
Conclusions: The clinimetric properties of the DOPSknee protocol revealed generally good results for on-site validity and reliability in assessing student performance and a need to be interpreted and applied with care off-site. The average measures may help improve the results from the two evaluators.
Multicenter Cohort Study on Duration of Antiarrhythmic Medication for Supraventricular Tachycardia in Infants
Authors: Mecklin Minna , Linnanmäki Anniina , Hiippala Anita , Leino Topias , Arola Anita , Leskinen Markku , Ruotsalainen Hanna , Happonen Juha-Matti , Poutanen Tuija
Published: September 2022

Purpose
Antiarrhythmic medication (AM) is commonly used to prevent supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) recurrence in infants. Our aim was to determine whether a shorter duration of AM is sufficient to prevent atrioventricular reentrant tachycardia (AVRT) recurrence and evaluate risk factors for recurrence of SVT after discontinued AM.
Methods
This multicenter cohort study included all infants diagnosed with SVT in the five university hospitals in Finland between 2005 and 2017. Those diagnosed between 2005 and 2012 received AM for 12 months (Group 1), and those diagnosed between 2013 and 2017 received AM for six months (Group 2).
Results
A total of 278 infants presented with AVRT (Group 1, n = 181; Group 2, n = 97), and the median AM duration was 366 days (interquartile range [IQR] 345–407) and 212 days (IQR 181–310), respectively. Propranolol was the most frequently used first-line AM (92% and 95%). Recurrence-free survival rates were over 88% until 12 months after AM prophylaxis in both groups, without any statistically significant difference between them. Independent risk factors for recurrence of SVT after discontinuation of AM were need of combination AM (HR 2.2, 95% CI 1.14–4.20), Wolff-Parkinson White (WPW) syndrome (HR 2.4, 95% CI 1.25–4.59) and age older than one month at admission (HR 2.2, 95% CI 1.12–4.48).
Conclusions
Shortening AM duration in infants from 12 to six months does not lead to more frequent SVT recurrence. The risk factors for recurrence of SVT were WPW syndrome, need of combination AM and age older than one months.
m6A regulator-mediated methylation modification patterns and immune microenvironment infiltration characterization in osteoarthritis
Authors: Hu Shidong , Shen Chen , Yao Xudong , Zou Yulong , Wang Ting , Sun Xianding , Nie Mao
Published: September 2022

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common disease in orthopedics. RNA N6-methyladenosine (m6A) exerts an essential effect in a variety of biological processes in the eukaryotes. In this study, we determined the effect of m6A regulators in the OA along with performing the subtype classification. Differential analysis of OA and normal samples in the database of Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) identified 9 significantly differentially expressed m6A regulators. These regulators were monitored by a random forest algorithm so as to evaluate the risk of developing OA disease. On the basis of these 9 moderators, a nomogram was established. The results of decision curve analysis (DCA) suggested that the patients could benefit from a nomogram model. The OA sample was classified as 2 m6A models through a consensus clustering algorithm in accordance with these 9 regulators. These 2 m6A patterns were then assessed with principal component analysis (PCA). We also determined the m6A scores for the 2 m6A patterns and their correlation with immune infiltration. The results indicated that type A had a higher m6A score than type B. Thus, we suggest that the m6A pattern may provide a new approach for diagnose and provide novel ideas for molecular targeted therapy of OA.
Association of pars defect type with clinical outcome after smiley face rod methods for terminal-stage spondylolysis
Authors: Okuwaki Shun , Tatsumura Masaki , Gamada Hisanori , Asai Reo , Nagashima Katsuya , Takeuchi Yosuke , Funayama Toru , Yamazaki Masashi
Published: September 2022

Background
The smiley face rod method is an effective treatment for symptomatic terminal-stage spondylolysis. However, the risk factors for treatment failure are unknown. We investigated the association of pars defect type with the treatment outcomes of this method.
Methods
We retrospectively examined data from 34 patients (18.0 ± 6.7 years) with terminal-stage spondylolysis who underwent surgery using the smiley face rod method. The mean follow-up period was 44.9 ± 21.4 months. The patients were divided into 2 groups: pars defect without bone atrophy or sclerosis (group A; 18 patients), and with bone atrophy and sclerosis (group B; 16 patients). The visual analog scale (VAS) score for back pain, bone union rate, and time to return to preinjury level athletics were evaluated and compared between the groups. Fisher’s exact test and a paired t test were used when comparing the groups. VAS score between the groups were analyzed using a 2-factor repeated-measures analysis of variance.
Results
Within groups there were significant differences over time for VAS score (p < 0.001). No significant differences were observed between groups for VAS scores. Group A was significantly higher bone union rate per pars at 6 months (65.7% and 37.5%, p = 0.028) and 24 months after surgery (97.1% and 75.0%, p = 0.011). All patients returned to their respective sports, and no significant differences were observed with time to return to preinjury level athletics between the groups (p = 0.055).
Conclusion
These results suggested that the defect of pars sclerosis is associated with bone nonunion, but has little effect on postoperative symptoms.
Investigation of theoretical hydroelectric potential with GIS-based model in Buyuk Menderes Basin, Turkey
Authors: KOÇ Cengiz , BAYAZIT Yıldırım , ÖZGÜL Selami Yurdan
Published: September 2022

Hydroelectric power plants, which are a renewable energy source, have a significant role to play in the fight against climate change and global warming. For this reason, it is of great importance for a country to use its domestic resources in the most efficient and effective way. Using a GIS-based model method, locations having theoretical hydroelectric energy potential were identified in the Buyuk Menderes basin, one of Turkey's largest basins. According to the installed power potential on the examined basin, 33 sites below 10 MW, 57 sites between 10 and 50 MW, 4 sites between 50 and 100 MW, and 1 site over 100 MW were found as a consequence of the study. At the same time, the reliability of the results was debated after they were compared to the installed power of two important hydroelectric power facilities in the basin. The analysis found that the installed power of Adıgüzel and Kemer HEPPs in the relevant site, which had 62 MW and 48 MW installed power, respectively, was 80 MW and 69 MW. The calculations assume that the turbine is 100% efficient. However, when considering a turbine efficiency of 70%-80%, the findings are close to the true values. While the theoretical hydroelectric energy potential in the whole basin is 886.55 MW at 70% turbine efficiency, the installed power in the basin is currently 302.02 MW. According to these results, only 34.07% of the total hydro potential in the basin is used today.
Trends in the Relationship Between Suicide Behaviors and Obesity Among Adolescents in the United States from 1999-2019
Authors: Iwatate Eriko , Atem Folefac D. , Jones Eric C. , Hughes Jennifer L. , Yokoo Takeshi , Messiah Sarah E.
Published: September 2022

Background
Previous studies indicate obesity is a risk factor of suicide behaviors among adolescents. Whether this association has remained consistent during the ongoing obesity epidemic remains unknown.
Method
The time trends of the obesity-suicide association were examined using the 1999–2019 biannual Youth Risk Behavior Survey data (n = 161,606). Prevalence odds ratio of suicide behaviors among obese adolescents (vs. non-obese) for each survey year and time trends using National Cancer Institute joinpoint regression analysis were calculated.
Results
For each year post-baseline, there was a significant increase of prevalence odds ratio of 1.4 (1.2–1.6)-1.6(1.3-2.0) for ideation, 1.3(1.1–1.7)-1.7(1.4-2.0) for plan, and 1.3(1.0-1.7)-1.9(1.5–2.4) for an attempt, except for the 2013 survey for the attempt (1.19 [0.9–1.6]). Significant positive trends were found during 1999–2019 for ideation and plan, with biannual %-changes of + 0.92% and + 1.22%, respectively.
Conclusion
Obese adolescents have consistently higher odds of engaging in suicide behaviors than their non-obese peers since the beginning of the national obesity epidemic, and that this association grew stronger as the obesity epidemic continued
Melamine sponge skeleton loaded organic conductors for mechanical sensors with high sensitivity and high resolution
Authors: Yufeng Wu , Jianbo Wu , Yan Lin , Junchen Liu , Xiaolong Pan , Xian He , Ke Bi , Ming Lei
Published: September 2022

In recent years, due to the development of flexible electronics, flexible sensors have been widely concerned and applied in intelligent robots, brain-computer interfaces and wearable electronic devices. We propose a low-cost and high-efficiency sensor component preparation method. The sensor Tetrathiafulvalene-Tetracyanoquinodimethane/ melamine sponge (TTMS) takes a melamine sponge as a flexible substrate and metallizes the sponge with the organic conducting molecule Tetrathiafulvalene-Tetracyanoquinodimethane (TTF-TCNQ) to construct a conductive pathway with chemical stability. We use a physical load approach to ensure the advantages of low cost and efficient manufacturing. TTMS has good mechanical stability and can withstand 8000 compressions. 1000 cycles of cyclic voltammetry scanning proved that it also had good electrical stability. TTMS can distinguish pressure changes of 100 Pa and respond quickly to pressure application and release. These TTMS can be assembled to form an array of sensors that can distinguish the position and intensity of pressure. Therefore, the excellent performance of the sensor is expected to promote the commercial application of the piezoresistive sensor.
Optimization of a breath analysis methodology to potentially diagnose transplanted kidney rejection
Authors: De Vietro Nicoletta , Aresta Antonella Maria , Picciariello Arcangelo , Altomare Donato Francesco , Digilio Alessia , Palmisani Jolanda , De Gennaro Gianluigi , Zambonin Carlo
Published: September 2022

Chronic kidney disease may result in end stage renal disorder and increased mortality rate. Up to date, kidney transplantation represents the only definitive treatment to restore normal life expectancy. Nevertheless, there is a high risk of organ rejection in the short-medium term after surgery. This paper proposes a new ReCIVA®-GC-MS technology to potentially predict the rejection of the transplanted kidney during the first year after surgery by analyzing human breath. Twenty VOCs, recognized by literature as targets or as representative of the major classes of molecules essential to the identification of chronic kidney disease affected patients and/or healthy subjects, were selected and employed for this methodology optimization. The breath profile of healthy subjects was considered as target in case of restored kidney function after transplantation. Calibration curves, linearity concentration range, limit of detection and quantification of selected molecules were estimated as well as the intra-day and inter-day reproducibility of the method. To test the applicability of the GC-MS developed methodology, the breath of healthy subjects and chronic kidney disease affected patients was ReCIVA® sampled, and then analyzed. Sixty-seven molecules were identified, and between these, thirteen of twenty selected compounds were quantified, confirming the robustness of the optimized protocol.
Distribution of Toxic Metals concentration among High-Rate Food crops in Iran: A probabilistic Risk Assessment
Authors: Ghalhari Mohammad Rezvani , Fahiminia Mohammad , Alimohammadi Mahmood , Rahimi Nayereh Rezaei , Azhdarpoor Abooalfazl , Koochakzadeh Zeynab , Fouladi-Fard Reza
Published: September 2022

Ingestion has been as an important pathway which can increase the intake of various chemical pollutants such as toxic heavy metals (HMs) into body; vegetables and high-rate food crops can contain high HMs concentration based on their irrigation water source. However, vegetable consumption can reduce the incidence of various diseases and disabilities. This study aimed to measure the concentration of HMs in the crops, and evaluation the carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks. In the present study, 30 crop samples were collected from popular Qom market, then the HMs concentrations were determined by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The results showed that the mean concentration of Pb, Cu, Zn, As, and Cd were 21.1 ± 7.14, 156.44 ± 129.02, 288.46 ± 114.59, 31.51 ± 16.95, and 26.96 ± 23.01 µg/kg in crops samples, respectively. Also results shown that the rank order of HMs concentration of HI was As > Zn > Cd > Cu > Pb and for ELCR was Cd > As > Pb among children and adults. The 95th percentile of calculated hazard index (HI) of Pb, Cu, Zn, As, and Cd among children and adults were 2.84 and 1.88, respectively (target HI > 1.0). Therefore, continuous consumption of crops can cause adverse health effects in children and adults. Also, the 95th percentile of calculated ELCR of Pb, As, and Cd among children and adults were 5.93E-06 and 1.84E-05, respectively, because of the ELCR value in this group is in the WHO target, so, before either taking action or designing low priority, further investigation was required.