bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role of Water in the Stability of Oxyhemoglobin
Authors: Horne R. A.
Published: October 2021

Electron exchange involving the valence states of iron occurs via water bridges. Molecular oxygen reversibly displaces the sole coordinated water of the ferrous iron in hemoglobin, and, in the absence of this ready path for electron transfer, the oxygen is transported without oxidation of the ferrous iron of hemoglobin.
Taxonomic "Descriptions"
Authors: Shenefelt R. D.
Published: October 2021

Original descriptions of organisms are often difficult to visualize, due to the fact that authors attempt to include the variability of the species in the description. Since the scientific name remains associated permanently with the holotype, it is suggested that the description of the holotype (which is a concrete thing) be segregated from the characterization of the species (which is conceptual).
X-ray Dosimetry and Contact Microradiography with Color Film
Authors: Clark George L. , Uznanski Rita M.
Published: October 2021

The effect of x-rays at various voltages and intensities, with monochromatic and polychromatic beams, on Ektachrome daylight and artificial-light film was investigated. The colors were rated according to the Munsell color system and ranged over all the spectrum except red. The color in terms of hue, value, saturation, and chroma was a function of wavelength as well as intensity, and thus the method may be useful in dosimetry as well as in radiography. Microradiographs of metals and wood were remarkable in showing detail not obtainable with conventional black-and-white photographic emulsions.
Tartaric Acid Metabolism of
Neurospora crassa
Authors: Bowne S. W. , Srb Adrian M.
Published: October 2021

The growth of wild type
Neurospora crassa
is stimulated by various organic acids including tartaric, tartronic, and mesoxalic acids. Evidence is presented that this organism converts
d
- or
l
-tartaric acid to tartronic and mesoxalic acid, probably by fixation of CO
2
.
Monoamine Oxidase, Psychoenergizers, and Tranquilizers
Authors: Feldstein Aaron , Hoagland Hudson , Freeman Harry
Published: October 2021

1-Benzyl-2-methyl-5-methoxytryptamine (BAS) inhibits monoamine oxidase in man. This finding confirms the findings of Woolley in mice. Since BAS, a tranquilizing agent, and Marsilid, a psychoenergizer, are both monoamine oxidase inhibitors, doubt is cast upon the hypothesis, that the stimulatory effect of Marsilid is due to its ability to inhibit monoamine oxidase.
Acrylamide Gel as a Supporting Medium for Zone Electrophoresis
Authors: Raymond Samuel , Weintraub Lewis
Published: October 2021

Acrylamide polymerized in buffer solutions forms a stable, flexible, transparent gel which is useful in zone electrophoresis.
A Nomenclature for Conformations of Pyranoid Sugars and Derivatives
Authors: Isbell Horace S. , Tipson R. Stuart
Published: October 2021

A system is presented for designating, with symbols, all chair and boat conformations of all pyranoid sugars and derivatives. For chairs, these symbols are
CA
and
CE
: for boats:

B
1
A

,

B
1
E

,

B
2
A

,

B
2
E

,

B
3
A

, and

B
3
E

. Symbols
A
and
E
describe an axial or equatorial "glycosidic" group of the α-anomers (D and L series).
Parasitic Relationship between Two Culturally Isolated and Unrelated Lichen Components
Authors: Ahmadjian Vernon , Henriksson Elisabet
Published: October 2021

The presence of numerous haustoria, with accompanying death of the algal cells, was noted in a mixed culture of the fungal symbiont (mycobiont) of
Collema tenax
(Sw.) Ach., em. Degel. and
Trebouxia impressa
Ahm., the algal partner (phycobiont) of
Physcia stellaris
(L.) Nyl. The parasitic action was noted even on media which would optimally sustain the independent growth of the individual symbionts.
Horizontal Diffusion
Authors: Olson F. C. W. , Ichiye Takashi
Published: October 2021

The neighbor diffusivity for pairs of diffused particles is determined from observations on drifts of various kinds of materials such as drift bottles in many parts of the ocean and a lake. Its values are expressed as the 4/3 power of separation of particles over a range from 10 to 10
8
cm.
New Permian Insects Discovered in Kansas and Oklahoma
Authors: Tasch Paul , Zimmerman James R.
Published: October 2021

The Midco insect bed of Oklahoma and a newly discovered insect bed above this were traced across Kay County, Okla., into Sumner County, Kan. As a result, a greater time span is available for study of insect evolution during the mid-continent Permian, and the exact stratigraphic correlation of the Wellington of Oklahoma and Kansas can now be demonstrated. Four insect orders have thus far been identified from the new insect bed: Protodonata, Odonata, Protoperlaria, and Ephemeroptera. Numerous new species and higher categories are included in the collections from the two insect beds.
Age of Marginal Wisconsin Drift at Corry, Northwestern Pennsylvania
Authors: Droste John B. , Rubin Meyer , White George W.
Published: October 2021

Marl began to accumulate about 14,000 years ago, as determined by radiocarbon dating, in a pond in a kettle hole in Kent drift at Corry, Pa., 9 miles inside the Wisconsin drift margin. This radiocarbon age represents the minimum time since the disappearance of the ice from Corry and confirms an assignment of Cary age to the drift.
Neural and Hypophyseal Colloid Deposition in the Collared Lemming
Authors: Quay W. B.
Published: October 2021

Feral and captive lemmings from Churchill, Manitoba, are subject to a unique pathological process in which a colloidal material is deposited in bloodvessel walls at scattered points through the central nervous system. Destruction of nervous tissue at these foci is progressive, and colloidal masses in the vascular lumina of the hypothalamus appear to become fixed in the capillaries of the hypophyseal anterior lobe. Inflammatory reactions are never associated with the lesions, and the latter are larger and more numerous in older animals in warmer environments.
Mammalian Liver β-Glucuronidase for Hydrolysis of Steroidal Conjugates
Authors: Smith J. Darrel , Bongiovanni Alfred M.
Published: October 2021

Although the rate of hydrolysis by mammalian β-glucuronidase appears to be inhibited by methylene chloride or carbon tetrachloride with the standard technique (phenolphthalein glucuronide as a substrate), the release of steroidal conjugates under conditions generally employed does not appear to be affected.
Colors of All Hues from Binocular Mixing of Two Colors
Authors: Geschwind Norman , Segal John R.
Published: October 2021

Land has recently studied the perception of colors resulting from appropriate mixtures of two colors or of one color and light from an incandescent lamp. In an "image situation," colors of all hues may result from such mixtures. The findings presented demonstrate that the mixing which Land accomplished by superimposing two projected images on a screen can be achieved when the two color separation images are presented simultaneously but separately to the two eyes.
Locomotor Activity of Land Crabs during the Premolt Period
Authors: Bliss Dorothy E.
Published: October 2021

When maintained in darkness, premolt specimens of
Gecarcinus lateralis
, with or without eyestalks, show variations in level of activity according to six distinct stages. Furthermore, in darkness the rhythmic pattern of premolt crabs with eyestalks resembles that of eyestalkless premolt crabs, the intervals between principal bursts of activity being generally shorter than in nonpremolt crabs.
Effect of 3-Amino-1,2,4-Triazole on the Synthesis of Riboflavin
Authors: Sund Kenneth A. , Little Henry N.
Published: October 2021

The production of riboflavin by
Eremothecium ashbyii
is appreciably reduced by 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole at concentrations of inhibitor which do not inhibit growth. Corn and pea leaf tissues which are albinistic as a consequence of treatment with this compound have a greatly lowered riboflavin content.
Poliovirus Inhibitor from the Central Nervous System of the Rhesus Monkey
Authors: Low Richard J. , Baron Samuel
Published: October 2021

Suspensions from the central nervous system of rhesus monkeys inhibited the infection of monkey kidney cell cultures by types 1, 2, and 3 poliovirus, whereas inhibition of Coxsackie A9 and ECHO 12 viruses could not be readily demonstrated. Failure of suspensions of tissues of the central nervous system to irreversibly neutralize poliovirus indicated that the inhibition was not directed against the virus but affected viral multiplication by altering the host cells.
Use of Cytoplasmic Male Sterility in Making Interspecific Crosses in Allium
Authors: Davis Elmo W.
Published: October 2021

Cytoplasmic male-sterile plants of
Allium cepa
were used in making interspecific crosses with
A. fistulosum
. Some inbred lines of
A. cepa
produce more seed than others. Other
Allium
species could also be used as the pollen parent.
Acid-Catalyzed Oxidation of Reduced Pyridine Nucleotides
Authors: Fels I. Gordon
Published: October 2021

Reduced pyridine nucleotides are oxidatively catalyzed in weakly acidic solutions. The rate is proportional to the acidity, and at constant acidic pH, the reaction follows first-order kinetics. The rate of oxidation of reduced triphosphopyridine nucleotide is approximately 3 times that of reduced diphosphopyridine nucleotide. The reaction offers a very plausible explanation for the metabolic efficiency of the malignant tumor cell. It may also play a key role in wound healing and muscle contraction.
Identification of a Cyanogenetic Growth-Inhibiting Substance in Extracts from Peach Flower Buds
Authors: Jones M. B. , Enzie J. V.
Published: October 2021

A cyanogenetic substance capable of completely inhibiting growth of pea sections has been isolated from dormant peach flower buds. This substance was identified as mandelonitrile (
dl
-benzaldehyde cyanohydrin) by infrared spectographic analysis and paper chromatography.
Constitution and Smoking
Authors: Damon Albert
Published: October 2021

Among 167 adult male factory workers of Neapolitan parentage but of American birth or upbringing, the lean men smoked significantly more than the fat ones. Smoking was positively correlated with serum cholesterol but was not associated with morphological masculinity, blood pressure, diet, or consumption of alcohol.
Simultaneous Appearance of Free Arginine and Deoxyribosidic Compounds during Mitosis
Authors: Nasatir Maimon , Bryan Ashley M. , Rake Adrian
Published: October 2021

Sequential measurements were made of the free amino-acid pool in the premitotic region of microspores of
Lilium longiflorum.
The basic amino acid arginine appears in the pool and then disappears. Arginine appears at the same developmental stage at which it has been reported that the free deoxynucleosides appear.
On the Site of Action of Amethopterin
Authors: Condit Paul T.
Published: October 2021

In the liver of the intact mouse, the conversion of exogenous folic acid to compounds with citrovorum-factor activity is inhibited completely by an amount of amethopterin similar to that bound to the enzyme folic acid reductase in vitro. Because this amount of amethopterin is several thousand times smaller than the LD
50
, the toxic effects produced by the larger doses must be mediated via some additional mechanism.
Preference for Clear versus Distorted Viewing in the Chimpanzee
Authors: Menzel Emil W. , Davenport Richard K.
Published: October 2021

Young chimpanzees preferred to look through a clear window rather than through a window that produced a distorted image of viewed objects. Performance did not appear to be affected by familiarity with the viewing stimulus.
In vitro Culture of
Pyrodinium
Authors: McLaughlin John J.A. , Zahl Paul A.
Published: October 2021

Water from Puerto Rico's Phosphorescent Bay, when enriched with vitamin B
12
, thiamine, biotin, yeast autolysate, and bay-mud acid hydrolysate, has been found to support vigorous in vitro growth of the luminescent dinoflagellate
Pyrodinium bahamense.
Cultures of
Pyrodinium
are being maintained through serial passage.
New Source of the
j
2
Gene Governing Jointless Pedicel in Tomato
Authors: Reynard George B.
Published: October 2021

A multiple-flowered, jointless pedicel, single plant appeared in the tomato variety 146 in 1958. The gene governing the jointless pedicel character was found to be identical with the
j
2
gene found in a tomato strain from the Galapagos Islands. The character is considered to be a mutant and of potential value in the development of mechanically harvestable tomatoes.
Evaluating Reflux and Drainage in Foam Fractionations
Authors: Rogers L. B. , Olver John W.
Published: October 2021

Extreme care must be exercised in assigning an observed increase in enrichment to the beneficial effects of reflux or drainage, particularly in a single-solute system. The use of a system containing two or more solutes is recommended.
Blood Group Studies with Turtles
Authors: Frair Wayne
Published: October 2021

Groups and individuals of diverse species of turtles have been distinguished by selective agglutinations of their washed red blood cells when undiluted normal serums or plant extracts are used as agglutinins. During these studies, production of hemagglutinins and precipitins has been induced in turtles and certain other poikilotherms.
Punishment and Shock Intensity
Authors: Appel James B.
Published: October 2021

The degree of suppression of on-going, food-motivated behavior induced by punishing electric shock was exponentially related to the intensity of the aversive stimulus. No evidence for recovery from these effects during punishment sessions was observed.
Falciparum Malaria: Transmission to the Gibbon by
Anopheles balabacensis
Authors: Gould Douglas J. , Cadigan Francis C. , Ward Ronald A.
Published: October 2021

The splenectomized gibbon (
Hylobates lar
) is susceptible to sporozoite-induced infection by sporozoites of
Plasmodium falciparum
. Two gibbons inoculated with sporozoites of
P. falciparum
from
Anopheles balabacensis
fed on humans with falciparum malaria developed parasitemia 48 and 46 days after infection.
Marine Dolomite of Unusual Isotopic Composition
Authors: Russell K. L. , Deffeyes K. S. , Fowler G. A. , Lloyd R. M.
Published: October 2021

A piston core taken off of the coast of Oregon in 358 meters of water contained an indurated calcareous layer composed partly of dolomite with a composition Ca
58.7
Mg
41.3
. Dolomites of this chemical composition are typical of the supratidal environment. However, the dolomite has isotopic composition δO
18
= 5.8 per mille, δC
13
= -35.1 per mille relative to the Chicago PDB-I standard. The unusual carbon isotope ratio is similar to that of calcites produced as a byproduct of bacterial breakdown of hydrocarbons.
Lysergic Acid Diethylamide- and Mescaline-Induced Attenuation of the Effect of Punishment in the Rat
Authors: Schoenfeld Ronald I.
Published: October 2021

At a dose as low as 1 microgram per kilogram of body weight, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) significantly decreased the suppressive effect of electric shock on licking behavior of the rat. Attenuation of punishment was also obtained with mescaline, but neither dimethyltryptamine nor Δ
9
-tetrahydrocannabinol was active in this test. Cyproheptadine and α-propyldopacetamide, drugs that interfere with the function of neurons that contain serotonin, have a behavioral effect similar to that of LSD and mescaline, which suggests that the attenuation of punishment produced by these hallucinogens may result from decreased activity of such neurons.
Japan: Feeling the Strains of an Aging Population
Authors: Oshima Sumiko
Published: October 2021

With its well-developed pension and health care systems, as well as a strong filial tradition, Japan would seem to be well placed in caring for its steadily increasing elderly population. But that filial tradition is breaking down, propelled by other demographic changes, such as children moving away to seek jobs and more women working outside the home. And social services, including nursing homes and home care providers, are already incapable of filling the gap.
Anesthesia and Respiration
Authors: Haas A. R. C.
Published: October 2021

When
Laminaria
is exposed to the action of anesthetics (in sufficient concentration to produce any result) there is an increase in respiration. This may be followed by a decrease if the reagent is sufficiently toxic. No decrease is observed with low concentrations which are not toxic.

These facts contradict the theory of Verworn that anesthesia is a kind of asphyxia, for his view is based upon the assumption that anesthetics decrease respiration.
Respiration of Insects
Authors: Mackay D. A.
Published: October 2021

These experiments would seem to prove that no special spiracles are used for inhaling and others used for exhaling, but rather that all are alike in this respect, as the abdomen expands air is taken in and as the body contracts the gases are exhaled.
On the Velocity of Sound
Authors: Wold P. I. , Stibitz Geo. R.
Published: October 2021

In an article entitled as above and published on page 381 of SCIENCE for October 21, 1927, an error was made in the value of a constant in the last line of the article. This line should read V = 331.4 (1- 4.45 × 10
-3
/d n
.53
) meters/sec
Sexual dimorphism in the parasitic snailNanobalcis worsfoldi: a histological and morphometric approach with insights for the family Eulimidae
Authors: Sales Licia , Queiroz Vinicius
Published: October 2021

Sexual dimorphism has long been stressed as a remarkable characteristic of Eulimidae snails. This idea is so common for this family that, even without information on the soft parts, some species were already identified as male or female, as observed in Nanobalcis worsfoldi Warén, 1990. Here, we investigated whether larger and smaller individuals of N. worsfoldi are female and male, respectively, and what are the most useful characteristics to differentiate the sexes. We analyzed shell morphology and morphometry, along with coloration of the soft parts of large and small individuals, and crosschecked our findings through histological analysis. Our results confirmed that (i) larger and smaller individuals are females and males, respectively; (ii) shell morphology is not useful, while morphometry is important to address sexual dimorphism; (iii) since shell length and width showed the most remarkable differences, they are considered the best parameters to predict the sex. Furthermore, conchological characteristics associated with histological analysis suggest that this species could be the first non-sessile eulimid known as a sequential hermaphrodite (protandric) with environmental sex determination, but this remains to be confirmed. Considering that most studies on eulimids are based on shells, the morphometric parameters used here may support future ecological/biological analyses in the family, such as parasitological prevalence, or parasitic burden related to sex.
On the Neural Backdoor of Federated Generative Models in Edge Computing
Authors: Wang Derui , Wen Sheng , Jolfaei Alireza , Haghighi Mohammad Sayad , Nepal Surya , Xiang Yang
Published: October 2021

Edge computing, as a relatively recent evolution of cloud computing architecture, is the newest way for enterprises to distribute computational power and lower repetitive referrals to central authorities. In the edge computing environment, Generative Models (GMs) have been found to be valuable and useful in machine learning tasks such as data augmentation and data pre-processing. Federated learning and distributed learning refer to training machine learning models in the edge computing network. However, federated learning and distributed learning also bring additional risks to GMs since all peers in the network have access to the model under training. In this article, we study the vulnerabilities of federated GMs to data-poisoning-based backdoor attacks via gradient uploading. We additionally enhance the attack to reduce the required poisonous data samples and cope with dynamic network environments. Last but not least, the attacks are formally proven to be stealthy and effective toward federated GMs. According to the experiments, neural backdoors can be successfully embedded by including merely

5\%

poisonous samples in the local training dataset of an attacker.
Privacy-Preserving Distributed Multi-Task Learning against Inference Attack in Cloud Computing
Authors: Ma Xindi , Ma Jianfeng , Kumari Saru , Wei Fushan , Shojafar Mohammad , Alazab Mamoun
Published: October 2021

Because of the powerful computing and storage capability in cloud computing, machine learning as a service (MLaaS) has recently been valued by the organizations for machine learning training over some related representative datasets. When these datasets are collected from different organizations and have different distributions, multi-task learning (MTL) is usually used to improve the generalization performance by scheduling the related training tasks into the virtual machines in MLaaS and transferring the related knowledge between those tasks. However, because of concerns about privacy breaches (e.g., property inference attack and model inverse attack), organizations cannot directly outsource their training data to MLaaS or share their extracted knowledge in plaintext, especially the organizations in sensitive domains. In this article, we propose a novel privacy-preserving mechanism for distributed MTL, namely NOInfer, to allow several task nodes to train the model locally and transfer their shared knowledge privately. Specifically, we construct a single-server architecture to achieve the private MTL, which protects task nodes’ local data even if

n-1

out of

n

nodes colluded. Then, a new protocol for the Alternating Direction Method of Multipliers (ADMM) is designed to perform the privacy-preserving model training, which resists the inference attack through the intermediate results and ensures that the training efficiency is independent of the number of training samples. When releasing the trained model, we also design a differentially private model releasing mechanism to resist the membership inference attack. Furthermore, we analyze the privacy preservation and efficiency of NOInfer in theory. Finally, we evaluate our NOInfer over two testing datasets and evaluation results demonstrate that NOInfer efficiently and effectively achieves the distributed MTL.
Tractability Frontier of Data Complexity in Team Semantics
Authors: Durand Arnaud , Kontinen Juha , De Rugy-Altherre Nicolas , Väänänen Jouko
Published: October 2021

We study the data complexity of model checking for logics with team semantics. We focus on dependence, inclusion, and independence logic formulas under both strict and lax team semantics. Our results delineate a clear tractability/intractability frontiers in data complexity of both quantifier-free and quantified formulas for each of the logics. For inclusion logic under the lax semantics, we reduce the model-checking problem to the satisfiability problem of so-called
dual-Horn
Boolean formulas. Via this reduction, we give an alternative proof for the known result that the data complexity of inclusion logic is in PTIME.
ALDH2/SIRT1 Contributes to Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes‐Induced Retinopathy through Depressing Oxidative Stress
Authors: He Mengshan , Long Pan , Chen Tao , Li Kaifeng , Wei Dongyu , Zhang Yufei , Wang Wenjun , Hu Yonghe , Ding Yi , Wen Aidong
Published: October 2021

Clinical observations found vision‐threatening diabetic retinopathy (DR) occurs in both type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients, but T1DM may perform more progressive retinal abnormalities at the same diabetic duration with or without clinical retinopathy. In the present study, T1DM and T2DM patients without manifestations of DR were included in our preliminary clinical retrospective observation study to investigate the differentiated retinal function at the preclinical stage. Then, T1DM and T2DM rat models with 12‐week diabetic duration were constructed to explore the potential mechanism of the discrepancy in retinal disorders. Our data demonstrated T1DM patients presented a poor retinal function, a higher allele frequency for ALDH2GA/AA, and a depressed aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) activity and silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1) level, compared to T2DM individuals. In line with this, higher amplitudes of neurovascular function‐related waves of electroretinograms were found in T2DM rats. Furthermore, the retinal outer nuclear layers were reduced in T1DM rats. The levels of retinal oxidative stress biomarkers including total reactive oxygen species, NADPH oxidase 4 and mitochondrial DNA damage, and inflammatory indicators covering inducible/endothelial nitric acid synthase ratio, interleukin‐1, and interleukin‐6 were obviously elevated. Notably, the level of retinal ALDH2 and SIRT1 in T1DM rats was significantly diminished, while the expression of neovascularization factors was dramatically enhanced compared to T2DM. Together, our data indicated that the ALDH2/SIRT1 deficiency resulted in prominent oxidative stress and was in association with DR progression. Moreover, a differentiating ALDH2/SIRT1 expression may be responsible for the dissimilar severity of DR pathological processes in chronic inflammatory‐related T1DM and T2DM.
Microhardness and Fluoride Release of Glass Ionomer Cement Modified with a Novel Al+3 Complex to Enhance Its Antimicrobial Activity
Authors: El-Safty Samy M. , El-Wakiel Nadia , El-Oleimy Gehan , Gaber Mohamed , El-Sayed Yusif S.
Published: October 2021

Objectives. To synthesize and characterize a novel Al+3 complex with 2-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-1H-benzimidazole (HL) to be added to a restorative glass ionomer cement (GIC) to enhance its antimicrobial activities and to evaluate the Vickers microhardness (HV) and fluoride release (FR) of the modified GIC. Materials and Methods. Al+3 complex was synthesized by the addition of 1 mmol (0.210 g) of HL to 1 mmol (0.342 g) of aluminum sulfate in ethanol. The resulting solution was then refluxed under stirring for 24 h and then collected by filtration and dried in a vacuum desiccator over an anhydrous CaCl2. Characterization of Al+3 complex was carried out by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), elemental microanalysis, thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), molar conductance, 1H NMR spectra, and electron impact-mass spectrometry. The antimicrobial activity of Al+3 complex-modified GIC (Al-GIC) was studied by the “cut plug method” against Gram-negative bacteria (Acinetobacter baumannii) and Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus, and Streptococcus mutants) and fungi (Candida albicans). HV was evaluated by a digital microhardness tester (Zwick/Roell, Indentec, ZHVμ-S, West Midlands, England). Fluoride levels in ppm were obtained using the ion-selective electrode connected to a digital meter. A one-way ANOVA and Bonferroni test were used to analyze the data with the significance level established at

p
≤
0.05

. Results. Synthesis of Al+3 complex was confirmed by FTIR, elemental microanalysis TGA, molar conductance, 1H NMR spectra, and electron impact-mass spectrometry. Al-GICs exhibited an enhanced antibacterial activity against all studied microorganisms as confirmed by the growth of inhibition zones compared to control GIC (C-GIC). Though there was a slight reduction in HV and FR with increasing the added percent of Al+3 complex, no significant differences were found between the studied groups. Conclusions. Addition of Al+3 complex to GIC powder enhanced the antimicrobial activity of GIC materials. As there was a negligible insignificant reduction in HV and FR upon the addition of Al+3 complex, Al-GICs can be used with a guaranteed degree of clinical success.
Circulating microRNAs and Molecular Oxidative Stress in Older Adults with Neuroprogression Disorders
Authors: Al-Rawaf Hadeel A. , Alghadir Ahmad H. , Gabr Sami A.
Published: October 2021

Background. circulating microRNAs are potential blood biomarkers differentially expressed in many diseases including neuro depression disorders. It controls the expression of human genes and associated cellular and physiological processes in normal and diseased cells. We aimed to evaluate the potential role of circulating miRNAs and their association with both stress hormones and cellular oxidative stress in neuro depression disorders occurred among older adults. Methods. a total of 70 healthy subjects were included in this study. Based upon the profile of mood states (POMS-32 score), the participants classified into two groups; healthy subjects (n =30) and depression (n =40). The expression of microRNAs; miR-124, miR-34a-5p, miR-135, and miR-451-a and their correlation with cellular oxidative stress parameters; cellular NO, genes of SOD2, CAT and iNOS, and hormones; cortisol and serotonin were estimated by a quantitative real-time RT-PCR, high-performance liquid chromatography, and ELISA Immunoassay techniques, respectively. Results. depression was reported in 57.14% of the participants. The results showed a significant increase (p =0.01) in the total mood scores, and relative depression domains in older adults with depression compared to healthy controls. The relative expression levels of miR-124, miR-34a-5p significantly increased and the expression levels of miR-135, and miR-451-a significantly decreased in older adults with depression compared to healthy controls. In addition, the levels of cortisol significantly increased and serotonin (5HT) significantly reduced in all participants with depression. Cellular oxidative stress analysis for depressed subjects showed that serum NO levels and the expression of iNO gene significantly increased conversely with a decline in the molecular expression antioxidative genes; SOD2, CAT, respectively. The results showed that cellular oxidative stress parameters correlated positively with depression scores, cortisol, and negatively with cellular serotonin levels. In depressed subjects, the relative expression of microRNAs correlated positively with depression score, NO, iNOS, cortisol, and negatively associated with SOD2, CAT, and serotonin. Conclusion. The combination of cellular oxidative stress and hormonal levels strongly supports a role for circulating miRNAs; miR-124, miR-34a-5p, miR-135, and miR-451-a in the regulation of depression and mood disorders among older adults. The expressed microRNAs with their related association to cellular oxidative stress and adrenal hormones are a step towards understanding the role of these small RNA molecules in the progression of depression among older adults. Thus, cellular miRNAs might have a prognostic role in the diagnosis and as a target for treatment strategies in depressed subjects.
The Contemporary Role of Photodynamic Therapy in the Treatment of Pachychoroid Diseases
Authors: Iu Lawrence P. L. , Chan Ho Yan , Ho Mary , Lai Frank H. P. , Mak Andrew C. Y. , Wong Raymond L. M. , Young Alvin L.
Published: October 2021

Recent advances in retinal imaging technology have improved our understanding in the pathogenesis and evolvement of various chorioretinal diseases. Central serous chorioretinopathy and polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy are now recognized to belong to the same spectrum of disorders known as pachychoroid diseases. Pachychoroid diseases have similar pathogenesis pathway and common characteristics of thickened choroid, dilated outer choroidal vessels, and thinning of choriocapillaris. More disease entities have been identified to belong to this disease spectrum. Photodynamic therapy can induce choroidal hypoperfusion, remodeling of abnormal choroidal vessels, and reduction of choroidal congestion. It is known to be an effective treatment for chronic central serous chorioretinopathy and polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy. Many new studies are being performed to investigate its efficacy in other pachychoroid diseases. In this review, we provided an overview of the rationale, efficacy, and treatment strategies of photodynamic therapy in different pachychoroid diseases and discussed its role in the management along with other treatment modalities with most updated clinical evidence.
Flexural Performance of Emulsified‐Asphalt‐Modified ECC for Expansion Joint Use
Authors: Mao Quan , Zhang Zhigang , Ma Hui
Published: October 2021

The concrete transition zone plays an important role in bridge expansion joint structure, which provides a good connection between the expansion joint installation and bridge decks. However, the premature deteriorations of concrete transition zone are found to be the major diseases of expansion joint during service life. Therefore, a material with high ductility, superior durability, and low modulus/stiffness is highly desired for transition zone. Engineering cementitious composites (ECC), a kind of high‐performance concrete featuring the prominent ductility and durability, are a promising material for transition zone of expansion joint. This paper introduces a specific ECC material for transition zone, which is modified by emulsified asphalt (EA‐ECC), and has the high deformation ability and low modulus/stiffness. The flexural mechanical properties including flexural stress‐load displacement relation, flexural secant stiffness, and elastic modulus of the EA‐ECC’s matrix were investigated experimentally. The microstructures of EA‐ECC were observed via scanning electron microscope (SEM) imaging. Additionally, the influence of test temperature on flexural mechanical properties of EA‐ECC was also investigated. It is found that the ultimate flexural stress of EA‐ECC reduces gradually with increasing EA content. Conversely, the flexural deformation capacity shows an increasing trend with EA content. Additionally, incorporating EA significantly reduces the flexural secant stiffness and elastic modulus of EA‐ECCs. The research results concluded that incorporating EA in ECC can significantly improve the flexural deformation ability accompanied by relatively lower modulus, which is likely to reduce the impact load on transition zone caused by vehicle bumping and prolong the service life of the whole bridge expansion joint structure.
House-Level Risk Factors for Aedes aegypti Infestation in the Urban Center of Castilla la Nueva, Meta State, Colombia
Authors: Vásquez-Trujillo Adolfo , Cardona-Arango Doris , Segura-Cardona Angela M. , Portela-Câmara Daniel C. , Alves-Honório Nildimar , Parra-Henao Gabriel
Published: October 2021

Aedes aegypti is the main vector of the dengue virus in Colombia. Some factors have been associated with its presence; however, in the local context, it has not been sufficiently evaluated. The present study seeks to identify the socioeconomic, environmental, and behavioral factors associated with the presence and abundance of A. aegypti in urban dwellings in the municipality of Castilla la Nueva. A cross-sectional cohort study was conducted in houses in the urban area of the municipality of Castilla la Nueva, where 307 houses were sampled by systematic random sampling during May 2018. A multifactorial survey was used to measure the socioeconomic, environmental, and behavioral factors as explanatory variables. The infestation and relative abundance were established by the presence of larval stages and ovitraps. The associated factors for the presence and abundance of A. aegypti were identified using negative binomial and logistic regression models. A positive housing infestation of 33.2% was identified by direct inspection and 78.5% with ovitraps. The main factors positively associated with the presence and abundance of A. aegypti were one-story homes (PR = 2.26; 95% CI: 1.31–3.87), the storage of water for domestic use (PR = 1.91; 95% CI: 1.18–3.09), and local conditions such as disorganized backyard (PR = 79.95; 95% CI: 10.96–583.24) and the proportion of shade greater than 50% of the backyard (PR = 62.32; 95% CI: 6.47–600.32). And, it is negatively associated with residential gas service (PR = 0.3; 95% CI: 0.16–0.58) and self-administered internal fumigation (PR = 0.37; 95% CI: 0.2–0.69). The presence and abundance of A. aegypti were explained by interrelated socioeconomic, environmental, and behavioral factors where local conditions and habits such as the organization of the patio, knowledge about vector biology, and cleaning containers are identified as main topics for future prevention strategies for the transmission of dengue in the local and national context.
The incidence and mortality of yellow fever in Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Nwaiwu Akuoma U. , Musekiwa Alfred , Tamuzi Jacques L. , Sambala Evanson Z. , Nyasulu Peter S.
Published: October 2021

Background

Understanding the occurrence of yellow fever epidemics is critical for targeted interventions and control efforts to reduce the burden of disease. We assessed data on the yellow fever incidence and mortality rates in Africa.

Methods

We searched the Cochrane Library, SCOPUS, MEDLINE, CINAHL, PubMed, Embase, Africa-wide and Web of science databases from 1 January 1975 to 30th October 2020. Two authors extracted data from included studies independently and conducted a meta-analysis.

Results

Of 840 studies identified, 12 studies were deemed eligible for inclusion. The incidence of yellow fever per 100,000 population ranged from < 1 case in Nigeria, < 3 cases in Uganda, 13 cases in Democratic Republic of the Congo, 27 cases in Kenya, 40 cases in Ethiopia, 46 cases in Gambia, 1267 cases in Senegal, and 10,350 cases in Ghana. Case fatality rate associated with yellow fever outbreaks ranged from 10% in Ghana to 86% in Nigeria. The mortality rate ranged from 0.1/100,000 in Nigeria to 2200/100,000 in Ghana.

Conclusion

The yellow fever incidence rate is quite constant; in contrast, the fatality rates vary widely across African countries over the study period. Standardized demographic health surveys and surveillance as well as accurate diagnostic measures are essential for early recognition, treatment and control.
Bacterial vaginosis and other infections in pregnant women in Senegal
Authors: Bonneton Marion , Huynh Bich-Tram , Seck Abdoulaye , Bercion Raymond , Sarr Fatoumata Diene , Delarocque-Astagneau Elisabeth , Vray Muriel
Published: October 2021

Background

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is associated with a higher risk of preterm delivery and spontaneous abortion. Yet little data on BV prevalence exist for sub-Saharan countries. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of bacterial vaginosis and associated risk factors among pregnant women in Senegal.

Methods

From October 2013 to December 2018, pregnant women in their third trimester were recruited in two primary health centers (one suburban, one rural) in Senegal. Healthcare workers interviewed women and collected a lower vaginal swab and a blood sample. Vaginal flora were classified into four categories using vaginal smear microscopic examination and Gram’s coloration. In our study, BV was defined as vaginal flora with no Lactobacillus spp. Variables associated with BV were analyzed using STATA® through univariate and multivariate analysis.

Results

A total of 457 women provided a vaginal sample for analysis. Overall, BV prevalence was 18.6% (85/457) [95% CI 15.4–22.6]) and was similar in suburban and rural areas (18.9% versus 18.1%, p = 0.843). Multivariate analysis showed that primigravidity was the only factor independently associated with a lower risk of BV (aOR 0.35 [95% CI 0.17–0.72]).

Conclusions

Our study showed significant BV prevalence among pregnant women in Senegal. Although the literature has underscored the potential consequences of BV for obstetric outcomes, data are scarce on BV prevalence in sub-Saharan African countries. Before authorities consider systematic BV screening for pregnant women, a larger study would be useful in documenting prevalence, risk factors and the impact of BV on pregnancy outcomes.
Predicting pathologic response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients with locally advanced breast cancer using multiparametric MRI
Authors: Lu Nannan , Dong Jie , Fang Xin , Wang Lufang , Jia Wei , Zhou Qiong , Wang Lingyu , Wei Jie , Pan Yueyin , Han Xinghua
Published: October 2021

Background

This study aims to observe and analyze the effect of diffusion weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) on the patients with locally advanced breast cancer undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

Methods

Fifty patients (mean age, 48.7 years) with stage II–III breast cancer who underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy and preoperative MRI between 2016 and 2020 were retrospectively evaluated. The associations between preoperative breast MRI findings/clinicopathological features and outcomes of neoadjuvant chemotherapy were assessed.

Results

Clinical stage at baseline (OR: 0.104, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.021–0.516,P = 0.006) and standard apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) change (OR: 9.865, 95% CI 1.024–95.021,P = 0.048) were significant predictive factors of the effects of neoadjuvant chemotherapy. The percentage increase of standard ADC value in pathologic complete response (pCR) group was larger than that in non-pCR group at first time point (P < 0.05). A correlation was observed between the change in standard ADC values and tumor diameter at first follow-up (r: 0.438,P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Our findings support that change in standard ADC values and clinical stage at baseline can predict the effects of neoadjuvant chemotherapy for patients with breast cancer in early stage.
Hepatectomy risk assessment with functional magnetic resonance imaging (HEPARIM)
Authors: Elsharif Mohamed , Roche Matthew , Wilson Daniel , Basak Susmita , Rowe Ian , Vijayanand Dhakshina , Feltbower Richard , Treanor Darren , Roberts Lee , Guthrie Ashley , Prasad Raj , Gilthorpe Mark S. , Attia Magdy , Sourbron Steven
Published: October 2021

Background

Post hepatectomy liver failure (PHLF) remains a significant risk in patients undergoing curative liver resection for cancer, however currently available PHLF risk prediction investigations are not sufficiently accurate.

The Hepatectomy risk assessment with functional magnetic resonance imaging trial (HEPARIM) aims to establish if quantitative MRI biomarkers of liver function & perfusion can be used to more accurately predict PHLF risk and FLR function, measured against indocyanine green (ICG) liver function test.

Methods

HEPARIM is an observational cohort study recruiting patients undergoing liver resection of 2 segments or more, prior to surgery patients will have both Dynamic Gadoxetate-enhanced (DGE) liver MRI and ICG testing.

Day one post op ICG testing is repeated and R15 compared to the Gadoxetate Clearance (GC) of the future liver remnant (FLR-GC) as measure by preoperative DGE- MRI which is the primary outcome, and preoperative ICG R15 compared to GC of whole liver (WL-GC) as a secondary outcome.

Data will be collected from medical records, biochemistry, pathology and radiology reports and used in a multi-variate analysis to the value of functional MRI and derive multivariant prediction models for future validation.

Discussion

If successful, this test will potentially provide an efficient means to quantitatively assess FLR function and PHLF risk enabling surgeons to push boundaries of liver surgery further while maintaining safe practice and thereby offering chance of cure to patients who would previously been deemed inoperable. MRI has the added benefit of already being part of the routine diagnostic pathway and as such would have limited additional burden on patients time or cost to health care systems. (Hepatectomy Risk Assessment With Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging - Full Text View -ClinicalTrials.gov, n.d.)

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04705194 - Registered 12th January 2021 – Retrospectively registered
Clinicopathological features and prognostic significance of C5aR in human solid tumors: a Meta-analysis
Authors: Wang Ziran , Yu Wenwei , Qiang Yawen , Ma Fan , Ding Pengsheng , Wang Yangyan
Published: October 2021

Background

C5aR has been extensively studied in recent years as an essential component of the complement system. However, the role of C5aR in tumors has not been sufficiently investigated and summarized. The aim of this meta-analysis was to investigate the prognostic value of C5aR in solid tumors as well as the correlation between C5aR and clinicopathological features.

Methods

Relevant study collection was performed in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, BIOSIS Previews, Cochrane Library until July 10, 2021. Pooled hazard ratios (HRs), odds ratios (ORs), and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. Sensitivity analyses were performed to assess the robustness of this study, while publication bias was tested by Begg’s and Egger’s tests.

Results

A total of 11 studies involving 1577 patients were included in the study. Our results suggest that the high-level C5aR expression in tumor tissue predicted unsatisfactory overall survival (OS) (HR = 1.92, 95% CI:1.47–2.50, P < 0.001) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) (HR = 2.19, 95% CI:1.47–3.27, P < 0.001). Besides, a higher level of C5aR expression was associated with larger tumor size (OR = 1.58, 95% CI: 1.18–2.10, P = 0.002) and the occurrence of metastases in lymph nodes (OR = 1.99, 95% CI: 1.46–2.72, P<0.001), whereas it was independent of tumor stage, vascular invasion and tumor differentiation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, C5aR may be a potential biomarker for evaluating tumor prognosis and treatment.
Sonographic and pathological features of metaplastic squamous cell carcinoma of the breast: a case series
Authors: Ye Xiao-Jian , Chen Xiao-Yu , Ke Zhi-Bin , Lin Fei , Wu Yu-Peng , Yan Lei
Published: October 2021

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate the sonographic features and to compare the sonographic findings with the pathologic features.

Methods

The sonographic and pathological features of all patients were retrospectively reviewed.

Results

All these 9 patients presented with a palpable breast mass first found by the patient before presentation. The median diameters were 3.67 cm. On two-dimensional imaging, 8 masses showed mixed echogenicity with both solid and cystic components, and only 1 mass showed hypoechoic. All the masses had irregular shapes. 1 mass had indistinct margin and 8 masses had microlobulated margins. Calcifications was seen in 1 mass. On color Doppler flow imaging, 8 masses had high vascularity with high resistance index; 5 masses had grade III blood flow signal; 3 masses had grade II blood flow signal. On histopathological examination, 5 masses were adenocarcinoma with squamous metaplasia, and 4 masses were pure SCC. On immunohistochemical staining, estrogen receptors (ER), progesterone receptors (PR) and human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER2) were negative in 5 masses. There were 2 patients with lymph node metastasis.

Conclusions

Most of the sonographic features of MSCC were mixed echogenicity with central cystic components, posterior echo enhancement, abundant vascularity with high resistance.