bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of a Standardized Propolis Extract in Non-surgical Periodontal Therapy
Authors: Salvatori Cinzia , Bernardo Marco , Colonna Aristide , Gargari Mario , Galeotti Fabio , Zaccaria Vincenzo , Volpi Nicola
Published: April 2021

Objectives. We determined the polyphenol content in a defined volume of chemically characterized and standardized propolis sample to evaluate its effectiveness in patients with chronic periodontitis.Materials and methods. After having determined the polyphenol content of a given volume of propolis extract and characterized the molecular profile, 150 patients were enrolled, randomly divided into three groups and subjected to three different treatments, Scaling and Root planing (SRP) associated with propolis, SRP with 1% chlorhexidine gel and SRP only. Before the treatments, Full Mouth Plaque Score (FMPS), Pocket Depth at Probing (PPD), Full Mouth Bleeding Score (FMBS), Impaired furcations according to the Hamp Classification, Mobility, Gingival recession and Clinical Attack Level (CAL) were evaluated. Results. A significant reduction of all the studied variables was observed in the three examined groups even if in the group treated with propolis, after 6 weeks, the reduction, and therefore the improvement, was higher than SRP treatment alone and in the presence of 1% chlorhexidine gel. Finally, there were no significant differences in the reduction of PPD and CAL between the groups treated with chlorhexidine and the group treated with SRP alone.Conclusion. Compared to the other two groups, Subjects treated with 10.4 mg propolis showed a significant improvement in all four variables. Clinical relevance. This study shows that propolis could be used as a natural adjuvant in the treatment of periodontal disease.
NRF2-related transcriptomic alterations as a long-term effect of doxorubicin treatment for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Totoń-Żurańska Justyna , Sulicka-Grodzicka Joanna , Seweryn Michal , Pitera Ewelina , Kapusta Przemyslaw , Konieczny Paweł , Drabik Leszek , Kołton-Wróż Maria , Chyrchel Bernadeta , Nowak Ewelina , Surdacki Andrzej , Grodzicki Tomasz , Wołkow Pawel
Published: April 2021

The use of doxorubicin is associated with an increased risk of acute and long-term cardiomyopathy. Despite that the number of cancer survivors is growing constantly, little is known about the transcriptional mechanisms which progress in time leading to severe cardiac outcome. It is also unclear whether long-term transcriptomic alterations are related to an acute response to doxorubicin. We have sequenced miRNA from total plasma and extracellular vesicles (EVs) from 66 acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) survivors treated with doxorubicin and 61 healthy controls (254 samples in total). We identified 94 and 33 TFs regulating differentially expressed miRNA in plasma and EVs compartments, respectively. For total plasma we found: HEY1, NRF2, HIF1A, NOTCH1, and for EVs: TGFB, ZEB1, ASCL2, PELP1, SIP1, TWIST1. Analysis of the data from patients with dilated and idiopathic cardiomyopathy revealed similarities with our data from EVs, especially in the activity of TFs related to epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). To verify if similarities exist between acute and long-term response to doxorubicin, we performed experiments on cultured as well as we studied the role of NRF2, previously considered as an important player in acute response, in transcriptomic network upon doxorubicin treatment). KEGG analysis of miRNA targets for EVs indicates development of cardiomyopathy, whereas among GO process we found terms related to cardiac septum. In vitro experiments revealed that NRF2 is co-regulated with NOTCH effectors from HEY family, with known role in muscle regeneration. NRF2 and doxorubicin treatment contribute also to the dysregulation of TWIST family, important for the process of EMT.
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor-A is an Immunohistochemical Biomarker for the Efficacy of Bevacizumab-containing Chemotherapy for Duodenal and Jejunal Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Amano Takahiro , Iijima Hideki , Shinzaki Shinichiro , Tashiro Taku , Iwatani Shuko , Tani Mizuki , Otake Yuriko , Yoshihara Takeo , Sugimoto Aya , Egawa Satoshi , Yamaguchi Shinjiro , Kinoshita Kazuo , Araki Manabu , Hirao Motohiro , Sakakibara Yuko , Hiyama Satoshi , Ogawa Hiroyuki , Nagaike Koji , Murata Jun , Komori Masato , Okuda Yorihide , Kizu Takashi , Tsujii Yoshiki , Hayashi Yoshito , Inoue Takahiro , Takahashi Hidekazu , Mizushima Tsunekazu , Morii Eiichi , Takehara Tetsuo
Published: April 2021

Background: The efficacy and safety of bevacizumab-containing chemotherapy for patients with metastatic duodenal and jejunal adenocarcinoma (mDJA) are unclear. The present study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of bevacizumab and to explore immunohistochemical markers that can predict the efficacy of bevacizumab for patients with mDJA.Methods: This multicentre study included patients with histologically confirmed small bowel adenocarcinoma who received palliative chemotherapy from 2008 to 2017 at 15 hospitals. Immunostaining was performed for vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A), TP53, Ki67, β-catenin, CD10, MUC2, MUC5AC, MUC6, and mismatch repair proteins.Results: A total of 74 patients were enrolled, including 65 patients with mDJA and 9 with metastatic ileal adenocarcinoma. Patients with mDJA who received platinum-based chemotherapy with bevacizumab as first-line treatment tended to have a longer progression-free survival and overall survival than those treated without bevacizumab (P = 0.075 and 0.077, respectively). Multivariate analysis extracted high VEGF-A expression as a factor prolonging progression-free survival (hazard ratio: 0.52, 95% confidence interval: 0.30-0.91). In mDJA patients with high VEGF-A expression, those who received platinum-based chemotherapy with bevacizumab as a first-line treatment had significantly longer progression-free survival and tended to have longer overall survival than those treated without bevacizumab (P = 0.025 and P = 0.056, respectively), whereas no differences were observed in mDJA patients with low VEGF-A expression. Conclusion: Immunohistochemical expression of VEGF-A is a potentially useful biomarker for predicting the efficacy of bevacizumab-containing chemotherapy for patients with mDJA.
Feasibility And Availability of Standard-Sized Cup At The True Acetabulum In Acetabular Reconstruction of Crowe Type IV Hip Dysplasia
Authors: Yang Yuhui , Ma Yuanchen , Li Qingtian , Liao Junxing , Dong Hang , Zheng Qiujian
Published: April 2021

Background: This study aimed to investigate the morphological features and 2D/3D coverage parameters of the true acetabulum of Crowe type IV hips and to identify the optimal component center of standard-sized cup implantation.Methods: A total of 42 Crowe IV hips in 37 patients and 36 normal hips were included in the present study. Based on 3D reconstruction, anatomy and volume of the true acetabulum were measured quantitatively. Through simulated implantation, the feasibility of standard-sized cup implantation was evaluated by cup-based morphological assessments and coverage parameters. Eventually, bony landmarks for optimal component center location were determined. Mean follow-up was 4.7 years (1.2 to 6.3 years).Results: All the dysplastic hips were placed with standard-size acetabular implant (44.67mm, 44 to 48mm) successfully, with no acetabular implant loosening during the follow-up period. Compared with control group, the dysplastic acetabulum was more anteverted and abductive, with a thicker medial wall. According to the true acetabulum, bone stock is relatively sufficient in the posterior direction and prominently deficient in the anterosuperior and superior direction. Average 3D component coverage can reach 79.89% by standard-sized cup implantation at the true acetabulum. Regarding the component opening plane, the optimal component center located at the midpoint between the superolateral and posteroinferior point of the true acetabulum. Conclusion: Standard cup implantation is feasible and available in Crowe IV hip at the true acetabulum. The optimal component center was determined to be relatively constant based on the useful bony landmarks.Level of evidence: Therapeutic Level 3b.
Antenatal Care Services and Preparedness of Health Facilities in Bangladesh: Evidence From Two Nationally Representative Surveys
Authors: Hakim Shariful , Chowdhury Muhammad Abdul Baker , Ahmed Zobayer , Uddin Md Jamal
Published: April 2021

ObjectiveTo assess whether health facilities in Bangladesh are prepared to provide ANC services and to investigate facility characteristics that are linked to preparedness.Methods This cross-sectional analysis used publicly available data from two waves of Bangladesh Health Facilities Survey (BHFS) that was conducted in 2014 and 2017 using stratified random sample of facilities. 1508 and 1506 health facilities were included as study samples from the 2014 and 2017 BHFS respectively. The outcome variable ‘ANC services preparedness’ was calculated as an index score using a group of tracer indicators. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to identify the important correlates of ANC service preparednessResultsThe percentage of facilities providing ANC services has increased slightly from 97.4% in 2014 to 98.8% in 2017. Union level public facilities were less likely to be prepared for providing ANC service than district level public facilities in 2014 (Odds ratio (OR): 0.20, Confidence interval (CI): 0.08-0.50, P-value=<0.001). Similar results were also found in 2017 (OR: 0.14, CI: 0.06-0.33, P-Value=<0.001). The facilities with high basic amenities score were more likely to be prepared for providing ANC than the facilities with low basic amenities score in 2014 (OR: 2.52, CI: 1.02-6.12, P-Value=0.04) and in 2017 (OR: 1.79, CI: 1.08-2.99, P-Value=0.02). Conclusion The overall preparedness score to offer ANC service was also poor. Our findings may be considered for not only health planning but also decision making in order to produce a healthy mother and a baby at the end of pregnancy.
SARS-CoV-2 Infection Elicits a Greater Humoral Immune Response in the Second Wave Than the First Wave
Authors: Ezzikouri Sayeh , Majidi Hind , Redwane Soad , Meziane Nadia , Zahir Abdellatif , Abbadi Islam , Zerrad Chaimaa , Haddaji Asmaa , Abounouh Karima , Hilmi Soufiane , Aqillouch Safaa , Elmessaoudi-Idrissi Mohcine , Laazaazia Oumaima , Ainahi Abdelhakim , Rmili Nabila , Maaroufi Abderrahmane , Benjelloun Soumaya
Published: April 2021

PurposeSevere acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the causative agent of the ongoing pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). One year has passed since the first COVID-19 case, and concerns have emerged regarding new variants, meaning that characterizing antibody-mediated immune response dynamics is of paramount importance. Here, we evaluated the humoral immune response against SARS-CoV-2 in subjects during the first and second waves of the pandemic in Morocco. MethodsWe assessed humoral immune response in samples from 94 seropositive individuals in the first wave (February to August 2020) and 596 seropositive individuals in the second wave (December 2020 to January 2021). Plasma samples were collected from volunteer blood donors and their levels of serum IgG to SARS-CoV-2 nucleoprotein (NP) were determined using architect SARS-CoV-2 IgG chemiluminescence microparticle immunoassay.ResultsOur results revealed an increase of humoral immunity during the second wave than first wave (3.897 ± 0.079 vs. 2.842 ± 0.153, respectively, p<0.0001). Notably, we found an age-related gradient in antibody level, with higher antibody index in subjects at 45 years old and above (p= 0.01451). However, no significant difference was found according to gender (p= 0.8629). ConclusionsOur data highlighted an important issue regarding antibody-mediated immune response against SARS-CoV-2 infection during the second wave and this issue might have arisen due to the dynamics of different strains circulating during the progress of the pandemic.
Targeting Positive Cofactor 4 induces autophagic cell death in MYC-expressing diffuse large B cell lymphoma
Authors: Ma Le , Gong Qiang , Chen Zelin , Wang Yu , Tan Xu , Liu Yunsheng , Wang Yawei , Liu Gaoyu , Fu Jianlin , Xie Mingling , Luo Peng , Chen Jieping , Shi Chunmeng
Published: April 2021

Background: The MYC-expressing diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is one of the refractory lymphomas. The pathogenesis of MYC-expressing DLBCL is still unclear, and there is a lack of effective therapy. In this study, we have explored the clinical significance and the molecular mechanisms of transcription co-activator 4 (PC4) in MYC-expressing DLBCL.Methods: We investigated PC4 expression in 54 cases of DLBCL patients’ tissues and matched normal specimens, and studied the molecular mechanisms of PC4 in MYC-expressing DLBCL both in vitro and in vivo.Results: We reported for the first time that targeting c-Myc could induce autophagic cell death in MYC-expressing DLBCL cell lines. We next characterized that PC4 was an upstream regulator of c-Myc, and PC4 was overexpressed in DLBCL and was closely related to clinical staging, prognosis and c-Myc expression. Further, our in vivo and in vitro studies revealed that PC4 knockdown could induce autophagic cell death of MYC-expressing DLBCL. And inhibition of c-Myc mediated aerobic glycolysis and activation of AMPK / mTOR signaling pathway were responsible for the autophagic cell death induced by PC4 knockdown in MYC-expressing DLBCL. Through the CHIP, DLRTM and EMSA assay, we also found that PC4 exerted its oncogenic functions by directly binding to c-Myc promoters.Conclusions: PC4 exerts its oncogenic functions by directly binding to c-Myc promoters. Inhibition of PC4 can induce autophagic cell death of MYC-expressing DLBCL. Our study provides novel insights into the functions and mechanisms of PC4 in MYC-expressing DLBCL, and suggests that PC4 might be a promising therapeutic target for MYC-expressing DLBCL.
Boosting proton reduction via isolated Cu atoms in Bi lattice for efficient electroreduction of CO2 to formate
Authors: Luo Pei-Pei , Wang Hong-Juan , Li Lina , Nan Bing , Li Yu , Lu Tongbu
Published: April 2021

Current Bi-based catalysts suffer from low current density for electroreduction of CO2 to formate due to the high energy barrier of H+ reduction to *H on Bi sites. Here we report a unique BiCu single-atom alloy catalyst (SAAC) that can deliver a ultrahigh formate partial current density (jformate) of 434 mA cm–2, the highest among the reported Bi-based electrocatalysts to date, with a formate Faradaic efficiency (FEformate) of 96.5% at –0.55 V (vs. RHE) in a flow cell, while BiCu alloy catalyst containing Cu nanoclusters can only deliver a jformate of 48.5 mA cm–2 with a FEformate of 37.3% under an identical condition. Mechanism investigations reveal that the isolated single-atom Cu in BiCu SAAC can dramatically reduce the energy barrier of H+ reduction to *H on Cu site for boosting the reduction of CO2 to formate. Our work provides a new strategy for engineering unfavourable energy barrier of electrocatalysts to promote CO2 reduction.
Determination of Reasonable Width of Filling Body for Gob-Side Entry Retaining in Mining Face With Large Cutting Height
Authors: Pu Shijiang , Wu Gui yi , Liu Qinzhi , Wang Yuliang , Li Qiang , Xiong Yu
Published: April 2021

When gob-side entry retaining is adopted in mining face with large cutting height, due to large stope space, strong dynamic pressure and other reasons, the filling body is usually broken and unstable due to improper width of filling body, and the stability of surrounding rock of roadway is poor. Therefore, this paper will take Shaqu mine as the engineering background to study the reasonable filling body width of gob-side entry retaining in mining face with large cutting height. Firstly, the stability factors of gob-side entry retaining in mining face with large cutting height are analyzed, and the mechanical model of bearing structure of gob-side entry retaining is established based on the lateral pressure and overlying load of filling body, and the reasonable width of filling body is obtained quantitatively; Numerical simulation is used to analyze the evolution of vertical stress, vertical displacement and plastic zone of working face with the change of filling body width. Finally, combined with the deformation observation results of 24207 gob-side entry retaining roof, two sides and filling body, the rationality of filling body width is verified. The results show that: the setting of the width and strength of the filling body plays an important role in the stability of gob-side entry retaining. According to the mechanical model, the minimum width of the filling body is 2.2m in the lateral direction and 3.9m in the vertical direction; Numerical simulation shows that when the width of filling body is too small, with the increase of filling body width, the vertical stress of filling body increases gradually. When the width of filling body reaches a certain value, the vertical stress decreases with the increase of width, and the stress concentration area will change from symmetrical type to eccentric load type, from the middle of filling body to the side of filling body near gob. If the width of the filling body is too small, the filling body will be too broken to bear the load, resulting in too small vertical stress and too large vertical displacement of the roadway roof. The larger the width of the filling body is, the greater the cutting resistance is, the more timely the side roof of the gob can be cut off, the less the stress of the roadway and the filling body, and the more stable the retained roadway is. Finally, through the observation of 24207 gob-side entry retaining, the total deformation of two sides and roof and floor of roadway tends to be stable after 665mm and 597mm respectively. The roof of roadway does not appear severe subsidence and obvious cracking, and the floor does not appear too large floor heave. The effect of roadway retaining is good, which indicates that 4m support can meet the needs of practical engineering.
Metabolic Profile of Goats Fed Diets Containing Crude Glycerin from Biodiesel Production
Authors: Bezerra Higor , Santos Edson , Carvalho Gleidson , Oliveira Juliana , Silva Fabiano , Cassuce Meiry , Guerra Ricardo , Pereira Danillo , Pinho Ricardo , Perazzo Alexandre , Ferreira Daniele , Nascimento Thiago , Zanine Anderson
Published: April 2021

Background: Feedlot finishing of goats is a growing practice, but the economic viability of this technology is compromised by the inclusion of ingredients such as corn and soybean. An alternative to minimize this barrier is the use of agroindustry coproducts as substitutes for those ingredients, such as crude glycerolObjective: This study aimed to assess the effect of crude glycerin from biodiesel production in the feed of finishing Boer crossbred goats. Method: Thirty-two crossbred, castrated goat of age were distributed in a fully randomized experimental design with four treatments and eight replicates. The experiment lasted 69 days, and goats were fed sorghum silage and concentrate, with the inclusion of crude glycerin in the diet at levels of 0, 50, 100, and 150 g/kg on a dry matter basis. Result: The diets did not have an effect (p > 0.05) on the serum urea levels. Increasing dietary crude glycerin levels did not the influence the metabolic or urinary profiles or the kidney tissue (p > 0.05). The liver tissue of the goats fed diets containing the highest crude glycerin inclusion levels showed deleterious effects. Conclusion: The inclusion of crude glycerin with approximately 6.6 g/kg methanol caused deleterious effects to the liver tissue of Boer crossbred goats as the glycerin concentrations increased. However, glycerin levels did not cause deleterious effects on the kidney tissue or on the serum or urinary profiles. The use of crude glycerin with lower methanol content is recommended for goat diets.
Presenting IgG4-related disease: an emerging entity in Pakistan
Authors: Jafri Lena , Khawaja Sadori , Hashmi Bilal , Fatima Saira , Parkash Om , Khan Aysha Habib
Published: April 2021

Background

IgG4 related disease (IgG4-RD) is a spectrum of immune mediated disorder involving various organs of the body. In this study the clinical spectrum of possible IgG4-RD was explored.
Methods

Subjects tested for serum IgG4 and all biopsies of subjects with suspected IgG4-RD received at the clinical laboratory of a tertiary care hospital from April 2015 to December 2019 were included. Medical charts of subjects registered were reviewed and telephonic interviews were conducted. Subjects were divided into two groups: group I had biochemical evidence of IgG4-RD while group II had histopathological evidence of IgG4-RD. “Comprehensive diagnostic criteria for IgG4-RD, 2011” was used for labeling patients as possible, probable and definitive IgG4-RD.
Results

A total of 177 study subjects were recruited in the current study. Group I included 10 children and 105 adults whereas group II had 5 children and 57 adults. Out of the total 177 subjects definitive, probable and possible IgG4-RD were seen in (n = 2, 1.1%), (n = 61, 34.4%) and (n = 114, 64.4) subjects respectively. The commonest organs involved in all the study subjects were pancreas (57.6%), submandibular gland (12.4%) and liver (6.2%).
Conclusion

The clinical feature of IgG4-RD include single or multiple organ involvement with pancreas being the most frequently affected organ in the current population. Amalgamation of clinical, biochemical and histopathological findings are essential for the IgG4-RD, although none is pathognomonic by itself.
Validity of Procalcitonin as a Single Biomarker for Predicting Mortality in Pediatric Patients after Acute Traumatic or Post-Surgical Infections: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Albuali Waleed
Published: April 2021

Background Procalcitonin (PCT) levels are elevated in pediatric patients with systemic inflammation. This study was aimed to evaluate the use of Procalcitonin as a single biomarker in the prediction of mortality in pediatric patients after acute traumatic events or post-surgical infection.MethodsThis retrospective longitudinal study involved pediatric patients aged more than two weeks who were admitted to Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) of King Fahd Hospital of the University from January 2017 to December 2019 due to post-surgical infection. The data includes age, gender, comorbidity, severity of trauma, Pediatric Risk of Mortality Score (PRISM III) score in 24h of admission, PCT level at 24h and 48-72h, day-5 admission, blood culture, PICU stay, multi-organ failure, number of inotropes and intubation requirement were retrieved.ResultsThe mortalities after surgical infection was of 15.9%. Significantly, the elevated mean levels including PRISM III score, PCT level at 24h, 48-72h and day-5 admission were found in patients who were expired during their hospital stay. The PCT level at 48-72h was 0.89 (best cutoff point >1.35) revealed as highly predictive validity of PCT compared to PCT level at 24h which was 0.76 (best cutoff point >0.15) respectively.ConclusionThe serum PCT level as a single laboratory biomarker is remarkably useful in the prediction of mortality after surgical infection for commencing of an earliest treatment plan as a lifesaving attempt. A blended approach based on the PCT level with other clinical biomarkers can be developed for monitoring a treatment given.
Mental Health, Resilience and Sports Activity in the Initial Phase of The First COVID-19 Lockdown in Germany
Authors: Strahler Jana , Smolinski Konrad , Krüger Karsten , Krüger Britta
Published: April 2021

Background

Quarantine and social-distancing measures during the COVID-19 pandemic situation resulted in a radical change in lifestyle behaviors. While the reduction of total physical activity is assumed to negatively impact psychological health (higher stress and anxiety levels), regular sports activity during lockdown conditions has beneficial effects on health. Mechanisms are however unclear. The present analysis therefore examined the associations of sports activity with mental health, and assessed whether this is due to a direct effect on experiencing positive emotions and mental health, due to a stress-buffering mechanism, and/or through protecting/enhancing resilience.
Methods

An online survey, accessible from April 7th to April 30th 2020, gathered data on sports activity (Physical Activity, Exercise, and Sport Questionnaire, BSA), mental health (Patient Health Questionnaire-4, PHQ-4, WHO Wellbeing Index, WHO-5), momentary stress (single item), and resilience (i.e. feeling determined, cheerful, content, and being interested in the things one is doing). The final data set comprised 742 subjects including 534 (72.0%) women and ranging in age from 16 to 83 years (mean: 28.13 ± 11.46 years).
Results

Across all participants, sports activity was related to higher wellbeing and resilience but lower affective psychopathology. Importantly, all coefficients were below 0.2 indicating only small-sized associations. Moderation analyses confirmed a direct effect of sports activity on affective symptoms and wellbeing. Stress-buffering effects were not confirmed for either outcome but a resilience-protecting effect was seen for both wellbeing and affective psychopathology.
Conclusions

During the initial phase of the first COVID-19 lockdown, sports activity was associated with better mental health and wellbeing. Besides this direct effect, there was also evidence for a resilience-protecting effect of sport. The assumed stress-buffering effect could not be confirmed. Present findings indicate resilience-protective mechanisms to be a major contributor to sports beneficial effects on mental health during quarantine. Though, results from this cross-sectional, predominantly female, and convenience sample study must be confirmed in more diverse samples.
Differential Sensitivities of Electricity Consumption to Global Warming Across Regions of Argentina
Authors: Propatoa Tamara S. , Abelleyra Diego de , Semmartin Maria , Verón Santiago R
Published: April 2021

The description of the relationship between temperature (T) and electricity consumption (EC) is key to improve our understanding of a potential climate change amplification feedback and, thus, energy planning. We sought to characterize the relationship between the EC and daily T of different regions of Argentina and use these historical relationships to estimate expected EC under T future scenarios. We used a time series approach to model, remove trends and seasonality of EC accounting for breaks and discontinuities. EC and T data were obtained from Argentine Wholesale Market Administrator Company and global databases, respectively. We evaluated the T-EC model for the period between 1997 and 2014 and two sub-periods: 1997–2001 and 2011–2014. We used modelled temperature projections for the 2027–2044 period based on the Representative Pathway Concentration 4.5 together with our region specific T-EC models to predict changes in EC due to T changes. The shape of the T-EC relationships was quite stable between periods and regions but varied according to the temperature gradient. We found large increases in EC in warm days (from 40 to 126 Wh/cap/ºC) and a region specific response to cold days (from flat to steep responses). The T at which EC was minimum varied between 14 and 20°C and increased in time as mean daily T also increased. Estimated temperature projections translate into an average increase factor of 7.2 in EC with contrasting relative importance between regions of Argentina. Results highlight potential sensitivity of EC to T in the developing countries.
Environmentally Sustainable Wireless Track Recording Vehicle Strategy Towards Improving the Safety Standards
Authors: Chowdhry Bhawani Shankar , Shah Ali Akbar , Shaikh Zakir , Uqaili Muhammad Aslam
Published: April 2021

Transportation is an integral part of modern society as it enhances the function of mobility leading to an important measure of a society’s success. Different modes of transport are used worldwide such as cars, trucks, airplanes, and trains. As much as the other modes of transport have developed over the centuries, the use of rail transport is growing increasingly as well. Debate wise the International Energy Agency have discussed the advantages and the future of railway to be a promising one. The implementation the green technology is becoming more prominent in the marketplace. In response to the existing need of making green products that can serve the green market demands, NCRA CMS Lab MUET has developed a Track Recording Vehicle (TRV) prototype as a substitution to the prevailing Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) operated Track Recording Vehicles. As the traditional Track Recording Vehicles are just mere trains equipped with the Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs) which consume gallons of fossil fuel to operate. The developed TRV is an initiation of upcoming trend of portable instrumented TRV that operates with the rechargeable battery and is capable enough to determine track faults like squats and turn out frogs more efficiently than the existing ICE based TRVs using accelerometer module ADXL335 and logistic regression. The developed instrument was validated on an actual railway track. The result shows that the developed instrument can be used to determine the serviceability of the railway track, thus this strategy helps in improving the safety Standards.
Herbivore Population Dynamics in Response to Plant Allocation Strategies
Authors: Ji Fang , Stieha Christopher R , Abbott Karen C
Published: April 2021

When herbivores feed, plants may respond by altering the quantity of edible biomass available to future feeders through mechanisms such as compensatory regrowth of edible structures or allocation of biomass to inedible reserves. Previous work showed that some forms of compensatory regrowth can drive insect outbreaks, but this work assumed regrowth occurred without any energetic cost to the plant. While this is a useful simplifying assumption for gaining preliminary insights, plants face an inherent trade-off between allocating energy to regrowth versus storage. Therefore, we cannot truly understand the role of compensatory regrowth in driving insect outbreaks without continuing on to more realistic scenarios. In this paper, we model the interaction between insect herbivores and plants that have a trade-off between compensatory regrowth and allocation to inedible reserves in response to herbivory. We found that the plant's allocation strategy, described in our model by parameters representing the strength of the overcompensatory response and the rates at which energy is stored and mobilized for growth, strongly affect whether herbivore outbreaks occur. Additional factors, such as the strength of food limitation and herbivore interference while feeding, influence the frequency of the outbreaks. Overall, we found a possible new role of overcompensation to promote herbivore fluctuations when it co-occurs with allocation to inedible reserves. We highlight the importance of considering trade-offs between tolerance mechanisms that plants use in response to herbivory by showing that new dynamics arise when different plant allocation strategies occur simultaneously.
ASL-Perfusion for Intrinsic Brain Tumor Diagnosis. Analysis of 253 Patients.
Authors: Batalov Artem , Zakharova Natal'ya , Pronin Igor' , Belyaev Artem , Pogosbekyan Eduard , Goryaynov Sergey , Bykanov Andrey , Tyurina Anastasiya , Shevchenko Alexander , Nikitin Pavel , Potapov Alexander
Published: April 2021

Purpose

The aim of the study was to evaluate the role of pseudo-continuous ASL-perfusion (pCASL-perfusion) in preoperative assessing of cerebral glioma grades.
Methods

The study group consisted of 253 patients aged 7 to 78 years with supratentorial gliomas (65 had low-grade gliomas (LGG), 188 – high-grade gliomas (HGG)). Maximal tumor blood flow (maxTBF) in small ROIs (20 mm2 ± 10 mm2) were evaluated by subsequently normalized tumor blood flow (nTBF) calculation which was compared with normal appearing white matter of center semiovale of the contralateral hemisphere.
Results

TBF and nTBF values were significantly differed in HGG and LGG groups, as well as grade II and grade III gliomas; grade III and grade IV gliomas (p < 0.001). ASL-perfusion has demonstrated both high sensitivity and specificity in differentiating LGG and HGG, grade II and grade III gliomas, but low sensitivity and specificity in distinguishing grade III and grade IV gliomas. We did not observe a significant difference in TBF in astrocytomas and oligodendrogliomas.
Conclusion

Current results demonstrate that 3D pCASL-perfusion is an effective diagnostic tool for preoperative differentiation of low and high grade gliomas.
Outdoor recreation planning and management considering FROS and Carrying capacities: A case study of forest wetland in Yeongam-gum, South Korea
Authors: Yun Hee Jeong , Kang Dong Jin , Kang Youngeun
Published: April 2021

Since demand for outdoor recreation in forests has been increasing, a structural planning framework for sustainable use while minimizing ecosystem degradation is needed. Utilizing the recreational opportunity spectrum (ROS) and carrying capacities (CC) have been long-standing tools in management outdoor recreation and tourism. Therefore, this study proposes using FROS (forest recreation outdoor system), LAC (limits of acceptable change), and CC for outdoor recreation in forest wetland in Youngam-gum, South Korea. An analysis of the spatial characteristics of the site—geological features, elevation, slope, viewshed, water system, forest age class, etc.—were carried out. Based on this analysis, an outdoor recreation planning and management framework was developed, including expert elicitation and a field survey of the site. This study found that (1) FROS classified the site as “rural developed” (zone 1), “rural natural” (zone 2), and “semi-primitive” (zone 3); (2) LAC considered spatial characteristics and tourism attractions network around the site by each zone; (3) and ecological CC (104.1–485.5 people per day), physical CC (130.9 ~ 445.1 people per day), and social CC (25 people for “PAOT,” or “persons at one time”) were proposed for sustainable management of the site. Compared to previous studies, this study has the novelty of suggesting an integrated outdoor recreation model for sustainable planning and management by introducing systematic zoning and coping with the changing environment. This result can be useful for policy-makers who are concerned with the outdoor recreation of forest wetland to conserve and utilize the site, and to prioritize suitable sites depending on the determining variables used in this study.
Pregnancy Outcomes in Trisomy 16 Mosaicism Pregnancies Detected by NIPT, A Series of Case Reports
Authors: Peng Haishan , Yang Jiexia , Wang Dongmei , Guo Fangfang , Hou Yaping , Yin Aihua
Published: April 2021

Trisomy 16 s often associated with a high risk of abnormal outcome. A retrospective analysis of 14 cases with T16 high risk in NIPT, and all had undergone prenatal diagnosis, including karyotype and CMA. NIPT had detected 11 of T16, 2 of T16 mosaisism, and 1of more Chr. 16. Prenatal diagnosis confirmed 5 true positive cases and 9 false positive cases. In the 5 true positive cases, 3 out of 5 cases had ultrasound abnormality. In the 9 false positive cases, all the pregnancies continued. All the pregnancies were born with low weight (<2.5kg) except case 7. There were two pregnancies with premature, which suggested that CPM 16 pregnancies may be at higher risk for preterm delivery. NIPT could serve as a fast and early prenatal screening to provide guidance for pregnancy and termination of pregnancy is medically safer when it is performed in the earlier pregnancy.
Bayesian validation of the seismic source models using the Wylfa Newydd site in the UK as a case study
Authors: Mosca Ilaria , Baptie Brian , Villani Manuela , Lubkowski Z. , Courtney T.
Published: April 2021

In probabilistic seismic hazard assessment, the development of the seismic source characterization, especially the geometry of the seismic source models (SSMs), is controversial because it often relies on expert judgment with different interpretations of the available data from seismology, tectonics, and geology. Based on the same input datasets, different teams of experts may derive different SSMs. In this context, the verification of the models through the comparison against a set of observations is a crucial step. We present a statistical tool to compare the SSMs with the observed seismicity and rank these SSMs based on their ability to replicate the past seismicity. We simulate many synthetic catalogues derived from candidate SSMs and compare them with the observed catalogue of mainshocks using the Metropolis-Hastings Algorithm to select those that fit the observed catalogue. The candidate SSMs are then expressed by a probability density function (pdf) using the set of synthetic catalogues accepted by the Metropolis-Hastings Algorithm and the Bayesian inference. To help practitioners in earthquake and civil engineering understand how this tool works in practice, the proposed approach is applied to a proposed new nuclear site in the United Kingdom, Wylfa Newydd.
Rest Cardiac Power Predicts All-cause Death and Heart Failure Hospitalization in Heart Failure Patients With Preserved Ejection Fraction
Authors: Chen Jianqiao , Li Huiying , Hao Benchuan , Cai Yulun , Wang Shiqi , Liu Hongbin
Published: April 2021

Background: Cardiac power as an integrated indicator of cardiac performance that incorporates both pressure and volume factors. It has been studied in patients with reduced left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (EF), and in the present study we aimed to explore its significance and role in predicting adverse outcome in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF).Methods: This retrospective cohort study included 2089 community-dwelling patients with HFpEF and without significant valve diseases or right ventricular dysfunction. We normalized cardiac power to LV mass and expressed it in W/100 g of LV myocardium. Univariate analysis with log-rank test and multivariate analysis with Cox regression model were used to evaluate the association between rest cardiac power/mass and all-cause death and heart failure (HF) hospitalization. Results: After a median follow-up of 4.4 (0.5–10.1) years, 331 (15.84%) experienced all-cause death and 391 (18.72%) experienced HF hospitalization. Patients with the lower rest power/mass were older and had higher New York Heart Association class, N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) level and more comorbidities. After adjusting for multiple covariates, rest power/mass ≤0.7 W/m2 was independently associated with all-cause death and HF hospitalization, with the hazard ratio (HR) of 1.753 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.394–2.203, P<0.001] and 1.266 (95% CI 1.033–1.551, P=0.023), respectively. The C statistic increased significantly when the rest cardiac power/mass were incorporated into a model with established risk factors. For all-cause death, the continuous net reclassification index (NRI) after adding rest cardiac power/mass in the model with established risk factors and NT-proBNP was 17.0% (95% CI 11.4–28.3, P=0.04), and the integrated discrimination index (IDI) was 2.3% (95% CI 0.7–8.7, P=0.02); for HF hospitalization, the corresponding continuous NRI and IDI were 6.0% (95% CI 4.7–15.2, P=0.026) and 1.7% (95% CI 1.2–4.3, P=0.007), respectively.Conclusion: Rest cardiac power by non-invasive echocardiography is independently associated with risks of adverse outcomes in patients with HFpEF and provides incremental prognostic information.
Neutral Non-Enzymatic Glucose Biosensors Based on an Electrochemically Deposited Pt/Au Nano-Alloy Electrode
Authors: Lin Fang-Yu , Chu Tien-Fu , Peng Chang-I , Wang Gou-Jen
Published: April 2021

A non-enzymatic glucose detection electrode that can operate in a neutral environment is a key technology for continuous glucose sensing. In this study, semiconductor micro-electromechanical manufacturing processes, precision micro-molding, hot embossing, and electrochemical deposition are integrated to fabricate Pt/Au nano-alloy electrodes for the enzyme-free detection of glucose in a neutral environment. The sensitivity of the proposed neutral enzyme-free glucose sensing scheme is measured to be 2.82 µA mM− 1 cm− 2 with a linear range of 1.39–13.9 mM and a detection limit of 0.482 mM. Further investigations in human serum confirmed the feasibility of the proposed Pt/Au nano alloy electrode in clinical application. This novel glucose biosensor possesses the advantages of technology foresight, good detection performance, and high feasibility of mass production.
Mobile Low-Dose Computed Tomographic (LDCT) Scanning combined with Remote Reading: a feasible approach to lung cancer screening among rural population
Authors: Chen Bojiang , Shao Jun , Xian Jinghong , Ren Pengwei , Luo Wenxin , Dai Shuiping , Ji Guiyi , Song Juan , Zhou Yaojie , Yang Lan , Wang Weiwen , Gan Yuncui , Dai Sisi , Hu Dan , Zhu Chengxing , Jiang Zhongyuan , Wang Mengjun , Chen Lei , Liu Dan , li weimin
Published: April 2021

BackgroundLow-dose computed tomographic (LDCT) screening has been proven to be powerful in detecting lung cancers in early stage. However, it’s hard to carry out in less-developed regions in lacking of facilities and professionals. The feasibility and efficacy of mobile LDCT scanning combined with remote reading by experienced radiologists from superior hospital for lung cancer screening in deprived areas was explored in this study.MethodsA prospective cohort was conducted in rural areas of western China. Residents over 40 years old were invited for lung cancer screening by mobile LDCT scanning combined with remote image reading or local hospital-based LDCT screening. Rates of positive pulmonary nodules and detected lung cancers in the baseline were compared between the two groups.ResultsAmong 8073 candidates with preliminary response, 7251 eligibilities were assigned to the mobile LDCT with remote reading (n = 4527) and local hospital-based LDCT screening (n = 2724) for lung cancer. Basic characteristics of the subjects were almost similar in the two cohorts except that the mean age of participants in mobile group was relatively older than control (61.18 vs. 59.84 years old, P < 0.001). 1778 participants with mobile LDCT scans with remote reading (39.3%) revealed 2570 pulmonary nodules or mass, and 352 subjects in the control group (13.0%) were detected 472 ones (P < 0.001). Proportions of nodules less than 8 mm or subsolid were both more frequent in the mobile LDCT group (83.3% vs. 76.1%, 32.9% vs. 29.8%, respectively; both P < 0.05). In the baseline screening, 26 cases of lung cancer were identified in the mobile LDCT scanning with remote reading cohort, with a lung cancer detection rate of 0.57% (26/4527), which was significantly higher than control (4/2724 = 0.15%, P = 0.006). Moreover, 80.8% (21/26) of lung cancer patients detected by mobile CT with remote reading were in stage I, remarkedly higher than that of 25.0% in control (1/4, P = 0.020).ConclusionMobile LDCT combined with remote reading is probably a potential mode for lung cancer screening in rural areas.Trial registrationNo. of registration trial was ChiCTR-DDD-15007586 (http://www.chictr.org).
An Island-Based Hybrid Evolutionary Algorithm for Caloric-Restricted Diets
Authors: Silva João Gabriel R , Duarte Grasiele R. , Carvalho Iago A. , Goliatt Leonardo , Vieira Vinicius F. , Xavier Carolina R.
Published: April 2021

The most popular and successful way to maintain a healthy body is to have a rich and balanced diet, combined with physical exercise. Since it was proposed the diet dilemma, several works in the literature suggested calculating a diet that respects an individual's nutritional needs. In the Caloric-Restricted Diet Problem (CRDP), the goal is to find a reduced-calorie diet that meets an individual's dietary needs aiming for weight loss. This paper proposes a Hybrid Island-Based Evolutionary Algorithm (IBHEA) that combines a Genetic Algorithm (GA) with a Differential Evolution (DE) communicating through a migration policy to solve the CRDP. Computational experiments showed that IBHEA outperforms the non-distributed and non-hybrid implementations, generating a greater variety of diets with a small calorie count.
Maternal hypertension-related genes affect the fetal growth via placenta
Authors: Sato Noriko , Fudono Ayako , Imai Chihiro , Takimoto Hidemi , Tarui Iori , Aoyama Tomoko , Yago Satoshi , Okamitsu Motoko , Mizutani Shuki , Miyasaka Naoyuki
Published: April 2021

Low birth weight is associated with the development of cardio-metabolic diseases later in life1-4. A recent Mendelian Randomization Study concluded that the susceptibility of low-birth-weight infants to develop hypertension during adulthood is due to the inheritance of hypertension genes from the mother, and not to an unfavorable intrauterine environment5. Therein, it has been assumed that low birth weight is caused by maternal hypertension5,6, although there is no evidence to support such a linear relationship. In the present study, we have noted that most of blood pressure SNPs are related to vascular regulation7-9 and found that the relationship between maternal blood pressure-increasing polygenic score and reduction of offspring birth weight is mediated by a reduced growth of the placenta but not by the mother's high blood pressure. This suggests that the risk of hypertension of low-birth-weight infants may result from a poor placental environment.
Underwater Noise for a Variety of Traditional Fishing Boats in Cilacap Waters, Indonesia
Authors: Amron Amron , Hidayat Rizqi Rizaldi , Meinita Maria Dyah Nur , Trenggono Mukti
Published: April 2021

As the main contributor to noise pollution in Cilacap waters, the noise characteristics of traditional fishing boats based on distance are very important to be studied. This research aimed to determine noise intensity and frequency based on the distance for each traditional fishing boat (3, 5, and 10 GT). The results showed that these boats emitting noise with broadband frequency and receive levels reached 153 dB re 1 μPa. The noise characteristics were different for each type of ship due to differences in the size, engine type, and operational speed. The receive level had the same decreased pattern based on the distance for each noise frequency, but with a different intensity. Meanwhile, the noise frequency had increased quadratically based on the distance, where the higher frequency, the greater change so that the noise was not detected faster.