bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Metrology applied to Human Ecology: critical analysis of geospatial data for regionalization of Brazilian Anthromes
Authors: Gobbo Maximiliano Soares Lemos Araujo , Araujo Thiago de Oliveira , Salema Claudia de Oliveira Faria
Published: September 2021

Establishing territorial planning tools that meet the precepts of sustainable development is always challenging. In this sense, anthromes emerge as a differential mechanism. Its structure considers population and environmental parameters, which optimizes the recognition of areas of interest in the territory. However, it is necessary to consider regional aspects, approaching the input data in the cluster analysis. Assuming this, data on population density and land use and cover of National Spatial Data Infrastructure (INDE – Brazil) were analyzed as a source for regionalization. Therefore, an analytical system based on the ISO/IEC 17025 standard was proposed. Globally, this standard is used to guarantee the quality of results through the metrological pillars. Thus, the validation parameters were used to assess the adequacy of the methods to the intended uses and the ability to bring the data closer to the local reality. The tools to guarantee the validity of internal results guided the verification of the quality of treatments performed on the results generated by the methods. The results show that the methods meet their respective scopes, framing the geospatial information investigated in the acceptance profile required for the regionalization of Brazilian anthromes. Furthermore, they bring the information closer to the local reality and characterize important natural features. In this way, the quality of the geospatial data indexed in the INDE to be applied in the cluster analysis was guaranteed. Furthermore, a resource that collaborates in the critical analysis of the results and in the evaluation of environmental and anthropic methods was presented.
Clinical Features and Long-term Outcomes of Lymphoma Patients Initially Presenting as Fever With Unknown Origin
Authors: Wu Min , Wulipan Fulati , Ma Jiexian , Qian Wensi , Sun Shunrong , Chen Pingping , Xu Yu , Shen Lin , Xie Yanhui
Published: September 2021

BackgroundLymphoma is found to be the main source of non-infectious fever of unknown origin (FUO). However, there is a lack of clinical features and outcomes in lymphoma patients initially presenting as FUO.MethodsFrom January 1, 2013 to December 31, 2019, our center enrolled 185 patients who initially presented as FUO then confirmed to be lymphoma in Huadong Hospital of Fudan University. During the same study period, 332 lymphoma patients without FUO received treatment in our center. After the exclusion, 509 patients were included in the retrospectively study. The differences in clinical manifestations, laboratory examinations, overall response rates and survival rates between the FUO and non-FUO groups were analyzed. The clinical endpoints were overall survival (OS) and progress-free survival (PFS).ResultsIn the non-FUO group (329 in total), Hodgkin’s lymphoma (HL) was 17 (5.2%), B cell non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (B-NHL) was 276 (83.9%), T cell non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (T-NHL) was 32 (9.7%) and NK/T cell lymphoma (NK/T-CL) was 4 (1.2%). In the FUO group (180 in total), B-NHL was 88 (48.9%), T-NHL was 60 (33.3%), NK/T-CL was 24 (13.3%) and HL was 8 (4.4%). During the hospitalization, the maximum body temperature of the FUO group diagnosed with B-NHL, T-NHL and NK/T-CL was statistically higher than that of the non-FUO group (all P<0.05). Concerning the overall response rates, there was no difference between the FUO and non-FUO groups, whatever the pathological subtype was. The differences in OS between the FUO and non-FUO groups were significant for HL (P=0.006), B-NHL (P=0.007) and T-NHL (P=0.013). No difference in overall survival was observed in the two groups for the subtype of NK/T-CL (P=0.141). In terms of PFS, there was no significant difference between FUO and non-FUO groups for any subtype (all P>0.05).Conclusion﻿We found that the major subtypes of lymphoma initially presenting as FUO were B-NHL and T-NHL. The main diagnostic biopsy sites were subcutaneous lymphnodes, bone marrow and spleen for lymphoma patients with FUO. Patients with FUO suffered from a higher risk of all-cause death in the long term.
Genome Scale Constraint-Based Metabolic Reconstruction of Propionibacterium Freudenreichii DSM 20271
Authors: Borghei Mahsa Sadat Razavi , Mobasheri Meysam , Sobati Tabassom
Published: September 2021

Propionibacterium is an anaerobic bacterium with a history of use in the production of Swiss cheese and, more recently, several industrial bioproducts. While the use of this strain for the production of organic acids and secondary metabolites has gained growing interest, the industrial application of the strain requires further improvement in the yield and productivity of the target products. Systems modeling and analysis of metabolic networks are widely leveraged to gain holistic insights into the metabolic features of biotechnologically important strains and to devise metabolic engineering and culture optimization strategies for economically viable bioprocess development. In the present study, a high-quality genome-scale metabolic model of P. freudenreichii ssp. freudenreichii strain DSM 20271 was developed based on the strain’s genome annotation and biochemical and physiological data. The model covers the functions of 23% of the strain’s ORFs and accounts for 711 metabolic reactions and 647 unique metabolites. Literature-based reconstruction of the central metabolism and rigorous refinement of annotation data for establishing gene-protein-reaction associations renders the model a curated omic-scale knowledge base of the organism. Validation of the model against experimental data indicates that the reconstruction can capture the key structural and functional features of P. freudenreichii metabolism, including the growth rate, the pattern of flux distribution, the strain’s aerotolerance behavior, and the change in the mode of metabolic activity during the transition from an anaerobic to an aerobic growth regime. The model also includes an accurately curated pathway of cobalamin biosynthesis, which was used to examine the capacity of the strain to produce vitamin B12 precursors. Constraint-based reconstruction and analysis of the P. freudenreichii metabolic network also provided novel insights into the complexity and robustness of P. freudenreichii energy metabolism. The developed reconstruction, hence, may be used as a platform for the development of P. freudenreichii-based microbial cell factories and bioprocesses.
Vitamin D Through Balancing Gut Microbiota to Improve Non-alcoholic Steatohepatitis (Nash): A Study Protocol for a Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Zeng Yilan , Luo Dongxia , Wang Li , Luo Mei , Mao Chuangjie , Zhu Li , Pan Lisha , Xu Siya , Wu Pengfei , Hu Rong , Wu Bei , Jin Hong , Liu Dafeng , Lin Jun , Li Qingfeng , Zhang Ruofei , Noureddin Mazen , Pandol Stephen , HAN YUAN-PING
Published: September 2021

BackgroundVitamin D deficiency (VDD) is overwhelmingly prevalent worldwide in association with metabolic syndrome (MetS), type-2 diabetes (T2D), and non-alcoholic fatty liver diseases (NAFLD). Whether vitamin D supplement or treatment can improve these metabolic diseases is controversial, due in part to absence of large-scale trials. On the other hand, unbalanced gut microbiome, dysbiosis, plays key roles in these metabolic diseases. Moreover, whether sunlight exposure or vitamin D can determine the gut microbiome is elusive. The present study aims to investigate whether intramuscular administration of high dose of vitamin D2 can improve non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) through balancing of gut microbiome. Methods/designIn a randomized, open-labeled, and parallel-group trial, NASH subjects will be enrolled and randomly allocated to receive ergocalciferol (VD2) treatment or not, n=80 for each group. The NASH patients, diagnosed according to the guideline for NAFLD treatment of China, will be given an initial dose of VD2 at 600,000IU by intramuscular injection followed by additional three administration every other 30 days with total of four injections in 120 days. Anthropometry, liver functions, the metabolic panel will be measured. Fatty liver index will be determined by topological analysis of ultrasound data. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) and fecal microbiome will be measured. Discussion: This study will determine the efficacy of high dose of VD2 to relieve NASH symptoms and on gut microbiota. Trial registrationChinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR1800017879, registered on Aguste 20th, 2018.
Identification of HBA2 and NR4A2 as Potential Prognostic Molecular Markers of MYCN Amplified Neuroblastoma
Authors: Peng Junwei , Lv Linya
Published: September 2021

Background
Neuroblastoma is a common extracranial solid tumor in children, and the prognosis of children with MYCN amplified type is poor. The prognostic factors in children with MYCN amplified form are still unclear.
Methods
Download data sets GSE53371 and GSE49710 from GEO database. The GSE53371 data set is used to screen the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of MYCN amplified and MYCN non-amplified NB patients, and then cross the key module genes in the WGCNA analysis results to obtain their key genes. Then these key genes were analyzed for GO and KEGG function enrichment to analyze their potential biological functions and signal pathways. Single-factor COX regression and multi-factor COX regression analysis are used to screen key genes related to prognosis from key genes to construct risk scores. Finally, qRT-PCR was used to verify the expression of HBA2 and NR4A2 in tissue samples collected from the clinic.
Results
20 core genes were obtained after intersecting the differential genes between MYCN amplified and non-amplified samples with WGCNA analysis results. Univariate COX regression analysis showed that a total of 4 genes were closely related to the overall survival of MYCN amplified NB patients (p < 0.05). Further multivariate COX regression analysis showed that HBA2 and NR4A2 have independent prognostic significance. Finally, the qRT-PCR test results of clinical samples showed that, compared with the MYCN unamplified group, the expression of HBA2 in the MYCN amplified group increased, and the expression of NR4A2 decreased.
Conclusion
HBA2 and NR4A2 are diagnostic prognostic markers and potential therapeutic targets for patients with MYCN amplified NB.
NGTS Observations of Enhanced Nanoflare Activity in Fully Convective Stars Linked to Plasma Resistivity
Authors: Dillon Christopher , Jess David , Mathioudakis Mihalis , Watson Chris , Jackman James , Wheatley Peter , Goad Michael , Casewell Sarah , Anderson David , Burleigh Matthew , Grant Samuel , West Richard , Vinés José
Published: September 2021

Previous examination of fully-convective M-dwarf stars highlighted unexplained enhanced rates of nanoflare activity. A potential explanation was linked to the helical turbulence dynamo which operates in fully convective stars. However, recent studies have found this helical dynamo does not appear significantly different to the Solar dynamo. The specific role the convective boundary plays on observed nanoflare rates, until now, was not known. Here we find evidence that fully convective M2.5V (and later) stars display greatly enhanced nanoflare rates compared with their pre-convective boundary counterparts. Importantly, the rate of nanoflare activity increases with increasing spectral sub-type, with nanoflares exhibiting greatly enhanced flaring rates via Sweet-Parker reconnection. This occurs more favourably at increased plasma resistivities experienced in these later MV stars, suggesting a direct interplay between the rate of nanoflare occurrence and the intrinsic plasma parameters. As such, nanoflare behaviour is likely to be unrelated to the behaviour of the local dynamo.
Correlation Between Clinical and Histopathological Diagnoses in Oral Cavity Lesions: a 12-year Retrospective Study
Authors: Azad Azita , Niya Mehdi Sasan , Torabi Shima , Rezazadeh Fahime , Ranjbaran Alireza , Farzinnia Golnoush
Published: September 2021

Background: Proper diagnosis plays key roles in the treatment and prognosis of all diseases. Although histopathological diagnosis is still known as the gold standard, final diagnosis becomes difficult unless precise clinical descriptions are obtained. So, this study aimed to evaluate the consistency of the clinical and histopathological diagnoses of all oral and maxillofacial biopsy specimens in a 12–year duration.Methods: After receiving the ethical approval from Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, archive files and clinical findings related to 3001 patients who had been referred to the Department of Oral Pathology during a 12-year period, were reviewed. The recorded information in files included age, sex, lesion’s location, clinical and histopathological diagnoses, and specialty of dentists.Results: Out of 3001 cases included and reviewed in this study, 2167 cases (72.2%) were consistent between clinical and histopathologic diagnoses. The highest frequency of oral lesions was found in the mandibular bone and the lowest one was in the floor of mouth. Age, sex, and clinician’s specialty were indicated to have no significant effect on diagnosis (p> 0.05), but location and type of lesion affected that (p <0.05). In regard to location, the highest consistency of clinical and histopathologic diagnoses was observed in mouth floor lesions and the lowest one was in gingival mucosa. In terms of lesion category, the highest and the lowest consistency rates belonged to white and red lesions and pigmented lesions, respectively.Conclusions: The results of the present study show that the consistency of clinical and histopathological diagnoses was three times more than their inconsistency, and the accuracy of the clinicians was largely acceptable.
Limited Scalability of Single Deep Neural Network for Surgical Instrument Segmentation in Different Surgical Environments
Authors: Kitaguchi Daichi , Fujino Toru , Takeshita Nobuyoshi , Hasegawa Hiro , Mori Kensaku , Ito Masaaki
Published: September 2021

Clarifying the scalability of deep-learning-based surgical instrument segmentation networks in diverse surgical environments is important in recognizing the challenges of overfitting in surgical device development. This study comprehensively evaluated deep neural network scalability for surgical instrument segmentation, using 5238 images randomly extracted from 128 intraoperative videos. The video dataset contained 112 laparoscopic colorectal resection, 5 laparoscopic distal gastrectomy, 5 laparoscopic cholecystectomy, and 6 laparoscopic partial hepatectomy cases. Deep-learning-based surgical instrument segmentation was performed for test sets with 1) the same conditions as the training set; 2) the same recognition target surgical instrument and surgery type but different laparoscopic recording systems; 3) the same laparoscopic recording system and surgery type but slightly different recognition target laparoscopic surgical forceps; 4) the same laparoscopic recording system and recognition target surgical instrument but different surgery types. The mean average precision and mean intersection over union for test sets 1, 2, 3, and 4 were 0.941 and 0.887, 0.866 and 0.671, 0.772 and 0.676, and 0.588 and 0.395, respectively. Therefore, the recognition accuracy decreased even under slightly different conditions. To enhance the generalization of deep neural networks in surgery, constructing a training set that considers diverse surgical environments under real-world conditions is crucial. Trial Registration Number: 2020–315, date of registration: October 5, 2020
MANIN: Multi-Attention Neural Interaction Networks for Social Rumor Detection
Authors: Jiehu Sun , Yue Wu
Published: September 2021

With the fast-changing development of emerging online media, it has be-come apparent that information on social networks is characterized by extensive, fast and timely spreading. The absence of effective detection methods and moni-toring means has led to a massive outbreak of rumors. Therefore, accurate detection and timely suppression of rumors in social networks is a vital task in maintaining social security and purifying public networks. Most existing work relies only on monotonous textual content and shallow semantic information, and lacks critical at-tention to and potential mining of user relationships. Such being the case, we can better improve these problems by employing attention mechanisms. In this paper, we proposea Multi-Attention Neural Interaction Network (MANIN) for rumor detection, which consists mainly of a self-attention-based BERT encoder, a post-comment co-attention mechanism, and a graph attention neural network for mining potential user interactions. We have conducted numerous experiments on real datasets and verified their validity, and the results show that the model proposed by us outperforms existing models with an accuracy rate of 81.6%.
A Diffeomorphic Aging Model for Adult Human Brain from Cross-Sectional Data
Authors: Thottupattu Alphin J. , Sivaswamy Jayanthi , Krishnan Venkateswaran P.
Published: September 2021

Normative aging trends of the brain can serve as an important reference in the assessment of neurological structural disorders. Such models are typically developed from longitudinal brain image data – follow-up data of the same subject over different time points. In practice, obtaining such longitudinal data is difficult. We propose a method to develop an aging model for a given population, in the absence of longitudinal data, by using images from different subjects at different time points, the so-called cross-sectional data. We define an aging model as a diffeomorphic deformation on a structural template derived from the data and propose a method that develops topology preserving aging model close to natural aging. The proposed model is successfully validated on two public cross-sectional datasets which provide templates constructed from different sets of subjects at different age points.
Treatment of Calcified Lumbar Disc Herniation by Intervertebral Foramen Remolding a Retrospective Study
Authors: Yuan Ao-lin , Shen Xin , Chen Bin
Published: September 2021

Background:

The percutaneous intervertebral foramen mirror technology is a new solution for lumbar disorders. However, like other minimally-invasive treatments for calcified lumbar discs, it is still controversial. The aim of this study was to investigate the use of the percutaneous intervertebral foramen lens technology for secondary molding of the intervertebral foramen in the treatment of calcified lumbar discs.
Methods:

The study included 50 patients aged (mean ± standard deviation) 49.9 ± 14.5 years, 30 (60%) females, who were diagnosed with calcified lumbar disc herniation by computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. Patients underwent a percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy surgery in our hospital from January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2019. Demographic characteristics before the surgery and perioperative outcomes were retrospective reviewed. The treatment outcome was analyzed using the visual analog scale (VAS) score, the Oswestry Disability Index score, and modified Macnab criteria.
Results:

We evaluated those patients who showed significant improvement in both the VAS and ODI scores after the surgery and maintained relatively low ODI and VAS scores during subsequent follow-ups. Ninety-four percent of patients rated the results as "excellent" or "good" according to the modified Macnab criteria at the 3-month follow-up. One patient developed neck pain during the surgery, which was diagnosed as spinal hypertension syndrome, and the surgery was suspended until the patient improved. No patient had a dural leak, infection, or other related complications.
Conclusions:

Our results indicate that transforaminal remolding is effective in the treatment of calcified lumbar disc herniations, with few intraoperative and postoperative complications.Our results indicate that secondary reconstruction of the intervertebral foramen under visual conditions using microscopic knife is an effective method for treating calcified lumbar disc herniation, with few intraoperative and postoperative complications.
Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome Among Adolescents in India: a Population-Based Study
Authors: Ramesh Sowmya , Abraham Ransi Ann , Sarna Avina , Sachdev Harshpal S , Khan Nizamuddin , Porwal Akash , Acharya Rajib , Agrawal Praween K. , Ashraf Sana , Ramakrishnan Lakshmi
Published: September 2021

Background: In India, the prevalence of overweight among adolescents is on the rise, setting the stage for an increase in metabolic syndrome (MS). This paper presents the national prevalence of MS in adolescents in India. Methods: A nationally representative data of adolescents (10–19 years) from the Comprehensive National Nutrition Survey was used. MS was defined based on the NCEP–ATP III criteria for adolescents. Bivariate analysis was used to report socio-demographic differentials in prevalence and to assess interstate variability. Multivariate logistic regression model was constructed to measure the association between socio-demographic characteristics and prevalence of MS. Census data from 2011 was projected to 2017 to calculate burden.Results: The prevalence of MS was 5.2% among adolescents. 11.9%, 15.4%, 26.0%, 31.9% and 3.7% had central obesity, high blood pressure, hypertriglyceridemia, low HDL-cholesterol and high fasting glucose, respectively. The prevalence was higher among males (5.7% vs. 4.7%, adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 1.3, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.0, 1.6), those residing in urban areas (7.9% vs 4.2%, AOR: 1.4, 95% CI: 1.1, 1.8), and from wealthier households as compared to their counterparts (8.3% vs. 2.4%, AOR: 3.4, 95% CI: 2.1, 5.5). There was wide interstate variability in the prevalence of MS (0.5% – 16.5%). In 2017, 14.2 million adolescents had MS in India.Conclusions: The prevalence of MS among adolescents in India is low and clustered in urban areas and richer households. Early prevention interventions promoting a healthy lifestyle, especially in high prevalence areas, are needed to keep MS from becoming a public health issue.
Distribution characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 IgM and IgG in false-positive results detected by Chemiluminescent immunoassay
Authors: Lei Yan , Lu Xiaolan , Mou Daiyong , Du Qin , Bin Guo , Guo Xiaolan , Wang Guangrong , Wang Qiang
Published: September 2021

There have been several false-positive results in the antibody detection of the COVID-19. This study aims to analyze the distribution characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 IgM and IgG in false-positive results detected using chemiluminescent immunoassay. The characteristics of the false-positive results in SARS-CoV-2 IgM and IgG testing were retrospectively analyzed. The dynamic changes in the results of SARS-CoV-2 IgM and IgG antibodies were observed. The false-positive proportion of the single SARS-CoV-2 IgM positive results was 95.88%, which was significantly higher than those of the single SARS-CoV-2 IgG positive results (67.50%) (P < 0.001) and SARS-CoV-2 IgM & IgG positive results (29.55%) (P < 0.001). The S/CO of the SARS-CoV-2 IgM and IgG in false-positive results ranged from 1.0 to 50.0. The false-positive probability of SARS-CoV-2 IgM in the S/CO range (1.0 ~ 3.0) was 91.73% (77/84), and the probability of false-positive of SARS-CoV-2 IgG in the S/CO range (1.0 ~ 2.0) was 85.71% (24/28). Dynamic monitoring showed that the S/CO values of IgM in false-positive results decreased or remained unchanged, whereas the S/CO values of IgG in false-positive results only decreased. The possibility of false-positive of the single SARS-CoV-2 IgM positive and single SARS-CoV-2 IgG positive results was high. As the value of S/CO decreased, the probability of false-positive consequently increased, especially among the single SARS-CoV-2 IgM positive results.
Equivalent Inductance Model for the Design Analysis of Electrodynamic Suspension Coils for the Hyperloop
Authors: Lim Jungyoul , Lee Chang-Young , Oh Ye Jun , Jo Jeong-Min , Lee Jin-Ho , Lee Kwan-Sup , Choi Suyong
Published: September 2021

Hyperloop allows for improved transportation efficiency at higher speeds and a lower power consumption. Various magnetic levitation technologies in existing high-speed maglev trains are being considered to overcome speed limitations for the development of Hyperloop, which are driven inside vacuum tubes at 1,200 km/h; and superconducting (SC) electrodynamic suspension (EDS) can provide numerous advantages to Hyperloop. such as enabling stable levitation in high-speed driving without control, and increasing the levitation air gap. However, the analysis of the EDS system requires the electromagnetic transient analysis of complex three-dimensional (3D) features, and its computational load generally limits the use of numerical methods, such as the 3D finite element method (FEM) or dynamic circuit theory; This paper presents a novel model that can rapidly and accurately calculate the frequency-dependent equivalent inductance; and it can model the EDS system with the decoupled resistance-inductance (RL) equations of levitation coils. As a design example, the levitation coils of the SC-EDS were designed and analyzed for the Hyperloop, and the results were compared with those of the FEM results to validate the model. In addition, the model was experimentally validated by measuring currents induced by moving pods.
Complete case logistic regression with a dichotomised continuous outcome: a simulation study
Authors: Cornish Rosaleen Peggy , Bartlett Jonathan William , Macleod John , Tilling Kate
Published: September 2021

Background

A complete case logistic regression will give a biased estimate of the exposure odds ratio only if there is a multiplicative interaction between the exposure and outcome with respect to the probability of missingness – whereas linear regression with a continuous outcome is biased in more scenarios, including when only the outcome causes missingness. It is not clear whether a complete case logistic regression will give a biased estimate of the odds ratio if missingness depends on a continuous outcome but this outcome is dichotomised for the analysis – a common situation in epidemiology.
Methods

We investigated this using a simulation study and data from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC), a UK birth cohort. We also examined whether any bias could be reduced by including a proxy for the binary outcome as an auxiliary variable in multiple imputation.
Results

There was negligible bias in the exposure odds ratio when the probability of being a complete case was independently associated with the exposure and (continuous) outcome but important bias in the presence of an interaction, particularly at high levels of missing data. Inclusion of the proxy led to significant bias reductions when this had high sensitivity and specificity in relation to the study outcome.
Conclusions

The robustness of logistic regression to missing data is maintained even when the outcome is a binary version of a continuous outcome. Bias due to an interaction between the exposure and outcome in their effect on selection could be reduced by including proxies for the missing outcome as auxiliary variables in MI. If such proxies are available, we would recommend using MI over a complete case analysis because, in practice, it would be difficult to rule out an interaction.
Gonadal histology of adult western mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis) following early life exposure to 17α-ethynylestradiol, 17β- trenbolone, and/or atrazine
Authors: Matkin Caroline , Felgenhauer Bruce , Klerks Paul
Published: September 2021

Confined animal feeding operations (CAFOs) are a source of endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs) in the aquatic environment and introduced there through agricultural runoff and insufficient waste storage systems. This study used the three compounds 17α-ethynylestradiol (EE2), 17β- trenbolone (TB), and atrazine (Atr) alone and in a mixture representing a simulated CAFO runoff. Laboratory exposures were performed in order to assess if early life exposure during the period of sexual differentiation to CAFO runoff altered gonadal development in western mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis). Juveniles were exposed to low and high concentrations of EE2 (50 or 250 ng/L), TB (10 or 50 ng/L), Atr (150 or 1,500 ng/L), or simulated CAFO runoff (50 ng/L EE2, 10 ng/L TB, and 150 ng/L Atr or 250 ng/L EE2, 50 ng/L TB, and 1,500 Atr) for 30-days followed by a 46-day recovery period. Gonadal histology was measured in adult males and females to assess stages of sexual development (i.e., oogenesis or spermatogenesis) and gonadal histopathology. All of the ovaries analyzed were in the maturing or mature stages of oogenesis, and all of the testes examined were in the intermediate or advanced stages of spermatogenesis. Intersex was observed in one individual exposed to 1,500 ng/L Atr. Ovarian histopathology was normal in all females, however testicular histopathology showed a loss of cyst structure leading to unbound interstitial sperm cells and unsynchronized cyst development in all males except the control fish. This study provided some evidence that exposure to simulated CAFO runoff and its individual compounds impaired testicular development.
Information-Sharing Reduces Anxiety Towards Vaccines for SARS-CoV-2 in Patients With Autoimmune Liver Disease
Authors: Kakisaka Keisuke , Suzuki Yuji , Abe Hiroaki , Eto Hisashi , Yusa Kenji , Takikawa Yasuhiro
Published: September 2021

Background: Patients with autoimmune liver disease may feel anxiety towards vaccination for Severe Acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 because of insufficient data regarding its efficacy and adverse effects. The aim of this study was to study how information-sharing regarding coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) affects anxiety towards the vaccine in patients with autoimmune liver disease.Methods: Information about COVID-19 and its vaccines provided to subjects with autoimmune liver disease, and change of anxiety to the vaccines after information-sharing were prospectively evaluated.Results: Seventy-one patients prospectively and consecutively registered between March 2021 and May 2021 were assessed. Information-sharing decreased patient anxiety scores towards vaccination from 46 to 23 (p < 0.01). A beneficial effect of information-sharing was confirmed via a visual analog scale (VAS). The correlation of VAS before information-sharing to change of VAS during the study was negative (rho = −0.405, p = 0.00046). There was no significant difference regarding the comparison of VAS to age, or medication use. Conclusion: Information-sharing improved anxiety towards vaccination in patients with autoimmune liver disease, especially in patients who felt strong anxiety before information-sharing.
Discovery of Signature Cyclic Immonium Ion for Lactyllysine Reveals Widespread and Functional Lactylation
on Non-histone Proteins
Authors: Ye Hui , Wan Ning , Wang Nian , Kong Ying , Wang Xinmiao , Wang Dexiang , Yu Siqin , Lu Wenjie , Zhu Yinxue , Yang Chenxi , Shao Chang , Sun Runbin , Wang Nanxi , Hao Haiping
Published: September 2021

Lactylation is a new modification discovered on histones. However, whether it can be installed on non-histone proteins remains unclear. Here we report the formation of a signature cyclic immonium ion of lactyllysine, together with the characteristically changed chromatographic behavior, enabling confident protein lactylation assignment by mass spectrometry. This identification strategy was confirmed by affinity-enriched lactylation proteome and revealed lactylation on nuclear non-histone proteins such as nucleolin. Subsequent exploitation of the approach to mining unenriched, deep proteome resources unveiled an understudied lactylation landscape. From the draft map of the Human Proteome, we identified widespread lactylation on DHRS7 among human tissues, and demonstrated site-directed mutagenesis of the lactylated site affects previously unannotated proteinaceous association. Additionally, the Meltome Atlas showed lactylation frequently occurs on glycolytic enzymes and concomitantly induces thermal stability changes on carrier enzymes. Collectively, the identified signatures of protein lactylation enable confident assignment and allow for the discovery of lactylation proteome expanding beyond histones, representing a step to further understand how lactylation governs cells.
Perspectives of Pain Specialists, Patients, and Family Members on Long-Term Opioid use for Chronic Non- Cancer Pain: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Seangrung Rattaphol , Tempeetikul Thongchai , Pannarunothai Supasit , Sakdanuwatwong Supalak
Published: September 2021

Background: Opioids are currently prescribed for chronic non-cancer pain (CNCP), and some patients use opioids continuously for long-term treatment. Stakeholders’ awareness about long-term opioid therapy is essential for improving the safety and effectiveness of pain treatment. The purpose of this study is to explore the perspectives of pain specialists, patients, and family caregivers about long-term opioid use in CNCP management.Methods: This study was a qualitative study and adhered to the COREQ guidelines. Pain specialists (n = 12), patients (n = 14), and family members (n = 9) were recruited to the study by purposive sampling at the Pain Clinic of Ramathibodi Hospital. Semi-structured interviews were recorded, verbatim transcribed, conceptually coded, and analyzed using Atlas.ti 8.0.Results: All groups of participants described opioids as non-first-line drugs for pain management. Opioids should be prescribed only for severe pain, when non-opioid pharmacotherapy and non-pharmacological therapies are not effective. Patients reported that the benefits of opioids were for pain relief, while physicians and most family members highlighted that opioid use should improve functional outcomes. Physicians and family members expressed concerns about opioid-related side effects, harm, and adverse events, while patients did not. Patients confirmed that they would continue using opioids for pain management under supervision. However, physicians stated that they would taper off or discontinue opioid therapy if patients’ pain relief or functional improvement was not achieved. Both patients and family members were willing to consider non-pharmacological therapies if potential benefits existed. Patient education, doctor–patient/family relationships, and opioid prescription policies were proposed to enhance CNCP management.Conclusion: Long-term opioid therapy for CNCP may be beneficial in patients who have established realistic treatment goals (for both pain relief and functional improvement) with their physicians. Regular monitoring and evaluation of the risks and benefits, adverse events, and drug-related aberrant behaviors are necessary. Integrated multimodal multidisciplinary therapies and family member collaborations are also important for improving CNCP management.
Changing Transmission Dynamics Among Migrant, Indigenous and Mining Populations in a Malaria Hotspot in Northern Brazil: 2016 to 2020
Authors: Wetzler Erica , Marchesini Paola , Villegas Leopoldo , Canavati Sara
Published: September 2021

Background
Roraima state is the northernmost state in Brazil and the primary border-crossing point between Brazil and Venezuela. The uncontrolled surge of malaria in Venezuela, coupled with mass migration of Venezuelans to and from neighbouring countries and the uptick in informal mining in Roraima state, pose a serious threat to the broader region, especially to migrant, indigenous and mining populations, jeopardizing malaria elimination efforts. This study describes changes in the epidemiological profile of malaria in Roraima State related to time, place and populations at risk from 2016 to 2020.
Methods
De-identified malaria surveillance data were obtained from the Malaria Epidemiological Surveillance System from 2016 to 2020. Pearson’s chi-square tested different between imported and autochthonous cases. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify risk factors for imported versus autochthonous cases by demographic characteristics.
Results
Odds of being an imported case were higher Plasmodium falciparum cases (AOR = 2.08). However, as the number of cases from Venezuela decreased in 2020 following closure of the border, the proportion of Plasmodium falciparum cases increased markedly, from 6.24% in 2019 to 18.50% in 2020. Over the 5-year period, the odds of being an imported case among miners were about nine times higher than the general population (AOR = 8.99). The proportion of total malaria cases that were among indigenous people increased from 33.09% in 2016 to 54.83% in 2020. Indigenous children had a higher burden of malaria with over 40% of cases in children 0 to 9 years old, compared to 8% in non-indigenous children 0 to 9 years old. In some municipalities, place of infection differed from place of notification, with a large proportion of cases in these municipalities reporting in Boa Vista.
Conclusions
Malaria remains a serious threat in Roraima state, especially among high-risk populations, such as miners, migrants, and indigenous people. As malaria cases have increased among indigenous people, miners, and the proportion of Plasmodium falciparum cases has increased, elimination efforts require understanding of these risk factors to tailor interventions appropriately. Furthermore, cross-border surveillance systems need to be urgently strengthened at formal and unofficial border points, especially since the border with Venezuela reopened in July 2021.
Relationship Between Overweight and Obesity and Cardiac Dimensions and Function in a Paediatric Population.
Authors: Cabeza Juan Fernández , Aristizábal-Duque Cristhian H , Sánchez Isabel María Blancas , Ortiz Martín Ruíz , Almodóvar Ana Rodríguez , Ortega Mónica Delgado , Martínez Fátima Esteban , Saldaña Manuel Romero , Pozo Francisco Javier Fonseca del , Álvarez-Ossorio Manuel Pan , Rubio María Dolores Mesa
Published: September 2021

Obesity in adults is associated with left ventricular hypertrophy, dilatation and myocardial fibrosis, as well as heart failure and coronary heart disease. These associations have been studied to a lesser extent in the paediatric population. This study aims to investigate the relationship between obesity and cardiac structure and function in the paediatric population. In a southern Spanish town, we selected all inhabitants aged 6–17 years stratifying by age, gender, and educational centres. We performed a complete transthoracic echocardiogram evaluating all the cardiac morphological and functional parameters commonly measured in an echocardiographic study. There were 212 children and adolescents included. Of them, 48,1 % were males. The mean age was 10.9 ± 3.0 years. 106 (50%) were normal weight, 57 (26.9%) overweight and 49 (23.1%) obese. Sex and age were similar in all three groups. Overweight and obesity were associated with larger left ventricular end-diastolic and end-systolic volumes (p < 0.0005), greater left ventricular mass (p < 0.0005) and smaller ejection fraction (p < 0.0005). They were also associated with larger atrial, aortic and right ventricular size. Lateral and mean E/e' ratios were higher (p = 0.007 and p = 0.01 respectively). Body mass index was independently associated with all cavity size variables as well as left ventricular ejection fraction. Conclusion: Childhood obesity is independently associated with larger heart chambers, greater left ventricle mass, and smaller left ventricle ejection fraction.
Supragingival Microbiome Alternations as a Consequence of Smoking Different Tobacco Types and Its Relation to Dental Caries
Authors: Al-Marzooq Farah , Kawas Sausan Al , Rahman Betul , Shearston Jenni A. , Saad Hiba , Benzina Dalenda , Weitzman Michael
Published: September 2021

This study aimed to assess the effect of smoking different tobacco types on the supragingival microbiome and its relation to dental caries. Forty supragingival plaques were collected from smokers of a single tobacco type and non-smokers seeking treatment at the University Dental Hospital Sharjah, UAE. DMFT (decayed, missing and filled teeth) was determined for all participants who were divided into two groups: no-low caries (NC-LC: DMFT= 0-4; n=18) and moderate-high caries (MC-HC: DMFT= 5-20; n=22). 16S rRNA gene was sequenced using third-generation sequencing with Nanopore technology. Microbiome composition and diversity were compared. Caries were most common among cigarette smokers. Supragingival microbiota were significantly altered among smokers of different tobacco types. In cigarette smokers, cariogenic bacteria from genus Streptococcus (including S. mutans) were significantly more among subjects with NC-LC, while Lactobacilli (including L. fermentum) were more among subjects with MC-HC. In medwakh smokers, several periodontopathogens were significantly elevated in subjects with NC-LC, while other pathogenic bacteria (as Klebsiella pneumoniae) were more in those with MC-HC. Cigarette and alternative tobacco smoking had a significant impact on the supragingival microbiome. Dysbiosis triggered by smoking can be a predisposing factor to caries. Tobacco cessation and oral health-promoting strategies are required to prevent dental caries when the oral microbiome is disturbed.
Exploring Housing Policies in Five Swedish Municipalities: Alternatives and Priorities
Authors: Heller Christina , Ekstam Lisa , Haak Maria , Schmidt Steven M. , Slaug Björn
Published: September 2021

Introduction: Housing shortage due to population growth within metropolitan areas, combined with an ageing population has put pressure on current housing provision policies in Sweden. Thus, there is an urgent need to develop sustainable housing policies to accommodate the growing number of seniors in accessible home environments. This study aimed to gain an in-depth understanding of how municipalities currently address housing accessibility issues and to explore what types of policy solutions they consider for the future.Material and methods: Five Swedish municipalities were selected to represent a diversity of the population, housing provision approaches, and geographical areas. To understand current housing policies, two key actors (e.g. public officials, housing adaptation grant managers, city architects, etc.) from each municipality participated in semi-structured interviews (N=10). Subsequently, those key actors, two senior citizens, and three researchers participated in a research circle to explore future policy solutions. Data were analyzed using content analysis.Results: The interviews revealed common approaches to deal with housing accessibility issues such as regular renovations and maintenance, individual adaptations based on specific needs, and seeking collaboration with private housing actors on housing provision matters. Possible measures suggested for the future included increasing the national coordination of housing accessibility policies, amending legislation to only allow the construction of housing according to strengthened accessibility standards, and introducing economic incentives for seniors to move from housing with poor accessibility to more accessible accommodations,Conclusions: Municipalities struggle with the lack of accessible and affordable housing for the ageing population. The results suggest that collaboration needs to be improved between all actors involved in housing policies. The overall housing standard in Sweden is high, but preventive measures within the current law may be needed to strengthen the construction of more accessible and affordable housing for the population ageing in place.
Influence of Impulse Moments On Single-Frequency Torsional Oscillations of Nonlinearly Elastic Bodies
Authors: Sokil Mariia , Andrukhiv Andriy , Fedushko Solomiia , Kryvinska Natalia , Syerov Yuriy , Yurkiv Maria
Published: September 2021

Analytical study of the impulse moment influences on the nonlinear torsional oscillations in the homogeneous constant cross-section of a body under classical boundary conditions of the first, second, and third types has been developed. For the case when the elastic material properties meet the body close to the power law of elasticity, mathematical models of the process are obtained. They are the boundary value problems for an equation of hyperbolic type with a small parameter at the discrete right-hand side. The latter expresses the effect of pulse momentum on the oscillatory process. The peculiarities of resonant oscillations are established. Relative torsional oscillations of a nonlinear elastic body that rotates around the axis with a constant portable angular velocity are considered, taking into account the periodic action of pulse momentum acting in a fixed cross-section. The reliability of the obtained calculation formulas is confirmed.
Effects of Process Factors on Performances of Liquid Membrane-Based Transfer of Indole-3-Acetic Acid
Authors: Diaconu Ioana , Pârvulescu Oana Cristina , Topală Sorina Laura , Dobre Tănase
Published: September 2021

The paper has aimed at studying the transfer of indole 3-acetic acid (IAA) from a feed aqueous solution to a stripping aqueous solution of NaOH using a chloroform bulk liquid membrane and trioctylamine (TOA) as a ligand (L). Initial molar concentrations of IAA in the feed phase, cIAA,F0 (10-4-10-3 kmol/m3), of TOA in the membrane phase, cL,M0 (10-2 and 10-1 kmol/m3), and of NaOH in the stripping phase, cNaOH,S0 (10-2 and 1 kmol/m3), were selected as process factors. Their effects on the final values of IAA concentration in the feed phase (cIAA,Ff) and stripping solution (cIAA,Sf), extraction efficiency (EF), distribution coefficient (KD), and recovery efficiency (ER) were quantified using multiple regression equations. Regression coefficients were determined from experimental data, i.e., cIAA,Ff,ex=0.02-1×10-4 kmol/m3, cIAA,Sf,ex=0.22-2.58×10-3 kmol/m3, EF,ex=90.0-97.9%, KD,ex=9.0-46.6, and ER,ex=66.5-94.2%. It was found that cIAA,F0 had the most significant positive effect on cIAA,Ff and cIAA,Sf, whereas cNaOH,S0 had a major positive effect on EF, KD, and ER. A deterministic model based on mass transfer of IAA was developed and its parameters, i.e., mass transfer coefficient of IAA-L complex in the liquid membrane (0.08-1.15×10-6 m/s) and extraction constant (1033.9-1779.7 m3/kmol), were regressed from experimental data. The effect of cL,M0 on both parameters was significant.