bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Changes in the quality and in vitro digestibility of brown rice noodles with the addition of ultrasound‐assisted enzyme‐treated red lentil protein
Authors: Lin Zexue , Liu Lu , Qin Wanyu , Wang Aixia , Nie Mengzi , Xi Huihan , Chen Zhiying , He Yue , Wang Fengzhong , Tong Li‐Tao
Published: November 2021

The effects of red lentil protein with ultrasound‐assisted enzymatic treatment on the quality of brown rice noodles were investigated. The thermostability and anti‐retrogradation ability of brown rice flour decreased significantly (P < 0.05), while the elastic and viscous modulus increased after adding untreated red lentil protein. Meanwhile, the cooking loss rate of brown rice noodles increased from 4.41% to 5.68%. When the red lentil protein was treated with ultrasound and enzyme, the protein–starch interaction was enhanced, and the negative effects of protein on brown rice flour and noodles were weakened. Moreover, the rice noodles with ultrasound‐assisted enzyme‐treated red lentil protein showed a lower starch digestibility than brown rice noodles, and its protein digestibility was significantly higher than that of rice noodles with ultrasound or enzyme‐treated protein. Therefore, the addition of ultrasound‐assisted enzyme‐treated red lentil protein could effectively decrease predicted glycaemic index value, improve nutritional value and produce high‐quality brown rice noodles.
Ka‐pi‐plaa fermented using beardless barb fish: physicochemical, microbiological and antioxidant properties as influenced by production processes
Authors: Sripokar Pakteera , Hansen Egon Bech , Zhang Yi , Maneerat Suppasil , Klomklao Sappasith
Published: November 2021

Production of Thai fish paste Ka‐pi‐plaa fermented using beardless barb, Cyclocheilichthys apogon was monitored. The physicochemical, microbiological and antioxidant properties were compared after each process, that is autolysis, salting, sun‐drying and fermentation. Colour parameters L* decreased while a* and b* increased during production (P < 0.05). The Ka‐pi‐plaa finished product presented an intense brown colour as shown with the increase in browning intensity (A420). Contents of formal nitrogen, ammonia nitrogen and amino nitrogen showed continuous increase (P < 0.05) indicating the formation of peptides and free amino acids, which were verified by protein patterns. Populations of total, halophilic, proteolytic, lipolytic and lactic acid bacteria (LAB) generally increased. Halophilic bacteria grew rapidly after salting. LAB counts were correlated with the pH change. It was suggested that a few biochemical reactions occurred during production, including protein hydrolysis by microbial and fish proteases, lipid oxidation as presented by the increasing thiobarbituric acid reactive substances value, and Maillard reaction based on the determined precursors and products. Antioxidant activities generally increased during production particularly fermentation, suggesting Ka‐pi‐plaa possessed 2,2‐diphenyl‐l‐picrylhydrazyl and 2,2‐azino‐bis (3‐ethylbenzthiazoline‐6‐sulphonic acid) scavenging and metal chelating activities, and ferric reducing power. This study provides important information on the relationship among production steps, various properties and chemical reactions for fish fermentation.
Coordination mechanisms in a two‐stage green supply chain: analyzing the impact of transportation decisions on environment
Authors: Darzi Ramandi Milad , Bafruei Morteza Khakzar , Ansaripoor Amir H. , Paul Sanjoy Kumar , Chowdhury Md. Maruf Hossan
Published: November 2021

In this study, the distributor in charge of freight transport is responsible for replenishing the buyer's inventory level, with the government intervening in the supply chain to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. In the proposed model, a periodic review replenishment policy is applied by the buyer, whereby the distributor is responsible for determining the optimal review period. Therefore, a game theory approach is used to show how government intervention influences the replenishment decisions, transportation, and safety factor. Due to the government constraint imposed to control GHG emissions, the distributor has to set a longer review period involving fewer trucks, resulting in his/her decision leading to more shortage costs for the buyer. The results of four numerical examples indicate that the buyer is not given any incentives to cooperate with the distributor due to his/her reduced revenue. Hence, this study proposes two‐part tariff (TPT) and cost‐sharing (CS) contracts to increase the profitability of both players. Finally, the results show that both coordination mechanisms can effectively coordinate the supply chain, but the TPT contract can also reduce GHG emissions. Furthermore, in all scenarios where the government constraint is implemented, the number of unfilled trucks in each replenishment inventory has been decreased.
Two novel screened microbial consortia and their application in combination with Lactobacillus plantarum for improving fermentation quality of high-moisture alfalfa
Authors: Li Junfeng , Wang Siran , Zhao Jie , Dong Zhihao , Liu Qinhua , Dong Dong , Shao Tao
Published: November 2021

Aims

To enrich lignocellulolytic microbial consortia and evaluate whether a combination of these consortia and Lactobacillus plantarum can facilitate degradation of structural carbohydrates and improve fermentation quality of high-moisture alfalfa silage.

Methods and Results

Two novel microbial consortia (CL and YL) with high lignocellulolytic potential were enriched, and had higher enzyme activities at slightly acidic conditions (pH 3.5–6.5). Two consortia were inoculated with and without combined L. plantarum (LP) to alfalfa for up to 120 days of ensiling. The two consortia alone or combined with LP significantly (p < 0.05) increased lactic-to-acetic acid ratios and decreased contents of volatile organic acids and NH3-N as compared to the control. Treatments that combining microbial consortia and LP further resulted in the higher contents of lactic acid (LA), water soluble carbohydrates (WSC) and crude protein, dry matter (DM) recovery, and lower neutral detergent fibre, acid detergent lignin and cellulose contents, with YLP silage showing the lowest pH (4.41) and highest LA content (76.72 g kg−1 DM) and the conversion of WSC into LA (184.03%).

Conclusions

The addition of lignocellulolytic microbial consortia (CL or YL) to alfalfa silages as attractive silage inoculants could improve fermentation quality, and that their combination with L. plantarum appeared more effective on the degradation of structural carbohydrates and conversion of soluble carbohydrates into LA.

Significance and Impact of the Study

High-moisture alfalfa is difficult to ensile due to its high buffering capacity and low readily fermentable carbohydrate contents. Microbial consortia (CL and YL) can encode a broad selection of multi-functional CAZymes, and their combination with LP could be promising for the degradation of structural carbohydrates simultaneously with improvement fermentation quality, with high performance in LA production.
CircZNF532 knockdown protects retinal pigment epithelial cells against high glucose‐induced apoptosis and pyroptosis by regulating the miR‐20b‐5p/STAT3 axis
Authors: Liang Gao‐Hua , Luo Yan‐Ni , Wei Ri‐Zhang , Yin Jia‐Yang , Qin Zhi‐Liang , Lu Li‐Li , Ma Wen‐Hao
Published: November 2021

Introduction

The loss of retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells is associated with the etiology of diabetic retinopathy (DR). This study investigated the effects of circular RNA ZNF532 (circZNF532) on apoptosis and pyroptosis of RPE cells.

Materials and Methods

Blood samples were collected from patients with DR and healthy volunteers. A human RPE cell line ARPE‐19 was induced by high glucose (HG) and assayed for cell viability, apoptosis, and pyroptosis. The binding of miR‐20b‐5p with circZNF532 and STAT3 was confirmed by a luciferase activity assay. A mouse model of diabetic retinopathy was established.

Results

CircZNF532 and STAT3 were upregulated but miR‐20b‐5p was downregulated in the serum samples of patients with DR and HG‐induced ARPE‐19 cells. Elevated miR‐20b‐5p or CircZNF532 knockdown enhanced proliferation but reduced apoptosis and pyroptosis of ARPE‐19 cells. CircZNF532 sponged miR‐20b‐5p and inhibited its expression. STAT3 was verified as a target of miR‐20b‐5p. MiR‐20b‐5p modulated ARPE‐19 cell viability, apoptosis, and pyroptosis by targeting STAT3. Mice with STZ‐induced diabetes showed elevated expressions of circZNF532 and STAT3 but decreased the level of miR‐20b‐5p compared with the controls. Knockdown of circZNF532 inhibited apoptosis and pyroptosis in mouse retinal tissues.

Conclusion

CircZNF532 knockdown rescued human RPE cells from HG‐induced apoptosis and pyroptosis by regulating STAT3 via miR‐20b‐5p.
Gastrointestinal function in diabetes is affected regardless of asymptomatic appearance
Authors: Wegeberg Anne‐Marie , Bertoli Davide , Ejskjaer Niels , Brock Birgitte , Drewes Asbjørn Mohr , Brock Christina
Published: November 2021

Background

Gastrointestinal dysmotility may exist without concomitant symptoms. We hypothesize that asymptomatic individuals with diabetes have altered gastrointestinal function associated with age, cardiac vagal tone and glycaemic control.

Methods

One hundred fifty‐four asymptomatic participants (61 with type 1 diabetes (T1D), 70 type 2 diabetes (T2D) and 23 healthy volunteers (HV)) underwent wireless motility capsule investigation. Transit times, motility indices and pH were retrieved. Age, cardiac vagal tone, glucose and haemoglobin A1c levels were collected.

Results

In T1D, prolongation of colonic (p = 0.03) and whole‐gut transit times (p = 0.04) were shown. Transpyloric pH rise was decreased in T1D (p = 0.001) and T2D (p = 0.007) and was associated with cardiac vagal tone (p = 0.03) or glucose (p = 0.04) and haemoglobin A1c (p = 0.005). Ileocaecal pH fall was decreased in T2D (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Gastrointestinal function was altered in asymptomatic individuals with diabetes. These findings call for further investigations of gastrointestinal function in order to identify risk factors or even predictors for diabetic enteropathy, particularly when glycaemic control is impaired.
Humoral response to two doses of BNT162b2 vaccination in people with HIV
Authors: Heftdal Line Dam , Knudsen Andreas Dehlbæk , Hamm Sebastian Rask , Hansen Cecilie Bo , Møller Dina Leth , Pries‐Heje Mia , Fogh Kamille , Hasselbalch Rasmus Bo , Jarlhelt Ida , Pérez‐Alós Laura , Hilsted Linda Maria , Ostrowski Sisse Rye , Gerstoft Jan , Grønbæk Kirsten , Bundgaard Henning , Iversen Kasper , Garred Peter , Nielsen Susanne Dam
Published: November 2021

Background

People with HIV (PWH) are at increased risk of severe COVID‐19. We aimed to determine humoral responses in PWH and controls who received two doses of BNT162b2.

Methods

In 269 PWH and 538 age‐matched controls, we measured IgG and neutralizing antibodies specific for the receptor‐binding domain of SARS‐CoV‐2 at baseline, 3 weeks and 2 months after the first dose of BNT162b2.

Results

IgG antibodies increased from baseline to 3 weeks and from 3 weeks to 2 months in both groups, but the concentrations of IgG antibodies were lower in PWH than that in controls at 3 weeks and 2 months (p = 0.025 and <0.001), respectively. The IgG titres in PWH with a humoral response at 2 months were 77.9% (95% confidence interval [62.5%–97.0%], age‐ and sex‐adjusted p = 0.027) of controls.

Conclusions

Reduced IgG antibody response to vaccination with BNT162b2 was found in PWH, and thus increased awareness of breakthrough infections in PWH is needed.
Pathogen‐induced expression of a blight tolerance transgene in American chestnut
Authors: Carlson Erik , Stewart Kristen , Baier Kathleen , McGuigan Linda , Culpepper Tobi , Powell William
Published: November 2021

American chestnut (Castanea dentata) is a susceptible host of the invasive necrotrophic fungus Cryphonectria parasitica, which causes chestnut blight disease. The fungal pathogen attacks chestnut stems by invading wounded tissue and secreting oxalate. This process leads to the death of infected host cells and the formation of cankers, eventually girdling stems and killing the tree above the infections. To reduce damage caused by fungal oxalate, American chestnut has been genetically engineered to express a wheat oxalate oxidase (OxO). This enzyme degrades the oxalate produced by the pathogen and confers elevated tolerance to Cryphonectria parasitica infection. We report new lines of transgenic American chestnut that have been developed with the win3.12 inducible promoter from poplar (Populus deltoides) driving OxO expression. This promoter is responsive to both wounding and pathogen infection, with a low level of baseline expression. Targeted expression of OxO to wounded and infected tissue is sought as an alternative to constitutive expression for potential metabolic resource conservation and transgene stability over the long lifetime of a tree and over successive generations of breeding. Transgenic Castanea dentata lines harbouring the win3.12‐OxO construct were evaluated for transgene expression patterns and tolerance to chestnut blight infection. OxO transcript levels were low in uninfected plants, but robust infection‐induced expression levels were observed, with one transgenic line reaching levels comparable to those of previously characterized CaMV35S‐OxO lines. In chestnut blight infection bioassays, win3.12‐OxO lines showed elevated disease tolerance similar to blight‐resistant Chinese chestnut (Castanea mollissima) controls.
Debt Intolerance: Threshold Level and Composition*
Authors: Matsuoka Hideaki
Published: November 2021

Fiscal vulnerabilities depend on both the level and composition of government debt. This study examines the role of debt thresholds and debt composition in driving the nonlinear behaviour of long‐term interest rates through a novel approach, a panel smooth transition regression with a general logistic model. The main findings are threefold. First, the impact of the expected public debt level on interest rates rises exponentially when the share of foreign private holdings exceeds approximately 20% of government debt denominated in local currency. Second, if the public debt level exceeds a certain level, an increase in foreign private holding of government debt could raise interest rates, offsetting the downward pressure from higher market liquidity. Third, out‐of‐sample forecasts of this novel non‐linear model are more accurate than those of previous methods.
Prolific authorship in orthodontic scientific publishing
Authors: Wong Constance , Papageorgiou Spyridon N. , Seehra Jadbinder , Cobourne Martyn T.
Published: November 2021

Objectives

To identify the 10 most numerically prolific authors publishing in the field of orthodontics for each year over the last decade (2011‐2020), describe the characteristics of these outputs and identify trends in the types of study being published.

Materials and Methods

A Scopus literature search was conducted to identify the 10 most numerically prolific publishing authors in orthodontics for each year during this decade. Number and characteristics of all publications for each author were analysed with descriptive and inferential statistics.

Results

Forty‐nine different individual authors were identified who were collectively prolific for between 1‐8 years within the assessment decade. These authors published a total of 2025 papers, with a median annual output of 18 papers per year; however, half of these authors published between 15‐24 papers per year (range 5‐200). Amongst authors, 2 or more collaborated on only 7% of the identified papers. The median number of authors per paper was 5 (range 1‐27) with significant variation according to study design (P < .001). The majority of authors originated from Brazil (19.3%), Italy (14.1%) and India (12.7%). Most papers described non‐prospective clinical studies (38.1%), case reports or case series (11.1%) and narrative reviews (10.8%). Finally, prolific authors had a smaller annual output when publishing in orthodontic journals (P < .001) and when publishing experimental primary research (P = .04).

Conclusions

A cohort of prolific authors in orthodontics between 2011‐2020 was identified. Extreme variation was found in annual output between these authors but case reports, non‐prospective clinical studies and narrative reviews predominated.
Risk factors associated with xerostomia and reduced salivary flow in hypertensive patients
Authors: Ramírez Lucía , Sánchez Isabel , Muñoz Marta , Martínez–Acitores María Luisa , Garrido Estela , Hernández Gonzalo , López‐Pintor Rosa María
Published: November 2021

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate the risk factors associated with xerostomia and hyposalivation in a group of hypertensive patients.

Subjects and Methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted. Hypertensive patients belonged to two healthcare centers were included. Xerostomia was assessed by asking a question and using the Xerostomia Inventory. Unstimulated salivary flow was collected. Different epidemiological variables were analyzed such as age, sex, habits, diseases, drugs, and blood pressure.

Results

221 individuals were included. Xerostomia was reported in 51.13% of patients. Patients with xerostomia suffered more from osteoarthritis and diaphragmatic hernia. These patients took more anticoagulants (acenocoumarol), antiarrhythmics (amiodarone), analgesics (paracetamol) and epilepsy drugs (pregabalin) and less platelet aggregation inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor blockers (losartan). Unstimulated flow was reduced in 37.56% of patients. Patients suffering hyposalivation presented more diseases such as anxiety, infectious or parasitic diseases, hepatitis C, diaphragmatic hernia, and osteoarthritis. These patients took more repaglinide, thiazides, anti‐inflammatories, anti‐rheumatics, glucosamine, diazepam, and selective beta‐2‐adrenoreceptor agonists and less combinations of candesartan and diuretics.

Conclusions

Xerostomia and hyposalivation are frequent in hypertensive patients. It is advisable to take into consideration the comorbidities and the drugs they receive, since they can increase the risk of these salivary disorders.
Immunity to error through misidentification in observer memories: A moderate separatist account
Authors: Perrin Denis , McCarroll Christopher Jude
Published: November 2021

Judgments based on episodic memory are often thought to be immune to errors of misidentification (IEM). Yet there is a certain category of episodic memories, viz. observer memories, that seems to threaten IEM. In the resulting debate, some say that observer memories are a threat to the IEM enjoyed by episodic memory (Michaelian, 2021); others say that they pose no such threat (Fernández, 2021; Lin, 2020). In this paper, we argue for a middle way. First, we frame the debate, claiming that the existing literature lacks a satisfying definition both of observer memories and of the precise issue of errors of identification in such memories. Then, we contribute to the debate by challenging an anti‐separatist view about the relation between phenomenal and intentional features of observer memories that looms behind this debate. On this view, if the rememberer's self is a phenomenal feature of the memory, by implication it is also built into the intentional content. We reject this view and offer a moderate separatist account. Distinguishing between empirically‐grounded species of observer memories, we say that the phenomenal self sometimes is, and sometimes is not built into the intentional content of the memory, and this results in different implications for IEM.
Mixtures of organic amendments and biochar promote beneficial soil microbiota and affect Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lactucae, Rhizoctonia solani and Sclerotinia minor disease suppression
Authors: Bonanomi Giuliano , Zotti Maurizio , Idbella Mohamed , Cesarano Gaspare , Al‐Rowaily Saud L. , Abd‐ElGawad Ahmed M.
Published: November 2021

The use of soil fumigants and fungicides to control soilborne pathogens is reduced due to awareness of their negative drawbacks. Long‐term application of such agrochemicals negatively affects soil microbiota and reduces natural soil suppressiveness. We investigated long‐term impacts of biochar and not‐pyrogenic organic amendment (OAs: manure, alfalfa straw and glucose), on disease suppression compared with conventional management in three pathosystems: Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lactucae (FOL)–lettuce, Rhizoctonia solani–tomato and Sclerotinia sclerotiorum–lettuce, by conditioning soil for 2 years. Soil analyses included pH, electrical conductivity, organic carbon, total nitrogen, C:N ratio, N‐NO3−, N‐NH4+, cation exchange capacity, available phosphorus, Ca2+, Mg2+, K+, Na+, fluorescein diacetate (FDA), and total and active limestone. Soil microbiota was characterized by combining BIOLOG EcoPlates with next‐generation sequencing of 16S and 18S rRNA genes. Soil amended with OAs generally suppressed disease by S. sclerotiorum and FOL compared to fumigants and synthetic fertilizers. However, the incidence of R. solani infection was lower in soil treated with synthetic fertilizers than soil amended with OAs. EC, pH, C:N, N‐NO3−, N‐NH4+, FDA and BIOLOG were significantly correlated with disease, depending on pathosystem. Bacterial richness and diversity, presence of some genera like Acidobacteria, Chloracidobacteria, Solibacteres, Anaerolineae, Nitrospira and Deltaproteobacteria were negatively related to disease incidence of FOL and S. sclerotiorum, whereas damping‐off caused by R. solani was negatively affected by the presence of Flavobacterium and Chitinofagha. Therefore, we concluded that long‐term application of OAs can effectively improve soil suppressiveness and reduce disease incidence against root pathogens, although the effects vary considerably depending upon pathosystem.
Modeling Epistemic Uncertainty in Offshore Wind Farm Production Capacity to Reduce Risk
Authors: Zitrou Athena , Bedford Tim , Walls Lesley
Published: November 2021

Financial stakeholders in offshore wind farm projects require predictions of energy production capacity to better manage the risk associated with investment decisions prior to construction. Predictions for early operating life are particularly important due to the dual effects of cash flow discounting and the anticipated performance growth due to experiential learning. We develop a general marked point process model for the times to failure and restoration events of farm subassemblies to capture key uncertainties affecting performance. Sources of epistemic uncertainty are identified in design and manufacturing effectiveness. The model then captures the temporal effects of epistemic and aleatory uncertainties across subassemblies to predict the farm availability‐informed relative capacity (maximum generating capacity given the technical state of the equipment). This performance measure enables technical performance uncertainties to be linked to the cost of energy generation. The general modeling approach is contextualized and illustrated for a prospective offshore wind farm. The production capacity uncertainties can be decomposed to assess the contribution of epistemic uncertainty allowing the value of gathering information to reduce risk to be examined.
Examining Insensitivity to Probability in Evidence‐Based Communication of Relative Risks: The Role of Affect and Communication Format
Authors: Heard Claire Louise , Rakow Tim
Published: November 2021

Affect can influence judgments of event riskiness and use of risk‐related information. Two studies (Ns: 85 and 100) examined the insensitivity‐to‐probability effect—where people discount probability information when scenarios are affect‐rich—applying it to evidence‐informed risk communication. We additionally investigated whether this effect is moderated by format, based on predictions from the evaluability and pattern‐recognition literatures, suggesting that graphical formats may attenuate insensitivity to probability. Participants completed a prior beliefs questionnaire (Study 1), and risk perception booklet (both studies) that presented identical statistical information about the relative risks associated with two scenarios—one with an affect‐rich outcome, the other an affect‐poorer outcome. In Study 1, this was presented graphically. In Study 2, information was presented in one of three formats: written, tabular, or graphical. Participants provided their perceptions of the risk for each scenario at a range of risk‐levels. The affect‐rich scenario was perceived as higher in risk, and, importantly, despite presenting identical relative risk information in both scenarios, was associated with a reduced sensitivity to probability information (both studies). These differences were predicted by participants’ prior beliefs concerning the scenario events (Study 1) and were larger for the single‐item written format than graphical format (Study 2). The findings illustrate that insensitivity to probability information can occur in evidence‐informed risk communications and highlight how communication format can moderate this effect. This interplay between affect and format therefore reflects an important consideration for information designers and researchers.
Root‐to‐shoot iron partitioning in Arabidopsis requires IRON‐REGULATED TRANSPORTER1 (IRT1) protein but not its iron(II) transport function
Authors: Quintana Julia , Bernal María , Scholle Marleen , Holländer‐Czytko Heike , Nguyen Nga T. , Piotrowski Markus , Mendoza‐Cózatl David G. , Haydon Michael J. , Krämer Ute
Published: November 2021

IRON‐REGULATED TRANSPORTER1 (IRT1) is the root high‐affinity ferrous iron (Fe) uptake system and indispensable for the completion of the life cycle of Arabidopsis thaliana without vigorous Fe supplementation. Here we provide evidence supporting a second role of IRT1 in root‐to‐shoot partitioning of Fe. We show that irt1 mutants overaccumulate Fe in roots, most prominently in the cortex of the differentiation zone in irt1‐2, compared to the wild type. Shoots of irt1‐2 are severely Fe‐deficient according to Fe content and marker transcripts, as expected. We generated irt1‐2 lines producing IRT1 mutant variants carrying single amino‐acid substitutions of key residues in transmembrane helices IV and V, Ser206 and His232, which are required for transport activity in yeast. Root short‐term 55Fe uptake rates were uninformative concerning IRT1‐mediated transport. Overall irt1‐like concentrations of the secondary substrate Mn suggested that the transgenic Arabidopsis lines also remain incapable of IRT1‐mediated root Fe uptake. Yet, IRT1S206A partially complements rosette dwarfing and leaf chlorosis of irt1‐2, as well as root‐to‐shoot Fe partitioning and gene expression defects of irt1‐2, all of which are fully complemented by wild‐type IRT1. Taken together, these results suggest a regulatory function for IRT1 in root‐to‐shoot Fe partitioning that does not require Fe transport activity of IRT1. Among the genes of which transcript levels are partially dependent on IRT1, we identify MYB DOMAIN PROTEIN10, MYB DOMAIN PROTEIN72 and NICOTIANAMINE SYNTHASE4 as candidates for effecting IRT1‐dependent Fe mobilization in roots. Understanding the biological functions of IRT1 will help to improve Fe nutrition and the nutritional quality of agricultural crops.
Effectiveness of conditional cash transfers for uptake and retention in HIV prevention of mother-to-child transmission services in low- and middle-income countries: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Hadis Mamuye , Solomon Dagmawit , Mideksa Samson , Bogale Firmaye , Gebreyohannes Yosef
Published: November 2021

Objective:

This systematic review will identify and synthesize evidence on the effectiveness of conditional cash transfers for the uptake and retention in prevention of mother-to-child transmission services in pregnant and/or breastfeeding women with HIV infection in low- and middle-income countries.

Introduction:

Regardless of the effectiveness of prevention of mother-to-child transmission services, uptake and retention in such services remains poor in low- and middle-income countries. This review intends to evaluate the effectiveness of conditional cash transfers in improving uptake and retention in such services for pregnant and/or breastfeeding women with HIV infection.

Inclusion criteria:

This review will consider studies that evaluate the impact of conditional cash transfers on uptake and retention in prevention of mother-to-child transmission services in pregnant and/or breastfeeding women with HIV. Studies will compare conditional cash transfers with no intervention or other interventions. Only studies carried out in low- and middle-income countries will be eligible for inclusion.

Methods:

Eight databases will be searched. Publication status will not be considered as a criterion for inclusion. Studies published in English since 2000 will be considered, because prevention of mother-to-child transmission services were first introduced in that year. Following the search, two independent reviewers will screen titles and abstracts against the inclusion criteria, critically appraise eligible studies for methodological quality using JBI critical appraisal tools, and extract data from included studies using a standardized data extraction tool. Where possible, quantitative data will be pooled using statistical meta-analysis.

Systematic review registration number:

PROSPERO CRD42021236729
Reporting of patient journey mapping in current literature: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Davies Ellen L. , Pollock Danielle , Graham Amy , Laing Robert E. , Langton Vikki , Bulto Lemma , Kelly Janet
Published: November 2021

Objective:

This scoping review will assess the literature that documents or utilizes patient journey mapping methodologies in health care settings. It will also examine the reporting processes of studies that use this methodology.

Introduction:

Health care systems are complex and can be challenging for patients to navigate. Using patient journey mapping as a research method promotes a deeper understanding of patient experiences when navigating these systems. Patient journey mapping provides valuable insights into where systems are working well, where gaps in care exist, and how the system could respond to these gaps.

Inclusion criteria:

This review will consider peer-reviewed articles and publicly available academic literature documenting patient journey mapping methodologies. The review will also consider studies providing guidance and recommendations on how to report patient journey mapping studies in health care services and systems.

Methods:

The proposed review will follow JBI guidance for scoping reviews. The following databases will be searched: MEDLINE, Embase, Emcare, PsycINFO, Scopus, Web of Science Core Collection, the Directory of Open Access Journals, Informit, and ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Global. The search will not be limited to year of publication but will be limited to studies reported in English. The PRISMA-ScR extension will be used to document the literature search. Two reviewers will screen titles, abstracts, and full-text articles. An extraction table will be used to extract relevant data from all included articles and to facilitate data analysis.
Computing the Hosoya Polynomial of M-th Level Wheel and Its Subdivision Graph
Authors: Xu Peng , Numan Muhammad , Nawaz Aamra , Butt Saad Ihsan , Aslam Adnan , Fahad Asfand
Published: November 2021

The determination of Hosoya polynomial is the latest scheme, and it provides an excellent and superior role in finding the Weiner and hyper-Wiener index. The application of Weiner index ranges from the introduction of the concept of information theoretic analogues of topological indices to the use as major tool in crystal and polymer studies. In this paper, we will compute the Hosoya polynomial for multiwheel graph and uniform subdivision of multiwheel graph. Furthermore, we will derive two well-known topological indices for the abovementioned graphs, first Weiner index, and second hyper-Wiener index.
Research on Decision Evaluation Model of HOV Lane Setting
Authors: Lv Ding , Wu Qunqi , Chen Bo , Jiang Yahong
Published: November 2021

In order to achieve the purpose of improving the travel efficiency of commuters in the periphery of the city, expanding the beneficiary groups of urban rail transit, and alleviating urban road traffic congestion, when planning and setting up HOV in the periphery of the city, it is necessary to analyze the feasibility of HOV lane setting from both the demand conditions and the setting conditions. This paper combines machine learning to construct a decision-making evaluation model for HOV lane setting and studies the optimal layout model and algorithm of HOV lanes in service rail transit commuter chain. The setting, planning, and layout of HOV lanes are a two-way interactive process of traveler's path selection and designer's road planning. Finally, after the model is constructed, the performance of the system model is verified. The results show that the system studied in this paper can be used for traffic data and lane planning analysis. Therefore, in the process of urban operation, the HOV model constructed in this paper is mainly used to alleviate urban traffic and improve urban operation efficiency.
Antitumoral and Anti-inflammatory Roles of Somatostatin and Its Analogs in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Periferakis Argyrios , Tsigas Georgios , Periferakis Aristodemos-Theodoros , Badarau Ioana Anca , Scheau Andreea-Elena , Tampa Mircea , Georgescu Simona Roxana , Didilescu Andreea Cristiana , Scheau Cristian , Caruntu Constantin
Published: November 2021

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver cancer and affects about 8% of cirrhotic patients, with a recurrence rate of over 50%. There are numerous therapies available for the treatment of HCC, depending on cancer staging and condition of the patient. The complexity of the treatment is also justified by the unique pathogenesis of HCC that involves intricate processes such as chronic inflammation, fibrosis, and multiple molecular carcinogenesis events. During the last three decades, multiple in vivo and in vitro experiments have used somatostatin and its analogs (SSAs) to reduce the proliferative and metastatic potential of hepatoma cells by inducing their apoptosis and reducing angiogenesis and the inflammatory component of HCC. Most experiments have proven successful, revealing several different pathways and mechanisms corresponding to the aforementioned functions. Moreover, a correlation between specific effects and expression of somatostatin receptors (SSTRs) was observed in the studied cells. Clinical trials have tested either somatostatin or an analog, alone or in combination with other drugs, to explore the potential effects on HCC patients, in various stages of the disease. While the majority of these clinical trials exhibited minor to moderate success, some other studies were inconclusive or even reported negative outcomes. A complete evaluation of the efficacy of somatostatin and SSAs is still the matter of intense debate, and, if deemed useful, these substances may play a beneficial role in the management of HCC patients.
Smoking Status Modifies the Relationship between Th2 Biomarkers and Small Airway Obstruction in Asthma
Authors: Chu Shuyuan , Ma Libing , Wei Jianghong , Wang Jiying , Xu Qing , Chen Meixi , Jiang Ming , Luo Miao , Wu Jingjie , Mai Lin , Tang Guofang , Mo Biwen
Published: November 2021

Background. Cigarette smoking and Th2-inflammation are both crucial in the pathogenesis of asthma. However, it is unknown whether smoking can affect the association between Th2-inflammation and small airway obstruction in adults with asthma. Methods. Adults diagnosed with asthma by a pulmonologist according to Global Initiative for Asthma guidelines were recruited from September 2016 to April 2018 to participate in this study. Participants were divided into two groups, the small airway obstruction group (those with FEF25–75% predicted value ≤ 65%) and the normal small airway function group (those with FEF25–75% predicted value > 65%). Final data analysis included 385 and 93 people in the Obstructive Group and the Normal Group, respectively. Total serum IgE level and blood eosinophil count were used as biomarkers of the Th2 phenotype. Results. The Obstructive Group had a larger fraction of smokers, higher blood eosinophil count, and lower lung function than the Normal Group. Current-smoking status was associated with an increased risk of small airway obstruction (adjusted odds ratio = 4.677, 95% confidence interval [1.593–13.730]); and log-IgE level was associated with a decreased risk of small airway obstruction (0.403 [0.216–0.754]). Smoking status stratified analysis showed an association between log-IgE level and a decreased risk of small airway obstruction only in never-smoker asthmatics (0.487 [0.249–0.954]). Conclusions. Current-smoking status and total serum IgE are, respectively, associated with small airway obstruction. Smoking status modifies the relationship between Th2 biomarkers and small airway function. These findings contribute to the understanding of risk factors associated with asthma endotyping.
Segmental Arterial Mediolysis: A Multiguised Vasospastic Arteriopathy with Collateral Mesangial Cell Hyperplasia and Cardiac Toxicity Generated by Norepinephrine and Hyperdense Adrenoceptors Alone or by Crosstalk with Other Pressor Agents
Authors: Slavin Richard E.
Published: November 2021

Segmental arterial mediolysis (SAM), an uncommon vasospastic arteriopathy occurring in the muscular arteries innervated by the peripheral sympathetic nervous system, usually presents with catastrophic abdominal and retroperitoneal hemorrhages in elderly patients. SAM is initiated by the coupling of norepinephrine to plastically derived hyperdense foci of alpha-1 adrenergic receptors on the sarcolemma of arterial muscle. This ligand is created by stimuli signaled by iatrogenic sympathomimetic agonists, some beta-2 agonists, or an excessive release of adrenal catecholamines. Coupling of this ligand with cytoplasmic heterotrimeric Gq protein excessively signals a cascade of biochemical events generating two principal lesions of injurious-phase SAM—the shearing of the outer media from the adventitia and an overload of cytoplasmic calcium ions toxic to mitochondria causing mediolysis and/or apoptosis. The massive hemorrhages are caused by ruptured gap aneurysms created by the transmedial loss of the medial muscle. A norepinephrine-directed reparative response rapidly develops either resolving angiographic injurious lesions or creating a body of vascular disorders, the new guises of SAM with ischemic clinical profiles. These present in the epicardial, vertebral, intestinal, and retroperitoneal arteries, often in younger females as fibromuscular dysplasia, dissecting hematomas, and persistent aneurysms. Norepinephrine can crosstalk with other pressor agents to create SAM lesions—serotonin with idiopathic pulmonary hypertension and persistent pulmonary hypertension in the newborn, histamine in spontaneous coronary artery dissections with eosinophilia, and endothelin-1 in a field effect generated by SAM that creates venous fibromuscular dysplasia. Norepinephrine also participates in the collateral development of mesangial hyperplasia with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis and myocardial mediolysis and apoptosis in subjects with markedly elevated heart rates. Conclusion. Norepinephrine coupling with plastically elevated alpha-1 adrenoceptor or other pressor agents generates SAM, a histologically recognizable vasospastic arteriopathy, that with repair is transformed into several different standardized arterial diseases that alter SAM’s clinical profile from a hemorrhagic to an ischemic disorder.
A Simulation Study to Compare the Predictive Performance of Survival Neural Networks with Cox Models for Clinical Trial Data
Authors: Kantidakis Georgios , Biganzoli Elia , Putter Hein , Fiocco Marta
Published: November 2021

Background. Studies focusing on prediction models are widespread in medicine. There is a trend in applying machine learning (ML) by medical researchers and clinicians. Over the years, multiple ML algorithms have been adapted to censored data. However, the choice of methodology should be motivated by the real-life data and their complexity. Here, the predictive performance of ML techniques is compared with statistical models in a simple clinical setting (small/moderate sample size and small number of predictors) with Monte-Carlo simulations. Methods. Synthetic data (250 or 1000 patients) were generated that closely resembled 5 prognostic factors preselected based on a European Osteosarcoma Intergroup study (MRC BO06/EORTC 80931). Comparison was performed between 2 partial logistic artificial neural networks (PLANNs) and Cox models for 20, 40, 61, and 80% censoring. Survival times were generated from a log-normal distribution. Models were contrasted in terms of the C-index, Brier score at 0-5 years, integrated Brier score (IBS) at 5 years, and miscalibration at 2 and 5 years (usually neglected). The endpoint of interest was overall survival. Results. PLANNs original/extended were tuned based on the IBS at 5 years and the C-index, achieving a slightly better performance with the IBS. Comparison with Cox models showed that PLANNs can reach similar predictive performance on simulated data for most scenarios with respect to the C-index, Brier score, or IBS. However, Cox models were frequently less miscalibrated. Performance was robust in scenario data where censored patients were removed before 2 years or curtailing at 5 years was performed (on training data). Conclusion. Survival neural networks reached a comparable predictive performance with Cox models but were generally less well calibrated. All in all, researchers should be aware of burdensome aspects of ML techniques such as data preprocessing, tuning of hyperparameters, and computational intensity that render them disadvantageous against conventional regression models in a simple clinical setting.
Prediction of Merchandise Sales on E-Commerce Platforms Based on Data Mining and Deep Learning
Authors: Yin Xiaoting , Tao Xiaosha
Published: November 2021

Online business has grown exponentially during the last decade, and the industries are focusing on online business more than before. However, just setting up an online store and starting selling might not work. Different machine learning and data mining techniques are needed to know the users’ preferences and know what would be best for business. According to the decision-making needs of online product sales, combined with the influencing factors of online product sales in various industries and the advantages of deep learning algorithm, this paper constructs a sales prediction model suitable for online products and focuses on evaluating the adaptability of the model in different types of online products. In the research process, the full connection model is compared with the training results of CNN, which proves the accuracy and generalization ability of CNN model. By selecting the non-deep learning model as the comparison baseline, the performance advantages of CNN model under different categories of products are proved. In addition, the experiment concludes that the unsupervised pretrained CNN model is more effective and adaptable in sales forecasting.
circDENND4C Promotes Proliferation and Metastasis of Lung Cancer by Upregulating BRD4 Signaling Pathway
Authors: Ma Dongjie , Qin Yingzhi , Li Shanqing , Li Li , He Jia , Chen Yeye , Zhou Xiaoyun , Liu Hongsheng
Published: November 2021

Objective. To investigate the effects of circDENND4C on the malignant biological behavior of lung cancer and its downstream target genes and molecular mechanisms. Methods. The expression of circDENND4C in lung cancer tissues and cells was detected. After transfection with silenced circDENND4C, the expression levels of circDENND4C, miR-141-3p, and BRD4 in lung cancer cells were detected by qRT-PCR. The targeting relationship between circDENND4C and miR-141-3p as well as miR-141-3p and BRD4 was verified. Cell activity was detected by CCK-8 and EdU assay. Transwell assay was used to detect the invasiveness of A549 and NCI-H1299 in each group. Effects of circDENND4C on proliferation and metastasis of lung cancer in nude mice were studied. Results. In vitro and in vivo results showed that circDENND4C silencing reduced the proliferation, invasion, and metastasis of lung cancer cells. Mechanism studies showed that circDENND4C has a targeting relationship with miR-141-3p. However, miR-141-3p has a targeting relationship with BRD4. circDENND4C indirectly upregulated BRD4 through sponge adsorption of miR-141-3p, thereby promoting metastasis and proliferation of NSCLC. Conclusion. circDENND4C, as an oncogene, promotes the proliferation, invasion, and metastasis of lung cancer cells.
Cytological Effects of Serum Isolated from Polytraumatized Patients on Human Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Long Yazhou , Bundkirchen Katrin , Gräff Pascal , Krettek Christian , Noack Sandra , Neunaber Claudia
Published: November 2021

Due to their immunomodulatory and regenerative capacity, human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs) are promising in the treatment of patients suffering from polytrauma. However, few studies look at the effects of sera from polytraumatized patients on hBMSCs. The aim of this study was to explore changes in hBMSC properties in response to serum from polytrauma patients taken at different time points after the trauma incident. For this, sera from 84 patients with polytrauma (collected between 2010 and 2020 in our department) were used. In order to test the differential influence on hBMSC, sera from the 1st (D1), 5th (D5), and 10th day (D10) after polytrauma were pooled, respectively. As a control, sera from three healthy donors (HS), matched with respect to age and gender to the polytrauma group, were collected. Furthermore, hBMSCs from four healthy donors were used in the experiments. The pooled sera of HS, D1, D5, and D10 were analyzed by multicytokine array for pro-/anti-inflammatory cytokines. Furthermore, the influence of the different sera on hBMSCs with respect to cell proliferation, colony forming unit-fibroblast (CFU-F) assay, cell viability, cytotoxicity, cell migration, and osteogenic and chondrogenic differentiation was analyzed. The results showed that D5 serum significantly reduced hBMSC cell proliferation capacity compared with HS and increased the proportion of dead cells compared with D1. However, the frequency of CFU-F was not reduced in polytrauma groups compared with HS, as well as the other parameters. The serological effect of polytrauma on hBMSCs was related to the time after trauma. It is disadvantageous to use BMSCs in polytraumatized patients at least until the fifth day after polytrauma as obvious cytological changes could be found at that time point. However, it is promising to use hBMSCs to treat polytrauma after five days, combined with the concept of “Damage Control Orthopedics” (DCO).