bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimal Genomic Control in Large-scale Genetic Associations for Binary Diseases
Authors: Yang Runqing , Song Yuxin , Jiang Li , Hao Zhiyu , Yang Runqing
Published: March 2021

Complex computation and approximate solution hinder the application of generalized linear mixed models (GLMM) into genome-wide association studies. We extended GRAMMAR to handle binary diseases by considering genomic breeding values (GBVs) estimated in advance as a known predictor in genomic logit regression, and then controlled polygenic effects by regulating downward genomic heritability. Using simulations and case analyses, we showed in optimizing GRAMMAR, polygenic effects and genomic controls could be evaluated using the fewer sampling markers, which extremely simplified GLMM-based association analysis in large-scale data. In addition, joint analysis for quantitative trait nucleotide (QTN) candidates chosen by multiple testing offered significant improved statistical power to detect QTNs over existing methods.
The effect of pressure on structural, stability, electronic, and optical properties of hydrogenated silicene: A first-principle study
Authors: Kumar V , Santosh R.
Published: March 2021

The structural, electronic, and optical properties of hydrogenated silicene have been studied under different pressures using first-principle calculations. The binding energy and band structure have been calculated for two stable structures: Chair (C-) and Boat (B-) in the range of 0–21 GPa external pressure. The behavior of stability and energy bandgap have been analyzed under different external pressures. The stability has been verified using binding energy and phonon data. The C- and B- structures have zero bandgaps at 21 GPa and become unstable. The optical properties of B-configuration have been studied in the energy range of 0–20 eV. Five optical parameters such as conductivity threshold (σth), dielectric constant ε(0), refractive index n(0), birefringence Δn(0) and plasmon energy (ħωp) have been calculated for the first time under different pressures. The calculated values are in good agreement with the reported values at 0 GPa.
Risk Factors for Acquiring Multi-Drug Resistant Klebsiella Pneumoniae At A Tertiary Teaching Hospital in China
Authors: Zhang Weidong , Gao Yuan , Huang Shuo , Wu Anhua , fu chenchao
Published: March 2021

BACKGROUD To analyze the risk factors for acquiring multi-drug resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (MDR-Kpn). METHODS Data were collected from patients who were admitted into a tertiary teaching hospital in China from January 2018 to October 2020. Sensitive Klebsiella pneumoniae (Kpn) was detected in 82 patients. After a period of treatment, 41 patients were detected with MDR-Kpn, and they were designed as the MDR-Kpn group. Another 41 patients always detected with sensitive Klebsiella pneumoniae were assigned to the sensitive Kpn group. The baseline characteristics and clinical parameters were compared between these two groups. Multivariate logistic regression analysis were conducted to determine the risk factors for acquiring MDR-Kpn. RESULTS The proportion of sex, history of smoking and department distribution had no significant differences between these two groups. However, the patients with chronic pulmonary diseases and neurological disorders were more likely to acquire MDR-Kpn. It also showed longer hospital stay before the first detection of multi-drug resistant Kpn in MDR-Kpn group than the hospital stay before the last detection of sensitive-Kpn in sensitive Kpn group. Additionally, days of hospitalization, ICU stay, days of drainage tube use, times of sputum suction, days of foley catheter use, days of vascular catheter use between the twice detection (it represents the time interval between first detection of sensitive-Kpn to first detection of resistant-Kpn in MDR-Kpn group, and also represents the time interval between first detection of sensitive-Kpn to last detection of sensitive-Kpn in sensitive Kpn group), were higher in MDR-Kpn group. The results showed more categories of antimicrobials in patients of acquiring MDR-Kpn, along with more days of using broad-spectrum cephalosporins, fluoroquinolones and glycylcyclines, compared to non-transition group. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the number of comorbidities, hospital stay before the first detection of multidrug-resistan Kpn (MDR-Kpn group) or last detection of sensitive Kpn (Sensitive group), days of using drainage tube and number of antimicrobial categories between the two detection were independent risk factors of acquiring multidrug-resistance for Kpn. CONCLUSION: The number of comorbidities, the hospital stay, the number of antimicrobial categories, and days of using drainage tube were independent risk factors for acquiring MDR-Kpn.
Behavioural Concerns of Children on the Autism Spectrum and the Impact on Parental Quality of Life
Authors: Islam Raisa , Azim Syeda Ishra , Masi Anne , Klein Louis , Eapen Valsamma
Published: March 2021

PurposeThis study aimed to determine the association between parental quality of life (QoL) and autism severity, child’s cognitive level, adaptive behaviour and behavioural profile, and sociodemographic factors utilising the Quality of Life in Autism Questionnaire (QoLA).MethodsParents of children attending an autism specific preschool centre completed a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Quality of Life in Autism Questionnaire (QoLA), Vineland Adaptive Behaviour Scales 2nd edition (VABS) and Child Behaviour Checklist (CBCL). Trained researchers assessed autism severity with the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-2 (ADOS-2) and the cognitive level with the Mullen Scales of Early Learning (MSEL).ResultsFor parents of children on the autism spectrum, having other children without the condition buffered the potential negative effects on parental QoL. Lower levels of autism severity and internalising behaviours, and higher levels of daily living scores predicted greater perceived parental QoL. Parents perceived their child’s autism-specific behaviour as less problematic when the child had higher socialisation scores. While lower levels of Attention Problems, Withdrawn Behaviour and lower scores on the Dysregulation Profile (Externalising Behaviours, Aggressive Behaviour and Anxious/Depressed) predicted greater perceived parental QoL, higher levels of Withdrawn Behaviour, Aggression and Externalising Behaviour predicted poorer perceived parental QoL. There were no significant findings for the relationship between parental QoL and cognitive level.ConclusionThe present research establishes the complex effects of raising a child on the autism spectrum on parental QoL. Findings indicate a child’s autism symptom severity, adaptive functioning and behavioural profile has greater impact on parental QoL than cognitive level.
Seasonal Variations in the Synoptic Climatology of Air Pollution in Birmingham, United Kingdom
Authors: HODGSON EDWARD C , Phillips Ian Douglas
Published: March 2021

A synoptic typing approach was undertaken to examine the seasonal relationship (winter versus summer) between air mass types and pollutant concentrations of O 3 , PM10, NO x , NO 2 and CO in Birmingham, United Kingdom from 2000 to 2015. Daily means of seven surface meteorological variables were entered into a P-mode principal component analysis. Three principal components explained 72.2% (72.9%) of the variance in winter (summer). Cluster analysis was used to group together days with similar PC scores and thus homogeneous meteorological conditions. Six clusters provided the best air mass classification in both seasons. High pollutant concentrations were associated with anticyclonic types. In particular, tropical (polar) continental air mass type was most likely to produce extremely high concentrations in summer (winter). In winter, a sequence of Polar Continental (cool and humid) and Binary Mid-latitude Anticyclonic Maritime – Sub-Polar Cyclonic Maritime (cold and dry) induced severe pollution episodes in all pollutants. Whilst the mean duration of severe pollution episodes varied little between winter and summer (O 3 was an exception, with severe episodes lasting 20% longer in summer), high pollutant extremes were more common in winter. This was due to more favourable meteorological conditions (e.g., temperature inversions) and increased anthropogenic emissions during the cold season.
The role of partners in promoting self-care for misoprostol and sub-cutaneous DMPA in Pakistan
Authors: Uzma Qudsia , Hamid Nausheen , Chaudhry Rizwana , Mehmood Nadeem , Aabroo Atiya , Thom Ellen Mpangananji , Gholbzouri Karima , Mahaini Ramez Khairi , Hemachandra Nilmini Nilangani
Published: March 2021

Background
Pakistan is among countries facing protracted challenges in addressing maternal mortality with concomitant weak healthcare system complexed with inequities. Sexual and reproductive health & rights (SRHR) self-care interventions offer the best solution for improving access to quality healthcare services with efficiency and economy. This manuscript documents country experience in introducing and scaling up two selected SRHR self-care interventions. Prospective qualitative study was used and a semi structured questionnaire was shared with identified SRHR private sector partners selected through convenience and purposive sampling. The two interventions include use of misoprostol for postpartum hemorrhage and use of sub-cutaneous depomedroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) as injectable contraceptive method. Data collection was done through emails and telephonic follow-ups.
Results
Response was received from 9 out of total 13 partners consulted for the study. The two selected self-care interventions are mainly supported by private sector partners (national and international non-governmental organizations) having national or sub-national existence. Their mandates include all relevant areas like policy advocacy, field implementation, trainings, supervision and monitoring. More partners reported experience related to use of misoprostol; it was introduced more than a decade ago, is registered and being procured by both public and private sectors. Sub-cutaneous DMPA being a new intervention, is recently introduced while commodity availability remains a challenge. It is being delivered through health workers/providers and not promoted as self-administered contraceptive. Community engagement and awareness raising is reported as an essential element of successful field implementation, however, no beneficiary data was collected for the study. Training approaches differ a lot, standalone or integrated with SRHR topics and duration varying between 1day to 5 days, covering a range of cadres.
Conclusion
Pubic sector ownership and patronage is essential for introducing and scaling up self-care interventions as a measure to support the healthcare system in delivering quality sexual and reproductive health services. Supervision, monitoring and reporting are areas requiring further support and having leadership and governance role of the public sector. Standardization of trainings, community awareness, supervision, monitoring and reporting is required alongwith integration of self-care in routine capacity building activities (pre and in-service) on sexual and reproductive health in the country.
Video-assisted minimal access surgery for complicated mitral valve endocarditis, tricuspid valve insufficiency and progressive coronary disease after previous CABG - in the time of COVID-19: a case report
Authors: Andrasi Terezia B. , Abudureheman Nunijiati , Glück Alannah , Vondran Maximillian , Talipov Ildar , Rastan Ardawan
Published: March 2021

Background: The timing for heart surgery following cerebral embolization after cardiac valve vegetation is vital to postoperative recovery being uneventful, additionally Covid-19 may negatively affect the outcome. Minimally invasive methods and upgraded surgical instruments maximize the benefits of surgery also in complex cardiac revision cases with substantial perioperative risk. Case Presentation: A 68 y.o. patient, 10 years after previous sternotomy for OPCAB was referred to cardiac surgery on the 10th postoperative day after neurosurgical intervention with suspected mitral valve endocarditis. Mitral valve vegetation, tricuspid valve insufficiency and coronary stenosis were diagnosed and treated by minimally invasive revision cardiac surgery. Conclusion: The present clinical case demonstrates for the first time that the minimally invasive approach via right anterior mini-thoracotomy can be safely used for concomitant complex mitral valve reconstruction, tricuspid valve repair and aorto-coronary bypass surgery, even as a revision procedure in the presence of florid endocarditis after recent neurosurgical intervention. The Covid-19 pandemic and prophylactic patient isolation slow down the efficacy of pulmonary weaning and mobilisation and prolong the need for ICU treatment, without adversely affecting long-term outcome.
Metadichol®, a Novel Nano Lipid Formulation that Inhibits SARS-COV-2 and a Multitude of Pathological Viruses in vitro
Authors: Raghavan Palayakotai
Published: March 2021

New pathogenic virus outbreaks, occurring with increasing regularity, are leading us to explore novel approaches, which will reduce the reliance on time-consuming vaccine modes to halt the outbreaks. The requirement is to find a universal approach to disarm any new and as yet unknown viruses as they appear. A promising approach could be targeting lipid membranes, which are common to all viruses and bacteria.The ongoing pandemic of severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus 2 (SARS-COV-2) has reaffirmed the importance of interactions between components of the host cell plasma membrane and the virus envelope as a critical mechanism of infection. Metadichol®, a nano lipid emulsion, has been examined and shown to be a strong candidate to help stop the proliferation of SARS-COV-2.Naturally derived substances, such as long-chain saturated lipid alcohols, reduce the infectivity of various types of viruses, including coronaviruses such as SARS-COV-2, by modifying lipid-dependent attachment to human host cells. SARS-COV-2 uses the receptor ACE2 for entry and the serine protease TMPRSS2 for S protein priming.Metadichol®, a nano lipid formulation of long-chain alcohols, has been shown to inhibit TMPRSS2 (EC50 96 ng/ml). Compared to the inhibitor Camostat mesylate (CM) which has a EC50 of 26000 ng/ml, it is 270 times more potent. Additionally, Metadichol® is an inhibitor of ACE with an EC 50 of 71 ng/ml but extremely weak inhibitor of ACE2 at 31 µg/ml. Further a live virus assay in Caco2 cells, Metadichol® inhibited SARS-CoV-2 replication with an EC90 of 0.16 µg/ml.
Large-Scale Integration of Meta-QTL and Genome-Wide Association Study Discovers the Genomic Regions and Candidate Genes for Yield and Yield-related Traits in Bread Wheat
Authors: Yang Yang , Aduragbemi Amo , Wei Di , Chai Yongmao , Zheng Jie , Qiao Pengfang , Cui Chunge , Lu Shan , Chen Liang , Hu Yin-Gang
Published: March 2021

Improving yield and yield-related traits are key goals in wheat breeding program. The integration of accumulated wheat genetic resources provides an opportunity to uncover important genomic regions and candidate genes that affect wheat yield. Here, a comprehensive Meta-QTL analysis was conducted on 2230 QTLs of yield-related traits obtained from 119 QTL studies. These QTLs were refined into 145 Meta-QTLs (MQTLs), and 89 MQTLs were verified by GWAS with different natural populations. The average confidence interval (CI) of these MQTLs was 2.92 times less than that of the initial QTLs. Furthermore, 76 core MQTL regions with a physical distance less than 25 Mb were detected. Based on the homology analysis and expression patterns, 237 candidate genes in the MQTLs involved in photoperiod response, grain development, multiple plant growth regulator pathways, carbon and nitrogen metabolism, and spike and flower organ development were determined. A novel candidate gene TaKAO-4A was confirmed to be significantly associated with grain size, and a CAPS marker was developed based on its dominant haplotype. In summary, this study clarified a method based on the integration of Meta-QTL, GWAS and homology comparison to reveal the genomic regions and candidate genes that affect important yield-related traits in wheat. This work will help to lay a foundation for the identification, transfer and aggregation of these important QTLs or candidate genes in wheat high-yield breeding.
Design and performance enhancement of a dense wavelength division multiplexing MIMO-FSO systems using DPPM and OOK modulation 
Authors: Elsayed Ebrahim E.
Published: March 2021

In this paper, we design and analyze the dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) in the multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) free-space optical (FSO) communications system using the digital-pulse position modulation (DPPM) and on-off keying (OOK). We show the effects noises, interchannel crosstalk, and atmospheric turbulence for the proposed system in the weak and strong turbulence with the modulation techniques. DWDM channels suffer from the inter-channel crosstalk while the communication performance in an obviously limited by the MIMO-FSO caused by atmospheric scintillation. All Impairments, in addition to noises of the optical amplification which is emerged the amplified spontaneous emission and are likely to be problematic, particularly in the upstream direction, which are investigated, the results obtained a high enough crosstalk ratio can achieve access to high-capacity in a system network safe and human. DPPM is a more power efficient modulation and lower power penalty 0.2 ~ 0.3 dB from the OOK modulation.
The Simulation of the Preparation of the Ingot With Liquid Core
Authors: wu yongqiang , Sun Zhi-ren , Wang Kaikun
Published: March 2021

During the preparation of the ingot with liquid core in the early stage, the finite element models of the solidification and the ultra-high temperature demoulding were established in DEFORM-3D. The thermophysical properties of ASSAB 718 with the variations of C, Mn and Cr were calculated in JMatPro®. The material database was imported into DEFORM-3D. Through the analysis of the finite element simulation results, we obtained the influence of three main elements C, Mn and Cr contents on the size of the solid-phase region, the liquid-phase region and the solid-liquid two-phase region in the ingot. We optimized the composition of the material to get a wide solid-liquid phase range. The high carbon, the medium manganese and the high chromium contents were beneficial to form the liquid core. Based on the method of the solidification time, the algorithm was programmed by the python language. We analyzed the influence of the three elements C, Mn, and Cr on the concentration distribution based on the temperature field data, which were obtained by DEFORM-2D after the solidification and the ultra-high temperature demoulding. According to the simulation results, we found that the region prone to negative segregation.
Ebola virus infection induces a type I interferon response and the shutdown of key liver functions in human iPSC-derived hepatocytes
Authors: Manhart Whitney , Mancio Liliana , Suder Ellen , Villacorta-Martin Carlos , Lindstrom-Vautrin Jonathan , Bernbaum John , Mazur Steve , Johnson Reed , Mithal Aditya , Olejnik Judith , Hume Adam , Kaserman Joseph , Wilson Andrew A , Bhatia Sangeeta , Mühlberger Elke , Mostoslavsky Gustavo
Published: March 2021

Liver damage and an exacerbated inflammatory response are hallmarks of Ebola virus (EBOV) infection. Little is known about the intrinsic response to infection in human hepatocytes and their contribution to the observed inflammatory response. Here, we present an iPSC-derived hepatocyte platform to define the hepato-intrinsic response to EBOV infection. Transcriptomics analysis revealed a delayed host response with minimal transcriptomic changes at one day post infection (dpi) followed by a general downregulation of genes associated with hepatic functions and upregulation of interferon signaling at two and three dpi. Using RNA-FISH, we showed at single cell resolution that IFNβ and CXCL10 were mainly expressed in bystander cells or cells with weak EBOV mRNA signal intensity. We did not observe an inflammatory signature at any timepoint. In conclusion, iPSC-derived hepatocytes are an immune competent platform to study intrinsic responses to EBOV infection that have not been observed in EBOV-infected hepatocarcinoma cell lines.
Metabolomic Analysis of the Cerebrospinal Fluid in Latent Syphilis and Neurosyphilis Patients
Authors: Deng Jiaheng , Xu Dongmei , Chen Fengxin , Liu Liguo , Cai Shengnan , Hu Yongfeng , Chen Zhe , Zheng Jianhua , Qi Jin , Lun Wenhui
Published: March 2021

Purpose: The infection rate of syphilis continues to rise, and the difficulty in detecting and treating neurosyphilis promptly needs to be resolved. The metabolic profiles of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of different patients were analyzed to understand the pathogenesis of syphilis better. Method: The metabolic profiles of 88 CSF samples from patients were analyzed by UPLC-Q Exactive-MS. The experimental process was evaluated by PCA, PLS-DA, and HCA. T-test statistics were used to compare levels of metabolites to determine significant differences between groups. Pathway analysis was based on the KEGG database.Result: In total, 272 metabolites based on 3937 features obtained in ESI- mode and 252 metabolites based on 3799 features in ESI+ mode were identified. A clear separation between latent syphilis and neurosyphilis was found. Levels of lipid and linoleic acid metabolites, such as 9-OxoODE and 9,10,13-TriHOME, were increased in syphilis patients. In patients with neurosyphilis, significant changes in levels of 5-hydroxy-L-tryptophan (5-HTP) and acetyl-N-formyl-5-methoxykynurenamine (AFMK) in the tryptophan-kynurenine pathway were also detected. Only one metabolite, theophylline, differed significantly between symptomatic and asymptomatic neurosyphilis patients. Additionally, KEGG analysis revealed significant enrichment of tryptophan metabolism pathways, indicating a high correlation between tryptophan metabolism and syphilis symptoms. Conclusions: Levels of linoleic acid metabolites, 5-HTP, AFMK and theophylline were significantly altered in different patients. The role of these differential metabolites in the development of syphilis is worthy of further exploration, probably improving the treatment and diagnosis of neurosyphilis and occult syphilis in the future.
Integrative Analysis of Key Candidate Genes and Signaling Pathways in Alzheimer’s disease Related to Chronic Periodontitis Based on Analysis of GEO Dataset and Text Mining
Authors: Jiang Zhengye , Shi Yanxi , Zhao Wenpeng , Zhang Bingchang , Xie Yuanyuan , Zhang Yaya , Wang Zhanxiang
Published: March 2021

Background: Although chronic periodontitis has been confirmed to be related to Alzheimer’s disease, the pathogenesis between the two is unclear. Herein, we analyzed and screened out the prospective molecular marker.Methods: To explore the candidate genes, as well as signaling cascades involved in Alzheimer’s disease and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) related to chronic periodontitis, we extracted the integrated differentially expressed genes (DEGs) from the intersection of genes from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) cohorts and text mining, followed by enrichment of the matching cell signal cascade through DAVID analysis. Moreover, the MCODE of Cytoscape software was employed to uncover the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network and the matching hub gene.Results: A total of 305 and 100 integrated human DEGs in AD and MCI group associated with chronic periodontitis were uncovered, respectively, that met the criteria of |log2 changes| ≥2, adjusted P <0.01. After PPI network construction, the top five hub genes associated with AD were extracted, including IL6, VEGFA, AKT1, MAPK3, and ALB, whereas those associated with MCI were EGFR, IL10, IGF1, BMP2, and LDLR. Conclusions: The establishment of the above-mentioned candidate key genes, as well as the enriched signaling cascades provides promising molecular marker for chronic periodontitis-related cognitive decline, especially AD, which may help the diagnosis and treatment of AD patients in the future.
Identifying single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and detecting c-reactive protein (CRP) levels associated with posterior circulation ischemia and cerebral infarction
Authors: Chen Wanhua , Lin Teng , Xiao Lei , Cai Wenjie , Zeng Zhiwei , Sun Tao , Chen Renliang
Published: March 2021

Background: Posterior circulation ischemia (PCI) and cerebral infarction (CI) are major cerebrovascular diseases. Screening potential genetic variations such as single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in genes involved in the immune system pathway is a reliable assessment of potential risk factors for PCI and CI. Moreover, C-reactive protein (CRP) is recognized as a sensitive biomarker for systemic inflammation and secondary lesions related to cerebrovascular diseases, which has a significant clinical significance.Methods: We collected whole blood and plasma samples from 39 healthy controls, 23 PCI and 18 CI subjects. Allele-specific polymerase chain reaction (AS-PCR) was used to detect mutations in SNPs. The plasma CRP levels were measured using the newly developed single molecule array (Simoa) method. Results: We detected mutations in three SNPs such as rs3093077, rs3917368 and rs4129267, which are associated with an increased risk of PCI and CI. We also captured a significant increase in Simoa-measured CRP levels in plasma of patients with PCI and CI, compared to healthy controls.Conclusions: These three identified SNPs can be used as a prediction and evaluation of risk for PCI and CI. Our results demonstrate the high sensitivity of Simoa in detecting plasma CRP levels. Our study highlights that AS-PCR and Simoa technology can be used as sensitive clinical diagnostic methods for PCI and CI.
Implanting Melatonin at Lambing Enhances Lamb Growth and Maintains High Fat Content in Milk
Authors: Abecia José Alfonso , Luis Silvia , Canto Francisco
Published: March 2021

Background: Recent studies have shown that melatonin implants administered during pregnancy reduced neonatal lamb mortality and produced high survival rates at weaning. This study was designed to quantify the effects of melatonin implantation of ewes and lambs immediately after lambing on the growth of lambs and the quality of milk throughout lactation.Results: In experiment 1, treatment with melatonin the lambs did not have a significant effect on liveweight (LW) (±S.E.M.) at weaning or average daily gain (ADG) until weaning. These results were similar in experiment 2, although lambs reared by melatonin-implanted ewes presented significantly (P<0.05) higher LW at weaning and ADG than did lambs from control ewes. The effect of melatonin implantation of the mothers was particularly evident in male lambs, so that male lambs reared by treated ewes presented significantly higher LW at week 2, 3, and 4 than did male lambs reared by control ewes. The fat content of milk was significantly (P<0.05) higher in implanted ewes than it was in control ewes at day 45 of lactation. Protein and lactose content of milk did not differ significantly between groups. In experiment 3, using artificially-reared lambs, melatonin treatment of the lambs at birth did not have a significant effect on LW at weaning, or ADG. Conclusions: Melatonin treatment of ewes at lambing induced a high growth rate of their lambs and increased the fat content of the milk; however, the direct treatment with melatonin of the lambs at birth did not have an effect in their growth rate.
Accuracy of Screw Placement and Fusion Rate after Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion with O-arm Navigation: A Review of 475 Patients
Authors: Kuansongtham Verapan , Wasinpongwanich Kanthika , Lwin Khin Myat Myat , Kesornsak Withawin , Pongpirul Krit
Published: March 2021

Purpose

To evaluate the accuracy of screw placement and fusion rate after the minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MIS-TLIF) technique under O-arm navigation.
Methods

In 475 consecutive patients at a single-center, the accuracy of screw placement was evaluated on intraoperative O-arm imaging. Misplaced screws were investigated to identify the direction of deviation and associated clinical outcomes. The fusion rate was evaluated on postoperative computed tomography scan at 1 and 2 year(s). The assessment of screw placement and fusion level was analyzed for inter-rater reliability and reported as a kappa value. Accuracy of screw placement (Gertzbein-Robbins Classification), extent of fusion (Bridwell Interbody Fusion Grading System), and complications were considered as outcome measures.
Results

A retrospective data analysis from 2,098 pedicle screws in 475 patients. The mean age of participants was 56.61 ± 12.30 years, and 45.26% were female. Their ethnicities were as follows: Asian (58.74%), Caucasian (20.21%), Middle-eastern (14.32%), and African (6.74%). The final fusion levels were single (80.63%), two (18.11%), three (1.05%), and four (0.21%). There were L4/L5 as the most prevalent placement (55.35%), followed by L5/S1 (36.29%), L3/L4 (5.22%), L2/L3 (2.35%), L1/L2 (0.52%), and S1/S2 (0.26%). Seven out of 2,098 screws were breaches. None of screw needed immediate revision. In total, 99.66% of the screws were grade A (no breach), 0.19% were grade B (breach < 2 mm) and 0.14% were grade C (breach < 4mm).
Conclusion

The accuracy of pedicle screw insertion was 99.66%, with a fusion rate of 95.45% after MIS-TLIF under O-arm navigation. Breaches were not associated with poor clinical outcomes or fusion rates.
A method of value measurement based on conditional probability theory in economics
Authors: Xi Gang , Yang Xiaoyi , Xi Ming
Published: March 2021

Value is one of the most fundamental concepts in economics. The existing main definitions of value have certain limitations and are difficult to be unified and quantified. Thus, this article presents a method of quantifying value based on the conditional probability theory; we set value as a random variable, a price is the value of the good in terms of money, according to the price’s historical records, quantitative statistics and human experiences, and thus uses conditional probability distribution to measure value. Furthermore, the mean and variance of random variables are used to describe the weighted average of the possible values and the dispersion of values distribution. This method provides a new perspective for the measurement of value.
Copenhagen Index versus ROMA in the preoperative ovarian malignancy risk stratification: result from the first Vietnamese prospective cohort study
Authors: Tran Doan Tu , Vo Van Khoa , Le Minh Tam , Chuang Linus , Nguyen Vu Quoc Huy
Published: March 2021

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic performances of the Copenhagen Index (CPH-I) and Risk of Ovarian Malignancy Algorithm (ROMA) in the preoperative prediction of ovarian cancer.Methods: In a prospective cohort study, data were collected from 475 patients with ovarian masses who were hospitalized at the Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hue Central Hospital and Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital, Vietnam, between January 2018 and June 2020. ROMA and CPH-I were included for the women who had measurements of serum carbohydrate antigen (CA-125) and human epididymis protein (HE4). Matching these values to postoperative histopathology resulted in the preoperative prediction values. The final diagnosis was based on clinical features, histologic, radiologic findings, and the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) 2014 stages of ovarian cancer were recorded.Results: Among the 475 women, 408 had benign tumors, 5 had borderline tumors and 62 had malignant tumors. The two indices showed similar discriminatory performances with no significant differences (p > 0.05). At an optimal cut-off, the sensitivities/specificities of ROMA and CPH-I for ovarian cancer diagnosis were 76.1% and 87.0%, 83.6% and 78.7%, respectively. The optimal cut-off for CPH-I was 1.89%. The areas under the ROC curves (AUCs) of ROMA and CPH-I were 0.860 (95%CI: 0.825 – 0.890) and 0.868 (95%CI: 0.833 – 0.896), respectively.Conclusions: The introduction of the Copenhagen Index to help stratify the malignancy risk of ovarian tumor, irrespective of menopausal status might be applied as a simple alternative with a similar efficacy to ROMA in clinical practice.
Electronic Health Record-Based Genome-Wide Meta-Analysis and Mendelian Randomization Identify Metabolic and Phenotypic Consequences of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Ghodsian Nooshin , Abner Erik , Emdin Connor A. , Gobeil Émilie , Taba Nele , Haas Mary J. , Perrot Nicolas , Manikpurage Hasanga D. , Gagnon Éloi , Bourgault Jérôme , St-Amand Alexis , Couture Christian , Mitchell Patricia , Bossé Yohan , Mathieu Patrick , Vohl Marie-Claude , Tchernof André , Thériault Sébastien , Khera Amit V. , Esko Tõnu , Arsenault Benoit
Published: March 2021

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a complex disease linked with several chronic diseases. We aimed at identifying genetic variants associated with NAFLD as well as blood biomarkers that may be causally impacted by NAFLD. We performed a genome-wide meta-analysis of four cohorts of electronic health record-documented NAFLD (8434 cases and 770,180 controls) and confirmed known susceptibility loci (GCKR, MAU2/TM6SF2, APOE, and PNPLA3). We also identified potentially new loci (LPL, FTO and TR1B1) and report an effect of lower LPL expression in adipose tissue on NAFLD susceptibility. Mendelian randomization analyses identified an effect of NAFLD on tyrosine metabolism and on blood levels of three proteins. Positive genetic correlations between NAFLD and cardiometabolic traits and negative genetic correlations with parental lifespan, socio-economic factors and ketone bodies were observed. Altogether, this analysis revealed novel susceptibility loci for NAFLD and early biomarkers of NAFLD that could be used to identify patients with NAFLD.
First report on molecular identification of Anisakis simplex in Oncorhynchus nerka from the fish market, with taxonomical issues within Anisakidae
Authors: Safonova Alina E. , Voronova Anastasia N. , Vainutis Konstantin S.
Published: March 2021

Alive anisakids cause acute gastrointestinal diseases, and dead worms contained in food can provoke sensibilization and allergic reactions in humans. Detected in the purchased minced salmon Oncorhynchus nerka nematodes were identified as Anisakis simplex sensu stricto (Anisakidae). We found that recently published phylogenetic trees (reconstructed using different ribosomal and mitochondrial genetic markers) showed independent clusterization of species recognized in the A. simplex sensu lato species complex. This prompted us to undertake this full-fledged molecular genetics study of anisakids from Kamchatka with phylogenetic reconstructions (NJ/ML) and calculated ranges of interspecific and intergeneric p-distances using ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 sequences. We confirmed that molecular markers based on the ITS region of rDNA were able to recognize ‘pure’ specimens belonging to the cryptic species. We offer new insights into the systematics of anisakids. The genus Anisakis sensu stricto should include Anisakis simplex sensu stricto, Anisakis pegreffii, Anisakis berlandi, Anisakis ziphidarum, and Anisakis nascettii. Presumably, two genera should be restored in the structure of the subfamily Anisakinae: Skrjabinisakis for the species Anisakis paggiae, Anisakis brevispiculata, and Anisakis physeteris; and Peritrachelius for the species Anisakis typica. In addition, we provide the short annotated list of some genera of the family Anisakidae, including their diagnoses.
Impact of N-fixing bacterium Nitrospirillum amazonense on quality and quantitative parameters of sugarcane under field condition
Authors: Sica Pietro de Santis , Shirata Eric Seiji , Rios Fabiano Aparecido , Biffe Denis Fernando , Filho José Usan Torres Brandão , Estrada Kátia Regina Freitas Schwan , Oliveira Jr Rubem Silvério de
Published: March 2021

Sugarcane is the world’s largest crop by production quantity. In Brazil, the sugarcane cultivation requires 30-70% less nitrogen than in other countries, due to the biological nitrogen fixation. Nitrospirillum amazonense is an N-fixing bacterium that has proven to increase plant growth and yields of sugarcane in greenhouse experiments. However, studies on field conditions are very scarce. For these reasons, this study aimed to assess the impact of different doses of a pre-commercial product, Aprinza®, containing N. amazonense on quality and quantitative parameters of the cultivar RB867515 in field conditions. The plant height, number of internodes, stem yield and sugar yield were measured. The leaf nutrient content was analyzed 60, 90 and 180 days after planting and the plant nutrient content was analyzed after harvest. The inoculation of N. amazonense did not affect the leaf and the stem nutrient content positively. The stem yield was increased 27.5 tons ha-1 (20%) and the total recoverable sugar yield increased 4.6 tons ha-1 (25%), compared to the control, by using 1 liter of Aprinza® per hectare. Therefore, N. amazonense can increase sugarcane stem and sugar yields in sandy soils with low nitrogen application, reducing the environmental impacts of the sugarcane cultivation system.
Global economic crisis of 2020 and a new paradigm of countercyclical management
Authors: Poruchnyk Anatolii , Kolot Anatoliy , Mielcarek Pawel , Stoliarchuk Yaroslava , Ilnytskyy Denys
Published: March 2021

The new quality of globalization, which has emerged in the last decade and encompasses drastic changes in the economic, political and technological spheres, gives rise to a number of phenomena that violate the traditional logic of historical progress. One of them is the metamorphosis of the world economic cyclicity that emerged during the global 2020 economic crisis and led to a radical change in its nature, driving forces and regulatory mechanisms. The paper reveals the prerequisites for the crisis caused by traditional and emerging factors and proves its pandemic nature, which manifests itself, on one hand, in the synchronization of national business cycles, and on the other – in the integrative mutual influence of its political, institutional and environmental components. It has been proven that a particularly destructive role in the global regulatory mechanism was played by the “overlap” in space and time of the economic crisis and the health crisis provoked by the coronavirus pandemic. This requires an urgent systematic reform of global countercyclical management institutions based on a gestalt paradigm, which is qualitatively different in principles, goals and tools from the existing mechanisms for managing national economies and multinational enterprises. Scenario forecasts of the post-pandemic future of the world economy through overcoming the growing disintegration and deglobalization trends are outlined.
OESTADODAARTE DE COMPOSTOS CARBONÍLICOSVOLÁTEISEMAMBIENTES INTERNOS:IMPACTOSÀ SAÚDEEMETODOLOGIAS DEAMOSTRAGEMEANÁLISES
Authors: Souza Murilo , Vieira Hellen , Sánchez Benigno , Canela Maria
Published: March 2021

THE STATE OF THE ART OF VOLATILE CARBONYL COMPOUNDS IN INTERNAL ENVIRONMENTS: IMPACTS TO HEALTH AND SAMPLING METHODOLOGIES AND ANALYSIS. The primary sources of emission of volatile carbonyl compounds (CCs) in indoor environments are chipboard panels, laminate floors, plywood, paints and solvents, household products, fiberglass, gas stoves, heaters and heating systems. Several studies have already confirmed an indoor/outdoor (I/O) ratio greater than 1 (one) for several CCs, indicating that these compounds are emitted mainly from internal sources. CCs (especially aldehydes and ketones) are easily absorbed into the airways, presenting a considerable mutagenic, teratogenic and carcinogenic risk to humans. Therefore, this study aimed to review the CCs found in different indoor environments, the effects and impacts of these compounds on human health and the national and international guidelines that establish their maximum exposure limits. The methodologies most used in the literature to analyze CCs in the air were reviewed directly (in real-time) or indirectly (using pre-treatment steps). A detailed review of the sampling techniques: with and without adsorption, with and without derivatization, with adsorption and derivatization simultaneously; using various methodologies employed during the last decades (cartridges, filters, tubes or liquid absorbent-impinger) was carried out. Finally, this work describes the instrumental methods and the advantages and disadvantages of determining CCs individually and simultaneously in the atmosphere.
Pengaruh Pengungkapan Emisi Gas Rumah Kaca terhadap Nilai Perusahaan dengan Biaya Lingkungan sebagai Variabel Moderasi
Authors: Ulum Miftahul , Agriyanto Ratno , Warno Warno
Published: March 2021

Global warming is caused by an increase in greenhouse gas emissions in the atmosphere, so companies must take responsibility for this through activities to reduce emissions. The purpose of this study is to examine whether environmental costs can moderate the disclosure of greenhouse gas emissions against firm value. This research is a type of quantitative analysis. The sampling technique used purposive sampling. The collecting data through literature study, documentation and secondary data from the Indonesia Stock Exchange 2014-2018. The data analysis technique used the WarpPls 4.0 analysis. They are testing the data using the inner model and outer model methods. This study indicates that GHG emission disclosure has a negative and significant effect on firm value. Environmental costs also have a negative and significant impact on firm value. Meanwhile, ecological prices are not able to moderate the impact of GHG emission disclosures on company value.
The distance learning during the pandemic: university teachers’ and students’ opinion
Authors: Lazareva Oksana P. , Moroz Narkiza A.
Published: March 2021

This article studies the problem of distance teaching in the pandemic of spring and autumn 2020. The topic of the necessary transition to the computer-mediated interrelation between university teachers and students gains important nowadays, as the worldwide events lead to an inevitable transformation of the educational structure. The changes in the higher educational institutions make students and teaсhers review their attitude to the system and methods of education. We can find the analysis of distance learning in many sources, but the remote learning in state of emergency has not been fully examined. The purpose of this article is to analyze the situation, connected with the distance learning in higher educational institutions, its impact on the level of students’ knowledge and skills. This article gives the perspectives of education taking into consideration information and communication technologies. The authors have conducted the theoretical and comparative analysis of literature, observed the learning process at university, and offered a questionnaire to university teachers and students. The researchers have revealed that, in spite of the technologies being a part of our lives, the quality of education depends on teachers who can use these technologies to their best. A technology without a person does not work. According to the majority of the respondents, the principles of teaching dominate over technologies. However, some elements of teaching should be definitely automated. The pandemic revealed the specific mistakes and weaknesses of high education in Russia, and the authors suggest some ways for its improvement in the period of sanitary and epidemiological restrictions.
The role of regional identity in the structure of collective identities of the student youth of the Republic of Mordovia
Authors: Shumkova Natalya V. , Zubov Oleg E.
Published: March 2021

This article studies the structure of collective identities of modern student youth. The subject of the authors’ scientific interest is the role of regional identity in the structure of collective identities of young people in the Republic of Mordovia. The specifics of regional identity as a form of collective identification, its mobility, contextuality, heterogeneity, latency, productivity, and collective genesis are considered in detail. The priority of purposeful construction of positive regional identity as an effective tool for the preservation and development of human capital at the regional level is substantiated. The methodological framework of the study is based on the works by V. A. Tishkov, V. A. Yadov, and M. P. Krylov. The empirical basis of the study includes the data from a mass survey of student youth in the Republic of Mordovia (2020, questionnaire, quota sample, n = 414). Based on the collected empirical material, the regional component of students’ collective identity is comprehensively analyzed. According to the data obtained, identification with the regional community belongs to the identities of the modal level. Only a third (32%) of the surveyed students have a positive regional identity, while the majority of young people in Mordovia identify themselves with the region only nominally. The pronounced emotional component of regional identity is mostly characteristic of the representatives of the titular (Mordovian) nationality. The authors emphasize that in this case, the merging of ethnic and regional identities does not have any conflict potential, because the majority of the respondents perceive Mordovia as a full-fledged subject of the Russian Federation. The conclusion is made about the necessity of diversifying “image projects” in order to build a positive image of the republic among young people.
Spiritual and ecological civilizational perspective: the value potential of young people in the Siberian context
Authors: Ivanov Andrey V. , Popkov Yuri V.
Published: March 2021

The authors of this article, relying on a set of Eurasian ideas, develop previously formulated ideas about the need for a global civilizational transformation from the currently dominant technogenic-consumer to the spiritual-ecological strategy of development. Within this perspective, Siberia is considered as a priority area of the Russian state policy. The general theoretical and methodological guidelines are supported by the results of a sociological survey of students of agricultural universities in the largest cities of Siberia. The novelty of the empirical research consists in its target setting to identify the value orientations of young people as a potential subject of civilizational transformations. The content core of the concrete study was a series of questions: Is there a passion reserve among Siberian youth? How important is the Siberian identity for her in the general system of identity? What is its socio-cultural potential? Do young people connect their personal future with Siberia? Do they accept the idea of a new civilizational structure based on the principles that are relevant to our time, and are they ready to contribute to its approval? The results of the study do not provide a clear answer to the initial questions. On the one hand, the sociocultural potential of young people, expressed in the system of value orientations, largely corresponds to the fundamental principles of the spiritual and ecological strategy of civilizational development. At the same time, many students are carriers of a pronounced Siberian identity, are aware of and highly appreciate the rich natural resources of Siberia and the human potential that exists here. On the other hand, the majority of young people are not ready for active creative actions, they do not form a passionate group that has the necessary ideas about the prospects for the development of the country, about the role of Siberia in creating the civilizational future of Russia. This is largely due to the fact that the state itself does not have a clear global civilizational project and image of the future.