bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficacy and Safety of Elian Granules in Treating Chronic Atrophic Gastritis: Study Protocol For a Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Multicenter Clinical Trial
Authors: Gu Zhijian , Cong Jun , Gong Biao , Cen Rong , Chen Yongqi , Jia Qingling , Wu Chenheng , Ling Jianghong , Tang Xudong
Published: November 2021

Background: Multifocal atrophic gastritis and intestinal metaplasia are considered to be important links of the gastric precancerous cascade. But, there is a lack of definite therapeutic drugs for them. Many studies have shown traditional Chinese medicine is effective and no serious side effects have been identified. However, the studies that have been carried out were not scientifically rigorous trials. Our aim is to design a high-quality trial for a Chinese patent medicine, Elian granules, to investigate the efficacy and safety of this drug in treating chronic atrophic gastritis patients with or without intestinal metaplasia.Methods: This is a phase Ⅱ, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter clinical trial. A total of 240 participants will be assigned to treatment group or placebo control group with a 1:1 ratio. Then, the experimental drug or placebo will be taken with boiling water,2 small bags (24.2g) each time, twice times a day, half an hour after each meal for 24 weeks. The primary outcome is to observe gastric mucosal histological changes after 6 months in patients with atrophic gastritis with or without intestinal metaplasia based on OLGA/OLGIM. The secondary outcome included dyspepsia symptom score and quality of life scale.Discussion: This study is designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Elian granule in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter manner. This trial may not only provide evidence for a phase III clinical trial, but also a vision of an alternative option for chronic atrophic gastritis(CAG) treatment.Trial registration: The registration number, ChiMCTR2000003929, was assigned by the Registry Platform For Evidence Based Traditional Chinese Medicine on 13 September 2020.
A GIS Based Morphometric Analysis of Watershed for Soil Erosion Planning
Authors: Wagh Santosh , Manekar Vivek
Published: November 2021

Soil erosion, if remain non attentive, will increase the sediment load of the river and also affecting the life of the hydraulic structures constructed across it. Hence, proper investigations related to the soil erosion is very much essential for watershed planners and designers. In the present study, morphometric analysis is carried out for basic, linear, areal, shape and landscape aspects using 28 morphometric parameters for Bhima river watershed to prioritize and categorized it based on its erosive potential. Total 48 toposheet of Survey of India of the scale 1:50,000 are used to delineate the watersheds for the preparation of base map containing information about drainage, contours, etc. so as to ensure accuracy and quality of the work. The All India Soil and Land Use Survey (AISLUS) codification is adopted for the study area. According to AISLUS, the study area falls under region 4, covered in 19 watersheds. Morphometric parameters in Arc-GIS software and compound factor method is employed to identify the sub-watersheds which are susceptible to soil erosion. Final Priority Ranking (FPR) based category map of watersheds is reported in this study by categorized it under five categories indicating % area of each category (very high category: 15.94%; high category: 23.50%; medium category: 12.73%; low category: 23.90%; and very low category: 23.93%). Based on the findings, this study is suggesting suitable sites soil conservation practices for reducing the sediment load in Bhima river watersheds as well as Ujjani reservoir, which will be useful to the concerning authorities for better management.
Credentialed Contrarians: The Misrepresentation of Climate Change Expertise in Congress
Authors: Lee Nathan , Yeganeh Sara , Suhay Elizabeth , Nash Erin
Published: November 2021

Does partisan politics distort the representation of climate change expertise in U.S. policymaking? To examine this question, we classify each Congressional witness who testified on climate change between 1997 and 2016 in terms of both their expert credentials and their climate change beliefs. In contrast to prevailing wisdom, we find that Republicans are slightly more likely to call credentialed experts than Democrats. However, this pattern is largely driven by the presence of credentialed contrarians, i.e., experts who have contradicted widely accepted conclusions of their own community. Although these individuals represent less than one percent of climate change experts outside of Congress, they account for over a quarter of expert testimonies in Congress. More generally, these findings illustrate how politicians at odds with the expert community can strategically and repeatedly select the small minority of individuals who both lend credibility to their political views and meet shared standards of professionalized expertise.
Assessment of Historical and Future Water Availability in Himalayan Tamor River Basin Nepal Utilizing CMIP5 CNRM Climate Model Experiments
Authors: Pokhral Bishal , Singh Vishal , Mishra S. K. , Jain Sanjay K , Singh Pushpendra K , Bansal Joshal K
Published: November 2021

In this study, the assessment of water availability under climate changing environment has been done in the Himalayan Tamor River Basin, Nepal using physically based, spatially distributed, a continuous model 'Soil and Water Assessment Tool' (SWAT). The hydrological simulation and projection have been performed in the historical (1996-2007) and future times (e.g. 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s). The climate change impact assessment on the hydrology of Tamor river basin has been performed utilizing the CMIP5 CNRM climate model datasets (with RCP4.5 and RCP8.5). The model calibration and parameterization uncertainty evaluation in the simulated and projected flows were done in SWATCUP using SUFI2 algorithm. The results obtained from the model calibration (1996-2004) and validation (2005-2007) showed a reliable estimate of daily streamflow for calibration period (R2 = 0.85, NSE =0.85 and PBIAS=-2.5) and validation period (R2 =0.87, NSE =0.85 and PBIAS=-5.4). The average annual water yield at the main outlet of the basin is computed as 1511.13 mm, and the total annual quantity is recorded as 6.25 BCM. The average annual precipitation over the seleced river basin is projected to be increased in all scenarios. The stations at higher altitude show more temperature rise than those at a lower elevation and thus there would be minimal snowfall has been projected in the basin by 2100 AD under both scenarios (RCP4.5 and RCP8.5). It is expected that the flow pattern in the future would be similar to the baseline pattern under all scenarios. The baseflow will be dramatically increased in all scenarios, but the lowest flow month would be shifted from March to February. Since the base flow during lean months would be increased in future as projected by all scenarios, there would not be adverse impacts on higher percentile flows. This study would be useful for the assessment of the possibility of storage type or run-off-river type hydro-project in the basin in terms of water availability.
Olfactory Responses of Trissolcus Mitsukurii to Plants Attacked by Target and Non-target Stink Bugs Suggest Low Risk for Biological Control
Authors: Rondoni Gabriele , Chierici Elena , Giovannini Lucrezia , Sabbatini-Peverieri Giuseppino , Roversi Pio Federico , Conti Eric
Published: November 2021

In crop systems, successful management of invasive insect herbivores can be achieved through the introduction of exotic biocontrol agents, i.e. parasitoids or predators, having a coevolutionary history with the pest. To avert threats to local biodiversity, recent legislations require a risk assessment for the organism to be released. Evaluation of its ability to exploit, for host location, odours associated with target and non-target species is crucial for a better definition of its ecological host range. Using Y-tube olfactometer in quarantine laboratory, we investigated the ability of the Asiatic egg parasitoid Trissolcus mitsukurii (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae) to exploit odours associated with the global invader Halyomorpha halys (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) and with non-target stink bugs native to Southern Europe. We demonstrated that T. mitsukurii is attracted by plants exposed to feeding and egg deposition of the coevolved H. halys or the native Nezara viridula, while it is not attracted by physogastric females or eggs alone. Remarkably, T. mitsukurii is repelled by plants bearing eggs of the beneficial stink bug, Arma custos. Our results usefully contribute to a more thorough and nuanced assessment of the potential non-target risks in case of massive parasitoid release.
I’ll be Good for Grandma: Institutional and Relational Trust and COVID-19 Restriction Compliance
Authors: Andrade-Molina Derly M , Fernandez-Cadena Juan Carlos , Fernandez Mario A , Rhodes Lauren A , Sanchez Gonzalo E
Published: November 2021

behavior with health campaigns. We examine Guayaquil, Ecuador which was hit particularly hard in the first few months of the pandemic. As lockdowns and social distancing led families to rely on others to secure food or medical assistance, perceptions on trust and the dynamics of social capital during the initial (and worst) months of the pandemic were particularly important. Methods: This paper uses a unique dataset of people receiving a COVID test after suspicion of infection. People in our dataset were active during the height of the pandemic and faced the possibility of needing to rely on others in the case of testing positive. We use regression analysis to study the relation between compliance with mobility restrictions and institutional and relational trust.Results: We find that trusting that close relations (such as family) will be there for you in the case of falling ill is associated with a significant increase in the probability of complying with health campaigns. Additionally, we find that trust in the government has a weak relationship to compliance. However, compliance decreases when examining increased trust in the police but increases with trust in the military.Conclusions: The findings show that enhancing trust may improve compliance with social distancing measures. However, increasing trust in specific groups could have negative consequences. Importantly, compliance could be increased by emphasizing in campaigns that your behavior could influence the health of those who you care about.
How Intracranial Thrombi Embed Along The Stent Retriever Following Mechanical Thrombectomy. A High-Resolution Scanning Electron Microscopy Analysis.
Authors: Grange Daniela Dumitriu La , Bernava Gianmarco , Reymond Philippe , Wanke Isabel , Vargas Maria Isabel , Machi Paolo , Lövblad Karl-Olof
Published: November 2021

Endovascular treatment with stent retriever thrombectomy is a major advancement in the standard of care in acute ischemic stroke (AIS). The modalities through which thrombi embed along stent retriever following mechanical thrombectomy (MTB) remain to be elucidated. Using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), we analyzed the behavior of thrombi embedded onto the stent, when retrieved by MTB from patients, victims of AIS. We observed that incorporation of thrombi is achieved through loosely packed, non-compact regions. We hypothesize that structural heterogeneity modulation of thrombi, in terms of compact and non-compact regions, is related to the endovascular treatment outcome.
Remote expert elicitation to determine the prior probability distribution for Bayesian sample size determination in international randomized controlled trials: Bronchiolitis in Infants Placebo Versus Epinephrine and Dexamethasone (BIPED) Study
Authors: Lan Jingxian , Plint Amy C , Dalziel Stuart R , Klassen Terry P , Offringa Martin , Heath Anna
Published: November 2021

BackgroundBayesian methods are increasing in popularity in clinical research. The design of Bayesian clinical trials requires a prior distribution, which can be elicited from experts. Current elicitation approaches either use face-to-face sessions or expert surveys. In diseases with international differences in management, the elicitation exercise should recruit internationally, requiring expensive face-to-face sessions or surveys, which suffer low response rates. To address this, we developed a remote, real-time elicitation exercise to construct prior distributions. These elicited distributions were then used to determine the sample size of the Bronchiolitis in Infants with Placebo Versus Epinephrine and Dexamethasone (BIPED) Study, an international randomized controlled trial trial in the Pediatric Emergency Research Network (PERN). The BIPED study aims to determine whether the combination of epinephrine and dexamethasone, compared to placebo, is effective in reducing hospital admission for infants presenting with bronchiolitis to the emergency department.MethodsWe developed a web-based tool to support the elicitation of the probability of hospitalization for infants with bronchiolitis. Experts participated in online workshops to specify their individual prior distributions, which were aggregated using the equal-weighted linear pooling method. The Average Length Criterion determined the BIPED sample size.ResultsFifteen paediatric emergency medicine clinicians from Canada, USA, Australia and New Zealand participated in three workshops to provide their elicitied prior distributions. The elicited probability of admission for infants with bronchiolitis was slightly lower for those receiving epinephrine and dexamethasone compared to supportive care in the aggregate distribution. There were substantial differences in the individual beliefs but limited differences between North America and Australaisia. From this aggregate distribution, a sample size of 410 patients per arm results in an average 95% credible interval length of less than 9% and a relative predictive power of 90%.ConclusionRemote expert elicitation is a feasible, useful and practical tool to determine a prior distribution for international randomized controlled trials. Bayesian methods can then determine the trial sample size using these elicited prior distributions. The ease and low cost of remote expert elicitation means that this approach is suitable for future international randomized controlled trials.Trial Registration: clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT03567473
Human Health Risks Surveillance of Polychlorinated Biphenyls in Bovine Milk from Alluvial Plain of Punjab, Pakistan
Authors: Sana Saman , Qadir Abdul , Evans Neil P , Mumtaz Mehvish , Javaid Ambreena , Khan Amjad , Kashif Saif-ur-Rehman , Rehman Habib ur
Published: November 2021

Punjab is the leading province of Pakistan in the production of bovine milk and its consumption. Rapid industrialization, high energy demand and production of waste have increased the risk of PCB toxicity in the environment. This research work was designed to assess human dietary exposure of polychlorinated biphenyls (∑PCBs 17 congeners) through ingestion of buffalo and cow’s milk from eight main districts of Punjab, Pakistan. The average concentration of ∑DL-PCBs in buffalo and cow milk samples were analyzed (8.74 ng g-1 and 14.60 ng g-1) and ∑I-PCBs (11.54 ng g-1 and 18.68 ng g-1) respectively. The PCB-156 was predominantly high congener found in both buffalo (2.84 ng g-1) and cow milk (2.86 ng g-1). It was found that the highest PCBs in bovine milk samples were observed in close vicinities of urban and industrial areas. The estimated daily consumptions of DL-PCBs and I-PCBs, from buffalo and cow milk, were below the acceptable daily intake for both adults and children. Moreover, Hazard Quotients (HQ) of ∑PCBs17 congeners value were less than 1.0 in adults and greater in the case of children reflecting the high chances of cancer risk. Furthermore, comprehensive monitoring for childhood cancer is recommended to establish the relationship in future studies.
Battling the Emerging Epidemic of Rhino-Orbital-Cerebral Mucormycosis (ROCM) in COVID-19 Pandemic: A Prospective Interventional Study
Authors: Gandhi Aastha , Narula Anurag , Chandra Shreya , Agarwal Dhwanee , Mehta Anuj , Arora Sheetal , Nayak Shaktiprada , Capoor Malini R
Published: November 2021

Purpose: The most recent challenge being faced by the healthcare system during the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic is increase in the incidence rate of coinfection or superinfection; one of the most fatal being mucormycosis. This study aimed to estimate the risk factors, symptoms and signs, treatment outcome and prognosis of COVID-19-associated mucormycosis (CAM) patients. Methods: This is a prospective, interventional study of 35 patients diagnosed and managed as CAM at a tertiary care centre in New Delhi, India. Results: The mean age of patients was 40.45± 6 years with a male preponderance. CAM did not affect healthy individuals; the major risk factors included diabetes in 65.7% and injudicious steroid use in 51.4% patients. Orbital/facial edema was the most common presenting symptom (25.7%) as well as sign (28.57%). 68.5% patients were stage 3 (involvement of orbit) at presentation; 33.3% showed medial wall involvement. Treatment included intravenous amphotericin and oral posaconazole in all patients, paranasal sinus (PNS) debridement in 94.2%, orbital exenteration was done in 8 patients. Adjuvant retrobulbar amphotericin B injection was administered in 12 patients with radiological resolution seen in 50% after 1 cycle. In patients with Stage 4 disease who underwent exenteration along with PNS debridement, survival rate was 100% at 30 days, and disease reduction occurred in 87.5% patients (P<0.01). Overall, 68.5 % responded to therapy, 8.5 % showed progression and mortality rate was 22.85 %, at a mean follow up period of 59.5 days.Conclusion: A multidisciplinary and aggressive approach is essential in the management of CAM patients.
Hydrothermal carbonization of sewage sludge: Multi-response optimization of hydrochar production and CO2-assisted gasification performance
Authors: Guo Shuai , Xu DanDan , Guo Xin , Li Xingcan , Zhao Chenchen
Published: November 2021

The harmful effects of improper sewage sludge (SS) treatment on the environment inspire the search for more benign sludge processing techniques such as hydrothermal carbonization (HTC); the abundant organic matter in SS is used for energy recovery. Herein, response surface methodology (RSM) was used to optimize the HTC-based preparation of SS hydrochar and its gasification performance. Specifically, the hydrochar yield, higher heating value (HHV), and gasification activity index were selected as optimization goals, while carbonization temperature (160–260°C), residence time (30–150 min), and acetic acid concentration (0–1.5 M) were selected as factors influencing the HTC process and CO2-assisted gasification performance. Carbonization temperature was the dominant parameter determining hydrochar yield, HHV, and gasification activity. The hydrochar yield (82.69%) and calorific value (7820.99 kJ kg−1) were maximized under comparatively mild conditions (160°C, 30 min, and 0.07 M acetic acid), whereas the gasification activity index (0.288 s−1) was maximized under harsher conditions (211.34°C, 88.16 min, and 1.58 M acetic acid). The obtained results help to guide the HTC of SS intended for gasification, thus promoting the development of this promising waste-to-energy technology, and may facilitate the design and further optimization of thermochemical SS conversion.
A systematic review of the accessibility, acceptability, safety, efficiency, clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of private providers of elective surgical services compared with public providers
Authors: Akpinar Ilke , Kirwin Erin , Tjosvold Lisa , Chojecki Dagmara , Round Jeff
Published: November 2021

Many publicly funded health systems use a mix of privately and publicly operated providers of care to deliver elective surgical services. We review the role of private elective surgical provision within publicly funded health systems in high-income countries. The outcomes evaluated include accessibility, acceptability, safety, clinical effectiveness, efficiency, and cost/cost-effectiveness. Twenty-seven articles met the review inclusion criteria. We found mixed results across each of our reported outcomes. Wait times were shorter for patients treated in private facilities in most studies, and inequalities by age and socioeconomic deprivation were found to increase with private provision in some studies. Acceptability results were mixed, with most studies finding no differences between public and private provision and others finding higher satisfaction at public facilities. The results for safety outcomes were divided, but most studies that found improved safety outcomes in private facilities, noting that private patients had a lower preoperative risk of complications. Clinical effectiveness was similar in most studies, with differences in outcomes mainly attributed to patient selection or prosthesis choice. Very few studies reported cost and cost-effectiveness outcomes, and just two included studies concluded that private facilities are economically viable.
Shuangxinfang prevents S100A9-induced macrophage/microglial inflammation to improve cardiac function and depression-like behaviour in rats after acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Sun Yize , Wang Zheyi , Hou Jiqiu , Shi Jinyu , Tang Zhuoran , Wang Chao , Zhao Haibin
Published: November 2021

Background

Depression is a common complication of cardiovascular disease, which deteriorated the cardiac function. Shuangxinfang (Psycho-cardiology Formula, PCF) was reported to alleviate myocardial ischemia injury and improve depression-like behavior. Interestingly, our previous proteomics study predicted that the protein S100A9 appeared as an important target, and macrophage/microglial inflammation might be involved in the process of PCF treating depressive disorder induced by acute myocardial infarction (AMI). The aim of this study is to validate the proteomics results.
Methods

AMI rat models were established in vivo, followed by the administration of PCF or ABR-215757 (also named paquinimod, inhibiting S100A9 binding to TLR4) for 5 days. Forced swimming test (FST) and open field test (OFT) were applied to record depression-like behavior, and echocardiography was employed to evaluate cardiac function. Morphological changes of cardiomyocytes were assessed by HE staining and TUNEL staining on day 7 after cardiac surgery, as well as masson trichrome staining on day 21. Hippocampal neurogenesis was determined by Nissl staining, while 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the hippocampus were detected as biochemical indicators of depression. Myocardial and hippocampal expression of inflammatory factors were analyzed by western blotting, immunofluorescence, and ELISA. The activation state of macrophage and microglia was assessed via immunoreaction respectively using CD68 and Iba1. For in vitro confirmation, BV2 cells were primed with recombinant protein S100A9, and then pretreated with PCF serum, to determine alterations in microglial activation and inflammation.
Results

Rats in the AMI group showed heart function deterioration, as well as depression-like behavior. Coronary ligation not only brought about myocardial inflammation, cell apoptosis and fibrosis, but also reduced the neurogenesis and decreased the content of 5-HT. PCF could ameliorate the pathological and phenotypic changes of the heart and brain, and inhibited the expression of S100A9/TLR4/NF-κB pathway, the activation of microglial cell and the secretion of IL-1β and TNF-α raised by AMI. ABR-215757 showed therapeutic effect and molecular biological mechanisms similar to PCF. Pretreatment with PCF serum in vitro was proved to efficiently block the hyperactivation of BV2 cells and increasement of cytokine contents induced by recombinant protein S100A9.
Conclusion

We identify S100A9 as a novel and potent regulator of inflammation in both heart and brain. Macrophage/microglia inflammation mediated by S100A9 is considered as a pivotal pathogenic in depression post-AMI, as well as a major pathway for the treatment of PCF, suggesting that PCF is a promising therapeutic candidate for psycho-cardiology disease.
Potential Novel Therapeutic Targets In Epilepsy From The View of Intestinal Comorbidities - Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Jiang Mi , Li Jia , Song Zhi
Published: November 2021

Background: Epilepsy is a complicated neurological disorder with almost 30% refractory. Recent years, several studies showed that epilepsy is associated with its comorbidities by shared molecular mechanisms. However, the association of epilepsy and digestive comorbidities are still unclear. In this study, we aim to explore the association between inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and epilepsy, and to find promising therapeutic targets for refractory epilepsy. Methods: Two gene expression profiles (GSE134697 and GSE59071) were selected from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified by GEO2R and the DESeq2 package. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis of intersection DEGs and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) were conducted by clusterProfiler package. The protein-protein interactions (PPI) network was established by using STRING and visualized by Cytoscape. Genes in the most significant module identified by MCODE plug-in were considered as candidate hub genes. Validation of hub genes were performed by using the GSE143272 dataset. Results: Cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction pathway is identified as a communal pathway between IBD and epilepsy. CXCL8, CXCR4 and ITGAX were identified as the hub genes. Conclusions: The identification of the communal pathway and hub genes in this study contributes to a potential novel therapeutic target in refractory epilepsy.
Prognostic Accuracy of a Novel Prognostic Score Using a Combination of PCT, DDi, and Lactate Biomarkers in Patients With Sepsis: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: miao Yansong , Xing LiFeng
Published: November 2021

Background
A combination of multiple biomarkers will be more accurate in predicting the mortality of sepsis patients. Herein, we aimed to assess the ability to predict adverse outcomes of a novel scoring system using the combination of PCT, DDi, and lactate (PDLS) in patients with sepsis from the emergency department (ED) of a hospital.
Methods
The patients’ baseline characteristics, main laboratory data and outcome were collected from the patient's electronic medical record. A receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis determine the optimal cutoff points for biomarkers PCT, DDi and lactate and establish a PDLS system based on their cutoff points. ROC was used to compare the accuracy of PDLS to Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II scores in predicting short-term mortality in patients with sepsis.
Results
The analysis cohort included 1001 patients. 117 sepsis patients died in 28 days. An increase in PDLS was associated with higher mortality and adverse events including MV, VD, AICU, and CRRT. PDLS was an independent predictor of 28-day mortality, MV, VD, AICU, and CRRT. The Area Under the Receiver Operating Characteristic curve (AUROC) of PDLS (0.96; Cl=0.94-0.98) was significantly higher than that of SOFA (0.84; Cl=0.80-0.89) and APACHE II (0.84; Cl=0.79-0.88).
Conclusion
PDLS is an independent prognostic predictor of adverse clinical outcomes for sepsis patients and was superior to other prognostic scores, including SOFA and APACHE II.
Comparison and Selection Criterion of Missing Imputation Methods and Quality Assessment of Monthly Rainfall in The Central Refit Valley Lakes Basin of Ethiopia
Authors: Balcha Sisay Kebede , Hulluka Taye Alemayehu , Awass Adane Abebe , Bantider Amare
Published: November 2021

Missing data is a common problem in all scientific research and the availability of gap-free data is rare in most developing countries. Statistical and empirical methods are the most often used for approximation of missing data. The performance of eight missing estimation methods was evaluated using bias, RMSE, and NSE. The Multicriteria decision method of compromise programing approach was used to identify the best imputation method. Four homogeneity test methods were used to evaluate the homogeneity of the time series data. The Mann-Kendall trend test and Son’s slope were used to locate the change and calculate the magnitude of the trend. Multiple Linear Regression and Multiple Imputation by chained equations were well performed over most stations. Alternatively, the modified version of IDWM based on spatial distance and elevation difference (IDWME&D3) was ranked as third at many stations. The inclusion of elevation differences between stations has improved the capability of the inverse distance weight method. However, the performance of all the missing estimation methods decreased as the percentage of missing increased. Radius influences have no significant impact on the performance of missing imputation methods. Only Butajera station exhibited nonhomogeneous. Dagaga, Iteya, Bui, and Butajera stations all exhibited decreasing trends. Kulumsa and Ejerese-lele stations presented an increasing trend in monthly rainfall. However, the rest station has shown no significant increasing or decreasing trends in monthly rainfall.
Impact of Spatial Misallocation of Electric Power Resources on Economic Efficiency and Carbon Emissions in China
Authors: Wang Delu , Zhang Suqing , Wang Yadong , Mao Jinqi
Published: November 2021

The relationship between resource misallocation and productivity has become a hot topic in recent years, but few studies examined the impact of spatial misallocation of electric power resources (SMEPRs) on economic efficiency and carbon emissions. Here, we constructed a calculation model of SMEPRs that can measure both the misallocation degree and direction and uncovered the spatiotemporal evolvement mechanism of SMEPRs. On this basis, we explored the impact of SMEPRs on regional economic efficiency and carbon emissions using panel data from 29 provinces in China from 1988-2017. The results demonstrate that the high level of SMEPRs in China shows complex spatiotemporal characteristics and significantly affects the regional economic efficiency and carbon emissions. Specifically speaking: first, SMEPRs presents the characteristics of the coexistence of excessive and insufficient allocation among provinces and regions, the increasing extent of misallocation in the eastern and western regions, and the gradual decline in the central region; second, SMEPRs has a strong negative effect on the regional economic efficiency and carbon emissions by affecting regional industrial structures, which indicates that SMEPRs is an important factor restricting the high-quality development of regional economies. The research observations offer fresh insights to upgrading the high-quality and green development of China's power sector and promoting regional economic transformation and ecological sustainability.
Self-Reported Diabetes Or Hypertension Diagnoses And Antenatal Care Among Child-Bearing Women In Rural Bangladesh: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Bear Allyson P. , Bennett Wendy L. , Katz Joanne , Lee Kyu Han , Chowdhury Atique Iqbal , Bari Sanwarul , Arifeen Shams El , Gurley Emily S.
Published: November 2021

Background: Health care systems in limited resource settings may not meet the needs of pregnant women where the burden of diabetes and hypertension is rapidly increasing. We described screening and diagnosis of diabetes or hypertension among recently pregnant women in rural Bangladesh and the antenatal care received.Methods: We asked recently pregnant women about ever having been screened for or diagnosed with hypertension or diabetes and their antenatal care-seeking experiences in a cross-sectional survey in the Baliakandi, Bangladesh. We used chi-squared tests and logistic regression to test the associations between self-reported coverage of hypertension and diabetes screening, diagnoses, and elements of antenatal care by age, wealth, educational attainment, and gravidity. Results: Among 4,692 respondents, 97% reported having been screened and 10% of screened women reported a diagnosis of hypertension. Women 30–39 years of age (aOR 3.02, 95% CI 2.00, 4.56) or in the top wealth quintile (aOR 1.70, 95% CI 1.18, 2.44) were more likely to be diagnosed with hypertension compared to reference groups. Any hypertension diagnosis was associated with reporting four or more antenatal care contacts (44% vs. 35%, p < 0.01), blood pressure measurements (85% vs. 79%, p < 0.01), and urine (71% vs. 61%, p < 0.01) tests conducted during antenatal care visits.For diabetes, 46% of respondents reported having been screened and 3% of screened women reported a diagnosis. Women 30–39 years of age were more likely to be diagnosed with diabetes (aOR 8.19, 95% CI 1.74, 38.48) compared to the reference group. Any diabetes diagnosis was associate with reporting four or more antenatal care contacts (48% vs. 36%, p = 0.04) and having blood testing during pregnancy (83% vs. 66%, p < 0.01). However, the frequency and quality of antenatal care was below the national guidelines among all groups.Conclusion: Focused efforts to ensure that women receive the recommended number of antenatal care contacts, coupled with improved compliance with antenatal care guidelines (including universal screening for diabetes at 24–28 weeks of pregnancy), would improve awareness of hypertension and diabetes among women in Bangladesh.
Pain catastrophizing and related influencing factors in pro-operative total knee arthroplasty in Lanzhou, China : a cross-sectional study
Authors: Ma Tong , Pei Juhong , Wang Xiangfu , Li Chenxu , Ye Bingli , zhao jirong
Published: November 2021

Background

The pain catastrophizing of preoperative total knee arthroplasty (TKA) patients is influenced by many factors and have not been well characterized in the literature. Therefore, the present study aims to investigate the current state and risk factors of pro-operative pain catastrophizing in subjects undergoing TKA.
Methods

This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at the orthopaedics ward of two tertiary hospitals in Lanzhou, China. The Chinese version of the Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS), the SF-36 (the physical function domain), the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS), the Oxford Knee Score (OKS), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and the Life Orientation Test-Revised (LOT-R) were used.
Results

The study included 360 participants. Among all participants, pro-operative TKA patients’ pain catastrophizing was at a high level, with a mean score of 24.92 (SD 12.38). The stepwise multiple linear regression analysis showed that anxiety (β = 0.548, P < 0.01), education level (β=-0.179, P < 0.01), physical function (β=-0.156, P < 0.01), and pain intensity during activity (β = 0.105, P = 0.015) are influencing factors for pain catastrophizing, which could explain 51.2% of the total variation in pain catastrophizing (F=95.149, P < 0.01).
Conclusion

Anxiety is the most important variable influencing pain catastrophizing in pro-operative TKA patients, and lower education levels, poor physical function and stronger pain intensity during activity were also associated with higher pain catastrophizing.
Multicenter Prospective Cohort on Aortic Valve Stenosis in Japanese Patients With End Stage Kidney Disease in Tokai Region (ASKIT)
Authors: Sasakawa Yuji , Okamoto Naoki , Fujii Maya , Kato Jyoichiro , Yuzawa Yukio , Inaguma Daijo
Published: November 2021

Background:The prevalence of aortic valve stenosis (AS) in patients on maintenance dialysis is high and the prognosis is poor. Because only few large cohort studies have analyzed patients with AS on dialysis, the factors that cause AS in such patients remain unclear.Methods:This multicenter, prospective cohort study included 2,786 patients on dialysis who underwent transthoracic echocardiography between July 1, 2017 and June 30, 2018. Patients with a maximum aortic jet velocity (Vmax) ≥2.0 m/s, pressure gradient (PG) between the left ventricle and ascending aorta (mean PG) ≥20 mmHg, or aortic valve area (AVA) ≤1.0 cm2 were categorized into the AS group. Of these, patients with Vmax ≥3.0 m/s, mean PG ≥20 mmHg, or AVA ≤1.0 cm2 were categorized into the severe AS group. The AS and severe AS groups were then compared with the non-AS group to identify the risk factors for AS using multivariate logistic analysis. We also compared the risk factors for AS with and without aortic valve calcification, which is the stage prior to age-related AS.Results:Of the 2,786 patients analyzed, 555 (20.0%) and 139 (6.9%) were categorized into the AS and severe AS groups, respectively. Multivariate logistic analysis revealed that aging, long-term dialysis, and elevated serum phosphorus levels were associated with AS in the AS and severe AS groups (p <0.05). Additional investigation using stratified multivariate analysis revealed that groups with serum phosphorus levels of 5.0–5.9 mg/dL and >6.0 mg/dL had a higher risk of AS than those with serum phosphorus levels of <4.0 mg/dL (odds ratio: 2.24; p = 0.01 and odds ratio: 2.66, p = 0.005, respectively). Aortic valve calcification was associated with aging, long-term dialysis, diabetes mellitus, administration of vitamin D receptor activators, elevated serum calcium levels, and anemia (p <0.05 for all).Conclusions:Dialysis patients had a high prevalence of AS, and AS was associated with aging, long dialysis duration, and elevated serum phosphorus levels.Trial registration: UMIN000026756, Registered on March 29, 2017.
Study About Minimum Quantity Lubrification in Bearing Holes Bored with Pcd Tools in Aluminum Alloy
Authors: Carvalho Paulo Paiva , Fernandes Gustavo H. N. , Barbosa Lucas M. Q. , de Souza Felipe C. R. , de Sousa José A. G. , Martins Paulo S. , Ba Elhadji H. T. , Machado Álisson R.
Published: November 2021

Cutting Fluid in Abundancy – CFA is a standard cooling technique used in machining due to the good relationship between quality and productivity. However, due to sustainability problems, economic, social, and environmental, several research types have been carried out worldwide about replacing or eliminating these inputs in the cutting process. In this work, three full factorial Design of Experiment - DoE were used to verify the performance and feasibility of replacing the Cutting Fluid in Abundance - CFA by Minimum Quantity Lubrification – MQL during the bearing of holes bored with Polly Cristaline Diamond – PCD tools in aluminum alloy. The input variables were cutting speed (𝑣𝑐), feed per knife (𝑓𝑧) and depth of cut (𝑑𝑜𝑐). While output variables were diameter and circularity deviation. For each machining atmosphere, dry, CFA, and MQL, a full factorial DoE (2 3 ) was performed with test and replicate. A total of 48 runs were performed. The main conclusion is that MQL showed similar CFA results, as proven by the mean hypothesis test. Based on the results of this work, it can be affirmed that MQL could replace the CFA technique.
Zero Carbon Program: A Legacy for a Sustainable Environment and for Higher Education Institutions
Authors: Junior Vicente Toledo Machado Morais , Jacovine Laércio Antônio Gonçalves , Alves Eliana Boaventura Bernardes Moura , Silva Lauana Blenda , Albuquerque Thaynara Pereira , Rocha Thais Almeida , Bezerra Mirza Lago , Brianezi Daniel , Torres Carlos Moreira Miquelino Eleto , Rocha Samuel José Silva Soares , Schettini Bruno Leão Said , Comini Indira Bifano , Romero Flora Magdaline Benitez , Silva Valéria Fatima , Faustino Isabella Salgado , Oliveira Klisman , Santos Tamara Braga , Rufino Maria Paula Miranda Xavier , Villanova Paulo Henrique , Correa Wagner Darlon Dias , Lima Gumercindo Souza , Paiva Haroldo Nogueira , Martins Sebastião Venâncio , Lopes Nathália Lima , Santos Raul Duarte , Cruz Ricardo Alcántara-de la
Published: November 2021

Climate change is one of the biggest global concerns for scientists. Efforts to limit global temperature are still incipient. In Brazil, Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) can play a central role in achieving these efforts. In this sense, the objective is to show the Legacy of the Zero Carbon Program of the Federal University of Viçosa (UFV) for society, science and environment, in 10 years of operation, with a main focus on the ecosystem service related to carbon off-set. A description of the history, emergence and organizational structure of Zero Carbon Program (CZP) was made, based on research carried out over 10 years of activity in the Atlantic Forest in southeastern Brazil. Five main methodological axes have been described to determine the current legacy of the program: (A) GHG Inventory during the Farmer’s Week (FW) at the UFV; (B) GHG neutralization during FW; (C) Development of GHG quantification and neutralization systems; (D) Collection of bibliographic data developed by the CZP; and (E) Survey of sensitized public. The results of the CZP showed that: 4,162 people became aware of the topic of climate change at and 26,186 people at other events; and those 63 scientific studies related were published. A total of 490.64 tCO2eq. GHG emissions were raised during the FW-UFV. Approximately 4,660 trees were planted in a degraded area in southeastern Brazil as a way to neutralize GHG from the event. The CZP presents opportunities for gains from ecosystem services related to responsive carbon management provided to different social actors.
UBE2T Regulates FANCI Monoubiquitination to Promote NSCLC Progression by Activating EMT
Authors: Zhang Jiguang , Wang Jingdong , Wu Jincheng , Huang Jianyuan , Lin Zhaoxian , Lin Xing
Published: November 2021

Background: Fanconi anemia complementation group I (FANCI) acts as a critical protein factor for maintaining DNA stability. However, roles of FANCI in tumors has not been well revealed. In current study, we aimed to explore the function and potential mechanism of FANCI in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC).Methods: To detect the expression of FANCI and UBE2T in NSCLC tissues, quantitative reverse-transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) and Western blot assays were employed. CCK-8, wound healing, Transwell, flow cytometry analysis and tumor xenograft were used to investigate the biological effects of FANCI in NSCLC in vitro and in vivo. FANCI binds with UBE2T was confirmed using coimmunoprecipitation (co-IP) assay. The EMT protein markers were detected via Western blot. Results: FANCI was upregulated in NSCLC tumor tissues compared with adjacent. In A549 and H1299 cells, knockdown of FANCI inhibited cell growth, migration, invasion and cell cycle,as well as epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in vitro. In vivo, the tumor growth was also repressed when FANCI was downregulated. Mechanistically, UBE2T directly bound with FANCI and regulated the monoubiquitination of FANCI. Futhermore, UBE2T restored the inhibitory effects induced by knocking down FANCI in NSCLC cells. Conclusion: FANCI was a putative oncogene in NSCLC, and was monouniubiquitinated by UBE2T to regulate cell growth, invasion and migration. Our findings suggested that FANCI might applied as a predicted biomarker and therapeutic target for NSCLC.
Glibenclamide Directly Prevents Neuroinflammation by Targeting SUR1-TRPM4-Mediated NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation in Microglia
Authors: He Yihua , Chang Yuan , Peng Yuqin , Zhu Juan , Liu Kewei , Chen Jiancong , Wu Yongming , Ji Zhong , Lin Zhenzhou , Wang Shengnan , Gupta Sohan , Zang Nailiang , Pan Suyue , Huang Kaibin
Published: November 2021

Background
Glibenclamide (GLB) reduces brain edema and improves neurological outcome in animal experiments and preliminary clinical studies. Recent studies also suggested a strong anti-inflammatory effect of GLB, via inhibiting Nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor containing pyrin domain 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome activation. However, it remains unknown whether the anti-inflammatory effect of GLB is independent of its role in preventing brain edema, and how GLB inhibits the NLRP3 inflammasome is not fully understood.
Methods
Sprague-Dawley male rats underwent 10-min asphyxial cardiac arrest and cardiopulmonary resuscitation or sham-operation. Wild type and Trpm4−/− C57BL/6 male mice underwent radiation-induced brain injury or sham-operation. The Trpm4 siRNA and GLB were injected to block sulfonylurea receptor 1-transient receptor potential M4 (SUR1-TRPM4) channel in rats and mice. Western blotting, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, behavioral analysis, histological examination, and MRI Scanning were used to evaluate the role of GLB in preventing NLRP3-mediated neuroinflammation through inhibiting SUR1-TRPM4, and corresponding neuroprotective effect. To further explore the underlying mechanism, BV2 cells were subjected to lipopolysaccharides, oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion, or radiation.
Results
Here, in mice model of radiation-induced brain injury with minimal brain edema, GLB significantly alleviated neurocognitive deficit and neuropathological damage, via the inhibition of radiation-induced microglial NLRP3 inflammasome activation by blocking SUR1-TRPM4. Likewise, above neuroprotective effects were also confirmed in rat model of cardiac arrest with brain edema combined with neuroinflammation, through preventing SUR1-TRPM4-mediated NLRP3 activation. Of note, the above effects of GLB could be achieved by gene silencing or knockdown of Trpm4. In vitro, SUR1-TRPM4 and NLRP3 inflammasome were also activated in BV2 cells subjected to lipopolysaccharides, oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion, or radiation, which could be blocked by GLB or 9-phenanthrol, a TRPM4 inhibitor. Importantly, activation of SUR1-TRPM4 in BV2 cells required the P2X7 receptor-mediated Ca2+ influx, which in turn magnified the K+ efflux via the Na+ influx-driven opening of K+ channels, leading to the NLRP3 inflammasome activation.
Conclusions
These findings suggest that GLB has a direct anti-inflammatory neuroprotective effect independent of its role in preventing brain edema, through inhibition of SUR1-TRPM4 which amplifies K+ efflux and promotes NLRP3 inflammasome activation.
Development and Validation of a Novel Prognostic Signature with 10 Ferroptosis-Related Genes in Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Zhu Kai , Lang Zhichao , Zhan Yating , Tao Qiqi , Yu Zhijie , Zhu Bihan , Gao Yuxiang , Wang Chengchi , Yu Kang , Shi Yifen , Jiang Songfu
Published: November 2021

Background

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is one of the most common hematopoietic malignancies and exhibits a high rate of relapse and unfavorable outcomes. Ferroptosis, a relatively recently described type of cell death, has been reported to be involved in cancer development. However, the prognostic value of ferroptosis-related genes (FRGs) in AML remains unclear.
Methods

In this study, we found 54 differentially expressed ferroptosis-related genes (DEFRGs) between AML and normal marrow tissues. Eighteen of these 54 DEFRGs were correlated with overall survival (OS) (P <0.05). Using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) Cox regression analysis, we selected 10 DEFRGs that were associated with OS to build a prognostic signature. Data from AML patients from the International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC) cohort were used for validation.
Results

Notably, the prognostic survival analyses of this signature passed with a significant margin, and the risk score was identified as an independent prognostic marker using Cox regression analyses. Further studies showed that AML was associated with immune cell infiltration. In addition, drug-sensitive analysis showed that 4 drugs may be beneficial for treatment of AML and we performed qRT-PCR to serve as a clinical validation.
Conclusions

In summary, our study establishes a novel 10-gene prognostic risk signature based on ferroptosis related genes for AML patients and additionally we provide evidence that FRGs may be novel therapeutic targets for AML.