bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Compositional Analysis of Conventional and Unconventional Permian Basin-Produced Waters: A Simple Tool for Predicting Major Ion Composition
Authors: Ogbuji Bibian , Nnanna A. G. Agwu , Engle Mark , Amesquita Raiel
Published: March 2022

Treatment methods for produced water (PW) are significantly affected by a high concentration of total dissolved solids (TDS), a summation of dissolved organic and inorganic compositions. Understanding the constituents of TDS to eliminate or prevent chemical reactions is critical in the design optimization of the treatment processes. In this paper, two PW geochemical data sets generated from conventional and unconventional reservoirs in the Permian Basin were analyzed to correlate constituents with TDS. Compositional data sets from over 115,000 PW samples originally reported by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and 45 oil and gas operations were analyzed. Data preprocessing, culling, systematized- and meta-analysis, and statistical techniques were adapted to associate the data. Subcompositional geochemical data were transformed into isometric log ratios and are presented in bivariate and multivariate plots.

Results indicate that Na+ and Ca2+ were the dominant cations and Cl− was the dominant anion. No observable trend differences in the Na+, Cl−, Ca2+, Mg+, and SO42− concentrations between PW from conventional and unconventional wells were registered. Variations in the isometric log ratio of Na/Cl and Ca/SO4 with TDS revealed that Na/Cl was nearly constant over the range of TDS, suggesting mineral buffering or a lack of significant water/rock reactions involving Na and Cl, and that Ca/SO4 increased with TDS, indicating that low-salinity fluids may have dissolved anhydrite producing a value near zero, with Ca gain and/or SO4 loss with increasing salinity. In all 10 counties and 8 formations investigated in this work, the ln (Ca/SO4) denotes Ca gain/SO4 loss relative to their composition in anhydrite or Permian seawater. Likely mechanisms leading to elevated ln (Ca/SO4) include sulfate reduction, dolomitization of calcite, Na/Ca cation exchange, albitization, and anhydrite precipitation from Ca-rich fluids. Results from this work are important as it is revealed that Ca/SO4 and Na/Cl can potentially be predicted from PW TDS concentrations. This information was combined to create a reservoir or location-specific model to estimate Na, Cl, Ca, and SO4 concentrations in Permian Basin PW, a powerful tool to improve treatment and reuse options in areas with few direct data.
AR cooperates with SMAD4 to maintain skeletal muscle homeostasis
Authors: Rinaldi Carlo , Forouhan Mitra , Lim Wooi , Zanetti-Domingues Laura , Tynan Christopher , Roberts Thomas , Malik Bilal , Manzano Raquel , Speciale Alfina , Ellerington Ruth , Garcia-Guerra Antonio , Fratta Pietro , Soraru Gianni , Greensmith Linda , Pennuto Maria , Wood Matthew
Published: March 2022

Androgens and androgen-related molecules exert a plethora of functions across different tissues, mainly through binding to the transcription factor Androgen Receptor (AR). Despite widespread therapeutic use and misuse of androgens as potent anabolic agents, the molecular mechanisms of this effect on skeletal muscle are currently unknown. Muscle mass in adulthood is mainly regulated by the BMP axis of the TGFβ pathway via SMAD4 recruitment. Here we show that, upon activation, AR forms a transcriptional complex with SMAD4 to orchestrate a muscle hypertrophy programme by modulating SMAD4 chromatin binding dynamics and enhancing its transactivation activity. We challenged this mechanism of action using spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy (SBMA) as a model of study. This adult-onset neuromuscular disease is caused by a polyglutamine expansion (polyQ) in AR and is characterized by progressive muscle weakness and atrophy secondary to a combination of lower motor neuron degeneration and primary muscle atrophy. Here we found that the presence of an elongated polyQ tract impairs AR cooperativity with SMAD4, leading to an inability to mount an effective anti-atrophy gene expression programme in skeletal muscle in response to denervation. Furthermore, AAV9-mediated muscle-restricted delivery of BMP7 is able to rescue the muscle atrophy in SBMA mice, supporting the development of treatments able to fine-tune AR-SMAD4 transcriptional cooperativity as a promising target for SBMA and other conditions associated with muscle loss.
Localisation of the ilioischial line on axial computed tomography images for pre-operative planning of total hip arthroplasty
Authors: Kato Michitaka , Warashina Hideki , Kataoka Akito , Ando Takanori , Mitamura Shingo
Published: March 2022

Background: The ilioischial line can be an important landmark in determining cup offset in two-dimensional preoperative planning for total hip arthroplasty by identifying the bony region showing the ilioischial line on axial computed tomography (CT). This study aimed to validate the hypothesis that the ilioischial line is located in the bony region where the X-ray beamline to the ilioischial line (line α) is tangent to the medial acetabular cortical bone with a maximum overlap in axial CT images.Methods: Equidistance of the following two measures would prove the validity of our hypothesis: (A) distance between the ilioischial line and the metal cup, measured at the level of the hip center on pelvic radiographs, multiplied by 0.9 to correct for the magnification of the radiograph and (B) distance between the metal cup and line α, which is tangent to the medial acetabular wall with maximum overlap, in the axial CT image at the level of the hip joint center. These two distances were measured for 51 hip joints.Results: The average distance A was 4.5±2 mm, and the average distance B was 4.7±2.1 mm. The difference between distances A and B was 0.2±0.2 (range, 0–2.6) mm. In >90% of the cases, the cortical bone area of the inner acetabular wall, indicating the location of the ilioischial line, was located posteriorly.Conclusions: The ilioischial line is located in the bony region where line α intersects with the acetabular medial wall with maximum overlap on axial CT images.
Dynamic matrix theory for resonance response of plasmonic metamaterial lattice
Authors: Liu Wanguo , Li Xinfei , Liu Beiyun , Hu Hai
Published: March 2022

The near-field resonance response of a plasmonic metamaterial lattice under an oblique incident field is theoretically investigated via applying the first-proposed M-K dynamic matrix method. By considering the electric, magnetic and field-dipole interactions, we construct a dissipative many-body Lagrange model for a reference lattice. A collective forced vibration equation, with the degree of freedom equals to the number of nanoparticles in a cell, is introduced to describe the lattice resonance under a polarized field. The resonance frequencies can be conveniently obtained from the poles of transfer function matrix. Based on this elegant matrix differential equation, one can calculate the dynamic response of plasmonic lattice and analysis the normal modes from dispersion relations. The feasibility of this method is shown in details from three examples: simple square lattice, binary chain and chessboard lattice. Reasonable and significant results show that M-K matrix method is highly universal in a large frequency band and perfectly matched with numerical simulations. It proves to be a powerful tool in treating resonance problem of metallic nanoparticle lattice.
Design and Synthesis of Waterborne Light-Responsive Cellulose Nanocrystal/Fluorinated Polyacrylate Films toward Oil/Water Repellent and Self-healing Properties
Authors: Zhou Jianhua , Wang Xueli , Li Xiang
Published: March 2022

The development of environmentally friendly waterborne polymeric materials is becoming critical today. In this study, a kind of self-healing cellulose nanocrystal/fluorinated polyacrylate based on the reversible photo-induced dimerization of coumarin groups was prepared via RAFT-mediated Pickering emulsion polymerization using cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) particles modified with light-responsive amphiphilic copolymers as Pickering stabilizers. Emulsion polymerization and latex film properties were significantly varied in dependence on the amount of 7-(2-methacryloyloxyethoxy)-4-methylcoumarin (CMA) monomer. Both the water and oil resistance and mechanical properties of the latex film were dynamic in response to UV light. The maximum water contact angle and oil contact angle increased by 6.1° and 2.3°on the irradiation of UV light at 365 nm, respectively. The tensile strength of latex film increased initially with increasing amount of CMA increased, from 0 up to 4 wt%, and then decreased. The maximum tensile value increased from 3.0 MPa to 6.4 MPa after the dimerization reaction activated by 365 nm UV light. Results from atomic force microscope (AFM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDX) revealed that latex film possessed a roughness structure and the fluorine had a remarkable enrichment on the film-air interface. Moreover, latex films showed an excellent surface scratch self-healing ability owing to the reversible dimerization reaction of the coumarin groups, and the reversible dimerization reaction of coumarin groups within cellulose nanocrystal/fluorinated polyacrylate polymer was extensively investigated via ATR-FTIR spectrometer and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The fruitful outcomes indicated that light-responsive cellulose nanocrystal/fluorinated polyacrylate exhibited a greatly potential application as a smart material.
Antibiotic Prophylaxis for Percutaneous Renal Biopsy: Study Protocol for a Prospective Randomized Trial
Authors: Yahata Kensei , Yoshimoto Akihiro , Kinoshita Chiharu , Seta Koichi , Tsukamoto Tatsuo , Yanagita Motoko , Hata Hiroaki , Sakane Naoki
Published: March 2022

• Background: The major complication of renal biopsy is bleeding. Infection is an extremely rare complication of percutaneous renal biopsy, providing sterile techniques are used and bowel perforation does not occur. However, the questionnaire included in the Kidney Biopsy Guidebook 2020 in Japan reported that antibiotic prophylaxis was administered to patients undergoing percutaneous renal biopsy at 61% of 170 adult institutions and 57% of 54 pediatric institutions. The objective of this study is to show the non-inferiority of not administering prophylactic antibiotics for percutaneous renal biopsy.• Methods: Patients aged ≥15 years who are scheduled to undergo percutaneous renal biopsy are eligible for inclusion in the study. Three hundred and sixty-four patients will be recruited at 6 hospitals. The patients will be randomly assigned at a 1:1 ratio to receive either a single dose of intravenous cefazolin (1 g) or no prophylactic antibiotics. The primary outcome is the number of patients that exhibit positive urine cultures (>105 colony-forming units/ml) 3 or 4 days after the renal biopsy, at which point the patients are diagnosed with pyelonephritis until 3 or 4 days after the renal biopsy. The secondary outcomes are the number of patients who are diagnosed with pyelonephritis within 30 days after the renal biopsy, the number of patients who are diagnosed with puncture site infections within 30 days after the renal biopsy, the number of patients who are diagnosed with an infection other than pyelonephritis or a puncture site infection within 30 days after the renal biopsy, and the number of patients who experience cefazolin-induced side effects.• Discussion: This randomized controlled trial aims to show the non-inferiority of not administering prophylactic antibiotics for percutaneous renal biopsy. If this study shows that antibiotic prophylaxis is not needed, it would help to ensure patient safety and prevent the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.• Trial registration: UMIN000042378 [UMIN Clinical Trials Registry (UMIN-CTR)] http://www.umin.ac.jp/ctr [Registered on 7/Nov/2020]
Re-visiting of Lactate Dehydrogenase From a Different Dimension: a Model Bioinformatics Study for Wrestling
Authors: Çavaş Levent , Daglioglu Onder , Cavas Bulent
Published: March 2022

Sports informatics is of great importance in the understanding of sportive performance from different dimensions. Accumulated bio-sequences in the databases provide big contributions to compare proteins in different organisms. In Phylum Animalia, some animals have experienced evolution for excellent athletic performances in nature. The present paper exhibits a model in silico approach for evaluation of sports performance by comparing lactate dehydrogenases (LDH) in Homo sapiens and Crocodylus porosus. The results show that although a high sequence similarity is observed between the LDHs from H.sapiens and C.porosus, these enzymes also present important modifications which could be used in sport science such as talent selection in wrestling. In conclusion, the identification of amino acid modifications in important enzymes of specific animals, lessons from nature, related to sports physiology can open a new gate for the development of athletic performance.
Diarrheal Morbidity and Associated Factors among Under-Five Children in Southwest Ethiopia. Institution based cross-sectional study
Authors: Angasu Kebenesa , Dame Kenenisa Tadesse , Negash Abiyot
Published: March 2022

Background: In opposite to progressing to achieve target 3.2 of Sustainable Development Goals, which is ending preventable deaths of neonates and under-five years child by 2030, diarrheal disease continued to be the major cause of child mortality in developing countries including Ethiopia. Thus, this study aimed to assess the prevalence of diarrheal morbidity and associated factors among under-five children in southwest Ethiopia. Methodology: An institution-based cross sectional study was conducted among 2233 under-five children at three randomly selected public hospitals of southwest Ethiopia from March 1 to November 21, 2021. Data were collected from mothers/guardians of the index children selected by systematic random sampling using structured interviewer administered questionnaire. Data entered by Epi_data v.4.2 were analyzed by multivariable logistic regression. P-value <0.05 and 95% confidence-interval (CI) was used to ascertain statistical significance. Results were presented by tables and text. Result: This study had a response rate of 90.9%. The two-week prevalence of diarrhea among the under-five children was 701(34.53%). The factors associated with it were being female (AOR 0.26; 95%CI=.172-.4), age 12-23 months (AOR 4.37; 95%CI=2.32-8.24), mothers or guardian with no formal education (AOR 3.55; 95%CI=1.97-6.4), being urban resident (AOR 0.48; 95%CI=0.28-0.84), being 1st born (AOR .08; 95%CI=.03-.26), frequent hand washing (AOR .58; 95%CI=.26-.66), washing child utensils by cool-water & soap (AOR 2.8; 95%CI=2.12-3.57), unprotected water (AOR 3.6; 95%CI=2.13-6.13), having latrine (AOR .03; 95%CI=.02-.05), replacing water in storage daily (AOR .02; 95%CI=.004-.05), and child-self feeding (AOR 2.4; 95%CI=1.57-3.74).Conclusion: The prevalence of diarrheal morbidity among under-five children in southwest Ethiopia is unacceptably high. Accordingly, to reduce the morbidity, it is urgent that the parents, health extension workers, the zonal health departments, and all concerned bodies should struggle their best to strengthen the practices of diarrhea preventive methods and to avoid the risk factors.
A Shotgun Metagenomic Mining Approach of Human Semen Microbiome
Authors: Aderaldo Janaina , Teixeira Diego Teixeira , Torres Mychelle Garcia , Albuquerque Beatriz , Oliveira Maryana , Soares Paulo Eduardo , Agnez-Lima Lucymara , Timoteo Ana Rafaela , Silva-Portela Rita , Lanza Daniel
Published: March 2022

The testicular environment is immunoprivileged to protect germ cells from autoimmune and anti-inflammatory activities, but, on the other hand, it is susceptible to pathogens. Until now, the works that investigated the microbiological diversity in this environment were restricted to analyzing specific bacteria or viral communities. In this study, we evaluated the diversity in the seminal human microbiome using a whole-genome sequencing approach in a seminal human pool. For this, we collected 50 samples donated by participants from a public reproductive health service in Brazil. We observed a high proportion of the Bacteria domain (71.3%), whose largest groups are Bacillus, Staphylococcus, Mycobacterium, and Streptococcus. The Eukaryotic domain (27.6%) comprises Plasmodium, Trypanosoma, and Trichinella. Viruses (1.1%) are composed of Gammaretrovirus, Herv-K, and Herv-W. These findings expand the current view of microbial diversity in human semen and point out that evaluating uncultivated pathogens could be crucial before concluding reproductive and prophylactic treatments. In addition, the Herv families identified in seminal samples deserve studies with a functional and evolutionary perspective. These data contribute to identifying potential pathogens present in the semen (gamma diversity) and their correlations and opening a new front for research in the diagnosis of fertility-related diseases.
Forecasting admissions in psychiatric hospitals before and during Covid-19: a retrospective study with routine data
Authors: Wolff Jan , Klimke Ansgar , Marschollek Michael , Kacprowski Tim
Published: March 2022

Background
The COVID-19 pandemic has strong effects on most health care systems. Forecasting of admissions can help for the efficient organisation of hospital care. We aimed to forecast the number of admissions to psychiatric hospitals before and during the COVID-19 pandemic and we compared the performance of machine learning models and time series models. This would eventually allow to support timely resource allocation for optimal treatment of patients.
Methods
We used admission data from 9 psychiatric hospitals in Germany between 2017 and 2020. We compared machine learning models with time series models in weekly, monthly and yearly forecasting before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Results
A total of 90,686 admissions were analysed. The models explained up to 90% of variance in hospital admissions in 2019 and 75% in 2020 with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The best models substantially outperformed a one-step seasonal naïve forecast (seasonal mean absolute scaled error (sMASE) 2019: 0.59, 2020: 0.76). The best model in 2019 was a machine learning model (elastic net, mean absolute error (MAE): 7.25). The best model in 2020 was a time series model (exponential smoothing state space model with Box-Cox transformation, ARMA errors and trend and seasonal components, MAE: 10.44). Models forecasting admissions one week in advance did not perform better than monthly and yearly models in 2019 but they did in 2020. The most important features for the machine learning models were calendrical variables.
Conclusion
Model performance did not vary much between different modelling approaches before the COVID-19 pandemic and established forecasts were substantially better than one-step seasonal naïve forecasts. However, weekly time series models adjusted quicker to the COVID-19 related shock effects. In practice, different forecast horizons could be used simultaneously to allow both early planning and quick adjustments to external effects.
Deglacial increase of temperature variability in the tropical ocean
Authors: Wörmer Lars , Wendt Jenny , Boehman Brenna , Haug Gerald , Hinrichs Kai-Uwe
Published: March 2022

The warm and relatively stable Holocene climate was preceded by a pronounced event of abrupt warming in the Northern Hemisphere, the termination of the Younger Dryas cold period1,2. While this transition has been intensively studied, its imprint on low latitude ocean temperature is still controversial and its effects on sub-annual to decadal climate variability remain poorly understood1,3,4. We applied the extraordinary resolution provided by mass spectrometry imaging of long-chain alkenones5,6 to sediments from the tropical Cariaco Basin7, and reveal that the seasonal amplitude of reconstructed sea surface temperature increased more than twofold during the transition into the Holocene, while average temperature was not altered. We further observe modulations in interannual sea surface temperature variability that we attribute to a muting of the El Niño-Southern Oscillation at the end of the Younger Dryas, and a subsequent intensification during the early Holocene. These dynamics are consistent with the modeled interplay of meltwater and ice sheet forcing and suggest that climate recovery in the Pacific preceded the North Atlantic Younger Dryas-Holocene transition. Our results demonstrate that the abrupt changes that completed the most recent glacial to interglacial transition had pronounced effects on sub-and interannual climate variability in the Tropical North Atlantic.
Seasonality and Prevalence of Respiratory Syncytial Virus in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
Authors: Kapandji Merveille , Kavunga-Membo Hugo , Nkwembe Edith , Ahuka Steve , Muyembe JJ
Published: March 2022

Background: The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) with its tropical climate in the past was thought not to house many respiratory viruses, with time and after many outbreaks began researches and surveillance on respiratory viruses circulating in the country. The first was influenza sentinel surveillance which showed that around 10% of suspected samples received were positive for influenza and 90% were negative.This study aimed to screen Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) among the negative influenza samples which were collected during sentinel influenza surveillance, in order to determine the proportion and seasonal factors influencing the RSV.Methods: The samples used were nasopharyngeal swabs collected from different Influenza surveillance sites in Kinshasa: Kalembelembe, Boyambi, Kinshasa General Hospital, Kingasani Hospital Centre and RVA clinic during the period of January to September 2016. A total of 169 Samples were randomly selected for the research and were chosen regardless of the patient’s age, sex, geographic group and symptoms. Molecular analysis was done to determine if the samples were RSV positive or negative at the Institut National de Recherche Biomédicale (INRB) in Kinshasa using real time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR).Results: Out of the 169 samples that were analysed, 23 cases (13.6%) were positive for RSV. The prevalence was higher in female 65.2% than in male 34.8%, over 95% of RSV infection occurred during the rainy season and among the positive cases 60.9% were from hospitalized patients with severe acute respiratory infection and 39.1% were from influenza-like illness or infection. The largest proportion (78.3%) of RSV positives was found in children under the age of 2 years.Conclusion: This study showed that RSV is found in Kinshasa at most during the rainy season and tend to fade away during the dry season. Children are the most affected especially those younger than 2 years and RSV was more prevalent in female than in male.
Renal Services in Major Hospitals in Malawi: A survey of health facilities
Authors: Msungeni Lucy , Matandika Limbanazo Mindiera , Mukaka Mavuto
Published: March 2022

Background
In 2016, we conducted a baseline survey of the renal services that were being offered in the major hospitals in Malawi. The main purpose of the survey was to conduct an analysis of the renal services that were being offered in the major hospitals in Malawi with the aim of identifying gaps in service provision.
Methods
The survey was conducted using a structured questionnaire to collect information relating to human resources, equipment and supplies, financing and patient management in major hospitals in Malawi. The hospitals were stratified according to level of service; Tertiary service level being the last in the referral line, whereas secondary level received referrals from the health centres. Summary statistics were computed and presented as median and inter-quartile range (IQR). Categorical data were analysed as counts and proportions. Fisher's exact test was used to test associations between two categorical variables. Wilcoxon Rank Sum test was used for comparing continuous outcomes between relevant groups. The analysis was restricted to univariate given the small sample size. Data was analyzed using Stata 14.0 (Stata Corp. Texas, USA). Statistical significance was declared at 5% significance level.
Results
Data from a total of 14 major hospitals was available for analysis. None of the hospitals had a local or resident nephrologist with 29% (4/14) of the hospitals indicating that their staff had received kidney related training albeit non specialist. Four of the fourteen facilities conducted routine meetings, to review renal patient services. Only two of the 14 hospitals conducted kidney biopsies and three hospitals have dialysis treatment facilities. All the 14 hospitals have a functional lab that assists in diagnosis of renal impairment. Urine analysis is conducted in all the 14 hospitals whilst 57% (8/14) conduct serum tests, 71% (10/14) provide stool diagnostic and only 29% (4/14) provide saliva tests. Half of the hospitals maintain records specifically of kidney patients with 43% (6/14) of them keeping in hard copy files. Only 21% (3/14) patients had a follow up system for patients in their communities. About 43% (6/14) of the hospitals receive specific funding for equipment and supplies for renal disease whilst the rest depend on general medical supplies.
Conclusions:
This study was the first of its kind that revealed that major hospitals in Malawi were inadequately equipped with the requisite facilities or infrastructure to manage renal disease exclusively. Resources were limited in all categories assessed. With the surge of kidney disease that is predicted in the Sub Saharan Africa, the situation calls for urgent intervention if we are to ably manage kidney disease.
Adaption and Implementation of the Engage Programme: Teaching Self Regulation Through Play, Within the Early Childhood Curriculum.
Authors: Healey Dione , Milne Barry , Healey Matthew
Published: March 2022

Self-regulation is essential for successful human functioning across the lifespan. Difficulties in self-regulation early in life have been associated with a wide array of adverse outcomes including difficulties with school transition, educational attainment, and social functioning in childhood, as well as employment, mental health, physical health, relationships, and criminal activity in adulthood. ENGAGE (Enhancing Neurobehavioural Gains with the Aid of Games and Exercise) is a play-based intervention fostering the development of self-regulation in pre-schoolers and has led to improvements when used within the home setting. Given that most children attend some form of early childhood education setting, this is an ideal environment in which to teach self-regulation. The aim for this study was to ascertain whether ENGAGE can be implemented within an ECE group setting and whether this also leads to improved self-regulation. This trial has been registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR); trial number ACTRN12622000364774; trial web address: https://www.anzctr.org.au/ACTRN12622000364774.aspx. 668 children aged 3-5 years and their teachers, across 28 Early Childhood Education Centres (ECE) participated. Children’s self-regulation skills were assessed via scores on the Hyperactivity, Aggression, and Attention Problems subscales of BASC-2. Results indicted no significant changes in self-regulation skills across a 10-week waitlist period. Following 10 weeks of the ENGAGE programme, significant improvements in self-regulation were reported, and these were maintained at 2- and 6-month follow-up. These findings indicate that ENGAGE translates well into the ECE setting and has the potential to have population-based impacts on self-regulation abilities which could lead to more positive societal outcomes.
A Novel Design for solar collector used for water heating application having nanofluid as working medium: CFD modeling and simulation
Authors: Kumar Rajneesh , Kharub Manjeet , Sharma Rajesh , Hrisheekesha Periapattana Nagaraj , Goel Varun , Bhattacharyya Suvanjan , Tyagi Vineet Veer , . Varun
Published: March 2022

A solar collector is a simple and cheap device that is capable of collecting and converting solar radiation into useful heat energy. The thermal performance of the solar collectors can be enhanced significantly with the suspension of nanoparticles in the base fluid. A novel design for a solar-assisted water heater (SWH) is proposed in the current study and the effect of nanofluid has been investigated on the thermal efficiency of the SWH. The use of nanofluid is one of the prominent methods in comparison to other techniques for improving the performance of solar collectors and therefore, the base working fluid i.e. water is mixed with the alumina nanoparticles of average particle size of 30 nm, and they are assumed to be spherical. The flow and thermal characteristics of nanofluid through the solar water heater are simulated numerically with the help of the Eulerian-Eulerian two-phase model using the finite volume method (FVM). The commercial package i.e. ANSYS Fluent is used for modeling the problem under transient conditions with a pressure-based solver. In comparison to a conventional flat plate collector, the proposed solar water heater consists corrugated absorber-plate and the effect of radius of curvature of corrugation has been investigated on the heat transfer and collector efficiency. With the proposed design the heat transfer area available with the riser tubes increases remarkably and it leads to a 43% and 14% increase in heat transfer augmentation and collector efficiency, in comparison to the conventional solar water heater.
Identification of ferroptosis-related subtypes, characteristics of TME infiltration and development of prognostic models in gastric cancer
Authors: LING RUI , TANG XIANG , LIU NA , YU YUNPENG , SU YUTING , ZHOU YUEPENG , CHEN DEYU
Published: March 2022

Ferroptosis constitutes a novel type of cell death in morphology, biochemistry and genetics, and is tightly associated with the occurrence, development, prognosis and treatment of tumors. Nevertheless, the potential contribution of ferroptosis-related genes (FRGs) to the tumor microenvironment (TME) is indistinct. We delineated and evaluated the expression pattern of FRGs in gastric cancer (GC) samples from the perspectives of genetics and transcription. Subsequently, we discerned two different molecular subtypes and figured out that the changes in multilayer FRGs are linked with the clinicopathological characteristics, prognosis and TME cell infiltration characteristics of patients. Then, we constructed an FRG-score with a view to predicting overall survival (OS) and verified its predictive ability in GC patients. Therefore, we constructed a high-precision nomogram to improve the clinical applicability of the FRG-score. Low FRG-score, due to its high microsatellite instability (MSI-H), high mutational load and immune activation, indicates the possible advantage of OS. In addition, the FRG-score was closely related to the cancer stem cell (CSC) index and the sensitive degree of chemotherapeutic drug. Our generalized study of FRGs in gastric cancer shows their potentialities in the TME, clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis. These results may advance the existing knowledge of FRGs in gastric cancer, and push ahead with more effective prognostic assessment and the development of more effective immunotherapy approaches.
Characterisation and sensory appraisal of fresh ‘molido’ cheese from cows fed different levels of sunflower silage inclusion in small-scale dairy systems
Authors: Sainz-Ramírez Aurora , Colín-Navarro Vianey , Estrada-Flores Julieta Gertrudis , Velarde-Guillen José , López-González Felipe , Arriaga-Jordan Carlos M.
Published: March 2022

Small-scale dairy systems require feeding strategies to improve their productivity and sustainability. Since these systems in central Mexico mostly sell their milk to local artisan cheese makers, and cow diets influence milk and dairy products composition, the objective was to evaluate the effect on physicochemical characteristics, sensory appraisal, and economic performance of cheeses made with milk from cows fed different levels of sunflower silage (SFSL) inclusion in the forage DM component of diets (T0 = 0% SFSL; T20 = 20%; T40 = 40%; and, T60 = 60%). Physicochemical composition was analysed by analysis of variance in a completely randomised design and the sensory assessment of the cheeses was with a hedonistic five-point scale and the results were analysed by means of descriptive statistics and a radar graph. Partial budgets were used for economic analyses. There were significant differences (P < 0.05) for all physicochemical variables (moisture content, cheese yield, protein and fat content, and pH) of the cheeses, with higher values for yield, protein and fat content in the treatments that included SFSL. Sensory assessment values were in the average perception range of judges. Treatments that included SFSL had lower production costs, higher margins over costs, and higher returns/costs ratios. It was concluded that the inclusion of sunflower silage in diets for dairy cows in small-scale dairy systems resulted in higher cheese yields, protein and fat content, with positive sensory attributes, lower production costs and higher incomes from cheese making.
Neglected prognostic importance of ileal resection in patients with peritoneal metastasis
Authors: Bisgin Tayfun , Sokmen Selman , Manoglu Berke , Ozkardesler Sevda , Sarioglu Sulen , Ellidokuz Hulya
Published: March 2022

Background
We aimed to determine the prognostic role of ileal resection on postoperative complications and the final oncological results of cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) treatment in patients with peritoneal metastasis(PM).
Methods
Patients with PM who underwent CRS and HIPEC between 2007 and 2020 were analyzed retrospectively. Ileal resection was defined as the resection of the ileum at 100 cm or below. Patients were divided into ileal-resection and non-ileal resection groups. Besides clinico-pathological variables, peritoneal cancer index (PCI), completeness of cytoreduction (CC-0-1-2), (neo)adjuvant chemotherapy, operative time, need for surgical intensive care unit, and usage of blood products were all evaluated.
Results
The data of 664 patients was analyzed. Ileal resection was performed in 346(52.1%) patients. The median follow-up period was 27 months. The ileal resection group had significantly lower 3-and 5-year survival rates (55% and 43% vs. 69% and 52, p = .005, respectively). High PCI score (p < .001), more CC-1-2 cytoreductions (p < .001), more anastomoses (p < .001), prolonged operative time (p < .001), more ostomy creation (p = .001), increased morbidity (p < .001), and more infectious complications (p < .001) were all significantly associated with ileal resection.
Conclusion
The loss of ileal function has a potential prognostic role in increased post-operative complications and worsened overall survival in patients with PMs.
Bayesian Compositional Regression with Microbiome Features via Variational Inference
Authors: SCOTT DARREN A. V. , BENAVENTE ERNEST DIEZ , LIBISELLER-EGGER JULIAN , FEDEROV DMITRY , PHELAN JODY , ILINA ELENA , TIKHONOVA POLINA , KUDRYAVSTEV ALEXANDER , GALEEVA JULIA , CLARK TAANE , LEWIN ALEX
Published: March 2022

The microbiome plays a key role in the health of the human body. Interest often lies in finding features of the microbiome, alongside other covariates, which are associated with a phenotype of interest. One important property of microbiome data, which is often overlooked, is its compositionality as it can only provide information about the relative abundance of its constituting components. Typically, these proportions vary by several orders of magnitude in datasets of large dimensions. To address these challenges we develop a Bayesian hierarchical linear log-contrast model which is estimated by mean field Monte-Carlo coordinate ascent variational inference (CAVI-MC). We use novel priors which account for the large differences in scale and constrained parameter space associated with the compositional covariates. A reversible jump Monte Carlo Markov chain guided by the data through univariate approximations of the variational posterior probability of inclusion, with proposal parameters informed by approximating variational densities via auxiliary parameters, is used to estimate intractable marginal expectations. We demonstrate that our proposed method outperforms standard methods of variable selection applied to compositional data. We then apply the CAVI-MC to the analysis of real data exploring the relationship of the gut microbiome to body mass index.
Additive Beneficial Effects Of Aerobic Training And Royal Jelly On Hippocampal Inflammation And Function In Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis Rats
Authors: Kheirdeh Maryam , Jahromi Maryam Koushkie , Hemmatinafar Mohammad , Nemati Javad
Published: March 2022

Background: Although the beneficial role of training and the use of some antioxidants in physiological and psychological disorders in autoimmune diseases has been reported, the simultaneous effect of aerobic training (AT) and royal jelly (RJ) with different doses is not well understood. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of AT and RJ on inflammatory factors, hippocampus and psychological functions in the experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE).Methods: Sprague-Dawley rats with EAE were assigned to seven groups: (1) EAE, (2) sham (Sh), (3) 50 mg / kg RJ (RJ50), (4) 100 mg / kg RJ (RJ100), (5) AT, (6) AT + RJ50, and (7) AT + RJ100 and healthy control. Results: AT decreased IL-17, TGF-β gene expression and immobilization time, while it increased IL-10, OAT% and OAR% compared to the EAE group. RJ50 and RJ100 decreased IL-17, IL-23 gene expression, and immobilization time, and increased IL-10 and OAR% compared to the EAE group. AT + RJ50 and AT + RJ100 decreased IL-17, IL-23, TGF-β, and immobilization time, while increased IL-10 and OAT% compared to the EAE group. The effect of AT + RJ100 on decreasing IL-17, IL-23, immobilization time, increasing TGF-β, IL-10, and OAR% was more favorable than RJ50. Conclusion: AT and RJ improved inflammatory factors and reduced anxiety and depression. The synergistic effect of two interventions, especially using higher doses of RJ were more favorable.
Simulation and risk assessment of typical antibiotics in the multi-media environment of the Yangtze River Estuary under tidal effect
Authors: Dai Chaomeng , Han Yueming , Li Yan , Duan Yanping , Liu Shuguang , Zhang Yalei , Tu Yaojen
Published: March 2022

Frequent human activities in estuary areas lead to the release of a large number of antibiotics, which poses a great threat to human health. However, there are very limited studies about the influence of the special natural phenomena on the occurrence and migration of antibiotics in the environment. In this study, we simulated the migration and transformation of six typical antibiotics, including oxytetracycline (OTC), tetracycline (TC), norfloxacin (NOR), ofloxacin (OFX), erythromycin (ETM) and amoxicillin (AMOX), in the environmental media from 2011 to 2019 in the Yangtze River Estuary, by using the level III multi-media fugacity model combined with the factor of tidal. The simulation results show that the most antibiotics mainly existed in soil and sediment while erythromycin were found mainly in water. The concentrations of antibiotics in air, freshwater, seawater, groundwater, sediment and soil were 10-23-10-25, 0.1-12 ng/L, 0.02-7 ng/L, 0.02-16 ng/L, 0.1-13 ng/g and 0.1-15 ng/g respectively. Sensitivity analysis showed that the degradation rate (Km) and the soil-to-water runoff coefficient (Kl) were important model parameters, indicating that hydrodynamic conditions have a significant impact on the migration of antibiotics in various environmental phases in estuarine areas. Tide can enhance the exchange between water bodies and cause the transformation of the antibiotics from freshwater to seawater and groundwater, which improves the accuracy of the model, especially the seawater and soil phase of it. Risk assessments show that amoxicillin, erythromycin, ofloxacin and norfloxacin pose a threat to the estuarine environment, but the current source of drinking water does not affect human health. Our findings suggest that, when one would like to exam the occurrence and migration of antibiotics in environment, more consideration should be given to the natural phenomena, in addition to human activities and the nature of antibiotics.
Impact of intervention for self-management and glycemic control of patients with type 2 diabetes in community pharmacy setting
Authors: Horii Takeshi , Hirano Saki , Inoue Gaku , Atsuda Koichiro
Published: March 2022

This study aimed to examine the impact of the Japanese version of the PHOND study technique delivered across five communities by community pharmacists for type 2 diabetes patients who are offered general diabetes treatment. The primary endpoints were changes in diabetes-related laboratory parameters such as haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels and rates of health activity achievement. Sixty-four patients with type 2 diabetes were followed up for six months. HbA1c levels were lower at follow-up than at baseline in the group with baseline HbA1c 7.0% ≤ (7.5%±0.5 vs. 7.3%±0.5). Healthy activity engagement rates were higher at follow-up than at baseline (63.8point ±29.1 vs. 78.3point ±15.9). The PHOND study technique, which involves a collaboration between pharmacists and registered dietitians, may help provide access to care and promote self-management among patients with type 2 diabetes.
The Predictive Value Of The Left Atrial Kinetic Energy For Atrial Fibrillation Recurrence
Authors: ÇAMCI Sencer , ARI Hasan , ARI Selma , KARAKUS Alper , MELEK Mehmet , BOZAT Tahsin
Published: March 2022

Introduction: Determining which patients will experience recurrence of atrial fibrillation (AF) is crucial for treatment modification. Aim: This study aimed to investigate the value of left atrial kinetic energy (LAKE) in atrial fibrillation recurrenceMethods: A total of 120 consecutive patients who achieved sinus rhythm with electrical direct current cardioversion and met the inclusion criteria were included in the study. TTE and LAKE values were calculated on the first day after cardioversion. Rhythm control was performed with 12-lead electrocardiography in the first month follow-up. LAKE values calculated using TTE was compared between two groups of patients – those who remained in sinus rhythm and those who developed AF.Results: While 81 (67.5%) patients were in sinus rhythm at one month, AF recurrence was detected in 39 (32.5%) patients. In the AF group, while AF duration, cardioversion energy, number of diabetic patients, left atrial (LA) diameter, LA pre A volume, LA minimum volume, and pulmonary artery pressure values were found to be significantly higher than those in the SR group, mitral A velocity and LAKE values were significantly lower. In multivariate regression analysis, AF duration (OR: 1.55 [CI: 95%; 1.23–1.95]; p < 0.001), LA diameter (OR: 1.36 [CI: 95%; 1.11–1.66]; p = 0.003) and LAKE (OR: 0.96 [CI: 95%: 0.94–0.99]; p = 0.008) were determined to be independent predictors of AF recurrence at one month.Conclusions: LA diameter, AF duration, and LAKE were found to be significant predictors of AF recurrence after cardioversion. NCT05231967
NF-Κb, A Potential Therapeutic Target, In Cardiovascular Diseases
Authors: Cheng Weijia , Cui can , Liu Gang , Ye Chenji , Shao Fang , Mehta Jay L. , Wang Xianwei
Published: March 2022

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death globally. Atherosclerosis is the basis of major CVDs - myocardial ischemia, heart failure and stroke. Among numerous functional molecules, the transcription factor nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) has been linked to downstream target genes involved in atherosclerosis. The activation of NF-κB family and its downstream target genes in response to environmental and cellular stress, hypoxia and ischemia initiate different pathological events such as innate and adaptive immunity, and cell survival, differentiation and proliferation. Thus, NF-κB is a potential therapeutic target in the treatment of atherosclerosis and related CVDs. Several biologics and small molecules as well as peptide/proteins have been shown to regulate NF-κB dependent signaling pathways. In this review, we will focus on the function of NF-κB in CVDs and the role of NF-κB inhibitors in the treatment of CVDs.
Mean Estimation of Scrambled Responses using Systematic Sampling
Authors: Qureshi Muhammad Nouman , Balqees Sajida , Hanif Muhammad
Published: March 2022

Asking a question directly on which respondent feel hesitate to reply is a very crucial for almost all the researchers. To overcome this situation Warner (1965) dealt with sensitive issues and proposed Randomized Response Technique ( RRT ). In this paper, we have suggested the classical estimators and the generalized estimator for the estimation of scrambled responses using auxiliary information in systematic random sampling. The mathematical expressions for approximate bias and mean square error of the mentioned estimators are obtained up to the first-order approximation. The algebraic conditions are also obtained for which the generalized estimator may perform better than the classical estimators. An extensive numerical study is conducted to assess the performance of the mentioned estimators using real and artificial populations at different level of correlations.
Relations Between Four Assessment Scales and Improved Medication Adherence in Alzheimer’s Disease Population
Authors: HE Minchao , WANG Yuhong
Published: March 2022

Background and ObjectivesThis study aimed to investigate whether Alzheimer's disease (AD) assessment scales, which are widely being used in clinic, had relation with the improved medication adherence of AD patients. MethodsIn this prospective study, fifty-eight participants were recruited and thirty-one finally finished the procedures. Four neuropsychological scales (Alzheimer’s diseases Assessment Scale-Cognitive Subscale, Activity of Daily Living Scale, Neuropsychiatric Inventory, and The Clinician Interview-based Impression of Change, plus carer interview) were implemented and medication adherence rate were improved by multiple subjective methods (involving healthcare providers and caregivers), from June 2014 to June 2018. Statistical methods included bivariate and partial correlations controlled by the clinical factors of multiple patients. Correlation analysis were carried out for each item in the cognitive part of the Alzheimer's Disease Rating scale and medication adherence. ResultsThe median adherence rate was 98.04%. No correlation between the four scales and the medication adherence of patients with AD was identified (P > 0.05). Partial correlation analysis also failed to reveal the correlation after excluding medication adherence–related factors (P > 0.05). But in Alzheimer's diseases Assessment Scale-Cognitive Subscale, scores of Commands and Constructional Praxis had a weak correlation with medication adherence (P = 0.015 and P = 0.033; correlation coefficients were 0.201 and 0.177, respectively). ConclusionsExisting AD neuropsychological scales showed no relation with medication adherence rate elevated by multiple methods in AD patients, while performance, language, and visuospatial ability might be related to medication adherence in these population.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02293915