bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Practical kidney dosimetry in peptide receptor radionuclide therapy using [177Lu]Lu-DOTATOC and [177Lu]Lu-DOTATATE with focus on uncertainty estimates
Authors: Staanum Peter Frøhlich , Frellsen Anders Floor , Olesen Marie Louise , Iversen Peter , Arveschoug Anne Kirstine
Published: November 2021

Background

Kidney dosimetry after peptide receptor radionuclide therapy using 177Lu-labelled somatostatin analogues is a procedure with multiple steps. We present the SPECT/CT-based implementation at Aarhus University Hospital and evaluate the uncertainty of the various steps in order to estimate the total uncertainty and to identify the major sources of uncertainty. Absorbed dose data from 115 treatment fractions are reported.

Results

The total absorbed dose with uncertainty is presented for 59 treatments with [177Lu]Lu-DOTATOC and 56 treatments with [177Lu]Lu-DOTATATE. For [177Lu]Lu-DOTATOC the mean and median specific absorbed dose (dose per injected activity) is 0.37 Gy/GBq and 0.38 Gy/GBq, respectively, while for [177Lu]Lu-DOTATATE the median and mean are 0.47 Gy/GBq and 0.46 Gy/GBq, respectively. The uncertainty of the procedure is estimated to be about 13% for a single treatment fraction, where the absorbed dose calculation is based on three SPECT/CT scans 1, 4 and 7 days post-injection, while it increases to about 19% if only a single SPECT/CT scan is performed 1 day post-injection.

Conclusions

The specific absorbed dose values obtained with the described procedure are comparable to those from other treatment sites for both [177Lu]Lu-DOTATOC and [177Lu]Lu-DOTATATE, but towards the lower end of the range of reported values. The estimated uncertainty is also comparable to that from other reports and judged acceptable for clinical and research use, thus proving the kidney dosimetry procedure a useful tool. The greatest reduction in uncertainty can be obtained by improved activity determination, partial volume correction and additional SPECT/CT scans.
Protocol for the RELATE trial: a feasibility and pilot randomised controlled trial of a low-intensity group intervention for young people in care with elevated posttraumatic stress symptoms
Authors: Hiller Rachel M. , Davis Rebecca S. , Devaney John , Halligan Sarah L. , Meiser-Stedman Richard , Smith Patrick , Stallard Paul , Kandiyali Rebecca , MacNeill Stephanie
Published: November 2021

Introduction

Young people in out-of-home care have often experienced trauma, such as direct maltreatment or witnessing violence. There is good evidence that rates of mental health difficulties are high in this group, including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a trauma-specific mental health outcome. There remains less evidence to guide how to effectively address elevated PTSD symptoms (PTSS) in these young people, particularly in ways that are feasible and scalable for stretched social-care and mental health services.

Methods and analysis

This protocol describes a feasibility study comprising a pilot two-arm randomised controlled trial (RCT). Participants (N = 50) will be randomised to either (a) a group-based trauma-focused programme (Teaching Recovery Techniques), delivered by mental health practitioners both online and in-person, or (b) care-as-usual. Primarily, the trial aims to explore the key feasibility and protocol acceptability questions, including rates of recruitment and retention, as well as the acceptability of the intervention (particularly the online delivery format) to participants and services. In addition, outcomes including PTSS (primary clinical outcome), depression and functioning will be assessed at baseline (pre-randomisation), post-intervention and at a 3-month follow-up.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval has been received from the Health Research Authority (Wales REC1 Ref 20/WA/0100) and University, with further approval from the host trust and social care site. The results will inform the design of a definitive RCT. Dissemination will include peer-reviewed journal articles reporting the qualitative and quantitative results, as well as presentations at conferences and lay summaries.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04467320. Registered on 13 July 2020.
Quantifying how urban landscape heterogeneity affects land surface temperature at multiple scales
Authors: Rahimi Ehsan , Barghjelveh Shahindokht , Dong Pinliang
Published: November 2021

Background

Landscape metrics have been widely applied to quantifying the relationship between land surface temperature and urban spatial patterns and have received acceptable verification from landscape ecologists but some studies have shown their inaccurate results. The objective of the study is to compare landscape metrics and texture-based measures as alternative indices in measuring urban heterogeneity effects on LST at multiple scales.

Results

The statistical results showed that the correlation between urban landscape heterogeneity and LST increased as the spatial extent (scale) of under-study landscapes increased. Overall, landscape metrics showed that the less fragmented, the more complex, larger, and the higher number of patches, the lower LST. The most significant relationship was seen between edge density (ED) and LST (r = − 0.47) at the sub-region scale. Texture measures showed a stronger relationship (R2 = 34.84% on average) with LST than landscape metrics (R2 = 15.33% on average) at all spatial scales, meaning that these measures had a greater ability to describe landscape heterogeneity than the landscape metrics.

Conclusion

This study suggests alternative measures for overcoming landscape metrics shortcomings in estimating the effects of landscape heterogeneity on LST variations and gives land managers and urban planners new insights into urban design.
Exploring the phyto- and physicochemical evaluation, fluorescence characteristics, and antioxidant activities of Acacia ferruginea Dc: an endangered medicinal plant
Authors: Jeevitha M. , Ravi Pavithra V. , Subramaniyam Vinodhini , Pichumani Moorthi , Sripathi Shubashini K.
Published: November 2021

Background

Herbal plants are potent in curing various ailments of ancient times as they have comparatively lesser side effects. The demands for natural drugs, mostly from plant sources, are increasing over the past few decades. Because of their potent antioxidant activity, Acacia species are used to treat a variety of diseases. One of the speciesAcacia ferruginea, an endangered medicinal plant, is widely used in the traditional medicine system, and it is considered that standardization would be beneficial. The present study investigates the physicochemical parameters, preliminary phytochemical screening, trace metals by SEM–EDS, and fluorescence properties of various extracts (non-polar to polar) of leaf and bark parts. Standard spectrophotometric methods (UV–Vis, FT-IR, fluorescence spectroscopy) are employed to analyze the functional groups, and the DPPH and total antioxidant methods are used to assess antioxidant potential.

Results

The ethyl acetate extract of leaves and ethanol extract of the bark are found to be the highest in yield, 16.32% and 2.54%. Results reveal that the total ash percentage and moisture content are of bark and the water-soluble ash of leaves is higher (10.3 ± 0.85, 7.6 ± 0.34, 3.22 ± 0.24%). The bark polar extract contained more macro-elements such as Na, K, Mg, Ca, S, and Cl. Phytochemical analysis reveals the polar extracts of leaves and bark show saponins, flavonoids, steroids, phenolic compounds, and non-polar extracts show mild positive. The total alkaloids, phenolics, and terpenoids (1.58 ± 0.08%; 0.56 ± 0.11; 0.75 ± 0.15) are found to be higher inA. ferruginealeaves. The FT-IR result shows the presence of alkanes, alkenes, aromatic compounds, aldehydes, phenolics and does not contain any toxic substances since there is no peak observed in the region between 2220 and 2260 cm−1. The in vitro antioxidant activity of the species demonstrated that both the leaf and bark parts have prominent antioxidant properties.

Conclusions

The results obtained from the preliminary standardization ofA. ferrugineaare very helpful in the determination of the quality and purity of the crude drug. The refurbished findings ofA. ferrugineaare promising, and further research is important to identify the bioactive compounds, thereby developing nutritional supplements and medications through therapeutic compound isolation.

Graphical Abstract
Emergencies in obese patients: a narrative review
Authors: Di Giacinto Ida , Guarnera Martina , Esposito Clelia , Falcetta Stefano , Cortese Gerardo , Pascarella Giuseppe , Sorbello Massimiliano , Cataldo Rita
Published: November 2021

Obesity is associated to an increased risk of morbidity and mortality due to respiratory, cardiovascular, metabolic, and neoplastic diseases. The aim of this narrative review is to assess the physio-pathological characteristics of obese patients and how they influence the clinical approach during different emergency settings, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation. A literature search for published manuscripts regarding emergency and obesity across MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central was performed including records till January 1, 2021. Increasing incidence of obesity causes growth in emergency maneuvers dealing with airway management, vascular accesses, and drug treatment due to both pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic alterations. Furthermore, instrumental diagnostics and in/out-hospital transport may represent further pitfalls. Therefore, people with severe obesity may be seriously disadvantaged in emergency health care settings, and this condition is enhanced during the COVID-19 pandemic, when obesity was stated as one of the most frequent comorbidity. Emergency in critical obese patients turns out to be an intellectual, procedural, and technical challenge. Organization and anticipation based on the understanding of the physiopathology related to obesity are very important for the physician to be mentally and physically ready to face the associated issues.
Sleep as a Major Determinant for Mental Health Outcomes in Elite Australian Football League (AFL) Athletes
Authors: FACER-CHILDS ELISE R. , MASCARO LUIS , HOFFMAN DANIEL , MANSFIELD DARREN , DRUMMOND SEAN P. A. , RAJARATNAM SHANTHA M. W.
Published: November 2021

Purpose

The link between mental health and sleep is well documented in the general population, with the majority of mental health disorders involving some type of sleep disturbance. There is, however, limited research investigating this relationship in elite athlete populations. The aim of this study was to identify whether sleep and mental health outcomes are associated in elite athletes and, if so, what measures of sleep were the most predictive of mental health outcomes.

Methods

A comprehensive assessment of sleep was conducted using both objective and subjective methods in 68 Australian Football League athletes (male; mean age, 23.3 ± 3.4 yr; median, 23; range, 18–32 yr). Rest-activity patterns were recorded using wrist actigraphy for an average of 13.8 ± 3.6 d (a total of 884 d of data). Subjective sleep data were collected using daily sleep diaries and validated questionnaires. Validated mental health questionnaires were used to assess depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms. Multiple linear regression modeling was used to investigate the relationship between sleep and mental health.

Results

Using a combination of sleep variables, poor sleep predicted 51% of the variation in clinical depression, 42% of the variation in stress, and 31% in clinical anxiety. Self-reported insomnia symptoms (using the Insomnia Severity Index) were the strongest predictors of poor mental health outcomes, followed by objective sleep monitoring via actigraphy. Sleep diary measures were the weakest predictors of mental health.

Conclusions

Our results present poor sleep as a major determinant of impaired mental health outcomes in a population that is constantly under pressure to perform at the highest level and may underreport mental health symptoms. These findings support the inclusion of sleep assessments as an initial screening tool as well as a core component of all routine health and rehabilitation programs.
The Motor Engram of Functional Connectivity Generated by Acute Whole-Body Dynamic Balance Training
Authors: Ueta Kenji , Mizuguchi Nobuaki , Sugiyama Takashi , Isaka Tadao , Otomo Satoshi
Published: November 2021

Purpose

Whole-body dynamic balance is necessary for both athletic activities and activities of daily living. This study aimed to investigate the effect of acute dynamic balance training on neural networks.

Methods

We evaluated resting-state functional connectivity (rs-FC), white matter fiber density, fiber-bundle cross-section, and gray matter volume in 28 healthy young adults (14 women) before and after 30 min of slackline training using a randomized, counterbalanced crossover design.

Results

The rs-FC between the left lateral prefrontal cortex (PFC) and the foot area of the primary sensorimotor (SM1) cortex increased significantly after slackline training compared with that after a control condition involving ergometer-based aerobic exercise. In addition, changes in rs-FC between the left lateral PFC and the primary sensorimotor were correlated with performance changes after training (i.e., offline process) rather than online learning. We also observed a main effect of time between the hippocampus and the cingulate cortex, including the anterior areas, and between the bilateral lateral PFC. Although we observed no structural changes, fiber density in the commissural fiber pathway before the first balance assessment was correlated with initial balance capability.

Conclusions

Our findings demonstrate that acute whole-body dynamic balance training alters specific rs-FC, and that this change is associated with performance changes after training. In addition, rs-FC changes in cognitive regions were modulated by both acute dynamic balance training and aerobic exercise. These findings have the potential to influence various fields (e.g., sports neuroscience, neurorehabilitation) and may aid in the development of methods that can improve motor and cognitive performance.
Sedentary Profiles: A New Perspective on Accumulation Patterns in Sedentary Behavior
Authors: HIBBING PAUL R. , BELLETTIERE JOHN , CARLSON JORDAN A.
Published: November 2021

The health effects of sedentary behavior (SB) may be moderated by SB accumulation patterns (e.g., in prolonged bouts). These patterns are challenging to assess thoroughly and interpretably.

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to introduce SB profiles (i.e., groups of similar SB accumulation patterns) as a new approach to pattern-focused SB research.

Methods

Data came from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2003–2006). The SB bouts were determined from hip-worn accelerometer data, and k-medoid clustering was used to define three SB profiles (interrupted, intermediate, and prolonged). These were used as the exposure in logistic regression models to examine odds ratios (OR) of having high (>20%) predicted-10-yr risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). For comparison, the models were also fitted using standard metrics (i.e., tertiles of mean SB bout duration and daily total SB time).

Results

Those with interrupted profile (n = 1740) were typically sedentary ~32% of the time, in bouts ≤15 min. Those with intermediate profile (n = 2453) were typically sedentary ~47% of the time, in bouts ≤20 min. Those with prolonged profile (n = 1302) were typically sedentary ~61% of the time, frequently in bouts >20 min. The fully adjusted model showed that high CVD risk was more common for the intermediate (OR, 1.87) and prolonged (OR, 4.65) profiles than the interrupted profile (all P < 0.001). For standard metrics, OR ranged from 1.46 (middle tertile of daily total SB time) to 4.11 (upper tertile of mean bout duration) with all P < 0.002.

Conclusions

The SB profiles represent a promising new avenue for understanding and combating adverse SB trends. The value of the approach was highlighted by the strong associations with CVD risk.
GLOBAL ALZHEIMER’S PLATFORM TRIAL READY COHORTS FOR THE PREVENTION OF ALZHEIMER’S DEMENTIA
Authors: Sperling R. , Cummings J. , Donohue M. , Aisen P.
Published: November 2021

With the now widely accepted view that preventing Alzheimer’s disease likely will require treatment in the earliest stages of disease, a number of secondary prevention trials have been launched. Recruiting sufficient numbers of participants for these trials represents a major roadblock. To address this barrier, the Global Alzheimer’s Platform Trial Ready Cohorts for Preclinical and Prodromal Alzheimer’s Dementia (GAP TRC-PAD) has created an efficient and sustainable recruitment system for upcoming secondary prevention trials. The initial goal of this effort will be to identify a large number of potential participants, rapidly screen these individuals using an adaptive risk algorithm, and ultimately identify 1000 preclinical and 1000 prodromal participants for the first GAP clinical trials. Embedded in this effort will be the development and validation of web-based cognitive and functional assessments for use in future trials. In combination with other GAP infrastructure, this initiative will provide an integrated platform to support efficient clinical trials not only in the pre-dementia space, but across all disease stages
Transcription factor 7-like 2 (TCF7L2): a culprit gene in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Jan A. , Jan H. , Ullah Z.
Published: November 2021

The genetics of Type 2 diabetes a complex metabolic disorder, characterized by decreased insulin secretion and insulin resistance resulting in impaired blood glucose homeostasis remains enigma for geneticists. In 2006 an important step while finding genetic causes of diabetes type 2 was identification of transcription factor 7-like 2 (TCF7L2) gene an important marker in predisposition of type 2 diabetes in almost all ethnic population. Recent genetic research identifies numerous novel type 2 diabetes susceptible genes among these genes TCF7L2 is considered as gang head and emerged as the most promising types 2 diabetes causing gene. Risk variants in TCF7L2 effects pancreatic beta cell development and insulin secretion by influencing Wnt Signaling pathway. Genetic variants in TCF7L2 confer risk for type 2 diabetes by altering expression of transcription factor (which has key role in blood glucose regulation) in pancreas. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate type 2 diabetes susceptible gene the TCF7L2 and to present a comprehensive review of studies carried out worldwide in different ethnic population on association of TCF7L2 polymorphism with type 2 diabetes.
Assessment of the physical development and metabolic status of children born to women with gestational diabetes
Authors: Deynega (Masel) A. S. , Liskina A. S. , Valieva S. A. , Nikitina I. L.
Published: November 2021

Backgraund: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is one of the most common metabolic disorders found during pregnancy. Currently, it is relevant not only to search optimal target levels of glycemia during pregnancy, but also to study the ­effect of different glycemia levels on fetal development and further changes in glucose and lipid metabolism in children.

Aims: To describe perinatal period, physical development and metabolic status of children born to women with GDM and different glucose levels during pregnancy.

Materials and methods: The perinatal period features and anthropometric parameters at birth were evaluated in 300 children born to women with GDM and different levels of glycemia during pregnancy. Over the course two years, 141 children have been evaluated for physical development parameters and glucose and lipid metabolism. Fasting and postprandial glycemia was measured with glucometer for 14 days in 33 children aged 1 to 4 years.

Results: The anthropometric parameters of children at birth did not differ from the parameters of the control group (p> 0.05) when during pregnancy fasting blood glucose was less than 5.1 mmol / l and 7.0 mmol / l 1 hour after a meal. The glycemia in women above this level was associated with an increase of frequency and risk of a body mass index, body mass / length ratio and head circumference “above average” in children at birth (p <0.05). With the dynamic control of anthropometric parameters up to 2 years, no differences between the comparison groups were obtained (p> 0.05). The change in metabolic parameters was represented by neonatal hypoglycemia in children of GDM group (GDM group — 23%, control group — 3.5%, p = 0.000002), the least risk of which occurred in group with the lowest fasting and postprandial glycemic values during pregnancy. Fasting glucose, and insulin levels, НOMA index, triglycerides and cholesterol, as well as monitoring fasting and postprandial glycemia for 14 days, were obtained no significant differences between the comparison groups of children (p> 0.05).

Conclusions: The lowest risks of neonatal hypoglycemia and anthropometric deviations at birth were associated with the lowest glycemia levels during pregnancy, which correspond to the criteria of the Russian clinical guidelines.
Features of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) in diabetic patients with resistant hypertension
Authors: Manukyan M. A. , Falkovskaya A. Y. , Mordovin V. F. , Ryabova T. R. , Zyubanova I. V. , Gusakova A. M. , Suslova T. E.
Published: November 2021

BACKGROUND: It is expected that a steady increase in the incidence of diabetes and resistant hypertension (RHTN), along with an increase in life expectancy, will lead to a noticeable increase in the proportion of patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). At the same time, data on the frequency of HFpEF in a selective group of patients with RHTN in combination with diabetes are still lacking, and the pathophysiological and molecular mechanisms of its formation have not been yet studied sufficiently.

AIM: To assess the features of the development HFpEF in diabetic and non-diabetic patients with RHTN, as well as to determine the factors associated with HFpEF.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the study were included 36 patients with RHTN and type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) (mean age 61.4 ± 6.4 years, 14 men) and 33 patients with RHTN without diabetes, matched by sex, age and level of systolic blood pressure (BP). All patients underwent baseline office and 24-hour BP measurement, echocardiography with assess diastolic function, lab tests (basal glycemia, HbA1c, creatinine, aldosterone, TNF-alpha, hsCRP, brain naturetic peptide, metalloproteinases of types 2, 9 (MMP-2, MMP-9) and tissue inhibitor of MMP type 1 (TIMP-1)). HFpEF was diagnosed according to the 2019 AHA/ESC guidelines.

RESULTS: The frequency of HFpEF was significantly higher in patients with RHTN with DM than those without DM (89% and 70%, respectively, p=0.045). This difference was due to a higher frequency of such major functional criterion of HFpEF as E/e’≥15 (p=0.042), as well as a tendency towards a higher frequency of an increase in left atrial volumes (p=0.081) and an increase in BNP (p=0.110). Despite the comparable frequency of diastolic dysfunction in patients with and without diabetes (100% and 97%, respectively), disturbance of the transmitral blood flow in patients with DM were more pronounced than in those without diabetes. Deterioration of transmitral blood flow and pseudo-normalization of diastolic function in diabetic patients with RHTN have relationship not only with signs of carbohydrate metabolism disturbance, but also with level of pulse blood pressure, TNF-alfa, TIMP-1 and TIMP-1 / MMP-2 ratio, which, along with the incidence of atherosclerosis, were higher in patients with DM than in those without diabetes.

CONCLUSIONS: Thus, HFpEF occurs in the majority of diabetic patients with RHTN. The frequency of HFpEF in patients with DN is significantly higher than in patients without it, which is associated with more pronounced impairments of diastolic function. The progressive development of diastolic dysfunction in patients with diabetes mellitus is associated not only with metabolic disorders, but also with increased activity of chronic subclinical inflammation, profibrotic state and high severity of vascular changes.
Effect of oral antihyperglycemic drugs on purine metabolism
Authors: Panevin T. S.
Published: November 2021

Gout and diabetes mellitus are metabolic diseases, the pathogenesis of which is based on an excess of organic molecules in the body, in the first case — uric acid (UA), in the second — glucose. It is assumed that UA can also be involved in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), while insulin resistance and hyperglycemia affect purine metabolism. Both diseases are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events. In addition, chronic microcrystalline inflammation, which is absent in asymptomatic hyperuricemia, but is an obligatory component of gout, is probably an independent factor in T2DM, arterial hypertension, and cardiovascular events. The treatment of both diseases is strategically similar: in gout, the goal is to achieve a normal blood MC level, in T2DM — to normalize glycemia, and the frequent combination of these metabolic diseases requires taking into account the effect of drug therapy on concomitant diseases. Most modern antihyperglycemic drugs can affect purine metabolism, which is confirmed by the results of a number of foreign works. At the same time, the effect of T2DM therapy on purine metabolism and gout has not been adequately covered in the domestic literature, which was the purpose of this review.
Spontaneous Emission Enhancement of CdSe Quantum Dots Embedded in a Two-dimensional Photonic Crystal L3 Nanocavity
Authors: Sediq Khalid N.
Published: November 2021

Two-dimensional photonic crystal nanocavities were designed to tailor cavity quantum electrodynamics. Enhancing the spontaneous emission of low-quality factor nanocavity with embedded CdSe quantum dots (QDs) emitters is the aim of this study. Low concentration layer of CdSe QDs was sandwiched between two layers of Si2 N3 membrane using plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition. The modification rate in spontaneous emission of L3 nanocavity up to 2.3-fold has been observed at 629.5 nm in compare to bare cavities. High field confinement in the sub-wavelength regime became an interest field for quantum electrodynamics applications and good platform to study light matter interactions.
Examining Heterogeneity Structured on a Large Data Volume with Minimal Incompleteness
Authors: Aljojo Nahla
Published: November 2021

While Big Data analytics can provide a variety of benefits, processing heterogeneous data comes with its own set of limitations. A transaction pattern must be studied independently while working with Bitcoin data, this study examines twitter data related to Bitcoin and investigate communications pattern on bitcoin transactional tweet. Using the hashtags #Bitcoin or #BTC on Twitter, a vast amount of data was gathered, which was mined to uncover a pattern that everyone either (speculators, teaches, or the stakeholders) uses on Twitter to discuss Bitcoin transactions. This aim is to determine the direction of Bitcoin transaction tweets based on historical data. As a result, this research proposes using Big Data analytics to track Bitcoin transaction communications in tweets in order to discover a pattern. Hadoop platform MapReduce was used. The finding indicate that In the map step of the procedure, Hadoop's tokenize the dataset and parse them to the mapper where thirteen patterns were established and reduced to three patterns using the attributes previously stored data in the Hadoop context, one of which is the Emoji data that was left out in previous research discussions, but the text is only one piece of the puzzle on bitcoin transaction interaction, and the key part of it is “No certainty, only possibilities” in Bitcoin transactions
Comparative Quality Analysis between Tap Water and Bottled Water
Authors: Muhammad Hanaa A. , Sediq Khalid N. , Sdiq Kwestan H.
Published: November 2021

Recently, bottled water consumption has been increasing significantly, even when the quality of tap water is considered excellent, which contributes to plastic pollution. Besides, reducing the use of plastic generally is recommended world widely, as its consumption is in an alarming rate. Therefore, this study aims to compare the tap and bottled water and manifest the reasons behind choosing the bottled water, which is less comfortable and often more expensive over the tap water. In this study, samples have been taken from both bottled and tap water in Koya city from November 2020 to May 2021 to test their quality using PH, DO, EC, and TDS meter, hardness was determined by complexometric titration method at 21°C, and XRF spectrometers. According to the quality standards, most of the variables were in a permissible range, except for dissolved oxygen and Aluminum content in both types of water and TDS for two types of bottled water. However, the quality of tap water was much safer to be used, as compared with the bottled water.
Annual biological variation and personalized reference intervals of clinical chemistry and hematology analytes
Authors: Wang Shuo , Zhao Min , Su Zihan , Mu Runqing
Published: November 2021

Objectives

A large number of people undergo annual health checkup but accurate laboratory criterion for evaluating their health status is limited. The present study determined annual biological variation (BV) and derived parameters of common laboratory analytes in order to accurately evaluate the test results of the annual healthcare population.

Methods

A total of 43 healthy individuals who had regular healthcare once a year for six consecutive years, were enrolled using physical, electrocardiogram, ultrasonography and laboratory. The annual BV data and derived parameters, such as reference change value (RCV) and index of individuality (II) were calculated and compared with weekly data. We used annual BV and homeostatic set point to calculate personalized reference intervals (RIper) which were compared with population-based reference intervals (RIpop).

Results

We have established the annual within-subject BV (CVI), RCV, II, RIper of 24 commonly used clinical chemistry and hematology analytes for healthy individuals. Among the 18 comparable measurands, CVI estimates of annual data for 11 measurands were significantly higher than the weekly data. Approximately 50% measurands of II were <0.6, the utility of their RIpop were limited. The distribution range of RIper for most measurands only copied small part of RIpop with reference range index for 8 measurands <0.5.

Conclusions

Compared with weekly BV, for annual healthcare individuals, annual BV and related parameters can provide more accurate evaluation of laboratory results. RIper based on long-term BV data is very valuable for “personalized” diagnosis on annual health assessments.
Biological variation estimates of thyroid related measurands – meta-analysis of BIVAC compliant studies
Authors: Fernández-Calle Pilar , Díaz-Garzón Jorge , Bartlett William , Sandberg Sverre , Braga Federica , Beatriz Boned , Carobene Anna , Coskun Abdurrahman , Gonzalez-Lao Elisabet , Marques Fernando , Perich Carmen , Simon Margarida , Aarsand Aasne K.
Published: November 2021

Objectives

Testing for thyroid disease constitutes a high proportion of the workloads of clinical laboratories worldwide. The setting of analytical performance specifications (APS) for testing methods and aiding clinical interpretation of test results requires biological variation (BV) data. A critical review of published BV studies of thyroid disease related measurands has therefore been undertaken and meta-analysis applied to deliver robust BV estimates.

Methods

A systematic literature search was conducted for BV studies of thyroid related analytes. BV data from studies compliant with the Biological Variation Data Critical Appraisal Checklist (BIVAC) were subjected to meta-analysis. Global estimates of within subject variation (CVI) enabled determination of APS (imprecision and bias), indices of individuality, and indicative estimates of reference change values.

Results

The systematic review identified 17 relevant BV studies. Only one study (EuBIVAS) achieved a BIVAC grade of A. Methodological and statistical issues were the reason for B and C scores. The meta-analysis derived CVI generally delivered lower APS for imprecision than the mean CVA of the studies included in this systematic review.

Conclusions

Systematic review and meta-analysis of studies of BV of thyroid disease biomarkers have enabled delivery of well characterized estimates of BV for some, but not all measurands. The newly derived APS for imprecision for both free thyroxine and triiodothyronine may be considered challenging. The high degree of individuality identified for thyroid related measurands reinforces the importance of RCVs. Generation of BV data applicable to multiple scenarios may require definition using “big data” instead of the demanding experimental approach.
Trichostatin A sensitizes hepatoma cells to Taxol more than 5-Aza-dC and dexamethasone
Authors: Donia Thoria , Khedr Sherien , Salim Elsayed I. , Hessien Mohamed
Published: November 2021

Objectives

This work was designed to compare the sensitizing effects of epigenetic modifiers on cancer cells vs. that of glucocorticoids. Also, to evaluate their effects on genes involved in epigenetic changes and drug metabolism.

Methods

Hepatoma cells (HepG2) were treated with the anticancer drug (Taxol), with a histone deacetylase inhibitor (Trichostatin A [TSA]), DNA methyltransferase inhibitor (5-Aza-dC) or dexamethasone (DEX). Cytotoxicity was assessed by MTT assay and the apoptosis was determined by Annexin V-FITC. The expression levels of HDAC1, HDAC3, Dnmt1, Dnmt3α, CYP1A2, CYP3A4, CYP2B6, CYP2C19 and CYP2D6 were monitored by qRT-PCR.

Results

TSA, synergistically enhanced cells sensitivity with the anticancer effect of Taxol more than 5-Aza-dC and DEX. This was evidenced by the relative decrease in IC50 in cells cotreated with Taxol + TSA, Taxol + 5-Aza-dC or Taxol + DEX. Apoptosis was induced in 51.2, 16.9 and 41.3% of cells, respectively. In presence of Taxol, TSA induced four-fold increase in the expression of HDAC1 and downregulated Dnmt1&3α genes. CYP2D6 demonstrated progressive expression (up to 28-fold) with the increasing number of drugs. Moreover, the isoform overexpressed in cells treated with TSA + Taxol > DEX + Taxol > 5-Aza-dC + Taxol (6.4, 4.6 and 2.99, respectively). The investigated genes were clustered in two distinct subsets, where no coregulation was observed between HDAC1 and HDAC3. However, tight pairwise correlation-based cluster was seen between (CYP3A4/Dnmt3α and CYP2D6/CYP2C19).

Conclusions

The data reflects the sensitizing effect of acetylation modification by TSA on the responsiveness of hepatoma cells to anticancer therapy. The effect of histone deacetylase inhibition was more than hypomethylation and glucocorticoid effects. TSA exerts its role through its modulatory role on epigenetics and drugs metabolizing genes. Other modifiers (5-Aza-dC and DEX), however may adopt different mechanisms.
A guide to value of information methods for prioritising research in health impact modelling
Authors: Jackson Christopher , Johnson Robert , de Nazelle Audrey , Goel Rahul , de Sá Thiago Hérick , Tainio Marko , Woodcock James
Published: November 2021

Health impact simulation models are used to predict how a proposed policy or scenario will affect population health outcomes. These models represent the typically-complex systems that describe how the scenarios affect exposures to risk factors for disease or injury (e.g. air pollution or physical inactivity), and how these risk factors are related to measures of population health (e.g. expected survival). These models are informed by multiple sources of data, and are subject to multiple sources of uncertainty. We want to describe which sources of uncertainty contribute most to uncertainty about the estimate or decision arising from the model. Furthermore, we want to decide where further research should be focused to obtain further data to reduce this uncertainty, and what form that research might take. This article presents a tutorial in the use of Value of Information methods for uncertainty analysis and research prioritisation in health impact simulation models. These methods are based on Bayesian decision-theoretic principles, and quantify the expected benefits from further information of different kinds. Theexpected value of partial perfect informationabout a parameter measures sensitivity of a decision or estimate to uncertainty about that parameter. Theexpected value of sample informationrepresents the expected benefit from a specific proposed study to get better information about the parameter. The methods are applicable both to situations where the model is used to make a decision between alternative policies, and situations where the model is simply used to estimate a quantity (such as expected gains in survival under a scenario). This paper explains how to calculate and interpret the expected value of information in the context of a simple model describing the health impacts of air pollution from motorised transport. We provide a general-purpose R package and full code to reproduce the example analyses.
Combining good dispersion with tailored charge trapping in nanodielectrics by hybrid functionalization of silica
Authors: He Xiaozhen , Rytöluoto Ilkka , Anyszka Rafal , Mahtabani Amirhossein , Niittymäki Minna , Saarimäki Eetta , Mazel Christelle , Perego Gabriele , Lahti Kari , Paajanen Mika , Dierkes Wilma , Blume Anke
Published: November 2021

Fumed silica-filled polypropylene (PP)-based nanodielectrics were studied in this work. To not only improve the dispersion of the silica but also introduce deep charge traps into the polymeric matrix, five types of modified silicas were manufactured with different surface modifications. The modified silica surfaces comprise an inner and a surface layer. The inner layer contains a polar urethane group for tailoring the charge trap properties of the PP/propylene–ethylene copolymer nanocomposites, whereas the surface layer consists of hydrocarbons (ethyl-, tert-butyl-, cyclopentyl-, phenyl-, or naphthalenyl moieties) in order to gain a good dispersion of the silica in the unpolar polymer blend. Scanning electron microscopic pictures proved that these tailored silicas show a much better dispersion than the unmodified one. Thermally stimulated depolarization current measurements revealed the ability of the silica to introduce deep charge traps with low trap density. The trap depth distribution depends on the type of the unpolar surface layer consisting of the different hydrocarbons. Among these five differently modified silicas, the introduction of the one with a surface layer consisting of tert-butyl moieties resulted in the lowest charge injection and the lowest charge current in the nanocomposite, proving good dielectric performance. Additionally, this silica exhibits good dispersion in the polymeric matrix, indicating a promising performance for nanodielectric application.
Experimental investigation on the effect of accelerated ageing conditions on the pull-out capacity of compressed wood and hardwood dowel type fasteners
Authors: Mehra Sameer , Harte Annette M. , Sotayo Adeayo , Guan Zhongwei , O’Ceallaigh Conan
Published: November 2021

The widespread use of adhesives in timber construction has negative implications for the end-of-life disposal or re-use of the structural timber components. To promote the circular bioeconomy, it is preferable to substitute adhesives with more sustainable alternatives such as wood-based connectors. Today, robotic fabrication technologies facilitate the development of dowel-laminated timber (DLT) products whereby hardwood dowels are used to connect timber laminates as a substitute to adhesives. In recent years, thermo-mechanical densification of wood has resulted in significant improvements in the mechanical performance of the wood. This modified product often termed compressed wood (CW) has a shape-recovery effect which may be beneficial for the development of DLT products and timber-timber connections with improved friction fit with time. To test the hypothesis, accelerated ageing tests were carried out on CW-timber and hardwood-timber dowel type connections subjected to variable climate conditions. Finally, the capacity of the connections or friction fit was assessed using pull-out tests. Results show that the shape-recovery effect leads to the continuous expansion of the CW dowels and facilitates a friction fit with the timber substrate yielding higher pull-out loads when compared to hardwood dowels.
Language ideologies and social positioning: the restoration of a “much needed bridge”
Authors: Spitzmüller Jürgen , Busch Brigitta , Flubacher Mi-Cha
Published: November 2021

In recent years, the intersections between, or entanglements of, local action and translocal patterns gained renewed interest in sociolinguistics. Received distinctions such asmicro/macroorpractice/structurehave been challenged and confronted with more granular concepts such associolinguistic scales. Consequently, established disciplinary orientations such asmicro/macroorqualitative/quantitative sociolinguisticshave also been questioned: rather than one of two options, sociolinguistics is now supposed to embrace “complexity”. This fundamental discussion also centrally concerns research into language ideologies. While it has always been acknowledged that language ideologies frame and shape, or manifest in, local action, they have long been construed as a translocal social order, a “macro phenomenon”. In the wake of the general discussion outlined above, however, this has been challenged. Language ideologies are now increasingly located at the intersection of structure and practice, construed as structurating practices and as dynamic, scalar phenomena that emerge from, and are subjected to, ongoing local processes of social positioning and indexical enregisterment (which they reversely frame). This special issue takes up the discussion and asks where we can get to with such a complex notion of language ideologies and/as social positioning, how far we have come already, and which obstacles lie ahead. The authors address these questions from different perspectives. This introduction sets the scene, recapitulates the discussion and state of the art, and provides an outline of the issue.
Indexical borders: the sociolinguistic scales of the shibboleth
Authors: Busch Brigitta , Spitzmüller Jürgen
Published: November 2021

This paper engages with the notion of the shibboleth, an indexically loaded, usually referentially indifferent set of (ideologically constructed) minimal pairs that is used in order to mark and perform social differentiation. We argue that the shibboleth is to be considered an interpretive (metapragmatic) phenomenon that operates on different sociolinguistic scales, notably the discursive scale (ideologies of communication), the performative scale (performance and metapragmatic stance-taking), and the subjective scale (lived experience). We propose a scalar metapragmatic theory of the shibboleth as an “indexical border” that takes into account how shibboleths emerge (are enregistered) and how they depend on contextualisation (or the indexical field). As a case in point, we present analyses of biographical construals of sociolinguistic displacement in the context of remigration from German-speaking countries to Bosnia and Herzegovina. Specifically, we focus on construals of displacement that are connected with (mis-)performances of phonologically rather subtle but indexically highly salient Bosnian/Croatian/Serbian affricate shibboleths (<č/dž> and <ć/đ>).
Figures of personhood: time, space, and affect as heuristics for metapragmatic analysis
Authors: Park Joseph Sung-Yul
Published: November 2021

Figure of personhood, or set of indexicals that are linked with a performable person type, occupies a key role in contemporary metapragmatic analysis. But how can the concept be operationalized so that it can be used to link metapragmatic analysis to critical investigation of the political processes underlying society? In this paper, I suggest that focusing on how figures of personhood in metapragmatic discourse are organized along dimensions of time, space, and affect can serve as valuable heuristics for a critically oriented metapragmatic analysis, as it is those dimensions that highlight the material and political groundedness of figures of personhood. This point is then demonstrated through three sample cases: representations of Koreans as incompetent speakers of English in a commercial advertisement, middle-class Filipino youths’ self-positioning through construction of an undesirable elite figure, and valorization of neoliberal future-readiness in a promotional video for a Singaporean university’s student career center.
The Doctrine of Justification in the Neo-Latin Biblical Poetry of Silesian Reformation Poets and their Interpretation of the Biblical Theme of the Fall of the First Parents
Authors: Modlińska-Piekarz Angelika
Published: November 2021

The aim of this article is to analyze a selection of works by Silesian Protestants who, in poetic form, explained the biblical theme of the fall of the first parents in the context of the Reformation teaching on justification. The article consists of three parts. The first gives a short presentation of the literary phenomenon of neo-Latin poetic alterations of various books, fragments, and biblical themes by Silesian poets who were active in this literary field from the mid-sixteenth century to the mid-seventeenth century. The scale, area and time frame of the mass distribution of this literature are presented here, and it is noted that it was created as a result of the cultural and educational influence of the leading teacher of the Lutheran Reformation, viz. Philip Melanchthon. The second part of the article provides a theological explanation of the biblical story of the fall of the first parents, or original sin, in the context of the doctrine of justification as interpreted by Martin Luther, Philip Melanchthon, Huldrych Zwingli, and John Calvin. The third part discusses how some Silesian poets like Thomas Mawer (1536–1575), Laurentius Fabricius (1539–1577), Melchior Ostius (1569–1637) and Fridericus Wolbertus (active at the turn of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries) presented the doctrine of justification in poems describing the fall of Adam and Eve. The conclusions emphasize the importance of this type of work for the spread of the Reformation doctrine of justification, which opened the peaceful path to ideological and religious discussions in Central and Eastern Europe at that time.
Teaching Romans 7 after Trent: Michael Baius and his Lecture Hall on Concupiscence and Original Sin in Early Modern Louvain (1552–1589)
Authors: Van Der Biest Jarrik
Published: November 2021

This article introduces a new corpus of sources relevant to the sixteenth-century Baianist controversy at the University of Louvain: student notes made during Michael Baius’ lectures on the Bible during the 1560s. The commentary on Romans 7 taught by the Royal Professor of Sacred Scripture contains a discussion on the sinfulness of concupiscence, the effect of the Fall driving humankind to sin. A contested concept between Catholics and Protestants, the nature of concupiscentia also lies at the core of debates on the orthodoxy of Baius’ justification theology, both early modern and more recent. The professor’s lecture on Romans 7 is analysed against his published treatises, the censures (1565–1567) and papal bull (1567) condemning certain propositions as heretical, and the Tridentine Decree on Original Sin (1546). While Baius’ Augustinian revaluation of humanity’s wounded nature (natura viciata) moved away from the Thomistic conception of concupiscence as innate, but disordered, he did respect the boundaries set by the Council of Trent. Indeed, Baius taught his positive theology in the interstices between the educational application of the Tridentine Decrees and the gradual assertion of dominance by a renewed Thomism in Catholic orthodoxy. I argue that such a historical reading of Baius’ ideas is the key to avoid the earlier dogmatic assessments of his theology.