bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diversity of malignancies in patients with different types of inborn errors of immunity
Authors: Tavakol Marzieh , Delavari Samaneh , Salami Fereshte , Ansari Sarina , Rasouli Seyed Erfan , Chavoshzadeh Zahra , Sherkat Roya , Ahanchian Hamid , Aleyasin Soheila , Esmaeilzadeh Hossein , Moazzen Nasrin , Shafiei Alireza , Abolnezhadian Farhad , Iranparast Sara , Ebrahimi Sareh sadat , Moeini Shad Tannaz , Pashangzadeh Salar , Nazari Farzad , Rezaei Arezou , Saeedi-Boroujeni Ali , Nabavi Mohammad , Arshi Saba , Fallahpour Morteza , Bemanian Mohammad hassan , Sharafian Samin , Shokri Sima , Eshaghi Sarvin , Nazari Shiva , Shamsian Bibi Shahin , Dargahi Mal-Amir Mehrdad , Khazaei Roya , Ashkevari Pooya , Khavandegar Armin , Haghi Sabahat , Esmaeili Marzie , Abolhassani Hassan , Rezaei Nima
Published: December 2022

Genetic defects in the development, maturation, and/or function of the immune cells can lead to Inborn errors of immunity (IEI) which may predispose patients to malignancies. The overall risk for cancer in children with IEI ranges from 4 to 25% and the type of malignancy is highly dependent on the specific mutant gene underlying IEI. We investigated 3056 IEI patients registered in the Iranian national registry between the years 1999 and 2020 in this retrospective cohort study. The frequency of malignancy and its association with the type of IEI in these patients were evaluated. A total of 82 IEI patients with malignancy were enrolled in this study. Among them, predominantly lymphoma was the most common type of malignancy (67.1%), followed by leukemia (11%), and cancers of the head and neck (7.3%). Among identified lymphoma cancers, non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas were the most frequent type (43.9%) followed by different subtypes of Hodgkin’s lymphoma (23.2%). Solid tumors (18.3%) appeared to be very heterogeneous by type and localization. The correlation between the type of malignancy and survival status and the association between the type of malignancy and IEI entities were unremarkable. The awareness of the association between the presence of IEI and cancer highlights the importance of a synergistic effort by oncologists and immunologists in the early diagnosis of malignancy and personalized therapeutic strategies in IEI patients.
Understanding the incidence and timing of rabies cases in domestic animals and wildlife in south-east Tanzania in the presence of widespread domestic dog vaccination campaigns
Authors: Hayes Sarah , Lushasi Kennedy , Sambo Maganga , Changalucha Joel , Ferguson Elaine A. , Sikana Lwitiko , Hampson Katie , Nouvellet Pierre , Donnelly Christl A.
Published: December 2022

The “Zero by 30” strategic plan aims to eliminate human deaths from dog-mediated rabies by 2030 and domestic dog vaccination is a vital component of this strategic plan. In areas where domestic dog vaccination has been implemented, it is important to assess the impact of this intervention. Additionally, understanding temporal and seasonal trends in the incidence of animal rabies cases may assist in optimizing such interventions. Data on the incidence of probable rabies cases in domestic and wild animals were collected between January 2011 and December 2018 in thirteen districts of south-east Tanzania where jackals comprise over 40% of reported rabies cases. Vaccination coverage was estimated over this period, as five domestic dog vaccination campaigns took place in all thirteen districts between 2011 and 2016. Negative binomial generalized linear models were used to explore the impact of domestic dog vaccination on the annual incidence of animal rabies cases, whilst generalized additive models were used to investigate the presence of temporal and/or seasonal trends. Increases in domestic dog vaccination coverage were significantly associated with a decreased incidence of rabies cases in both domestic dogs and jackals. A 35% increase in vaccination coverage was associated with a reduction in the incidence of probable dog rabies cases of between 78.0 and 85.5% (95% confidence intervals ranged from 61.2 to 92.2%) and a reduction in the incidence of probable jackal rabies cases of between 75.3 and 91.2% (95% confidence intervals ranged from 53.0 to 96.1%). A statistically significant common seasonality was identified in the monthly incidence of probable rabies cases in both domestic dogs and jackals with the highest incidence from February to August and lowest incidence from September to January. These results align with evidence supporting the use of domestic dog vaccination as part of control strategies aimed at reducing animal rabies cases in both domestic dogs and jackals in this region. The presence of a common seasonal trend requires further investigation but may have implications for the timing of future vaccination campaigns.
Efficient data transmission using trusted third party in smart home environments
Authors: Panda Niharika , Supriya M.
Published: December 2022

Currently, deployed Internet of Things (IoT) technology acts as a passive observer of the environment that sends data to a remote location. Developing and deploying future IoT applications will need re-tasking this one-way behaviour in a reliable manner. A novel computationally tractable optimization technique that can accept cross-layer resource configurations and focus on network enhancement with longevity should be created for the smart home, one of the heterogeneous IoT applications. This study shows different smart home architectures in static and mobile environments, taking into account some of the challenges like orchestration, mobility, and range in IoT. For network communication, routing protocol over 6LoWPAN (RPL) is used. The goal of the work is to optimize the communication network in both static and mobile environment. To attain the goal, this paper proposes an algorithm that improves the path selection by modifying the existing objective functions of RPL. The proposed smart home architectures are analysed and compared based on different parameters such as packet reception ratio, network overhead, throughput, average latency, and total energy consumption. Even when some of the devices in the smart home are mobile, the modified smart home-optimized path (MSHOP) is found to achieve a packet reception ratio of 99.93%, minimum latency of 0.9 s, and the highest total energy usage in the network of 3373 millijoules. In conclusion, proposed MSHOP outperforms all existing smart home architectures when considering network efficiency, time, and usability.
Relationship between polygenic risk scores and symptom dimensions of schizophrenia and schizotypy in multiplex families with schizophrenia
Authors: Ahangari Mohammad , Bustamante Daniel , Kirkpatrick Robert , Nguyen Tan-Hoang , Verrelli Brian C. , Fanous Ayman , Kendler Kenneth S. , Webb Bradley T. , Bacanu Silviu-Alin , Riley Brien P.
Published: December 2022

Background

Psychotic disorders and schizotypal traits aggregate in the relatives of probands with schizophrenia. It is currently unclear how variability in symptom dimensions in schizophrenia probands and their relatives is associated with polygenic liability to psychiatric disorders.

Aims

To investigate whether polygenic risk scores (PRSs) can predict symptom dimensions in members of multiplex families with schizophrenia.

Method

The largest genome-wide data-sets for schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and major depressive disorder were used to construct PRSs in 861 participants from the Irish Study of High-Density Multiplex Schizophrenia Families. Symptom dimensions were derived using the Operational Criteria Checklist for Psychotic Disorders in participants with a history of a psychotic episode, and the Structured Interview for Schizotypy in participants without a history of a psychotic episode. Mixed-effects linear regression models were used to assess the relationship between PRS and symptom dimensions across the psychosis spectrum.

Results

Schizophrenia PRS is significantly associated with the negative/disorganised symptom dimension in participants with a history of a psychotic episode (P = 2.31 × 10−4) and negative dimension in participants without a history of a psychotic episode (P = 1.42 × 10−3). Bipolar disorder PRS is significantly associated with the manic symptom dimension in participants with a history of a psychotic episode (P = 3.70 × 10−4). No association with major depressive disorder PRS was observed.

Conclusions

Polygenic liability to schizophrenia is associated with higher negative/disorganised symptoms in participants with a history of a psychotic episode and negative symptoms in participants without a history of a psychotic episode in multiplex families with schizophrenia. These results provide genetic evidence in support of the spectrum model of schizophrenia, and support the view that negative and disorganised symptoms may have greater genetic basis than positive symptoms, making them better indices of familial liability to schizophrenia.
Maf family transcription factors are required for nutrient uptake in the mouse neonatal gut
Authors: Bara Anne M. , Chen Lei , Ma Celina , Underwood Julie , Moreci Rebecca S. , Sumigray Kaelyn , Sun Tongyu , Diao Yarui , Verzi Michael , Lechler Terry
Published: December 2022

There are fundamental differences in how neonatal and adult intestines absorb nutrients. In adults, macromolecules are broken down into simpler molecular components in the lumen of the small intestine, then absorbed. In contrast, neonates are thought to rely on internalization of whole macromolecules and subsequent degradation in the lysosome. Here, we identify the Maf family transcription factors MAFB and c-MAF as markers of terminally differentiated intestinal enterocytes throughout life. The expression of these factors is regulated by HNF4α and HNF4γ, master regulators of enterocyte cell fate. Loss of Maf factors results in a neonatal-specific failure to thrive and loss of macromolecular nutrient uptake. RNA-Seq and CUT&RUN analyses defined an endo-lysosomal program as being downstream of these transcription factors. We demonstrate major transcriptional changes in metabolic pathways, including fatty acid oxidation and increases in peroxisome number, in response to loss of Maf proteins. Finally, we show that loss of BLIMP1, a repressor of adult enterocyte genes, shows highly overlapping changes in gene expression and similar defects in macromolecular uptake. This work defines transcriptional regulators that are necessary for nutrient uptake in neonatal enterocytes.
Route Book As a Tool for the Formation of Regulatory Universal Educational Activities of Younger Schoolchildren
Authors: Kazanceva Elena , Egorova E. , Vasil'chuk S.
Published: December 2022

The article discusses the problem of the formation of universal regulatory actions that ensure the development of such a personality trait as independence. The period of primary school age is the most sensitive and, accordingly, optimal for their formation. As one of the pedagogical tools for organizing educational activities that contribute to the successful development of universal regulatory actions among younger schoolchildren, the authors proposed the use of a route book, which allows students to more clearly formulate their educational goals and objectives; correct actions in the process of mastering the subject content; think systematically. The data of preliminary and ascertaining monitoring are given to assess the level of development of universal regulatory educational actions among schoolchildren of the second grade; the method of using the route book is described; Based on the analysis of the achievements of second-graders, conclusions are drawn about its effectiveness.
El estudio de los tópicos literarios como área de la literatura comparada: el caso del “asesinato por amor”.
Authors: Nazemi Zahra
Published: December 2022

Este artículo tiene como objetivo examinar la posición de los tópicos literarios en el campo de la literatura comparada partiendo de la definición de los tópicos literarios de Escobar (2000) y Laguna Mariscal (1999). Uno de los requisitos para distinguir un tópico de términos literarios similares es su recurrencia en la historia literaria desde la tradición clásica hacia la literatura moderna. En consecuencia, el estudio de los tópicos literarios siempre implica evolución, desarrollo y comparación. Para mostrar esto en la práctica, presentamos el “asesinato por amor” como un tópico literario y analizamos su desarrollo en las tragedias de Eugene O’Neill Deseo bajo los olmos (1924) y A Electra le sienta bien el luto (1931). Los resultados del estudio validan la necesidad de la comparación (en el sentido de buscar estructuras o sintaxis paralelas) al examinar los tópicos literarios. En consecuencia, al analizar el desarrollo del “asesinato por amor” en las obras de O’Neill, es fundamental rastrear sus relaciones architextuales con los textos clásicos, como las narraciones de Medea.
megasequía de 1626-1635 y sus impactos en el valle medio del Ebro (España)
Authors: Cuadrat Josep Maria , Alfaro Pérez Francisco Javier , Tejedor Vargas Ernesto , Barriendos Mariano , Serrano-Notivoli Roberto
Published: December 2022

El estudio analiza la severidad de la megasequía del período 1626-1635 y sus consecuencias en la economía y la población del valle medio del Ebro, a partir de fuentes proxy documentales y dendroclimáticas y los registros históricos del coste de los cereales y la evolución demográfica. En el valle del Ebro, y en particular en su sector central, los años comprendidos entre 1626 y 1635 fueron especialmente adversos, con lluvias irregulares y muy escasas, y elevados valores térmicos no repetidos en decenios, que responden en buena medida a los extremismos de la Pequeña Edad del Hielo. No se trató de un único mal año, ni de una dificultad puntual, sino de déficits acumulados que causaron la pérdida progresiva del rendimiento de los cultivos, carestía de alimentos y malnutrición de la población. Las consecuencias más directas fueron el incremento del precio de los cereales y el aumento extraordinario de la mortalidad, que alcanzaron su peor momento en 1631.
Cadomian metabasites of the Eastern Pyrenees revisited
Authors: Pujol-Solà Núria , Casas Josep Maria , Proenza Joaquín A. , Blanco-Quintero Idael F. , Druguet Elena , Liesa Montserrat , Román-Alpiste Manuel J. , Álvaro J. Javier
Published: December 2022

This study presents a new geochemical, petrological, and geochronological U–Pb dataset from Ediacaran metabasites of the Canigó and Cap de Creus massifs, Eastern Pyrenees. The rocks are composed of calcic amphibole + plagioclase + chlorite + epidote ± quartz plus titanite + apatite + ilmenite ± biotite ± rutile as accessory phases and show relict igneous textures. Peak pressure-temperature determinations share common conditions, ranging 452–482ºC and 5.2–7.7kbar. These intermediate P-T conditions suggest Barrovian-type metamorphism, most likely related to a collisional setting. The metabasites correspond to evolved basaltic rocks (Mg#<0.55) with moderate TiO2 content (up to 2.08wt.%) and relatively low Cr (43–416ppm). The rocks are moderately enriched in light rare earth elements (LREE) relative to heavy rare earth elements (HREE) (average (La/Lu)n of 2.7) and the N-MORB normalized multi-element patterns show negative slopes, with prominent negative Nb anomalies ((Nb/La)NMORB=0.33–0.78). These variations are akin to island arc tholeiites generated in back-arc basins and to other metabasites described in the Eastern Pyrenees with a putative Ediacaran age, and they differ from the Ordovician tholeiitic metabasites from the Canigó massif, which derived from a contaminated E-MORB source. The positive ƐNd(T) values (0.82–3.05) of the studied metabasites preclude a notable contribution from an older continental crust. U-Pb dating (LA-ICP-MS) of one chlorite-rich schist sample in contact with the metabasites from the Canigó massif yielded a main peak at ca. 632Ma. We argue that the Cadomian metabasites from the Pyrenees formed during back-arc extension in the continental margin of Gondwana and were later affected by (probably early Variscan) medium-P metamorphism before the HT-LP metamorphism classically described in the Pyrenees.
Inferring selection effects in SARS-CoV-2 with Bayesian Viral Allele Selection
Authors: Jankowiak Martin , Obermeyer Fritz H. , Lemieux Jacob E.
Published: December 2022

The global effort to sequence millions of SARS-CoV-2 genomes has provided an unprecedented view of viral evolution. Characterizing how selection acts on SARS-CoV-2 is critical to developing effective, long-lasting vaccines and other treatments, but the scale and complexity of genomic surveillance data make rigorous analysis challenging. To meet this challenge, we develop Bayesian Viral Allele Selection (BVAS), a principled and scalable probabilistic method for inferring the genetic determinants of differential viral fitness and the relative growth rates of viral lineages, including newly emergent lineages. After demonstrating the accuracy and efficacy of our method through simulation, we apply BVAS to 6.9 million SARS-CoV-2 genomes. We identify numerous mutations that increase fitness, including previously identified mutations in the SARS-CoV-2 Spike and Nucleocapsid proteins, as well as mutations in non-structural proteins whose contribution to fitness is less well characterized. In addition, we extend our baseline model to identify mutations whose fitness exhibits strong dependence on vaccination status as well as pairwise interaction effects, i.e. epistasis. Strikingly, both these analyses point to the pivotal role played by the N501 residue in the Spike protein. Our method, which couples Bayesian variable selection with a diffusion approximation in allele frequency space, lays a foundation for identifying fitness-associated mutations under the assumption that most alleles are neutral.
CureSCi Metadata Catalog–Making sickle cell studies findable
Authors: Pan Huaqin , Ives Cataia , Mandal Meisha , Qin Ying , Hendershot Tabitha , Popovic Jen , Brambilla Donald , Stratford Jeran , Treadwell Marsha , Wu Xin , Kroner Barbara
Published: December 2022

Objectives

To adopt the FAIR principles (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) to enhance data sharing, the Cure Sickle Cell Initiative (CureSCi) MetaData Catalog (MDC) was developed to make Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) study datasets more Findable by curating study metadata and making them available through an open-access web portal.

Methods

Study metadata, including study protocol, data collection forms, and data dictionaries, describe information about study patient-level data. We curated key metadata of 16 SCD studies in a three-tiered conceptual framework of category, subcategory, and data element using ontologies and controlled vocabularies to organize the study variables. We developed the CureSCi MDC by indexing study metadata to enable effective browse and search capabilities at three levels: study, Patient-Reported Outcome (PRO) Measures, and data element levels.

Results

The CureSCi MDC offers several browse and search tools to discover studies by study level, PRO Measures, and data elements. The “Browse Studies,” “Browse Studies by PRO Measures,” and “Browse Studies by Data Elements” tools allow users to identify studies through pre-defined conceptual categories. “Search by Keyword” and “Search Data Element by Concept Category” can be used separately or in combination to provide more granularity to refine the search results. This resource helps investigators find information about specific data elements across studies using public browsing/search tools, before going through data request procedures to access controlled datasets. The MDC makes SCD studies more Findable through browsing/searching study information, PRO Measures, and data elements, aiding in the reuse of existing SCD data.
Anthrax outbreak investigation in Tengwe, Mashonaland West Province, Zimbabwe, 2022
Authors: Hamutyinei Dhliwayo Theresa , Chonzi Prosper , Madembo Collen , Juru Tsitsi Patience , Chadambuka Addmore , Gombe Notion Tafara , Chikerema Silvester , Shambira Gerald , Umeokonkwo Chukwuma David , Tshimanga Mufuta
Published: December 2022

Background

Anthrax continues to be a disease of public health concern in Zimbabwe. Between December 2021 and February 2022, Tengwe reported 36 cases of human anthrax. Gastrointestinal anthrax has the potential to cause serious outbreaks leading to loss of human life. We investigated the outbreak, identified the risk factors using one health approach to inform outbreak control.

Materials and methods

We conducted descriptive analysis of the outbreak and a 1:2 unmatched case control study to identify risk factors for anthrax. A case was any Tengwe resident who developed an ulcer and/or abdominal symptoms and epidemiologically linked to a confirmed environmental exposure. Validated, structured interviewer-administered questionnaires were used to collect data from the cases and neighbourhood controls. Soil and dried meat samples were collected for laboratory investigations. District preparedness and response was assessed using a checklist. Data was analysed using Epi Info version 7.2.5. The odds of exposure were calculated for each risk factor examined. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the independent factors associated with contracting anthrax.

Results

Through active case finding we identified 36 cases, 31 were interviewed. Twenty-one (67.7%) were males. The median age was 33 years (Inter quartile range: 22–54). Nineteen (61.2%) cases presented with abdominal symptoms with zero deaths reported. The independent risk factor for contracting anthrax was eating under-cooked meat (aOR = 12.2, 95% CI: 1.41–105.74, p = 0.023). All samples collected tested positive for anthrax. No livestock vaccinations or zoonotic meetings were being conducted prior to the outbreak. Notification of the outbreak was done 11 days after index case presentation however one health response was instituted within 24 hours.

Conclusion

The anthrax was confirmed in Tengwe. Consumption of under-cooked meat was associated with gastrointestinal anthrax. The timely one health response resulted in excellent outcomes. Using one health approach in managing zoonotic threats is encouraged.
Will the EU Taxonomy Impact the Trade Specialisation of European Economies?
Authors: Köppl-Turyna Monika , Schwarzbauer Wolfgang
Published: December 2022

The introduction of the taxonomy will alter trade patterns and trade specialisation, in spite of the signs that EU members are specialised in industries and economic activities that are favoured by its introduction. The taxonomy is likely to further work not only directly but also through supply chains, as obtaining more attractive funding for companies is indirectly linked to the compliance of the company’s suppliers as well. However, managing the transition to green production will require further policy measures at the regional, national, and international levels. Given that several policy measures and initiatives are already in place, doubts can be raised as to whether the green transition can be achieved efficiently by the introduction of the taxonomy.
Cerebral palsy – brain repair with stem cells
Authors: Jensen Arne
Published: December 2022

Cerebral palsy, the most common disability in childhood, is a devastating non-progressive ailment of the infants’ brain with lifelong sequelae, e.g., spastic paresis, chronic pain, inability to walk, intellectual disability, behavioral disorders, for which there is no cure at present. CP may develop after pediatric brain damage caused, e.g., by hypoxic-ischemia, periventricular leukomalacia, intracranial hemorrhage, hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, trauma, stroke, and infection. About 17 million people worldwide live with cerebral palsy as a result of pediatric brain damage. This reflects both the magnitude of the personal, medical, and socioeconomic global burden of this brain disorder and the overt unmet therapeutic needs of the pediatric population. This review will focus on recent preclinical, clinical, and regulatory developments in cell therapy for infantile cerebral palsy by transplantation of cord blood derived mononuclear cells from bench to bedside. The body of evidence suggests that cord blood cell therapy of cerebral palsy in the autologous setting is feasible, effective, and safe, however, adequately powered phase 3 trials are overdue.
Predictive value of highly sensitive basal versus stimulated thyroglobulin measurement in long-term follow-up of thyroid cancer
Authors: Pabst Kim Magaly , Seifert Robert , Hirmas Nader , Broecker-Preuss Martina , Weber Manuel , Peter Fendler Wolfgang , Bartel Timo , Theurer Sarah , Herrmann Ken , Görges Rainer
Published: December 2022

Objective

Recurrence of differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) is associated with reduced quality of life, and therefore, early identification of patients at risk is urgently needed.Here we investigated the predictive power of various cut-off values of single stimulated thyroglobulin (s-Tg) and single highly sensitive measured, unstimulated thyroglobulin (u-hsTg) measurements close to the end of primary therapy for recurrence-free survival (RFS) in long-term follow-up (>10 years) of patients with DTC.

Methods

In DTC patients with adjuvant radioiodine therapy, we assessed retrospectively u-hsTg (6 ± 3 months before s-Tg measurement) and s-Tg measurements (≤24 months after last radioiodine therapy). Positive predictive (PPV)/negative predictive values (NPV) of various cut-off values (s-Tg: 0.5/1.0 ng/mL; u-hsTg: 0.09/0.2 ng/mL) for patient outcomes as well as additional factors associated with disease development were analyzed.

Results

In total, 175 patients were retrospectively reviewed (tumor recurrence: n = 14/complete remission: n = 161). Examined cut-off values for s-Tg and u-hsTg showed significant predictive power for RFS (log-rank: all P < 0.001). NPV/PPV for s-Tg were 98.6%/36.4%, respectively (0.5 ng/mL cut-off) and 96.7%/42.9%, respectively (1.0 ng/mL cut-off); those for u-hsTg were 97.3%/35.7%, respectively (0.09 ng/mL cut-off) and 95.2%/85.7%, respectively (0.2 ng/mL cut-off). U-hsTg (P < 0.001) and patient age (P < 0.05) were significantly associated with tumor recurrence. One-third of patients with tumor recurrence in the course initially showed undetectable u-hsTg after completion of primary therapy.

Conclusion

With >10 years of follow-up, both s-Tg and u-hsTg have a comparably high predictive power for RFS, while only u-hsTg was significantly associated with a recurrence event.Serial u-hsTg measurements seem warranted since patients with tumor recurrence during follow-up may have an undetectable tumor marker at baseline.
Thermal aging properties and electric heating behaviors of carbon fiber paper-based electric heating wood floors
Authors: Song Jianbin , Hu Haibin , Zhang Mingxin , Huang Biao , Yuan Zhanhui
Published: December 2022

Carbon fiber (CF) paper is an excellent material for use in electric heating wood floors systems. In this paper, a CF paper-based electric heating wood floor was prepared using a hot pressure process. The thermal aging properties and electric heating behaviors of the CF paper-based wood floors were studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and a temperature recorder. The CF paper exhibited excellent thermal stability, and its structure and morphology did not show any changes after exposure to 110 °C for 15 h. The surface temperature of the CF paper increased as input voltage increased. The positioning of CF paper in the middle of wood floors was believed to be the optimum design for electric heating wood floors. Theoretical calculations showed that the CF paper based electric heating wood floors (1.1 m2) could increase room (3 m × 4 m × 2.6 m) temperature by 12.9 °C.
Multiple linear regression modelling of pulp and handsheet properties based on fiber morphology measurements and process data
Authors: Ekbåge Daniel , Nilsson Lars , Håkansson Helena , Lin Ping-I
Published: December 2022

A multiple regression model was evaluated to predict pulp and handsheet properties including z-directional tensile strength (z-strength) and Scott bond values. One hypothesis that was central for the model evaluation was that the crill content, as measured with ultraviolet and infrared lights, would improve the statistical models. A chemi-thermomechanical pulp (CTMP) mill designed with two parallel primary refining lines and a reject refiner was the basis for this study, and all process data and pulp samples were gathered from the specific process. Pulp was extracted from the process for an extended period from a position after the latency chest (primary refined pulp) and from the pulp-stream exiting the mill to the board machine (accept pulp). The crill content was positively correlated to the z-strength of the accept pulp, explaining 55% of the variance with a linear regression model with the crill content as the sole predictor. The estimation model of the z-strength of accept pulp was based on a combination of the crill content, freeness, fibril perimeter for longer fibers, and mean kink angle, and resulted in an R2 of 0.79. When applying cross-validation to determine the predictive model performance, the highest R2 obtained was 0.67. This latter model included the crill content, fibril perimeter, and mean kink angle as predictors.
Use of Tranexamic Acid to Reduce PostOperative Bleeding in Orthopaedic Oncology
Authors: Andreani Lorenzo , Del Chiaro Andrea , Ipponi Edoardo , Di Sacco Federico , Caterino Martina , Capanna Rodolfo
Published: December 2022

Background: Orthopaedic oncology often causes major blood losses that may put at risk patients’ hemodynamic balance and their overall clinical stability. To this date, transfusion therapy still represents the pivotal treatment to counterbalance the reduction in hemoglobin levels which occur after surgery. Although effective, transfusions are expensive and inevitably associated with a number of complications and therefore other solutions, such as procoagulative drugs, could play an important role to prevent massive blood losses.Material and methods: We reviewed the clinical intercourse of 37 patients who underwent major bone resection due to malignant tumors of the lower limb. Cases were divided in two different groups: group G1 consisting of 12 patients treated intraoperatively with tranexamic acid and group G2 which was made of 25 controls.Results: On average, patients treated with tranexamic acid (G1) required transfusion of 3.9 concentrated blood cells units during surgery and 0.9 units during the postoperative course. Other patients (G2), for their part, required on average 3.1 units intraoperatively and 2.1 units postoperatively. No significant difference was found in intraoperative transfusion rate (p=0.402). Instead, postoperative transfusions were significantly less frequent for patients treated with tranexamic acid (p=0.023). None of the 12 patients treated with tranexamic acid had evidence of Deep Vein Thrombosis.Conclusion: Our outcomes indicate that the use of TXA was effective in reducing blood losses also for major surgical interventions in orthopedic oncology.
Conduction block and positive sharp waves/fibrillation potentials in entrapment neuropathies of the ulnar, radial, and peroneal nerves
Authors:   Department of Neurology, Adana City Training and Research Hospital, Adana, Turkey, Buturak Şencan , Fidancı Halit ,   Department of Neurology, Division of Clinical Neurophysiology, Adana City Training and Research Hospital, Adana, Turkey, Öztürk İlker ,   Department of Neurology, Adana City Training and Research Hospital, Adana, Turkey, Arlıer Zülfikar ,   Department of Neurology, Adana City Training and Research Hospital, Adana, Turkey
Published: December 2022

Introduction: Entrapment mononeuropathies can cause motor conduction block, positive sharp waves, and fibrillation potentials. Aim: The study aims to find whether there is a relationship between positive sharp waves/fibrillation potentials and conduction block observed in entrapment mononeuropathies. Materials and methods: Patients with ulnar neuropathy at the elbow, radial neuropathy at the spiral groove, and peroneal neuropathy at the fibular head were included in this retrospective study. Nerve conduction study and needle electromyography results of the patients were analysed. Results: The study included a total of patients with 67 ulnar neuropathy, 8 radial neuropathy, and 27 peroneal neuropathy. All radial and peroneal neuropathy patients and 30 ulnar neuropathy patients had positive sharp waves/fibrillation potentials in at least one muscle. Twenty-three ulnar neuropathy patients with these potentials, 6 radial neuropathy patients, and 18 peroneal neuropathy patients had conduction block (p < 0.001). The reduction of compound muscle action potential amplitude in percentage recorded from the abductor digiti quinti/first dorsal interosseous across the elbow segment in ulnar neuropathy patients with and without positive sharp waves/fibrillation potentials was 41.9 ± 35.9/46.6 ± 36.1% and 7.6 ± 16.5/10.4 ± 16.5%, respectively (p < 0.001/p < 0.001). The distal compound muscle action potential amplitudes of ulnar neuropathy patients with these potentials were lower than those of ulnar neuropathy patients without these potentials (p = 0.029 – abductor digiti quinti, p = 0.017 – first dorsal interosseous). No correlation was found between the severity of positive sharp waves/fibrillation potentials and muscle strength in patients with these potentials (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Positive sharp waves/fibrillation potentials and motor conduction block can be seen together in patients with entrapment mononeuropathies. We concluded that there may be no relationship between the severity of these potentials and muscle strength.
Polish adaptation of the Mini-Cog
Authors:   Platforma Badań Chorób Rzadkich i Cywilizacyjnych, Instytut Medycyny Doświadczalnej i Klinicznej im. Mirosława Mossakowskiego, Polska Akademia Nauk, Warszawa, Polska, Barczak Anna , Urban-Oleńska Elwira ,   Oddział Neurologiczny, Szpital Czerniakowski, Warszawa, Polska
Published: December 2022

Early diagnosis of cognitive disorders, including dementia, is critical in the context of both pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions. The diagnostic process for neurodegenerative diseases is usually challenging, and the objectification of symptoms reported by patients and/or their families should always be its first element. Screening tools can be usually used for this purpose, but the most available scales are time-consuming and sometimes problematic in assessing and interpreting the obtained results. Moreover, doctors, who are the first link in the diagnostic process, most often in primary care facilities, usually lack experience in the use and interpretation of the results of common diagnostic tools. Above all, they do not have time for it. Therefore, a fast, effective screening tool that requires no experience seems an optimal solution. Furthermore, it will allow for objectifying the patients’ symptoms and, if necessary, refer them to an appropriate dementia specialist. The Mini-Cog, which takes a maximum of five minutes to complete, offers simple and rapid assessment, and whose algorithm allows to decide how to proceed with the patient, is such a tool. Unfortunately, the scale has not been translated and standardised in Polish conditions. The article discusses the Mini-Cog and describes the course of linguistic and cultural adaptation of this tool.
Prevalence of endoparasites by microscopic analysis in free-range chickens in a Brazilian semiarid region
Authors: Silva Juliana Trajano da , Alvares Felipe Boniedj Ventura , Oliveira Clarisse Silva de Menezes , Sousa Luana Carneiro de , Lima Brendo Andrade , Feitosa Thais Ferreira , Brasil Arthur Willian de Lima , Vilela Vinícius Longo Ribeiro
Published: December 2022

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and diversity of endoparasitic fauna and the risk factors associated with parasite infections in free-range chickens in the state of Paraíba, northeastern Brazil. Ten municipalities were visited and, in each of them, ten farms, to collect animal feces and apply epidemiological questionnaires. Feces from 417 poultry were used to perform EPG (eggs per gram) and OoPG (oocysts per gram) tests. Prevalences of 40.52% (169/417) and 39.08% (163/417) were observed for nematodes and coccidia, respectively. In 17% (71/417), mixed infections by nematodes and coccidia were observed. Nematodes of Heterakoidea superfamily were present in 100% of the positive samples (169/169), followed by Trichuris spp. (57.3%; 97/169). All the protozoan oocysts observed belonged to the genus Eimeria (100%; 163/163). The variable of presence of drooping wings was considered to be a factor associated with infection by coccidia (odds ratio = 5.412; confidence interval: 1.179-24.848; p = 0.030). It was concluded that there is high prevalence of nematodes and coccidia in free-range chickens in the state of Paraíba, Brazil. Better sanitary management measures, with greater hygiene of facilities, together with chemical control of parasites, can improve productivity by reducing the rate of gastrointestinal parasites.
Parasitism of Arapaima gigas (Schinz, 1822) in fish farms of the state of Amazonas, Brazil
Authors: Gama Marilson Farias , Porto Daniel Brito , Anjos Hélio Daniel Beltrão dos , Brandão Franmir Rodrigues , Jerônimo Gabriela Tomas , Maciel-Honda Patricia Oliveira , Chagas Edsandra Campos
Published: December 2022

Abstract The objective of this study was to investigate the parasites occurrences and to determine the rates of infestation/parasitic infection in juvenile Arapaima gigas from seven fish farms in the state of Amazonas, relating to the characteristics of these fish farms. Of the 70 A. gigas evaluated, 43 were infested/infected, with a total of 133 parasites collected. Three fish farms (2, 4, 6) showed the highest levels of prevalence of parasites (100%, 70%, 70%), mean intensity (4.1±2.6, 8.1±9.2, and 2.1±1.3), and mean abundance (4.1±2.6, 5.7±8.1, and 1.5±1.5), respectively. Prevalence ranged from 30% to 100%, mean intensity from 1.0 to 8.1 and mean abundance from 0.3 to 5.7. Monogenea, Digenea, Nematoda (Hysterothylacium sp. and Spirocamallanus sp.) and Acanthocephala (Neoechinorhynchus sp. and Polyacanthorhynchus sp.) were identified. The parasites Hysterothylacium sp. and Neoechinorhynchus sp. were the most prevalent parasites with 31.43% and 15.71%, respectively. The fish presented negative allometry in growth and constant condition factor. Measures to prevent and control the parasitic diseases diagnosed are discussed as well prophylactic practices that contribute to the biosecurity of the farms.
Synthesis and Structural Characterization of Novel 2-Aminomethyl Quinazolin-4(3H)-ones as Organic Building Blocks
Authors: TOKALI Feyzi Sinan
Published: December 2022

Quinazoline and quinazolinone derivatives display an extensive application in organic and pharmaceutical chemistry, and they have been used as natural and synthetic materials for medicinal chemistry purposes. Here I reported an investigation of a new series of quinazolinone ring derivatives. In this context, starting from the methyl anthranilate, six quinazolinone derivatives (4a-f) with various aminomethyl moieties at position 2 were synthesized (89-80%). The structures of compounds 4a-f were identified using FTIR and NMR Spectroscopy (1H NMR - 13C NMR). The data obtained from the all spectra clearly identify the structures of the compounds.
A review on the research paradigms and the grounded theory in qualitative studies in the field of tourism
Authors:   The Tourism Sciences Society Of Korea, Kim Taelyn
Published: December 2022

Although the number of qualitative studies in the field of tourism has increased, errors in applying the research paradigm and methodology are still common. This study aims to address the qualitative research paradigm and methodologies, with a particular emphasis on the grounded theory, which is commonly used in qualitative research. This research examines various research paradigms, such as positivism, post-positivism, critical theory, and constructivism, as well as their ontological, epistemological, and methodological assumptions. The concept of grounded theory and its evolution are discussed. Furthermore, the research paradigm, research method, research cases, as well as criticisms and credibility for various types of grounded theory, are discussed. Finally, recommendations for encouraging appropriate qualitative research are provided. It is hoped that this study will spark lively debates about the research paradigm and methodologies of qualitative studies in tourism.
Analysis of the leisure constraints and experiences of mothers whose children are candidates for university entrance: A grounded theory approach
Authors:   The Tourism Sciences Society Of Korea, Lee Kyung-Yur , Lee Hoon
Published: December 2022

While there have been numerous studies on academic elitism in Korea and excessive education fever, none have examined the leisure experiences of mothers who actively participated in their children's shadow education for university entrance exams. The goal of this research is to better understand those mothers' leisure experiences. From April to October 2022, in-depth interviews were conducted on the leisure experiences of mothers living in Korea. The findings demonstrated that the leisure experiences of mothers who dedicated themselves to their children's shadow education for college entrance were derived from 30 sub-categories and 11 categories, and a paradigm model was presented as a result. The developed model was named 'Finding the meaning of leisure activities for Korean mothers who actively participated in their children's shadow education for college entrance exam,' and it was classified into three types: 'work-life balanced type,' 'conventional type,' and 'in-between type.' The theoretical contributions stem from the study's originality in analyzing the leisure experiences of Korean mothers during their children's university entrance exam period. Furthermore, policy implications for establishing leisure policies and employment policies utilizing human resources of middle-aged women with highschoolers, as well as practical implications for counseling treatment and job retraining, were proposed.
EARLY PREDICTORS OF SEVERE DISABILITY IN GUILLAIN–BARRÉ SYNDROME
Authors: GÖRGÜLÜ Ümit , GEÇER Burak , BİLEN Şule , KOLCU Giray
Published: December 2022

Objective

Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is an autoimmune

neurological disorder with non-negligible morbidity

and mortality. This study aimed to evaluate different

patient characteristics and laboratory findings as early

predictors of severe disability in GBS patients.

Material and Method

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of

121 patients diagnosed with GBS between January

1, 2018, and December 31, 2021. Data regarding

demographic characteristics, presenting complaints,

co-morbidities, previous infection history, neurological

examination findings, GBS Disability Scores (GDS)

on the 1st day and by the end of the first month,

laboratory parameters of serological and cerebrospinal

fluid (CSF) examination, electromyoneurography

results, GBS subtypes, treatments, treatment-related

complications, and prognoses were recorded.

Results

The median age of the 121 patients was 58 (20–87)

years (n = 73 males, 60%). The average GDS was

3 on admission and 2 at the end of the first month.

The serum C-reactive protein (CRP) and CSF protein

levels were raised, while vitamin D levels were

reduced. Advanced age, cranial nerve involvement,

history of infection, admission to the intensive care

unit (ICU), need for mechanical ventilation (MV),

presence of complications, high plasma CRP levels,

neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and plateletlymphocyte

ratio (PLO) were significantly associated

with severe disability in GBS patients at day 1 and at

the end of the first month.

Conclusion

We identified multiple characteristics that can predict

severe disability in GBS patients.
Is there a relationship between COVID-19 and sarcoidosis? A case report
Authors: Yasar Kucukardali , Arzu Gunturk , Mehmet Akif Ozturk , Şenay Acikel , Hatice Zeynep Ceylan , Pınar Fırat , Banu Salepci
Published: December 2022

Mediastinal lymphadenopathy is rare in Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) patients with mild clinical course. The frequency of lymphadenopathy increases in COVID-19 patients who develop Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS). In a 38-year-old male patient, mediastinal lymphadenopathy and asymptomatic pulmonary embolism were detected during the third week of COVID-19 infection at home. Sarcoidosis was diagnosed with a finding of non-caseating granulomas. Even if it is asymptomatic, pulmonary embolism should be considered, especially in COVID-19 patients with high C - Reactive Protein (CRP) and D-dimer levels. If mediastinal lymphadenopathy is detected in mild COVID-19 cases, systemic diseases should be investigated. In severe COVID-19 cases, if lymphadenopathy continues despite a COVID-19 recovery, further investigation is required.
DETERMINING A RESILIENT STOPE BOUNDARY FOR UNDERGROUND MASS MINING PROJECTS
Authors: Shami-Qalandari Mohammad , Rahmanpour Mehdi , Mahdi Mirabedi S. M.
Published: December 2022

Uncertainty-based stope boundary optimization is a complex part of underground mine planning, especially in mass mining projects and notably block caving. Besides, grade variation and grade uncertainty are significant sources of error in mining projects. This paper presents a procedure to determine a resilient block-cave stope boundary considering the ore grade uncertainties. The procedure applies the floating stope algorithm, the maximum upside/minimum downside, and the value at risk for design evaluation. The floating stope algorithm is customized for block caving and is used to determine the stope boundary over some simulated grade models. The idea fits into a multi-criteria decision-making problem. Finally, the most resilient stope boundary is selected by considering several criteria and the TOPSIS method. According to the results, the resilient stope boundary covers an area where the mineable reserve is 977 Mt with an average copper grade of 0.51%.
Perfecting Laser Treatment for Regular and Irregular Astigmatism
Authors: Alpins Noel ,   Department of Ophthalmology, Melbourne University, Melbourne, Australia,   NewVision Clinics, Melbourne, Australia, Stamatelatos George ,   NewVision Clinics, Melbourne, Australia
Published: December 2022

Perfecting the treatment of regular and irregular astigmatism using laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis, photorefractive keratectomy, and small in situ lenticule extraction is possible by reducing and regularizing the asymmetric, non-orthogonal corneal shape while correcting spherical refractive error. Such perfecting treatment may be achieved by conceptually dividing the cornea into two hemidivisions and applying vector planning to optimally customize each half of the cornea to the minimum regular astigmatism possible. This innovative treatment could improve best-corrected visual acuity and minimize aberrations.
On Stability Analysis of Riemann-Liouville Fractional Singular Systems with Delays
Authors: KORKMAZ Erdal , KAYA Meltem
Published: December 2022

In this study, two lagged fractional order singular neutral differential equations are considered. Using the advantage of the association property of the Riemann -Liouville derivative, the derivative of the appropriate Lyapunov function is calculated. Then, with the help of LMI, sufficient conditions for asymptotic stability of zero solutions are obtained.