bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CAMBIOS EN LOS BIOMARCADORES DE LA FRACCIÓN DE HIDROCARBUROS SATURADOS EN UN ENSAYO DE BIORREMEDIACIÓN CON UN CRUDO EXTRAPESADO
Authors: López Liliana , Infante Carmen
Published: February 2021

Se evaluaron los biomarcadores en la fracción de hidrocarburos saturados (n-alcanos, pristano, fitano, terpanos y esteranos) en un ensayo de biorremediación de 90 días con un crudo extrapesado (10 ºAPI). Con base en la presencia de una muestra compleja no resuelta (MCNR), deficiencia de n-alcanos, pristano, fitano y presencia de hopanos desmetilados (25-norhopanos), se determinó que el crudo original está biodegradado. La detección de n-alcanos, pristano y fitano (más sensibles a la biodegradación), junto con 25-norhopanos (menos sensibles a biodegradación) sugiere que el crudo analizado es el resultado de mezclas de distintas cargas de crudo en el yacimiento. Después de 90 días del ensayo de biorremediación se encontró el siguiente orden de biodegradación en el crudo para los hopanos extendidos (R + S): C35 > C34 < C33 > C32 > C31. El cambio en la distribución de los hopanos extendidos respecto al crudo original indica una mayor alteración para C32 y C35, y en los isómeros 22S y 22R una degradación selectiva para C3322S. Se sugiere alteración de los terpanos tricíclicos debido a la variación en la intensidad de la señal en el crudo original y la determinada a los 90 días. En los esteranos no se observó alteración al final del ensayo; sólo variación en la intensidad de las señales que sugiere disminución en su concentración. Durante el ensayo de biorremediación se produjo la remoción de los alcanos < n-C25, sin alteración de los > n-C25 y los isoprenoides pristano y fitano. Adicionalmente, los terpanos tricíclicos, hopanos extendidos y esteranos fueron alterados.
Designing and Testing of a System for Aerosolization and Recovery of Viable Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus (PRRSV): Theoretical and Engineering Considerations
Authors: Li Peiyang , Koziel Jacek , Zimmerman Jeffrey , Hoff Steven , Zhang Jianqiang , Cheng Ting-Yu , Yim-Im Wannarat , Lee Myeongseong , Chen Baitong , Jenks William
Published: February 2021

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) infections cause significant economic losses to swine producers every year. Aerosols containing infectious PRRSV are an important route of transmission, and proper treatment of air could mitigate the airborne spread of the virus within and between barns. Previous bioaerosol studies focused on the microbiology of PRRSV aerosols; thus, the current study addressed the engineering aspects of virus aerosolization and collection. Specific objectives were to (1) build and test a virus aerosolization system, (2) achieve a uniform and repeatable aerosol generation and collection throughout all replicates, (3) identify and minimize sources of variation, (4) verify that the collection system (impingers) performed similarly. The system for virus aerosolization was built and tested (Obj. 1). The uniform airflow distribution was confirmed using a physical tracer (<12% relative standard deviation) for all treatments and sound engineering control of flow rates (Obj. 2). Theoretical uncertainty analyses and mass balance calculations showed <3% loss of air mass flow rate between the inlet and outlet (Obj. 3). A comparison of TCID50 values among impinger fluids showed no statistical difference between any two of the three trials (p-value = 0.148, 0.357, 0.846) (Obj. 4). These results showed that the readiness of the system for research on virus aerosolization and treatment (e.g., by ultraviolet light), as well as its potential use for research on other types of airborne pathogens and their mitigation on a laboratory scale.
Study Of Ecosystem Approach in New Towns Development in Botabek Area
Authors: Rahardjo Parino , Suganda Emirhadi , Harono Djoko , Arifin Hadi
Published: February 2021

Within the town, Abiotic is a built environment that includes buildings, roads, pedestrians, and other elements that interact with biotics, which are living things including plants, animals, and humans. From a landscape ecological perspective, the urban structure consists of (1) a matrix, which is a collection of dominant buildings and homogeneous elements, (2) Patches are grouped as housing, urban forests, parks, lakes, and finally (3) Corridors such as roads, rivers, and pedestrians. The dominance of watertight areas over green open spaces in urban development can lead to increased temperatures and runoff. The condition of the soil structure and the steep slope of the soil can cause landslides, therefore urban development must pay attention to the natural conditions of the area being built. This research was conducted in Kota Baru, Bogor, South Tangerang, and Cikarang (Bekasi Regency). The purpose of this study is to determine the natural environment and the built environment as well as changes in the ecosystem and their consequences for the new town and its surroundings. This research uses quantitative and qualitative approaches. Analysis of land-use change uses spatial and temporal methods, while Nieuwolt's equation is used to measure comfort. This study finds comfortable environmental planning, with green open spaces such as urban forests, city parks, and bodies of water, such as lakes, as a space for interaction between fellow new city residents and people outside the new towns.
A COVID-19 model with a nonlinear incidence rate and intervention exit strategies for Kenya
Authors: Mbogo Rachel Waema , Nyabadza Farai
Published: February 2021

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a novel infection caused by SARS-CoV-2, a corona virus type that has previously not been seen in humans. The speedy spread of COVID-19 globally has greatly affected the socio-economic environments and health systems. To effectively address this rapid spread, it is imperative to have a clear understanding of the COVID-19 transmission dynamics. In this study we evaluate a COVID-19 epidemic model with a nonlinear incidence function and a saturating. We propose an SLIHRD data driven COVID 19 model which incorporates individual self initiated behavior change of the susceptible individuals. The proposed model allows the evaluation of the impact of easing intervention measures at specific times. To estimate the model parameters, the model was fitted to the daily reported COVID-19 cases in Kenya. Self initiated behavioral responses by individuals and large scale persistent testing proved to be the most effective measures to flatten the epidemic infection curve.The model illustrates the effect of mass testing on COVID-19 as well as individual self initiated behavioral change when the number of infected individuals increases. The results have significant impact on the management of COVID-19 and implementation of prevention policies.
Universal Risk Phenotype Of US Counties For Flu-like Transmission To Improve County-specific COVID-19 Incidence Forecasts
Authors: Chattopadhyay Ishanu , Huang Yi
Published: February 2021

The spread of a communicable disease is a complex spatio-temporal process shaped by the specific transmission mechanism, the survivability of the pathogen outside the host under harsh environmental conditions, and access to new viable hosts broadly determined by the local population characteristics, and its compliance to social distancing policies. While the key factors shaping transmission of influenza and COVID-19 are beginning to be broadly understood, making precise forecasts on case count and mortality is still difficult. Despite a diversity of approaches being used to model the COVID-19 pandemic, a single best model is yet to coalesce. In this study we introduce the concept of a universal geo-spatial risk measure, denoted as the Universal Influenza-like Transmission (UnIT) score, to quantify the risk phenotype of US counties facilitating flu-like transmission mechanisms. The UnIT score is computed as a purely information-theoretic function of past incidence data for seasonal flu epidemics, yet emerges as the dominant factor explaining observed county-specific incidence trends over a range of putative demographic and socio-economic factors for the COV-19 pandemic. The predictive ability of the UnIT score is further demonstrated via county-specific weekly case count forecasts which consistently outperform the best models in the current literature. This study demonstrates that knowledge of past epidemics may be used to chart the course of future ones, if transmission mechanisms are broadly similar, despite distinct disease processes and causative pathogens.
A comprehensive study of the anatomical variations of the posterolateral tubercle of talus 
Authors: Kalbouneh Heba , Alsalem Mohammad , Hani Maysoon Bani , Alhusamiah Hamzeh , Momani Yazan , Massad Talal , Barakat Tamer , Alajoulin Omar
Published: February 2021

The aim of our study was to establish the prevalence of the different anatomical variants of the posterolateral tubercle of talus on CT imaging. 1478 ankle CT scans were retrospectively reviewed for the different anatomical variants of the posterolateral tubercle of talus, the type and size of os trigonum. Normal sized lateral tubercle was found in 46.1%, an enlarged posterolateral tubercle (Stieda’s process) in 26.1%, os trigonum in 20.5% and almost absent tubercle in 7.3%. A statistically higher prevalence of Stieda’s process was found in males while os trigonum was higher in females (p<0.05). Among feet with os trigonum, 25.7% were non-articulating and identified as a separate bone located posterior to the posterolateral tubercle of talus and 74.3% of os trigonum were identified as fused to the posterolateral tubercle by synchondrosis or syndesmosis. Additionally, 17.5% of os trigonum were associated with intact lateral tubercle, 53.5% were considered as part of the lateral tubercle and 29.0% were without a lateral tubercle. According to its size, 22.8 % of os trigonum were smaller than 0.5 cm, 55.4% were between 0.5 and 1cm, and 21.8% were larger than 1 cm. No significant differences were found between the different types/sizes of os trigonum according to gender (p>0.05). The posterolateral tubercle of talus and its accessory ossicle, the os trigonum, could vary morphologically. The data of this study could be helpful in understanding the clinical problems that could be associated with some of these variants.
Chilean Validation of the Operationalized Psychodynamic Diagnosis - Structure Questionnaire (OPD-SQ) for Personality Structure
Authors: Lorenzini Nicolas , Parra Guillermo de la , Dagnino Paula , Gomez-Barris Elyna , Crempien Carla , Ehrenthal Johannes
Published: February 2021

BackgroundThis is the validation of the Operationalized Psychodynamic Diagnosis - Structure Questionnaire (OPD-SQ)MethodsA clinical sample of 399 adults and a nonclinical sample of 50 healthy adults completed measures of depression, attachment, psychiatric symptomatology and distress. Internal consistency and concurrent validity were assessed. Test-retest and Reliable Change Index were also calculated, as the ability of the OPD-SQ to distinguish between the clinical and control subsamples.ResultsHigh internal consistencies were found; significant differences between clinical and non-clinical samples, and significant associations with psychiatric symptomatology, depression and psychological distress.ConclusionThe Chilean OPD-SQ has good reliability, and discriminates between clinical and healthy samples.
Digital virus manipulation chip with a large array of all-dielectric nanocavities
Authors: Shi Yuzhi , Wu Yongfeng , Chin Lip Ket , Chen Mu Ku , Wang Shubo , Zhang Yi , Li Zhenyu , Liu Patricia Yang , Zhou Xiaohong , Cai Hong , Yu Yefeng , Yap Peng Huat , Ser Wee , Nguyen Binh , Liao Jiayan , Wang Fan , Chan Che Ting , Kivshar Yuri , Tsai Din Ping , Liu Ai Qun
Published: February 2021

Spatial manipulation of a precise number of viruses for host cell infection is essential for the study of virus pathogenesis and evolution. Albeit optical tweezers have been advanced to the atomic level via optical cooling, it remains a formidable challenge to efficiently trap and move viruses in an aqueous environment, being restricted by insufficient strength of optical forces and a lack of precise spatial manipulation techniques. Here, we demonstrate giant optical forces produced by the enhancement of light in engineered arrays of nanocavities for trapping and digitally moving viruses down to 40 nm in size. By employing the virus hopping and flexibility of moving the laser position, we demonstrate a digital virus manipulation chip with a large trapping area, enabling single or massive virus transporting, positioning, and concentrating. Our work paves the way to efficient and precise manipulation of either single viruses or their massive ensembles, opening a wide range of novel opportunities for virus pathogenesis, virus diagnostics, vaccine, and antiviral drug development, being also important to tackle the current COVID-19 outbreaks.
Plasma concentrations of Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor (G-CSF) in Patients with Substance Use Disorders and Comorbid Major Depressive Disorders
Authors: Galván Sandra Torres , López María Flóres , Sanchíz Pablo Romero , Ocaña Nerea Requena , Perales Oscar Porras , Arjona Raquel Nogueira , Mayoral Fermin , Araos Pedro , Serrano Antonia , Muga Roberto , Pavón Francisco J. , Marchena Nuria García , Fonseca Fernando Rodriguez de
Published: February 2021

Aims: Granulocyte colony–stimulating factor (G-CSF) has raised much interest due to its role to cocaine addiction in preclinical models. We analyzed the circulating expression of G-CSF in abstinent chronic users of alcohol and/or cocaine with or without comorbid major depressive disorders to investigate the role of this trophic factor with complicated substance use disorders.Methods: We recruited 176 patients and 136 controls. Patients were divided in 50 patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) and 126 abstinent substance use disorders (SUD) patients undergoing treatments for alcohol (N=66) or cocaine (N=60) addiction according to DSM-IV-TR criteria. A blood sample was collected to examine plasma concentrations of G-CSF.Results: The plasma concentrations of G-CSF were significantly decreased in the cocaine group compared with the SUD control group. There was a sex dimorphism in the alcohol group, with lower G-CSF concentrations in women compared with men. Plasma concentrations of G-CSF were associated with abstinence and with the length of alcohol problems. The decrease in G-CSF was associated with comorbid MDD, a finding specific for SUD patients since there were no alterations of G-CSF primary settings MDD outpatients.Conclusions: Circulating G-CSF is reduced in SUD patients, being associated to comorbid MDD. A sex-dependent effect was observed in female AUD. Plasma G-CSF concentrations might be used as a predictor of length of chronic alcohol use and as a stratification role in the dual diagnosis in SUD. Further investigation is needed to explore the role of G-CSF as potential biomarker of pathogenic/prognosis in SUD population.
The high expression of elastases, observed in apelin deficient mice, could contribute to premature wear of elastic fibers and vascular stiffness.
Authors: Romier Beatrice , Dray Cedric , Wahart Amandine , Hocine Thinhinane , Vanalderwiert Laetitia , Dortignac Alizée , Garbar Christian , Garbar Corinne , Boulagnon Camille , Bouland Nicole , Maurice Pascal , Bennasroune Amar , Sartelet Herve , Martiny Laurent , Duca Laurent , Valet Philippe , Blaise Sebastien
Published: February 2021

Vascular stiffness is often the main cause of arterial hypertension and its complications including atherosclerosis, observed during obesity. However, the mechanisms leading to this rigidity or the preventing factors are misknown. We hypothesized that apelin, known for its beneficial effects on lipid, inflammatory, and vascular metabolism, could be a protective factor against vascular stiffness. We used mice deficient for the apelin gene (KO-APL) and compared with wild-type mice (WT) at the level of metabolic markers and inflammations of white adipose tissue (WAT), as well as aortic functional and anatomical parameters. KO-APL mice developed an inflammation associated with significant remodeling of WAT, in particular with the protease expressions such as neutrophil elastase or cathepsin S. From a vascular point of view, these same elastases are involved in the fragmentation of elastic fibers, explaining the increase in vascular velocity of pulse wave and arterial hypertension. Interestingly, univariate correlation analysis showed that the inflammation markers and protease expression of WAT were associated with remodeling of the vascular wall. Our results suggest that the modifications induced by the absence of apelin particularly in WAT, could facilitate the expression of elastases and the rupture of elastic fibers, necessary to maintain elastance. This discovery is fundamental because the synthesis of elastic fibers stops as of adolescence and is not renewed during the entire life of human. The preservation of these fibers is therefore critical in maintaining vascular homeostasis. Thus, Apelin could be an interesting therapeutic route to protect the premature wear of elastic fibers.
A guide for Physiotherapeutic assistance during pregnancy, labour, and the postpartum period in times of COVID-19
Authors: Pitangui Ana Carolina Rodarti , Driusso Patricia , Mascarenhas Lilian Rose , Silva Marcela Ponzio Pinto , Sunemi Mariana Maia de Oliveira , Oliveira Claudia de , Gallo Rubneide Barreto Silva , Ferreira Cristine Homsi Jorge
Published: February 2021

Background

Many recommendations contained in the guidelines available to date are specifically related to clinical practice in obstetrics. Although many physiotherapists are facing similar issues to gynecologists and obstetricians about the care and well-being of pregnant women with confirmed or suspected COVID-19, no specific guidelines were found regarding the physiotherapist's practice in this area. This article aimed to offer guidance regarding physiotherapy in obstetrics during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Methods

A group of experts in physiotherapy in women's health performed a literature search and proposed a clinical guideline for the physiotherapy management of assistance during pregnancy, labour, and the postpartum period in times of COVID-19. This document was reviewed by other physiotherapists, which analyzed the suggested topics and reached a consensus.
Results

The recommendation addresses in general terms concerning pregnancy and the postpartum period during the COVID-19 pandemic, summarize the physiotherapy care in obstetrics, the practice of the physiotherapist at the outpatient level, physiotherapy clinics, and at pregnant women’s home. Recommendations on the safety of the care environment; general aspects of care to pregnant women without symptoms of COVID-19; specific aspects of care for pregnant women without symptoms of COVID-19; care to pregnant women with COVID-19; the practice of activity and physical exercises monitored in pregnant women and the postpartum in times of pandemic and about the physiotherapist's assistance in the maternity hospital with parturients and puerperal women are still presented.
Conclusion

This study provides some guidance for continuity of the physiotherapist's work in obstetrics during the COVID-19 pandemic. Telephysiotherapy is a possibility for the permanence of care during the pandemic, opening new perspectives for the expansion of practice and research in women’s health, especially in obstetrics.
Usability and Acceptability of Self-Testing for Hepatitis C Virus Infection Among the General Population in the Nile Delta Region of Egypt
Authors: Reipold Elena Ivanova , Farahat Ahmed , Elbeeh Amira , Soliman Reham , Aza Elkin Bermudez , Jamil Muhammad S. , Johnson Cheryl Case , Shiha Gamal , Easterbrook Philippa
Published: February 2021

Background

Self-testing for hepatitis C virus antibodies (HCVST) may be an additional strategy to expand access to hepatitis C virus (HCV) testing and support elimination efforts. We conducted a study to assess the usability and acceptability of HCVST among the general population in a semi-rural, high-HCV prevalence region in Egypt.
Methods

An observational study was conducted in two hospitals in the Nile Delta region. A trained provider gave an in-person demonstration on how to use the oral fluid HCVST followed by observation of the participant performing the test. Usability was assessed by observing errors made and difficulties faced by participants. Acceptability of HCV self-testing was assessed using an interviewer-administered semi-structured questionnaire.
Results

Of 116 participants enrolled, 17 (14.6%) had received no formal education. The majority (72%) of participants completed all testing steps without any assistance and interpreted the test results correctly. Agreement between participant-reported HCVST results and interpretation by a trained user was 86%, with a Cohen’s kappa of 0.6. Agreement between participant-reported HCVST results and provider-administered oral fluid HCV rapid test results was 97.2%, with a Cohen’s kappa of 0.75. The majority of participants rated the HCVST process as easy (53%) or very easy (44%), and 96% indicated they would be willing to use HCVST again and recommend it to their family and friends.
Conclusion

Our study demonstrates the high usability and acceptability of oral fluid HCVST in a general population. Further studies are needed to establish the optimal positioning of self-testing alongside facility-based testing to expand access to HCV diagnosis in both general and high-risk populations.
Female monopolizability promotes within-community killing in chimpanzees
Authors: Massaro Anthony , Wroblewski Emily , Mjungu Deus , Boehm Emily , Desai Nisarg , Foerster Steffen , Rudicell Rebecca , Hahn Beatrice , Pusey Anne , Wilson Michael L.
Published: February 2021

Male chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) defend group territories and sometimes kill members of rival communities — a pattern often compared to human warfare1-3. Male chimpanzees also sometimes kill grown males from their own community4-9. Such within-community killings are puzzling, as they reduce the coalition strength needed to win inter-community contests5,10. Here we examine the contexts of within-community killing using data from two neighboring communities at Gombe National Park, Tanzania, as well as published data from other long-term chimpanzee study sites. At Gombe, more killing occurred within the smaller Mitumba community, where fertile females were more monopolizable. Attackers increased their share of mating and paternity following known and inferred killings. Other factors proposed to explain such killings, including the degree of intercommunity threat, male-biased sex ratios, high population density, or generalized aggression, did not explain the high rates of killing in Mitumba. Comparing across study sites, the best predictor of within-community killing was an index of the degree to which fertile females can be monopolized by the highest ranking male11. Our findings therefore support the hypothesis that within-community killing is a strategy to eliminate reproductive rivals that is more likely to pay off when fertile females are more easily monopolized.
WITHDRAWN: Phytochemical and Molecular Dynamic Analysis of Novel Biomolecule Lancifotarene Extracted From Conocarpus Lancifolius as Cytotoxic, Antiurease and Antidiabetic Agent
Authors: Saadullah Malik , Asif Muhammad , Bibi Shabana , Shah Muhammad Ajmal , Chohan Tahir Ali , Rasul Azhar , Uzair Muhammad , Alqarni Mohammed , Elazab Sara T. , El-saber Gaber
Published: February 2021

A systematic study is designed to evaluate medicinal effects of dichloromethane extract and a novel compound from Conocarpus lancifolius which belongs to Family Combretaceae. Pharmacological experimental and computational analysis is performed for evaluation of anticancer, antidiuretic, alpha-glycosidase and antioxidant properties. Pharmacological potential of C. lancifolius extract and novel compound was determined for cytotoxic, antidiuretic, alpha glycosidase and antioxidant by using in vitro experimental analysis. Isolated novel compound lancifotarene showed cytotoxicity towards cancer cell lines including murine lymphocytic leukemia (P-388, IC50 = 2.65 μg/ml), human colon cancer (Col-2, IC50 = 0.84 μg/ml), human breast cancer (MCF-7, IC50 = 0.72 μg/ml), while no cytotoxicity observed towards human lung cancer (Lu-1), rat normal glioma cells (ASK, IC50 = 11.6 μg/ml) and human embryonic kidney cells (Kek293, IC50 = 6.74 μg/ml). Percentage inhibition at 0.5 mM of lancifotarene towards Urease inhibition was 66.54 ± 0.26 with IC50 = 162.70 ± 0.21 μM, and 82.58 ± 0.19 with IC50 = 72.45 ± 0.20 μM towards α-glucosidase inhibition. Molecular docking and molecular dynamic simulations reveal the stability of complexes by evaluation of root mean square deviation which correlate with the experimental findings, and identified lancifotarene as potential anti-proliferative, urease and alpha-glucosidase inhibitory agent.
Mapping QTL For Seedling Morphological and Physiological Traits Under Normal and Salt Treatments in a RIL Wheat Population
Authors: Luo Qiaoling , Hu Pan , Yang Guotang , Li Hongwei , Liu Liqin , Wang Zishan , Li Bin , Li Zhensheng , Zheng Qi
Published: February 2021

Soil salinity seriously constrains wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) production globally by influencing its growth and development. To explore the genetic base of salt tolerance in wheat, a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population derived from a cross between high-yield wheat cultivar Zhongmai 175 (ZM175) and salt tolerant cultivar Xiaoyan 60 (XY60) was used to map QTL for seedling traits under normal and salt treatments based on a high-density genetic linkage map. A total of 158 stable additive QTL for 27 morphological and physiological traits were identified and distributed on all wheat chromosomes except 3A and 4D. They explained 2.35%–46.43% of the phenotypic variation with a LOD score range of 2.61–40.38. Among them, 39 QTL were detected under both normal and salt treatments, while 80 and another 39 QTL were detected under only normal and salt treatment, respectively. The alleles from XY60 increased corresponding traits for 100 QTL, while the alleles from ZM175 had positive effects for the other 58 QTL. Nearly half of the QTL (78/158) were mapped in nine QTL clusters on chromosomes 2A, 2B, 2D, 4B, 5A, 5B, 5D, and 7D (2), respectively. To prove the reliability and potentiality in molecular marker-assisted selection (MAS), seven QTL intervals were validated in two other genetic populations. In addition, besides additive QTL (a), epistatic (aa) and QTL-by-environment (at) interaction effects were also analyzed here. It was shown that 94 pairs of loci were detected with significant epistatic effect and 20 QTL were found to interact with treatment. This study provides a full elucidation of the genetic base of seedling traits (especially root system related traits) associated with salt tolerance in wheat, and the developed kompetitive allele specific PCR markers closely linked to stable QTL would supply strong supports to MAS in salt tolerant wheat breeding.
Improved Cognition and Preserved Hippocampal Fractional Anisotropy in Subjects Undergoing Carotid Endarterectomy
Authors: Bernstein Adam , Guzman Gloria , Arias Juan , Bruck Denise , Berman Scott , Leon Luis , Pacanowski John , Zhou Wei , Goshima Kay , Tan Tze-Woei , Altbach Maria , Trouard Theodore , Weinkauf Craig
Published: February 2021

A growing body data indicates that extracranial carotid artery disease can contribute to cognitive impairment. However, there have been mixed reports regarding the benefit of carotid endarterectomy (CEA) as it relates to preserving cognitive function. In this work, diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (dMRI) is used to provide insight into structural brain changes that occur because of significant carotid artery stenosis, as well as changes that occur in response to CEA. The study design was a prospective, non-randomized, controlled study that enrolled patients with asymptomatic carotid stenosis. Fourteen subjects had severe ECAD ≥70% stenosis in at least one carotid artery and were scheduled to undergo surgery). Thirteen had ECAD with <70% stenosis or occluded, therefore not requiring surgery. All subjects underwent neurocognitive testing using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment test and high angular resolution, multi-shell diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (dMRI) of the brain at baseline and at four-six months follow-up. Changes in MoCA scores as well as in Fractional anisotropy along the hippocampus were compared at baseline and follow-up. At baseline, fractional anisotropy (FA) was significantly lower along the ipsilateral hippocampus in subjects with severe ECAD compared to subjects without severe ECAD. MoCA scores were lower in these individuals but this did not reach statistical significance. At follow-up, MoCA scores increased significantly in subjects who underwent CEA and remained statistically equal in control subjects that did not have CEA. FA remained unchanged in the CEA group, and decreased in the control group. This study suggests that CEA improves cognition and preserves hippocampal white matter structure compared to control subjects not undergoing CEA.
Azithromycin Concentrations During Long-Term Regimen in Patients With MALT Lymphoma
Authors: Scheibenpflug Raphael , Obermüller Markus , Reznicek Gottfried , Neuper Ortrun , Lamm Wolfgang W. , Raderer Markus , Lagler Heimo
Published: February 2021

IntroductionIn view of the antineoplastic effects of the macrolide clarithromycin in mucosa associated lymphatic tissue (MALT)-lymphoma, we performed a pilot study assessing levels of azithromycin in plasma, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) of MALT-lymphoma patients to determine the pharmacokinetics and potential influences of respective concentrations on the therapeutic outcome.Material and methodsIn total 16 patients with MALT-lymphoma received 1.5g of oral azithromycin once-weekly over 6 months. Blood was sampled directly prior to the following dose every 4 weeks during treatment. Drug levels were analysed by high performance liquid chromatography in plasma and intracellularly in PBMC and PMN. They were correlated with patients’ age, weight and body-mass-index and compared between patients responsive or unresponsive to treatment.ResultsMean azithromycin plasma levels of all patients were 58.97±30.48 ng/ml, remaining stable throughout the treatment period. Correlation analysis of plasma azithromycin showed no significance. Intracellular PBMC concentrations were 6648±8479 ng/ml, without any significant difference between responders and non-responders. Mean PMN levels were 39274±25659 ng/ml and significantly higher in patients unresponsive to treatment (t=2.858, p=0.017).ConclusionOur drug regime led to continuously high plasma and exceedingly high intracellular concentrations of azithromycin in PBMC and PMN. Age, weight or body-mass-index had no significant influence on plasma levels and thence should not be considered in dosage finding. High AZM levels in PBMC did not lead to a better treatment response, whereas enrichment in PMN suggested a poorer outcome. The threshold for immunomodulatory effects on lymphoma cells might not have been reached. Additionally, the finding of stable plasma and intracellular concentrations over months with high-dose azithromycin administered in intervals might also be important for the further design of azithromycin-based trials against MALT-lymphoma.
Integrating Ultra-Wideband and Free Space Optical Communication for Realizing a Secure and High Throughput Body Area Network Architecture Based on Optical Code Division Multiple Access
Authors: Mirza Jawad , Imtiaz Waqas , Ghafoor Salman Abdul
Published: February 2021

Nodes in a body area network (BAN) are miniature wearable or implantable battery-powered wireless sensors which continuously transmit real time vital physiological data of a patient to remote health-care center while remaining in close proximity to the human body. Therefore, BAN nodes should have the features of high data rates and low transmit powers in order to protect the human body, environment and bio-medical equipment from harmful exposure of electromagnetic radiations and electromagnetic interference (EMI). Ultra-wideband (UWB) signals have low allowable transmission power and high data rates. Therefore, we propose a low cost, low powered and secure optical body area network (OBAN) composed of four UWB-BAN nodes each transmitting at a data rate of 30 Mbps. At the control node, UWB signals from UWB-BAN nodes are encoded using spectral amplitude coding-optical code division multiple access (SAC-OCDMA) scheme and the combined signal is transmitted over free space optics (FSO) channel towards remote health-care center. At the health-care center, the combined signal is decoded and UWB signal of each UWB-BAN node is photodetected for analysis of patient's data. Log-Normal channel model is considered between control node and the health-care center. The signal received from each UWB-BAN after propagation through the FSO channel is analyzed through Bit error rate (BER) results. It was observed that the proposed architecture requires the UWB-BAN nodes to have low receiver sensitivities with the added benefits of cost-efficiency and data security.
International Conference on Advanced and Competitive Manufacturing Technologies
Authors: Lukina Svetlana , Korshunova Elena
Published: February 2021

The article considers methodology for assessing efficiency of digital transformation of industrial company production activity in a multi- techno-economic structure. The method allows forming, assessing and comparing a whole set of permitted alternative options of innovative solutions taking into account the set of technological repartitions of the business system of the industrial enterprise. It is shown that the imbalance of the multistructure of technological repartitions in industry is a serious barrier to its digital development. The massive introduction of cyberphysical systems into production, qualifying as the Industry 4.0 concept, is a global trend in the development of the technosphere. This concept involves the integration of modern information technology and communication networks with production equipment to organize, control and manage the entire chain of value creation processes in the product life cycle. The basis of the developed methodology is a complex of mathematical models for the formation of means of equipping production processes with digital technology; a total of partial criteria to assess the efficiency of the company production activity as a result of digital technology; searching for an optimal problem solution. A general system for the assessment include partial criteria of two classification groups: characterizing the manufacturing process and characterizing the production activity output. The process of digital transformation is presented in the form of the algorithm for the assessment of digital technology introduction efficiency within the already existing or being developed corporate information system. The automation of the developed method is conducted with software tools.
The Research of the Agglomeration Process During the Formation of an Abrasive-Polymer Compound for Waterjet Cutting in a Fluidized bed Installation
Authors: Kozhus Olga , Barsukov Gennady
Published: February 2021

The article deals with the issues that allow creating conditions that exclude the formation of abrasive agglomerations in the process of applying a polymer coating in installations with a fluidized bed. The authors pay attention to the stages of agglomeration of the abrasive in the fluidized bed, as well as possible situations that arise when one particle collides with another. The problem of agglomeration development in the installation chamber is relevant, as it directly affects the quality of the coating, its uniformity. In addition, the critical size of the agglomerations will stop the coating process and lead to large material losses. The research carried out in the article on the process of obtaining a new effective abrasive material for waterjet cutting makes it possible to increase the cutting capabilities of a water jet.
Influence of Breast Cancer and Metastases on Incidence of Diabetes
Authors: Ballinger Tarah , Liu Ziyue , El-Azab Sarah A. , Broyles Andrea , Guise Theresa , Imel Erik A.
Published: February 2021

Purpose: Diabetes increases the risk of subsequent breast cancer. However, the inverse relationship of breast cancer to incident diabetes development is unclear. In preclinical models increased bone turnover due to bone metastases or endocrine therapies impacts insulin secretion. This analysis was conducted to estimate the incidence of diabetes after breast cancer and the influence of metastases and therapeutic agents.Methods: This retrospective case-control study combined data from a large electronic health data exchange and the Indiana State Cancer Registry on breast cancer patients and controls between 2007 and 2017. Primary exposure was presence of breast cancer and bone or non-bone metastases. The primary outcome was frequency of incident diabetes detected by ICD codes, medication use, or laboratory results, compared between breast cancer cases and controls using conditional or ordinary logistic regressions.Results: 36,083 cases and 36,083 matched controls were detected. Incident diabetes was higher in early stage breast cancer (OR 1.17, 95%CI 1.11-1.23, p<0.0001) and metastatic breast cancer (OR 1.62, 95% CI 1.25-2.09, p=0.0002), compared to controls. Bone metastases conferred higher odds of both pre-existing (OR 1.20, 95% CI 1.03-1.63, p=0.0272) and incident diabetes (OR 1.64, 95% CI 1.19-2.25, p=0.0021). Endocrine therapy was associated with reduced diabetes (OR 0.86, 95% CI 0.79-0.83, p=0.002). Anti-resorptives reduced incident diabetes in those with bone metastases (OR 0.44, 95% CI 0.25-0.78, p=0.005). Conclusion: Breast cancer, especially with metastases, increases subsequent risk of diabetes. As patients with breast cancer live longer, identifying and managing diabetes may impact treatment delivery, cost, survival, and quality of life.
Patient Characteristics and Evolution of Surgical Management of Gastric/ Gastro-esophageal Junction (GOJ) Adenocarcinoma From 1998 to 2018: Experience From a Single Gastrointestinal Surgical Unit in a Resource Limited Setting
Authors: Subasinghe Duminda , Priyantha TG Amal
Published: February 2021

Introduction: Gastric/gastro-oesopageal junctional adenocarcinoma/ (GC/GOJ CA) is the fourth commonly diagnosed cancer and the second commonest cancer related cause of death worldwide. Curative therapy for GC involves surgical resection with an accompanying lymphadenectomy. Yet, most of the GC/GOJ tumours are inoperable at presentation and has a poor prognosis in our setup probably due to the absence of screening programme. The objective of this study was to describe the operability and curative resection rate and outcomes of gastric/GOJ adenocarcinoma in Sri Lankan setting from 1998 to 2018.Methodology- In a retrospective analysis of prospectively maintained data from, surgery for GCs in a tertiary care center over a period of 21 years. All patients underwent surgery for GC/GOJ adenocarcinoma by single gastrointestinal surgeon. Results: There were 153 patients with mean age of 57.4(22 to 84) years. The majority (n=109) were Males (Male: Female was 2.3 : 1) . There were 88(56.4%) distal, 60(39.2%) proximal and 5(3.2%) diffuse cancers. Only 82 (53.6 %) patients underwent curative resection. Only 3 patients underwent palliative major resection (total gastrectomy(n=1), distal gastrectomy(n=2) Among curative resections,51(62.2%) had distal gastrectomy and 17(20.7%) had total gastrectomy.R0 resection was performed in 75 (91.5%), and 6 (7.3%) had microscopic positive margins (R1). Resectability of the proximal GCs (48.3%, n=29) was lower (63.4%, n=54) than the distal GCs (p= 0.117). Further, resectability among patients with GCs has not increased significantly over the past 21 years.Conclusions: Majority of the patients especially with proximal GC are inoperable at presentation. Despite the availability of endoscopes the operability has not changed significantly over the years. Given the low incidence, screening for GC is not seemingly feasible in Sri Lanka. Therefore an attempt has to be made to identify those with high risk factors during diagnostic endoscopic procedures.
Mathematical Model for Tapping Simulation to Predict Radial Pitch Diameter Difference of threads
Authors: Ren Jie , Yan Xianguo
Published: February 2021

As the most important component of parts, thread has a great influence on the mechanical properties and service performance of parts. In order to ensure the quality of the thread, the thread quality inspection standard involves 11 main thread characteristics, of which the surface roughness of the thread is the most studied, and the research on Radial Pitch Diameter Difference (RPDD) is still blank. In this paper, a quasi-static model of the tapping process is developed based on the roundness error mechanism of the hole, which includes cutting force and cutting damping force. Due to the regenerative nature of cutting, the force on each cutting edge depends on both the tool’s current position and previous position. According to the eigenvalues and eigenvectors of the discrete state-transition matrix, RPDD is finally determined, and the influence of the chamfer length and the spindle speed on RPDD is simulated by this model. The results demonstrate that the chamfer length and spindle speed will affect RPDD, and the RPDD is the smallest when the chamfer length is 2 threads and the spindle speed is 1400 rev/min. The development of this model not only provides a cheap and effective method for the study of RPDD, but also lays a foundation for further experimental research.
Investigation on Ultra-high Temperature Forging Process Based on DEFORM-3D Simulation
Authors: Yong-qiang Wu , Kai-kun Wang
Published: February 2021

Green manufacturing and forming technology is becoming increasingly important in modern industry. In this study, a new forging technology with the ultra-high temperature demoulding is introduced, in which conventional reheating process could be avoided. The DEFORM-3D software simulated the forging process and the temperature fields were obtained. The traditional forging process was simulated when the initial forging temperature was 1220℃. The highest temperature of the ingot in the new forging technology was about 200℃ higher than that of the traditional forging process. We cut the ingot longitudinally along the centerline. Nine points on the axis of the cutting plane and nine points on the radial direction were selected. The equivalent stress and the equivalent strain of these points were compared respectively under the two forging processes by using the particle tracking method. The variation laws of the equivalent stress and the equivalent strain with the reduction were obtained. According to the variation laws, the typical points which were easy to crack under two different forging processes were found. Based on the flow stress-strain curve calculated by the software JMatPro®, the new forging technology could avoid hot cracking.
Flavin Adenine Dinucleotide Synthetase 1 Is an Up-regulated Prognostic Marker Correlated With Immune Infiltrates in Breast Cancer
Authors: Zhang Lei , Deng Jia-Peng , Tang Ru , Sun Jia-Yuan , Chi Feng , Wu San-Gang , He Zhen-Yu
Published: February 2021

Background: Flavin adenine dinucleotide synthetase 1 (FLAD1) is a prognostic biomarker in several cancers. This study aimed to identify its effect on survival and potential mechanism in breast cancer (BRCA).Methods: We used the OncoMine, PrognoScan, and UALCAN databases and Kaplan-Meier Plotter to explore FLAD1 expression and survival prognosis in pan-cancer and BRCA. The LinkedOmics database, Gene Ontology-Biological Process (GO-BP), and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways were used for co-expression analyses. The Tumor Immune Estimation Resource, Sangerbox online tools, and the Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis database analyzed the relationship between FLAD1 and cancer immune infiltrates. Results: FLAD1 expression was higher in tumor tissue than adjacent normal tissue in many cancers. Increased FLAD1 expression was correlated with poor overall, relapse-free, and disease-free survival in BRCA. The KEGG pathway and GO-BP analyses showed that FLAD1 expression was correlated to the tRNA metabolic process and mitochondrial gene expression. The DNA mismatch repair (MMR) and methylation status indicated a potential BRCA metastasis mechanism. Immune infiltration was associated with MMR, improved BRCA prognosis, and was negatively associated with FLAD1 expression. High FLAD1 expression led to the down-regulation of macrophages and monocyte infiltration, which might relate to cancer metastasis.Conclusions: FLAD1 expression is higher in BRCA than in normal tissue. High FLAD1 expression was associated with worse survival and might be associated with MMR pathway and immune infiltrations. These results suggest that FLAD1 could serve as a novel biomarker for prognosis and metastasis in BRCA.
Impact of uORFs in mediating regulation of translation in stress conditions
Authors: Moro Simone G. , Hermans Cedric , Ruiz-Orera Jorge , Albà M. Mar
Published: February 2021

Background: A large fraction of genes contain upstream ORFs (uORFs) in the 5' untranslated region (5'UTR). The translation of uORFs can inhibit the translation of the main coding sequence, for example by causing premature dissociation of the two ribosomal units or ribosome stalling. However, it is currently unknown if most uORFs are inhibitory or if this activity is restricted to specific cases. Here we interrogate ribosome profiling data from three different stress experiments in yeast to address this question. Results: By comparing ribosome occupancies in different conditions and experiments we obtain strong evidence that, in comparison to primary coding sequences (CDS), which undergo translational arrest during stress, the translation of uORFs is mostly unaffected by changes in the environment. As a result the relative abundance of uORF-encoded peptides increases during stress. In general, the changes in the translational efficiency of regions containing uORFs do not seem to affect downstream translation. The exception are uORFs found in a subset of genes that are strongly up-regulated at the level of translation during stress; these uORFs tend to be translated at lower levels during stress than in optimal growth conditions, facilitating the translation of the CDS during stress. We find new examples of uORF-mediated regulation of translation, including the Gcn4 functional homologue fil1 and ubi4 genes in S. pombe.Conclusion: We find evidence that the relative amount of uORF-encoded peptides increases during stress. The increased translation of uORFs is however uncoupled from the general CDS translational repression observed during stress. In a subset of genes that encode proteins that need to be rapidly synthesized upon stress uORFs act as translational switches.