bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Análisis productivo de la suplementación con ensilado de maíz en sistemas ganaderos de doble propósito
Authors: Pozo-Leyva Dixan , Chay-Canul Alfonso , López-González Felipe , Cruz-Tamayo Alvar A. , Piñeiro-Vázquez Ángel , Casanova-Lugo Fernando
Published: February 2022

El déﬁcit de forrajes tropicales en la temporada seca requiere de estrategias de alimentación alternas que involucren trasferencia de tecnologías y la conservación de alimentos locales. El objetivo fue evaluar la respuesta animal y el costo beneﬁcio ante raciones mixtas con diferentes niveles de inclusión de ensilado de maíz en sistemas de producción doble propósito del sur de Quintana Roo. Se utilizaron nueve vacas lactantes con 152 días en leche en un diseño experimental de cuadrado latino 3 x 3 por triplicado. Las secuencias de tratamiento fueron asignadas al azar con periodos experimentales de 12 días, el tratamiento uno (T1) estuvo conformado por la inclusión del 15% de ensilado maíz; el T2 por 31%, T3 por un 45%. Se evaluó la producción de leche, peso vivo, condición corporal, la composición química de la leche y la viabilidad económica. La producción de leche promedio fue de 4.4 kg vaca−1 día−1, con un contenido de grasa de 3.3% y proteína cruda de 3.4%. El peso vivo promedio fue de 424.6 kg y la condición corporal de 2.3, manteniéndose constante a lo largo del experimento. Solo se observaron diferencias (P < 0.05) para la condición corporal siendo favorable para T3. La incorporación del ensilado de maíz en un 15, 31 o 45% vaca−1 día−1 en las raciones mixtas de vacas doble propósito que producen 4.4 kg leche−1 día−1 no incrementó la producción de leche, pero si tienen un efecto en los costó total de alimentación.
Morfología de Dasylirion cedrosanum y su correlación con imágenes en localidades del Sureste de Coahuila
Authors: Serafin-Higuera Emir Lenin , Antonio-Bautista Adriana , Benavides-Mendoza Adalberto
Published: February 2022

El procesamiento digital de imágenes es una herramienta que facilita el análisis morfológico. Por lo que, se planteó evaluar las características morfológicas de plantas de sotol usando imágenes digitales. Para esto, se tomaron las variables: altura de la planta, diámetro de cobertura, altura y diámetro del tallo de 10 plantas en cuatro localidades de Coahuila. Además, de fotografías a cada espécimen y se analizaron los datos morfológicos en el programa ImageJ. Utilizando un análisis de regresión lineal y de correlación se realizó una comparación entre los datos medidos de forma manual y digital. Los resultados muestran que las variables determinadas de forma manual tienen correlación positiva y significativa con las variables de las fotografías analizadas digitalmente. El uso de fotografías y del análisis digital es una herramienta de apoyo para caracterizar la morfología y seleccionar las plantas de sotol.
Palliative Care in Patients with Advanced Heart Failure: A Systematic Review
Authors: Fernandes Pedro João , Reis-Pina Paulo
Published: February 2022

Introduction: Heart failure is a disease with survival estimates of around 10% after 10 years of the disease. Being a chronic and debilitatingillness, it is important to investigate the potential efficacy of a palliative care approach for these patients. The aim of this study is to systematically review the efficacy of integrating palliative care in patients with advanced heart failure, including the outcomes overall quality of life and well-being, overall symptom burden and possible specific symptoms, hospital admission rates and mortality.Material and Methods: The MEDLINE, Cochrane, EMBASE and CINAHL databases were searched for articles published between January 2010 and December 2020 about palliative care interventions in patients with heart failure. Clinical studies with humans with symptomatic heart failure were included, comparing the integration of palliative care with usual cardiac care.Results: The search protocol resulted in seven eligible studies for review and qualitative synthesis. The overall risk of bias within studies was moderate to high. Most studies demonstrated improvements with the integration of palliative care in terms of quality of life and reduction of admission rates. The evidence to support a significant improvement in overall symptom burden was not so robust among studies.Conclusion: Palliative care interventions seem, overall, to be significantly effective in patients with heart failure. Future studies with more rigorous study designs are needed, in order, to further develop the role of palliative care in heart failure patients.
Metabolic Profile Correction in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea Depends on the Duration of CPAP Therapy Sessions
Authors: Gorbunova M. V. , Babak S. L. , Rebrova O. Yu. , Karnaushkina M. A. , Malyavin A. G.
Published: February 2022

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common, heterogeneous chronic disease with sleep fragmentation, metabolic and cardiovascular disorders. Continuous Positive Air Pressure (CPAP) therapy is the primary treatment for patients with OSA. However, the effects of long-term CPAP therapy with night sessions > 6 hours remain poorly understood. The aim of the study was to study the effects of different durations of night sessions of CPAP therapy on the “metabolic profile” of patients with severe OSA. Materials and methods. In a retrospective case-control study comparing two CPAP-therapy regimens by matching pairs from among patients with verified severe OSA (apnea-hypopnea index> 30/h), arterial hypertension, obesity of I-II degrees according to the WHO classification (1997), signed informed consent, 2 groups of 18 people each were formed, comparable in age, anthropometric and somnographic indicators, using CPAP therapy 4-6 hours / night and more than 6 hours / night, respectively. Patients received CPAP therapy for a year, visits were carried out at 3, 6 and 12 months. The severity of sleep apnea was verified during nighttime computed somnography (CSG) on WatchPAT-200 hardware (ItamarMedical, Israel) with original software zzzPATTMSW ver. 5.1.77.7 (ItamarMedical, Israel) by registering the main respiratory polygraphic characteristics from 11.00 PM to 7:30 AM. The optimal therapeutic level of CPAP therapy was titrated at home using devices for automatic selection of therapeutic pressure (PR System One REMstar Auto CPAP Machine with A-Flex (Philips Respironics, USA)) within 7 days after the diagnostic study. To assess the compliance of OSA patients at 3-6-12 months of CPAP-therapy, we used the original compliance analysis program Encore Pro v.2.14 (Philips Respironics, USA). Results. With the initial comparability of the groups, by the 3rd month of therapy, patients with CPAP > 6 h/night showed a statistically significant advantage over the patients with 4-6 h CPAP-therapy in ESS, neck circumference and testosterone. By the 6th month, statistically significant differences of BMI, VAI, leptin, oral glucose tolerance test, fasting insulin, HOMA-IR, lipid metabolism (HDL, LDL, triglycerides, Apo-B) appeared. By the 12th month of therapy, the CPAP group > 6 h/night had a statistically significant advantage in waist circumference, fasting blood glucose and uric acid. Differences between groups at control points persisted throughout the observation period. Conclusions. Long-term home-based CPAP therapy with sessions > 6 h/night has an advantage over therapy with sessions 4-6 h/night in achieving a rapid and pronounced improvement in metabolic profile and hormonal levels in patients with severe OSA.
Pain Coping Strategies In Pediatric Patients With Acute Leukemias In The First Month Of Therapy: Effects Of Treatments And Implications On Procedural Analgesia
Authors: Tremolada Marta , Tasso Giulia , Incardona Roberta Maria , Tumino Manuela , Putti Maria Caterina , Biffi Alessandra , Pillon Marta
Published: February 2022

Children with leukaemia experience difficulties adapting to medical procedures and to the chemotherapy’s adverse effects. Study’s objectives were to identify which coping strategies could be associated with the treatments’ factors and with the dosage of sedation analgesic drugs during bone marrow aspirates. 125 patients (M = 6.79 years; SD = 3.40), majority with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (90.4%) and their parents received, one month after diagnosis, the PPCI. Data on the severe treatment effects and on the dosage of drugs in sedation-analgesia were also collected. An ANCOVA model (R2=0.25) showed that, weighing the age factor (F=3.47; df=3; p=0.02), the number of episodes of fever (F=4.78; df=1; p=0.03), nausea (F=4.71; df=1; p=0.03) and mucositis (F=5.81; df=1; p=0.02) influenced the use of distraction. Cognitive self-instructions (R2=0.22) were influenced by the number of hospitalizations (F=5.14; df=1; p=0.03) and mucositis (F=8.48; df=3; p=0.004) and by child’s age (F=3.76; df=3; p=0.01). Children who sought parental support more frequently (F=9.7; df=2; p=0.0001) and who tended not to succumb to a catastrophic attitude (F=13.33; df=2; p=0.001) during the induction treatment phase required lower drug dosages, especially propofol. The clinical application of these results could be to encourage the use of cognitive self-instructions and search for social support.
Potential of Methocinnamox to Treat Opioid Misuse
Authors: Jordan Colleen , Kennalley Amy , Dolma Tenzing , Nemes Kaitlyn , Roberts Alivia , Piper Brian
Published: February 2022

The opioid epidemic is an ongoing public health crisis, and the United States health system is overwhelmed with increasing numbers of opioid-related overdoses. Methocinnamox (MCAM) is a novel mu-opioid receptor antagonist with an extended duration of action and potential to reduce the burden of the opioid epidemic through overdose rescue and could treat opioid use disorder (OUD) long-term. We compared the efficacy and effects of MCAM to the current treatments available to treat OUD including naloxone, naltrexone, methadone, and buprenorphine which have their own limitations including short duration of action, patient non-compliance, and diversion. A literature review was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar databases covering the history of the opioid epidemic, pain receptors, current OUD treatments and the novel drug MCAM. MCAM could potentially be used as both a rescue and long-term treatment for opioid misuse. This is due to its pseudo-irreversible antagonism of the mu opioid receptor, abnormally long duration of action of nearly two weeks, and the possibility of using kappa or delta opioid receptor agonists for pain management during OUD treatment. MCAM’s novel pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties open a new avenue for treating the opioid crisis.
Impact of Biomass Transformation Efficiency on the Energy Consumption Pattern of the Building Sector
Authors: Ebako Joseph
Published: February 2022

The building sector of most tropical countries still use predominantly primary biomass as the principal fuel. This has adverse effects like CO2 emission and deforestation and is associated with issues like poverty, ill-health, and low standard of living. Therefore, energy policies try to improve on the efficiency of firewood and charcoal end-use technologies, to palliate the negative effects. In this research, the global change assessment model (GCAM) is used, to investigate the impact of efficiency improvement on the energy consumption pattern of the building sector of developing countries. The aim of the study is to provide empirical data that would better inform policymakers on the effects of modernizing these primary fuels. The study developed three scenarios with different levels of efficiency improvements. The results show that efficiency improvement rather increases primary biomass consumption and CO2 emission. However, there is a fall in the consumption of traditional biomass in the second half of the modelling period. The increase in biomass-based fuels consumption was seen to be linked to their affordability. Therefore, policymakers need not only elaborate policies that improve biomass efficiency, but also introduce and motivate other clean cooking fuels like butane, biogas, and electricity.
Biosecurity: Bioexclusion And Biocontainment Measures As Effective Poultry Health Management Strategy
Authors: Assefa Behailu
Published: February 2022

Biosecurity is a tool used to alleviate the introduction, emergence and spread of diseases caused by infectious agents. It comprises different health-management activities that need to be followed to reduce the passage and dissemination of infectious agents within and among farms, poultry flocks, and humans, as well as within a country, among countries, or the whole globe. In terms of public health measures, biosecurity applies to practices that will reduce contact between poultry and humans and thereby reduce zoonotic disease transmission. Two of the common biosecurity measures are bioexclusion and biocontainment which themselves are further categorized as segregation/isolation, movement control and hygiene/sanitation/disinfection. Isolation is about putting poultry under an exclusively isolated environment where it lives alone without any interference from any source external to the poultry or at least under reduced and controlled interference. Movement/traffic control and sanitation measures are practices to follow the isolation of poultry or preparatory phase as in the case of sanitation of poultry houses before introduction of poultry. These techniques have been effective in controlling poultry diseases like avian influenza, exotic Newcastle, Marek’s disease, and any other diseases. Depending upon the underlying situation either bioexclusion or biocontainment measure will be used to control these infectious diseases of poultry.
The Prominent Role of Translation Factors, Heat Shock Protein 90-2 and an ABC Transporter Associated to the Resistance of a Maize Line Against Sugarcane Mosaic Virus
Authors: Rodríguez-Gómez Gustavo , Vargas-Mejía Pablo , Silva-Rosales Laura
Published: February 2022

The mosaic disease in maize is caused by Sugarcane mosaic virus (SCMV), a member of the Potyviridae family. The best strategy to cope with viral infections is the use of disease-resistant maize lines. To better understand the resistance response to SCMV, we analyzed differentially expressed genes among a resistant line (CI-RL1), a susceptible line (B73), and the F1 progeny from a cross between both lines using RNA-Seq data. We also analyzed transcript expression pattern clustering to allocate previously reported resistance candidate genes. GO enrichment analysis of biological processes highlighted a strong regulation in ROS detoxification in both the susceptible and resistant lines. The enrichment of cellular components led to the identification of an integral component of the plasma membrane in the RL line. Transcript expression patterns provide evidence of the importance of host translation in virus response, showing the diverse and complex behavior of eIF4E homologs and the presence of eleven eEF1α factors in maize. In addition, we identified two genes putatively implied in long-distance movement: ZmPiezo and ZmPVIP1. Finally, we propose an ABC transporter to be associated with viral resistance.
Application of Biosensors in Cancers, An Overview
Authors: Quazi Sameer
Published: February 2022

The deadliest disease in the world, cancer, kills many people every year. The early detection is the only hope for the survival of malignant cancer patients. As a result, in the preliminary stages of , the diagnosis of cancer biomarkers at the cellular level is critical for improving cancer patient survival rates. For decades, scientists have focused their efforts on the invention of biosensors. Biosensors, in addition to being employed in other practical scenarios, can essentially function as cost effective and highly efficient devices for this purpose. Traditional cancer screening procedures are expensive, time-consuming, and inconvenient for repeat screenings. Biomarker-based cancer diagnosis, on the other hand, is rising as one of the most potential tools for early detection, disease progression monitoring, and eventual cancer treatment. As Biosensor is an analytical device, it allows the selected analyte to bind to the biomolecules being studied (– for example RNA, DNA, tissue, proteins, cells). They can be divided based on the kind of biorecognition or transducer elements on the sensor. Most biosensor analyses necessitate the analyte being labeled with a specific marker. In this review article, the application of distinct variants of biosensors against cancer has been described.
AI-Based Modeling: Techniques, Applications and Research Issues Towards Automation, Intelligent and Smart Systems
Authors: Sarker Iqbal H.
Published: February 2022

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a leading technology of the current age of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (Industry 4.0 or 4IR), with the capability of incorporating human behavior and intelligence into machines or systems. Thus AI-based modeling is the key to building automated, intelligent, and smart systems according to today's needs. To solve real-world issues various types of AI such as analytical, functional, interactive, textual, and visual AI can be applied to enhance the intelligence and capabilities of an application. However, developing an effective AI model is a challenging task due to the dynamic nature and variation in real-world problems and data. In this paper, we present a comprehensive view on "AI-based Modeling" with the principles and capabilities of potential AI techniques that can play an important role in developing intelligent and smart systems in various real-world application areas including business, finance, healthcare, agriculture, smart cities, cybersecurity and many more. We also emphasize and highlight the research issues within the scope of our study. Overall, the goal of this paper is to provide a broad overview of AI-based modeling that can be used as a reference guide by academics and industry people as well as decision-makers in various real-world scenarios and application domains.
Experimental and Theoretical Studies on the Anti-Amyloidogenic and Destabilizing Effects of Pyrogallol Against Human Insulin Protein
Authors: Shouhani Parastoo , Bahramikia Seifollah , Hejazi Seyed Hesam
Published: February 2022

One of the major problems caused by repeated subcutaneous insulin injections in diabetic patients is insulin amyloidosis. Understanding the molecular mechanism of amyloid fibril formation of insulin and finding effective compounds to its inhibit or eliminate is very important and extensive research has been done on it. In this study, the anti-amyloidogenic and destabilizing effects of the pyrogallol, as a phenolic compound, on human insulin protein were investigated by CR absorbance, ThT and ANS fluorescence, FTIR spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy. According to the obtained results, the formation of amyloid fibrils at pH 2.0 and 50 °C was confirmed by CR, ThT, ANS, FTIR assays. Microscopic images also showed the twisted and long structures of amyloid fibrils. Simultaneous incubation of the protein with pyrogallol at different concentrations reduced the intensities of CR, ThT and ANS in a dose-dependent manner and no trace of fibrillar structures was observed in the microscopic images. FTIR spectroscopy also showed that the position of amide I band in the spectrum of samples containing pyrogallol was shifted. Based on the findings in this study, it can be concluded that pyrogallol can be effective in preventing and suppressing human insulin amyloid fibrils.
Outcomes of Nonoperatively Treated Pediatric Supracondylar Humeral Fractures at the Nkhotakota District Hospital, Malawi
Authors: Mlinde Elijah , Amlani Lahin M. , May Collin J. , Banza Leonard N. , Chokotho Linda , Agarwal-Harding Kiran J.
Published: February 2022

Background:

Displaced supracondylar humeral fractures (SCHFs) benefit from closed reduction and percutaneous pinning. In Malawi, many SCHFs are treated nonoperatively because of limited surgical capacity. We sought to assess clinical and functional outcomes of nonoperatively treated SCHFs in a resource-limited setting.

Methods:

We retrospectively reviewed all patients with SCHFs treated at Nkhotakota District Hospital (NKKDH) in Malawi between January 2014 and December 2016. Patients subsequently underwent clinical and functional follow-up assessment.

Results:

We identified 182 children (54% male, mean age of 7 years) with an SCHF; 151 (83%) of the fractures were due to a fall, and 178 (98%) were extension-type (Gartland class distribution: 63 [35%] type I, 52 [29%] type II, and 63 [35%] type III). Four patients with type-I fractures were treated with an arm sling alone, and 59 were treated with straight-arm traction to reduce swelling and then splint immobilization until union. All 119 of the patients with Gartland type-II and III or flexion-type injuries were treated with straight-arm traction, manipulation under anesthesia without fluoroscopy, and then splint immobilization until union. A total of 137 (75%) of the patients were available for follow-up, at a mean of 3.9 years after injury. The Flynn functional outcome was excellent for 39 (95%) with a type-I fracture, 30 (70%) with type-II, and 14 (29%) with type-III. The Flynn cosmetic outcome was excellent for 40 (98%) with a type-I fracture, 42 (98%) with type-II, and 41 (84%) with type-III. Forty (98%) of the children with a type-I fracture, 41 (95%) with type-II, and 32 (65%) with type-III returned to school without limitation. Controlling for sex, delayed presentation, medical comorbidities, injury mechanism, and skin blistering/superinfection during traction, patients with type-II fractures were 5.82-times more likely (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.71 to 19.85) and those with type-III fractures were 9.81-times more likely (95% CI, 3.00 to 32.04), to have a clinical complication or functional limitation compared with patients with type-I fractures.

Conclusions:

Nonoperative treatment of type-III SCHFs resulted in a high risk of clinical complications or functional impairment. These results illustrate the urgent need to increase surgical capacity in low-income countries like Malawi to improve pediatric fracture care.

Level of Evidence:

Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Diet-Related Plumage Erythrism in the Western Tanager and Other Western North American Birds
Authors: Hudon Jocelyn , Pyle Peter
Published: February 2022

Consumption of the berries of two exotic bush honeysuckles (genus Lonicera) containing the red carotenoid pigment rhodoxanthin has resulted in abnormal erythristic plumages in several species of birds in eastern North America. Here we report 12 examples of plumage erythrism in the Western Tanager (Piranga ludoviciana), in both live birds (5) and museum specimens (7), that we suspect have the same etiology. The erythristic tanagers feature overtly orange to red feathers variously scattered on the head, rump, wing coverts, and/or underparts, areas of the plumage normally colored by carotenoid pigments. All were in their year of hatching, so the reddened feathers, including replaced median coverts with orange tips, represent formative plumage grown on or near the breeding grounds where berries containing rhodoxanthin are available. By contrast, adult Western Tanagers undergo body molt primarily in the Mexican monsoon region in fall and on their winter grounds in early spring where bush honeysuckles are nonexistent. We also report examples of Red-breasted Sapsuckers (Sphyrapicus ruber) with anomalous red pigmentation on their backs and of Cedar Waxwings (Bombycilla cedrorum) with orange tail bands, as previously documented in the East. In these species, the reddened areas are typically yellow or green, colors based on carotenoid pigments that can be altered through the consumption of fruits containing rhodoxanthin. We conclude that these reddened feathers are the result of the consumption of honeysuckle berries or possibly the red arils of the Pacific Yew (Taxus brevifolia), representing a first report of diet-related erythrism in western North America.
Nonlinear suboptimal attitude control law for near-space hypersonic vehicle: Eigenvalue analysis and weight matrices design
Authors: Mi Peichao , Wu Qingxian , Wang Yuhui
Published: February 2022

This paper considers a nonlinear suboptimal control problem for a near-space hypersonic vehicle's (NSHV's) attitude dynamics. The least-square and stable manifold methods first solve an unconstrained approximately optimal control law corresponding to the nonlinear attitude model. Then, to further meet the dynamic performance requirement of the attitude control system, a novel strategy based on the Koopman operator, symplectic geometric theory, and the stable manifold theorem is proposed to approximate the eigenvalues of the closed-loop nonlinear unconstrained approximated optimal control system. The weight matrices in the optimal performance index, which directly determine the output responses of the nonlinear attitude dynamics, can be appropriately designed according to the eigenvalues. The final control law considers the actuator constraints. The NSHV's closed-loop attitude control system is proved to be locally exponentially stable, and the suboptimality of the control law is analyzed. Numerical simulation demonstrates the effectiveness of the proposed scheme.
Idealization of rough sets and medical applications in decision-making the impact factors of COVID-19 infections and heart attacks
Authors: Hosny Mona
Published: February 2022

Rough set theory is a mathematical technique to address the issues of uncertainty and vagueness in knowledge. It relies mainly on two approximations namely, lower and upper approximations which are used to study the boundary region and accuracy measure. Ideal is considered as a crucial research of extension this theory. As, it is efficacious tool to dispose of vagueness and uncertainties by helping us to approximate the rough set in a more general manner, accurate and increase the accuracy measure. Minimizing the boundary region is one of the pivotal and substantial themes for studying the rough sets which consequently aims to maximize the accuracy measure. Ideal is one of the effective and successful followed methods to achieve this goal perfectly. So, the object through this work is to present new methods in rough set via ideals. Moreover, these methods are also based on the maximal right neighborhood generated by binary relations not similarity relations as in the previous studies. Accordingly, the present techniques are extended the applications fields of the rough sets. As, the similarity relations do not always hold in many real-life applications and consequently this restriction limits the wide applications of this set as it is shown in the end of this paper. Some important characteristics of these methods are scrutinized and demonstrated that they are generated accuracy measures greater and higher than the former ones in the other approaches. Afterwards, it is elucidated that the corresponding upper and lower approximations, boundary regions, accuracy measures and roughness measures are monotonic. Finally, two medical applications are introduced to show the significance of utilizing the ideals in the proposed methods and how it plays an intrinsical and a substantial role in the decision making problems. It enables us to decide the impact factors of COVID-19 infections and heart attacks. As, it handles any imperfect data in symptoms of the diseases and this automatically makes the diagnosis of patients easily and perfectly. Consequently, this help the medical staff to make a precise decision about the diagnosis of patients
A comparative investigation of using microbial- and CO2-induced carbonate minerals in sustainable soil Improvement
Authors: Zangani Alireza , keykha hamed Abdeh , Romiani Hadi Mohamadzadeh , Asadi Afshin , Kawasaki Satoru , Radmanesh Niloofar
Published: February 2022

The structure and shape of carbonate crystals formed by microbial activity and carbon dioxide reaction were investigated in this work. The mineral carbonates treated sandy soil was subsequently determined using unconfined compression tests (UCS). Sporoscarcina pasteurii bacteria were used to produce an aqueous solution of free carbonate ions (CO32-) under laboratory circumstances called microbial-induced carbonate precipitation (MICP). In CO2- induced carbonate precipitation, carbon dioxide was added to a sodium hydroxide solution to form free carbonate ions (CO32-) (CICP). Different carbonate mineral compositions were then provided by adding Fe2+, Mg2+, and Ca2+ ions to carbonate ions (CO32-). In the MICP and CICP procedures, the results of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) revealed a distinct morphology of carbonate minerals. Vaterite (CaCO3), siderite (FeCO3), magnesium carbonate hydrate, or Nesquehonite (MgCO3 (H2O) 3) and dolomite (CaMg(CO3)2) were produced in MICP. Calcite (CaCO3), siderite (FeCO3), magnesium carbonate hydrate or Nesquehonite (MgCO3 (H2O) 3), and high-Mg calcite (CaMg(CO3)2) were produced in CICP. The results of UCS showed that siderite and high-Mg calcite /dolomite had more efficiency in soil strength. The lowest value of strength was related to magnesium carbonate hydrate treated soils. Mineral-treated soils in CICP showed a slightly higher UCS strength than MICP, which could be attributable to greater crystal particle sizes and particle interlocking.
A Survey of Multidisciplinary Healthcare Providers Utilizing The Knowintegrativeoncology.Org Educational Platform
Authors: Green Jen , Wright Heather , Seely Dugald , Legacy Mark , Anderson Maureen , Armstrong Hallie , Martell Casey , Soles Sarah , Balneaves Lynda G.
Published: February 2022

Background: Although the vast majority of cancer patients use natural health products (NHPs), 59% of oncology healthcare providers (HCP) report not receiving any education on NHPs. KNOWintegrativeoncology.org (KNOW) is a web-based educational platform that provides up-to-date evidence on NHPs used in cancer care with a user-friendly interface. KNOW is a database of human studies systematically gathered from MEDLINE and EMBASE. We surveyed HCPs before and after accessing KNOW to identify their information needs regarding NHPs in cancer care, their preferred way to receive information, barriers they face accessing NHP information, and to obtain feedback on the website. Methods: Recruitment was done through Beaumont Health Systems, the Society for Integrative Oncology, and the Andrew Weil Centre for Integrative Medicine, University of Arizona. HCPs who consented completed an initial survey and then a follow-up survey after being given access to KNOW for 4-6 weeks. Participants were required to access KNOW at least three times before completion of the follow-up survey. Results: A total of 65 participants completed the initial survey, with 60% (n=39) from the conventional medical community, 33% (n=21) from the integrative medicine community, and 7% (n=5) from the research community. The majority of participants (82%; n=53) preferred educational websites to email updates, podcasts/webinars, in-house experts, PubMed searches and smartphone apps. The most common barriers identified to accessing information on NHPs were time, accessibility at point-of-care, and credibility of sources. A high number of participants were lost to follow up, with 18 participants demographically representative of the initial sample of 65 completing the follow-up survey. Half (n=9) of participants stated accessing the KNOW website changed their clinical practice. Close to 90% (n=16) reported they would recommend KNOW to a colleague. Conclusion: The majority of oncology HCPs prefer to use, and already rely on, numerous web-based educational platforms to gather information on NHPs, with time, accessibility, and credibility being common barriers to obtaining information. Our study results indicate that KNOW helped reduce some of these barriers and HCPs were highly satisfied with the resource. KNOW is a comprehensive, easy-to-use web-based educational resource to access up-to-date research on NHPs in cancer care.
Barriers and facilitators of nutrient intake efficiency in Iran(a new perspective on food waste management)
Authors: Pakravan Mohammad Reza , Flora Cornelia
Published: February 2022

BackgroundPaying particular attention to sustainable food consumption in low-income households is essential ‎for reducing food waste. Due to the growing population globally, this concept will likely become more ‎serious soon. MethodsFollowing the importance of optimizing food consumption for ‎sustainability, in this study, a novel methodology is introduced for calculating nutrient intake ‎efficiency and determining the kind of choosing food to minimize food waste in ‎different locations. Also, the impact of socio-economic factors on nutrition efficiency was assessed. ‎Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) and a Tobit model are used to achieve the goals. Household ‎Consumption and Expenditure Surveys (HCES) of 30,000 rural and urban Iranian households were ‎used in all provinces in 2016. Finally, the Nutrient Efficiency Map (NEM) of Iran was depicted by GIS ‎software. ResultsThe results showed that many townships had nutrient efficiency scores of less than 70%. ‎Northeast townships had the lowest scores, with an efficiency score of less than 50%. ‎Overall, townships have lower efficiency in the North (seaside cities), East (desert cities), and North ‎East (isolated cities) compared with other areas.Conclusions Therefore, it is suggestible that the government ‎should modify the support policies and the protection packages based on social, geographical ‎, and cultural status.
Planning and Developing a Web-Based Intervention for Active Surveillance in Prostate Cancer; An Integrated Self-Care Programme for Managing Psychological Distress
Authors: Hughes Stephanie , Kassianos Angelos P. , Everitt Hazel , Stuart Beth , Band Rebecca
Published: February 2022

Objectives:To outline the planning, development and optimisation of a psycho-educational behavioural intervention for patients on active surveillance for prostate cancer. The intervention aimed to support men manage active surveillance related psychological distress.Methods:The person-based approach (PBA) was used as the overarching guiding methodological framework for intervention development. Evidence-based methods were incorporated to improve robustness. The process comprised of the following four components:· A systematic review and meta-analysis of depression and anxiety in prostate cancer· A cross-sectional survey on depression and anxiety in active surveillance· A review of existing interventions in the field· A qualitative study with the target audienceThe purpose of this paper is to bring these components together and describe how they facilitated the establishment of key guiding principles and a logic model, which underpinned the first draft of the intervention.Results:The prototype intervention, named PROACTIVE, consists of six internet-based sessions run concurrently with three group support sessions. The sessions cover the following topics: lifestyle (diet and exercise), relaxation and resilience techniques, talking to friends and family, thoughts and feelings, daily life (money and work), and includes information about prostate cancer and active surveillance.Conclusions:The planning and development process is key to successful delivery of an appropriate, accessible and acceptable intervention. The PBA strengthened the intervention by drawing on target-user experiences to maximise acceptability and user engagement. This meticulous description in a clinical setting using this rigorous but flexible method is a useful demonstration for others developing similar interventions.Trial registration and ethical approval:NRES Committee South Central – Oxford A. REC reference: 11/SC/0355IRAS project ID: 83650
The Cutoff Value and Prognosis of Anti-PLA2R for Idiopathic Membranous Nephropathy: A Single- Center Retrospective Study From China
Authors: Guo Hongxia , Yao Yao , Zhou Jiansuo , Wang Song , Wang Yue , Zheng Danxia
Published: February 2022

Background：Analyzing the antibody level of anti-phospholipase A2 receptor (anti-PLA2R) with idiopathic membrane nephropathy (IMN) and its correlation with clinical parameters and prognosis, and to explore optimal cut-off value for Chinese patients. Methods All hospitalized patients with renal biopsy from April 2017 to November 2019 in Peking University Third Hospital whose clinical and pathological characteristics were analyzed, and the level of serum PLA2R antibodies was detected using the method of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Result: The sensitivity, specificity, and Youden index of anti-PLA2R in the diagnosis of IMN in the Chinese patients were 85.7%, 88.3%, and 0.740 for the 2.5 RU/ml cut-off value; 77.8%, 96.0%, and 0.737 for the 6.3RU/ml cutoff value, respectively. The area under the ROC curve was 0.916. Compared with the high titer group, the low titer group had a higher serum albumin level (p=0.016), a lower cholesterol level (p=0.025) and a lower low density lipoprotein cholesterol (p=0.010). Multivariable Cox regression analysis showed that just immunosuppressive therapy (adjusted HR=4.656, 95 % CI 1.461-14.839, p=0.006) was associated with higher remission rate of IMN patients. Conclusion: The best cutoff for ELISA method to detect anti-PLA2R antibodies in IMN patients is probably much lower (around 2-7 RU/ml) than that indicated by the manufacturer. The cut-off value of 6.3 RU/ml could get a higher sensitivity and not a lower specificity. If the IMN patients were treated actively, they maybe can get better prognosis.
Diversity Analysis of Rhizosphere Soil Microbial Population Structure and Screening and Identification of Dominant Salt-Tolerant Strains of JunCao"Oasis No. 1"
Authors: Xiao ZhiQi , Lin ZhanXi
Published: February 2022

Purpose: As a newly cultivated grass species widely used in saline-alkali soil treatment, Juncao"Oasis No.1" can effectively enhance the microbial population abundance in saline-alkali soil. It has a good effect on improving saline-alkali soil.Methods: In order to further study the microbial community in the rhizosphere soil of Juncao"Oasis No.1" , the dominant strains with important ecological value were screened out. In this paper, soil samples were collected from saline-alkali soil planted with Juncao"Oasis No. 1" and unplanted Juncao"Oasis No. 1", and the microbial populations were sequenced by 16SrDNA high-throughput sequencing, in order to identify the difference of microbial population, the dominant bacteria in rhizosphere soil of Juncao"Oasis No. 1" was selected, and the dominant bacteria with important ecological value were isolated and cultured and identified by Colony PCR.Results: The results showed that Pseudomonas fluorescens and Bacillus thuringiensis. were the dominant strains with important ecological value in rhizosphere soil of Juncao"Oasis No.1" . After isolation and culture, Colony PCR identification showed that the dominant strain was successfully isolated and cultured.Conclusions: In this paper, the dominant strains with important ecological value in rhizosphere soil of Juncao" Oasis No. 1" were screened and cultured, which provided theoretical basis for the improvement of saline-alkali soil by using Juncao"Oasis No. 1", it is of great guiding significance.
Theoretical study of the influence of heteroatoms (N, B, Si) on the interaction of aluminum and iron clusters with a carbon graphene-like plane
Authors: Demianenko Eugeniy , Terets Mariia , Ushakova Liudmyla , Zhuravskyi Serhii , Sementsov Yurii , Lobanov Viktor , Filonenko Oksana , Kuts Volodymyr , Kartel Mykola
Published: February 2022

Metal composites modified with various heteroatoms, such as N, B, Si, are used to obtain matrix composites with specifie parameters with the strongest adhesion-cohesion bonds between metal atoms and carbon nanoparticles. Such functionalized heteroatoms carbon nanoparticles are promising for metal composites.The aim of the study was to determine the effect of temperature on the chemical interaction of aluminum and iron clusters with native, boron-, silicon- and nitrogen-containing graphene-like planes (GLP).The values of the energy effect of reactions (ΔEreact) of Al2 and Fe2 dimers with native and modified GLP, as well as the dependence of their free Gibbs energy on temperature are calculated. The highest positive value of the energy effect of the reaction of the native graphene-like plane was set for the aluminum dimer.The energy effect of the reactions between GLP C22B2H12 and the dimer Fe2 and is ‑210.5 kJ/mol. The energy effect of the reactions between GLP C22B2H12 and dimer Al2 is much smaller (‑2.4 kJ/mol). For the interaction of GLP C22N2H12 with dimers Al2 and Fe2, the energy effect of the reaction in the result of calculations: ‑100.4 and ‑94.6 kJ/mol, respectively.For silicon carbide cluster with dimers Al2 and Fe2, they turned out to be exothermic with energy effects of ‑25.1 and ‑136.6 kJ/mol, respectively. In addition, of all the cases considered, for the interaction of GLP C22N2H12 with Al2, the curve of the Gibbs free energy of the reaction on temperature is below the curve for the iron dimer.
Phenotypic and Start Codon Targeted (SCoT) polymorphism reveals the genetic variation of Crataegus bretschneideri C. K. Schneid. and related species in China
Authors: Zhang Xiao , Sun Xinyu , Wang Jian , Xue Miliao , Sun Chao , Dong Wenxuan
Published: February 2022

Crataegus bretschnesideri C. K. Schneid. originated in Northeast China, it has excellent characteristics of cold resistance and early maturity. However, the taxonomic status of C. bretschnesideri has been controversial due to the intra-specific hybridization and apomixes. Comparative assessment of phenotypic and molecular evaluations used to explore genetic diversity of C. bretschneideri and relative species. Qualitative and quantitative traits of C. bretschneideri and relative species were evaluated. Genetic diversity and population structure of several Crataegus species were analyzed by thirteen reported and five newly designed SCoT markers. Leaf traits of Crataegus had a higher Shannon-wiener index than fruit and flower traits; Fruit contained diverse traits among seven Crataegus species by principal component analysis. SCoT markers amplified 148 polymorphic bands with 94.87% polymorphic loci. Crataegus individuals clustered into five clades, and C. bretschneideri had a closer relationship with C. pinnatifida Bge. and C. hupehensis Sarg.. Population structure suggested that investigated the mixed gene pool appeared in C. bretschneideri. There had variation among Crataegus species, and part of the C. bretschneideri individuals may be a hybrid origin compared to the phenotypic and molecular evaluations. Newly designed SCoT markers were practical for Crataegus diversity analyses.
The Value of Whole-tumor CT Texture Analysis as a Quantitative Biomarker in the Identification of Solid Renal Tumors
Authors: Meng Xiaoyan , Li Shichao , Feng Cui , Hu Daoyu , li Zhen , Niu Yonghua
Published: February 2022

Background: Renal tumors are very common in the urinary system. Preoperative diagnosis for the renal tumor is very important for postoperative prognosis evaluation, surgical method selection, and follow-up observation. This study was to evaluate the value of the whole-tumor CT texture analysis for identification of solid renal tumors without hemorrhage, necrotic or cystic changes.Methods: 128 patients were included and successfully performed contrast-enhanced CT examinations. All cases were pathologically confirmed. The whole-tumor texture analysis was performed by manually drawn the whole tumor layer by layer, and texture parameters were recorded. The independent-sample t test and Mann-Whitney U test were used to compare the differences, and the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to determine the diagnostic efficiency.Results: With the ROC analysis, 75th, inhomogeneity, and kurtosis provided better diagnostic performance for discriminating ccRCC from chRCC in the arterial phase than those in venous phase (p＜0.05). The entropy performed excellent performance in discriminating ccRCC from chRCC. Kurtosis and entropy performed high sensitivity (91%) and moderate specificity (74%) in discriminating RO from chRCC in the arterial phase. The inhomogeneity of ccRCC was significantly higher than that of RO (p＜0.05), while other parameters showed limited help. Conclusions: The whole-tumor CT texture analysis could be a useful tool for discriminating solid renal tumor, while provided limited help in distinguishing RO from ccRCC which without hemorrhage, necrotic or cystic changes.
Adiponectin ameliorates GMH-induced brain injury by regulating microglia M1/M2 polarization via AdipoR1/APPL1/AMPK/PPARγ signaling pathway in neonatal rats
Authors: Duan Chuanzhi , Xu Ningbo , Li Xifeng , Weng Jun , Wei Chunhua , He Zhenyan , Doycheva Desislava Met , Lenahan Cameron , Tang Wenhui , Zhou Jian , Liu Yanchao , Xu Qiang , Liu Yahong , He Xuying , Tang Jiping , Zhang John H
Published: February 2022

Adiponectin (APN), a fat-derived plasma hormone, is a classic anti-inflammatory agent. Multiple studies have demonstrated the beneficial role of APN in acute brain injury, but the effect of APN in Germinal matrix hemorrhage (GMH) is unclear, and the underlying molecular mechanisms remain largely undefined. In the current study, we used a GMH rat model with rh-APN treatment, and we observed that APN demonstrated a protective effect on neurological function and an inhibitory effect on neuroinflammation after GMH. To further explore the underlying mechanisms of these effects, we found that the expression of Adiponectin receptor 1 (AdipoR1) primarily colocalized with microglia and neurons in brain. Moreover, AdiopR1, but not AdipoR2, were largely increased in GMH rats. Meanwhile, further investigation showed that APN treatment promoted AdipoR1/APPL1-mediated AMPK phosphorylation, and further increased peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) expression and induced microglial M2 polarization to reduce neuroinflammation and enhance hematoma resolution in GMH rats. Importantly, either knock down of AdipoR1, APPL1, or LKB1, or specific inhibition of AMPK/ PPARγ signaling in microglia abrogated the protective effect of APN after GMH in rats. In all, we propose that APN works as a potential therapeutic agent to ameliorate the inflammatory response following GMH by enhancing the M2 polarization of microglia via AdipoR1/APPL1/AMPK/PPARγ signaling pathway, ultimately attenuating inflammatory brain injury induced by hemorrhage.
Establishment of a rapid and highly effective recycling system for production embryos in 'Chardonnay'
Authors: hao xinyi , Ya Rong , Zhang Tianyue , Kang Benyu , Zhao Ruocen , Xu Weirong
Published: February 2022

Somatic embryo regeneration is an important pathway for mass propagation of grape plants and the basis for grape transgenic technology. The aim of the present study was to establish of a rapid and highly effective recycling system for production embryos in 'Chardonnay'. The white grapevine cultivars 'Chardonnay' was used for the research. Cultured on different media, found that MC and PIV media were beneficial to callus formation of embryonic with 8.60% and 39.52% induction rates, respectively. For cyclic induction of somatic embryos, the CIM medium was conducive to callus formation with 8.33% induction rates. The different concentrations of melatonin on the induction efficiency in somatic embryogenesis and found only MEL2 medium appeared somatic embryos with 5.06% induction rate. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed that the round spherical granules with full texture and structure were mostly beneficial to callus tissue formation. The study on the cyclic induction of cotyledons, hypocotyls and radicles of somatic embryos showed that the callus induction rate of over 80% of cotyledons and hypocotyls. The reuse abilities of normal embryo (NE), embryo axis elongation embryo (ECE), vitrification embryo (VE) and cotyledon fusion embryo (FCE) were different on somatic embryo cycle induction. Both NE and FCE were induced to form embryonic callus tissue with 8.42% and 4.44% of induction rates, respectively. The results have developed a rapid and highly effective protocol for establishment of a recycling system for production of cyclic embryos in 'Chardonnay'.