bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mesalamine and Cholestyramine for Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Mediated Diarrhea and Colitis
Authors: Dutra Barbara , Khurana Shruti , Jacob Jake S. , Altan Melmet , Wang Jianbo , Zhao Dan , Varatharajalu Krishnavathana , Alasadi Mazen , Thomas Anusha S. , Wang Yinghong
Published: May 2022

Purpose: Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) are effective against various malignancies. However, adverse events including diarrhea and colitis can lead to significant morbidity and mortality. Recommendations include steroids and biologic treatment. Given their associated risks, this study evaluated the role of non-immunosuppressive agents e.g. mesalamine and or cholestyramine in the management of diarrhea and colitis.Methods: This is a retrospective, descriptive, single-center study of adults who developed ICI diarrhea and colitis between 2010 through 2020 at MD Anderson Cancer Center. Clinical data and outcomes were compared between those treated with the non-immunosuppressive therapies mesalamine and/or cholestyramine alone versus those who received additional immunosuppression with steroids and biologics.Results: Our sample comprised 66 patients wherein, the mean age was 63 years, 71% were male, and 97% had stage III /IV cancers. Fourteen patients were treated successfully with non-immunosuppressive therapy. They had grade 1-3 diarrhea and 1-2 colitis with no difference in rate of histologic colitis compared to those who received immunosuppressive therapy. They had less CTLA-4 inhibitor-based therapy (36% vs 73%, P=0.034), delayed onset of symptoms (159 vs 64 days, P=0.011), lower fecal calprotectin levels (56 vs 234, P= 0.012) and were more likely to resume ICI therapy (64% vs 25%, P=0.006). Conclusion: Mesalamine and/or cholestyramine may be effective for mild ICI diarrhea and colitis among patients with delayed symptom onset with lower colonic inflammatory burden. Prospective studies randomizing patients with mild colitis between mesalamine/cholestyramine and immunosuppressive treatment are warranted to assess their efficacy and safety.
Long-lasting impact of sugar intake on neurotrophins and neurotransmitters from adolescence to young adulthood in rat frontal cortex
Authors: Spagnuolo Maria Stefania , Mazzoli Arianna , Nazzaro Martina , Troise Antonio Dario , Gatto Cristina , Tonini Claudia , Colardo Mayra , Segatto Marco , Scaloni Andrea , Pallottini Valentina , Iossa Susanna , Cigliano Luisa
Published: May 2022

The detrimental impact of fructose, a widely used sweetener in industrial foods, was previously evidenced on various brain regions. Although adolescents are among the highest consumers of sweet foods, whether brain alterations induced by the sugar intake during this age persist until young adulthood or are rescued returning to a healthy diet remains largely unexplored. To shed light on this issue, adolescent rats were fed with a fructose-rich or control diet for 3 weeks. At the end of the treatment, fructose-fed rats underwent a control diet for a further 3 weeks until young adulthood phase, and compared with animals that received from the beginning the healthy control diet. We focused on the consequences induced by the sugar on the main neurotrophins and neurotransmitters in the frontal cortex, as its maturation continues until late adolescence, thus being the last brain region to achieve a full maturity. We here outline that fructose intake induces inflammation and oxidative stress, alteration of mitochondrial function, changes of brain derived neurothrophic factor (BDNF) and neurotrophin receptors, synaptic proteins, acetylcholine, dopamine and glutamate levels, as well as increased formation of the glycation end-products Nε-carboxymethyllysine (CML) and Nε-carboxyethyllysine (CEL). Importantly, many of these alterations (BDNF, CML, CEL, acetylcholinesterase activity, dysregulation of neurotransmitters levels) persisted after switching to control diet, thus pointing out to the adolescence as a critical phase, in which extreme attention should be devoted to limit excessive consumption of sweet foods that can affect brain physiology also in the long term.
Understanding the subjective experience of long-term remote measurement technology use for symptom tracking in people with depression: A multisite, longitudinal qualitative analysis
Authors: White Katie , Dawe-Lane Erin , Siddi Sara , Lamers Femke , Simblett Sara , Alacid Gemma Riquelme , Ivan Alina , Myin-Germeys Inez , Haro Josep , Oetzmann Carolin , Popat Priya , Rintala Aki , Rubio Elena , Wykes Til , Member Patient Advisory Board , Henderson Claire , Hotopf Matthew , Matcham Faith
Published: May 2022

Background
Remote Measurement Technologies (RMTs) have the potential to revolutionise major depressive disorder (MDD) disease management by offering the ability to assess, monitor and predict symptom changes. However, the promise of RMT data depends heavily on sustained user engagement over extended periods of time. Here we report a longitudinal qualitative study of the subjective experience of people with MDD engaging with RMTs, to provide insight into system usability and user experience and to provide the basis for future promotion of RMT use in research and clinical practice.
Objective
We aimed to understand the subjective experience of long-term engagement with RMTs, through qualitative data collected throughout a longitudinal study of RMTs in MDD. The objectives were (1) to explore key themes associated with long-term RMT use, and (2) to identify recommendations for future system engagement.
Methods
In this multisite, longitudinal qualitative research study, 124 semi-structured interviews were conducted with 99 participants across the United Kingdom, Spain, and The Netherlands at 3-month, 12-month, and 24-month timepoints during a study exploring RMT use (the Remote Assessment of Disease and Relapse- Major Depressive Disorder study). Data was analysed using thematic analysis; interviews were audio recorded, transcribed, and coded in the native language, with resulting quotes translated into English.
Results
There were five main themes regarding the subjective experience of long-term RMT use: 1) research-related factors, 2) utility of RMTs for self-management, 3) technology-related factors, 4) clinical-related factors, and 5) system amendments and additions.
Conclusions
The subjective experience of long-term RMT use can be considered from two main perspectives: a) experiential factors (how participants construct their experience of engaging with RMTs), and b) system factors (direct engagement with the technologies). A set of recommendations based on these strands is proposed, for both future research and the real-world implementation of RMTs into clinical practice. Future exploration of experiential engagement with RMTs will be key to successful use of RMTs in clinical care.
Fine needle aspiration is not a risk factor for cervical lymph node metastasis or prognostic factor in papillary thyroid microcarcinoma: A propensity score-matched analysis
Authors: Ding Min , Zhao Zhi-Feng , Xu Dan , Lin Ting-Yu , Shen Dong-Jie , Xie Rong-Li , Fei Jian
Published: May 2022

Background
Ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration (UGFNA) has been widely used in clinical practice. Many patients may still worry about UGFNA-related metastasis. The aim of this article was to analyze the potential association between UGFNA and cervical lymph node metastasis (CLNM) of papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) and whether UGFNA influences the long-term prognosis of PTMC.
Methods
A total of 367 adult patients with PTMC who underwent thyroidectomy in our hospital between January 2014 and December 2015 were enrolled in this retrospective cohort study. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to explore the potential risk factors for CLNM. Propensity score (PS)-based 1:1 nearest neighbor matching was performed to select patients with homogeneous baseline characteristics. Then, the rate of CLNM was compared between matched samples with chi-square (χ2) tests. Survival analysis was performed with the Kaplan–Meier method in the PS-matched cohort. The recurrence-free survival (RFS) rate was compared between groups with the log-rank test.
Results
Multivariate analysis showed that male sex (OR = 3.997, 95% CI 2.148 ~ 7.439, P < 0.01) and larger tumor size (OR = 2.319, 95% CI 1.285 ~ 4.186, P < 0.01) were independent risk factors for CLNM. Younger age (< 55 years, OR = 1.809, 95% CI 0.937 ~ 3.492, P > 0.05), capsular invasion (OR = 1.218, 95% CI 0.415 ~ 3.572, P > 0.05), multifocality (OR = 1.949, 95% CI 0.905 ~ 4.196, P > 0.05) and Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) (OR = 0.824, 95% CI 0.401 ~ 1.696, P > 0.05) were not independent risk factors for CLNM. In the PS-matched cohort, the CLNM rate showed no significant difference between the UGFNA and non-UGFNA groups (29.5% vs. 23.7%, P > 0.05). With a median follow-up of 63.8 months (range 3.1–84.9 months), the 5-year cumulative RFS rate was 99.3% in the UGFNA group and 97.7% in the non-UGFNA group. After PS matching, the Kaplan–Meier curves showed no significant differences between groups (P > 0.05).
Conclusions
UGFNA is a very safe diagnostic tool that does not influence the CLNM rate or long-term prognosis of patients with PTMC. The fear of UGFNA-related metastasis should not deter UGFNA of the thyroid.
Evaluation of systolic function using global longitudinal strain in isolated obese and overweight people
Authors: Bayat Fariba , Khani Mohammad , Hooshmand Elham
Published: May 2022

Purpose
There are scarce investigations regarding the effect of obesity on left ventricular systolic function in absence of other risk factors. This study aimed to identify the global longitudinal strain (GLS) changes in isolated overweight and obese people in absence of other risk factors.
Method
A total of 60 obese people, 30 overweight, and 30 healthy controls were included in the study. Echocardiographic findings including apical 2-, 3- and 4-chamber GLS, GLS total, left ventricular (LV) diameter, interventricular septum thickness, and PAP were measured and compared between the three groups.
Results
Analyses showed that LV diameter in healthy controls was significantly lower compared to overweight (P = 0.02) and obese (P < 0.0001) participants. Also, the interventricular septal thickness was significantly increased in overweight (P = 0.007) and obese (P < 0.0001) individuals compared to participants with normal BMI. The mean and standard deviation (Mean ± SD) of total GLS values were − 22.29% ± 1.89% for normal weight, -22.09% ± 1.91% for overweight, and − 19.88% ± 2.34% for obese individuals. The total GLS of obese participants was significantly lower than overweight and normal controls (P < 0.0001). It was observed that the GLS values were significantly lower in people with BMI higher than 40. The mean ± SD of total GLS values were − 20.68% (1.84%) for BMI ≤ 40 patients, and − 18.51% (2.52%) for BMI > 40 patients.
Conclusion
All GLS values had a moderately strong correlation with BMI values. Subclinical LV dysfunction was detected in overweight people in addition to obese subjects.
SFI, a sex hormone binding globulin based nomogram for predicting non-alcoholic fatty liver in the Chinese population
Authors: Hua Xiaomin , Zhang Heping , Yang Wenru , Liu Guotao , Zhang Suhua , Wang Yingcui
Published: May 2022

Background: The purpose of this study is to establish a novel nomogram model for accurate detection of NAFLD in the Chinese population based on sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) and other routine laboratory tests.Methods: A total of 1417 participants (1003 testing and 414 validations) were enrolled into the study. Risk factors independently associated with NAFLD were identified and incorporated in the new nomogram, SFI. The performance of nomogram was assessed by analysis of receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, calibration curve, and decision curve.Results: We formulated a new nomogram incorporating four independent factors: SHBG, body mass index (BMI), ALT/AST, and triglycerides (TG). The nomogram achieved good indexes of area under ROC 0.898 (95% confidence interval 0.865–0.926) in predicting NAFLD, which was significantly superior to previously reported models of FLI, HSI, LFS, and LAP. The calibration curve and decision curve demonstrated high performance and clinical utility of the nomogram in predicting NAFLD.Conclusions: The nomogram SFI has high performance in predicting NAFLD in Chinese population and may be used as a cost-effective screening model to assess NAFLD in the general population.
Identification of potential hub genes of gastric cancer
Authors: Zhou Xu-dong , Qu Ya-Wei , Wang Li , Jia Fu-hua , Chen Peng , Wang Yin-pu , Liu Hai-Feng
Published: May 2022

Background
Gastric cancer (GC) is a malignant tumor originated from gastric mucosa epithelium. It is the third leading cause of cancer mortality in China. The early symptoms are not obvious. When it is discovered, it has developed to the advanced stage, and the prognosis is poor. In order to screen for potential genes for GC development, this study obtained GSE118916 and GSE109476 from the GEO database for bioinformatics analysis.
Methods
First, GEO2R was used to identify differentially expressed genes (DEG) and the functional annotation of DEGs was performed by GO and KEGG analysis. The STRING tool was used to construct protein-protein interaction network and the most important modules and hub genes were mined. RT-qPCR assay was performed to verify the expression level of hub genes.
Results
A total of 139 DEGs were identified. The functional changes of DEGs are mainly concentrated in the cytoskeleton, extracellular matrix and collagen synthesis. Eleven genes were identified as core genes. Bioinformatics analysis shows that the core genes are mainly enriched in many processes related to cell adhesion and collagen.
Conclusions
In summary, the DEGs and hub genes found in this study may be potential diagnostic and therapeutic targets.
Effect of Blood Pressure Level at Admission on In-Hospital Case-Fatality Rate in Patients with Aortic Dissection
Authors: Gao Bo , Chu Mengting , Song Bo
Published: May 2022

Objective: To observe the correlation between the blood pressure level at admission in patients with aortic dissection and the in-hospital case-fatality rate. Methods: A retrospective analysis was carried out on the clinical data of 580 aortic dissection patients (198 cases of Stanford type A aortic dissection and 382 cases of Stanford type B aortic dissection) who were hospitalized in our hospital from 2011 to 2018. According to the level of blood pressure at admission, the patients were assigned into five groups: group A (90-119/60-79 mmHg, n=107), group B (120-139/80-90 mmHg, n=121), group C (140-159/90-99 mmHg, n=140), group D (160-179/100-109 mmHg, n=107) and group E (≥180 mmHg, n=105). The number of cases of different types of aortic dissections, treatment methods and number of deaths at discharge were recorded in each group. Results: No statistically significant differences in the sex, and histories of smoking, drinking, hypertension and diabetes were observed among the five groups (p>0.05). Group A exhibited higher proportions of patients with Stanford type A aortic dissection and Marfan syndrome, a younger mean age of patients, a lower heart rate of patients at admission and more cases of surgical treatment than the other groups (p<0.01). The proportions of cases of pain at admission, Stanford type B aortic dissection and interventional therapy in groups D and E were higher than those in the other groups (p<0.01). Of 580 inpatients, there were 87 (15%) cases of death, and the in-hospital case-fatality rate in group A was higher than that in the other groups (p<0.01). Group E had a lower in-hospital case-fatality rate than groups A, B, C and D (p<0.05), and the differences among the latter three groups were statistically significant (p<0.05). Therefore, the in-hospital case-fatality rate declined with the increase in the level of blood pressure at admission. Conclusion: A lower blood pressure level (<120/80 mmHg) and a higher blood pressure level (>160/100 mmHg) at admission in patients with aortic dissection can predict the classification of aortic dissection to a certain extent. The patients with a higher blood pressure level have obvious symptoms at admission and receive prompt treatments, and among them, more patients suffer from Stanford type B aortic dissection and undergo interventional therapy, so the overall case-fatality rate can be decreased.
Interventions for expectant and new parents designed to prevent child abuse and neglect in at-risk families: Protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Tamon Hiroki , Suto Maiko , Ogawa Kunio , Takehara Kenji , Tachibana Yoshiyuki
Published: May 2022

Introduction: The prevention of child abuse and neglect is an urgent matter given the serious effects of abuse and neglect persisting into adulthood, and the increased risk of the offspring of abused children being abusive themselves. Intervening as early as possible may prevent abuse that can begin in infancy. Although several systematic reviews and meta-analyses have investigated the effects of interventions on populations at risk for child abuse and neglect, few studies have focused on at-risk women or interventions that start during perinatal periods. This study aims to describe a systematic review to examine the effects of interventions to prevent child abuse and neglect that begin during pregnancy and immediately after childbirth (less than one year). The study will involve performing a systematic review and meta-analysis based on latest research articles up to and including November 2020 and a broader literature search.Methods and analysis: The protocol was prepared using the 2015 statement of Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols. The review will follow Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis guidelines. The literature search will be performed using the MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Embase, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases from inception onward. Randomized controlled trials of interventions that begin during pregnancy or the first year postpartum, designed to prevent child abuse and neglect in at-risk families, will be included. Data collection, quality assessment, and statistical syntheses will be conducted by following the methods in the protocol that are predefined.Ethics and dissemination:This study does not require ethical approval. The findings will be presented at conferences and will be submitted to a peer-reviewed journal. Systematic review registration: PROSPERO CRD42021266462 Strengths and limitations of this study- This study will systematically review and analyze evidence on the effectiveness of interventions to prevent child abuse and neglect among pregnant and postpartum women. - This study will investigate a broader range of electronic bibliographic databases, including MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Embase, and CENTRAL, using a systematic search strategy.- The study will be based on latest articles, and the publication period will not be limited.- As we will only include peer-reviewed articles written in English, a publication bias may occur that excludes related research published in other languages and gray literature. - We will only access limited databases, and furthermore, using different methods to assess child abuse and neglect may cause heterogeneity among studies.
Metasurface Enhanced Spatial Mode Decomposition
Authors: Jones Aaron , Wang Mengyao , Zhang Xuecai , Cooper Samuel , Chen Shumei , Mow-Lowry Conor , Freise Andreas
Published: May 2022

Acquiring precise information about the mode content of a laser is critical for multiplexed optical communications, optical imaging with active wave-front control, and quantum-limited interferometric measurements. Hologram-based mode decomposition devices, such as spatial light modulators, allow a fast, direct measurement of the mode content, but they have limited precision due to cross-coupling between modes. Here we report the first proof-of-principle demonstration of mode decomposition with a metasurface, resulting in significantly enhanced precision. A mode-weight fluctuation of $6\times 10^{-7}$ was be measured with 1 second of averaging at a Fourier frequency of 80 Hz, an improvement of more than three orders of magnitude compared to the state-of-the-art spatial light modulator decomposition. The improvement is attributable to the reduction in cross-coupling enabled by the exceptional small pixel size of the metasurface. We show a systematic study of the limiting sources of noise, and we show that there is a promising path towards complete mode decomposition with similar precision.
Evaluation of the proteolytic activity of new cryoresistant lactobacillus strains
Authors: Kitaevskaya S. V. , Ponomarev V. Y. , Reshetnik O. A.
Published: May 2022

The search for new functionally active strains of lactic acid bacteria, together with the development of domestic competitive starter cultures on their basis, are important directions of contemporary food biotechnology. Proteolytic activity represents one of the criteria for selecting lactic acid bacteria strains for their subsequent use in food production and largely determines the quality characteristics of the finished product. The present study aims to evaluate the proteolytic activity of 15 new cryoresistant strains of Lactobacillus genus lactic acid bacteria having a number of functional and technological properties. According to the results obtained, all strains demonstrated higher proteolytic activity in alkaline media and those close to neutral (pH = 6.5). In slightly acidic media, the strains under study showed minimal values of proteolytic activity, except for L. fermentum 12 and L. plantarum 21 strains. Strains L. casei 32, L. casei 36, L. fermentum 10, and L. acidophilum 9 (48.9–52.3 µg tyrosine/mL·min) showed the maximum proteolytic activity. The minimal proteolytic activity was characteristic of L. fermentum 12, L. fermentum 24, and L. plantarum 1 (27.7–28.9 µg tyrosine/mL·min). The studied paramenter depends on the conditions of proteolysis (substrate, medium pH) and represents an individual strain characteristic independent of the lactobacillus species membership. According to the results obtained, L. casei 32, L. casei 36, and L. fermentum 10 cryoresistant strains, manifesting high proteolytic activity and effectively affecting various protein substrates (casein, albumin, haemoglobin) in a wide range of medium pH values, can be recommended for inclusion in the composition of starter cultures for the production of fermented food products.
Synthesis and biological testing for pesticidal activity of 8-azasteroids
Authors: Pyrko A. N.
Published: May 2022

The aim of the present study is the synthesis and testing for pesticidal activities of 2,3-dimethoxy16,16-dimethyl-D-homo-8-azagona-1,3,5(10),13-tetraene-12,17а-one and 2,3-dimethoxy-16,16-dimethyl-dhomo-8-azagona-1,3,5(10),13-tetraene-12-imino-17а-one hydrochloride which could become the basis the basis of plant protection products. The first compound was obtained by condensation of 6,7-dimethoxy-2,3- dihydroisoquinoline with 2-acetyl-5,5-dimethylcyclohexane-1,3-dione. The second substance was synthesized by interaction of the first with ammonium chloride. 2-Acetyl-5,5-dimethylcyclohexane-1,3-dione was prepared by heating dimedone with acetic acid in polyphosphoric acid. 6,7-Dimethoxy-2,3-dihydroisoquinoline was synthesized in two steps. Boiling 2-(3,5-dimethoxyphenyl)ethylamine in formic acid gave the corresponding amide, which was cyclized in the presence of phosphorus oxychloride. The structure of the obtained compounds is confirmed by the data of IR, 1H NMR, UV spectra and elemental analysis. In the IR absorption spectra of 2,3-dimethoxy-16,16-dimethyl-D-homo-8-azagona-1,3,5(10),13-tetraene-12,17a-dione and 2,3-dimethoxy-16,16-dimethyl-D-homo-8-azagona-1,3,5(10),13-tetraen-12-imino-17a-one hydrochloride, enaminodiketone bands are present (1535, 1580, 1615, 1625, 1670 cm-1 ) and enimine ketone (1595, 1650, 3260 cm-1 ) groups, respectively. Their UV absorption spectra recorded in ethanol contain two absorption bands (265.303 and 268.317 nm) corresponding to ππ* transitions of the same molecular fragments. The mass spectra of the two obtained tetracycles contain peaks of molecular ions. 1H NMR spectra correspond to the structures of all obtained compounds The synthesized compounds were tested for certain types of insecticide (against Toxoptera graminum, Musca domestica, Meloidogyne incognita, Heliothis virescens, Diabrotica undecimpunctata howardi, Caenorhabditis elegans), fungicidal (against Drechslera, Erysiphe, Puccinia, Peronospora) and herbicidal (against Amaranthus retroflexus, Brassica rapa, Abutilon theophrasti, Alopecurus myosuroides, Avena fatua, Echinochloa crus galli) activities. Both synthesized compounds showed herbicidal activity against Amaranthus retroflexus, Brassica rapa, Abutilon theophrasti and insecticidal activity against Toxoptera graminum. Hydrochloride 2,3-dimethoxy-16,16-dimethyl-D-homo-8-azagon-1,3,5(10),13- tetraene-12-imino-17a-one showed insecticidal activity against Musca domestica and fungicidal activity against Drechslera.
Comparison of the effect produced by ozone and constant electric field on the morphophysiological characteristics of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) seedlings
Authors: Nurminsky V. N. , Lazukin A. V. , Gundareva S. V. , Stolbikov A. S. , Tretyakova A. V.
Published: May 2022

This study investigated the effect of ozone and constant electric field on the morphological and physiological characteristics of tomato and wheat seedlings with the purpose of creating an effective and environmentally friendly technology for increasing the growth potential of crop seeds. Seeds of cv. Ventura tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) and cv. Irkutskaya soft winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) were exposed to ozone concentrations of 1, 3, and 5 g/m3 and electric field strengths of 1.6 and 2 kV/cm. The exposure time was 15 and 30 min. Both ozone and constant electric field were found to expand the spread of data on the shoot and root length, as well as alter the energy of seed germination. Depending on ozone concentrations and electric field strengths, the effect of seed treatment was established to be both positive and negative. The most optimal mode for ozonization of tomato seeds was achieved at an ozone concentration of 5 g/m3 for 15 minutes. The optimal mode for treating tomato seeds by electric field was achieved at an electric field strength of 1.6 kV/cm for 15 min. Wheat was determined to response to treatment not as intensively as tomato. When treating wheat seeds, ozonization is a more preferable method, since it stimulates germination even at an ozone concentration of 1 g/m3 for 15 minutes. However, our experimental results showed that even small changes in the mode of exposure both to ozonization and electric field can result in seed damage, thereby inhibiting the development of plants and decreasing the seed germination energy.
Research on dynamic and vibration behaviors of a flip-flow screen with crankshaft-link structure
Authors: Li Hongxi , Liu Chusheng , Zhou Enhui , Shen Ling
Published: May 2022

A flip-flow screen with crankshaft-link structure (FFSCLS) is an effective solution for screening of high-water and fine materials due to its good performance. The dynamical characteristics largely affects the screen performance and the processing capacity of the FFSCLS. In this paper, a dynamic model governing the dynamical characteristics of the FFSCLS was proposed. In addition, the motion trajectory and vibration data of the FFSCLS were investigated by vibration experimental technology. The results show that the experiment results can be fully described by the dynamic model whit the maximum deviation was within 6.26 %. Moreover, the mass ratio between outer box and inner box determined the dynamical characteristics of the flip-flow screen, and these parameters should be optimized. This work can provide useful references for efficient operation and optimal design for the flip-flow screen.
Evaluating the performance of conventional DAF and PosiDAF processes for cyanobacteria separation at a pilot plant scale
Authors: Yap R. K. L. , Rao N. R. H. , Holmes M. , Whittaker M. , Stuetz R. M. , Jefferson B. , Bulmuş V. , Peirson W. L. , Henderson R. K.
Published: May 2022

In this work, a commercially available water treatment polymer poly(N,N-diallyl-N,N-dimethylammonium chloride) (PDADMAC) and a hydrophobically modified polymer (HMP) designed to adhere to bubble surfaces were applied for the first time in the novel Posi-dissolved air flotation process (PosiDAF) that uses polymer-modified bubbles, at pilot-scale for the treatment of waste stabilisation pond samples rich in algae. It was found that PDADMAC in PosiDAF gave comparable removal to that achieved using conventional DAF at >95% cell separation. Furthermore, the float layer was more uniform and thicker with up to 8% solid contents compared to conventional DAF, which comprised discrete floc clusters with an average solid concentration of ∼4.1%. In contrast to the use of PDADMAC, the application of the HMP did not achieve similarly good separation at pilot scale. It was hypothesised that this may be due to the micellisation of the HMP on the bubble surface, creating unstable bubbles that coalesced and prevented polymer–bubble–cell interactions, which are crucial for effective cell separation. On comparison of the costs of PosiDAF and conventional DAF, it was found that PosiDAF resulted in cost-savings of up to 74% due to low chemical consumption. In summary, PosiDAF reduced chemical cost and increased solid contents in the metal-free float.
Determination of the water flow velocity by means of hydrogeochemical techniques applied to a MAR (managed aquifer recharge) site in a salinized aquifer with intergranular porosity (Plana de Castellón-Spain)
Authors: García Menéndez Olga , Morell Ignacio , Ballesteros Bruno J. , Renau Arianna
Published: May 2022

A significant process of marine intrusion affects the detritic aquifer of Plana de Castellón, located on the Spanish Mediterranean coast. In its southern sector, an artificial recharge scheme with low mineralization water (330 µS/cm) has been implemented. The experience has lasted 175 days, with an average injection flow of 21 L/s and total refilled volume of over 300000 m3. The hydrodynamic effect caused was immediate, with an appreciable rise in piezometry in the first 24 hours around the recharge wells (radius of 80 m). Maximum water-table levels were obtained 79 days after the start of operations, with increase of 3-3.50 m. The decreases are very rapid when the injection ceases and the initial piezometry recovers after 16-17 days. The behaviour of the injected water, as well as its effects on the underground flow, has been studied by applying five hydrochemical parameters: electrical conductivity (EC), chloride concentration (Cl- ), nitrate concentration (NO3- ), oxygen 18 (δ18O) and deuterium (δ2H). With each of these variables, the rate of expansion of the recharge water has been determined. The velocity of the groundwater flow in each direction, calculated from the five parameters discussed, ranges from 2.4 to 6.3 m/d. The EC parameter is the one that best fits the average speeds, so it is ideal to be applied in this type of studies due to its low cost, immediacy and simplicity in obtaining the data. Consequently, the EC was also selected to characterize the movement of the recharge water through the different permeable formations of the aquifer, from vertical EC profiles made at the control points. Once the lithological columns are known at these points, the velocities of the groundwater flow have been correlated with the lithologies of the differentiated permeable sections. The highest, 6.0 m/d, correspond to gravels and sands with low clay content, while the smallest, 1.0 m/d, are obtained in sands with gravel.
Saltwater intrusion in Denmark
Authors: Duque Carlos , Meyer Rena , Sonnenborg Torben O.
Published: May 2022

The studies investigating saltwater intrusion in Denmark have been reviewed to identify the main characteristics and features that have an impact on coastal aquifers interacting with the sea. Traditionally, in regions with wet climate, saltwater intrusion is not appointed as a frequent problem and it is more commonly linked to areas affected by water scarcity. Nevertheless, multiple factors that can induce the salinization of coastal aquifers have been found for Denmark such as the presence of coastal drained lowlands with the water table below the sea level or karstic features and buried valleys in carbonate and detrital systems respectively that can act as preferential flow paths for saline water. Eustatic changes have been also played an important role in the salinization of aquifers, in deep aquifers saline ancient connate water can be identified and in small islands, a delicate equilibrium of freshwater lenses is generated over saline water. As the water supply in this country depends almost exclusively on groundwater, saltwater intrusion can jeopardize fresh groundwater resources in coastal areas. An overview of the cases already studied, questions about the magnitude of these issues and the future  perspectives with climate changes are discussed to put into context what is already known and what are the next challenges.
Age of the epigenetic karst from the central region of Sierra de los Órganos, Pinar del Río, Cuba
Authors: Díaz Guanche Carlos , Farfán González Hermes , Molerio León Leslie F. , Rojas Consuegra Reinaldo , Pajón Rodríguez Jesús , Ramírez Hernández Robert , Estévez Cruz Elmidio
Published: May 2022

The epigenetic karst age in the central region of Sierra de los Órganos, is defined from the moment the carbonated sequences are uncovered and denudation processes begin at the end of the Oligocene and early Miocene (approximately 25 Ma). Although the karstic forms in this region originated at different times, they all coexist in today’s landscape. While the area was rising up slowly and sea level changes were taking place, the regional erosion base level descended giving rise to leveling surfaces desiccated by numerous sinkholes. At this time, surface currents disappear to become underground streams, which have carved out an extensive network of galleries. Satellite images and aerial photos interpretation, geological survey, measurements of morphostructures and multivariate statistical analysis, were the methods used to establish the epigenetic karst evolution model for the region. The model includes nine surfaces of erosion base levels, in a range that goes from the 410 m a.s.l., coinciding with the older erosion base levels conserved in the area (23 Ma before the present), until the 50 m a.s.l., corresponding to the surface of current erosion.
Hydrochemical characterization of the coastal springs of the Sierra de Irta. Maestrazgo Aquifer (Castellón)
Authors: Domínguez Sánchez José Antonio , Rosado Piqueras Silvia , Mejías Moreno Miguel , Ballesteros Bruno José
Published: May 2022

El Maestrazgo aquifer has an approximate surface area of 2400 km2 and occupies the northern half of the province of Castellón, from the coast to Morella. This system is characterized by the absence of important springs in its interior and permanent water courses, in such a way that its fundamental discharge is carried out directly into the sea through springs located along the Sierra de Irta, between Alcossebre and Peñíscola. Several of these discharge points are permanent (springs at Playa de Las Fuentes, Torre Badum, Font de Dins and Prat de Peñíscola) and drain an important volume of water resources that is difficult to quantify. In addition to these well-known springs, in times of high water and mainly after episodes of intense rainfall, occasional springs appear whose precise location and chemical characteristics have not been defined to date. These are the springs of Playa del Carregador, Playa de Las Fuentes Sur and Norte, Playa del Russo and Playa del Pebret. In this article, the waters of all these springs are chemically characterized based on their majority ion content and are classified into five different types. The chosen samples are taken in periods of high water in which all the springs are running, but in a temporary stage relatively far from the torrential events that activated them so that the characterization corresponds to a hydrodynamic context as little altered as possible by the effect of the weather.
Synthesis of Heterocyclic Compounds Based on Isatins
Authors: Sadeghian Zahra , Bayat Mohammad
Published: May 2022

Isatin (1H-indole-2,3-diones) and its derivatives are a unique structure of heterocyclic
molecules with great synthetic versatility and enormous biological activities of interest.
Isatins have been broadly used as building blocks for the formation of a wide range of Nheterocycles.
These applicable compounds undergo various reactions to form new heterocyclic
compounds. The focus of this review is to summarize the recent literature and key reactions
published about Pfitzinger, ring-opening, and ring expansion reactions of isatin and its derivatives
during the period from 2018 to 2020. We believe this gives some insight and helps to
bring about new ideas for further research.
Evaluation of the Efficacy of Lactobacillus acidophilus in the Treatment of
Cyclophosphamide-induced Hemorrhagic Cystitis in Wistar Rats
Authors: Minhos Liandra Ferreira , da Silva de Lima Gehlen Ana Cláudia , Júnior Felipe Francisco Bittencourt , dos Santos Ariany Carvalho , Souza Roosevelt Isaias Carvalho , de Barros Márcio Eduardo
Published: May 2022

Background:

Hemorrhagic cystitis is an inflammatory complication that can be caused by
the administration of cyclophosphamide, which is widely used as an antineoplastic agent. In the
search for new therapeutic alternatives, probiotics can suppress the inflammatory process and, therefore,
can be used to prevent this disease.

Objective:

Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of using Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM
in the treatment of cyclophosphamide-induced hemorrhagic cystitis in Wistar rats.

Methods:

Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM (2x108 CFU) was used in the treatment of cyclophosphamide-
induced hemorrhagic cystitis (200 mg/kg, intraperitoneal) in 77 female Wistar rats. Rats
were distributed into experimental groups (n = 9): control group (GC), zero control group (GCZ),
inflammation group (GI), 24-hour acute treatment groups: 24-hour lactobacilli treatment group
(GL24H) and mesna group (GM), and 30-day chronic treatment groups: lactobacilli treatment group
(GTL) and mesna+lactobacilli group (GM+L). After treatment, animals were euthanized and biological
materials were collected for blood count, biochemical analyses, examination of abnormal sediment
elements (EAS), and histopathological analysis.

Results:

GI results showed development of edema, macroscopic alterations, and signs of bleeding in
the bladder; in addition, lesions in the urothelium and hemorrhage were also found. GL24H and GM
presented intact urothelium, without inflammatory reaction and hematological or biochemical urine
alterations.

Conclusion:

Therefore, this study demonstrated that L. acidophilus presented uroprotective effect
against the action of cyclophosphamide in both the short and long term.
Coenzyme Q10 for Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease: Useful or Useless?
Authors: Renke Guilherme , Pereira Marcela Batista , Renke Aline
Published: May 2022

Introduction:

Diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) have become
some of the most urgent and prevalent health problems in recent decades, side by side with
the growing obesity crisis. The close relationship between T2DM and CVD has become clear: endothelial
dysfunction caused by oxidative stress and inflammation resulting from hyperglycaemia
are the key factors in the development of vascular complications of T2DM, leading to CVD. Coenzyme
Q10 (CoQ10) is a great candidate for the treatment of these diseases, acting precisely at the
intersection between T2DM and CVD that is oxidative stress, due to its strong antioxidant activity
and fundamental physiological role in mitochondrial bioenergetics. CoQ10 is a biologically active
liposoluble compound comprising a quinone group and a side chain of 10 isoprenoid units, which
is synthesized endogenously in the body from tyrosine and mevalonic acid. The main biochemical
action of CoQ10 is as a cofactor in the electron transport chain that synthesizes adenosine triphosphate
(ATP). As most cellular functions depend on an adequate supply of ATP, CoQ10 is essential
for the health of virtually all human tissues and organs. CoQ10 supplementation has been used as
an intensifier of mitochondrial function and an antioxidant with the aim of palliating or reducing
oxidative damage that can worsen the physiological outcome of a wide range of diseases including
T2DM and CVDs.

Conclusion:

Although there is not enough evidence to conclude it is effective for different therapeutic
indications, CoQ10 supplementation is probably safe and well-tolerated, with few drug interactions
and minor side effects. Many valuable advances have been made in the use of CoQ10 in
clinical practice for patients with T2DM and a high risk of CVD. However, further research is
needed to assess the real safety and benefit to indicate CoQ10 supplementation in patients with
T2DM.
An analysis of place value content in the Curriculum 2013 thematic textbooks for grades 1 and 2
Authors: Shiellany Salsabila , Poniam Budi
Published: May 2022

Textbooks play a key role in teaching mathematics in many Indonesian classrooms. Therefore, the Indonesian Ministry of Education and Culture provides textbooks for use in schools to support the teaching and learning process in the classroom. In implementing the Curriculum 2013 (Kurikulum 2013) in elementary schools, the textbooks were designed and developed by integrating various competencies and subjects, including mathematics, into several themes. This study aimed to describe the place value content in students’ thematic textbooks for elementary school students in grades 1 and 2. A descriptive qualitative method in the content analysis was conducted by focusing on three areas of analysis: six critical skills of learning place value, stages development, and strategies in teaching place value. Some findings showed that the thematic textbooks for grades 1 and 2 covered almost all skills except mentioning numbers in other forms (rename), the material presented has developed according to students’ learning development, and has implemented all strategies in teaching place values.
Keefektifan model pembelajaran CORE ditinjau dari kemampuan koneksi matematis, representasi matematis, dan kepercayaan diri siswa
Authors: Sari Eka Puspita , Karyati Karyati
Published: May 2022

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menguji dan mendeskripsikan keefektifan model pembelajaran CORE (Connecting, Organizing, Reflecting, Extending) ditinjau dari kemampuan koneksi matematis, representasi matematis, dan kepercayaan diri siswa SMP kelas VIII. Penelitian ini adalah penelitian kuasi eksperimen dengan nonequivalen pretest-postest control-group design. Populasi penelitian adalah seluruh siswa kelas VIII SMP Negeri 26 Banjarmasin tahun ajaran 2020/2021. Pengambilan sampel dilakukan secara acak (simple random sampling) sehingga diperoleh kelas VIII B sebagai kelas eksperimen (n = 14) dan kelas VIII D sebagai kelas kontrol (n = 18). Pengumpulan data dilakukan melalui tes kemampuan koneksi matematis, kemampuan representasi matematis, dan angket kepercayaan diri siswa. Analisis data dilakukan secara deskriptif dan inferensial (α = 0,05). Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa model pembelajaran CORE dengan pendekatan saintifik tidak efektif ditinjau dari kemampuan koneksi matematis, kemampuan representasi matematis, dan kepercayaan diri siswa. Namun demikian, model pembelajaran CORE dengan pendekatan saintifik lebih unggul daripada pembelajaran dengan pendekatan saintifik ditinjau dari kemampuan koneksi matematis siswa.The effectiveness of the CORE learning model in term of mathematical connections skill, mathematical representations skill, and self-confidence of studentsAbstractThis study aimed to examine and describe the effectiveness of the CORE (Connecting, Organizing, Reflecting, Extending) learning model in terms of the mathematical connection skills, mathematical representation skills, and self-confidence of eighth-graders. This study was a quasi-experimental study with a nonequivalent pretest-posttest control-group design. The population was all eight graders of junior high school, namely SMP Negeri 26 Banjarmasin, Indonesia, in the academic year of 2020/2021. Sampling was carried out randomly so that class VIII B was selected as the experimental group (n = 14) and class VIII D as the control group (n = 18). The data was collected through tests of mathematical connection skills, mathematical representation skills, and student’s self-confidence questionnaires. Data were analyzed descriptively and inferentially (α = 0.05). The results revealed that the CORE learning model with a scientific approach was ineffective in terms of students’ mathematical connection, representation skills, and self-confidence. However, the CORE learning model with a scientific approach was better than the scientific approach learning in terms of students’ connection skills.
Promised and Lottery Airtime Incentives to Improve Interactive Voice Response Survey Participation Among Adults in Bangladesh and Uganda: Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Gibson Dustin Garrett , Kibria Gulam Muhammed Al , Pariyo George William , Ahmed Saifuddin , Ali Joseph , Labrique Alain Bernard , Khan Iqbal Ansary , Rutebemberwa Elizeus , Flora Meerjady Sabrina , Hyder Adnan Ali
Published: May 2022

Background

Increased mobile phone penetration allows the interviewing of respondents using interactive voice response surveys in low- and middle-income countries. However, there has been little investigation of the best type of incentive to obtain data from a representative sample in these countries.

Objective

We assessed the effect of different airtime incentives options on cooperation and response rates of an interactive voice response survey in Bangladesh and Uganda.

Methods

The open-label randomized controlled trial had three arms: (1) no incentive (control), (2) promised airtime incentive of 50 Bangladeshi Taka (US $0.60; 1 BDT is approximately equivalent to US $0.012) or 5000 Ugandan Shilling (US $1.35; 1 UGX is approximately equivalent to US $0.00028), and (3) lottery incentive (500 BDT and 100,000 UGX), in which the odds of winning were 1:20. Fully automated random-digit dialing was used to sample eligible participants aged ≥18 years. The risk ratios (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals for primary outcomes of response and cooperation rates were obtained using log-binomial regression.

Results

Between June 14 and July 14, 2017, a total of 546,746 phone calls were made in Bangladesh, with 1165 complete interviews being conducted. Between March 26 and April 22, 2017, a total of 178,572 phone calls were made in Uganda, with 1248 complete interviews being conducted. Cooperation rates were significantly higher for the promised incentive (Bangladesh: 39.3%; RR 1.38, 95% CI 1.24-1.55, P<.001; Uganda: 59.9%; RR 1.47, 95% CI 1.33-1.62, P<.001) and the lottery incentive arms (Bangladesh: 36.6%; RR 1.28, 95% CI 1.15-1.45, P<.001; Uganda: 54.6%; RR 1.34, 95% CI 1.21-1.48, P<.001) than those for the control arm (Bangladesh: 28.4%; Uganda: 40.9%). Similarly, response rates were significantly higher for the promised incentive (Bangladesh: 26.5%%; RR 1.26, 95% CI 1.14-1.39, P<.001; Uganda: 41.2%; RR 1.27, 95% CI 1.16-1.39, P<.001) and lottery incentive arms (Bangladesh: 24.5%%; RR 1.17, 95% CI 1.06-1.29, P=.002; Uganda: 37.9%%; RR 1.17, 95% CI 1.06-1.29, P=.001) than those for the control arm (Bangladesh: 21.0%; Uganda: 32.4%).

Conclusions

Promised or lottery airtime incentives improved survey participation and facilitated a large sample within a short period in 2 countries.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03773146; http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03773146