bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cementation of a Dual Mobility Cup in a Well-fixed Acetabular Component- A Reliable Option in Revision Total Hip Arthroplasty?
Authors: Bellova Petri , Koch Fiona , Stiehler Maik , Hartmann Albrecht , Fritzsche Hagen , Günther Klaus-Peter , Gorornzy Jens
Published: August 2021

Background:The “cup-in-cup” technique allows for revision of failed total hip arthroplasty (THA) when the cementless cup is well fixed. Furthermore, it can be used for liner wear or mechanical failure where liner replacement may be impossible or impractical. Recently, the “cup-in-cup” technique in combination with dual mobility cups (DMC) has drawn increased attention. Our aim was to report on the clinical and radiographic outcomes following this surgery.Methods:From 2015 to 2020, 33 patients treated with the DMC- “cup in cup” technique were retrospectively reviewed. Fourteen patients had died while 19 were available for the final follow-up (FU), of which 15 underwent both a radiograph and a FU visit, 2 underwent a radiograph only and 2 underwent a telephone interview only. Patient-related outcome measures included the HHS and the WOMAC. Radiographs were assessed for implant loosening and positioning. Primary endpoint was revision of any cause and secondary endpoint was loosening of the DMC at the latest FU. The survival analysis was conducted using the Kaplan-Meier method. Results:The mean age at surgery was 78.6±7.1 (63-93) years and the mean surgery duration was 124.4±52.0 (60-245) minutes. Recurrent dislocation (42.4%), periprosthetic fracture (39.4%) and polyethylene wear (6.1%) were the most frequent reasons for surgery. The mean FU duration (n=19) was 28.5±17.3 (3-64) months. The mean HHS score at FU was 59.4±22.2 (29-91) and the mean WOMAC score was 59.7±25.6 (15.6-93.8). Two cups were revised due to instability and one revision was performed due to periprosthetic joint infection, accounting for an overall cup survival rate of 86.8% after a mean FU of 22.9±18.0 (1.5-64.6) months. The survival rate free of loosening was 90.9% after a mean FU of 22.3±18.5 (1.5-64.7) months.Conclusions:We found that the cementation of a DMC in a well-fixed cup is a promising short- to mid-term treatment addressing THA instability especially in elderly and frail patients, who benefit from a reduced operation time. Proper cementation technique, adequate cup positioning as well as selection of a sufficiently large DMC are crucial for treatment success. Longer FUs will be needed in the future in order to further prove the benefit of this technique.
Obesity and adverse pregnancy outcomes in older patients with decreased ovarian reserve: a retrospective single-centre study
Authors: Lin Fangxu , Shi Hao , Shi Qiongyao , Su Yingchun , Dai Shanjun , Yang Qingling , Guo Yihong
Published: August 2021

BackgroundIn recent years, infertility has increased in older women with decreased ovarian reserve (DOR). Studies have shown that women with DOR have fewer oocytes, which are poorer in quality, and have an increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. Pre-pregnancy BMI is significantly correlated with many adverse pregnancy outcomes. Therefore, we conducted this study to explore the correlation between body mass index (BMI) and abortion and live birth in older patients with DOR. MethodsThe clinical data of 2052 older women with infertility and DOR admitted to the Reproductive Medicine Center of the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from August 2009 to May 2018 were analysed retrospectively. Patients were divided into underweight (BMI < 18.5 kg/m 2 ; n = 56), normal weight (18.5 kg/m 2 ≤ BMI < 24 kg/m 2 ; n = 1389), overweight (24 kg/m 2 ≤ BMI < 28 kg/m 2 ; n = 527) and obese (BMI ≥ 28 kg/m 2 ; n = 80). We compared the pregnancy outcomes of patients in each group. ResultsLogistic regression analysis showed that being overweight or obese were independent risk factors for miscarriage (P < 0.05) and protection factors for live births (P<0.05). Being underweight was a protective factor for live births (P < 0.05). ConclusionsThe abortion and live birth rates in older infertile women with DOR are correlated with BMI. Higher BMI was associated with higher abortion rates and lower live birth rates. Being underweight also correlated with the live birth rate. Therefore, to improve pregnancy outcomes, we suggest that older patients with DOR may benefit from maintaining a normal weight before seeking fertility treatments.
Latest Classification and Such Functions of Human Hormones
Authors: Kabir Ashraful
Published: August 2021

Based on the classification of human hormones, there is no solid idea in most books. In this view, this article could exemplify a concrete solution, especially for medical and university students. Hormones have many life-saving roles in the human body. With the deficiency of hormones, our body might fall into lots of problems. Data analyses of much information from books, articles, online supplements gave different ideas on total hormones. The result suggested that some hormones were secret from the same glands. Out of 110 hormones (when the same hormone came from different sources), exact different types of hormones were 88. Analyzed hormones consisted of four major groups- amine (4 hormones), eicosanoid (4), steroid (15), and peptide were (65) out of 88 endocrine chemicals. The endocrine and reproductive system (56) jointly secreted most of the hormones, and secondly gastrointestinal tract (26 hormones). Besides the organ system or glands, some are come out from the cell, tissue, tissue system, and placenta. This paper also mentions, phenotypically males and females exhibit many differences, hence hormonal analyses; they are more or less the same. For instance, many sex hormones are also present both in males and females. In the future, it needs to enhance more research on the classification of the hormones in the human body.
Difference Between ‘Lung Age’ and Real Age as a Novel Predictor of Postoperative Complications, Long-term Survival for Patients With Esophagus Cancer After Minimally Invasive Esophagectomy
Authors: Hong Zhi-Nuan , Weng Kai , Chen Zhen , Peng Kaiming , Kang Mingqiang
Published: August 2021

Background This study aimed to investigate whether difference between ‘lung age’ and real age (L-R) could be useful for the prediction of postoperative complications and long-term survival in patients with esophageal cancer followed by minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE).Methods This retrospective cohort study included 625 consecutive patients who had undergone MIE. ‘Lung age’ was determined by the calculation method proposed by Japanese Respiratory Society. According to L-R, patients were classified into three groups: group A: L-R≦ 0 (n =104), group B:15>L-R>0 (n =199), group C:L-R≥15 (n = 322). Clinicopathological factors, postoperative complications evaluated by comprehensive complications index (CCI) and overall survival were compared between the groups. A CCI value >30 indicated a severe postoperative complication.Results Male, smoking status, smoking index, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, American Society of Anesthesiologists status, lung age, and forced expiratory volume in 1 s were associated with group classification. CCI values, postoperative hospital stays, and hospital cost were significantly different among groups. Multivariate analysis indicated that L-R, coronary heart disease, 3-field lymphadnectomy were significant factors for prediction of CCI value>30. Regarding overall survival, there was a significant difference between group A and group B+C (log rank test: P= 0.03). Conclusions Esophageal cancer patients with impaired pulmonary function had a higher risk of severe postoperative complications and poorer prognosis than those with normal pulmonary function. Difference between ‘lung age’ and ‘real age’ is a novel predictor of severe postoperative complications and long-term survival and has extensive clinical value.
Investigations on the changed intensity shot peening specimens machined from SS304: process characterization, fatigue modeling and failure analyses
Authors: YANG Shun
Published: August 2021

Characterization on the surface morphology, residual stress relaxation and fatigue life prediction of the changed intensity shot peening specimens machined from SS304 were carried out. The present work aims, first and foremost, to model the fatigue performance of shot peening specimens machined from SS304 in extra-low-, low- and high-cycle regime by clarifying the relaxation life component and fatigue life component with the total failure life, thereby successfully evaluating the fatigue performance of un-/0.1 mmA-/0.25 mmA-/0.4 mmA-peened components with satisfactory results in the whole cycle regime. It is, therefore, essential to provide a precise definition of the master life diagram on the purpose of evaluating the fatigue performance of shot peening components in service by linear interpolation of shot peening intensities considering the engineering applicability. Additionally, the characterization of multiple-fatigue crack initiation to failure was also identified by fractography analysis, which reasonably illustrated the non-conservative life prediction in the high-cycle regime.
Physical activity associates with enhanced immunogenicity of an inactivated virus vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 in patients with autoimmune rheumatic diseases
Authors: Gualano Bruno , Lemes Italo , Silva Rafael , Pinto Ana , Mazzolani Bruna , Smaira Fabiana , Sieczkowska Sofia , Aikawa Nadia , Pasoto Sandra , Medeiros-Ribeiro Ana , Saad Carla , Yuk Emily , Silva Clovis , Swinton Paul , Hallal Pedro , Roschel Hamilton , Bonfa Eloisa
Published: August 2021

Immunocompromised individuals show lower vaccine immunogenicity, which may be modulated by physical activity. This prospective cohort study within a phase-4 vaccination trial investigated whether physical activity is associated with enhanced immunogenicity of Coronavac (SARS-CoV-2 inactivated vaccine) in patients with autoimmune rheumatic diseases (ARD) (n=898) and non-ARD (n=197) individuals without pre-existing immunogenicity to SARS-CoV-2 after receiving a two-dose vaccine schedule. Seroconversion rates of total anti-SARS-CoV-2 S1/S2 IgG (SC), geometric mean titers of anti-S1/S2 IgG (GMT), factor-increase in GMT (FI-GMT), frequency of neutralizing antibody (NAb), and median neutralizing activity were assessed. After controlling for covariates, active patients (≥150 min/week) exhibited greater SC (OR: 1.4 [95%CI: 1.1-2.0]), GMT (32% [95%CI: 8.8-60) and FI-GMT (33% [95%CI: 9.6-63%]) vs. inactive. Cluster analysis (physical activity/sedentary status) revealed greater GMT (43.0% [95% CI: 11.0-84.0%) and FI-GMT (48.0% [95%CI: 14.0-92.0%]) in active/non-sedentary (≥150 min/week/<8h/day) vs. inactive/sedentary (<150 min/week/>8h/day) ARD. A dose-response was observed, with greater benefits for ≥350 min/week of physical activity (OR: 1.6 [95%CI: 1.1-2.4]; 41% [95%CI: 10-80%]; 35% [95%CI: 4.3-74], for SC, GMT, and FI-GMT, respectively). Greater SC (OR: 9.9 [95%CI: 1.1-89.0]) and GMT (26% [95%CI: 2.2-56.0%]) were observed in active vs. inactive non-ARD. A physically active lifestyle may enhance SARS-CoV-2 vaccine immunogenicity, a finding of particular clinical relevance for immunocompromised individuals.
Loss of ASPM Disrupts Female Folliculogenesis in Mice
Authors: Mori Miyuki , Tando So , Ogi Hiroshi , Fujimori Akira , Itoh Kyoko
Published: August 2021

Background: The abnormal spindle-like, microcephaly-associated (ASPM) gene is a causative gene of autosomal recessive primary microcephaly (MCPH) 5 in humans, which is characterized by a reduction in brain volume. It was previously reported that truncated ASPM proteins in transgenic mice caused major defects in the germline, a severe reduction in ovary weight and the number of follicles accompanied by reduced fertility. However; it remains unknown whether a loss of ASPM induces abnormal ovarian function, resulting in female infertility. Methods: In order to assess the ovary function, we examined vaginal smear cytology from the age of 7 weeks to 100 weeks in CAG-mediated Cre-loxP conditional Aspm-/- knockout mice and control female mice. In addition, we evaluated the ovarian size, fibrosis ratio and the number of follicles (primordial, primary, secondary, antral and atretic follicles) in mice from 15 weeks to 100 weeks old by image analyses. Mann-Whitney U-test was used for statistical analysis. Results: The size of the ovary was significantly reduced in Aspm knockout mice at 15-20 weeks, 40-50 weeks and 70-80 weeks old. compared with the control mice. Furthermore, at all stages, we found a severe decrease in the number of developing follicles at 10-15 weeks, 40-50 weeks and 70-80 weeks old, accompanied by disrupted cyclic changes of vaginal cytology. Conclusion: The results showing that folliculogenesis was significantly decreased and associated with abnormal vaginal cytology in Aspm knockout female ovaries suggested that ASPM might play an important role in the folliculogenesis and estrous cyclicity of the postnatal ovary.
Removal of Ions From Produced Water Using Powder River Basin Coal
Authors: Huang Zaixing , Liu Fang-Jing , Tang Mingcheng , Gao Yangyan , Bagley David , He Xin , Goroncy Alexander , Fan Maohong
Published: August 2021

Although becoming less attractive as an energy source, coal has significant potential for other, more sustainable uses including water treatment. In this study, we present a simple approach to treat water that was produced during oil production and contained a total dissolved solids (TDS) content of over 150 g/L using Powder River Basin (PRB) coal. PRB coal used as packing material in a flow-through column effectively removed 60-80% of the cations and anions simultaneously. Additionally, 71-92% of the total organic carbon in the produced water was removed as was all of the total suspended solids. The removal mechanisms of both cations and anions were investigated. Cations were removed by ion exchange with protons from oxygen-containing functional groups such as carboxylic and phenolic hydroxyl groups. Anions, mainly Cl-1, appeared to be removed through either the formation of resonance structures as a result of delocalization of electrons within coal molecules or through ion-π interactions. We propose that coal is a “pseudo-amphoteric” exchange material that can remove cations and anions simultaneously by exchanging ions with both ionized and non-ionized acids that are ubiquitous in coal structure or resonance effect.
A kinetic theory of the pulsational mode of gravitational collapse in star-forming molecular clouds
Authors: Challam Dawroichuh , Karmakar Pralay Kumar
Published: August 2021

A kinetic theory formulation of the pulsational mode of gravitational collapse (PMGC) in a complex unmagnetized self-gravitating partially ionized dense molecular cloud (DMC) is proposed. Applying a linear normal mode analysis, a quintic linear dispersion relation with a unique set of multi-parametric plasma-dependent coefficients is obtained. The reliability of the calculation scheme is validated in light of the various predictions available in the literature. It is then numerically analyzed in the parametric windows of judicious realistic input values. Our results indicate that the dust mass, equilibrium electron density, and equilibrium ion density act as destabilizing agencies to the PMGC evolution. In contrast, the dust charge number, equilibrium dust density, and dust temperature act as stabilizing agencies. The oscillatory and propagatory features of the PMGC are illustratively explained and comparatively validated in accordance with the observed astrophysical scenarios. This paper ends up with a brief highlight of the non-trivial implications and applications of the results actualizable in the self-gravitational collapse mechanism leading to varied structure formation processes in the mysterious astrocosmic universe.
Measurement method for incisions ablated by femtosecond laser in biological soft tissues
Authors: Shen Xiaowei , wanqin Zhao , Liu Haodong , Wang Ning , Wang Xu , Yang Fangyi , Tang Chuhua
Published: August 2021

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Comparative transcriptome profiling provides insights into different photosynthetic responses in two tall fescue cultivars under low-light stress
Authors: Long Si , Liu Qian , Guo Huan , Li Xuan , You Xiangkai , Liu Bowen , Gao Shuanghong , Wen Suyun , Liu Tie-Yuan , Xu Yuefei
Published: August 2021

Background

Tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb) is a primary cool-season forage and turfgrass, low-light (LL) stress is a primary limiting factor for turfgrass growth. Studies on two tall fescue cultivars, Arid 3 and Airlie, showed that Airlie is more susceptible to LL stress than Arid 3. However, the underlying susceptibility mechanism is obscure.
Results

In this study, we investigated the physiological and transcriptional changes of two tall fescue cultivars under LL stress. The two cultivars differed in growth characteristics, chlorophyll contents, photosynthetic gas exchange, and chlorophyll fluorescence. A total of 136925 unigenes were obtained from our RNA-sequencing. There were 24944 and 30816 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between LL stress and the control in Arid 3 and Airlie, respectively. Meanwhile, there were 20599 DEGs detected between Arid 3 and Airlie under the control, and under LL stress the DEGs between two cultivars were 20783. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis suggested that the DEGs are mainly involved in ‘cell prat’ and ‘glutathione metabolism’. These results indicated that LL stress affects the expression of phytochrome-interacting factor 5 (PIF5), constitutively photomorphogenic 1 (COP1), phytochrome A (PhyA), and phytochrome B (PhyB) in tall fescue, which are vital transcription factors. Genes related to chlorophyll metabolism and photosynthesis were also affected by LL stress, and were significantly differentially expressed between the two cultivars.
Conclusions

This study reveals two tall fescue cultivars develop different physiological and transcriptional changes to cope with LL stress, and provides an insight into different photosynthetic responses in two tall fescue cultivars responds to LL stress.
Relationship between eating behavior, quality of life and weight regain in women after bariatric surgery
Authors: Berino Talita Nogueira , Reis Aline Leão , Carvalhal Manuela Maria de Lima , Dias Jeane Lorena Lima , Teixeira Rachel Coêlho Ripardo , Gomes Daniela Lopes
Published: August 2021

PurposeEvaluate the relationship between eating behavior, perception of Quality of Life (QOL) and weight regain in women after 24 months of bariatric surgery.MethodsTransversal study carried out with 50 adult women. Sociodemographic, anthropometric, eating behavior (Three Factor Eating Questionnaire - TFEQ-21) and perception of QOL (Item Short Form Healthy Survey - SF-36) data were collected.ResultsIn 60% (n = 30) there was weight regain (≥ 15%), with a mean weight regain of 23.3% (± 18.4). Emotional eating was the most frequent pattern (p = 0.047) in groups with and without weight regain. Regarding QOL, the functional capacity and limitation due to physical aspects domains had a better perception (p < 0.0001). Women without weight regain showed a better perception of the functional capacity aspects (p = 0.007), limitation due to physical aspects (p = 0.044), social aspects (p = 0.048) and general physical components (p = 0.016). Weight regain was associated with uncontrolled eating habits (p = 0.041) and also had an inverse association with the perception of QOL in physical components (p = 0.008).ConclusionWeight regain can damage the perception of QOL, especially physical capacity. Long-term follow-up is essential to evaluate the behavior of people who have undergone BS, in order to prevent weight regain and QOL damage.Level III - Case-control analytic study.
The Predictive Power of State-Level Health Care Utilization for Unintentional Fatal Fall Rates
Authors: Crowson Matthew Gordon , Beyea Jason A. , Cottrell Justin , Karmali Faisal , Lampasona Giovanni , Saunders James E. , Lewis Richard F
Published: August 2021

ObjectiveTo examine the predictive power of state-level care utilization and longitudinal trends in mortality from unintentional falls amongst different demographic and geographic strata.Study DesignNationwide, retrospective cohort study.SettingWeb-based Injury Statistics Query and Reporting System (WISQARS) database.MethodsThe exposure was death from an unintentional fall as determined by the United States Centers for Disease Control. Outcomes included aggregate and trend crude and age adjusted death rates. Health care utilization, reimbursement, and cost metrics were also compared.ResultsOver 2001 to 2018, 465,486 total deaths due to unintentional falls were recorded with crude and age-adjusted rates of 8.42 and 7.76 per 100,000 population. Comparing age-adjusted rates, males had a significantly higher age-adjusted death rate (9.89 vs. 6.17; p < 0.00001), but both male and female annual age-adjusted mortality rates are expected to rise (Male: +0.25 rate/year, R 2 = 0.98; Female: +0.22 rate/year, R 2 = 0.99). There were significant increases in death rates commensurate with increasing age, with the adults aged 85 years or older having the highest aggregate (201.1 per 100,000) and trending death rates (+ 8.75 deaths per 100,000/year, R 2 = 0.99). Machine learning algorithms using health care utilization data were accurate in predicting state-level age-adjusted death rates.ConclusionIn the United States from 2001 through 2018, older adults carried the highest death rate from unintentional falls and this rate is forecasted to accelerate. Machine learning models have high accuracy in predicting state-level age-adjusted mortality rates from health care utilization data.
Predictors of welfare dependency at 1, 3 and 5 years after first visit to a jobs and benefits office due to mental health related sickness absence: A Danish cohort study
Authors: Hannerz Harald , Flyvholm Mari-Ann
Published: August 2021

Background

The cost of mental ill health in the EU-28 nations was estimated at approximately 4.1% of the total gross domestic products (GDP). Improved rates of return to sustainable employment among people who are sick-listed due to mental ill health would decrease spending on welfare benefits and costs associated with lost productivity. The present cohort study provides statistical information that may be helpful in the design and prioritizing of efforts aimed at reducing the burden of sickness absence due to mental ill health among employees in the general working population of Denmark. Our primary aim was to estimate odds of receiving health and non-health related welfare benefits, respectively, (compared to being self-reliant) at 1, 3 and 5 years after a first visit to a jobs and benefits office due to mental health related sickness absence, as a function of industrial sector and job group skill level at baseline. A secondary aim was to analyse these odds as a function of baseline age, gender, type of mental ill health, family type and employment status.
Methods

The study population consisted of all 20–54 year-old persons on long-term sickness absence due to mental health problems in 21 Danish municipalities in 2010–2012 (N = 19,660). Odds ratios were estimated by use of multinomial logistic regression. The outcomes were ascertained through national registers.
Results

We did not find any statistically significant association between baseline industrial sector or job group skill level and welfare dependency at follow-up. In the secondary analyses, the estimated odds of health and non-health related welfare dependencies at follow-up tended to increase with unemployment, age, being single and being on sick leave due to self-reported anxiety or depression versus stress/burnout at baseline. The odds ratios for welfare dependencies among men versus women were not statistically significant.
Conclusions

We did not find any significant association between baseline industrial sector or job group skill level and welfare dependencies at 1, 3 or 5-year follow-up after first visit to a jobs and benefits office due to mental health related sickness absence in Denmark.
Evaluating the volatilization behavior of PAHs in oil-based residues from drilling cuttings of different thicknesses based on the C-history method
Authors: Wang Shu , Qin Jihong , Xie Bingxin , Sun Hui , Li Xin
Published: August 2021

Drilling cuttings, the primary byproduct generated from the exploration and mining of shale gas, are potentially hazardous types of waste that seriously deplete land resources and pose environmental safety problems. In this paper, oil-based drilling debris is used as a typical porous medium phase solid waste, and the law and characteristics of unsteady diffusion and release of PAHs are studied under the specific situation of oil-based drilling debris with different thicknesses as the "source". The results showed that(1) Thickness has a greater influence on the diffusion and release law of PAHs from oil-based drilling cuttings residues, the diffusion release of PAHs increases with the increase of sample thickness. (2) The thickness of the porous media source is the main influencing factor of the PAHs diffusion and release diffusion related parameters. The higher the thickness, the diffusion coefficient Dm increases with the increase in thickness. The distribution coefficient K and the initial diffusible release concentration Cm0 change in a similar manner, and both increase with the thickness.
Intravenous insulin administration preparation for myocardial 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose viability imaging has the potential to reduce radiation exposure dose
Authors: Chen Yangchun , Wang Qingqing , Huang Peihao , Wang Yuehui , Chen Yuxuan , Zhuo Huilin , Dai Ruozhu , Wang Huoqiang
Published: August 2021

Purpose

This study aimed to identify and validate the optimal 18F-FDG activity and acquisition time for cardiac viability imaging with intravenous insulin administration based on a fixed 18F-FDG activity.
Methods

Cardiac positron emission tomography (PET) images from 30 patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) were retrospectively reconstructed into 900, 360, 180, 90, and 45 s durations. An optimal product of the maximum standardized uptake value (SUV) of the myocardium and segmental uptake (SU) and acquisition time (MSAT) was determined through a receiver operating characteristic curve. The optimal acquisition time (OAT) was equal to MSAT divided by mean SUV of the myocardium (MyoSUV) and validated in another 26 patients with CAD.
Results

The MyoSUV, mean SUV of the blood, SU, and their biases on reconstructed image durations of 90, 180, and 360 s were equivalent to those on an image duration of 900 s. The optimal MSAT was 848.2. In the validation group, the OAT was 129 ± 76 s (95% confidence interval, 99–160), approximately one-third of the usual acquisition time. The MyoSUV and SU were equivalent for the difference (0.15 ± 0.21, P < 0.001; −0.01 ± 0.03, P < 0.001) between PET image duration of OAT and 600 s (7.71 ± 3.01 vs. 7.56 ± 2.94, 67.1 ± 15.4% vs. 67.7 ± 15.6%).
Conclusion

Intravenous insulin administration preparation has the potential to reduce radiation exposure and acquisition time of cardiac 18F-FDG viability imaging without losing the accurate measurement of MyoSUV and SU when reaching an OAT.
Comparative effect of various organic extracts coated urea fertilizer on the release pattern of Ammonium and Nitrate in the soil at different time intervals
Authors: Ahmad Adeel , Yaseen Muhammad , Asghar Hafiz Naeem , Basra Shahzad Maqsood Ahmed
Published: August 2021

Nitrogen (N) fertilizer application is a very important commodity in agricultural systems. However, due to the losses of applied N from the soil microenvironment its efficiency is too low. Different strategies like the use of polymer coating and use of chemical nitrification inhibitors had been employed to reduce N losses. But these chemical nitrification inhibitors are very expensive. Thus, a study was conducted to investigate the effects of different concentrations of parthenium extract, neem oil and acidulated cow dung compost extract on N dynamics in the soil. Three concentrations of parthenium extract (5, 10 and 15 %) and neem oil (1, 2 and 3 %) were coated on urea granules after mixing with the polymer material. Three pH (2, 4 & 6 pH) based acidulated cow dung compost extracts were also coated on urea granules in the same pattern. These coated fertilizers and uncoated urea were applied in jars filled with soil (100g per jar) at the rate of 1g of fertilizer per jar. One treatment was kept as control (without any fertilizer). Treatments along three replications were arranged according to the completely randomized design (CRD). Results depicted that all coating materials caused the release of N consistently from applied fertilizers compared to uncoated treatment. In addition, percent nitrified N was also reduced significantly in coated treatments in comparison to the uncoated urea and control treatments. However, the level of concentration effect was not obvious as lower concentrations of these extracts and oil also performed almost equal to that of higher concentrations.
Interpreting models interpreting brain dynamics
Authors: Rahman Md Mahfuzur , Mahmood Usman , Lewis Noah , Gazula Harshvardhan , Fedorov Alex , Fu Zening , Calhoun Vince , Plis Sergey
Published: August 2021

Brain dynamics are highly complex and yet hold the key to understanding brain function and dysfunction. The dynamics captured by resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging data are noisy, high-dimensional, and not readily interpretable. The typical approach of reducing this data to low-dimensional features and focusing on the most predictive features comes with strong assumptions and can miss essential aspects of the underlying dynamics. In contrast, introspection of discriminatively trained deep learning models may uncover disorder-relevant elements of the signal at the level of individual time points and spatial locations. Yet, the difficulty of reliable training on high-dimensional low sample size datasets and the unclear relevance of the resulting predictive markers prevent the widespread use of deep learning in functional neuroimaging. In this work, we introduce a deep learning framework to learn from high-dimensional dynamical data while maintaining stable, ecologically valid interpretations. Results successfully demonstrate that the proposed framework enables learning the dynamics of resting-state fMRI directly from small data and capturing compact, stable interpretations of features predictive of function and dysfunction.
Discrete gauging and Hasse diagrams
Authors: Arias Tamargo Guillermo , Bourget Antoine , Pini Alessandro
Published: August 2021

We analyse the Higgs branch of 4d \mathcal{N}=2𝒩=2
SQCD gauge theories with non-connected gauge groups
\widetilde{\mathrm{SU}}(N) = \mathrm{SU}(N) \rtimes_{I,II} \mathbb{Z}_2SŨ(N)=SU(N)⋊I,IIℤ2
whose study was initiated in . We derive the Hasse diagrams
corresponding to the Higgs mechanism using adapted characters for
representations of non-connected groups. We propose 3d
\mathcal{N}=4𝒩=4
magnetic quivers for the Higgs branches in the type
II
discrete gauging case, in the form of recently introduced wreathed
quivers, and provide extensive checks by means of Coulomb branch Hilbert
series computations.
Expert views on the evolution – creation controversy. A survey report
Authors: Bugajak Grzegorz , Tomczyk Jacek
Published: August 2021

This paper presents sample results from a poll conducted among experts (scientists, philosophers and theologians) regarding the roots of the controversy between the evolutionary account of human origin and religious convictions about creation. It appears that the position one takes in this controversy is influenced much more by one’s opinions than professional background. The controversy is usually only seemingly ‘solved’ at the level of a priori assumptions, erroneous definitions of ‘evolutionism’ and ‘creationism’, semantic viewpoints, epistemological positions and pragmatic choices. The core issues in the controversy (e.g., the role and meaning of chance in random evolutionary factors versus divine providence, or problems stemming from a body-soul dualistic anthropology) are widely neglected and do not play a significant role in deciding one’s views on the matter.

--------------

Received: 28/08/2020. Reviewed: 30/09/2020. Accepted: 09/11/2020
(Bibliografia prac Grzegorza Bugajaka)
Authors: Lemańska Anna
Published: August 2021

Nie dotyczy
Użyteczność koncepcji przypadku Grzegorza Bugajaka w naukach przyrodniczych
Authors: Latawiec Michał , Latawiec Anna
Published: August 2021

Rzeczywistość przyrodnicza poznawana jest dzięki metodom empirycznym. Jej tajemnice odkrywane są w dużym zakresie dzięki rozwojowi ich metodologii. Formułowane są hipotezy i tworzone teorie wyjaśniające odkrywane zjawiska. Jednakże w tym uporządkowanym świecie pojawiają się i takie zdarzenia, których wystąpienie ma charakter przypadkowy. Z tej racji zostanie zastosowana filozoficzna koncepcja przypadku wypracowana przez Grzegorza Bugajaka i przewidziana przez niego do analizy treści teorii naukowych oraz klasyfikacji zdarzeń przypadkowych. Zostanie ukazana użyteczność tej koncepcji w obszarze ochrony środowiska. W tym celu na początku zaprezentowana zostanie treść propozycji Bugajaka, a następnie omówione będą okoliczności pojawiania się w przyrodzie zjawisk przypadkowych, rodzących dylematy poznawcze u przyrodników. Podjęte analizy zostaną zilustrowane konkretnymi przykładami. W rezultacie wskazane zostaną te sposoby interpretacji przypadku z koncepcji Bugajaka, które mogą okazać się przydatne w pracach ekologów.

--------------

Zgłoszono: 05/08/2020. Zrecenzowano: 16/10/2020. Zaakceptowano do publikacji: 24/11/2020
Filozofia przyrody w alchemii. Zarys związków
Authors: Kazibut Radosław
Published: August 2021

Celem moich rozważań jest przedstawienie związków pomiędzy dociekaniami filozofów przyrody a rozwojem tradycji alchemicznej. Odwołam się do wybranych koncepcji ukształtowanych w dziejach alchemii. Będę argumentował na rzecz tezy, że dociekania alchemików przybierały postać rozbudowanych systemów tworzących koherentne obrazy świata przyrody, które implikowały określone typy filozofii przyrody. -------------- Zgłoszono: 31/07/2020. Zrecenzowano: 04/09/2020. Zaakceptowano do publikacji: 19/10/2020
Filozofia w kontekście nauki. Stare problemy w nowym wydaniu
Authors: Mączka Janusz
Published: August 2021

Analizy przeprowadzone w artykule pozwalają na wyciągnięcie wniosków, ważnych dla filozofa przyrody. Między filozofią a naukami przyrodniczymi istnieje interakcja, którą można określić jako współprzenikanie się obu tych dziedzin wiedzy. To współoddziaływanie filozofii z nauką podobne jest do niedomykającego się koła. Trudno jest owo współprzenikanie jednoznacznie scharakteryzować, ale można wskazać pewne idee towarzyszące mu. (1) Uświadomienie sobie filozoficznego uwikłania teorii naukowej powoduje często rozszerzenie jej rozumienia oraz ujawnia, jak wiele informacji zawartych jest w teorii naukowej na temat głębokiej struktury świata. Sformułowanie „filozofia w nauce” można by uznać za charakterystyczne dla współczesnego ujmowania związku filozofii z naukami przyrodniczymi. Należy pamiętać, że wspólna droga filozofii i nauk przyrodniczych pozwala osiągać interesujące poznawczo wyniki, ważne dla rozumienia świata zewnętrznego. (2) Współprzenikanie się filozofii z nauk jest procesem dynamicznym i twórczym. Tak filozofia, jak i nauka, ulegają ciągłym zmianom, które w istotny sposób wpływają na rozwijanie się procesu współprzenikania. Trudno jest przewidywać, w którą stronę ten proces będzie ewoluował. Ważne jest jednak, jak twierdzi M. Heller, aby w tym twórczym procesie dostrzec, że największym sukcesem nauk empirycznych, trwającym do dziś, jest coraz lepsze ugruntowanie się przekonania, że Wszechświat stopniowo, choć tylko w przybliżeniu, ujawnia nam tajemnice swojej struktury.

--------------

Zgłoszono: 12/09/2020. Zrecenzowano: 10/10/2020. Zaakceptowano do publikacji: 29/10/2020
Herb-drug Interactions in Neuropsychiatric Pharmacotherapy – A Review
of Clinically Relevant Findings
Authors: Le Tram T. , McGrath Sarah R. , Fasinu Pius S.
Published: August 2021

:

The management of neuropsychiatric disorders relies heavily on pharmacotherapy. The
use of herbal products as complimentary medicine, often concomitantly, is common among patients
taking prescription neuropsychiatric drugs. Herb-drug interaction, a clinical consequence of this
practice, may jeopardize the success of pharmacotherapy in neuropsychiatry. Besides the wellknown
ability of phytochemicals to inhibit and/or induce drug-metabolizing enzymes and transport
proteins, several phytoconstituents are capable of exerting pharmacological effects on the central
nervous system. This study reviewed the relevant literature and identified 13 commonly used herbal
products - celery, echinacea, ginkgo, ginseng, hydroxycut, kava, kratom, moringa, piperine, rhodiola,
St. John’s wort, terminalia/commiphora ayurvedic mixture and valerian - which have shown clinically
relevant interactions with prescription drugs used in the management of neuropsychiatric disorders.
The consequent pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic interactions with orthodox medications
often result in deleterious clinical consequences. This underscores the importance of caution in
herb-drug co-medication.
New Antithrombotic Strategies and Coronary Stent Technologies for Patients at High Bleeding Risk Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: Sorrentino Sabato , Salerno Nadia , Leo Isabella , Polimeni Alberto , Sabatino Jolanda , Spaccarotella Carmen Anna Maria , Mongiardo Annalisa , De Rosa Salvatore , Indolfi Ciro
Published: August 2021

:

Patients at high bleeding risk (HBR) are a sizable part of the population undergoing percutaneous
coronary intervention (PCI) and stent implantation. This population historically lacks
standardized definition, thus limiting trial design, data generalizability, and clinical decision-making.
To overcome this limitation, the Academic Research Consortium (ARC) has recently released
comprehensive guidelines defining HBR criteria for study design purposes and daily clinical practices.
Furthermore, several risk scores have been developed aiming to discriminate against HBR patients
and support physicians for clinical decision-making when faced with this complex subset of
patients. Accordingly, the first part of this review article will explore guideline-recommended risk
scoring as well as ARC-HBR criteria and their relative application for daily clinical practice. The
second part of this review article will explore the complex interplay between the risk of bleeding
and coronary thrombotic events in patients deemed at HBR. Indeed, several features that identify these
patients are also independent predictors of recurrent ischemic events, thus challenging revascularization
strategies and optimal antithrombotic therapy. Accordingly, several clinical trials have
been conducted to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the new generation of coronary platforms and
different antithrombotic strategies for HBR patients to minimize both ischemic and bleeding
events. Accordingly, in this part, we discuss current guidelines, trials, and observational data evaluating
antithrombotic strategies and stent technologies for patients at HBR.
Selective Recognition of Caffeine by (3-aminopropyl) Triethoxysilane
Based Polymers
Authors: Suravajhala Renuka , Malik Babita
Published: August 2021

Background:

The metal alkoxides undergo the sol-gel process leads to highly dense
polymer networks in nano range size particles. Template-mediated nanomaterial fabrication involves
functional monomers, cross binders, catalysis, and other favorable thermal conditions optimized to
prepare thermal, mechanical, and chemo-stable tailor-made complimentary recognition sites ceramic
materials.

Methods:

The present study is focused on imprinting of caffeine by sol-gel method, wherein functional
monomer as (3-aminopropyl) triethoxysilane (APTES), crosslinker as tetraethyl orthosilicate
(TEOS), and ammonium hydroxide solution as catalyst were considered to prepare materials, and
those materials characterized. The catalyzed hydrolysis and condensation were carried with a wide
range of composition mixtures in acetonitrile optimized at 60 oC. The imprinted polymers (MIPs) and
Non-Imprinted Polymers (NIPs) characterized by FTIR, GC-MS, SEM, and EDS techniques. Further
post-polymerization studies were carried to investigate recognizing capacity specificity and the binding
capacity of the caffeine and its structurally similar analogs with imprinted / non-imprinted polymers.

Results:

The studies revealed that efficiency in the template removal was high in the imprinted
polymers in which low concentration of crosslinker and whereas the selectivity of the template was
observed to be high compared with polymers with higher concentrations.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, high binding affinity was observed in imprinted polymers to that of non-
Imprinted polymers.
Anti-HER2 VHH Targeted Fluorescent Liposome as Bimodal Nanoparticle for Drug Delivery and Optical Imaging
Authors: Khaleghi Sepideh , Rahbarizadeh Fatemeh , Nikkhoi Shahryar K.
Published: August 2021

Objective:

The aim of this study was to formulate fluorescent-labeled targeted immunoliposome to visualize the delivery and distribution of drugs in real-time.

Methods:

In this study, fluorescent-labeled liposomes were decorated with anti-HER2 VHH or Herceptin to improve the monitoring of intracellular drug delivery and tumor cell tracking with minimal side effects. The conjugation efficiency of antibodies was analyzed by SDS-PAGE silver staining. In addition, the physicochemical characterization of liposomes was performed using DLS and TEM. Finally, confocal microscopy visualized nanoparticles in the target cells.

Results:

Quantitative and qualitative methods characterized the intracellular uptake of 110±10 nm particles with near 70% conjugation efficiency. In addition, live-cell trafficking during hours of incubation was monitored by wide-field microscopy imaging. The results show that the fluorescent- labeled nanoparticles can specifically bind to HER2-positive breast cancer with minimal off-target delivery.

Conclusion:

These nanoparticles can have several applications in personalized medicine, especially drug delivery and real-time visualization of cancer therapy. Moreover, this method also can be applied in the targeted delivery of contrast agents in imaging and thermotherapy.
Downregulation of miRNA-14669 Reverses Vincristine Resistance in Colorectal
Cancer Cells through PI3K/AKT Signaling Pathway
Authors: Wang Tianyun , Dong Weihua , Wang Fang , Liu Qingyu , Yang Yun , Guo Peixia , Li Xiang , Wei Bingdi
Published: August 2021

Background:

Vincristine (VCR) is a chemotherapeutic drug commonly used in the treatment
of Colorectal Cancer (CRC). However, VCR drug resistance may result in reduced efficacy
and even failure of chemotherapy in CRC treatment. MiRNA has been demonstrated to be associated
with the sensitivity of tumor cells to chemotherapy.

Objective:

This study aimed to identify a novel miRNA-14669 that can reverse vincristine resistance
and sensitize drug-resistant colorectal cancer cells.

Methods:

High-throughput sequencing was performed to screen miRNAs that are associated with
VCR drug resistance, and qRT-PCR was used for further validation. The miRNA mimic and inhibitor
were designed and transfected into HCT-8,HCT-116 and HCT-8/VCR cells. Wound healing
test examined the effect of the miRNA on the migration of colorectal cancer cells. Flow cytometry
was used to evaluate cell apoptosis of HCT-8 cells. Survivin, Bcl-2, GST3, MDR1 and MRP1 expressions
were detected by Western blot.

Results:

The expression of miRNA-14669 in HCT-8/VCR cells was 1.925 times higher than that
of the HCT-8 cells. After transfecting with mimic miRNA, HCT-8 and HCT-116 cells showed an
increased survival rate. The survival rate of HCT-8/VCR cells decreased by transfection of inhibitor.
The inhibitor also sensitized HCT-8 and HCT-116 cells to VCR or 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU). The
migratory ability of HCT-8 and HCT-116 cells increased by miRNA mimic while reduced by miRNA
inhibitor. Overexpression of miRNA-14669 reduced apoptosis, while downregulation of miRNA-
14669 increased cell apoptosis in HCT-8 cells. The mechanism of the miRNA involved in
drug resistance may be attributed to apoptosis of tumor cells, detoxification of GST3 and drug efflux
induced by MDR1 and MRP1. PI3K / AKT is the signaling pathway related to drug resistance.

Conclusion:

We identified a novel miRNA-14669 that may be associated with the chemotherapeutic
resistance in CRC cells.
Identification of DNA-Binding Proteins via Hypergraph Based Laplacian
Support Vector Machine
Authors: Qian Yuqing , Meng Hao , Lu Weizhong , Liao Zhijun , Ding Yijie , Wu Hongjie
Published: August 2021

Background:

The identification of DNA binding proteins (DBP) is an important research
field. Experiment-based methods are time-consuming and labor-intensive for detecting DBP.

Objective:

To solve the problem of large-scale DBP identification, some machine learning methods are
proposed. However, these methods have insufficient predictive accuracy. Our aim is to develop a sequence-
based machine learning model to predict DBP.

Methods:

In our study, we extracted six types of features (including NMBAC, GE, MCD, PSSM-AB,
PSSM-DWT, and PsePSSM) from protein sequences. We used Multiple Kernel Learning based on Hilbert-
Schmidt Independence Criterion (MKL-HSIC) to estimate the optimal kernel. Then, we constructed
a hypergraph model to describe the relationship between labeled and unlabeled samples. Finally, Laplacian
Support Vector Machines (LapSVM) is employed to train the predictive model. Our method is
tested on PDB186, PDB1075, PDB2272 and PDB14189 data sets.

Result:

Compared with other methods, our model achieved best results on benchmark data sets.

Conclusion:

The accuracy of 87.1% and 74.2% are achieved on PDB186 (Independent test of
PDB1075) and PDB2272 (Independent test of PDB14189), respectively.
Impact of Literacy on Hypertension Knowledge and Control of Blood Pressure in a Southern Indian Tertiary Hospital
Authors: Rahman Farhana , Muthaiah Nagasundaram , Prasanth Krishna , Singh Arvind , Satagopan Uthra , Kumaramanickavel Govindasamy
Published: August 2021

Background :

Hypertension is a global public health concern. Awareness and knowledge
about the disease in a community collectively would allow adequate prevention, promote self-care
practices, adherence to medication and ultimately effective management of hypertension.

Aims:

To ascertain the level of education associated with the knowledge of hypertension and control
of blood pressure.

Methods:

A cross-sectional questionnaire survey consisting of item questions about awareness and
knowledge of hypertension. Hypertensive patients (n = 424) of both genders and more than 20
years of age were included in the study. Hypertensive patients were divided into two groups (school
group and school pass-out group) to assess the level of knowledge. Chi-square test was performed
to determine the assessment, and p-value < 0.05 was considered significant.

Results:

Out of 424 participants, 71.2% were school group and 28.7% school pass-out group.
School pass-out group had significant knowledge about dangerous natural course of hypertension
(p = 0.00069), hypertension can lead to death if untreated (p = 0.015), benefits of cessation of
smoking (p = 0.03), advantage of limiting alcohol (p = 0.019) and performing regular exercise (p =
0.013) reduces blood pressure. School pass-out group had significant (p = 0.04) hypertension control
compared to the school group.

Conclusion:

Educational status plays a vital role in increasing knowledge and improving the management
of hypertension through better self-care practices and strict adherence to medication. Community-
based health education interventional programs targeting the lower socioeconomic group of
a population would help to reduce the gap in awareness and effective control of hypertension.