bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
First Report of The Invasive Pest, South American Tomato Pinworm, Tuta absoluta (Meyrick), in Udaipur Region of Southern Rajasthan
Authors: SINGH BEERENDRA , Mahla M. K. , Babu S. Ramesh , Singh Virendra , Ojha M. L. , Jain Devendra , Sharma Kuldeep , Jagawat Swati , Kumar Vijay
Published: May 2022

The invasive pest tomato pinworm, T. absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) was observed first time in the Southern Rajasthan during 2018-2020 under field and protected cultivation in tomato. Morphological and molecular identification (amplifying cytochrome oxidase gene (CO-I) of mitochondrial DNA) was done to confirm the occurrence of this new invasive species. The development period of T. absoluta had four stages viz; eggs, larva, pupa and adult. The duration of the incubation period, first, second, third and fourth instar larvae were observed at 4.52±0.68, 2.38±0.50, 3.95±0.80, 3.43±0.51 and 2.57±0.51 days, respectively. The eggs hatching was observed at 94-97 per cent. The average length of first, second, third and fourth instar larvae was measured at 0.610±0.037, 1.577±0.067, 3.917±0.121 and 7.379±0.176 mm, respectively. The total larval period was observed as 10-15 days with a mean of 12.33±1.35 days. The pupal period was observed from 10-12 days with a mean of 10.95±0.86 days. The adult longevity on an average was 12.00±1.41 days with a range of 10-14 days. The complete life span of T. absoluta ranged from 30-40 days with a mean of 35.43±3.56 days.
Massively parallel sequencing of endometrial lavage specimens for the detection of cancer-associated mutations in atypical and non-atypical endometrial hyperplasia
Authors: Weng Cindy Hsuan , Wu Kai-Yun , Wang Chin-Jung , Huang Huei-Jean , Tsai Chia-Lung , Lin Chiao-Yun , Ro Aileen , Lai Chyong-Huey , Chao An-Shine , Wu Ren-Chin , Chao Angel
Published: May 2022

PurposeEndometrial hyperplasia (EH), particularly with atypia, is considered an antecedent of endometrial adenocarcinoma. In this study, we aimed to apply massively parallel sequencing of endometrial lavage specimens for the detection of cancer-associated mutations in atypical (AEH) and non-atypical endometrial hyperplasia (NEH). The identified alterations were compared with those detected in tissue samples. Materials and methods Endometrial lavage specimens and parallel biopsy samples (n = 11 for AEH and n = 9 for NEH) were obtained from 18 women (9 with AEH and 9 with NEH) who received an office hysteroscopy for suspected endometrial lesions. All samples were tested for somatic mutations in hotspot regions of 72 cancer-associated genes by massively parallel sequencing. Results Sequencing revealed the presence of at least one cancer-associated gene mutation in 72.7% and 44.4 % of endometrial lavage specimens obtained from women with AEH and NEH, respectively. The concordance rates between mutations in endometrial lavage samples and endometrial biopsies were 54.5% and 0% for AEH and NEH, respectively. A patient with NEH harbored mutations in endometrial lavage only, raising the suspicion of missed focal atypia. ConclusionsEH is characterized by a high burden of cancer-associated mutations, particularly in the presence of atypia. Our study, albeit performed with a relatively small number of samples, indicates that their detection by massively parallel sequencing of endometrial lavage is feasible. Our findings may allow tailoring of endometrial biopsies to the individual risk of AEH; additionally, they can pave the way towards less invasive surveillance protocols in patients with known EH.
Ecological zoning and quality zoning of Chinese sorghum under the background of climate change
Authors: Fulai Ke , Kuangye Zhang , Zhihua Li , Zhiqiang Liu , Kai Zhu
Published: May 2022

The original sorghum division was completed in the 1980s. Since the 21st century, with the climate warming and the planting belt moving to the north, it is urgent to compile new sorghum divisions to adapt to the needs of the new era to prevent the adaptive risks brought by cross-regional planting of varieties.In view of the above problems, 20 representative varieties of various maturity periods cultivated by major national sorghum breeding units in recent years were selected in this experiment, and 59 ecological zones with different ecological characteristics were selected in the country. According to the characteristics of different pilot meteorological factors and variety trait performance characteristics, sorghum ecological zoning and quality zoning were conducted.The results show that 5 primary zones and 14 secondary ecological zones can be divided,Northwest spring sowing area, North China spring sowing area, northeast spring sowing area, southern area and northern spring and summer sowing area are the first-class ecological areas.Liaonian3 and Liaonuo11, Jinnuo3 and Liaoza19,Fengza4 and Liaoza37 are the dominant species to adapt to different ecological zones.North China spring sowing area and northeast spring sowing area for high starch, high capacity and heavy producing area, northeast spring sowing area and southern area for high tannin producing area.
Tephrosia purpurea (Linn.) attenuates progression of acute liver failure by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation via modulating cytoprotective enzyme hemoxygenase-1 activity
Authors: Rakshit Samrat , Sahu Nisha , Nirala Satendra Kumar , Gupte Shamli S , Shukla Sangeeta , Shrivastava Sadhana , Bhadauria Bhawana , Bhadauria Monika
Published: May 2022

Background: Acute liver failure (ALF), often associated with elevated oxidative stress and sustained inflammation, is one of the major clinical manifestations of liver disease with limited therapeutic options. Tephrosia purpurea is mentioned in Ayurvedic literature to be effective against various health problems. Additionally, this plant with various unknown bioactive components has not been fully explored against acute organ injury, especially against D-galactosamine and lipopolysaccharide induced acute hepatitis. Thus, we aimed to characterize and investigate the efficacy of hydroethanolic extract of Tephrosia purpurea to attenuate ALF progression. Methods: Different doses of Tephrosia purpurea extract (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg) were administered orally once a day for 6 days. In vivo injury was induced via intraperitoneal injection of D-galactosamine (300 mg/kg) followed by lipopolysaccharide (50 μg/kg). Presence of bioactive compounds, functional groups, nature and size of particles, thermal properties of the extract were determined. Results: Levels of lipid peroxidation, proinflammatory cytokines were significantly elevated after D-galactosamine and lipopolysaccharide administration that were restored by the administration of Tephrosia purpurea via modulating hemoxygenase-1 enzyme. Tephrosia purpurea alleviated serum transaminase levels, hematological variables and markedly reduced histological and ultrastructural alterations. Tephrosia purpurea reduced iron overload and maintained glutathione homeostasis (P£ 0.05). Not only that, it also eliminated lipid droplets, restored biomacromolecule homeostasis, maintained stability of the membrane, cellular organelles and the DNA. Conclusions: These findings provided novel insights into the anti-inflammatory and antioxidative mechanisms of Tephrosia purpurea and suggested its use as a potential therapeutic candidate against ALF.
Association between electronic cigarettes-marijuana dual use and sleep duration among US adults: NHANES 2015–2018
Authors: Pan Zhenzhen , Wang Qian , Wang Huixia , Guo Yun , Pan Shanshan , Xu Shiyao , Zhou Qin , Li Ling
Published: May 2022

Background: Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) use was reported associated with sleep disturbances, and marijuana was a double-edged sword to sleep. Literature about their dual use is limited. This study aimed to investigate the association between dual use of,e-cigarettes and marijuana and sleep duration among US adults.Methods: This cross-sectional study included 6,573 participants aged 18–64 years from 2015 to 2018. Data were obtained from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey database. The chi-square test and analysis of variance were used for analyses of binary and continuous variables, respectively. Multinomial logistic regression models were used for univariate and multivariate analyses of e-cigarettes, marijuana use, and sleep duration. Sensitivity analyses were conducted in populations with dual e-cigarette and traditional cigarette use and those with dual marijuana and traditional cigarette use.Results: Dual e-cigarette and marijuana users had significantly higher odds of not having the recommended sleep duration than those who were using neither (short sleep duration: odds ratio [OR], 2.34; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.19–4.61; P = 0.014; long sleep duration: OR, 2.09; 95% CI, 1.53–2.87; P < 0.001, respectively) and short sleep duration than only e-cigarette users (OR, 4.24; 95% CI, 1.75–4.60; P < 0.001) in the adjusted model. Dual traditional cigarette and marijuana users had significantly higher odds of long sleep duration than neither users.Conclusions: The study suggested that the dual use of tobacco products and marijuana was associated with sleep duration, which is not recommended, and results differ based on the type of tobacco products. Since the majority of tobacco users use not only one kind of tobacco product, it is important to conduct longitudinal RCTs to explore the joint effect of dual tobacco use on human health.
Coupling Hydrochemical Characterization with Geospatial Analysis to Understand Groundwater Quality Parameters In North Central Nigeria
Authors: Ekwule O. R. , Simeon A. K. , Amer M. A.
Published: May 2022

Monitoring and identifying sources of water contaminants necessitates research into hydro-chemical interactions and the health of groundwater resources. Sixty (n = 60) representative samples of groundwater in Makurdi metropolis were evaluated utilizing hydro-geochemical characterization and GIS methodologies. The region's groundwater quality was planned and monitored using a GIS-based water quality index (WQI). To identify the variance in hydro-geochemical facies and to understand the functional sources of chemical constituents, Piper trilinear and Gibbs diagrams were produced. The test results revealed that the groundwater is very alkaline in nature. For each measure, the majority of the samples fell within the desirable and maximum permissible ranges set by the Nigeria Standard for Drinking Water Quality (NSDWQ). According to the Piper diagram, 86.67% of the samples are of the Na+ - K+ - HCO32− type, indicating alkali carbonate, while 13.33% are of the Na+ - K+ - Cl− - SO42− type, indicating salinity. In 100% of the samples, alkalis outnumber alkaline earth, and weak acid outnumbers strong acid in more than half (86.67%) of the groundwater samples. According to the water quality index (WQI), 93% of locations have excellent or good quality water, whereas 7% of sites have poor quality water. The permitted limits for TH, Na+, Cl, NO3 and SO42 are exceeded by the WQI values. The present investigation indicates significant dominance of agriculture and rock weathering capable of influencing the groundwater chemistry in Makurdi metropolis. Anthropogenic activities which can result in groundwater quality deterioration should be curtailed to avoid widespread of groundwater pollution.
Automatic detection system for verification and quality control: Application to water connector inspection
Authors: Regayeg Jihen , Baklouti Mouna
Published: May 2022

Visual inspection of finished products has always been one of the basic and most recognized applications of quality control in the industry field. This inspection remains largely a manual process conducted by operators, and thus faces considerable limitations that make it unreliable. Therefore, it is necessary to automatize this inspection for better efficiency. This work aims to explore the application of Machine Vision in a manufacturing system environment. The objective is to create and develop an automated inspection system used to sort the water connector product after the assembly process. The machine vision system solution allows to classify and sort the assembled finished water connector product as conforming product or non-conforming product. This work proposes two solutions to classify and identify the water connector product. The first inspection method is based on image segmentation while the second one is based on machine learning, achieving an accuracy of 96% and 87% respectively.
Why do men who have sex with men fail to use condoms consistently during sex? A systematic review and Meta-synthesis
Authors: Shen Yan , Zhang Ci , Valimaki Maritta , Qian Hanzhu , Mohammadi Leila , Chi Yuanyuan , Li Xianhong
Published: May 2022

Background Despite a large amount of behavioral interventions to reduce human immunodeficiency virus-related high-risk sexual behaviors, consistent condom use remains suboptimal among men who have sex with men (MSM). However, current databases are lack of synthesized evidence to explain why MSM always fail to use condoms consistently during sex. Objective Our study aims to conduct a systematic review and meta-synthesis of 39 eligible qualitative studies to explore the barriers to condom use among MSM. Methods. A systematic review and meta-synthesis of qualitative studies. On March 4, 2021, a comprehensive search was conducted in 14 electronic databases. The study was conducted based on the Joanna Briggs Institute’s recommendations. Results. Thematic analysis produced six synthesized themes, which were classified into three levels according to the Social-ecology Model. Individual level barriers to condom use include physical discomfort, lack of HIV/STI-related knowledge and substance use; interpersonal-level barrier was mainly the condom stigma, namely regarding using condom as symbols of distrust or HIV/ STIs prevention, or as violating traditional cognition of sex, or as an embarrassing topic; environmental/ structural-level barriers included situational unavailability, unaffordability of condoms and power imbalance in the sexual relationship. Conclusion This meta-synthesis offered in-depth understanding of condom use barriers for MSM and could guide the development of multifactorial interventions according to the identified barriers, especially targeting to reduce condom stigma, which has not been focused and intervened previously.
Quantum Cryptanalysis of Affine Cipher
Authors: Mathews Mahima Mary , Panchami V , Ajith Vishnu
Published: May 2022

Quantum Algorithms reduce the computational complexity or solve certain difficult problems that were originally impossible to solve with classical computers. Grover's search algorithm is a Quantum computation algorithm that can find target elements from a set of unstructured data with the best possible, O(√ N) queries. Grover's search Quantum circuits implemented accurately can be used to successfully search and find the keys of Symmetric ciphers. However, very few demonstrations of such practical cryptanalysis are available. In this paper, practical Quantum cryptanalysis circuits for Affine Cipher are proposed and demonstrated, that successfully break the cipher by finding the keys.
Assessment of seasonal variations in groundwater quality and its suitability for agricultural use in Keffi, Nigeria
Authors: KUDAMNYA Ebenezer Agayina , Edet Aniekan , Ekwere Azubuike S.
Published: May 2022

Groundwater within the Basement Complex terrain of Keffi and its environs were assessed for its quality and suitability for agriculture. A total of about sixty-three groundwater samples were collected during wet and dry season, where physical and chemical parameters were measured. Results obtained show that values of analyzed parameters are within WHO permissible limit, except NO3−. Groundwater in the study area is of good to excellent quality. Major cation constituents during both seasons occur in order Ca2+ > Na+ > Mg2+ > K+. In the wet season, major anions in the groundwater occur in the order NO3− > HCO3− > Cl− > SO42−, while in the dry season it is NO3− > Cl− > SO42− > HCO3−. During weathering processes, dissolution may be responsible for the release of these major ions into the groundwater system owing to the rock-water interaction. Also, groundwater in the study area is suitable for agriculture based on the indices: total hardness, residual sodium carbonate, percent sodium, sodium absorption ratio, magnesium hazard and permeability index. Correlation suggests that anthropogenic sources contribute the excess NO3− in the groundwater through the application of fertilizer and pesticide, improper disposal of refuse and even indiscriminate open defecation over time. Majority of the groundwater samples analyzed for both season were classified as; ‘very good to good’ and ‘good to permissible’, using the Wilcox Plot. Similarly, the plot of sodium hazard against salinity hazard has classified the groundwater samples analyzed as ‘good’.
Prothrombotic state, endothelial injury, and echocardiographic changes in non-active sarcoidosis patients
Authors: Siwiec Andzelika , Kuszmiersz Piotr , Kasper Lukasz , Frolow Marzena , Kozlik Pawel , Iwaniec Teresa , Kosalka-Wegiel Joanna , Zareba Lech , Sladek Krzysztof , Bazan Jan G. , Bazan-Socha Stanislawa , Dropinski Jerzy
Published: May 2022

Objective: Sarcoidosis is a multisystem inflammatory granulomatous disease of unknown cause that most commonly affects lungs and lymph nodes, with frequent yet asymptomatic cardiac involvement. The epidemiologically associated cardiovascular risk suggests an underlying prothrombotic state and endothelial dysfunction, currently understudied in the available literature. Therefore, we aimed to investigate prothrombotic plasma properties together with selected echocardiographic and laboratory biomarkers of cardiovascular injury in that disease.Methods: N=53 patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis in clinical remission and N=66 matched controls were assessed for inflammatory and endothelial injury biomarkers, plasma thrombin generation profile, and echocardiographic and lung function parameters.Results: Sarcoidosis cases had impaired systolic and diastolic left ventricular function, higher concentrations of inflammatory markers, D-dimer and factor VIII activity compared to the controls. The coexistence of extrapulmonary disease was associated with elevated circulating vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM)-1, while cases with hypercalcemia had higher thrombomodulin concentration. Sarcoidosis was characterized by the unfavorably altered thrombin generation profile, reflected by the 16% higher endogenous thrombin potential (ETP), 24% increased peak thrombin concentration, and 12% shorter time to thrombin peak in comparison to the control group. ETP was higher in cases with proxies of pulmonary restriction, extrapulmonary-extracutaneous manifestation and need for corticosteroids use.Conclusions: Despite the clinical remission, sarcoidosis is related to prothrombotic plasma properties and signs of endothelial injury, likely contributing to the higher risk of cardiovascular events. In addition, subclinical cardiac involvement may play an additional role, although further clinical and experimental studies are needed to verify these findings.
EMG-driven bilateral therapy for hand rehabilitation: Evaluation of the influence of an EMG-based visual biofeedback on the users’ performance
Authors: Cisnal A. , Gordaliza P. , Turiel J. P. , Fraile J. C. , Sierra D.
Published: May 2022

Background: The development of rehabilitation robotic systems has experienced significant growth in recent years. Electromyography (EMG) is commonly used to drive this kind of robots. Although there are some studies that have assessed the effectiveness of EMG biofeedback in neurorehabilitation, none of them has applied this technique in combination with robotic platforms.Objectives: Our goal was to evaluate the influence of EMG biofeedback on the user performance, when individuals were asked to perform different hand gestures (open, rest and close) using an EMG-driven robotic hand exoskeleton rehabilitation platform. Methods: A total of 18 healthy subjects were enrolled in the study. The subjects were asked to perform 1-minute randomly generated sequences of hand gestures in four different conditions resulting from the combination of using or not (1) EMG-based visual biofeedback (2) kinesthetic feedback from the exoskeleton movement Results: The subject performance was statistical significantly better when the EMG-based visual feedback was present, while kinesthetic feedback did not improve their performance. The performance when both sources of feedback were present did not resulted in any enhancement, indicating that the kinesthetic feedback overrides the effect of the electromyographic one.Conclusion: The EMG-based visual feedback enables subjects to increase their control over the movement of the robotic platform by assessing their muscle activation in real-time. This type of feedback could benefit the patients in learning faster how to co-activate the motions of the rehabilitation robot, which may increase their motivation.
Implementation of a medicine management plan (MMP) to reduce medication-related harm (MRH) in older people post-hospital discharge: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Ali Khalid , Mensah Ekow , McDermott Eugene Ace , Kirkham Frances A , Stevenson Jennifer , Hamer Victoria , Parekh Nikesh , Schiff Rebekah , Cammen Tischa van Der , Nyangoma Stephen , Fowler-Davis Sally , Davies Graham , Gage Heather , Rajkumar Chakravarthi
Published: May 2022

BackgroundMedication-related harm (MRH) is an escalating global challenge especially among older adults. The period following hospital discharge carries high-risk for MRH due to medication discrepancies, limited patient/carer education and support, and poor communication between hospital and community professionals. Discharge Medical Service (DMS), a newly introduced NHS scheme, aims to reduce post-discharge MRH through an electronic communication between hospital and community pharmacists. Our study team has previously developed a risk-prediction tool (RPT) for MRH in the 8-weeks period post discharge from a UK hospital cohort of 1280 patients. MethodUsing a randomized control trial design, 682 older adults ≥ 65years due to be discharged from hospital will be recruited from 4 sites. Participants will be randomized to an intervention arm (individualised medicine management plan (MMP) plus DMS) or a control arm (DMS only) using a 1:1 ratio stratification. Baseline data will include patients’ clinical and social demographics, and admission and discharge medications. At 8-weeks post-discharge, a telephone interview and review of GP records by the study pharmacist will verify MRH in both arms. An economic and process evaluation will assess the cost and acceptability of the study methods.Data AnalysisUnivariate analysis will be done for baseline variables comparing the intervention and control arms. A multivariate logistic regression will be done incorporating these variables. Economic evaluation will compare the cost-of-service use among the study arms and modelled to provide national estimates. Qualitative data from focus-group interviews will explore practitioners’ understanding, and acceptance of the MMP, DMS and the RPT. ConclusionThis study will inform the use of an objective, validated RPT for MRH among older adults after hospital discharge, and provide a clinical, economic, and service evaluation of a specific medicines management plan alongside the DMS in the National Health Service (UK).
Analysis of 12 Trace Elements in the Sera and Placental Tissues of Pregnant Women with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus in Beijing
Authors: Liu Sana , Fang Haiqing , Wang Qihe , Zhang Mingyuan , Qu Pengfeng , Deng Taotao , Li Huzhong , liang Dong , Liu Aidong
Published: May 2022

The present study aimed to detect and analyze the concentrations of 12 trace elements in the sera and placental tissues of pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in Beijing, China using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Thirty pregnant women that participated in this study, and 20 matched normal controls were recruited in the study; the concentrations of trace elements were compared between these groups. The trace elements iron (Fe), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), selenium (Se), chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), strontium (Sr), lead (Pb), aluminum (Al), arsenic (As), and palladium (Pd) were detected in the sera and placental tissues of the pregnant women. Using a double antibody sandwich ELISA, the activity of glutathione peroxidases (GPXs), including GPX1-4, were assessed in the placental tissues. Compared with healthy pregnant women, the concentrations of Fe, Cu, Se, and Cr in the sera of pregnant women with GDM were significantly increased (P ˂ 0.05), whereas no significant differences in Al, Mn, Ni, As, Sr, Pd, and Pb sera concentrations were detected between these groups(P > 0.05); And Zn concentrations did not quite achieve acceptable levels of statistical significance (P = 0.047). Also in comparison to healthy pregnant women, Fe concentrations in the placental tissues of pregnant women with GDM were significantly increased (P ˂ 0.05), whereas Zn, Mn, Al, and As concentrations were significantly decreased (P ˂ 0.05); however, the concentrations of Cr, Ni, Se, Sr, Pd, Pb, and Cu in placental tissues did not differ between the groups. In addition, GPX1-4 activity did not differ between the GDM and healthy groups. The differences in trace element concentrations detected in pregnant patients with GDM and healthy pregnant patients suggest that some elements, such as Fe, Cu, Zn, and Se may play important roles in the disease and could be considered potential biomarkers.
A nationwide population-based cohort study of the association betweem visual loss and risks of suicide and mental illness in Taiwan
Authors: Sung Chieh , Chung Chi-Hsiang , Lin Fu-Huang , Chien Wu-Chien , Sun Chien-An , Tsao Chang-Huei , Weng Chih-Erh
Published: May 2022

Background: The psychosocial and health consequences of ocular conditions that cause visual impairment (VI) are extensive and include impaired daily activities, social isolation, cognitive impairment, impaired functional status and functional decline, increased reliance on others, increased risk of motor vehicle accidents, falls and fractures, poor self-rated health, and depression. We aimed to determine whether VI increases the risk and progression of mental illness, suicide, and mortality over time.Methods: To conduct a large, countrywide, population-based, nested, cohort study, we used the data recorded from 2000 to 2015 in the Taiwan’s National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD), which included all diagnoses of patients with VI. Baseline features, comorbidities, and prognostic variables were evaluated in 1:4-matched study and comparison cohorts using Cox proportional hazards regression to study the association between VI and a poor prognosis(mental illness, suicide, and mortality). The study outcome was the cumulative incidence of VI in patients with suicide and mental health risks during a 15-year follow-up period.Results: Among the 1,949,101 patients enlisted in the NHIRD, 359 had been diagnosed with VI. Cox regression analysis identified the risk factors for poor prognosis, and the crude hazard ratio was 3.004 (95% confidence interval 2.135–4.121, p<0.001). Participants with VI had an increased risk of poor prognosis, even after excluding individuals with a diagnosis of poor prognosis within the first year and the initial 5 years. VI was associated with suicide and mental health risks.Conclusions: VI increases the likelihood of a poor prognosis. Early detection through comprehensive examinations based on increased awareness in the clinical context may help maintain visual function and avoid additional complications.
Increased prevalence of human papillomavirus in fresh tissue from penile cancers compared to non-malignant penile samples: A case-control study.
Authors: Kristiansen Sinja , Bjartling Carina , Torbrand Christian , Grelaud Diane , Lindström Martin , Svensson Åke , Forslund Ola
Published: May 2022

Background: HPV has been detected in approximately 50% of invasive penile cancers but with a large span between 24% and 89%, most likely due to different types of tumors and various methods for HPV analysis. Most studies of HPV in penile cancer have been performed using paraffin-embedded tissue, argued to be at risk for contaminated HPV analysis. Viral activity of HPV, by the use of HPV mRNA expression is well studied in cervical cancer, but seldom studied in penile cancer.The aim was to determine prevalence of HPV types in fresh tissue of penile cancers compared to non-malignant age-matched penile controls. Additional aims were to analyze the viral expression and copy numbers of HPV16-positive tumors and 10 mm adjacent to the tumor.Methods: Fresh tissue from penile cancer cases was biopsied inside the tumor and 10 mm outside the tumor. Controls were males circumcised for non-malignant reasons, biopsied at surgery.PCR and Luminex assays were used for identification of HPV types. HPV16-positive samples were investigated for copy numbers and expression of HPV16-mRNA. Results: Among tumors (n=135) and age-matched controls (n=105), HPV was detected in 38.5% (52/135) and 11.4% (12/105), respectively (p <0.001), adjusted odds ratio 12.8 (95% confidence interval 4.9-33.6). High-risk HPV types were found in 34.3% (48/135) of tumors and 4.8% (5/105) of controls (p<0.001). Among tumors and controls, HPV16 was present in 27.4% (37/135) and 1% (1/105), respectively (p<0.001). Among HPV16-positive penile cancers, mean HPV16 viral copy/cell was 74.4 (range 0.00003 – 725.4) in the tumor and 1.6 (range 0.001 – 14.4) 10 mm adjacent from the tumor. HPV16-mRNA analysis of the tumors and 10 mm adjacent from the tumors demonstrated viral activity in 86.5% (32/37) and 21.7% (5/23), respectively. Conclusions: The prevalence of HPV was significantly higher in penile cancer (38.5%) than among age-matched non-malignant penile samples (11.4%). HPV16 predominates (27.4%) in penile tumors. HPV16 expression was more common in penile cancer than in adjacent healthy tissue, strongly suggesting an etiological role for HPV16 in the development of penile cancer.
Sequence and Haplotype Analyses of Ligula intestinalis in Acanthobrama Marmid (Cyprinidae) in Turkey
Authors: Kesik Harun Kaya , Celik Figen , Turk Cebrahil , Kilinc Seyma Gunyakti , Simsek Sami , Gul Abdurrahman
Published: May 2022

Ligulosis caused by Ligula intestinalis adversely affects the fisheries carried out in the lakes and ponds of in Turkey. This parasite causes economic losses in the fish industry. In this study, it was aimed to reveal the molecular characterization of L. intestinalis isolates obtained from woodfish (Acanthobrama marmid) in Keban Dam Lake in Elazig province of Turkey by using mt-CO1 gene sequences and to determine the genetic differences and haplotypes between the isolates. In the examination made in terms of L. intestinalis, the intestine of the fish was opened with the help of fine-tipped scissors, the contents were allowed to come out, and the parasites were taken into a petri dish containing physiological water. Then, L. intestinalis plerocercoids were taken into 15 ml falcon tubes containing 70% ethanol and stored at -20ºC until further analysis. From each isolate, total gDNA was extracted from the plerocercoids. A partial (480 bp) mt-CO1 gene was amplified by PCR and sequenced unidirectionally. The final size of the trimmed sequences was 392 bp for 43 sequences. Sequence and haplotype analyses were performed, followed by phylogenetic analyses. All isolates were confirmed as L. intestinalis by BLAST analysis. In addition, 87 nucleotide mutation positions were determined among 43 CO1 gene sequences. As a result of the haplotype network performed for the mt-CO1 gene region of L. intestinalis isolates; arranged in a star-like configuration with the main haplotype (Hap05), separated from other haplotypes by 1–6 mutation steps, and 29 haplotypes were identified, covering 13.9% (6/43) of the total isolates. Also, 75 variable (polymorphic) sites were determined, 52 of which were parsimony informative sites.
Molecular characterization of novel endornavirus isolated from Ophiostoma bicolor associated with bark beetles
Authors: Zhu Yuyao , Lu Anna , Wang Zheng , Lu Quan , Chengming Yu , Liu Huixiang
Published: May 2022

Ophiostoma bicolor is a pathogen fungus associated with bark beetles that can cause serious damage to host plants. In this study, a novel fungal virus “Ophiostoma bicolor endornavirus 1” (ObEV1) was obtained from O. bicolor , and its complete genome sequence was determined. ObEV1 has a singlestranded positive-sense (+ss) RNA genome of 10119 nucleotides, Sequence annotation and comparison showed that the viral genome has a single large open reading frame (ORF) encoding a polyprotein of 362.48 kDa. The polyprotein contains seven conserved domains: RNA dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), Viral RNA Helicase 1 (VHel1), Viral-methyltransferase (VMet), DEAD-like helicases (DEXDc), gliding-GltJ (G1), large tegument protein UL36 (PHA) and YlqF-related-GTPase (Y). Sequence comparisons and phylogenetic analysis showed that ObEV1 is a novel mycovirus belonging to the Betaendornavirus of “ Endornaviridae ” family. This is the first report of mycovirus in O. bicolor of Ophiostomatoid fungi.
A Practical Dental Image Enhancement Network for Early Diagnosis of Oral Dental Disease
Authors: khan rizwan , Long Zhong , Mehmood Atif , Qaisar Zahid
Published: May 2022

Intelligent robotics and expert system applications in dentistry suffer from identification and detection problems due to the non-uniform brightness and low contrast in the captured images. Moreover, during the diagnostic process, exposure of sensitive facial parts to ionized radiations (e.g., X-Rays) has several disadvantages and provides a limited angle for the view of vision. Capturing high-quality medical images with advanced digital devices is challenging, and processing on these images distorts the contrast and visual quality. It curtails the performance of potential intelligent and expert systems and disincentives the early diagnosis of oral and dental diseases. The traditional enhancement methods are designed for specific conditions, and network-based methods rely on large-scale datasets with limited adaptability towards varying conditions. This paper proposed a novel and adaptive dental image enhancement strategy based on a small dataset, and proposed a paired branch Denticle-Edification network (Ded-Net). The input dental images are decomposed into reflection and illumination in a multilayer Denticle network (De-Net). The subsequent enhancement operations are performed to remove the hidden degradation of reflection and illumination. The adaptive illumination consistency is maintained through the Edification network (Ed-Net). The network is regularized following the decomposition congruity of the input data and provides user-specific freedom of adaptability towards desired contrast levels. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method improves visibility and contrast and preserves the edges and boundaries of the low contrast input images. It proves that the proposed method is suitable for intelligent and expert system applications for future dental imaging.
A robotic polishing parameter optimization method considering time-varying wear
Authors: Zheng Qianjian , Xiao Juliang , Wang Chao , Liu Haitao , Huang Tian
Published: May 2022

In the automatic polishing process, the wear of polishing tools and the change of polishing parameters will affect the Preston coefficient, which makes it difficult to establish an accurate material removal model to achieve stable and excellent polishing quality. In this paper, a robotic polishing parameter optimization method considering time-varying wear is proposed to address these issues. First, combining the rich information in the theoretical modeling method with the data-driven regression method, a material removal regression model incorporating prior knowledge is proposed, which greatly reduces the large amount of experimental data required by the original regression model. The proposed model is able to track the wear variation of the sandpaper as well as the effect of polishing parameters. Then, based on the proposed prediction model, the polishing parameters are optimized using the genetic algorithm to achieve better machining quality and less energy consumption. Finally, the experimental verification is carried out on the hybrid robot polishing test bench. The results show that the proposed material removal regression model incorporating prior knowledge has higher prediction accuracy and less required experimental data than existing models. The proposed robot polishing parameter optimization method can effectively compensate for tool wear and ensure consistent material removal during polishing while reducing energy consumption.
Construction of new quantum color codes
Authors: Naghipour Avaz , Nguyen Duc Manh
Published: May 2022

This paper presents a hyperbolic geometry approach to the construction of new quantum color codes. The families of quantum color codes are constructed based on the identification of compact surfaces by hyperbolic tessellations. Codes of these families have 4 and 6 minimum distances and their encoding rate are near to 1. We also provide some quantum color codes with minimum distance of at least eight and a comparison table of quantum codes.
Does External Debt Promote Human Longevity in Developing Countries?
Authors: Aladejare Samson Adeniyi
Published: May 2022

This study assessed the impact of external debt on longevity in developing countries, particularly in West Africa, from 1981 to 2020. Longevity was proxied by life expectancy at birth, while the external debt effect was evaluated from the perspective of sustainability, liquidity, and solvency. Furthermore, outcomes from macroeconomic volatility were controlled through inflation and exchange rate variability. Methodological robustness was ensured by adopting panel unit root, cointegration, and estimation procedures incorporating panel dataset cross-sectional dependency and heterogeneity in their estimation process. Robust inferences for the study were derived by comparing estimated outcomes from the cross-sectional augmented autoregressive distributed lag, dynamic common correlated effects, and the Driscoll-Kraay method. Empirically, the study showed that unsustainable, illiquid, and insolvent external debt and macroeconomic volatility shorten longevity in West African countries. Hence, longevity will decline when weak external debt management promotes poverty in developing countries.JEL Classification: H53, H63, I31.
Accuracy of intraoral scanners according to subgingival depth of abutment for fixed prosthesis
Authors: Son Young-Tak , Son KeunBaDa , Lee Kyu-Bok
Published: May 2022

Purpose: This study aimed to compare the accuracy of intraoral scanners (IOSs) according to the subgingival finish line depth of tooth preparation for fixed prostheses.Methods: The maxillary right first molar tooth preparation model was fabricated using ceramic material. A computer-aided design (CAD) reference model (CRM) of the abutment was obtained using a contact scanner. The subgingival finish line was located according to the depth at 0-mm, 0.25-mm, 0.5-mm, 0.75-mm, and 1-mm. CAD test models (CTMs) were obtained using 2 IOSs. CRM and CTM were superimposed and analyzed. The one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to compare the accuracy according to the subgingival finish line depth. The paired t test was used to compare the accuracy of IOSs with and without gingival retraction (α=.05).Results: When the gingival displacement cord was not used, a significant difference was observed in accuracy according to the subgingival finish line depth in the marginal region in both IOSs (P < 0.001). When the subgingival finish line was positioned at a depth of ≥ 0.5-mm, the accuracy of both IOSs exceeded 100 µm in the marginal region. Furthermore, when the gingival displacement cord was used, the accuracy of both IOSs did not exceed 100 µm regardless of the subgingival finish line depth.Conclusions: With the increase of subgingival finish line depth, the inaccuracy increased, but the use of the gingival displacement cord improved the scan accuracy. Thus, the use of a gingival displacement cord is recommended to improve scan accuracy when using a subgingival finish line.
Systematic Literature Review: Software Engineering Frameworks
Authors: Prates Luis , Pereira Rúben
Published: May 2022

The definition of a Framework from the English dictionary is a basic structure, plan, or system, as of concepts, values, customs, or rules. Another definition is a skeletal structure designed to support or enclose something. In Software Engineering, a framework is a common term, and the field has it grew also proliferated an uncountable number of frameworks. Considering the increasing number of frameworks within Software Engineering, researchers think it valuable to precisely establish the definition of framework within the context of Software Engineering, which types of frameworks exist and the expected benefits of having them as a basis for creating future Software Engineering frameworks. Therefore, in this paper, researchers applied a Systematic Literature Review to the framework developed within the academia, and the findings are summarized.
Acrylamide formation and characterizations of flaky rolls substituted with Taiwan black rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Lu Wen-Chien , Chan Yung-Jia , Le Dung Huynh Thi , Li Po-Hsien
Published: May 2022

This study aims to investigate the physicochemical composition, textural parameters, and chemical constituent of flaky rolls incorporated with different proportions of black rice flour. According to farinographic characteristics, the addition of black rice could reduce the stability and increase the dough development time and water absorption (%). According to extensographic properties, the addition of black rice resulted in significantly different maximum resistance to extension (BU) and extensibility (cm) versus the control. With the addition of black rice in flaky rolls, the crude protein, total dietary fiber (TDF), soluble dietary fiber (SDF), and insoluble dietary fiber (IDF) were significantly improved. Glucose released was much lower with 10% and 20% black rice than the control and 5% black rice because of the higher black rice inclusion. TDF, SDF, and IDF also increased. With increasing black rice incorporation, total anthocyanin content was also increased, as was total phenolic content, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, and oxygen radical absorption capacity. The content of asparagine, acrylamide, hydroxymethylfurfural, furfural, methylglyoxal, and glyoxal in flaky rolls was also increased. The proper content of black rice flour (5%) could significantly enhance the stability of the dough properties; control the final volume, texture, and appearance; and retain good protein and fiber composition, antioxidant capacity, and overall acceptance of the flaky roll.
A Novel High-Resolution Melting Method for Detection of Adulteration on Pistachio (Pistacia vera L.)
Authors: Ay Neslihan , Hürkan Kaan
Published: May 2022

BackgroundThe pistachio nut (Pistacia vera L.) is a popular nut which is beneficial for health. As a result of its high price, adulteration of pistachio products with other foods is common. The green pea (Pisum sativum L.) is similar to pistachio in colour and texture when both are in a fine powder form, therefore powdered pistachio products are often adulterated with powdered green pea. In this study, we aimed to develop a novel method based on high resolution melting (HRM) to detect green pea adulteration in powdered pistachio products as low as in ratio. Methods and ResultsNovel primers that targeted the chloroplastidial sequence atpA, rpoC1 and ycf3 were tested on admixture ratios of 90:10, 99:1, 499:1 and 999:1 of pistachio:green pea. The melting temperatures (Tm) were found to detect the adulteration for the targets rpoC1 and ycf3. Since the atpA amplicon has identical guanine-cytosine content in both pistachio and green pea, it failed to distinguish the admixtures from the positive control samples. Differential plots and genotyping confidence percentages clearly distinguished the admixtures from positive controls down to a 0.1% ratio of pistachio:green pea. Sequencing of the amplicons supported the use of HRM to distinguish between pistachio and green pea. ConclusionsThe use of HRM with novel rpoC1 and ycf3 primer sets was found to be useful for rapid, cost-effective and reliable detection of green pea adulteration of pistachio down to a ratio of 0.1%.
Effects of an outpatient multifaceted medication review in older patients on the prevalence of emergency department visit and hospital admission
Authors: Zwietering Anne , Linkens AEMJH , Kuy PHM van der , Cremers H , Nie-Visser N. van , Hurkens KPGM
Published: May 2022

Background. The prevalence of medication related emergency department visit and acute hospital admission is significant in older patients due to the high prevalence of multimorbidity and associated polypharmacy. Aim. To explore whether a multifaceted outpatient medication review could alter the overall prevalence of an emergency department visit and acute hospital admission.Method. All new patients visiting our geriatric outpatient clinic had a multifaceted medication review (evaluation by a geriatrician, pharmacist and clinical decision support system). Subsequently we analysed the number of and reason for emergency department visit, acute hospital admission and readmission in the year prior to and following the index-date (date of first presentation and medication review).Results. The mean number of acute hospital admissions per patient in the year before and after medication review did not differ (0.3 ± 0.6 vs. 0.4 ± 0.6, p=0.153), as did the 30- and 180-day readmission rate (p=0.69 and p=0.83). There were no differences in reasons for acute hospital admission before and after medication review, but there was a significant difference in the number of potentially medication related emergency department visits (38.9 vs. 19.6%, p<0.01).Conclusion. There was no beneficial effect of an outpatient clinic multifaceted medication review on the overall rate of acute hospital admission or readmission during 12 months follow-up. There was however a reduction of 20% in potentially medication related emergency department visits after medication review.