bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genome-wide miRNA profiling in plasma of pregnant women with down syndrome fetuses
Authors: Zedníková Iveta , Chylíková Blanka , Šeda Ondřej , Korabečná Marie , Pazourková Eva , Břešťák Miroslav , Krkavcová Miroslava , Calda Pavel , Hořínek Aleš 
Published: May 2020

AbstractDown syndrome (DS) is one of the most common causes of intellectual disability and new approaches allowing its rapid and effective prenatal detection are being explored. In this study, we investigated the diagnostic potential of plasma microRNAs (miRNAs). This study builds upon our previous study in DS placentas, where seven miRNAs were found to be significantly up-regulated. A total of 70 first-trimester plasma samples from pregnant women were included in the present study (35 samples with DS fetuses; 35 with euploid fetuses). Genome-wide miRNA profiling was performed in the pilot study using Affymetrix GeneChip™ miRNA 4.1 Array Strips (18 samples). Selected miRNAs were then analysed in the validation study using quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT-qPCR; 52 samples). Based on the current pilot study results (12 miRNAs), our previous research on chorionic villi samples (7 miRNAs) and the literature (4 miRNAs), a group of 23 miRNAs was selected for the validation study. Although the results of the pilot study were promising, the validation study using the more sensitive RT-qPCR technique and a larger group of samples revealed no significant differences in miRNA profiles between the compared groups. Our results suggest that testing of the first-trimester plasma miRNAs is probably not suitable for non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT). Different results could be theoretically achieved at later gestational ages; however, such a result probably would have limited use in clinical practice.
Medication-related hospital admissions and readmissions in older patients: an overview of literature
Authors: Linkens A. E. M. J. H. , Milosevic V. , van der Kuy P. H. M. , Damen-Hendriks V. H. , Mestres Gonzalvo C. , Hurkens K. P. G. M. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBackground The number of medication related hospital admissions and readmissions are increasing over the years due to the ageing population. Medication related hospital admissions and readmissions lead to decreased quality of life and high healthcare costs. Aim of the review To assess what is currently known about medication related hospital admissions, medication related hospital readmissions, their risk factors, and possible interventions which reduce medication related hospital readmissions. Method We searched PubMed for articles about the topic medication related hospital admissions and readmissions. Overall 54 studies were selected for the overview of literature. Results Between the different selected studies there was much heterogeneity in definitions for medication related admission and readmissions, in study population and the way studies were performed. Multiple risk factors are found in the studies for example: polypharmacy, comorbidities, therapy non adherence, cognitive impairment, depending living situation, high risk medications and higher age. Different interventions are studied to reduce the number of medication related readmission, some of these interventions may reduce the readmissions like the participation of a pharmacist, education programmes and transition-of-care interventions and the use of digital assistance in the form of Clinical Decision Support Systems. However the methods and the results of these interventions show heterogeneity in the different researches. Conclusion There is much heterogeneity in incidence and definitions for both medication related hospital admissions and readmissions. Some risk factors are known for medication related admissions and readmissions such as polypharmacy, older age and additional diseases. Known interventions that could possibly lead to a decrease in medication related hospital readmissions are spare being the involvement of a pharmacist, education programs and transition-care interventions the most mentioned ones although controversial results have been reported. More research is needed to gather more information on this topic.
Daylight savings: what an answer to the perceptual variation problem cannot be
Authors: Michaelson Eliot , Cohen Jonathan 
Published: May 2020

AbstractSignificant variations in the way objects appear across different viewing conditions pose a challenge to the view that they have some true, determinate color. This view would seem to require that we break the symmetry between multiple appearances in favor of a single variant. A wide range of philosophical and non-philosophical writers have held that the symmetry can be broken by appealing to daylight viewing conditions—that the appearances of objects in daylight have a stronger, and perhaps unique, claim to reveal their true colors. In this note we argue that, whatever else its merits, this appeal to daylight is not a satisfactory answer to the problem posed by perceptual variation.
Systemic Creativities in Sustainability and Social Innovation Education
Authors: Córdoba-Pachón José-Rodrigo , Mapelli Francesca , Taji Farah Nabil Adel Al , Donovan Diana M 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe aim of this paper is to aid educators in sustainability or social innovation to make sense of their creativity. We use a systems model of creativity (Csikszentmihalyi 1988, 1996, 1999) as an enquiring device to tease out issues that influence creativity within these realms. Data from semi-structured interviews with senior and junior educators in two geographical locations lead us to elaborate two systems models to reflect creativity. These models portray creativity as emerging from the alignment of and connections between creators, domains and field elements as suggested by Csikszentmihalyi. However, we also identify some intermediary or absent connections between the model elements which deserve further attention, as their uncritical pursuit could potentially exacerbate exclusion or marginalisation of junior educators’ personal values and interests. Therefore, critically and creatively informed learning could be better cultivated in these realms. This and other insights could have important implications for how creativity and its nurturing in education could be advanced in the long run.
Effects of biochar and ash outflow during updraft partial gasification on process parameters in a moving bed reactor
Authors: Ochnio Mateusz , Kluska Jacek , Kardaś Dariusz 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe present paper concerns the partial updraft gasification of wheat–rye straw pellets, using air as a gasification agent. The aim of this paper is to examine the impact of biochar and ash outflow during the updraft gasification process on the parameters of the latter. For this purpose, a series of five experiments with different parameters of biochar and ash outflow and a reference experiment were carried out with a constant amount of supplied air. The results of the research show that higher volumetric outflows of biochar and ash increase the calorific value (from 6.7 to 7.4 MJ/Nm3) and production (from 34.8 to 40.3 Nm3/h) of the producer gas, as well as the rate of fuel feed rate (from 30 to 43 kg/h). Reductions in the yield of gas (from 1.16 to 0.94 Nm3/kgfuel), equivalence ratio (from 0.125 to 0.087), and cold gas efficiency (from 44.7 to 40.2%) were observed. The content of gravimetric tar in producer gas was typical of updraft gasification and fluctuated within a range of 65‒125 g/Nm3.
The Current Landscape of Prostitution and Sex Work in England and Wales
Authors: Matolcsi Andrea , Mulvihill Natasha , Lilley-Walker Sarah-Jane , Lanau Alba , Hester Marianne 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThis paper presents a comprehensive typology of the sex industry based on primary data collected between 2018 and 2019 for a UK Home Office-funded study. Typologies of the contemporary sex industry in England and Wales have tended to be limited to particular sectors or have been developed from a specific disciplinary perspective or theme (e.g. sexual health programming, income). Situated in the context of international sex industry typologies, this paper seeks to address this gap. Data was derived from an online survey, questionnaires and consultations with stakeholders including individuals currently or formerly involved in selling sex, service providers/NGOs, police, local authority representatives and others. The data was supplemented with insights from a systematic literature search. This work aims to assist with programme and policy planning in the UK context. Our methods can assist in developing typologies in other contexts.
Application of artificial neural network for the quality-based classification of spray-dried rhubarb juice powders
Authors: Przybył K. , Gawałek J. , Koszela K. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe aim of the study was to develop a neural model enabling classification of fruit spray dried powders, on the basis of graphic data acquired from a bitmap received in the process of spray drying. The neural model was developed with multi-layer perceptron topology. Input variables were expressed in 46 image descriptors based on RGB, YCbCr, HSV (B) and HSL models. Sensitivity analysis of input variables and principal component analysis determined the significance level of each attribute. The optimal model with the lowest error value root mean square, at the level of 0.04 contained 46 neurons in the input layer, 11 neurons in the hidden layer, 10 neurons in the output layer. The results allowed to show that dyeing force (color features) had influence on effective differentiation of the research material consisting of spray-dried powders of rhubarb juice with various dried juice content levels: 30, 40 and 50% as well as high (“H”) and low (“L”) level of saccharification a chosen carrier (potato maltodextrin).
Impact of various irrigation practices on nitrate movement in soil profile and wheat productivity
Authors: Khan Shahbaz , Abbas Syed Karamat , Irshad Sohail , Mazhar Syed Adnan , Batool Sumaira 
Published: May 2020

AbstractNitrate is important for plant nutrition and is considered as an index of soil fertility. Its leaching to underground water not only poses severe threat to environment but also to human health. Amount of water supplemented to crops have significant role in yield and nitrate distribution in soil. An experiment was carried out to evaluate the effect of different irrigation rates on nitrate movement, soil properties and wheat yield. Experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design with three replicates. Three irrigation levels applied were I1 (0.5 ET0 deficit irrigation), I2 (1.0 ET0; according to farmer’s practice) and I3 (1.5 ET0; over irrigation). Wheat (Sehar-2006) was used as test crop. Irrigation levels had significant effects on most of growth and yield parameters of wheat. Maximum number of leaves per plant, 1000-grain weight and grain yield were observed in second irrigation level. Irrigation rates had significant effect on infiltration rate and soil saturated hydraulic conductivity, and a decrease in value of these parameters was observed in I3 that was mainly due to higher moisture contents. Bulk density and porosity of the soil remained unchanged under various treatment applied.
Development of scaling criteria for steam flooding EOR process
Authors: Rahman Arifur , Ahmed Salim , Hossain M. Enamul , Happy Fatema Akter 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe development of new scaling criteria for steam flooding process is presented in this paper. The mathematical development is done by using modified Darcy’s law, constitutive relationships, constraints, and the initial and boundary conditions. Dimensional and inspectional analyses are used to develop sets of dimensionless groups by incorporating rock and fluid memory concept. The variety of scaling criteria and their comparative advantages and limitations are discussed. Currently available scaling criteria development for steam flooding processes used the same fluid, same porous media in model and prototype. However, it requires a high-pressure model with different porous media, which causes difficulties in scaling properties, and therefore, largely depends on pressure and the porous media itself. In this paper, different methods are presented which permit scaling of all properties dependent on pressure or temperature by relaxing the requirements of geometric similarity. A set of relaxed scaling criteria is determined to satisfy a major mechanism. A comparative study of different approaches and their relative merits and demerits are discussed. Approach 2 (same fluids, same pressure drop, same porous medium, and geometric similarity) seems to be the most appropriate for the steam flooding process; however, gravitational forces cannot be scaled properly with this approach. Approach 3 (same fluids, same pressure drop, same porous media, and relaxed geometric similarity) is suitable for this process if the effect of transverse dispersion is considered negligible. Finally, a table is developed which can act as a guideline to select an appropriate approach that best scales a major mechanism for a specific steam flooding recovery process.
Parameter dependence of solutions of the Cauchy–Riemann equation on weighted spaces of smooth functions
Authors: Kruse Karsten 
Published: May 2020

AbstractLet$$\varOmega $$Ωbe an open subset of$$\mathbb {R}^{2}$$R2andEa complete complex locally convex Hausdorff space. The purpose of this paper is to find conditions on certain weighted Fréchet spaces$$\mathcal {EV}(\varOmega )$$EV(Ω)of smooth functions and on the spaceEto ensure that the vector-valued Cauchy–Riemann operator$${\overline{\partial }}:\mathcal {EV}(\varOmega ,E)\rightarrow \mathcal {EV}(\varOmega ,E)$$∂¯:EV(Ω,E)→EV(Ω,E)is surjective. This is done via splitting theory and positive results can be interpreted as parameter dependence of solutions of the Cauchy–Riemann operator.
Investigation of the effects of urea cycle amino acids on the expression of ALB and CEBPB in the human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line FLC-4
Authors: Fujimi Takahiko J. , Mezaki Yoshihiro , Masaki Takahiro , Tajima Ayasa , Nakamura Mariko , Yoshikawa Akira , Murai Noriyuki , Aizawa Mamoru , Kojima Soichi , Matsumoto Yoshihiro , Aizaki Hideki , Matsuura Tomokazu 
Published: May 2020

AbstractCell lines are powerful tools for research into liver function at the molecular level. However, they are generally unsuitable for rigorously assessing the effects of amino acid composition, because many lines require serum-containing medium for their maintenance. Here, we aimed to investigate the effects of ornithine and arginine, which are included in the characteristic metabolic process in hepatocyte, on a human hepatoma-derived cell line (FLC-4) that can be cultured in serum-free medium. FLC-4 cells were cultured under the following three conditions: + ornithine/ – arginine, – ornithine/ – arginine, and –ornithine/ + arginine. Albumin expression evaluated by quantitative polymerase chain reaction and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and showed no obvious differences based on the presence of ornithine or arginine. However, the mRNA levels of two liver-enriched transcription factors (CEBPB and HNF1A), which are involved in regulating albumin expression, were significantly higher in cells grown in medium-containing arginine than that in cells grown in ornithine-containing medium. Western blotting showed that the levels both activating and inhibitory C/EBPβ isoforms were significantly increased in cells grown in arginine medium. Furthermore, we have found that depletion of both ornithine and arginine, the polyamine sources, in the medium did not cause polyamine deficiency. When ornithine and arginine were depleted, albumin production was significantly reduced at the mRNA level, CEBPB mRNA levels were increased, and the level of activating form of C/EBPβ was increased. The results of this study suggest that in hepatocyte, these two amino acids might have different functions, and because of which they elicit disparate cellular responses.
Asymmetry indicates more severe and active disease in Graves’ orbitopathy: results from a prospective cross-sectional multicentre study
Authors:   The European Group on Graves’ Orbitopathy, Perros P. , Žarković M. P. , Panagiotou G. C. , Azzolini C. , Ayvaz G. , Baldeschi L. , Bartalena L. , Boschi A. M. , Nardi M. , Brix T. H. , Covelli D. , Daumerie C. , Eckstein A. K. , Fichter N. , Ćirić S. , Hegedüs L. , Kahaly G. J. , Konuk O. , Lareida J. J. , Okosieme O. E. , Leo M. , Mathiopoulou L. , Clarke L. , Menconi F. , Morris D. S. , Orgiazzi J. , Pitz S. , Salvi M. , Muller I. , Knežević M. , Wiersinga W. M. , Currò N. , Dayan C. M. , Marcocci C. , Marinò M. , Möller L. , Pearce S. H. , Törüner F. , Bernard M. 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Purpose
Patients with Graves’ orbitopathy can present with asymmetric disease. The aim of this study was to identify clinical characteristics that distinguish asymmetric from unilateral and symmetric Graves’ orbitopathy.

Methods
This was a multi-centre study of new referrals to 13 European Group on Graves’ Orbitopathy (EUGOGO) tertiary centres. New patients presenting over a 4 month period with a diagnosis of Graves’ orbitopathy were included. Patient demographics were collected and a clinical examination was performed based on a previously published protocol. Patients were categorized as having asymmetric, symmetric, and unilateral Graves’ orbitopathy. The distribution of clinical characteristics among the three groups was documented.

Results
The asymmetric group (n = 83), was older than the symmetric (n = 157) group [mean age 50.9 years (SD 13.9) vs 45.8 (SD 13.5), p = 0.019], had a lower female to male ratio than the symmetric and unilateral (n = 29) groups (1.6 vs 5.0 vs 8.7, p < 0.001), had more active disease than the symmetric and unilateral groups [mean linical Activity Score 3.0 (SD 1.6) vs 1.7 (SD 1.7), p < 0.001 vs 1.3 (SD 1.4), p < 0.001] and significantly more severe disease than the symmetric and unilateral groups, as measured by the Total Eye Score [mean 8.8 (SD 6.6) vs 5.3 (SD 4.4), p < 0.001, vs 2.7 (SD 2.1), p < 0.001].

Conclusion
Older age, lower female to male ratio, more severe, and more active disease cluster around asymmetric Graves’ orbitopathy. Asymmetry appears to be a marker of more severe and more active disease than other presentations. This simple clinical parameter present at first presentation to tertiary centres may be valuable to clinicians who manage such patients.
Pathogenicity of commercial entomopathogenic fungal strains on the avocado seed borer (ASB), Heilipus lauri (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) under laboratory conditions
Authors: Clavijo Andrea P. , Holguin Claudia M. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe avocado seed borer, (ASB)Heilipus lauriBoheman 1845 (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) is an official quarantine pest limiting avocado production and fruit exports from Colombia to pest-free countries. To provide alternatives to manage ASB, the objective of this study was to determine the potential use of commercial strains ofBeauveria bassianaandMetarhizium anisopliaeas biological control agents of this pest. Pathogenicity of the strains was evaluated by complete immersion of the insect in a spore solution (direct inoculation) or by insect contact with inoculated fruit (indirect inoculation). TheB. bassianastrain caused higher mortality (DF = 3, F = 25.7,P = 0.0002), showing an almost eight-fold increase, 55% and 79% mortality, for both concentrations used, 2.5 × 108spores/mL or 2.5 × 109spores/mL, respectively. Additionally, theB. bassianastrain showed shorter median survivorship using direct inoculation (15.8 to 8.7 days), a longer delay in the feeding initiation time (50 h), and a decrease in the fruit intake (Anti-feeding index above 50) after indirect inoculation. To our knowledge, this is the first report about the pathogenicity of a commercialB. bassianastrain against ASB in Colombia.
Durability of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty for failing hemodialysis vascular access, retrospective cohort study
Authors: Alhaizaey Abdullah , Alghamdi Musaad , Azazy Ahmed , Omran Walid , Hamdy Mohammed , Alhazmi Barrag , Karmotah Ahmed 
Published: May 2020

ABSTRACT

Objective:
The arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is the preferred access type for hemodialysis, owing to its better patency rates and fewer complications. This study aimed to evaluate the outcome of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty in a failing arteriovenous fistula and arteriovenous graft in hemodialysis patients.

Methods:
Clinical data of patients who underwent percutaneous transluminal angioplasty in the vascular department of Aseer Central Hospitals, KSA, from January 2017 to May 2018 and with follow-up of >12 months were analyzed in retrospective cohort study.

Results:
Angioplasties were performed in 55 patients with fistulae, of which 18 patients had venous hypertension on dialysis and the remaining patients had weak or poor flow.

Conclusions:
Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty is an efficacious method for the correction of stenosis of arteriovenous fistulae for patients on hemodialysis, prolonging the patency of the fistula and enabling new interventions.

Highlights:
Heart rate variability in the course of chemotherapy and haematopoietic stem cell transplantation for peadiatric patients with haematological malignancies
Authors: Kobayashi Honami , Motoki Noriko , Yokota Saori , Kanai Ayako , Yamazaki Shoko , Utsumi Masafumi , Nakazawa Yozo 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBackground:High-dose chemotherapy and haematopoietic stem cell transplantation are essential for patients with paediatric haematologic diseases, although cardiotoxicity remains a concern. Heart rate variability analysis can evaluate autonomic nervous function interactions with cardiac function.Objective:This study aimed to characterise heart rate variability differences between patients undergoing chemotherapy and controls, and the effects of haematopoietic stem cell transplantation on the autonomic nervous system in patients with haematological malignancies.Methods:Nineteen patients (11 male, median age: 11.6 years) who received conventional chemotherapy followed by transplantation and 19 non-transplant patients (10 male, median age: 11.5 years) receiving chemotherapy only between 2006 and 2018 for haematological malignancies were retrospectively enrolled. Data from 24-hour Holter monitoring were recorded after chemotherapy and before and after transplantation. Heart rate variability was analysed in patients and 32 matched normal controls.Results:There were significant differences between patients and normal controls in all heart rate variability analysis parameters apart from coefficient of variation of RR interval and standard deviation of the average normal RR interval for all 5-minute segments during sleeping. There was a significant difference in the cumulative anthracycline dose and heart rate variability during sleep between the non-transplant and pre-transplant groups. We observed no remarkable differences in time-domain analysis parameters between before and after transplantation, although the low-frequency component of power-spectrum analysis during awake hours was significantly decreased after transplantation.Conclusion:Conventional chemotherapy for paediatric haematologic diseases may be a risk factor for autonomic dysfunction. Further declines in heart rate variability after transplantation appear minor.