bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The prevalence of paramagnetic rim lesions in multiple sclerosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Ng Kee Kwong Koy Chong , Mollison Daisy , Meijboom Rozanna , York Elizabeth N. , Kampaite Agniete , Thrippleton Michael J. , Chandran Siddharthan , Waldman Adam D. 
Published: September 2021

Background
Recent findings from several studies have shown that paramagnetic rim lesions identified using susceptibility-based MRI could represent potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in multiple sclerosis (MS). Here, we perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of the existing literature to assess their pooled prevalence at lesion-level and patient-level.

Methods
Both database searching (PubMed and Embase) and handsearching were conducted to identify studies allowing the lesion-level and/or patient-level prevalence of rim lesions or chronic active lesions to be calculated. Pooled prevalence was estimated using the DerSimonian-Laird random-effects model. Subgroup analysis and meta-regression were performed to explore possible sources of heterogeneity. PROSPERO registration: CRD42020192282.

Results
29 studies comprising 1230 patients were eligible for analysis. Meta-analysis estimated pooled prevalences of 9.8% (95% CI: 6.6–14.2) and 40.6% (95% CI: 26.2–56.8) for rim lesions at lesion-level and patient-level, respectively. Pooled lesion-level and patient-level prevalences for chronic active lesions were 12.0% (95% CI: 9.0–15.8) and 64.8% (95% CI: 54.3–74.0), respectively. Considerable heterogeneity was observed across studies (I2>75%). Subgroup analysis revealed a significant difference in patient-level prevalence between studies conducted at 3T and 7T (p = 0.0312). Meta-regression analyses also showed significant differences in lesion-level prevalence with respect to age (p = 0.0018, R2 = 0.20) and disease duration (p = 0.0018, R2 = 0.48). Other moderator analyses demonstrated no significant differences according to MRI sequence, gender and expanded disability status scale (EDSS).

Conclusion
In this study, we show that paramagnetic rim lesions may be present in an important proportion of MS patients, notwithstanding significant variation in their assessment across studies. In view of their possible clinical relevance, we believe that clear guidelines should be introduced to standardise their assessment across research centres to in turn facilitate future analyses.
Prevalence and determinants of non-communicable disease risk factors among adult population of Kathmandu
Authors: Dahal Sitasnu , Sah Ram Bilakshan , Niraula Surya Raj , Karkee Rajendra , Chakravartty Avaniendra 
Published: September 2021

Background
According to WHO, the deaths due to NCDs in Nepal have soared from 60% of all deaths in 2014 to 66% in 2018. The study assessed the prevalence and determinants of non-communicable disease risk factors among adult population of Kathmandu.

Materials and methods
A community based cross-sectional study was conducted from September 2019 to February 2020 among 18–69 years adults residing in municipalities of Kathmandu district. Multi-stage random sampling technique was used to select 245 subjects who were interviewed using WHO NCD STEPS instrument. Chi-square test and logistic regression analysis were done to explore the determinants of NCD risk factors.

Results
The prevalence of current smoking, alcohol consumption, low intake of fruits and vegetables and low physical activity was found to be 22%, 31%, 93.9% and 10.2% respectively. More than half (52.2%) of the participants were overweight or obese and the prevalence of raised blood pressure was 27.8%. Smoking was associated significantly with male gender (AOR = 2.37, CI: 1.20–5.13) and respondents with no formal schooling (AOR: 4.33, CI: 1.50–12.48). Similarly, the odds of alcohol consumption were higher among male gender (AOR: 2.78, CI: 1.47–5.26), people who were employed (AOR: 2.30, CI: 1.13–4.82), and those who belonged to Chhetri (AOR: 2.83, CI: 1.19–6.72), Janajati (AOR: 6.18, CI: 2.74–13.90), Dalit and Madhesi, (AOR: 7.51, CI: 2.13–26.35) ethnic groups. Furthermore, respondents who were aged 30–44 years (AOR: 5.15, CI: 1.91–13.85) and 45–59 years (AOR: 4.54 CI: 1.63–12.66), who were in marital union (AOR: 3.39, CI: 1.25–9.13), and who belonged to Janajati (AOR: 3.37, CI: 1.61–7.04), Dalit and Madhesi (AOR: 4.62, CI: 1.26–16.86) ethnic groups were more likely to be associated with overweight or obesity. Additionally, the odds of raised blood pressure were higher among people who were of older age (AOR: 6.91, CI: 1.67–28.63) and those who belonged to Janajati ethnic group (AOR: 3.60, CI: 1.46–8.87) after multivariate analysis.

Conclusion
The findings of the study highlighted high prevalence of behavioral and metabolic risk factors, which varied on different socio-demographic grounds. Thus, population specific health promotion interventions centered on public health interests is recommended to reduce risk factors of NCDs.
Heaven (“Ustigi Oroon”) and Hell (“Altygy Oroon”) as Seen in Works of Dibash Kainchin
Authors: Tekenova Ulyana 
Published: September 2021

The article gives the analysis of images of heaven (“Ustigi Oroon”) and hell (Altygy Oroon”) in the philosophical works of Altaian writer Dibash Kainchin. It reveals the author’s idea of “earthly heaven” and “earthly hell” in his short stories as reflection of his worldview, morale and attitude to people. There have been discussed poetic techniques significant for D. Kainchin, such as dream and related states (delirium, hallucinations, and quick views under some external influence) which help the author to give an insight into a person. The author of this article uses comparative historical, structural and semiotic methods and the method of complex analysis of fiction. The literary texts employed have been translated by Dibash Kainchin himself and the author of the article.
Identification of macrotroponin T: findings from a case report and non-reproducible troponin T results
Authors: Lam Leo , Ha Leah , Heron Campbell , Chiu Weldon , Kyle Campbell 
Published: September 2021

Abstract

Objectives
Macrotroponin is due to cardiac troponin (cTn) binding to endogenous cTn autoantibodies. While previous studies showed a high incidence of macrotroponin affecting cTnI assays, reports of macrotroponin T, particularly without cTnI reactivity, have been rare. Although the clinical significance of macrotroponin is not fully understood, macroenzymes and complexes are recognised to cause confusion in interpretation of laboratory results. The potential for adverse clinical consequences due to misinterpretation of affected results is very high.

Methods
We describe four cases of macrotroponin T with persistently low high sensitivity cTnT (hs-cTnT) by the 9 min compared to the 18 min variant of the assay. Three cases were serendipitously identified due to the use of a lot number of Roche hs-cTnT affected by non-reproducible results, necessitating measurement of cTnT in duplicate. We identified and characterised these macrotroponin specimens by immunoglobulin depletion (Protein A and PEG precipitation), mixing studies with EDTA and recombinant cTnT.

Results
In cases of macro-cTnT, a lower result occurred on the hs-cTnT using the 9 min compared to 18 min variant assay (ratio of 9–18 min hs-cTnT <0.80). Mixing studies with recombinant cTnT or EDTA demonstrated a difference in recovery vs. controls. One of these patients demonstrated a high molecular weight complex for cTnI and cTnT demonstrating a macrocomplex involving both cTn. This patient demonstrated a rise and fall in cTn when measured by several commercial assays consistent with genuine acute cardiac injury.

Conclusions
We identified several cases of macro-cTnT and described associated clinical and biochemical features.
The serum levels of testosterone in coronary artery disease patients; relation to NO, eNOS, endothelin-1, and disease severity
Authors: Akseh Saeideh , Karimi Mohammad-Ali , Safaie Nasser , Valizadeh Amir , Rahmanpour Dara , Pezeshkian Masoud , Nouri Mohammad , Faridvand Yousef , Jodati Ahmadreza 
Published: September 2021

Abstract

Objectives
The changes in testosterone level and its correlation with the endothelial nitric oxide systems balance in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) remains uncertain. Therefore, in our study, we aimed to evaluate the levels of testosterone, endothelin-1 (ET-1), nitric oxide (NO), and endothelial NOS (eNOS) in CAD patients, and control group to find the relationship between these parameters and disease severity.

Methods
Forty-four patients as CAD group with significant (≥50%) stenosis confirmed by angiography was included in the study, and 40 healthy men were included as the control group. According to the number of vessels obstruction, CAD severity was determined. The serum indicated parameters were assessed to discriminate between patients and controls.

Results
It was found that testosterone levels in the CDA group were significantly lower than those of the control group (p<0.05). In addition, the level of ET-1 in the CAD group was higher than that in the control group, but levels of NO and eNOS in observation were significantly lower than those in the control group (p<0.05). The correlation analysis revealed that testosterone was passivity correlated with serum NO levels (r=0.550, p=0.001).

Conclusions
The current study reports that serum levels of testosterone are closely related to endothelial NO levels and might be of relevance to the pathogenesis of endothelial dysfunction and disease severity in CAD patients.
Structural response and sensitivity analysis of granular and asphaltic overlayment track considering linear viscoelastic behavior of asphalt
Authors: Setiawan Dian M. 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
This study investigated the structural response of granular and asphaltic overlayment of rail track considering the linear viscoelastic behavior of asphalt. The calculation of the tensile strains at the bottom of the asphalt layer, the compressive stresses at the top of the subgrade layer, and the service life of the granular and the asphaltic overlayment rail track were conducted using the KENTRACK software. Furthermore, the sensitivity analysis by changing different factors was studied in this paper. The results of this study indicate that the asphaltic overlayment rail track structure has a much longer predicted service life than the granular rail track. It was also shown that the sub-grade compressive stress is more sensitive to the change in subgrade modulus than the change in ballast-sub-ballast-asphalt layer thickness and the change in binder type, respectively. In addition, the asphalt tensile strain is more sensitive to the change in asphalt layer thickness than the change in subgrade modulus and the change in binder type, respectively. These findings also enhance our understanding that subgrade compressive stress and asphalt tensile strain in the asphaltic overlayment track are more sensitive to the change in asphalt layer thickness than the change in binder type.
HDlive Flow Silhouette with spatiotemporal image correlation for assessment of fetal cardiac structures at 12 to 14 + 6 weeks of gestation
Authors: Hata Toshiyuki , Koyanagi Aya , Kawahara Tomomi , Konishi Miyu , Takayoshi Riko , Miyagi Yasunari , Miyake Takahito 
Published: September 2021

Abstract

Objectives
To assess fetal cardiac structures using HDlive Flow Silhouette with spatiotemporal image correlation (STIC) at 12 to 14 + 6 weeks of gestation, and verify the feasibility of obtaining five cardiac views in the late first and early second trimesters of pregnancy. The fetal cardiac shape and the aspect of the descending aorta were also evaluated.

Methods
Eighty normal fetuses at 12 to 14 + 6 weeks of gestation were studied using trans-abdominal HDlive Flow Silhouette with STIC to assess the feasibility of five fetal cardiac views (frontal, spatial three-vessel, panoramic, posterior, and right lateral views). Target structures in each cardiac view were evaluated. ‘Good’ was assigned when all structures were noted, ‘Fair’ when only one structure was missed, and ‘Poor’ when two and more structures could not be detected. Frequencies of an elongated heart and those of a tortuous descending aorta were counted.

Results
Forty-nine fetuses were effectively included in the analysis. Success rates of ‘Good’ and ‘Fair’ were significantly higher with spatial three-vessel (p<0.01) and panoramic views (p<0.05). Frequencies of “Elongated heart”, “Elongated left ventricle”, and “Spherical heart” were 12.2, 6.2, and 81.6%, respectively. Frequencies of “Tortuous descending aorta” and “Straight descending aorta” were 12.2 and 87.8%, respectively.

Conclusions
The feasibility of obtaining fetal five cardiac views using HDlive Flow Silhouette with STIC is good, and this technique provides useful information for evaluating fetal cardiac structures in the late first and early second trimesters of pregnancy.
Application of sequencing batch biofilm reactor (SBBR) to recycled paper mill effluent treatment
Authors: Chen Shuangshuang , Lei Lirong , Li Youming 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Paper mill effluent has been characterized as recalcitrant because of containing lignin and its derivatives. Since biofilm system exhibits a notable potential for the removal of recalcitrant contaminants, a sequencing batch biofilm reactor (SBBR) was employed to treat coagulated recycled paper mill effluent in this study. The results indicated that the SBBR removed 91.3 % of chemical oxygen demand (COD), whilst total suspended solid (TSS) and color removal reached 83.1 % and 71.0 %, respectively. The microbial analysis suggested that three typical heterotrophic phyla, Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes and Acidobacteria are dominant bacteria and reflected the removal of recalcitrant contaminants. The COD removal rate of SBBR is evidently superior to conventional activated sludge process due to high sludge concentration as well as long sludge retention time (SRT). Whilst the problem of sludge bulking can be successfully avoided, the blockage of reactor caused by TSS accumulation and microbial growth deserve further investigation.
The protective effects of sinapic acid on acute renal ischemia/reperfusion injury
Authors: Unsal Velid , Kolukcu Engin , Firat Fatih , Gevrek Fikret 
Published: September 2021

Abstract

Objectives
The aim of this research was to investigate whether sinapic acid (SA) can alleviate oxidative damage, apoptosis, and inflammation in I/R induced renal injury.

Methods
A total of 24 male rats were randomly separated into four groups as six rats in each group. Group 1 (Sham), Group 2 (I/R), Group 3 (I/R + SA, 10 mg/kg), Group 4 (I/R + SA, 20 mg/kg). In order to evaluate kidney function serum BUN, Cr, and AST were measured in an autoanalyzer. SOD, GSH-Px, MDA, PC and NO oxidative stress parameters were measured with spectrophotometric methods and TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, KIM-1 and NGAL parameters were measured with the ELISA method. In addition, H&E method and immunohistochemical examinations were performed for histological evaluations of kidney tissue.

Results
SA significantly decreases the increase in kidney damage, inflammation, oxidative stress, cell death and restore the decrease in antioxidant enzyme activities (p<0.05). Pre-treatment of the rats with SA reduces kidney dysfunction and morphological changes.

Conclusions
The development of oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation seems to be the leading factors that accelerate inflammation and cell death during renal IRI. The antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic features of SA displayed a renoprotective effect.
Effect ofOriganum dubium, Origanum vulgaresubsp.hirtum, and Lavandula angustifoliaessential oils on lipid profiles and liver biomarkers in athletes
Authors: Maral Hasan , Ulupınar Süleyman , Türk Baydır Ayşegül , Özbay Serhat , Altınkaynak Konca , Şebin Engin , Şiktar Erdinç , Kishalı Necip Fazıl , Buzdağlı Yusuf , Gençoğlu Cebrail , İnce İzzet 
Published: September 2021

AbstractThis study aims to determine the effects of essential oils ofOriganum dubium(DUB), Origanum vulgaresubsp.hirtum(HIR), andLavandula angustifolia(LAV) on lipid profiles and liver biomarkers in athletes. Thirty-four trained athletes were randomly assigned to one of three experimental groups or the control group (CON). The concentrations of serum lipids and liver biomarkers were assessed before and after the 14-day essential oil intervention. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis showed 68.0 and 82.1% carvacrol in DUB and HIR, respectively, and 34.50% linalyl acetate and 33.68% linalool in LAV essential oils. One-way analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) indicated a significant difference (p = 0.001) among the groups for high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) when the associated preintervention values were used as a covariate. The related pairwise comparisons revealed that DUB (p = 0.001) and HIR (p = 0.024) had greater HDL-C values than CON. From the two-way ANOVA, an interaction between time (before vs. after) and the groups (DUB vs. HIR vs. LAV vs. CON) was found for HDL-C (p = 0.030). Findings indicated a significant increase in DUB (p = 0.0001) and HIR (p = 0.010) for HDL-C, and there was a significant decrease in DUB (p = 0.023) for low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. However, there was no difference in total cholesterol, triglycerides, and all liver biomarkers.
Increased Functional Connectivity of the Intraparietal Sulcus Underlies the Attenuation of Numerosity Estimations for Self-Generated Words
Authors: Stripeikyte Giedre , Pereira Michael , Rognini Giulio , Potheegadoo Jevita , Blanke Olaf , Faivre Nathan 
Published: September 2021

Previous studies have shown that self-generated stimuli in auditory, visual, and somatosensory domains are attenuated, producing decreased behavioral and neural responses compared with the same stimuli that are externally generated. Yet, whether such attenuation also occurs for higher-level cognitive functions beyond sensorimotor processing remains unknown. In this study, we assessed whether cognitive functions such as numerosity estimations are subject to attenuation in 56 healthy participants (32 women). We designed a task allowing the controlled comparison of numerosity estimations for self-generated (active condition) and externally generated (passive condition) words. Our behavioral results showed a larger underestimation of self-generated compared with externally generated words, suggesting that numerosity estimations for self-generated words are attenuated. Moreover, the linear relationship between the reported and actual number of words was stronger for self-generated words, although the ability to track errors about numerosity estimations was similar across conditions. Neuroimaging results revealed that numerosity underestimation involved increased functional connectivity between the right intraparietal sulcus and an extended network (bilateral supplementary motor area, left inferior parietal lobule, and left superior temporal gyrus) when estimating the number of self-generated versus externally generated words. We interpret our results in light of two models of attenuation and discuss their perceptual versus cognitive origins.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTWe perceive sensory events as less intense when they are self-generated compared with when they are externally generated. This phenomenon, called attenuation, enables us to distinguish sensory events from self and external origins. Here, we designed a novel fMRI paradigm to assess whether cognitive processes such as numerosity estimations are also subject to attenuation. When asking participants to estimate the number of words they had generated or passively heard, we found bigger underestimation in the former case, providing behavioral evidence of attenuation. Attenuation was associated with increased functional connectivity of the intraparietal sulcus, a region involved in numerosity processing. Together, our results indicate that the attenuation of self-generated stimuli is not limited to sensory consequences but is also impact cognitive processes such as numerosity estimations.
Management and Governance in Higher Education: South African Universities under Siege
Authors: Wolhuter C.C. , Langa P. 
Published: September 2021

The recent spate of changes in university management worldwide should be carefully considered, interrogated and assessed against its impact on the capacity of the university fulfilling its unique role in society. For various justifiable reasons, South African higher education has been finding itself under the spotlight of the international community since 1994. The article surveys the South African academic profession vis à vis the changes that have been taking place regarding university governance and management. It is concluded that the South African academic profession, as far as (de jure and de facto) governance and management are concerned, find themselves sandwiched between two forces: from national and institutional governance on top, and the student corps from the bottom. This threatens the very survival of the university. A new exercise surveying the South African academic profession, as provided for by the Academic Profession in Knowledge Society (APIKS) international survey of the academic profession currently taking place, appears both timous and promising.
Pubertal Suppression, Bone Mass, and Body Composition in Youth With Gender Dysphoria
Authors: Navabi Behdad , Tang Ken , Khatchadourian Karine , Lawson Margaret L. 
Published: September 2021

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES
Puberty onset and development contribute substantially to adolescents’ bone mass and body composition. Our objective with this study was to examine the effects of gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists (GnRHa) on these puberty-induced changes among youth with gender dysphoria (GD).

METHODS
Medical records of the endocrine diversity clinic in an academic children’s hospital were reviewed for youth with GD seen from January 2006 to April 2017 with at least 1 baseline dual-energy radiograph absorptiometry measurement.

RESULTS
At baseline, transgender females had lower lumbar spine (LS) and left total hip (LTH) areal bone mineral density (aBMD) and LS bone mineral apparent density (BMAD) z scores. Only 44.7% of transgender youth were vitamin D sufficient. Baseline vitamin D status was associated with LS, LTH aBMD, and LS BMAD z scores. Post-GnRHa assessments revealed a significant drop in LS and LTH aBMD z scores (transgender males and transgender females) without fractures and LS BMAD (transgender males), an increase in gynoid (fat percentage), and android (fat percentage) (transgender males and transgender females), and no changes in BMI z score.

CONCLUSIONS
GnRHa monotherapy negatively affected bone mineral density of youth with GD without evidence of fractures or changes in BMI z score. Transgender youth body fat redistribution (android versus gynoid) were in keeping with their affirmed gender. The majority of transgender youth had vitamin D insufficiency or deficiency with baseline status associated with bone mineral density. Vitamin D supplementation should be considered for all youth with GD.