bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Repeatability and Reproducibility of MRI-based Radiomic Features in Rectal Cancer
Authors: Rai Robba , Barton Michael B. , Chlap Phillip , Liney Gary P. , Brink Carsten , Vinod Shalini , Heinke Monique , Trada Yuvnik , Holloway Lois C. 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Radiomics of magnetic resonance images (MRI) in rectal cancer can non-invasively characterise tumour heterogeneity with potential to discover new imaging biomarkers. However, for radiomics to be reliable; the imaging features measured must be stable and reproducible. The aim of this study is to quantify the repeatability and reproducibility of MRI-based radiomic features in rectal cancer. An MRI radiomics phantom was used to measure the longitudinal repeatability of radiomic features and the impact of post-processing changes related to image resolution and noise. Repeatability measurements in rectal cancers were also quantified in a cohort of ten patients with test-retest imaging amongst two observers. We found that many radiomic features; particularly from texture classes, were highly sensitive to changes in image resolution and noise. 49% of features had coefficient of variations ≤ 10% in longitudinal phantom measurements. 75% of radiomic features in in vivo test-retest measurements had an intraclass correlation coefficient of ≥ 0.8. We saw excellent interobserver agreement with mean dice similarity coefficient of 0.95 ± 0.04 for test and retest scans. The results of this study show that even when using a consistent imaging protocol many radiomic features were unstable. Therefore, caution must be taken when selecting features for potential imaging biomarkers.
A Comparative Study of the Nonlinear Methods for Estimate Body Weight by Body Measurements on Different Sample Sizes in Morkaraman Sheeps
Authors: YAGANOGLU Mutlu 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
The objective of this study was to estimate body weight of Morkaraman sheeps from body measurements with nonlinear models. Selected 110 sheeps 3-5 years were scored for body weight, body length, height at wither, chest width and pump width. For determine relationships with body weight between body measurements, correlation analysis was performed. The results of the correlation analysis indicated that the highest relationship according to the all sample sizes were body weight between body length (0.95, 0.90, 0.83, 0.81). Considering all parameters included in the model, the parameter showing the highest correlation with body weight was determined as body length according to all sample sizes. the highest correlation was found in 50 sample sizes (r:0.95). According to the small sample sizes (10-20), Logistic and Saturation growth models can be used to determine the body weight by using body length, on the other hand, Incomplete gamma model is more succesful to estimate body weight when sample size is nearly 30 and 50.
Women’s participation in the local food system and implications for their dietary quality in rural Northern Ghana: A qualitative study
Authors: Zakariah-Akoto Sawudatu ,   2. Augustine Ankomah,   3. Kwesi Torpey,   4. Margaret Armar-Klemesu, Aryeetey Richhmond 
Published: December 2021

Abstract

Background

Women’s activities within local food systems are linked with their dietary quality. Their ability to achieve a nutritious diet is often limited by socio-cultural norms, which have not been adequately studied. This study examined socio-cultural norms linked with rural food systems and their adverse effects on women’s diets.
Methods

The study was conducted in two rural communities, Yilkpene and Kpachilo, in Northern Ghana between May and July 2016. Sixteen key informant interviews (KII) with community and institutional leaders, and eleven focus group discussions (FGDs) with community members were used to explore the nature of the food system, (production, processing, distribution, preparation and consumption), and how it is influenced by socio-cultural norms. Transcribed interviews were coded and analysed thematically, using inductive reasoning.
Results

The components of the food system in both communities were constructed, primarily, around men. Quantities, quality, and varieties of produce, distribution/marketing, and intra-household allocation were strongly dominated by male perceptions and practices about access and ownership of productive resources, and roles and responsibilities of household members. Men dominated in the production of cereals, and legumes, while women mainly produced/harvested vegetables and fruits, and limited quantities of legumes that have low economic value. Men sell their produce at higher market prices, at urban markets; women rarely sell their vegetables; it is preserved and stored for home consumption. Women’s produce were often sold at farm gates or local markets at lower prices, for income to supplement household diets. Men are responsible for allocating staple foods used in the household for meal preparation to women; women are expected to provide other ingredients needed to accompany the supply of staple food provided by men. Although women prepare household meals, men receive lion’s share of nutrient-dense portions of meals.
Conclusion

The local food system is heavily dominated by gender-driven socio-cultural norms, which constitute a barrier to women achieving dietary adequacy. Interventions are needed to improve women’s diets; such interventions should deliberately address these culturally-established barriers, in contexts where subsistence farming is the main source of livelihood.
Public Stigma on Depression Comorbid with Diabetes: A Vignette-Method Study in China
Authors: Leung Patrick , Gearing Robin E. , Chen Wanzhen , Cheung Monit , Brewer Kathryne B. , Li Xiao , He Xuesong 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Background: Depression and diabetes are common illnesses affecting individuals with health challenges and family stress. Research suggested stigma-reduction interventions for families facing health-related stressors. This study examined factors predicting public stigma on depression alone or comorbid with diabetes. Methods: In Shanghai, China, consented respondents to a community-based survey read one of four vignettes varied by depression types and gender of the Vignette Subject (VS). This vignette method measures each respondent’s Individualized Public Stigma score, attitude toward the subject’s family with the Devaluation of Consumer’s Families score, and problem seriousness leading to stress. Results: 125 respondents expressed views on depression or diabetes-associated depression via their answers to a randomly assigned vignette. Results show significant associations with Individualized Public Stigma when entering the regression model with five variables: problem seriousness, knowing someone with a mental health problem, subject’s gender, attitude toward the subject’s family, and depression comorbid with diabetes. Regression statistics showed that a person’s Individualized Public Stigma scores could be predicted by two of these variables: perceived problem seriousness and sympathy toward the affected family. Yet, comorbidity with diabetes was not a significant predictor of stigma. Conclusions: This study concludes that the cultural value toward community support could be an educational means to help the public realize the importance of protecting the families affected by mental health stigma. Applying this theory in action, practitioners must assess how self-stigmatization interfaces with the public perception of the patient's family. In addition, when people have a highly sympathetic attitude toward the patient’s family and perceive the presenting problem as severe, they must be aware of the impact of individualized stigma on the patient. Future research must focus on these cultural perspectives to support early anti-stigma interventions.
The Polymorphism rs2293855 MTMR9 Gene and Genetic Score Are Associated With Higher Atherogenic Risk in Brazilian Schoolchildren
Authors: Silva Mariane , Resende Cristina Maria Mendes , Louro Maíra Barros , Ribeiro Sarah Aparecida Vieira , Franceschini Sylvia do Carmo Castro , Velásquez-Meléndez Jorge Gustavo , Leite Jacqueline Isaura Alvarez , Durso Danielle Fernandes , de Novaes Juliana Farias 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Purpose: Evaluate the associations of FTO (rs9939609), MC4R (rs17782313), MTMR9 (rs2293855), and the genetic score with atherogenic risk in Brazilian children. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study conducted with 544 children aged 4 to 9 years old. We obtained sociodemographic and lifestyle data by questionnaires, and biological sample (DNA) through oral swab. The single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) FTO (rs9939609), MC4R (rs17782313), and MTMR9 (rs2293855) were identified by the system taqman SNP genotyping and evaluated the obesity-related genetic risk score. Blood samples were collected for the lipid profile analysis (serum total cholesterol, HDLc, LDL-c, triglycerides). The atherogenic indexes (Castelli I and II indexes, atherogenic coefficient - AC, lipoprotein combination index - LCI and plasma atherogenic index - AIP) were calculated. We compared the distributions of outcomes (lipid profile and atherogenic indexes) by genotype categories using multivariable linear regression. Results: Children with AG/AA genotypes in the polymorphism MTMR9 (rs2293855), had lower HDL-c level and higher TC/HDL-c, LDL-c/HDL-c ratios, and AC. Those with one or more polymorphisms (FTO rs9939609, MC4R rs17782313, and MTMR9 rs2293855) in the genetic risk score had lower HDL-c and higher TC/HDL-c, AC, LCI, and AIP. Conclusion: The risk allele (AG/AA) of the MTMR9 (rs2293855) and the higher obesity-related genetic risk score were positively associated with higher atherogenic risk in Brazilian children.
Theoretical Basis of Face Contact Pressure Design of Zero-leakage Mechanical Seal
Authors: Zheng Wei , Sun Jianjun , Ma Chenbo , Yu Qiuping 
Published: December 2021

Abstract

Based on the percolation theory, the critical porosity of zero-leakage at the wetting and non-wetting sealing interface working in liquid medium is first discussed. The influence of end-face frictional heat on end-face friction and wear is then investigated. The design criteria for the face contact pressure of mechanical seals with zero-leakage and long-life operation are established. Afterwards, the face contact pressure range of the mechanical seal working in conventional different liquid medium is calculated, and the influence of different working conditions speed, medium temperature and pressure on the face contact pressure range change is analyzed. Existing studies have shown that mechanical seals can achieve zero-leakage and long-life operation. As for the wettable sealing interface, the minimum face contact pressure, corresponding to the zero-leakage condition, is only related to the morphological parameters of the sealing interface, and has nothing to do with the sealing medium. Under the rotating and stationary rings physical parameters and given working conditions, the face contact pressure range of the sealing medium water and propane propylene is 0.477~1.132 MPa. The diesel sealing medium has a larger face contact pressure range than that of water and propane propylene, which can reach 0.477~2.183 MPa. The working condition speed, medium temperature and medium pressure have an influence on the face contact pressure range, while the influence of the working condition speed is the most significant.
Protective Effect of Gallic Acid Against Thioacetamide Induced Metabolic Dysfunction of Lipids and Hepatic and Renal Toxicity
Authors: Ebaid Hossam , Bashandy Samir AE , Morsy Fatma A , Al-Tamimi Jameel , Alhazza Ibrahim M 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
BackgroundGallic acid (GA) has a potential antioxidant bio-activity and inhibits diet-induced hypertriglyceridemia with reducing the size of adipocytes. GA also was found to increase the uptake of glucose by cell.MethodsThe present research studied the influence of gallic acid (GA) (100mg, 200 mg/Kg orally) on the liver and kidney injuries motivated by thioacetamide (TAA; 100 mg/Kg IP). The treatment of TAA was carried out three times weekly for eight weeks, while gallic acid was given daily. ResultsGA relieved the decrease of hepatic or renal reduced glutathione (GSH) or increase of malondialdehyde (MDA, an indicator for lipid peroxidation) induced by TAA. TAA treatment led to a significant increase in plasma inflammatory markers (TNF-α, CRP), liver enzymes (Gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT), Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and kidney function parameters (creatinine, urea, uric acid). However, these parameters were reduced after treatment with GA. Moreover, GA reduced the significant decline in plasma protein induced by TAA. In addition, the hepatic fibrosis or histopathological changes of the liver and kidney were lowered by GA. ConclusionOur results suggested that GA may attenuate TAA induced liver and kidney toxicity via suppression of oxidative stress.
Evaluation of the Learning Curve for Conformal Sphincter Preservation Operation in The Treatment of Ultra-Low Rectal Cancer
Authors: ding Hai-bo , Wang Lin-hui , Sun Ge , Yu Guan-yu , Gao Xian-hua , Zheng Kuo , Gong Hai-feng , Sui Jin-ke , Zhu Xiao-ming , Zhang Wei 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Background: To investigate the learning curve of conformal sphincter preservation operation (CSPO) in the treatment of ultra-low rectal cancer and to further expore the influencing factors of operation time.Methods: From August 2011 to April 2020, 108 consecutive patients with ultra-low rectal cancer underwent CSPO by the same surgeon in the department of colorectal surgery of Changhai Hospital. The moving average and cumulative sum control chart (CUSUM) curve were used to analyze the learning curve. The preoperative clinical baseline data, postoperative pathological data, postoperative complications and survival data were compared before and after the completion of learning curve. The influencing factors of CSPO operation time were analyzed by univariate and multivariate analysis.Results: According to the results of moving average and CUSUM method, CSPO learning curve was divided into learning period (1-45 cases) and learning completion period (46-108 cases). There was no significant difference in preoperative clinical baseline data, postoperative pathological data, postoperative complications and survival data between the two stages. Compared with the learning period, the operation time (P < 0.05), blood loss (P < 0.05), postoperative flatus and defecation time (P < 0.05), liquid diet time (P < 0.05) and postoperative hospital stay (P < 0.05) in the learning completion period were significantly reduced, and the difference was statistically significant. Univariate and multivariate analysis showed that distance of tumor from anal verge (≥ 4cm vs. <4cm, P=0.039) and T stage (T3 vs. T1-2, P=0.022) were independent risk factors for prolonging the operation time of CSPO.Conclusions: For surgeons with laparoscopic surgery experience, about 45 cases of CSPO are needed to cross the learning curve. At the initial stage of CSPO, beginners are recommended to select patients with ultra-low rectal cancer whose distance of tumor from anal verge is less than 4cm and tumor stage is less than T3 for practice, which can enable beginners to reduce the operation time, accumulate experience, build self-confidence and shorten the learning curve on the premise of safety.
Separation of branched alkane feeds by a synergistic action of zeolite and metal-organic framework
Authors: Brântuas Pedro , Henrique Adriano , Wahiduzzaman Mohammad , von Wedelstedt Alexander , Maity Tanmoy , Rodrigues Alirio , Nouar Farid , Lee U-Hwang , Cho Kyung Ho , Maurin Guillaume , Silva José , Serre Christian 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Zeolites and Metal Organic Frameworks (MOFs) have frequently been considered as “competitors” for the development of new advanced separation processes. The production of high quality gasoline is currently achieved through the energy demanding conventional Total Isomerization Process (TIP) that separates pentane and hexane isomers while not reaching yet the ultimate goal of a Research Octane Number (RON) higher than 92. Herein we demonstrate how an unprecedented synergistic action of two complementary benchmark materials of each family of porous solids, a commercially available zeolite, 5A and the bio-derived Al-dicarboxylate MOF MIL-160(Al), leads to a novel adsorptive process for octane upgrading of gasoline through an efficient separation of pentane and hexane isomer mixtures into fractions of low and high research octane number (RON). This innovative mixed bed adsorbent strategy encompasses a thermodynamically-driven separation of hexane isomers according to the degree of branching by MIL-160(Al) coupled to a steric rejection of pentane and hexane linear isomers by the molecular sieve zeolite 5A. The adsorptive separation ability of this MOF/zeolite duo was further evaluated under industrial operating conditions by sorption breakthrough and continuous cyclic experiments with a mixed bed of shaped adsorbents. Remarkably, at the industrially relevant temperature of 423 K, an ideal sorption hierarchy of low RON over high RON alkanes is achieved, i.e., n-hexane >> n-pentane >> 2-methylpentane > 3-methylpentane >>> 2,3-dimethylbutane > isopentane ≈ 2,2-dimethylbutane, and an exceptional ideal productivity of 1.14 mol.dm-3 is attained for a final high RON isomers product of 92, which corresponds to a substantial leap-forward when compared with existing processes.
The mobility of fluids through rocks
Authors: Lodhia Bhavik , Clark Stuart 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Over the last decade, there has been an irreversible shift from hydrocarbon exploration towards carbon storage, low-carbon energy generation and hydrogen exploration. Whilst basin modelling techniques may be used to predict the migration of hydrocarbons through sedimentary basins on geological timescales, there remains little understanding of how fluids behave at the basin scale on present-day timescales. Maximum vertical fluid velocity, vmax, may be calculated as the product of mobility and buoyancy. We present am algorithm to determine the basin-scale mobilities of CO2 and methane with depth for sandstone and carbonate. CO2 and methane mobility and buoyancy increase by an order of magnitude at gas phase transitions and are significantly greater in sandstone than in carbonate. Critical properties of CO2 cause fluid mobility and buoyancy to be sensitive to changes in surface temperature. vmax for CO2 and methane are on scales of m/year. Our results indicate an optimal depth for CO2 storage of below 0.59 km and 1.24 km when surface temperature > 20oC and 0oC, respectively. vmax for hydrogen is approximately 2-10 times greater than other hydrocarbon fluids and this will have important consequences for the future use of basin modelling software for determining hydrogen migration for exploration and storage.
Comparison of Different Types of Therapy for Overactive Bladder: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis
Authors: Liu Peng , Sheng Lei , Li Yan , Shi Benkang , Guo Hongda , Zhang Qiujie , Guo Hu 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
To compare the efficacy and safety of different interventions (including Antimuscarinics, Mirabegron, OnabotulinumtoxinA, sacral neuromodulation (SNM) and peripheral tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS)) on idiopathic overactive bladder (OAB). PubMed, Embase, Cochrane library, and other sources were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing interventions of OAB from 1 January 2000 to 19 April 2021. A systematic review and network meta-analysis were performed by two authors independently. 55 RCTs involving 32,507 patients were included in this network. Overall, Antimuscarinics, Mirabegron, OnabotulinumtoxinA, SNM, and PTNS were more efficacious than placebo and SNM showed the best effect for reducing micturition frequency, urgency episodes and urgency urinary incontinence episodes. OnabotulinumtoxinA was the best in achieving reduction of 100% and ≥50% in the number of urinary incontinence episodes /day and PTNS was the best in reducing urinary incontinence episodes. The efficacy of Antimuscarinics, Mirabegron and PTNS were similar in reducing micturition frequency, urinary incontinence episodes and urgency urinary incontinence episodes. The results revealed that all interventions included in the network were efficacious in managing adult OAB syndrome compared with placebo. Furthermore, SNM and OnabotulinumtoxinA were the most efficient treatments for overactive bladder.
Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi Regulate MAPK Pathway Genes Expression and Enhance Drought Tolerance of Populus Simonii × P. Nigra Seedlings
Authors: Tao Jing , Dong Fengxin , Wang Yihan , Chen Hui , Tang Ming 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Background: Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) form a symbiotic relationship with host plants, which can promote plants to absorb more water and nutrients, and thus improve the stress resistance of plants. Our study aimed to investigate the effects of Rhizophagus irregularis on Populus simonii × P. nigra seedlings under drought stress. Results: The experiment was a completely random design with two water conditions (well-watered or drought stress) and two AMF treatments (inoculated with or without R. irregularis). Our results showed that mycorrhizal seedlings performed less oxidative damage and stronger tolerance of drought, which recorded higher photosynthesis and less concentrations of Malondialdehyde (MDA), H2O2, and proline under drought stress versus non-mycorrhizal seedlings. Under drought stress, AMF inoculation reduced soluble sugar concentration in leaves but promoted its accumulation in roots. The superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in leaves and roots, and catalase (CAT) activity in roots of mycorrhizal seedlings were lower than non-mycorrhizal seedlings, but CAT activity in leaves of mycorrhizal seedlings was higher than non-mycorrhizal seedlings under drought stress. Drought stress and AMF inoculation both induced the expressions of MAPKs of P. simonii × P. nigra, but the expression patterns of MAPKs under four treatments were obviously different.Conclusions: Overall, our results demonstrated that mycorrhizal seedlings had less oxidative damage and stronger tolerance to drought. MAPKs expressions of P. simonii×P. nigra (PsnMAPKs) were induced by drought stress and AMF inoculation, and the expression patterns of PsnMAPKs in response to drought stress were different between mycorrhizal and non-mycorrhizal seedlings. Non-mycorrhizal seedlings may be adapted to drought by up-regulating MAPKs expressions leading to stomatal closure. Drought stress decreased serval PsnMAPKs expressions induced by AMF inoculation, which may be associated with mycorrhizal colonization.