bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of New Bayesian Penalized Likelihood Reconstruction Algorithm on Visualization and Quantification of Upper Abdominal Malignant Tumors in Clinical FDG PET/CT Examinations
Authors: Tatsumi Mitsuaki , Soeda Fumihiko , Kamiya Takashi , Ueda Junpei , Katayama Daisuke , Matsunaga Keiko , Watabe Tadashi , Kato Hiroki , Tomiyama Noriyuki 
Published: August 2021

PurposeThis study evaluated the effects of new Bayesian penalized likelihood (BPL) reconstruction algorithm on visualization and quantification of upper abdominal malignant tumors in clinical FDG PET/CT examinations, comparing the results to those obtained by an ordered subset expectation maximization (OSEM) reconstruction algorithm. Metabolic tumor volume (MTV) and texture features (TFs), as well as SUV-related metrics, were evaluated to clarify the BPL effects on quantification.Materials and MethodsA total of 153 upper abdominal lesions (82 liver metastatic and 71 pancreatic cancers) were included in this study. FDG PET/CT images were acquired with a GE Discovery 710 scanner equipped with a time-of-flight system. Images were reconstructed using OSEM and BPL (beta 700) algorithms. In 58 lesions &lt;1.5 cm in greatest diameter (small-lesion group), visual image quality of each lesion was evaluated using a four-point scale. SUVmax was obtained for quantitative metrics. Visual scores and SUVmax were compared between OSEM and BPL images. In 95 lesions &gt;2.0 cm in greatest diameter (larger-lesion group), SUVmax, SUVpeak, MTV, and six TFs were compared between OSEM and BPL images. In addition to the size-based analyses, an increase of SUVmax with BPL was evaluated according to the original SUVmax in OSEM images.ResultsIn the small-lesion group, both visual score and SUVmax were significantly higher in the BPL than OSEM images. The increase in visual score was observed in 20 (34%) of all 58 lesions. In the larger-lesion group, no statistical difference was observed in SUVmax, SUVpeak, or MTV between OSEM and BPL images. BPL increased high gray-level zone emphasis and decreased low gray-level zone emphasis among six TFs compared to OSEM with statistical significance. No statistical differences were observed in other TFs. SUVmax-based analysis demonstrated that BPL increased and decreased SUVmax in lesions with low (&lt;5) and high (&gt;10) SUVmax in original OSEM images, respectively.ConclusionThis study demonstrated that BPL improved conspicuity of small or low-count upper abdominal malignant lesions in clinical FDG PET/CT examinations. Only two TFs represented significant differences between OSEM and BPL images of all quantitative metrics in larger lesions.
Effectiveness of Pharmacological Intervention Among Men with Infertility: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis
Authors: Shahid Muhammad Nabeel , Khan Tahir Mehmood , Neoh Chin Fen , Lean Qi Ying , Bukhsh Allah , Karuppannan Mahmathi 
Published: August 2021

Background.Infertility is an emerging health issue for men. Comparative efficacy of different pharmacological interventions on male infertility is not clear. The aim of this review is to investigate the efficacy of various pharmacological interventions among men with idiopathic male infertility. All randomized control trials evaluating the effectuality of interventions on male infertility were included for network meta-analysis (NMA) from inception to 31 April 2020, systematically performed using STATA through the random effect model. The protocol was registered at PROSPERO (CRD42020152891).Results.The outcomes of interest were semen and hormonal parameters. Treatment effects (p&lt; 0.05) were estimated through WMD at the confidence interval of 95%. Upon applying exclusion criteria, n=28 RCTs were found eligible for NMA. Results from NMA indicated that consumption of supplements increases sperm concentration levels [6.26, 95% CI 3.32, 9.21] in comparison to SERMs [4.97, 95% CI 1.61, 8.32], hormones [4.14, 95% CI 1.83, 6.46], and vitamins [0.15, 95% CI −20.86, 21.15)] with placebo, whereas the use of SERMs increased percentage sperm motility [6.69, 95% CI 2.38, 10.99] in comparison to supplements [6.46, 95% CI 2.57, 10.06], hormones [3.47, 95% CI 0.40, 6.54], and vitamins [−1.24, 95% CI −11.84, 9.43] with placebo. Consumption of hormones increased the sperm morphology [3.71, 95% CI, 1.34, 6.07] in contrast to supplements [2.22, 95% CI 0.12, 4.55], SERMs [2.21, 95% CI −0.78, 5.20], and vitamins [0.51, 95% CI −3.60, 4.62] with placebo. Supplements boosted the total testosterone levels [2.70, 95% CI 1.34, 4.07] in comparison to SERMs [1.83, 95% CI 1.16, 2.50], hormones [0.40, 95% CI −0.49, 1.29], and vitamins [−0.70, 95% CI −6.71, 5.31] with placebo. SERMs increase the serum FSH levels [3.63, 95% CI 1.48, 5.79] better than hormones [1.29, 95% CI −0.79, 3.36], vitamins [0.03, 95% CI −2.69, 2.76], and supplements [−4.45, 95% CI −7.15, −1.76] in comparison with placebo.Conclusion.This review establishes that all interventions had a significantly positive effect on male infertility. Statistically significant increased sperm parameters were noted in combinations of zinc sulfate (220 mg BID), clomiphene citrate (50 mg BID), and testosterone undecanoate and CoQ10; tamoxifen citrate and FSH were shown to improve the hormonal profile in infertile males.
Collagen Mimetic Peptides Promote Corneal Epithelial Cell Regeneration
Authors: Baratta Robert O. , Del Buono Brian J. , Schlumpf Eric , Ceresa Brian P. , Calkins David J. 
Published: August 2021

The cornea of the eye is at risk for injury through constant exposure to the extraocular environment. A highly collagenous structure, the cornea contains several different types distributed across multiple layers. The anterior-most layer contains non-keratinized epithelial cells that serve as a barrier to environmental, microbial, and other insults. Renewal and migration of basal epithelial cells from the limbus involve critical interactions between secreted basement membranes, composed primarily of type IV collagen, and underlying Bowman’s and stromal layers, which contain primarily type I collagen. This process is challenged in many diseases and conditions that insult the ocular surface and damage underlying collagen. We investigated the capacity of a collagen mimetic peptide (CMP), representing a fraction of a single strand of the damaged triple helix human type I collagen, to promote epithelial healing following an acute corneal wound. In vitro, the collagen mimetic peptide promoted the realignment of collagen damaged by enzymic digestion. In an in vivo mouse model, topical application of a CMP-containing formulation following a 360° lamellar keratectomy targeting the corneal epithelial layer accelerated wound closure during a 24 h period, compared to vehicle. We found that the CMP increased adherence of the basal epithelium to the underlying substrate and enhanced density of epithelial cells, while reducing variability in the regenerating layer. These results suggest that CMPs may represent a novel therapeutic to heal corneal tissue by repairing underlying collagen in conditions that damage the ocular surface.
Interference With the AMPKα/mTOR/NLRP3 Signaling and the IL-23/IL-17 Axis Effectively Protects Against the Dextran Sulfate Sodium Intoxication in Rats: A New Paradigm in Empagliflozin and Metformin Reprofiling for the Management of Ulcerative Colitis
Authors: Youssef Mahmoud E. , Abd El-Fattah Eslam E. , Abdelhamid Amir M. , Eissa Hanan , El-Ahwany Eman , Amin Noha A. , Hetta Helal F. , Mahmoud Mohamed H. , Batiha Gaber El-Saber , Gobba Naglaa , Ahmed Gaafar Ahmed Gaafar , Saber Sameh 
Published: August 2021

Empagliflozin and metformin are widely used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. These drugs showed marked anti-inflammatory effects in different animal models via enhancing AMPK activity. Yet, the protective anti-inflammatory effects of their combination against ulcerative colitis have not been previously investigated. The current study aimed to explore the potential of empagliflozin/metformin combination to mitigate the DSS-induced rat colitis model. The modulating effects of empagliflozin and metformin on the AMPK/mTOR/NLRP3 axis and T cell polarization were delineated. In this study, distal colons were examined for macroscopic and microscopic pathological alterations. ELISA, qRT-PCR, and immunohistochemistry techniques were applied to detect proteins and cytokines involved in AMPK/mTOR/NLRP3 axis and T Cell polarization. Oral administration of empagliflozin (10 mg/kg/day) and metformin (200 mg/kg/day) combination alleviated colitis as revealed by the reduced disease activity index, macroscopic damage index, colon weight/length ratio, and histopathologic scoring values. Interestingly, empagliflozin/metformin combination significantly enhanced AMPK phosphorylation and depressed mTOR and NLRP3 expression leading to a subsequent reduction in caspase-1 cleavage and inhibition of several inflammatory cytokines, including IL-1β, and IL-18. Reduced mTOR expression and reduced IL-6 levels led to a reduction in Th17 cell polarization and maintenance. Together, the current study reveals that the protective effects of empagliflozin and metformin against DSS-induced colitis are fundamentally mediated via enhancing AMPK phosphorylation. Since adult humans with diabetes mellitus are at greater risk for developing inflammatory bowel diseases, clinical application of empagliflozin/metformin combination represents a novel therapeutic approach for treating diabetic patients with ulcerative colitis.
Reconceptualising Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia: Views of People Living With Dementia and Families/Care Partners
Authors: Burley Claire V. , Casey Anne-Nicole , Chenoweth Lynn , Brodaty Henry 
Published: August 2021

Background: Behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD, also known as neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS), changed behaviors and responsive behaviors), occur in up to 90 percent of people living with dementia (PLWD). These symptoms and behaviors strongly correlate with functional and cognitive impairment and contribute to ~30% of overall dementia costs. As decisions regarding care and strategies for BPSD are generally based on professional frames of reference, this study investigates whether the perspectives of PLWD and families/care partner on BPSD terminology can inform a more nuanced conceptualization of BPSD.Methods: PLWD and families/care partners participated in one-on-one semi-structured interviews. A thematic iterative approach was used to code the data and identify common themes until theoretical saturation was reached. Themes were compared between groups. Data were analyzed deductively in relation to pre-existing terminology regarding BPSD, and inductively to discover new ideas on use of such terminology as perceived by PLWD and others.Results: Forty-one volunteers were interviewed: 21 PLWD, mean age 71 yrs, mean Mini-Mental State Examination score 25, and 20 family members/care partners. Three main themes emerged from the data: (1) descriptions of BPSD from people with lived experience compared to clinical terms, (2) viewpoints on interpreting causes, and (3) experiences of concurrent BPSD. The experiences described and terms used by PLWD and families/care partners differed from terms used in existing professional frameworks (e.g., “disinhibition” described as ‘loss of filter') and there were differences between PLWD and family members' interpretations of BPSD causes.Discussion/Conclusion: Reports from PLWD and families/carers describing their experiences of BPSD suggest a reconceptualization of BPSD terminology is needed to understand and de-stigmatize these symptoms and behaviors. For example, the term “agitated/hard to handle” would benefit by clearer, contextualized description, such as “frustrated with cognitive decline, discriminatory behavior and inadequate support systems.” In better understanding individual expressions of BPSD, families, professionals and societies will be able to respond in ways that are helpful for PLWD. An informed, integrated understanding of BPSD and improved terminology use will have the potential to improve the quality of care and support for PLWD.
Human Platelet Mitochondrial Function Reflects Systemic Mitochondrial Alterations: A Protocol for Application in Field Studies
Authors: Hoppel Florian , Garcia-Souza Luiz Felipe , Kantner-Rumplmair Wilhelm , Burtscher Martin , Gnaiger Erich , Pesta Dominik , Calabria Elisa 
Published: August 2021

Human blood cells may offer a minimally invasive strategy to study systemic alterations of mitochondrial function. Here we tested the reliability of a protocol designed to study mitochondrial respiratory control in human platelets (PLTs) in field studies, using high-resolution respirometry (HRR). Several factors may trigger PLT aggregation during the assay, altering the homogeneity of the cell suspension and distorting the number of cells added to the two chambers (A, B) of the Oroboros Oxygraph-2k (O2k). Thus, inter-chamber variability (∆ab) was calculated by normalizing oxygen consumption to chamber volume (JO2) or to a specific respiratory control state (flux control ratio, FCR) as a reliable parameter of experimental quality. The method’s reliability was tested by comparing the ∆ab of laboratory-performed experiments (LAB, N = 9) to those of an ultramarathon field study (three sampling time-points: before competition (PRE, N = 7), immediately after (POST, N = 10) and 24 h after competition (REC; N = 10)). Our results show that ∆ab JO2 changed PRE-POST, but also for LAB-POST and LAB-REC, while all ∆ab FCR remained unchanged. Thus, we conclude that our method is reliable for assessing PLT mitochondrial function in LAB and field studies and after systemic stress conditions.
The Local Distribution of Temperatures and Entropy Generation Rate in an Ideal Counterflow Heat Exchanger
Authors: Dong Zhimin , Du Qinglin 
Published: August 2021

The process of heat exchange between two fluids of different temperatures and separated by a solid wall occurs in many engineering applications. Log mean temperature difference and effectiveness-NTU methods are widely used to assist in the design of heat exchangers. However, the two methods focus on overall analysis and cannot show the local temperature distributions. This paper obtains the mathematical solutions to the temperature profiles in an ideal counterflow heat exchanger. The aim of this research is to explain the phenomenon called the “entropy generation paradox”, which indicates a discrepancy between effectiveness and optimal entropy generation. The theoretical analysis reveals that the temperature curves are exponential functions when the heat capacity rates of the two streams are different; otherwise, the curves are linear functions. A heat exchanger is demonstrated to draw the temperature profiles under different working conditions. Local entropy generation rates are determined by the ratio of local stream temperatures in the form of a hook function. To realize a certain heat duty, there are many stream flow rate couples, and each couple results in a different entropy generation profile and obtains a corresponding total entropy generation. The helical steam generator of a high-temperature gas-cooled reactor is analyzed in this article and the principle of equipartition of entropy generation is confirmed. This principle indicates that, among the many working conditions to achieve a certain heat duty, a heat exchanger characterized by a nearly constant entropy production gives the best second law efficiency possible in order to achieve the best energy conversion.
d-Serine Mediates Cellular Proliferation for Kidney Remodeling
Authors: Hesaka Atsushi , Tsukamoto Yusuke , Nada Shigeyuki , Kawamura Masataka , Ichimaru Naotsugu , Sakai Shinsuke , Nakane Maiko , Mita Masashi , Okuzaki Daisuke , Okada Masato , Isaka Yoshitaka , Kimura Tomonori 
Published: August 2021

Key Points

d-serine has a physiologic activity, besides its reported function as a biomarker of kidney disease.The plasma level of d-serine increases due to reduced urinary excretion from kidney in human living kidney donors.The increased level of d-serine, in turn, promotes kidney remodeling through mTOR for the functional compensation of decreased kidney function.

Background

d-serine, a long-term undetected enantiomer of serine, is a biomarker that reflects kidney function and disease activity. The physiologic functions of d-serine are unclear.

Methods
The dynamics of d-serine were assessed by measuring d-serine in human samples of living kidney donors using two-dimensional high-performance liquid chromatography, and by autoradiographic studies in mice. The effects of d-serine on the kidney were examined by gene expression profiling and metabolic studies using unilateral nephrectomy mice, and genetically modified cells.

Results
Unilateral nephrectomy in human living kidney donors decreases urinary excretion and thus increases the blood level of d-serine. d-serine is quickly and dominantly distributed to the kidney on injection in mice, suggesting the kidney is a main target organ. Treatment of d-serine at a low dose promotes the enlargement of remnant kidney in mouse model. Mechanistically, d-serine activates the cell cycle for tissue remodeling through an mTOR-related pathway.

Conclusions

d-serine is a physiologic molecule that promotes kidney remodeling. Besides its function as a biomarker, d-serine has a physiologic activity that influences kidney function.
SOME ASPECTS OF THE CRIMINOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF ECONOMIC CRIME
Authors: Милова Ирина Евгеньевна , Адеянова Марина Александровна 
Published: August 2021

Статья посвящена анализу типичных свойств личности субъектов, совершающих экономические преступления. При этом подчеркивается высокий уровень латентности злоупотреблений данного вида, что осложняет их выявление. Обосновывается тезис, что выделенные черты способны создать основу программы пропедевтики.
The article is devoted to the analysis of typical personality traits of subjects who commit economic crimes. At the same time, the high level of latency of this type of abuse is emphasized, which complicates their detection. The thesis is substantiated that the selected features are able to create the basis of a propaedeutics program.
MASS PERSON AS AN AGENT OF SOCIALIZATION IN THE SOCIAL FIELD OF MASS CULTURE AND MAINSTREAM CINEMATOGRAPH
Authors: Босов Дмитрий Вячеславович , Морозова Екатерина Викторовна , Солодова Елена Александровна 
Published: August 2021

Цель статьи: рассмотреть массового человека как главного агента социализации в социальном поле массовой культуры и мейнстрим-кинематографа. Методы: компаративистский, системный. Результаты: выявлены сущность и особенности массового человека как героя современной культуры и кино. Выводы: Массовый человек становятся эталоном поведения и жизни представителей новых поколений.
Purpose of the article: to consider the mass person as the main agent of socialization in the social field of mass culture and mainstream cinema. Methods: comparative, systemic. Results: the essence and characteristics of the mass person as a hero of modern culture and cinema were revealed. Conclusions: Mass people are becoming the standard of behavior and life of representatives of new generations.
THE BASIS FOR EXEMPTION FROM CRIMINAL LIABILITY IN CASES OF ECONOMIC ORIENTATION IN FOREIGN LEGISLATION
Authors: Кузнецов Анатолий Владимирович , Куковякин Александр Евгеньевич 
Published: August 2021

В статье осуществлен анализ норм Российского и зарубежного законодательства по делам экономической направленности. Обозначены спорные вопросы и приоритеты Российского законодательства в этой сфере.
The article analyzes the norms of Russian and foreign legislation on economic matters. The controversial issues and priorities of the Russian legislation in this area are outlined.
COWORKING CENTER AS A NEW TYPE OF LABOR ORGANIZATION
Authors: Пупенцова Светлана Валентиновна , Семёнова Анна Дмитриевна 
Published: August 2021

В работе рассмотрены теоретические основы понятия «коворкинг», проанализировано наличие гибких пространств. Проведен анализ рынка коворкингов, построен прогноз темпов роста на ближайшие годы и выявлены предпосылки развития. Авторы подтверждают рост числа гибких офисных пространств в ближайшие два года.
The paper considers the theoretical foundations of the concept of "coworking", analyzes the presence of flexible spaces. The analysis of the coworking market is carried out, the forecast of growth rates for the next years is constructed and prerequisites of development are revealed. The authors confirm the growth of the number of flexible office spaces in the next two years.
BENEFITS OF LOW-RISE LIVING BUILDINGS IN HOT CLIMATES (EXAMPLE IRAQ)
Authors: Багуля Валерия Семёновна , Пупенцова Светлана Валентиновна 
Published: August 2021

Главный приоритет социальной и экономической политики в мире - решение жилищной проблемы. «Доступное и комфортное жилье» - важная форма реализации современной жилищной политики. Целью данной статьи является определение преимуществ малоэтажных жилых домов, их развитие и механизм повышения качества проектов малоэтажного строительства. Вопросы повышения качества проектов малоэтажного строительства требуют дальнейшего системного улучшения показателей оценки качества. При оценке качества учитываются показатели безопасности, комфорта и временных затрат. В основе этого механизма лежит система показателей оценки качества проектов на предпроектной стадии. Апробация предложенного механизма была произведена на примере строительства в Ираке. Основная цель данного исследования - помочь понять преимущество возведения малоэтажных жилых домов в условиях жаркого климата пустыни.
The main priority of the social and economic policy in the world is to solve the housing problem. Affordable and Comfortable Housing is an important form of implementation the modern housing policy. the aim of this article is to determine of advantages of low -rise living buildings, development of them and Mechanism for improving the quality of low-rise building projects. The issues of improving the quality of low-rise building projects require further system improvement of quality assessment indicators. Quality assessment takes into account indicators of safety, comfort and waste of time. The basis of this mechanism is a system of indicators for assessing the projects quality at the predesign stage. Approbation of the proposed mechanism was made using the example of the construction in Iraq. The main objective of this research is to contribute understanding of the impact of low rise residential buildings formation in hot desert climate.
DIGITAL COMPETENCE OF UNIVERSITY TEACHERS
Authors: Бурганова Лариса Агдасовна , Юрьева Оксана Владимировна 
Published: August 2021

В статье предпринята попытка обозначить основную структуру цифровой компетентности преподавателей вузов. С целью определения уровня цифровой компетентности преподавателей, авторами было проведено два онлайн опроса и выявлены проблемы готовности преподавателей к использованию цифровых технологий.The article attempts to outline the basic structure of digital competence of university teachers. In order to determine the level of digital competence of teachers, the authors conducted two online surveys and identified the problems of teachers' readiness to use digital technologies.
FAMILY LAW LIABILITY AS AN INDEPENDENT TYPE OF LEGAL LIABILITY
Authors: Умарова Амала Алиевна 
Published: August 2021

В статье поднимается вопрос о самостоятельности семейно-правовой ответственности. Анализируются позиции ученых по данному вопросу, соотношение понятий мер защиты и мер ответственности, выводится понятие семейно-правовой ответственности.
The article discusses the issue of the independence of family law liability. It analyzes the position of scientists on this issue, the ratio of the concepts of protection measures and measures of responsibility. The concept of family law liability is framed.