bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The prognostic value of 18F-FDG PET/CT in postoperative recurrence of retroperitoneal liposarcoma: a single center retrospective study
Authors: Shi Hongcheng , Lang Juntao , Liu Wenshuai , Liu Guobing , Liu Siwei , Zhang Yiqiu 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Purpose: Recurrence is the main cause of tumor-related death of retroperitoneal liposarcoma (RPLPS). Different recurrence pattern was determined by variant subtype of retroperitoneal liposarcoma which displayed diverse presentations on 2-[18F]-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose (18F-FDG) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT). This study aims to analyze the characteristics of different histologic subtypes of RPLPS on 18F-FDG PET/CT and their associations with recurrence and prognosis.Methods: Clinical-pathological information, 18F-FDG PET/CT, recurrence and progression free survivals (PFS) of 83 patients with RPLPS were collected. Maximum, and peak standardized uptake value (SUVmax and SUVpeak, respectively) and mean CT value (CTmean) of tumors were measured; their correlations with histologic subtype were analyzed. The predictability of SUVmax and CTmean for histologic subtype was evaluated using the receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve analysis. ROC curve was also performed to analyze the predictive value of SUVmax and peak SUV (SUVpeak) for recurrence. The Kaplan-Meier analysis was performed to analyze whether SUVmax and SUVpeak were risk factors for recurrence. Results: Regarding the histology, 30.1% patients were well-differentiated liposarcoma (WDLPS), 56.6% patients were dedifferentiated liposarcoma (DDLPS), 12.0% patients were myxoid/round cell liposarcoma(MLPS), and 1.2% patients were pleomorphic liposarcoma (PMLPS). SUVmax of DDLPS were significantly higher than those of WDLPS (P < 0.001) and MLPS(P = 0.001). CTmean of WDLPS was significantly lower than those of MLPS (P = 0.001) and DDLPS (P < 0.001). ROC curve suggested 5.1 as an approximate cutoff value of SUVmax for distinguishing DDLPS from non-DDLPS (sensitivity = 76.8%, specificity = 88.0%), and 12.3Hu as cutoff value of CTmean for distinguishing WDLPS from non-WDLPS (sensitivitty = 94.1%, specificity = 54.5%). When the cut-off values of SUVmax and SUVpeak were set at 10.7 and 6.9 respectively, the maximum performances for predicting recurrence were obtained. Kaplan-Meier analyses showed that histologic subtype, SUVmax, and SUVpeak were risk factors that associated with recurrence-free survival (P = 0.02, ＜0.001, and 0.001, respectively).Conclusions: The SUV value and CT features on 18F-FDG PET/CT imaging may increase the confidence in diagnosis and subtype distinguish of RPLPS. When inflammatory liposarcoma was excluded, patients with SUVmax > 10.7 or SUVpeak > 6.9 suggest a poor prognosis.
Flea and tick infestation of a wild rodent in an anthropogenic landscape of the semi-arid Chile
Authors: Beltrami Esperanza , Verdugo Claudio , Beldomenico Pablo , González-Acuña Daniel , Moreno Lucila , Acosta-Jamett Gerardo 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background: A series of abiotic and biotic modifications occur in an anthropogenic landscape which influence the ecology and physiology of wild hosts and their parasites. How these changes affect the parasitism is highly context-dependent, based on the host-parasite system and the type of perturbation. We aimed to investigate the differences in infestation with fleas and ticks of the native rodent Phyllotis darwini in three sites with different anthropogenic impacts and to evaluate environmental and host factors associated with parasite richness and load. Methods: We studied wild, rural and peri-urban sites of the semiarid region of Chile in the spring and summer seasons between 2018 and 2020. We applied a multi-level analysis to assess environmental and host variables at the individual and microhabitat level. We used Generalized Linear Mixed Models and Generalized Linear Models to test factor effects on the richness and load of ectoparasites of adult rodents.Results: Overall, out of 310 rodents trapped, 71% were flea-infested and 22% showed tick infestation. We identified six flea genera, being Hectopsylla sp. and Neotyphloceras sp. the most abundant fleas across sites. Flea richness was significantly higher in male rodents and during the spring and was positively affected by the micromammal species richness. The flea load was also higher in spring, in males, and positively associated to tick load. Hectopsylla sp., one of the most abundant fleas, showed a higher load in the peri-urban site and at grids with lower vegetation index values (NDVI), and Neotyphloceras sp. fleas were associated with tick load and lower temperatures. All ticks were larvae or nymphs of Ixodes sp. and showed a higher load in summer months and higher temperatures. Conclusions: We discuss possible environmental requirements of fleas and ticks, the association between their loads and male-biased parasitism. Further experimental investigations are needed to seasonally precise microclimate thresholds required for the survival of these ectoparasites.
Comparative polyhydroxyalkanoates production by anaerobic bacteria through submerged and solid-state fermentation
Authors: Samal Swati , Pati Swayamsidha , Mohapatra Swati , Maity Sudipta , Tanaya Ksheerabdhi , Devadarshini Deepika , Samantaray Deviprasad 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
PHAs are the bio-polyester synthesized by aerobic and anaerobic bacteria as energy storage granule. However, its synthesis by anaerobes is an imperative part of their physiology via assimilating broad range of substrates than aerobes. Thus, 03 Gram positive anaerobic/facultative PHAs producers viz., Bifidobacterium sp. FM3, Actinomyces sp. CM4 & Bifidobacterium sp. FM5 were selected. Among them, Bifidobacterium sp. FM3 showed higher biomass production in mineral salt medium comprised of glucose & peptone as carbon & nitrogen source at pH 9, temperature 37 oC, inoculum 10% and incubation period 72 h. Under optimized condition, Bifidobacterium sp. FM3 produced 0.89 and 1.5 g/L of PHAs through submerged and solid-state fermentation. IR spectra of PHAs illustrated a strong absorption peak at 1718.50 cm-1 representing C = O functional group of PHB. It is the first report demonstrating PHAs production by Bifidobacterium sp. through different bioprocess technology, which may pave the way of further research.
Factors Affecting COVID-19 Disease Severity in Breast Cancer Patients: Single-Center Experience
Authors: OzkanOzturk Semra , Kocaman Zehra , İnal Ali 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background
COVID-19 is one of the pandemics affecting the whole World. Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women. Therefore, the prevalence of COVID-19 increases in breast cancer pateients. In this study, it is aimed to examine the factors that may be effective on COVID-19 disease severity in breast cancer patients.
Method
This study was carried out as a single-center and retrospective study with a total of 65 patients with a pathological diagnosis of breast cancer who were hospitalized between April 2020 and June 2021, and PCR positive in COVID-19 nasopharyngeal swab sample. The patients were divided into two groups, mild and severe. 35 patients were in the mild groups and 30 patients were in the severe group. Patients with oxygen saturation below 93 percent, followed and treated in the intensive care unit, more than 50% lesion increase in chest imaging in the first 24–48 hours, needing non-invasive or invasive mechanical ventilation, acute respiratory distress syndrome, shock and multiple organ failure were included in the severe group.
Results
a total of 17 parameters that may affect disease severity were analyzed with univariate logistic regression analysis of the Kaplan- Meier test. As a result of the univariate analysis performed to evaluate the potential factors that may affect the severity of the disease, statistically significant differences were found: the patient had diabetes mellitus (P = 0.050), the neutrophil count increased during hospitalization (P = 0.002), the lymphocyte count decreased at admission (P). =0.001), high d-dimer level during hospitalization (P = 0.007), lymphocyte to monocyte ratio above 2.55 (P = 0.016).
Discussion
As a result, the presence of diabetes mellitus, neutrophilia, lymphocytopenia, high D-dimer, increased lymphocyte to monocyte ratio in patients with breast cancer may aggravate the course of COVID-19 disease. These parameters may be predictive for closer follow-up in terms of clinical deterioration of the patients. More recent studies are needed.
COVID-19 testing: A qualitative study exploring enablers and barriers in the Greater Accra Region, Ghana
Authors: Ha Solip , Yangchen Sonam , Assan Abraham 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Introduction: Despite the rolling out of vaccines, the importance of extensive testing along with effective tracing and treatment is still crucial to slowing transmission of the COVID-19 virus. However, testing barriers can be significant impediments to effective COVID-19 response. This study explored enablers and barriers to COVID-19 testing in the Greater Accra region of Ghana. We envision lessons learned from this study could serve as a roadmap to strengthen the current response to COVID-19 and preparedness for future outbreaks, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
Methods: A qualitative design was undertaken to explore the phenomenon. Data collection methods included in-depth interviews with key informants with a purposively selected sample of 20 participants. Interviews were conducted using flexible semi-structured interview guides. Depending on the participant's position and involvement in COVID-19 testing, the guides were modified, and key elements were drawn from a tailored version of the WHO Health System Framework incorporating the Essential Public Health Functions (EPHF). The interview findings were augmented by reviewing published literature.
Results: Better health governance and political leadership, community participation, multisectoral collaboration, effective resource management and information systems were key enablers of COVID-19 testing. Findings also revealed a strong political willingness to committing financial resources to enhance testing. The primary barriers to testing were mainly COVID-19 infodemic, inadequacy of material resources to meet growing health needs, and lack of opportunities to have equal and easy access to testing services. Further, although human resources were adequate, they were unevenly distributed across settings.
Conclusion: To effectively be prepared for COVID-19 testing and respond to future outbreaks, the following are recommended: there should be improved political commitments to ensure even distribution of all resources across the country; financial supports should be provided for the poor to protect them from the financial burden of paying for expensive testing services; improving community participation should be encouraged to address socio-cultural barriers to testing hesitancy. However, multilateral cooperation with diverse stakeholders beyond the scope of health will be essential in facilitating pandemic responses such as scaling up testing strategies
Feature importance measures to dissect the role of sub-basins in shaping the catchment hydrological response: a proof of concept
Authors: CAPPELLI FRANCESCO , Tauro Flavia , Apollonio Ciro , Petroselli Andrea , Borgonovo Emanuele , Grimaldi Salvatore 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Understanding the response of a catchment is a crucial problem in hydrology, with a variety of practical and theoretical implications. Dissecting the role of sub-basins is helpful both for advancing current knowledge on physical processes and for improving the implementation of simulation or forecast models. In this context, recent advancements in sensitivity analysis tools could be worthwhile for bringing out hidden dynamics otherwise not easy to discriminate in complex data driven investigations. In the present work seven feature importance measures are described and tested in a specific and simplified proof of concept case study. In practice, simulated runoff time series are generated for a watershed and its inner 15 sub-basins. A machine learning tool is calibrated using the sub-basins time series for forecasting the watershed runoff. Importance measures are applied on such synthetic hydrological scenario with the aim to investigate the role of each sub-basin in shaping the overall catchment response. This proof of concept offers a simplified representation of the complex dynamics of catchment response. The interesting result is that the discharge at the catchment outlet depends mainly on 3 sub-basins that are consistently identified by alternative sensitivity measures. The proposed approach can be extended to real applications, providing useful insights on the role of each sub-basin also analyzing more complex scenarios.
Build Back Better: The Role of Green Monetary and Fiscal Policies
Authors: Benkhodja Mohamed Tahar , Ma Xiaofei , Razafindrabe Tovonony 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
We establish a two-sector model to simulate the potential effects of green fiscalpolicies and unconventional green monetary policy on the economy during a recoveryor in case of a stimulus policy. We find that instruments such as carbon tax, implicittax on brown loans, and subsidy for the purchase of green goods are all found to bebeneficial to the green sector in contrast to green quantitative easing. The carbon taximposed directly on firms in the brown sector is the most efficient tool to reduce pollution.More importantly, the marginal effects of green instruments on the economydepend on consumer preferences. Namely, the marginal effects are the most prominentwhen consumers start to develop the habit of purchasing green goods. Furthermore,the effects of environmental policies are more efficient when the elasticity of substitutionbetween green and brown goods increases. This finding suggests that raisingconsumers’ awareness and ability to consume green goods reinforce the efficiency ofpublic policies designed for low-carbon transition of the economy.
The Impact of Professional Midwives and Mentoring on the Quality and Availability of Maternity Care in Rural Government Hospitals in Bangladesh
Authors: Anderson Rondi , Williams Anna , Jess Nicole , Read Jonathan , Limmer Mark 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background
This study examined whether the introduction of professional midwives with and without facility mentorship improved care quality and availability in sub-district hospitals in Bangladesh. It also analysed the experiences of non-midwife maternity care providers and managers.
Methods
Using mixed-methods, differences between hospitals without midwives, with midwives, and with mentorship were explored. Quantitative analysis comprised observations of facility readiness and clinical care to assess implementation of World Health Organization maternity care guidelines. Participants also completed a survey on their knowledge, perceptions, and utilization of the guidelines. Focus groups and interviews explored midwives’ experiences of their roles, and the experiences of the maternity staff and managers in relation to the midwives and the improved care practices they introduced. Logistic regression was used to identify differences between hospital types following the deployment of midwives and also mentoring.
Results
There were 641 clinical observations, 237 completed surveys, 18 interviews and five focus groups. The analysis found facilities without midwives to be the least likely to implement quality care practices, and those with midwives and facility mentoring to be the most likely. Of the eight quality practices, hospitals with midwives but no mentors were significantly more likely than hospitals without midwives to use four: partograph (56% vs. 14%; p < 0.001), upright labour (94% vs. 63%; p = 0.001), delayed cord clamping (88% vs. 11%; p < 0.001), skin-to-skin (94% vs. 13%; p < 0.001). Hospitals with mentors were significantly more likely to use six: ANC card (84% vs. 52%; p < 0.001), partograph (97% vs. 14%; p < 0.001), upright positioning for labour (95% vs. 63%; p = 0.001), delayed cord clamping (98% vs. 11%; p < 0.001), skin-to-skin contact following birth (93% vs. 13%; p < 0.001), and upright positioning for birthing (86% vs. 26%; p < 0.001). In addition, attitudes among the other maternity staff and managers toward midwives’ capabilities and improving quality of care were found to be more positive with mentoring.
Conclusion
Facilities with professional midwives had better availability and quality of maternity care across multiple components of the health system. Care quality further improved with facility mentors who created enabling environments, provided training, and facilitated supportive relationships between existing maternity staff and managers and the newly deployed midwives.
Disruption of ER ion homeostasis maintained by an ER anion channel contributes to ALS-like pathologies
Authors: Jia Yichang 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Although anion channel activities have been demonstrated in sarcoplasmic reticulum/endoplasmic reticulum (SR/ER), their molecular identities and functions remain unclear. Here, we link rare variants of CLCC1 (Chloride Channel CLIC Like 1) to ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis)-like pathologies. We demonstrate that CLCC1 is a pore-forming component of an ER anion channel and that ALS-associated mutations impair the channel conductance. CLCC1 forms homomultimer and its channel activity is inhibited by luminal Ca2+ but facilitated by phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2). We identified conserved residues D25 and D181 in CLCC1 N-terminus responsible for Ca2+ binding and Ca2+ luminal inhibition on channel open probability and K298 in CLCC1 intraluminal loop as the critical PIP2-sensing residue. CLCC1 maintains steady-state [Cl-]ER and [K+]ER and morphology and regulates ER Ca2+ homeostasis including efficiency of internal Ca2+ release and steady-state [Ca2+]ER. ALS-associated mutant CLCC1 increase steady-state [Cl-]ER and impair ER Ca2+ homeostasis, and animals with the ALS-associated mutation sensitize to stress challenge-induced protein misfolding. Phenotypic comparisons of multiple Clcc1 loos-of-function alleles, including ALS-associated mutations, reveal a CLCC1 dosage-dependence in severity of disease phenotypes in vivo. As CLCC1 rare variants appear dominant in ALS, ~10% K298A heterozygous mice displayed ALS-like phenotypes, underscoring a mechanism underlying channelopathy dominant-negatively caused by a loss-of-function mutation. Conditional knockout of Clcc1 cell-autonomously causes motor neuron loss and ER stress, misfolded protein accumulation, and characteristic ALS pathologies in the spinal cord. Thus, we argue that disruption of ER ion homeostasis maintained by CLCC1 underlies etiology of neurodegenerative diseases.
The impact of epistasis in the heterosis and combining ability analyses
Authors: Viana José Marcelo Soriano 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
The current theoretical knowledge concerning the influence of epistasis on heterosis is based on simplified multiplicative model. The objective of this study was to assess the impact of epistasis in the heterosis and combining ability analyses, assuming additive model, hundreds of genes, linkage disequilibrium (LD), dominance, and seven types of digenic epistasis. We developed the quantitative genetics theory for supporting the simulation of the individual genotypic values in nine populations, the selfed populations, the 36 interpopulation crosses, 180 doubled haploids (DHs) and their 16,110 crosses, assuming 400 genes in 10 chromosomes of 200 cM. Epistasis only affects population heterosis if there is LD. Only additive x additive and dominance x dominance epistasis can affect the components of the heterosis and combining ability analyses of populations. Both analyses can lead to completely wrong inferences regarding the identification of the superior populations, the populations with greater differences of gene frequencies, and the populations with maximum variability, when the number of interacting genes and the magnitude of the epistatic effects are high. There was a decrease in the average heterosis by increasing the number of epistatic genes and the magnitude of their epistatic effects. The same results are generally true for the combining ability analysis of DHs. Surprisingly, the combining ability analyses of subsets of 20 DHs showed no significant average impact of epistasis on the identification of the most divergent ones, even assuming a high number of epistatic genes and great magnitude of their effects. However, a significant negative effect can occur.
Optimization of Water Distribution System within Tented Camps
Authors: ALHAMAD Abdullah , GÜNAL Ayşe Yeter 
Published: March 2022

This paper proposes an optimized, gravity-looped water network for tented camps as a replacement of the water trucking method, which depends on conveying water from resource to water tanks set up within camps by trucks, allowing people to carry water through containers to their tent; this method is used to supply people live in tented camps with water when providing water cannot be met in other ways. The
cost of installing the gravity-looped network is minimized using Linear Programming to select pipe diameters from commercially available pipes. The method proposed was developed by Alperovits and Shamir (1977) and modified by Goulter and Coal (1986); linear formulations were solved by MATLAB, builds upon results obtained from EPANET. Tulol camp, located in Syria, was chosen as a case study, being supplied with water by trucking. Diameter changes, after optimization, are observed where the total cost of pipes decreased by 9.75%.
Examination of the Physical Properties of Saturated and Dry Marbles via P-S Wave Velocity
Authors: MOHAMMADI Eshaq Ali , KILIÇ Özen 
Published: March 2022

In this study, ten marble samples collected from different regions of Turkey were tested in the laboratory in terms of physical properties and P-S wave velocity. The destructive method used to determine the physical properties of marbles is time-consuming, can only be tested in the laboratory, and high cost of equipment. For this reason, in order to obtain an easy to apply method, not expensive and time
consuming, the relationship between saturated and dry P-S wave velocity and physical properties was investigated by regression analysis. Results of regression analyses showed satisfactory correlations.
Water quality modelling and quantitative microbial risk assessment for uMsunduzi River in South Africa
Authors: Ngubane Zesizwe , Bergion Viktor , Dzwairo Bloodless , Troell Karin , Amoah Isaac Dennis , Stenström Thor Axel , Sokolova Ekaterina 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
South African rivers generally receive waste from inadequate wastewater infrastructure, mines, and farming activities, among others. The uMsunduzi River in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, is among these recipients with recorded poor to very poor water quality. To identify parts of the uMsunduzi River that are polluted by Cryptosporidium and Escherichia coli (E. coli), this study mapped out pollutants emanating from point and non-point sources using the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT). Streamflow calibration in the upper and lower reaches of the catchment showed good performance with R2 of 0.64 and 0.58, respectively. SWAT water quality output data were combined with a Quantitative Microbial Risk Assessment (QMRA) to understand the microbial health implications for people using river water for drinking, recreational swimming, and non-competitive canoeing. QMRA results for Cryptosporidium and pathogenic E. coli showed that the probability of infection for most users exceeds the acceptable level for drinking and recreation as outlined in the South African water quality guidelines, and by the World Health Organization (WHO). The results of this study can be used as a baseline to assess the economic and health implications of different management plans, resulting in better-informed, cost-effective, and impactful decision-making.