bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
UPAYA PENGEMBANGAN SOFT SKILL SISWA SMA MELALUI PRAMUKA
Authors: Wati Dwi Aprilia , Pranawa Sigit , Rahman Abdul
Published: October 2020

Penelitian ini mengkaji upaya pengembangan soft skill siswa SMA melalui kegiatan pramuka. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian deskriptif kualitatif yang menggunakan teori fungsionalisme struktural dari Talcott Parsons dengan sistem AGIL, yaitu Adaptation, Goal Attainment, Integration, dan Latency sebagai dasar analisis data. Partisipan penelitian adalah 24 siswa dan 1 pembina pramuka di sebuah SMA Negeri di Kabupaten Karanganyar, Jawa Tengah. Data dikumpulkan melalui observasi, wawancara, dan dokumentasi. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa kegiatan pramuka dapat membantu mengembangkan soft skill siswa terutama kemampuan sosial dan kemampuan personal. Kemampuan sosial terdiri dari communication skill, relationship building, dan team work, sedangkan kemampuan personal terdiri dari time management, leadership skill, dan transforming character (percaya diri, tanggung jawab, mandiri, kreatif, cinta alam, dan berjiwa sosial). Kedua kemampuan soft skill dikembangkan melalui partisipasi siswa dalam kegiatan Pramuka dan keanggotaan siswa sebagai Dewan Ambalan Pramuka.This study examines efforts to develop soft skills for high school students through scouting activities. This research is a qualitative descriptive study that uses Talcott Parsons’ structural functionalism theory with the AGIL system, namely Adaptation, Goal Attainment, Integration, and Latency as the basis for data analysis. Research participants were 24 students and one scout coach in a public high school in Kabupaten Karanganyar, Jawa Tengah. Data were collected through observation, interviews, and documentation. The results showed that scouting activities could help develop students' soft skills, especially social skills and personal abilities. Social skills consist of communication skills, relationship building, and team work, while personal abilities consist of time management, leadership skills, and transforming character (self-confidence, responsibility, independence, creativity, love of nature, and social spirit). Both soft skill abilities are developed through student participation in scouting activities and student membership as Scouting Council.
PENGEMBANGAN VIDEO ANIMASI TUTORIAL UJIAN TANDA KECAKAPAN KHUSUS PRAMUKA SEKOLAH DASAR
Authors: Wibisono Hendar Ahmad , Situmorang Robinson , Solihatin Etin
Published: October 2020

Minimnya media instruksional sebagai salah satu sumber belajar materi kepramukaan di sekolah, menjadi latar belakang dilakukannya penelitian ini. Penelitian pengembangan ini bertujuan untuk mengembangkan media pembelajaran video animasi tutorial ujian Tanda Kecakapan Khusus (TKK) wajib pramuka tingkat penggalang, sebagai salah satu sumber belajar dalam ujian TKK wajib dalam kegiatan kepramukaan. Model metode pengembangan yang digunakan adalah model pengembangan ADDIE. Penelitian pengembangan ini menghasilkan sebuah media pembelajaran Video Animasi Tutorial Ujian TKK Wajib Pramuka dalam bentuk video animasi .mp4 yang dapat dioperasikan pada perangkat keras yang memiliki fitur pemutar media digital, seperti; smartphone dan notebook. Video animasi tutorial ini juga disertai buku pedoman penyelenggaran dan Lembar Kerja Siswa (LKS) sebagai pelengkap produk media instruksional. Pada tahap pengembangan, video animasi tutorial ini telah diuji oleh ahli materi yang memiliki kualifikasi di bidang kepramukaan dan ahli media, dengan hasil “baik”. Adapun dalam tahap implementasi dan evaluasi, video animasi tutorial ini telah diuji oleh praktisi pembelajaran dan pengguna, hasilnya adalah video animasi tutorial dapat menjadi acuan dalam kegiatan kepramukaan untuk penyelenggaraan ujian TKK wajib tingkat penggalang yang dibuktikan dengan adanya peningkatan nilai pada saat tes awal dibandingkan dengan nilai pada saat tes akhir dalam asesmen kegiatan kepramukaan.The lack of instructional media as scouting material learning resources in schools become the reason in conducting this research. This study aims to develop an animated video tutorial of advancement badges test for boyscout, as one of learning resources for scouting. The development model method used was ADDIE. This research produced an animated video tutorial of advancement badges test for boyscout in .mp4 video format which can be operated on hardware that has a player feature, such as; smartphone and notebook. This animated video tutorial is accompanied by a manual book and student worksheet as a complementary to instructional media products. At step of development, This animated video tutorial has been tested by qualified material and media experts of scouting, which results “good”. As for the implementation and evaluation stages, this video has been tested by learning practition and users. The result from this stage recommends that the animated video tutorial can be used as a reference for advancement badges test for boyscout. It was proven by an increasing score at the time of the pretest compared to the score at the end of posttest assessment of scouting activities.
Suprascapular Neuropathy From Malpositioned Baseplate Screws in Primary Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty
Authors: Kahan Joseph B. , Iannotti Joseph , Donohue Kenneth
Published: October 2020

Cases:

Two patients presented to different surgeons complaining of persistent shoulder pain after reverse total shoulder arthroplasty. Workups for fracture, instability, and periprosthetic infection were negative. Advanced imaging, nerve conduction studies, and diagnostic injections localized symptoms to the suprascapular nerve. Revision arthroplasty with removal of the offending screws improved pain in both patients.

Conclusion:

Suprascapular nerve irritation because of the malposition of baseplate screws in reverse total shoulder arthroplasty can be a source of postoperative pain. Removal of the offending screw without formal nerve exploration may result in symptomatic improvement.
QEMSCAN-Assisted Interpretation of Imbibition Capillary Pressure for Multiporosity Carbonate Rocks
Authors: Alramadhan Aymen , Cinar Yildiray
Published: October 2020

In this paper, we present an experimental study that explores the potential links between the imbibition capillary pressure Pci and the pore systems and/or mineralogy for carbonate reservoirs undergoing waterflood. A systematic workflow has been formulated to ensure the data quality of Pci, minimize uncertainty in deriving Pci from centrifuge tests, and analyze the data considering the pore-size distribution from mercury injection capillary pressure (MICP) and mineralogy from Quantitative Evaluation of Minerals by Scanning Electron Microscopy (QEMSCAN). The workflow starts with assessing the centrifuge production data for gravity-capillary equilibrium at each speed. Then, the quality-checked data are used to generate six different Pci curves using analytical and numerical models. The resulting curves provide a measure of the variability in solutions for various rock types and assist in the selection of the most-representative Pci curve. Finally, the representative Pci curves of all rock samples are analyzed together with the MICP and QEMSCAN data to examine the change in Pci curves as a result of changes in the number and character of rock types, pore systems, dominant pore-throat radii, and mineralogy.

Findings from this study shed light on the impact of mineralogy and pore systems on Pci. From the mineralogy perspective, the presence of dolomite, microporous calcite, or rutile and anatase (TiO2) within the rock composition is found to affect the Pci of the carbonate samples used in this study. The rock samples with these minerals should be separated from other bimodal samples before attempting to obtain a correlation between Pci and pore systems. The data analysis further reveals that some bimodal samples of medium permeability yield a better waterflood imbibition efficiency than those of the high-permeability samples. This observation is attributed to a better communication between the micropore and macropore systems, and a closer proximity of the peak radii of the micro- and macropore systems of the medium-permeability samples.
WITHDRAWN: Longitudinal variations of noontime thermospheric winds in response to IMF Bz temporal oscillations: broken mean circulation and standing feature
Authors: Zhang Kedeng , Wang Hui , Wang Wenbin , Liu Jing , Gao Jie
Published: October 2020

By using the coupled magnetosphere-thermosphere-ionosphere model, we explore the longitudinal/UT differences of the dayside neutral wind in response to the 60 min periodic oscillation of the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) Bz. The southward propagation of the traveling atmospheric disturbances (TADs) in meridional wind stands at about 20º MLat, which is related to the geomagnetic field configuration, neutral temperature, and electron density changes. The meridional wind travels continuously from high to low latitude in the western southern hemisphere, while they are broken into pieces in the eastern southern hemisphere. The broken mean circulation that is a combined effect of TADs and simultaneous responses of the meridional winds driven by oscillating solar wind conditions is induced by the stronger roles of the ion drag than the pressure gradient. Note here that the mean circulation is the background meridional winds in the base case. The ion drag shows obvious longitudinal differences associated with the penetration of the ionospheric electric field during the oscillation of IMF Bz.
WITHDRAWN: Are intravertebral clefts Kümmell’s disease?
Authors: Chen Zhenzhong , Lou Chao , Yu Weiyang , He Dengwei
Published: October 2020

Purpose: Intravertebral clefts (IVC) used to be considered as the unique characteristic of Kümmell’s disease (KD). However, accumulating literatures and our clinical findings identified the presence of IVC in acute osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCF) as well. Since the exact time for incidence of OVCF is usually difficult to recall for old people, it leads to challenging to differentiate IVC from KD and acute OVCF and begs for further investigation. Moreover, the treatment scheme of the two is not exactly the same. In order to identify the differences between IVC of KD and OVCF, we performed this study of radiological features.Materials and Methods: Seventy-nine patients with IVC were included in our study, with 44 cases in the KD group and 35 cases in the acute OVCF group. Radiological images, including X-ray, CT, and MRI, were collected for each group. Results: Consistent with previous reports, IVC was present in both groups. Intriguingly, we found several unique features that were only present in the KD group, including sclerosis of the cleft margin (95.5%, 42/44), ossification of the fractured vertebrae (100%, 44/44), ossification of the pedicle (31.8%, 14/44), double-line sign (27.3%, 12/44), stress fracture of the spinous process (13.6%, 6/44) and even formation of paravertebral callus (18.2%, 8/44).Conclusion: IVC could present in patients with both KD and acute OVCF, which leads to the challenges in the differentiation of clinical diagnosis. Due to the differences in the treatment, it is essential for surgeons to identify the differences among radiological features between the two. We found that marginal cleft sclerosis, vertebral and pedicle ossification, double-line sign, spinous process fracture, and formation of paravertebral callus are unique radiological features of KD and could be used for differentiation of KD from acute OVCF with IVC.
Perinatal exposure to a low dose of bisphenol-A advances pubertal spermatogenesis of F1 adolescent male rats
Authors: Bai Yinyang , Xiong Fang , Zhang Yun , Chen Jie , Xu Lishuang , Wang Min , Jiang Shiwen
Published: October 2020

Background

To investigate the impact of perinatal exposure to a low dose of bisphenol A (BPA) on spermatogenesis in male rats and the underlying mechanism.
Methods

Female rats were injected subcutaneously with 2 µg BPA/kg/day from gestation day 10 through lactation day 7. The spermatogenesis and expression of key regulatory genes in the testes as well as the central modulators of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis were determined in male offspring on postnatal day 18, 21, and 24 (PND18, 21, and 24).
Results

1) Perinatal BPA exposure led to an increase in the weight of body and testis in PND21-24 male offspring. The seminiferous tubular diameter and the number of round spermatids were significantly increased in PND21 BPA-rats, while the volumes of the Sertoli cells, spermatogonia and spermatocytes were not significantly altered. 2) Compared to the control rats, the expression levels of key meiotic regulators such as cyclinA1, c-jun and c-fos in the seminiferous tubules were significantly elevated in PND21 BPA-rats. 3) The plasma levels of FSH and LH (PND21 and PND24) as well as the frequency of pulsatile LH secretion (PND21) were significantly increased in BPA-rats, although the plasma levels of testosterone and estrogen showed no significant difference between the two groups. 4) In comparison with control rats, the levels of GnRH mRNA in the preoptic area (POA) and kiss1 mRNA in arcuate nucleus (ARC) were significantly increased in the BPA-rats, whereas the level of ERα mRNA in ARC was decreased, although the number of GnRH-positive cells and ARC kisspeptin-positive cells were unchanged. Interestingly, neither the number of kisspeptin-positive cells nor the level of kiss1 mRNA in the anteroventral periventricular nucleus (AVPV) showed a difference between the two groups.
Conclusion

Perinatal exposed to a low dose of BPA leads to an increased meiosis of spermatocytes and promotes the spermatogenesis in male offspring, most likely through activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis.
Natural Course and Prognostic Factors of Ethambutol Toxic Optic Neuropathy
Authors: Kim Ye Ji , Lim Soo Hyun , Kim Ungsoo
Published: October 2020

Background: To investigate the natural course and prognostic factors of ethambutol toxic optic neuropathy (ETON).Methods: Medical charts of 87 patients diagnosed with ETON were reviewed retrospectively, and the visual acuity and history of ethambutol medication were analyzed. Based on the final visual acuity, patients were divided into two groups: recovery and no-recovery groups. We investigated the prognostic factors, including the sex, age, duration of medication, initial visual acuity, and systemic diseases (diabetes mellitus, hypertension, renal disorders, etc.). Results: In this study, 37 men and 50 women, with ages ranging from 22 to 91 years, were included. Although a poor initial visual acuity was noted in the old patients, a short duration of medication had a weak negative correlation with the initial visual acuity. Follow-up of over 1 year could be performed for 28 out of 87 patients, including nine men and 19 women, with a mean age of 70.0 ± 8.2 years. Ten eyes of seven (25%) patients, including three men and four women, did not recover vision after discontinuation of ethambutol. Patients were significantly older in the no-recovery group than in the recovery group (73.9 ± 8.3 and 68.7 ± 8.1 years, respectively). The poor initial visual acuity and presence of systemic diseases affected the prognosis of ETON. Conclusion: Three-fourth of patients with ETON had visual recovery after discontinuation of ethambutol. High-risk patients with poor prognostic factors, including old age, presence of systemic diseases, and poor initial visual acuity, should be screened in early stages of ETON.
Clinical characteristics of breast abscesses induced by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus during lactation
Authors: Li Yan , Ma Xiangjun , He Xingping
Published: October 2020

Background

This study aims to identify the differences in patients with breast abscesses in combination with the infection of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) or with methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) during lactation in the clinical characteristics, efficacy of puncture, antibiotic use, treatment duration, breastfeeding after illness and recurrence.
Methods

Clinical data of patients with breast abscesses during lactation who were treated in our hospital from January 2014 to February 2017 were reviewed. According to bacterial culture results, they were divided into MRSA (n = 260) and MSSA (n = 962) groups. The hospitalisation, postpartum time, age, location of abscess cavities, number of abscess cavities, maximum amount of punctured pus, frequency of punctures, failure of puncture, antibiotic use, treatment duration, delactation and recurrence were compared between groups using a t-test and a chi-squared test.
Results

The statistical analysis showed that only delactation was statistically significantly different between the groups (P = 0.018). Hospitalisation, postpartum time, age, location of abscess cavities, number of abscess cavities, maximum amount of punctured pus, frequency of punctures, failure of puncture, antibiotic use, treatment duration and recurrence showed no statistically significant differences (P = 0.488, P = 0.328, P = 0.494, P = 0.218, P = 0.088, P = 0.102, P = 0.712, P = 0.336, P = 0.512, P = 0.386 and P = 0.359, respectively).
Conclusion

Patients with breast abscesses combined with MRSA infection during lactation presented no significant differences in the clinical manifestations, efficacy of puncture, antibiotic use or treatment duration from those with MSSA infection. However, the patients infected with MRSA were more susceptible to delactation after illness.
Patient Similarity Network of Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma Identifies Patient Sub-groups with Distinct Genetic Features and Clinical Implications
Authors: Bhalla Sherry , Melnekoff David , Keats Jonathan , Onel Kenan , Sawyer Jeffrey , Madduri Deepu , Richter Joshua , Richard Shambavi , Chari Ajai , Cho Hearn , Dudley Joel , Jagannath Sundar , Lagana Alessandro , Parekh Samir
Published: October 2020

The remarkable genetic heterogeneity of Multiple Myeloma poses a significant challenge for proper prognostication and clinical management of patients. Here, we introduce MM-PSN, the first multi-omics Patient Similarity Network of Myeloma. MM-PSN enabled accurate dissection of the genetic and molecular landscape of the disease and determined twelve distinct sub-groups defined by five data types generated from genomic and transcriptomic patient profiling of 655 patients. MM-PSN revealed that 1q gain is the most important single lesion conferring high risk of relapse and that it can improve on the current International Staging Systems (ISS and R-ISS). Several sub-groups uncovered novel associations between the gain of 1q and other adverse secondary lesions, thereby identifying the chromosomal hallmarks of sub-clonal heterogeneity and tumor progression in MM. We also determined gene vulnerabilities and potential therapeutic options for each sub-group and validated our prognostic model in an independent dataset.
Using Citizen Heritage Science to monitor remote sites; a comparison of two methods
Authors: Brigham Rosie , Orr Scott , Wilson Lyn , Frost Adam , Strlič Matija , Grau-Bové Josep
Published: October 2020

For large heritage organisations the monitoring and documentation of sites in their care presents considerable challenges; continual monitoring of the smaller, unstaffed and more remote sites is often not practical. Long-term trends, one off events or seasonal variations can sometimes go unnoticed or undocumented. However, heritage sites are often popular tourist destinations and can receive a high level of footfall from visitors who carry increasingly sophisticated mobile phones. It seems a logical conclusion that heritage organisations capitalize on using visitors’ images to record and monitor remote heritage sites. This research proposes Citizen Heritage Science as an effective method to gather reliable data for heritage sites. We compare two methods for data collection: a ‘guided’ approach, in which on-site signage prompts visitors to submit photographs of specific areas of a site; and an ‘open’ approach, in which the public is asked to send any photographs they have of the site in question. At the study sites in Scotland, Machrie Moor and Clava Cairns, the guided approach provided enough images to monitor specific risks to the site (erosion and flooding). Visitors conformed to the instruction provided and the majority of submitted images could be included in the analysis. The open approach was successful in gathering a large number of submissions during the national lockdown in the spring of 2020 in which access was restricted to heritage sites. Notably, the open approach led to more diverse images which was ultimately beneficial, resulting in a multi-faceted understanding of long-term changes in site interpretation and management. Finally, we found great benefit in storing the data in an accessible database; this meant research data was easily accessible for heritage managers in real time, requiring no specialist knowledge for access or analysis. This allowed for rapid responses to urgent one-off events, such as heritage crime. In summary, both approaches have potential to inform monitoring of heritage sites which would otherwise require significant resources to be more frequently monitored by staff. In presenting both methodologies we hope heritage institutions will be able to set up similar projects and continue research in the field of Citizen Heritage Science.
Waiting for the Second (Non)-Covid-19 Wave: Variations in Volume of Emergency Surgeries and of Emergency Department Accesses in a Third Level Hospital in Milan, Lombardy, During the Outbreak
Authors: Castoldi Laura , Solbiati Monica , Costantino Giorgio , Casiraghi Elena
Published: October 2020

Introduction: During the recent outbreak of COVID-19 (Corona VIrus Diseases 2019), Lombardy was the Italian region most affected, with 87,000 patients and 15,876 deaths (until May 26). Since February 22, well before the Government declared the state of emergency, a huge reduction of emergency surgeries was seen in Lombardy Hospitals, with a generalized drop of attendances in the Emergency Departments (EDs).Study Objective: The aim of this study is to report the experience of the ED of a third-level hospital in downtown Milan, Lombardy (IRCCS Foundation Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico), and try to explain the causes of the observed phenomena.Methods: A retrospective, observational study was performed assessing the volume of emergency surgeries and of the attendances in the ED during the course of the pandemic, i.e. immediately before, during and after progressive community lockdown in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, comparing the same time periods in 2019.Results: Compared to the previous year, in 2020 a significant overall drop of emergency surgeries (60%, p<0.002) and of ED attendances (66%, p≅0) was observed. The drop was significant for medical ( 40%), surgical (74%), specialist fast track (92%), and psychiatric (60%) complaints, for domestic violence accesses (59%) and for patients who left the ED without being seen (LWBS) (76%). Conversely, deaths raised by 196%.Conclusion: During the COVID-19 outbreak the volume of urgent surgeries and the volume of patients accessing ED dropped. At the moment, it is not known if mortality of people who did not seek care increased during the pandemic. Further studies are needed to try to understand if such reductions during the COVID-19 pandemic will result in a rebound of patients left untreated, or in unwanted consequences on population health.
Co-expression Network analysis of LncRNA associated with overexpression of DNMT1 in esophageal epithelial cells
Authors: LEI Yi , ZHANG Chen , YIN Dong , XU Yi , LI Xu-feng , CHEN Yan
Published: October 2020

Background:Screening and preliminary identification of DNMT1 high expression related LncRNA, which is involved in various inter-related signaling pathways, has revealed a theoretical basis for various types of disease mechanisms. Methods:LncRNA and mRNA differential expression profiles were identified on a microarray. The 10 LncRNAs with high levels of variation were identified by qRT-PCR. KEGG and GO analyses were used to dissect out differentially expressed mRNAs. Results and Conclusions:Six signal pathways were selected based on the KEGG results of the LncRNA-mRNAs expression network analysis.We found a total of 6987 differentially expressed LncRNAs and 7421 differentially expressed mRNAs were obtained from the microarrays in experimental and control groups (P<0.05; Fold Change >2.0x). GO analysis KEGG pathway analysis showed high expression of DNMT1 in esophageal epithelial cells. Nine pathways involved mRNA up-regulation including natural killer cell mediated cytotoxicity and many other prominent biochemical pathways. Forty six pathways were associated with down regulated mRNAs and ribosomes involving multiple biological pathways. Co-expression network analysis showed that the 8 mRNA and 16 LncRNA were linked to the P53 signaling pathway. Interactions occurred between 22 LncRNA and 11 mRNA in the ErbB signaling pathway, between 19 LncRNA and 8 mRNA in epithelial cell signal transduction of Helicobacter pylori infection. Interactions were present in 19 LncRNAs and 5 mRNAs in the sphingolipid signaling pathway along with 21 with LncRNA and 12 with mRNAs in the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. Cytotoxicity interactions occurred with 22 LncRNAs and 9 mRNAs in natural killer cells.
Phylogenetic Relationship of Babesia Species Infecting Dogs from Select Regions in Kenya
Authors: Ngoka Ismail Thoya , Mbogo Kevin , Kyalo Martina , Juma Peter , Obiero David , Pelle Roger
Published: October 2020

BackgroundThere are over 100 Babesia species known to infect vertebrates with some of them being zoonotic. Local dog keeping practices enable extensive and intimate interactions between dogs, livestock, wildlife, and their human owners, thus allowing the possibility of dogs to act as hosts for zoonotic parasites.Canine babesiosis, known to occur in Kenya causes a severe and debilitating illness in dogs which compromises their welfare and capacity to carry out their role in society. Published data on Babesia species circulating among dogs in Kenya is limited. Improved control measures such as vaccines are required against the disease.MethodsThe study design was descriptive and sampling opportunistic. A total of 143 whole blood samples were collected from domestic dogs in Nakuru, Nairobi and Mombasa counties. Total genomic DNA was extracted from each of the samples and screened for Babesia parasites using diagnostic PCR. Babesia species were identified through bioinformatic analysis of Sanger sequences.ResultsA total of 13 samples were positive for Babesia species (95% C.I is 0.0437 to 0.1381). Two were positive for Babesia canis vogeli, eleven were positive for Babesia canis rossi.77% of the Babesia positive samples were from Nairobi county.ConclusionsThe study confirmed that molecular methods can be utilized to detect the presence of Babesia species circulating among dogs in Kenya.85% of the Babesia positive samples were Babesia canis rossi which causes the most severe form of canine babesiosis. Results of the bioinformatic analysis indicate 98.29% to 99.52% sequence identity to Babesia canis rossi obtained from black-backed jackals (Canis mesomelas).Babesia canis vogeli although primarily known as a domestic dog parasite has been shown capable of infecting both domestic and wild felines. This demonstrates the capacity of dogs to serve as hosts for pathogens from wildlife and vice versa.
The overlooked background of gastric MMC III: the signalling pathways of motilin receptors inducing canine left gastric artery relaxation
Authors: Li Hongyu , Yang Lanlan , Jin Ying , Jin Chunxiang
Published: October 2020

Background: In diabetic patients with gastroparesis, the gastric blood supply is often decreased and delayed gastric emptying associating MMCIII absence is the main symptom. Under physiological conditions, motilin has been shown to induce a sustained increase in left gastric artery (LGA) blood flow and initiate MMC phase III simultaneously. The study aimed to elucidating the signal transduction pathways of motilin receptors (MLNRs) in the relaxation of LGA.Methods: MLNR expression in the LGA was analysed by immunohistochemistry. Motilin-induced relaxation of the LGA was tested in a multi-wire myograph system. Effects of inhibitors or blockers in the signal transduction pathway were observed.Results: Immunohistochemical and immunofluorescence staining showed that the MLNRs were on the membranes of endothelial cells. Motilin relaxed U46619 pre-contracted canine LGA rings in a concentration-dependent manner, with an EC50 value of 9.010 ± 0.789 × 10−8 M. Motilin’s effect was inhibited by denuded endothelium but not by muscarinic receptor inhibitors. The effect was selectively and competitively inhibited by Phe-cyclo[Lys-Tyr(3-tBu)-Ala-]•trifluoroacetate (GM-109; MLNR antagonist) and completely or partially inhibited by inhibitors of the G protein–phospholipase C–inositol trisphosphate (G pr–PLC–IP3) and nitric oxide synthase–nitric oxide–soluble guanylyl cyclase (NOS–NO–sGC) signal transduction pathway, inhibitors of cyclooxygenase and myoendothelial gap junction, blockers of the potassium channel and low/free Ca2+ Krebs solutions, but not by inhibitors of protein kinase C, protein kinase A or L-type voltage-operated Ca2+ channel.Conclusions: MLNRs were on the membranes of endothelial cells of canine LGA. The main intracellular signal transduction pathway was motilin–MLNR–G pr–PLC–IP3–NOS–NO–sGC–cGMP. These results may provide a new theoretical basis for research on diabetic gastroparesis.
Low-Dose IL-2 Therapy Limits the Reduction in Absolute Numbers of Circulating Regulatory T Cells in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Zhang Sheng-Xiao , Wang Jia , Wang Cai-Hong , Jia Rui-Huan , Yan Ming , Hu Fang-Yuan , Liu Guang-Ying , Liu Xue-Yu , Luo Jing , Gao Chong , Li Xiao-Feng
Published: October 2020

Background Circulating regulatory T cells (Tregs) are responsible for mediating immune tolerance and maintaining immunological homeostasis. Decreases in Tregs may be involved in the onset of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Low-dose interleukin-2 (IL-2) has been considered for the treatment of inflammatory diseases mediated by T cells. This study focused on the status of circulating CD4+T subsets and the clinical feasibility of IL-2 therapies in patients with RA.Methods The subjects included 888 patients with RA and 100 healthy controls (HCs); 233 RA patients received IL-2 treatment of at 0.5 million international units (MIU)/day from days 1 through 5. The demographic features, disease activity, and levels of CD4+T cells measured by modified flow cytometry were collected in all RA patients before and after treatment.Results RA patients had lower absolute Treg counts (but not Th17) compared with HCs, which was associated with disease activity; previously treated RA patients had the fewest circulating Tregs (P < 0.05). Patients treated with low-dose IL-2 had a three-fold increase in absolute anti-inflammatory Treg counts, as well as a two-fold increase in the other CD4+T subsets. Moreover, post-treatment levels of markers of disease activity in RA patients treated with IL-2 were significantly lower than the baseline values (P < 0.001), with no apparent side effects.Conclusions Decreased absolute counts of circulating CD4+T lymphocyte subsets were observed in patients with RA. Circulating Tregs, which mediate immune tolerance, may be involved in the pathogenesis and progression of RA; however, this was ameliorated by low-dose IL-2, without obvious side effects.
Co-Creation of an Acceptable Indigenous Food Diet for Children Under Five in Early Childhood Development Centres
Authors: Nepfumbada Gundo , Dzinamarira Tafadzwa , Mashamba-Thompson Tivani Phosa
Published: October 2020

Background: The use of indigenous food (IF) such as green leafy vegetables and fruits in rural communities has been the main source of food despite being replaced by food high in sugar and fats. Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres are uniquely positioned for positive influence to healthy eating of children. The aim of this study was for ECD stakeholders to co-create an IF diet for children under five in ECD centres.Method: A sequential explanatory mixed method design was employed. We conducted focus group discussion with stakeholders employing the community-based participatory research (CBPR) approach and the nominal group technique ranking method to co-create to an acceptable indigenous food diet for children. Data was analyzed using both qualitative and quantitative methods. A thematic approach to qualitative data analysis with a coding framework guided by Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (intervention characteristics, inner setting, outer setting, characteristics of individuals involved in implementation and the implementation process) was employed to analyse focus group discussion data. Statistical analysis was employed to analyze quantitative data collected through surveys.Results: Study participants included ECD stakeholders (ECD managers, social workers and dieticians) aged 34-52. Participants identified Ditokomane, Oranges, Mabele soft porridge, Dithotse and Dinawa as components of an IF that are suitable and acceptable for children under five years in ECD centres. Conclusion: ECD stakeholders co-created an IF diet to be implemented in ECD centres for children under five. Stakeholders are of the view that IF diet will have more health benefits on children than the current menu that is being used.
Computational Approaches for the Designing of Novel Anticancer Compounds Based on Pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine Derivatives as TRAP1 Inhibitor
Authors: Ali Amena , AbuAli Ola , abdellattif magda
Published: October 2020

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor associated protein 1 (TRAP1), a mitochondrial paralog of Heat Shock Protein (Hsp90), is associated with tumorigenesis promotion in different cancers through the maintenance of integrity of mitochondria, reprogramming cellular metabolism and reducing the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Therefore, both TRAP1 and Hsp90 are found to be of interest as targeted in the development of cancer therapeutics. In the current research, various computational approaches have been used in the development of TRAP1 inhibitors as anticancer compounds of Pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine derivatives. The various studies including development of pharmacophore, docking, 3-D QSAR, virtual screening and other studies were performed on 34 different Pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine derivatives to record the potential ability of these compounds. The required key features for the study is being provided by the pharmacophore study which provide DHHRR_1 hypothesis. 3D QSAR (atom-based analysis) was performed with different 34 pyrazole derivatives, which has been divided into two groups i.e. training set and test sets, provide the knowledge of the involvement of various fields of atom-based QSAR. The statistically significant model for this QSAR model was determined by partial least squares regression (PLS) method for which R2 =0.96 and Q2 = 0.57 would be considered significant. The LOO cross-validation R2 CV = 0.58 was used for the validation of QSAR model. Based on the virtual screening study protocol for the optimized binding interaction with TRAP1 kinase receptors (PDB ID: 5Y3N), the compounds ZINC05297837, ZINC05434822 and ZINC72286418 were produced. The maximum XP docking scores (-11.265, -10.532, -10.422, -10.827, -10.753) were observed for potent pyrazole analogues (42, 46, 49, 56, 43) by docking study representing their possible significant interactions with amino acid residues (ASP 594, CYS 532, PHE 583, SER 536). Absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) analysis was carried out providing the key information for the newly designed compounds and their drug ability. The results of the docking study were correlated with the 3-D QSAR analysis revealed the active conformation of TRAP1 inhibitors which is helpful and important for activity performance with future perspective.
Landslide Hazard Assessment and Distribution Mapping of Mountain Region of Nepal: A Case from Triveni Rural Municipality
Authors: Oli Tej Raj , Pandey Hari Prasad , Manjan Shiv Kumar
Published: October 2020

An application of GIS for landslide hazard assessment using multivariate statistical analysis, mapping, and the evaluation of the hazard maps is crucial for disaster risk reduction. Landslides are the rapid downward movement of a mass of rock, earth or artificial fill to the slope. The study was conducted the Khara of Triveni Rural Municipality of Rukum West district of Karnali Province of where the pressure of rural road constructions seems relatively higher. Primary data were collected and used to construct the landslide distribution map and hazard assessments those were obtained from the direct ground-truthing and mapping using GIS. To determine the factors and classes influencing land sliding, the layers of topographic factors derived from a digital elevation model (DEM), geology, and land use/land covers were analyzed. The results are presented in landslide distribution mapping and hazard analyses. From the landslide inventory of more than 200 landslides that were occurred since 2015, the landslide distribution maps, landslide-size distribution maps and hazard level of sliding graphics were presented. Hazard map of the study area shows 4.34% area lies in the high hazard level, 53.64% on moderate hazard level and 42.02% in low hazard level in the study area. The results would give insights to the landslide distribution in the area that could support rural municipality for shaping disaster risk reduction policies and strategies. The result could be reference for landslide distribution mapping and hazard zonation.
Development and Clinical Evaluation of a Rapid Antibody Lateral Flow Assay for the Diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 Infection
Authors: Li Kesheng , Tong Chongxiang , Ha Xiaoqin , Zeng Chaoning , Chen Xia , Xu Feifei , Yang Jinhong , Du Huifen , Chen Yuxin , Cai Jing , Yang Zengwei , Jiang Zhongyi , Chai Dandan , Zhang Xueliang , Li Xun , Li Junfeng , Yao Liqiong
Published: October 2020

Background: The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which has quickly spread worldwide since its outbreak in December 2019. One of the primary measures for controlling the spread of SARS-CoV-2 infection is an accurate assay for its diagnosis. SARS-CoV-2 real-time PCR kits suffer from some limitations, including false-negative results in the clinic. Therefore, there is an urgent need for the development of a rapid antibody test kit for COVID-19 diagnosis.Methods: The nuclear capsid protein (N) and spike protein 1 (S1) fragments of SARS-CoV-2 were expressed in Escherichia coli, and rapid antibody-based tests for the diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection were developed and compared. To evaluate their clinical applications, the serum from COVID-19 patients, suspected COVID-19 patients, recovering COVID-19 patients, patients with general fever or pulmonary infection, doctors and nurses who worked at the fever clinic, and health professionals was analyzed by the rapid antibody test kits. The serum from patients infected with Mycoplasma pneumoniae and patients with respiratory tract infection was further analyzed to test its cross-reactivity with other respiratory pathogens.Results: A 47 kDa N protein and 67 kDa S1 fragment of SARS-CoV-2 were successfully expressed, purified, and renatured. The rapid antibody test with recombinant N protein showed higher sensitivity and specificity than the rapid IgM antibody test with recombinant S1 protein. Clinical evaluation showed that the rapid antibody test kit with recombinant N protein had 88.56% sensitivity and 97.42% specificity for COVID-19 patients, 53.48% positive rate for suspected COVID-19 patients, 57.14% positive rate for recovering COVID-19 patients, and 3.20%-3.27% cross-reactivity with other respiratory pathogens. The sensitivity of the kit did not significantly differ in COVID-19 patients with different disease courses (p < 0.01).Conclusion: The rapid antibody test kit with recombinant N protein has high specificity and sensitivity, and can be used for the diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection combined with RT-PCR.
Predicting Outcomes in Older ED Patients with Influenza in Real Time Using A Big Data-Driven and Machine Learning Approach to the Hospital Information System
Authors: Hsu Chien-Chin , Tan Tian-Hoe , Chen Chia-Jung , Hsu Shu-Lien , Liu Tzu-Lan , Lin Hung-Jung , Wang Jhi-Joung , Liu Chung-Feng , Huang Chien-Cheng
Published: October 2020

Background: Predicting outcomes in older patients with influenza in the emergency department (ED) by machine learning (ML) has never been implemented. Therefore, we conducted this study to clarify the clinical utility of implementing ML.Methods: We recruited 5508 older ED patients (≥65 years old) in three hospitals between 2009 and 2018. Patients were randomized into a 70%/30% split for ML model training and testing. Using 10 clinical variables from their electronic health records, a random forest model using the synthetic minority oversampling technique preprocessing algorithm was constructed to predict five outcomes. Results: The areas under the curves of predicting outcomes using the random forest model were 0.807 for hospitalizations, 0.974 for pneumonia, 0.994 for sepsis or septic shock, 0.981 for intensive care unit admission, and 0.851 for death in the testing data. The predictive model was further applied in the hospital information system to assist physicians’ decisions in real time.Conclusions: ML is a promising way to assist physicians in predicting outcomes in older ED patients with influenza in real time. Evaluations of the effectiveness and impact are needed in the future.
Personalized Rapid Prototyping Template for Direct C1 Pedicle Screw Fixation of Unstable C1 Semi-Ring Fractures
Authors: Dong Wei-xin , Hu Yong , Spiker William Ryan , Yuan Zhen-shan , Zhong Jian-bin , Sun Xiao-yang , Zhu Bing-ke , Lai Ou-jie
Published: October 2020

Background: Placement of C1 pedicle screws carries an inherent risk of injury to the spinal cord and vertebral artery. Use of a personalized rapid prototyping template may be able to improve the safety of C1 pedicle fixation. To evaluate the clinical and radiographic outcomes of direct posterior C1 pedicle screw fixation using a personalized rapid prototyping template for unstable C1 semi-ring fractures.Methods: From May of 2010 to September of 2015, 38 patients with unstable C1 semi-ring fractures were treated with direct posterior C1 pedicle screw fixation. A standard open technique was utilized in 20 patients (Free-hand group) and 18 patients underwent C1 pedicle screw fixation with the aid of a personalized rapid prototyping template (RP group). The operative time, intraoperative blood loss, preoperative ADI, LMD and VAS were recorded. The postoperative ADI, LMD and VAS score were recorded at 180 days postoperatively.Results: No spinal cord or vertebral artery injuries were encountered in either group. Similarly, no post-operative instrumentation failures or cases of postoperative C1-2 instability were reported in either group. There was no statistically significant difference in intraoperative blood loss and operative time between RP and Free-hand group. In both groups, all patients obtained radiographic fusion at 6 months, reported no residual neck pain and were found to have a full range of motion at final follow up.Conclusion: Use of a personalized rapid prototyping template for the placement of direct posterior C1 pedicle screws is safe and effective in the treatment of unstable C1 semi-ring fractures with similar radiographic and clinical outcomes to more traditional techniques.
Overexpression of FUBP1 is associated with human cervical carcinoma development and prognosis
Authors: Yin Haofan , Huang Zhijian , Wu Zhikun , Lin Xuepin , Di Chunguang , Huang Mao , Hong Honghai , Ma Caiqi
Published: October 2020

Background: Far upstream element-binding protein 1 (FUBP1) has been shown to involve in the tumorigenesis and tumor progression of various cancers. However, the expression and function of FUBP1 in cervical carcinoma remains unknown.Methods: Transcriptional expression of FUBP1 was initially evaluated using the Oncomine database, followed by evaluation of FUBP1 protein levels using immunohistochemistry in 119 cervical carcinoma patient tissues. In vitro experiments were performed to assess the tumorigenic role of FUBP1. Besides, Gene Set Enrichment Analysis, EnrichmentMap analysis, and protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks were used to evaluate the potential mechanisms of FUBP1 in promoting cervical cancer progression.Results: In this research, we found both FUBP1 mRNA transcription and protein expression levels increased significantly in cervical carcinoma tissues compared with adjacent normal cervical tissues. Furthermore, elevated FUBP1 expression was positively correlated with age, T classification, N classification, tumor recurrence, Ki67 expression, and poor prognosis in cervical carcinoma patients. Besides, elevated FUBP1 expression acted as an independent unfavorable predictor for overall survival and disease-free survival in cervical carcinoma. Overexpression of FUBP1 significantly promoted cervical carcinoma cell proliferation and inhibits cell apoptosis in vitro, while knockdown of FUBP1 showed the opposite effect. Mechanistically, bioinformatics analysis revealed that FUBP1 promoted the biological function of cervical carcinoma cells via enhancing DNA repair signal pathways. Conclusions: our results demonstrate for the first time that FUBP1 is a novel prognostic factor and therapeutic target for cervical carcinoma.
Effect of Y on the Oxidation Behavior of a Directionally Solidified Ni-based Single Crystal Superalloy
Authors: Zhao Zihan , Guan Kai , Cui Renjie , Qin Jianchao , Huang Zhaohui
Published: October 2020

The effect of Y addition on the oxidation behavior of a Ni-based directionally solidified single crystal superalloy was investigated. Isothermal oxidation test for the samples with different-level Y addition was conducted at 1100℃ in air. The Y content of the samples was demarcated by the actual pickup amount resulted from ICP-AES test. It was found that the addition of Y increased the oxide resistance by an adhesive double-layer oxide scale which was composed of Al2O3 and spinel Ni(Cr,Al)2O4. With 70ppm Y addition, the oxidation weight gain was decreased from 12.6g/m2 for the alloy without Y addition to 5.3g/m2, and the oxidation rate was significantly decreased. Besides, the internal nitride also disappeared after Y doping because of the increasing oxidation scale adherence and the decreasing of oxidation products. In this study, 660ppm Y addition alloy showed the best oxidation resistance.