bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Micro-computed tomography analysis of the lumbar pedicle wall
Authors: Irie Tomoyo Y. , Irie Tohru , Espinoza Orías Alejandro A. , Segami Kazuyuki , Iwasaki Norimasa , An Howard S. , Inoue Nozomu
Published: July 2021

Background

Although the pedicle is routinely used as a surgical fixation site, the pedicle wall bone area fraction (bone area per unit area) and its distribution at the isthmus of the pedicle remain unknown. The bone area fraction at the pedicle isthmus is an important factor contributing to the strength of pedicle screw constructs. This study investigates the lumbar pedicle wall microstructure based on micro-computed tomography.

Methods

Six fresh-frozen cadaveric lumbar spines were analyzed. Left and right pedicles of each vertebra from L1 to L5 were resected for micro-computed tomography scanning. Data was analyzed with custom-written software to determine regional variation in pedicle wall bone area fraction. The pedicular cross-section was divided into four regions: lateral, medial, cranial, and caudal. The mean bone area fraction values for each region were calculated for all lumbar spine levels.

Results

The lateral region showed lower bone area fraction than the medial region at all spinal levels. Bone area fraction in the medial region was the highest at all levels except for L4, and the median values were 99.8% (95.9–100%). There were significant differences between the lateral region and the caudal region at L1, L2 and L3, but none at L4 and L5. The bone area fraction in the lateral region was less than 64% at all spinal levels and that in the caudal region was less than 67% at the L4 and L5 levels.

Conclusions

This study provides initial detailed data on the lumbar pedicle wall microstructure based on micro-computed tomography. These findings may explain why there is a higher incidence of pedicle screw breach in the pedicle lateral and caudal walls.
MT1-MMP-dependent ECM processing regulates laminB1 stability and mediates replication fork restart
Authors: Thakur Varsha , Tiburcio de Freitas Juliano , Li Yuan , Zhang Keman , Savadelis Alyssa , Bedogni Barbara
Published: July 2021

Radiotherapy remains a mainstay of treatment for a majority of cancer patients. We have previously shown that the membrane bound matrix metalloproteinase MT1-MMP confers radio- and chemotherapy resistance to breast cancer via processing of the ECM and activation of integrinβ1/FAK signaling. Here, we further discovered that the nuclear envelope protein laminB1 is a potential target of integrinβ1/FAK. FAK interacts with laminB1 contributing to its stability. Stable laminB1 is found at replication forks (RFs) where it is likely to allow the proper positioning of RF protection factors, thus preventing RF degradation. Indeed, restoration of laminB1 expression rescues replication fork stalling and collapse that occurs upon MT1-MMP inhibition, and reduces DNA damage in breast cancer cells. Together, these data highlight a novel mechanism of laminB1 stability and replication fork restart via MT1-MMP dependent extracelluar matrix remodeling.
The cancer angiogenesis co-culture assay: In vitro quantification of the angiogenic potential of tumoroids
Authors: Truelsen Sarah Line Bring , Mousavi Nabi , Wei Haoche , Harvey Lucy , Stausholm Rikke , Spillum Erik , Hagel Grith , Qvortrup Klaus , Thastrup Ole , Harling Henrik , Mellor Harry , Thastrup Jacob
Published: July 2021

The treatment response to anti-angiogenic agents varies among cancer patients and predictive biomarkers are needed to identify patients with resistant cancer or guide the choice of anti-angiogenic treatment. We present “the Cancer Angiogenesis Co-Culture (CACC) assay”, anin vitroFunctional Precision Medicine assay which enables the study of tumouroid induced angiogenesis. This assay can quantify the ability of a patient-derived tumouroid to induce vascularization by measuring the induction of tube formation in a co-culture of vascular cells and tumoroids established from the primary colorectal tumour or a metastasis. Furthermore, the assay can quantify the sensitivity of patient-derived tumoroids to anti-angiogenic therapies. We observed that tube formation increased in a dose-dependent manner upon treatment with the pro-angiogenic factor vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A). When investigating the angiogenic potential of tumoroids from 12 patients we found that 9 tumoroid cultures induced a significant increase in tube formation compared to controls without tumoroids. In these 9 angiogenic tumoroid cultures the tube formation could be abolished by treatment with one or more of the investigated anti-angiogenic agents. The 3 non-angiogenic tumoroid cultures secreted VEGF-A but we observed no correlation between the amount of tube formation and tumoroid-secreted VEGF-A. Our data suggests that the CACC assay recapitulates the complexity of tumour angiogenesis, and when clinically verified, could prove a valuable tool to quantify sensitivity towards different anti-angiogenic agents.
Dietary fiber, starch, and sugars in bananas at different stages of ripeness in the retail market
Authors: Phillips Katherine M. , McGinty Ryan C. , Couture Garret , Pehrsson Pamela R. , McKillop Kyle , Fukagawa Naomi K.
Published: July 2021

The goal of this work was to evaluate changes in dietary fiber measured by the traditional enzymatic-gravimetric method (AOAC 991.43) and the more recently accepted modified enzymatic-gravimetric method (AOAC 2011.25), mono- and disaccharides, and starch as a function of assessed ripeness in a controlled study of a single lot of bananas and in bananas at the same assessed stages of ripeness from bananas purchased in retail stores, from different suppliers. Sugars, starch, and dietary fiber were analyzed in bananas from a single lot, at different stages of ripeness, and in retail samples at the same assessed stages of ripeness. Mean fiber measured by the traditional enzymatic-gravimetric method (EG) was ~2 g/100g and not affected by ripeness. Mean fiber assessed with the recently modified method (mEG) was ~18 g/100g in unripe fruit and decreased to 4–5 g/100g in ripe and ~2 g/100g in overripe bananas. Slightly ripe and ripe bananas differed by ~1.1 g/100g in the controlled single-lot study but not among retail samples. There was a large increase in fructose, glucose and total sugar going from unripe to ripe with no differences between ripe and overripe. Aside from stage of ripeness, the carbohydrate composition in retail bananas is likely affected by differences in cultivar and post-harvest handling. Results from this study demonstrate the importance of measuring dietary fiber using the mEG approach, developing more comprehensive and sensitive carbohydrate analytical protocols and food composition data, and recognizing the impact of different stages of maturity and ripeness on carbohydrate intake estimated from food composition data.
Removal of organic contaminants from wastewater with GO/MOFs composites
Authors: Wei Fuhua , Zhang Huan , Ren Qinhui , Chen Hongliang , Yang Lili , Ding Bo , Yu Mengjie , Liang Zhao
Published: July 2021

Graphene oxide/metal-organic frameworks (GO/MOFs) have been prepared via solvothermal synthesis with ferrous sulfate heptahydrate, zirconium acetate and terephthalic acid for the purpose of removing organic pollutants from wastewater. The composites were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy, infrared spectrometry, and XRD. Tetracycline hydrochloride and orange II were implemented as model pollutants to evaluate the efficacy of the GO/MOFs in water purification, in which 50 mg of Zr/Fe-MOFs/GO was mixed with 100 mL of 10 mg/L, 20 mg/L, 30 mg/L, or 50 mg/L tetracycline hydrochloride solution and 25 mg/L, 35 mg/L, 45 mg/L, or 60 mg/L orange II solution, respectively. The removal efficacy after 4 hours was determined to be 96.1%, 75.8%, 55.4%, and 30.1%, and 98.8%, 91.9%, 71.1%, and 66.2%, respectively. The kinetics of pollutant removal was investigated for both tetracycline hydrochloride and orange II and excellent correlation coefficients of greater than 0.99 were obtained. The high efficacy of these MOFs in pollutant removal, coupled with their inexpensive preparation indicates the feasibility of their implementation in strategies for treating waste liquid. As such, it is anticipated that Zr/Fe-MOFs/GO composites will be widely applied in wastewater purification.
Initial collection, characterization, and storage of tuatara (Sphenodon punctatus) sperm offers insight into their unique reproductive system
Authors: Lamar Sarah K. , Nelson Nicola J. , Moore Jennifer A. , Taylor Helen R. , Keall Susan N. , Ormsby Diane K.
Published: July 2021

Successful reproduction is critical to the persistence of at-risk species; however, reproductive characteristics are understudied in many wild species. New Zealand’s endemic tuatara (Sphenodon punctatus), the sole surviving member of the reptile order Rhynchocephalia, is restricted to 10% of its historic range. To complement ongoing conservation efforts, we collected and characterized mature sperm from male tuatara for the first time. Semen collected both during mating and from urine after courting contained motile sperm and had the potential for a very high percentage of viable sperm cells (98%). Scanning electron microscopy revealed a filiform sperm cell with distinct divisions: head, midpiece, tail, and reduced end piece. Finally, our initial curvilinear velocity estimates for tuatara sperm are 2–4 times faster than any previously studied reptile. Further work is needed to examine these trends at a larger scale; however, this research provides valuable information regarding reproduction in this basal reptile.
No evidence for increased fitness of offspring from multigenerational effects of parental size or natal carcass size in the burying beetle Nicrophorus marginatus
Authors: Damron Ethan P. , Smith Ashlee N. , Jo Dane , Belk Mark C.
Published: July 2021

Multigenerational effects (often called maternal effects) are components of the offspring phenotype that result from the parental phenotype and the parental environment as opposed to heritable genetic effects. Multigenerational effects are widespread in nature and are often studied because of their potentially important effects on offspring traits. Although multigenerational effects are commonly observed, few studies have addressed whether they affect offspring fitness. In this study we assess the effect of potential multigenerational effects of parental body size and natal carcass size on lifetime fitness in the burying beetle,Nicrophorus marginatus(Coleoptera; Silphidae). Lifespan, total number of offspring, and number of offspring in the first reproductive bout were not significantly related to parental body size or natal carcass size. However, current carcass size used for reproduction was a significant predictor for lifetime number of offspring and number of offspring in the first brood. We find no evidence that multigenerational effects from larger parents or larger natal carcasses contribute to increased fitness of offspring.
This is me: A qualitative investigation of young people’s experience of growing up with visual impairment
Authors: Robertson Alexandra O. , Tadić Valerija , Rahi Jugnoo S.
Published: July 2021

Background

Childhood visual impairment (VI) has a profound impact on many aspects of childhood and adolescence. This is well-documented in cross-sectional and/or quantitative studies utilizing self-report instruments which compare children with and without VI. Young people’s views on the experience of growing up with VI as a developmental, change-driven process remain largely unexplored.

Methods

As part of our broader research programme on quality of life of visually impaired children and young people in the United Kingdom, in-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted between March and June 2015, with a stratified sample of 17 young people with VI, aged 16–19 years. An age-sensitive, empirically-based topic guide encouraged retrospective reflections on participants’ experiences of growing up with VI, including age-normative and vision-specific challenges.

Results

Descriptions of growing up with VI largely centered on an overarching higher-order theme labelled becoming me. Four themes representing everyday activities, attitudes, preferences and perceptions in relation to i) social relationships, ii) independence and responsibilities, iii) the future, and iv) rising to challenges emerged and were used by participants in their description of three stages in which they developed a sense of self: i) laying the foundations, ii) testing the waters, and iii) this is me. Differences in manifestation of VI influenced how young people made sense of their experiences and their sense of self.

Conclusions

Findings are discussed in relation to normative and vision-specific changes in psychosocial development during adolescence, including the development of identity. They highlight the need for ongoing monitoring of subjective well-being in a clinical population with a unique early life course trajectory.
Single-cell transcriptome analysis of the zebrafish embryonic trunk
Authors: Metikala Sanjeeva , Casie Chetty Satish , Sumanas Saulius
Published: July 2021

During embryonic development, cells differentiate into a variety of distinct cell types and subtypes with diverse transcriptional profiles. To date, transcriptomic signatures of different cell lineages that arise during development have been only partially characterized. Here we used single-cell RNA-seq to perform transcriptomic analysis of over 20,000 cells disaggregated from the trunk region of zebrafish embryos at the 30 hpf stage. Transcriptional signatures of 27 different cell types and subtypes were identified and annotated during this analysis. This dataset will be a useful resource for many researchers in the fields of developmental and cellular biology and facilitate the understanding of molecular mechanisms that regulate cell lineage choices during development.
Distance to available services for newborns at facilities in Malawi: A secondary analysis of survey and health facility data
Authors: Peven Kimberly , Taylor Cath , Purssell Edward , Mallick Lindsay , Burgert-Brucker Clara R. , Day Louise T. , Wong Kerry L. M. , Kambala Christabel , Bick Debra
Published: July 2021

Background

Malawi has halved the neonatal mortality rate between 1990–2018, however, is not on track to achieve the Sustainable Development Goal 12 per 1,000 live births. Despite a high facility birth rate (91%), mother-newborn dyads may not remain in facilities long enough to receive recommended care and quality of care improvements are needed to reach global targets. Physical access and distance to health facilities remain barriers to quality postnatal care.

Methods

Using data We used individual data from the 2015–16 Malawi Demographic and Health Survey and facility data from the 2013–14 Malawi Service Provision Assessment, linking households to all health facilities within specified distances and travel times. We calculated service readiness scores for facilities to measure their capacity to provide birth/newborn care services. We fitted multi-level regression models to evaluate the association between the service readiness and appropriate newborn care (receiving at least five of six interventions).

Results

Households with recent births (n = 6010) linked to a median of two birth facilities within 5–10 km and one facility within a two-hour walk. The maximum service environment scores for linked facilities median was 77.5 for facilities within 5–10 km and 75.5 for facilities within a two-hour walk. While linking to one or more facilities within 5-10km or a two-hour walk was not associated with appropriate newborn care, higher levels of service readiness in nearby facilities was associated with an increased risk of appropriate newborn care.

Conclusions

Women’s choice of nearby facilities and quality facilities is limited. High quality newborn care is sub-optimal despite high coverage of facility birth and some newborn care interventions. While we did not find proximity to more facilities was associated with increased risk of appropriate care, high levels of service readiness was, showing facility birth and improved access to well-prepared facilities are important for improving newborn care.
“In my age, we didn’t have the computers”: Using a complexity lens to understand uptake of diabetes eHealth innovations into primary care—A qualitative study
Authors: Yu Catherine H. , McCann Maggie , Sale Joanna
Published: July 2021

Background

Shared decision-making is a central component of person-centred care and can be facilitated with the use of patient decision aids (PtDA). Barriers and facilitators to shared decision-making and PtDA use have been identified, yet integration of PtDAs into clinical care is limited. We sought to understand why, using the concepts of complexity science.

Methods

We conducted 60-minute in-depth interviews with patients with diabetes, primary care physicians, nurses and dietitians who had participated in a randomized controlled trial examining the impact of MyDiabetesPlan (an online goal-setting PtDA). Relying on a qualitative description approach, we used a semi-structured interview guide to explore participants’ experiences with using MyDiabetesPlan and how it was integrated into the clinical encounter and clinical care. Audiotapes were transcribed verbatim, then coded independently by two analysts.

Findings

17 interviews were conducted (5 physicians, 3 nurses, 2 dietitians, 7 patients). Two themes were developed: (1) MyDiabetesPlan appeared to empower patients by providing tailored patient-important information which engaged them in decision-making and self-care. Patients’ use of MyDiabetesPlan was however impacted by their competing medical conditions, other life priorities and socioeconomic context. (2) MyDiabetesPlan emphasized to clinicians a patient-centred approach that helped patients assume greater ownership for their care. Clinicians’ use of MyDiabetesPlan was impacted by pre-existing clinical tools/workplans, workflow, technical issues, clinic administrative logistics and support, and time. How clinicians adapted to these barriers influenced the degree to which MyDiabetesPlan was integrated into care.

Conclusions

A complexity lens (that considers relationships between multiple components of a complex system) may yield additional insights to optimize integration of PtDA into clinical care. A complexity lens recognizes that shared decision-making does not occur in the vacuum of a clinical dyad (patient and clinician), and will enable us to develop a family of interventions that address the whole process, rather than individual components.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02379078.
Large scale dog population demography, dog management and bite risk factors analysis: A crucial step towards rabies control in Cambodia
Authors: Chevalier Véronique , Davun Holl , Sorn Sopheak , Ly Pitou , Pov Vutha , Ly Sowath
Published: July 2021

Cambodia is a rabid-endemic country. However, data on dog population characteristics are lacking, and there is no national dog vaccination program. We implemented the first extensive door-to-door longitudinal survey in 2 Cambodian provinces, namely Kandal and Battambang, to estimate dog population demographic parameters, identify dog ownership determinants, analyze dog management practices and estimate the yearly cumulative bite incidence and associated factors. During the first session, more than 5000 dogs were recorded and identified. Data on families, dogs and cats characteristics, as well as the number of bites experienced the year before in the family, were recorded. One year later, a second session was performed in both provinces to record missing dogs and the reasons for missing. Age-specific survival rates of the dog populations were computed using Kaplan-Meier estimates. Ownership determinants and bite risk factors were identified using a negative binomial regression model. Dog trade and dog meat consumption were often reported. We estimated high dog-to-human ratios (1:3.8 in Kandal, and 1:3.3 in Battambang). The mean age of dog populations was 26.4 months in Kandal against 24.3 in Battambang, with a survival rate of 52% at 24 months in Kandal (34% only in Battambang). They were no feral dogs, but the large majority of recorded dogs were free roaming. In both provinces, the number of dogs significantly increased in families with children younger than 15, and when the head of the family was a male. The estimated yearly cumulative bite incidences were 2.3 and 3.1% in Kandal and Battambang provinces respectively, and are among the highest in the world. Our survey provides valuable data to focus information programs, parametrize transmission models and identify efficient vaccination strategies to control rabies in Cambodia in the future.
Assessment of the preventive effects of Nd:YAG laser associated with fluoride on enamel caries using optical coherence tomography and FTIR spectroscopy
Authors: Dias-Moraes Marcia Cristina , Castro Pedro Arthur Augusto , Pereira Daísa Lima , Ana Patrícia Aparecida , Freitas Anderson Zanardi , Zezell Denise Maria
Published: July 2021

Objective

Thisin vitrostudy characterized and monitored, by Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) and Fourier Transformed Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), the effects of the association of acidulated phosphate fluoride gel (APF-gel) and Nd:YAG (neodymiun:yttrium-aluminum-garnet) laser, as sequencial treatments, in the prevention of incipient enamel caries lesions.

Methods

120 human enamel samples were randomized into 3 groups (n = 40): APF-gel (1.23% F-, 4 min.); Laser+APF (Nd:YAG laser irradiation—0.6W, 84.9J/cm2, 10Hz, followed by APF-gel); and APF+Laser (APF-gel followed by laser irradiation). The samples were subjected to a 15-day pH-cycling, evaluated by OCT (quantification of optical attenuation coefficient–OAC) and FTIR (analysis of carbonate and phosphate content) before treatments, after treatments, and on the 5th, 10thand 15thdays of pH-cycling. The statistical analysis was performed (α = 5%).

Results

The Optical Attenuation Coefficient (OAC) assessed by OCT increases with the progression of demineralization, and the Laser+APF presented the highest values of OAC in 10thand 15thdays of pH-cycling. Nd:YAG decreased the carbonate content after treatment regardless of the application order of the APF-gel, while APF-gel did not interfere in the composition of enamel. The carbonate content was also changed in the first 5 days of the pH-cycling in all groups.

Conclusion

Nd:YAG laser irradiation before or after the application of APF-gel did not influence the appearance of incipient caries lesions, showing no synergistic effect. Regardless of the application order of the APF-gel, laser irradiation reduces the carbonate content of the enamel, which also changes during the demineralization process. However, irradiation before the application of APF-gel increased the speed of progression of the lesions, which positively impacts public health as it can prevent caries disease, even in high risk individuals. OCT and FTIR are suitable for assessing this effect.
Bilateral associated game: Gain and loss in revaluation
Authors: Wang Wenna
Published: July 2021

Hamiache introduces associated game to revalue each coalition’s worth, in which every coalition redefines his worth based on his own ability and the possible surpluses cooperating with other players. However, as every coin has two sides, revaluation may also bring some possible losses. In this paper, bilateral associated game will be presented by taking into account the possible surpluses and losses when revaluing the worth of a coalition. Based on different bilateral associated games, associated consistency is applied to characterize the equal allocation of non-separable costs value (EANS value) and the center-of-gravity of imputation-set value (CIS value). The Jordan normal form approach is the pivotal technique to accomplish the most important proof.
High-resolution genotyping of Lymphogranuloma Venereum (LGV) strains of Chlamydia trachomatis in London using multi-locus VNTR analysis-ompA genotyping (MLVA-ompA)
Authors: Manning Chloe , O’Neill Colette , Clarke Ian N. , Rebec Monica , Cliff Penelope R. , Marsh Peter
Published: July 2021

Background

Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) is caused by Chlamydia trachomatis strains with ompA genotypes L1 to L3. An LGV epidemic associated with the L2b genotype has emerged in the past few decades amongst men who have sex with men (MSM). C. trachomatis genotypes can be discriminated by outer membrane protein A gene (ompA) sequencing, however this method has limited resolution. This study employed a high-resolution genotyping method, namely, multi-locus tandem repeat (VNTR) analysis with ompA sequencing (MLVA-ompA), to assess the distribution of LGV MLVA-ompA genotypes amongst individuals attending genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinics in London.

Methods

Clinical specimens were collected from individuals attending eight London-based GUM clinics. Specimens that tested positive for C. trachomatis by commercial nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) were confirmed as LGV by pmpH real-time PCR. LGV-positive DNA extracts were subsequently genotyped using MLVA-ompA.

Results

Two hundred and thirty DNA extracts were confirmed as LGV, and 162 (70%) yielded complete MLVA-ompA genotypes. Six LGV MLVA-ompA genotypes were identified: 1.9.2b-L2, 1.9.3b-L2b, 1.9.2b-L2b, 1.9.2b-L2b/D, 1.4a.2b-L2b, and 5.9.2b-L1. The following LGV ompA genotypes were identified (in descending order of abundance): L2, L2b, L2b/D, and L1. Eight ompA sequences with the hybrid L2b/D profile were detected. The hybrid sequence was identical to the ompA of a recombinant L2b/D strain detected in Portugal in 2017.

Conclusions

The L2 ompA genotype was found to predominate in the London study population. The study detected an unusual hybrid L2b/D ompA profile that was previously reported in Portugal. We recommend further monitoring and surveillance of LGV strains within the UK population.
Decreased clot burden is associated with factor XIII Val34Leu polymorphism and better functional outcomes in acute ischemic stroke patients treated with intravenous thrombolysis
Authors: Szegedi István , Orbán-Kálmándi Rita , Nagy Attila , Sarkady Ferenc , Vasas Nikolett , Sik Máté , Lánczi Levente István , Berényi Ervin , Oláh László , Crișan Alexandra , Csiba László , Bagoly Zsuzsa
Published: July 2021

Background

Intravenous thrombolysis using recombinant tissue plasminogen activator remains the mainstay treatment of acute ischemic stroke (AIS), although endovascular treatment is becoming standard of care in case of large vessel occlusions (LVO). To quantify the thrombus burden in LVO, a semiquantitative CT angiography (CTA) grading system, the clot burden score (CBS) can be used. Here we aimed to study the association between CBS and various hemostasis parameters, and to evaluate which parameters are major determinants of thrombolysis outcome.

Methods

In this single-centered prospective observational case-control study, 200 anterior circulation AIS patients receiving intravenous thrombolysis treatment without thrombectomy were enrolled: 100 AIS patients with LVO (CBS 0–9) and 100 age- and sex-matched AIS patients without LVO (CBS 10). Fibrinogen, α2-plasmin inhibitor, plasminogen, factor XIII and D-dimer were assessed from blood samples taken before and 24 h after thrombolysis, and FXIII-A Val34Leu was genotyped. CBS was calculated using admission CTA. Short-term outcomes were defined based on the change in NIHSS by day 7, long-term outcomes were assessed according to the modified Rankin scale at 3 months post-event.

Results

Poor outcomes were significantly more frequent in the CBS 0–9 group. Plasminogen activity on admission was significantly higher in the CBS 0–9 group. In a univariate analysis, significant protective effect of the Leu34 allele against developing larger clots (CBS 0–9) could be demonstrated (OR:0.519; 95%CI:0.298–0.922, p = 0.0227). Multivariate regression analysis revealed that CBS is an independent predictor of short- and long-term functional outcomes, while such effect of the studied hemostasis parameters could not be demonstrated.

Conclusions

CBS was found to be a significant independent predictor of thrombolysis outcomes. FXIII-A Leu34 carrier status was associated with smaller thrombus burden, which is consistent with the in vitro described whole blood clot mass reducing effects of the allele, but the polymorphism had no effect on thrombolysis outcomes.
Kinesiophobia and its correlations with pain, proprioception, and functional performance among individuals with chronic neck pain
Authors: Asiri Faisal , Reddy Ravi Shankar , Tedla Jaya Shanker , ALMohiza Mohammad A. , Alshahrani Mastour Saeed , Govindappa Shashikumar Channmgere , Sangadala Devika Rani
Published: July 2021

Chronic neck pain (CNP) incidence in the general population is high and contributes to a significant health problem. Kinesiophobia (fear of pain to movement or re-injury) combined with emotions and physical variables may play a vital role in assessing and managing individuals with CNP. The study’s objectives are 1) to evaluate the relationship between kinesiophobia, neck pain intensity, proprioception, and functional performance; 2) to determine if kinesiophobia predicts pain intensity, proprioception, and functional performance among CNP individuals. Sixty-four participants with CNP (mean age 54.31 ± 9.41) were recruited for this cross-sectional study. The following outcome measures were evaluated: Kinesiophobia using the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (TSK), neck pain intensity using the visual analog scale (VAS), cervical proprioceptive joint position errors (in flexion, extension, and rotation directions) using cervical range of motion (CROM) device and handgrip strength as a measure of functional performance using the Baseline® hydraulic hand dynamometer. Kinesiophobia showed a strong positive correlation with neck pain intensity (r = 0.81, p<0.001), a mild to a moderate positive correlation with proprioception joint position errors (JPE) in extension, rotation left and right directions (p<0.05), but no correlation in flexion direction (p = 0.127). Also, there was a moderate negative correlation with handgrip strength (r = -0.65, p<0.001). Regression analysis proved that kinesiophobia was a significant predictor of pain intensity, proprioception, and functional performance (p<0.05). This study infers that kinesiophobia in individuals with CNP predicts pain, proprioception, and functional performance. Kinesiophobia assessment should be considered in regular clinical practice to understand the barriers that can influence rehabilitation outcomes in CNP individuals.
Reflective visual journals as a means for promoting generalist preservice teachers’ professional identity in art education
Authors: Pavlou Victoria
Published: July 2021

In many countries, the subject of art in primary education is entrusted to generalist teachers rather than art specialists. This article explores ways of promoting in-depth learning in art education courses while simultaneously gaining an understanding of how preservice generalists develop their professional identities. This study focuses on the journey of five senior B.Ed. in primary education students from Frederick University in Cyprus, who were invited to engage with reflective practices through visual journaling on art, education and on art integration with social issues. The findings suggest that reflective visual journals can be used to promote generalist preservice teachers’ autonomy and self-reliance in their art making and art responding as well as in the design of art units for their future pupils. The implications of the study open up possibilities for teacher education as it recognizes the role of visual journaling in enhancing different forms of knowledge, acknowledging feelings of both tension and pleasure, promoting perceptions of self-efficacy and supporting inquiry. Overall, such efforts allow preservice teachers to transition from student to teacher identity.
Art-based events for conflicted communities: Engaging and educating through art
Authors: Huhmarniemi Maria
Published: July 2021

In the Arctic, environmental conflicts over land use and the exploitation of natural resources cast shadows over communities. Artists’ and art educators’ responses can play a meaningful role in resisting harmful developments. Emerging artistic and pedagogical interventions follow principles of socially and environmentally engaged art and art education. This visual essay describes a contemporary art event that opposed plans for an iron ore mine next to Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park in Finnish Lapland. An art-based action-research strategy was used to develop resources for communities in conflict. It focuses on describing the cyclical nature of art interventions. Analyses of activities show that art-based resources in environmental battles can foster cultural resilience, impact values, enhance hope and allow for campaigning that uses art to communicate environmental concerns. Further research into artistic interventions that open dialogue between parties in conflict is required.
Approaches for quality in pedagogical and design fundamentals in moocs
Authors: Amo Daniel , Casany María José , Alier Marc
Published: July 2021

El conectivismo y el conductismo son los principales paradigmas educativos que describen los dos tipos de MOOCs más conocidos, nombrados como cMOOCs y xMOOCs. Algunos aspectos de la aproximación pedagógica en este tipo de cursos son en la actualidad la corriente principal de estudio y debate, tales como la calidad y aproximaciones adecuadas. En esta reflexión, se muestran algunas acerca de los enfoques pedagógicos problemáticos que habría que resolver, y enfoques pedagógicos y de diseño de diversos autores para acercar la calidad a los MOOCs.
Modelo de administración del conocimiento en sistemas móviles aplicados a la capacitación
Authors: Carreto Arellano Chadwick , Ruiz Ledesma Elena Fabiola , Suárez Betancourt Saida Nelly , Bustos Farias Eduardo , Vicario Solórzano Mariana
Published: July 2021

En el presente trabajo se muestra el desarrollo de un Modelo de Administración del Conocimiento (MAC) aplicado al proceso de Capacitación para personal en dispositivos móviles para facilitar el uso y acceso de diferentes tipos de usuarios a información pertinente en cualquier lugar y a cualquier hora (anytime, anywhere). El MAC permite administrar el conocimiento, de tal forma que ayude en el proceso de recopilación, clasificación y búsqueda de información de acuerdo a un perfil y necesidades específicas de capacitación, además de servicios asociados a la transformación de datos e información para la generación de conocimiento. El MAC pretende poner a disposición de los usuarios, herramientas para el desarrollo de competencias y permitir desarrollar el proceso de capacitación con el uso de dispositivo de capacidad limitada con conexión a Internet.
Teorías de la educación de adultos que subyacen en el uso de videojuegos
Authors: Alonso Díaz Laura , Yuste Tosina Rocío
Published: July 2021

La sociedad actual crece en edad y en tecnología, requiriendo de investigaciones en las que la educación permanente se convierta en su principal objeto de estudio. En este contexto comienzan a surgir tendencias en las que se promueve el uso de tecnologías lúdicas con objetivos pedagógicos y formativos a través de los videojuegos, pero los esfuerzos se están centrando en una etapa muy concreta de la vida, la infantil y la juvenil, habiendo apenas estudios en la edad adulta. En este artículo presentamos el proceso de validación de un cuestionario que nos permitirá conocer los rasgos propios de las teorías de educación de adultos que subyacen a los videojuegos a los que juegan las personas adultas, concretamente principios andragógicos, heutagógicos, del modelo social del aprendizaje y del modelo de formación basado en competencias. Se realizaron tres tipos de validaciones: de contenido, a través de juicio de expertos; de criterio, a través de entrevistas abiertas; y de constructo, mediante una prueba piloto. En total participaron doce expertos internacionales y 93 personas mayores de 16 años. Finalmente, hemos obtenido una prueba consistente y fiable que se estructura en seis dimensiones y 50 ítems, las dimensiones de la prueba son: datos del jugador, datos del videojuego, tecnológico-descriptiva, personal y contextual, interacción social, y desarrollo de competencias.
Gyártásközi tevékenységek teljesítményének vizsgálata
Authors: Erdei Edina
Published: July 2021

A termelésirányítási rendszerek ma informatikai aspektusokat is igényelnek, amikkel automatizálhatók, így könnyebben áttekinthetők a folyamatok. Kutatásom során három élelmiszergyártással foglalkozó vállalat 4 és fél évnyi adathalmazát és gépállományát elemeztem. Megállapítottam, hogy az ezen vállalatok a folyamatrendszerű gyártást részesítik előnyben. A késztermék előállításának egyes szakaszainak vizsgálatára az egyik legjobb időorientált módszert, a CPM elemzést alkalmaztam, melynek segítségével a tevékenységek időtartamára becsléseket készítettem. A doboz ábra elkészítése során kiszűrtem az adathalmazból a kiugró adatokat, így pontosabb statisztikai becslést kaptam. Az átlag kiszámításával a teljes projekt várható befejezésére tettem javaslatot, ami a vevői rendelések szállítási dátumainak pontosabb meghatározására szolgál.Az eredmények összegzésével a vállalatok gyártási folyamatainak újratervezésére teszek javaslatot.
Egymintás t-próba programozható kialakítása Excel VBA környezetben
Authors: Hampel György
Published: July 2021

Az Excel számolótáblák egyszerűen használható lehetőséget biztosítanak számítások elvégzésére, s mindezt úgy, hogy adatváltozás esetén automatikus újraszámítás történik. Ezt kihasználva elegendő csak egyszer kialakítani a számolótáblát, melyet így újból felhasználhatunk más bemenő adatok esetén. A Visual Basic for Application (VBA) szolgáltatással minimális programozói ismeret birtokában a bemenő adatok cseréjét programozottan is elvégezhetjük. Egymintás t-próba többszöri végrehajtását automatizálni tudjuk. Statisztikai számításokat biztosító programok használata során az újabb kiértékeléseket csak manuálisan tudjuk kezdeményezni. Nagy előnyt biztosít számunkra az Excel VBA ismétlődő kiértékelések során. Bemutatásra kerül a számítások automatizált elvégzéséhez szükséges felhasználóbarát kezelőfelület kialakítása ez Excel táblázatkezelő program segítségével.
Cap-Assisted Endoscopic Septotomy of Zenker's Diverticulum: Early and Long-Term Outcomes
Authors: Repici Alessandro , Cappello Annalisa , Spadaccini Marco , Nicoletti Rosangela , Carrara Silvia , Fugazza Alessandro , Galtieri Piera Alessia , Lamonaca Laura , Romana Chiara , Badalamenti Matteo , Di Leo Milena , Pellegatta Gaia , Ferrara Elisa Chiara , Anderloni Andrea , Maselli Roberta
Published: July 2021

INTRODUCTION:

Multiple therapeutic modalities including surgery and rigid and flexible endoscopy have been adopted to manage Zenker's diverticulum (ZD). Minimally invasive flexible endoscopic septotomy (FES) techniques have been increasingly favored over the past 20 years; however, long-term data are still scanty. The aim of this study is to evaluate early and long-term outcomes of FES for naive ZD in a single-center setting.

METHODS:

From 2010 to 2017, ZD patients treated with FES were included in a prospectively maintained database (NCT03948438). Those who had already been treated surgically or endoscopically were excluded from the analysis. The Dakkak and Bennett dysphagia scale was used to rate the dysphagia. Persistent complete or near-complete resolution of symptoms (Dakkak and Bennett 0 or 1) was defined as clinical success. Postprocedural adverse events were reported according to ASGE lexicon.

RESULTS:

Overall, 256 consecutive patients were treated. Mean pouch size was 29.8 ± 11.3 mm. The procedure was successfully completed in all scheduled patients, with an early clinical success of 96.1%. Adverse events occurred in 3.5% (9/256) of patients. Eight of them were mild/moderate with no fatal events, whereas one patient required surgery. Recurrences occurred in 31.3% (80/256) of treated patients after a mean time of 9 ± 3 months and 95% of recurrences were treated by a second FES. At an average follow-up of 5.5 years, 95.3% of patients were asymptomatic after a mean number of 1.3 procedures.

DISCUSSION:

FES is a safe and effective treatment modality for patients with ZD. Recurrence rate is significant; however, endoscopic reintervention is associated with long-term relief of dysphagia.
Post-impact mechanical characterization of HMPE yarns
Authors: Belloni Eduarda da Silva , Clain Fernanda Mazuco , Guilherme Carlos Eduardo Marcos
Published: July 2021

The present work evaluates the mechanical behaviour of High Modulus Polyethylene (HMPE) yarns after being impacted by sudden axial loads. The influence of loading conditions on the structural integrity of yarns is assessed by tensile, fatigue, and creep tests before and after the impact events. The impact loads were inferred by drop-weight adopting a 300mm height and weights corresponding to 4, 5, and 6% of Yarn Breaking Load (YBL). At 5% YBL, most specimens fail after the impact, and at 6% YBL, all specimens fail. The application of 4% YBL tests results in enhanced creep and fatigue resistances and a decrease in the tensile resistance. Finally, a Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analysis showed that the yarn filaments tend to straighten after the impact, while a decrease in their diameter is noticed due to the longitudinal deformation.
Marine diesel engines operating cycle simulation for diagnostics issues
Authors: Minchev Dmytro S. , Varbanets Roman A. , Alexandrovskaya Nadiya I. , Pisintsaly Ludmila V.
Published: July 2021

The ongoing monitoring of marine diesel engines helps to detect the deviations of its parameters early and prevent major failures. But the experimental diagnostics data are generally limited, so frequently, it isn’t possible to get all the necessary information to make a clear decision. The mathematical simulation could be used to clarify the experimental data and to provide a deeper understanding of engine conditions. In this paper, the MAN 6L80MCE marine diesel engine of “Father S” bulk carrier diagnostics issues are considered. The diagnostics data were collected with DEPAS Handy equipment and present the information about indicated processes by every engine cylinder. The on-line resource Blitz-PRO was used for the simulation of the engine operation and helped to prove that the variation in exhaust valve’s closing timing is responsible for the observed compression pressure difference, while the irregularity in fuel injection causes the considerable difference in the maximum pressure.
Genetic algorithms to determine the optimal parameters of an ensemble local mean decomposition
Authors: Silva Willian T. F. D. , Borges Filipe D. D. M.
Published: July 2021

An optimization method for an ensemble local mean decomposition (ELMD) parameters selection using genetic algorithms is proposed. The execution of this technique depends heavily on the correct choice of the parameters of its model as pointed out in previous works. The effectiveness of the proposed method was evaluated using synthetic signals, discussed by several authors. The resulting algorithm obtained similar results to OELMD, but with an 82% reduction in processing time. Actual vibration signals were also analysed, presenting satisfactory results.
Assessment of the effectiveness of lubrication of Ti-6Al-4V titanium alloy sheets using radial basis function neural networks
Authors: Trzepieciński Tomasz , Szpunar Marcin
Published: July 2021

The aim of the research presented in this article was to determine the value of the friction coefficient using a simple tribological test and to build an empirical model of friction with the use of radial basis function artifi-cial neural networks. The friction tests were carried out on a specially designed friction simulator that allows a sheet metal strip to be drawn between two fixed dies. The test materials were sheets of Ti-6Al-4V titanium alloy with a thickness of 0.5 mm. The friction tests were carried out with variable contact forces of counter-samples with rounded surfaces and in various lubrication conditions. Mineral oils and bio-degradable oils with the addition of boric acid (5 wt %) were tested. Based on the results of friction investigations, neural models of friction were built using RBF artificial neural networks. The good properties of the RBF network 2:2-35-1:1 were confirmed by a high value of the determination coefficient R2 = 0.9984 and a low value of the S.D. ratio equal to 0.0557. It was found that the COF value was the highest for the average values of both the nominal pressure and kinematic viscosity. Over the entire range of nominal pressures applied, SAE10W-40 engine oil ensured the most effective reduction of the COF. The COF value was the highest for the average values of both the nominal pressure and kinematic viscosity.
JHPS-KARP-ARPS Joint Program for Commemoration of 2021 Bo Lindell Medal to Discuss the Future of Radiation Protection among Young Scientists and the Award Recipient, Dr. Ogino
Authors: Fujibuchi Toshioh , Ogino Haruyuki , Taek Han Ki , Tani Kotaro , Emes Daniel
Published: July 2021

Dr. Haruyuki Ogino, a member of the Japan Health Physics Society (JHPS), was awarded the 2021 Bo Lindell Medal by the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP). To commemorate this, the “Joint JHPS-KARP-ARPS program for young radiation protection (RP) scientists to discuss the future of RP” was organized via a web meeting system. First, Dr. Ogino gave a lecture, and then young researchers selected from each academic society made presentations on the future of RP. After the presentations by the three researchers, a free talk was held— young researcher groups of each country being active is a great opportunity to collaborate and exchange information. It was emphasized that the low awareness of knowledge related to radiation has been common to all of the participating countries. Thus, it is necessary to utilize communication via web technology, as done for this program, effectively. One of the biggest advantages for Asia and Oceania is that we do not have a significant time difference. The round-table discussion was concluded by expressing the hope of active exchange and development of young researchers in the future.
Chemical Pretreatment of Lignocellulosic Biomass for the Production of Bioproducts: An Overview
Authors: Faiz Norrrahim Mohd Nor , Ilyas Rushdan Ahmad , Nurazzi Norizan Mohd , Asmal Rani Mohd Saiful , Nur Atikah Mahamud Siti , Shazleen Siti Shazra
Published: July 2021

Lignocellulosic biomass has attracted great interest from researchers. It was due to the abundance of this valuable material which can be converted into value-added materials such as nanocellulose, biocomposites, bioelectricity, biohydrogen and biosugars. Lignocellulosic biomass is consisting of the three major components which are cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin. In order to utilize lignocellulosic biomass for bioproducts manufacturing, they need to be pretreated prior to further processing. Pretreatment can be carried out either by mechanical, chemical, biological or combination of all these methods. Chemical pretreatment are the common method used to pretreat the lignocellulosic biomass in order to completely or partially remove the components. During the past few years, a large number of chemical pretreatment including lime, acid, steam explosion, sulfur dioxide explosion, ammonia fiber explosion, ionic liquid and others have been discovered for efficient pretreatment of biomass. Several types of chemical pretreatment of fibers and their future direction and also challenges were tackled in this review. This review could be beneficial for future directions in the pretreatment of fiber for the development of several products.