bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of metallurgy of copper and copper alloys in China in the 2nd millennium BC
Authors: Grigoriev S.A.
Published: June 2022

The first rare metal finds in China are dated to the Neolithic period, but most of them belong to its final phase. For this period, pure copper is known, very rare arsenic alloys, probably smelted from ore with arsenic admixtures. At the beginning of the 2nd millennium BC, in Gansu, the technology of smelting ore with the following alloying with arsenic, occasionally tin minerals were borrowed from an unknown source. This technology spread to the east, and is present in the Erlitou II layer. At the beginning of the Erlitou III phase (which corresponds to the beginning of the Shang dynasty), the tradition of the Seima-Turbino metallurgy and the technology of smelting copper sulfide ores and alloying with tin penetrated into the Yellow River basin from the north (through Shanxi) from southern Siberia. This tradition soon spread to southern China, as well as the western and northern peri-phery of Chinese civilization. The penetration of the Karasuk tradition of arsenic alloys is also observed in the west and north in the late Shang period, and the Shang and Karasuk metallurgical traditions coexisted there. A special situation formed in Xinjiang, where the Andronovo tradition of smelting sulfide ores and tin alloys pene-trated, but this penetration was limited to the west of the region. It did not affect the development of Chinese me-tallurgy. In general, in China, there is the same correspondence between the types of used ores and alloys as in the rest of Eurasia: native copper and malachite — pure copper, oxidized ores and secondary sulfides with gangue — arsenic copper, occasionally tin bronze, copper-iron sulfides — tin bronze. But in China, this sequence was driven by two technological impulses at the beginning of the 2nd millennium BC (from an unclear source) and at the end of the second half of the 2nd millennium BC from southern Siberia. In addition, during the late Shang period, the interaction of the Shang and Karasuk traditions occurred in the north and west.
Skew Counterparts of the Generalized Double Lomax Distribution: Properties and Applications
Authors: Turchyn Ievgen
Published: June 2022

Two extensions of the generalized double Lomax distribution are introduced - the spliced-scale generalized double Lomax distribution and the exponentiated generalized double Lomax distribution. Their properties are studied. Usefulness of the new distributions is shown by fitting them to stock returns datasets.
Administrative technicians in Education in command positions in a public institution of the professional and Technological Education: according to sex and academic degree
Authors: Pereira Telma Amélia de Souza , Cruz Maria Helena Santana
Published: June 2022

Globalization and the growing interest of companies in seeking new markets have drawn academic attention to the impacts of diversity on organizations as a whole. Diversity that is presented in relation to the form of organization and functioning of the Federal Institutes of Education. This work aims to analyze and describe how gender stereotypes, differences and inequalities appear in the occupation of public positions by women in administrative technician positions at the Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology - Campus Lagarto, in the years 2019 to 2021. The descriptive qualitative research is supported by bibliographic and documentary sources. 37 men and 23 women were identified in the positions, observing asymmetries/prevalence of men compared to women. The high level of education of women and the entry of women into “masculine” organizational environments is accompanied by the possibility of their ascension to technical public positions.
Pedagogical action of Mathematics in Specialized Educational Service
Authors: Camargo Erica Daiane Ferreira , Ralin Vera Lúcia de Oliveira , Givigi Rosana Carla do Nascimento
Published: June 2022

Mathematics constitutes an essential area of knowledge, it is in all spaces and has great importance for social development. The aim of this study is to present some reflections on pedagogical actions in the mathematics area, which have been reported in research in the context of Specialized Educational Assistance. A bibliographic review of articles in journals at the field of education was carried out, selecting relevant research that presented an overview of the work with Mathematics in these spaces. It also pursued to highlight the methodologies used, the contents covered, and the subjects researched, identifying issues regarding the level of activities and the correspondence to the academic years enrolled. In addition, the contributions of these actions to the inclusion of students with disabilities, their reverberations within the scope of the regular classroom. An investigation of the inclusive process, which must be established beyond enrollment, giving the student with a disability access to the curriculum and being included in the social context of the school.
Quality assurance in the training of primary education teachers and adult educators in Mozambique
Authors: Nhancale Joana Paulo Mondlane
Published: June 2022

The present text, entitled Quality Assurance in the Training of Primary Education Teachers and Adult Educators in Mozambique, aims to provide some information on how to guarantee the quality of the training of primary teachers and adult educators, taking into account the instruments regulators of the professional technical education subsystem, as well as the essential requirements for achieving the training of teachers and adult educators in Mozambique. Thus, as a methodology, bibliographic research was used, which is why the present text is of a qualitative nature, for whose elaboration it was so important to resort to national legislation, regulations and diverse bibliography that deals with quality assurance.
Valorization of CTC tea waste through kombucha production and insight into GC-MS based metabolomics
Authors: Majumder Soumya , Ghosh Arindam , Saha Sumedha , Acharyya Sukanya , Chakraborty Sourav , Sarkar Sahadeb , Bhattacharya Malay
Published: June 2022

This research paper is aimed to deliver a novel approach to prepare a popular probiotic beverage i.e., kombucha from infusion of tea waste to valorize the by-product of tea industry. In this study, a GC-MS based approach in combination with preliminary in vitro biochemical analysis was used to investigate the metabolic profiles, especially the antioxidant compounds produced during the fermentation of waste tea infusion. Waste tea infusion was found to be rich in xanthosine, the precursor of caffeine while the fermented sample was seen to be rich in more bioactive secondary metabolites derived from the substrate compounds i.e., xanthosine and sucrose. In addition, GC-MS based metabolomics helped to propose biosynthesis pathways of the metabolome which suggest the later breakdown of xanthosine and other substrate components into microbial metabolites during fermentation process. These findings are expected to be useful for further studies on production of bioactive formulations from tea waste.
Current situation and future direction of traditional foods: A perspective review
Authors: Fibri Dwi Larasatie Nur , Ayouaz Siham , Utami Rohmah Fitri , Muhammad Dimas Rahadian Aji
Published: June 2022

Innovation of traditional foods become a new paradigm in the food industry as an effort to prolong the shelf life of the food following the changes in the society’s life style.  The innovation was also supported by the current advance study on packaging technology, microbiology, biotechnology, metabolomics, medicinal properties and health as well as computational methods. This review covers various definition of traditional foods and some terms closely related to traditional foods, including ethnicity and ethnoecology, the progress of innovation of traditional foods as well as the risk of the traditional food innovation in terms of product identity, culture and continuity. Geographical Indications (GI) as a strategy of protection and standardization of traditional food are, therefore, discussed in this review. At the end, a recommendation for the direction of traditional food in the future is given in order to create a paradigm on the future action for protecting traditional foods.
Racial Differences in Care and Outcomes After Total Hip and Knee Arthroplasties
Authors: Okewunmi Jeffrey , Mihalopoulos Meredith , Huang Hsin-Hui , Mazumdar Madhu , Galatz Leesa M. , Poeran Jashvant , Moucha Calin S.
Published: June 2022

Background:

There is a paucity of literature on racial differences across a full total joint arthroplasty (TJA) “episode of care” and beyond. Given various incentives, the Comprehensive Care for Joint Replacement (CJR) program in the U.S. may have impacted preexisting racial differences across this care continuum. The purposes of the present study were (1) to assess trends in racial differences in care/outcome characteristics before, during, and after TJA surgery and (2) to assess if the CJR program coincided with reductions in these racial differences.

Methods:

This retrospective cohort study includes data on 1,483,221 TJAs (based on Medicare claims data, 2013 to 2018). Racial differences between Black and White patients were assessed for (1) preoperative characteristics (Deyo-Charlson comorbidity index, patient sex, and age), (2) characteristics during hospitalization (length of stay, blood transfusions, and combined complications), and (3) postoperative characteristics (90 and 180-day readmission rates and institutional post-acute care). Additionally, Medicare payments for each period were assessed. Racial differences (Black versus White patients) were expressed in terms of odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) per year. A “difference-in-differences” analysis (comparing before and after CJR implementation, with non-CJR hospitals being used as controls) estimated the association of the CJR program with changes in racial differences.

Results:

In both 2013 and 2018, Black patients (n = 74,390; 5.0%) were more likely than White patients to have a higher Deyo-Charlson comorbidity index (score of >0) (OR = 1.32 [95% CI = 1.28 to 1.36] and OR = 1.32 [95% CI = 1.28 to 1.37]), to require more transfusions (OR = 1.55 [95% CI = 1.49 to 1.62] and OR = 1.77 [95% CI = 1.56 to 2.01]), to be discharged to institutional post-acute care (OR = 1.40 [95% CI = 1.36 to 1.44] and OR = 1.49 [95% CI = 1.43 to 1.56]), and to be readmitted within 90 days (OR = 1.38 [95% CI = 1.32 to 1.44] and OR = 1.21 [95% CI = 1.13 to 1.29]) (p < 0.05 for all). Adjusted difference-in-differences analyses demonstrated that the CJR program coincided with reductions in racial differences in 90-day readmission (−1.24%; 95% CI, −2.46% to −0.03%) and 180-day readmission (−1.28%; 95% CI, −2.52% to −0.03%) (p = 0.044 for both).

Conclusions:

Racial differences persist among patients managed with TJA. The CJR program coincided with reductions in some racial differences, thus identifying bundle design as a potential novel strategy to target racial disparities.

Level of Evidence:

Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
As paisagens do meu lugar de vivência
Authors: Kraisch Aluisiane , Boligian Levon
Published: June 2022

Este plano de aula foi desenvolvido a partir de uma atividade frequentemente compartilhada entre professores pelas redes sociais. Tendo como referência a vista da janela do estudante e a percepção das paisagens cotidianas, pretende-se construir, por meio de um estudo de caso, os conceitos de paisagem e lugar. Fazendo uso de uma abordagem que parte do conhecimento empírico, o estudante será instigado a observar e descrever os elementos que compõem a paisagem que o cerca. A técnica da entrevista e a elaboração de desenhos pretendem exercitar o olhar para o lugar de vivência e, dessa maneira, instigar o estudante a refletir o seu lugar e sua identidade no mundo.
Managing peer support workers in Swedish mental health services – a leadership perspective on implementation and sustainability
Authors: Grim Katarina , Bergmark Magnus , Argentzell Elisabeth , Rosenberg David
Published: June 2022

Even though it has been demonstrated that peer support contributes to positive outcomes for service users, organizational implementation issues remain. The aim of the current study was to examine an implementation of peer support from the perspective of managers in order to develop knowledge of factors influencing sustainability of this initiative.Eighteen managers were interviewed in connection with the introduction of peer support in sixteen mental health settings. The interviews were analyzed utilizing inductive as well as deductive approaches where, in the latter, a theoretical framework was applied to identify critical implementation components at the levels of organization, team and continuous support. The results suggested that managers were predominantly positive in their evaluation of peer support as a recovery-oriented and user-friendly addition to their services, but noted developmental issues regarding role, professional identity, supervision and financing in relation to other traditional personnel. The involvement of the user movement, especially with regard to training and supervision helped prepare staff and support peer workers, yet there was some apprehension attached to the critical scrutiny that this ‘outsider’ perspective might imply. The results confirm previously noted uncertainties regarding peer support as an integrated component of mental health systems. While offering clues as to the factors that would further define and integrate peer support, this study also highlights a number of challenges regarding role, identity and connection to the user movement, that need to be considered by managers before assuming that peer support should be implemented with the same approach as other interventions.
Mentoring as a part of Integral Training in Medicine: A pilot study involving a control group aimed at improving attitudes toward suffering and death.
Authors: Álvarez-Montero Santiago , Rodríguez-Gabriel Pilar , Abengózar-Muela Ricardo , Herranz-Sán Beatriz PhD in Biology , Herruzo-Priego Irene , León-Vázquez Fernando , Viñado-Oteo Fernando
Published: June 2022

BackgroundMedical degree students often express great satisfaction toward their mentoring experience and share the impression that it has contributed significantly to their personal and professional development. Mentoring can contribute to a more comprehensive and integral preparation of the student for professional life, promoting critical reflection, but studies are needed which focus on effectiveness in achieving educational objectives by means of an appropriate methodology.MethodsThis pilot study aims to evaluate the formative impact on students' attitudes towards suffering and death and their perception of the role of mentors in an innovative mentoring program for undergraduate students through a quasi-experimental design.Between October 2019 and March 2020, 2nd-year medical students were invited to participate in a mentoring program made up of 5 mentors, randomly assigned to each student by Microsoft Excel's randomization function. A validated and adapted scale was used to measure students' perception of their mentors (CECA Scale) and the mentoring program, while another two validated scales were used to measure attitudes toward suffering (Brief Humanising Scale) and death (Bugen Scale).ResultsOf the 109 students invited to participate (79% female and 21% male), 20 agreed to participate in the intervention group and 24 in the control group. CECA was scored with medians of 6 (the highest score). The Brief Humanising Scale returned no statistically significant differences between the groups. The Bugen Scale showed significant differences after intervention in 80% of the items directly related to the educational objectives. ConclusionsStudents' perception of mentors and mentoring has been optimal. Students' attitude toward suffering was not improved, although attitudes toward death were. Long-term, mixed studies are needed to obtain a higher degree of evidence.
Growth Performance, Mortality and Carcass Yield Evaluation of Pure and Reciprocal Crosses between Sasso and Wassache Chickens
Authors: Dzungwe Joshua , Tozo Koffi , Chrisystome Christrophe
Published: June 2022

BackgroundThe indigenous chicken production has become an integral part of the smallholder farming systems in Africa, this practice helps in diversifying household income and providing food for the rural community. Products from the indigenous chickens are preferred due to its taste and flavour, however, characterized by small body size and slow productive performance, meat production from this chicken has not met the high demand in Togo. Crossbreeding using exotic breeds can improve productivity of the indigenous chickens without sacrificing its genetic potentials. This study was aimed at improving the Wassache chicken, F1 generation of the crosses between the Wassache and Sasso chickens were simultaneously evaluated for growth traits, mortality and carcass yield in a pure and reciprocal crossbreeding experiment. Data on body weight, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, and mortality were collected on 400 birds for 12 weeks. On the 12th week of study, 20 birds from each genotype were dissected to determine the carcass yield. Feed intake, body weight and carcass weights were measured using a weighing scale while mortality and dressing percentage were calculated in percentages. Data collected was analyzed using Minitab 19.ResultsThe comparison between the crosses revealed significant (p < 0.05) effect of genotype on growth parameters and carcass traits. Higher significant (p < 0.05) values were reported for SS genotype in all parameters studied with a lower mortality rate Likewise, the reciprocal crosses showed higher performance in growth and carcass traits lower mortality rates next to the pure Sasso. However, Feed conversion ratio and dressing percentage of the pure Sasso and the hybrids did not differ significantly (p < 0.05). Within the reciprocal crosses, the performance of SW genotype was generally better than the WS genotype with no significant effects (p > 0.05) except except for hatch weight, gizzard and mortality where the WS genotype performed better than SW.ConclusionThe outcome of this study encourages the crossbreeding of Wassache and Sasso chicken for improved meat production of the local chicken, this will give a greater advantage in breeding programs in this region.
Influence of Potamogeton crispus Harvesting on Phosphorus Composition of Lake Yimeng
Authors: Wang Li-zhi , Wu Xiyuan , Dong Bing , Song Hongli , An Juan , Wu Yuanzhi , Wang Yun , Li Bao , Liu Qianjin
Published: June 2022

Harvesting is an important method used to control the overproduction of Potamogeton crispus in lakes. A three-year comparative field study was performed in a eutrophic lake (harvested area) and its connected lake (non-harvested area) to determine the effects of harvesting on the phosphorus (P) composition and environmental factors in the water and sediment. Results revealed that harvesting significantly reduced the dissolved total P (DTP) and dissolved organic P (DOP) and increased the alkaline phosphatase activity (APA) and particulate P (PP) in the water. No significant differences were detected in the water total P (TP), soluble reactive P (SRP), chlorophyll-a (Chl-a), pH, and dissolved oxygen (DO) between the harvested and non-harvested areas. Sediment TP and organic P (OP) were significantly reduced in the harvested area. Harvesting changed the P composition in the water. In the non-harvested area, P was mainly formed by DOP (40%) in the water body, while in the harvested area, PP was the main water component (47%). Harvesting increased the proportion of inorganic P (IP) in the sediment and decreased the proportion of OP. In the water, the IP to TP ratio in the non-harvested and harvested areas were 58.26% and 63.51%, respectively. Our results showed that harvesting changed the P composition in the water and sediment. In the harvesting of submerged vegetation, our results can serve as a reference for the management of vegetation-rich lakes.
Analysis of Serum Circulating MicroRNAs Level in Malaysian Patients with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: pour Sajad Jamal , Zain Shamsul Mohd , Vazifehmand Reza , Mohamed Zahurin , Chiong Tan Peng , Omar Siti Zawiah , Pung Yuh Fen , Kamyab Hesam
Published: June 2022

Gestational diabetes mellitus is a serious global problem and needs urgent attention. Aberrant microRNAs expression is potentially disease-specific and may contribute to GDM pathological processes. Even though GDM is diagnosed at the end of the second or beginning of the third trimester, there is no way to prevent pathological changes that may occur during the first and second trimesters. Therefore, to identify a specific miRNAs expression and their predicted target genes in maternal serum subjected with GDM in especially early stage, we performed miRNA expression profiling using miRNA PCR Array and in-silico analysis. In this study, demographic data and miRNAs expression levels and their specific potential as biomarkers were investigated. The findings showed that the expression levels of hsa-miR-193a, hsa-miR-21, hsa-miR-23a, and hsa-miR-361 are significantly upregulated while miR-130a is significantly downregulated in GDM patients. The ROC curve analysis revealed that hsa-miR-193a (AUC = 0.8906 ± 0.04470, P < 0.0001), hsa-miR-21(0.8950 ± 0.04411, P < 0.0001) and miR-130a (0.7222 ± 0.07450, P = 0.0083) have a potential biomarker characteristics in GDM. Furthermore, the in-silico analysis revealed that KLF, ZNF25, AFF4, C1orf143, SRSF2, and ZNF655 were prominent genes targeted by the common nodes of miR23, miR130, miR193, miR21, and miR361. Our findings imply that circulating microRNAs in the first trimester might be used as indicators for GDM.
Validity of the Spurling test in the diagnosis of cervical radiculopathy: A systematic review
Authors: Wang Ting , Wang Ting
Published: June 2022

BACKGROUND: Cervical radiculopathy (CR) is a common clinical presentation. The Spurling test is a commonly used provocative test for diagnosing cervical radiculopathy. Various diagnostic accuracy studies on the validity of the Spurling test have demonstrated high specificity but variable sensitivity. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to find an evidence-based explanation for the variation in sensitivity of the Spurling test to assess the value of the Spurling test for clinical practice.STUDY DESIGN: A review of studies on the diagnostic validity of the Spurling test was conducted. The study sample comprised eight diagnostic accuracy studies of the Spurling test. OUTCOME MEASURES: Sensitivity, specificity, and likelihood ratios are presented. METHODS: A literature search of MEDLINE, EMBAS and PubMed was conducted through April 2022. The methodological quality of the studies was evaluated by Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (QUADAS). RESULTS: Eight diagnostic accuracy studies were selected, showing high specificity ranging from 74% to 98.5%, and the sensitivity varied from 14.7% to 95%. Studies that recruited surgical candidates showed a higher sensitivity, ranging from 92% to 95%. Studies that adopted the modified Spurling test maneuvres (incorporating neck extension, head rotation, and lateral neck bending) revealed a slightly higher sensitivity than those using only the lateral neck bending maneuvre. The inherent flaws of the reference standards may have altered the validity of the Spurling test. CONCLUSIONS: The value of the studies on the validity of the Spurling test has been undermined by multiple areas causing bias, such as patient spectrum difference, index test interpretation controversy, and a lack of gold reference standards. Spurling test use in clinical practice should be combined with patient history, careful selection of different Spurling variants, and other provocative tests to increase the diagnostic accuracy. Large-sample-size and well-validated studies on the accuracy of the Spurling test in diagnosing cervical radiculopathy are needed.
Meteorological Factors Facilitated Increased Legionnaires’ Disease Notifications and Mortality Pre-COVID-19 and COVID-19 in Hong Kong
Authors: Zhang Yin , Chen Frank Y. , Tso Geoffrey Kwok Fai , Yang Lin
Published: June 2022

Annual notification number of Legionnaires’ disease (LD) increased from 66 cases in 2015 to 104 cases in 2020 in Hong Kong, with a case fatality rate (CFR) of 17.3% in 2020. This study investigated possible meteorological factors associated with confirmed LD cases and deaths. The negative binomial regression model was used for monthly LD confirmed cases and the Poisson regression model was used for monthly LD mortality cases. A decision tree model was adopted to identify the thresholds of meteorological factors if any. The confirmed LD cases were highest in July while the LD mortality were highest in August. A negative binomial regression model confirmed that maximum air temperature (P=0.081, RR=1.3, 95% CI=0.97-1.75) and rainfall (P=0.009, RR=1.02, 95% CI=1.0004-1.003) were positively correlated with the increase in confirmed LD cases. A Poisson regression model confirmed that maximum air temperature (P=0.034, RR=1.71, 95%CI=1.04-2.80) was positively correlated with the surge in LD mortality. When rainfall exceeds 78.8 mm, the public should be alerted of the increased risk of contracting LD. Temperature and rainfall were positively associated with the confirmed LD cases in Hong Kong.
Pregnancy-induced changes in ocular biomechanics are maternal hormone- related in healthy Chinese pregnant women
Authors: Chen Fangyuan , Zhou Jianting , He Xiaojuan , Han Xiaoxue , Zhang Rijia , Zhou Qing
Published: June 2022

BackgroundTo explore the changes of ocular biomechanics during pregnancy and the postpartum period and its association with maternal hormone changes. Methods Prospective cohort study. Pregnant women (n = 12,24 eyes) were enrolled in this study, and monitored throughout pregnancy and after delivery (7 days). After routine ophthalmologic examination, intraocular pressure (IOP), central corneal thickness (CCT), corneal endothelium cell (CEC), axial length (AL), corneal curvature (K1, K2), anterior chamber depth (ACD), central subfield thickness (CST), macular volume (MV), cube average thickness (CAT), retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL), tear meniscus height (TMH), and breaking up time (BUT) were measured, and blood plasma levels of the maternal hormone were determined at the same. ResultsA gradual decrease in IOP value as the gestational week progressed, there was a statistically significant difference between the 3rd trimesters and 1st trimesters, 2nd trimesters and postpartum (p=0.002, p=0.006, and p= 0.050, respectively). There was a statistical difference between the first trimesters and the second trimesters in terms of MV (p=0.023). The difference in RNFL in the 3rd trimesters and postpartum was significant (p=0.011). Assessment of other ophthalmic parameters revealed no statistically significant changes (p>0.05, repeated measures ANOVA). There only was a significant correlation between K2, ACD, and TMH in the second trimester (r=0.588, p=0.045; r=-0.740, p=0.006; r=0.642, p=0.024, respectively). Regarding luteinizing hormone, there was a significant difference between with MV (r=-0.598, p =0.040 in the first trimester; r=-0.672, p =0.040, p = 0.017); and CAT (r=-0.598, p =0.040 in the 1st trimester; r=-0.672, p =0.040 in the 2nd trimester);ACD(r=-0.702,p=0.011 in the 2nd trimester) and K2 (r=0.585,p=0.046 in the 3rd trimester).A negative correlation was found between the follicle-stimulating hormone and CEC, MV and CAT in the first trimester (r=-0.677, p=0.016; r=-0.602, p =0.039; r=-0.584, p=0.046; respectively) and AL in the third trimester (r=-0.618, p=0.032). The correlation between estradiol and ocular parameters appeared with CST in the first trimester (r=-0.621, p =0.031), and RNFL (r=0.594, p=0.041) postpartum; and a statistically correlation between progesterone and MV (r=0.583, p=0.047) and TMH (r=0.762, p=0.004) in the first trimester. No significant intergroup correlation was observed in postpartum (all p > 0.05).ConclusionWe found that ophthalmic parameters had physiological changes induced by hormones in pregnancy and returned to baseline levels after delivery.
Exploration of the Role of Cuproptosis genes and their related long non-coding RNA in Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma: A Comprehensive Bioinformatics Study
Authors: Xia Dian , Liu Qi , Wen Jiao , Qi Wang , Longfei Peng , Tuo Zhouting , Liangkuan Bi
Published: June 2022

Clear cell renal cell carcinoma is a common malignant tumor of the urinary system. The mechanism of its occurrence and development is unknown, and there is currently few effective comprehensive predictive markers for prognosis and treatment response. With the discovery of a new cell death process - cuproptosis drew the attention of researchers. We constructed a model for the prediction of clinical prognosis and immunotherapy response through integrative analysis of gene expression datasets from KIRC samples in the TCGA database. During the course of the study, we found that cuproptosis genes are significantly differentially expressed between clear cell renal cell carcinoma samples and normal samples. Based on this, we put forward the prognostic model for cuproptosis gene related-long non-coding RNA. And through various statistic and external independent cohorts, we proved that the model is accurate and stable, worthy of clinical application and further exploration and validation.
Virulence genes, phylogenetic, and antimicrobial resistance of Escherichia coli isolated from urinary tract infection in hospital inpatients and outpatients
Authors: Derakhshan Safoura , Saedi Samira , Ahmadi Amjad , Hedayati Manouchehr Ahmadi
Published: June 2022

Objectives
Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) strains are the most common cause of urinary tract infection (UTI) in hospitalized and community patients. The aim was to compare the genetic characteristics of E. coli isolated from inpatients (IPs) and outpatients (OPs) with UTI regarding their phylogenies, virulence traits, and resistance trends.
Methods
In this cross sectional study, a total of 130 unrelated E. coli isolates were collected from patients with UTI. Extended spectrum beta lactamase (ESBL) production was detected by combination disk method. Detection of UPEC and intestinal pathogenic E. coli (IPEC) virulence genes were performed by polymerase chain reaction. The isolates were analyzed for phylogenetic grouping.
Results
Out of the 130 isolates, 62.3% were from the OPs and 37.7% from the IPs. About 35.8% of the OPs and 49% of the IPs were ESBL positive. Moreover, 56.8% of the OPs and 59.2% of the IPs were positive for the UPEC virulence genes. Notably, 50% of the isolates from each group exhibited IPEC virulence properties. The predominant phylogroup was B2 (43.2% in the OPs and 40.8% in the IPs). No significant differences were found between the IP and OP isolates (P > 0.05).
Conclusion
The marked genetic plasticity of E. coli has allowed the emergence of strains showing arrays of genes from different pathotypes. Our results may indicate that consideration should also be given to hygienic standard in the community. Characterization of local E. coli isolates in different areas can guide the selection of effective infection control strategies.
Effect of adding a positive memories’ module in a trauma-focused cognitive-behavioural treatment for female survivors of intimate partner violence: trial protocol
Authors: Crespo Maria , Miguel-Alvaro Alejandro , Hornillos Carlos , Sánchez-Ferrer Silvia , Antón Ana Asunción
Published: June 2022

Background: Trauma-focused cognitive-behavioural treatments have been proven to be effective for reducing symptoms in female survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV), although they still present some difficulties (e.g., significant drop-out rates, low adherence). Based on existing evidence about the difficulty of accessing memories of positive experiences among these women, we considered integrating positive memory evocation in trauma-focused treatments. The present study aims to test the effect of adding a positive memory module to trauma-focused CBT for female survivors of IPV.Methods: The study is a single-blind, randomized controlled trial (RCT) comparing two trauma-focused CBT (with and without a positive memory module) for female survivors of IPV and a wait-list condition (superiority trial), including pretreatment and posttreatment measures, and follow-ups at 3, 6 and 12 months. Assessors of treatment outcome will be blinded to the trial arm. We aim to recruit 135 participants who will be randomized to one of the experimental conditions. The primary outcome is PTSD symptom severity. Secondary outcome measures include IPV, attitudes towards IPV, posttraumatic cognitions, centrality of trauma, self-concept, positive and negative affect, depression, anxiety, emotional dysregulation, or health-related quality of life, as well as satisfaction with treatment. Moreover, adherence to and satisfaction with treatment will be considered.Discussion: This study first analyses the effect of including positive memory evocation into a trauma-focused treatment for female survivors of IPV. This strategy aims to improve the effect of the treatments and enhance the healing of the trauma by developing a more integrated and emotionally modulated autobiographical narrative that contributes to the recovery and well-being of the victims.Trial registration: ISRCTN73702156. Registered on 10 March 2022.
Skiing uphill using resort-touring skis: effects of simulated altitude
Authors: Brown James , Nevill Ben , Spenk Henry , Fraser India , Hanly James , Donkin David , Owen Morris , Kinnear William
Published: June 2022

We studied ten recreational skiers on W500RT skis (Decathlon) skis fitted with uni-directional “skins” on a treadmill with 25% slope. Speed was increased from 1km/hr by 0.3 km/hr every minute until the subject was unable to maintain pace. The test was repeated in an environmental chamber with an oxygen content of 14%, equivalent to an altitude of 3000m. We measured oxygen consumption (VO2), carbon dioxide production (VCO2) and ventilation (VE). The anaerobic threshold (AT) was determined from V-slope and the respiratory compensation point (RCP) from VE/VCO2. The mean (SD) speed attained at sea level as 4.2(0.6)km/hr, with a VO2 of 45(8)ml/kg/min. HR was 75(6)% of predicted maximum at AT, 85(8)% at RCP. At 3000m, SpO2 was 79(3.6)% and speed 3.4(0.5)km/hr at peak exercise (both P < 0.05 compared to sea-level). There were no significant differences in VO2 at peak exercise, AT or RCP. Altitude reduces maximum ski touring pace. We recommend that recreational ski-tourers should adjust their pace so that HR is maintained around 80% of their predicted maximum.
Snow accumulation controls atmospheric warming thresholds for Antarctic ice shelf viability
Authors: Wessem Jan Melchior van , Broeke Michiel van den , Lhermitte Stef
Published: June 2022

The limit of ice shelf viability in the Antarctic Peninsula is commonly defined by the -5°C annual mean 2 m air temperature isotherm. It is presently unknown whether this threshold can also be applied to other Antarctic ice shelves. Here we use two present-day and three future high-resolution Antarctic climate realisations to predict warming thresholds for Antarctic ice shelf viability based on the melt over accumulation (MoA) ratio. The associated warming thresholds match well with observed melt pond volumes and are found to be spatially highly variable and controlled by snow accumulation. While for relatively wet ice shelves the -5°C temperature threshold is confirmed, cold and dry ice shelves such as Amery, Ross and Filchner-Ronne are more vulnerable than previously thought, with threshold temperatures well below -15°C. CMIP6 models predict that towards the end of this century these thresholds can be reached on many ice shelves, even on cold ice shelves and under moderate warming scenarios.
The patterns and changes of general surgical presentations during the first wave COVID-19 pandemic at a metropolitan Sydney hospital
Authors: Diab Jason , Nguyen Quoc Dung , Khaicy David , Diab Vanessa , Hopkins Zachias , Badiani Sarit , Berney Christophe
Published: June 2022

Background:
The impact of SARS-COV-2 virus (COVID-19) has been well documented in international settings with a reduction in overall emergency presentations both influenced by social distancing and lockdowns. This study focuses on several common acute general surgical pathologies exploring differences in presentations and clinical outcomes for appendicitis, cholecystitis, and incarcerated hernias during the first wave.
Methods:
A retrospective review of medical records of all patients was analysed in two groups: the non-COVID-19 group (combined 2017–2019) and the COVID-19 group (2020).
Results:
There were 3,316 acute emergency surgical presentations with an 8.2% decrease in total presentations in 2020. There were 477 appendicectomies, 224 cholecystectomies, and 121 repair of incarcerated hernias. All general surgical procedures demonstrated significant differences between non-COVID and COVID cohorts, including length of stay (LoS) (2.7 vs 2.1, p = 0.009) and onset of symptoms (1.6 vs 2.2, p = 0.018) for those aged less than 25 years. Patients with appendicitis aged less than 25 years had a significantly longer onset of symptoms before hospital presentation and shorter LoS in the COVID group (1.7 vs 2.5, p = 0.002; 2.9 vs 2.3, p = 0.016). Likewise, patients with cholecystitis had a significantly longer onset of symptoms in the COVID-19 cohort compared to their counterparts (2.0 vs 3.0 days, p = 0.025). There were no significant differences in biochemical, clinical or post-operative outcomes.
Conclusion:
The first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic significantly reduced acute general surgical presentations. For those less than 25 years in the COVID-19 cohort, overall LoS was shorter despite indicating significantly delayed presentations.
Relations between spontaneous portosystemic shunts and outcomes in hepatitis B virus-related cirrhotic patients with esophagogastric variceal bleeding after repeated endotherapy
Authors: Ma Jia-li , Jiang Yu , Hu Ju-long , Zhou Yu-ling , Ai Zheng-lin , Liang Xiu-xia , Xie Ru-ming , Wei Hong-shan , Li ping
Published: June 2022

Aims: Investigating the prevalance and characteristics of spontaneous portosystemic shunts(SPSS) in hepatitis B-related cirrhotic patients with acute variceal bleeding(AVB) after repeated endotherapy.Methods: 442 hepatitis B-related cirrhotic patients with AVB, who were treated with repeated endotherapy were included in the final analysis. We collected data on demographic features, laboratory and clinical variables, complications, treatment options and Child/MELD scores. The contrast-enhanced abdominal computed tomography(CT) were reviewed to search for the presence and classification of SPSS. SPSS were divided into large or small size according to its maximum diameter. The primary outcome was 3 and 5-years survival. Results: SPSS were identified in 174 patients(39.37%), including 97 large-SPSS(21.95%) and 77 small-SPSS (17.42%). the median survival time was significantly longer in SPSS patients (99.4 months, [95% CI: 94.7-104.1]) compared with non-SPSS patients (83.5months, [95% CI: 78.1-88.8])(P＜0.001). The 3-years, and 5-years survival rates were significantly higher in SPSS group(87.4% vs 70.9%, P＜0.001; 65.5% vs 37.0%, P＜0.001). Age, antiviral therapy, variceal rebleeding, Child/MELD-score and the presence of SPSS were independent predictors of survival.Conclusions: SPSS is not rare in cirrhotic patients, for patients with AVB who underwent repeated endotherapy, and received fine aetiological treatment, SPSS was likely to be a protective factor for survival.
Protocol for a randomised, assessor-blinded, parallel group feasibility trial of flat, flexible school shoes for adolescents with patellofemoral pain
Authors: Mazzella Natalie , Fox Aaron , Saunders Natalie , Trowell Danielle , Vicenzino Bill , Bonacci Jason
Published: June 2022

Background
There are limited evidence-based treatment options for adolescents with patellofemoral pain (PFP). Flat, flexible footwear have been shown to reduce patellofemoral joint loading and pain in adults with PFP. The efficacy of this intervention in adolescents with PFP is not established. The primary aim of this study is to determine the feasibility of conducting a large-scale randomised control trial (RCT) of the effect of flat, flexible school footwear, when compared to traditional school footwear, in adolescents with PFP. The secondary aim is to describe changes in self-reported outcome measures for adolescents with PFP while wearing flat, flexible footwear when compared to traditional school shoes.
Methods
24 adolescents with PFP will be recruited from the community. Following baseline assessment, participants will be randomly allocated to receive either (i) flat, flexible school footwear or, (ii) traditional school footwear. Participants will wear the shoe as per school requirements throughout a 12-week intervention period. Feasibility will be assessed with (i) ≥75% adherence to allocated shoe wear of their total weekly school wear time, (ii) a recruitment rate of 1 participant per fortnight, and (iii) a dropout rate of ≤ 20%. Patient reported outcome measures will describe changes in knee pain, function, quality of life and global rating of change at 6 and 12 weeks. Descriptive statistics will be used for the primary outcomes of feasibility.
Discussion
This study will determine the feasibility of conducting a large scale RCT evaluating the effect of flat, flexible school shoes for adolescents with PFP. A full-scale study will guide evidence-based management of adolescent PFP.
Trial registration:
Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry reference: ACTRN12621001525875, Date registered: 9th November 2021, https://www.anzctr.org.au/ACTRN12621001525875.aspx
Optimization of industrial shortening manufacturing procedure: The effect of cooling rate and kneading parameters on viscoelasticity and sensory properties
Authors: Ameli Mahnaz , Roufegarinejad Leila , Zargaraan Azizollaah , Zayeri Farid
Published: June 2022

The main objective of this study was to optimize the industrial shortening manufacturing procedure and investigate the effect of cooling rate and kneading parameters on its viscoelasticity and sensory properties The three selected main crystallization process parameters include the third cooling stage outlet temperature (28–31°C), kneading parameter (100–280 RPM), and filling temperature (30–36°C). The design type and model were Box-Behnken and quadratic, respectively. Rheological viscoelastic experiments on 17 samples with different crystallization factors were performed. Cooling and kneading intensities were manipulated in order to explore the resulting changes in frequency and strain sweep parameters. Additionally, sensory attributes related to the crystallization treatment samples were analyzed. The optimum crystallization parameters that led to the most desired functional attributes were crystallizer 3 outlet temperature of 31°C, kneading intensity of 280 RPM, and filling temperature of 33°C. All the storage modulus (G′) and the loss modulus (G″) model responses exhibited values in the minimum range at the optimum process conditions. This work’s framework sets a new guideline for fine-tuning the functional properties of confectionary shortening through underlying the important role of the optimized crystallization process.
192Ir brachytherapy combined with external beam radiation and biliary stenting can improve the local control rate of unresectable hilar cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Yang Wenbo , Li Yang , Xiao Li , Liu Fei , Sun Yunchuan
Published: June 2022

Objective
To evaluate the prognostic efficacy and safety of 192Ir brachytherapy combined with external beam radiation in the treatment of unresectable hilar cholangiocarcinoma.
Methods
The clinical data of patients with unresectable hilar cholangiocarcinoma admitted to Cangzhou Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine in Hebei Province from January 2014 to March 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. The treatment mode was concurrent chemoradiotherapy + biliary stent +/- brachytherapy. Survival was analyzed using the Kaplan–Meier method.
Results
This study included 62 patients; 32 received 192Ir brachytherapy combined with external beam radiation and percutaneous hepatobiliary stenting as the treatment group, and 30 received external beam radiation and percutaneous hepatobiliary stenting as the control group. After 3 months of treatment, the complete remission rates (CRs) of the treatment group and the control group were 15.6% and 6.7%, respectively, the partial remission rates (PRs) were 78.1% and 63.3%, and the objective remission rates (ORRs) were 93.7% and 70%, respectively. The median progression-free survival (PFS) of the treatment group and the control group was 11.0 months and 8.5 months, respectively. The 1-year PFS rates for the treatment group and the control group were 37.5% and 6.3%, respectively, and the 2-year PFS rates were 16.7% and 0%, respectively. There was a statistically significant difference in the progression-free survival rate between the two groups (P < 0.05). The median overall survival (OS) of the treatment group and the control group was 14.5 months and 12.2 months, respectively. The 1-year OS rates for the treatment group and control group were 58.8% and 27.9%, respectively; the 2-year OS rates were 51.6% and 14.7%, respectively. There was no significant difference in the overall survival rate between the two groups (P > 0.05). TBIL, DBIL, ALT, AST and CA19-9 in the treatment group were significantly lower than those before treatment and 3 months after treatment in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). No serious complications, such as bile leakage or biliary tract hemorrhage, occurred.
Conclusion
192Ir brachytherapy combined with external beam radiation and biliary stenting might improve the local control rate of unresectable hilar cholangiocarcinoma, with reliable prognostic efficacy and tolerable adverse reactions, providing a feasible and safe treatment method for clinical practice.
The impact of cell culture media on the interaction of biopolymer-functionalized gold nanoparticles with cells: mechanical and toxicological properties
Authors: Meesaragandla Brahmaiah , Komaragiri Yesaswini , Schlüter Rabea , Otto Oliver , Delcea Mihaela
Published: June 2022

Understanding the nanoparticle-cell interactions in physiological media is vital in determining the biological fate of the nanoparticles (NPs). These interactions depend on the physicochemical properties of the NPs and their colloidal behavior in cell culture media (CCM). Furthermore, the impact of the bioconjugates made by nanoparticle with proteins from CCM on the mechanical properties of cells upon interaction is unknown. Here, we analyzed the time dependent stability of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) functionalized with citrate, dextran-10, dextrin and chitosan polymers in protein poor- and protein rich CCM. Further, we implemented the high-throughput technology real-time deformability cytometry (RT-DC) to investigate the impact of AuNP-bioconjugates on the cell mechanics of HL60 suspension cells. We found that dextrin-AuNPs form stable bioconjugates in both CCM and have a little impact on cell mechanics, ROS production and cell viability. In contrast, positively charged chitosan-AuNPs were observed to form spherical and non-spherical aggregated conjugates in both CCM and to induce increased cytotoxicity. Citrate- and dextran-10-AuNPs formed spherical and non-spherical aggregated conjugates in protein rich- and protein poor CCM and induced at short incubation times cell stiffening. We anticipate based on our results that dextrin-AuNPs can be used for therapeutic purposes as they show lower cytotoxicity and insignificant changes in cell physiology.