bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Risk Occurred Probability and Influencing Factors of Stroke in Followed-Up Hypertension Patients
Authors: Li An-le , Qi Ying , Zhu Shuai , Hu Zhi-hao , Xu Xue-jin , Wang Ya-wei , Qian Xin-zhi
Published: August 2021

Objective

To explore the risk occurred probability and influencing factors of stroke in followed-up hypertension (HP) patients through the analysis of long-term followed-up cohort data.
Methods

The method of followed-up observation cohort was used to collect the information of 168417 followed-up hypertension patients from 2002 to 2020 in Jiading district in Shanghai. Kaplan-Meier method was used to analyze the risk occurred probability of stroke complications in long-term followed-up HP patients, and the influencing factors were analyzed by Cox proportional risk model.
Results

Among 168417 followed-up hypertension patients, 11143 cases had occurred stroke, and the cumulative occurrence rate of stroke was 6.62% (male was 6.87%, female was 6.37%). With the extension of the years of hypertension, the cumulative risk occurred probability of stroke in HP patients would continue to increasing, and the interval was not equidistant. The total cumulative risk probability of stroke in HP patients was 78.9% (male was 91.0%, female was 70.7%). During the period of hypertension, the risk occurred probability of stroke was not fixed, but fluctuates. There were 4 onset peaks, which were in 8 years (peak value 4.2%), 15 years (peak value 14.0%), 22 years (peak value 6.0%) and 26 years (peak value 13.9%). The highest risk probability of male patients was in 26 years (peak value 23.1%), and the second peak was in 15 years (peak value 15.6%). The highest risk probability of female patients was in 15 years (peak value 12.9%), and the second peak was in 26 years (peak value 8.7%). The risk probability of different sex, BP grad and BMI was different, male was higher than female, grade 3 HP higher than grade 1 and grad 2 HP, thin higher than normal weight. The major influencing factors of stroke complications were age (RR = 2.917, p < 0.001), body mass index (RR = 1.450, p < 0.001), family history of stroke (RR = 1.386, p < 0.001), blood pressure grad (RR = 1.148, p < 0.001), registry age (RR = 1.071, P < 0.001 and family history of hypertension (RR = 1.051, P < 0.001).
Conclusion

The risk occurred probability of stroke among hypertension would continue to increase disproportionately during period of hypertension, and the total cumulative risk probability could finally reach 78.9%. Male was higher than female. Age, BMI, family history (stroke and HP), blood pressure grad and duration of HP were related to the occurrence of stroke complications.
First Metatarsal Pronation Stratified by Tibial Sesamoid Position on Coronal Plane: A Study Based on Weight-Bearing Computed Tomography
Authors: Wang Zhi , huijing HE , Shu ZHANG , Chao SUN , Xianjun WANG , Jianzhong ZHANG , Mingzhu Zhang
Published: August 2021

Backgrounds: Few studies analyzed the coronal rotation of first metatarsal in hallux valgus patients with weightbearing computed tomography (WBCT). The purpose of this study is to investigate the association between hallux valgus parameters and first metatarsal head rotation in the coronal plane.Methods: Retrospective review of full standing WBCT scans were taken by PedCAT. A group of 123 patients with 216 feet, that intermetatarsal angle (IMA) >9 degrees and hallux valgus angle (HVA) >15 degrees, were included. 27 feet of 17 female included in control group. Measurements of forefoot hallux valgus parameters included IMA, HVA, distal metatarsal abduction angle (DMAA), metatarsal adduction angle (MAA), first metatarsal coronal rotation angle (α-angle), tibial sesamoid position (TSP) on dorsoplantar view, and sesamoid grading in the coronal plane. The differences of HVA, IMA, MAA, DMAA and α-angle in control and study group were compared by Wilcoxon rank test and student t test. Spearman correlation test was performed between α-angle and other parameters. General linear regression analysis was used to predict relationship parameters and α-angle.Results: The mean α-angle in the control group was 11.33±6.16 (range ,0-20) degrees, with the 95% confidence interval (CI) for the mean from 8.90 degrees to 13.77 degrees. The mean of α-angle in the study group was 23.75±6.32 (range,9-39) degrees, with the 95% CI from 22.90 degrees to 24.59 degrees. In the hallux valgus group, there were positive correlations between α-angle and IMA (Spearman’s correlation coefficient (rs) 0.137, P=0.044), DMAA (rs=0.176, P=.010) and TSP (rs=0.218, P=0.001). General linear regression analysis showed that α-angle was correlated with TSP (P<0.001). 208 hallux valgus feet (96.3%) had more pronation than the control group, whereas 8 feet (3.7%) had no or less pronation. Comparing the control and study subjects with the same TSP, means of α-angle showed significant difference, P=0.005.Conclusion: A large portion of hallux valgus patients had the first metatarsal pronation, which was positive correlated to TSP, IMA, and DMAA, and did not correlated to HVA and Smith grading. TSP is a useful predicting factor to α-angle changing. Level of Evidence: Level Ⅲ，Retrospective Cohort study
Assessing Factors Affecting Drought, Earthquake, and Flood Risk Perception: Empirical Evidence From Bangladesh
Authors: Mallick Javed , Salam Roquia , Amin Ruhul , Islam A R M Towfiqul , Islam Aznarul , Siddik Md. Nur Alam , Alam GM Monirul
Published: August 2021

Understanding household disaster risk perception is crucial to formulate and apply disaster risk reduction strategies. Using survey data from 300 households from three highly disaster-prone areas of the lower Teesta River basin in Bangladesh, this study explores households’ risk perception of drought, earthquake, and flood at the local-level. The ordered probit regression model was applied to identify the factors influencing household disaster risk perception. Most of the respondents perceived the likelihood of occurring drought, earthquake, and flood hazards on large-scale in the selected areas which cause negative impacts on their quality of life and financial losses. They lacked knowledge on mitigation actions which makes them unable to control the devastating impacts of disasters. Econometric results show that households’ age, gender, education, and income-generating sources had significantly influenced the respondent's drought, earthquake, and flood risk perception (p < 0.01). Female participants perceived more risks, less knowledge on mitigations actions, and are less capable of controlling the hazards than their counterparts making them vulnerable group to the impacts of hazards. Urgent action is required to improve their socioeconomic conditions, to reduce the knowledge gap between male and female, as well as to improve the household’s understanding of mitigation and preparedness for mitigating disaster risk.
SIRT5 Functions as a Tumor Suppressor via Reversing Warburg Effect in Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Yihan Liu , Xiaojing Wang , Ao Liu , Chuanjie Zhang , Haofei Wang , Yan Shen , HE Hongchao
Published: August 2021

Background: The aim of this study is to investigate the biological functions and the underlying mechanisms of SIRT5 in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC).Methods: The datasets of SIRT5 expression in The Cancer Genome Atlas Kidney Clear Cell Carcinoma (TCGA-KIRC) was selected and the correlation between SIRT5 and various clinicopathological parameters was analyzed. The SIRT5 expression in RCC tissues was examined by immunohistochemistry. The SIRT5 knockdown cell lines were constructed. In vitro and in vivo experiments were carried out to investigate the function of SIRT5 on cellular biology of RCC, including cell viability assay, wound-healing assay, soft agar colony formation assay, Transwell invasion assay, qRT-PCR, Western blot, etc. Besides, microarray, rescue experiment and Western blot were used to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying the functions of SIRT5.Results: SIRT5 expression was downregulated in RCC tissues, and low expression of SIRT5 was correlated with poor prognosis of RCC. Knockdown of SIRT5 significantly prompted cell proliferation, migration, and facilitated invasion in vitro. In vivo experiments revealed that knocking down SIRT5 prompted ccRCC tumorigenesis and metastasis. SIRT5 deglycosylated PDHA1 at K351 and increased the activity of PDC, thus changing the metabolic pathway to the TCA cycle and inhibiting the Warburg effect. The overexpression of SIRT5 was related to the low succinylation of PDHA1.Conclusion: SIRT5 correlated with PDHA1 hyposuccinylation and progression in ccRCC, which suggested that SIRT5 might become a potential target for ccRCC therapy.
An Undergraduate Medical Education Framework for Refugee and Migrant Health: Curriculum Development and Conceptual Approaches
Authors: Gruner Douglas , Feinberg Yael , Venables Maddie J. , Hashmi Syeda Shanza , Saad Ammar , Archibald Douglas , Pottie Kevin
Published: August 2021

Background: International migration, especially forced migration, highlights important medical training needs including cross-cultural communication, human rights, as well as global health competencies for physical and mental healthcare. This paper responds to the call for a ‘trauma informed’ refugee health curriculum framework from medical students and global health faculty. Methods: We used a mixed-methods approach to develop a guiding medical undergraduate refugee and migrant health curriculum framework. We conducted a scoping review, key informant faculty interviews and e-surveys, and then, integrated our results into a competency-based curriculum framework with values and principles, learning objectives and curriculum delivery methods and evaluation. Results: The majority of our Canadian medical faculty respondents reported some refugee health learning objectives within their undergraduate medical curriculum. The most prevalent learning objective topics included access to care barriers, social determinants of health for refugees, cross-cultural communication skills, global health epidemiology, challenges and pitfalls of providing care and mental health. We report competency-based learning objectives and primary and secondary topics. We also discuss curriculum delivery and evaluation methods such as community service learning with reflection exercises. Conclusions: This guiding undergraduate medical education curriculum suggests integrating cross-cultural communication skills, exploration of access to care barriers for newcomers, and system approaches to improve refugee and migrant healthcare. Programs should also consider social determinants of health, community service learning and the development of links to community resettlement and refugee organizations.
Ovarian Gonadoblastoma with the Karyotype of 46, XX: A Case Report
Authors: Zhao Fengju , Zhao Yingchao , Xing Biyuan , Liu Zhao
Published: August 2021

Gonadoblastoma is a rare tumor comprised of sex cord derivatives and germ cells. The risk for developing gonadoblastoma increases significantly in patients who possess a Y chromosome or Y chromosome material. A 49-year-old Chinese woman found a pelvic mass during a routine physical examination. Pathological analysis after surgery indicated that the tumor was unilateral ovarian gonadoblastoma with dysgerminoma. Compared with other cases in the literature, our patient was the oldest, and the tumor mass was smaller. Karyotype analysis of peripheral blood lymphocytes revealed that the woman had a 46, XX female karyotype. Whole-exon sequencing revealed that some mutations, such as altered somatic genes in the Forkhead box protein O (FoxO) signaling pathway and KIT, might cause the disease. In conclusion, we described a rare case of gonadoblastoma in a woman who had normal routine menstruation, sexual development, and successful pregnancies and possessed a normal female 46, XX karyotype.
Does Blastocyst Morphology Affect Live Birth Rate After Transfer of Single Euploid Embryo?
Authors: Li Na , Guan Yichun , Ren Bingnan , Zhang Yuchao , Du Yulin , Kong Hongjiao , Zhang Yongjie , Lou Hua
Published: August 2021

Background

The aim of this study was to investigate whether the morphologic parameters of blastocyst influence the live birth rate (LBR) of euploid embryos transferred in subsequent single frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) cycles?
Methods

Women who received first preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) and following underwent frozen-thawed single euploid blastocyst transfer cycles from June 2017 to May 2020 were divided into three age groups (< 30, 30–34 and ≥ 35 years). The primary outcome measure was LBR. Outcomes were compared between different blastocyst quality, inner cell mass (ICM) grade, trophectoderm (TE) grade and day of TE biopsy within the same age group.
Results

In the youngest group (< 30 years, n = 100), LBR were compared between cycles with various blastocyst quality (66.67% for good quality, 65.52% for average quality and 36.36% for poor quality; P = 0.013), ICM grade (61.11% for grade A and 51.22% for grade B; P = 0.466), TE grade (68.75% for grade A,65.00% for grade B and 36.30% for grade C; P = 0.012) and day of TE biopsy (65.38% for Day 5 and 39.58% for Day 6; P = 0.010). Similarly, in the 30–34 years group(n = 121) and the oldest group (≥ 35years, n = 58), LBR were also comparable between these subgroups, but no significant differences were seen between blastocyst morphologic grading and LBR (P > 0.05). Moreover, good quality (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 3.30; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.09 ~ 9.99; P = 0.035) and average quality (aOR 3.71; 95%CI, 1.25 ~ 11.01; P = 0.018) embryos were still yielded a significantly higher LBR than poor-quality embryos, TE grade B embryos were also associated with a statistically significantly higher LBR compared with TE grade C embryos (aOR 3.69;95%CI, 1.37 ~ 9.95; P = 0.010) after adjusting for the potential confounding factors.
Conclusion

Blastocyst quality and trophectoderm grading is a useful predictor of LBR in single frozen-thawed euploid embryo transfer cycles among women < 30 years old. However, these differences were not found in women older than 30 years.
Problem Based Learning: Aspects and Perspectives of Students of a Medical College of Kathmandu Valley, Nepal
Authors: Mainali Gaurab , Jha Pinky , Karki Pearlbiga , Khadka Manoj , Karki Prabesh , Khadka Anjan
Published: August 2021

Background: Problem-based learning focuses on self-directed learning through problem-based approaches. This study was conducted to know the perspectives of medical students towards problem-based learning, along with its advantages and disadvantages, the role of facilitators and participants, and the scenario of problem-based learning in Tribhuvan University (TU) based medical colleges. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among the first to third-year medical students at Nepalese Army Institute of Health Sciences, Kathmandu via a self-administered questionnaire. Convenience sampling method was used. The collected data was extracted to Microsoft Excel-13 and analyzed with a statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version-22.Results: Out of 234 study participants, the majority found problem-based learning course interesting and informative (97.5%). More than three-fourths of respondents study more regularly in problem-based learning than lectures (82.5%) and understood applied aspects of course better than that taught via lectures because of problem-based learning (80.8%). Conclusions: The majority of the study participants have found problem-based learning fruitful than traditional lecture learning. Since problem-based learning integrates the basic and clinical knowledge and enhances collaborative learning skills, we strongly recommend frequent problem-based learning sessions in the medical schools of Nepal.
Natural ACTH Relieves Acute Inflammation of Gout by Changing the Function of Macrophages
Authors: Xu Rui , Zhao Li , Liu Jiyu , Cao Lin , Zhao Tianyi , Yu Yiyun , Xuan Dandan , Wan Weiguo , Zou Hejian , Xue Yu
Published: August 2021

Objective: Gout is a common arthritis caused by deposition of monosodium urate crystals. Macrophage is crucial in the process of monosodium urate (MSU) -induced inflammation. Although it has been reported that adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) in nature can be used to cure urarthritis, the mechanism concerning macrophage is still not clear. This study aims to explore how natural ACTH can alleviate urarthritis through functional changes in macrophage. Methods: We analysed the variations in VAS pain scores of five patients, knowing the time of action, and detecting the level of cortisol and ACTH in patients 24 hours after the application of ACTH. The effect of natural ACTH on joint inflammation and the level of cortisol in blood in mouse model was evaluated by studies in vivo. In vitro studies we evaluated the effect of natural ACTH on macrophage and revealed different functions of ACTH and dexamethasone on macrophage in the transcriptional level. Results: In patients with acute gout, natural ACTH can quickly alleviate pain and has no effect on the level of cortisol and ACTH. Natural ACTH is able to ease the swelling and inflammatory cell infiltration caused by arthritis, without changing the level of cortisol. Besides, natural ACTH in vitro can alleviate acute gouty inflammation by regulating phagocytosis and polarization of macrophage, which also exert different effects on the transcription of some related genes.Conclusion: Natural ACTH is able to alleviate acute gouty inflammation by regulating macrophage, and this effect differs from that of dexamethasone in the transcriptional level.
Validation of the Arabic version of the Disordered Eating Attitudes in Pregnancy Scale (A- DEAPS) among Lebanese pregnant women: A step closer to Pregorexia Awareness
Authors: Gerges Sarah , Obeid Sahar , Hallit Souheil
Published: August 2021

Background

Lately, there has been an upsurge in the prevalence of eating disorders (including anorexia, bulimia, orthorexia and recently, pregorexia), mainly due to changes in sociocultural factors. Pregnancy may serve as a propitious basis for the flourishing of “Pregorexia”: a notion of popular psychology designating a newly emerging eating disorder. Bannatyne et al. generated a brief pregnancy-specific instrument in furtherance of screening for antenatal eating disorders: the DEAPS (Disordered Eating Attitudes in Pregnancy Scale), which demonstrated a high level of internal consistency and good validity. Our study's objective was to linguistically validate and examine the reliability and psychometric properties of the Arabic version of this previously established pregnancy-specific scale among Lebanese pregnant women.
Methods

We conceived and implemented a cross-sectional survey between June and July 2021 (N = 433). The sample was randomly divided in two as per the SPSS data selection option; the first was used to conduct the DEAPS items factor analysis, whereas the second was used for the confirmatory analysis. Multiple indices of goodness-of-fit were described: the Relative Chi-square (χ2/df), Root Mean Square Error of Approximation (RMSEA), Tucker Lewis Index (TLI) and Comparative Fit Index (CFI).
Results

A factor analysis was conducted on Sample 1 (N = 207) chosen randomly from the original sample. With the exception of item 8, all other items converged over a two-factor solution (Factor 1: Self-Objectification (Body Control, Body Shame and Esteem) and Factor 2: Pregorexia), explaining a total variance of 39.3%. In sample 2 (N = 226), the one-factor model (Factor 2) that derived from the factor analysis conducted on sample 1, fitted well accordingly to CFI, TLI and χ2/df values, but fitted modestly according to RMSEA. The estimates obtained for Models 1 (original scale) and 2 (according to the two-factor solution obtained from the FA in sample 1) fitted less than the third model. The results showed that 28 (6.6%) of the participants were at risk of having disordered eating during pregnancy, whereas 25 (5.8%) had possible presence of disordered eating.
Conclusion

This study was able to show that the A-DEAPS seems to be a good and reliable tool for the assessment of disordered eating among Lebanese pregnant women.
The Mitochondrial Genome and Epigenome of the Golden Lion Tamarin from Fecal DNA using Nanopore Adaptive Sequencing
Authors: Wanner Nicole , Larsen Peter A. , McLain Adam T. , Faulk Christopher
Published: August 2021

The golden lion tamarin (Leontopithecus rosalia) is an endangered Platyrrhine primate endemic to the Atlantic coastal forests of Brazil. Despite ongoing conservation efforts, genetic data on this species remains scarce. Complicating factors include limitations on sample collection and a lack of high-quality reference sequences. Here, we used nanopore adaptive sampling to resequence the L. rosalia mitogenome from feces, a sample which can be collected non-invasively. Adaptive sampling doubled the fraction of both host-derived and mitochondrial sequences compared to sequencing without enrichment. 258x coverage of the L. rosalia mitogenome was achieved in a single flow cell by targeting the unfinished genome of the distantly related emperor tamarin (Saguinus imperator) and the mitogenome of the closely related black lion tamarin (Leontopithecus chrysopygus). The L. rosalia mitogenome has a length of 16,597 bp, sharing 99.68% sequence identity with the L. chrysopygus mitogenome. A total of 38 SNPs between them were identified, with the majority being found in the non-coding D-loop region. DNA methylation and hydroxymethylation were directly detected using a neural network model applied to the raw signal from the MinION sequencer. In contrast to prior reports, DNA methylation was negligible in mitochondria in both CpG and non-CpG contexts. Surprisingly, a quarter of the 642 CpG sites exhibited DNA hydroxymethylation greater than 1% and 44 sites were above 5%, with concentration in the 3’ side of several coding regions. Overall, we report a robust new mitogenome assembly for L. rosalia and direct detection of cytosine base modifications in all contexts.
Civil-Military Engagement During Public Health Emergencies: A Comparative Analysis of Domestic Responses to COVID-19
Authors: Boland Samuel T. , Grace Rob , Kaplan Josiah
Published: August 2021

Background

Despite the central role that domestic militaries regularly play in supporting civilian disease outbreak responses, the dynamics of domestic civil-military engagement (CME) during major health emergencies remain largely under-explored in public health, humanitarian, and security literatures. Previous research has found, furthermore, that existing international and domestic civil-military guidelines hold limited relevance during public health emergencies, including epidemics and pandemics, currently evidenced by the observable lack of coherence and high variance in both international and domestic military approaches to supporting COVID-19 responses worldwide.
Methods

This article presents a comparative analysis of three of these approaches—in China, the United Kingdom, and the Philippines—and maps these countries’ military contributions to the COVID-19 response across a number of domains.
Results

Analysis of these case studies provides important insights into the ways that CME exists in unacknowledged contexts and forms; how militaries, particularly domestic forces acting as first responders, play an important role in major health crisis contexts; the confusion surrounding how to understand various non-military armed and security actors; and how pandemics, in particular—and other types of largescale health emergencies more broadly—represent a unique domain for CME that tests both the international system and international norms.
Conclusion

This paper concludes with policy, guidance development, and research recommendations for improved practice for localised CME during public health emergencies.
Seasonal Variation in the Time of Disease Manifestation in Finnish Children with Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Turtinen Maaret , Härkönen Taina , Ilonen Jorma , Parkkola Anna , Knip Mikael , Mikael The Finnish Pediatric Diabetes Register Knip
Published: August 2021

We tested the hypothesis of a more aggressive disease process at diagnosis of type 1 diabetes during autumn and winter, the colder seasons with consistently observed higher incidence of type 1 diabetes, compared to spring and summer. Seasonality in the manifestation of type 1 diabetes was examined in 4993 Finnish children and adolescents participated in the nationwide register. Clinical and metabolic characteristics, beta cell autoantibodies and HLA class II genetics were analysed at clinical diagnosis. Significant seasonality was observed with higher number of new cases during autumn and winter (n=1353/27.1% and n=1286/25.8%) compared to spring and summer (n=1135/22.7% and n=219/24.4%) (p<0.001). The youngest children (aged 0.5-4 years) differed from the older ones (aged 5-14 years) as their frequency of diagnoses was highest in autumn and the fewest cases were found in winter (p=0.019) while the older children followed the same pattern as that seen in the total series. Ketoacidosis was more frequent in children diagnosed during spring or summer compared to those diagnosed in autumn (18.8% and 19.9% vs. 15.8%, respectively; p=0.036) and weight loss was highest if diagnosed in summer (6% vs. 4.7˗5.4%; p<0.001). No relationship was observed between the season of disease presentation and diabetes-associated autoantibodies or HLA genotypes.Conclusions: Contrary to our working hypothesis, more severe metabolic decompensation was seen during seasons with lower number of new cases. The heterogeneity in the seasonality of diabetes manifestation between younger and older children suggests that there could be different environmental factors triggering the disease at different ages.Trial registration number: 454/E//2001Date of registration: 19.9.2001
Ketogenic Diet Impairs Neurological Development of Neonatal Rats And Affects Biochemical Composition of Maternal Brains. Evidence of Functional Recovery In Pups
Authors: Kosiek Wojciech , Rauk Zuzanna , Szulc Piotr , Cichy Anna , Rugieł Marzena , Chwiej Joanna , Janeczko Krzysztof , Setkowicz Zuzanna
Published: August 2021

The ketogenic diet (KD) is a type of diet in which the intake of fats is significantly increases at the cost of carbohydrates while maintaining an adequate amount of proteins. This kind of diet has been successfully used in clinical therapies of drug-resistant epilepsy, but there is still insufficient evidence on its safety when used in pregnancy. To assess KD effects on the course of gestation and fetal development, pregnant females were fed with: (i) KD during pregnancy and lactation periods (KD group), (ii) KD during pregnancy replaced with ND from the day 2 postpartum (KDND group) and (iii) normal diet alone (ND group). The body mass, ketone and glucose blood levels, and food intake were monitored. In brains of KD-fed females, FTIR biochemical analyses revealed increased concentrations of lipids and ketone groups-containing molecules. In offsrings of these females, significant reduction of the body mass and delays in neurological development were detected. However, replacement of KD with ND in these females at the begining of lactation period led to regainment of the body mass in their pups as early as on the postnatal day 14. Moreover, the vast majority of our neurological tests detected functional recovery up to the normal level. It could be concluded that the ketogenic diet undoubtedly affects the brain of pregnant females and impairs the somatic and neurological development of their offspring. However, early postnatal withdrawal of this diet may initiate compensatory processes and considerable functional restitution of the nervous system based on still unrecognized mechanisms.
Tunneling Excavation Induced Settlements in Granular Soils:Case of Keçiören Subway (Ankara)
Authors: SOJOUDI Hadi , ULAMIS Koray , KILIÇ Recep
Published: August 2021

The need for underground transportation is increasing to reduce traffic within metropolitan cities. During excavation, ground loss within the soft soils and associated ground settlements might occur. Tunneling induced ground settlement has to be within tolerable limits. Otherwise, damage to ground level and infrastructures are experienced. In this study, reasons of ground settlement occurred during the excavation of twin subway tunnels at Keçiören (Ankara) are evaluated. In 2006, the first phase excavation caused ground settlement with no considerable damage. The second phase excavation started in 2012, both within the saturated sandy and gravelly soils of Çubuk Creek’s alluvium. At the time, several collapses and associated ground settlements were reported. Due, an investigation program started including resistivity surveying, borehole drilling and in-situ testing. Since ground settlements were known, back calculation was performed to obtain the settlement trough, inflection point and the change of contraction increment. Moreover, the stress conditions and external stresses exerted by existing structures are reviewed. Collapses with volume up to 80 m3 were observed nearby the buildings and free field during the second phase excavation which were determined through 2D resistivity data and boreholes. It was concluded that, the change of settlement at ground level and on the tunnel segments are related to contraction increment based on the numerical modelling of the twin tunnels. Possible reasons for collapse can be listed as TBM cutting head and shield defect, change in ground structure due to underground water level changes, and the impact of the previously excavated tunnel in 2006.
Design, Synthesis, Physicochemical, Drug-likeness Properties of Quercetin Derivatives and Their Effect On MCF-7 Cell Line and Free Radicals
Authors: Shankar Sulakshana , Vaijanathappa Jaishree , Wadhwani Ashish , Sekar Mahendran
Published: August 2021

In the present study, four novel quercetin derivatives were designed and synthesised by one pot synthesis method using benzoic acid and its derivatives. The synthesised compounds were screened for physicochemical and drug-likeness properties, evaluated for in vitro antioxidant assays such as hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH), cytotoxicity study on breast cancer cell line MCF-7 and performed molecular docking against the nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) enzyme 4NOS PDB (Protein Data Bank) ID which is expressed in breast cancer. In the screening of physicochemical and drug-likeness properties, QB, QB1 and QB4 are eligible for oral drug screening and other derivatives QB2 and QB3 were not eligible for oral drug screening. Among all, QB-1 showed highest percentage of inhibition and lowest IC50 value in both the assays. The docking results displayed that QB-2 showed highest docking score and exhibited highest cytotoxicity against MCF-7 cell line and the study results conclude that QB1 and QB2 compounds can be further explored to in vivo anticancer activity.
Live Cell Molecular Analysis of Primary Prostate Cancer Organoids Identifies Persistent Androgen Receptor Signaling
Authors: Heninger Erika , Kosoff David , Rodems Tamara , Sethakorn Nan , Singh Anupama , Gungurthi Harshitha , Carslon Kristin N , Yang Bing , Gilsdorf Cole S , Pasch Cheri A , Deming Dustin A , Ellis Leigh , Beebee David J , Jarrard David F , Lang Joshua M
Published: August 2021

Prostate Cancer (PC) is a disease with remarkable tumor heterogeneity that often manifests in significant intra-patient variability with regards to clinical outcomes and treatment response. Commonly available PC cell lines do not accurately reflect the complexity of this disease and there is critical need for development of new models to recapitulate the intricate hierarchy of tumor pathogenesis. In current study, we established ex vivo primary patient-derived cancer organoid (PDCO) cultures from prostatectomy specimens of patients with locally advanced PC. We then performed a comprehensive multi-parameter characterization of the cellular composition utilizing a novel approach for live-cell staining and direct imaging in the integrated microfluidic Stacks device. Using orthogonal flow cytometry analysis, we demonstrate that primary PDCOs maintain distinct subsets of epithelial cells throughout culture and that these cells conserve expression of androgen receptor (AR) related elements. Furthermore, to confirm the tumor-origin of the PDCOs we have analyzed the expression of PC-associated epigenetic biomarkers including promoter methylation of the GSTP1, RASSF1 and APC and RARb genes by employing a novel microfluidic rare-event screening protocol.These results demonstrate that this ex vivo PDCO model recapitulates the complexity of the epithelial tumor microenvironment of multifocal PC using orthogonal analyses. Furthermore, we propose to leverage the Stacks microfluidic device as a high-throughput, translational platform to interrogate phenotypic and molecular endpoints with the capacity to incorporate a complex tumor microenvironment.
Bioavailability and Risk Profile of Toxic Metals in Size Segregated Particulate Matter at different Traffic Junctions of Northern India
Authors: Tiwari Rahul , Botle Akshay , Singh Prabal , Taneja Ajay
Published: August 2021

Air quality at two traffic junctions representing GLA (highway pollution) and Iradatnagar (rural pollution) was evaluated In India. Present study aimed to determine the concentration of size-segregated PM with characterization of metals at different traffic junctions (Agra and Mathura). PM2.5-1.0 and PM1.0-0.5 was measured with the help of Cascade SioutasImpactor during the study period December to January 2018.The size fraction of PM2.5-1.0 was found higher at GLA (350.92µg/m3) followed by Iradatnagar site (329.12µg/m3) whereas average value of size fraction of PM1.0-0.5 was found higher at Iradatnagar site (361.01µg/m3) in comparison with GLA (313.47µg/m3) respectively. The average PM2.5 concentration in all the sampling sites was found 7-8 higher times than National Ambient Air Quality Standards (60µg/m3) (NAAQS, India). Twelve Metals (Al, Ba, Ca, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Ni, Pband Zn) subsequently determined by ICP-OES. Al, Ba, Ca, and Mg, were found higher comparison to other metals. Metals source identification was done by PCA (Principal Component Analysis). The average value of HQs was found higher for PM1.0-0.5 size fraction. HQ values were recorded higher for GLA sampling site it was 7.95 for PM2.5-1.0 and 9.50 for PM1.0-0.5 fraction. Overall, the observed HQs values far exceeded the acceptable level. The trend of average value of carcinogenic risk factor was found higher than prescribed limit (1*10-6) for an adult and child respectively.
Synthesis and Characterization of MgFe2O4@MIL-53(Al) Nanocomposite as Antibacterial Drug Nanocarrier Agent
Authors: Shateran Fatemeh , Ghasemzadeh Mohammad Ali
Published: August 2021

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are developing as a powerful platform for the delivery and controlled release of drugs. In this study, we reported a novel magnetic framework including MgFe2O4@MIL-53(Al) for the delivery of tetracycline (TC) antibiotic. The obtained results of this research showed that 88% of the TC was loaded on the MgFe2O4@MIL-53(Al). The drug release study was performed in pH: 7.4 and pH: 5.0 which showed 75% and 83% release within 3 days. Moreover, antibacterial activities tests based on well agar diffusion were performed against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli bacteria which exhibited satisfactory antibacterial properties of TC-loaded MgFe2O4@MIL-53(Al). Moreover, the prepared structures including MgFe2O4@MIL-53(Al) and MgFe2O4@MIL-53(Al)/TC were identified using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA).
The Relationship Between Human Resource Strategies and Organizational Performance Based on The Balanced Scorecard in a Public hospital in Iran: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Nafari Ebrahim , Rezaei Behrooz
Published: August 2021

Background: Today, due to complex environment and rapidly changing of health industry, hospitals need to optimize their organizational performance to achieve a competitive advantage. One of the important factors for achieving competitive advantage is the effective human resources management through application of appropriate human resource strategies. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between human resource strategies and organizational performance based on the balanced scorecard. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among clinical and administrative staff in a public hospital in Isfahan, Iran. All eligible staff entered the study (n=200). Data were collected using self reported questionnaires during July 2018. The main questionnaire contained 32 items which investigated employees' perceptions on human resource strategies (including seven strategies) and organizational performance based on the balanced scorecard approach. In order to analyzing data, Pearson correlation coefficient and multivariate regression analysis were applied using SPSS/21 software (P <0.05). Results: In this study, 154 questionnaires were completed and returned (return rate = 77%). Human resource strategies and organizational performance were evaluated at a medium level. There was a significant positive relationship between human resource strategies and organizational performance (r = 0.73, p = 0.001). Pearson correlation coefficient showed that human resource strategies had the highest relationship with organizational performance in the dimension of growth and learning (r = 0.669, p = 0.001) and the least relationship with the dimension of financial performance (r = 0.455, 0.001). 0 = p). Regression analysis showed that all human resources strategies were effective on organizational performance (R=0.998, R2=0.997, ADJ.R2=0.997). Staff training and development strategy (Beta = 0. 265, p = 0.000), personnel compensation (Beta = 0.212, p = 0.000) and recruitment strategy (Beta = 0.208, B, P=0.000) had the greatest impact on organizational performance respectively. Conclusion: In order to improve hospital performance, it seems that the development of human resource strategies (especially staff training and development, and compensation strategy) can be considered by hospital managers. The findings of this study can be considered for developing hospital performance in similar context.
Characterization of Bacterial Communities From The Surface And Adjacent Bottom Layers Water of Billings Reservoir
Authors: Marcondes Marta , Nascimento Andrezza , Pessôa Rodrigo , Victor Jefferson , Duarte Alberto da Silva , Clissa Patricia Bianca , Sanabani Sabri Saeed
Published: August 2021

Here, we describe the microbial diversity and physicochemical properties in freshwater samples from the surface and bottom layer of Billings reservoir in São Paulo state, Brazil. Twenty-two matched samples were characterized using the 16S rRNA gene Illumina MiSeq platform. Taxonomical composition revealed an abundance of Cyanobacteria phyla, followed by Proteobacteria, with 1903 and 2689 known bacterial genera in the surface and deep-water layers, respectively. Chroobacteria, Actinobacteria, Betaproteobacteria, Alphaproteobacteria, Sphingobacteriia, and Acidimicrobiia were the most dominant classes. Shannon diversity index ranging from 2.3 - 5.39 and 4.04 - 6.86 in the surface and bottom layer, respectively. Among the diverse pathogenic genera identified, Flavobacterium was the most predominant genus. Temperature and phosphorus concentration were among the most influential factors in shaping the microbial communities of both layers. Predictive functional analysis suggests that the reservoir is enriched in motility genes involved in the flagellar assembly. The overall results present new information on the significantly altered diversity composition of the bacterial community detected in Billings freshwater reservoir.
Contribution of Geo-electrical Soundings and Pedological Wells to the Estimation of the Tonnage of Laterite Gravels of the Northwestern Flank of Mount Bangou: Implication in Road Construction.
Authors: Carlos FOKO TAMBA , Lucas KENGNI , Paul TEMATIO , MANEFOUET Bertile Ilalie , KENFACK Jean Victor
Published: August 2021

The increasing demands on lateritic gravels in road construction nowadays make it necessary to quantify the available resources that can be used in road construction. The aim of this study is to estimate the tonnage and to valorize the lateritic gravels of the North flank of Mount Bangou (West, Cameroon) in road construction. Interpretation of 48 vertical electrical soundings coupled with 20 pedological wells from 05 lateritic gravel sites was carried out to determine the thickness of the gravelly horizon. The thickness of the gravelly horizon obtained from the geo-electrical soundings is the highest (8.88 to 12.45 m) compared to that obtained from the pedological wells (1.23 to 1.98 m) and thus shows the inadequacy of the pedological wells for the determination of the thickness of the lateritic gravels. Thus, the electrical resistivity method is appropriate to estimate the thickness of the gravelly horizon. The lateritic gravels studied are characterized by the electrical resistivity curves of type K, HK, Q, QH, KQ, HKH, H and KH. The medium (8 to 36 m) and thick (13 to 44 m) zones are areas of high potential lateritic gravels. The proven reserves of lateritic gravels at the Chenye, Sekakouo, Bamendjou 1, Bamendjou 2 and Bangam sites are respectively 3479 003 t, 1 389 522 t, 5 002 505 t, 839 455 t and 2 663 105 t and can build respectively 539 298 m; 226 167 m; 131574 m; 778314 m and 401068 m of road, either as a form layer or sub-base.
MACSima Imaging Cyclic Staining (MICS) Technology Reveals Combinatorial Target Pairs for CAR T Treatment of Solid Tumors
Authors: Kinkhabwala Ali , Herbel Christoph , Pankratz Jennifer , Yushchenko Dmytro , Rüberg Silvia , Praveen Paurush , Reiß Sandy , Rodriguez Federico , Schäfer Daniel , Kollet Jutta , Dittmer Vera , Martinez-Osuna Manuel , Minnerup Lara , Reinhard Claudia , Dzionek Andrzej , Borbe Stefan , Rockel Thomas , Buescher Martin , Krieg Jürgen , Nederlof Michel , Jungblut Melanie , Eckardt Dominik , Hardt Olaf , Dose Christian , Schumann Eik , Peters Ralf-Peter , Miltenyi Stefan , Schmitz Jürgen , Müller Werner , Bosio Andreas
Published: August 2021

Many critical advances in research utilize techniques that combine high-resolution with high-content characterization at the single cell level. We introduce the MICS (MACSimaTM Imaging Cyclic Staining) technology, which enables the immunofluorescent imaging of hundreds of protein targets across a single specimen at sub-cellular resolution. MICS is based on cycles of staining, imaging, and erasure, using photobleaching of fluorescent labels of recombinant antibodies (REAfinityTM), release of antibodies (REAleaseTM) or their labels (REAdyeleaseTM). Multimarker analysis can identify potential targets for immune therapy against solid tumors. With MICS we analysed human glioblastoma, ovarian and pancreatic carcinoma, and 16 normal tissues. One potential target pair for chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapies identified for ovarian carcinoma is EPCAM/THY1. Using an adapter CAR T cell approach, we show selective killing of cells only in presence of both markers. MICS represents a new high content microscopy methodology to be widely used for personalized medicine.
Modified YOLOv4 for real-time Coconut Trees Detection from an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle
Authors: Nair Kshitij Nair , S Sibi Chakkaravarthy , Dhulipalla Ramya Krishna , Satapathy Suresh Chandra , Kanungo Abhrankash , E Kannan , G. Prasada Rao , Ch Tata Babu
Published: August 2021

In this paper, a novel system is proposed to detect coconut trees from the images taken on an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). We propose a model based on the YOLOv4 Detector (CSPDarknet53) to achieve accurate prediction and fast speeds that enable real-time detection and object localization for a single object class-coconut tree. The pipeline is trained on two separate datasets of images from camera embedded UAV and images from multiple sources are fed into the multi-scale detector to predict bounding boxes and labels. A simple procedure is also proposed to enable detection on a larger scale, whereby the bigger image can be cropped into multiple single images and then fed into the detector. This model is compared statistically with the other state-of-the-art deep-learning models for object detection. After field studies and experiments on the images shot via a UAV (drone), it is proved that this system can efficiently and accurately detect coconut trees on a field at a speed of 15 frames per second when trained on 500 aerial images of the coconut trees.
Characteristics and agrarian properties of biochar derived from pyrolysis and co-pyrolysis of rubberwood sawdust and sewage sludge for further application to soil improvement
Authors: Ali Liaqat , Palamanit Arkom , Techato Kuaanan , Chowdhury Md. Shahariar , Phoungthong Khamphe
Published: August 2021

This study investigated the characteristics of biochars derived from pyrolysis of rubberwood sawdust and sewage sludge, and co-pyrolysis of these feedstocks at the ratios of 50:50 and 75:25. All feedstocks were pyrolyzed at 550°C in slow pyrolysis with a moving bed pyrolysis reactor. Then, the investigated characteristics of biochar samples were determined and are reported. The rubberwood sawdust biochar (RWSB) had a higher in carbon content (86.70 wt%) and was lower in oxygen content (7.89 wt%), while sewage sludge biochar (SSB) had a higher ash content (65.61 w%) and a low carbon content (24.27 wt%). The weight losses of biochars were observed in TGA while the DTG graphs show degradation rate of biochar produced in pyrolysis specific conditions. RWSB had a lower content of Si, Fe, K, Na and P than SSB as observed by XRF. The pH of RWSB, SSB and the blends (50:50, 75:25) of biochars was in the range 8.41–10.02. High carbon content of the biochar confirms potential for its use in carbon sequestration. The large pore volumes and specific surface areas of biochars were found by SEM and BET. The available functional groups in biochars were C–O, C = C, and C–H as confirmed by FTIR. Water holding capacity (WHC) and water releasing ability (WRA) of RWSB, SSB, and the blends (50:50 and 75:25) of biochars were 1.01–3.08 (mL/g) and 1.19–52.42 (wt%), respectively. In this study, our results show that blending woody and non-woody based biochars can help address nonpoint source contaminants in environment. So, these all findings should develop as tune to parameters of thermal degradation of biomass and bio-biowaste with sustain and eco-friendly biochar production.
RESERVATION IN INDIA: RHETORIC AND REALITY
Authors:   Ph.D. Research Scholar, P.G. Department of Law, Sambalpur University, Odisha, India., Soren Chunuram
Published: August 2021

Reservation is always contentious and sentimental issue and raises many concerns of the people. The policy of reservation and safeguards provided to Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes has adversely affected the unity and solidarity of the nation. Reservation in India is all about reserving access to seats in the government jobs, educational institutions and even legislatures to certain sections of the population. The reservation can also be seen as positive discrimination. Reservation in India is a government policy, backed by the Indian Constitution. Part XVI deals with reservation of SC and ST in Central and state legislature. The need for reservation can be looked from legal and socio-cultural perspective. The act of reservation is reserving seats in educational institutions, certain places of employment for certain castes and classes of society which are considered backward, those being the Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Castes. Reservation is an effective measure to end the oppressive discrimination. Reservation facilitates empowerment and social harmony for all in the segments.